Massager

Abstract

The massage machine (1) includes: a treatment unit (10) having a left treatment component (27A) and a right treatment component (27B) that can move along the length of the body; a left body information detection unit (29A) and a right body information detection unit (29B) each provided on the left treatment component and the right treatment component, capable of detecting the left body information and the right body information of the treated person independently; and a control unit (30) that executes a body information detection mode in which, after one of the left body information detection unit and the right body information detection unit detects one of the left body information and the right body information, the other of the left body information detection unit and the right body information detection unit detects the other of the left body information and the right body information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to massage machines. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, massage machines for administering treatments to patients were known. These massage machines were equipped with various detection units that detected the position of the patient's shoulders, among other things.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a massage machine having a left detection unit and a right detection unit for detecting the protrusion amount of the left and right treatment pieces. In this massage machine, it is known that the same amount of air is supplied to the air chamber of the advance and retreat mechanism that causes the left and right treatment pieces to advance and retreat, and the left and right misalignment can be determined by comparing the protrusion amount of the left treatment piece and the right treatment piece in their states of contact with the body of the person being treated.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6499820 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the massage machine described in Patent Document 1 above, it is configured to detect the amount of each side's thrust by bringing the left and right treatment pieces into contact with the body while they are thrusting through the air chamber. That is, since the left and right treatment pieces are pushing against the body while they are thrusting, there is a risk that the treatment piece on the side that is thrusting will push the body in the direction where the tilt is smaller if there is a tilt.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a massage machine that can improve the detection accuracy of body information such as left and right tilt of the patient.

[0010] Methods used to solve problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the massage machine of the present invention comprises: a treatment unit having a left treatment member and a right treatment member, which is movable along the length of the body; a left body information detection unit and a right body information detection unit, each disposed on the left treatment member and the right treatment member, which are each capable of independently detecting the left body information and the right body information of the treated person; and a control unit that executes a body information detection mode in which, after one of the left body information detection unit and the right body information detection unit detects one of the left body information and the right body information, the other of the left body information detection unit and the right body information detection unit detects the other of the left body information and the right body information.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] The massager of the present invention, by having the configuration described above, can improve the accuracy of detecting body information such as left and right tilt of the patient. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 (b) schematically illustrates an example of a massager according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 (a) is a schematic front view. Figure 1 (b) is a rough top view.

[0015] Figure 2 of (a), Figure 2 (b) is a partial, simplified side view of the massager.

[0016] Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 (d) is a schematic side view illustrating an example of the treatment components of the massage machine.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a rough control block diagram of the massage machine.

[0018] Figure 5 of (a), Figure 5 (b) is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a body information detection mode performed in the massager.

[0019] Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 (b) is a partial, simplified side view of the massage machine. Figure 6 (c) Figure 6 (d) is a partial, simplified top view of the massage machine.

[0020] Figure 7 of (a), Figure 7 (b) is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a body information detection mode performed in the massager.

[0021] Figure 8 of (a), Figure 8 (b) is an omitted schematic side view of a portion of the massage machine. Figure 8 (c) Figure 8 (d) is a partial, simplified top view of the massage machine.

[0022] Figure 9 (a)~ Figure 9 (i) is an illustration of an example of body information detected through the execution of this body information detection mode.

[0023] Figure 10 (a)~ Figure 10 (f) is an illustration of an example of body information detected through the execution of this body information detection mode. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0025] In some of the figures, some of the detailed labels that are present in other figures will be omitted.

[0026] In the following embodiments, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are described based on a patient sitting in a massage machine with the backrest upright.

[0027] Figures 1-10 This is an example of a massage machine according to this embodiment, and is a diagram schematically showing an example of a body information detection mode executed in the massage machine and an example of body information detected by executing the body information detection mode.

[0028] The massage machine 1 described in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 As shown in (b), this is a chair-type massage machine with a backrest 2 supporting the back of the patient and a seat 3 for the patient to sit on. The massage machine 1 includes a leg support (footrest) 4 supporting the patient's legs, and armrests 5, 5, which are erected on the left and right sides of the seat 3 to support the patient's arms. Details of the massage machine 1 will be described later. It includes a treatment unit 10, which has a left treatment component 27A and a right treatment component 27B, forming a treatment section that can move along the length of the body.

[0029] Backrest 2 via backrest drive unit 6 (see reference) Figure 4 The backrest 2 can rotate freely relative to the seat 3, using its lower end as a fulcrum, or it can be configured to swing (lock) together with the seat 3. The backrest drive unit 6 can be an electric actuator with a rod connected to the backrest 2 and extended and retracted by a suitable motor. The massage machine 1 may also include a suitable tilt angle detection unit for detecting the tilt angle of the backrest 2 to control the backrest drive unit 6, or a suitable stopping mechanism to stop the backrest drive unit 6 at the standing and reclining limits.

[0030] Air chambers for treating the back, waist, or buttocks of the patient can also be set at appropriate locations on the backrest 2 or seat 3 without interfering with the treatment unit 10 described later. Air chambers for restraining or treating the left and right shoulders of the patient can also be set on the left and right sides of the backrest 2.

[0031] The leg support section 4 is provided with leg receiving grooves for receiving the left and right legs of the patient. This leg support section 4 is connected to the leg drive section 7 (see reference 7). Figure 4 The leg support 4 can also rotate freely relative to the seat 3, using its upper end on the side of the seat 3 as a fulcrum. The leg drive unit 7, as described above, can be an electric actuator with a rod connected to the leg support 4 and extended / retracted by a suitable motor. The massage machine 1 includes a suitable tilt angle detection unit for detecting the tilt angle of the leg support 4 to control the leg drive unit 7, and a suitable stop mechanism for stopping the leg drive unit 7 at the upper and lower tilt limits. The leg support 4 can also extend / retract or rise / fall freely along the length of the patient's legs.

[0032] The leg support 4 may also be provided with a suitable treatment mechanism such as an air chamber and rollers for treating the leg received in the leg receiving groove.

[0033] The left and right armrests 5, 5 are provided between the seat 3 and the backrest 2 to support the fingers, forearms, and upper arms of the patient. Arm support grooves for receiving the patient's left and right arms may also be provided in these left and right armrests 5, 5. Appropriate treatment mechanisms such as air chambers or rollers may also be provided for treating the arms received in the arm support grooves of these left and right armrests 5, 5.

[0034] The massage machine 1 is provided with an air supply and exhaust unit 8 (see reference) that controls the supply of air to each of the aforementioned air chambers and the exhaust of air from each air chamber. Figure 4 As the air supply and exhaust unit 8, it may also be a solenoid valve or the like that opens and closes the air pipeline connecting the air source to each air chamber and pump, etc.

[0035] In this embodiment, the left treatment component 27A and the right treatment component 27B are provided in one treatment unit 10. With such a structure, the device configuration can be simplified compared to a structure in which a pair of left and right treatment components are provided, each of which can move independently along the length of the body.

[0036] The treatment unit 10 Figure 2As shown in (a), the massager can move along the guide rail 9 within the massager 1. The guide rail 9 is formed as an elongated section along the length of the body. The guide rail 9 is simplified in the illustration and is appropriately shaped to fit the back of the body. The illustration shows an example where the guide rail 9 is arranged continuously across the backrest 2 in a generally vertical direction and across the seat 3 in a generally horizontal direction, but it may also be provided only on the backrest 2. The guide rail 9 is as follows... Figure 6 As shown in (c), the left and right sides of the treatment unit 10 are arranged in a pair at intervals to guide the left and right ends of the treatment unit 10. These left and right guide rails 9 are provided with guide grooves that guide the guided parts such as rollers or pins provided at the left and right ends of the treatment unit 10, and racks that mesh with the pinions provided at the left and right ends of the treatment unit 10.

[0037] At both ends of the treatment unit 10, there are guided portions that are guided along the guide grooves of the left and right guide rails 9. At both ends of the treatment unit 10, the guided portions may also be spaced apart at two locations along the length of the body. At both ends of the treatment unit 10, there are pinions that mesh with the racks of the left and right guide rails 9. The pinions on both sides may also be coaxially arranged relative to the guided portion on one side along the length of the body.

[0038] The treatment unit 10 is equipped with a main body lifting drive unit 12 that rotates the small gears on the left and right sides (see reference). Figure 4 The main body lifting drive unit 12 is composed of a suitable motor, which rotates the pinion shafts on both sides via a suitable reducer. That is, when the main body lifting drive unit 12 is driven, the pinion shafts on both sides of the treatment unit 10 rotate, and the treatment unit 10 moves along the racks of the left and right guide rails 9 that mesh with them. In the massage machine 1, a main body lifting position detection unit 13 is provided to detect the lifting position of the treatment unit 10 moved by the main body lifting drive unit 12 (see main body lifting position detection unit 13). Figure 4 The main body lifting position detection unit 13 can be either a rotary encoder that detects the rotational speed of the rotating body that rotates through the main body lifting drive unit 12, or a suitable sensor that detects the detected part located on one of the treatment unit 10 and the guide rail 9.

[0039] In the treatment unit 10, there is a main body retraction drive unit 14 (see reference) that drives the main body 11 of the treatment unit, which is equipped with the left and right treatment components 27A and 27B described later, to move forward and backward relative to the guide rail 9. Figure 4 ).

[0040] Treatment section 11, for example Figure 2As shown in (b), the body holding part of the treatment unit 10 can also swing freely relative to the main body holding part, so that its upper end side is fulcrumd with the lower end side in a generally front-rear direction, which is a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the length direction of the guide rail 9. As such a body retraction mechanism, it can also be configured such that one of the main body holding part and the treatment unit body 11 is provided with a pinion gear connected to the motor constituting the body retraction drive part 14 via a suitable reducer, and the other is provided with an arc-shaped rack that extends in a generally front-rear direction and meshes with the pinion gear. That is, if the body retraction drive part 14 is driven, the pinion gear rotates, and along the arc-shaped rack it meshes with, the upper end side of the treatment unit body 11 and the left and right treatment parts 27A and 27B move forward and backward in a generally front-rear direction. As a body retraction mechanism, it is not limited to the structure described above, and can also be configured to move forward and backward linearly relative to the guide rail 9, or various other structures. In the massage machine 1, there is a main body advance / retreat position detection unit 15 (see reference) that detects the advance / retreat position of the treatment part main body 11 moved by the main body advance / retreat drive unit 14. Figure 4 The main body forward and backward position detection unit 15 can also be the same mechanism as the main body lifting and lowering position detection unit 13 described above.

[0041] In the treatment unit 10, there is a treatment member width drive unit 16 (see reference) that drives the treatment members 27A and 27B located on the left and right sides of the treatment unit body 11 to move in the left-right direction (width direction). Figure 4 In the main body 11 of the treatment unit, a left-side treatment unit 20A having a left-side treatment component 27A and a right-side treatment unit 20B having a right-side treatment component 27B may also be provided (see reference). Figure 1 A guide shaft that can move freely in the left and right directions, or a threaded shaft that is connected to a motor constituting the treatment piece width drive unit 16 via a suitable speed reducer, and is screwed into the female threaded portions of the left treatment piece unit 20A and the right treatment piece unit 20B to displace them toward each other or toward each other. Alternatively, a suitable detection unit may be provided in the treatment unit 10 to detect the left and right positions of the left treatment piece unit 20A and the right treatment piece unit 20B.

[0042] In the treatment unit 10, there is a kneading drive unit 17 (see reference) that is driven when the left treatment unit 20A and the right treatment unit 20B are kneaded. Figure 4 In the main body 11 of the treatment unit, an appropriate eccentric rotor or kneading shaft may also be provided, which is connected to the motor constituting the kneading drive unit 17 via an appropriate speed reducer, and causes the left treatment unit 20A and the right treatment unit 20B to be displaced in an arc shape.

[0043] In the treatment unit 10, there is a tapping drive unit 18 (see reference) that is driven when the left treatment unit 20A and the right treatment unit 20B are tapped. Figure 4 On the main body 11 of the treatment unit, a suitable crank mechanism or eccentric rotor, a striking shaft, etc., may be provided, which is connected to the motor constituting the striking drive unit 18 via a suitable reducer, and causes the left treatment unit 20A and the right treatment unit 20B to be roughly vertically displaced in the length direction of the guide rail 9.

[0044] In this embodiment, the treatment unit 10 is provided with a retraction mechanism 23 that allows the left treatment member 27A and the right treatment member 27B to move forward and backward independently. An example of the specific configuration of this retraction mechanism 23 will be described later.

[0045] The motors constituting the aforementioned drive units 6, 7, 12, 14, 16, 17, and 18, as well as the motor 24 constituting the forward / backward mechanism 23 described later, can also be servo motors capable of rotating in both directions and having their speed controlled.

[0046] Alternatively, the treatment piece width drive unit 16, the kneading drive unit 17, and the tapping drive unit 18 may not all be provided. For example, the kneading drive unit 17 may be omitted, and the kneading action may be performed by the treatment piece width drive unit 16 and the main body lifting drive unit 12 or the forward and backward mechanism 23 described later.

[0047] Regarding the basic structure of the massage machine 1 described above, various other well-known structures can be adopted.

[0048] The massage machine 1 has a left-side treatment unit 27A and a right-side treatment unit 27B, each capable of independently detecting left-side and right-side body information of the patient (see left-side body information detection unit 29A and right-side body information detection unit 29B). Figure 4 The massage machine 1 has a control unit 30 for executing body information detection modes (see reference). Figure 4 In the described body information detection mode, after one of the left-side body information detection units 29A and the right-side body information detection units 29B detects one of the left-side and right-side body information, the other of the left-side and right-side body information detection units 29A and 29B detects the other of the left-side and right-side body information. With this configuration, when detecting one of the left or right body information, it is less likely that the treatment device on the other side will push the body in the direction of reducing tilt. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the left and right treatment devices are in a protruding state against the body to detect the amount of protrusion on each side, the detection accuracy of body information such as the left and right tilt of the patient can be improved.

[0049] In this embodiment, in body information detection mode, the control unit 30 detects one of the left and right body information when one of the left treatment member 27A and the right treatment member 27B protrudes more than the other, and detects the other of the left and right body information when the other of the left treatment member 27A and the right treatment member 27B protrudes more than the other. With this configuration, when detecting body information on one side (the other side), it is less likely that the treatment member 27A (27B), which is the side different from the protruding side, will be pushed in a direction where the tilt decreases. Therefore, the accuracy of detecting the patient's body information can be improved while simplifying the device configuration.

[0050] In this embodiment, the forward / reverse mechanism 23 is configured to be connected via transmission mechanisms 25 and 26 (see reference 24) driven by the motor 24. Figure 3 This allows the left and right treatment pieces 27A and 27B to move forward and backward. For example, if the mechanism uses air pressure from an air chamber or similar source to move the left and right treatment pieces forward and backward, there is a concern that the compression of air caused by the patient's load might lead to discrepancies in the amount of movement. With the above configuration, the left and right treatment pieces 27A and 27B can move forward and backward stably.

[0051] In this embodiment, the left-side body information detection unit 29A and the right-side body information detection unit 29B are configured to detect the load exerted by the patient on the left-side treatment component 27A and the right-side treatment component 27B. With this configuration, it can be said that the load exerted by the patient on the left-side treatment component 27A and the right-side treatment component 27B can be directly detected. Therefore, compared to structures that, for example, detect the relative movement of the treatment component support accompanying the compression of the air chamber using an optical sensor, detection accuracy can be improved.

[0052] The support portion 21 is fixedly disposed relative to the main body 11 of the treatment unit, and supports the left treatment member 27A and the right treatment member 27B in a manner that allows them to move forward and backward. With this structure, compared to a structure where the support portion 21 supporting the treatment members 27A (27B) is freely movable relative to the main body 11 of the treatment unit, the left and right treatment members 27A and 27B can be pushed more effectively towards the recipient. Furthermore, the detection accuracy of body information by the aforementioned left body information detection unit 29A and right body information detection unit 29B can be improved more effectively.

[0053] In this embodiment, the transmission mechanisms 25 and 26 include a circular plate-shaped eccentric cam 25 driven by a motor 24 and a treatment piece mounting portion 26 having a cam receiving portion 26a in which the circular plate-shaped eccentric cam 25 is rotatably received. With such a structure, simply rotating the circular plate-shaped eccentric cam 25 causes it to rotate within the cam receiving portion 26a of the treatment piece mounting portion 26 where the treatment piece 27A (27B) is mounted, thereby drawing an arc and enabling the treatment piece 27A (27B) to move forward and backward. Thus, compared to a structure where, for example, a mechanism is provided that simply tilts or moves back and forth via an arc rack or linear motion mechanism, the treatment piece 27A (27B) can move forward and backward more smoothly and continuously, resulting in a better acupressure effect. Furthermore, by pushing the treatment piece 27A (27B) in an arc-shaped manner from the lower side or the upper side, a variety of treatments can be performed.

[0054] Specifically, in this embodiment, each of the left-side treatment unit 20A and the right-side treatment unit 20B is provided with a retraction mechanism 23A and 23B. That is, the left-side treatment unit 20A is provided with a left-side retraction mechanism 23A for retracting the left-side treatment unit 27A, and the right-side treatment unit 20B is provided with a right-side retraction mechanism 23B for retracting the right-side treatment unit 27B. These left-side treatment units 20A and right-side treatment units 20B, including the left-side retraction mechanism 23A and right-side retraction mechanism 23B, the left-side treatment unit 27A and right-side treatment unit 27B, and the left-side body information detection unit 29A and right-side body information detection unit 29B, all have the same structure. Hereinafter, one example of the specific structure will be described using the left and right sides as an example. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between left and right, the left treatment unit 20A and the right treatment unit 20B are designated as treatment unit 20, the left advance / retreat mechanism 23A and the right advance / retreat mechanism 23B are designated as advance / retreat mechanism 23, the left treatment unit 27A and the right treatment unit 27B are designated as treatment unit 27, and the left body information detection unit 29A and the right body information detection unit 29B are designated as body information detection unit 29. References in the following description Figure 6 and Figure 8 The left treatment unit 20A and the right treatment unit 20B are simplified and illustrated in the figure.

[0055] The support portion 21 of the treatment unit 20 is as follows Figure 3As shown in (a), the treatment part body 11 is fixed to the arm 19, which is provided in a manner that protrudes forward from the treatment part body 11. The support 21 is fixed in a way that prevents displacement relative to the arm 19. The aforementioned treatment part width drive 16, kneading drive 17, and tapping drive 18 can also be configured such that the arm 19 can be displaced via various mechanical transmission mechanisms. Here, the support 21 of the treatment part unit 20 being fixed relative to the treatment part body 11 means that it includes a structure in which the treatment part 27 is displaced by the treatment part width drive 16, kneading drive 17, and tapping drive 18, but excludes a structure in which it can be freely displaced by contact with the body of the person being treated. The contact of the treatment part 27 with the body of the person being treated is not limited to a configuration in which the treatment part 27 is directly in contact with the body, but includes contact via a sheet-like cover or clothing that is usually provided to cover the front side of the treatment part 27.

[0056] In this embodiment, the support portion 21 is elongated in the body's length direction. The support portion 21 is configured such that a treatment element 27, which moves forward and backward via a retraction mechanism 23, is located at one end in the length direction, and another treatment element 22 is located at the other end in the length direction. In the illustration, viewed from the left-right direction, the support portion 21 is crescent-shaped (dart-shaped), configured such that the treatment element 27, which moves forward and backward via the retraction mechanism 23, is located at its upper end, and a lower treatment element 22, which serves as another treatment element, is located at its lower end. This lower treatment element 22 may also be a roller that rotates freely about an axis that is approximately in the left-right direction.

[0057] Alternatively, instead of a structure where the treatment element 27 moves forward and backward via the advance-retreat mechanism 23 is located on the upper side, a structure can be provided on the lower side. The support portion 21 may also only have the treatment element 27 moving forward and backward via the advance-retreat mechanism 23. Other treatment elements may also be provided on the support portion 21 or other locations, either vertically or horizontally. The shape of the support portion 21 is not limited to crescent (dart-shaped) and can be any other shape.

[0058] A circular eccentric cam 25 is connected to a motor 24 via a suitable speed reducer and is fixedly positioned so that it cannot rotate relative to a camshaft 23a, which is axially oriented approximately left-right. The circular eccentric cam 25 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction approximately left-right and appears circular when viewed in the thickness direction. The camshaft 23a is positioned offset from the center of the circular eccentric cam 25.

[0059] The treatment component mounting portion 26 is elongated in the front-to-back direction, and is configured with a cam receiving portion 26a at its midpoint in the front-to-back direction. In the illustration, the treatment component mounting portion 26 is elliptical (egg-shaped) when viewed in the left-to-right direction, and is configured with a cam receiving portion 26a at approximately its midpoint in the front-to-back direction. A suitable rolling bearing or the like may also be provided between the inner circumferential surface of this cam receiving portion 26a and the outer circumferential surface of the circular eccentric cam 25.

[0060] The treatment piece mounting portion 26 has a guide groove 26b into which a pin-shaped limiting protrusion 23b is inserted. The guide groove 26b is fixedly provided on the support portion 21 side. The guide groove 26b is provided in a front-rear direction on the side rearward of the cam receiving portion 26a (guide rail 9 side). By moving the limiting protrusion 23b relative to the guide groove 26b, the displacement of the treatment piece mounting portion 26, which accompanies the rotation of the circular plate-shaped eccentric cam 25, is limited. The shape of the treatment piece mounting portion 26 is not limited to an elliptical (egg-shaped) shape, but can be various other shapes.

[0061] The treatment element 27 is mounted on the treatment element mounting portion 26 via a mounting portion 28 that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The treatment element 27 is located at the front end of the mounting portion 28. The treatment element 27 may also be in the form of a roller that can rotate freely about an axis that is approximately in the left-right direction.

[0062] like Figure 3 (a)~ Figure 3 As shown in (d), if the motor 24 is driven, the circular eccentric cam 25 rotates, thereby actuating the treatment piece mounting part 26, which moves in an arc-shaped manner while being restricted by the limiting protrusion 23b. The treatment piece 27 moves back and forth in an arc-shaped manner.

[0063] The mounted portion 28 is mounted on the treatment element mounting portion 26 via a retaining shaft 26c at its midpoint in the front-rear direction. In the illustration, the mounted portion 28, located on the upper side of the treatment element mounting portion 26 and extending in the front-rear direction, has a portion extending downwards at its midpoint, which is mounted on the retaining shaft 26c. When the treatment element 27 is not in contact with the patient, the mounted portion 28 can rotate about the retaining shaft 26c toward its rear end to the side below the treatment element mounting portion 26, but it cannot rotate to the opposite side due to a suitable stop. The retaining shaft 26c is not limited to being located on the treatment element mounting portion 26 side; it can also be located on the mounted portion 28 side.

[0064] The retraction mechanism 23 is not limited to the mechanism described above, which uses the rotation of the circular eccentric cam 25 to move the treatment piece 27 in an arc-shaped manner while simultaneously moving it forward and backward. The retraction mechanism 23 can also be configured to tilt the support arm of the treatment piece 27 via an eccentric circular plate or an arc-shaped rack, or to move it linearly via various linkage mechanisms. The retraction mechanism 23 is not limited to mechanisms that use mechanical transmission mechanisms to move the treatment piece 27 forward and backward; it can also be a mechanism that uses air pressure, such as an air chamber, to move it forward and backward. The retraction mechanism 23 is not limited to any mechanism that allows the left and right treatment pieces 27A and 27B to move forward and backward independently; it is not limited to a structure where each piece is independently positioned on the left and right sides.

[0065] A body information detection unit 29 is located between the rear end of the mounting part 28 and the treatment component mounting part 26, and detects the displacement of the mounting part 28 towards the lower rear end caused by the contact of the treatment component 27 with the body of the patient. The body information detection unit 29 can be a pressure sensor such as a strain gauge or a semiconductor pressure sensor that detects the pressure from the push from the rear end of the mounting part 28. Alternatively, the body information detection unit 29 can be configured to detect the load by detecting the current flowing into the motor 24, or it can be any other configuration. The body information detection unit 29 is not limited to detecting the load of the patient on the treatment component 27; it can also be a potentiometer that detects displacement at appropriate locations on the mounting part 28, or an optical sensor, magnetic sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or any other type of sensor.

[0066] The massage machine 1 is provided with a suitable power supply unit and power cord, which are connected to an external commercial power supply or the like to supply drive power to the aforementioned parts.

[0067] Massager 1 Figure 4 As shown, an operation display unit 31 is included. This operation display unit 31 can also be a remote control or the like, connected to the control unit 30 via a suitable signal line. The operation display unit 31 includes controls for starting and stopping (on / off) the massager 1, selecting various treatment modes, tilting the backrest 2 or leg rest 4, and moving the treatment unit 10. The operation display unit 31 is not limited to controls operated with fingers or the like; it can also include a voice recognition unit that can be operated via voice input, or other various structures. The operation display unit 31 is not limited to being pre-installed on the massager 1; it can also be a portable information terminal with application software installed for operation.

[0068] The control unit 30 is built into the lower side of the seat 3 of the massage machine 1. This control unit 30 includes a control circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a microcontroller (MCU) such as various memories such as ROM and RAM. In this control unit 30, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the aforementioned drive units and detection units are connected via signal lines, etc. According to a pre-set program stored in the memory of the control unit 30, the drive units are controlled while referring to the detection values ​​obtained from each detection unit to execute the body information detection mode or various treatment modes described later. The body information detection mode described later can be configured to be executed by operating an appropriate operation unit provided in the operation display unit 31 of the portable information terminal or the massage machine 1, or by receiving voice input in the voice recognition unit, or it can be configured to be included in an initial setting mode, etc., that is appropriately executed when the massage machine 1 is started.

[0069] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 detects the height positions of the left and right shoulders, which are considered body information of the patient, in a body information detection mode. With this configuration, a shoulder tilt detection mode can be executed to infer the vertical tilt of the patient's left and right shoulders.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 5 (a) and Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 As shown in (b), with the left treatment piece 27A protruding further than the right treatment piece 27B, the height position of the left shoulder is detected (step S100). At this time, the left treatment piece 27A is brought to its most forward position by the left advance / retreat mechanism 23A (refer to...). Figure 3 (c) The right-side treatment component 27B is brought to its final position via the right-side advance / retreat mechanism 23B (see reference). Figure 3 In state (a), the main body lifting drive 12 moves the treatment unit 10, which is located above the shoulder of the patient, downward. As for the way the left and right treatment units 27A and 27B move forward and backward in body information detection mode, they are not limited to the foremost and rearmost positions described above and below, but can also be set to appropriate positions so that one can come into contact with the patient while the other does not.

[0071] Furthermore, as the left-side treatment device 27A abuts against the left shoulder, if the detection value obtained by the left-side body information detection unit 29A exceeds a preset threshold, the position exceeding the threshold is stored in the memory as the height position of the left shoulder. This height position of the left shoulder can be detected by the aforementioned main body lifting position detection unit 13.

[0072] Next, contrary to the above, the height position of the right shoulder is detected while the right treatment unit 27B is protruding further than the left treatment unit 27A (step S101). At this time, with the right treatment unit 27B set to the foremost position by the right forward / backward mechanism 23B and the left treatment unit 27A set to the rearmost position by the left forward / backward mechanism 23A, the treatment unit 10, located above the shoulder of the patient, is moved downward by the main body lifting drive unit 12. Furthermore, if the detection value obtained by the right body information detection unit 29B is higher than a preset threshold as the right treatment unit 27B approaches the right shoulder, this higher position is saved as the height position of the right shoulder in the memory. This height position of the right shoulder can also be detected by the main body lifting position detection unit 13, as described above.

[0073] Next, the vertical tilt of the left and right shoulders is inferred (step S102). That is, the height position of the left shoulder detected as described above is compared with the height position of the right shoulder to infer the vertical tilt of the left and right shoulders.

[0074] Alternatively, a shoulder height position detection mode can be executed before the shoulder tilt detection mode, which detects the approximate shoulder height position (reference position) of the patient. In this shoulder height position detection mode, the shoulder height position can be detected by moving the treatment unit 10, located above the patient's shoulder, downwards while the left and right treatment units 27A and 27B are respectively protruding. An operation unit capable of changing the shoulder height position detected by this shoulder height position detection mode can also be provided on the operation display unit 31. In the shoulder tilt detection mode, when the treatment unit 10 is located above the patient's shoulder, it may not be at the upper limit position, but rather slightly above the shoulder height position detected by the shoulder height position detection mode.

[0075] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 detects the front-to-back position of the left shoulder and the front-to-back position of the right shoulder, which are body information of the patient, in the body information detection mode. With this configuration, a shoulder tilt detection mode that infers the front-to-back tilt of the patient's left and right shoulders can be executed.

[0076] Specifically, such as Figure 5 (b) and Figure 6 (c) Figure 6 As shown in (d), the anterior-posterior position of the left shoulder is detected while the left treatment piece 27A is protruding more than the right treatment piece 27B (step S200). At this time, as... Figure 6 As shown in (c), the left treatment component 27A can also be set to the foremost position, the right treatment component 27B to the rearmost position, and the main body 11 of the treatment unit can be set to the retracted position (or the rearmost retracted position, as shown below) via the main body retraction mechanism. From this state, as... Figure 6 As shown in (d), the main body of the treatment unit 11 is advanced by the main body retraction mechanism. Furthermore, as the left treatment member 27A abuts against the left shoulder, if the detection value obtained by the left body information detection unit 29A exceeds a preset threshold, this position is saved as the forward / backward position of the left shoulder in memory. This forward / backward position of the left shoulder can be detected by the aforementioned main body retraction position detection unit 15.

[0077] At this time, the treatment can also be performed with the main body 11 of the treatment unit in position so that the left treatment member 27A is in the state of the shoulder height position (or the left shoulder height position) detected by the execution of the above-mentioned shoulder height position detection mode or shoulder tilt detection mode.

[0078] Next, contrary to the above, the forward / backward position of the right shoulder is detected while the right treatment member 27B is protruding further than the left treatment member 27A (step S201). At this time, the right treatment member 27B is set to the foremost position and the left treatment member 27A is set to the rearmost position. The treatment unit body 11 is moved to the rearward position by the main body retraction mechanism. From this state, the treatment unit body 11 is moved forward by the main body retraction mechanism. Furthermore, if the detection value obtained by the right body information detection unit 29B is higher than a preset threshold as the right treatment member 27B approaches the right shoulder, the position that exceeds the threshold is saved as the forward / backward position of the right shoulder in the memory. This forward / backward position of the right shoulder can be detected by the main body retraction position detection unit 15 in the same way as described above.

[0079] At this time, the treatment can also be performed with the main body 11 of the treatment unit in position so that the right treatment member 27B is in the state of the shoulder height position (or the right shoulder height position) detected by the execution of the above-mentioned shoulder height position detection mode or shoulder tilt detection mode.

[0080] Next, the tilt of the left and right shoulders in the front-back direction is inferred (step S202). That is, the front-back position of the left shoulder detected as described above is compared with the front-back position of the right shoulder to infer the tilt of the left and right shoulders in the front-back direction.

[0081] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are body information of the patient, in a body information detection mode. With this configuration, a pelvic tilt detection mode that infers the vertical tilt of the patient's left and right pelvises can be executed.

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 7 (a) and Figure 8 of (a), Figure 8As shown in (b), the height position of the left pelvis is detected when the left treatment unit 27A is protruding more than the right treatment unit 27B (step S300). At this time, similarly, with the left treatment unit 27A at its foremost position and the right treatment unit 27B at its rearmost position, the treatment unit 10, located above the patient's pelvis, is moved downwards by the main body lifting drive unit 12. In this pelvic tilt detection mode, a rough reference pelvic height position can also be inferred from the shoulder height position (or the height position of one or both shoulders) detected by the shoulder height position detection mode or the shoulder tilt detection mode described above. The left and right treatment units 27A and 27B are then moved downwards to a position slightly higher than this position. Furthermore, if the detection value obtained by the left body information detection unit 29A exceeds a preset threshold as the left treatment unit 27A abuts against the left pelvis, this higher position is saved as the height position of the left pelvis in the memory. The height position of the left pelvis is the same as described above and can be detected by the main body lifting position detection unit 13.

[0083] Next, contrary to the above, the height position of the right pelvis is detected while the right treatment unit 27B is protruding more than the left treatment unit 27A (step S301). At this time, with the right treatment unit 27B in the foremost position and the left treatment unit 27A in the rearmost position, the treatment unit 10, located above the patient's pelvis (the aforementioned reference pelvic height position), is moved downward by the main body lifting drive unit 12. Furthermore, if the detection value obtained by the right body information detection unit 29B is higher than a preset threshold as the right treatment unit 27B abuts against the right pelvis, this higher position is saved as the height position of the right pelvis in the memory. This height position of the right pelvis can also be detected by the main body lifting position detection unit 13, as described above.

[0084] Next, the vertical tilt of the left and right pelvises is inferred (step S302). That is, the height position of the left pelvis detected as described above is compared with the height position of the right pelvis to infer the vertical tilt of the left and right pelvises.

[0085] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 detects the anterior-posterior positions of the left and right pelvises, which are body information of the patient, in a body information detection mode. With this configuration, an anterior-posterior tilt detection mode that infers the anterior-posterior tilt of the patient's left and right pelvises can be executed.

[0086] Specifically, such as Figure 7 (b) and Figure 8 (c) Figure 8As shown in (d), the anterior-posterior position of the left pelvis is detected while the left treatment piece 27A is protruding more than the right treatment piece 27B (step S400). At this time, as... Figure 8 As shown in (c), the left treatment unit 27A is positioned at the foremost position, and the right treatment unit 27B is positioned at the rearmost position. The main body of the treatment unit 11 is moved to the rearward position by the main body retraction mechanism. From this state, as... Figure 8 As shown in (d), the main body of the treatment unit 11 is advanced by the main body retraction mechanism. Furthermore, as the left treatment component 27A abuts against the left pelvis, if the detection value obtained by the left body information detection unit 29A exceeds a preset threshold, this position is saved as the front-back position of the left pelvis in memory. This front-back position of the left pelvis can be detected by the aforementioned main body retraction position detection unit 15.

[0087] At this time, the treatment unit 11 can also be positioned so that the left treatment piece 27A is at the height position of the left pelvis as detected by the execution of the above-mentioned reference pelvic height position or pelvic tilt detection mode.

[0088] Next, contrary to the above, the anterior-posterior position of the right pelvis is detected while the right treatment component 27B is protruding further than the left treatment component 27A (step S401). At this time, the right treatment component 27B is set to the foremost position and the left treatment component 27A is set to the rearmost position. The treatment unit body 11 is moved to the rearward position by the main body retraction mechanism. From this state, the treatment unit body 11 is moved forward by the main body retraction mechanism. Furthermore, if the detection value obtained by the right body information detection unit 29B is higher than a preset threshold as the right treatment component 27B abuts against the right pelvis, the position that exceeds the threshold is saved as the anterior-posterior position of the right pelvis in the memory. This anterior-posterior position of the right pelvis can also be detected by the main body retraction position detection unit 15, as described above.

[0089] At this time, the treatment unit 11 can also be positioned so that the right treatment piece 27B is at the height position of the right pelvis as detected by the execution of the above-mentioned reference pelvic height position or pelvic tilt detection mode.

[0090] Next, the anteroposterior tilt of the left and right pelvises is inferred (step S402). That is, the anteroposterior position of the left pelvis, as detected as described above, is compared with the anteroposterior position of the right pelvis to infer the anteroposterior tilt of the left and right pelvises.

[0091] In the above-mentioned shoulder tilt detection mode and shoulder anterior-posterior tilt detection mode, the widths of the left and right treatment pieces 27A and 27B can be set to the widths corresponding to the left and right shoulders. In the pelvic tilt detection mode and pelvic anterior-posterior tilt detection mode, the widths of the left and right treatment pieces 27A and 27B can be set to the widths corresponding to the left and right pelvis.

[0092] Among the various body information detection modes described above, an example is shown that the detection starts from the left side of the body, but it is also possible to detect the right side of the body first.

[0093] The above example illustrates the configuration of executing the shoulder tilt detection mode, shoulder forward and backward tilt detection mode, pelvic tilt detection mode, and pelvic forward and backward tilt detection mode in the body information detection mode, but it can also be configured to execute at least one of them.

[0094] In the example above, a single treatment unit (treatment unit 10) is shown. However, it can also be configured to have multiple treatment units (treatment units 10) at the top and bottom, such as the upper treatment unit (treatment unit 10) detecting body information on the shoulder side and the lower treatment unit (treatment unit 10) detecting body information on the waist (pelvis) side.

[0095] The above example illustrates the detection of body information for one of the left and right treatment devices 27A and 27B when one of them is protruding further than the other. However, this method is not limited to this. For example, it could be done in the following way: when both left and right treatment devices 27A and 27B are protruding, they are lowered or advanced as described above. Once the detection value of one of the left and right body information detection units 29A and 29B exceeds the aforementioned threshold, that position is saved as body information for one of the left and right devices in memory. Then, the treatment device on one side is moved back and lowered or advanced. If the detection value of the other side exceeds the aforementioned threshold, that position is saved as body information for the other left and right device in memory. In this case, when both left and right treatment devices 27A and 27B are protruding, if the detections performed by the left and right body information detection units 29A and 29B are approximately simultaneous, it is inferred that there is no skew or distortion. In this case, instead of executing the body information detection mode, a body position detection mode such as shoulder height position can be executed.

[0096] Furthermore, instead of having the left and right treatment components 27A and 27B housed in a single treatment unit 10, a pair of treatment units, each having left and right treatment components 27A and 27B and capable of moving along the length of the body, can be provided. In this case, it is also possible to detect body information on the other side by lowering or advancing one side of the left and right treatment components 27A and 27B in a state where one side is positioned at an upper limit position relative to the patient and not in contact with the patient.

[0097] The control unit 30 can also infer the degree of spinal (vertebral) tilt based on the vertical tilt information of the left and right shoulders and the vertical tilt information of the left and right pelvis detected as described above.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), if neither the shoulder nor the pelvis tilts vertically (the vertical tilt is below a predetermined value, and the same applies below), the control unit 30 infers that there is no spinal misalignment.

[0099] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), when the right shoulder is lower than the left shoulder and the pelvis is not tilted in the vertical direction, the control unit 30 is inferred to be a curved deviation with the shoulder side of the spine protruding to the left.

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown in (c), when the left shoulder is lower than the right shoulder and the pelvis is not tilted in the vertical direction, the control unit 30 is inferred to be a curved deviation with the shoulder side of the spine protruding to the right.

[0101] like Figure 9 As shown in (d), when the shoulder does not tilt in the vertical direction and the right pelvis is lower than the left pelvis, the control unit 30 infers a curved tilt that protrudes to the right from the lumbar region of the spine.

[0102] like Figure 9 As shown in (e), when the shoulder does not tilt in the vertical direction and the left pelvis is lower than the right pelvis, the control unit 30 infers a curved tilt that protrudes to the left from the lumbar region of the spine.

[0103] like Figure 9 As shown in (f), when the right shoulder is lower than the left shoulder and the right pelvis is lower than the left pelvis, the control unit 30 infers that the back bone protrudes to the left on the shoulder side and to the right on the waist side.

[0104] like Figure 9 As shown in (g), when the right shoulder is lower than the left shoulder and the left pelvis is lower than the right pelvis, the control unit 30 infers that the spine as a whole is protruding to the left in a curved tilt.

[0105] like Figure 9 As shown in (h), when the left shoulder is lower than the right shoulder and the left pelvis is lower than the right pelvis, the control unit 30 infers that the spine protrudes to the right on the shoulder side and to the left on the waist side.

[0106] like Figure 9 As shown in (i), when the left shoulder is lower than the right shoulder and the right pelvis is lower than the left pelvis, the control unit 30 infers that the spine as a whole is bent and tilted to the right.

[0107] Such information about spinal misalignment can also include information about the magnitude of the misalignment.

[0108] The control unit 30 can also infer the twisting condition of the spine (spinal cord) based on the tilt information of the left and right shoulders in the front-back direction and the tilt information of the left and right pelvis in the front-back direction detected as described above.

[0109] like Figure 10 As shown in (a), when the left and right shoulders do not tilt in the front-back direction (the tilt in the front-back direction is below a predetermined value, and the same applies below), the control unit 30 infers that there is no twisting in the shoulder area of ​​the spine.

[0110] like Figure 10 As shown in (b), when the right shoulder is further forward than the left shoulder, it is inferred that the control unit 30 is twisted counterclockwise at the shoulder side of the spine.

[0111] like Figure 10 As shown in (c), when the left shoulder is further forward than the right shoulder, it is inferred that the control unit 30 is twisted clockwise at the shoulder side of the spine.

[0112] like Figure 10 As shown in (d), if the control unit 30 does not tilt in the left and right pelvis in the front and back directions, it is inferred that there is no twisting in the lumbar region of the spine.

[0113] like Figure 10 As shown in (e), when the right pelvis is further forward than the left pelvis, the control unit 30 is inferred to be twisted counterclockwise at the lumbar region of the spine.

[0114] like Figure 10 As shown in (f), when the left pelvis is further forward than the right pelvis, the control unit 30 is inferred to be twisted clockwise at the lumbar region of the spine.

[0115] Such information about the twisting of the spine can also include information about the size of the twist.

[0116] The control unit 30 can also determine and execute the optimal treatment mode from a plurality of preset treatment modes based on the spinal misalignment information detected as described above. The control unit 30 can also determine and execute the optimal treatment mode from a plurality of preset treatment modes based on the spinal torsion information detected as described above. For example, the intensity, number of treatments, and sequence can be different on the right and left sides. In this case, treatment can be performed not only by the treatment unit 10 on the back side, but also by different intensities, numbers of treatments, and sequences on the right and left sides by each air chamber, including the air chambers provided at the leg support 4 and armrests 5, 5. When treatment is performed by the treatment unit 10, the intensity can be varied based on the detection values ​​obtained from the left body information detection unit 29A and the right body information detection unit 29B.

[0117] The configuration of the various parts constituting the massage machine 1 of this embodiment and the body information detection mode are not limited to the examples described above, and various other modifications are possible.

[0118] Label Explanation

[0119] 1 massage machine

[0120] 10 Treatment Units (Treatment Departments)

[0121] 11. Main body of the treatment area

[0122] 21 Support section

[0123] 23. Entry and Exit Mechanisms

[0124] 24 motors

[0125] 25. Circular plate-shaped eccentric cam (transmission mechanism)

[0126] 26. Treatment Component Installation Section (Transfer Mechanism)

[0127] 26a Cam Support

[0128] 27A Left Side Treatment Piece

[0129] 27B Right Side Treatment Piece

[0130] 29A Left Side Body Information Detection Department

[0131] 29B Right Side Body Information Detection Department

[0132] 30 Control Department

Claims

1. A massage machine, characterized in that, have: The treatment area has a left-side treatment component and a right-side treatment component, and can move along the length of the body; The left-side body information detection unit and the right-side body information detection unit are each located in the aforementioned left-side treatment device and the aforementioned right-side treatment device, and are capable of independently detecting the left-side body information and the right-side body information of the treatment recipient. as well as The control unit executes a body information detection mode in which, after one of the aforementioned left-side body information detection units and the aforementioned right-side body information detection units detects one of the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information, the other of the aforementioned left-side body information detection units and the aforementioned right-side body information detection units detects the other of the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information. The aforementioned left-side body information detection unit and the aforementioned right-side body information detection unit are configured to detect the load exerted by the patient on the aforementioned left-side treatment device and the aforementioned right-side treatment device. The aforementioned left-side treatment component and the aforementioned right-side treatment component are disposed in a treatment unit constituting the aforementioned treatment part. In the treatment unit, there is a retraction mechanism that enables the aforementioned left-side treatment component and the aforementioned right-side treatment component to move forward and backward independently. The aforementioned advancing and retreating mechanism is configured such that the left-side treatment piece and the right-side treatment piece advance and retreat via a transmission mechanism driven by a motor; A support portion is fixedly provided on the side relative to the main body of the treatment unit. The support portion supports the left and right treatment components in a manner that allows the left and right treatment components to move forward and backward. In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit, while one of the left and right treatment devices is positioned more forward than the other, brings that treatment device into contact with the patient's body. The left and right body information detection units individually detect the patient's load on that treatment device to detect the left and right body information. Then, while the other treatment device is positioned more forward than the other, it brings that treatment device into contact with the patient's body. The left and right body information detection units individually detect the patient's load on that treatment device to detect the other body information.

2. The massage machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned transmission mechanism includes a circular plate-shaped eccentric cam that is driven to rotate by the aforementioned motor, and a treatment component mounting part. The treatment component mounting part is provided with a cam receiving part in which the circular plate-shaped eccentric cam can be rotatably received.

3. The massage machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right shoulders, which are considered as the left and right body information, respectively.

4. The massage machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right shoulders, which are considered as the left and right body information, respectively.

5. The massage machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the front-to-back position of the left shoulder and the front-to-back position of the right shoulder, which are the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information.

6. The massage machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the front-to-back position of the left shoulder and the front-to-back position of the right shoulder, which are the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information.

7. The massage machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the front-to-back position of the left shoulder and the front-to-back position of the right shoulder, which are the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information.

8. The massage machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the front-to-back position of the left shoulder and the front-to-back position of the right shoulder, which are the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information.

9. The massage machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

10. The massage machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

11. The massage machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

12. The massage machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

13. The massage machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

14. The massage machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

15. The massage machine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

16. The massage machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the height positions of the left and right pelvises, which are the aforementioned left and right body information, respectively.

17. The massage machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, In the aforementioned body information detection mode, the control unit detects the anterior-posterior position of the left pelvis and the anterior-posterior position of the right pelvis, which are the aforementioned left-side body information and the aforementioned right-side body information.

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