TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a relaxation apparatus having a relaxation effect
on a user.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the prior art, patent document 1 describes an example of a relaxation apparatus
that generates a relaxation effect by rocking the body of a user seated on a chair-type
body support.
[0003] The relaxation apparatus of patent document 1 includes a body support, which is formed
by a seat (lower body support portion in patent document 1) and a backrest (upper
body support portion in patent document 1), and a rocker drive device (vibrating means
in patent document 1), which rocks and moves the body support toward the front and
rear. The rocker drive device rocks and moves the body support in the front and rear
directions.
[0004] Further, in such a relaxation apparatus, during the rocking in the front and rear
directions, the angle of at least either one of the seat and backrest is controlled
so that the user's feet does not become higher than the user's head. Thus, the feet
are always lower than the head, and the head side never moves below the feet in the
vertical direction. As a result, the head side is not felt as if it is sliding off
the chair, and an effective relaxation effect is generated.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No.
2697864
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS THAT ARE TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0005] The above-described relaxation apparatus is operated so that a tilting motion of
the backrest, which occurs when necessary so that the feet are always lower than the
head, and a rocking motion of the body support are performed independently. In some
cases, these motions offset each other. This may lead to an awkward motional feel,
and an effective relaxation effect may not be generated.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a relaxation apparatus
that generates an effective relaxation effect through a body rocking motion and a
body support means tilting motion.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS
[0007] To achieve the above object, a first embodiment of the present invention is a relaxation
apparatus including a body support means, a rocker drive means, and a control means.
The body support means includes a seat, on which a user can sit, and a connected supporter,
which is connected to the seat to support part of a user's body. The rocker drive
means rocks and moves the body support means in front and rear directions. The control
means controls the rocker drive means to perform relaxation rocking. A position adjustment
means shifts the body support means between a basic position, a sleep position, at
which the angle between the seat and the connected supporter is greater than that
at the basic position, and an upright position, at which the angle between the seat
and the connected supporter is less than that at the basic position. The position
adjustment means changes the angle of the connected supporter relative to the seat
when the body support means is moving to at least either one of the front and the
rear in order to move the body support means from the basic position to the sleep
position or the upright position.
[0008] In the first embodiment, the body support means includes the position adjustment
means that shifts the body support means between the basic position, the sleep position,
at which the angle between the seat and the connected supporter is greater than that
at the basic position, and an upright position, at which the angle between the seat
and the connected supporter is less than that at the basic position. The position
adjustment means changes the angle of the backrest relative to the seat when the body
support means is moving to at least either one of the front and the rear in order
to move the body support means from the basic position to the sleep position or the
upright position. As a result, the rocking motion of the body support means, the seat
of the body support means, and the tilting motion of the connected supporter cooperate
to generate a relaxation operation in a synergetic manner. Thus, an effective relaxation
effect is generated.
[0009] In a second embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the first embodiment, the
connected supporter includes a backrest tiltably fixed to the rear of the seat, and
the position adjustment means increases the angle between the backrest and the seat
when the body support means is moving toward the front in order to move the body support
means from the basic position to the sleep position.
[0010] In the second embodiment, the connected supporter includes a backrest tiltably fixed
to the rear of the seat, and the position adjustment means increases the angle between
the backrest and the seat when the body support means is moving toward the front in
order to move the body support means from the basic position to the sleep position.
In this state, at least either one of the seat and the backrest is tilted and moved
toward the sleep position so that the user's body automatically moves toward the sleeping
position and the user's body becomes close to a straight state. Thus, a floating feel
is apt to being generated relatively around the waist.
[0011] In a third embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the second embodiment, the
position adjustment means decreases the angle between the backrest and the seat when
the body support means is moving toward the rear in order to move the body support
means from the sleep position to the basic position.
[0012] In the third embodiment, the position adjustment means decreases the angle between
the backrest and the seat when the body support means is moving toward the rear in
order to move the body support means from the sleep position to the basic position.
This allows for repetitive movement toward the sleeping position by tilting at least
one of the seat and the backrest when the body support means is moving toward the
front and allows for the effect of the second embodiment to be repetitively generated.
[0013] In a fourth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the second or third embodiment,
the connected supporter includes an ottoman fixed in a relatively tiltable manner
to the front of the seat, and the position adjustment means increases the angle between
the ottoman and the seat when the body support means is moving toward the front in
order to move the body support means from the basic position to the sleep position.
[0014] In the fourth embodiment, the connected supporter includes the ottoman fixed in a
relatively tiltable manner to the front of the seat, and the position adjustment means
increases the angle between the ottoman and the seat when the body support means is
moving toward the front in order to move the body support means from the basic position
to the sleep position. This moves the user's legs toward the sleep position, and the
user is further apt to having a floating feel. This generates a further effective
refreshing effect.
[0015] In a fifth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the
position adjustment means decreases the angle between the ottoman and the seat when
the body support means is moving toward the rear in order to move the body support
means from the sleep position to the basic position.
[0016] In the fifth embodiment, the position adjustment means decreases the angle between
the ottoman and the seat when the body support means is moving toward the rear in
order to move the body support means from the sleep position to the basic position.
This allows for repetitive movement toward the sleeping position by tilting at least
one of the seat and the ottoman when the body support means is moving toward the front
and allows for the effect of the fourth embodiment to be repetitively generated.
[0017] In a sixth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the fifth embodiment, in
order to refresh the user who is in a relaxed state, the position adjustment means
decreases the angle between the backrest and the seat when the body support means
is moving toward the rear in order to move the body support means from the basic position
to the upright position.
[0018] In the sixth embodiment, in order to refresh the user who is in a relaxed state,
the position adjustment means decreases the angle between the backrest and the seat
when the body support means is moving toward the rear in order to move the body support
means from the basic position to the upright position. That is, to refresh the user
who is in a relaxed state, the angle between the backrest and the seat is decreased
when the body support means is moving toward the rear so that the user's body is held
upright. This has a refreshing effect on the user.
[0019] In a seventh embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the sixth embodiment, the
position adjustment means increases the angle between the backrest and the seat when
the body support means is moving toward the front during the refreshing in order to
move the body support means from the upright position to the basic position.
[0020] In the seventh embodiment, the position adjustment means increases the angle between
the backrest and the seat when the body support means is moving toward the front during
the refreshing in order to move the body support means from the upright position to
the basic position. This allows for repetitive movement toward the upright position
by tilting at least one of the seat and the backrest when the body support means is
moving toward the rear and allows for the effect of the sixth embodiment to be repetitively
generated.
[0021] In an eighth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the sixth or seventh embodiment,
the position adjustment means decreases the angle between the ottoman and the seat
when the body support means is moving toward the rear during the refreshing in order
to move the body support means from the basic position to the upright position.
[0022] In the eighth embodiment, the position adjustment means decreases the angle between
the ottoman and the seat when the body support means is moving toward the rear during
the refreshing in order to move the body support means from the basic position to
the upright position. This moves the user's legs (mainly, below the knees) to a vertically
lower position so as to move the joints and the like of the user's body, stimulate
motor sensation, and allow for the weight of the legs to be felt more easily so as
to awaken the user.
[0023] In a ninth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the eighth embodiment, the
position adjustment means increases the angle between the seat and the ottoman when
the body support means is moving toward the front during the refreshing in order to
move the body support means from the upright position to the basic position.
[0024] In the ninth embodiment, the position adjustment means increases the angle between
the seat and the ottoman when the body support means is moving toward the front during
the refreshing in order to move the body support means from the upright position to
the basic position. This allows for repetitive movement toward the upright position
by tilting at least one of the seat and the ottoman when the body support means is
moving toward the rear and allows for the effect of the eighth embodiment to be repetitively
generated.
[0025] In a tenth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the ninth embodiment, the
position adjustment means moves the backrest relative to the seat.
[0026] In the tenth embodiment, the position adjustment means moves the backrest relative
to the seat. For example, when the seat is horizontal at the basic position, the movement
of the backrest relative to the seat causes the sleep position to become horizontal.
This disperses the force produced by the user's weight and received by each part of
the body and generates a further effective relaxation effect. Further, if the backrest
is tilted (moved toward the rear) toward the sleep position when the body support
13 is being moved toward the front, the user's head does not move toward the front
or rear. Thus, the semicircular canals, which are for keeping balance, do not move
toward the front and rear. This reduces dizziness such as motion sickness. Further,
for example, after the refreshing, in a state in which the seat is horizontal at the
basic position, the backrest is moved relative to the seat to hold the user's body
upright. In contrast, if the seat were to be moved relative to the backseat to the
upright position, the seat would approach a vertical side from a horizontal side.
This would result in the user's own weight (particularly, the weight of the lower
body) being applied to the waist. Thus, too much load would be applied to the user
such that the user cannot be comfortably aroused (awakened). In the present embodiment,
which moves the backrest relative to the seat, the application of the user's own weight
to the waist is suppressed. This allows for the user to be comfortably aroused (awakened)
and generates a further effective refreshing effect.
[0027] In an eleventh embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the ninth embodiment,
the position adjustment means moves the ottoman relative to the seat.
[0028] In the eleventh embodiment, the position adjustment means moves the ottoman relative
to the seat. For example, when the seat is horizontal at the basic position, the ottoman
is moved relative to the seat so that the sleep position approaches a horizontal state.
This disperses the force applied by the user's own weight to each part of the user's
body and generates a further effective relaxation effect. For example, if the seat
were to be moved relative to the ottoman toward the sleep position, the seat would
be tilted relative to a horizontal plane (floor surface) from a horizontal state.
As a result, the user's body would be held upright, and an effective relaxation effect
cannot be generated. Accordingly, the structure of the present invention, which moves
the ottoman relative to the seat, is effective. Further, during the refreshing, in
a state in which the seat is generally horizontal at the basic position, the user's
own weight would be applied to the waist. Thus, too much load would be applied to
the user such that the user cannot be comfortably aroused (awakened). In the present
embodiment, which moves the backrest relative to the seat, the application of the
user's own weight to the waist is suppressed. This allows for the user to be comfortably
aroused (awakened) and generates a further effective refreshing effect. Accordingly,
the structure of the present invention, which moves the ottoman relative to the seat,
suppresses the user's own weight from being applied to the waist. This allows for
the user to be comfortably aroused (awakened) and generates a further effective refreshing
effect. Further, the seat generally supports relatively heavy parts of the user's
body, such as the buttocks and the thighs, and the ottoman supports relatively light
parts such as the legs. Thus, the ottoman is easily moved relative to the seat in
the structure of the present invention. That is, the drive force for moving the ottoman
relative to the seat may be decreased, and a smaller driving mechanism may be used.
This consequently avoids enlargement of the relaxation apparatus.
[0029] In a twelfth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the eleventh embodiment,
the position adjustment means shifts the body support means to each position when
the body support means starts to move toward the front or the rear.
[0030] In the twelfth embodiment, the position adjustment means shifts the body support
means to each position when the body support means starts to move toward the front
or the rear. This increases the cooperative feel of position shifts (tilting motion)
and the rocking motions of the body support, and thereby allows for a further effective
relaxation effect and refreshing effect to be generated.
[0031] In a thirteenth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the eleventh embodiment,
the position adjustment means is configured so that a movement change amount is adjustable
for moving the connected supporter to each position.
[0032] In the thirteenth embodiment, the position adjustment means is configured so that
a movement change amount is adjustable for moving the connected supporter to each
position. Here, for example, the connected supporter will be described as a backrest.
The change amount for the tilting motion of the backrest is adjusted in accordance
with the rocking motion, and the position of the user's head during the rocking motion
may be set to be in the vicinity of a rotation center of the rocking motion. Thus,
movement of the semicircular canals, which are for keeping balance, is suppressed.
This reduces dizziness such as motion sickness and has an effective relaxation effect.
[0033] In a fourteenth embodiment, with the relaxation apparatus of the eleventh embodiment,
a reciprocating frequency for when the position adjustment means shifts the body support
means to each position and a rocking frequency for the body support means generated
by the rocker drive means are separately settable.
[0034] In the fourteenth embodiment, the reciprocating frequency for when the position adjustment
means shifts the body support means to each position and the rocking frequency for
the body support means generated by the rocker drive means are separately settable.
This increases movement variations of the apparatus and allows for shifting to each
position at a frequency higher than, for example, the frequency of the rocking motion.
Thus, a stimulus differing from that of the rocking motion may be applied to the user,
and an effective refreshing effect may be generated.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention provides a relaxation apparatus that generates an effective
relaxation effect through a body rocking motion and a body support means tilting motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036]
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a relaxation apparatus according to the present embodiment;
Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a body support of the relaxation apparatus
at a basic position;
Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the body support of the relaxation apparatus
at a sleep position
Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the body support of the relaxation apparatus
at an upright position
Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the frequency and amplitude of rocking motions
in the relaxation apparatus;
Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the rocking motions for each position in
the relaxation apparatus;
Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the rocking motions for each position in
the relaxation apparatus;
Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a rocker drive device;
Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a tilting motion of the backrest and an operation
performed by a direct-drive mechanism;
Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the tiling motion of the backrest; and
Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) are explanatory diagrams showing the rotation center of the
tilting motion, the tilting motion of the backrest, and an inflation operation of
an airbag.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0037] 10 ... relaxation apparatus, 12 ... rocker drive device serving as a rocker drive
means, 13 ... body support serving as a body support means, 20 ... controller serving
as a control means, 30 ... seat, 31 ... backrest serving as a connected supporter,
32 ... ottoman serving as a connected supporter, 33 ... reclining mechanism serving
as a position adjustment means, 34 ... lift mechanism serving as a position adjustment
means.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0038] One embodiment according to the present invention will now be discussed with reference
to the drawings.
[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a relaxation apparatus of the present embodiment.
Referring to Fig. 1, the relaxation apparatus 10 includes a base 11 having a bottom
portion 11a, which is placed on a floor (not shown). The relaxation apparatus 10 further
includes a rocker drive device 12, which serves as a rocker drive means arranged in
the base 11, and a body support 13, which serves as a body support means rocked by
the rocker drive device 12.
[0040] The rocker drive device 12 is controlled by a controller 20, which serves as a control
means, to rock and move the body support 13 in front and rear directions like a rocking
chair or the like.
[0041] The body support 13 includes a seat 30, which is tiltably supported by the base 11,
a backrest 13, which serves as a connected supporter tiltably fixed to the rear of
the seat 30, and an ottoman 32.
[0042] The backrest 31 includes a relining mechanism 33, which is controlled by the controller
20 and serves as a position adjustment means for tilting the backrest 31. When the
seat 30 is horizontal, the backrest 31 is tilted when necessary in a range in which
the reclining angle θ1 between the seat 30 and the backrest 31 is 120 degrees to 170
degrees.
[0043] Further, the ottoman 32 includes a lift mechanism 34, which is controlled by the
controller 20 and serves as a position adjustment means for tilting the ottoman 32
relative to the seat 30. The ottoman 32 is tilted when necessary in a range in which
the angle θ2 between the seat 30 and the ottoman 32 is 130 degrees to 170 degrees.
The angle θ2 between the seat 30 and the ottoman 32, which is set in a state in which
the seat 30 is horizontal, may be changed in accordance with the angle of the seat
30.
[0044] The operation of the relaxation apparatus 10 will now be discussed with reference
to Figs. 1 to 7.
[0045] The controller 20 is set to operate in various types of operations modes, such as
a mode for driving the rocker drive device 12 to perform only relaxation rocking with
the body support 13 and a mode for performing such relaxation rocking in cooperation
with the backrest 31. One of these modes is a relaxation rocking mode implementing
a refreshment mode. In this operation mode, [relaxation rocking] having a relaxation
effect on the user is first performed. After a predetermined time elapses, [relaxation
rocking] is switched to [refreshment rocking], and then the operation mode is completed.
[Relaxation Rocking]
[0046] In order to draw a user from an awakened state to a relaxed state, as shown in Fig.
5, first, the controller 20 controls the rocker drive device 12 (refer to Fig. 1)
so that the rocking interval (frequency) of the rocking motion performed on the body
support 13 (refer to Fig. 1) is decreased in steps of 0.05 Hz as time elapses starting
from, for example, 0.35 Hz, until reaching 0.2 Hz after a predetermined time A. At
the same time, the controller 20 controls the rocker drive device 12 so that the rocking
motion has a random rocking width (amplitude).
[0047] Further, together with the relaxation rocking motion, the controller 20 repetitively
tilts the backrest 31 and the ottoman 32 so that the body support 13 is moved between
a basic position (refer to Fig. 2) and a sleep position (refer to Fig. 3). In detail,
at the same time as when the body support 13 moves forth toward the front as shown
in Fig. 6, the controller 20 controls the reclining mechanism 33 so that the reclining
angle θ1 increases from 150 degrees at the basic position to 170 degrees at the sleep
position to tilt the backrest 31 to the rear and approach the sleep position. Simultaneously,
as shown in Fig. 6, the controller 20 controls the lift mechanism 34 so that the angle
θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30 is increased from 160 degrees at the basic
position to 170 degrees at the sleep position to tilt the ottoman 32 toward the sleep
position. Then, at the same time as when the body support 13 moves back toward the
rear, the controller 20 controls the reclining mechanism 33 so that the reclining
angle θ1 decreases from 170 degrees at the sleep position to 150 degrees at the basic
position to tilt the backrest 31 to the front. Simultaneously, the controller 20 controls
the lift mechanism 34 so that the angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30
is decreased from 170 degrees at the sleep position to 150 degrees at the basic position
to tilt the ottoman 32 toward the basic position.
[0048] After the predetermined time A elapses and until predetermined time B, the controller
20 controls the rocker drive device 12 to produce a rocking motion with an amplitude
that is in accordance with the final motion described above, that is, so that the
body support 13 is rocked at a frequency of 0.2 Hz, which is the lower limit value
of the frequency in the present embodiment and continues the rocking so that the user
enters a sleeping state from a relaxed state. At predetermined times A and B, the
controller 20 produces the rocking motion while maintaining the state at the sleep
position (reclining angle θ1 = 170 degrees, angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the
seat 30 = 170 degrees).
[Refreshment Rocking]
[0049] After predetermined time B elapses, the controller 20 controls the rocker drive device
12 so that the frequency of the rocking motion changes in a stepped manner from 0.2
Hz to 0.3 Hz, 0.3 Hz to 0.4 Hz, and then 0.4 Hz to 0.6 Hz to draw the user from a
sleeping state (relaxed state) to an awakened state. In this state, the controller
20 controls the timing at which the frequency changes so that a change occurs after,
for example, ten rocking motion reciprocations. Further, the controller 20 controls
the rocker drive device 12 so that the amplitude increases in steps in synchronism
at the timing at which the frequency changes.
[0050] Further, together with the refreshment rocking described above, the controller 20
repetitively tilts the backrest 31 and the ottoman 32 so that the body support 13
is moved between the basic position (refer to Fig. 2) and an upright position (refer
to Fig. 3). In detail, at the same time as when the body support 13 moves back toward
the rear as shown in Fig. 7, the controller 20 controls the reclining mechanism 33
so that the reclining angle θ1 decreases from 150 degrees at the basic position to
120 degrees at the upright position to tilt the backrest 31 to the front and approach
the upright position. Simultaneously, as shown in Fig. 7, the controller 20 controls
the lift mechanism 34 so that the angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30
is decreased from 160 degrees at the basic position to 130 degrees at the upright
position to tilt the ottoman 32 toward the upright position. Then, at the same time
as when the body support 13 moves forth toward the front, the controller 20 controls
the reclining mechanism 33 so that the reclining angle θ1 increases from 120 degrees
at the upright position to 150 degrees at the basic position to tilt the backrest
31 to the rear. Simultaneously, the controller 20 controls the lift mechanism 34 so
that the angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30 is increased from 130 degrees
at the upright position to 160 degrees at the basic position to tilt the ottoman 32
toward the basic position.
[0051] The characteristic advantages of the present embodiment will now be discussed.
- (1) When the body support 13 is moving toward the front, the reclining mechanism 33,
which serves as the position adjustment means, increases the angle between the backrest
31 and the seat 30 (reclining angle θ1) from the basic position (θ1 = 150 degrees)
toward the sleep position (θ1 = 170 degrees). In this state, the backrest 31 is tilted
to the sleep position so that the user's body automatically moves to the sleep position
and becomes straight. As a result, a floating feel is apt to being generated relatively
around the waist. This generates a relaxation effect, which results from the relaxation
operation of the prior art, and a floating feel for the user. That is, synergetic
relaxation motions are generated, and a further effective relaxation effect is generated.
- (2) When the body support 13 is moving toward the rear, the reclining mechanism 33,
which serves as the position adjustment means, decreases the angle between the backrest
31 and the seat 30 (reclining angle θ1) from the sleep position (θ1 = 170 degrees)
toward the basic position (θ1 = 150 degrees). This allows for the backrest 31 to be
repetitively tilted toward the sleep position during movement of the body support
13 toward the front and repetitively generates the effect described in advantage (1).
- (3) The reclining mechanism 33, which serves as the position adjustment means, moves
the backrest 31 relative to the seat 30. When the seat 30 is horizontal at the basic
position, the movement of the backrest 31 relative to the seat 30 causes the sleep
position to become horizontal. This disperses the force produced by the user's weight
and received by each part of the body and generates a further effective relaxation
effect. Further, if the backrest 31 is tilted (moved toward the rear) toward the sleep
position when the body support 13 is being moved toward the front, the user's head
does not move toward the front or rear. Thus, the semicircular canals, which are for
keeping balance, do not move toward the front and rear. This reduces dizziness such
as motion sickness.
- (4) When the body support 13 is moving toward the front, the lift mechanism 34 increases
the angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30 from the basic position (θ1 =
160 degrees) toward the sleep position (θ2 = 170 degrees). This approaches the user's
legs toward the sleep position so that the user is more apt to experiencing a floating
feel and thereby generates a further effective refreshing effect.
- (5) When the body support 13 is moving toward the rear, the lift mechanism 34 decreases
the angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30 from the sleep position (θ2 =
170 degrees) toward the basic position (θ2 = 160 degrees). This allows for the ottoman
32 to be repetitively tilted toward the sleep position when the body support 13 is
moving toward the front and repetitively generates the effect described in advantage
(4).
- (6) When the body support 13 is moving toward the rear during the refreshing operation
(after the predetermined time B elapses), the reclining mechanism 33 decreases the
angle between the backrest 31 and the seat 30 (reclining angle θ1) from the basic
position (θ1 = 150 degrees) toward the upright position (120 degrees). That is, after
the relaxation rocking, the angle (θ1) between the backrest 31 and the seat 30 is
decreased toward the upright position so that the user's body is held upright. This
has a refreshing effect on the user.
- (7) When the body support 13 is moving toward the front during the refreshing operation
(after the predetermined time B elapses), the reclining mechanism 33 increases the
angle (θ1) between the backrest 31 and the seat 30 from the upright position (120
degrees) toward the basic position (θ1 = 150 degrees). This allows for the seat 30
and seat 30 to be repetitively tilted toward the upright position when the body support
13 is moving toward the rear and repetitively generates the effect described in advantage
(6).
- (8) The reclining mechanism 33 moves the backrest 31 relative to the seat 30 during
the refreshing operation (after the predetermined time B elapses). When the seat 30
is horizontal at the basic position, the backrest 31 is moved relative to the seat
30 so that the upper body is held upright. In contrast, if the seat 30 were to be
moved relative to the backseat 31 to the upright position, the seat 30 would approach
a vertical side from a horizontal side. This would result in the user's own weight
(particularly, the weight of the lower body) being applied to the waist. Thus, too
much load would be applied to the user such that the user cannot be comfortably aroused
(awakened). In the present embodiment, which moves the backrest 31 relative to the
seat 30, the application of the user's own weight to the waist is suppressed. This
allows for the user to be comfortably aroused (awakened) and generates a further effective
refreshing effect.
- (9) When the body support 13 is moving toward the rear during the refreshing operation
(after the predetermined time B elapses), the reclining mechanism 33 decreases the
angle θ2 between the ottoman 32 and the seat 30 from the basic position (θ2 = 160
degrees) toward the upright position (130 degrees). This moves the user's legs (mainly,
below the knees) to a vertically lower position so as to move the joints and the like
of the user's body, stimulate motor sensation, and allow for the weight of the legs
to be felt more easily so as to awaken the user.
- (10) When the body support 13 is moving toward the front during the refreshing operation
(after the predetermined time B elapses), the lift mechanism 34 increases the angle
θ2 between the seat 30 and the ottoman 32 from the upright position (θ2 = 130 degrees)
toward the basic position (θ2 = 160 degrees). This repetitively tilts and moves the
ottoman 32 toward the upright position when the body support 13 is moving toward the
rear and repetitively generates the effect described in advantage (9).
- (11) The lift mechanism 34, which serves as the position adjustment means, moves the
ottoman 32 relative to the seat 30. For example, when the seat is horizontal at the
basic position, the ottoman 32 is moved relative to the seat 30 so that the sleep
position approaches a horizontal state. This disperses the force applied by the user's
own weight to each part of the user's body and generates a further effective relaxation
effect. In contrast, for example, if the seat 30 were to be moved relative to the
ottoman 32 toward the sleep position, the seat 30 would be tilted relative to a horizontal
plane (floor surface) from a horizontal state. As a result, the user's body would
be held upright, and an effective relaxation effect cannot be generated. Accordingly,
the structure of the present invention, which moves the ottoman 32 relative to the
seat 30, is effective. Further, during the refreshing operation, in a state in which
the seat 30 is generally horizontal at the basic position, the user's own weight would
be applied to the waist. Thus, too much load would be applied to the user such that
the user cannot be comfortably aroused (awakened). In the present embodiment, which
moves the backrest 31 relative to the seat 30, the application of the user's own weight
to the waist is suppressed. This allows for the user to be comfortably aroused (awakened)
and generates a further effective refreshing effect. Accordingly, the structure of
the present invention, which moves the ottoman 32 relative to the seat 30, suppresses
the user's own weight from being applied to the waist. This allows for the user to
be comfortably aroused (awakened) and generates a further effective refreshing effect.
Further, the seat 30 generally supports relatively heavy parts of the user's body,
such as the buttocks and the thighs, and the ottoman 32 supports relatively light
parts such as the legs. Thus, the ottoman 32 is easily moved relative to the seat
30. That is, the drive force for moving the ottoman 32 relative to the seat 30 may
be decreased, and a smaller driving mechanism may be used. This consequently avoids
enlargement of the relaxation apparatus.
- (12) The reclining mechanism 33 and the lift mechanism 34, which serve as the position
adjustment means, moves the body support 13 to each position when the body support
13 starts to move toward the front or the rear. This increases the cooperative feel
of position shifts (tilting motion) and the rocking motion of the body support 13,
and thereby allows for a further effective relaxation effect and refreshing effect
to be generated.
[0052] The embodiment of the present invention may be modified as described below.
[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the basic position is θ1 = 170 degrees, θ2 = 160
degrees, the sleep position is θ1 = 170 degrees, θ2 = 170 degrees, and the upright
position is θ1 = 120 degrees, θ2 = 130 degrees. However, the present invention is
not limited in such a manner. For example, at the sleep position, the angle θ1 and
angle θ2 formed with the seat 30 may be greater than at the basic position so that
the backseat 31 and the ottoman 32 approaches a parallel state relative to the seat
30. Further, at the upright position, the angle θ1 and angle θ2 formed with the seat
30 may be greater than at the basic position so that the backseat 31 and the ottoman
32 approaches a perpendicular direction relative to the seat 30.
[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the backrest 31 and the ottoman 32 are tilted
relative to the seat 30. However, the seat 30 may be tilted relative to at least one
of the backrest 31 and the ottoman 32.
[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the ottoman 32 is tilted. However, the tilting
of the ottoman 32 may be disabled. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, the ottoman 32 may
be fixed at a predetermined angle, and only the backrest 31 may be tilted. Further,
the ottoman 32 may be eliminated. In other words, the connected supporter may be only
the backrest 31. In this case, the lift mechanism 34 may be eliminated, and only the
reclining mechanism 33 functions as the position adjustment means.
[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the body support 13 is shifted to each position
as (at the same time as when) the body support 13 starts to move toward the front
or the rear. However, the position shifting does not have to be performed simultaneously
in such a manner.
[0057] In the above-described embodiment, when the body support 13 is moving toward the
front during the refreshing operation after the predetermined time B elapses (after
the relaxation rocking), the lift mechanism 34 increases the angle θ2 between the
seat 30 and the ottoman 32 from the upright position (θ2 = 130 degrees) toward the
basic position (θ2 = 160 degrees). However, the present invention is not limited in
such a manner. For example, during the refreshment rocking (refreshing operation)
after the predetermined time B elapses, the lift mechanism 34 does not have to move
the ottoman 32 from the upright position to the basic position when the body support
13 is moving toward the front, and it is only required that the ottoman 32 be moved
from the basic position to the upright position only at least when the body support
13 is moving toward the rear. In addition, the movement of the ottoman 32 from the
basic position to the upright position may be eliminated when the body support 13
is moving toward the rear.
[0058] In the above-described embodiment, when the body support 13 is moving toward the
front during the refreshment rocking after the predetermined time B elapses (after
the relaxation rocking), the reclining mechanism 33 increases the angle (θ1) between
the backrest 31 and the seat 30 from the upright position (120 degrees) toward the
basic position (θ1 = 150 degrees). However, the present invention is not limited in
such a manner. For example, during the refreshment rocking (refreshing operation)
after the predetermined time B elapses, the reclining mechanism 33 does not have to
move the backrest 31 from the upright position to the basic position when the body
support 13 is moving toward the front, and it is only required that the backrest 31
be moved from the basic position to the upright position only at least when the body
support 13 is moving toward the rear. In addition, the movement of the backrest 31
from the basic position to the upright position may be eliminated when the body support
13 is moving toward the rear.
[0059] Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, as shown in
Fig.12, to rock the body support 13 toward the front and rear, the rocker drive device
12 may include a plurality of rotatable joints 40, arms 41 connected to the joints
40, and actuators (not shown) for driving the joints 40. Instead of the afore-mentioned
structure, the rocker drive device 12 may have any structure as long as the body support
13 can be rocked toward the front and rear.
[0060] Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, for example,
as shown in Fig. 9, in addition to the tilting motion of the backrest 31 by the reclining
mechanism 33 (refer to Fig. 1), a direct drive mechanism 42 may be arranged in the
backrest 31 to move a headrest 43 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the backrest 31 to move the user's body. Further, instead of the direct
drive mechanism 42, as shown in Fig. 11, an airbag 44 may be inflated and deflated
to move the user's body. As another option, medical treatment elements (not shown),
which are often used in massage machines or the like may be used to move the user's
body. As mentioned above, in addition to the tilting motion of the backrest 31 with
the reclining mechanism 33, movement of the user's body with the other mechanisms
42 and 44 increases the movement variations so that the movement does not become monotonous.
This contributes to maintaining the user's motivation when using the apparatus 10.
[0061] Further, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the movement change amount for the tilting motion
of the backrest 31 by the reclining mechanism 33, which serves as a position adjustment
means, and, for example, the inflation amount of the airbag 44 may be set so that
the user's head becomes close to the vicinity of a rotation center X of the rocking
motion. For example, as shown in Fig. 11(b), in comparison to when the user's head
is not moved to the vicinity of the rotation center X of the rocking motion, movement
of the semicircular canals, which are for keeping balance, is suppressed. This reduces
dizziness such as motion sickness and has an effective relaxation effect. When the
airbag 44 is eliminated, the movement change amount for the tilting motion of the
backrest 31 is adjustable, and such adjustment moves the user's head to the vicinity
of the rotation center X of the rocking motion. Thus, the same advantages may be obtained.
[0062] Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the controller
20 may be configured to allow for separate setting of the rocking frequency for the
rocking motion of the body support 13 by the rocker drive device 12 and the reciprocating
frequency when shifting the positions of the backrest 31 (body support 13) with the
reclining mechanism 33, which serves as the position adjustment means. Such a structure
increases the variation in the motion patterns of the apparatus 10 and contributes
to maintaining the user's motivation. Further, by increasing the reciprocating frequency
for the tilting motion of the backrest 31 to be higher than the frequency of the rocking
motion and increasing the inflation-deflation frequency of the airbag 44 or the like,
the user's head (semicircular canals) are stimulated. Thus, a refreshing effect may
be expected.
[0063] In the above-described embodiment, when the body support 13 is moving toward the
rear during the relaxation rocking, the lift mechanism 34 decreases the angle θ2 between
the ottoman 32 and the seat 30 from the sleep position (θ2 = 170 degrees) toward the
basic position (θ2 = 160 degrees). However, the present invention is not limited in
such a manner. For example, during the relaxation rocking, the lift mechanism 34 does
not have to move the ottoman 32 from the sleep position to the basic position when
the body support 13 is moving toward the rear, and it is only required that the ottoman
32 be moved from the basic position to the sleep position when the body support 13
is moving toward the front.
[0064] In the above-described embodiment, during the relaxation rocking, the controller
20 controls the rocker drive device 12 so that the frequency for the rocking motion
of the body support 13 shifts between 0.35 Hz to 0.2 Hz. However, the controller 20
may control the rocker drive device 12 in other frequency bands enabling relaxation.
[0065] In the above-described embodiment, during the refreshment rocking (refreshing operation),
the controller 20 controls the rocker drive device 12 so that the frequency for the
rocking motion of the body support 13 shifts between 0.2 Hz to 0.6 Hz. However, the
controller 20 may control the rocker drive device 12 in other frequency bands enabling
refreshment.
[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the parts controlled by the controller 20 at the
predetermined time A and predetermined time B are switched. However, the present invention
is not limited in such a manner. For example, switches allowing for the user to switch
the parts controlled by the controller 20 may be used so that switching is performed
at the user's desirable timing.
[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the refreshment rocking is performed after the
relaxation rocking. However, only the relaxation rocking may be performed.
[0068] Although not particularly mentioned in the above-described embodiment, music or vibration
corresponding to the relaxation rocking or refreshment rocking may be additionally
generated.
1. A relaxation apparatus (10) including a body support means (13), a rocker drive means
(12), and a control means (20), the body support means (31; 32) including a seat (30),
on which a user can sit, and a connected supporter (31; 32), which is connected to
the seat to support part of a user's body, the rocker drive means (12) being arranged
to rock and move the body support means in front and rear directions, and the control
means (20) being arranged to control the rocker drive means to perform relaxation
rocking, the relaxation apparatus being
characterized by:
a position adjustment means (33, 34) for shifting the body support means between a
basic position, a sleep position, at which the angle between the seat and the connected
supporter is greater than that at the basic position, and an upright position, at
which the angle between the seat and the connected supporter is less than that at
the basic position;
wherein the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to change the angle of
the connected supporter relative to the seat when the body support means is moving
to at least either one of the front and the rear in order to move the body support
means from the basic position to the sleep position or the upright position.
2. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 1, being
characterized in that:
the connected supporter includes a backrest (31) tiltably fixed to the rear of the
seat (30); and
the position adjustment means (33) is arranged to increase the angle between the backrest
and the seat when the body support means (13) is moving toward the front in order
to move the body support means from the basic position to the sleep position.
3. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 2, being
characterized in that:
the position adjustment means (33) is arranged to decrease the angle between the backrest
and the seat when the body support means (13) is moving toward the rear in order to
move the body support means from the sleep position to the basic position.
4. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 2 or 3, being
characterized in that:
the connected supporter includes an ottoman (32) fixed in a relatively tiltable manner
to the front of the seat (30); and
the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to increase the angle between the
ottoman and the seat when the body support means (13) is moving toward the front in
order to move the body support means from the basic position to the sleep position.
5. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 4, being
characterized in that:
the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to decrease the angle between the
ottoman and the seat when the body support means (13) is moving toward the rear in
order to move the body support means from the sleep position to the basic position.
6. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 5, being
characterized in that:
in order to refresh the user who is in a relaxed state, the position adjustment means
(33, 34) is arranged to decrease the angle between the backrest (31) and the seat
(30) when the body support means (13) is moving toward the rear in order to move the
body support means from the basic position to the upright position.
7. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 6, being
characterized in that:
the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to increase the angle between the
backrest (31) and the seat (30) when the body support means (13) is moving toward
the front during the refreshing in order to move the body support means from the upright
position to the basic position.
8. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 6 or 7, being
characterized in that:
the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to decrease the angle between the
ottoman (32) and the seat (30) when the body support means (13) is moving toward the
rear during the refreshing in order to move the body support means from the basic
position to the upright position.
9. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 8, being
characterized in that:
the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to increase the angle between the
seat (30) and the ottoman (32) when the body support means (13) is moving toward the
front during the refreshing in order to move the body support means from the upright
position to the basic position.
10. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 9, being characterized in that the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to move the backrest (31) relative
to the seat.
11. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 9, being characterized in that the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to move the ottoman (32) relative
to the seat.
12. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 11, being characterized in that the position adjustment means (33, 34) is arranged to shift the body support means
(13) to each position when the body support means starts to move toward the front
or the rear.
13. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 11, being characterized in that the position adjustment means (33, 34) is configured so that a movement change amount
is adjustable for moving the connected supporter (31; 32) to each position.
14. The relaxation apparatus (10) according to claim 11, being characterized in that a reciprocating frequency for when the position adjustment means (33; 34) shifts
the body support means (13) to each position and a rocking frequency for the body
support means generated by the rocker drive means (12) are separately settable.