WO2018012526A1 - Top panel elevating-type furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

This top panel elevating-type furniture (1) is provided with: a top panel (2) having a top surface (3) and an under surface (4); a support body (5) that is connected to the top panel (2) and capable of extending/contracting in the thickness direction of the top panel (2); sensors (11) that are capable of detecting a touch made on the top surface (3) side of the top panel (2) by a user and a touch made on the under surface (4) side of the top panel (2) by the user; and a control unit that, on the basis of the result of detection by the sensors (11), controls the extension/contraction movement of the support body (5) such that the support body (5) is caused to contract in the case of the detection of the touch made on the top panel (2) from the top surface (3) side of the top panel (2) by the user, whereas the support body (5) is caused to extend in the case of the detection of the touch made on the top panel (2) from the under surface (4) side of the top panel (2) by the user.

Description

Top plate lifting fixture

The present invention relates to a top-plate lifting type fixture.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-137667 filed in Japan on July 12, 2016 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-137668 filed in Japan on July 12, 2016 And the contents thereof are incorporated herein.

Conventionally, a fixture provided with a top plate that can be raised and lowered is known.
As a technique for raising and lowering the top plate of a fixture, for example, a method using a gas spring, a method using a gear (Patent Documents 1 and 2), and the like are known.
Since the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a simple structure, the cost can be reduced. However, the methods disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 may be difficult to operate for users with weak power, or may impose an unreasonable posture to raise or lower the top plate depending on the height of the top plate. Sometimes.
In order to improve the operability when raising and lowering the top plate, a technique for raising and lowering the top plate using an electric drive unit is known ( Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5). In the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5, the user can raise and lower the top plate using an operation unit such as a switch arranged near the top plate.

Japanese Patent No. 3371959 Japanese Patent No. 3391285 Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 316439 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-113505 Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2014-140753

In the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5, the top plate is moved up and down by pressing a switch. Therefore, the operation for moving up and down the top plate is not intuitive. Further, when the switch is arranged on the large top plate, it is necessary for the user who moves up and down the top plate to move to the position of the switch and operate the switch, so that the operation is troublesome. Also, if the switch is accidentally pressed, the top plate will move unintentionally.

This invention is made | formed in view of the situation mentioned above, Comprising: It aims at providing the top plate raising / lowering type fixture which can perform the raising / lowering operation of a top plate intuitively and easily.
In addition, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a top-plate elevating type fixture that is unlikely to cause a malfunction of elevating the top plate.

A top plate lifting type fixture according to one aspect of the present invention includes a top plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a support that supports the top plate so that the top plate can be moved up and down, and an upper surface of the top plate. It is possible to detect the contact of the user from the side and the contact of the user from the lower surface side of the top plate, and based on the sensor arranged on the top plate and the detection result by the sensor, the user When it is detected that the top plate is touched from the upper surface side, the top plate is moved downward, and when it is detected that the user has touched the top plate from the lower surface side of the top plate. Includes a control unit for controlling a support position of the top plate so as to move the top plate upward.

With this configuration, the control unit can raise and lower the top plate in response to a gesture in which the user touches the top plate to raise and lower the top plate. For this reason, the raising / lowering operation of the top plate by the user is intuitive, and the top plate can be easily raised and lowered.

The sensor may be arranged on the top plate.
In this case, it can detect more reliably that the user contacted the top plate.

The sensor may be arranged in a portion different from the top plate in the top plate liftable fixture.
In this case, since the entire area of the top surface of the top plate can be used as a work surface, the usability of the fixture is good.

The sensor includes a first sensor disposed on an upper surface of the top plate, and a second sensor disposed on a lower surface of the top plate, and the control unit is configured so that the user uses the first sensor. The top plate may be moved downward while in contact, and the top plate may be moved upward while the user is in contact with the second sensor.
In this case, when the user lowers the top plate, his / her hand is brought into contact with the upper surface of the top plate. Thereby, the top plate descends based on the hand touching the first sensor disposed on the top surface of the top plate. Conversely, when the user raises the top board, his / her hand is brought into contact with the lower surface of the top board. Thereby, the top plate rises based on the hand touching the second sensor arranged on the lower surface of the top plate. Thereby, a user can raise / lower a top plate only by touching a top plate with the natural gesture which raises / lowers a top plate.

The first sensor and the second sensor may be arranged so that the first sensor and the second sensor overlap each other when viewed from the upper surface toward the lower surface.
In this case, when viewed from the vertical direction (height direction) of the top plate, the user touches the top plate to raise the top plate, and the user places the top plate to lower the top plate. The part where the hand is brought into contact with the plate coincides with each other. As a result, it is easy for the user to know where the hand should come in contact with to move the top plate up and down.

The surface of the first sensor may be located substantially flush with the top surface of the top plate.
In this case, since there is no unnecessary unevenness on the top surface of the top plate, the design of the top plate is excellent.

The surface of the second sensor may be located substantially on the same plane as the lower surface of the top plate.
In this case, it is difficult for the user's feet or luggage to be caught on the lower surface of the top board.

The sensor may include a contact sensor that detects presence or absence of a user's contact with the top plate along a width direction of the top plate at a front end portion of the top plate.
In this case, the top plate can be raised and lowered in a natural posture regardless of the user's physique.

The sensor may include a strain sensor that detects strain of the top plate due to a user's contact with the top plate. The control unit moves the top plate downward while the strain sensor detects a strain generated in the top plate when the user presses the upper surface of the top plate to the lower surface side. The top plate may be moved upward while the strain sensor detects the strain generated in the top plate by pressing the lower surface of the top plate toward the upper surface side.
In this case, the position at which the strain sensor can be arranged is not particularly limited as long as it is a position where the distortion generated in the top plate can be detected when the user tries to raise or lower the top plate. For this reason, even if a distortion sensor is arrange | positioned in the position which a user's hand does not touch, the gesture of the raising / lowering of a top plate by a user can be recognized.

The sensor can identify a posture of a user's hand that contacts the top plate, and the control unit can determine whether the top plate is raised or lowered based on the posture identified by the sensor. It may be selectable.
In this case, in the gesture of moving the top plate by bringing the hand into contact with the top plate, the control unit determines the up / down control direction of the top plate in consideration of the posture of the hand. Can do.

A plurality of sensors are provided on each of the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate, and the control unit recognizes the posture of the user's hand that contacts the top plate based on a combination of detection states of the plurality of sensors. May be.
In this case, in the gesture of moving the top plate by bringing the hand into contact with the top plate, the direction of the top / bottom control of the top plate by the control unit is determined based on the combination of detection states by a plurality of sensors. Can be moved up and down.

The sensor can detect a contact area of a user's hand contacting the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate, and the control unit can detect a contact area of the user's hand with respect to the top surface of the top plate and the top plate. It may be possible to select either one of ascending and descending of the top plate based on the difference between the contact area of the user's hand with the lower surface of the top plate.
In this case, in the gesture of moving the top plate by bringing the hand into contact with the top plate, the control unit determines the direction of raising and lowering the top plate based on the contact area of the user's hand. Can be moved up and down.

The sensor is capable of detecting a contact area of a user's hand that is in contact with an upper surface or a lower surface of the top plate, and the control unit is configured to detect the top plate based on the size of the contact area detected by the sensor. You may determine the raising / lowering speed.
In this case, it is possible to automatically switch between quick raising and lowering of the top plate and fine adjustment of the height of the top plate, reflecting the lifting speed of the top plate intended by the user.

The sensor may detect the magnitude of an external force applied to the top plate, and the control unit may determine the ascending / descending speed of the top plate based on the magnitude of the external force detected by the sensor.
In this case, it is possible to automatically switch between quick raising and lowering of the top plate and fine adjustment of the height of the top plate, reflecting the lifting speed of the top plate intended by the user.

The sensor includes a first back sensor disposed on the top surface of the top plate, and a first hand disposed on the top surface of the top plate at a position closer to the front end of the top plate than the first back sensor. A front side sensor, a second back side sensor disposed on the bottom surface of the top plate, and a second hand disposed on the bottom surface of the top plate at a position closer to the front end side of the top plate than the second back side sensor A front sensor, and the control unit detects the user's contact with the first back sensor, the first front sensor, and the second front sensor when the user's contact is detected. The plate is moved downward, and when the user's contact is detected with respect to the first near side sensor, the second back side sensor, and the second near side sensor, the top plate is moved upward. Thus, the support position of the top plate may be controlled.
In this case, when the user grips the top plate with the thumb and other fingers as an operation for raising and lowering the top plate, the position difference between the thumb and the other fingers can be detected using a sensor. For this reason, the control part can raise / lower a top plate according to the direction of a user's hand.

The sensor includes a first sensor that accepts an input for lowering the top plate, a second sensor that accepts an input for raising the top plate, and a reception that accepts an input for permitting or prohibiting the elevation of the top plate. And the controller is configured to input the permission of raising and lowering the top plate to the receiving means based on the detection result by the first sensor and the second sensor. You may control the support position of a top plate.

By configuring in this way, the top plate can be moved up and down using the first sensor or the second sensor only when the input of permission to raise or lower the top plate is performed by the receiving means. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the top plate is moved up and down.

The receiving means may be arranged on the support.
In this case, the user can operate the first sensor or the second sensor by hand while the user operates the receiving means with his / her foot.

The receiving means may be arranged on the top board.
In this case, input to the receiving means is easy.

When the input to the first sensor and the input to the second sensor continue at the same time for a predetermined time or more, permission to raise or lower the top plate may be input to the receiving means.
In this case, since the input operation for permitting the raising and lowering of the top plate and the raising and lowering operation of the top plate can be performed using the first sensor and the second sensor, the operation method is easy to understand.

According to the present invention, it is possible to intuitively and easily perform the lifting operation of the top board.
Further, according to the present invention, the malfunction of raising and lowering the top board is unlikely to occur.

It is a perspective view of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention from the upper surface side of the top plate. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention from the lower surface side of the top plate. It is a block diagram of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a top plate is dropped in the raising / lowering operation of the top plate of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a top plate is raised in the raising / lowering operation of the top plate of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 2nd Embodiment of this invention from the upper surface side of the top plate. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 2nd Embodiment of this invention from the lower surface side of the top plate. It is a block diagram of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a top plate is dropped in the raising / lowering operation of the top plate of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a top plate is raised in the raising / lowering operation of the top plate of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 3rd Embodiment of this invention from the side surface side of the top plate. It is a perspective view of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention from the upper surface side of the top plate. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention from the lower surface side of the top plate. It is a block diagram of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a top plate is dropped in the raising / lowering operation of the top plate of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a top plate is raised in the raising / lowering operation of the top plate of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 8th Embodiment of this invention from the upper surface side of the top plate. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 8th Embodiment of this invention from the lower surface side of the top plate. It is a block diagram of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of 9th Embodiment of this invention from the side surface side of the top plate. It is a block diagram of the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 10th Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the raising / lowering control of the top plate in the top plate raising / lowering type fixture of 10th Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top-and-bottom lift fixture of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the top plate lifting fixture as viewed from the top surface side of the top plate. FIG. 3 is a view of the top plate lifting fixture as viewed from the lower surface side of the top plate.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the top / bottom lifting fixture 1 of the present embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as “fitting 1”) includes a top plate 2, a support 5, a sensor 11, and a control unit. 15.

The top plate 2 has an upper surface 3 and a lower surface 4. The top plate 2 has a recess for attaching a sensor 11 described later in the vicinity of the front end 2 a of the top plate 2. The other structure of the top plate 2 is not particularly limited.

The support body 5 includes a beam portion 6, a shaft portion 7, a leg portion 8, and a lift drive unit 10.
The beam portion 6 extends in the front-rear direction of the top plate 2. One beam portion 6 is arranged at each of the left and right ends of the top plate 2.

The shaft portion 7 is connected to the top plate 2 via the beam portion 6. The shaft portion 7 extends vertically downward from the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2.

The leg portion 8 is in contact with the floor surface to support the fixture 1 of the present embodiment, and is connected to the shaft portion 7 via the elevating drive unit 10. In the present embodiment, the leg portion 8 includes a horizontal portion 8a that extends parallel to the floor surface, and a first cylindrical portion 8b and a second cylindrical portion 8c that are coaxial with the shaft portion 7 and extend vertically.

The elevating drive unit 10 includes a motor for relatively moving the shaft portion 7, the first tube portion 8b, and the second tube portion 8c in the longitudinal axis direction of the shaft portion 7, the first tube portion 8b, and the second tube portion 8c. It has a gear (not shown). The elevating drive unit 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 15. The support 5 can be expanded and contracted in the thickness direction of the top plate 2 by operating the elevating drive unit 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor 11 includes a first sensor 12 disposed on the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 and a second sensor 13 disposed on the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2. .

The first sensor 12 is a contact sensor that can detect a user's contact from the upper surface 3 side of the top plate 2. The first sensor 12 is disposed on the front end 2 a of the top plate 2 on the top surface 3 of the top plate 2. The first sensor 12 extends along the width direction of the top plate 2 (the direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG. 2) at the front end 2 a of the top plate 2. The surface of the first sensor 12 is located substantially flush with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2.

The first sensor 12 of the present embodiment has a right sensor 12a and a left sensor 12b. The distance between the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b is determined by the user's body (for example, arm) during normal use of the furniture 1 by the user using the furniture 1 (when the top plate 2 is not lifted or lowered). ) Is a distance that does not contact the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b at the same time. For example, the distance between the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b is wider than the shoulder width of the user. The distance between the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b is a distance that allows the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b to be simultaneously contacted when the top plate 2 is moved up and down. For example, the distance between the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b is shorter than the distance between the left and right palms in a state where the user has his arms spread left and right. In addition, the part which touches a user's body at the time of the normal use which does not raise / lower the top plate of the fixture 1 among the 1st sensors 12 according to a user's physique and use mode (in 1st sensor 12). It may be possible to set as an area where detection is disabled.

The second sensor 13 is a contact sensor that can detect a user's contact from the lower surface 4 side of the top plate 2. The second sensor 13 is disposed on the front end 2 a of the top plate 2 on the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2. The second sensor 13 extends along the width direction of the top plate 2 (the direction indicated by the symbol X in FIG. 3) at the front end portion 2 a of the top plate 2. The surface of the second sensor 13 is located on substantially the same plane as the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2.

The second sensor 13 of this embodiment has a right sensor 13a and a left sensor 13b. The distance between the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b is determined by the user's body (for example, thigh) during normal use of the furniture 1 by the user using the furniture 1 (when the top plate 2 is not lifted or lowered). ) Is a distance that does not contact the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are the first sensor 12 and the second sensor when viewed from the upper surface 3 to the lower surface 4 (vertical direction in FIG. 6) of the top plate 2. 13 are arranged so as to overlap each other.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the top-and-bottom lift fixture. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are tables showing lift control of the top plate in the top lift type furniture.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the control unit 15 controls the expansion / contraction operation of the support 5 based on the detection result by the sensor 11. The control unit 15 is disposed, for example, inside the support 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 15 includes a first acquisition unit 16, a second acquisition unit 17, a determination unit 18, and a command generation unit 19.

The first acquisition unit 16 is connected to the first sensor 12. The first acquisition unit 16 acquires information on the presence or absence of a user's contact with the first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, the first acquisition unit 16 acquires information on the presence or absence of a user's contact for each of the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12, and can be referred to by the determination unit 18. Remember to be

The second acquisition unit 17 is connected to the second sensor 13. The second acquisition unit 17 acquires information on the presence or absence of a user contact with the second sensor 13. In the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit 17 acquires information on the presence or absence of a user's contact for each of the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the second sensor 13, and can be referred to by the determination unit 18. Remember to be

The determination unit 18 is connected to the first acquisition unit 16 and the second acquisition unit 17. The determination unit 18 determines which of the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 is based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 16 from the first sensor 12 and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit 17 from the second sensor 13. It is determined whether the user has touched.

As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the determination unit 18 in the present embodiment has information that the user has contacted the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 as the first acquisition unit. 16, it is determined that there is an effective input to the first sensor 12. In this case, the determination unit 18 outputs a signal for lowering the top 2 to the command generation unit 19.
Furthermore, the determination unit 18 in the present embodiment, when the second acquisition unit 17 acquires information that there is a user contact with the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the second sensor 13. It is determined that there is an effective input to the second sensor 13. In this case, the determination unit 18 outputs a signal for raising the top 2 to the command generation unit 19.

In addition, the determination part 18 in this embodiment determines with an invalid input, when it determines with there being the input with respect to the 1st sensor 12, and having determined the input with respect to the 2nd sensor 13.

The command generation unit 19 raises and lowers the top board 2 according to the output from the determination unit 18. In the present embodiment, the command generation unit 19 generates a command for causing the support body 5 to expand and contract in accordance with the output from the determination unit 18, and issues a command to the lift drive unit 10 provided on the support body 5. Output. That is, when a signal for lowering the top 2 is output from the determination unit 18 to the command generation unit 19, the command generation unit 19 generates a command for contracting the support 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output. In addition, when a signal for raising the top 2 is output from the determination unit 18 to the command generation unit 19, the command generation unit 19 generates a command for extending the support 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output.

The operation of the fixture 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where the top plate is lowered in the lifting operation of the top plate of the top plate lifting type fixture. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case where the top plate is raised in the lifting operation of the top plate of the top plate lifting type fixture.

When the user raises or lowers the top plate 2 of the fixture 1 of the present embodiment, the user places the user's hand on the upper surface 3 or the lower surface 4 of the front end 2a of the top plate 2 as shown in FIG. Make contact.
For example, when the user lowers the top plate 2, the user brings his hand into contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2. This is a gesture in which the user pushes down the top 2. When the user brings his / her hand into contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2, the user's hand comes into contact with the first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, when the user's hand contacts both the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b (see FIG. 2) constituting the first sensor 12, the controller 15 determines that there is contact with the first sensor 12. judge. The control unit 15 contracts the support 5 based on the contact with the first sensor 12. Thereby, the top plate 2 descends.
Moreover, when a user raises the top plate 2, a user makes a hand contact the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, as shown in FIG. This is a gesture in which the user pushes up the top 2. When the user brings his / her hand into contact with the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, the user's hand comes into contact with the second sensor 13. In the present embodiment, when the user's hand comes into contact with both the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b (see FIG. 3) constituting the second sensor 13, the control unit 15 determines that there is contact with the second sensor 13. judge. The control unit 15 extends the support 5 based on the contact with the second sensor 13. Thereby, the top plate 2 rises.

In the fixture 1 of the present embodiment, the user lifts and lowers the top board 2 with a lighter force than actually pushing down or pushing up the top board 2 by using an intuitive gesture for raising and lowering the top board 2. Can be made. According to the fixture 1 of this embodiment, the raising / lowering operation of the top plate 2 can be performed intuitively. Moreover, according to the fixture 1 of this embodiment, the raising / lowering operation of the top plate 2 can be performed easily.

Further, the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are arranged at positions where they overlap each other when viewed from the upper surface 3 to the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, so that the hand touches when raising the top plate 2. It is easy for the user to understand the position to be touched and the position where the hand should be brought into contact when the top plate 2 is lowered.

In addition, since the surface of the first sensor 12 is located substantially flush with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2, the design of the portion near the front end of the top plate 2 is excellent.
Further, since the surface of the second sensor 13 is located substantially on the same plane as the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, it is difficult for the user's feet, luggage, etc. to be caught on the lower surface 4 near the front end of the top plate 2.

Further, since the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are arranged along the width direction of the top plate 2, the top plate 2 can be lifted and lowered in a natural posture regardless of the user's physique.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a view of the top plate lifting fixture of the present embodiment as viewed from the top surface side of the top plate. FIG. 9 is a view of the top plate elevating fixture as viewed from the lower surface side of the top plate.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the top plate lifting fixture. FIG. 11 is a table showing the lift control of the top plate in the top lift type furniture. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a case where the top plate is lowered in the lifting operation of the top plate of the top plate lifting type fixture. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case where the top plate is raised in the lifting operation of the top plate of the top plate lifting type fixture.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixture 20 of the present embodiment replaces the sensor 11 disclosed in the first embodiment and determines the orientation of the user's hand so that the user moves the top and bottom 2 up and down. A sensor 21 is provided that can determine which one is to be moved. Moreover, the fixture 20 of this embodiment is provided with the control part 25 different from the control part 15 disclosed by 1st Embodiment.
The sensor 21 of this embodiment has a first sensor 22 disposed on the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 and a second sensor 23 disposed on the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2.

The first sensor 22 includes a first front side sensor 22a and a first back side sensor 22b.
The first front side sensor 22a and the first back side sensor 22b are spaced apart from each other and extend in parallel along the width direction of the top plate 2.
The first front side sensor 22a is a position where the first finger (thumb) of the user's hand can come into contact when the user grips the top 2 so that the front end 2a of the top 2 is sandwiched (see FIG. 13). ).
When the user grips the top plate 2 so that the front end 2a of the top plate 2 is sandwiched between the first back sensor 22b, at least one of the second finger to the fifth finger of the user's hand is It arrange | positions to the position (refer FIG. 12) which can contact.

The second sensor 23 includes a second front side sensor 23a and a second back side sensor 23b.
The second near-side sensor 23a and the second back-side sensor 23b are spaced apart from each other and extend in parallel along the width direction of the top plate 2. The second front side sensor 23a is a position where the first finger (thumb) of the user's hand can contact when the user grips the top plate 2 so as to sandwich the front end 2a of the top plate 2 (see FIG. 12). ). When the user grips the top plate 2 so that the front end 2a of the top plate 2 is sandwiched between the second back side sensor 23b, at least one of the second finger to the fifth finger of the user's hand is It arrange | positions in the position (refer FIG. 13) which can contact.

As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 25 includes a first acquisition unit 26, a second acquisition unit 27, a determination unit 28, and a command generation unit 29.

The first acquisition unit 26 is connected to the first sensor 22. The first acquisition unit 26 acquires information on the presence / absence of user contact with the first sensor 22. In this embodiment, the 1st acquisition part 26 acquires the information on the presence or absence of a user's contact about each of the 1st near side sensor 22a and the 1st back side sensor 22b which constitute the 1st sensor 22, The determination unit 28 stores the information so that it can be referred to.

The second acquisition unit 27 is connected to the second sensor 23. The second acquisition unit 27 acquires information on the presence or absence of a user contact with the second sensor 23. In the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit 27 acquires information on the presence or absence of a user's contact for each of the second near side sensor 23a and the second back side sensor 23b that constitute the second sensor 23, The determination unit 28 stores the information so that it can be referred to.

The determination unit 28 is connected to the first acquisition unit 26 and the second acquisition unit 27. The determination unit 28 determines which of the first sensor 22 and the second sensor 23 is based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 26 from the first sensor 22 and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit 27 from the second sensor 23. It is determined whether the user has touched.

As shown in FIG. 11, the determination unit 28 detects contact with the first near side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, and the second near side sensor 23a, and makes contact with the second back side sensor 23b. If not detected, a signal for lowering the top 2 is output to the command generator 29.
The determination unit 28 detects contact with the first front side sensor 22a, the second front side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b, and does not detect contact with the first back side sensor 22b. Then, a signal for raising the top 2 is output to the command generation unit 29.

As shown in FIG. 11, the determination unit 28 in the present embodiment has inputs to the first front side sensor 22a and the first back side sensor 22b, and the second front side sensor 23a and the second back side sensor 23b. If there is no input for, the input is determined to be invalid. For this reason, the top plate 2 does not move up and down during use, such as when the user is in contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2.
In addition, the determination unit 28 in the present embodiment determines that there is an input to all of the first near side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, the second near side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b. In this case, it is determined that the input is invalid. For this reason, the top plate 2 can be stopped when the user lowers the top plate 2 and the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2 comes into contact with the knee or the like.

The command generation unit 29 raises and lowers the top board 2 according to the output from the determination unit 28. In the present embodiment, the command generation unit 29 generates a command for expanding and contracting the support body 5 in accordance with the output from the determination unit 28, and issues a command to the elevating drive unit 10 provided on the support body 5. Output. That is, when a signal for lowering the top 2 is output from the determination unit 28 to the command generation unit 29, the command generation unit 29 generates a command for contracting the support 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output. When a signal for raising the top plate 2 is output from the determination unit 28 to the command generation unit 29, the command generation unit 29 generates a command for extending the support 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output.

The operation of the fixture 20 of this embodiment will be described.
The control unit 25 of the present embodiment allows the user to determine whether or not the first near side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, the second near side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b are in contact with each other. It is determined whether the top 2 is to be moved up or down.
In the present embodiment, when the palm of the user who wants to raise and lower the top plate 2 is facing downward and the user's hand is in contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 (see FIG. 12), the first sensor 22 is used. The user's hand contacts both the first front side sensor 22a and the first back side sensor 22b. Further, in this case, if the user holds the front end 2a of the top plate 2 so that the user can lower the top plate 2, the second sensor 23 is connected to the second front side sensor 23a by the user. Hands are in contact. Therefore, when contact is detected with respect to the first front side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, and the second front side sensor 23a, and contact with the second back side sensor 23b is not detected, the control unit 25 is Then, a signal for contracting the support 5 is output to the lift drive unit 10. Thereby, the raising / lowering drive part 10 lowers the top plate 2 corresponding to the gesture which hold | grips and pushes down the front-end part 2a of the top plate 2. FIG.

Conversely, when the palm of the user who is going to raise or lower the top plate 2 is facing upward and the user's hand is in contact with the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2 (see FIG. 13), the second sensor 23 The user's hand contacts both the second front side sensor 23a and the second back side sensor 23b. Further, in this case, if the user holds the front end 2a of the top plate 2 so that the user can raise the top plate 2, the first sensor 22 is connected to the first front side sensor 22a by the user. Hands are in contact. Therefore, when contact is detected with respect to the first front side sensor 22a, the second front side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b, and contact with the first back side sensor 22b is not detected, the control unit 25 is Then, a signal for extending the support 5 is output to the lifting drive unit 10. Thereby, the raising / lowering drive part 10 raises the top plate 2 corresponding to the gesture which grasps and pushes up the front-end part 2a of the top plate 2. FIG.

The fixture 20 of this embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment.
Moreover, in this embodiment, when a user performs the operation which raises / lowers the top plate 2, a user grasps the top plate 2 so that the front-end part 2a of the top plate 2 may be pinched | interposed, and 1st sensor 22 and 2nd The user's hand contacts both the sensor 23 and the sensor 23. Here, the user's first finger (thumb) does not reach the back side sensor (the first back side sensor 22b or the second back side sensor 23b), and any one of the user's second to fifth fingers Reaches the back sensor (the first back sensor 22b or the second back sensor 23b), so that the control unit 25 can determine the orientation of the user's hand using the first sensor 22 and the second sensor 23. it can.

In this embodiment, when the user lowers the top board 2, the natural hand orientation for the user is the direction in which the front end 2a of the top board 2 is gripped by the hand with the back of the hand facing up. Further, when the user raises the top board 2, the natural hand orientation for the user is the direction in which the back end of the hand is directed downward and the front end 2a of the top board 2 is gripped by the hand.

In this embodiment, the top plate 2 can be moved up and down by holding the front end 2a of the top plate 2 with one hand. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the control part 25 judges the raising / lowering direction of the top plate 2 and the support body 5 is expanded-contracted only by a user holding the top plate 2, the top plate 2 can be raised / lowered with a light force. it can.

(Modification)
A modification of this embodiment will be described.
In this modification, instead of the first sensor 22 and the second sensor 23 being arranged on the top plate, a large number of contact sensors are arranged on the top surface of the top plate and a large number of contact sensors are arranged on the top plate. It is arranged. Unlike the second embodiment, the sensors arranged on the top plate in this modification are arranged in a staggered pattern or a square lattice pattern. In this modification, it is connected to a sensor and a control unit arranged on the top plate.
In this modification, the position and number of sensors that detected the user's hand contact among the many sensors arranged on the top surface of the top plate, and the user's position among the many sensors arranged on the bottom surface of the top plate. The control unit can acquire the position and number of sensors that have detected a hand contact. The control unit estimates the posture of the user's hand in a state in which the user's hand is in contact with the top board, using the detection position and the number of detections on each of the top and bottom surfaces of the top board.
Also in this modification, the top plate can be lifted and lowered by holding the front end portion of the top plate with one hand, as in the second embodiment.
Instead of a large number of sensors arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate, a sensor for detecting the contact state of the user's hand with a predetermined area near the front end of the top plate may be arranged on the top plate. Good. For example, a capacitive sensor or a resistive film sensor that can accept a multi-touch input may be arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the front end of the top plate.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a view of the top plate lifting fixture of the present embodiment as viewed from the side of the top plate.

As shown in FIG. 14, the fixture 30 of the present embodiment includes a strain sensor 31 that detects strain of the top plate 2 due to a user's contact with the top plate 2 instead of the sensor 11 disclosed in the first embodiment. Have. An example of the strain sensor 31 is a sensor using a piezoelectric element.
The position of the strain sensor 31 is not particularly limited as long as the strain of the top plate 2 can be detected. For example, the strain sensor 31 may be disposed at a connection portion between the top plate 2 and the support 5.

The control unit of the present embodiment contracts the support body 5 while the strain sensor 31 detects the strain generated in the top plate 2 when the user presses the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 toward the lower surface 4 side. While the strain sensor 31 detects the strain generated in the top plate 2 when the user presses the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2 toward the upper surface 3, the support body 5 is extended.

The fixture 30 of this embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment.
Moreover, if the position of the distortion sensor 31 in the fixture 30 of this embodiment is a position which can detect the distortion which arises in the top plate 2 when a user tries to raise / lower the top plate 2, the front end of the top plate 2 will be shown. It is not restricted to the part 2a. For this reason, even if the strain sensor 31 is arranged at a position on the top plate 2 that is not touched by the user's hand, the user can recognize the gesture of raising and lowering the top plate 2 based on the distortion of the top plate 2. it can.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The sensor for raising and lowering the top plate in the top and bottom lift fixture of the present embodiment has push button switches arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate. Push button switches arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate are connected to the control unit.

The push button switch arranged on the top surface of the top board is a switch that is pushed by the user's operation from the top side of the top board. When the push button switch arranged on the top surface of the top plate is pressed, the top plate is lowered as in the case where the user touches the first sensor 12 in the above embodiment. The push button switch arranged on the lower surface of the top plate is a switch that is pressed by a user operation from the lower surface side of the top plate. When the push button switch arranged on the lower surface of the top plate is pressed, the top plate is raised as in the case where the user touches the second sensor 13 in the above embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The top-plate elevating type fixture of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a sensor is disposed on a portion other than the top plate of the top-plate elevating type fixture. As an example, the sensor of the top / bottom lift fixture of this embodiment is arranged on a support. The sensor of this embodiment is not a contact sensor but a strain sensor. The strain sensor can detect strain caused by contact of the user's hand with the top board. The strain sensor is connected to a control unit that controls the elevation of the top board. The configuration of the control unit may be the same as in the first embodiment.

In the top / bottom lift fixture of the present embodiment, the strain state detected by the strain sensor when the user's hand contacts the top surface of the top plate and when the user's hand contacts the bottom surface of the top plate Are different from each other. Thereby, the control part can identify whether the user is going to contact the upper surface or the lower surface of the top plate to move the top plate up or down.

The top plate lifting fixture of this embodiment also has the same effect as the first embodiment. Moreover, since the top-plate elevating type fixture of this embodiment does not have a sensor on the top plate upper surface, the entire area of the top plate upper surface can be used as a work surface. Thereby, the top-plate raising / lowering type fixture of this embodiment is excellent in the usability as a fixture.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The top-plate elevating type fixture of this embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the speed at which the top plate is raised and lowered can be changed.

The top plate elevating fixture of the present embodiment has a strain sensor capable of detecting the magnitude of strain generated on the top plate in addition to the sensor 11 disclosed in the first embodiment. The strain sensor is disposed at a site where strain generated on the top plate is transmitted, such as a top plate or a support. The strain sensor is connected to a control unit that controls the elevation of the top board.

∙ The magnitude of the input to the strain sensor varies depending on the amount of pressure on the top board. That is, in this embodiment, the presence / absence of input to the sensor 11 that is the contact sensor serves as a trigger for the top / bottom lifting operation, and the magnitude of the input to the strain sensor corresponds to the magnitude of the force by which the user moves the top board. . When the input to the strain sensor is large, it is presumed that the user intends to raise and lower the top plate quickly. For this reason, a control part controls the raising / lowering operation | movement of a support body so that the raising / lowering speed of a top plate may become faster than a standard speed. When the input to the strain sensor decreases, the lifting / lowering operation of the support is controlled so that the lifting / lowering speed of the top plate approaches a standard speed. In addition, when the input to the strain sensor is very small, it is estimated that the user is trying to fine-tune the height of the top plate, and the control unit has a lowering speed of the top plate than the standard speed. Thus, the lifting / lowering operation of the support can be controlled.

The top plate lifting fixture of the present embodiment also has the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the top-plate elevating-type fixture of the present embodiment can automatically switch between a quick top-and-bottom lift and fine adjustment of the top-plate height, reflecting the lifting speed of the top plate intended by the user.

(Modification)
A modification of this embodiment will be described.
In this modification, the sensor 11 is configured to perform a detection operation corresponding to the contact area of the user's hand, instead of the top plate elevating type fixture having the strain sensor.

For example, the sensor 11 has a large number of minute sensor elements in certain regions on the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate in the vicinity of the front end of the top plate. As an example, the sensor 11 includes a known capacitive sensor or resistive film sensor used for a touch panel that supports multi-touch.
The control unit connected to the sensor 11 of this modification controls the speed of the lifting / lowering operation of the support based on the contact area of the user's hand.

For example, a threshold set in advance in consideration of the size of a human hand assumed as a user is stored in the control unit. As an example, the contact area when the user touches the top plate with one finger, and the contact area when the user touches all the palms to the top plate, when all the palms touch the top plate. It is presumed that the user's intention is to raise and lower the top plate more quickly than when one finger is brought into contact with the top plate. For this reason, when a contact area is large exceeding a predetermined threshold value, a control part performs control which raises the raising / lowering speed of the top plate by a support body. On the other hand, when the contact area is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold, the control unit performs control to reduce the ascending / descending speed of the top plate by the support.

In addition, the control unit acquires the contact area over time from the time when the user's hand contacts the sensor 11, and changes in the force with which the user presses the top board based on the change amount or rate of change of the contact area. Is estimated. In this case, when the contact area increases, the control unit determines that the top plate is further pressed, and the control unit performs control to increase the ascending / descending speed of the top plate by the support. On the other hand, when the contact area decreases, the control unit determines that the pressure on the top plate has decreased, and the control unit performs control to reduce the ascending / descending speed of the top plate by the support.
The top-and-bottom lift fixture of this modification also has the same effect as the sixth embodiment.

(Seventh embodiment)
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the top-and-bottom lift fixture of the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view of the top plate elevating fixture as viewed from the upper surface side of the top plate. FIG. 17 is a view of the top plate elevating fixture as viewed from the lower surface side of the top plate.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the fixture 101 of the present embodiment includes a sensor 111 instead of the sensor 11 disclosed in the first embodiment. Moreover, the fixture 101 of this embodiment is provided with the control part 115 different from the control part 15 disclosed by 1st Embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the sensor 111 includes a first sensor 12 disposed on the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2, a second sensor 13 disposed on the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, and the support 5. And a third sensor (accepting means) 14. Since the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 of the present embodiment have the same configuration as the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

The third sensor 14 is a sensor for accepting an input for permitting or prohibiting the elevation of the top board 2. The third sensor 14 of the present embodiment is attached to the horizontal portion 8a of the leg portion 8 so that the user can operate with the foot. The third sensor 14 switches between a first state that allows the top plate 2 to be lifted and a second state that prohibits the top plate 2 from being lifted by the user stepping on the third sensor 14 with his / her foot. The third sensor 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 115.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the top plate lifting fixture. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are tables showing the lifting control of the top plate in the top plate lifting type fixture.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the control unit 115 controls the expansion / contraction operation of the support 5 based on the detection result by the sensor 111. The control unit 115 is disposed, for example, inside the support 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the control unit 115 includes a first acquisition unit 116 a, a second acquisition unit 116 b, a third acquisition unit 117, a determination unit 118, and a command generation unit 119.

The 1st acquisition part 116a and the 2nd acquisition part 116b acquire the information of the presence or absence of the input with respect to the 1st sensor 12 and the 2nd sensor 13 regarding the user's operation which raises / lowers the top plate 2. FIG.

The first acquisition unit 116 a is connected to the first sensor 12. The first acquisition unit 116 a acquires information on whether or not the user has touched the first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, the first acquisition unit 116a can acquire information on the presence or absence of user contact for each of the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 and can refer to the determination unit 118. Remember to be

The second acquisition unit 116b is connected to the second sensor 13. The second acquisition unit 116b acquires information on the presence or absence of user contact with the second sensor 13. In the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit 116b can acquire information on the presence or absence of user contact for each of the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the second sensor 13 and refer to the determination unit 118. Remember to be

3rd acquisition part 117 acquires the information which shows whether operation with respect to the 1st acquisition part 116a and the 2nd acquisition part 116b is an effective operation based on the presence or absence of the input with respect to the 3rd sensor 14. FIG. For example, when there is an input to the third sensor 14, the third acquisition unit 117 outputs a signal indicating that the input to the first acquisition unit 116 a and the second acquisition unit 116 b is valid to the determination unit 118.

The determination unit 118 is connected to the first acquisition unit 116a and the second acquisition unit 116b. The determination unit 118 determines which of the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 is based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 116 a from the first sensor 12 and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit 116 b from the second sensor 13. It is determined whether the user has touched. Further, the determination unit 118 determines whether or not the signal can be output to the command generation unit 119 based on the presence / absence of a signal from the third acquisition unit 117.

As shown in FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B, the determination unit 118 according to the present embodiment has information indicating that there is a user's contact with the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 as the first acquisition unit. If it is acquired by 116a, it is determined that there is an input to the first sensor 12. In this case, the determination unit 118 outputs a signal for lowering the top 2 to the command generation unit 119 within a predetermined time after receiving the signal from the third acquisition unit 117.
Furthermore, the determination unit 118 according to the present embodiment is configured in a case where information indicating that there is a user contact with the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b constituting the second sensor 13 is acquired by the second acquisition unit 116b. It is determined that there is an input to the second sensor 13. In this case, the determination unit 118 outputs a signal for raising the top 2 to the command generation unit 119 if it is within a predetermined time after receiving the signal from the third acquisition unit 117.

In addition, the determination part 118 in this embodiment determines with an invalid input, when it determines with there being the input with respect to the 1st sensor 12, and having determined the input with respect to the 2nd sensor 13. FIG.
In addition, the determination unit 118 in the present embodiment prohibits output of a signal to the command generation unit 119 when there is no input to the third sensor 14 after a predetermined time has elapsed after reception of the signal from the third acquisition unit 117. (Prohibit movement of the top plate).

The command generation unit 119 moves the top plate 2 up and down according to the output from the determination unit 118. In the present embodiment, the command generation unit 119 generates a command for expanding and contracting the support body 5 in accordance with the output from the determination unit 118, and issues a command to the lift drive unit 10 provided on the support body 5. Output. That is, when a signal for lowering the top plate 2 is output from the determination unit 118 to the command generation unit 119, the command generation unit 119 generates a command for contracting the support body 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output. When a signal for raising the top plate 2 is output from the determination unit 118 to the command generation unit 119, the command generation unit 119 generates a command for extending the support 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output.

The operation of the control unit 115 of this embodiment will be described.
The control unit 115 corresponds to an input state with respect to the third sensor 14, a mode in which the support 5 is expanded and contracted according to an input to the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 (top plate lifting mode), and the first sensor 12 or Regardless of the presence or absence of input to the two sensors 13, there is a mode (top plate movement prohibition mode) that always prohibits the expansion and contraction of the support 5 (see FIG. 19B). For example, the control unit 115 operates in a mode in which the support 5 is expanded and contracted for a predetermined time from the time when there is an input to the third sensor 14, and the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 is operated even when the predetermined time elapses. When there is no input, the mode shifts to a mode in which the expansion / contraction operation of the support 5 is prohibited.

When the top / bottom of the top plate 2 is permitted by the third sensor 14, the control unit 115 of the present embodiment allows the user to keep the top surface of the top plate 2 while the user is in contact with the first sensor 12. It determines with having contacted the top plate 2 from 3 side. In this case, the control unit 115 outputs a signal for contracting the support 5 to the lifting drive unit 10 of the support 5.

In addition, when the top and bottom of the top plate 2 is permitted by the third sensor 14, the control unit 115 according to the present embodiment allows the user to operate the top plate 2 while the user is in contact with the second sensor 13. It determines with having contacted the top plate 2 from the lower surface 4 side. In this case, the control unit 115 outputs a signal for extending the support 5 to the lift drive unit 10 of the support 5.

The operation of the fixture 101 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a view for explaining a case where the top plate is lowered in the top / bottom operation of the top / bottom lift fixture. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a case where the top plate is raised in the up / down operation of the top plate of the top / bottom lift fixture.

When the user moves up and down the top plate 2 of the fixture 101 of the present embodiment, the user steps on the third sensor 14 with his / her foot to allow the top plate 2 to move up and down. When an input to the third sensor 14 is performed by the user stepping on the third sensor 14, the control unit 115 enters a mode in which the support 5 is expanded or contracted according to the input to the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13. Transition. Within a predetermined time during which the control unit 115 operates in the mode in which the support member 5 is extended and contracted, the user touches the upper surface 3 or the lower surface 4 of the front end 2a of the top plate 2 as shown in FIG. Contact.

For example, when the user lowers the top plate 2, the user touches the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 with his / her hand. This is a gesture in which the user pushes down the top 2. When the user brings his / her hand into contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2, the user's hand comes into contact with the first sensor 12. In the present embodiment, when the user's hand comes into contact with both the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b (see FIG. 16) constituting the first sensor 12, the control unit 115 determines that there is contact with the first sensor 12. judge. The control unit 115 contracts the support body 5 based on the contact with the first sensor 12. Thereby, the top plate 2 descends.

In addition, when the user raises the top plate 2, the user brings his / her hand into contact with the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2 as shown in FIG. This is a gesture in which the user pushes up the top 2. When the user brings his / her hand into contact with the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, the user's hand comes into contact with the second sensor 13. In the present embodiment, when the user's hand comes into contact with both the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b (see FIG. 17) constituting the second sensor 13, the control unit 115 determines that there is contact with the second sensor 13. judge. The control unit 115 extends the support 5 based on the contact with the second sensor 13. Thereby, the top plate 2 rises.

The fixture 101 of this embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment.
Further, the top plate 2 can be lifted and lowered using the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 only when the permission to lift the top plate 2 is input by the third sensor 14 (accepting means). The possibility that the top plate 2 is lifted and lowered unintentionally can be reduced.

In the fixture 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 disposed on the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2.
In this case, input to the sensors 12 and 13 is easy. Further, if the first sensor 12 or the second sensor 13 is arranged at a position where input is easy, there is a possibility of erroneous input. However, since the third sensor 14 (accepting means) is provided, erroneous input is possible. Even if there is, malfunction of the top 2 is unlikely to occur.

Further, in the fixture 101 of the present embodiment, the first sensor 12 is a contact sensor that is disposed on the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 and detects a user's contact, and the second sensor 13 is on the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2. It is a contact sensor which is arranged and detects a user's contact.
In this case, when the user pushes down the top plate 2 in order to lower the top plate 2, the user contacts the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 so that the control unit 115 controls the support body 5 to control the top plate 2. Can be lowered. Further, when the user pushes up the top plate 2 in order to raise the top plate 2, the user contacts the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, so that the control unit 115 controls the support 5 to raise the top plate 2. Can be made. As a result, less force is applied to the top plate 2 by the user in order to move the top plate 2, and the top plate 2 can be raised and lowered in a natural posture.

(Modification)
A modification of this embodiment will be described.
In this modification, while the input to the third sensor 14 (stepping on the third sensor 14 with a foot) continues, the control unit 115 is operated in a mode in which the support 5 is expanded and contracted, and the input to the third sensor 14 is performed. When is released, the control unit 115 is operated in a mode that prohibits expansion and contraction of the support 5.
Even if it is such a structure, there exists an effect similar to the said embodiment.
Moreover, in this modification, since it can be determined that there is an input to the third sensor 14 that the user is willing to raise and lower the top plate 2, the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b in the first sensor 12 It is not necessary for the user to touch both of them, or for the user to touch both the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b of the second sensor 13.
For this reason, in this modification, the raising / lowering operation of the top plate 2 can be performed with one hand.

(Eighth embodiment)
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 22 is a view of the top plate lifting fixture of the present embodiment as viewed from the top surface side of the top plate. FIG. 23 is a view of the top plate lifting fixture as viewed from the lower surface side of the top plate.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the top plate lifting fixture. FIG. 25 is a table showing the top / bottom control of the top / bottom lift fixture.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the fixture 120 of this embodiment replaces the sensor 111 disclosed in the seventh embodiment and determines the orientation of the user's hand so that the user moves the top and bottom 2 up and down. A sensor 121 is provided that can determine which one is to be moved. Moreover, the fixture 120 of this embodiment is provided with the control part 125 different from the control part 115 disclosed by 7th Embodiment.
The sensor 121 of this embodiment includes a first sensor 22 disposed on the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2, a second sensor 23 disposed on the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, and a third sensor disposed on the support 5. (Accepting means) 14. Since the 1st sensor 22 and the 2nd sensor 23 of this embodiment have the structure similar to the 1st sensor 22 and the 2nd sensor 23 of 2nd Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted here. Since the third sensor 14 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the third sensor 14 of the seventh embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

24, the control unit 125 includes a first acquisition unit 126a, a second acquisition unit 126b, a third acquisition unit 127, a determination unit 128, and a command generation unit 129.

The first acquisition unit 126a is connected to the first sensor 22. The first acquisition unit 126 a acquires information on whether or not the user has touched the first sensor 22. In this embodiment, the 1st acquisition part 126a acquires the information on the presence or absence of a user's contact about each of the 1st near side sensor 22a and the 1st back side sensor 22b which constitute the 1st sensor 22, The determination unit 128 stores the information so that it can be referred to.

The second acquisition unit 126b is connected to the second sensor 23. The second acquisition unit 126b acquires information on the presence or absence of user contact with the second sensor 23. In the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit 126b acquires information on the presence or absence of a user's contact for each of the second near side sensor 23a and the second back side sensor 23b that constitute the second sensor 23, The determination unit 128 stores the information so that it can be referred to.

3rd acquisition part 127 acquires the information which shows whether operation with respect to the 1st acquisition part 126a and the 2nd acquisition part 126b is an effective operation based on the presence or absence of the input with respect to the 3rd sensor 14. FIG. For example, when there is an input to the third sensor 14, the third acquisition unit 127 outputs a signal indicating that the input to the first acquisition unit 126a and the second acquisition unit 126b is valid to the determination unit 128.

The determination unit 128 is connected to the first acquisition unit 126a and the second acquisition unit 126b. The determination unit 128 determines which of the first sensor 22 and the second sensor 23 is based on the information acquired by the first acquisition unit 126a from the first sensor 22 and the information acquired by the second acquisition unit 126b from the second sensor 23. It is determined whether the user has touched.

The determination unit 128 detects the contact with the first front side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, and the second front side sensor 23a, and does not detect the contact with the second back side sensor 23b. A signal for lowering the plate 2 is output to the command generator 129 (see FIG. 25).
The determination unit 128 detects contact with the first front side sensor 22a, the second front side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b, and does not detect contact with the first back side sensor 22b. The signal which raises the top plate 2 is output to the command generation part 129 (refer FIG. 25).

As shown in FIG. 25, the determination unit 128 in the present embodiment has inputs to the first front side sensor 22a and the first back side sensor 22b, and the second front side sensor 23a and the second back side sensor 23b. If there is no input for, the input is determined to be invalid. For this reason, the top plate 2 does not move up and down during use, such as when the user is in contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2.
In addition, the determination unit 128 in the present embodiment determines that there is an input to all of the first near side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, the second near side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b. In this case, it is determined that the input is invalid. For this reason, the top plate 2 can be stopped when the user lowers the top plate 2 and the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2 comes into contact with the knee or the like.

The command generation unit 129 moves the top plate 2 up and down according to the output from the determination unit 128. In the present embodiment, the command generation unit 129 generates a command for expanding and contracting the support body 5 in accordance with the output from the determination unit 128, and issues a command to the lift drive unit 10 provided on the support body 5. Output. That is, when a signal for lowering the top plate 2 is output from the determination unit 128 to the command generation unit 129, the command generation unit 129 generates a command for contracting the support 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output. When a signal for raising the top 2 is output from the determination unit 128 to the command generation unit 129, the command generation unit 129 generates a command for extending the support body 5 and sends it to the lift drive unit 10. Is output.

The operation of the fixture 120 of this embodiment will be described.
The control unit 125 of the present embodiment allows the user to determine whether or not the first near side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, the second near side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b are in contact with each other. It is determined whether the top 2 is to be moved up or down. Also in the present embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the control unit 125 refers to the presence / absence of input to the third sensor 14 and refers to the mode in which the support body 5 is extended and contracted and the mode in which the support body 5 is not allowed to expand and contract. It operates in either one mode (see FIG. 25).

In the present embodiment, when the palm of the user who is going to raise or lower the top plate 2 is facing downward and the user's hand is in contact with the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2, the first hand of the first sensor 22 is used. The user's hand contacts both the front sensor 22a and the first back sensor 22b. Further, in this case, if the user holds the front end 2a of the top plate 2 so that the user can lower the top plate 2, the second sensor 23 is connected to the second front side sensor 23a by the user. Hands are in contact. Therefore, when contact is detected with respect to the first front side sensor 22a, the first back side sensor 22b, and the second front side sensor 23a, and contact with the second back side sensor 23b is not detected, the control unit 125 is Then, a signal for contracting the support 5 is output to the lift drive unit 10. Thereby, the raising / lowering drive part 10 lowers the top plate 2 corresponding to the gesture which hold | grips and pushes down the front-end part 2a of the top plate 2. FIG.

On the contrary, when the user's palm which is going to raise and lower the top plate 2 is facing upward and the user's hand is in contact with the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2, the second front sensor of the second sensors 23. A user's hand contacts both 23a and the second back side sensor 23b. Further, in this case, if the user holds the front end 2a of the top plate 2 so that the user can raise the top plate 2, the first sensor 22 is connected to the first front side sensor 22a by the user. Hands are in contact. Therefore, when contact is detected with respect to the first near side sensor 22a, the second near side sensor 23a, and the second back side sensor 23b, and no contact with the first back side sensor 22b is detected, the control unit 125 is Then, a signal for extending the support 5 is output to the lifting drive unit 10. Thereby, the raising / lowering drive part 10 raises the top plate 2 corresponding to the gesture which grasps and pushes up the front-end part 2a of the top plate 2. FIG.

The fixture 120 of this embodiment has the same effect as the seventh embodiment. Moreover, the fixture 120 of this embodiment has an effect similar to 2nd Embodiment.

(Ninth embodiment)
A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram of the top-plate elevating fixture of the present embodiment as viewed from the side of the top plate.

As shown in FIG. 26, the fixture 130 of the present embodiment replaces the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 disclosed in the seventh embodiment, and the top plate 2 is distorted by the user's contact with the top plate 2. It has the distortion sensor 31 which detects this. Since the strain sensor 31 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the strain sensor 31 of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

The control part of this embodiment presses the upper surface 3 of the top plate 2 to the lower surface 4 side when the permission of raising / lowering the top plate 2 is input to the third sensor 14 (accepting means). When the strain sensor 31 detects the distortion generated in the top plate 2, the support 5 is contracted, and the user presses the lower surface 4 of the top plate 2 toward the upper surface 3, thereby generating the top plate 2. While the strain sensor 31 detects the strain, the support 5 is extended.

The fixture 130 of this embodiment has the same effect as the seventh embodiment. Moreover, the fixture 130 of this embodiment has an effect similar to 3rd Embodiment.

(10th Embodiment)
A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the top-and-bottom lift fixture of the present embodiment. FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B are tables showing the lifting control of the top plate in the top plate lifting type fixture.

The top / bottom lift fixture 140 of the present embodiment has a control unit 145 having a part of the configuration different from the control unit 115 disclosed in the seventh embodiment. In addition, the top / bottom lift fixture 140 of the present embodiment does not have the third sensor 14.

The control unit 145 discloses, in the first embodiment, a determination unit 146 that determines whether a signal can be output to the command generation unit 119 based on the acquisition status of each information in the first acquisition unit 116a and the second acquisition unit 116b. Instead of the determination unit 118.

28A and 28B show the relationship between the presence or absence of contact with each sensor for selecting permission or prohibition of movement of the top board 2 and the determination result in the determination unit 146. FIG. “Yes” in FIGS. 28A and 28B indicates that there is a user contact exceeding a predetermined time, and “No” in FIGS. 28A and 28B indicates that there is no user contact exceeding a predetermined time.

As illustrated in FIG. 28A, the determination unit 146 in the present embodiment determines whether or not there is a user's contact exceeding a predetermined time with respect to both the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13. The determination is made based on information acquired by 116a and the second acquisition unit 116b.

For example, as shown in FIG. 28B, when the user has contacted both the right sensor 12a and the right sensor 13a for a predetermined time, the determination unit 146 determines that the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 12 It is determined that there is a user's contact exceeding both of the sensor 13 and the predetermined time.
Further, even when the user is in contact with both the left sensor 12b and the left sensor 13b for a predetermined time, the determination unit 146 determines whether both the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are in contact. It is determined that there is a user contact exceeding a predetermined time. The determination unit 146 also includes the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 when the right sensor 12a, the left sensor 12b, the right sensor 13a, and the left sensor 13b contact the user for a predetermined time. It may be determined that there is a user's contact exceeding a predetermined time for both.

When these determinations are made, the determination unit 146 permits the output of a signal to the command generation unit 119. If it is not determined that there is a user's contact exceeding both of the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 for a predetermined time, the determination unit 146 prohibits the output of a signal to the command generation unit 119.

In the present embodiment, the determination unit 146 determines whether the first acquisition unit 116a has acquired information indicating that the right sensor 12a and the left sensor 12b constituting the first sensor 12 are in contact with the user. It is determined that there is an input to one sensor 12. In this case, if the output of the signal to the command generation unit 19 is permitted, the determination unit 146 outputs a signal for lowering the top 2 to the command generation unit 19.

Furthermore, the determination unit 146 according to the present embodiment is used when the second acquisition unit 116b acquires information that there is a user contact with the right sensor 13a and the left sensor 13b that constitute the second sensor 13. It is determined that there is an input to the second sensor 13. In this case, if the output of the signal to the command generation unit 119 is permitted, the determination unit 146 outputs a signal for raising the top 2 to the command generation unit 119.

The determination unit 146 of the top / bottom lifting fixture 40 according to the present embodiment functions as a reception unit that receives an input for permitting or prohibiting the top / bottom plate 2 to be lifted / lowered.

For example, the third sensor 14 disclosed in the seventh embodiment is operated by the user with his / her foot, so that the user may not be able to use it when his / her foot does not reach the third sensor 14. is there. On the other hand, the top-plate elevating-type fixture 140 of this embodiment selects permission or prohibition of ascending / descending of the top plate 2 by using the first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 instead of the third sensor 14. Therefore, for example, when the top plate 2 is wide and the distance from the user to the support 5 is long, the usability is good.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, a specific structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.
For example, the fixtures disclosed in the third embodiment and the ninth embodiment detect a contact with an object by a strain sensor when the top plate contacts another object while the top plate is moving up and down. You may be able to do that. At this time, for example, the control unit can perform control such as temporarily stopping the extending and contracting operation of the support.

Further, in the fixtures disclosed in the above embodiments, the support body may be connected to the side surface of the top plate. In this case, the support position of the top plate may be controlled by moving the connection structure between the support body and the top plate up and down according to the control by the control unit, instead of expanding and contracting the support body.

The first sensor disclosed in the seventh embodiment is disposed on the top surface of the top plate, and the second sensor disclosed in the seventh embodiment is disposed on the bottom surface of the top plate. The position of the sensor is not limited to this. As an example, the first sensor and the second sensor may be mounted side by side on the lower surface of the top plate as push button switches. Moreover, the 1st sensor and the 2nd sensor may be attached to the side surface in the front-end part of a top plate.

Also, the third sensor may be arranged on the top plate instead of the support. In this case, the third sensor may not be operated with the foot but may be operated with the hand opposite to the hand used to raise and lower the top board.

According to the present invention, it is possible to intuitively and easily perform the lifting operation of the top board.
Further, according to the present invention, the malfunction of raising and lowering the top board is unlikely to occur.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,20,30,101,120,130,140 Top plate raising / lowering type fixture 2 Top plate 3 Top surface 4 Top plate bottom surface 5 Support body 6 Beam part 7 Shaft part 8 Leg part 10 Elevating drive part 11,21 , 111, 121 sensor 12, 22 first sensor 13, 23 second sensor 14 third sensor (accepting means)
15, 25, 115, 125, 145 Control unit 16, 26, 116a, 126a First acquisition unit 17, 27, 116b, 126b Second acquisition unit 117, 127 Third acquisition unit 18, 28, 118, 128, 146 Unit 19, 29, 119, 129 Command generation unit

Claims (19)

1. A top plate having an upper surface and a lower surface;
   A support that supports the top plate so that the top plate can move up and down;
   A sensor capable of detecting a user's contact from the upper surface side of the top plate and a user's contact from the lower surface side of the top plate;
   When it is detected that the user has touched the top plate from the top surface side of the top plate based on the detection result by the sensor, the top plate is moved downward, and the user moves the bottom surface of the top plate. A control unit that controls a support position of the top plate so as to move the top plate upward when it is detected that the top plate is touched from the side;
   A top-and-bottom lifting fixture equipped with
2. The sensor is arranged on the top plate,
   The top plate elevating type fixture according to claim 1.
3. The sensor is arranged in a portion different from the top plate in the top plate lifting fixture.
   The top plate elevating type fixture according to claim 1.
4. The sensor is
   A first sensor disposed on an upper surface of the top plate;
   A second sensor arranged on the lower surface of the top plate;
   Have
   The control unit moves the top plate downward while the user is in contact with the first sensor, and moves the top plate upward while the user is in contact with the second sensor. The top-and-bottom lift fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The ceiling according to claim 4, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged such that the first sensor and the second sensor overlap each other when viewed from the upper surface toward the lower surface. Plate lifting fixture.
6. The top plate liftable fixture according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a surface of the first sensor is positioned substantially flush with an upper surface of the top plate.
7. The top plate elevating-type fixture according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a surface of the second sensor is positioned substantially flush with a lower surface of the top plate.
8. The top plate raising / lowering type according to claim 1, wherein the sensor has a contact sensor that detects presence or absence of a user's contact with the top plate along a width direction of the top plate at a front end portion of the top plate. A fixture.
9. The sensor has a strain sensor for detecting distortion of the top plate due to a user's contact with the top plate,
   The control unit moves the top plate downward while the strain sensor detects a strain generated in the top plate when the user presses the upper surface of the top plate to the lower surface side. The top-plate elevating-type fixture according to claim 1, wherein the top plate is moved upward while the strain sensor detects a strain generated in the top plate by pressing the lower surface of the top plate toward the upper surface side.
10. The sensor is capable of identifying the posture of the user's hand that contacts the top board,
    The control unit is capable of selecting one of rising and lowering of the top plate based on the posture identified by the sensor.
    The top plate elevating type fixture according to claim 1.
11. A plurality of the sensors are provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the top plate,
    The tabletop lifting fixture according to claim 10, wherein the control unit recognizes a posture of a user's hand that contacts the tabletop based on a combination of detection states of the plurality of sensors.
12. The sensors can detect the contact area of the user's hand that contacts the top and bottom surfaces of the top board,
    The control unit is configured to raise or lower the top plate based on a difference between a contact area of the user's hand with the top surface of the top plate and a contact area of the user's hand with the bottom surface of the top plate. Is selectable,
    The top plate elevating type fixture according to claim 10.
13. The sensor is capable of detecting the contact area of the user's hand that contacts the upper or lower surface of the top plate,
    The control unit determines the lifting speed of the top plate based on the size of the contact area detected by the sensor.
    The top plate elevating type fixture according to claim 1.
14. The sensor can detect the magnitude of an external force applied to the top plate,
    The control unit determines the lifting speed of the top plate based on the magnitude of the external force detected by the sensor.
    The top plate elevating type fixture according to claim 1.
15. The sensor is
    A first back sensor disposed on the top surface of the top plate;
    A first front side sensor disposed on the front end side of the top plate from the first back side sensor on the top surface of the top plate;
    A second back sensor disposed on the lower surface of the top plate;
    A second near-side sensor disposed at a position on the front end side of the top plate than the second back-side sensor on the lower surface of the top plate;
    Have
    When the contact of the user is detected with respect to the first back side sensor, the first near side sensor, and the second near side sensor, the control unit moves the top plate downward, Supporting the top plate so that the top plate is moved upward when a user contact is detected with respect to the first near side sensor, the second back side sensor, and the second near side sensor. The top plate raising / lowering fixture of Claim 10 which controls a position.
16. The sensor is
    A first sensor for receiving an input for lowering the top plate;
    A second sensor for receiving an input for raising the top plate;
    Accepting means for accepting an input of permission or prohibition of raising and lowering the top plate;
    Have
    The control unit controls a support position of the top plate based on a detection result by the first sensor and the second sensor when an input of permission to raise and lower the top plate is input to the reception unit. The top plate lifting fixture according to claim 1.
17. The top plate lifting type fixture according to claim 16, wherein the receiving means is arranged on the support.
18. The top plate raising / lowering fixture according to claim 16, wherein the reception means is arranged on the top plate.
19. The input to the first sensor and the input to the second sensor are continued for a predetermined time or more at the same time, and permission to raise and lower the top plate is input to the receiving means. The top plate lifting fixture according to claim 1.

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