Lower limb exercise machine and lower limb exercise system

Abstract

To provide a lower limb exercise machine allowing a user to effectively perform lower limb exercise.SOLUTION: A lower limb exercise machine (5) used by a user (U) to perform a lower limb exercise in a state of sitting on a chair (3), the lower limb exercise machine includes: an exercise device (2) for the user (U) to perform the lower limb exercise; and a restriction mechanism (4) for restricting movement of at least one caster (33a) of the chair (3) from a reference arrangement range (A1) of the caster (33a) during the lower limb exercise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lower limb exercise device and a lower limb exercise system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lower limb exercise device by pedaling. The lower limb exercise device of Patent Document 1 includes a seat surface, a pair of left and right pedals, a crank, and a load device. A trainee (user) sits on the seat surface and rotates a pair of left and right pedals. The seat surface is fixed to the frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The applicant of the present application has found the following problems. In such a lower limb exercise device, a user usually sits on a chair and performs lower limb exercises. At this time, due to the reaction force of pedaling, a problem occurs in that the relative position of the chair with respect to the lower limb exercise device is displaced. Therefore, there is a possibility that the user cannot effectively perform the pedaling exercise.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and realizes a lower limb exercise device and a lower limb exercise system that enable a user to effectively perform lower limb exercises.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A lower limb exercise device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a lower limb exercise device used for a user to perform lower limb exercises while sitting on a chair, an exercise instrument for the user to perform lower limb exercises, A limiting mechanism that restricts at least one caster of the chair from moving out of the reference arrangement range of the caster during lower limb movement, is provided.

[0007] In the above-mentioned lower limb exercise equipment, it is preferable that the upper part of the limiting mechanism is open.

[0008] In the above-mentioned lower limb exercise equipment, it is preferable that the limiting mechanism can adjust the position of the reference arrangement range of the caster in the front-rear direction.

[0009] In the above-mentioned lower limb exercise equipment, it is preferable to make the position of the reference arrangement range of the caster adjustable in the front-rear direction by providing a plurality of the limiting mechanisms in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise equipment.

[0010] In the above-mentioned lower limb exercise equipment, it is preferable to make the position of the reference arrangement range of the caster adjustable in the front-rear direction by moving the limiting mechanism in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise equipment.

[0011] In the above-mentioned lower limb exercise equipment, the limiting mechanism includes a contact portion that contacts the caster moving away from the exercise equipment, the position of the contact portion with respect to the exercise equipment is restricted in a region on the side away from the exercise equipment in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise equipment, When the caster is arranged inside the reference arrangement range and the contact portion is arranged at the uppermost position, it is preferable that the upper end portion of the contact portion is arranged at a position higher than the center of the caster.

[0012] In the above-mentioned lower limb exercise equipment, the contact portion is preferably a movable plate that can move in the vertical direction of the lower limb exercise equipment and is biased upward with respect to the lower limb exercise equipment.

[0013] In the above-described lower limb exercise device, the contact portion is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical or horizontal direction of the lower limb exercise device, and when the caster moving away from the exercise device comes into contact, it is preferably a rotating member whose rotation is restricted so as to restrict the movement of the caster away from the exercise device.

[0014] In the above-described lower limb exercise device, it is preferable that a plurality of the contact portions are arranged in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device.

[0015] In the above-described lower limb exercise device, the restriction mechanism preferably includes a ground contact portion of the caster in a region on the side away from the exercise device in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device, where the position with respect to the exercise device is restricted and the frictional force on the side away from the exercise device is greater than the frictional force on the side of the exercise device.

[0016] In the above-described lower limb exercise device, the ground contact portion includes a protruding portion that inclines upward toward the lower limb exercise device as it faces the side of the exercise device. The protruding portion is preferably made of an elastic body and a plurality of them are arranged in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device.

[0017] In the above-described lower limb exercise device, the restriction mechanism is preferably a restraint mechanism that restrains the position of the caster or the chair with respect to the exercise device so as to maintain the state where the caster is arranged inside the reference arrangement range.

[0018] In the above-described lower limb exercise device, the restriction mechanism is preferably detachable from the exercise device.

[0019] A lower limb exercise system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is the above-described lower limb exercise device, the chair, and includes them.

[0020] In the above lower limb exercise system, the exercise equipment is a pair of left and right pedals for placing the user's feet, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the pedals when the user steps on the pedals. It is preferably provided with.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present disclosure, the user can effectively perform lower limb exercises.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 5

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Figure 8

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Figure 15

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Figure 21

Figure 22

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are simplified as appropriate.

[0024] <Embodiment 1> The basic configuration of the lower limb exercise system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a user performing lower limb exercises using the lower limb exercise system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the exercise equipment of the lower limb exercise system according to this embodiment. Note that in FIG. 1, the contact portion of the restriction mechanism is shown schematically.

[0025] In the following description, for the sake of clarity, a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system will be used for the description. Here, the + side of the X-axis is the left side of the lower limb exercise system, the - side of the X-axis is the right side of the lower limb exercise system, the + side of the Y-axis is the rear side of the lower limb exercise system, the - side of the Y-axis is the front side of the lower limb exercise system, the + side of the Z-axis is the upper side of the lower limb exercise system, and the - side of the Z-axis is the lower side of the lower limb exercise system.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower limb exercise system 1 is suitable for a user U to perform lower limb exercises using the exercise equipment 2 while sitting on the chair 3, and is arranged and used on the floor surface FL of the facility. The lower limb exercise system 1 includes the exercise equipment 2, the chair 3, and the restriction mechanism 4. The exercise equipment 2 is configured, for example, as a foot trough exercise device as shown in FIG. 2, and includes a main body portion 21, a first pedal 22 on the + side of the X-axis, and a second pedal 23 on the - side of the X-axis.

[0027] The main body portion 21 serves as a rotation mechanism that rotates the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 in a circular orbit or an elliptical orbit when the user U's foot steps on the first pedal 22 or the second pedal 23. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of the first crank 24 on the + side of the X-axis and the second crank 25 on the - side of the X-axis are connected to the main body portion 21.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the first crank 24 and the second crank 25 are rotatably attached to the main body 21. For example, one end of the first crank 24 and the second crank 25 is connected to the rotation axis 26 of the main body 21. The first crank 24 and the second crank 25 rotate around the rotation axis 26. The main body 21 may have a load resistor that applies a load to the rotational movement of the first crank 24 and the second crank 25. Note that the main body 21 may have a gear or the like for making the load variable.

[0029] The first pedal 22 is attached to the other end of the first crank 24. The second pedal 23 is attached to the other end of the second crank 25. The user U places the left foot on the first pedal 22 and the right foot on the second pedal 23. When the user U moves the knee joint and hip joint to step on the foot, the first crank 24 and the second crank 25 rotate around the rotation axis 26.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the rotation of the first crank 24 and the second crank 25, the angles between the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 and the first crank 24 and the second crank 25 change. According to the rowing motion of the user U, the first crank 24 and the second crank 25 rotate so that the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 draw an elliptical orbit or a circular orbit. Such an exercise device 2 is preferably portable.

[0031] The chair 3 is, for example, a chair used for the user U to sit on at work or at home. As shown in FIG. 1, the chair 3 has a configuration in which a caster 33 is fixed to the tip of a leg 32 protruding from the seat surface 31 on which the user U sits toward the Z-axis side. The caster 33 is preferably, for example, a swivel caster. Note that the chair 3 is not limited to a chair in the general form as described above, and may be, for example, a wheelchair.

[0032] The limiting mechanism 4 and the exercise device 2 constitute the lower limb exercise device 5. The limiting mechanism 4 restricts at least one caster 33 of the chair 3 from moving out of the reference arrangement range A1 (see FIG. 3) of the caster 33 during lower limb movement. Here, FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the arrangement relationship between the first pedal and the second pedal of the exercise device and the contact portion of the limiting mechanism in the lower limb exercise system of the present embodiment. Note that in FIG. 3, the contact portion of the limiting mechanism is shown in a simplified manner.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the limiting mechanism 4 includes a base portion 41 and a contact portion 42. The base portion 41 is a plate member substantially parallel to the XY plane and extends, for example, in the Y-axis direction. The exercise device 2 is fixed to the Y-axis - side portion of the base portion 41. At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the Y-axis + side portion of the base portion 41 includes the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33 of the preset chair 3.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, when the chair 3 moves to the Y-axis + side and the caster 33 on the Y-axis - side of the chair 3 (hereinafter, the caster on the Y-axis - side of the chair 3 may be denoted by reference numeral 33a for distinction from other casters) attempts to move from the reference arrangement range A1 to the Y-axis + side, the contact portion 42 comes into contact with the caster 33a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the contact portion 42 is arranged near the Y-axis + side end of the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a.

[0035] At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the contact portion 42 is arranged so as to straddle the central axis AX1 that passes through the center between the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 of the exercise device 2 in the X-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a is set so as to straddle the central axis AX1 of the exercise device 2.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a specific configuration such as a contact portion of a restriction mechanism in the lower limb exercise system of the present embodiment. The contact portion 42 is, for example, a rotating member composed of a gear as shown in FIG. 4. The contact portion 42 is supported by the base portion 41 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the X-axis direction.

[0037] That is, the position of the contact portion 42 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y-axis side with respect to the exercise device 2. The width dimension of the contact portion 42 in the X-axis direction is larger than the width dimension of the caster 33.

[0038] Such a contact portion 42 and a claw portion 43 constitute a ratchet mechanism in which rotation of the contact portion 42 counterclockwise is allowed and rotation of the contact portion 42 clockwise is restricted when viewed from the +X-axis side. The claw portion 43 is supported by the base portion 41 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the X-axis direction, and is biased toward the contact portion 42 by an elastic body.

[0039] Here, it is preferable that an inclined portion 41a that covers the contact portion 42 from the +Y-axis side is formed in the portion on the +Y-axis side of the base portion 41 with respect to the contact portion 42. The inclined portion 41a inclines toward the +Z-axis side as it goes toward the -Y-axis side.

[0040] Next, the flow of the user U performing lower limb exercises using the lower limb exercise system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the arrangement relationship of each element when the user performs lower limb exercises using the lower limb exercise system of the present embodiment.

[0041] First, the user U moves the chair 3 to the -Y-axis side so that one caster 33a on the -Y-axis side of the chair 3 gets over the contact portion 42 of the restriction mechanism 4, and as shown in FIG. 5, the caster 33a is arranged on the -Y-axis side with respect to the contact portion 42 of the restriction mechanism 4.

[0042] At this time, since the contact portion 42 is allowed to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the +X axis side, when the caster 33a of the chair 3 gets over the contact portion 42, the contact portion 42 rotates counterclockwise and does not prevent the caster 33a from getting over the contact portion 42 to the -Y axis side. Further, when the inclined portion 41a is formed on the base portion 41, the caster 33a can easily get over the contact portion 42 to the -Y axis side.

[0043] Then, the user U moves the chair 3 to the +Y axis side, brings the caster 33a of the chair 3 into contact with the contact portion 42 of the restricting mechanism 4, and arranges the caster 33a inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the +Z axis side end of the contact portion 42 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a (i.e., the rotation axis AX2).

[0044] Here, it is preferable that the rotation axis AX2 of the caster 33a arranged inside the reference arrangement range A1 is arranged substantially in the X axis direction, and substantially the center of the caster 33a in the width dimension in the X axis direction is arranged on the central axis AX1 of the exercise device 2.

[0045] In such a state, the user U sits on the seat surface 31 of the chair 3 and rows the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 of the exercise device 2 to perform lower limb exercises. At this time, although the chair 3 tries to move to the +Y axis side, the rotation of the contact portion 42 clockwise is restricted when viewed from the +X axis side. Therefore, the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 to the +Y axis side is restricted.

[0046] As a result, the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 from the reference arrangement range A1 to the +Y axis side is restricted by the contact portion 42. Therefore, the user U can row the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 of the exercise device 2 well due to the reaction force of the base portion 41, and as a result, the user U can effectively perform lower limb exercises.

[0047] Moreover, with the caster 33a of the chair 3 disposed inside the reference arrangement range A1, the end portion on the +Z side of the contact portion 42 is disposed on the +Z side with respect to the center of the caster 33a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the caster 33a from getting over the contact portion 42 to the +Y side, and it is possible to reliably limit the movement of the chair 3 to the +Y side.

[0048] At this time, when the rotation axis of the contact portion 42 is disposed on the +Z side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3, it is possible to more reliably suppress the caster 33a from getting over the contact portion 42 to the +Y side.

[0049] Here, FIG. 6 is a plan view for explaining the movement of the seat surface of the chair when the user rows the first pedal and the second pedal of the exercise device to perform lower limb exercise. The caster 33 of the chair 3 is configured as a swivel caster, and when the user U rows the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 of the exercise device 2 to perform lower limb exercise with one caster 33a on the -Y side of the chair 3 in contact with the contact portion 42 as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the seat surface 31 moves so as to draw an arc about the turning axis AX3 extending in the Z-axis direction of the caster 33a.

[0050] Thereby, even if the relative positional relationship between the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 changes, continuous movement is possible, and since the distances between the seat surface 31 and the first pedal 22 and the second pedal 23 change, the load on the trunk is large and the exercise effect can be improved.

[0051] In addition, when the lower limb exercise is completed and the chair 3 is moved to the +Y side with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, since the space on the +Z side of the restriction mechanism 4 is open, when the user U moves the chair 3 to the +Y side so that the caster 33a of the chair 3 gets over the contact portion 42 to the +Y side, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0052] The limiting mechanism 4 of the present embodiment is fixed to the exercise equipment 2 via the base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise equipment 2. Further, although the limiting mechanism 4 of the present embodiment constitutes a ratchet mechanism by the contact portion 42 and the claw portion 43, the contact portion may be constituted by a one-way clutch. In this case, the surface of the contact portion is preferably covered with a friction material such as rubber or silicon.

[0053] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of the limiting mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the limiting mechanism 100 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the base portion 41, a fixing portion 101, a shaft 102, and a contact portion 103, and the position with respect to the exercise equipment 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise equipment 2.

[0054] The fixing portion 101 has a substantially C-shaped configuration with the +Z axis side open when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and includes a base portion 101a, a first side wall portion 101b protruding from the end portion on the +X axis side of the base portion 101a to the +Z axis side, and a second side wall portion 101c protruding from the end portion on the -X axis side of the base portion 101a to the +Z axis side. The fixing portion 101 is fixed to the base portion 41.

[0055] The shaft 102 extends in the X-axis direction. The end portion on the +X axis side of the shaft 102 is fixed to the first side wall portion 101b, and the end portion on the -X axis side of the shaft 102 is fixed to the second side wall portion 101c. The contact portion 103 is fixed to the shaft 102 while being passed through the shaft 102. A plurality of contact portions 103 are arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0056] At this time, the contact portion 103 is arranged in the vicinity of the end portion on the +Y axis side of the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3. And the contact part 103 is arrange | positioned in the wide range with respect to the width dimension of the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the X-axis direction when seen from the Y-axis direction. Here, the caster 33 preferably includes two wheels 33b arranged in the direction in which the rotation axis AX2 extends.

[0057] The contact portion 103 is a plate member made of an elastic body and having rigidity such that it does not deform in the X-axis direction. The contact portion 103 includes, for example, a protruding portion 103a that protrudes in the radial direction of the shaft 102. The protruding portions 103a are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft 102. However, the shape of the contact portion 103 is not limited and may be circular or polygonal when viewed from the X-axis direction, for example.

[0058] When the user U performs lower limb exercises using such a restriction mechanism 100, the user U moves the chair 3 to the Y-axis - side so that the caster 33a of the chair 3 climbs over the contact portion 103 to the Y-axis - side. At this time, since the contact portion 103 is made of an elastic body, it deforms when the caster 33a climbs over and does not inhibit the movement of the caster 33a to the Y-axis - side. As a result, the caster 33a can be arranged on the Y-axis - side with respect to the contact portion 103.

[0059] Then, the user U moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 to the Y-axis + side, brings it into contact with the contact portion 103, and arranges the caster 33a inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the end portion on the Z-axis + side of the contact portion 103 is arranged on the Z-axis + side with respect to the center of the caster 33a.

[0060] Here, the contact portion 103 that the caster 33a of the chair 3 contacts deforms to the Y-axis + side, and the contact portion 103 that the caster 33a does not contact does not deform to the Y-axis + side. Therefore, the contact portion 103 arranged between the wheels 33b of the caster 33a when viewed from the Y-axis direction enters between the wheels 33b, and each wheel 33b is surrounded by the contact portion 103 from the X-axis + side, Y-axis + side, and X-axis - side.

[0061] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb exercises, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the contact portion 103 to the Y-axis + side. However, since the contact portion 103 is made of an elastic body, it deforms and absorbs the movement of the caster 33a to the Y-axis + side, and moreover, the end portion on the Z-axis + side of the contact portion 103 is arranged on the Z-axis + side with respect to the center of the caster 33a.

[0062] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the caster 33a of the chair 3 from climbing over the contact portion 103 in the +Y axis direction, and it is possible to restrict the caster 33a from moving in the +Y axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1. Here, when the shaft 102 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3, it is possible to more reliably suppress the caster 33a from climbing over the contact portion 103 in the +Y axis direction. Moreover, since each wheel 33b is sandwiched by the contact portion 103 from the X-axis direction, it is also possible to restrict the caster 33a from moving in the X-axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1.

[0063] Here, in the region on the -Y axis side with respect to the reference arrangement range A1 in the base portion 41, it is preferable that a protruding portion is formed so as to straddle the central axis AX1 of the exercise apparatus 2. Thereby, it is also possible to restrict the caster 33a of the chair 3 from moving in the -Y axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1. The protruding portion may have a shape that can restrict the caster 33a of the chair 3 from moving in the -Y axis direction.

[0064] In addition, when the lower limb exercise is completed and the chair 3 is moved to the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise apparatus 2 to separate the exercise apparatus 2 and the chair 3, since the space on the +Z axis side of the restriction mechanism 100 is opened, when the user U moves the chair 3 in the +Y axis direction so that the caster 33a of the chair 3 climbs over the contact portion 103, the exercise apparatus 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0065] The restriction mechanism 100 of the present embodiment is fixed to the exercise apparatus 2 via the base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise apparatus 2.

[0066] <Embodiment 3> FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of the restriction mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the restriction mechanism 110 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the base portion 41, a first contact portion 111, a first lock mechanism 112, a second contact portion 113, and a second lock mechanism (not shown), and the position with respect to the exercise apparatus 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise apparatus 2.

[0067] The first contact portion 111 is, for example, a rotating member supported by the base portion 41 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis 114 protruding from the base portion 41 toward the +Z axis side. The first contact portion 111 is disposed near a corner portion on the +Y axis side and the +X axis side within a reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3. The first contact portion 111 includes, for example, protruding portions 111a protruding in the radial direction of the first rotation axis 114 and provided at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first rotation axis 114.

[0068] The first locking mechanism 112 allows rotation of the first contact portion 111 toward the counterclockwise side as viewed from the +Z axis side and restricts rotation of the first contact portion 111 toward the clockwise side. The first locking mechanism 112 includes, for example, a locking claw 112a biased toward the +Z axis side.

[0069] The locking claw 112a includes an inclined surface 112b that inclines toward the +Z axis side as it goes toward the counterclockwise side of the first contact portion 111. The locking claw 112a includes a vertical surface 112c substantially parallel to the Z axis at an end portion on the counterclockwise side of the first contact portion 111 in the locking claw 112a.

[0070] Since the second contact portion 113 and the second locking mechanism have a bilaterally symmetric configuration with the central axis AX1 of the exercise apparatus 2 as the axis of symmetry with respect to the first contact portion 111 and the first locking mechanism 112, detailed description thereof is omitted, but they are disposed on the -X axis side with respect to the first contact portion 111 and the first locking mechanism 112.

[0071] The second contact portion 113 includes a protruding portion 113a and is a rotating member supported by the base portion 41 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis 115. The second contact portion 113 is disposed near a corner portion on the +Y axis side and the -X axis side within a reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0072] At this time, with the protruding portion 111a of the first contact portion 111 and the protruding portion 113a of the second contact portion 113 arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction, the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113 are arranged at an interval through which the caster 33a of the chair 3 cannot pass between the protruding portion 111a of the first contact portion 111 and the protruding portion 113a of the second contact portion 113.

[0073] When viewed from the Z-axis + side, the second locking mechanism allows the second contact portion 113 to rotate clockwise and restricts the second contact portion 113 from rotating counterclockwise. When the user U performs a lower limb movement using such a limiting mechanism 110, the user U pushes one caster 33a on the Y-axis - side of the chair 3 between the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113 toward the Y-axis -.

[0074] At this time, the first locking mechanism 112 allows the first contact portion 111 to rotate counterclockwise, and the second locking mechanism allows the second contact portion 113 to rotate clockwise. Therefore, the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113 rotate to allow the caster 33a to move toward the Y-axis -. As a result, the caster 33a of the chair 3 can be arranged on the Y-axis - side with respect to the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113.

[0075] Then, the user U moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 toward the Y-axis + side and brings it into contact with the protruding portion 111a protruding toward the X-axis - side of the first contact portion 111 and the protruding portion 113a protruding toward the X-axis + side of the second contact portion 113, and arranges the caster 33a inside the reference arrangement range A1.

[0076] At this time, the Z-axis + side end of the protruding portion 111a of the first contact portion 111 and the Z-axis + side end of the protruding portion 113a of the second contact portion 113 are arranged on the Z-axis + side with respect to the center of the caster 33a. Also, the caster 33a is arranged between the protruding portion 111a protruding toward the Y-axis - side of the first contact portion 111 and the protruding portion 113a protruding toward the Y-axis - side of the second contact portion 113.

[0077] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb movement, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113 in the +Y axis direction. However, the first locking mechanism 112 restricts the clockwise rotation of the first contact portion 111, and the second locking mechanism restricts the counterclockwise rotation of the second contact portion 113. Therefore, the rotation of the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113 is restricted.

[0078] Moreover, the +Z axis side end of the protruding portion 111a of the first contact portion 111 and the +Z axis side end of the protruding portion 113a of the second contact portion 113 are arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a. Therefore, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 in the +Y axis direction can be restricted.

[0079] In addition, since the caster 33a of the chair 3 is sandwiched between the protruding portion 111a protruding to the -Y axis side of the first contact portion 111 and the protruding portion 113a protruding to the -Y axis side of the second contact portion 113 from the X axis direction, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 in the X axis direction can also be restricted.

[0080] Here, in the region on the -Y axis side with respect to the reference arrangement range A1 in the base portion 41, it is preferable that a protruding portion is formed so as to straddle the central axis AX1 of the exercise device 2. Thereby, the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 from the reference arrangement range A1 in the -Y axis direction can also be restricted. The protruding portion may have a shape that can restrict the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the -Y axis direction.

[0081] When the lower limb movement is completed and the chair 3 is moved in the +Y axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, since the space on the +Z axis side of the restriction mechanism 110 is open, when the user U moves the chair 3 in the +Y axis direction while pulling up the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the +Z axis direction, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0082] The limiting mechanism 110 of this embodiment is fixed to the exercise apparatus 2 via the base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise apparatus 2. Further, the first contact portion 111 and the second contact portion 113 of this embodiment are configured such that their rotation is restricted by the first locking mechanism 112 and the second locking mechanism, but may be configured by a one-way clutch. Further, the surface of the contact portion may be covered with a friction material such as rubber or silicon.

[0083] <Embodiment 4> FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the specific configuration of the limiting mechanism of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the limiting mechanism 120 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the base portion 41, a first limiting portion 121, a first contact portion 122, a first elastic body 123, a second limiting portion 124, a second contact portion 125, and a second elastic body 126, and the position with respect to the exercise apparatus 2 is constrained in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise apparatus 2.

[0084] The first limiting portion 121 has, for example, a substantially C-shaped block member as its basic form when viewed from the X-axis direction, and has a notch portion 121a with the -Y axis side open in the +Y axis side portion of the first limiting portion 121. And the first limiting portion 121 has a limiting surface 121b substantially parallel to the YZ plane at the -X axis side end of the first limiting portion 121.

[0085] The first contact portion 122 is disposed inside the notch portion 121a of the first limiting portion 121, and is a rotating member rotatably supported by the first limiting portion 121 around a first rotation axis extending in the Z-axis direction. The first contact portion 122 has a protruding portion 122a protruding from the notch portion 121a of the first limiting portion 121 toward the -X axis side.

[0086] The protruding portion 122a is, for example, a substantially right trapezoidal plate member when viewed from the +Z axis side, and has an inclined surface 122b formed at the end of the first contact portion 122 on the clockwise side of the protruding portion 122a. The inclined surface 122b inclines toward the counterclockwise side of the first contact portion 122 as it goes toward the outside in the radial direction of the first rotation axis.

[0087] When viewed from the +Z axis side, the first elastic body 123 biases the first contact portion 122 clockwise. At this time, the first elastic body 123 may be configured as a torsion spring. Then, with the first elastic body 123 passed through the first rotation axis, one end of the first elastic body 123 is hooked on the counterclockwise side end of the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122.

[0088] Also, the other end of the first elastic body 123 is disposed on the -Y axis side with respect to one end of the first elastic body 123, and is hooked from the -X axis side by the first hooking piece provided on the first restricting portion 121. However, the first elastic body 123 may have any configuration as long as it can bias the first contact portion 122 clockwise when viewed from the +Z axis side.

[0089] In such a configuration, in the initial state of the restricting mechanism 120, the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 protrudes from the notch portion 121a of the first restricting portion 121 to the -X axis side, and the first contact portion 122 is biased clockwise by the first elastic body 123 while the clockwise side end of the first contact portion 122 contacts the first restricting portion 121 and the clockwise rotation is restricted.

[0090] Since the second restricting portion 124, the second contact portion 125, and the second elastic body 126 have a left-right symmetric configuration with the central axis AX1 of the exercise apparatus 2 as the axis of symmetry with respect to the first restricting portion 121, the first contact portion 122, and the first elastic body 123, detailed description is omitted, but they are disposed on the -X axis side with respect to the first restricting portion 121, the first contact portion 122, and the first elastic body 123.

[0091] The second restricting portion 124 includes a notch portion 124a and a restricting surface 124b. At this time, the distance in the X-axis direction between the restricting surface 121b of the first restricting portion 121 and the restricting surface 124b of the second restricting portion 124 may be substantially equal to the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the caster 33 of the chair 3.

[0092] The second contact portion 125 includes a protruding portion 125a that protrudes from the notch portion 124a of the second restricting portion 124 toward the +X axis side, and is a rotating member rotatably supported by the second restricting portion 124 around the second rotation axis 127. The protruding portion 125a includes an inclined surface 125b that inclines toward the clockwise side of the second contact portion 125 as it goes toward the outer side in the radial direction of the second rotation axis 127.

[0093] At this time, in the initial state where the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125 are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction, a caster 33 of the chair 3 cannot pass between the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125, and the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 125 are arranged.

[0094] And in the initial state where the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125 are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction, a reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 is arranged inside the restricting surface 121b of the first restricting portion 121, the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122, the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125, and the restricting surface 124b of the second restricting portion 124.

[0095] The second elastic body 126 is passed through the second rotation axis 127 so as to urge the second contact portion 125 toward the counterclockwise side when viewed from the +Z axis side. One end of the second elastic body 126 is hooked on the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125, and the other end of the second elastic body 126 is hooked on a second hooking piece 128 provided on the second restricting portion 124. However, the second elastic body 126 may have a configuration that can urge the second contact portion 125 toward the counterclockwise side when viewed from the +Z axis side.

[0096] When the user U performs lower limb exercises using such a limiting mechanism 120, the user U pushes one of the casters 33a on the Y-axis side of the chair 3 between the first limiting portion 121 and the second limiting portion 124 toward the Y-axis side. As a result, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 125 rotate to allow the caster 33a to move toward the Y-axis side.

[0097] Then, when the user U positions the caster 33a of the chair 3 on the Y-axis side with respect to the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 125, the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 125 return to their initial states by the biasing forces of the first elastic body 123 and the second elastic body 126. As a result, the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125 are arranged on the Y-axis + side with respect to the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0098] Next, the user U moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 to the Y-axis + side, brings it into contact with the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125, and arranges the caster 33a inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the end portion on the Z-axis + side of the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the end portion on the Z-axis + side of the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125 are arranged on the Z-axis + side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0099] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb exercises, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 125 toward the Y-axis + side. However, as described above, the rotation of the first contact portion 122 in the clockwise direction is restricted by the first limiting portion 121, and the rotation of the second contact portion 125 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted by the second limiting portion 124. Therefore, the rotation of the first contact portion 122 and the second contact portion 125 is restricted.

[0100] Moreover, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the protruding portion 122a of the first contact portion 122 and the end portion on the +Z axis side of the protruding portion 125a of the second contact portion 125 are arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3. Therefore, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 to the +Y axis side can be restricted.

[0101] Moreover, since the caster 33a of the chair 3 is sandwiched between the restricting surface 121b of the first restricting portion 121 and the restricting surface 124b of the second restricting portion 124 in the X-axis direction, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 in the X-axis direction can also be restricted.

[0102] In addition, when the lower limb movement is completed and the chair 3 is moved to the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 from the chair 3, since the space on the +Z axis side of the restricting mechanism 120 is open, when the user U moves the chair 3 to the +Y axis side while pulling up the caster 33a of the chair 3 on the +Z axis side, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0103] Here, it is preferable that the restricting mechanism 120 is configured to be detachable from the exercise device 2. That is, the base portion (first base portion) 41 is shorter in the Y-axis direction than the base portion 41 in the first embodiment and the like, and the second base portion 129 provided with the first restricting portion 121, the first contact portion 122, the first elastic body 123, the second restricting portion 124, the second contact portion 125, and the second elastic body 126 can be connected to the end portion on the +Y axis side of the first base portion 41 using a detaching mechanism 130 such as bolts, for example.

[0104] Thereby, the portion provided with the first restricting portion 121, the first contact portion 122, the first elastic body 123, the second restricting portion 124, the second contact portion 125, and the second elastic body 126 in the restricting mechanism 120 can be easily removed from the exercise device 2, and the versatility of the exercise device 2 can be improved.

[0105] However, the first restricting portion 121, the first contact portion 122, the first elastic body 123, the second restricting portion 124, the second contact portion 125, and the second elastic body 126 may be provided on the base portion 41 as in the first embodiment or the like.

[0106] In a region on the -Y axis side with respect to the reference arrangement range A1 in the second base portion 129, a protruding portion 129a may be formed so as to straddle the central axis AX1 of the exercise apparatus 2. Thereby, movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 to the -Y axis side can also be restricted.

[0107] Further, the restricting mechanism 120 may include a guiding portion 131 for guiding the caster 33a of the chair 3 between the restricting surface 121b of the first restricting portion 121 and the restricting surface 124b of the second restricting portion 124. The guiding portion 131 includes a guiding surface 131a whose width dimension in the X-axis direction is narrowed as it goes toward the -Y axis side. Thereby, the caster 33a of the chair 3 can be easily pushed between the restricting surface 121b of the first restricting portion 121 and the restricting surface 124b of the second restricting portion 124.

[0108] <Embodiment 5> FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of the restricting mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the restricting mechanism 140 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the base portion (first base portion) 41, a second base portion 141, a housing portion 142, and a locking mechanism 143, and the position with respect to the exercise apparatus 2 is restricted in a region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise apparatus 2.

[0109] The second base portion 141 includes a bottom portion 141a and side wall portions 141b, and is fixed to the first base portion 41, for example, in a state of being disposed on the +Z axis side surface of the first base portion 41. The bottom portion 141a is, for example, a substantially rectangular plate member when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and a portion on the -Y axis side of the bottom portion 141a has a high step shape with respect to a portion on the +Y axis side. At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 is disposed in a portion on the +Y axis side of the bottom portion 141a.

[0110] The side wall portion 141b protrudes toward the +Z axis from the -X axis side end, the -Y axis side end, and the +X axis side end of the bottom portion 141a. That is, the side wall portion 141b is arranged along the periphery of the bottom portion 141a except for the +Y axis side end of the bottom portion 141a.

[0111] In the initial state shown in FIG. 10, the accommodating portion 142 is a box member with the +Y axis side portion and the +Z axis side portion of the accommodating portion 142 being open. As shown in FIG. 10, the accommodating portion 142 can accommodate the caster 33a of the chair 3 inside the accommodating portion 142.

[0112] Such an accommodating portion 142 is supported by the second base portion 141 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis 144 provided at the -Y axis side and -Z axis side corner of the accommodating portion 142 in the initial state shown in FIG. 10.

[0113] The rotation axis 144 extends in the X axis direction and passes through the +Y axis side end of the +X axis side portion of the side wall portion 141b and the +Y axis side end of the -X axis side portion in the second base portion 141. At this time, the accommodating portion 142 is arranged so as to have a bilaterally symmetric configuration with the central axis AX1 of the exercise device 2 as the axis of symmetry.

[0114] The locking mechanism 143 includes a claw portion 143a, a guide portion 143b, and an elastic body 143c. The claw portion 143a is, for example, a substantially L-shaped block member when viewed from the X axis direction, and has an inclined surface 143d at the +Y axis side end of the claw portion 143a.

[0115] The inclined surface 143d inclines toward the +Z axis as it goes toward the -Y axis. Such a claw portion 143a is arranged at the -Y axis side portion of the bottom portion 141a in the second base portion 141 and extends in the Y axis direction. At this time, in the initial state of the restriction mechanism 140 shown in FIG. 10, the inclined surface 143d of the claw portion 143a protrudes toward the +Y axis side portion of the second base portion 141.

[0116] The guide portion 143b is a substantially C-shaped block member when viewed from the Y-axis direction. And the inner shape of the guide portion 143b is substantially equal to the outer shape of the portion of the claw portion 143a that extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0117] The guide portion 143b is fixed to the Y-axis-side portion of the bottom portion 141a of the second base portion 141 with the portion of the claw portion 143a that extends in the Y-axis direction passed through the inside of the guide portion 143b. At this time, the portion of the claw portion 143a that extends in the Z-axis direction is arranged on the Y-axis-side with respect to the guide portion 143b.

[0118] The elastic body 143c is arranged between the Y-axis-side portion of the side wall portion 141b of the second base portion 141 and the portion of the claw portion 143a that extends in the Z-axis direction, and biases the claw portion 143a in the Y-axis + direction.

[0119] When the user U performs lower limb movement using such a restriction mechanism 140, the user U moves one caster 33a on the Y-axis-side of the chair 3 to the Y-axis-side and accommodates it inside the accommodating portion 142. And when the user U further moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 to the Y-axis-side, the accommodating portion 142 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the X-axis + direction.

[0120] At this time, the inclined surface 143d of the claw portion 143a Y is inclined toward the Z-axis + direction as it goes toward the axis-side, so that the accommodating portion 142 contacts the inclined surface 143d of the claw portion 143a and pushes the claw portion 143a toward the Y-axis-side.

[0121] And when the accommodating portion 142 is arranged on the Y-axis + side portion of the bottom portion 141a of the second base portion 141, the Z-axis-side portion of the accommodating portion 142 (that is, the portion substantially parallel to the XY plane) is arranged at a lower position in the Z-axis direction with respect to the Y-axis-side portion of the bottom portion 141a of the second base portion 141.

[0122] Therefore, the elastic body 143c pushes the claw portion 143a in the +Y axis direction, and the end portion of the claw portion 143a on the +Y axis side covers the end portion on the -Y axis side of the portion on the -Z axis side of the housing portion 142. Thereby, the rotation of the housing portion 142 is restricted, and the caster 33a of the chair 3 is surrounded by the housing portion 142 from the +X axis side, the +Y axis side, and the -X axis side.

[0123] After that, the caster 33a of the chair 3 is moved in the +Y axis direction and brought into contact with the portion on the +Y axis side of the housing portion 142, and the caster 33a is arranged inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the portion on the +Y axis side of the housing portion 142 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0124] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb movement, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the housing portion 142 in the +Y axis direction, but the rotation of the housing portion 142 is restricted by the claw portion 143a as described above. Moreover, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the portion on the +Y axis side of the housing portion 142 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0125] Therefore, it is possible to restrict the caster 33a from moving in the +Y axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1. Moreover, since the caster 33a is sandwiched between the portion on the +X axis side and the portion on the -X axis side of the housing portion 142 in the X axis direction, it is also possible to restrict the caster 33a from moving in the X axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1.

[0126] In addition, when the lower limb movement is completed and the chair 3 is moved in the +Y axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, if the user U pushes the claw portion 143a in the -Y axis direction to allow the rotation of the housing portion 142 and then moves the chair 3 in the +Y axis direction, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0127] The restriction mechanism 140 of the present embodiment is fixed to the exercise device 2 via the first base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise device 2.

[0128] <Embodiment 6> FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the specific configuration of the restriction mechanism of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the specific configuration of the restriction mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the restriction mechanism 150 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the base portion (first base portion) 41, a second base portion 151, a first restriction portion 152, a second restriction portion 153, a movable plate 154, and an elastic body, and the position with respect to the exercise device 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise device 2.

[0129] The second base portion 151 is, for example, a substantially rectangular plate member when viewed from the +Z axis side, and is fixed to the first base portion 41 in a state of being disposed on the +Z axis side surface of the first base portion 41. The first restriction portion 152 is a substantially rectangular block member extending in the Y-axis direction, and includes a restriction surface 152a substantially parallel to the YZ plane at the -X axis side end of the first restriction portion 152.

[0130] The second restriction portion 153 is disposed on the -X axis side with respect to the first restriction portion 152. The second restriction portion 153 is a substantially rectangular block member extending in the Y-axis direction, and includes a restriction surface 153a substantially parallel to the YZ plane at the +X axis side end of the second restriction portion 153.

[0131] These first restriction portion 152 and second restriction portion 153 are fixed to the -Y axis side portion of the second base portion 151 such that the first restriction portion 152 and the second restriction portion 153 have a left-right symmetric configuration with the central axis AX1 of the exercise device 2 as the axis of symmetry. At this time, the distance in the X-axis direction between the first restriction portion 152 and the second restriction portion 153 is preferably substantially equal to the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the caster 33 of the chair 3.

[0132] The movable plate 154 is a substantially rectangular plate member when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and is disposed so as to protrude from the second base portion 151 toward the +Y axis side. The movable plate 154 is supported by the second base portion 151 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 155 provided at the +Y axis side end of the second base portion 151. The rotation shaft 155 extends in the X-axis direction.

[0133] When viewed from the +X-axis side, the elastic body biases the movable plate 154 clockwise. The elastic body may be configured, for example, as a torsion spring. Then, with the elastic body passed through the rotation shaft 155, one end of the elastic body is fixed to the second base portion 151, and the other end of the elastic body is fixed to the movable plate 154.

[0134] However, the elastic body may have any configuration as long as it can bias the movable plate 154 clockwise when viewed from the +X-axis side. Also, in the present embodiment, the elastic body biases the movable plate 154 clockwise, but a weight may be provided at the end of the movable plate 154 on the +Y-axis side to bias the movable plate 154 clockwise.

[0135] In such a configuration, in the initial state of the restriction mechanism 150 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when viewed from the +X-axis side, the movable plate 154 rotates clockwise and is disposed in an inclined state toward the -Z-axis direction as it goes in the +Y-axis direction. At this time, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 is disposed inside the restriction surface 152a of the first restriction portion 152, the movable plate 154, and the restriction surface 153a of the second restriction portion 153.

[0136] When the user U performs lower limb movement using the restriction mechanism 150, the user U moves one caster 33a on the -Y-axis side of the chair 3 in the -Y-axis direction and places it on the movable plate 154. As a result, due to the self-weight of the caster 33a of the chair 3, when viewed from the +X-axis side, the movable plate 154 rotates counterclockwise, and the -Z-axis side surface of the movable plate 154 is substantially in surface contact with the +Z-axis side surface of the second base portion 151, and the movable plate 154 is disposed substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0137] User U further moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the -Y axis direction, inserts the caster 33a between the limiting surface 152a of the first limiting part 152 and the limiting surface 153a of the second limiting part 153, and moves it away from the +Z axis side surface of the movable plate 154. At this time, since the movable plate 154 is biased clockwise when viewed from the +X axis side by the elastic body, the movable plate 154 returns to the initial state where it rotates clockwise.

[0138] As a result, when viewed from the +X axis side, the rotation of the movable plate 154 counterclockwise is restricted, and the caster 33a of the chair 3 is surrounded by the limiting surface 152a of the first limiting part 152, the movable plate 154, and the limiting surface 153a of the second limiting part 153 from the +X axis side, +Y axis side, and -X axis side.

[0139] After that, user U moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the +Y axis direction, brings it into contact with the -Y axis side end of the movable plate 154, and arranges the caster 33a inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the +Z axis side end of the movable plate 154 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0140] In such a state, when user U performs lower limb movement, the caster 33a pushes the movable plate 154 in the +Y axis direction, but the movable plate 154 is biased clockwise in the initial state where it rotates clockwise. Moreover, the +Z axis side end of the movable plate 154 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0141] Therefore, the rotation of the movable plate 154 counterclockwise is restricted, and the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 from the reference arrangement range A1 in the +Y axis direction can be restricted. Moreover, since the caster 33a is sandwiched between the limiting surface 152a of the first limiting part 152 and the limiting surface 153a of the second limiting part 153 from the X axis direction, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 in the X axis direction can also be restricted.

[0142] In addition, when the lower limb exercise is completed and the chair 3 is moved in the +Y-axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, for example, an extending portion is provided on the movable plate 154 in the +X-axis direction, and the user U steps on it. When the movable plate 154 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the +X-axis side and the movable plate 154 is arranged substantially parallel to the XY plane while moving the chair 3 in the +Y-axis direction, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0143] Here, the restriction mechanism 150 preferably includes a guiding portion 156 for guiding the caster 33a of the chair 3 between the restricting surface 152a of the first restricting portion 152 and the restricting surface 153a of the second restricting portion 153.

[0144] The guiding portion 156 includes a guiding surface 156a whose width dimension in the X-axis direction is narrowed as it goes toward the -Y-axis side. Thereby, the caster 33a of the chair 3 can be easily pushed between the restricting surface 152a of the first restricting portion 152 and the restricting surface 153a of the second restricting portion 153.

[0145] The restriction mechanism 150 of the present embodiment is fixed to the exercise device 2 via the first base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise device 2.

[0146] <Embodiment 7> FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration of the restriction mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the restriction mechanism 160 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to the base portion 41, a hook portion 161 and an elastic body, and the position with respect to the exercise device 2 is restricted in the +Y-axis side region with respect to the exercise device 2.

[0147] The hook portion 161 is a substantially C-shaped linear member whose -Y-axis side is open when viewed in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the width dimension W1 in the X-axis direction inside the hook portion 161 is preferably substantially equal to the width dimension in the X-axis direction of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0148] The end of the engaging portion 161 on the +X axis side is rotatably connected to the base portion 41 about the X axis via the first fixing jig 162, and the end of the engaging portion 161 on the -X axis side is rotatably connected to the base portion 41 about the X axis via the second fixing jig 163.

[0149] The engaging portion 161 extends from the first fixing jig 162 and the second fixing jig 163 toward the +Y axis side. And the engaging portion 161 is arranged to have a bilaterally symmetric configuration with the central axis AX1 of the exercise equipment 2 as the axis of symmetry.

[0150] Here, it is preferable that a recessed portion 41b capable of accommodating the engaging portion 161 is formed in the base portion 41 in a state where the engaging portion 161 is arranged substantially parallel to the XY plane. At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 is arranged in the region inside the recessed portion 41b.

[0151] The elastic body biases the engaging portion 161 counterclockwise when viewed from the +X axis side. The elastic body may be constituted by, for example, a torsion spring. And in a state where the elastic body is passed through the end on the -X axis side or the end on the +X axis side of the engaging portion 161, one end of the elastic body is fixed to the engaging portion 161, and the other end of the elastic body is fixed to the base portion 41. However, the elastic body may have a configuration capable of biasing the engaging portion 161 counterclockwise when viewed from the +X axis side.

[0152] In such a configuration, in the initial state of the restriction mechanism 160 shown in FIG. 13, when viewed from the +X axis side, the engaging portion 161 rotates counterclockwise and is arranged in an inclined state toward the +Z axis side as it goes toward the +Y axis side.

[0153] And when the user U performs lower limb movement using the restriction mechanism 160, when viewed from the +X axis side, the user U rotates the engaging portion 161 clockwise and accommodates it in the recessed portion 41b of the base portion 41, and moves one caster 33a on the -Y axis side of the chair 3 toward the -Y axis side, and arranges the caster 33a in the region inside the recessed portion 41b when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0154] Next, when the user U releases the state in which the engaging portion 161 is rotated clockwise, as viewed from the +X axis side, since the elastic body biases the engaging portion 161 counterclockwise, the engaging portion 161 rotates counterclockwise and returns to the initial state.

[0155] As a result, the caster 33a of the chair 3 is hooked by the engaging portion 161 from the +Y axis side, and the caster 33a is sandwiched by the engaging portion 161 from the X-axis direction, and the caster 33a is disposed inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the engaging portion 161 is disposed on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0156] In such a state, when the user U performs a lower limb movement, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the engaging portion 161 into the +Y axis side. However, as viewed from the +X axis side, since the engaging portion 161 is biased counterclockwise by the elastic body, the rotation of the engaging portion 161 clockwise is restricted. Moreover, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the engaging portion 161 is disposed on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0157] Therefore, the state in which the caster 33a of the chair 3 is hooked by the engaging portion 161 is maintained, and the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 to the +Y axis side can be restricted. Moreover, since the caster 33a is sandwiched by the engaging portion 161 from the X-axis direction, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 in the X-axis direction can also be restricted.

[0158] In addition, when the lower limb movement ends and the chair 3 is moved to the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, as viewed from the +X axis side, when the user U rotates the engaging portion 161 clockwise and accommodates it in the recess 41b of the base portion 41 while moving the chair 3 to the +Y axis side, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0159] The limiting mechanism 160 of the present embodiment is fixed to the exercise apparatus 2 via the base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise apparatus 2.

[0160] <Embodiment 8> FIG. 14 is a side view showing the specific configuration of the limiting mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the limiting mechanism 170 of the present embodiment includes a movable plate 171 and an elastic body 172, and the position with respect to the exercise apparatus 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise apparatus 2.

[0161] The movable plate 171 is, for example, a plate member substantially parallel to the XZ plane, and a plurality of them are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. Here, in the present embodiment, a recess 173 is formed in the floor surface FL of the facility, and a plurality of movable plates 171 are arranged in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise apparatus 2 in the recess 173 as viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0162] At this time, the movable plates 171 are arranged so as to have a bilaterally symmetric configuration with the central axis AX1 of the exercise apparatus 2 as the axis of symmetry. And, as viewed from the Z-axis direction, a reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 is arranged inside the arrangement region of the plurality of movable plates 171.

[0163] That is, the recess 173 includes the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. And the recess 173 is covered with a lid portion 174. The lid portion 174 includes a plurality of through holes 174a arranged in the Y-axis direction, and the movable plates 171 are passed through the respective through holes 174a in the Z-axis direction.

[0164] At this time, the lid portion 174 preferably has a thickness in the Z-axis direction that can support the movable plate 171 so that the movable plate 171 does not tilt in the Y-axis direction in a state where the movable plate 171 is passed through the through hole 174a. The elastic body 172 is arranged inside the recess 173 and biases the movable plate 171 in the +Z axis direction.

[0165] In such a configuration, in the initial state of the limiting mechanism 170, all the movable plates 171 protrude from the lid portion 174 to the +Z axis side. When the user U performs lower limb exercises using the limiting mechanism 170, for example, when the user U pushes in the movable plate 171 with a leg or the like to move the movable plate 171 to the -Z axis side and accommodate it inside the recess 173, one caster 33a on the -Y axis side of the chair 3 is moved to the -Y axis side and arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the plurality of movable plates 171.

[0166] Next, when the user U releases the depression of the movable plate 171, since the movable plate 171 is biased to the +Z axis side by the elastic body 172, the movable plate 171 on which the caster 33a is not arranged on the +Z axis side moves to the +Z axis side and returns to the initial state.

[0167] As a result, the caster 33a of the chair 3 is sandwiched in the Y-axis direction by the movable plate 171 arranged on the -Y axis side with respect to the caster 33a and the movable plate 171 arranged on the +Y axis side with respect to the caster 33a, and the caster 33a is arranged inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the movable plate 171 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0168] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb exercises, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the movable plate 171 arranged on the +Y axis side with respect to the caster 33a to the +Y axis side, but the movable plate 171 is biased to the +Z axis side by the elastic body 172.

[0169] As a result, the movement of the movable plate 171 to the -Z axis side is restricted, and the state where the movable plate 171 protrudes from the lid portion 174 to the +Z axis side is maintained. Moreover, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the movable plate 171 is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0170] Therefore, it is possible to restrict the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the +Y-axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1. Moreover, since the caster 33a is sandwiched from the Y-axis direction, it is also possible to restrict the movement of the caster 33a in the -Y-axis direction from the reference arrangement range A1.

[0171] In addition, when the lower limb movement is completed and the chair 3 is moved in the +Y-axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, the user U pushes the movable plate 171 disposed on the +Y-axis side with respect to the caster 33a with the leg or the like, moves the movable plate 171 in the -Z-axis direction, and accommodates it inside the recess 173, and then moves the chair 3 in the +Y-axis direction, so that the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0172] <Embodiment 9> FIG. 15 is a side view showing a specific configuration of the restriction mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the restriction mechanism 180 of the present embodiment includes a base portion 181 and a protruding portion 182, and the position with respect to the exercise device 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y-axis side with respect to the exercise device 2.

[0173] The base portion 181 is a plate member substantially parallel to the XY plane. The protruding portion 182 is, for example, a plate-shaped elastic member that inclines in the +Z-axis direction as it goes toward the -Y-axis side. A plurality of the protruding portions 182 are fixed to the +Z-axis side surface of the base portion 181 at intervals in the Y-axis direction. However, the protruding portion 182 is not limited to the plate shape and may be a pin shape. Here, the base portion 181 and the protruding portion 182 are preferably integrally formed of an elastic material.

[0174] Such a restriction mechanism 180 may be fixed in a region on the +Y-axis side with respect to the exercise device 2 on the floor surface FL of the facility so that the restriction mechanism 180 is disposed in a region including the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 as viewed in the Z-axis direction, or may be fixed to the +Z-axis side surface of the base portion 41.

[0175] When the user U performs lower limb exercises using the limiting mechanism 180, for example, when the user U moves one caster 33a on the Y-axis - side of the chair 3 to the Y-axis - side on the Z-axis + side with respect to the plurality of protrusions 182 and arranges it inside the reference arrangement range A1.

[0176] At this time, since the protrusion 182 is an elastic member, as the caster 33a is not arranged on the Z-axis + side, the protrusion 182 returns to an inclined state on the Z-axis + side as it moves toward the Y-axis - side. Further, the end portion of the protrusion 182 on the Z-axis + side is arranged on the Z-axis + side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0177] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb exercises, the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the protrusion 182 arranged on the Y-axis + side with respect to the caster 33a toward the Y-axis + side. However, when viewed from the Z-axis + side, the protrusion 182 made of an elastic member exhibits a restoring force in the counterclockwise direction.

[0178] As a result, the rotation of the protrusion 182 in the clockwise direction is restricted, and the state where the protrusion 182 protrudes from the base portion 181 on the Z-axis + side is maintained. Moreover, the end portion of the protrusion 182 on the Z-axis + side is arranged on the Z-axis + side with respect to the center of the caster 33a of the chair 3. Therefore, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 to the Y-axis + side can be restricted.

[0179] When the lower limb exercise is completed and the chair 3 is moved to the Y-axis + side with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, the user U rotates the protrusion 182 arranged on the Y-axis + side with respect to the caster 33a in the counterclockwise direction and tilts it while moving the caster 33a of the chair 3 to the Y-axis + side, and the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0180] <Embodiment 10> FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the specific configuration of the restriction mechanism of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the restriction mechanism 190 of the present embodiment includes a clamp mechanism 191 in addition to the base portion 41. For example, by fixing the clamp mechanism 191 to the base portion 41, the position with respect to the exercise device 2 is restricted in the region on the +Y axis side with respect to the exercise device 2.

[0181] The clamp mechanism 191 is configured by, for example, a general cam-type toggle clamp mechanism, and is configured such that the clamp portion 191b opens and closes by pushing and pulling the handle 191a in the Y-axis direction.

[0182] At this time, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the clamp portion 191b forms a ring shape that can accommodate the pivot axis AX3 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 inside the clamp portion 191b in the closed state. And, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the inner region with respect to the clamp portion 191b in the closed state overlaps with the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3.

[0183] When the user U performs lower limb exercise using such a restriction mechanism 190, while the user U moves one caster 33a on the -Y axis side of the chair 3 to the -Y axis side, the pivot axis AX3 of the caster 33a is arranged inside the open clamp portion 191b.

[0184] Then, the user U operates the handle 191a to close the clamp portion 191b, moves the caster 33a of the chair 3 to the +Y axis side, and brings the pivot axis AX3 of the caster 33a into contact with the end portion on the +Y axis side of the inner peripheral portion of the closed clamp portion 191b, and arranges the caster 33a inside the reference arrangement range A1. At this time, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the clamp portion 191b is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a.

[0185] In such a state, when the user U performs lower limb movement, the pivot axis AX3 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 pushes the clamp portion 191b of the clamp mechanism 191 in the +Y axis direction, but the clamp portion 191b is in a closed state. Moreover, the end portion on the +Z axis side of the clamp portion 191b is arranged on the +Z axis side with respect to the center of the caster 33a. Therefore, the movement of the caster 33a from the reference arrangement range A1 in the +Y axis direction can be restricted.

[0186] When the lower limb movement is completed and the chair 3 is moved in the +Y axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2 to separate the exercise device 2 and the chair 3, the user U operates the handle 191a of the clamp mechanism 191 to open the clamp portion 191b, and then moves the chair 3 in the +Y axis direction, so that the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated.

[0187] The clamp portion 191b of the clamp mechanism 191 of the present embodiment forms a ring shape in the closed state, but as shown in FIG. 17, it may be configured to sandwich the caster 33a of the chair 3. Further, the restriction mechanism 190 of the present embodiment is fixed to the exercise device 2 via the base portion 41, but may be detachably connected to the exercise device 2.

[0188] <Other Embodiments> In the restriction mechanism of the above embodiment, for example, the contact portion and the like are arranged according to one reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3, but a plurality of contact portions and the like may be arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0189] For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of convex contact portions 201 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the contact portion 201 can be appropriately selected according to the length of the user U's leg. That is, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 can be appropriately changed according to the user U. In addition, a plurality of contact portions and the like in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 10 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction, and the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a may be adjustable in the Y-axis direction.

[0190] The lower limb exercise device of the above embodiment may be provided with a moving mechanism that moves a contact portion or the like in the Y-axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2. Also in this case, the position of the contact portion in the Y-axis direction can be appropriately adjusted according to the length of the user U's leg. At this time, the moving mechanism may have a configuration that can move a contact portion or the like in the Y-axis direction with respect to the exercise device 2. For example, a configuration that moves a contact portion or the like by driving with a motor or operating a lever may be used.

[0191] Specifically, for example, the moving mechanism connects the exercise device 2 and the contact portion by a linear guide with a locking mechanism capable of changing the relative position between the exercise device 2 and the contact portion, so that the relative position between the exercise device 2 and the contact portion can be adjusted. Thereby, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a can be adjusted in the Y-axis direction.

[0192] For example, as shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the restricting mechanism drives the other end 202b of the restraining portion 202 by a motor (for example, the telescopic portion 203) or a lever operation 204 or the like with one end 202a of the restraining portion 202 fixed in a region on the Y-axis - side with respect to the reference arrangement range A1, and pulls in (extends and contracts) the plurality of casters 33 of the chair 3 from the Y-axis + side to the Y-axis - side, or winds (rotates) them so as to wrap the plurality of casters 33, and fixes the other end 202b of the restraining portion 202, thereby constituting a restraining mechanism for restraining the chair 3. At this time, the restraining portion 202 may restrain only the caster 33a instead of restraining the plurality of casters 33 of the chair 3. Thereby, the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a can be adjusted in the Y-axis direction.

[0193] In short, the restricting mechanism may have a configuration that can restrict the caster 33a of the chair 3 from moving at least to the Y-axis + side from the reference arrangement range A1. Therefore, the contact portion may be, for example, a plate member disposed near the end on the Y-axis + side of the reference arrangement range A1 of the caster 33a of the chair 3 or a plurality of pin members arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0194] Here, it is preferable that the restricting mechanism is configured to have less restriction on the movement of the caster 33a of the chair 3 in the -Y axis direction than in the +Y axis direction. As a result, after the lower limb movement is completed, once the caster 33a is moved in the -Y axis direction and then the chair 3 is moved in the +Y axis direction so as to avoid the restricting mechanism, the exercise device 2 and the chair 3 can be easily separated from each other.

[0195] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0196] 1 Lower limb exercise system 2 Exercise device 21 Main body part 22 First pedal 23 Second pedal 24 First crank 25 Second crank 26 Rotation axis 3 Chair 31 Seat surface 32 Leg part 33 Caster 33a Caster disposed on the -Y axis side of the chair, 33b Wheel 4 Restricting mechanism 41 Base part (first base part), 41a Inclined part, 41b Concave part 42 Contact part 43 Claw part 5 Lower limb exercise equipment 100 Restricting mechanism 101 Fixing part, 101a Base part, 101b First side wall part, 101c Second side wall part 102 Axis 103 Contact part, 103a Protruding part 110 Restricting mechanism 111 First contact part, 111a Protruding part 112 First locking mechanism, 112a Locking claw, 112b Inclined surface, 112c Vertical surface 113 Second contact part, 113a Protruding part 114 First rotation axis 115 Second rotation axis 116 Protrusion 120 Limiting mechanism 121 First limiting part, 121a Notch part, 121b Limiting surface 122 First contact part, 122a Protrusion, 122b Inclined surface 123 First elastic body 124 Second limiting part, 124a Notch part, 124b Limiting surface 125 Second contact part, 125a Protrusion, 125b Inclined surface 126 Second elastic body 127 Second rotation axis 128 Second hook piece 129 Second base part, 129a Protrusion 130 Detaching and attaching mechanism 131 Guiding part, 131a Guiding surface 140 Limiting mechanism 141 Second base part, 141a Bottom part, 141b Side wall part 142 Accommodating part 143 Locking mechanism, 143a Claw part, 143b Guiding part, 143c Elastic body, 143d Inclined surface 144 Rotation axis 150 Limiting mechanism 151 Second base part 152 First limiting part, 152a Limiting surface 153 Second limiting part, 153a Limiting surface 154 Movable plate 155 Rotation axis 156 Guiding part, 156a Guiding surface 160 Limiting mechanism 161 Hooking part 162 First fixing jig 163 Second fixing jig 170 Limiting mechanism 171 Movable plate 172 Elastic body 173 Concave part 174 Cover part, 174a Through hole 180 Limiting mechanism 181 Base part 182 Protrusion 190 Limiting mechanism 191 Clamping mechanism, 191a Handle, 191b Clamping part 201 Contact part 202 Restraining part 203 Telescopic part 204 Lever operation A1 Reference arrangement range AX1 Central axis of the sports equipment AX2 Rotation axis of the caster AX3 Swivel axis of the caster FL Floor surface of the facility U User W1 Inner width dimension of the engaging part

Claims

1. A lower limb exercise device used for performing lower limb exercises while a user is sitting on a chair, an exercise device for the user to perform lower limb exercises, and a limiting mechanism for restricting at least one caster of the chair from moving out of a reference arrangement range of the caster during lower limb exercises, comprising: the limiting mechanism includes a contact portion that contacts the caster moving away from the exercise device, the position of the contact portion with respect to the exercise device is restricted in a region on the side away from the exercise device in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device, with the caster arranged inside the reference arrangement range and the contact portion arranged at the uppermost position, the upper end portion of the contact portion is arranged at a position higher than the center of the caster, the contact portion is a movable plate that is movable in the vertical direction of the lower limb exercise device and biased upwardly with respect to the lower limb exercise device. A lower limb exercise device.

2. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the upper part of the limiting mechanism is open.

3. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the limiting mechanism is capable of adjusting the position of the reference arrangement range of the caster in the front-rear direction.

4. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the limiting mechanisms are provided in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device to enable adjustment of the position of the reference arrangement range of the caster in the front-rear direction.

5. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 3, wherein the reference arrangement range of the caster can be adjusted in the front-rear direction by moving the limiting mechanism in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device.

6. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the contact portions are arranged in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device.

7. A lower limb exercise device used for performing lower limb exercises while a user is sitting on a chair, an exercise device for the user to perform lower limb exercises, and a limiting mechanism for restricting at least one caster of the chair from moving out of a reference arrangement range of the caster during lower limb exercises, comprising: the limiting mechanism includes a grounding portion of the caster whose position with respect to the exercise device is restricted in a region on the side away from the exercise device in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device, and the frictional force towards the side away from the exercise device is greater than the frictional force towards the side of the exercise device. A lower limb exercise device.

8. The grounding part includes a protruding part that inclines upward toward the upper part of the lower limb exercise device as it goes toward the side of the exercise device. The protruding part is made of an elastic body and a plurality of them are arranged in the front-rear direction of the lower limb exercise device. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 7.

9. The limiting mechanism is detachable from the exercise device. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The lower limb exercise device according to claim 1 or 7, the chair, comprising a lower limb exercise system.

11. The exercise device includes a pair of left and right pedals for placing the user's feet, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the pedals when the user's feet step on the pedals. The lower limb exercise system according to claim 10.

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