Chairs and desks

Abstract

To provide a chair for enabling a user to perform exercises, a stretching exercise, and a posture change at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A chair includes: a backrest part where a user leans against; a seat part on which the user sits; a timer part for counting a predetermined time; a notification part for notifying that a time reaches the predetermined time; a pressure part for changing a posture of the user; a drive part for driving the pressure part; and a control part for controlling the drive part. The notification part urges the user to perform a posture change by using the pressure part. After the posture change of the user by the pressure part is completed, the timer part sets the predetermined time again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair and a desk.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in desk work, a chair that encourages movement has been proposed for workers who work for a long time in a poor posture. (For example, see Patent Document 1.)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The chair disclosed in Patent Document 1 above performs a back extension exercise of lifting the hands upward to stretch the muscles of the whole body, thereby recovering muscle fatigue caused by staying in the same posture for a long time and promoting blood circulation. However, the timing of the exercise is left to the user. However, users often use it after symptoms of fatigue due to long-term sitting appear, and there is a problem that they do not necessarily perform exercises or stretches at appropriate times. Also, exercises and stretches are not something that can be done once, and it is preferable to repeat them at regular intervals. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a chair and a desk that cause a user to perform exercises, stretches, and posture changes at appropriate times.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention includes a backrest portion on which a user leans, a seat portion on which the user sits, a timer portion that can count a predetermined time, a notification portion that notifies that the predetermined time has been reached, a pressing portion that changes the user's posture, a driving portion that drives the pressing portion, and a control portion that controls the driving portion. The notification unit is characterized by prompting the user to change their posture by using the pressing unit, and after the user has completed changing their posture using the pressing unit, the timer unit sets a predetermined time again. This configuration allows for repeated changes in posture at the appropriate timing.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressing part has a course program that operates in a predetermined procedure. By configuring it in this way, posture changes can be performed using a series of programs.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressing portion has at least a back pressing portion that presses against the user's back. This configuration allows for pressure to be applied to the back, enabling changes in posture.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressing portion has at least a buttock pressing portion that presses against the user's buttocks. This configuration allows for pressure to be applied to the buttocks, enabling changes in posture.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressing parts are provided in pairs, left and right, and that the control unit is capable of independently controlling the left and right pressing parts. This configuration allows for changes in posture, such as twisting the body from side to side.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the backrest has a reclining function that allows switching between a tilted position and an upright position. This configuration allows for changes in posture between a leaning position and an upright position.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable to have a modification unit that allows the predetermined time to be changed. This configuration allows for posture changes at appropriate intervals.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device has a usage detection sensor that detects whether a user is using it, and that the notification by the notification unit is performed when the usage detection sensor detects that a user is using it. This configuration prevents notifications from being triggered when the user is not using the device.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the timer unit advances the countdown of a predetermined time when the usage detection sensor detects that the user is using the device. By configuring it this way, the time can be counted only while it is in use.

[0014] The present invention relates to a desk having a tabletop supported at a predetermined height, a timer unit capable of counting a predetermined time, a notification unit that notifies when the predetermined time has been reached, a lifting drive unit that drives the tabletop to move up and down, and a control unit that controls the tabletop, wherein the desk is switchable between a standing desk state with the tabletop raised and a sitting desk state with the tabletop lowered, the notification unit prompts the user to change posture by switching between the standing desk state and the sitting desk state, and after the lifting drive unit raises or lowers the desk, the predetermined time in the timer unit is set. This configuration allows for repeated changes in posture at the appropriate timing.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable to have a modification unit that allows the predetermined time to be changed. This configuration allows for posture changes at appropriate intervals.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device has a usage detection sensor that detects whether a user is using it, and that the notification by the notification unit is performed when the usage detection sensor detects that a user is using it. This configuration prevents notifications from being triggered when the user is not using the device.

[0017] Preferably, the timer unit advances the countdown for a predetermined time when the usage detection sensor detects that the user is using the device. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to count time only while it is being used.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide chairs and desks that cause users to exercise, stretch, and change their postures at appropriate timings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a side view of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the left side, where (a) is a view showing the standing state and (b) is a view showing the reclining state. [Figure 4] It is a view showing the configuration of an armrest related to posture change according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view showing the standing state, (b) is a view showing the reclining state, (c) is a perspective view of the right armrest in the standing state, and (d) is a perspective view of the right armrest in the reclining state. [Figure 5] It is a view showing an operation unit according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart for explaining the use of an operation course [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a chair according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a chair according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a desk according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram of a desk according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing posture change by a desk according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the sitting desk state and (b) shows the standing desk state. [Figure 12]This is a flowchart illustrating the notification function of a desk according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] [One-way chair configuration] The following describes the overall configuration of chair 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of chair 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that external parts such as sewn products are omitted. Figure 2 is a block diagram of chair 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a side view of chair 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left side, where (a) shows the standing state and (b) shows the reclining state. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the armrest 5 related to posture change of chair 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the standing state and (b) shows the reclining state, (c) is a perspective view of the right armrest 5 in the standing state and (d) is a perspective view of the right armrest 5 in the reclining state. Note that in (c) and (d), the armrest rest 50 is indicated by a dotted line. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the operation unit 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the concept of direction is defined as follows, from the perspective of a user seated in chair 1: the head side in the direction of height is "up", the waist side in the direction of height is "down", the direction facing the front of the body (e.g., face, chest, abdomen, or shins) is "front", the direction facing the back of the body (e.g., back of the head, back, waist, or calves) is "back", the left hand side is "left", and the right hand side is "right". Other cases shall be explained as appropriate.

[0021] [Overall configuration of the chair] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the chair 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly comprises a seat 2 on which the user sits, a backrest 3 on which the user leans, which is reclined and provided at the rear of the seat 2, a leg rest 4 that supports the seat 2, armrests 5 provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2, and a footrest 6 on the front of the seat 2 that is vertically swingable and supports the user's lower limbs. The seat 2, backrest 3, armrests 5, and footrest 6 function as body support parts that support the user's body. Air cells 20, which will be described later, are provided at each part of the seat 2, backrest 3, and footrest 6 to apply pressure to the user's body. The chair 1 also comprises a control unit 9 that controls the various operations of the chair 1, an operation unit 10 that allows the user to perform various operations, and a power supply unit 90. In addition, a pillow 31 that supports the user's head and / or neck is provided on the upper front of the backrest 3. Furthermore, the pillow section 31 may be omitted, and the height of the backrest section 3 may be set to support the user's waist. Also, the power supply unit 90 may be a rechargeable battery, or it may be powered from an external source. Using a rechargeable battery eliminates the need for a power supply cable when using the chair in an office or similar setting.

[0022] Furthermore, a heater unit 32 is provided on the backrest 3. As shown in Figure 1, the heater unit 32 is positioned on the backrest 3 in a location that overlaps with the air cells 20, and by warming the user's back, it can promote blood circulation and relieve stiffness caused by the user remaining in the same posture for a long time. In addition, by pressing the area warmed by the heater unit 32 with the air cells 20, the stiffness can be relieved more deeply. Note that the position of the heater unit 32 is not limited to the arrangement in this embodiment; it may be provided along the spine, or it may be provided on the seat 2 or footrest 6.

[0023] The leg portion 4 is connected to the seat frame 2a at its upper part and supports the entire chair 1. Furthermore, the leg portion 4 has support portions 42 extending to the left and right, and the support portions 42 support the armrest portion 5 by the first fixed support portion 52a, which will be described later. The lower part of the leg portion 4 also has caster portions 41 that allow the chair 1 to move. The chair 1 may also have a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the chair 1 to prevent it from moving due to the caster portions 41. The locking mechanism may be a pedal type in which the user steps on a pedal with their foot and locks when one or more caster portions 41 come into contact with stoppers, or it may be a locking mechanism that is operated electrically by the operating unit 10.

[0024] [Seat structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the seat portion 2 is composed of a rigid seat frame 2a and a cover member (not shown) that covers the seat frame 2a. The seat frame 2a is composed of a metal member and / or a resin member.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat 2 is provided with a buttock pressing section a1 that presses against the user's buttocks and / or thighs from below (the underside). The buttock pressing section a1 is composed of an air cell 20 that expands and contracts with the supply and exhaust of air, and is provided in pairs on the left and right sides. It can be controlled independently on the left and right sides by the control unit 9 and functions as a pressing section that changes the user's posture.

[0026] Below the seat 2, there is an air supply and exhaust device 11 having a pump 11a and a valve 11b for supplying and exhausting air to each of the pressing parts a1 to a4, which consist of air cells 20, and the control unit 9 described above. The air cells 20 can press on the user by supplying and exhausting air. The control unit 9 has a programmable microcontroller or the like and drives and controls the air supply and exhaust device 11. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to the operation unit 10, the memory unit 50, and the timer unit 91. The chair 1 operates according to a preset course program (operation course C) stored in the memory unit 50, as well as according to instructions from the user via the operation unit 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the operation unit 10 is provided with physical buttons 101, such as buttons for selecting or executing operation course C. It is preferable that the control unit 9 stores multiple types of operation course C. Furthermore, the timer unit 91 may be set by communicating with an external terminal such as a smartphone.

[0027] [Structure of the backrest] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the backrest 3 is composed of a rigid back frame 3a and a cover member (not shown) that covers the back frame 3a. The back frame 3a is made of a metal member and / or a resin member. The back frame 3a has connecting shafts 3b on both sides, and the armrests 5 are pivotally supported on the connecting shafts 3b.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the backrest 3 is provided with a waist pressure section a2 that presses against the user's waist from behind. The waist pressure section a2 is composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air, and is provided in pairs on the left and right sides. It can be controlled independently on the left and right sides by the control unit 9 and functions as a pressure section that changes the user's posture.

[0029] [Armrest structure] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, armrests 5 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2 (seat frame 2a) to support the user's forearms. The armrest 5 has an elbow rest 50 on which the elbow rests, a first movable support 51 pivotally supported at one end by the elbow rest 50 and at the other end by the seat frame 2a, a first fixed support 52a extending vertically upward from the support 42, and a second fixed support 52b, which is a rectangular tube-shaped inclined portion in the upper part of the first fixed support 52a, with the hand side facing upward. The second movable support 53 is pivotally supported at the elbow end of the second fixed support 52b. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (c), the second movable support 53 is provided approximately parallel to the first fixed support 52a when the chair 1 is in an upright position, and its lower end is pivotally supported at the seat frame 2a.

[0030] The elbow rest 50 has a first restricting portion 54 located between the first movable support portion 51 and the first fixed support portion 52a. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (c), the elbow rest 50 has an inverted U-shape in cross-section when viewed from the front. The first restricting portion 54 is also provided so as to be in contact with the hand side of the second fixed support portion 52b when the chair is standing, and restricts the movement of the backrest portion 3 and the seat portion 2 when the chair is standing. The second fixed support portion 52b has a second restricting portion 55 on its side surface, located directly above the first fixed support portion 52a. As shown in Figure 4, the elbow rest 50 has a downward protrusion in the middle of the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side, and the second restricting portion 55 and the second fixed support portion 52b are pivotally supported on the armrest portion 5 at this protrusion. The second restricting portion 55 and the second fixed support portion 52b are located inside the inverted U shape of the elbow rest portion 50. As shown in Figures 4(b) and (d), the second restricting portion 55 is provided so as to be in contact with the first fixed support portion 52a when the chair is reclined, and restricts the movement of the backrest portion 3 and the seat portion 2 when the chair is reclined.

[0031] [Reclining configuration] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the backrest 3 is configured to recline forward and backward relative to the seat 2 when the user puts their weight on the backrest 3, and can be changed from the upright position shown in Figure 3(a) to the reclined position (tilted position) where the backrest surface is approximately horizontal, as shown in Figure 3(b). Specifically, when changing from the upright position to the reclined position, the backrest 3 tilts backward when the user puts their weight on the backrest 3. As shown in Figures 4(b) and (d), in accordance with the tilting of the backrest 3, the armrest 50 tilts so that the rear of the armrest 50 swings downward around the first fixed support 52a, the first movable support 51 and the second movable support 53 move backward, and the seat 2 moves forward, causing the backrest 3 to tilt backward. Here, the second movable support part 53 contacts the second restricting part 55, restricting the tilting motion and stopping the tilting. As a result, the reclining motion stops at a predetermined angle, and the chair enters a reclined state.

[0032] When the user shifts their weight forward to change from a reclined position to an upright position, the weight is applied forward to the seat 2 and armrest 5. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (c), the armrest 50 tilts so that its rear pivots upward around the first fixed support 52, causing the first movable support 51 and the second movable support 53 to move forward and the seat 2 to move backward, resulting in the backrest 3 tilting forward. At this point, the first restricting part 54 provided on the armrest 50 contacts the first fixed support 52b, restricting the tilting motion and stopping the tilt. This stops the backrest 3 from tilting forward, resulting in an upright position. It is preferable to position the base plate and other components towards the front so that the upright position is achieved when not in use, thereby shifting the center of gravity forward. In this embodiment, the armrest 5 is configured to move in conjunction with the reclining of the backrest 3, but this is not the only configuration. Furthermore, although this embodiment uses weight-based reclining, it is also possible to use an electric or hydraulic drive unit for reclining. When using an electric or hydraulic drive unit, it is preferable to provide a physical button 101 for operating the reclining function on the control unit 10.

[0033] [Footrest structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the footrest 6 has a pair of left and right leg clamping sections 60 that clamp the user's lower leg. The leg clamping section 60 has a central wall 60a that is erected from the center of the left and right sides of the user's lower leg, and side walls 60b that are erected from both the left and right ends. The inner surface of the side wall 60a is provided with a leg pressing section a3 that presses against the inner surface of the lower leg, and the inner surface of the side wall 60b is provided with a leg pressing section a4 that presses against the outer surface of the lower leg. The leg pressing sections a3 and a4 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air. The leg pressing sections a3 and a4 can be controlled independently on the left and right sides by the control unit 9. By pressing the user's lower leg with the leg pressing sections a3 and a4, the user's lower leg can be clamped.

[0034] Furthermore, the footrest section 6 is attached to the seat section 2 via a pivot shaft 61. The footrest section 6 has a foot frame 62 provided on its back. The foot frame 62 is connected via a first movable support section 51 and a foot connecting section 63, and as shown in Figure 3, the foot frame 62 and the footrest section 6 can be swung relative to the seat section 2 with the pivot shaft 61 as a fulcrum in accordance with the reclining motion. Between the footrest section 6 and the foot frame 62, an air cell 20 is provided to allow the footrest section 6 to swing up and down further, and the foot frame 62 functions as a reaction force receiver for the air cell 20. The control unit 9 inflates and deflates the air cell 20, pushing out the footrest section 6 and causing it to swing up and down from the raised state to the hanging state shown in Figure 3. The inflation fulcrum 20a of the air cell 20 is located on the side of the seat section 2 as seen from the footrest section 6.

[0035] [Configuration of the control panel] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, a wired control unit 10 is provided, which can be operated by the user while seated. This control unit 10 has physical buttons 101 that the user presses to operate. The physical buttons 101 allow the user to change their posture by swinging the footrest 6 up and down. It also allows the user to select the pressing parts a1 to a4 to operate, change the operation (strength, etc.) of each pressing part a1 to a4, switch the heater part 32 on / off, and select an operation course C based on a pre-set program. It also has a power button to turn on the chair 1 and an emergency stop button to stop the chair 1 in an emergency. The control unit 10 may also be connected wirelessly.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the physical button 101 has a change unit 102 that can change the timing of operation course C to any desired timing. Each time the change unit 102 is pressed, the setting time of the timer unit 91 is changed to 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and any desired setting time can be selected. In addition, it is preferable that the operation unit 10 has a display unit 104 that displays characters and numbers. The change in the setting time of the timer unit 91 by the change unit 102 can be confirmed by displaying it on the display unit 104. The method of confirming the change of the timer 91 is not limited to this, and may also be to light up an LED lamp corresponding to each time, or to output an audio from a speaker 103a installed in the operation unit 10. When the set time of the timer unit 91 has elapsed, the user will be notified by the notification unit 103, which will be described later. Note that it is not limited to this, and may be configured to allow setting other times such as 3 hours or 4 hours, or to allow setting any time between 0 minutes and 3 hours. In addition, it may be configured to allow setting by time, such as 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 14 o'clock, etc.

[0037] Preferably, the seat 2 is equipped with a seat detection sensor 21 (usage detection sensor) that detects whether a user is seated (whether a user is using it). The seat detection sensor 21 detects that a user is seated when a load exceeding a predetermined amount is applied to the seat 2. Alternatively, seating can be detected without relying on load; for example, infrared light or the like is emitted upward from the seat 2, and the system can detect whether a user is seated based on the reflection time. The timer unit 91 counts only while the seat detection sensor 21 detects the user's seated state. This configuration allows for notification only to users who have been seated for a long time. Furthermore, the timer unit 91 may be configured to reset the count if the user has not been seated for a predetermined time. This prevents, for example, a notification from being issued immediately if a user has stood up and worked for a predetermined time but then sat down again, as if they had been seated for a long time. When this function is provided, it is preferable to be able to set whether the count reset function is ON / OFF and how long the count should be reset depending on the user's attributes, such as their industry.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 10 has a notification unit 103. The notification unit 103 notifies the user that a predetermined time set by the physical button 101 has been reached, using music or sound output from a speaker 103a installed inside the control unit 10. The speaker 103a may be installed inside the chair 1, or instead of the speaker 103a, an LED lamp (not shown) or a display (not shown) may be provided on the control unit 10, and the user may be notified by displaying text or graphics on that display.

[0039] Furthermore, by operating the control unit 10, the footrest 6 can be moved up and down to change the posture. In addition, it is possible to select each of the pressing parts a1 to a4 to be operated, and to change their movement and strength. Moreover, if the backrest 3 is configured to recline using an electric or hydraulic drive unit, the posture may be changed by operating the control unit 10 to recline the backrest 3.

[0040] [Operation Flow] The following describes the operation flow of chair 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the use of operation course C for chair 1. The sequence of operations course C for chair 1 will be explained based on Figure 6.

[0041] The user operates the physical button 101 on the control unit 10 to set the operation course C and the time on the timer unit 91 that will be the timing of operation course C. (Step S1) Following step S1, a determination step is performed to determine whether the time set on the timer unit 91 has elapsed. (Step S2) If, in the determination step, the time set on the timer unit 91 has elapsed, following step S2, a notification step is performed in which the notification unit 103 notifies the user that the time set on the timer unit 91 has elapsed. (Step S3) Here, in addition to notifying the user of the elapsed time, it is also possible to play an audio message or display text to encourage the use of operation course C.

[0042] Following step S3, the operation course C is executed. (Step S4) Specifically, the user uses the physical button 101 on the control unit 10 to start the operation course C selected in step S1. An example of the contents of the operation course C to be started is as follows: The user leans against the backrest 3 and puts their weight on it, moving from an upright position to a reclined position. At this time, it is preferable to announce to the user from the speaker 103a that they are moving to a reclined position. Next, the leg pressing parts a3 and a4 inflate and press against the user's legs, holding the user's legs in place so that they do not move due to the pressure from the respective pressing parts a1 and a2. Next, the buttock pressing part a1 and the waist pressing part a2 inflate. With the legs held in place, one side of the buttock pressing part a1 and the waist pressing part a2 inflates to perform a twisting stretching motion of the upper body. Subsequently, by inflating the other side of the buttock pressure part a1 and the waist pressure part a2, a stretching motion can be performed that twists the upper body to the opposite side. Furthermore, by inflating one side of the buttock pressure part a1 and the other side of the waist pressure part a2, a stretching motion that twists the upper body in a more complex way can be performed. In this way, by performing stretching motions using the pressure parts a1 to a4, the user's posture can be changed, which can lead to posture adjustment, fatigue recovery, and improved blood circulation.

[0043] In this embodiment, the leg pressing sections a3 and a4 are used to hold the legs, but this is not the only use; they may also be used for leg stretching or posture changes. Furthermore, each pressing section a1 to a4 may be used as a massage section to perform massage actions. Additionally, the buttock pressing section a1 may be arranged front to back, and may operate independently in the front, back, left, and right directions. This configuration allows for more complex posture changes.

[0044] The start of operation course C may be initiated automatically after notification, or it may be initiated by the user selecting to start using the physical button 101. If the start is initiated by the user's selection, it is preferable that the notification unit 103 notifies the user again at regular intervals (e.g., every 3 minutes) if the user does not make any selection. This configuration prevents the user from missing the notification or forgetting to use the system.

[0045] Once the series of action courses C is completed, the timer unit 91 is reset to the time for the next action course C. (Step S5) Here, the reset time may be the same as the time initially set, or it may be configured to be a different time. If a different time is set, for example, action course C may be performed once every 30 minutes or every hour. This prevents sitting in the same posture for long periods of time, such as during desk work, and allows for regular stretching exercises at appropriate time intervals, thereby changing posture. The user may also be able to set the reset time. This allows for settings that match the user's work and lifestyle rhythm.

[0046] Furthermore, although the operation course C was set initially (step S1) in this embodiment, the operation course C may also be selected at the timing of execution (step S4). By configuring it in this way, the user can execute an operation course C that is appropriate for their needs. In addition, it may be possible to change to an operation course C different from the one initially set. By configuring it in this way, the user can not only repeatedly receive the same operation course C, but also receive a combination of different operation courses C.

[0047] Once the resetting of the timer unit 91 is complete, the process returns to step S2 and steps S2 to S5 are repeatedly executed. This repeated execution may be terminated when the user turns off the power to chair 1, or it may be terminated after a predetermined number of repetitions. Alternatively, it may be terminated when a predetermined time is reached (step S6). The predetermined time is, for example, the end of the workday (for example, 5pm). By setting it in this way, the operation course C is executed only during working hours and does not operate after the end of the workday, thus preventing unnecessary operation when the user is absent.

[0048] [Chair configurations in other embodiments] The following describes chair 100 according to another embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of chair 100 according to another embodiment. Chair 100 is a seated chair having the pressing parts a1 and a2 described above. In the following, components identical to those in chair 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0049] Chair 100, like chair 1 described above, is a seated chair mainly comprising a seat 2, a backrest 3, a control unit 9, and an operating unit 10. The seat 2 has a pair of buttock pressing parts a1 on the left and right sides, arranged front to back, and can be controlled independently front to back and left to right by the control unit 9. The backrest has a pair of three lumbar pressing parts a2 on the left and right sides, and can be controlled independently left to right by the control unit 9. In this embodiment, the backrest 3 is set at a height that supports the user's waist, but it may also be set at a height that supports the user's entire back, and a pillow part 31 may also be provided.

[0050] Chair 100 can be attached to the surface of an office chair or other chair, allowing the user seated in the chair to perform exercises, stretches, and posture changes at appropriate times. With this configuration, the user only needs to attach chair 100 to a chair already provided in the office, allowing the existing chair to be used as is. In this embodiment, the chair is simply placed on top of the chair, but it may also be configured to be secured to the back of the chair with a belt or similar to prevent displacement, or chair 100 may be configured to be used as a standalone seat chair.

[0051] [Chair configurations in other embodiments] The following describes chair 200 according to another embodiment. Figure 8 is a perspective view of chair 200 according to another embodiment. Chair 200 is a massage chair having the pressing parts a1 to a4 described above. In the following, components identical to those in chair 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] Chair 200, like chair 1 described above, is primarily a massage chair comprising a seat 2, a backrest 3, armrests 5, a footrest 6, a control unit 9, and an operating unit 10. The seat has a pair of buttock pressing parts a1 on the left and right sides, arranged front to back, and can be controlled independently front to back and left to right by the control unit 9. The backrest 3 has a pair of lumbar pressing parts a2 on the left and right sides, and can be controlled independently left to right by the control unit 9. It is also preferable that the backrest 3 is provided with a pillow 31.

[0053] The chair 200 has a footrest section 6 which has a pair of left and right leg clamping sections 60, a central wall 60a that is erected from the center of the left and right sides of the user's lower leg, and side walls 60b that are erected from both the left and right ends. A leg pressing section a3 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 60a, and a leg pressing section a4 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 60b. The leg pressing sections a3 and a4 can be controlled independently on the left and right sides by the control section 9. By pressing the user's lower leg with the leg pressing sections a3 and a4, the user's lower leg can be clamped.

[0054] Furthermore, the armrest portion 5 may be provided with arm pressing portions a5 that press against the left and right arms respectively. The arm pressing portions a5 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air, and can be controlled independently on the left and right sides by the control unit 9. It is also preferable that the arm pressing portions a5 be provided on the hand side and the elbow side, and that they can be controlled independently. In addition, the backrest portion 3 is provided with a pair of left and right side walls 7 that are positioned opposite the outer surface of the user's shoulder or upper arm. These side walls 7 are erected forward on the side of the backrest portion 3. The inner surface of the side walls 7 is provided with a shoulder pressing portion a6 that massages the outer surface of the shoulder or upper arm. The shoulder pressing portion a6 is composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air.

[0055] Furthermore, a massage unit 8 that performs kneading and / or tapping massage may be provided on the backrest 3. Specifically, the massage unit 8 is composed of a pair of arms 81 on the left and right sides, and treatment elements 82 provided at both the upper and lower ends of the arms 81. By driving the massage motors M1 and M2, the left and right treatment elements 82 can move closer together and further apart to perform kneading massage, and the left and right treatment elements 82 can alternately move forward and backward towards the user to perform tapping massage. The massage unit 8 also has a forward and backward drive unit 65 made of an air cell or the like, and can move forward and backward.

[0056] With this configuration, the upper body is held in place by the arm pressing section a5 and the shoulder pressing section a6, and the back is pushed by the massage unit 8, allowing for stretching movements that straighten the spine and stretching movements that arch the chest. Furthermore, by combining the pressing sections a1-a6, the reclining movement of the backrest section 3, and the rocking movement of the footrest section 6, various stretching and posture-changing movements can be performed.

[0057] [Desk configuration according to one embodiment] The following describes the overall configuration of the desk 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the desk 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the desk 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the change in posture using the desk 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the sitting desk state and (b) shows the standing desk state. The concept of direction is defined as follows when a user is using the desk, with the head side in the direction of height being "up", the waist side in the direction of height being "down", the direction facing the front of the body (e.g., face, chest, abdomen or shin side) being "forward", the direction facing the back of the body (e.g., back of the head, back, waist or calf side) being "back", the left hand side being "left", and the right hand side being "right", and other cases will be explained as appropriate.

[0058] [Overall desk configuration] As shown in Figure 9, the desk 300 according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly comprises a tabletop 301 provided on the upper surface of the desk 300 and legs 302 that support the tabletop 301 at a predetermined height. The legs 302 include a lifting drive unit 303 that drives the tabletop to move up and down, and a control unit 304 that controls the lifting operation of the lifting drive unit 303. A timer unit 305, an alert unit 308, and a storage unit 309 are electrically connected to the control unit 304. When a predetermined time set in the timer unit 305 has elapsed, the control unit 304 can drive the lifting drive unit 303 and control the lifting operation to raise or lower the tabletop 301.

[0059] In this embodiment, the control unit 304 is located on the underside of the top plate 301, but it may be located elsewhere. Furthermore, the timer unit 305 may be configured via communication with an external terminal such as a smartphone.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the desk 300 has an operation unit 311 provided on the underside of the tabletop 301. The operation unit 311 has a physical button 306, which has a change unit 307 that allows the timing of the lifting and lowering operation to be changed to any desired timing. Each time the change unit 307 is pressed, the setting time of the timer unit 305 is changed to 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and any desired setting time can be selected. When the time set by the timer unit 305 has elapsed, the user is notified by the notification unit 308, which will be described later. However, it is not limited to these, and it may be configured to allow setting other times such as 3 hours or 4 hours, or to allow setting any time between 0 minutes and 3 hours. In addition, it may be configured to allow setting by time, such as 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 14 o'clock, etc. Furthermore, although the operation unit 311 in this embodiment is provided on the underside of the tabletop 301, it may also be provided on the side of the tabletop 301 or on the leg portion 302, or it may be provided on a wired or wireless remote control.

[0061] Preferably, the desk 300 is equipped with a usage detection sensor 310 that detects whether a user is using it. The usage detection sensor 310 detects that a user is using the desk when a load exceeding a predetermined amount is applied to the tabletop 301. Alternatively, the detection of use may be performed regardless of load, for example, by irradiating infrared light from the tabletop 301 toward the user and detecting whether a user is using it based on the reflection time. The timer unit 305 counts only while the usage detection sensor 310 detects that a user is using the desk. By configuring the usage detection sensor 310 in this way, notifications can be sent only to users who are using the desk for an extended period of time. Furthermore, the timer unit 91 may be configured to reset the count if the desk has not been used for a predetermined period of time. This prevents, for example, a user who has been away from the desk 300 for a predetermined period of time from working on it from being immediately notified as having used it for a long time when they use it again. When this function is provided, it is preferable to be able to set whether the function to reset the count is ON / OFF and how long the count should be reset depending on the user's attributes, such as their industry.

[0062] [Lifting and lowering motion] As shown in Figure 11(b), the desk 300 has two states: a standing desk state in which the tabletop 301 is raised by the lifting drive unit 303 and used by a user standing, and a seated desk state in which the tabletop 301 is lowered by the lifting drive unit 303 and used by a user sitting, as shown in Figure 11(a). The lifting drive unit 303 is composed of an electric motor and a gas cylinder, and the tabletop 301 can be raised and lowered by extending and retracting the legs 302. The user can operate the lifting drive unit 303 using the physical button 306a, which is a lifting button 306a, to adjust the height of the tabletop 301. Preferably, the height adjustment result of the tabletop 301 is stored in the memory unit 309. Preferably, the height can be stored for both the seated desk state and the standing desk state. The distinction between the seated desk state and the standing desk state when storing in the memory unit 309 may be switchable using the physical button 306, or it may be defined by the height. For example, businesses can set various criteria, such as recording a tabletop height of 90 cm or more as a standing desk and a height of less than 90 cm as a seated desk.

[0063] [Notification function] The desk 300 has a notification unit 308 on the underside of the tabletop 301. The notification unit 308 notifies the user that a predetermined time set by the physical button 306 has been reached, using music or sound output from the speaker 308a. Alternatively, instead of the speaker 308a, an LED lamp (not shown) or a display (not shown) may be provided on the underside or side of the tabletop 301, and the user may be notified by displaying text or graphics on the display.

[0064] The notification function of desk 300 will be explained below. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the notification function of desk 300. The sequence of events when using the notification function of desk 300 will be explained based on Figure 12.

[0065] The user operates the physical button 306 to set the time in the timer unit 305. (Step S1) Following Step S1, a determination step is performed to determine if the time set in the timer unit 305 has elapsed. (Step S2) If the time set in the timer unit 305 has elapsed in the determination step, following Step S2, a notification step is performed in which the notification unit 308 notifies the user that the time set in the timer unit 305 has elapsed. (Step S3) Here, in addition to notifying the user of the elapsed time, it is also possible to play an audio message or display text prompting the user to change the height of the desk 300 from a standing desk state to a sitting desk state, or from a sitting desk state to a standing desk state.

[0066] Following step S3, the height of the desk 300 is changed. (Step S4) Specifically, the user selects to start the raising and lowering operation of the desk 300 using the physical button 306. The control unit 304 controls the lifting and lowering drive unit 303, raising and lowering the tabletop 301, changing the desk from a standing position to a sitting position, and vice versa. This prevents the user from remaining in the same posture for a long period of time. The raising and lowering operation of the desk 300 may be started automatically after notification.

[0067] Once the raising and lowering of the tabletop 301 is complete, the timer unit 305 is reset to the start time for the next raising and lowering operation. (Step S5) Here, the reset time may be the same as the time initially set, or it may be configured to be a different time. If a different time is set, for example, the raising and lowering operation may be started once every 30 minutes or every hour. This prevents prolonged periods in the same posture, such as during desk work, and allows for regular changes between standing and sitting postures at appropriate time intervals. The user may also be able to set the reset time. This allows for settings tailored to the user's work and lifestyle rhythm.

[0068] Once the resetting of the timer unit 305 is complete, the process returns to step S2 and steps S2 to S5 are repeatedly executed. This repeated execution may be terminated when the user turns off the power to the desk 300, or it may be terminated after a predetermined number of repetitions. Alternatively, it may be terminated when a predetermined time is reached (step S6). The predetermined time is, for example, the end of the workday (for example, 5pm). By setting it in this way, posture changes are performed only during working hours and do not operate after the end of the workday, thus preventing unnecessary operation when the user is absent. [Industrial applicability]

[0069] The present invention aims to provide a chair and a desk that allow the user to perform exercises, stretches, and posture changes at appropriate times. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1 chair 100 chairs 200 chairs 2 Seat part 3. Backrest 11. Intake and exhaust system 20 Air Cells 21. Seating detection sensor 102 Changes 103 Hochi Department 9. Control Unit 91 Timer section C Operation Course 300 desks 301 Top plate 303 Lifting drive unit 304 Control Unit 305 Timer section 307 Changes 308 News Department 310 Sensors used for detection

Claims

1. The backrest on which the user leans, and the seat on which the user sits, A timer unit that can count a predetermined time, A notification unit that notifies when the predetermined time has been reached, A pressing part that changes the user's posture, A drive unit that drives the pressing part, It includes a control unit that controls the drive unit, The notification unit prompts the user to change their posture by using the pressing unit. A chair characterized in that, after the user's posture has been changed by the pressing part, the timer unit sets a predetermined time again.

2. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing part has a course program that operates in a predetermined procedure.

3. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing portion has at least a back pressing portion that presses against the user's back.

4. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressing portion has at least a buttock pressing portion that presses against the user's buttocks.

5. The pressing parts are provided in pairs, left and right. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit can independently control the pressing portion on the left and right sides.

6. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the backrest has a reclining function that allows switching between a tilted state and an upright state.

7. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a modification part that allows the predetermined time to be changed.

8. It has a usage detection sensor that detects whether a user is using it, The chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the notification by the notification unit is performed when the usage detection sensor detects that the chair is being used by a user.

9. The chair according to claim 8, characterized in that the timer unit advances the count of a predetermined time when the usage detection sensor detects that the chair is being used by a user.

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