Posture support device

Abstract

To provide a posture support device which enables improvement of flexibility of a position and an angle of a support member compared to conventional arts.SOLUTION: A posture support device includes: at least one fixing board 20 disposed at a seat back 102; and at least one support member 30 disposed at the fixing board 20. The support member 30 may be disposed in an arbitrary position of a front surface 21 of the fixing board 20 at an arbitrary angle. Thus, not only a position of the support member 30 can be adjusted in a lateral direction in addition to a vertical direction, but also an angle can be adjusted, relative to the seat back 102. Therefore, flexibility of the position and the angle of the support member 30 can be improved compared to conventional arts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a posture support device that supports the posture of a person sitting on a seat.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-045098 discloses a technique for supporting the posture of a seated person by providing a support member formed of ridges on a seat back.

[0003] Since the skeleton, muscle strength, etc. vary among individuals depending on differences in gender, age, etc., it is desirable that the position and angle of the support member be adjustable with respect to the seat back. However, in the technique disclosed in the above publication, the support member can be adjusted in position in the vertical direction, but cannot be adjusted in position in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction. Also, the angle of the support member cannot be changed or adjusted. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of increasing the degree of freedom of the position and angle of the support member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a posture support device capable of increasing the degree of freedom of the position and angle of a support member as compared with the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] <0​​​​The posture support device of the present invention, which supports the posture of a person sitting in a seat, comprises at least one fixing plate disposed on the seat back of the seat, and at least one support member disposed on the fixing plate. The fixing plate is formed separately from the seat back and disposed on the front of the seat back, or disposed inside the seat back. The support member can be positioned at any angle and location on the front surface of the fixed plate. At least one of the support members is a first support member having a general surface portion and a protruding surface portion that protrudes more from the seat towards the occupant than the general surface portion. The protruding surface is provided on at least a portion of the central part of the first support member in the width direction when the first support member is arranged on the fixing plate at a basic angle in which the center line in the width direction of the first support member is in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the first support member. (2) [Examples 1 and 2] In (1) above, the fixed plate is designed to be difficult to move in at least one of the following directions relative to the seat back when in use: up, down, left, right, forward, or backward. (3) [Examples 1 and 2] In (2) above, the fixing plate is designed to be difficult to move at least downward relative to the seat back when in use. ( 4 ) [Examples 1, 2] the above( 1 In this configuration, the first support member has a lower portion when it is positioned on the fixed plate at the basic angle, and an upper portion located above the lower portion. The lower part protrudes more towards the seated person than the upper part. ( 5 ) [Example 1] In (1) above, the fixing plate is formed separately from the seat back and is disposed on the front of the seat back. The support member is detachably attached to the fixing plate. ( 6 ) [Example 1] the above( 5 In this configuration, the fixed plate has a regularly arranged pattern on at least the front surface of the fixed plate. ( 7 ) [Example 1] The posture support device of the present invention, which supports the posture of a person sitting in a seat, comprises at least one fixing plate disposed on the seat back of the seat, and at least one support member disposed on the fixing plate. The aforementioned fixing plate is formed separately from the seat back and is disposed on the front of the seat back. The support member can be positioned at any angle at any position on the front surface of the fixed plate and is detachable from the fixed plate. The fixed plate has a regularly arranged pattern on at least its front surface. The pattern of the fixed plate comprises at least one of the following: a pattern in which pattern elements provided on a horizontal line extending in the left-right direction are regularly arranged such that there are multiple rows in the vertical direction, and a pattern in which pattern elements provided on a vertical line extending in the vertical direction are regularly arranged such that there are multiple rows in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The posture support device described in (1) above provides the following benefits: The system includes at least one fixing plate mounted on the seat back and at least one support member mounted on the fixing plate. Since the support member can be positioned at any position and angle on the front surface of the fixing plate, the support member can be adjusted not only vertically but also horizontally relative to the seat back, as well as its angle. Therefore, the degree of freedom in position and angle of the support member can be increased compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, since at least one support member is a first support member having a general surface portion and a protruding surface portion, and the protruding surface portion is provided on at least a part of the widthwise central portion of the first support member when the first support member is positioned on the fixed plate at a basic angle, the contact area between the support member and the seated person's body can be increased, the load per unit area at the contact area can be reduced, and the seated person is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation or discomfort.

[0008] The posture support device described in (2) above provides the following benefits. Since the fixed plate is difficult to move in at least one direction relative to the seat back when in use, it can suppress displacement of the fixed plate relative to the seat back compared to a case where it can move relatively easily in all directions. Therefore, displacement of the support member provided on the fixed plate relative to the seat back can be suppressed.

[0009] The posture support device described in (3) above provides the following benefits. Since the fixed plate is difficult to move downward at least with respect to the seat back in the use state, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the fixed plate with respect to the seat back in the downward direction, which is most likely to deviate during use, compared to the case where it can move relatively easily downward. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the support member disposed on the fixed plate with respect to the seat back in the downward direction, which is most likely to deviate during use.

[0011] According to the above 4 posture support device, the following effects can be obtained. The first support member has a lower part and an upper part above the lower part when disposed on the fixed plate at the basic angle. Since the lower part has a larger protrusion amount toward the seated person side of the seat than the upper part, the area of the contact portion between the support member and the seated person's body can be increased, the load per unit area at the contact portion is reduced, and it is possible to make it difficult for the seated person to feel a foreign body sensation or discomfort.

[0012] According to the above 5 posture support device, the following effects can be obtained. Since the fixed plate is formed separately from the seat back and disposed on the front surface of the seat back, and the support member is detachable from the fixed plate, it is possible to relatively easily attach the support member at an arbitrary angle at an arbitrary position on the front surface of the fixed plate. In addition, by preparing a plurality of types of support members having different amounts of protrusion (bulging) forward from the fixed plate and selectively using the plurality of types of support members, it is possible to adjust the position of the support member not only in the vertical, horizontal directions but also in the front-rear direction with respect to the seat back.

[0013] According to the above 6 posture support device, the following effects can be obtained. Since the fixed plate has a regularly arranged pattern at least on the front surface of the fixed plate, it is possible to easily reproduce the optimal arrangement of the support members compared to the case where it does not have a pattern.

[0014] According to the above 7The posture support device of ) provides the following effects. The pattern on the fixed plate has at least one of the following: a pattern in which pattern elements are regularly arranged on a horizontal line extending in the left-right direction and have multiple rows in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the fixed plate, and a pattern in which pattern elements are regularly arranged on a vertical line extending in the up-down direction and have multiple rows in the left-right direction. As a result, the occupant can easily remember the position of the support members and easily reproduce the optimal position of the support members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the posture support device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This is an exploded perspective view of the fixing plate and support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the support member is semi-ellipsoidal. [Figure 2B] This is a perspective view of the support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the support member is hemispherical. [Figure 2C] This is a perspective view of the support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the support member is 1 / 4 spherical. [Figure 2D] This is a perspective view of the support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the support member is semi-cylindrical. [Figure 2E] This is a perspective view of the support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the support member is 1 / 4 cylindrical in shape. [Figure 2F] This is a perspective view of the support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where the support member has a 3D shape. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fixed plate and support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the fixing plate and support member in a modified example of the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5A]This is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of the fixing plate on the seat back in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of the fixing plate on the seat back in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5C] This is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of the fixing plate on the seat back in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the fixing plate on the seat back in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view showing an example of the fixed plate mounting state before the support member is installed in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7B] This is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of support members in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7C] This is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of support members in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7D] This is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of support members in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7E] This is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of support members in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7F] This is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of support members in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the fixing plate and a partially enlarged view of the fixing plate in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in which the fixing plate has a regularly arranged pattern. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the fixing plate and a partially enlarged view of the fixing plate in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in which the fixing plate has a regularly arranged pattern. [Figure 10A] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10B] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10C] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10D] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10E] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10F] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10G] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10H] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10I] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10J] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10K] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10L] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10M] This is a perspective view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first support member in the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the posture support device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 13A] This is a schematic side view of the skeleton and posture support device in a comparative example of the posture support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] This is a schematic side view of the skeleton and posture support device in a comparative example of the posture support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]This is a schematic front view of the seat and the seated person in a comparative example of the posture support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a rear view of the skeleton and support member in a comparative example of the posture support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The posture support device 10 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 11 show the posture support device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Figure 12 shows the posture support device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figures, UP indicates the upward direction of the seat, FR indicates the forward direction of the seat, and RH indicates the right direction of the seat. First, we will explain the parts that are common to all embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] The posture support device (hereinafter also simply referred to as "device") 10 of the embodiment of the present invention is a device that supports the posture of a person sitting in a seat 100. The seat 100 is, for example, a driver's seat installed in a vehicle. However, the seat 100 may be a vehicle seat such as a passenger seat, rear seat, or auxiliary seat. Also, the seat 100 may not be a vehicle seat, but a chair used in a house or elsewhere.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the seat 100 includes a seat cushion 101 on which the sitter sits, a seat back 102 positioned at the rear end of the seat cushion 101 and used as a backrest for the sitter, and a headrest 103 provided above the seat back 102 to support the sitter's head from the rear. The seat back 102 has side supports 102b at both the left and right ends, the front ends of which bulge forward from the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102. However, although the embodiments and illustrated examples of the present invention describe the case in which the side supports 102b and the headrest 103 are provided, the seat back 102 does not necessarily have to have the side supports 102b, nor does it necessarily have to have the headrest 103.

[0019] The device 10 includes a fixed plate 20 disposed on the seat back 102 and a support member 30 disposed on the fixed plate 20.

[0020] The fixing plate 20 may also be called the base. At least one fixing plate 20 is provided on the seat back 102. In the illustrated example, only one fixing plate 20 is provided on the seat back 102. The fixing plate 20 may be made of fiber, metal, or resin. If the fixing plate 20 is made of fiber, it may be a cloth made by knitting or weaving fibers, a nonwoven fabric, or a cloth similar to a nonwoven fabric. If the fixing plate 20 is made of resin, it may be made of a soft resin such as rubber.

[0021] The fixing plate 20 is positioned so as to overlap with at least a portion of the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102 when viewed from the front. In seats where side supports 102b are provided, the fixing plate 20 may also be positioned so as to overlap with the side supports 102b, or it may not be positioned so as to overlap with the side supports 102b.

[0022] The front view shape of the fixing plate 20 may be a polygon such as a rectangle, a circle including an ellipse or oblong, or any other shape. Other shapes include, for example, the same shape (including approximately the same shape) as the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 12, the fixing plate 20 is formed separately from the seat back 102 and is disposed on the front of the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102 (Example 1), or it is disposed in the front part inside the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102 (Example 2). Note that the front part inside the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102 is the front part when the interior is divided into two equal parts in the thickness direction of the seat back 102.

[0024] The mounting plate 20 may be movable relative to the seat back 102 in at least one of the following directions: up and down, left and right, and front and back, i.e., its position can be adjusted. However, in the state of use, the mounting plate 20 is difficult to move relative to the seat back 102 in at least one of the following directions: up, down, left, right, front, and back. The state of use refers to the state in which a seated person is actually using the seat, and if the mounting plate is adjustable, it refers to the state in which it is actually used by a seated person after its position has been adjusted. In the state of use, it is desirable that the mounting plate 20 is difficult to move relative to the seat back 102 in at least the downward direction, because it is prone to shifting downwards in the state of use.

[0025] At least one support member 30 is provided on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20. Although Figures 1 and 12 show the case where two support members 30 are provided on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20, the number of support members 30 provided on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20 may be one or three or more. The support member 30 may be made of urethane, metal or resin. If the support member 30 is made of urethane, it may be made of the same material as the pad provided inside the seat back 102. If the support member 30 is made of resin, it may be made of a soft resin such as rubber. The material of the support member 30 may be the same type with the same hardness, or multiple types with different hardness may be used. Each support member 30 can be provided at any position and at any angle on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20.

[0026] The shape of the support member 30 is not particularly limited, as shown in Figures 2A-2F. Figure 2A shows a semi-ellipsoidal, or semi-rugby ball shaped, support member 30a. Figure 2B shows a hemispherical support member 30b. Figure 2C shows a quarter-spherical support member 30c. Figure 2D shows a semi-cylindrical support member 30d. Figure 2E shows a quarter-cylindrical support member 30e. Figure 2F shows a support member 30f with other 3D shapes. The size of the support member 30 is also not particularly limited.

[0027] As shown in Figures 10A-10M, at least one support member 30 may be a first support member 30g having a general surface portion 32 and a protruding surface portion 33 that protrudes more toward the seated person than the general surface portion 32. The first support member 30g has a support surface 31 which is the surface toward the seated person and supports the seated person's posture, and the general surface portion 32 and the protruding surface portion 33 are provided on the support surface 31.

[0028] The protruding surface portion 33 is the portion that protrudes more toward the seated person than the general surface portion 32 portion at the same height when the first support member 30g is positioned on the front surface 21 of the fixing plate 20 at a basic angle where the widthwise center line CL of the first support member 30g is in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the first support member 30g.

[0029] The protruding surface portion 33 is provided on at least a part of the widthwise central portion of the first support member 30g when the first support member 30g is positioned on the front surface 21 of the fixing plate 20 at the basic angle.

[0030] The lower part 34 of the first support member 30g may protrude more toward the seated person than the upper part 35 when the first support member 30g is positioned on the front surface 21 of the fixing plate 20 at the basic angle.

[0031] Figures 10A-10E show an example of the first support member 30g, where the protrusion amounts of the lower part 34 and the upper part 35 are the same. Figure 10A shows a first support member 30ga in which the general surface portion 32 is flat and the protruding surface portion 33 has a U-shaped cross-section. Figure 10B shows the first support member 30gb, in which the general surface portion 32 is a flat surface and the protruding surface portion 33 has a semicircular cross-section. Figure 10C shows a first support member 30gc in which the general surface portion 32 is a convex inclined surface and the protruding surface portion 33 is a rectangular flat surface. Figure 10D shows a first support member 30gd in which the general surface portion 32 is a convex inclined surface and the protruding surface portion 33 is a surface with a U-shaped cross-section. Figure 10E shows a first support member 30ge in which the general surface portion 32 is a concave inclined surface and the protruding surface portion 33 is a surface with a U-shaped cross-section.

[0032] Furthermore, Figures 10F-10M show an example of the first support member 30g, where the lower part 34 protrudes more than the upper part 35. Figure 10F shows a first support member 30gf in which the amount of protrusion of the general surface portion 32 and the protruding surface portion 33 increases as it goes downwards, and the protruding surface portion 33 has a U-shaped cross-section. Figure 10G shows a first support member 30gg in which the amount of protrusion of the general surface portion 32 and the protruding surface portion 33 increases as it goes downwards, and the protruding surface portion 33 has a semicircular cross-section. Figure 10H shows the first support member 30gh, in which the amount of protrusion of the general surface portion 32 increases as it goes downwards, and the protruding surface portion 33 is provided only at the lower part 34 and has a U-shaped cross-section in which the amount of protrusion from the general surface portion 32 decreases as it goes downwards. Figure 10I shows a first support member 30gi in which the amount of protrusion of the general surface portion 32 is constant, and the protruding surface portion 33 is provided only on the lower part 34 and has a U-shaped cross-section. Figure 10J shows a first support member 30gj in which the amount of protrusion of the general surface portion 32 is constant, and the protruding surface portion 33 is provided only on the lower part 34 and has a semicircular cross-section. Figure 10k shows a first support member 30gk in which the amount of protrusion of the general surface portion 32 is constant, and the protruding surface portion 33 is provided only at the lower part 34, and the amount of protrusion from the general surface portion 32 increases as it goes downwards, forming a U-shaped cross-section. Figure 10L shows the first support member 30gl, in which the general surface portion 32 is a convex inclined surface and the protruding surface portion 33 is a rectangular plane, and only the upper part 35 has an increasing amount of protrusion from the general surface portion 32 and the protruding surface portion 33 as it goes downwards. Figure 10M shows the first support member 30gm, in which the upper part 35 has a constant protrusion of the general surface portion 32 and no protruding surface portion 33 is provided, and in the lower part 34 the general surface portion 32 is a convex inclined surface and the protruding surface portion 33 is a rectangular flat surface. However, the first support member 30g may have a shape other than those shown in Figures 10A-10M.

[0033] Here, we will explain the functions and effects of the parts common to all embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] There are individual differences in the human body. For example, differences in age and gender, height, skeletal deformities, head-to-torso ratio, and so on—the list is endless. In contrast, while there are differences depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer, vehicle seats are generally standardized within each vehicle model, meaning that users cannot currently choose a seat that suits their individual needs when purchasing a vehicle. Therefore, current vehicle seats do not adequately accommodate individual differences. Below are a few examples of factors contributing to individual differences in the human body and current countermeasures.

[0035] <Case 1> When viewed from the side, the waist and spine of women are generally more constricted than those of men. This is mainly due to differences in pelvic tilt. (i) To explain in more detail, the pelvis is connected to the sacrum / coccyx, which is the lower end of the spine, and is a collection of vertebrae consisting of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. When the pelvis tilts, the sacrum / coccyx also tilts accordingly. Furthermore, the collection of vertebrae above the sacrum / coccyx also changes shape in conjunction with this. Generally, the tilt of the pelvis differs between men and women, with men tending to have a posterior pelvic tilt and women tending to have an anterior pelvic tilt. As a result, the sacrum / coccyx of women tilts forward more than that of men, giving the impression of bowing. Therefore, women generally have a more defined waistline in a side view than men. However, there are individual differences even among women, so some have a larger waistline and others a smaller one, and of course, there are also men who have a very defined waistline.

[0036] (ii) Next, let's consider the case where a person with a slender waist and back sits in the seat. Figures 13A and 13B show only the skeleton for simplification, but the greater the constriction of the lumbar spine P1, the greater the gap, or space S1, between the lumbar spine P1 and the seat 100, as shown in Figure 13A. Note that Figure 13A shows the case where cushion 1 is placed on the seat 100, but the space S1 will be created regardless of whether cushion 1 is present or not. Maintaining this posture requires considerable muscle strength, and it is thought that when driving a car for a long time, the lumbar spine P1 will recede to fill that space S1. When the lumbar spine P1 recedes, the constricted part of the lumbar spine P1 is stretched, increasing the burden on the lumbar region. In addition, generally when the lumbar spine P1 recedes, the ribs, or thoracic cage P2, move forward instead. This means that the head must be raised to look forward, resulting in a posture that puts a load on the neck. Therefore, the burden on the neck also increases. In other words, the presence of a space S1 between the lumbar spine P1 and the seat 100 is considered to be one of the factors that puts strain on the lumbar spine and neck.

[0037] (iii) If there is a space S1 between the lumbar spine P1 and the seat 100, muscle strength will be required to maintain a comfortable posture. Furthermore, if muscle strength cannot be sustained, the posture will collapse, which is likely to put a strain on the body. For this reason, as example 1 of the countermeasures, as shown in Figure 13A, it is possible to support the posture by placing a commercially available cushion 1 on the seat 100 and sandwiching it between the back and the seat back. Alternatively, as example 2 of the countermeasures, as shown in Figure 13B, it is possible to fix the cushion 1 using a fixing material 2 that wraps around the seat back in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0038] However, in the example shown in Figure 13A, cushion 1 is placed directly on the sheet 100. Depending on the size of cushion 1 and its relationship to the user, it may not be positioned correctly, or it may be outside the space S1 where cushion 1 is needed, thus failing to accommodate individual differences. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 13B, the cushion 1 can be positioned in the circumferential direction of the fixing material 2, i.e., in the vertical or horizontal direction. However, since the fixing material 2 is not fixed to the seat 100, if the seated person's posture shifts and their rib cage P2 drops, the cushion 1 will also drop. When the seated person returns to a comfortable posture, the position of the cushion 1 will be misaligned, and the cushion will not be effective.

[0039] <Case Study 2> When viewed from the front, the lateral waist is generally more constricted in women than in men. This is mainly due to differences in rib cage size, pelvic width, and femoral head length. (i) Generally, the relationship between rib cage size, pelvic width, and femoral head length between men and women is as shown in the table below.

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041] As shown in Table 1, the relationships generally result in a more defined waistline in women compared to men, even when viewed from the front. In particular, pelvic width is generally considered to have a significant contribution to the waistline. However, there are individual differences among women, with some having a larger waistline and others a smaller one, and similarly, some men have very pronounced waistlines.

[0042] (ii) Next, let's consider the case where a person with a slender waist sits in the seat. As shown in Figure 14, the greater the constriction of the lateral abdomen P3, the greater the gap, or space S2, between the lateral abdomen P3 and the seat 100, or more specifically, between the lateral abdomen P3 and the side support 102b of the seat back 102. In this state, when the car is driven around a corner and subjected to lateral G-force, there is less support to support the body, causing it to sway. When subjected to lateral G-force, the body tends to sway from side to side, but the buttocks P4 are under the influence of gravity and are in contact with the seat 100, so the frictional force is strong and the upper body is less likely to sway. On the other hand, because there is a space S2 between the lateral abdomen P3 and the side support 102b, there is no support member to support it, and it is easily swayed from side to side. Therefore, as shown by arrow D in the figure, the upper body swings like a pendulum with the buttocks P4 as the axis. In other words, if there is a space S2 between the lateral abdomen P3 and the seat 100, it becomes difficult to support posture while riding, and the body will be strained in order to maintain that posture.

[0043] (iii) If there is a space S2 between the lateral abdomen P3 and the seat 100, the upper body will sway from side to side, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable posture. For this reason, it is possible to take measures such as setting commercially available cushions to fill the space S2 on both sides of the lateral abdomen P3. This would reduce the amount that the upper body, such as the shoulders and head, sways from side to side.

[0044] However, whether the cushion is placed directly on the seat 100 or secured by a fixing material that wraps around the seat back, the same issues remain as in Case 1, such as the inability to fully accommodate individual differences and the cushion shifting position.

[0045] <Case Study 3> Maintaining a seated posture requires muscle strength. (i) Generally, the muscles responsible for maintaining back posture are said to be the erector spinae muscles located near the spine. In addition, the quadratus lumborum muscle, located in the lower back, is known to support the erector spinae muscles.

[0046] (ii) Generally, after assuming a seated position, if the muscles that maintain posture weaken, the rib cage tends to sag. While there are individual differences in muscle strength, it is common for muscle strength to decline with age. Furthermore, there are people who lack the muscle strength necessary to maintain posture, such as those born with low muscle strength or those who have lost muscle strength due to unforeseen accidents. When the muscles that maintain posture weaken, the rib cage tends to sag. To support this, it is necessary to support the rib cage P2 from below, as shown in Figure 15.

[0047] (iii) Figure 15 is a view of the human skeleton from the back. Generally, the ribs, or thoracic cage P2, consist of 12 pairs on each side, and the lowest bone (generally the 12th rib) P2a is a floating bone and has a V-shape. It is thought that supporting this 12th rib P2a from below with a V-shaped cushion 3 can support the muscles that maintain posture.

[0048] However, whether cushion 3 is placed directly on the seat or secured by a fixing material that wraps around the seat back, the same issues remain as in cases 1 and 2, such as the inability to fully accommodate individual differences and the position of cushion 3 shifting.

[0049] <Case 4> (i) I want to sit with my spine straight, but when I'm driving with poor posture, I sometimes find myself sitting with my spine twisted without realizing it. I want something to support the correct sitting posture, but such a cushion doesn't exist. (ii) People have a wide variety of cushions they want, as some have differences between the left and right sides of their bodies, and some find that commercially available cushions don't suit them.

[0050] In response to the seating posture problems arising from the skeletal differences between men and women in the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2, as well as seating posture problems due to muscle weakness as in Example 3, and the individual challenges in Example 4, a support device that can semi-customize and address individual needs as much as possible with a single item is desired.

[0051] (A) The present invention includes at least one fixed plate 20 disposed on the seat back 102 and at least one support member 30 disposed on the fixed plate 20, wherein the support member 30 can be disposed at any position and angle on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20. Therefore, the support member 30 can be adjusted not only vertically but also horizontally relative to the seat back 102, as well as its angle. Thus, the degree of freedom in position and angle of the support member 30 can be increased compared to the conventional invention. As a result, the seating posture problems arising from the skeletal differences between men and women in the above-mentioned Cases 1 and 2, the seating posture problems due to muscle weakness as in Case 3, and the individual problems in Case 4 can be addressed as much as possible with a single item, that is, a single device 10, in a semi-customized manner.

[0052] Figures 7A-7F show the mounting state of the fixed plate 20 before the support member 30 is installed, and an example of the installation of the support member 30 on the fixed plate 20. Figure 7A shows the mounting state of the fixing plate 20 before the support member 30 is installed. Figure 7B shows the state in which a support member 30 is set on the lumbar spine in response to the lumbar spine retraction described in Example 1 above. Figure 7C shows the lateral support configuration described in Example 2 above, with support members 30 set on both sides of the lateral abdomen. Figure 7D shows the configuration for thoracic descent described in Example 3 above, where the support members 30 are positioned in a V-shape on the lower back. Figure 7E shows a configuration in which the support members 30 are set up close to each other on the left and right sides, in order to accommodate cases other than those introduced in Examples 1-4 above. Figure 7F shows the state in which the support member 30 is set on the midline of the body in the posture correction for the spine described in <Case 4> above.

[0053] (B) In the operating state, the fixed plate 20 is difficult to move in at least one direction relative to the seat back 102, such as up, down, left, right, front, or rear. Therefore, compared to a case where it is relatively easy to move in all directions, such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear, the fixed plate 20 is less likely to shift position relative to the seat back 102. Thus, the support member 30 provided on the fixed plate 20 is less likely to shift position relative to the seat back 102.

[0054] (C) In the state of use, the fixed plate 20 is difficult to move at least downward relative to the seat back 102. Therefore, compared to the case where it is relatively easy to move downward, the fixed plate 20 can be prevented from shifting position relative to the seat back 102 in the downward direction, which is the direction in which it tends to shift the most during use. Thus, the support member 30 provided on the fixed plate 20 can be prevented from shifting position relative to the seat back 102 in the downward direction, which is the direction in which it tends to shift the most during use.

[0055] (D) As shown in Figures 10A-10M, if all or part of at least one support member 30 is a first support member 30g having a general surface portion 32 and a protruding surface portion 33, the contact area between the support member 30 and the seated person's body can be increased, the load per unit area can be reduced, and the seated person can be less likely to feel a foreign body sensation or discomfort. This will be explained in detail in (D1)-(D4). (D1) Around the spine of the human body are the erector spinae muscles, which consist of the spinalis, longissimus, and costalis muscles. These erector spinae muscles attach to the spinous processes, which are part of the vertebrae that make up the spine, and have a structure that protrudes (bulges) dorsally from the spinous processes. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the back P5 of the human body has an uneven shape in the width direction, with both sides protruding posteriorly compared to the central part. (D2) Based on this, if the support member 30 is composed of a uniform flat surface, although there will be differences depending on the hardness of the support member 30, the support member 30 will not be able to conform to the shape of the unevenness of the back P5 and will only come into contact with the convex surface of the back P5. As a result, the contact area will be smaller, the load on the contact area will increase, and the sitter will be more likely to feel a foreign object sensation or discomfort. (D3) One approach is to use an extremely soft material for the support member 30 in order to increase the contact area, but in that case, the body would sink into the support member 30, making it unsuitable as a support function. Also, the density difference of the compressed and crushed support member 30 would become large, which could also be one of the factors that cause discomfort. The support member 30 needs to have an appropriate hardness to support the body, and it is better if the difference in density during support is small. (D4) In the present invention, at least one support member 30 is a first support member 30g having a general surface portion 32 and a protruding surface portion 33, so that the protruding surface portion 33 is interposed in the recess P5a of the back P5. As a result, the contact area between the support member 30 and the body is increased, the load per unit area is reduced, and the seated person is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation or discomfort.

[0056] (E) As shown in Figures 10F-10M, when the lower part 34 of the first support member 30g protrudes more toward the seated person than the upper part 35, the contact area between the support member 30 and the seated person's body can be increased, reducing the load per unit area and making it less likely for the seated person to feel a foreign body sensation or discomfort. This will be explained in detail in (E1)-(E3). (E1) When the upper body of the human body is viewed from the side, it slopes downward and forward from the back to the waist. This is because, as shown by the symbol P6 in Figure 13A, although there are individual differences, the spine, which is the main skeleton that makes up the human body, is generally sloped downward and forward. (E2) Therefore, by making the protrusion of the lower part 34 greater than the protrusion of the upper part 35, the first support member 30g can be applied to the body in a manner more suitable for the inclined spine. (E3) As a result, the contact area between the support member 30 and the body increases, the load per unit area is reduced, and the person sitting is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation or discomfort.

[0057] Next, we will describe the parts specific to each embodiment of the present invention. [Example 1] (Figures 1-11) In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the apparatus 10 consists of apparatus 10a, and apparatus 10a is as follows. As shown in Figure 1, the fixing plate 20 consists of a fixing plate 20a that is formed separately from the seat back 102 and is positioned on the front of the left and right central portion 102a of the seat back 102. The support member 30 is manually detachable from the fixing plate 20a.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5A-5C, the fixing plate 20a is designed to be difficult to move at least downward relative to the seat back 102 when in use. Figures 5A-5C show an example where movement is difficult only downward, but relatively easy to move upward, left, right, forward, and backward. Figure 5A shows a case where the fixing plate 20a is suspended from the headrest stay by attaching a mounting member 22 made of a string, band, belt, etc. to the fixing plate 20a and hooking the mounting member 22 to a headrest stay (not shown) provided on the seat 100, thereby making it difficult for the fixing plate 20a to shift downward. Figure 5B shows a case where the fixing plate 20a is difficult to shift downward by hooking the mounting member 22 to a hook 102c provided on the back of the seat back 102. Figure 5C shows a case where the seat 100 is the rear seat of the vehicle, and the mounting member 22 is hooked onto the child seat hook 104a set on the vehicle body 104, thereby making it difficult for the fixing plate 20a to slide downward.

[0059] However, the fixed plate 20a may be made difficult to move in directions other than downward relative to the seat back 102 when in use. Figure 6 shows an example in which the fixed plate 20 is made difficult to move in all directions: up, down, left, right, front, and rear. Figure 6 shows a fixing plate 20a1 that is separate from the seat 100 and is integrated with the seat back portion 112 of the seat cover 110 that is attached to the seat 100. The seat cover 110 may have a structure that covers only the seat back 102, or it may have a structure that covers up to the seat cushion 101. In Figure 6, the attachment of the support member 30 to the fixing plate 20a is shown to be done by the male and female structural parts 43 and 44 which will be described later, but it may also be done by the male and female fabrics 41 and 42 which will be described later, or by other methods.

[0060] The attachment of the support member 30 to the fixing plate 20a is not particularly limited as long as the support member 30 is detachable from the fixing plate 20a and the arrangement of the support member 30 on the fixing plate 20a is variable. That is, (a) as shown in Figure 3, a male fabric 41 may be set on at least a part of the front surface 21 of the fixing plate 20a, and a female fabric 42 that can be attached to and detached from the male fabric 41 may be set on the support member 30, and the attachment may be done using male and female fabrics like hook and loop fasteners; (b) as shown in Figure 4, a concave female structure 43 may be set on at least a part of the front surface 21 of the fixing plate 20a, for example by setting a plurality of holes, and a convex male structure 44 that can be fitted into the female structure 43 may be set on the support member 30, for example by setting a plurality of mushroom-shaped protrusions; (c) Although not shown, the support member 30 may be fixed to the fixing plate 20a with fasteners such as bands by making the fixing plate 20a into a mesh shape. However, in (a) above, the female fabric 42 may be set on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20a and the male fabric 41 may be set on the support member 30. Also, in (b) above, the male structural part 44 may be set on the front surface 21 of the fixed plate 20a and the female structural part 43 may be set on the support member 30.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, it is desirable that the fixed plate 20a2 has a regularly arranged pattern on at least its front surface 21 in order to assist in the arrangement of the support members 30. The reason for this is explained below.

[0062] For example, consider a scenario where the fixed panel 20a is placed in the driver's seat of a vehicle, and the device 10a is used by a family. First, the husband positions the support member 30 in a position that suits his body and uses the vehicle. Later, when the wife uses the vehicle, due to differences in height, pelvic width, etc., the position of the husband's support member 30 may not suit the wife's body. Therefore, when the wife uses the vehicle, she positions the support member 30 in a position that suits her body. Then, when the husband uses the vehicle again, the position that suits the wife's body will not suit the husband's body, so it becomes necessary to return the support member 30 to a position that suits the husband's body. At this time, if there is no marker or anything, the user will have to find the position that suits their body again from scratch and readjust the support member 30, which may feel troublesome.

[0063] This example describes a case involving a husband and wife, but the same principles apply to use by more than two people, such as parents and children, siblings, or parents and grandparents. Furthermore, while the driver's seat of a vehicle was used as an example, the same principles apply to the passenger seat, back seat, or any chair used inside a home.

[0064] In this case, if the fixed plate 20a has a regularly arranged pattern, it is easier to reproduce the optimal placement of the support members 30 for each individual compared to when the fixed plate 20a does not have a regularly arranged pattern. In other words, by remembering the position that is suitable for their own body, even if the placement of the support members 30 is changed by someone else, each individual can relatively easily reposition the support members 30 to a position that is suitable for their own body, and the accuracy of reproducibility is also improved.

[0065] Therefore, it is desirable that the fixed plate 20a be a fixed plate 20a2 having a regularly arranged pattern.

[0066] The regularly arranged pattern of the fixed plate 20a2 consists of, for example, straight lines, dots, holes, etc. As shown in Figure 8, the regularly arranged pattern of the fixed plate 20a2 may have, in a front view of the fixed plate 20a2, (a1) a pattern T1 in which pattern elements T1a such as straight lines, dots, or holes provided on horizontal lines extending in the lateral direction, i.e., left to right direction, are regularly arranged in the vertical direction, i.e., up to down direction, and (a2) a pattern T2 in which pattern elements T2a such as straight lines, dots, or holes provided on vertical lines extending in the vertical direction are regularly arranged in the horizontal direction, i.e., up to down direction, and (a3) ​​both pattern T1 and pattern T2 may be present. Note that Figure 8 shows the case in which both pattern T1 and pattern T2 are present.

[0067] Furthermore, the regularly arranged pattern of the fixed plate 20a2 may, as shown in Figure 9, have at least (a4) a pattern T3 in which pattern elements T3a, such as straight lines, dots, or holes, provided on a diagonal line extending from the lower left to the upper right, are regularly arranged in multiple rows from the lower right to the upper left, and (a5) a pattern T4 in which pattern elements T4a, such as straight lines, dots, or holes, provided on a diagonal line extending from the lower right to the upper left, are regularly arranged in multiple rows from the lower left to the upper right, and (a6) both pattern T3 and pattern T4 may be present. Note that Figure 9 shows the case in which both pattern T3 and pattern T4 are present.

[0068] Furthermore, the regularly arranged patterns on the fixed platen 20a2 may include at least one of patterns T1 and T2, and at least one of patterns T3 and T4, although these are not shown in the illustration.

[0069] The regularly arranged pattern on the fixed plate 20a2 is created by processing the base material of the fixed plate 20a2.

[0070] In Example 1 of the present invention, since it has the above configuration, in addition to the effects and benefits obtained from the parts common to all examples of the present invention, the following effects and benefits can also be obtained.

[0071] (F1) The fixing plate 20a is formed separately from the seat back 102 and is disposed on the front of the seat back 102, and the support member 30 is detachable from the fixing plate 20a, so the support member 30 can be attached relatively easily to any position 21 on the front of the fixing plate 20a at any angle.

[0072] (F2) Multiple types of support members 30 with different amounts of forward protrusion (bulging) from the fixed plate 20a are prepared, and by using these multiple types of support members 30, the position of the support members 30 can be adjusted not only in the vertical and horizontal directions but also in the front-to-back direction relative to the seat back 102.

[0073] (F3) Since the fixed plate 20a is a fixed plate 20a2 having a regularly arranged pattern, it is possible to easily reproduce the optimal arrangement of support members 30 for each individual.

[0074] [Example 2] (Figure 12) In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the apparatus 10 consists of apparatus 10b, and apparatus 10b is as follows. As shown in Figure 12, the device 10b is installed (enclosed) inside the seat back 102. The fixing plate 20 consists of a fixing plate 20b installed inside the seat back 102. The support member 30 can be adjusted in position and angle relative to the fixing plate 20b by means other than manual, such as an electric method.

[0075] The fixing plate 20b is located in the front part of the interior of the seat back 102. The front part of the interior of the seat back 102 refers to the front portion when the interior of the seat back 102 is divided into two equal parts in the thickness direction of the seat back 102. The support member 30 can be set to any angle relative to the fixed plate 20b, not only in the vertical and horizontal directions, but also in the front-to-back direction.

[0076] In Example 2 of the present invention, since it has the above configuration, in addition to the effects and benefits obtained from the parts common to all examples of the present invention, the following effects and benefits can also be obtained.

[0077] (G1) Since the position and angle of the support member 30 can be adjusted electrically or by other means relative to the fixed plate 20b, the posture support device 10b can be given a more premium feel compared to the case where the position and angle of the support member 30 can be adjusted manually relative to the fixed plate 20b. (G2) The support member 30 can be set to any angle relative to the fixed plate 20b, not only in the vertical and horizontal directions, or its position can be adjusted in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the support member 30 can be adjusted to any angle relative to the seat back 102, not only in the vertical and horizontal directions, or in the front-to-back direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Posture support device 20 Fixed plate 22 Mounting components 21 Front of the fixed panel 30 Support Members 30g First support component 32 General area 33 Projecting surface part 34 Lower part 35 Top 41 Male fabric 42 Female fabric 43 Female structural part 44 Male structural part 100 sheets 101 Seat Cushion 102 Seatback 102a Center of the left and right sides of the seat back 102b Side Support 103 Headrest 110 Seat Covers 112 Seat back portion of seat cover CL First support member widthwise center line T1, T2, T3, T4 patterns

Claims

1. A posture support device that supports the posture of a person sitting in a seat, At least one fixing plate is disposed on the seat back of the aforementioned seat, At least one support member is provided on the aforementioned fixed plate, It has, The aforementioned fixing plate is formed separately from the seat back and disposed on the front of the seat back, or disposed inside the seat back. The support member can be positioned at any angle at any position on the front surface of the fixed plate. At least one of the support members is a first support member having a general surface portion and a protruding surface portion that protrudes more from the seat towards the occupant than the general surface portion. An attitude support device wherein the protruding surface portion is provided on at least a part of the widthwise central portion of the first support member when the first support member is arranged on the fixing plate at a basic angle in which the widthwise central line of the first support member is in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the first support member.

2. The posture support device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing plate is difficult to move in at least one direction relative to the seat back in the state of use, namely up, down, left, right, forward, and backward.

3. The posture support device according to claim 2, wherein the fixing plate is difficult to move at least downward relative to the seat back when in use.

4. The first support member has a lower part when it is positioned on the fixing plate at the basic angle, and an upper part located above the lower part. The posture support device according to claim 1, wherein the lower part protrudes more toward the seated person than the upper part.

5. The aforementioned fixing plate is formed separately from the seat back and is disposed on the front of the seat back. The posture support device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is detachably attached to the fixing plate.

6. The posture support device according to claim 5, wherein the fixing plate has a regularly arranged pattern on at least the front surface of the fixing plate.

7. A posture support device that supports the posture of a person sitting in a seat, At least one fixing plate is disposed on the seat back of the aforementioned seat, At least one support member is provided on the aforementioned fixed plate, It has, The aforementioned fixing plate is formed separately from the seat back and is disposed on the front of the seat back. The support member can be positioned at any angle at any location on the front surface of the fixing plate and is detachable from the fixing plate. The aforementioned fixed plate has a regularly arranged pattern on at least the front surface of the fixed plate, The posture support device wherein the pattern of the fixed plate has at least one of the following: a pattern in which pattern elements provided on a horizontal line extending in the left-right direction are regularly arranged in a vertical direction and there are multiple rows of pattern elements provided on a vertical line extending in the up-down direction and there are multiple rows of pattern elements provided on a vertical line extending in the up-down direction and there are multiple rows of pattern elements provided on a vertical line and there are multiple rows of pattern elements provided in the left-right direction.

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