SUPPORT MECHANISM AND SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A support mechanism supports a user taking a nap or resting in an upright position. The first support member supports the human body from below by contacting the knee and lower leg; the second support member supports the human body from below by contacting one of buttocks and upper legs; the third support member that contacts one of upper limbs and head of the human body and supports the human body from at least one of the front and rear directions; the fourth support member supports the human body from below by contacting the sole so that the human body's foot is in an inclined posture with respect to the up and down directions; and a moving mechanism moves one or two of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member relative to the other one in the up and down directions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-26812 filed on Feb. 23, 2023. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-26812 is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support mechanism and a support device that support a user who takes a nap or rests in an upright position.

BACKGROUND

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-99444 discloses a human body storage structure (a sleeping housing) that includes a storage space for storing the human body and supports the human body stored in the storage space in an upright position.

This sleeping housing includes; (1) a first support member that supports the buttocks of the human body so as to support at least a part of the weight of the human body stored in the storage space from below; (2) the storage space; a second support member that supports the upper body of the human body so as to prevent the upper body of the human body stored in the space from moving in a horizontal direction; (3) a knee part of the human body stored in the storage space moves forward; and (4) a fourth support member serving as a bottom part supporting the soles of the human body stored in the storage space in an upright position. Further, in this sleeping housing, each of the above parts (1) to (4) is fixed to the wall.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-99444 describes that this sleeping housing can support a human body in an upright position without requiring a large space in the horizontal direction by including each of the above-mentioned parts (1) to (4) as components.

Summary—Problem to be Solved by the Invention

The sleeping housing disclosed in The Patent Document 1 can certainly support the human body in an upright position. However, in this sleeping housing, since the relative distance between (2) the second support member and (3) the third support member in the vertical direction is at least constant, the relative distance may not be appropriate for some of users with different leg lengths.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a support mechanism that can adjust the support position of a human body according to the different leg lengths of a plurality of users.

Means to Solve the Problem

A support mechanism of one aspect supports a user who takes a nap or a rest in an upright position, and includes:

• • a first support member that has a slope facing upward in the up and down directions and supports a human body from below by contacting one or both of knees and lower legs of the human body from the front side of the human body;
  • a second support member that is disposed at a different position from the first support member when viewed from the up and down directions and supports the human body from below by contacting one or both of buttocks and upper legs of the human body from the back side of the human body;
  • a third support member that is disposed at a position above the first support member and the second support member, contacts one or both of upper limbs and head of the human body so that the upper limbs and head are placed within a defined range in the front and back directions, and supports the human body from at least one of the front and back directions;
  • a fourth support member that is arranged at a position lower than the first support member and the second support member and closer to the second support member than the first support member in the front and back directions when viewed from the up and down directions, and that contacts soles of the human body so that the legs are in a tilted posture with respect to the up and down directions and supports the human body from below; and,
  • a moving mechanism moves one or two of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member relative to the other one in the up and down directions.

A support device according to a first aspect includes the support mechanism according to the one aspect and a controller that controls the moving mechanism.

The support device of the second aspect is, in the support device of the first aspect, configured the controller to control the moving mechanism such that the second support member moves relative to the first support member and the fourth support member in the up and down directions.

The support device of the third aspect includes, in the support device of the second aspect, a plurality of sensors that are attached to each of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member and measure loads or pressures received from the human body in contact with the plurality of sensors, and are communicably connected to the controller and is configured the controller to control the movement mechanism so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors is within a predetermined ratio range.

The support device of the fourth aspect includes, in the support device of the third aspect, a user interface that is communicably connected to the controller and transmits requests from the user to the controller and is configured the controller to control the movement mechanism so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors is within a predetermined ratio range.

The support device of the fifth aspect is, in the support device of the third or the fourth aspect, configured the controller to control the movement mechanism so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors falls within the predetermined ratio range, when the controller receives a request to start using from the user via the user interface.

The support device of the sixth aspect is, in the support device of any one of the third to the fourth aspect, configured the controller to control the moving mechanism so that a ratio of the measured values of the plurality of sensors that is within the predetermined ratio range is outside the predetermined ratio range when usage time is transmitted from the user via the user interface and the usage time has elapsed, the controller controls.

The support device of the seventh aspect is based on the support device of any one of the first to the sixth aspect, the second supporter has a seat that contacts one or both of buttocks and upper legs of the human body, and a link mechanism that connects the seat and the moving mechanism; and as the seat is moved upward by the moving mechanism, posture of the seat is changed so that the angle formed by a link included in the link mechanism along the up and down directions becomes wider.

The support device of the eighth aspect includes, in the support device of any one of the first to the seventh aspect, a housing surrounding the support mechanism, the housing having a door through which a user can enter and exit.

A program of one aspect, which is one for controlling the support device of the second aspect, the program causes the controller to execute a measurement function causes the plurality of sensors to measure the load or pressure received from a human body that meets each sensor, and a movement function the moving mechanism cause the controller to control the movement mechanism so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors is within a predetermined ratio range.

Effect of the Invention

According to the support mechanism of the one aspect, the support device of the first aspect, the support device of the second aspect, and the support device of the ninth aspect, the support members of a human body can be adjusted according to the different leg lengths of a plurality of users.

According to the support devices of the third and fourth aspects, the support members of the human body can be adjusted more appropriately compared to an aspect in which the load or pressure received from the human body is not measured using a plurality of sensors.

According to the support device of the fifth aspect, it is possible to visually notify the user of the elapsed usage time by using the moving mechanism that more appropriately adjusts the support members of the human body.

According to the support device of the sixth aspect, compared to the aspect in which the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors remains constant, during the period from the start of use until the time of use has elapsed, it is possible to disperse the areas on which the user receives reaction force from the support mechanism.

According to the support device of the seventh aspect, compared to the aspect in which the posture of the seat is not changed along the vertical direction as the seat moves upward, the support position of the human body can be adjusted more appropriately according to the different leg lengths of multiple users.

According to the program of the one aspect, the support members of the human body can be adjusted according to the different leg lengths of a plurality of users.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention.

FIG. 1A is a front view of the nap box of this embodiment, with the door closed.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the nap box of this embodiment, with the door open.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the nap box of this embodiment, with the door open.

FIG. 1D is a diagram for explaining a state in which a user is using the nap box of this embodiment.

FIG. 1E is a top view of the third support member included in the nap box of this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the nap box of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the initial operation at the time of starting to use the nap box of this embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the nap box of the fourth modification.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the nap box of the fifth modification.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the sixth modification.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the seventh modification.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of the control system of the nap box of the eighth modification.

FIG. 8B is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the eighth modification.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the ninth modification.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the tenth modification.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the control system of the nap box of the twelfth modification.

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of the control system of the nap box of the thirteenth modification.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of an AI model of a thirteenth modification.

FIG. 12C is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the thirteenth modification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Hereinafter, first, the nap box 10 (an example of a support device, see FIGS. 1A, 1B, etc.) of this embodiment will be described. Next, a plurality of modified examples will be explained. In this specification, it should be noted that in each drawing referred to in a plurality of modified examples to be described later, components having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar symbols.

This Embodiment

First, the configuration and functions of the nap box 10 of this embodiment will be explained, and then the operation of the nap box 10 will be explained. Next, the effects of the nap box 10 will be explained.

Configuration and Functions of Nap Box

FIG. 1A is a front view of the nap box 10 of this embodiment, with the door 442 of the housing 40 closed. FIGS. 1B and 1C are front views of the nap box 10, respectively, with the door 442 open. FIG. 1D is a diagram for explaining a state in which a user is using the nap box 10. FIG. 1E is a top view of the third support member 230 included in the nap box 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system CS of the nap box 10.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the nap box 10 of this embodiment includes a support mechanism 20, a plurality of sensors 30, a housing 40, a control unit 50, and a user interface 60 (hereinafter referred to as UI 60). The nap box 10 is a device used to support the user U (see FIG. 1D) in a standing posture and allow the user U to take a nap or take a break.

Here, if the user U is to take a nap or rest, it may be appropriate to place the user U in a horizontal position using a bed or the like instead of in a standing position. However, as in the nap box 10 of this embodiment, allowing the user U in an upright position to take a nap or rest has two advantages: (1) the installation area can be smaller compared to a bed, etc.; and (2) the user U can take a nap or take a break at levels 1 and 2, which are the shallower of the four sleep depth levels (levels 1 to 4) in non-REM sleep.

[Support Mechanism, a Plurality of Sensors and Housing]

The support mechanism 20 is a main part of the hardware in the nap box 10, and has a function of supporting the user U in a standing position. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the support mechanism 20 includes a first support member 210, a second support member 220, a third support member 230, a fourth support member 240, a moving mechanism 250, and a plurality of pillars 260 (four pillars as an example in this embodiment).

The first support member 210, the second support member 220, the third support member 230, the fourth support member 240, and the moving mechanism 250 are the main components of the nap box 10 of this embodiment, and will be described later.

The plurality of sensors 30 (in this embodiment, the number of these sensors is three as an example) is composed of a first sensor 32, a second sensor 34, and a third sensor 36, each of which measures load or pressure. The plurality of sensors 30 are respectively attached to the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C), and are communicably connected to the controller 50 (see FIG. 2). The first sensor 32, the second sensor 34, and the third sensor 36 have respectively a function of measuring the load or pressure received from the human body of the user U that they are respectively in contact with, and transmitting the measured data to the controller 50.

The first sensor 32, the second sensor 34, and the third sensor 36 will be described later because they are the main components in the nap box 10 of this embodiment.

The housing 40 is the exterior of the nap box 10, and has a function of accommodating the support mechanism 20, the plurality of sensors 30, the control unit 50, and the UI 60 therein. That is, the housing 40 surrounds the support mechanism 20. As shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 40 has a ceiling wall 42, a peripheral wall 44, a bottom wall 46, and a stand 48. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 40 is formed in a substantially symmetrical shape when viewed from the front side of the nap box 10. Here, the dashed-dotted line CL in the FIGS means the center line of the nap box 10.

For example, the ceiling wall 42 and the bottom wall 46 are each formed into a polygonal shape with a diamond cut on the outer surface of a hemisphere.

The peripheral wall 44 is a cylinder that connects the lower end of the ceiling wall 42 and the upper end of the bottom wall 46, and has a regular polygonal shape when viewed from the up and down directions. The peripheral wall 44 is made up of a plurality of elongated plates arranged in the circumferential direction, and a part of the wall is hollowed out, and a door 442 through which the user U can enter and exit is attached. As an example, the door 442 is a double door type.

The stand 48 supports the ceiling wall 42, the peripheral wall 44, and the bottom wall 46 from below.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the plurality of pillars 260 are arranged in pairs on the front side and the back side on both sides of the bottom wall 46 when viewed from the door 442 side (viewed from the front side of the nap box 10). They are arranged along the up and down directions, and both ends of each are fixed to the bottom wall 46 and the ceiling wall 42.

Main Components

First Support Member and First Sensor

The first support member 210 has a function of supporting the human body from below by contacting one or both knees and lower legs of the human body from the front side of the human body of the user U (see FIG. 1D).

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the first support member 210 includes, for example, a base 212 and a cushion 214.

The base 212 is, for example, flat and rectangular when viewed from its thickness direction. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the base 212 is arranged on the left side when viewed from the front side of the nap box 10, and is tilted so that its upper surface faces upward and toward the center line CL (inside). Therefore, the upper surface forms a slope. The inclination angle of the base 212 is, for example, set to 20° to 60°. The base 212 is fixed to a cylinder of a second actuator 254, which is included in the moving mechanism 250 and will be described later.

The cushion 214 has, for example, a flat plate shape, and is formed into a rectangular shape that is one size smaller than the base 212 when viewed from the thickness direction. The cushion 214 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 212.

The first sensor 32 is arranged between the base 212 and the cushion 214, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The first sensor 32 measures the load or pressure received from one or both knees and lower legs of the human body of the user U that is in contact with the cushion 214 and transmits the measured data to the controller 50.

In this specification, when viewed from the front side of the nap box 10, the left side will be referred to as the front side, the right side will be referred to as the rear side, and the linear direction connecting them will be referred to as the front and back directions.

Second Support Member and Second Sensor

The second support member 220 is arranged at a different position from the first support member 210 when viewed from the up and down directions (see FIGS. 1B and 1C), and has a function of supporting the human body from below by contacting one or both buttocks and upper legs of the human body of the user U from the back side of the human body (see FIG. 1D). In this embodiment, the different position is a position on the rear side of the first support member 210 in the front and back directions.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the second support member 220 includes, for example, a seat 222 and a link mechanism 224.

The seat 222 includes, for example, a base 222A and a cushion 222B. The seat 222 is a portion that meets one or both buttocks and upper legs of the user U's body.

The base 222A is, for example, flat and rectangular when viewed from its thickness direction. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the base 222A is arranged on the right side (rear side in the front and back directions) when viewed from the front side of the nap box 10, and its upper surface is on the upper side and on the center line CL side (inner side). Therefore, the upper surface forms a slope. The upper end portion of the back surface of the base 222A is swingably attached to the upper end of a first actuator 252, which will be described later, and is included in the moving mechanism 250.

As an example, the cushion 222B has a flat plate shape, and is formed into a rectangular shape that is one size smaller than the base 222A when viewed from the thickness direction. The cushion 222B is fixed to the upper surface of the base 222A.

The link mechanism 224 has, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, a function of connecting the seat 222 and the first actuator 252. The link mechanism 224 includes a link 224A and two joints 224B fitted into through holes at both ends of the link 224A. One end of the link 224A is attached to the lower end of the base 222A with a joint 224B, and the other end is attached to two adjacent columns of the plurality of columns 260 with a joint 224B.

With the above-described structure, the seat 222 is set so that the angle formed by the link 224A widens along the vertical direction as the seat 222 is moved upward by the first actuator 252 (see FIG. 4). The amount and range of expansion and contraction of the first actuator 252 are set in advance. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the seat 222 is set to, for example, 45° at its lowest position and 80° at its highest position.

The second sensor 34 is, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, arranged between the base 222A and the cushion 222B. The second sensor 34 measures the load or pressure received from one or both buttocks and upper legs of the human body of the user U that contacts the cushion 222B, and transmits the measured data to the controller 50.

Third Support Member

The third support member 230 is, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, arranged above the first support member 210 and the second support member 220. The third support member 230 has a function of supporting the human body from at least one of the front and back directions by contacting one or both upper limbs and the head of the human body so that the upper limbs and head of the user U's body are placed within a predetermined range in the front-back direction.

The third support member 230 is attached to the upper end of the second actuator 254, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Therefore, along with the operation of the second actuator 254, it is possible to move within a preset range in the up and down directions.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the third support member 230 includes an attachment 232 attached to the second actuator 254, a main body 234 that supports the human body from the front, and a hinge 236 (see FIG. 1E).

The main body 234 is swingably attached to the attachment 232 by the hinge 236. The main body 234 is formed in a C-shape when viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 1E. The main body 234 includes a base 234A and a cushion 234B fixed to the upper surface of the base 234A. The base 234A and the cushion 234B are formed into substantially the C-shape. The main body 234 is arranged at right angles to the attachment 232 when not in use, and is designed with the idea that when the user U folds it down during use, the opening side faces the user's U chest area. The user U rests both arms and head on the main body 234 during use.

Fourth Support Member and Third Sensor

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the fourth support member 240 is arranged at a position lower than the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 and at a position closer to the second support member 220 than the first support member 210 in the front and back directions when viewed from the up and down directions (specifically, at a position almost directly below the second support member 220 when viewed from the up and down directions).

As shown in FIG. 1D, the fourth support member 240 supports the human body from below by contacting the sole of the human body so that the human body of the user U has an inclined posture with respect to the up and down directions.

The fourth support member 240 is a V-shaped member when viewed from the front side of the nap box 10, and includes two elongated plates (a fixed plate and an inclined plate) extending from the front side to the back side. The inclined plate is inclined, for example, at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the fixed plate. The fixed plate is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 46.

The third sensor 36 is arranged on the inclined plate of the fourth support member 240, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The third sensor 36 measures the load or pressure received from the foot of the human body of the user U that is in contact with the inclined plate, and transmits the measured data to the controller 50.

Moving Mechanism

The moving mechanism 250 has a first actuator 252 and a second actuator 254, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C.

As described above, the first actuator 252 has the seat 222 of the second support member 220 swingably attached to its upper end. The first actuator 252 utilizes the fact that the links 224A of the link mechanism 224 are attached to two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns 260 to control the vertical position and inclination angle (or posture). Here, in this embodiment, the first support member 210 and the fourth support member 240 do not move in the up and down directions. Therefore, the first actuator 252 can move one of the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240 (the second support member 220 as an example) in the up and down directions with respect to the one above (the first support member 210 or the fourth support member 240)

As described above, the second actuator 254 has the attachment 232 of the third support member 230 attached to its upper end. The second actuator 254 has a function of changing the vertical position of the third support member 230 by moving the rod in the up and down directions.

[Control Unit]

The controller 50 has a function of controlling the movement mechanism 250 based on commands transmitted from the UI 60 (described later) and a program PG stored in its own storage device 54.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 50 is communicably connected to the UI 60, the movement mechanism 250, and the plurality of sensors 30 via an I/O port (an input and an output ports). Further, the controller 50 includes a calculation device 52, a storage device 54, and a timer 56.

The calculation device 52 is a so-called central processing unit, and executes the program PG stored in a first storage device 542 of the storage device 54. The program PG will be explained later in the explanation of the operation of the nap box 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 54 includes the first storage device 542 and a second storage device 544. The first storage device 542 is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM (=Read Only Memory)). The first storage device 542 stores the program PG for operating the moving mechanism 250. The second storage device 544 is, for example, a readable and writable memory (RAM (=Random Access Memory)). The second storage device 544 temporarily stores data on the operation of the moving mechanism 250 while the nap box 10 is in use.

The timer 56 mainly counts the execution time of the program PG.

User Interface

As shown in FIG. 2, the UI 60 is communicably connected to the controller 50 via the I/O port. The UI 60 has a function of transmitting a request from the user U to the controller 50. The UI 60 of this embodiment has either a touch panel format or a voice interaction format, or a combination thereof. A specific request input to the UI 60 will be explained in the explanation of the operation of the nap box 10, which will be described later.

The above is a description of the configuration and functions of the nap box 10 of this embodiment.

Operation of Nap Box

Next, the operation of the nap box 10 of this embodiment will be explained with reference mainly to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram (its algorithm of the program PG) showing the control flow of the nap box 10.

First, the user U who uses the nap box 10 opens the door 442 of the housing 40 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), moves into the nap box 10, and closes the door 442. Then, the user U places both feet on the fourth support member 240, facing the front side in the front and back directions.

Next, when the user U operates the UI 60 and inputs the usage time (time for napping) into the UI 60, the UI 60 transmits the information to the controller 50 (S10 of the control flow in FIG. 3). Accordingly, the controller 50 starts operating based on the program PG stored in the first storage device 542. The transmitted usage time information is temporarily stored in the second storage device 544.

Next, the controller 50 confirms that the user U is standing in a fixed position via the UI 60. Specifically, the UI 60 inquires of the user U whether he or she is in a standing posture with both feet placed on the fourth support member 240 on a screen (not shown) or by voice. When the user U inputs or utters an affirmative answer (S20 in the control flow in FIG. 3), the controller 50 starts the next operation (S30 in the control flow in FIG. 3) that involves a determination step. Also, currently, the UI 60 transmits to the user U a suggestion to fold down the main body 234 of the third support member 230 (see FIG. 1C) and place both arms and head on the user U. Here, the initial state diagram in FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram including the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the third support member 230 arranged in a positional relationship before the start of use.

In S30, the controller 50 first receives measurement data from the plurality of sensors 30 in an initial state. Next, the controller 50 determines whether the ratio of the load or pressure that each support member (the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240) receives from the human body of the user U is within a predetermined ratio range.

Here, the range of the predetermined ratio of the load or pressure that each support member receives is as shown in the following relational expression (hereinafter referred to as the relational expression of the predetermined ratio), as an example.

$\mathrm{the}\mathrm{first}\mathrm{support}\mathrm{member}210:\mathrm{the}\mathrm{second}\mathrm{support}\mathrm{member}220:\mathrm{the}\mathrm{fourth}\mathrm{support}\mathrm{member}240=45\%\mathrm{or}\mathrm{more}\mathrm{and}\mathrm{less}\mathrm{than}55\%:25\%\mathrm{or}\mathrm{more}\mathrm{and}\mathrm{less}\mathrm{than}35\%:15\%\mathrm{or}\mathrm{more}\mathrm{and}\mathrm{less}\mathrm{than}25\%$

(However, the sum of the ratios of all support member is 100%.)

Then, when the controller 50 makes an affirmative determination in S30, it performs the next operation (S40). On the other hand, when the controller 50 makes a negative determination in S30, it performs S32 without starting S40. In S32, the controller 50 controls the first actuator 252 to raise the second support member 220 by a predetermined height (for example, 1 cm), and performs the determination in S30 again. This subroutine of S30 and S32 is performed until the controller 50 makes an affirmative determination in S30 (see adjustment state 1 and adjustment state 2 in FIG. 4).

Here, information about the load or pressure that each support member receives with respect to the height of the second support member 220 is stored in the second storage device 544 each time measurement is performed. If the controller 50 does not make an affirmative determination in S30 in the entire movable range of the first actuator 252 by increasing the height of the second support member 220 by 1 cm, the controller 50 operates the first actuator 252 to move the second support member 220 to a height close to the above-determined relational expression, and then the subroutines of S30 and S32 are performed while moving the second support member 220 at a pitch shorter than 1 cm. This can be achieved because the results of the subroutines S30 and S32 are stored in the second storage device 544 one after another.

Note that the adjustment of the vertical position of the third support member 230 by the second actuator 254 is also performed, for example, in conjunction with the operation of S30.

Next, in S40, the timer 56 starts counting.

Next, in judgment step S50, when the count number of the timer 56 exceeds the usage time stored in the second storage device 544 (if the controller 50 makes an affirmative judgment in S50), in S60, the UI 60 notifies the user U that the usage time has reached. The notification in S60 is performed, for example, by voice, by turning on the lighting inside the housing 40 that was turned off at the time of use, or the like.

Next, when the user U who wakes up from the nap operates the UI 60 and understands that the usage time has elapsed, the controller 50 controls the first actuator 252 to return the second support member 220 to the initial position (see FIG. 4). Then, the operation of the nap box 10 of this embodiment is completed.

The above is a description of the operation of the nap box 10 of this embodiment.

Effects of Nap Box

Next, the effects of the nap box 10 of this embodiment will be explained.

First Effect

The support mechanism 20 of this embodiment moves the second support member 220, which is one or two of the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240, relative to another support members, for example, the first support member 210 and the fourth support member 240 in the up and down directions (see FIG. 4).

Therefore, the support mechanism 20 and the nap box 10 of this embodiment can adjust the support position of each human body for each user U according to a plurality of users U having different leg lengths.

Second Effect

In the nap box 10 of this embodiment, the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240 included in the support mechanism 20 have respectively the first sensor 32, the second sensor 34, and the third sensor 36. Each sensor measures the load or pressure received from the human body of the user U at each support member (see FIG. 1C and FIG. 2).

Further, the controller 50 operates the first actuator 252 while obtaining measurement data from each sensor (the first sensor 32, the second sensor 34, and the third sensor 36) based on the program PG. The relative positional relationship of the plurality of support members (the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240) is adjusted so that the value of each sensor satisfies the relational expression of the determined ratio (S30 and S32 in FIG. 3).

Therefore, the nap box 10 of this embodiment can appropriately adjust the support position of each human body for each user U according to a plurality of users U with different leg lengths, compared to a mode in which the load or pressure received from the human body is not measured using a plurality of sensors. Accordingly, by using the program PG of this embodiment, the support position of the human body can be adjusted according to the different leg lengths of a plurality of users U.

Third Effect

In the nap box 10 of this embodiment, the second support member 220 whose vertical height is adjusted by the first actuator 252 includes the seat 222 and the link mechanism 224 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C). The seat 222 is set to change its posture so that as it is moved upward by the first actuator 252, the angle formed by the link 224A widens along the up and down directions (see FIG. 4).

With such a structure, the nap box 10 of this embodiment is arranged such that the seat 222 is located higher as the user U has longer legs. Even if a plurality of users U with different leg lengths use the seat, the inclination angle of 222 is adjusted so that each support member (the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240) makes appropriate surface contact with each user U.

Therefore, the nap box 10 of this embodiment can appropriately adjust the support position of each human body for each user U according to a plurality of users U with different leg lengths, compared to a case where the inclination angle of the seat 222.

The above is a description of the effects of the nap box 10 of this embodiment. Further, the above is a description of the nap box 10 of this embodiment.

Modification Example

Next, a plurality of modified examples (see Table 1 below) will be described. The changes in Table 1 refer to changes with respect to the embodiments described above. For each modification, only the parts that are different from the above-described embodiment will be explained.

TABLE 1
		Reference
Modification name	changes	diagram
First modification	No multiple sensors	none
Second modification	The support members moved by	none
	the moving mechanism are
	different.
Third modification	The structure of the third support	none
	member is different.
Fourth modification	The structure of the second support	FIG. 5
	member is different.
Fifth modification	Different notification methods at the	FIG. 6
	end of usage time
Sixth modification	The relative position of each support	FIG. 7
	member may change during
	the usage time.
Seventh modification	Mobile devices must be connectable	FIGS. 8A
	(1)	and 8B
Eighth modification	Mobile devices must be connectable	FIG. 9
	(2)
Nineth modification	Mobile devices must be connectable	FIG. 10
	(3)

First Modification

Change: No multiple sensors

In the nap box 10 of this embodiment, the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240 included in the support mechanism 20 have respectively the first sensor 32, the second sensor 34, and the third sensor 36. Each sensor measures the load or pressure received from the human body of the user U at each support member (see FIG. 1C and FIG. 2).

However, a form (first modification (not shown)) may be used in which some or all these sensors are missing.

In the case of this modification, the second effect of the above-described embodiment is not achieved, but the first effect and the third effect are achieved.

Second Modification

Change: The support member moved by the moving mechanism is different.

In the nap box 10 of the above-described embodiment, the second support member 220 attached to the first actuator 252 of the moving mechanism 250 moves in the up and down directions, so that the second support member 220 moves relative to the first support member 210 and the fourth support member 240 (see FIG. 4).

However, as an example, if the moving mechanism 250 can move one or two of the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240 relative to the other one in the up and down directions, a form (second modification (not shown)) different from the above-described embodiment may be used.

For example, in the second modification, the first support member 210, the second support member 220, and the fourth support member 240 are each attached to a different movement mechanism (not shown) so that they can move relative to each other.

Further, for example, the second support member 220 may be set so as not to move in the up and down directions, and the first support member 210 and the fourth support member 240 may be moved in the up and down directions together with the floor by a movement mechanism (not shown).

Further, for example, the second support member 220 and the fourth support member 240 may be set so as not to be able to move in the up and down directions, and the first support member 210 may be allowed to move in the up and down directions by the second actuator 254.

Furthermore, in this case, the first support member 210 including the base 212 and the cushion 214 may have a structure in which a link mechanism such as the second support member 220 is added (a configuration in which a link mechanism is attached to the base 212 (not shown)) so that the inclination angle of the first support member may also be changed as the first support member moves in the up and down directions.

Even in the case of these second modifications, the above-mentioned first effect and the second or effects like these effects.

Third Modification

Change: The structure of the third support member is different.

In the nap box 10 of the embodiment described above, the third support member 230 is attached to the upper end of the second actuator 254, and is movable in a preset range in the up and down directions as the second actuator 254 operates. (See FIGS. 1B and 1C). Regarding this structure, for example, the mechanism for moving the third support member 230 in the up and down directions may be manually operated.

Further, in the nap box 10 of the embodiment described above, the third support member 230 includes the attachment 232 attached to the second actuator 254, the main body 234 that supports the human body from the front side, and the hinge 236. (see FIG. 1E).

However, the third support member 230 only needs to exhibit the function of supporting the human body from at least one of the front and back directions, by touching one or both upper limbs and the head of the human body such that the upper limbs and the head of the human body of the user U are arranged in a predetermined range in the front and back directions.

The third support member 230 may have a form different from that of the above-described embodiment (third modification (not shown)) if it can perform its function. A modified example of the third support member may be a string-like member or other member that supports the base of both arms and one or both chin from the ceiling side or the rear side in the front-rear direction to prevent the upper body of the user U from falling.

Fourth Modification

Change: The structure of the second support member is different (1)

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the nap box 10A of the fourth modification.

In the nap box 10 of the embodiment described above, the second support member 220 includes the seat 222 and the link mechanism 224 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C). The seat 222 is set to change its posture so that as it moves upward by the first actuator 252, the angle formed by the link 224A widens along the vertical direction (see FIG. 4).

However, if it is moved in the vertical direction by the moving mechanism 250, the second support member may have a structure different from that of this embodiment.

For example, as in the nap box 10A of the fourth modification shown in FIG. 5A, the second support member 220A may include a shaft 220A1, arranged along a direction intersecting the up and down directions and the front and back directions, and an elastic cylindrical member 220A2 that covers the outer periphery of the shaft 220A1.

In the case of the fourth modification, the posture of the second support member 220A does not change as it moves in the up and down directions. However, since the outer peripheral surface of the second support member 220A is a circumferential surface, it is effective in that it can easily fit the human body even when used by users U with different leg lengths.

Fifth Modification

Change: The structure of the second support member is different (2)

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the nap box 10B of the fifth modification.

In the nap box 10 of the embodiment described above, the second support member 220 includes the seat 222 and the link mechanism 224 (see FIGS. 1B and 1C). The seat 222 is set to change its posture so that as it moves upward by the first actuator 252, the angle formed by the link 224A widens along the vertical direction (see FIG. 4).

However, if it is moved in the vertical direction by the moving mechanism 250, the second support member may have a structure different from that of this embodiment.

For example, as in the nap box 10B of the fifth modification shown in FIG. 5B, the second support member 220B may be configured of (1) a shaft body 220B1 arranged along a direction intersecting the up-down direction and the front-back direction, (2) a cylindrical member 220B2 that covers the outer circumference of the shaft body 220B1, a part of the outer circumference is a flat surface, and can be rotated and positioned around the shaft body 220B1, and (3) a cushion 220B3 attached to the flat surface.

In the case of the fifth modification, the posture of the second support member 220B does not change as it moves in the vertical direction. However, the second support member 220B allows the user U to adjust the inclination angle of the cushion 220B3 by changing the inclination angle of the cushion 220B3. Therefore, this modification is also effective in that it can easily fit the human body even when used by users U with different leg lengths.

Sixth Modification

Changes: The notification method at the end of usage time is different.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the sixth modification.

In the operation of the nap box 10 of the embodiment described above (see the control flow in FIG. 3), when the controller 50 makes an affirmative determination in S50, the UI 60 notifies the user U that it is time for use in S60. The notification in S60 is performed, for example, by voice, by turning on the lighting inside the housing 40 that was turned off at the time of use, or the like. Therefore, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the UI 60 requires a component that generates sound (for example, a speaker).

However, if it is possible to notify the user U that the usage time has elapsed, the notification method may be different from that of the above embodiment. For example, as in the control flow of the sixth modification example shown in FIG. 6, S60 in the case of the above-described embodiment (see the control flow in FIG. 3) is replaced with S60A, and then the controller 50 may control the moving mechanism 250 so that the ratio of the measured values of the plurality of sensors 30 is outside a predetermined ratio range. In this case, to notify the user U of the elapse of the usage time, for example, the second support member 220 may be moved up and down multiple times so that the moving mechanism 250 is configured to provide a positional relationship between the relative positions of the supporting members 220, 230, etc. that corresponds to within and outside the defined ratio range.

Through this operation, the user U who was taking a nap is notified that the scheduled usage time has elapsed because the position of support from each of the support members 210, 220, etc. changes, and the posture of the user's body also changes. When the user U who has been notified inputs a message to the effect that he/she agrees to the termination on the UI 60, the controller 50 returns each of the support members 210, 220, etc. to the initial position, and the operation of this modification ends.

In the case of this modification, unlike the case of the above-mentioned embodiment, it is effective in that notification can be realized by using each of the supporting members 210 and 220 and the moving mechanism 250. In other words, according to this modification, it is possible to notify the user U of the elapsed usage time by using the moving mechanism 250 that more appropriately adjusts the support position of the human body.

Seventh Modification

Change: The relative position of each support member changes during the usage time.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the seventh modification.

In the operation of the nap box 10 of the above-described embodiment (see the control flow in FIG. 3), the relative positions of the support members 210, 220, etc. do not change during the period from the start to the end of use by the user U.

However, if the user U can take a nap or rest during the use time, the relative position of each support member 210, 220, etc. may be changed during the use time. Specifically, the control flow of the seventh modification shown in FIG. 7 may be used. Here, details of the control flow of the seventh modification are as follows.

In S30A, the first actuator 252 of the moving mechanism 250 is operated over a wide range, and the controller 50 determines a combination in which the ratio of the measured values of the plurality of sensors 30 is a predetermined ratio for the user U. Information on this combination is temporarily stored in the second storage device 544 of the storage device 54 (see FIG. 2).

Next, in S40A, the controller 50 operates the moving mechanism 250 to set each support member 210, 220, etc. within the range of the above combination, and starts counting on the timer 56.

Next, in S50A and S52A, the controller 50 changes the relative position of each support member 210, 220, etc. using the moving mechanism 250 so that when ⅓ of the usage time has elapsed after the start of use, the relative positions of the respective supporting members 210, 220, etc. are different from those immediately before, and the relative positions are set to one of the combinations determined in S30A.

Next, in S54A and S56A, the controller 50 changes the relative position of each support member 220, 230, etc. using the moving mechanism 250 when ⅔ of the usage time has elapsed after the start of use. Specifically, the moving mechanism 250 changes the relative position of each of the supporting members 220, 230, etc., which is different from the previous position, and changes the relative position to one of the combinations determined in S30A.

Next, in S58A, the controller 50 changes the relative position of each support member 210, 220, etc. using the moving mechanism 250. Specifically, after the start of use, the moving mechanism 250 changes the relative positions of the respective supporting members 210, 220, etc. so that they are in a combination other than the combination grasped in S30A.

As a result, the user U who was taking a nap is notified that the scheduled usage time has elapsed because the position of support from each of the support members 210, 220, etc. changes, and the posture of the user's body also changes. Then, when the user U inputs to the UI 60 that he/she agrees to the termination, the controller 50 returns each support member 210, 220, etc. to the initial position, and the operation of this modification ends.

In the case of this modification, the relative positions of the support members 210, 220, etc. change during the use time according to the combination determined in S30A. According to this modification, it is possible to change the part where the user's U's body receives reaction force from each of the support members 210, 220, etc. during the usage time.

Therefore, in this modification, it is possible to disperse the reaction force that is applied to the human body of the user U from the support mechanism 20 during the period from the start of use until the time of use has elapsed, compared to the case where the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors 30 remains constant.

In this modification, the relative positions of the support members 210, 220, etc. during the usage time are changed to ⅓ of the usage time and ⅔ of the usage time. However, for example, it may be changed in integer increments of ¼ of the usage time, ⅕ of the usage time, etc., or the period until the change is made may be shortened each time the usage time elapses.

Eighth Modification

Change: Mobile devices can be connected to the controller (1)

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of the control system CSA of the nap box of the eighth modification. FIG. 8B is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of this modification.

The nap box 10 of the embodiment described above employs a configuration in which the user U transmits a request (including usage time, etc.) to the nap box 10 via the UI 60 (see FIG. 3).

However, for example, the wireless communication line of a smartphone, smart watch, mobile phone, or other mobile information terminal owned by user U may be connected to the controller 50 of the nap box 10 via BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (See control system CSA of the eighth modification in FIG. 8A).

In this case, the mobile device 70 uses the application software for connecting with the nap box 10 as a user interface, and transmits the profile (body shape information) regarding the user's body shape, such as height and weight, which the user U inputs via the application software. From another perspective, the controller 50 receives body shape information and usage time information from the mobile device 70 (S10A in FIG. 8B).

Next, the controller 50 confirms that the user U is standing in a fixed position via the UI 60 (S20 in FIG. 8B), like S20 in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 3).

Next, the controller 50 uses the moving mechanism 250 to adjust the relative positions of the support members 210, 220, etc. corresponding to the user U stored in the program PG based on the received body type information (S30B in FIG. 8B).

The subsequent control flow, as shown in FIG. 8B, is performed in the same manner as in the seventh modification (see FIG. 7), as an example.

Through the above operations, when used by the user U, adjustment of the relative position of each support member 210, 220, etc. using the moving mechanism 250 performed in the initial operation of the above-described embodiment (for example, S30 and S32 in FIG. 3) is omitted.

In the case of this modification, the control flow after S40A may be the same as the control flow after S40 in the above-described embodiment (see FIGS. 3 and 6).

Ninth Modification

Change: Mobile devices can be connected to the controller (2)

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the ninth modification.

This modification is a further modification of the eighth modification. In the eighth modification, S40A is performed after S30B (see FIG. 8B), but in this modification, the following steps are performed between S30B and S40A. Specifically, after S30B, in S70, the UI 60 asks the user U whether to fine-tune the relative positions of the supporting members 210, 220, etc. When the user U wants to fine-tune the automatically adjusted relative positions of the supporting members 210, 220, etc. (that is, when he or she agrees), he/she inputs that into the UI 60.

After the usage time has elapsed, the UI 60 asks the user U whether the support position is optimal. If the user U answers that it is optimal, information relating the connected mobile device 70 and the optimal support position may be written to, for example, the external server 80 (S62A) which connected to the first storage unit 542, the mobile device 70, or the nap box 10 via the Internet.

In this way, the optimal support position can be reproduced the next time this user U uses the nap box 10. If this information is written to the storage device of the mobile device 70 or the external server 80, the optimal support position can be reproduced even when using a nap box 10 that is available at another location.

Tenth Modification

Change: Mobile devices can be connected to the controller (3)

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of the tenth modification.

This modification is a further modification of the ninth modification. In the ninth modification, the subroutine (S50) for measuring the usage time is performed between S40 and S60A (see FIG. 9), but in this modification, the following steps are performed when a negative determination is made in S50. Specifically, in S80, it is determined whether the heart rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined heart rate. If the mobile device 70 is, for example, a smart watch or the like that can measure heart rate, this can be achieved by enabling the smart watch to communicate with the controller 50. Here, the predetermined heart rate means the upper limit heart rate that is determined to be the case when the user U is napping (in a state of REM sleep). Then, if an affirmative determination is made in S80, that is, if it is determined that the user U is not taking a nap, the relative positions of the respective members 210, 220, etc. are adjusted in S82, that is, the support position is finely adjusted.

According to this modification, a more suitable support position can be adjusted using information from the mobile device 70 that can measure heart rate.

Eleventh Modification Example

Change: Perform personal authentication on the UI (1)

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the control system CSB of the nap box of the eleventh modification.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 11, a UI 60A with a personal authentication function that can perform personal authentication is used in place of the UI 60. Here, personal authentication is, for example, authentication based on face authentication, fingerprint authentication, vocal cord authentication, or a combination thereof.

In this modification, information on a support position suitable for a certain user U during use is stored in the storage device 54 or the external server 80 together with the user U's authentication information. When this user U uses the nap box for the second time or later, this information is retrieved from the storage device 54 or the external server 80 and used.

According to this modification, when used for the second time or later, there is no need to adjust the support positions of the support members 210, 220, etc., as in the case of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 3).

Twelfth Modification

Change: Perform personal authentication on the UI (2)

In the eleventh modification, the UI 60A with a personal authentication function is employed to identify the user U (see FIG. 11).

However, for example, a plurality of users U may be managed and used individually by simply registering a management number or the like for identifying the user U without providing the UI 60A with a personal authentication function.

In this modification, information on a support position suitable for a certain user U during use is stored in the storage device 54 or the external server 80 together with the user's U's personal information. Therefore, when this user U uses the nap box for the second time or later, this information is retrieved from the storage device 54 or the external server 80 and used.

According to this modification, when used for the second time or later, there is no need to adjust the support positions of the support members 210, 220, etc., as in the case of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, in the case of this modification, there is no need to provide the UI with a personal authentication function as in the case of the eleventh modification (see FIG. 11). This modification is effective in that it can be used without the mobile device 70 as in the case of the eighth modification (see FIGS. 8A and 8B).

Thirteenth Modification

Change: Use of AI technology

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of the control system CSC of the nap box of the thirteenth modification. FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of the AI model of this modification. FIG. 12C is a flow diagram showing the control flow of the nap box of this modification.

In this modification, a model generator 58 is added to the controller 50 (see FIG. 8A) of the control system CSA of the eighth modification described above, which is changed to a controller 50A.

Hereinafter, the features of the AI function in this modification will be described with reference to FIG. 12B.

(Teaching Data)

The teaching data of this modification are following (1), (2), and (3).

• • (1) The heights of multiple users U, each with different heights (leg lengths);
  • (2) Support posture when each user U uses the nap box (relationship of relative positions of each support member 210, 220, etc.); and,
  • (3) Information regarding heart rate obtained by each user U from a mobile device 70 capable of measuring heart rate such as a smart watch, which is an actual measurement of heart rate after a certain period (5 minutes as an example) has elapsed since the user started using the nap box.

The actual height measurements are input from each user U to the UI 60, uploaded from the mobile device 70, or obtained from a height meter attached to the nap box (for example, an ultrasonic non-contact type). These pieces of information are stored in the storage device 54 as teacher data, for example.

(Model Generator)

The model generator 58 generates by machine learning an estimation model that estimates what kind of support posture is optimal for a nap for a user U of a certain height from accumulated teaching data, that is, data on the correlation between height, heart rate, and support posture. The program for generating the estimated model is stored in the first storage device 542 as a program PGA, which is the program PG for controlling the moving mechanism 250 and an AI program including a program for generating the estimated model. (See FIG. 12A).

(Controller 50A (an Example of a Reception Unit and a Processing Unit))

The controller 50A receives the height and heart rate of the user U from the UI 60 or the mobile device 70 as input. Then, the controller 50A outputs the optimal support posture of the user U based on the input received from the UI 60 or the mobile device 70 using the above-mentioned estimation model.

The above is an explanation of the features of the AI function of this modification.

Note that an invention (for example, an estimation system) having the features of AI of this modification can be expressed as follows, as an example.

An estimation system, including;

• • a model generator that uses machine learning to generate an estimation model that estimates the user's support posture from the height and heart rate, using the height, the support posture of the user of that height, and the actual measured value of the heart rate obtained from the mobile device as training data;
  • a reception unit that accepts the user's height and heart rate as input; and,
  • a processing unit that uses the estimation model to output a user's support posture from the input received by the reception unit.

Next, the operation of the nap box of this modification will be explained with reference to FIG. 12C.

The initial steps S10A and S20 are the same as in the eighth modification (see FIG. 8) and the ninth modification (see FIG. 9) described above.

Next, in S30, the relative positions of the respective members 210, 220, etc. are adjusted by the moving mechanism 250 based on the body shape information received from the mobile device 70, for example. In this case, in this modification, a learned model (estimated model) derived by the above-mentioned AI function is used. Here, in the estimation model described above, the height and heart rate of the user U are input, but in this step, the height and the heart rate corresponding to REM sleep (that is, the heart rate that is not actually measured) are input. As a result, the optimal supporting posture (relative positions of the supporting members 210, 220, etc.) for the user U of the height is derived as an output. Based on this result, the controller 50A operates the moving mechanism 250.

Next, in S40, the timer 56 starts counting.

Next, in S70, the UI 60 asks the user U whether the user U is using the mobile device 70, and if so, whether the heart rate can be measured. When the user U inputs the affirmative result into the UI 60, the UI 60 transmits the result to the controller 50A. Thereafter, in S74A, the controller 50A starts recording the heart rate while communicating with the mobile device 70, and continues counting the usage time (see S50). Heart rate data transmitted from mobile device 70 is stored in storage device 54. Note that the recorded results are used as new training data by the model generator 58 to update the estimated model.

On the other hand, if the user U inputs a negative result (not using the mobile device 70 capable of measuring heart rate) into the UI 60 in S70, the usage time continues to be counted (see S50).

Then, when the usage time has elapsed, S60A is performed and the operation of this modification ends.

The above is a description of the operation of this modification.

According to this modification, when used for the second time or later, there is no need to adjust the support positions of the support members 210, 220, etc., as in the case of the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 3). Note that the nap box that operates in this modification may be the nap box 10 of the embodiment described above.

If the vertical position and inclination angle of support members other than the second support member 220, such as the first support member 210 and the third support member 230, can be changed (not shown), the nap box that operates in this modification example is effective in that a more appropriate support posture can be output.

The above is a description of the plurality of modifications.

As mentioned above, although the above-mentioned embodiment and a plurality of modifications were used as an example of the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and a plurality of modifications. The technical scope of the present invention also includes the following forms.

For example, some components, control methods, etc. of one form of the above-described embodiment and a plurality of modifications may be replaced with a part of another form other than the one form. Moreover, a form may be adopted in which some components, control methods, etc. of other forms other than the above-described one form are added to one form of the above-described embodiment and the plurality of modifications. That is, the above-described embodiments and the plurality of modifications may be combined, replaced, etc. with each other.

The above is a description of the plurality of modifications.

Claims

1. A support mechanism that supports a user taking a nap or resting in an upright position, the support mechanism comprising: a first support member that has a slope facing upward in the up and down directions and supports a human body from below by contacting one or both of knees and lower legs of the human body from the front side of the human body;a second support member that is disposed at a different position from the first support member when viewed from the up and down directions and supports the human body from below by contacting one or both of buttocks and upper legs of the human body from the back side of the human body;a third support member that is disposed at a position above the first support member and the second support member, contacts one or both of upper limbs and head of the human body so that the upper limbs and head are placed within a defined range in the front and back directions, and supports the human body from at least one of the front and back directions;a fourth support member that is arranged at a position lower than the first support member and the second support member and closer to the second support member than the first support member in the front and back directions when viewed from the up and down directions, and that contacts soles of the human body so that the legs are in a tilted posture with respect to the up and down directions and supports the human body from below; and,a movement mechanism moves one or two of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member relative to the other one in the up and down directions.

2. A support device, comprising: a support mechanism that supports a user taking a nap or resting in an upright position, the support mechanism comprising:a first support member that has a slope facing upward in the up and down directions and supports a human body below by contacting one or both of knees and lower legs of the human body from the front side of the human body;a second support member that is disposed at a different position from the first support member when viewed from the up and down directions and supports the human body from below by contacting one or both of buttocks and upper legs of the human body from the back side of the human body;a third support member that is disposed at a position above the first support member and the second support member, contacts one or both of upper limbs and head of the human body so that the upper limbs and head are placed within a defined range in the front and back directions, and supports the human body from at least one of the front and back directions;a fourth support member that is arranged at a position lower than the first support member and the second support member and closer to the second support member than the first support member in the front and back directions when viewed from the up and down directions, and that contacts soles of the human body so that the legs are in a tilted posture with respect to the up and down directions and supports the human body from below;a movement mechanism moves one or two of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member relative to the other one in the up and down directions; and.a controller that controls the movement mechanism.

3. The support device according to claim 2, wherein the controller controls the moving mechanism so that the second support member moves relative to the first support member and the fourth support member in the up and directions.

4. The support device according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of sensors that are attached to each of the first support member, the second support member, and the fourth support member and measure loads or pressures received from the human body in contact with the plurality of sensors, and are communicably connected to the controller, whereinwherein the controller controls the movement mechanism so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors is within a predetermined ratio range.

5. The support device according to claim 3, further comprising a user interface that is communicably connected to the controller and transmits requests from the user to the controller, whereinthe controller controls the movement mechanism so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors falls within the predetermined ratio range, when the controller receives a request to start using from the user via the user interface.

6. The support device according to claim 5, wherein when usage time is transmitted from the user via the user interface and the usage time has elapsed, the controller controls the moving mechanism so that a ratio of the measured values of the plurality of sensors that is within the predetermined ratio range is outside the predetermined ratio range.

7. The support device according to claim 6, wherein the controller controls the moving mechanism during a period from when the usage time is transmitted from the user via the user interface until the usage time has elapsed so that the ratio of each measurement value of the plurality of sensors varies within the predetermined ratio range.

8. The support device according to claim 7, wherein the second support member has a seat that contacts one or both of buttocks and upper legs of the human body, and a link mechanism that connects the seat and the moving mechanism,as the seat is moved upward by the moving mechanism, posture of the seat is changed so that the angle formed by a link included in the link mechanism along the up and down directions becomes wider.

9. The support device according to claim 8, further comprising a housing surrounding the support mechanism, the housing having a door through which a user can enter and exit.