Massage machine

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a massage machine which is provided with a footstool and has a good use feeling. The present invention is characterized by comprising: a seat part for supporting the buttocks and thighs of a seated person to be treated; the foot stool is used for supporting the shank part of the treated person, at least the front end part of the seat part can ascend and descend from a specified reference position, the foot stool and the front end part of the seat part form a clamping mechanism in a mode that the foot stool can move relative to the seat part, and the clamping mechanism is configured in a way that when the front end part of the seat part ascends from the reference position, the foot stool can move relative to the seat part. When the front end portion of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position, the footstool is raised together with the front end portion, and when the front end portion of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position, the position of the footstool is maintained and the front end portion is lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine equipped with a footrest. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a massage machine having a function of assisting a subject to stand up has been known (see Patent Document 1). This massage machine includes a seat portion and a backrest portion. When treating a subject, for example, by tilting the backrest portion and raising the front end portion of the seat portion higher than the rear end portion, the weight of the subject is applied to the treatment member to improve the treatment effect. On the other hand, when the subject finishes the treatment and gets off the seat, by lowering the front end portion of the seat portion lower than the rear end portion, the subject is assisted to stand up from the seat.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-205005 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In recent years, in many massage machines, a footrest for supporting the lower legs of the subject is provided at the front end portion of the seat portion on which the subject is seated. However, the above-described massage machine does not have a footrest and does not consider the ease of standing up and the user experience such as the treatment effect in a structure having a footrest.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a massage machine that has a good user experience even when equipped with a footrest.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The massage machine of the present invention includes:

[0011] a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated subject; and

[0012] a footrest that supports the lower legs of the subject,

[0013] at least the front end portion of the seat portion can be raised and lowered from a prescribed reference position,

[0014] a latching mechanism is formed between the footrest and the front end portion of the seat portion so that the footrest can move relative to the seat portion,

[0015] the latching mechanism is configured such that when the front end portion rises from the reference position, the footrest rises together with the front end portion, and on the other hand, when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the footrest maintains its position and the front end portion descends.

[0016] Thus, at least when the front end portion of the seat part rises from the reference position, the footrest also rises together with the front end portion, so that the position of the footrest relative to the seat part is maintained. Therefore, when the front end portion is at the reference position or at a position rising from the reference position, the change of the treatment position relative to the lower leg part can be suppressed. As a result, the reduction of the treatment effect caused by the change of the treatment position can be suppressed. On the other hand, in the state where the position of the footrest is maintained, the front end portion of the seat part descends from the reference position, so that it is easy for the subject to stand up from the seat part when getting off the seat. Thus, even for a massage machine equipped with a footrest, it can be used with a good feeling. It should be noted that in the present invention, the "feeling of using" the massage machine is a concept including the feeling of comfort of the subject during and before and after the treatment, the treatment effect, the ease of use of the massage machine, etc.

[0017] In the massage machine, it may also be that

[0018] the seat part rotates in such a way that the front end portion rotates up and down with the rear end portion of the seat part as the rotation center, and the front end portion can be lowered to a position where the seat surface of the seat part is lower at the front and higher at the rear.

[0019] According to this structure, through the rotation of the seat part, the front end portion descends, and the seat surface becomes lower at the front and higher at the rear, so that it is easier for the subject to stand up when getting off the seat.

[0020] In addition, in the massage machine, it may also be that

[0021] the footrest can move between an upright posture and a deployed posture. The upright posture is a posture in which the wall portion disposed on the rear side of the calf of the subject and in contact with the calf stands upright, and the deployed posture is a posture in which the footrest rotates and the lower end of the wall portion moves forward from the upright posture. When the front end portion descends from the reference position, the footrest is in the upright posture.

[0022] According to this structure, when the front end portion of the seat part descends from the reference position and the subject stands up, the footrest becomes the upright posture (that is, the wall portion stands upright), so that the footrest does not become an obstacle and the subject can stand up.

[0023] In addition, in the massage machine, it may also be that

[0024] the massage machine is provided with a control part for controlling the footrest,

[0025] when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the control part controls so that the footrest does not move.

[0026] According to this structure, the movement of the footrest when the front end portion of the seat part descends from the reference position and the subject gets on and off the seat part can be prevented. Thus, the subject can get on and off the seat part safely.

[0027] In addition, in the massage machine, it may also be that

[0028] The engaging mechanism has: a rotating shaft that extends along the width direction of the seat portion; and a bearing portion that engages with the rotating shaft.

[0029] The front end portion has the rotating shaft, and the footrest has the bearing portion.

[0030] The bearing portion has:

[0031] An engaging portion that engages the footrest and the rotating shaft in the vertical direction; and

[0032] A separating portion that is arranged in the vertical direction with the engaging portion and makes the rotating shaft in a state of being separated from the engaging portion.

[0033] When the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotating shaft engages with the engaging portion. On the other hand, when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the rotating shaft moves from the engaging portion toward the separating portion side.

[0034] According to this structure, when the rotating shaft moves from the engaging portion to the separating portion side in the bearing portion, the front end portion of the seat portion can descend from the reference position.

[0035] In addition, in the massage machine, it may also be that

[0036] The engaging mechanism has: a rotating shaft that extends along the width direction of the seat portion; and a bearing portion that engages with the rotating shaft.

[0037] The front end portion has the bearing portion, and the footrest has the rotating shaft.

[0038] The bearing portion has:

[0039] An engaging portion that engages the footrest and the rotating shaft in the vertical direction; and

[0040] A separating portion that is arranged in the vertical direction with the engaging portion and makes the rotating shaft in a state of being separated from the engaging portion.

[0041] When the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotating shaft engages with the engaging portion. On the other hand, when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the rotating shaft moves from the engaging portion toward the separating portion side.

[0042] According to this structure, when the rotating shaft moves from the engaging portion to the separating portion side in the bearing portion, the front end portion of the seat portion can also descend from the reference position.

[0043] Advantages of the Invention

[0044] As described above, according to the present invention, a massage machine that provides a good user experience even when equipped with a footrest can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the massage machine of this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the massage machine.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the massage machine.

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing the massage machine.

[0049] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken at the V-V position in

[0050] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken at the VI-VI position in

[0051] Figure 7 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of position VII of

[0052] Figure 8 is Figure 4 an enlarged view of position VIII of

[0053] Figure 9 is a side view showing an example of the state of the massage machine during treatment.

[0054] Figure 10 is a side view of the massage machine in the initial state.

[0055] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the bearing through-hole of another embodiment.

[0056] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the bearing through-hole of another embodiment.

[0057] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the bearing part of another embodiment.

[0058] Description of the reference numerals:

[0059] 1... Massage machine; 2... Seat portion; 2a... Seat surface; 2f... Front end portion of the seat portion; 2r... Rear end portion of the seat portion; 21... Seat portion main body; 22... Shaft holding portion; 23... Rear end connecting portion; 3... Footrest; 31... Wall portion; 32... Partition portion; 33... Side wall portion; 34... Bottom plate portion; 35... Bearing portion; 350... Bearing through hole; 350a... Peripheral portion of the through hole; 351... Engaging portion; 352... Separating portion; 355... First bearing member; 356... Second bearing member; 4... Backrest; 41... Guide rail; 5... Treatment unit; 6... Vertically installed portion; 60... Frame; 61... Frame vertically installed portion; 62, 62a, 62b, 62c... Frame connecting portions; 621... Shaft supporting portion; 7... Armrest portion; 8... Operation portion; 9... Control portion; 11... First actuator; 12... Second actuator; 13... Third actuator; 11a, 12a, 13a... Rods; 11b, 12b, 13b... Cylinders; 12c... Roller; A2... Seat portion rotation axis; A3... Footrest rotation axis; A4... Backrest rotation axis; Ar... Area where the footrest rotation axis moves; E... Engaging mechanism; P0... Reference position; P1... Upright posture; P2... Extended posture; α1... First inner diameter of the bearing through hole; α2... Second inner diameter of the bearing through hole; β... Diameter of the footrest rotation axis. Detailed implementation mode

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1 to 10 An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0061] As Figure 1 shown, the massage machine 1 of this embodiment is a seat-type massage machine equipped with a footrest 3. Specifically, the massage machine 1 includes a seat portion 2 and a footrest 3 that supports the calf of the person being treated. In addition, the massage machine 1 includes a backrest 4, a treatment unit 5, a pair of vertically installed portions 6, and a pair of armrest portions 7. And, the massage machine 1 includes an operation portion 8 for operating the massage machine 1, a control portion 9 for controlling the massage machine 1, and a plurality of actuators (drive portions) 11 to 13 for rotating each structure (seat portion 2, footrest 3, and backrest 4) of the massage machine 1 (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0062] In the following description, each structure of the massage machine 1 will be specifically described. However, in this description, from the perspective of the person being treated on the massage machine 1 in the state where the backrest 4 is erected ( Figure 1 shown state), the front side (front side) is referred to as "front", and the rear side (back side) is referred to as "rear". In addition, from the perspective of the person being treated on the massage machine 1 in the state where the backrest 4 is erected, the upper side (head side) is referred to as "upper", and the lower side (foot side) is referred to as "lower". In addition, from the perspective of the person being treated on the massage machine 1 in the state where the backrest 4 is erected, the right side is referred to as "right", and the left side is referred to as "left".

[0063] In addition, regarding the footstool 3, even in a state where the footstool 3 rotates in the front-rear direction, the side of the person to be treated with respect to the footstool 3 is referred to as "front", and the side opposite to the person to be treated with respect to the footstool 3 is referred to as "rear". Also, the direction from the ankle of the person to be treated towards the knee in the footstool 3 is referred to as "upward", and the direction from the knee of the person to be treated towards the ankle in the footstool 3 is referred to as "downward".

[0064] In addition, in the following description, "foot" refers to the part from the ankle to the tip of the toe (i.e., the toe tip). "Leg" refers to the part below the hip joint (i.e., up to the toe tip of the foot). "Lower limb" refers to the part from the hip joint to the ankle. "Thigh" refers to the part from the hip joint to the knee. "Calf" refers to the part from the knee to the ankle. "Gastrocnemius" refers to the bulging part at the back of the calf.

[0065] It should be noted that Figures 2 to 10 schematically (summarily) shows the structure of the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment. In addition, in Figures 2 to 10 , the cloth or leather covers, plastic covers (frames), exterior materials such as cushioning materials, airbags, etc. arranged on the surfaces of the respective structures are omitted. In addition, Figures 2 to 10 , in order to easily observe the respective structures, the treatment unit 5, the upright setting portion 6, the armrest portion 7, etc. are also omitted.

[0066] As Figure 1 shown, a pair of upright setting portions 6 are uprightly arranged on both sides of the seat portion 2 in the left-right direction, and respectively support the armrest portion 7. Also as Figures 2 to 6 shown, each upright setting portion 6 of the present embodiment internally has a frame upright setting portion 61. This pair of frame upright setting portions 61 and a plurality of frame connection portions 62a to 62d connecting the frame upright setting portions 61 to each other together constitute a frame 60.

[0067] This frame 60 supports the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 4. Specifically, the upper part of the frame 60 is connected to the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 4, and the lower part is placed on the ground (installation surface).

[0068] A pair of frame upright setting portions 61 are plate-shaped parts or members of a specified shape that extend in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and are uprightly arranged on both sides of the seat portion 2 in the left-right direction. The upper part of each frame upright setting portion 61 is connected to the lower end portion of the backrest portion 4 via a backrest rotation shaft A4 extending in the left-right direction.

[0069] Each of the frame connecting portions 62a to 62d extends in the left-right direction to connect the pair of frame erection portions 61 to each other. The frame connecting portion 62a that connects the upper portions of the frame erection portions 61 (specifically, the positions corresponding to the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion 2) among these multiple frame connecting portions 62a to 62d has a pair of shaft support portions 621 that extend upward at both end portions. The shaft support portion 621 supports the seat rotation shaft A2 that extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion 2 via the seat rotation shaft A2 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0070] Return Figure 1 , a pair of armrest portions 7 are respectively arranged on the upper portions of the erection portions 6. The pair of armrest portions 7 are arranged on both sides in the left-right direction of the seat portion 2 and support the forearms and hands of the subject being treated.

[0071] The seat portion 2 is the portion where the subject being treated sits and supports the buttocks and thighs of the sitting subject being treated. Also as Figures 2 to 6 shown, a footrest 3 is connected to the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2, and the seat portion 2 supports the footrest 3. Specifically, in the massage machine 1, the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 and the footrest 3 form an engaging mechanism E described later so that the footrest 3 can move relative to the seat portion 2 (in the example of the present embodiment, it can rotate).

[0072] The seat portion 2 of the present embodiment rotates in such a manner that the front end portion (seat front end portion) 2f rises and falls with the rear end portion (seat rear end portion) 2r as the rotation center. Specifically, the seat portion 2 supports the seat rear end portion 2r on the frame 60 and can rotate around the seat rotation shaft A2 arranged at the seat rear end portion 2r. The seat rotation shaft A2 extends in the left-right direction and is arranged at the connection portion between the seat portion 2 and the frame 60 (specifically, the shaft support portion 621 and the rear end connection portion 23 described later).

[0073] More specifically, the seat portion 2 has: a seat main body 21 having a seat surface 2a that contacts the buttocks and thighs of the subject being treated from below; a shaft holding portion 22 arranged at the front end portion of the seat main body 21; and a footrest rotation shaft (rotation shaft) A3 that extends in the left-right direction (the width direction of the seat portion 2) and is arranged at the shaft holding portion 22. In addition, the seat portion 2 has a rear end connection portion 23 arranged at the rear end portion of the seat main body 21. The seat portion 2 of the present embodiment has: a pair of shaft holding portions 22 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction; a pair of footrest rotation shafts A3 respectively arranged at the shaft holding portions 22; and a pair of rear end connection portions 23 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0074] Each shaft holding part 22 holds the ottoman rotation shaft A3 such that the ends of the ottoman rotation shaft A3 protrude toward both sides in the left - right direction. The pair of ottoman rotation shafts A3 are respectively held by the corresponding shaft holding parts 22 in a manner that they are located on the same straight line.

[0075] A pair of rear end connection parts 23 are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the respective shaft support parts 621 of the frame 60 in the left - right direction, and are connected to the respective shaft support parts 621 via the seat rotation shaft A2.

[0076] The seat part 2 configured as described above is driven by an actuator (first actuator) 11 for the seat part 2 among the plurality of actuators 11 - 13 (refer to Figure 6 ), and thus rotates around the seat rotation shaft A2 (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ). The first actuator 11 is connected to the front end part 2f of the seat part and the lower front end part of the front side of the frame 60 (specifically, the frame connection part 62c). As the rod 11a moves forward and backward relative to the cylinder 11b, the seat part 2 rotates around the seat rotation shaft A2. The seat part 2 of the present embodiment rotates around the seat rotation shaft A2 in such a manner that the front end part 2f of the seat part rises and falls relative to the reference position P0 (refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, when the front end part 2f of the seat part descends from the reference position P0, the seat part 2 can rotate around the seat rotation shaft A2 so that the front end part 2f of the seat part descends to a position where the seat surface 2a of the seat part 2 is lower in the front and higher in the rear (a downhill inclined state) (refer to Figure 10 ). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the reference position P0 refers to the position of the front end part 2f of the seat part when, after the subject is seated on the seat part 2, the body shape of the subject is detected to set the positions of various treatment members such as massage balls, that is, the position of the front end part 2f of the seat part before the treatment preparation stage or the start of treatment. The reference position P0 of the present embodiment is a position higher than the rear end part 2r of the seat part.

[0077] The ottoman 3 is supported by the front end part 2f of the seat part, and houses and supports at least the lower leg part of the subject. The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment has a wall part 31 arranged behind the calf of the subject and in contact with the calf. The ottoman 3 can rotate between an upright posture P1 in which the wall part 31 is upright (the state of the ottoman 3 shown by the solid line in Figure 3 ) and a deployed posture P2 in which the ottoman 3 rotates around the ottoman rotation shaft A3 and the lower end of the wall part 31 moves forward from the upright posture P1 (the state of the ottoman 3 shown by the double - dot - dash line in Figure 3 ). The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment is in the upright posture P1 when the seat part 2 rotates and the front end part 2f of the seat part descends from the reference position P0.

[0078] Specifically, the footstool 3 has a wall portion 31, a partition portion 32, and a pair of side wall portions 33. The footstool 3 of the present embodiment further has a bottom plate portion 34 on which the soles of the seated patient can be placed. In addition, the footstool 3 has a bearing portion 35 that engages with the footstool rotation axis A3. The footstool 3 of the present embodiment has a pair of bearing portions 35 at both ends in the left-right direction in the upper end portion.

[0079] The wall portion 31 extends in the vertical direction and the left-right direction. The wall portion 31 is disposed behind the calf of the seated patient and is in contact with the calf.

[0080] The partition portion 32 is disposed between the pair of left and right lower leg portions of the seated patient. The partition portion 32 protrudes forward from the central portion in the left-right direction of the front surface of the wall portion 31 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0081] The pair of side wall portions 33 are respectively disposed outside the pair of left and right lower leg portions of the seated patient in the left-right direction. That is, each side wall portion 33 is disposed such that the lower leg portion is located between the side wall portion 33 and the partition portion 32 in the left-right direction. The pair of side wall portions 33 protrude forward from both ends in the left-right direction of the wall portion 31 and extend in the vertical direction.

[0082] The bottom plate portion 34 protrudes from the front surface of the wall portion 31 at the lower end portion of the wall portion 31 and extends in the left-right direction.

[0083] The bearing portion 35 has: an engaging portion 351 that engages the footrest 3 with the footstool rotation axis A3 in the vertical direction; and a separating portion 352 that is arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the engaging portion 351 and makes the footstool rotation axis A3 in a state of being separated from the engaging portion 351 (see Figure 3 ). In the bearing portion 35 of the present embodiment, the engaging portion 351 is rotatably engaged with the footstool rotation axis A3 such that the footstool 3 rotates around the footstool rotation axis A3, and the separating portion 352 is disposed below the engaging portion 351. And the footstool rotation axis A3 becomes separated from the engaging portion 351 by moving from the engaging portion 351 toward the separating portion 352 side. The footstool 3 of the present embodiment has a pair of bearing portions 35 disposed at positions corresponding to the pair of shaft holding portions 22 (i.e., the pair of footstool rotation axes A3) of the seat portion 2, respectively.

[0084] Specifically, as also Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the bearing portion 35 is a portion or member that extends in the vertical direction at a position adjacent to the shaft holding portion 22 in the left - right direction, and has a bearing through - hole 350 that penetrates in the left - right direction. In the present embodiment, the bearing portion 35 has a first bearing member 355 and a second bearing member 356 that extend upward from the upper part of the wall portion 31 on both sides of the shaft holding portion 22 in the left - right direction. The first and second bearing members 355, 356 each have a bearing through - hole 350. The first and second bearing members 355, 356 in the present embodiment are members that expand in the front - rear direction and the vertical direction and are long in the vertical direction.

[0085] The bearing through - hole 350 is an elongated hole that extends in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first inner diameter α1 in the front - rear direction of the bearing through - hole 350 is of a size corresponding to the diameter (outer diameter) β of the footrest rotation shaft A3 (specifically, the same or slightly larger), and the second inner diameter α2 in the vertical direction is larger than the diameter β of the footrest rotation shaft A3 (see Figure 3 ). In the bearing through - hole 350 of the present embodiment, the first inner diameter α1 is the same at each position except for the two end portions in the vertical direction, and the two end portions in the vertical direction are each in a semi - circular shape protruding outward. The bearing through - hole 350 is arranged such that when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is in the reference position P0, the footrest rotation shaft A3 is located at the upper end of the bearing through - hole 350 (i.e., in contact (engagement) with the engaging portion 351 described later).

[0086] In the first and second bearing members 355, 356, the peripheral portion 350a of the through - hole that divides the bearing through - hole 350 constitutes the above - mentioned engaging portion 351 and separating portion 352. Specifically, in a state where the footrest rotation shaft A3 is located at the upper end of the peripheral portion 350a of the through - hole, the portion of the peripheral portion 350a of the through - hole that is in contact (engagement) with the footrest rotation shaft A3 constitutes the engaging portion 351, and the portion of the peripheral portion 350a of the through - hole other than the engaging portion 351 constitutes the separating portion 352. More specifically, the portion of the peripheral portion 350a of the through - hole that constitutes the engaging portion 351 is the portion that comes into contact (engagement) with the footrest rotation shaft A3 when the footrest 3 rotates from the upright posture P1 to the unfolded posture P2.

[0087] In the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, the bearing portion 35 of the footrest 3 and the footrest rotation shaft A3 of the seat portion 2 configured as described above constitute the above - mentioned engaging mechanism E.

[0088] The engaging mechanism E is configured such that when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the footrest 3 rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion (see Figure 9 ) On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the footrest 3 maintains its position and the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends (see Figure 10). That is, in the engaging mechanism E, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 engages with the engaging portion 351. On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 moves from the engaging portion 351 toward the separating portion 352 side. It should be noted that in Figure 9 the example shown, the ottoman 3 is in the deployed posture P2. However, when the ottoman 3 rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 engages with the engaging portion 351, so that it can rotate to any position between the upright posture P1 and the deployed posture P2.

[0089] The ottoman 3 configured as described above is driven by an actuator (second actuator) 12 for the ottoman 3 among the plurality of actuators 11 to 13 (refer to Figure 5 ), and thus rotates around the ottoman rotation shaft A3 (refer to Figure 3 ). The second actuator 12 includes a rod 12a, a cylinder 12b, and a roller 12c. The end portion on the cylinder 12b side is connected to the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion, and the roller 12c disposed at the end portion on the rod 12a side abuts against the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 31 of the ottoman 3. Then, by the rod 12a advancing and retreating relative to the cylinder 12b, the ottoman 3 rotates around the ottoman rotation shaft A3.

[0090] The backrest 4 extends with the long side direction being from one of the buttocks (or waist) and the head of the subject leaning on the backrest 4 toward the other, and with the short side direction being the left - right direction. The backrest 4 supports the head, trunk (such as shoulders, waist, and spine) of the subject, etc. The lower end portion of the backrest 4 is connected to the frame 60 via the backrest rotation shaft A4 in a state of being disposed behind the seat portion 2.

[0091] The backrest rotation shaft A4 extends in the left - right direction and is disposed at the connection portion between the backrest 4 and the frame 60. Thus, the backrest 4 can be tilted backward from the upright state or erected forward from the reclined state by rotating around the backrest rotation shaft A4 (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ).

[0092] The backrest 4 configured as described above is driven by an actuator (third actuator) 13 for the backrest 4 among the plurality of actuators 11 to 13 (refer to Figure 5 ), and thus rotates around the backrest rotation shaft A4 (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ). The third actuator 13 is connected to the lower end portion of the backrest 4 and the lower front side (specifically, the frame connection portion 62d) of the frame 60 (refer to Figure 5 ). By the rod 13a advancing and retreating relative to the cylinder 13b, the backrest 4 rotates around the backrest rotation shaft A4.

[0093] The treatment unit 5 is arranged against the backrest 4 to perform treatment on the trunk and neck of the person to be treated (see Figure 1 ). The treatment unit 5 can move along the backrest 4 in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction. That is, the treatment unit 5 can move up and down in the longitudinal direction of the backrest 4. The treatment unit 5 of the present embodiment is guided by a pair of left and right guide rails 41 provided on the backrest 4. The pair of guide rails 41 extend respectively in the longitudinal direction of the backrest 4 and are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

[0094] The operation unit 8 receives the input operations of the person to be treated and outputs a signal based on the input operation to the control unit 9. The input operations include the rotation of the seat part 2, the footrest 3, and the backrest 4, the selection of the treatment mode, the adjustment of the strength of the treatment, etc.

[0095] The control unit 9 is arranged, for example, below the seat part 2, and controls the respective structures of the massage machine 1 based on the signal output from the operation unit 8, etc. For example, the control unit 9 controls the driving and lifting of the treatment unit 5, the actuators 11 to 13, etc.

[0096] Next, the actions of the respective structures when using the massage machine 1 will be described.

[0097] First, the person to be treated sits on the massage machine 1 in the initial state ( Figure 10 the state shown by the solid line), that is, the position where the front end part 2f of the seat part descends from the reference position P0, the footrest 3 is in the upright posture P1, and the backrest 4 is in the upright state ( Figure 10 the position of the backrest 4). Through the input operation from the operation unit 8, the massage machine 1 starts the preparation for treatment. At this time, since the front end part 2f of the seat part is in the state of descending from the reference position P0 and the seat surface 2a is inclined forward low and backward high, it is easy for the person to be treated to sit on the seat part 2.

[0098] In this preparation for treatment, for example, in the massage machine 1, the actuators 11 to 13 act under the control of the control unit 9. As a result, as also shown in Figure 9 , the backrest 4 tilts backward (that is, the backrest 4 rotates around the backrest rotation axis A4), and the seat part 2 rotates around the seat part rotation axis A2 in such a way that the front end part 2f of the seat part rises from the reference position P0. At the same time, the footrest 3 rotates forward (that is, the footrest 3 rotates around the footrest rotation axis A3 to become the unfolded posture P2). It should be noted that the positions (states) of the respective structures when treating the person to be treated are not limited to these positions (states).

[0099] In the rotation of the seat part 2, when the front end part 2f of the seat part rises to the reference position P0, the footrest rotation shaft A3 of the seat part 2 is located at the upper end of the bearing through-hole 350 of the bearing part 35. Therefore, the seat part 2 continues to rotate, and along with this rotation (that is, along with the rise of the front end part 2f of the seat part from the reference position P0), the footrest 3 also rises. And in the bearing part 35 of the rising footrest 3, the footrest rotation shaft A3 engages with the engaging part 351 of the bearing part 35, so the footrest 3 rotates smoothly around the footrest rotation shaft A3. Thus, the massage machine 1 becomes, for example, Figure 9 the state (operation state) shown by the solid line in the figure. In this state, treatment is given to the person being treated. It should be noted that the operation state means a state in which at least one of the seat part 2, the footrest 3, and the backrest 4 in the massage machine 1 rotates (moves) from Figure 10 the position shown by the solid line in the figure.

[0100] Next, when the treatment of the person being treated ends and the person being treated leaves the seat of the massage machine 1, starting from the Figure 9 shown state, the backrest 4 stands up (that is, the backrest 4 rotates around the backrest rotation shaft A4), and the seat part 2 rotates around the seat part rotation shaft A2 in such a way that the front end part 2f of the seat part descends. At the same time, the footrest 3 rotates backward (that is, the footrest 3 rotates around the footrest rotation shaft A3 to become the upright posture P1).

[0101] And when the massage machine 1 returns to the Figure 10 state (initial state) shown by the solid line in the figure, that is, when the backrest 4 stands up to the upright state (stands up from the Figure 9 solid line position of the reference numeral 4 in the figure to the double-dot dash line position), the seat part 2 rotates until the front end part 2f of the seat part descends to a position lower than the reference position P0, and the footrest 3 rotates to become the upright posture P1, the person being treated stands up from the seat part 2.

[0102] In the operation of each structure when the massage machine 1 changes from the Figure 9 shown operation state to the Figure 10 shown initial state, when the seat part 2 rotates to lower the front end part 2f of the seat part and reaches the reference position P0, the footrest 3 becomes the upright posture P1 in a state where it is in contact with the installation surface of the massage machine 1. Then, in the state where the footrest 3 is in the upright posture, the seat part 2 continues to rotate further, so that the front end part 2f of the seat part passes through the reference position P0 (that is, descends from the reference position P0).

[0103] When the front end portion 2f of the seat portion passes through the reference position P0, before the front end portion 2f of the seat portion reaches the reference position P0, the footrest rotation shaft A3 continuously lies at the upper end of the bearing through hole 350 (i.e., continuously engages with the engaging portion 351). After the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, along with the descent of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves downward in the bearing through hole 350 (i.e., the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves toward the separating portion 352 side and becomes a state of separating from the engaging portion 351).

[0104] Thus, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the structure of the engaging mechanism E is such that the footrest rotation shaft A3 can move within the bearing through hole 350 (i.e., can move from the engaging portion 351 toward the separating portion 352), it is possible to lower the front end portion 2f of the seat portion to a position lower than the position of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is at the reference position P0 (i.e., when the footrest 3 is in an upright posture P1 in a state of being in contact with the installation surface of the massage machine 1). Thereby, when the seat portion 2 is inclined such that the seat surface 2a is lower at the front and higher at the rear (refer to Figure 10 ), the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is located at a position lower than the position of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion in a state where the footrest 3 can rotate (a state where the footrest rotation shaft A3 engages with the engaging portion 351) (reference position P0), so that it is possible to assist the subject in standing up, and it is easier for the subject to stand up when getting up from the seat portion 2.

[0105] It should be noted that in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, in other words, when the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves within the bearing through hole 350 and becomes a state of separating from the engaging portion 351, the control unit 9 controls the second actuator 12 so that the footrest 3 does not rotate.

[0106] The above massage machine 1 includes a seat portion 2 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated subject, and a footrest 3 that supports the calves of the subject. Moreover, at least the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 can be raised and lowered from a prescribed reference position P0, and the footrest 3 and the front end portion 2f of the seat portion constitute an engaging mechanism E in such a manner that the footrest 3 can move relative to the seat portion 2 (in the example of the present embodiment, can rotate). This engaging mechanism E is configured such that when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the footrest 3 rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion. On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the footrest 3 maintains its position and the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends (i.e., allows the front end portion 2f of the seat portion to descend).

[0107] In this way, at least when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 also rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, thereby maintaining the position of the ottoman 3 relative to the seat portion 2. Therefore, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is at the reference position P0 or at a position rising from this reference position P0 (for example, the unfolded posture P2), the change in the treatment position of the ottoman 3 on the lower leg portion or the like is suppressed. Thus, a reduction in the treatment effect caused by the change in the treatment position is suppressed. On the other hand, in a state where the position of the ottoman 3 is maintained, the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, so that it is easier for the subject to stand up from the seat portion 2 when getting off the seat. Thus, even the massage machine 1 equipped with the ottoman 3 has a good usability.

[0108] In the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, the seat portion 2 rotates in such a manner that the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rotates up and down with the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion as the rotation center (rotates around the seat rotation axis A2 in the example of the present embodiment), and the front end portion 2f of the seat portion can be lowered to a position where the seat surface 2a of the seat portion 2 is lower at the front and higher at the rear. In this way, by the rotation of the seat portion 2, the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends, and the seat surface 2a becomes lower at the front and higher at the rear, so that it is easier for the subject to stand up when getting off the seat.

[0109] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, the ottoman 3 can move (rotate in the example of the present embodiment) between the upright posture P1 and the unfolded posture P2. The upright posture P1 is a posture in which the wall portion 31 disposed on the rear side of the calf of the subject and in contact with the calf stands upright, and the unfolded posture P2 is a posture in which the ottoman 3 moves (rotates in the example of the present embodiment) and the lower end of the wall portion 31 moves forward from the upright posture P1. And when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 is in the upright posture P1.

[0110] According to this structure, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0 and the subject stands up, the ottoman 3 becomes the upright posture P1 (that is, the wall portion 31 stands upright), so that the ottoman 3 does not become an obstacle and the subject can stand up. The detailed content is as follows.

[0111] In the case of the state where the ottoman 3 rotates toward the unfolded posture P2 side from the upright posture P1 (in other words, in the state where the lower end portion of the wall portion 31 protrudes forward (moves forward) from the upper end portion and the wall portion 31 is inclined), when the subject is seated on the seat portion 2, the distance in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) of the seat portion 2 from the position where the sole touches the installation surface of the massage machine 1 becomes larger, so it is difficult for the subject to stand up from the seat portion 2. However, by the ottoman 3 becoming the upright posture P1 and the wall portion 31 standing upright, the distance in the front-rear direction from the position where the sole touches the installation surface to the seat portion 2 is suppressed. Thus, it is easier for the subject to stand up from the seat portion 2.

[0112] In addition, the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 9 that controls the footrest 3. When the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the control unit 9 controls the footrest 3 so as not to move (rotate in the example of the present embodiment). Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the movement (rotation in the example of the present embodiment) of the footrest 3 when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0 and the subject gets on and off the seat portion 2. As a result, the subject can safely get on and off the seat portion 2.

[0113] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the footrest 3 is in the upright posture P1, and the footrest rotation shaft A3 is located on the separation portion 352 side within the bearing through hole 350 of the bearing portion 35. Therefore, even if the footrest 3 is to be rotated around the footrest rotation shaft A3, the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves within the bearing through hole 350, and the footrest 3 cannot rotate smoothly around the footrest rotation shaft A3. In this way, when the footrest 3 is to be rotated while the footrest rotation shaft A3 is moving within the bearing through hole 350, the load on the bearing portion 35 or the like sometimes becomes larger than in normal use. Therefore, as described above, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the control unit 9 controls the footrest 3 so as not to move (rotate in the example of the present embodiment), thereby preventing the generation of the above-mentioned load and the like.

[0114] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, the engaging mechanism E includes: a footrest rotation shaft (rotation shaft) A3 that extends in the rotation center direction of the footrest 3 (the width direction of the seat portion 2); and a bearing portion 35 that engages with the footrest rotation shaft A3. The front end portion 2f of the seat portion has the footrest rotation shaft A3, and the footrest 3 has the bearing portion 35. In addition, the bearing portion 35 includes: an engaging portion 351 that engages the footrest 3 with the footrest rotation shaft A3 in the vertical direction; and a separation portion 352 that is arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the engaging portion 351 and makes the footrest rotation shaft A3 in a state of being separated from the engaging portion 351. And, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the footrest rotation shaft A3 engages with the engaging portion 351. On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves from the engaging portion 351 toward the separation portion 352 side.

[0115] According to this structure, as the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves from the engaging portion 351 toward the separation portion 352 side in the bearing portion 35, the front end portion 2f of the seat portion can descend from the reference position P0.

[0116] It should be noted that the massage machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can of course be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment, and in addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment. Also, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be deleted.

[0117] In the massage machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the seat portion 2 has a footrest rotation shaft A3, and the footrest 3 has a bearing portion 35. These footrest rotation shaft A3 and bearing portion 35 constitute at least a part of the engagement mechanism E, but are not limited to this structure. It may also be that the footrest 3 has a footrest rotation shaft A3, and the seat portion 2 has a bearing portion 35. These footrest rotation shaft A3 and bearing portion 35 constitute at least a part of the engagement mechanism E. In this case, when the footrest rotation shaft A3 is located at the lower end of the bearing through-hole 350, the portion of the through-hole peripheral portion 350a that contacts (engages) with the footrest rotation shaft A3 constitutes the engagement portion 351, and the other portion of the through-hole peripheral portion 350a constitutes the separation portion 352.

[0118] In addition, the specific shape of the bearing through-hole 350 of the bearing portion 35 that constitutes the engagement mechanism E is not limited. The bearing through-hole 350 of the above-described embodiment is a long hole that extends straight in the vertical direction, but for example, it may also be an arc shape along the trajectory of the footrest rotation shaft A3 when the seat portion 2 rotates around the seat rotation shaft A2 (refer to Figure 11 ). In addition, the bearing through-hole 350 may also be in the following shape or the like: the footrest rotation shaft A3 is in contact (engaged) with the engagement portion 351 (the portion of the through-hole peripheral portion 350a corresponding to the engagement portion 351) in a rotatable manner, and when the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves toward the separation portion 352 side, it does not contact the separation portion 352 (the portion of the through-hole peripheral portion 350a corresponding to the separation portion 352). That is, the bearing through-hole 350 (through-hole peripheral portion 350a) only needs to be in the following shape (refer to Figure 12 from (a) to Figure 12 from (d)): a shape that allows the footrest rotation shaft A3 to rotate and engage with the footrest rotation shaft A3 when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, and a shape that allows the movement of the footrest rotation shaft A3 accompanying the descent when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0.

[0119] In addition, in the bearing portion 35 of the present embodiment, the region Ar (the bearing through-hole 350 in the example of the above-described embodiment) where the footrest rotation shaft A3 moves due to the lifting and lowering of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is a closed region surrounded by the through-hole peripheral portion 350a, but it may also be, for example, Figure 13 a partially open region as shown.

[0120] In addition, the seat portion 2 of the present embodiment rotates about the seat rotation axis A2 disposed at the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion, whereby the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises and falls from the reference position P0, but is not limited to this structure. The seat portion 2 may also be a structure in which the seat portion 2 (seat surface 2a) rises and falls in a parallel or substantially parallel posture by using a link mechanism or the like.

[0121] In addition, the specific position of the reference position P0 is not limited. That is, in the seat portion 2 of the present embodiment, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is at the reference position P0, the seat surface 2a is inclined in a manner that the rear portion descends, but when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is at the reference position P0, the seat surface 2a may be horizontal or may be inclined with the front end lower and the rear end higher.

[0122] In addition, the footrest 3 of the massage machine 1 of the above-described embodiment has a wall portion 31, a partition portion 32, side wall portions 33, and a bottom plate portion 34, but is not limited to this structure. The footrest 3 may not have the bottom plate portion 34. In addition, the footrest 3 may not have the partition portion 32, the side wall portions 33, and the bottom plate portion 34. That is, the footrest 3 only needs to have at least the wall portion 31.

[0123] In addition, the wall portion 31 of the footrest 3 of the massage machine 1 of the above-described embodiment stands upright when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is below the reference position P0, but the wall portion 31 (front surface) may also be inclined in such a manner that the lower end of the wall portion 31 is located in a position more forward than the upper end to such an extent that it does not become an obstacle when the subject stands up from the seat portion 2.

[0124] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the engaging mechanism E between the seat portion 2 and the footrest 3 is composed of the footrest rotation axis A3 and the bearing portion 35, but is not limited to this structure. The engaging mechanism E may also include other structures other than the footrest rotation axis A3 and the bearing portion 35.

[0125] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the footrest 3 is configured to be able to rotate about a rotation axis (the footrest rotation axis A3 in a state of being engaged with the engaging portion 351 of the bearing portion 35) in a state where the position is fixed with respect to the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, but is not limited to this structure. The footrest 3 may also be configured such that the position of the footrest rotation axis A3 with respect to the front end portion 2f changes before and after rotation and during rotation.

Claims

1. A massage machine, wherein: The massage machine comprises: a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a seated person to be treated; and a footstool that supports the lower leg of the person being treated, At least the front end of the seat can be raised and lowered from a predetermined reference position. The footrest and the front end of the seat are configured to form a snap-fit ​​mechanism in such a manner that the footrest can move relative to the seat, The engagement mechanism is configured to raise the footrest together with the front end portion when the front end portion rises from the reference position, and to lower the front end portion while maintaining the position of the footrest when the front end portion falls from the reference position.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein: The seat part rotates so that the front end part is raised and lowered with the rear end part of the seat part as the rotation center, and the seat part can lower the front end part to a position where the seat surface of the seat part is lower at the front and higher at the rear.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The footstool is capable of moving between an upright position and an expanded position, the upright position being a position in which a wall portion arranged at the rear side of the calf of the person being treated and connected to the calf is upright, and the expanded position being a position in which the footstool moves and the lower end of the wall portion moves forward from the upright position, and the footstool is in the upright position when the front end portion descends from the reference position.

4. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The massage machine includes a control unit for controlling the footstool. The control unit performs control so that the footrest does not move when the front end portion descends from the reference position.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The engaging mechanism comprises: a rotation shaft extending along the width direction of the seat portion; and a bearing portion engaged with the rotation shaft. The front end portion has the rotation axis, and the footrest has the bearing portion, The bearing portion has: a locking portion that enables the footrest to be locked with the rotating shaft in a vertical direction; and a separation portion arranged with the engagement portion in the up-down direction and causing the rotation axis to be separated from the engagement portion, When the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotation shaft engages with the engagement portion, and when the front end portion falls from the reference position, the rotation shaft moves from the engagement portion to the separation portion.

6. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The engaging mechanism comprises: a rotation shaft extending in the width direction of the seat portion; and a bearing portion engaged with the rotation shaft. The front end portion has the bearing portion, and the footrest has the rotation axis, The bearing portion has: a locking portion that enables the footrest to be locked with the rotating shaft in a vertical direction; and a separation portion arranged with the engagement portion in the up-down direction and causing the rotation axis to be separated from the engagement portion, When the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotation shaft engages with the engagement portion, and when the front end portion falls from the reference position, the rotation shaft moves from the engagement portion to the separation portion.

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