Massage machine

Abstract

The invention provides a massage machine capable of enabling armrests to move along with the toppling of a backrest part by using a simple structure. The invention provides a massage machine which is provided with a base, a backrest part supported by the base to be capable of inclining, a seat part moving forwards relative to the base along with inclining of the backrest part, an armrest and a supporting mechanism for supporting the armrest in a mode that the armrest moves along with inclining of the backrest part. The support mechanism lowers the rear end portion of the armrest and moves the front end portion of the armrest rearward with respect to the seat portion when the backrest portion is tilted.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-181468, filed on October 17, 2014, and incorporates that application by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a chair-type massager having a seat and a backrest that allows the user to recline. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, chair-style massagers with armrests were known (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-310683).

[0005] In this massage machine, a guide rail for guiding the armrests is positioned below the armrests. As the backrest tilts, the armrests move along the guide rail. Thus, even when the backrest tilts, the positional relationship between the armrests and arms does not change significantly due to changes in the user's posture.

[0006] However, in the massage machine mentioned above, in order to make the armrests move along with the backrest, more components are needed around the guide rail, thus making the structure complex. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a massager that can use a simple structure to move the armrests as the backrest tilts.

[0008] To achieve a basic understanding related to several features of the invention, a simplified summary of the invention is described below. This summary does not indicate a general outline of the invention's scope. It is not intended to specify or limit the main or essential elements of the invention. Its purpose is merely to present several basic concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description that follows.

[0009] The massager of the present invention comprises:

[0010] abutment;

[0011] The backrest, supported by the base, is capable of tilting.

[0012] The seat, which moves forward relative to the base as the backrest tilts;

[0013] Handrails; and

[0014] A support mechanism that supports the armrest in such a way that the armrest moves in sync with the tilting motion of the backrest.

[0015] When the backrest is tilted, the support mechanism causes the rear end of the armrest to descend and the front end of the armrest to move rearward relative to the seat. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The foregoing features and other features of the present invention will become clear from the following description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a right-side view of the massage machine of this embodiment (without the external components and the treatment part against the backrest, the same below), and is a right-side view of the backrest standing upright.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top view of the massage machine, specifically a top view of the massage machine in its upright position with the backrest raised.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a right-side view of the massage machine, and a right-side view of the massage machine in the reclining position.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a magnified three-dimensional view of the handrail and its surrounding structure, showing the handrail with the main body removed.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the movement of the seat and the armrest. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following is for reference Figures 1-5 A massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that in the following description, the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction relative to the user when the user is sitting in the massage machine in a normal posture.

[0023] The massager 1 in this embodiment is as follows: Figures 1-3 The massage chair shown is a chair-type massage machine. This massage machine 1 includes a base 2 mounted on a surface (such as the floor of the installation location), a backrest 3 supported by the base 2 and capable of tilting, a seat 4 that moves forward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts, a treatment unit that houses the treatment components, and a pair of armrests 5 located on the left and right sides of the seat 4. Additionally, the massage machine 1 includes a drive unit 6 that drives each component. The massage machine 1 of this embodiment also includes leg rests 7 connected to the front end of the seat 4. It should be noted that in the figures, external components such as covers and the treatment unit are not shown; only the internal mechanisms (excluding the treatment unit) are shown. Furthermore, in... Figure 2In order to make the structure easier to observe, a part of the structure of the right armrest 5 (armrest body 51) is shown with a double-dotted line, so that the structure below it is visible.

[0024] The base 2 has a lower frame 21 that is close to or in contact with the mounting surface, an upper frame 22 that supports the backrest 3 and the seat 4, and an upper and lower connecting frame 23 that connects the lower frame 21 and the upper frame 22.

[0025] The lower frame 21 is a frame arranged parallel to the mounting surface in a state close to or in contact with it. The lower frame 21 is a part that is square-shaped when viewed from above or below, formed by a pair of first parts 211 extending in the front-back direction and a pair of second parts 212 extending in the left-right direction.

[0026] The pair of first portions 211 in the lower frame 21 extend in the front-back direction respectively in a position that does not overlap with the backrest 3 when viewed from above or below (in other words, the left and right sides of the backrest 3).

[0027] Additionally, the lower frame 21 has wheels 213 at its rear end for use during the movement of the massager 1. These wheels 213 are located at the rear end of the first part 211 and are grounded relative to the mounting surface only during use.

[0028] The upper frame 22 is a frame disposed above the lower frame 21 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The upper frame 22 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, with its front side positioned above. Specifically, the upper frame 22 is arranged to overlap with the first portion 211 of the lower frame 21 in both top and bottom views. That is, a pair of upper frames 22 are respectively disposed on the left and right sides. Furthermore, the upper frame 22 is positioned with its front portion higher than its rear portion relative to the mounting surface and the first portion 211 of the lower frame 21, and is inclined forward at a constant angle. A movable part 55 (see reference 55) is disposed on the upper frame 22, capable of sliding (moving) back and forth (reciprocating) along the upper frame 22. Figure 5 ).

[0029] The upper and lower connecting frame 23 is a frame that extends in the vertical direction by connecting the first part 211 of the lower frame 21 to the upper frame 22. In this embodiment, the upper and lower connecting frame 23 has one frame in front of the lower frame 21 and two frames in the rear of the upper frame 22.

[0030] The front vertical connecting frame 23 and the rear front vertical connecting frame 23 extend in the vertical direction. For example, the front vertical connecting frame 23 and the rear front vertical connecting frame 23 extend straight in the vertical direction. In addition, in the rear rear vertical connecting frame 23, the lower part extends straight, and the upper part bends in a manner that matches the inclination of the upper frame 22.

[0031] By combining the lower frame 21, upper frame 22, and upper and lower connecting frame 23 as described above, the base 2 is formed into a three-dimensional frame shape.

[0032] The seat 4 is a portion that has a cushion portion that abuts against the buttocks and thighs via an external component when the patient sits. The frame portion 41, shown in the illustration, supports the cushion portion of the seat 4 and is configured to move along the upper frame 22 of the base 2 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the frame portion 41 is mounted between movable portions 55 arranged on each upper frame 22, thereby enabling it to move in the front-back direction. Therefore, the seat 4 moves along the upper frame 22 in the front-back direction. More specifically, the seat 4... Figure 1 The rear end position P1 shown is... Figure 3 The front end position P2 shown moves along the upper frame 22 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when the seat 4 is at the front end position P2, a portion of the seat 4 (the front end portion) is located further forward than the front end of the upper frame 22 (see reference). Figure 5 (The attached figure is labeled β).

[0033] The backrest 3 has a backrest body 31 extending obliquely upward from the rear end of the seat 4 and inclined motion support shafts 32 protruding from both ends of the backrest body 31 in the left-right direction. The backrest 3 is engaged with the moving part 55 by each inclined motion support shaft 32, thereby being able to be tilted and supported on the base 2.

[0034] The backrest body 31 has a pair of longitudinal frame portions 311 arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other at intervals in the left-right direction, and a transverse frame portion 312 connecting the rear ends of the longitudinal frame portions 311 (see reference). Figure 2 A pair of vertical frame portions 311 and horizontal frame portions 312 may also be integrally formed. It should be noted that a treatment portion is disposed between the pair of vertical frame portions 311 and is movable in the vertical direction along the vertical frame portions 311, but it is not shown in the figures.

[0035] The tilting motion support shaft 32 protrudes from both ends of the backrest body 31 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the tilting motion support shaft 32 protrudes from the lower end of the backrest body 31 and has a roller 321. This roller 321 is configured to rotate relative to the radial center.

[0036] The treatment unit, located between the longitudinal frames 311 of the backrest 3, includes a treatment element sometimes referred to as a "kneading ball". The treatment unit typically has multiple treatment elements (e.g., two separated in the left-right direction), but is not limited to this; it may also have only one treatment element. This treatment element performs treatment on the recipient by moving relative to the recipient's body with pressing, kneading, tapping, or other similar actions.

[0037] Armrest section 5 Figures 1-4 As shown, it has a handrail 50 and a support mechanism 53 for supporting the handrail 50.

[0038] The handrail 50 is provided for the recipient to place their arm or to perform treatment on that arm (having at least one of the functions of placing the arm or performing treatment on the arm). The handrail 50 includes a handrail body 51 and a third link (third member) 52 supporting the handrail body 51.

[0039] The armrest body 51 contacts the arm of the person receiving treatment within the armrest 50. In this embodiment, the armrest body 51 has a recess 511 with an upper opening extending in the front-rear direction. The arm of the person receiving treatment is received within the recess 511. The armrest body 51 of this embodiment includes (or has built-in) a treatment component for applying treatment to the arm (the treatment component may include a roller component, an airbag, or other component).

[0040] An airbag is provided, for example, in the armrest body 51. The airbag is located on the inner side of the side wall of the armrest body 51 and presses the arm. More specifically, the airbag applies treatment (pressure) to the outer forearm (from the elbow to the fingertips). It should be noted that multiple airbags may be provided. In addition, the armrest body 51 may also be equipped with a treatment component such as a roller.

[0041] The third link 52 is a long strip extending in the front-to-back direction and is disposed on the lower side of the handrail body 51. In this embodiment, the third link 52 extends vertically in the front-to-back direction, for example. Thus, the third link 52 supports the handrail body 51 from below.

[0042] The support mechanism 53 supports the armrest 50 in such a way that the armrest 50 moves along with the tilting motion of the backrest 3. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 53 and the armrest 50 (more specifically, the third link 52) together form a linkage mechanism. The support mechanism 53 includes a first link (first member) 54 connected to the rear end of the armrest 50, a moving part 55 that moves along the upper frame 22 of the base 2, and a second link (second member) 56 connected to the front end of the armrest 50.

[0043] First link 54 Figure 4As shown, it is a long, upward-forward member when the backrest 3 is upright. The first link 54 of this embodiment is a long, upward-forward member, for example, when the backrest 3 is upright. In this first link 54, one end (first end) 54a is rotatably connected to the backrest 3 about a first axis J1 extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the first link 54, the other end (second end) 54b is rotatably connected to the base 2 about a second axis J2 extending in the left-right direction. Additionally, in the first link 54, a predetermined portion 54c between the first end 54a and the second end 54b is rotatably connected to the rear end of the armrest 50 about a third axis J3 extending in the left-right direction.

[0044] More specifically, the first end 54a of the first link 54 is connected to a portion of the backrest 3 that is above the tilting motion support shaft portion 32 and below the center portion of the backrest 3 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second end 54b of the first link 54 is connected to the rear end of the upper frame 22. Additionally, a predetermined portion 54c of the first link 54 is connected to a portion of the first link 54 that is above the center and to the rear end of the third link 52.

[0045] The moving part 55 moves together with the base part 4 relative to the base 2 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the moving part 55 is guided by the base 2 (more specifically, the upper frame 22) to move in the front-back direction. The moving part 55 has a plurality of rollers, each of which rotates in contact with the upper or lower surface of the upper frame 22, thereby enabling it to move smoothly along the upper frame 22 in the front-back direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the movable part 55 has a movable part-engaging part 552 on its inner side (the side of the patient) in the left-right direction, which engages with the inclined motion support shaft part 32 of the backrest 3. This movable part-engaging part 552 has a pair of guide surfaces 552a facing each other in the up-down direction, and the roller 321 of the inclined motion support shaft part 32 moves between these guide surfaces 552a. In this embodiment, each guide surface 552a is curved in a downward convex manner.

[0047] The second link 56 is a long strip extending forward and upward when the backrest 3 is upright. In this embodiment, the second link 56 extends straight forward and upward, for example, when the backrest 3 is upright. The second link 56 in this embodiment is shorter than the first link 54. In this second link 56, one end (third end) 56a is rotatably connected to the front end of the armrest 50 about a fourth axis J4 extending in the left-right direction. In addition, the other end (fourth end) 56b is rotatably connected to the moving part 55 about a fifth axis J5 extending in the left-right direction.

[0048] More specifically, the third end 56a of the second link 56 is connected to the front end of the third link 52. In addition, the fourth end 56b of the second link 56 is connected to the front end of the moving part 55 (more specifically, the upright part extending upward from the front end) 555.

[0049] Drive unit 6 Figures 1-3 As shown, it includes a first actuator (first drive source) 61 that drives the backrest 3, seat 4, and armrest 5, and a drive force transmission unit 62 that transmits the drive force output from the first actuator 61. In addition, the drive unit 6 also includes a second actuator (second drive source) 65 that drives the leg rest 7.

[0050] The first actuator 61 is a linear actuator that outputs a linear driving force. The extended direction of the driving force is the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the first actuator 61 is electrically driven, but the driving method (driving principle) is not limited. For example, the first actuator 61 can also be hydraulically driven. In order to accommodate the oblique movement of the seat 4 along the upper frame 22, the first actuator 61 is angularly supported in the base 2. Specifically, the rear end of the first actuator 61 is supported (shaft supported) so that it can rotate relative to the horizontal axis, thereby enabling a swaying motion within a specified range in the vertical direction.

[0051] The drive force transmission unit 62 includes an input unit 621 connected to an output unit that outputs drive force in the first actuator 61, an intermediate transmission unit 622 that transmits the drive force input to the input unit 621 in the left-right direction, a pair of first arms 623 connected to the two ends of the intermediate transmission unit 622 in the left-right direction and transmitting the drive force to the seat unit 4 via the moving part 55, and a pair of second arms 624 connected to the intermediate transmission unit 622 and transmitting the drive force to the backrest 3 via the first link 54.

[0052] Each first arm 623 extends forward and upward, with its lower end connected to the left-right end of the intermediate transmission part 622, and its upper end rotatably connected relative to the moving part 55. In this embodiment, the first arm 623 extends straight forward and upward, for example. Additionally, each second arm 624 extends rearward and upward, with its lower end rotatably connected relative to the end of the intermediate transmission part 622 (located inside the lower end of the first arm), and its upper end rotatably connected relative to the first link 54. In this embodiment, the second arm 624 extends straight rearward and upward, for example. The upper end of the second arm 624 is connected between the connection portion of the first link 54 that connects to the third link 52 and the connection portion that connects to the upper frame 22. Thus, the first arm 623 is connected to the moving part 55, and the upper end of the second arm 624 is connected to the first link 54, thereby transmitting the driving force output from the first actuator 61 to the backrest 3 and the seat 4.

[0053] The second actuator 65 is an actuator for rotating the leg rest 7. The second actuator 65 is located below the front end of the seat 4 and is connected to the leg rest 7 and the base 2. In this embodiment, the second actuator 65 is electrically driven, but the driving method (driving principle) is not limited. For example, the second actuator 65 may also be hydraulically driven.

[0054] The leg rest 7 is supported at the front end of the seat 4 and accommodates at least the lower leg of the person receiving treatment. In this embodiment, the leg rest 7 has a wall portion 71 disposed behind and in contact with the calf of the person receiving treatment (see reference 71). Figure 2 The leg rest 7 can be in an upright position with the wall 71 upright. Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 The posture shown) and the leg rest 7 rotate about the rotation axis J7 extending in the left and right direction (in Figure 1 (The lower end of the wall portion 71 rotates between the upright position and the unfolded position, while the middle part rotates clockwise.) In the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the upper end of the wall portion 71 of the leg rest 7 is connected to the front end of the seat portion 4 via a rotating shaft J7.

[0055] Next, in the massage machine 1 configured as described above, the actions of each structure that are linked to the tilting movement (action) of the backrest 3 during the tilting movement of the backrest 3 will be explained.

[0056] With the backrest in the upright position (see reference 3) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 When the chair is tilted, the first actuator 61 is driven, and the driving force output from the first actuator 61 is transmitted to the backrest 3 and the seat 4 through the driving force transmission part 62.

[0057] Specifically, when a driving force is input from the first actuator 61 to the input 621 of the driving force transmission unit 62, and this driving force is transmitted to the first arm 623, the first arm 623 transmits the driving force to the moving part 55. As a result, the moving part 55 moves forward along the upper frame 22. The moving part 55 is connected to a seat 4 (specifically, a frame 41), so along with the movement of the moving part 55, the seat 4 also moves forward along the upper frame 22. That is, the seat 4 moves along the upper frame 22 from the rear position P1 to the front position P2.

[0058] On the other hand, when the driving force is transmitted to the second arm 624, the second arm 624 transmits the driving force to the first link 54. As a result, the first link 54 rotates about the second axis J2 with its first end 54a pointing forward. The tilting motion support shaft 32 of the backrest 3 engages with the moving part 55, so the rotation center of the tilting motion of the backrest 3 also moves forward together with the moving part 55 (see reference). Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 ).

[0059] Thus, with the backrest 3 and seat 4 moving in tandem, the backrest 3 tilts down and the seat 4 moves forward.

[0060] Furthermore, when the backrest 3 tilts back, the armrest 50 also moves in conjunction with the backrest 3 and the seat 4. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, while the support mechanism 53 lowers the rear end of the armrest 50 under the action of the first link 54, the support mechanism 53 also moves the front end of the armrest 50 rearward relative to the seat 4 under the action of the moving part 55 and the second link 56. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the middle, the top image shows the backrest in position 3 (when standing upright). Figure 1 The posture of the armrest 50 and support mechanism 53 in the state shown is shown below. The lower part of the figure shows the backrest 3 in a tilted state. Figure 3 The posture of the handrail 50 and the support mechanism 53 when shown in the state.

[0061] In detail, the first link 54, through which the driving force is transmitted via the second arm 624, rotates about the second axis J2 such that the first end 54a moves forward, thereby causing the rear end of the armrest 50 (specifically, the rear end of the third link 52) to move in an arc shape. Thus, the rear end of the armrest 50 moves in an upwardly convex arc shape. That is, the rear end of the armrest 50 moves forward relative to the base 2 while simultaneously descending relative to the base 2.

[0062] Furthermore, the moving part 55, whose driving force is transmitted via the first arm 623, moves forward along the upper frame 22, thereby causing the fifth axis J5 to move forward together with the moving part 55. Consequently, the second link 56 rotates about the fifth axis J5 such that its third end 56a moves rearward, causing the front end of the armrest 50 (specifically, the front end of the third link 52) to move in an arc shape. Thus, the front end of the armrest 50 moves in an upwardly convex arc shape. That is, the front end of the armrest 50 moves forward relative to the base 2 while simultaneously rising temporarily relative to the base 2 and then falling.

[0063] With the backrest 3 tilted back, the front end of the armrest 50 and the moving part 55 move forward along the upper frame 22 and rise accordingly compared to when the backrest 3 is upright. Figure 5 In the middle, h11 < h12). At this time, the rear end of the armrest 50 is lower than when the backrest 3 is upright (in Figure 5 In the middle, h21 > h22).

[0064] When the backrest 3 is tilted, the forward movement distance α1 of the front end of the armrest 50 relative to the base 2 (mounting surface) is centered on the fifth axis J5 via the second link 56, with the third end 56a moving rearward. This movement distance α2 is smaller than the forward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 (moving part 55) relative to the base 2 (mounting surface) (see reference). Figure 5 Therefore, the armrest 50 moves rearward relative to the seat 4 as the backrest 3 tilts back. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the middle, the front and rear directions of the seat part 4 and the moving part 55 are the same, so the dimension line used to indicate the moving distance α2 is marked on the front end of the moving part 55.

[0065] Next, with the backrest in position 3 (refer to...) Figure 3 When the backrest 3 is upright, the first actuator 61 is driven (the opposite of the action when the backrest 3 is tilted), and the driving force output from the first actuator 61 is transmitted to the backrest 3 and the seat 4 through the driving force transmission part 62.

[0066] Specifically, when a driving force is input from the first actuator 61 to the input 621 of the driving force transmission unit 62, if the driving force is transmitted to the first arm 623, the first arm 623 transmits the driving force to the moving part 55. As a result, the moving part 55 moves rearward along the upper frame 22. Since the seat part 4 is connected to the moving part 55 (specifically, the frame part 41), it moves rearward along the upper frame 22 along with the movement of the moving part 55. That is, the seat part 4 moves along the upper frame 22 from the front end position P2 to the rear end position P1.

[0067] On the other hand, when the driving force is transmitted to the second arm 624, the second arm 624 transmits the driving force to the first link 54. As a result, the first link 54 rotates about the second axis J2 with its first end 54a moving rearward. The tilting motion support shaft 32 of the backrest 3 engages with the moving part 55, so the rotation center of the tilting motion of the backrest 3 moves rearward together with the moving part 55 (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 1 ).

[0068] Therefore, in the massage machine of this embodiment, when the backrest 3 and the seat 4 move in conjunction, the backrest 3 stands up and the seat 4 moves backward.

[0069] Furthermore, when the backrest 3 is raised, the armrest 50 moves in conjunction with the backrest 3 and the seat 4. Specifically, the support mechanism 53 raises the rear end of the armrest 50 under the action of the first link 54, and moves the front end of the armrest 50 forward relative to the seat 4 under the action of the moving part 55 and the second link 56.

[0070] Specifically, the first link 54, through which the driving force is transmitted via the first arm 623, rotates about the second axis J2 such that the first end 54a moves rearward. This causes the rear end of the armrest 50 (specifically, the rear end of the third link 52) to move in an arc shape. Consequently, the rear end of the armrest 50 moves rearward relative to the base 2 while simultaneously rising temporarily relative to the base 2 and then falling.

[0071] Furthermore, the moving part 55, whose driving force is transmitted via the second arm 624, moves rearward along the upper frame 22, thereby causing the second link 56 to rotate about the fifth axis J5 in such a way that the third end 56a moves forward. In this way, the front end of the armrest 50 (specifically, the front end of the third link 52) moves in an arc shape. Consequently, the front end of the armrest 50 moves in an upwardly convex arc shape. That is, the front end of the armrest 50 moves rearward relative to the base 2 while simultaneously descending relative to the base 2.

[0072] With the backrest 3 upright, the front end of the armrest 50 is lower than when the backrest 3 is tilted down (in the upright position). Figure 5 In the middle, h12 > h11), the rear end of the armrest 50 rises higher than the backrest 3 when it is tilted (in the middle). Figure 5 In the middle, h22 < h21).

[0073] When the backrest 3 is upright, the armrest 50 moves rearward a distance α1 relative to the base 2 at the front end, which is smaller than the rearward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 (moving part 55) relative to the base 2 (mounting surface) (refer to...). Figure 5 As a result, the armrest 50 moves forward relative to the seat 4 as the backrest 3 rises.

[0074] The massage machine 1 includes: a base 2; a backrest 3 supported by the base 2 for tilting movement; a seat 4 that moves forward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts; an armrest 50; and a support mechanism 53 that supports the armrest 50 such that it moves with the tilting movement of the backrest 3. When the backrest 3 tilts, the support mechanism 53 lowers the rear end of the armrest 50 and moves the front end of the armrest 50 rearward relative to the seat 4.

[0075] According to the relevant structure, the armrest 50 can be moved as the backrest 3 tilts using a simple support mechanism 53.

[0076] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the support mechanism 53 includes: a first link (first member) 54, which is connected to the rear end of the armrest 50 and the backrest 3; a moving part 55, which moves back and forth relative to the base 2 together with the seat 4; and a second link (second member) 56, which is connected to the front end of the armrest 50 and the moving part 55. When the backrest 3 is tilted, the rear end of the armrest 50 is lowered under the action of the first link 54, and the front end of the armrest 50 is moved rearward relative to the seat 4 under the action of the moving part 55 and the second link 56. As a result, the support mechanism 53 can be further simplified.

[0077] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the support mechanism 53 causes the front end of the armrest 50 to move forward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts. Also, the forward movement distance α1 of the front end of the armrest 50 relative to the base 2 when the backrest 3 tilts is smaller than the forward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 relative to the base 2.

[0078] In this way, by reducing the forward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 relative to the backrest 3 when it is tilted, the forward movement distance α1 of the armrest 50 is suppressed, thereby causing the armrest 50 to move backward relative to the seat 4. Thus, the change in the positional relationship between the armrest 50 and the arm when the therapist's posture changes due to the tilting of the backrest 3 can be suppressed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the armrest 50 and the support mechanism 53 form a linkage mechanism. In this way, by utilizing the linkage mechanism to move the armrest 50 along with the tilting of the backrest 3, the structure of the support mechanism 53 is simplified.

[0080] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the second link (second component) is rotatably connected to the moving part 55 about the fifth axis (axis) J5 that extends in the left and right direction. When the moving part 55 and the seat part 4 move forward relative to the base 2, the front end of the armrest 50 moves rearward relative to the moving part 55.

[0081] By rotating the link (second link) 56, which constitutes the linkage mechanism, the forward movement distance α1 of the front end of the armrest 50 relative to the base 2 is suppressed relative to the backrest 3 when the backrest 3 is tilted. Thus, the change in the positional relationship between the armrest 50 and the arm when the therapist's posture changes due to the tilting of the backrest 3 is appropriately suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the first link (first component) 54 is an elongated component. In the first link 54, the first end (one end) 54a is rotatably connected to the backrest 3 about a first axis (shaft) J1 extending in the left-right direction, the second end (the other end) 54b is rotatably connected to the base 2 about a second axis (shaft) J2 extending in the left-right direction, and a predetermined portion 54c between the first end 54a and the second end 54b is rotatably connected to the rear end of the armrest 50 about a third axis (shaft) J3 extending in the left-right direction. Thus, the link (first link) 54 constituting the linkage mechanism is connected to the armrest 50, the backrest 3, and the base 2, thereby enabling the tilting of the backrest 3 relative to the base 2 to be linked with the movement of the armrest 50. It should be noted that the "connection" in this embodiment includes a connection via a predetermined component.

[0083] Furthermore, in the massager 1 of this embodiment, the moving part 55 is guided by the base 2. In this way, by using a part of the base 2 (the upper frame 22 in this embodiment) to guide the moving part 55, it is not necessary to provide a separate component to guide the moving part 55, thereby simplifying the structure of the support mechanism 53.

[0084] It should be noted that the massager of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the structure of another embodiment can be added to the structure of a certain embodiment; in addition, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment. Moreover, a part of the structure of a certain embodiment can be deleted.

[0085] The support mechanism 53 in the above embodiment, together with the armrest 50 (third link 52), constitutes a linkage mechanism, but is not limited to this structure. The mechanism that moves the armrest 50 in conjunction with the tilting movement of the backrest 3 can also be a structure other than a linkage mechanism. For example, the support mechanism 53 may also be a structure that includes a cam, gear, chain, etc., and moves the armrest 50 in conjunction with the tilting movement of the backrest 3. Alternatively, a structure may be obtained by replacing a part of the components constituting the support mechanism 53 with other components such as a cam, gear, chain, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, while the support mechanism 53 in the above embodiment moves the front end of the armrest 50 forward relative to the base 2 (mounting surface) as the backrest 3 tilts, it is not limited to this structure. The support mechanism 53 may also be a structure that moves the front end of the armrest 50 backward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts, or maintains its position. That is, the support mechanism 53 can be a structure that moves the front end of the armrest 50 backward relative to the seat 4 as the backrest 3 tilts.

[0087] Furthermore, the armrest body 51 of the above embodiment includes a therapeutic component. That is, the armrest body 51 has a massage function, but it is not limited to this structure. The armrest body 51 may also not have a therapeutic component, that is, it may be a simple elbow rest without a massage function.

[0088] Furthermore, while the armrest body 51 of the above embodiment has an opening on the upper side and a recess 511 extending in the front-back direction, it is not limited to this structure. The armrest body 51 may, for example, have an opening on the inner side in the left-right direction (the side of the patient in the seated state) and a recess extending in the front-back direction (i.e., a structure in which the arm is inserted from the inner side in the left-right direction), or it may be a simple platform (a platform for placing the arm, but a structure that does not cover the placed arm), or it may be a structure that only covers a part of the arm (e.g., the fingertips), or it may be a structure that covers the arm from all directions.

[0089] Furthermore, while the handrail body 51 in the above embodiment is fixed to the third link 52 in a non-removable manner, this structure is not limiting. The handrail body 51 can also be fixed to the third link 52 in a detachable manner.

[0090] The massage machine in this embodiment is as described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and appropriate design modifications can be made within the scope of the intent of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0091] That is, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the invention is shown by the patented technical solution, not by the foregoing description. Furthermore, it is intended that the scope of the invention include equivalents to the patented technical solution and all modifications within that scope.

Claims

1. A massage machine, wherein, The massage machine has the following features: abutment; The backrest, supported by the base, is capable of tilting. The seat, which moves forward relative to the base as the backrest tilts; armrest; as well as A support mechanism that supports the armrest in such a way that the armrest moves in sync with the tilting motion of the backrest. When the backrest is tilted, the support mechanism causes the rear end of the armrest to descend and the front end of the armrest to move rearward relative to the seat.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein, The support mechanism causes the front end of the armrest to move forward relative to the base as the backrest tilts. When the backrest is tilted back, the front end of the armrest moves forward relative to the base a shorter distance than the seat moves forward relative to the base.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein, The support mechanism has: The first component is connected to the rear end of the armrest and the backrest; The movable part moves back and forth along with the seat part relative to the base; as well as The second component is connected to the front end of the handrail and the movable part. When the backrest is tilted back, the rear end of the armrest is lowered by the action of the first member, and the front end of the armrest is moved rearward relative to the seat by the action of the moving part and the second member.

4. The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein, The handrail and the support mechanism form a linkage mechanism.

5. The massage machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The second member is rotatably connected to the movable part about an axis extending in the left-right direction. When the movable part moves forward with the seat relative to the base, the member rotates relative to the movable part in such a way that the front end of the armrest moves rearward relative to the movable part.

6. The massage machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first component is a long strip component. In this first component, One end is rotatably connected relative to the backrest about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The other end is rotatably connected to the base about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The designated portion between the end of one side and the end of the other side is rotatably connected relative to the rear end of the armrest about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

7. The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein, The moving part is guided by the base.

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