U.S. patent application number 16/316607 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for top panel height adjustable furniture.
The applicant listed for this patent is OKAMURA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Noriya MIKAMI, Sumio NISHIMURA, Masaharu SUGA, Makoto TAKAHASHI, Takayuki YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20190298055 16/316607 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60953057 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190298055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMAMOTO; Takayuki ; et
al. |
October 3, 2019 |
TOP PANEL HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE FURNITURE
Abstract
Top panel height adjustable furniture (1) includes a top panel
(2) that has an upper surface (3) and a lower surface (4); a
support body (5) that is connected to the top panel (2) and is
capable of extending or contracting in a panel thickness direction
of the top panel (2); a sensor (11) that detects contact of a user
on the upper surface (3) side of the top panel (2) and contact of
the user on the lower surface (4) side of the top panel (2); and a
control unit that controls, based on a detection result of the
sensor (11), an extending/contracting operation of the support body
(5) such that the support body (5) contracts when it is detected
that the user has made contact with the top panel (2) on the upper
surface (3) side of the top panel (2) and that the support body (5)
extends when it is detected that the user has made contact with the
top panel (2) on the lower surface (4) side of the top panel
(2).
Inventors: |
YAMAMOTO; Takayuki;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; TAKAHASHI; Makoto;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; SUGA; Masaharu;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; NISHIMURA; Sumio;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; MIKAMI; Noriya;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OKAMURA CORPORATION |
Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
60953057 |
Appl. No.: |
16/316607 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
July 12, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/025388 |
371 Date: |
January 9, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 9/20 20130101; A47B
2200/0056 20130101; A47B 2200/0062 20130101; A47B 9/00 20130101;
A47B 2200/0052 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 9/20 20060101
A47B009/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 12, 2016 |
JP |
2016-137667 |
Jul 12, 2016 |
JP |
2016-137668 |
Claims
1. Top panel height adjustable furniture, comprising: a top panel
that has an upper surface and a lower surface; a support body that
supports the top panel such that the top panel is vertically
movable; a sensor that detects contact of a user on the upper
surface side of the top panel and contact of the user on the lower
surface side of the top panel; and a control unit that controls,
based on a detection result of the sensor, a supporting position of
the top panel such that the top panel is moved downward when it is
detected that the user has made contact with the top panel on the
upper surface side of the top panel and the top panel is moved
upward when it is detected that the user has made contact with the
top panel on the lower surface side of the top panel.
2. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor is installed in the top panel.
3. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor is installed in a part other than the top panel
of the top panel height adjustable furniture.
4. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor has: a first sensor which is installed on the
upper surface of the top panel; and a second sensor which is
installed on the lower surface of the top panel, and wherein the
control unit causes the top panel to move downward while the user
is in contact with the first sensor and causes the top panel to
move upward while the user is in contact with the second
sensor.
5. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 4,
wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed such
that the first sensor and the second sensor overlap each other when
seen from the upper surface toward the lower surface.
6. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 4,
wherein an outer surface of the first sensor is positioned on
substantially the same surface as the upper surface of the top
panel.
7. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 4,
wherein an outer surface of the second sensor is positioned on
substantially the same surface as the lower surface of the top
panel.
8. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor has a contact sensor which detects presence or
absence of contact of the user with respect to the top panel, the
contact sensor being disposed in a front end portion of the top
panel and extending along a width direction of the top panel.
9. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor has a distortion sensor which detects distortion
of the top panel caused by contact of the user with respect to the
top panel, and wherein the control unit causes the top panel to
move downward while the distortion sensor is detecting distortion
generated in the top panel by the user pushing the upper surface of
the top panel to the lower surface side, and causes the top panel
to move upward while the distortion sensor is detecting distortion
generated in the top panel by the user pushing the lower surface of
the top panel to the upper surface side.
10. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor identifies a posture of a user's hand which
comes into contact with the top panel, and wherein the control unit
selects either one of raising and lowering of the top panel based
on the posture identified by the sensor.
11. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim
10, wherein a plurality of sensors are provided on each of the
upper surface and the lower surface of the top panel, and wherein
the control unit recognizes the posture of the user's hand which
comes into contact with the top panel, based on a combination of
detection states of the plurality of sensors.
12. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim
10, wherein the sensor individually detects a contact area of the
user's hand with the upper surface of the top panel and a contact
area of the user's hand with the lower surface of the top panel,
and wherein the control unit selects either one of raising and
lowering of the top panel based on a difference between the contact
area of the user's hand with the upper surface of the top panel and
the contact area of the user's hand with the lower surface of the
top panel.
13. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor detects a contact area of the user's hand with
the upper surface or the lower surface of the top panel, and
wherein the control unit determines a raising/lowering speed of the
top panel based on a size of the contact area detected by the
sensor.
14. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor detects a magnitude of an external force applied
to the top panel, and wherein the control unit determines a
raising/lowering speed of the top panel based on the magnitude of
the external force detected by the sensor.
15. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim
10, wherein the sensor has: a first distal sensor which is
installed on the upper surface of the top panel; a first proximal
sensor which is installed at a position closer to a front end
portion of the top panel than the first distal sensor on the upper
surface of the top panel; a second distal sensor which is installed
on the lower surface of the top panel; and a second proximal sensor
which is installed at a position closer to the front end portion of
the top panel than the second distal sensor on the lower surface of
the top panel, and wherein the control unit controls the supporting
position of the top panel such that the top panel is moved downward
when contact of the user is detected by the first distal sensor,
the first proximal sensor, and the second proximal sensor, and the
top panel is moved upward when contact of the user is detected by
the first proximal sensor, the second distal sensor, and the second
proximal sensor.
16. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim 1,
wherein the sensor has: a first sensor which receives an input for
lowering the top panel; a second sensor which receives an input for
raising the top panel; and a receiving portion which receives an
input of permission or inhibition of raising or lowering of the top
panel, and wherein the control unit controls the supporting
position of the top panel based on detection results of the first
sensor and the second sensor when permission for raising or
lowering of the top panel is input to the receiving portion.
17. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim
16, wherein the receiving portion is installed in the support
body.
18. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim
16, wherein the receiving portion is installed in the top
panel.
19. The top panel height adjustable furniture according to claim
16, wherein permission for raising or lowering of the top panel is
input to the receiving portion when an input to the first sensor
and an input to the second sensor simultaneously continue for a
predetermined period of time or longer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to top panel height adjustable
furniture.
[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No.
2016-137667, filed Jul. 12, 2016, and Japanese Patent Application
No. 2016-137668, filed Jul. 12, 2016, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In the related art, furniture including a top panel capable
of being raised and lowered is known.
[0004] As a technology of raising and lowering a top panel of
furniture, for example, a method of using a gas spring and a method
of using a gear (Patent Documents 1 and 2) are known.
[0005] In the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since
the structure is simple, the costs can be kept low. However, in the
methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it may be difficult
for a user lacking in strength to perform an operation, or a user
may be forced to adopt an unnatural posture to raise or lower the
top panel depending on the height of the top panel.
[0006] In order to improve operability when a top panel is raised
and lowered, a technology of raising and lowering the top panel
using an electric drive unit is known (Patent Documents 3, 4, and
5). In the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5,
a user can perform a raising/lowering operation of the top panel
using an operation unit such as a switch installed in the vicinity
of the top panel.
DOCUMENT OF RELATED ART
Patent Document
[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3371959
[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3391285
[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model (Registered)
Publication No. 3164739
[0010] Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,
First Publication No. 2014-113505
[0011] Patent Document 5: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,
First Publication No. 2014-140753
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0012] In technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5, a
top panel is raised or lowered by pushing a switch. Therefore, an
operation for raising or lowering the top panel is not intuitively
performed. In addition, when the switch is disposed in a
large-sized top panel, a user raising or lowering the top panel
needs to move to a position of the switch to operate the switch.
Therefore, it takes time and effort to perform this operation. In
addition, if the switch is erroneously pushed, the top panel is
moved unintentionally.
[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the
foregoing circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide top
panel height adjustable furniture in which a raising/lowering
operation of a top panel can be intuitively and easily
performed.
[0014] In addition, the present invention has been made in
consideration of the foregoing circumstances, and another object
thereof is to provide top panel height adjustable furniture in
which an erroneous raising/lowering operation of the top panel is
hardly caused.
Solution to Problem
[0015] Top panel height adjustable furniture according to an aspect
of the present invention includes a top panel that has an upper
surface and a lower surface; a support body that supports the top
panel such that the top panel is vertically movable; a sensor that
detects contact of a user on the upper surface side of the top
panel and contact of the user on the lower surface side of the top
panel, and is installed in the top panel; and a control unit that
controls, based on a detection result of the sensor, a supporting
position of the top panel such that the top panel is moved downward
when it is detected that the user has made contact with the top
panel on the upper surface side of the top panel and the top panel
is moved upward when it is detected that the user has made contact
with the top panel on the lower surface side of the top panel.
[0016] In such a configuration, the control unit can cause the top
panel to be raised or lowered in accordance with a gesture of the
user bringing his/her hand into contact with the top panel to raise
or lower the top panel. Therefore, the user can intuitively perform
a raising/lowering operation of the top panel, and the top panel
can be easily raised or lowered.
[0017] The sensor may be installed in the top panel.
[0018] In this case, it is possible to more reliably detect contact
of the user with the top panel.
[0019] The sensor may be installed in a part other than the top
panel of the top panel height adjustable furniture.
[0020] In this case, the entire area of the upper surface of the
top panel can be used as a work surface. Therefore, usability of
the furniture becomes favorable.
[0021] The sensor may have a first sensor which is installed on the
upper surface of the top panel and a second sensor which is
installed on the lower surface of the top panel. The control unit
may cause the top panel to move downward while the user is in
contact with the first sensor and may cause the top panel to move
upward while the user is in contact with the second sensor.
[0022] In this case, when the user lowers the top panel, the user
brings his/her hand into contact with the upper surface of the top
panel. Accordingly, the top panel is lowered based on the contact
of the hand with the first sensor installed on the upper surface of
the top panel. On the contrary, when the user raises the top panel,
the user brings his/her hand into contact with the lower surface of
the top panel. Accordingly, the top panel is raised based on the
contact of the hand with the second sensor installed on the lower
surface of the top panel. Accordingly, the top panel can be raised
or lowered simply by the user touching the top panel in a natural
gesture for raising or lowering the top panel.
[0023] The first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed such
that the first sensor and the second sensor overlap each other when
seen from the upper surface toward the lower surface.
[0024] In this case, when seen in a vertical direction of the top
panel (height direction), a part of the top panel with which the
user brings his/her hand into contact to raise the top panel and a
part of the top panel with which the user brings his/her hand into
contact to lower the top panel coincide with each other. As a
result, it is easy for the user to know where to bring his/her hand
into contact with to raise or lower the top panel.
[0025] An outer surface of the first sensor may be positioned on
substantially the same surface as the upper surface of the top
panel.
[0026] In this case, there is no unnecessary irregularity on the
upper surface of the top panel. Therefore, the top panel has
excellent design.
[0027] An outer surface of the second sensor may be positioned on
substantially the same surface as the lower surface of the top
panel.
[0028] In this case, a foot, baggage, or the like of the user is
unlikely to be caught by the lower surface of the top panel.
[0029] The sensor may have a contact sensor which detects the
presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the top
panel, the contact sensor being disposed in a front end portion of
the top panel and extending along a width direction of the top
panel.
[0030] In this case, the user can perform a raising/lowering
operation of the top panel in a natural posture regardless of
his/her physique.
[0031] The sensor may have a distortion sensor which detects
distortion of the top panel caused by contact of the user with
respect to the top panel. The control unit may cause the top panel
to move downward while the distortion sensor is detecting
distortion generated in the top panel by the user pushing the upper
surface of the top panel to the lower surface side, and may cause
the top panel to move upward while the distortion sensor is
detecting distortion generated in the top panel by the user pushing
the lower surface of the top panel to the upper surface side.
[0032] In this case, the position at which the distortion sensor
can be disposed is not particularly limited and need only be a
position at which distortion generated in the top panel can be
detected when the user intends to raise or lower the top panel.
Therefore, even if the distortion sensor is disposed at a position
where the user cannot touch the distortion sensor with his/her
hand, a gesture of the user for raising or lowering the top panel
can be recognized.
[0033] The sensor may identify a posture of a user's hand which
comes into contact with the top panel. The control unit may select
either one of raising and lowering of the top panel based on the
posture identified by the sensor.
[0034] In this case, a raising/lowering control direction of the
top panel by the control unit is determined in consideration of the
posture of the hand, in a gesture of the user bringing the hand
into contact with the top panel to move the top panel. Therefore,
the top panel can be raised or lowered by an intuitive
operation.
[0035] A plurality of sensors may be provided on each of the upper
surface and the lower surface of the top panel. The control unit
may recognize the posture of the user's hand which comes into
contact with the top panel, based on a combination of detection
states of the plurality of sensors.
[0036] In this case, the raising/lowering control direction of the
top panel by the control unit is determined in consideration of a
combination of the detection states of the plurality of sensors, in
a gesture of the user bringing the hand into contact with the top
panel to move the top panel. Therefore, the top panel can be raised
or lowered by an intuitive operation.
[0037] The sensor may individually detect a contact area of the
user's hand with the upper surface of the top panel and a contact
area of the user's hand with the lower surface of the top panel.
The control unit may select either one of raising and lowering of
the top panel based on a difference between the contact area of the
user's hand with the upper surface of the top panel and the contact
area of the user's hand with the lower surface of the top
panel.
[0038] In this case, the raising/lowering control direction of the
top panel by the control unit is determined in consideration of the
contact area of the user's hand, in a gesture of the user bringing
the hand into contact with the top panel to move the top panel.
Therefore, the top panel can be raised or lowered by an intuitive
operation.
[0039] The sensor may detect a contact area of the user's hand with
the upper surface or the lower surface of the top panel. The
control unit may determine a raising/lowering speed of the top
panel based on a size of the contact area detected by the
sensor.
[0040] In this case, it is possible to automatically switch between
a prompt raising/lowering operation of the top panel and fine
adjustment of the height of the top panel by reflecting an intended
raising/lowering speed of the top panel by the user.
[0041] The sensor may detect a magnitude of an external force
applied to the top panel. The control unit may determine a
raising/lowering speed of the top panel based on the magnitude of
the external force detected by the sensor.
[0042] In this case, it is possible to automatically switch between
a prompt raising/lowering operation of the top panel and fine
adjustment of the height of the top panel by reflecting an intended
raising/lowering speed of the top panel by the user.
[0043] The sensor may have a first distal sensor which is installed
on the upper surface of the top panel, a first proximal sensor
which is installed at a position closer to a front end portion of
the top panel than the first distal sensor on the upper surface of
the top panel, a second distal sensor which installed on the lower
surface of the top panel, and a second proximal sensor which is
installed at a position closer to the front end portion of the top
panel than the second distal sensor on the lower surface of the top
panel. The control unit may control the supporting position of the
top panel such that the top panel is moved downward when contact of
the user is detected by the first distal sensor, the first proximal
sensor, and the second proximal sensor, and the top panel is moved
upward when contact of the user is detected by the first proximal
sensor, the second distal sensor, and the second proximal
sensor.
[0044] In this case, when the user grasps the top panel with a
thumb and other fingers as an operation of raising or lowering the
top panel, it is possible to detect the difference between the
positions of the thumb and other fingers using the sensor.
Therefore, the control unit can cause the top panel to be raised or
lowered in accordance with the direction of the user's hand.
[0045] The sensor may have a first sensor which receives an input
for lowering the top panel, a second sensor which receives an input
for raising the top panel, and a receiving portion which receives
an input of permission or inhibition of raising or lowering of the
top panel. The control unit may control the supporting position of
the top panel based on detection results of the first sensor and
the second sensor when permission for raising or lowering of the
top panel is input to the receiving portion.
[0046] In such a configuration, the top panel can be raised or
lowered by using the first sensor or the second sensor only when
permission for raising or lowering of the top panel is input by the
receiving portion. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a
possibility that the top panel is unintentionally raised or
lowered.
[0047] The receiving portion may be installed in the support
body.
[0048] In this case, the user can operate the first sensor or the
second sensor with a hand while the user operates the receiving
portion with a foot.
[0049] The receiving portion may be installed in the top panel.
[0050] In this case, an input to the receiving portion is easily
performed.
[0051] Permission for raising or lowering of the top panel may be
input to the receiving portion when an input to the first sensor
and an input to the second sensor simultaneously continues for a
predetermined period of time or longer.
[0052] In this case, an input operation for permitting raising or
lowering of the top panel and a raising/lowering operation of the
top panel can be performed by using the first sensor and the second
sensor. Therefore, it is easy to understand an operation.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0053] According to the present invention, a raising/lowering
operation of the top panel can be intuitively and easily
performed.
[0054] In addition, according to the present invention, an
erroneous raising/lowering operation of the top panel is hardly
caused.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of top panel height adjustable
furniture according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the first embodiment of the present
invention seen from an upper surface side of a top panel.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the first embodiment of the present
invention seen from a lower surface side of the top panel.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] FIG. 5A is a table showing raising/lowering control of the
top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 5B is another table showing raising/lowering control of
the top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a view describing a case in which the top panel is
lowered through a raising/lowering operation of the top panel in
the top panel height adjustable furniture according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a view describing a case in which the top panel is
raised through a raising/lowering operation of the top panel in the
top panel height adjustable furniture according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a view of top panel height adjustable furniture
according to a second embodiment of the present invention seen from
the upper surface side of the top panel.
[0064] FIG. 9 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the second embodiment of the present
invention seen from the lower surface side of the top panel.
[0065] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the top panel height
adjustable furniture according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0066] FIG. 11 is a table showing raising/lowering control of the
top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture according to
the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 12 is a view describing a case in which the top panel
is lowered through a raising/lowering operation of the top panel in
the top panel height adjustable furniture according to the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 13 is a view describing a case in which the top panel
is raised through a raising/lowering operation of the top panel in
the top panel height adjustable furniture according to the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 14 is a view of top panel height adjustable furniture
according to a third embodiment of the present invention seen from
a side surface side of the top panel.
[0070] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of top panel height adjustable
furniture according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention.
[0071] FIG. 16 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention seen from the upper surface side of the top panel.
[0072] FIG. 17 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention seen from the lower surface side of the top panel.
[0073] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the top panel height
adjustable furniture according to the seventh embodiment of the
present invention.
[0074] FIG. 19A is a table showing raising/lowering control of the
top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture according to
the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 19B is another table showing raising/lowering control
of the top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture
according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 20 is a view describing a case in which the top panel
is lowered through a raising/lowering operation of the top panel in
the top panel height adjustable furniture according to the seventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 21 is a view describing a case in which the top panel
is raised through a raising/lowering operation of the top panel in
the top panel height adjustable furniture according to the seventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 22 is a view of top panel height adjustable furniture
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention seen
from the upper surface side of the top panel.
[0079] FIG. 23 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture according to the eighth embodiment of the present
invention seen from the lower surface side of the top panel.
[0080] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the top panel height
adjustable furniture according to the eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0081] FIG. 25 is a table showing raising/lowering control of the
top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture according to
the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 26 is a view of top panel height adjustable furniture
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention seen from
the side surface side of the top panel.
[0083] FIG. 27 is a block diagram of top panel height adjustable
furniture according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0084] FIG. 28A is a table showing raising/lowering control of the
top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture according to
the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 28B is another table showing raising/lowering control
of the top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture
according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0086] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of top panel height
adjustable furniture of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of
the top panel height adjustable furniture seen from an upper
surface side of a top panel. FIG. 3 is a view of the top panel
height adjustable furniture seen from a lower surface side of the
top panel.
[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, top panel height adjustable
furniture 1 (which will hereinafter be simply referred to as
"furniture 1") of the present embodiment includes a top panel 2,
support bodies 5, a sensor 11, and a control unit 15.
[0088] The top panel 2 has an upper surface 3 and a lower surface
4. The top panel 2 has recesses for attaching the sensor 11 (which
will be described below) in the vicinity of a front end portion 2a
of the top panel 2. Other configurations of the top panel 2 are not
particularly limited.
[0089] The support body 5 has a beam portion 6, a shaft portion 7,
a leg portion 8, and a raising/lowering drive unit 10.
[0090] The beam portion 6 extends in a forward/rearward direction
of the top panel 2. The beam portion 6 is installed one each at
right and left ends of the top panel 2.
[0091] The shaft portion 7 is connected to the top panel 2 via the
beam portion 6. The shaft portion 7 extends vertically downward
from the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2.
[0092] The leg portion 8 comes into contact with a floor surface to
support the furniture 1 of the present embodiment and is coupled to
the shaft portion 7 via the raising/lowering drive unit 10. In the
present embodiment, the leg portion 8 has a horizontal portion 8a
which extends parallel to the floor surface, and a first cylinder
portion 8b and a second cylinder portion 8c which vertically extend
while being coaxial with the shaft portion 7.
[0093] The raising/lowering drive unit 10 includes a motor and a
gear (not illustrated) for relatively moving the shaft portion 7,
the first cylinder portion 8b, and the second cylinder portion 8c
in a longitudinal axis direction of the shaft portion 7, the first
cylinder portion 8b, and the second cylinder portion 8c. The
raising/lowering drive unit 10 is electrically connected to the
control unit 15. When the raising/lowering drive unit 10 operates,
the support bodies 5 extend or contract in a panel thickness
direction of the top panel 2.
[0094] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor 11 includes a
first sensor 12 which is installed on the upper surface 3 of the
top panel 2, and a second sensor 13 which is installed on the lower
surface 4 of the top panel 2.
[0095] The first sensor 12 is a contact sensor which is capable of
detecting contact of a user with the upper surface 3 of the top
panel 2. The first sensor 12 is installed in the front end portion
2a of the top panel 2 on the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2.
The first sensor 12 extends along a width direction of the top
panel 2 (a direction indicated with the reference sign X in FIG. 2)
in the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2. An outer surface of
the first sensor 12 is positioned on substantially the same surface
as the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2.
[0096] The first sensor 12 of the present embodiment includes a
right sensor 12a and a left sensor 12b. The distance between the
right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b is a distance at which a
body (for example, an arm) of a user using the furniture 1 does not
simultaneously come into contact with the right sensor 12a and the
left sensor 12b when the furniture 1 is in ordinary use (when a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel 2 is not performed).
For example, the distance between the right sensor 12a and the left
sensor 12b is wider than the width across the shoulders of the
user. In addition, the distance between the right sensor 12a and
the left sensor 12b is set such that the user's body can
simultaneously come into contact with the right sensor 12a and the
left sensor 12b when a raising/lowering operation of the top panel
2 is performed. For example, the distance between the right sensor
12a and the left sensor 12b is shorter than the distance between
the right and left palms of the user in a state in which the user
opens his/her arms to the right and the left. A part of the first
sensor 12 which comes into contact with the user's body in ordinary
use, in which the top panel of the furniture 1 is not raised or
lowered, may be set as a dead zone (a region in which detection of
the first sensor 12 is invalid) depending on the user's physique or
usage conditions.
[0097] The second sensor 13 is a contact sensor which is capable of
detecting contact of the user with the lower surface 4 of the top
panel 2. The second sensor 13 is installed in the front end portion
2a of the top panel 2 on the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2.
The second sensor 13 extends along the width direction of the top
panel 2 (a direction indicated with the reference sign X in FIG. 3)
in the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2. An outer surface of
the second sensor 13 is positioned on substantially the same
surface as the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2.
[0098] The second sensor 13 of the present embodiment includes a
right sensor 13a and a left sensor 13b. The distance between the
right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b is a distance at which a
body (for example, a thigh) of the user using the furniture 1 does
not simultaneously come into contact with the right sensor 13a and
the left sensor 13b when the furniture 1 is in ordinary use (when a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel 2 is not
performed).
[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when seen from the upper surface 3
toward the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 (in a vertical
direction in FIG. 6), the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13
are disposed such that the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13
overlap each other.
[0100] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the top panel height adjustable
furniture. FIGS. 5A and 5B are tables showing raising/lowering
control of the top panel in the top panel height adjustable
furniture.
[0101] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the control unit 15
controls an extending/contracting operation of the support body 5
based on detection results of the sensor 11. For example, the
control unit 15 is installed inside the support body 5.
[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 15 has a first
acquiring portion 16, a second acquiring portion 17, a
determination portion 18, and a command-generating portion 19.
[0103] The first acquiring portion 16 is connected to the first
sensor 12. The first acquiring portion 16 acquires information of
the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the
first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, the first acquiring
portion 16 acquires information of the presence or absence of
contact of the user with respect to each of the right sensor 12a
and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12, and the
information is stored in the first acquiring portion 16 to be able
to be referred to in the determination portion 18.
[0104] The second acquiring portion 17 is connected to the second
sensor 13. The second acquiring portion 17 acquires information of
the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the
second sensor 13. In the present embodiment, the second acquiring
portion 17 acquires information of the presence or absence of
contact of the user with respect to each of the right sensor 13a
and the left sensor 13b constituting the second sensor 13, and the
information is stored in the second acquiring portion 17 to be able
to be referred to in the determination portion 18.
[0105] The determination portion 18 is connected to the first
acquiring portion 16 and the second acquiring portion 17. The
determination portion 18 determines which of the first sensor 12
and the second sensor 13 the user has made contact, based on
information acquired by the first acquiring portion 16 from the
first sensor 12 and information acquired by the second acquiring
portion 17 from the second sensor 13.
[0106] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when information of the
presence of contact of the user with respect to the right sensor
12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 is
acquired by the first acquiring portion 16, the determination
portion 18 in the present embodiment determines that there has been
a valid input to the first sensor 12. In this case, the
determination portion 18 outputs a signal for lowering the top
panel 2 to the command-generating portion 19.
[0107] Moreover, when information of the presence of contact of the
user with respect to the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b
constituting the second sensor 13 is acquired by the second
acquiring portion 17, the determination portion 18 in the present
embodiment determines that there has been a valid input to the
second sensor 13. In this case, the determination portion 18
outputs a signal for raising the top panel 2 to the
command-generating portion 19.
[0108] When it is determined that there has been an input to the
first sensor 12 and it is also determined that there has been an
input to the second sensor 13, the determination portion 18 in the
present embodiment determines that these inputs are invalid.
[0109] The command-generating portion 19 causes the top panel 2 to
be raised or lowered in response to an output from the
determination portion 18. In the present embodiment, the
command-generating portion 19 generates a command for an
extending/contracting operation of the support body 5 and outputs
the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10 provided in the
support body 5 in response to an output from the determination
portion 18. That is, when a signal for lowering the top panel 2 is
output from the determination portion 18 to the command-generating
portion 19, the command-generating portion 19 generates a command
for contracting the support bodies 5 and outputs the command to the
raising/lowering drive unit 10. In addition, when a signal for
raising the top panel 2 is output from the determination portion 18
to the command-generating portion 19, the command-generating
portion 19 generates a command for extending the support bodies 5
and outputs the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10.
[0110] Operations of the furniture 1 of the present embodiment will
be described. FIG. 6 is a view describing a case in which the top
panel is lowered through a raising/lowering operation of the top
panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture. FIG. 7 is a
view describing a case in which the top panel is raised through a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel in the top panel height
adjustable furniture.
[0111] When the user raises or lowers the top panel 2 of the
furniture 1 of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
the user brings his/her hands into contact with the upper surface 3
or the lower surface 4 in the front end portion 2a of the top panel
2.
[0112] For example, when the user lowers the top panel 2, the user
brings his/her hands into contact with the upper surface 3 of the
top panel 2. This is a gesture of the user for pushing down the top
panel 2. If the user brings his/her hands into contact with the
upper surface 3 of the top panel 2, the user's hands conic into
contact with the first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, when
the user's hands come into contact with both the right sensor 12a
and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 (refer to
FIG. 2), the control unit 15 determines that there has been contact
with the first sensor 12. The control unit 15 causes the support
bodies 5 to contract based on contact with the first sensor 12.
Accordingly, the top panel 2 is lowered.
[0113] In addition, when the user raises the top panel 2, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, the user brings his/her hands into contact
with the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2. This is a gesture of
the user for pushing up the top panel 2. If the user brings his/her
hands into contact with the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2, the
user's hands come into contact with the second sensor 13. In the
present embodiment, when the user's hands come into contact with
both the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the
second sensor 13 (refer to FIG. 3), the control unit 15 determines
that there has been contact with the second sensor 13. The control
unit 15 causes the support bodies 5 to extend based on contact with
the second sensor 13. Accordingly, the top panel 2 is raised.
[0114] In the furniture 1 of the present embodiment, the user can
raise or lower the top panel 2 with a force lighter than that of
actually pushing down or pushing up the top panel 2 by using an
intuitive gesture for raising or lowering the top panel 2.
According to the furniture 1 of the present embodiment, a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel 2 can be intuitively
performed. In addition, according to the furniture 1 of the present
embodiment, a raising/lowering operation of the top panel 2 can be
easily performed.
[0115] In addition, the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13
are disposed at positions overlapping each other when seen from the
upper surface 3 toward the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2.
Therefore, it is easy for the user to know a position with which
his/her hands have to come into contact when the top panel 2 is
raised and a position with which his/her hand has to come into
contact when the top panel 2 is lowered.
[0116] In addition, the outer surface of the first sensor 12 is
positioned on substantially the same surface as the upper surface 3
of the top panel 2. Therefore, a part in the vicinity of the front
end of the top panel 2 has excellent design.
[0117] In addition, the outer surface of the second sensor 13 is
positioned on substantially the same surface as the lower surface 4
of the top panel 2. Therefore, a foot, baggage, or the like of the
user is unlikely to be caught by the lower surface 4 in the
vicinity of the front end of the top panel 2.
[0118] In addition, the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13
are disposed along the width direction of the top panel 2.
Therefore, the user can perform a raising/lowering operation of the
top panel 2 in a natural posture regardless of his/her
physique.
Second Embodiment
[0119] A second embodiment of the present invention will be
described. HG 8 is a view of top panel height adjustable furniture
of the present embodiment seen from the upper surface side of the
top panel. FIG. 9 is a view of the top panel height adjustable
furniture seen from the lower surface side of the top panel.
[0120] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the top panel height
adjustable furniture. FIG. 11 is a table showing raising/lowering
control of the top panel in the top panel height adjustable
furniture. FIG. 12 is a view describing a case in which the top
panel is lowered through a raising/lowering operation of the top
panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture. FIG. 13 is a
view describing a case in which the top panel is raised through a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel in the top panel height
adjustable furniture.
[0121] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in place of the sensor 11
disclosed in the first embodiment, furniture 20 of the present
embodiment includes a sensor 21 that can determine in which of the
upward direction and the downward direction the user intends to
move the top panel 2 by discriminating the direction of the user's
hand. In addition, the furniture 20 of the present embodiment
includes a control unit 25 which is different from the control unit
15 in the first embodiment.
[0122] The sensor 21 of the present embodiment includes a first
sensor 22 which is installed on the upper surface 3 of the top
panel 2, and a second sensor 23 which is installed on the lower
surface 4 of the top panel 2.
[0123] The first sensor 22 includes a first proximal sensor 22a and
a first distal sensor 22b.
[0124] The first proximal sensor 22a and the first distal sensor
22b extend along the width direction of the top panel 2 while being
parallel to each other at a distance therebetween.
[0125] The first proximal sensor 22a is installed at a position
(refer to FIG. 13) with which the first finger (thumb) of the
user's hand can come into contact when the user grasps the top
panel 2 in a manner pinching the front end portion 2a of the top
panel 2.
[0126] The first distal sensor 22b is installed at a position
(refer to FIG. 12) with which at least any of the second finger to
the fifth finger of the user's hand can come into contact when the
user grasps the top panel 2 in a manner pinching the front end
portion 2a of the top panel 2.
[0127] The second sensor 23 includes a second proximal sensor 23a
and a second distal sensor 23b.
[0128] The second proximal sensor 23a and the second distal sensor
23b extend along the width direction of the top panel 2 while being
parallel to each other at a distance therebetween. The second
proximal sensor 23a is installed at a position (refer to FIG. 12)
with which the first finger (thumb) of the user's hand can come
into contact when the user grasps the top panel 2 in a manner
pinching the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2. The second
distal sensor 23b is installed at a position (refer to FIG. 13)
with which at least any of the second finger to the fifth finger of
the user's hand can come into contact when the user grasps the top
panel 2 in a manner pinching the front end portion 2a of the top
panel 2.
[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the control unit 25 has a first
acquiring portion 26, a second acquiring portion 27, a
determination portion 28, and a command-generating portion 29.
[0130] The first acquiring portion 26 is connected to the first
sensor 22. The first acquiring portion 26 acquires information of
the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the
first sensor 22. In the present embodiment, the first acquiring
portion 26 acquires information of the presence or absence of
contact of the user with respect to each of the first proximal
sensor 22a and the first distal sensor 22b constituting the first
sensor 22, and the information is stored in the first acquiring
portion 26 to be able to be referred to in the determination
portion 28.
[0131] The second acquiring portion 27 is connected to the second
sensor 23. The second acquiring portion 27 acquires information of
the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the
second sensor 23. In the present embodiment, the second acquiring
portion 27 acquires information of the presence or absence of
contact of the user with respect to each of the second proximal
sensor 23a and the second distal sensor 23b constituting the second
sensor 23, and the information is stored in the second acquiring
portion 27 to be able to be referred to in the determination
portion 28.
[0132] The determination portion 28 is connected to the first
acquiring portion 26 and the second acquiring portion 27. The
determination portion 28 determines which of the first sensor 22
and the second sensor 23 the user has made contact, based on
information acquired by the first acquiring portion 26 from the
first sensor 22 and information acquired by the second acquiring
portion 27 from the second sensor 23.
[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 11, when contact with the first
proximal sensor 22a, the first distal sensor 22b, and the second
proximal sensor 23a is detected and contact with the second distal
sensor 23b is not detected, the determination portion 28 outputs a
signal for lowering the top panel 2 to the command-generating
portion 29.
[0134] In addition, when contact with the first proximal sensor
22a, the second proximal sensor 23a, and the second distal sensor
23b is detected and contact with the first distal sensor 22b is not
detected, the determination portion 28 outputs a signal for raising
the top panel 2 to the command-generating portion 29.
[0135] As illustrated in FIG. 11, when there is an input to the
first proximal sensor 22a and the first distal sensor 22b and there
is no input to the second proximal sensor 23a and the second distal
sensor 23b, the determination portion 28 in the present embodiment
determines that these inputs are invalid. Therefore, while the top
panel 2 is in ordinary use such that the user has brought his/her
arm into contact with the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2, the
top panel 2 is not raised or lowered.
[0136] In addition, when it is determined that there also has been
an input to all of the first proximal sensor 22a, the first distal
sensor 22b, the second proximal sensor 23a, and the second distal
sensor 23b, the determination portion 28 in the present embodiment
determines that these inputs are invalid. Therefore, the top panel
2 can be stopped when the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 comes
into contact with a knee or the like while the user is lowering the
top panel 2.
[0137] The command-generating portion 29 causes the top panel 2 to
be raised or lowered in response to an output from the
determination portion 28. In the present embodiment, the
command-generating portion 29 generates a command for an
extending/contracting operation of the support body 5 and outputs
the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10 provided in the
support body 5 in response to an output from the determination
portion 28. That is, when a signal for lowering the top panel 2 is
output from the determination portion 28 to the command-generating
portion 29, the command-generating portion 29 generates a command
for contracting the support bodies 5 and outputs the command to the
raising/lowering drive unit 10. In addition, when a signal for
raising the top panel 2 is output from the determination portion 28
to the command-generating portion 29, the command-generating
portion 29 generates a command for extending the support bodies 5
and outputs the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10.
[0138] Operations of the furniture 20 of the present embodiment
will be described.
[0139] The control unit 25 of the present embodiment determines in
which of the upward direction and the downward direction the user
intends to move the top panel 2, based on the presence or absence
of contact with respect to each of the first proximal sensor 22a,
the first distal sensor 22b, the second proximal sensor 23a, and
the second distal sensor 23b.
[0140] In the present embodiment, when the user's hand is in
contact with the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2 in a manner in
which the palm of the user's hand intending to raise or lower the
top panel 2 is directed downward (refer to FIG. 12), the user's
hand comes into contact with both the first proximal sensor 22a and
the first distal sensor 22b of the first sensor 22. In addition, in
this case, if the user is grasping the front end portion 2a of the
top panel 2 to lower the top panel 2, the user's hand is also in
contact with the second proximal sensor 23a of the second sensor
23. Therefore, when contact with the first proximal sensor 22a, the
first distal sensor 22b, and the second proximal sensor 23a is
detected and contact with the second distal sensor 23b is not
detected, the control unit 25 outputs a signal for contracting the
support bodies 5 to the raising/lowering drive unit 10.
Accordingly, the raising/lowering drive unit 10 lowers the top
panel 2 in accordance with a gesture for grasping and pushing down
the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2.
[0141] On the contrary, when the user's hand is in contact with the
lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 in a manner in which the palm of
the user's hand intending to raise or lower the top panel 2 is
directed upward (refer to FIG. 13), the user's hand comes into
contact with both the second proximal sensor 23a and the second
distal sensor 23b of the second sensor 23. In addition, in this
case, if the user is grasping the front end portion 2a of the top
panel 2 to raise the top panel 2, the user's hand is also in
contact with the first proximal sensor 22a of the first sensor 22.
Therefore, when contact with the first proximal sensor 22a, the
second proximal sensor 23a, and the second distal sensor 23b is
detected and contact with the first distal sensor 22b is not
detected, the control unit 25 outputs a signal for extending the
support bodies 5 to the raising/lowering drive unit 10.
Accordingly, the raising/lowering drive unit 10 raises the top
panel 2 in accordance with a gesture for grasping and pushing up
the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2.
[0142] The furniture 20 of the present embodiment exhibits effects
similar to those of the first embodiment.
[0143] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the user
performs an operation of raising or lowering the top panel 2, the
user grasps the top panel 2 in a manner pinching the front end
portion 2a of the top panel 2, so that the user's hand comes into
contact with both the first sensor 22 and the second sensor 23.
Here, the user's first finger (thumb) does not reach the distal
sensor (the first distal sensor 22b or the second distal sensor
23b) but any of the second finger to the fifth finger of the user
reaches the distal sensor (the first distal sensor 22b or the
second distal sensor 23b), the control unit 25 can determine the
direction of the user's hand by using the first sensor 22 and the
second sensor 23.
[0144] In the present embodiment, a natural direction of the hand
of the user when the user lowers the top panel 2 is a direction of
grasping the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2 with a hand
while the back of the hand is directed upward. In addition, a
natural direction of the hand of the user when the user raises the
top panel 2 is a direction of grasping the front end portion 2a of
the top panel 2 with a hand while the back of the hand is directed
downward.
[0145] In the present embodiment, the top panel 2 can be raised or
lowered by grasping the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2
with one hand. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the
user only grasps the top panel 2, the control unit 25 determines
the raising/lowering direction of the top panel 2 and causes the
support bodies 5 to extend and contract. Therefore, the top panel 2
can be raised or lowered with a light force.
Modification Example
[0146] A modification example of the present embodiment will be
described.
[0147] In the present modification example, in place of the first
sensor 22 and the second sensor 23 installed in the top panel, many
contact sensors are installed on the upper surface of the top panel
and many contact sensors are installed on the lower surface of the
top panel. In the present modification example, the sensors
installed in the top panel are different from that in the second
embodiment described above and are arranged in a zigzag shape or a
square lattice shape. In the present modification example, the
sensors installed in the top panel are connected to the control
unit.
[0148] In the present modification example, the control unit
acquires the positions and the number of sensors, among many
sensors installed on the upper surface of the top panel, which have
detected contact of the user's hand and the positions and the
number of sensors, among many sensors installed on the lower
surface of the top panel, which have detected contact of the user's
hand. The control unit estimates the posture of the user's hand
which made contact with the top panel using the detection positions
and the detection numbers of the sensors on each of the upper
surface and the lower surface of the top panel.
[0149] In the present modification example as well, similar to the
second embodiment described above, the top panel can be raised or
lowered by grasping the front end portion of the top panel with one
hand.
[0150] In place of many sensors installed on the upper surface and
the lower surface of the top panel, a sensor which detects the
contact state of the user's hand with respect to a predetermined
region in the vicinity of the front end portion of the top panel
may be installed in the top panel. For example, an electrostatic
capacitance-type sensor, a resistive film-type sensor, or the like
which can receive a multi-touch input may be installed on the upper
surface and the lower surface in the front end portion of the top
panel.
Third Embodiment
[0151] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 14 is a view of top panel height adjustable
furniture of the present embodiment seen from a side surface side
of the top panel.
[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 14, in place of the sensor 11
disclosed in the first embodiment, furniture 30 of the present
embodiment has a distortion sensor 31 which detects distortion of
the top panel 2 caused by contact of the user with respect to the
top panel 2. Examples of the distortion sensor 31 may include a
sensor using a piezoelectric element.
[0153] The position of the distortion sensor 31 is not particularly
limited and need only be a position at which distortion of the top
panel 2 can be detected. For example, the distortion sensor 31 may
be installed in a connection part between the top panel 2 and the
support body 5.
[0154] The control unit of the present embodiment causes the
support bodies 5 to contract while the distortion sensor 31 is
detecting distortion generated in the top panel 2 caused by the
user pushing the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2 to the lower
surface 4 side. The control unit causes the support bodies 5 to
extend while the distortion sensor 31 is detecting distortion
generated in the top panel 2 caused by the user pushing the lower
surface 4 of the top panel 2 to the upper surface 3 side.
[0155] The furniture 30 of the present embodiment exhibits effects
similar to those of the first embodiment.
[0156] In addition, the position of the distortion sensor 31 in the
furniture 30 of the present embodiment is not limited to the front
end portion 2a of the top panel 2 and need only be a position at
which distortion generated in the top panel 2 can be detected when
the user intends to raise or lower the top panel 2. Therefore, even
if the distortion sensor 31 is disposed at a position where the
user cannot touch the distortion sensor 31 with his/her hand in the
top panel 2, a gesture of the user for raising or lowering the top
panel 2 can be recognized based on distortion of the top panel
2.
Fourth Embodiment
[0157] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0158] A sensor for raising and lowering the top panel in top panel
height adjustable furniture of the present embodiment has
push-button switches which are installed on the upper surface and
the lower surface of the top panel. The push-button switches
installed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the top
panel are connected to the control unit.
[0159] The push-button switch installed on the upper surface of the
top panel is a switch to be pushed through an operation of the user
on the upper surface side of the top panel. If the push-button
switch installed on the upper surface of the top panel is pushed,
the top panel is lowered in a manner similar to the cases of the
embodiments described above in which the user has made contact with
the first sensor 12. The push-button switch installed on the lower
surface of the top panel is a switch to be pushed through an
operation of the user on the lower surface side of the top panel.
If the push-button switch installed on the lower surface of the top
panel is pushed, the top panel is raised in a manner similar to the
cases of the embodiments described above in which the user has made
contact with the second sensor 13.
Fifth Embodiment
[0160] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0161] Top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment described
above in installing a sensor in a part other than the top panel in
the top panel height adjustable furniture. As an example, the
sensor of the top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
embodiment is installed in the support body. The sensor of the
present embodiment is a distortion sensor, instead of a contact
sensor. The distortion sensor can detect distortion caused by
contact of the user's hand with the top panel. The distortion
sensor is connected to the control unit which controls raising and
lowering of the top panel. The configuration of the control unit
may be similar to that of the first embodiment described above.
[0162] In the top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
embodiment, a case in which the user's hand comes into contact with
the upper surface of the top panel and a case in which the user's
hand comes into contact with the lower surface of the top panel
differ from each other in the distortion state detected by the
distortion sensor. Accordingly, the control unit can identify which
of the upper surface and the lower surface of the top panel the
user intends to come into contact and in which of the upward
direction and the downward direction the user intends to move the
top panel.
[0163] The top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
embodiment also exhibits effects similar to those of the first
embodiment. In addition, since the top panel height adjustable
furniture of the present embodiment has no sensor on the upper
surface of the top panel, the entire area of the upper surface of
the top panel can be used as a work surface. Accordingly, the top
panel height adjustable furniture of the present embodiment has
excellent usability as furniture.
Sixth Embodiment
[0164] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0165] Top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
embodiment differs from that of each of the embodiments described
above in that the speed of raising and lowering of the top panel
can be changed.
[0166] In addition to the sensor 11 disclosed in the first
embodiment described above, the top panel height adjustable
furniture of the present embodiment has a distortion sensor which
can detect the degree of distortion generated in the top panel. The
distortion sensor is installed in a part, such as the top panel or
the support body, to which distortion generated in the top panel is
transferred. The distortion sensor is connected to the control unit
which controls raising and lowering of the top panel.
[0167] The degree of an input to the distortion sensor varies
depending on the magnitude of a pushing force with respect to the
top panel. That is, in the present embodiment, the presence or
absence of an input to the sensor 11 that is a contact sensor
becomes a trigger for a raising/lowering operation of the top
panel, and the degree of an input to the distortion sensor
corresponds to the magnitude of a force of the user moving the top
panel. When an input to the distortion sensor is significant, it is
estimated that the user intends to promptly raise or lower the top
panel. Therefore, the control unit controls a raising/lowering
operation of the support body such that the raising/lowering speed
of the top panel becomes higher than a standard speed. When an
input to the distortion sensor is reduced, the control unit
controls a raising/lowering operation of the support body such that
the raising/lowering speed of the top panel approximates the
standard speed. In addition, when an input to the distortion sensor
is extremely small, it is estimated that the user intends to
perform fine adjustment of the height of the top panel, and the
control unit can control a raising/lowering operation of the
support body such that the raising/lowering speed of the top panel
becomes lower than the standard speed.
[0168] The top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
embodiment also exhibits effects similar to those of the first
embodiment described above. Moreover, the top panel height
adjustable furniture of the present embodiment can automatically
switch between a prompt raising/lowering operation of the top panel
and fine adjustment of the height of the top panel by reflecting
the raising/lowering speed of the top panel intended by the
user.
Modification Example
[0169] A modification example of the present embodiment will be
described.
[0170] In the present modification example, in place of the
distortion sensor included in the top panel height adjustable
furniture, the sensor 11 is configured to be able to perform a
detection operation corresponding to the contact area of the user's
hand.
[0171] For example, the sensor 11 has many fine sensor elements in
certain regions on the upper surface and the lower surface of the
top panel in the vicinity of the front end portion of the top
panel. As an example, the sensor 11 includes a known electrostatic
capacitance-type sensor and a known resistive film-type sensor
utilized in touch panels for multi-touch.
[0172] The control unit connected to the sensor 11 of the present
modification example controls the speed of a raising/lowering
operation of the support body based on the contact area of the
user's hand.
[0173] For example, the control unit stores a threshold value which
has been set in advance in consideration of the size of the hand of
a person assumed as the user. As an example, between a contact area
when the user brings one finger into contact with the top panel and
a contact area when the user brings the entire palm of the hand
into contact with the top panel, the contact area when the entire
palm of the hand is brought into contact with the top panel is
larger. In such a contact state, it is estimated that the user
intends to more promptly raise or lower the top panel than when one
finger is brought into contact with the top panel. Therefore, when
the contact area exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the
control unit performs control of increasing the raising/lowering
speed of the top panel by the support bodies. On the contrary, when
the contact area is equal to or smaller than the predetermined
threshold value, the control unit performs control of decreasing
the raising/lowering speed of the top panel by the support
bodies.
[0174] In addition, the control unit periodically acquires the
contact area from the point of time when the user's hand has made
contact with the sensor 11 and estimates a change in a force of the
user pushing the top panel, based on the change amount or the
change rate of the contact area. In this case, when the contact
area increases, the control unit determines that the top panel is
further pushed, and the control unit performs control of increasing
the raising/lowering speed of the top panel by the support bodies.
On the contrary, when the contact area is reduced, the control unit
determines that pushing with respect to the top panel is reduced,
and the control unit performs control of decreasing the
raising/lowering speed of the top panel by the support bodies.
[0175] The top panel height adjustable furniture of the present
modification example also exhibits effects similar to those of the
sixth embodiment described above.
Seventh Embodiment
[0176] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of top panel height
adjustable furniture of the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view
of the top panel height adjustable furniture seen from the upper
surface side of the top panel. FIG. 17 is a view of the top panel
height adjustable furniture seen from the lower surface side of the
top panel.
[0177] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, in place of the sensor 11
disclosed in the first embodiment, furniture 101 of the present
embodiment includes a sensor 111. In addition, the furniture 101 of
the present embodiment includes a control unit 115 different from
the control unit 15 disclosed in the first embodiment.
[0178] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the sensor 111 has the
first sensor 12 which is installed on the upper surface 3 of the
top panel 2, the second sensor 13 which is installed on the lower
surface 4 of the top panel 2, and third sensors (receiving
portions) 14 which are installed in the support bodies 5. The first
sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 of the present embodiment have
configurations similar to those of the first sensor 12 and the
second sensor 13 of the first embodiment. Here, description thereof
will be omitted.
[0179] The third sensor 14 is a sensor for receiving an input of
permission or inhibition of raising or lowering of the top panel 2.
The third sensor 14 of the present embodiment is attached to the
horizontal portion 8a of the leg portion 8 such that the user can
perform an operation with a foot. When the user steps on the third
sensor 14 with a foot, the third sensor 14 switches between a first
state permitting the top panel 2 to be raised or lowered and a
second state inhibiting the top panel 2 from being raised or
lowered. The third sensor 14 is electrically connected to the
control unit 115.
[0180] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the top panel height
adjustable furniture. FIGS. 19A and 19B are tables showing
raising/lowering control of the top panel in the top panel height
adjustable furniture.
[0181] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 18, the control unit 115
controls an extending/contracting operation of the support body 5
based on a detection result of the sensor 111. For example, the
control unit 115 is installed inside the support body 5.
[0182] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the control unit 115 has a first
acquiring portion 116a, a second acquiring portion 116b, a third
acquiring portion 117, a determination portion 118, and a
command-generating portion 119.
[0183] The first acquiring portion 116a and the second acquiring
portion 116b acquire information of the presence or absence of an
input to the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13, in regard to
an operation of the user raising or lowering the top panel 2.
[0184] The first acquiring portion 116a is connected to the first
sensor 12. The first acquiring portion 116a acquires information of
the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the
first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, the first acquiring
portion 116a acquires information of the presence or absence of
contact of the user with respect to each of the right sensor 12a
and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12, and the
information is stored in the first acquiring portion 116a to be
able to be referred to in the determination portion 118.
[0185] The second acquiring portion 116b is connected to the second
sensor 13. The second acquiring portion 116b acquires information
of the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to
the second sensor 13. In the present embodiment, the second
acquiring portion 116b acquires information of the presence or
absence of contact of the user with respect to each of the right
sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the second sensor
13, and the information is stored in the second acquiring portion
116b to be able to be referred to in the determination portion
118.
[0186] The third acquiring portion 117 acquires information
indicating whether or not the operation with respect to the first
acquiring portion 116a and the second acquiring portion 116b is a
valid operation, based on the presence or absence of an input to
the third sensor 14. For example, when there is an input to the
third sensor 14, the third acquiring portion 117 outputs, to the
determination portion 118, a signal indicating that an input to the
first acquiring portion 116a and the second acquiring portion 116b
is valid.
[0187] The determination portion 118 is connected to the first
acquiring portion 116a and the second acquiring portion 116b. The
determination portion 118 determines which of the first sensor 12
and the second sensor 13 the user has made contact, based on
information acquired by the first acquiring portion 116a from the
first sensor 12 and information acquired by the second acquiring
portion 116b from the second sensor 13. In addition, the
determination portion 118 determines whether or not to perform an
output of a signal to the command-generating portion 119, based on
the presence or absence of a signal from the third acquiring
portion 117.
[0188] As illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, when information of the
presence of contact of the user with respect to the right sensor
12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 is
acquired by the first acquiring portion 116a, the determination
portion 118 in the present embodiment determines that there has
been an input to the first sensor 12. In this case, if an elapsed
time after the determination portion 118 receives the signal from
the third acquiring portion 117 is within a predetermined period of
time, the determination portion 118 outputs a signal for lowering
the top panel 2 to the command-generating portion 119.
[0189] Moreover, when information of the presence of contact of the
user with respect to the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b
constituting the second sensor 13 is acquired by the second
acquiring portion 116b, the determination portion 118 in the
present embodiment determines that there has been an input to the
second sensor 13. In this case, if the elapsed time after the
determination portion 118 receives the signal from the third
acquiring portion 117 is within a predetermined period of time, the
determination portion 118 outputs a signal for raising the top
panel 2 to the command-generating portion 119.
[0190] When it is determined that there has been an input to the
first sensor 12 and it is also determined that there has been an
input to the second sensor 13, the determination portion 118 in the
present embodiment determines that these inputs are invalid.
[0191] In addition, when there is no input to the third sensor 14
after the predetermined period of time has elapsed after the
determination portion 118 receives the signal from the third
acquiring portion 117, the determination portion 118 in the present
embodiment inhibits a signal from being output to the
command-generating portion 119 (inhibits the top panel from
moving).
[0192] The command-generating portion 119 causes the top panel 2 to
be raised or lowered in response to an output from the
determination portion 118. In the present embodiment, the
command-generating portion 119 generates a command for an
extending/contracting operation of the support body 5 in response
to an output from the determination portion 118 and outputs the
command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10 provided in the
support body 5. That is, when a signal for lowering the top panel 2
is output from the determination portion 118 to the
command-generating portion 119, the command-generating portion 119
generates a command for contracting the support bodies 5 and
outputs the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10. In
addition, when a signal for raising the top panel 2 is output from
the determination portion 118 to the command-generating portion
119, the command-generating portion 119 generates a command for
extending the support bodies 5 and outputs the command to the
raising/lowering drive unit 10.
[0193] Operations of the control unit 115 of the present embodiment
will be described.
[0194] The control unit 115 has a mode (top panel raising/lowering
mode) in which the support bodies 5 extend or contract in response
to an input to the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 and a
mode (top panel movement inhibiting mode) in which an
extending/contracting operation of the support body 5 is inhibited
at all times regardless of the presence or absence of an input to
the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13, in accordance with an
input state with respect to the third sensor 14 (refer to FIG.
19B). For example, the control unit 115 operates in the mode in
which the support bodies 5 extend or contract, for the
predetermined period of time after the point of time when there has
been an input to the third sensor 14. The control unit 115 shifts
to the mode in which an extending/contracting operation of the
support body 5 is inhibited when there is no input to the first
sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 even if this predetermined period
of time has elapsed.
[0195] In a state where the top panel 2 is permitted to be raised
or lowered by the third sensor 14, when the user is in contact with
the first sensor 12, the control unit 115 of the present embodiment
determines that the user has made contact with the top panel 2 on
the upper surface 3 side of the top panel 2. In this case, the
control unit 115 outputs a signal for contracting the support
bodies 5 to the raising/lowering drive unit 10 of the support body
5.
[0196] In addition, in the state where the top panel 2 is permitted
to be raised or lowered by the third sensor 14, when the user is in
contact with the second sensor 13, the control unit 115 of the
present embodiment determines that the user has made contact with
the top panel 2 on the lower surface 4 side of the top panel 2. In
this case, the control unit 115 outputs a signal for extending the
support bodies 5 to the raising/lowering drive unit 10 of the
support body 5.
[0197] Operations of the furniture 101 of the present embodiment
will be described. FIG. 20 is a view describing a case in which the
top panel is lowered through a raising/lowering operation of the
top panel in the top panel height adjustable furniture. FIG. 21 is
a view describing a case in which the top panel is raised through a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel in the top panel height
adjustable furniture.
[0198] When the user raises or lowers the top panel 2 of the
furniture 101 of the present embodiment, the user steps on the
third sensor 14 with a foot and permits the top panel 2 to be
raised or lowered. If the user steps on the third sensor 14 with a
foot and there is an input to the third sensor 14, the control unit
115 shifts to the mode in which the support bodies 5 extend or
contract in response to an input to the first sensor 12 or the
second sensor 13. Within the predetermined period of time while the
control unit 115 operates in the mode in which the support bodies 5
extend or contract, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the user brings
his/her hands into contact with the upper surface 3 or the lower
surface 4 in the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2.
[0199] For example, when the user lowers the top panel 2, the user
brings his/her hands into contact with the upper surface 3 of the
top panel 2. This is a gesture of the user for pushing down the top
panel 2. If the user brings his/her hands into contact with the
upper surface 3 of the top panel 2, the user's hands come into
contact with the first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, when
the user's hands come into contact with both the right sensor 12a
and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 (refer to
FIG. 16), the control unit 115 determines that there has been
contact with the first sensor 12. The control unit 115 causes the
support bodies 5 to contract based on contact with the first sensor
12. Accordingly, the top panel 2 is lowered.
[0200] In addition, when the user raises the top panel 2, as
illustrated in FIG. 21, the user brings his/her hands into contact
with the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2. This is a gesture of
the user for pushing up the top panel 2. If the user brings his/her
hands into contact with the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2, the
user's hands come into contact with the second sensor 13. In the
present embodiment, when the user's hands come into contact with
both the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the
second sensor 13 (refer to FIG. 17), the control unit 115
determines that there has been contact with the second sensor 13.
The control unit 115 causes the support bodies 5 to extend based on
contact with the second sensor 13. Accordingly, the top panel 2 is
raised.
[0201] The furniture 101 of the present embodiment exhibits effects
similar to those of the first embodiment.
[0202] In addition, the top panel 2 can be raised or lowered by
using the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 only when
permission for raising or lowering of the top panel 2 is input by
the third sensor 14 (receiving portion). Therefore, it is possible
to reduce a possibility that the top panel 2 is unintentionally
raised or lowered.
[0203] In addition, in the furniture 101 of the present embodiment,
at least one of the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 (in
the present embodiment, the first sensor 12) is installed on the
upper surface 3 of the top panel 2.
[0204] In this case, it is easy to make an input to each of the
sensors 12 and 13. In addition, if the first sensor 12 or the
second sensor 13 is disposed at a position where an input is easily
made, there may also be a possibility of an erroneous input.
However, since the third sensor 14 (receiving portion) is provided,
even if there is an erroneous input, an erroneous operation of the
top panel 2 is hardly caused.
[0205] In addition, in the furniture 101 of the present embodiment,
the first sensor 12 is a contact sensor which is installed on the
upper surface 3 of the top panel 2 and detects contact of the user.
The second sensor 13 is a contact sensor which is installed on the
lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 and detects contact of the
user.
[0206] In this case, when the user comes into contact with the
upper surface 3 of the top panel 2 in an operation in which the
user pushes down the top panel 2 to lower the top panel 2, the
control unit 115 can cause the top panel 2 to be lowered by
controlling the support bodies 5. In addition, when the user comes
into contact with the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 in an
operation in which the user pushes up the top panel 2 to raise the
top panel 2, the control unit 115 can cause the top panel 2 to be
raised by controlling the support bodies 5. As a result, a force of
the user to be applied to the top panel 2 to move the top panel 2
is reduced, and the top panel 2 can be raised or lowered in a
natural posture.
Modification Example
[0207] A modification example of the present embodiment will be
described.
[0208] In the present modification example, while an input to the
third sensor 14 (a state of stepping on the third sensor 14 with a
foot) continues, the control unit 115 operates in the mode in which
the support bodies 5 extend or contract, and if an input to the
third sensor 14 is canceled, the control unit 115 operates in the
mode in which an extending/contracting operation of the support
body 5 is inhibited.
[0209] Even such a configuration exhibits effects similar to those
of the embodiments described above.
[0210] In addition, in the present modification example, the user's
intention of raising or lowering the top panel 2 can be determined
based on an input to the third sensor 14. Therefore, there is no
need for the user to touch both the right sensor 12a and the left
sensor 12b in the first sensor 12 with both hands, or there is no
need for the user to touch both the right sensor 13a and the left
sensor 13b in the second sensor 13 with both hands.
[0211] Therefore, in the present modification example, a
raising/lowering operation of the top panel 2 can be performed with
one hand.
Eighth Embodiment
[0212] An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 22 is a view of top panel height adjustable
furniture of the present embodiment seen from the upper surface
side of the top panel. FIG. 23 is a view of the top panel height
adjustable furniture seen from the lower surface side of the top
panel.
[0213] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the top panel height
adjustable furniture. FIG. 25 is a table showing raising/lowering
control of the top panel in the top panel height adjustable
furniture.
[0214] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in place of the sensor 111
disclosed in the seventh embodiment, furniture 120 of the present
embodiment includes a sensor 121 that can determine in which of the
upward direction and the downward direction the user intends to
move the top panel 2 by discriminating the direction of the user's
hand. In addition, the furniture 120 of the present embodiment
includes a control unit 125 which is different from the control
unit 115 disclosed in the seventh embodiment.
[0215] The sensor 121 of the present embodiment has the first
sensor 22 which is installed on the upper surface 3 of the top
panel 2, the second sensor 23 which is installed on the lower
surface 4 of the top panel 2, and the third sensors (receiving
portions) 14 which are installed in the support bodies 5. The first
sensor 22 and the second sensor 23 of the present embodiment have
configurations similar to those of the first sensor 22 and the
second sensor 23 of the second embodiment. Here, description
thereof will be omitted. The third sensor 14 of the present
embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the third sensor
14 of the seventh embodiment. Here, description thereof will be
omitted.
[0216] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the control unit 125 has a first
acquiring portion 126a, a second acquiring portion 126b, a third
acquiring portion 127, a determination portion 128, and a
command-generating portion 129.
[0217] The first acquiring portion 126a is connected to the first
sensor 22. The first acquiring portion 126a acquires information of
the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to the
first sensor 22. In the present embodiment, the first acquiring
portion 126a acquires information of the presence or absence of
contact of the user with respect to each of the first proximal
sensor 22a and the first distal sensor 22b constituting the first
sensor 22, and the information is stored in the first acquiring
portion 126a to be able to be referred to in the determination
portion 128.
[0218] The second acquiring portion 126b is connected to the second
sensor 23. The second acquiring portion 126b acquires information
of the presence or absence of contact of the user with respect to
the second sensor 23. In the present embodiment, the second
acquiring portion 126b acquires information of the presence or
absence of contact of the user with respect to each of the second
proximal sensor 23a and the second distal sensor 23b constituting
the second sensor 23, and the information is stored in the second
acquiring portion 126b to be able to be referred to in the
determination portion 128.
[0219] The third acquiring portion 127 acquires information
indicating whether or not the operation with respect to the first
acquiring portion 126a and the second acquiring portion 126b is a
valid operation, based on the presence or absence of an input to
the third sensor 14. For example, when there is an input to the
third sensor 14, the third acquiring portion 127 outputs, to the
determination portion 128, a signal indicating that an input to the
first acquiring portion 126a and the second acquiring portion 126b
is valid.
[0220] The determination portion 128 is connected to the first
acquiring portion 126a and the second acquiring portion 126b. The
determination portion 128 determines which of the first sensor 22
and the second sensor 23 the user has made contact, based on
information acquired by the first acquiring portion 126a from the
first sensor 22 and information acquired by the second acquiring
portion 126b from the second sensor 23.
[0221] When contact with the first proximal sensor 22a, the first
distal sensor 22b, and the second proximal sensor 23a is detected
and contact with the second distal sensor 23b is not detected, the
determination portion 128 outputs a signal for lowering the top
panel 2 to the command-generating portion 129 (refer to FIG.
25).
[0222] In addition, when contact with the first proximal sensor
22a, the second proximal sensor 23a, and the second distal sensor
23b is detected and contact with the first distal sensor 22b is not
detected, the determination portion 128 outputs a signal for
raising the top panel 2 to the command-generating portion 129
(refer to FIG. 25).
[0223] As illustrated in FIG. 25, when there is an input to the
first proximal sensor 22a and the first distal sensor 22b and there
is no input to the second proximal sensor 23a and the second distal
sensor 23b, the determination portion 128 in the present embodiment
determines that these inputs are invalid. Therefore, while the top
panel 2 is in ordinary use such that the user has brought his/her
arm into contact with the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2, the
top panel 2 is not raised or lowered.
[0224] In addition, when it is determined that there also has been
an input to all of the first proximal sensor 22a, the first distal
sensor 22b, the second proximal sensor 23a, and the second distal
sensor 23b, the determination portion 128 in the present embodiment
determines that these inputs are invalid. Therefore, the top panel
2 can be stopped when the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 comes
into contact with a knee or the like while the user is lowering the
top panel 2.
[0225] The command-generating portion 129 causes the top panel 2 to
be raised or lowered in response to an output from the
determination portion 128. In the present embodiment, the
command-generating portion 129 generates a command for an
extending/contracting operation of the support body 5 and outputs
the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10 provided in the
support body 5 in response to an output from the determination
portion 128. That is, when a signal for lowering the top panel 2 is
output from the determination portion 128 to the command-generating
portion 129, the command-generating portion 129 generates a command
for contracting the support bodies 5 and outputs the command to the
raising/lowering drive unit 10. In addition, when a signal for
raising the top panel 2 is output from the determination portion
128 to the command-generating portion 129, the command-generating
portion 129 generates a command for extending the support body 5
and outputs the command to the raising/lowering drive unit 10.
[0226] Operations of the furniture 120 of the present embodiment
will be described.
[0227] The control unit 125 of the present embodiment determines in
which of the upward direction and the downward direction the user
intends to move the top panel 2, based on the presence or absence
of contact with respect to each of the first proximal sensor 22a,
the first distal sensor 22b, the second proximal sensor 23a, and
the second distal sensor 23b. In the present embodiment as well,
similar to the seventh embodiment, the control unit 125 refers to
the presence or absence of an input to the third sensor 14 and
operates in either one mode of the mode in which the support bodies
5 extend or contract or the mode in which an extending/contracting
operation of the support body 5 is inhibited (refer to FIG.
25).
[0228] In the present embodiment, when the user's hand is in
contact with the upper surface 3 of the top panel 2 in a manner in
which the palm of the user's hand intending to raise or lower the
top panel 2 is directed downward, the user's hand comes into
contact with both the first proximal sensor 22a and the first
distal sensor 22b of the first sensor 22. In addition, in this
case, if the user is grasping the front end portion 2a of the top
panel 2 to lower the top panel 2, the user's hand is also in
contact with the second proximal sensor 23a of the second sensor
23. Therefore, when contact with the first proximal sensor 22a, the
first distal sensor 22b, and the second proximal sensor 23a is
detected and contact with the second distal sensor 23b is not
detected, the control unit 125 outputs a signal for contracting the
support bodies 5 to the raising/lowering drive unit 10.
Accordingly, the raising/lowering drive units 10 lower the top
panel 2 in accordance with a gesture for grasping and pushing down
the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2.
[0229] On the contrary, when the user's hand is in contact with the
lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 in a manner in which the palm of
the user's hand intending to raise or lower the top panel 2 is
directed upward, the user's hand comes into contact with both the
second proximal sensor 23a and the second distal sensor 23b of the
second sensor 23. In addition, in this case, if the user is
grasping the front end portion 2a of the top panel 2 to raise the
top panel 2, the user's hand is also in contact with the first
proximal sensor 22a of the first sensor 22. Therefore, when contact
with the first proximal sensor 22a, the second proximal sensor 23a,
and the second distal sensor 23b is detected and contact with the
first distal sensor 22b is not detected, the control unit 125
outputs a signal for extending the support bodies 5 to the
raising/lowering drive unit 10. Accordingly, the raising/lowering
drive units 10 raise the top panel 2 in accordance with a gesture
for grasping and pushing up the front end portion 2a of the top
panel 2.
[0230] The furniture 120 of the present embodiment exhibits effects
similar to those of the seventh embodiment. In addition, the
furniture 120 of the present embodiment exhibits effects similar to
those of the second embodiment.
Ninth Embodiment
[0231] A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. FIG. 26 is a view of top panel height adjustable
furniture of the present embodiment seen from the side surface side
of the top panel.
[0232] As illustrated in FIG. 26, in place of the first sensor 12
and the second sensor 13 disclosed in the seventh embodiment,
furniture 130 of the present embodiment has the distortion sensor
31 which detects distortion of the top panel 2 caused by contact of
the user with respect to the top panel 2. The distortion sensor 31
of the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of
the distortion sensor 31 of the third embodiment. Here, description
thereof will be omitted.
[0233] When permission for raising or lowering of the top panel 2
is input to the third sensor 14 (receiving portion), the control
unit of the present embodiment causes the support bodies 5 to
contract while the distortion sensor 31 is detecting distortion
generated in the top panel 2 by the user pushing the upper surface
3 of the top panel 2 to the lower surface 4 side, and the control
unit causes the support bodies 5 to extend while the distortion
sensor 31 is detecting distortion generated in the top panel 2 by
the user pushing the lower surface 4 of the top panel 2 to the
upper surface 3 side.
[0234] The furniture 130 of the present embodiment exhibits effects
similar to those of the seventh embodiment. In addition, the
furniture 130 of the present embodiment exhibits effects similar to
those of the third embodiment.
Tenth Embodiment
[0235] A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0236] FIG. 27 is a block diagram of top panel height adjustable
furniture of the present embodiment. FIGS. 28A and 28B are tables
showing raising/lowering control of the top panel in the top panel
height adjustable furniture.
[0237] Top panel height adjustable furniture 140 of the present
embodiment has a control unit 145 having a configuration partially
different from that of the control unit 115 disclosed in the
seventh embodiment described above. In addition, the top panel
height adjustable furniture 140 of the present embodiment does not
have the third sensor 14.
[0238] The control unit 145 has a determination portion 146 which
determines whether or not a signal is output to the
command-generating portion 119, based on the acquired condition of
information of the first acquiring portion 116a and the second
acquiring portion 116b, in place of the determination portion 118
in the seventh embodiment.
[0239] FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a relationship between the
presence or absence of contact with each of the sensors for making
selection between permission and inhibition of movement of the top
panel 2, and a determination result of the determination portion
146. In FIGS. 28A and 28B, "Yes" indicates that there is contact of
the user exceeding the predetermined period of time. In FIGS. 28A
and 28B, "No" indicates that there is no contact of the user
exceeding the predetermined period of time.
[0240] As illustrated in FIG. 28A, the determination portion 146 in
the present embodiment determines whether or not there is contact
of the user with both the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13
exceeding the predetermined period of time, based on information
acquired by the first acquiring portion 116a and the second
acquiring portion 116b.
[0241] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 28B, when the user is in
contact with both the right sensor 12a and the right sensor 13a
exceeding the predetermined period of time, the determination
portion 146 determines that there is contact of the user with both
the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 exceeding the
predetermined period of time.
[0242] In addition, when the user is in contact with both the left
sensor 12b and the left sensor 13b exceeding the predetermined
period of time, the determination portion 146 determines that there
is contact of the user with both the first sensor 12 and the second
sensor 13 exceeding the predetermined period of time. In addition,
when there is contact of the user with the right sensor 12a, the
left sensor 12b, the right sensor 13a, and the left sensor 13b
exceeding the predetermined period of time, the determination
portion 146 may determine that there is contact of the user with
both the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 exceeding the
predetermined period of time.
[0243] When these determinations are performed, the determination
portion 146 permit an output of a signal to the command-generating
portion 119. If it is not determined that there is contact of the
user with both the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13
exceeding the predetermined period of time, the determination
portion 146 inhibits an output of a signal to the
command-generating portion 119.
[0244] When information of the presence of contact of the user with
respect to the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b
constituting the first sensor 12 is acquired by the first acquiring
portion 116a, the determination portion 146 in the present
embodiment determines that there has been an input to the first
sensor 12. In this case, if an output of a signal to the
command-generating portion 19 is permitted, the determination
portion 146 outputs a signal for lowering the top panel 2 to the
command-generating portion 19.
[0245] Moreover, when information of the presence of contact of the
user with respect to the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b
constituting the second sensor 13 is acquired by the second
acquiring portion 116b, the determination portion 146 in the
present embodiment determines that there has been an input to the
second sensor 13. In this case, if an output of a signal to the
command-generating portion 119 is permitted, the determination
portion 146 outputs a signal for raising the top panel 2 to the
command-generating portion 119.
[0246] The determination portion 146 of the top panel height
adjustable furniture 140 of the present embodiment functions as a
receiving portion which receives an input of permission or
inhibition of raising or lowering of the top panel 2.
[0247] For example, the third sensor 14 disclosed in the seventh
embodiment is configured to be operated by the user with a foot.
Therefore, when the user's foot does not reach the third sensor 14,
usability may deteriorate. In contrast, the top panel height
adjustable furniture 140 of the present embodiment uses the first
sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 in place of the third sensor 14,
so that permission or inhibition of raising or lowering of the top
panel 2 can be selected. Therefore, the top panel height adjustable
furniture 140 of the present embodiment has favorable usability for
example when the top panel 2 is wide and the distance between the
user and the support body 5 is long.
[0248] Hereinabove, the embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a
specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and a
design change and the like within a range not departing from the
gist of the present invention are also included.
[0249] For example, the furniture disclosed in the third embodiment
and the ninth embodiment described above may be able to detect
contact with another object by a distortion sensor when the top
panel comes into contact with the object while the top panel is
raised or lowered. At this time, for example, the control unit can
perform control, such as temporarily stopping an
extending/contracting operation of the support body.
[0250] In addition, in the furniture disclosed in each of the
embodiments described above, the support body may be connected to
the side surface of the top panel. In this case, the supporting
position of the top panel may be controlled in response to control
of the control unit causing a connection structure between the
support body and the top panel to vertically move, instead of
extending and contracting of the support body.
[0251] In addition, the first sensor disclosed in the seventh
embodiment is installed on the upper surface of the top panel, and
the second sensor disclosed in the seventh embodiment is installed
on the lower surface of the top panel. However, the position of
each of the sensors is not limited thereto. As an example, the
first sensor and the second sensor may be attached to the lower
surface of the top panel as push-button switches in an arranged
manner. In addition, the first sensor and the second sensor may be
attached to the side surface in the front end portion of the top
panel.
[0252] In addition, the third sensor may be installed in the top
panel instead of the support body. In this case, the third sensor
may be operated with a hand on a side opposite to the hand used for
raising or lowering the top panel, instead of being operated with a
foot.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0253] According to the present invention, a raising/lowering
operation of a top panel can be intuitively and easily
performed.
[0254] In addition, according to the present invention, an
erroneous raising/lowering operation of the top panel is hardly
caused.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0255] 1, 20, 30, 101, 120, 130, 140 Top panel height adjustable
furniture [0256] 2 Top panel [0257] 3 Upper surface of top panel
[0258] 4 Lower surface of top panel [0259] 5 Support body [0260] 6
Beam portion [0261] 7 Shaft portion [0262] 8 Leg portion [0263] 10
Raising/lowering drive unit [0264] 11, 21, 111, 121 Sensor [0265]
12, 22 First sensor [0266] 13, 23 Second sensor [0267] 14 Third
sensor (receiving portion) [0268] 15, 25, 115, 125, 145 Control
unit [0269] 16, 26, 116a, 126a First acquiring portion [0270] 17,
27, 116b, 126b Second acquiring portion [0271] 117, 127 Third
acquiring portion [0272] 18, 28, 118, 128, 146 Determination
portion [0273] 19, 29, 119, 129 Command-generating portion
* * * * *