Nap seat

Abstract

To provide a nap sheet that allows a user to take a nap efficiently in a short time.SOLUTION: A nap sheet 10 has a seat body 12 that can support a user P's body, a head side frame 14 that covers the periphery of the user's head, and a cover member 18 that extends from the head side frame 14 to the leg side along the user P's body, where, the head side frame 14 is composed of an opaque material, and the cover member 18 is composed of a translucent material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat for napping. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lighting control system that regulates human breathing by periodically changing the brightness of lighting fixtures. In this system, the brightness is changed before sleep, and the brightness of the room is automatically gradually increased at wake-up time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-339993 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, the so-called power nap is known, which is a method of improving brain performance by taking a short nap during the day. However, it is not possible to take a short and efficient nap simply by changing the brightness of the room as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1.

[0005] The present disclosure takes into consideration the above-mentioned circumstances and aims to provide a nap sheet that allows a user to take a nap efficiently in a short amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The napping sheet according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a sheet body capable of supporting a user's body, a head cover made of an opaque material and covering the area around the user's head, and a body cover made of a translucent material and extending from the head cover along the user's body toward the feet.

[0007] The nap seat according to the first embodiment includes a seat body that supports the user's body. The nap seat also includes a head cover that covers the user's head when the user is seated, and a body cover that extends from the head cover to the foot side to cover the user's body. Therefore, the user lying on the seat body can obtain a sense of security that promotes sleep because the head cover and the body cover are shielded from the surrounding environment. Here, the head cover is formed of an opaque material. This allows light from the outside to be shielded around the user's head, and direct light incident on the user's eyes, which is irritating to the user before sleep, to be suppressed. On the other hand, by making the body cover of a translucent material, a certain level of brightness can be secured around the user below the head, so that the user is less likely to feel oppressed by the cover member. In this way, the nap seat can provide a sense of security and openness that is shielded from the surrounding environment, as well as suppress light that is irritating to the user before sleep, promoting sleep. As a result, the user can take a nap efficiently in a short time.

[0008] The napping sheet of the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the configuration described in the first aspect, further comprises a foot cover formed of an opaque material and covering the area around the user's toes, and the body cover is suspended between the head cover and the foot cover.

[0009] In the nap sheet according to the second embodiment, a body cover is stretched between the head cover and the foot cover, and the area around the user's feet is covered by the foot cover. Here, the foot cover is made of an opaque material. Therefore, it is possible to block light from the outside and create darkness around the user's feet. As a result, when the user looks at his / her feet, he / she can sense the darkness of the feet and get the feeling that the whole area from the head to the feet is isolated from the surrounding environment.

[0010] A napping sheet according to a third aspect of the present disclosure has the configuration described in the second aspect, wherein the head cover and the foot cover are capable of covering the user's head and toes in an arc shape, and the body cover is formed in an arc shape that conforms to the user's body.

[0011] In the nap seat according to the third aspect, the user's entire body from head to toes is covered in an arc shape by the head cover, body cover, and foot cover, which can cover the user's body at a certain distance, making the nap seat appear compact in appearance.

[0012] A napping seat according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure has the configuration described in the second or third aspect, wherein the head cover and the foot cover are each formed from annular frame members and are arranged at a distance in the fore-and-aft direction, and the seat body is housed between the head cover and the foot cover.

[0013] In the napping seat according to the fourth aspect, the head cover and the foot cover are each formed of annular frame members and are arranged at a distance in the front-rear direction. The seat member is housed between the head cover and the foot cover. In this way, the seat body that supports the user's body and the head cover, body cover, and foot cover that cover the user from the head to the feet are constructed separately, so that the shape of the seat body can be freely set. Effect of the Invention

[0014] As described above, the napping sheet according to the present invention allows a person to take a nap efficiently in a short time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a napping sheet according to an embodiment, with the cover member in a closed state; FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a napping sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which the cover member is open. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the seat body in the embodiment, showing the seat body in a chair shape. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the seat body in the embodiment, showing the seat body in a bed shape. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the nap seat according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the nap seat according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a nap process in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] A napping seat 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The arrows FR, UP, and RH shown in each drawing indicate the front direction, the upper direction, and the right side in the width direction of the seat body 12 constituting the napping seat 10, respectively. The front direction of the seat body 12 is the direction in which a user of the seat body 12 faces forward in a seated position. The right side in the width direction of the seat is the right direction as seen from a seated position on the seat body. In the following description, when the directions of front-rear, up-down, and left-right are used, they refer to front-rear in the front-rear direction of the seat, up-down in the up-down direction of the seat, and left-right in the width direction of the seat, unless otherwise specified.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the nap seat 10 of this embodiment is mainly composed of a seat body 12, a rotating mechanism 22, a head side frame 14, a foot side frame 16, and a cover member 18.

[0018] (Seat body 12) The seat body 12 is a portion that supports the user in a seated position and in a supine position, and is configured to include a seat portion 12A, an upper body support portion 12B, and a lower leg support portion 12C.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the seat portion 12A of the seat body 12 is configured to be able to support the buttocks and thighs of the user P from below, and is slightly inclined so that the rear portion of the seat portion 12A is positioned lower than the front portion when viewed from the side.

[0020] The seat 12A includes a seat frame 26 that constitutes the framework of the seat 12A, and a cushioning material that covers the seat frame 26 and supports the user. The seat 12A is further provided with a seat heater 68 as a heating device for warming the buttocks and thighs of the user P (see FIG. 5).

[0021] An upper body support part 12B is rotatably connected to a rear end part (one end part) of the seat part 12A. The upper body support part 12B is inclined so that the rear end side is positioned higher than the front end part connected to the seat part 12A, and the upper body of the user P is supported from below by the upper body support part 12B.

[0022] The upper body support part 12B is configured to include an upper frame 28 that forms the skeleton of the upper body support part 12B, and a cushioning material (not shown) that supports the user by covering the upper frame 28. In addition, the upper body support part 12B is provided with an upper heater 70 as a heating device for warming the upper body of the user P (see FIG. 5).

[0023] Meanwhile, a crus support part 12C is rotatably connected to the front end part (the other end part) of the seat part 12A. The crus support part 12C is inclined so that the front end part is positioned lower than the rear end part connected to the seat part 12A, and the crus support part 12C supports the lower legs of the user from below.

[0024] The lower leg support part 12C is configured to include a lower frame 30 that forms the skeleton of the lower leg support part 12C, and a cushioning material (not shown) that covers the lower frame 30 and supports the user. The lower leg support part 12C is also provided with a lower heater 72 as a heating device for warming the lower leg of the user P (see FIG. 5). The seat part 12A, the upper body support part 12B, and the lower leg support part 12C are integrally covered with a skin. For this reason, the seat main body 12 appears as an integral sheet in which the seat part 12A, the upper body support part 12B, and the lower leg support part 12C are continuous.

[0025] Here, the seat body 12 is configured to be mutually transformable between a chair shape and a bed shape by the rotation mechanism 22. Fig. 3 shows the seat body 12 in a chair shape, and Fig. 4 shows the seat body 12 in a bed shape. As shown in these figures, in both the chair shape and bed shape of the seat body 12, the seat body 12 supports the body of the user P in a state where it is angled rather than fully flat.

[0026] (Rotation mechanism 22) 3, the rotation mechanism 22 in this embodiment includes, as an example, an upper motor 32 for rotating the upper body support part 12B relative to the seat part 12A, an upper cylinder 34, and an upper link 36. The rotation mechanism 22 also includes a lower motor 38 for rotating the lower leg support part 12C relative to the seat part 12A, and a lower cylinder 40.

[0027] The upper motor 32 is composed of a motor such as a stepping motor or a servo motor attached to the underside of the seat 12A, and is driven by power supplied from a power source (not shown) to generate a rotational force. The upper cylinder 34 is composed of a case 34A and a rod 34B, and is configured such that the rod 34B extends or retracts relative to the case 34A by converting the rotational motion of the upper motor 32 into linear motion.

[0028] An upper link 36 is connected to the tip of the rod 34B. The upper link 36 is formed in an elongated shape, one end of the upper link 36 is rotatably connected to the tip of the rod 34B, and the other end of the upper link 36 is rotatably connected to the upper frame 28 via an upper bracket 44. In addition, a long hole 36A penetrating in the seat width direction is formed between the one end and the other end of the upper link 36, and a shaft portion 37 extending in the seat width direction is inserted into this long hole 36A.

[0029] 3, the rod 34B of the upper cylinder 34 is extended, and the upper link 36 is in an upright position. In this position, the upper body support portion 12B is raised above a predetermined angle relative to the seat portion 12A, forming a chair shape.

[0030] On the other hand, when the upper motor 32 is driven from the state shown in FIG. 3 to move the rod 34B of the upper cylinder 34 toward the case 34A, the rod 34B transitions to a contracted state as shown in FIG. 4. As the rod 34B contracts, the upper link 36 moves toward the front of the seat along the shaft 37 and rotates clockwise about the shaft 37, so that the upper link 36 is in a collapsed state. In this state, the upper body support part 12B is in a bed shape in which it is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the seat part 12A. In this embodiment, even when the seat main body 12 transitions to a bed shape, the seat part 12A and the upper body support part 12B are not flat, and the upper body support part 12B is slightly inclined upward relative to the seat part 12A.

[0031] A lower motor 38 is disposed in front of the upper motor 32. The lower motor 38 is composed of a motor such as a stepping motor or a servo motor attached to the underside of the seat 12A, and is driven by power supplied from a power source (not shown) to generate a rotational force. The lower cylinder 40 includes a case 40A and a rod 40B, and is configured such that the rod 40B extends or retracts relative to the case 40A by converting the rotational motion of the lower motor 38 into linear motion.

[0032] The tip of rod 40B is rotatably connected to a lower bracket 42 attached to the lower surface of lower frame 30. A long hole 42A is formed in lower bracket 42, and the tip of rod 40B is configured to be able to move along this long hole 42A.

[0033] 3, the rod 40B of the lower cylinder 40 is contracted. In other words, most of the rod 40B is stored in the case 40A. In this state, the lower leg support 12C is pulled toward the seat 12A, and the lower frame 30 extends downward from the front end of the seat frame 26, forming a chair shape.

[0034] On the other hand, when the lower motor 38 is driven from the state shown in Fig. 3 to extend the rod 40B of the lower cylinder 40, the tip of the rod 34B moves along the long hole 42A, and the lower frame 30 moves in a direction away from the seat frame 26. This state is a bed-shaped state in which the angle between the seat 12A and the crus support 12C is wide. In this embodiment, even in the state where the bed shape is transferred, the seat 12A and the crus support 12C are not flat, and the crus support 12C is slightly inclined downward with respect to the seat 12A.

[0035] As described above, the seat body 12 can be transformed between the chair shape and the bed shape by the rotation mechanism 22. In the bed state, the upper body support part 12B and the lower leg support part 12C are inclined relative to the seat part 12A, resulting in a so-called comfortable posture. Furthermore, by controlling the upper motor 32 and the lower motor 38, respectively, the seat body 12 can be transformed into any shape between the chair shape shown in FIG. 3 and the bed shape shown in FIG. 4.

[0036] (Head side frame 14) 1 and 2, the head-side frame 14 is disposed at the end of the seat main body 12 on the upper body support part 12B side, and is a frame member formed in a ring shape. Specifically, the head-side frame 14 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with both the front side and the rear side of the seat open, and is a generally elliptical shape that is long vertically when viewed from the front-rear direction. The lower end of the head-side frame 14 is fixed to a connecting plate 17. The head-side frame 14 corresponds to the "head cover" in this invention.

[0037] A support base 20 accommodating a part of a rotation mechanism 22 is provided inside the head side frame 14 , and the seat body 12 is supported on the support base 20 .

[0038] 2, the rear opening in the head-side frame 14 is closed by a rear cloth material 24. The rear cloth material 24 is, for example, made of a stretchable cloth material, and is attached to the peripheral edge of the head-side frame 14. In addition, in this embodiment, the rear cloth material 24 is, for example, made of a cloth material that reflects a portion of light, making it difficult to see the inside of the napping sheet 10 from the outside, but allowing a user on the inside to see the situation on the outside of the napping sheet 10.

[0039] A rear rail 14A is provided at the front opening of the head-side frame 14. The rear rail 14A is provided along the edge of the upper opening of the head-side frame 14, and one end of a cover member 18, which will be described later, is attached to this rear rail 14A.

[0040] Here, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the head side frame 14 is inclined so that the upper part is located rearward (opposite the foot side frame 16) from the lower part. Also, the upper part of the seat body 12 (the end part of the upper body support part 12B) is housed inside the head side frame 14. Therefore, the head side frame 14 is arranged to cover the periphery of the head of the user P in an arc shape, and constitutes a head cover member. More specifically, the head side frame 14 is designed to cover a part of the head of the user seated on the chair-shaped seat body 12 shown in FIG. 3 from the periphery. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the head side frame 14 is designed to cover the entire head of the user supported by the bed-shaped seat body 12 from the periphery. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the head side frame 14 is formed of an opaque material, and is configured to block light from the outside around the head of the user P.

[0041] (Foot side frame 16) As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in the napping seat 10, the foot side frame is disposed at a distance from the head side frame 14 in the front-rear direction. The foot side frame 16 is disposed at the end of the seat body 12 on the side of the lower leg support 12C, and is a frame member formed in a ring shape. Specifically, the foot side frame 16 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both the front side and the rear side of the seat open, and is a substantially elliptical shape that is long in the up-down direction when viewed from the front-rear direction. The lower end of the foot side frame 16 is fixed to a connecting plate 17. That is, the connecting plate 17 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape with the seat front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction, and the head side frame 14 is fixed to the rear end of the connecting plate 17, and the foot side frame 16 is fixed to the front end of the connecting plate 17. The foot side frame 16 corresponds to the "foot cover" in the present invention.

[0042] The front opening of the foot side frame 16 is closed by a front cloth material 25. The front cloth material 25 is, for example, made of a stretchable cloth material, and is attached to the peripheral edge of the foot side frame 16. In addition, in this embodiment, the front cloth material 25 is, for example, made of a cloth material that reflects part of the light, making it difficult to see the inside of the napping sheet 10 from the outside, but allowing the user on the inside to see the situation on the outside of the napping sheet 10.

[0043] A front rail 16A is provided at the rear opening of the foot side frame 16. The front rail 16A is provided along the edge of the upper opening of the foot side frame 16, and the other end of a cover member 18, which will be described later, is attached to this front rail 16A.

[0044] Here, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the foot side frame 16 is configured to be able to accommodate the lower part of the seat body 12 (the end of the lower leg support part 12C) inside the foot side frame 16. Therefore, the head side frame 14 is arranged to cover the periphery of the toes of the user P in an arc shape, and constitutes a cover member for the feet of the user P. More specifically, the foot side frame 16 is designed to cover the periphery of the toes of the user P supported by the lower leg support part 12C in the chair shape shown in Fig. 3. Also, in the bed shape shown in Fig. 4, it is designed to cover the entire part of the user P below the ankles. Furthermore, the positions and shapes of the front end part of the seat body 12 and the foot side frame 16 are set so that the toes of the user do not come into contact with the front cloth material 25 even when the seat body 12 is transformed from the chair shape to the bed shape.

[0045] The foot side frame 16 is formed of an opaque material like the head side frame 14, and is configured to block light from the outside around the user P's feet.

[0046] (Cover member 18) As shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 18 is bridged between the head side frame 14 and the foot side frame 16, and is made of a cloth-like material, for example. The rear end of the cover member 18 is attached to the rear rail 14A provided on the head side frame 14, and the front end of the cover member 18 is attached to the front rail 16A provided on the foot side frame 16. The cover member 18 can be moved in an arc along the front rail 16A and the rear rail 14A to move from a closed position that covers the upper part of the seat body 12 to an open position that opens the upper part of the seat body 12. This cover member 18 corresponds to the "body cover" in the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the cover member 18 has been moved to the closed position, and FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the cover member 18 has been moved to the open position.

[0047] In addition, the cover member 18 is formed of a translucent material that transmits a portion of the external light. Therefore, even when the cover member 18 is in the closed position and covers the upper part of the user P, the visibility is ensured to a degree that allows the user P to slightly recognize the external situation. In addition, because a portion of the external light transmits through the cover member 18 and enters the inside of the nap sheet 10, the surroundings of the user are not completely dark.

[0048] Here, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the head side frame 14 is formed to be longer in the vertical direction than the foot side frame 16. Therefore, the cover member 18 extends obliquely downward from the head side frame 14 toward the foot side frame 16 in the closed position. That is, the head side frame 14, the foot side frame 16, and the cover member 18 form the entire napping seat 10 into a tunnel shape that narrows from the head side to the foot side. In this state, each part of the cover member 18 that covers the head, upper body, lower body, etc. of the user P covers the user P's body at a certain distance. Therefore, the user P who is seated on the seat main body 12 can open and close the cover member 18 by holding the end of the cover member 18 in his / her hand and moving his / her arm in a rotating manner at equal intervals relative to the torso.

[0049] 1, even when cover member 18 is in the closed position, the lower half of napping sheet 10 is exposed, so that the design allows light to enter the interior of napping sheet 10 from the left and right directions. Furthermore, user P can see what is happening outside through the gap at the lower end of cover member 18. Meanwhile, people outside napping sheet 10 can see that user P is inside napping sheet 10 through the gap at the lower end of cover member 18, so natural consideration can be given to the sleeper.

[0050] Incidentally, from the viewpoint of making the appearance of the nap sheet 10 compact, it is desirable to shorten the distance between the body of the user P and the cover member 18; however, if the distance to the cover member 18 is too close, the user P may feel a sense of pressure.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, the feeling of oppression due to the above circumstances is reduced by supporting the body of the user P in a state inclined rather than fully flat in both the chair shape and bed shape of the seat body 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the user P is seated on the seat body 12, the upper body of the user P is inclined due to the inclination of the upper body support part 12B of the seat body 12. Therefore, the line of sight S of the user P is naturally directed downward, and the line of sight S is directed to a part of the cover member 18 that is lower than the part covering the head of the user P. Therefore, the user P can feel that the cover member 18 is disposed at a position farther away than the actual distance L between the head and the cover part, and the feeling of oppression due to the cover member 18 is reduced.

[0052] (Hardware configuration of nap seat 10) The napping seat 10 is provided with a controller 50 as a control unit. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the napping seat 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the napping seat 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 52, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 54, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 56, a storage 58, a communication I / F (communication interface) 60, and an input / output I / F (input / output interface) 62. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 64 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0053] The CPU 52 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 52 reads a program from the ROM 54 or the storage 58, and executes the program using the RAM 56 as a working area. The CPU 52 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 54 or the storage 58.

[0054] The ROM 54 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 56 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 58 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 or the storage 58 stores a program for controlling the rotation mechanism 22, a program for performing a nap process, various data, and the like.

[0055] The communication I / F 60 is an interface that enables the nap seat 10 to communicate with a server and other devices, and uses standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0056] The input / output I / F 62 is electrically connected to the upper motor 32, the lower motor 38, the seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, the lower heater 72, the sound output unit 74, and the display device 75. The upper motor 32 and the lower motor 38 are stepping motors or servo motors that constitute the rotation mechanism 22, and are driven based on a signal from the controller 50.

[0057] The seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, and the lower heater 72 are equipped with heating wires arranged inside the seat body 12, and generate heat based on a signal from the controller 50 to warm the seat body 12. The seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, and the lower heater 72 are each configured so that they can be turned on and off independently. Since the output can also be changed, for example, while the upper heater 70 is turned off, the output of the lower heater 72 can be increased to heat the lower leg support portion 12C.

[0058] The sound output unit 74 outputs sound to the user. In the present embodiment, as an example, headphones (not shown) are connected to the controller 50 by wire or wirelessly. The controller 50 outputs sound to the user from the sound output unit 74 via the headphones. The storage 58 stores a plurality of sound data, and is configured to change the sound output from the sound output unit 74 based on a signal from the controller 50. The sounds stored in the storage 58 are, for example, music with little intonation, white noise, natural sounds such as birds singing and the sound of the sea, and voice announcements giving instructions to the user. The white noise referred to here refers to noise that has the same intensity at all frequencies.

[0059] The display device 75 displays various information to the user. In the present embodiment, as an example, the display device 75 is a touch panel monitor. Therefore, the display device 75 also functions as an operation unit that accepts input from the user.

[0060] (Functional configuration of nap seat 10) The above hardware resources are used to realize various functions of the napping seat 10. The functional configuration realized by the napping seat 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0061] 6, the functional components of the nap seat 10 include a start command receiving unit 76, a nap time acquisition unit 78, a seat deformation unit 80, a heater control unit 82, and a sound control unit 84. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 52 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 54 or storage 58.

[0062] The start instruction receiving unit 76 receives an instruction to start taking a nap from the user. For example, when the user operates (touches) a button corresponding to a signal to start use on the operation screen of the display device 75, the start instruction receiving unit 76 receives the instruction to start taking a nap. Alternatively, the start instruction receiving unit 76 may receive the instruction to start taking a nap when a signal to start taking a nap is transmitted to the nap seat 10 via a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by the user. In this case, when the user activates a dedicated application and connects to the nap seat 10, and transmits a signal to start taking a nap, the controller 50 receives the signal from the mobile terminal via the communication I / F 60. Then, when the received signal is a signal to start taking a nap, the start instruction receiving unit 76 receives the instruction to start taking a nap.

[0063] The nap time acquiring unit 78 acquires data related to the nap time that is pre-stored in the storage 58 or the like. Furthermore, when the data related to the nap time is stored in an external server or the like, the nap time acquiring unit 78 acquires data on the stored time from the server.

[0064] Here, as an example, the present embodiment is configured so that the nap time can be changed by the user's operation. For example, the currently set nap time is displayed on the monitor of the display device 75, and the user can freely change the nap time within a predetermined time by operating the device. The predetermined time is, for example, within 90 minutes, and preferably within 30 minutes.

[0065] When the nap time is changed by the user, the nap time data stored in the storage 58 or the server is updated. For this reason, the nap time acquisition unit 78 is configured to acquire the latest nap time stored in the storage 58 or the server.

[0066] The seat transformation unit 80 transforms the seat body 12 between a chair shape and a bed shape. Specifically, the seat transformation unit 80 transforms the seat body 12 by controlling the rotation angles of the upper motor 32 and the lower motor 38. As an example, the seat transformation unit 80 in this embodiment transforms the seat body 12 from a chair shape to a bed shape when the use of the nap seat 10 begins, and changes the seat body 12 from the bed shape to a chair shape when the nap time ends.

[0067] The heater control unit 82 controls the output of the seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, and the lower heater 72 provided in the seat main body 12. Specifically, the heater control unit 82 controls the output of the seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, and the lower heater 72 so that the seat 12A, the upper body support unit 12B, and the lower leg support unit 12C are at temperatures that the user feels comfortable with. Temperature sensors may be attached to the seat 12A, the upper body support unit 12B, and the lower leg support unit 12C, and the heater control unit 82 may control the output of the seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, and the lower heater 72 so that the temperatures are set to predetermined values ​​based on information from the temperature sensors.

[0068] The sound control unit 84 controls the output of sound by the sound output unit 74. For example, the sound control unit 84 controls the type of sound to be output, the time for output, etc. As an example, the sound control unit 84 in this embodiment outputs a predetermined sound from the sound output unit 74 when the use of the nap seat 10 is started.

[0069] Furthermore, the sound control unit 84 causes the sound output unit 74 to output a sound with a flat intonation from the start of use of the nap seat 10 to the end of the nap time. As an example in this embodiment, the sound control unit 84 causes the sound output unit 74 to output white noise.

[0070] Furthermore, at the end of the nap time, the sound control unit 84 stops or changes the output of sound by the sound output unit 74. As an example in this embodiment, at the end of the nap time, the sound control unit 84 changes the output sound from the sound output unit 74 from white noise to a sound associated with morning, such as the chirping of birds.

[0071] (Example of using the Nap Sheet 10) Next, an example of how user P uses the napping seat 10 will be described. Before user P uses the napping seat 10, the cover member 18 is in the open position as shown in Fig. 2. This is because when the previous user stands up from the seat body 12, the cover member 18 is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0072] In the state shown in Fig. 2, a user P sits on the seat body 12. At this time, the seat body 12 is in a chair shape. This is because the seat body 12 is transformed from the bed shape to the seat shape by the seat transformation part 80 when the previous user finishes his / her nap.

[0073] After the user P sits in the seat body 12, the nap process starts by operating a start button on a monitor (not shown). At this time, the user P can change the nap time before operating the start button. Also, if a dedicated application has been installed on the mobile device carried by the user P, the user P can set the nap time and start operating the mobile device by starting the application.

[0074] (An example of nap processing) An example of the nap processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. This nap processing is executed by CPU 52 reading a program from ROM 54 or storage 58 and loading it into RAM 56. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 describes the flow of processing when start instruction receiving unit 76 receives an instruction to start a nap from a user.

[0075] 7, the CPU 52 acquires a nap time in step S102. Specifically, the CPU 52 acquires the latest nap time stored in the storage 58 or the server by using the function of the nap time acquisition unit 78.

[0076] The CPU 52 deforms the seat body 12 in step S104. Specifically, the CPU 52 controls the upper motor 32 and the lower motor 38 by the function of the seat deformation unit 80 to deform the seat body 12 from the chair shape to the bed shape. At this time, the seat body 12 may be equipped with sensors such as a seating sensor, and the seat body 12 may be deformed only when it is detected that the user is seated. Furthermore, in step S104, in addition to deforming the seat body 12, the seat heater 68, the upper heater 70, and the lower heater 72 may be turned on by the function of the heater control unit 82.

[0077] The CPU 52 starts outputting sound in step S106. Specifically, the CPU 52 causes the sound output unit 74 to output a predetermined sound using the function of the sound control unit 84. At this time, the sound control unit 84 may change the type of output sound depending on the nap time. Also, if the user is allowed to select a sound in advance, the selected sound may be output.

[0078] The CPU 52 determines whether the nap time has ended in step S108. Specifically, the CPU 52 starts counting the timer from the time when the start instruction receiving unit 76 receives a signal to start use, and determines that the nap time has ended when the count value of the timer reaches the nap time acquired in step S102. Moreover, the CPU 52 determines that the nap time has not ended when the count value of the timer has not reached the nap time.

[0079] When the CPU 52 determines in step S108 that the nap time has ended, the process proceeds to step S112. The process of step S112 will be described later. On the other hand, when the CPU 52 determines in step S108 that the nap time has not ended, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0080] The CPU 52 determines whether or not an end instruction has been given in step S110. Specifically, when the CPU 52 receives a signal corresponding to an end instruction by a user's operation, it determines that an end instruction has been given and proceeds to the process of step S112. Therefore, when the nap time has ended or when the CPU 52 receives an end instruction from the user before the end of the nap time, it proceeds to the process of step S112.

[0081] On the other hand, if the CPU 52 has not received an end instruction from the user in step S110, the process returns to step S108 to repeat the determination as to whether the nap time has ended.

[0082] The CPU 52 changes the output sound in step S112. Specifically, the CPU 52 changes the output sound by the function of the sound control unit 84. That is, the CPU 52 changes the output sound output to the user by the function of the sound control unit 84 from white noise to a sound associated with morning, such as the chirping of birds.

[0083] The CPU 52 transforms the seat body 12 in step S114. Specifically, the CPU 52 controls the upper motor 32 and the lower motor 38 by the function of the seat transformation unit 80 to transform the seat body 12 from the bed shape to the chair shape. At this time, the CPU 52 may transform the seat body 12 into the chair shape a predetermined time after changing the output sound in step S112. Then, the CPU 52 ends the nap processing.

[0084] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 4, the nap sheet 10 of this embodiment includes a seat body 12 and a cover member 18 that covers the seat body 12 from the surroundings. The user P lying on the seat body 12 is isolated from the surrounding environment by the cover member 18, so that the user P can feel a sense of security that encourages sleep. The seat body 12 is also configured to support the body of the user P in a state that is more angled than fully flat. Therefore, the user P's line of sight naturally turns downward and toward the user's feet. At least the portion of the cover member 18 that covers the body of the user P is made translucent. This makes it difficult for the user P to feel a sense of pressure from the cover member 18. In this way, the nap sheet 10 can give the user a sense of security and openness that is isolated from the surrounding environment, and encourages the user P to sleep, so that the user P can take a nap efficiently in a short time.

[0086] In this embodiment, the cover member 18 is formed in an arc shape along the body of the user P. Therefore, the cover member 18 can cover the body of the user P at a certain distance, so that the appearance of the nap sheet is compact. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the user P's body is supported at an angle by the seat body 12, so that the line of sight S of the user P faces downward. Therefore, the line of sight S of the user P lying on the seat body 12 is directed to a part of the cover member 18 that is lower than the part covering the head of the user P, so that the distance to the cover member 18 felt by the user P is longer than the actual distance L, and the user P is likely to feel a sense of openness. This allows the nap sheet to have a compact appearance and to give the user P a sense of openness.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover member 18 is configured to be movable in an arc along the body of the user P between the open position and the closed position. Therefore, the cover member 18 can be opened and closed at a position that maintains a certain distance from the body of the user P, making it easy to open and close the cover member. This increases the convenience of using the nap sheet 10.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, a gap is formed between the end of the cover member 18 and the seat body 12, so that the user P lying on the seat body 12 can check the surroundings through the gap. In this way, the feeling of oppression caused by being completely cut off from the surrounding environment is eliminated, and a sense of security can be given to the user P.

[0089] In this embodiment, the head-side frame 14 covering the head of the user P is made of an opaque material. This can block external light around the head of the user P and suppress direct light incident on the eyes, which can be irritating to the user P before sleep.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by forming the foot side frame 16 from an opaque material, it is possible to block external light and create darkness around the toes of the user P. As a result, when the user P looks at his / her toes, he / she senses the darkness of the toes and gets the feeling that the whole body from the head to the toes is isolated from the surrounding environment.

[0091] In this embodiment, the seat body 12 is housed between the head side frame 14 and the foot side frame 16, which are frame members, and the seat body 12 that supports the body of the user P and the cover members (head side frame 14, cover members 18, foot side frame 16) that cover the user P from the head to the toes are configured separately. This makes it possible to freely set the shape of the seat body.

[0092] Although the napping seat 10 according to the embodiment has been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the turning mechanism 22 includes the upper motor 32, the upper cylinder 34, the upper link 36, the lower motor 38, and the lower cylinder 40, but is not limited thereto. In other words, other mechanisms may be used as long as they are capable of transforming the seat body 12 from a chair shape to a bed shape. For example, an electric reclining mechanism may be provided at the connecting portion between the seat frame 26 and the upper frame 28, and a similar reclining mechanism may be provided at the connecting portion between the seat frame 26 and the lower frame 30.

[0093] 1 and 2, in the above embodiment, the cover member 18 is attached to the rear rail 14A and the front rail 16A and is configured to open and close along the periphery of the head-side frame 14 and the foot-side frame 16, but this is not limiting. For example, the cover member 18 may be stored inside the foot-side frame 16 and extended to the head-side frame 14 when the user pulls it out. In this case, the head-side frame 14 may be provided with a hook or the like for fastening the cover member 18 in a closed state.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the head side frame 14 is formed to be longer in the vertical direction than the foot side frame 16, but this is not limited to this, and the foot side frame 16 and the head side frame 14 may be formed to be the same length in the vertical direction.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the cover member 18 is made of a cloth member, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cover member 18 may be made of a panel member. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rear opening of the head-side frame 14 and the front opening of the foot-side frame 16 are closed with cloth members, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the openings may be closed with panel members.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the seat body 12 is configured to support the body of the user in a state where it is angled rather than fully flat, but the present invention is not limited to this. The seat body 12 may be formed in a shape that supports the body of the user in a fully flat state.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the seat body 12, the head side frame 14, and the foot side frame 16 are configured as separate bodies, but the present invention is not limited to this. The head side frame and the foot side frame may be configured to be directly fixed to the frame of the seat body 12. In this case, the head side frame and the foot side frame may be configured as frame members formed in an arc shape.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound output unit 74 outputs sound to the user via headphones, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sound may be output to the user from a directional speaker. Also, the sound output unit 74 may output an inverse phase sound of an external sound to the user to perform noise cancellation.

[0099] Furthermore, the seat body 12, the head-side frame 14, the foot-side frame 16, and the cover member 18 are not limited to the shapes in the above embodiment, and may be formed in other shapes as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained. For example, the cover member may be configured to be automatically opened and closed, or may be provided with a metal or resin cover member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10. Nap Sheet 12 Seat body 14 Head side frame (head cover) 16 Foot side frame (foot cover) 18 Covering material (body cover) P User

Claims

1. A seat body capable of supporting a user's body; A ring-shaped head side frame formed of an opaque material and covering the user's head; A ring-shaped foot side frame formed of an opaque material and covering the periphery of the user's toes; a body cover formed of a translucent material and spanning between the head side frame and the foot side frame; having the opening of the head-side frame is closed by a rear-side cloth material that is stretchable and reflects a portion of light; The napping sheet has an opening in the foot side frame that is closed by a front cloth material that is stretchable and reflects a portion of light.

2. The body cover is configured to be movable from a closed position that covers the upper part of the seat body to an open position that opens the upper part of the seat body, 2. The sleeping seat according to claim 1, wherein a lower half of the seat body is exposed even when the body cover is in a closed position.

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