JP7324484B2 - Cushioning materials, pillows, mattresses, chairs and protectors - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to cushioning materials and pillows, mattresses, chairs, and protectors equipped with the cushioning materials.

Various types of cushioning materials are used in the products that we use around us. Types of cushioning material include a type using foamed resin, a type using gel, a type using an airbag, and the like. Examples of products with cushioning materials include bedding such as pillows and mattresses, chairs, protectors, and shoes. The main purpose of cushioning materials used in such products is to fit the user's body to improve supportability and reduce the impact that may be applied to the user's body.

There is a demand for such a cushioning material to have different mechanical properties (hereinafter simply referred to as properties) for each region.

For example, in a cushioning material made of foamed resin, a first member and a second member made of foamed resin having different characteristics are separately formed, and the first member and the second member are joined to form a region The characteristics can be different for each. In addition, even in the case of cushioning materials employing bags filled with gel or air, the same method can be used to make the properties different for each region.

Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a shoe midsole made of a three-dimensional mesh made of resin, in which the valence of the nodes of the three-dimensional mesh is changed in a certain direction of the midsole (for example, the longitudinal direction). Midsole is mentioned. By changing the valences of the nodes of the three-dimensional mesh, it is possible to make the characteristics different for each region.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0271211

However, in any of the cushioning materials described above, the characteristics abruptly change at the boundary between regions having mutually different characteristics. Therefore, a user who uses a product provided with a cushioning material may feel uncomfortable with the change in its characteristics.

One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cushioning material including a plurality of regions having mutually different mechanical properties, and to alleviate discomfort that may occur at the boundary between the regions. It is to provide a possible cushioning material.

In order to solve the above problems, a cushioning material according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first region in which mechanical characteristics are represented by a first index value, and a second region larger than the first index value. A second region in which the mechanical properties are represented by the index value of the second region interposed between the first region and the second region, and the second index value greater than the first index value a boundary region in which mechanical properties are represented by a smaller third index value, and is of unitary construction.

According to the above configuration, the third index value larger than the first index value and smaller than the second index value is placed between the first region and the second region having different mechanical properties. Since the boundary region where the dynamic properties are expressed by is interposed, discontinuity of the dynamic properties that may occur at the boundary between the first region and the second region can be alleviated.

Further, according to the above configuration, since the first region, the second region, and the boundary region are integrally structured, there is no bonding surface between the first region and the boundary region. , there is no joint surface between the boundary region and the second region. Therefore, there is no sense of discomfort caused by such a joint surface.

Therefore, this cushioning material can alleviate discomfort that may occur at the boundary between the first area and the second area.

Further, in the cushioning material according to the aspect of the present invention, the third index value increases from the first area side of the boundary area toward the second area side of the boundary area. It is preferable that

According to the above configuration, since the third index value increases from the first end surface of the boundary area to the second end surface of the boundary area, the distance between the first area and the second area increases. It is possible to reliably alleviate discomfort that may occur at the boundary.

Further, in the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the mechanical property is elasticity.

When using a product using such a cushioning material, users tend to feel uncomfortable if there is a region where the elasticity changes discontinuously. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to effectively alleviate the discomfort felt by the user.

Further, in the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the first region, the second region, and the boundary region has a three-dimensional network structure made of an elastic body, and the first The first pattern, which is a pattern that constitutes the three-dimensional network structure of the region, is a lattice pattern or a Voronoi pattern, the second pattern, which is a pattern that constitutes the three-dimensional network structure of the second region, and Each of the third patterns that constitute the three-dimensional network structure of the boundary region is preferably the same pattern as the first pattern.

In the present invention, specific examples of the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern include the lattice pattern and the Voronoi pattern as described above. According to the above configuration, since the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern are all the same pattern, the dynamic characteristics of the boundary region can be changed from the first end surface to the second end surface. , it is easy to change the mechanical properties of the first region to the mechanical properties of the second region.

Further, in the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern is a lattice pattern, and The lattice constant is a first lattice constant, the lattice constant of the second pattern is a second lattice constant smaller than the first size, and the lattice constant of the third pattern is a lattice constant of the first A configuration may be employed in which the distance from the end face of the second end face to the second end face is smaller.

Further, in the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern is a lattice pattern, and The lattice constant is a first lattice constant, the lattice constant of the second pattern is a second lattice constant smaller than the first lattice constant, and the boundary region has the first lattice constant. and the pattern having the second lattice constant are mixed, and the ratio of the pattern having the second lattice constant to the pattern having the first lattice constant in the boundary region is may be increased from the first area side of the boundary area toward the second area side of the boundary area.

Further, in the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern is a Voronoi pattern, and An average value of distances between generating points is a first distance, an average value of distances between generating points in the second pattern is a second distance shorter than the first distance, and A configuration in which an average value of distances between generating points in the pattern of the boundary region becomes shorter from the first region side of the boundary region toward the second region side of the boundary region. may be adopted.

Further, in the cushioning material according to an aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional network structure includes a plurality of stems, each of which is a shaft-shaped member, and a plurality of knots, each of which joins ends of the plurality of stems. and, the average value of the diameters of the stems constituting the three-dimensional network structure of the first region is the first diameter, and constitutes the three-dimensional network structure of the second region The average value of the diameters of the stems is a second diameter different from the first diameter, and the diameter of each stem that constitutes the three-dimensional network structure of the boundary region is the diameter of the first region of the boundary region. A configuration may be employed in which the diameter changes from the first diameter to the second diameter as it approaches the second region side of the boundary region from the side of .

As described above, the mechanical characteristics of the boundary region change from the mechanical characteristics of the first region to the mechanical characteristics of the second region as the first end face approaches the second end face. Examples of the configuration that causes the boundary region to change include (1) changing the size of the third pattern, (2) changing the ratio of the pattern having the second size to the pattern having the first size, and (3 (4) changing the diameter of the stem;

In order to solve the above problems, a pillow according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cushioning material according to any one aspect of the present invention in a portion that supports a user's body.

In order to solve the above problems, a mattress according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:
A portion that supports the user's body is made of the cushioning material according to any one aspect of the present invention.

In order to solve the above problems, a chair according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cushioning material according to any one aspect of the present invention for supporting a user's body.

In order to solve the above problems, a protector according to one aspect of the present invention includes an outer and a pad disposed inside the outer, and the pad is a cushioning material according to any one aspect of the present invention. contains.

As described above, the scope of the present invention includes pillows, mattresses, chairs, and protectors using the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention. Since these pillows, mattresses, chairs, and protectors use the cushioning material according to one aspect of the present invention, they can alleviate discomfort that may occur at the boundary between the first area and the second area.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, in a cushioning material including a plurality of regions with mutually different dynamic properties, it is possible to alleviate discomfort that may occur at boundaries between the regions.

1(a) is a perspective view of a three-dimensional network structure that can be used for a cushioning material according to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional network structure having a lattice pattern as a basic pattern. FIG. (b) is a perspective view showing a unit cell of the three-dimensional network structure shown in (a). (a) is a three-dimensional network structure that can be used for a cushioning material according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a three-dimensional network structure that uses a Voronoi pattern as a basic pattern. (b) is an enlarged plan view of the three-dimensional network structure shown in (a). 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cushioning material according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cushioning material according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cushioning material according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cushioning material according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; (a) and (b) are plan views of a pillow and a mattress to which a cushioning material according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. 1(a) is a perspective view of a chair having a seat surface including a pad to which a cushioning material is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. (b) is a plan view of the pad, and (c) and (d) are cross-sectional views of the pad. (a) is a side view of a protector having a pad to which a cushioning material is applied according to one embodiment of the present invention. (b) and (c) are respectively a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the pad.

Below, after explaining the outline of the cushioning material 10 according to one aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional network structure constituting the cushioning material 10 will be explained, and then the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment of the cushioning material 10 will be described. The cushioning materials 10A to 10E that are embodiments will be described, and then application examples of the cushioning material 10 will be described.

[Outline of cushioning material]
The cushioning materials 10A to 10D, which are one embodiment of the present invention, are described later with reference to FIGS. It includes one region R1, a second region R2, and a boundary region RB interposed between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Moreover, since the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB are integrally molded, the cushioning material 10 has an integral structure. Therefore, there is no joint surface between the first region R1 and the boundary region RB that is formed by joining separate regions, and a separate region is also formed between the boundary region RB and the second region R2. There is no joint surface generated by joining.

For example, the pillow 1, the mattress 2, and the pads 3 and 4 respectively shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 are application examples of the cushioning material 10 according to one aspect of the present invention. These application examples will be described later.

The first region R1 has a dynamic characteristic represented by a first index value, which is a predetermined index value. The second region R2 has a dynamic characteristic represented by a second index value that is a predetermined index value and is greater than the first index value. In the specification of the present application, of the two regions constituting the cushioning material 10, the region with the smaller predetermined index value is referred to as the first region R1, and the region with the greater predetermined index value is referred to as the second region R2. do.

The boundary region RB has a third index value, which is a predetermined index value, and has a dynamic characteristic represented by a third index value that is larger than the first index value and smaller than the second index value.

Specific examples of the mechanical properties of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB include elasticity and hardness, and the present embodiment will be described using elasticity. When elasticity is used as the mechanical property in this way, the index representing the mechanical property is the elastic modulus.

An example of the three-dimensional network structure of the cushioning material 10 will be described below, and then each embodiment of the cushioning material 10 will be described.

[About the 3D network structure]
The cushioning material 10 has a three-dimensional network structure obtained by extending a stem, which is a shaft-shaped member having a longitudinal direction, in a three-dimensional space. One aspect of the three-dimensional network structure includes a three-dimensional network structure with a lattice pattern as a basic pattern (see FIG. 1) and a three-dimensional network structure with a Voronoi pattern as a basic pattern (see FIG. 2).

<Three-dimensional network structure of lattice pattern>
FIG. 1(a) is a three-dimensional network structure L1 that can be used for the cushioning material 10, and is a perspective view of a three-dimensional network structure L1 that uses a lattice pattern as a basic pattern. FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing a unit cell UL1 of the three-dimensional network structure L1.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the three-dimensional network structure L1 is obtained by translating the unit cell UL1 in the three axial directions of x-axis, y-axis and z-axis.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the unit cell UL1 occupies a rectangular parallelepiped space and is composed of eight stems S1 to S8 arranged inside the rectangular parallelepiped space. Each of the stems S1 to S8 is a shaft-shaped member having a longitudinal direction along one axis. One end of each of the stems S1-S8 is positioned at eight vertices of the cuboid space, and the other end of each of the stems S1-S8 is joined at the center of the cuboid space. A portion where the other ends of the stems S1 to S8 are joined is referred to as a knot portion BP1. Since the stems of adjacent unit cells UL1 are joined to each other at the vertices of the rectangular parallelepiped space, joints are also formed at the vertices of the rectangular parallelepiped space.

In the unit cell UL1, the length of the cuboid space along the x-axis direction is a lattice constant _ax , the length of the cuboid space along the y-axis direction is a lattice constant _ay , and the z-axis direction of the cuboid space is Let the length along the lattice constant be _az . The size of the unit cell UL1 is defined by the lattice constants a _x , a _y and a _z . When the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern recited in the claims are lattice patterns, the size of each of the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern is At least one of lattice constants a _x , a _y and a _z may be employed.

Moreover, in the unit cell UL1, the shape of the stem (hereinafter, stems S1 to S8 are used as examples) in a cross section (a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction) may be circular or elliptical. or a regular polygon. This embodiment will be described assuming that it is circular. Let the diameter d be the diameter in the cross section of the stems S1 to S8. If the cross-sectional shape of the stems S1-S8 is not circular, the maximum length of the stems S1-S8 in the cross-section is defined as the diameter d. Further, the diameter d of each of the stems S1 to S8 may be (1) as shown in FIG. Alternatively, (2) it may be thicker on the vertex side of the rectangular parallelepiped space and thinner on the node BP1 side, or (3) over the entire section from the vertex of the rectangular parallelepiped space to the node BP1. It may be configured to be constant over time. This embodiment employs the configuration (1) above.

In one aspect of the cushioning material of the present invention, the unit cell of the three-dimensional network structure L1 is not limited to the unit cell UL1, and a three-dimensional network structure can be obtained by translating the unit cell. can be selected as appropriate. If the three-dimensional network structure L1 is understood in the same way as the crystal structure of an inorganic substance, the crystal system of the unit cell is triclinic, monoclinic, orthorhombic (orthorhombic), tetragonal, or trigonal. , hexagonal system, and cubic system.

<Three-dimensional network structure of Voronoi patterns>
FIG. 2(a) is a three-dimensional network structure B1 that can be used for the cushioning material 10, and is a perspective view of a three-dimensional network structure B1 that uses a Voronoi pattern (also called a Voronoi diagram) as a basic pattern. Each of the plurality of spheres shown in FIG. 2(a) is a sphere whose center is each generatrix to be described later, and is a virtual sphere for making it easier to draw an image of the Voronoi pattern. . Such spheres often do not exist in real Voronoi patterns. FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged plan view of the three-dimensional network structure B1 in the xy plane.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), the Voronoi pattern is obtained by arranging a plurality of generating points MP1, MP2, MP3, . . . Each generating point (such as generating point MP1) encloses a place closer to itself (such as generating point MP1) than other generating points (such as generating points MP2, MP3, . . . ) as its own sphere of influence. This is the pattern obtained. In FIG. 2(b), only the generatrices MP1, MP2, MP3, the stems S1 to S3, and the node BP1 are labeled.

The stem S1 is a part of the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the generating points MP1 and MP2, and the stem S2 is the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the generating points MP2 and MP3. , and the stem S3 is a part of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting the generatrix MP3 and the generatrix MP1. Stems S1 to S3 are joined at node BP1. Since the node BP1 is equidistant from any of the generating points MP1 to MP3, the circle C1 having the predetermined radius centered on the node BP1 passes through all of the generating points MP1 to MP3.

In such a Voronoi pattern, each generating point MP1, MP2, MP3, . . . is surrounded by a plurality of stems, also called Voronoi edges. A region surrounded by the plurality of stems and including each of the generating points MP1, MP2, MP3, . . . is also called a Voronoi region.

The size of each Voronoi region corresponding to each of the generating points MP1, MP2, MP3, . . . varies. It can be used as an indicator of the size of the region.

The cross-sectional shape of the stems of the three-dimensional network structure B1 (the stems S1 to S3 are used as examples below) is circular, similar to the cross-sectional shape of the stems S1 to S8 of the three-dimensional network structure L1. , an ellipse, or a regular polygon. This embodiment will be described assuming that it is circular. The diameter d of the stems S1 to S3 of the three-dimensional network structure B1 is the same as the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 of the three-dimensional network structure L1. Therefore, the description of the diameter d of the stems S1 to S3 is omitted here.

<Modified example of three-dimensional network structure>
Each of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can also be referred to as a structure in which a plurality of cages (hereinafter referred to as unit cages) each composed of a plurality of stems and a plurality of joints are coupled together. be done. In the three-dimensional network structure L1, the unit cages are formed across two adjacent unit cells UL1. stems S5 to S8. Also, in the three-dimensional network structure B1, a unit cage is composed of a plurality of Voronoi edges corresponding to one generatrix.

In the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal space of each unit car is a void. However, in the modified examples of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1, granular members made of an elastic resin material may be arranged in the internal space of each unit car. Each granular member may be connected to a part of the stem constituting each unit cage using an elastic resin material, or may be arranged in the internal space in a state of being separated from each unit cage. good too.

If each granular member is attached to a portion of the stem, the shape and size of the granular member can be determined accordingly. On the other hand, when each granular member is separated from each unit car, the shape and size of the granular member can be appropriately determined within the range as long as they are large enough not to drop out of the internal space of each unit car. Also, in the cushioning material 10, when emphasis is placed on breathability and quick-drying properties after washing with water, the shape and size of the granular members are determined within a range that does not occupy the internal space of each unit car. preferable. In other words, it is preferable that a gap remains in the internal space of each unit car, and the gaps of the internal spaces of adjacent unit cars communicate with each other. An example of the shape of the granular member is spherical, but is not limited to this.

The elastic moduli of the multiple granular members included in the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 may be constant or different.

When the elastic moduli of the plurality of granular members are constant, the elastic moduli of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 constituting the first region R1 described later (hereinafter simply referred to as The same applies to the second region R2 and the boundary region RB, which are referred to as the elastic modulus in the first region R1), the elastic modulus in the second region R2, and each layer constituting the boundary region RB (for example, shown in FIG. 5 In the case of the cushioning material 10C, each of the elastic moduli of the first to fifth layers (RBa to RBe) increases uniformly. Therefore, the elastic modulus of the cushioning material 10 to be manufactured can be customized by changing only the elastic modulus of the granular members without changing the basic structure (in other words, design parameters) of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1. can be done.

When the plurality of granular members have different elastic moduli, the elastic modulus of each granular member is the elastic modulus in the first region R1, the elastic modulus in the second region R2, and the elastic modulus in the boundary region RB, which will be described later. is preferably determined according to the magnitude relationship between That is, the elastic modulus of the granular members included in the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 forming the first region R1 (hereinafter referred to as the granular members of the first region R1) is 3 Granules included in the three-dimensional network structures L1, B1 that constitute the boundary region RB and have an elastic modulus smaller than that of the granular members included in the dimensional network structures L1, B1 (hereinafter referred to as the granular members of the second region R2) The elastic modulus of the member (hereinafter referred to as the granular member of the boundary region RB) is greater than the elastic modulus of the granular member of the first region R1 and smaller than the elastic modulus of the granular member of the second region R2.

Further, the elastic modulus of the granular members in the boundary region RB may be determined according to the magnitude relationship of the elastic modulus in each layer forming the boundary region RB.

<Elastic body>
Each of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 described above is integrally molded with an elastic body and has an integral structure. Although the material of the elastic body constituting each of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 is not particularly limited, it is preferably a resin material that has elasticity and can be molded using a 3D printer. Examples of such resin materials include resins called ultraviolet curable resins, photocurable resins, and thermoplastic resins (elastomers). In each of the following embodiments, an ultraviolet curable resin is used as the material of the elastic body. Also, any 3D printing method may be used to form the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1, and examples thereof include a stereolithography method and an inkjet method. One aspect of the stereolithography method includes an SLA (Stereolithography) method and a DLP (Digital Light Processing) method. An example of an inkjet system is PolyJet (registered trademark). By manufacturing each of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 using a 3D printer, a plurality of regions having different physical properties (elasticity in this embodiment) can be integrally molded without joining. That is, each of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 having an integral structure can be manufactured.

[First Embodiment]
A cushioning material 10A according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cushioning material 10A taken along the zx plane.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cushioning material 10A has a first region R1, a second region R2, and a boundary region RB. The boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa located on the side of the first region R1 and a second layer RBb located on the side of the second region R2.

The pattern forming the three-dimensional network structure of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB is the lattice pattern shown in FIG. The unit cell UL1 forming the first region R1, the unit cell UL1 forming the second region R2, and the unit cell UL1 forming the boundary region RB each have the same lattice constants a _x and a _y . , the lattice constants _az are different. In the following, the lattice constant _az in the first region R1 is _az = _az1 , the lattice constant _az in the second region R2 is _az = _az2 , and the lattice constant az in the first layer RBa of the boundary region RB Let _az be _az = _azba , and the lattice constant _az in the second layer RBb of the boundary region RB be _az = _azbb . Here, the lattice constants a _z1 , a _z2 , a _zba and a _zbb are determined to be a _z1 > a _zba > a _zbb > a _z2 .

Moreover, in the three-dimensional network structure forming each of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB, the stems S1 to S8 of the unit cell UL1 all have the same diameter d.

In the cushioning material 10A configured as described above, the elastic modulus (=stress/strain) along the z-axis direction of the first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, and the second region R2 is , lattice constants a _z1 , a _z2 , a _zba , and a _zbb , the first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, and the second region R2 increase in order.

Therefore, in the cushioning material 10A, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB (the third index value in the claims) is the same as the elastic modulus of the first region R1 (the first index value in the claims). ) and smaller than the elastic modulus of the second region R2 (the second index value in the scope of claims).

The boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa and a second layer RBb having different elastic moduli. The elastic modulus of the first layer RBa is larger than that of the first region R1, and is larger than the elastic modulus of the first layer RBa and smaller than the elastic modulus of the second region R2. That is, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB increases from the first region R1 side (x-axis negative direction side) toward the second region R2 side (x-axis positive direction side).

In this embodiment, the boundary region RB of the cushioning material 10A is composed of two layers (first layer RBa and second layer RBb), but the number of layers constituting the boundary region RB is one or more. It can be any number as long as it is an integer. Even when the boundary region RB is composed of a single layer, the elastic modulus of the single layer (that is, the entire boundary region RB) is set to be greater than that of the first region R1 and that of the second region R2. The object of the present invention is achieved by making the modulus of elasticity smaller than . This also applies to cushioning materials 10B to 10E, which will be described later.

[Second embodiment]
A cushioning material 10B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view along the zx plane of the cushioning material 10B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cushioning material 10B includes a first region R1, a second region R2, and a boundary region RB. Also, the boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa, a second layer RBb, and a third layer RBc. The first layer RBa is located on the side of the first region R1, the third layer RBc is located on the side of the second region R2, and the second layer RBb is composed of the first layer RBa and the third layer RBc. intervene between

The pattern forming the three-dimensional network structure of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB is the lattice pattern shown in FIG.

Each of the lattice constants a _x1 , a _y1 , and a _z1 (first lattice constants in claims) of the unit cell UL1 constituting the first region R1 constitutes the second region R2. It is larger than each of the lattice constants a _x2 , a _y2 , a _z2 (second lattice constants in claims) of the unit cell UL1, and is five times as large in FIG. That is, a _x1 =5a _x2 , a _y1 =5a _y2 , and a _z1 =5a _z2 . Note that FIG. 4 shows only the lattice constants a _z1 and a _z2 .

The boundary region RB consists of a unit cell UL1 (also referred to as a first unit cell) having lattice constants a _x1 , a _y1 , and a _z1 and a unit cell having lattice constants a _x2 , a _y2 , and a _z2 . It is configured by mixing with a lattice UL1 (also referred to as a second unit lattice). In the boundary region RB, the mixture ratio, which is the ratio of the pattern having the second lattice constant to the pattern having the first unit lattice, increases from the first region R1 side toward the second region R2 side. It's becoming Specifically, in the first layer RBa, one of the four first unit cells is replaced with the second unit cell, and in the second layer RBb, out of the four first unit cells, Two are replaced with second unit cells, and in the third layer RBc, three of the four first unit cells are replaced with second unit cells.

Moreover, in the three-dimensional network structure forming each of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB, the stems S1 to S8 of the unit cell UL1 all have the same diameter d.

In the cushioning material 10B configured as described above, the elastic modulus (= The stress/strain) increases in the order of the first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, and the second region R2 according to the mixing ratio described above.

Therefore, in the cushioning material 10B, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB (the third index value in the claims) is the same as the elastic modulus of the first region R1 (the first index value in the claims). ) and smaller than the elastic modulus of the second region R2 (the second index value in the scope of claims).

The boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa, a second layer RBb, and a third layer RBc having different elastic moduli. The elastic modulus of the second layer RBb is higher than that of the first layer RBa, and the elastic modulus of the third layer RBc is higher than that of the second layer RBb and lower than that of the second region R2. . That is, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB increases from the first region R1 side (x-axis negative direction side) toward the second region R2 side (x-axis positive direction side).

[Third Embodiment]
A cushioning material 10C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cushioning material 10C taken along the zx plane.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cushioning material 10C includes a first region R1, a second region R2, and a boundary region RB. The boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa, a second layer RBb, a third layer RBc, a fourth layer RBd, and a fifth layer RBe. Each of the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, the fourth layer RBd, and the fifth layer RBe is arranged in this order from the first region R1 side to the second region R2 side. placed towards.

The pattern forming the three-dimensional network structure of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB is the lattice pattern shown in FIG.

Lattice constants a _x1 , a _y1 , and a _z1 of the unit cell UL1 forming the first region R1 are respectively equal to lattice constants a _x2 , a _y2 , and a _z2 of the unit cell UL1 forming the second region R2. is the same as each of

In the cushioning material 10C, in the three-dimensional network structure constituting each of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB, by varying the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 of the unit cell UL1, Each elastic modulus of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB is made different.

Specifically, the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in the first region R1 is d=d1, the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in the first layer RBa is d=da, and the stems S1 to S8 in the second layer RBb The diameter d of S8 is set to d=db, the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in the third layer RBc is set to d=dc, the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in the fourth layer RBd is set to d=dd, and the fifth layer RBe Let d=de be the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in the second region R2, and d=d2 be the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in the second region R2. <de<d2.

In the cushioning material 10C configured as described above, the first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, the fourth layer RBd, the fifth layer RBe, and the second region R2 The elastic modulus of the first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, and the fourth layer RBd is determined according to the magnitude relationship of the diameters d1, da, db, dc, dd, de, and d2. , the fifth layer RBe, and the second region R2.

Therefore, in the cushioning material 10C, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB (the third index value in the claims) is the same as the elastic modulus of the first region R1 (the first index value in the claims). ) and smaller than the elastic modulus of the second region R2 (the second index value in the scope of claims).

The boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa, a second layer RBb, a third layer RBc, a fourth layer RBd, and a fifth layer RBe having different elastic moduli, and the elastic modulus of the first layer RBa is , the modulus of elasticity of the second layer RBb is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first layer RBa, the modulus of elasticity of the third layer RBc is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the second layer RBb, The modulus of elasticity of the fourth layer RBd is greater than that of the third layer RBc, the modulus of elasticity of the fifth layer RBe is greater than that of the fourth layer RBd, and less than that of the second region R2. That is, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB increases from the first region R1 side (x-axis negative direction side) toward the second region R2 side (x-axis positive direction side).

In the cushioning material 10C shown in FIG. 5, the first region R1, the second region R2, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, the fourth layer RBd, and the fifth layer RBe The description has been given assuming that the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 in each of the is constant. However, the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 may be configured so that (1) as shown in FIG. (2) It may be configured such that it is thicker on the vertex side of the rectangular parallelepiped space and thinner on the node BP1 side. When the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 varies along the longitudinal direction as in (1) and (2) above, the average value of the diameters d of the stems S1 to S8 in the first region R1 is defined as d1, Let da be the average value of the diameters d of the stems S1 to S8 on the first layer RBa, let db be the average value of the diameters d of the stems S1 to S8 on the second layer RBb, and d the diameters of the stems S1 to S8 on the third layer RBc. dc is the average value of , dd is the average value of the diameters d of the stems S1 to S8 in the fourth layer RBd, de is the average value of the diameters d of the stems S1 to S8 in the fifth layer RBe, and the second region R2 The average value of the diameters d of the stems S1 to S8 is d2. Just do it.

[Combination of First to Third Embodiments]
(1) In the first embodiment, each _elastic modulus (2) In the second embodiment, the lattice constants a _x1 , a _y1 , and a _z1 of the unit cell UL1 forming the first region R1 and the unit After varying the lattice constants a _x2 , a _y2 , and a _z2 of the lattice UL1, in each layer constituting the boundary region RB, the ratio of the pattern having the second lattice constant to the pattern having the first unit lattice is By differentiating a certain mixing ratio, each elastic modulus of each of these regions is made different from each other, and (3) in the third embodiment, the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB By varying the stem diameter d in each layer constituting the , each elastic modulus of each region is made different from each other.

In the cushioning material 10, the above ( Any one of the techniques 1) to (3) may be used, or at least two of the techniques (1) to (3) may be used in combination.

For example, when combining the methods (1) and (3) above, for example, each of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB that constitute the cushioning material 10A shown in FIG. In the layers, the stem diameter d can be made larger from the layer closer to the surface to the layer farther from the surface. In this case, it is possible to obtain the cushioning material 10A having different elastic moduli in the in-plane direction along the surface and different elastic moduli in the cross-sectional direction along the normal to the surface.

As described above, the cushioning material 10 has a high degree of freedom in design because the elastic modulus can be designed using a plurality of mutually independent design parameters. For example, when designing a region in which the modulus of elasticity is a predetermined value, by appropriately combining the techniques (1) to (3) described above, it is possible to change characteristics other than the modulus of elasticity independently. . Properties other than the modulus of elasticity include, for example, the density of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 forming the cushioning material 10 . The density greatly affects, for example, air permeability of the cushioning material 10 . That is, the cushioning material 10 can be designed to have a high density and a predetermined elastic modulus, or it can be designed to have a low density and a predetermined elastic modulus.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A cushioning material 10D according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cushioning material 10D taken along the zx plane.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cushioning material 10D includes a first region R1, a second region R2, and a boundary region RB. Also, the boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa, a second layer RBb, and a third layer RBc. The first layer RBa is located on the side of the first region R1, the third layer RBc is located on the side of the second region R2, and the second layer RBb is composed of the first layer RBa and the third layer RBc. intervene between

The pattern forming the three-dimensional network structure of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB is the Voronoi pattern shown in FIG.

Let D=D1 be the average value D of the distances D12, D23, D31, . Let D=Da be the average value D of the distances D12, D23, D31, . is D=Db, the average value D of the distances D12, D23, D31, . Let D=D2 be the average value D of the distances D12, D23, D31, . It is configured to be

In the cushioning material 10D configured as described above, the elastic moduli of the first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, and the second region R2 are average values D1, Da, The first region R1, the first layer RBa, the second layer RBb, the third layer RBc, and the second region R2 increase in order according to the magnitude relationship among Db, Dc, and d2.

Moreover, in the three-dimensional network structure forming each of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB, the stems S1 to S8 of the unit cell UL1 all have the same diameter d.

Therefore, in the cushioning material 10D, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB (the third index value in the claims) is the same as the elastic modulus of the first region R1 (the first index value in the claims). ) and smaller than the elastic modulus of the second region R2 (the second index value in the scope of claims).

The boundary region RB is composed of a first layer RBa, a second layer RBb, and a third layer RBc having different elastic moduli. The elastic modulus of the first layer RBa is larger than that of the first region R1. , the elastic modulus of the second layer RBb is larger than that of the first layer RBa, and the elastic modulus of the third layer RBc is larger than that of the second layer RBb and smaller than that of the second region R2. That is, the elastic modulus of the boundary region RB increases from the first region R1 side (x-axis negative direction side) toward the second region R2 side (x-axis positive direction side).

[Fifth Embodiment]
A cushioning material 10E according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described. Illustration of the cushioning material 10E is omitted.

The cushioning material 10E is obtained by changing the pattern constituting the three-dimensional network structure of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB in the cushioning material 10C shown in FIG. 5 to a Voronoi pattern. .

In the cushioning material 10E having a three-dimensional network structure of Voronoi patterns, as in the case of the cushioning material 10C having a three-dimensional network structure of lattice patterns, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed. , and the diameter d of the stems S1 to S8 of the unit cell UL1 constituting each of the boundary regions RB, different elastic moduli are obtained in each of the first region R1, the second region R2, and the boundary region RB. realizable.

[Application example of cushioning material]
Application examples of the cushioning materials 10A to 10E according to the above embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. In this application example, since it is not necessary to distinguish each of the cushioning materials 10A to 10E, the cushioning materials 10A to 10E are collectively referred to as the cushioning material 10 below. (a) and (b) of FIG. 7 are plan views of a pillow 1 and a mattress 2 to which the cushioning material 10 is applied. (a) of FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a chair having a seat surface including a pad 3 to which a cushioning material 10 is applied, and (b) of FIG. 8 is a plan view of the pad 3, and ( c) and (d) are cross-sectional views of the pad 3. FIG. Incidentally, each of (c) and (d) of FIG. 8 is a cross section along the straight line AA' and the straight line BB' shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view obtained in the case of FIG. FIG. 9(a) is a side view of a protector having a pad 4 to which a cushioning material 10 is applied. FIG. 9(b) is a plan view of the pad 4 obtained when the pad 4 is placed on the xy plane, and FIG. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view of the pad 4. It is a cross-sectional view obtained when the cross-section along the straight line CC' shown in (b) is viewed from the direction of the arrow.

<Pillow>
In the pillow, depending on which part of the user's body it is in contact with, the burden on the user's body is reduced. It is preferable to set a high modulus and set a low modulus of elasticity for portions where the softness of the hit is emphasized.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 7, in the cushioning material 10 of the pillow 1, a second region R2 having a high elastic modulus is arranged in the central portion of the pillow 1, and the second region R2 is surrounded by the second region R2. A first region R1 having a low elastic modulus is arranged. A boundary region RB is arranged between the first region R1 and the second region R2 so as to surround the second region R2.

In the pillow 1, since the central portion, which is the portion with which the user's head is mainly in contact, is configured by the second region R2, the head can be firmly supported. Further, in the pillow 1, an outer edge portion, which is a portion with which the user's neck and shoulders are mainly in contact, is configured by the first region R1. Therefore, even when the neck, shoulders, and the like come into contact with the outer edge portion, the pillow 1 can soften the contact with the neck, shoulders, and the like. In this way, the pillow 1 can support the head firmly and soften the contact with the neck and shoulders.

In addition, since the pillow 1 has the boundary region RB, it is possible to alleviate discomfort that may occur at the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2.

Furthermore, the cushioning material 10 has the three-dimensional network structure shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. These three-dimensional network structures are obtained by stretching stems, which are shaft-like members, in a three-dimensional space, so they are more breathable than cotton or low-resilience materials. Therefore, the pillow 1 has higher breathability than conventional pillows made of cotton, low-resilience material, or the like. Moreover, the pillow 1 is hygienic because it can be washed with water more easily than conventional pillows.

In addition, in the pillow 1, two regions with different elastic moduli are set. However, in the pillow 1, the number of regions having different elastic moduli can be arbitrarily set as long as it is plural. Further, the pillow 1 may be used with a cover attached, or may be used as it is without the cover attached.

<Mattress>
The mattress reduces the burden on the user's body depending on which part of the user's body it is in contact with, and provides different modulus of elasticity for each of the multiple parts that support the body. It is preferable to set

As shown in (b) of FIG. 7, in the cushioning material 10 of the mattress 2, three second regions R21, R22, R23 with high elastic modulus are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the mattress 2, A first region R1 having a low elastic modulus is arranged to surround the three second regions R21, R22, R23. A boundary region RB1 is arranged between the first region R1 and the second region R21 so as to surround the second region R21. A boundary region RB2 is arranged to surround the second region R22 in between, and a boundary region RB3 is arranged to surround the second region R23 between the first region R1 and the second region R23. are arranged as

In the mattress 2, the portion with which the user's head mainly contacts is configured by the second region R21, the portion with which the user's waist mainly contacts is configured with the second region R22, and the user's legs are configured with the second region R22. The main contact portion is configured by the second region R23. Therefore, separate elastic moduli can be set for each of the head contact portion, the waist contact portion, and the leg contact portion.

In addition, in the mattress 2 shown in FIG. 7(b), the first region R1 having the lowest elastic modulus is arranged in the outer edge portion. However, it is possible to appropriately set which portion of the portion with which the head contacts, the portion with which the hips contact, the portion with which the legs contact, and the outer edge portion to have the lowest elastic modulus. In addition, it is also possible to appropriately set the magnitude relationship of the elastic modulus of each of the portion in contact with the head, the portion in contact with the waist, and the portion in contact with the leg.

In addition, in the mattress 2, four areas with different elastic moduli are set. However, in the mattress 2, the number of regions having different elastic moduli can be arbitrarily set as long as it is plural. Also, the mattress 2 may be used with a cover attached, or may be used as it is without the cover attached.

The mattress 2 configured in this manner has the same effects as the pillow 1.

In this application example, the first region R1 is arranged so as to surround each of the three second regions R21, R22, R23. In other words, the first region R1 is interposed between two second regions adjacent to each other (for example, the second region R21 and the second region R22). However, the first region R1 does not have to be interposed between the second region R21 and the second region R22. In this case, in FIG. 7(b), one boundary region RB may be provided between the region marked with symbol R21 and the region marked with symbol R22. Further, in this case, the region with the lower elastic modulus of the region marked with the symbol R21 and the region marked with the symbol R22 is one aspect of the first region described in the claims, and the elastic modulus is higher. A region with a high value is one aspect of the second region described in the claims. Regarding this point, the cushioning material 10 constituting the pillow 1 shown in FIG. 7(a), the cushioning material 10 constituting the chair pad 3 shown in FIG. 8, and the protector pad 4 shown in FIG. The same is true for any of the cushioning materials 10 that constitute the .
<Seat pad>
The seat surface of the chair shown in FIG. 8(a) supports the buttocks and thighs of the user when the user sits on the chair, and also reduces the discomfort felt by contact with the buttocks and thighs and the pressure. An elastic pad 3 is provided in order to relieve the burden on the body such as obstruction of blood flow. The cushioning material 10 can be suitably used as the pad 3 that constitutes the seat surface. In addition, the seat surface is further equipped with a cloth cover that covers the pad 3. - 特許庁Therefore, in (a) of FIG. 8, the specific structures of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 that constitute the cushioning material 10 are not shown. Note that the cover that covers the pad 3 may be omitted if the breathability of the seat surface is more important than the aesthetics and design of the seat surface.

In this application example, as shown in FIG. 8A, a plane parallel to the horizontal plane is defined as an xy plane, a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the chair in the xy plane is defined as an x-axis direction, and a plane parallel to the left-right direction is defined as an x-axis direction. The direction is defined as the y-axis direction, and the direction parallel to the vertical direction is defined as the z-axis direction. The forward direction of the chair is defined as the x-axis positive direction, the left direction of the chair is defined as the y-axis positive direction, and the vertically upward direction is defined as the z-axis positive direction.

By appropriately setting the elastic modulus for each region of the pad on the seat surface, it is possible to alleviate the feeling of fatigue felt by the user sitting on the chair and reduce the likelihood of back pain. By applying the cushioning material 10 to the pad 3 on the seat surface, it is possible to set an appropriate modulus of elasticity for each region of the pad 3, such as the region in contact with the buttocks and the region in contact with the thighs. It is possible to alleviate the discomfort that can be felt by

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the cushioning material 10 of the pad 3 is viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis, the cushioning material 10 has a first region R1 having the lowest elastic modulus and a first region R1 having the lowest elastic modulus. Four second regions R21, R23, R25, R26 having a higher elastic modulus than one region R1 are arranged. Each of the second region R21 and the second region R23 is a region corresponding to the user's buttocks and thighs, respectively, when the user sits on the seat surface.

Further, as shown in (c) of FIG. 8 , when a cross section including the second region R21 of the cushioning material 10 is viewed from the positive direction of the x-axis, the lower layer of the second region R21 has a different elastic modulus. A second region R22 of is arranged. In addition, in FIG. 8(b), the second region R22 is indicated by a dashed line. Further, as shown in (d) of FIG. 8, when a cross section including the second region R23 of the cushioning material 10 is viewed from the positive direction of the x-axis, the layer under the second region R23 has a high elastic modulus. A second region R24 of is arranged. In addition, in (c) of FIG. 8, the second region R24 is indicated by a broken line.

The first region R1 is arranged so as to include all of the second regions R21 to R26. In other words, the surface of the cushioning material 10 is all composed of the first region. Therefore, the pad 3 can soften the contact with the user even when the user touches any part of the surface of the cushioning material 10 .

The second region R22 arranged in the lower layer among the regions corresponding to the user's buttocks has the highest elastic modulus among the second regions R21 to R26. This is to facilitate the stabilization of the user's posture when the user sits on the seat surface, and to enhance the stability of the shape of the pad 3 itself.

The second region R21 arranged in the upper layer among the regions corresponding to the buttocks has a higher elastic modulus than the first region R1, but a lower elastic modulus than the second region R22. ing. This is because the second region R22 constitutes an upper layer of the region corresponding to the buttocks, that is, a region close to the buttocks, and is intended to soften the contact with the buttocks.

A relatively large load is applied to the region corresponding to the user's thighs, although not as much as the region corresponding to the buttocks. Therefore, of the regions corresponding to the thighs, R24 arranged in the lower layer may be set to have a modulus of elasticity as high as that of the second region R22 or slightly lower than that of the second region R22. may be set.

The second region R23 arranged in the upper layer among the regions corresponding to the thigh may be set to have a modulus of elasticity similar to that of the second region R21, or may be set to have a modulus slightly lower than that of the second region R21. may be set. By setting the elastic modulus of the second region R23 to an appropriate height, it is possible to prevent the back side of the thigh from being pressed against the corners, and prevent blood flow disturbance even when sitting for a long period of time. It can be made less likely to occur and fatigue can be reduced.

The second regions R25 and R26 forming both sides of the pad 3 forming the seat surface are regions with which the user's buttocks and thighs do not come into much contact. Therefore, the second regions R25 and R26 are set to be lower than the second region R22 and higher than the second region R21. This is because more emphasis is placed on the stability of the shape of the pad 3 itself than on softening the impact on the buttocks and thighs. By constructing in this way, the support from the seat surface increases as the buttocks and thighs sink into the pad 3 while the buttocks and thighs sink into the pad 3, thereby stabilizing the posture of the user. It is possible to realize a pad 3 capable of suppressing excessive deformation of the pad 3.

Furthermore, since boundary regions RB1 to RB6 are arranged between each of the second regions R21 to R26 and the first region R1, respectively, each of the second regions R21 to R26 and the first region It is possible to alleviate the discomfort that the user may feel at the boundary with the region R1 of 1.

Moreover, the pad 3 can ensure high breathability due to the cushioning material 10 being composed of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1. Therefore, discomfort such as stuffiness that may occur when the user sits on the seat for a long time can be reduced.
<Protector pad>
The protector shown in (a) of FIG. 9 is a protector for protecting the user's elbow from external impact, and includes an elastic pad 4 . The cushioning material 10 can be suitably used as the pad 4 that protects the elbow. The protector further includes an outer, which is a telescopic tubular member, as fixing means for fixing the pad 4 to the elbow at a predetermined position. The outer is constructed similarly to what is called a supporter. In addition, in FIG. 9A, the cushioning material 10 that constitutes the pad 4 is arranged inside the outer so as to be covered by the tubular member, so that the three-dimensional network structure that constitutes the cushioning material 10 Specific structures of L1 and B1 are not shown. The arm shown in (a) of FIG. 9 is the user's left arm.

In this application, as shown in FIG. 9A, the direction along the long axis of the user's humerus is defined as the y-axis direction, and the user's forearm is bent with respect to the upper arm in the yz plane. The direction perpendicular to the axis is defined as the z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the yz plane is defined as the x-direction. In addition, the direction from the shoulder-side end of the humerus to the forearm-side end in the y-axis direction is defined as the positive y-axis direction, and the direction from the user's left side to the right side in the x-axis direction is defined as the x-axis positive direction. , and the positive direction of the z-axis is defined so as to form a right-handed orthogonal coordinate system together with the positive direction of the x-axis and the positive direction of the y-axis. In the following description, the left side of the user's left arm is also referred to as the outer side, and the right side of the user's left arm is also referred to as the inner side. That is, the x-axis positive direction is the direction from the outside to the inside of the user's left arm.

The pad of the protector has cushioning properties (in other words, shock absorption) to protect the elbow from impact, and prevents the pad from slipping from a predetermined position near the user's elbow even when the user exercises. The fit is required. By applying the cushioning material 10 to the pad 4 of the protector, it is possible to set an appropriate modulus of elasticity for each region and alleviate the discomfort felt by the user.

Specifically, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, when the cushioning material 10 of the pad 4 is viewed from the positive direction of the z-axis, the cushioning material 10 has three regions: an inner region, a central region, and an outer region. can be distinguished. Each of the inner region, the central region, and the outer region is a strip-shaped region along the y-axis direction of the cushioning material 10 . Each of the inner region, the central region, and the outer region is the inner corresponding region, the central corresponding region, and the outer corresponding region, respectively, of the user's left arm.

In the cushioning material 10, a first region R1 having the lowest elastic modulus and twelve second regions R21, R22, ..., R211, R212 having a higher elastic modulus than the first region R1 are arranged. there is The second regions R21 to R23 are arranged in the central region of the cushioning material 10, the second regions R24 to R28 are arranged in the inner region, and the second regions R24 to R28 are arranged in the outer region. regions R29 to R11 are arranged.

The second region R21 is a region corresponding to the apex of the elbow, which is the center of bending motion when the user wears the protector. Each of the second regions R22 and R23 is a region arranged on the forearm side (y-axis positive direction side) and the upper arm side (y-axis negative direction side) of the second region R21, respectively.

The second region R21 is a region that requires the highest cushioning properties among the regions arranged on the pad 4 . Therefore, the elastic modulus of the second region R21 is set to be the lowest among the second regions R21 to R212, and the thickness of the second region R21 is set to be the lowest among the second regions R21 to R212. It is set thickest in

Each of the second regions R22 and R23 is a region corresponding to the forearm and upper arm, respectively, and is required to have a high fit. Therefore, the elastic moduli of the second regions R22 and R23 are set higher than the elastic modulus of the second region R21. In addition, in order to obtain a better fit, the shapes of the second regions R22 and R23 are obtained by scanning the shape of each user's forearm and upper arm and then generating three-dimensional data of the shape of the forearm and upper arm. It is preferably molded based on three-dimensional data. Also, the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 forming the second regions R22 and R23 are preferably configured with a lower density than the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 forming the second region R21. With this configuration, the air permeability in the second regions R22 and R23 can be enhanced.

In the pad 4 that constitutes the protector, the followability and cushioning properties required for the inner region and the outer region are different. In addition, the followability here means the ease of deformation when the pad 4 is deformed according to the bending of the user's elbow. The higher the followability, the more comfortably the user can bend the elbow.

When comparing the inner region and the outer region, the outer region is required to have higher cushioning properties. Therefore, the elastic modulus of the second regions R29 to R211 forming the outer region is set lower than that of the second regions R24 to R28 forming the inner region. The three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 forming the second regions R29 to R211 are preferably set to have a higher density than the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 forming the second regions R24 to R28. .

When comparing the inner region and the outer region, the inner region is required to have a higher fit. Therefore, the elastic modulus of the second regions R24 to R28 is set higher than that of the second regions R29 to R211. The density of the three-dimensional network structures L1, B1 forming the second regions R24-R28 is preferably lower than the density of the three-dimensional network structures L1, B1 forming the second regions R29-R211.

In addition, in the pad 4, the inner region is composed of five second regions R24 to R28, and the outer region is composed of three second regions R29 to R211. The number of the second regions R2x forming each of the inner region and the outer region is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the required cushioning properties and followability.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, when a cross section including the central region of the cushioning material 10 is viewed from the negative direction of the x-axis, it can be distinguished into two regions, ie, second regions R212 and R213. The second region R212 constitutes a layer closer to the user's elbow (hereinafter referred to as the upper layer), and the second region R213 constitutes a layer farther from the user's elbow (hereinafter referred to as the lower layer). do.

When the upper layer and the lower layer are compared, the upper layer is required to have higher fitting properties, and the lower layer is required to have higher cushioning properties. Therefore, the elastic modulus of the second region R212 is set lower than that of the second region R213. The density of the three-dimensional network structures L1, B1 forming the second region R212 is preferably set lower than the density of the three-dimensional network structures L1, B1 forming the second region R213. Therefore, each of the second regions R21 to R11 forming the pad 4 when viewed in plan has different characteristics in the upper layer and the lower layer.

In the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1 that constitute the cushioning material 10, the elastic modulus and density of each region can be set as independent design parameters. , the optimum elasticity and density can be set.

Furthermore, since the boundary regions RB1 to RB13 are arranged between each of the second regions R21 to R213 and the first region R1, respectively, each of the second regions R21 to R213 and each of the second regions R21 to R213 It is possible to alleviate the discomfort that the user may feel at the boundary with the region R1 of 1.

Moreover, the pad 4 can ensure high breathability due to the cushioning material 10 being composed of the three-dimensional network structures L1 and B1. Therefore, discomfort such as stuffiness that may occur when the user wears the protector for a long time can be reduced.

In addition, in the pad 4 of this application example, the elastic modulus of each region is set so that the elastic modulus of the first region R1 surrounding each of the second regions R21 to R213 is the lowest. However, if it is desired to increase the elastic modulus of the outer edge portion of the pad 4 for reasons such as increasing the stability of the shape of the pad 4 itself, the area corresponding to the apex of the elbow (in FIG. The elastic modulus of the region marked with R21 may be set to be the lowest. That is, in the modified example of the putt 4, the region corresponding to the apex of the elbow may be the first region R1.

[Additional notes]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

L1, B1 Three-dimensional network structure UL1 Unit cell BP1 Node S1-S8 Stem MP1-MP3 Generating point C1 Circle 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E Cushioning material R1, R11, R12, R13 First region R2 Second Area of 2 RB, RB1, RB2, RB3 Border area 1 Pillow 2 Mattress 3,4 Pad

Claims (8)

a first region in which the mechanical properties are represented by the first index value;
a second region in which mechanical characteristics are represented by a second index value greater than the first index value;
A boundary region interposed between the first region and the second region and having a mechanical characteristic represented by a third index value larger than the first index value and smaller than the second index value. and is of unitary construction,
Each of the first region, the second region, and the boundary region has a three-dimensional network structure made of an elastic body,
A first pattern that is a pattern that configures the three-dimensional network structure of the first region, a second pattern that is a pattern that configures the three-dimensional network structure of the second region, and a three-dimensional boundary region. Each of the third patterns, which are patterns that make up the network structure, is a lattice pattern,
The lattice constant of the first pattern is a first lattice constant,
the lattice constant of the second pattern is a second lattice constant smaller than the first lattice constant;
the boundary region is formed by mixing a pattern having the first lattice constant and a pattern having the second lattice constant;
The ratio of the pattern having the second lattice constant to the pattern having the first lattice constant in the boundary region is the ratio of the pattern having the second lattice constant from the first region side of the boundary region to the second region of the boundary region. increasing in size towards the side,
A cushioning material characterized by: a first region in which the mechanical properties are represented by the first index value;
a second region in which mechanical characteristics are represented by a second index value greater than the first index value;
A boundary region interposed between the first region and the second region and having a mechanical characteristic represented by a third index value larger than the first index value and smaller than the second index value. and is of unitary construction ,
Each of the first region, the second region, and the boundary region has a three-dimensional network structure made of an elastic body,
A first pattern that is a pattern that configures the three-dimensional network structure of the first region, a second pattern that is a pattern that configures the three-dimensional network structure of the second region, and a three-dimensional boundary region. Each of the third patterns, which are patterns that make up the network structure, is a Voronoi pattern,
An average value of distances between generating points in the first pattern is a first distance, and an average value of distances between generating points in the second pattern is a second distance shorter than the first distance. is the distance of
The average value of the distances between the generating points in the third pattern is shorter from the first area side of the boundary area toward the second area side of the boundary area.
A cushioning material characterized by: The third index value increases from the first area side of the boundary area toward the second area side of the boundary area.
The cushioning material according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized by: The three-dimensional network structure is composed of a plurality of stems, each of which is a shaft-shaped member, and a plurality of knots, each of which joins the ends of the plurality of stems,
The average value of the diameters of the stems constituting the three-dimensional network structure of the first region is the first diameter,
The average value of the diameters of the stems constituting the three-dimensional network structure of the second region is a second diameter different from the first diameter,
The diameter of each stem that constitutes the three-dimensional network structure of the boundary region increases from the first region side of the boundary region toward the second region side of the boundary region. changing from a diameter to the second diameter;
The cushioning material according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized by: The part that supports the user's body is composed of the cushioning material according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A pillow characterized by: The part that supports the user's body is composed of the cushioning material according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A mattress characterized by: The part that supports the user's body is composed of the cushioning material according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A chair characterized by: comprising an outer and a pad arranged inside the outer,
The pad contains the cushioning material according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A protector characterized by:

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