Massage unit and chair-type massage machine

Abstract

The massage unit has: a pair of left and right massage members provided on the base; the driving mechanism is used for enabling the pair of left and right massage components to be close to or far away from each other so as to generate kneading action on the treatment applying part; the pair of left and right massage members is configured to have: an arm portion, the base end of which is supported by the base via the drive mechanism; a support shaft provided on the inner side in the left-right direction of the distal end of the arm section so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the arm section; a first treatment member supported by the support shaft so as to be movable along the support shaft; the elastic component applies force to the inner side of the left-right direction of the first treatment applying piece; the elastic member elastically deforms according to a load applied to the first treatment member, and the first treatment member can move toward the outside in the left-right direction along the support shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a massage unit whose application element moves outward in a left-right direction according to the load, and a chair-type massage machine having the massage unit. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2024-065901, filed on April 16, 2024, and incorporates the entire contents of the aforementioned Japanese application. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as a massage device that applies massage motions to the shoulders, neck, and other areas of a user leaning against a backrest, the massage device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-115160 Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a massage unit includes: a pair of left and right massage members disposed on a base; and a drive mechanism for bringing the left and right pair of massage members closer or further apart to generate a kneading action on a treatment area; wherein the left and right pair of massage members are configured to have: an arm portion, the base end of which is supported by the base via the drive mechanism; a support shaft disposed at the top end of the arm portion and on the inner side in the left and right direction, intersecting the long side direction of the arm portion; a first treatment member supported by the support shaft in a manner that allows it to move along the support shaft; and an elastic member that applies force to the first treatment member in the left and right direction; the elastic member elastically deforms according to the load applied to the first treatment member, and the first treatment member is movable outward in the left and right direction along the support shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a chair-type massager with a massage unit having an implementation method, viewed from the left front.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the massage unit as seen from the right front.

[0009] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the massage unit in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the massage component in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure and usage of the treatment member of the first embodiment, i.e., the elastic member, in a state where the elastic member is in a free length, from the back side.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure and usage of the treatment member according to the first embodiment, i.e., the elastic member, in the state of elastic deformation, from the back side.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure and usage of the treatment member of the second embodiment, i.e., the elastic member, in a state where the elastic member is in a free length, from the back side.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure and usage of the treatment component, i.e., the elastic member, in the state of elastic deformation according to the second embodiment, from the back side. Detailed Implementation

[0015] <Problem to be solved by this invention>

[0016] Patent Document 1 discloses a massage unit comprising: a treatment element; an actuator capable of extending and retracting along its long side; and an arm portion on which the treatment element is mounted at one end; one end of the actuator is mounted at the other end of the arm portion, and a rotation fulcrum, i.e., a first rotation fulcrum, is provided in the middle of the arm portion; the positional relationship between the first rotation fulcrum and the rotation fulcrum at the other end of the actuator, i.e., a second rotation fulcrum, or the positional relationship between the first rotation fulcrum and the other end of the actuator, is fixed, so that a pair of left and right rotation axes of the first rotation fulcrum can rotate independently.

[0017] In recent years, according to feedback from some users, the massage sensation is slightly stronger when kneading and massaging the neck compared to the shoulder massage. This is particularly noticeable from users with thicker necks, as the width of the treatment area, such as the neck, varies depending on the user's physique. However, the massage device in Patent Document 1 sets the spacing between the massage components to correspond to a specific treatment width. Therefore, when treating narrow areas like the neck, the pressure applied tends to narrow the gap between the massage components, resulting in a slightly stronger massage sensation for some users.

[0018] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a massage unit and a chair-type massager that can provide an appropriate massage sensation even when massaging a treatment area that is narrow in the left-right direction, without causing discomfort to the user.

[0019] <Effects of the Invention>

[0020] According to the massage unit and chair-type massager of the present invention, even when massaging a treatment area that is narrow in the left-right direction, it can provide the same appropriate massage sensation as a treatment area that is wide, without causing discomfort to the user. That is, according to the massage unit and chair-type massager of the present invention, even when massaging treatment areas such as the neck, it can provide the same appropriate massage sensation as a treatment area such as the shoulders, without causing discomfort to the user of any body type.

[0021] <Summary of Embodiments of the Invention>

[0022] The following is a summary of embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0024] (1) The massage unit of the present invention comprises: a pair of left and right massage members disposed on a base; and a drive mechanism for bringing the left and right pair of massage members closer or further apart to generate a kneading action on the treatment portion; wherein the left and right pair of massage members are configured to have: an arm portion, the base end of which is supported by the base via the drive mechanism; a support shaft, disposed at the top end of the arm portion and in the left and right direction, intersecting the long side direction of the arm portion; a first treatment member, which is supported by the support shaft in a manner that allows it to move along the support shaft; and an elastic member that applies force to the first treatment member in the left and right direction; the elastic member elastically deforms according to the load applied to the first treatment member, and the first treatment member is movable in the left and right direction along the support shaft.

[0025] (2) In (1), the elastic member may also be a helical spring wound around the axis of the support shaft on the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft.

[0026] (3) In (2), a recess may also be formed on the first treatment member, and the recess may be embedded in the support shaft in a loosely fitted state. The receiving portion of the elastic member may also be disposed between the support shaft and the recess.

[0027] (4) In (2), a recess may also be formed in the arm portion, and the support shaft may also be disposed in the recess and a portion of the first treatment member may be slidably embedded therein. The receiving portion of the elastic member may also be disposed between a portion of the first treatment member and the recess.

[0028] (5) In (2), at the top of the arm portion of the left and right pair of massage members, the first treatment member may be provided on the inner side in the left and right direction and the second treatment member may be provided on the outer side in the left and right direction, in a manner that clamps the arm portion.

[0029] (6) In (5), the second treatment member may also be supported by the support shaft in a state where movement is restricted in the direction along the axial direction of the support shaft.

[0030] (7) In (1), the massage unit may also have a pinching massage mechanism for pinching massage of the treatment part, and the pinching massage mechanism may also have a pinching treatment member arranged at a distance in the vertical direction relative to the first treatment member, and the pinching treatment member is swung in the vertical direction by the drive mechanism.

[0031] (8) The chair-type massager of the present invention has: a seat, a backrest, and the massage unit inside the backrest.

[0032] <Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention>

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0034] The massage unit of the present invention will now be described. Specifically, an embodiment of a chair-type massager incorporating the massage unit will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples embodying the present invention and are not intended to limit the structure of the invention to these specific examples. Additionally, regarding the accompanying drawings, for ease of observation, depictions of some structural components have been omitted.

[0036] Regarding the up / down, forward / backward, left / right directions of the chair-type massager 1, as follows: Figure 1 As shown. Regarding the up / down, left / right, and forward / backward directions of the massage unit 10, as follows... Figure 3 As shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the direction shown in the drawings will be used as the direction for describing the chair-type massager 1 and the massage unit 10 of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the chair-type massager 1 of this embodiment has: a seat 2 having a width sufficient for a user U to sit on; and a backrest 3 provided on the rear side of the seat 2, which the user U can lean against.

[0038] The seat 2 is constructed from a combination of square rod-shaped components and is supported from below at a predetermined height. The entire seat 2 is covered by a shell, seat cover, etc., and a cushioning component is provided on the upper surface. Armrests 4 are provided on the left and right sides of the seat 2. A seat massage mechanism for massaging the lower limbs of the user U can also be provided inside the seat 2.

[0039] The backrest 3 is a component located at the rear of the seat 2, and is formed into a thick, flat plate so that the user U can lean against it. A back massage mechanism 5 for massaging the back of the user U is provided on the backrest 3.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the back massage mechanism 5 includes: a guide rail 6 arranged vertically inside the backrest 3; and a massage unit 10 that can move vertically along the guide rail 6 inside the backrest 3. The backrest 3 is supported at the rear of the seat 2 so that it can swing freely in the front-back direction (tilt freely), and the back massage mechanism 5 tilts freely in coordination with the backward tilt of the backrest 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, two guide rails 6 are provided, one on each side of the interior of the backrest 3. The guide rail 6 includes a left guide rail 6L located on the left side of the backrest 3 and a right guide rail 6R located on the right side of the backrest 3. A left rack 7L is formed on the left guide rail 6L, and a right rack 7R is provided on the right guide rail 6R. The left rack 7L and right rack 7R are mounted on the upright backrest 3 with their teeth facing approximately forward. The massage unit 10 can travel along the left guide rail 6L and right guide rail 6R by meshing the left pinion 37L with the left rack 7L and the right pinion 37R with the right rack 7R.

[0042] The massage unit 10 of this embodiment moves inside the backrest 3 to perform at least a kneading massage on the treatment area from the neck or shoulder of the user U who is leaning against the backrest 3, through the back to the waist. That is, the back from the user U's neck or shoulder, through the back to the waist, becomes the treatment area for the massage unit 10 of the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the massage unit 10 of this embodiment includes: a base 15; a pair of left and right massage members (left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R) disposed on the base 15; and a drive mechanism 17 that brings the pair of left and right massage members (left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R) disposed on the base 15 closer or further away to generate a massage action (kneading action) on the treatment area.

[0044] The base 15 is positioned between the left guide rail 6L and the right guide rail 6R, and has a left pinion 37L that meshes with the left rack 7L and a right pinion 37R that meshes with the right rack 7R. The base 15 has a lifting drive unit (not shown) that drives the left pinion 37L and the right pinion 37R to rotate. By utilizing the lifting drive unit to drive the left pinion 37L and the right pinion 37R to rotate, the base 15 can move along the orientation of the left guide rail 6L and the right guide rail 6R.

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the massage member 16 has a left massage member 16L disposed on the left side of the base 15 and a right massage member 16R disposed on the right side of the base 15. The massage is performed by clamping the treatment part between the left first treatment member 19L disposed at the top of the left massage member 16L and the right first treatment member 19R disposed at the top of the right massage member 16R.

[0046] The left massage member 16L and the right massage member 16R have a symmetrical arrangement and structure with respect to the base 15. The left massage member 16L has: a left arm portion 13L; a left support shaft 18L disposed on the right side of the top end of the left arm portion 13L; and a left first treatment element 19L supported by the left support shaft 18L. The right massage member 16R has: a right arm portion 13R; a right support shaft 18R disposed on the left side of the top end of the right arm portion 13R; and a right first treatment element 19R supported by the right support shaft 18R. The left support shaft 18L is configured to intersect (approximately orthogonal) the long side direction of the left arm portion 13L, and the right support shaft 18R is configured to intersect (approximately orthogonal) the long side direction of the right arm portion 13R.

[0047] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the arm portion 13 is an arm-shaped member extending from the base 15. In this embodiment, the arm portion 13 has a left arm portion 13L disposed on the left massage member 16L and a right arm portion 13R disposed on the right massage member 16R.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the arm 13 is configured such that its top end extends away from the base 15 relative to the base end supported by the drive mechanism 17. A left rotation limiting part 21L is provided on the base end side of the left arm 13L to restrict the left arm 13L from rotating integrally with the rotation axis 9, and a right rotation limiting part 21R is provided on the base end side of the right arm 13R to restrict the right arm 13R from rotating integrally with the rotation axis 9.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, a left annular fitting portion 14L of the drive mechanism 17 is provided on the base end side of the left arm portion 13L, and a right annular fitting portion 14R of the drive mechanism 17 is provided on the base end side of the right arm portion 13R.

[0050] The drive mechanism 17 has: a drive section 17a that generates a rotational driving force; and a conversion section 17b that converts the rotational driving force generated by the drive section 17a into the oscillation of a pair of left and right massage members 16 (left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R).

[0051] The drive unit 17a of the drive mechanism 17 in this embodiment has a drive motor 8 provided on the base 15. In addition, the conversion unit 17b of the drive mechanism 17 has: a rotating shaft 9 that rotates about an axis in the left-right direction by the rotational driving force of the drive motor 8; a rotating boss 11 mounted on the rotating shaft 9; an annular cam surface 12 formed on the periphery of the rotating boss 11 and inclined relative to the left-right direction; and an annular fitting part 14 (the aforementioned left annular fitting part 14L and right annular fitting part 14R) provided on the base end of the arm part 13 and slidably fitted onto the cam surface 12.

[0052] In this embodiment, the drive motor 8 is disposed on the base 15 with the drive shaft 8a facing downward. One or more gears (in this embodiment, multiple gears including a turbine) are provided between the drive motor 8 and the rotating shaft 9 to transmit the rotational driving force of the drive shaft 8a of the drive motor 8 to the rotating shaft 9.

[0053] The rotating shaft 9 is rotatably mounted on the base 15 with its axis pointing left and right. The rotating shaft 9 extends to the right and left of the drive motor 8 (drive shaft 8a). A left rotating boss 11L is mounted on the rotating shaft 9, which is further to the left than the drive shaft 8a, and a right rotating boss 11R is mounted on the rotating shaft 9, which is further to the right than the drive shaft 8a. Both the left rotating boss 11L and the right rotating boss 11R can rotate together with respect to the rotating shaft 9.

[0054] Both the left rotating boss 11L and the right rotating boss 11R are multi-stage cylindrical components. A left cam surface 12L is formed on the outer periphery of the left rotating boss 11L, and a right cam surface 12R is formed on the outer periphery of the right rotating boss 11R. Both the left cam surface 12L and the right cam surface 12R are formed into cylindrical surfaces that surround an axis centered on an axis intersecting the axis of rotation 9.

[0055] The tilting directions of the left cam surface 12L and the right cam surface 12R (the directions in which the axes of the left cam surface 12L and the right cam surface 12R face each other) are relatively opposite in the left-right direction (symmetrical with respect to the lines facing up and down). For example, when the axis of the left cam surface 12L is tilted to the left relative to the axis of the rotation shaft 9, the axis of the right cam surface 12R is tilted to the right relative to the axis of the rotation shaft 9. Conversely, when the axis of the left cam surface 12L is tilted to the right relative to the axis of the rotation shaft 9, the axis of the right cam surface 12R is tilted to the left relative to the axis of the rotation shaft 9.

[0056] Since the left annular fitting portion 14L and the right annular fitting portion 14R are slidably embedded in the left cam surface 12L and the right cam surface 12R respectively, a swinging motion is performed to bring the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R closer or further apart, in cooperation with the rotation limiting portion described later.

[0057] A left rotation limiting part 21L is provided at the base of the left arm portion 13L, allowing the left arm portion 13L to swing in the left-right direction and limiting its rotation about the axis of rotation 9. A right rotation limiting part 21R is provided at the base of the right arm portion 13R, allowing the right arm portion 13R to swing in the left-right direction and limiting its rotation about the axis of rotation 9. Furthermore, by reciprocating the left and right rotation limiting parts 21L and 21R, the left and right arm portions 13L and 13R reciprocate about the axis of rotation 9, enabling the treatment members (left first treatment member 19L and right first treatment member 19R) to perform a tapping action.

[0058] When the rotating shaft 9 rotates using the drive motor 8, the left rotating boss 11L and the right rotating boss 11R rotate together with the rotating shaft 9. The left annular fitting portion 14L slides freely into the left cam surface 12L of the left rotating boss 11L, and the right annular fitting portion 14R slides freely into the right cam surface 12R of the right rotating boss 11R. The left arm portion 13L is restricted from rotating as a whole by the left rotation limiting portion 21L, so even if the left rotating boss 11L rotates, it will not rotate as a whole.

[0059] On the other hand, when the left rotating boss 11L rotates, the tilt direction of the left cam surface 12L switches left and right. Therefore, the left massage member 16L (left arm 13L) slides in the left and right directions corresponding to the tilt direction of the left cam surface 12L. Additionally, the right annular fitting portion 14R, located at the base of the right arm 13R, also slides freely into the right cam surface 12R of the right rotating boss 11R. The right arm 13R is also restricted from rotating as a whole by the right rotation limiting portion 21R. Therefore, the right massage member 16R (right arm 13R) also tilts in the left and right directions corresponding to the switching of the tilt direction of the right cam surface 12R. Since the tilt directions of the left cam surface 12L and the right cam surface 12R are relatively opposite in the left and right directions, the left arm 13L and the right arm 13R swing in opposite directions in the left and right directions.

[0060] That is, the left arm 13L and the right arm 13R repeatedly move closer and further apart in the left and right directions. Therefore, if a treatment part is arranged between the left first treatment member 19L located at the top of the left arm 13L and the right first treatment member 19R located at the top of the right arm 13R, the treatment part can be kneaded and massaged.

[0061] The massage unit 10 described above includes a kneading massage mechanism 42 that performs kneading massage on the treatment area between the left first treatment member 19L and the left grasping treatment member 41L, and between the right first treatment member 19R and the right grasping treatment member 41R.

[0062] Next, the kneading and massaging mechanism 42 will be explained.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the grasping and massaging mechanism 42 of this embodiment has a pair of grasping and massaging members (left grasping and massaging member 43L and right grasping and massaging member 43R). In addition, the drive mechanism 17 (conversion unit 17b) has the function of causing the pair of grasping and massaging members (left grasping and massaging member 43L and right grasping and massaging member 43R) to swing up and down around the rotation axis 9.

[0064] In the following description of the grasping and massaging component 43, only the left grasping and massaging component 43L will be described. Except for the description of actions that can only be described with a pair of left and right components, the description of the right grasping and massaging component 43R will be omitted.

[0065] The left kneading massage member 43L includes: a left kneading arm 44L whose base end is mounted on a base 15 via a drive mechanism 17; and a left kneading treatment element 41L disposed at the top of the left kneading arm 44L. The left kneading arm 44L includes: a left first kneading arm 45L disposed at its base end and a left second kneading arm 46L disposed at its top end. The left first kneading arm 45L is flexibly connected to the middle portion of the left second kneading arm 46L about an axis pointing to the left and right. The base end of the left second kneading arm 46L is flexibly connected to the middle portion of the left arm 13L about an axis pointing to the left and right. The left kneading treatment element 41L is disposed at the top of the left second kneading arm 46L.

[0066] The conversion part 17b of the drive mechanism 17 has: a left second rotating boss 47L disposed on the rotating shaft 9; and a left second annular fitting part 48L rotatably fitted onto the left second rotating boss 47L. A left second cam surface 49L is formed on the outer periphery of the left second rotating boss 47L, surrounding the axis of the rotating shaft 9. The left second cam surface 49L is formed into a cylindrical surface shape surrounding an axis eccentric to the axis of the rotating shaft 9.

[0067] When the rotating shaft 9 rotates via the drive motor 8, the left second rotating boss 47L rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 9, and the left second annular fitting part 48L, which is slidably fitted into the left second cam surface 49L, also rotates around the axis. However, since the top end of the left first gripping arm 45L is connected to the left arm 13L via the left second gripping arm 46L, the left second annular fitting part 48L (left first gripping arm 45L) does not rotate.

[0068] On the other hand, since the left second cam surface 49L is formed into a cylindrical shape around an axis eccentric to the axis of rotation 9, the left first grasping arm 45L swings vertically around the axis of rotation 9. That is, the left second grasping arm 46L connected to the top of the left first grasping arm 45L also swings vertically, and the left second grasping arm 46L swings repeatedly vertically around its base end connected to the left arm 13L. As a result, the left grasping treatment member 41L swings vertically, and the left grasping treatment member 41L repeatedly approaches and moves away from the left first treatment member 19L in the vertical direction, thereby enabling grasping massage by grasping the treatment part located between the two members.

[0069] Furthermore, the above description relates to the structure and effects of the left pinching massage member 43L, while the right pinching massage member 43R has the same structure and effects.

[0070] Thus, the left first treatment element 19L can be movably supported on the left support axis 18L of the left massage member 16L along the left support axis 18L, and the right first treatment element 19R can be movably supported on the right support axis 18R of the right massage member 16R along the right support axis 18R.

[0071] Additionally, a left elastic member 20L is provided between the left first treatment member 19L and the left support shaft 18L to apply force to the left first treatment member 19L to the right (inner side in the left-right direction). A right elastic member 20R is provided between the right first treatment member 19R and the right support shaft 18R to apply force to the right first treatment member 19R to the left (inner side in the left-right direction).

[0072] Furthermore, in the massage unit 10 of the present invention, the left elastic member 20L and the right elastic member 20R elastically deform according to the load applied to the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R, respectively, and the left first treatment member 19L can move to the left (outer side in the left-right direction) along the left support shaft 18L. Additionally, the right elastic member 20R elastically deforms according to the load applied to the right first treatment member 19R, and the right first treatment member 19R can move to the right (outer side in the left-right direction) along the right support shaft 18R.

[0073] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, a support shaft 18 is provided at the top of the massage member 16 in this embodiment. Specifically, the support shaft 18 includes a left support shaft 18L provided at the top of the left massage member 16L (left arm portion 13L) and a right support shaft 18R provided at the top of the right massage member 16R (right arm portion 13R). The left support shaft 18L is a rod-shaped member extending from the inner side of the top of the left arm portion 13L in the left-right direction. The right support shaft 18R is a rod-shaped member extending from the inner side of the top of the right arm portion 13R in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the left support shaft 18L and the right support shaft 18R are formed into round rods with a hollowed-out center. The left first treatment member 19L is supported on the right end of the left support shaft 18L, and the right first treatment member 19R is supported on the left end of the right support shaft 18R.

[0074] In the above Figures 1-4 In the previous description, the treatment element consisted of left and right first treatment elements (left first treatment element 19L and right first treatment element 19R) and left and right second treatment elements (left second treatment element 22L and right second treatment element 22R). However, in the massage unit 10 of the present invention, as a simpler structure, it is also possible to consider a treatment element consisting of only the left first treatment element 19L and the right first treatment element 19R, which are a pair of left and right massage members (left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R).

[0075] Therefore, in the following description of the first treatment element 19, the method having only the left first treatment element 19L and the right first treatment element 19R (with a kneading ball at the top of the arm) will be described first as the first embodiment.

[0076] Furthermore, as a second embodiment, the method of having left and right first treatment elements (left first treatment element 19L and right first treatment element 19R) and left and right second treatment elements (left second treatment element 22L and right second treatment element 22R) as treatment elements (with two kneading balls at the top of the arm) will be described.

[0077] Furthermore, in both the first and second embodiments, the left and right massage members (left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R) have a left-right symmetrical arrangement and structure. Therefore, in the following description, only the left massage member 16L will be described, and the description of the right massage member 16R will be omitted except for descriptions of actions that can only be described with a left-right pair.

[0078] [First Implementation]

[0079] like Figure 5As shown in the enlarged view, the left first treatment member 19L of the first embodiment is made of a soft, malleable resin (such as PVC resin) and is formed into a cylindrical shape with a concave middle section in the left-right direction. A left first insertion hole 24L is formed inside the left first treatment member 19L, with an opening diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left support shaft 18L. The left first insertion hole 24L is formed to extend through the interior of the left first treatment member 19L in the left-right direction, oriented in the same direction as the axis of the left support shaft 18L. The left support shaft 18L slides freely through the left first insertion hole 24L in the left-right direction.

[0080] Specifically, at the top of the left arm portion 13L in the first embodiment, a left cylindrical portion 23L with a diameter larger than that of the left support shaft 18L is formed in a manner that protrudes to the right (inward in the left-right direction). The left cylindrical portion 23L is formed in a cylindrical shape around an axis coaxial with the left support shaft 18L, and the left support shaft 18L is arranged at the protruding end (right end) of the left cylindrical portion 23L in a manner coaxial with the axis of the left cylindrical portion 23L.

[0081] The left first treatment member 19L of the first embodiment has a left first recess 25L on the left side of the left first insertion hole 24L. The left first recess 25L is a cylindrical recess that opens to the left (towards the left arm portion 13L), and is composed of a left cylindrical inner wall 26L in the shape of a cylindrical surface and a left inner wall 27L that closes the right end of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L.

[0082] The inner wall 26L of the left cylinder is formed into a cylindrical surface shape with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left cylindrical part 23L, so that it can be externally fitted into the left cylindrical part 23L. The inner wall 27L of the left cylinder is formed between the right end of the inner wall 26L of the left cylinder and the left opening of the left first insertion hole 24L, in a direction that intersects the axis of the left support shaft 18L (or approximately orthogonal in the case of the illustration).

[0083] The inner wall 26L of the left cylinder is separated from the left support shaft 18L, and a left elastic member 20L is disposed between the inner wall 26L of the left cylinder and the left support shaft 18L. That is, the space between the inner wall 26L of the left cylinder and the left support shaft 18L forms a left receiving portion 28L for accommodating the left elastic member 20L.

[0084] In the first embodiment, a left first treatment element 19L has a left second recess 30L formed on the right side of the left first insertion hole 24L. The left second recess 30L opens to the right (inner side in the left-right direction). The top end (right end) of the left support shaft 18L is provided in the left second recess 30L in a manner that protrudes from the bottom wall. An anti-detachment mechanism (e.g., an anti-detachment pin, not shown) is installed at the top end (right end) of the left support shaft 18L to prevent the top end of the left support shaft 18L from falling to the left from the left second recess 30L.

[0085] The elastic member 20 of the first embodiment has a left elastic member 20L that applies force to the left first treatment member 19L to the right and a right elastic member 20R that applies force to the right first treatment member 19R to the left.

[0086] The left elastic member 20L is a helical spring wound around the outer circumference of the left support shaft 18L. The left elastic member 20L... Figure 5 In the magnified view shown, no force (restoring force) is generated in the state (to a negligible degree). That is, Figure 5 The enlarged view shows the left elastic member 20L as its free length (length without applied force). Furthermore, in the left elastic member 20L of the first embodiment, a helical spring of approximately the same length as the inner dimension of the left first recess 25L along the left-right direction (the inner dimension of the left first recess 25L along the axis of the left support shaft 18L). That is, the left end of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L is positioned approximately at the same location as the right end of the left cylindrical portion 23L, and the left receiving portion 28L becomes a space enclosed by the left cylindrical portion 23L.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, in the case of massaging a treatment area that is wide in the left-right direction, such as the shoulder, the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R are set to have a wide treatment width (swing width in the left-right direction) corresponding to the wide treatment area. Since the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R massage the treatment area such as the shoulder by rubbing the surface of the treatment area, especially when massaging a treatment area without bumps or depressions, the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R are not subjected to much load. That is, even when using Figure 5 When the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R are in a state of kneading and massaging, they do not exert a large force on the left elastic member 20L and the right elastic member 20R in the compression direction. The left elastic member 20L and the right elastic member 20R maintain their free length (unelastically deformed state) while performing kneading and massaging. Therefore, when massaging a treatment area such as the shoulder, the treatment area can be kneaded and massaged without causing the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R to move towards the left arm 13L side and the right arm 13R side.

[0088] On the other hand, such as Figure 6As shown, when massaging a slender and sensitive area such as the neck, the left first treatment piece 19L and the right first treatment piece 19R are positioned to clamp the neck, potentially resulting in a massage that clamps the treatment area. In particular, when the treatment width (swing width) is set wider to accommodate treatment areas such as the shoulders, the distance between the left arm 13L and the right arm 13R may be narrower than that of the neck when the left arm 13L and the right arm 13R are close together. This is expected to increase the massage sensation (massage intensity) on the treatment area, potentially causing discomfort to the user.

[0089] However, in the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R of the first embodiment, when the left first treatment member 19L and right first treatment member 19R are inserted into the treatment area such as the neck, the left first treatment member 19L and right first treatment member 19R generate a large load in the direction (outward in the left-right direction) near the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R. As a result, the left elastic member 20L and right elastic member 20R elastically deform (the helical spring constituting the left elastic member 20L and right elastic member 20R contracts) in the outward direction. For example, when the left elastic member 20L elastically deforms, the left first recess 25L is inserted (deeply pressed) into the left cylindrical portion 23L.

[0090] Since the inner diameter of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left cylindrical portion 23L, the inner circumferential surface of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L slides relative to the outer circumferential surface of the left cylindrical portion 23L along the axis of the left support shaft 18L, causing the left first treatment member 19L to move to the left (towards the left arm portion 13L, i.e., outwards in the left-right direction) along the axis of the left support shaft 18L. That is, through the elastic deformation of the left elastic member 20L outwards in the left-right direction, the force applied to the left first treatment member 19L in the direction close to the treatment portion can be released.

[0091] Furthermore, the above description pertains to the left elastic member 20L, but the right elastic member 20R performs the same action.

[0092] In other words, in the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R of the first embodiment, when the tips of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R approach each other, the distance between the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R increases. As a result, even when massaging a treatment area that is narrow in the left-right direction, such as the neck, it is possible to provide the same level of soft (appropriate) massage sensation as a treatment area with a wide width (such as the shoulder), without causing discomfort to the user.

[0093] In the left elastic member 20L of the first embodiment, a helical spring of approximately the same length as the inner dimension of the left first recess 25L along the left-right direction is used. That is, the left end of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L is located at approximately the same position as the right end of the left cylindrical portion 23L, and the left receiving portion 28L becomes a space enclosed by the left cylindrical portion 23L. In this way, if the left receiving portion 28L is set as a space enclosed by the left cylindrical portion 23L, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the left receiving portion 28L and to prevent corrosion of the left elastic member 20L, thereby improving the durability of the left elastic member 20L.

[0094] In the left massage member 16L of the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left cylindrical portion 23L. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L can slide relative to the outer circumferential surface of the left cylindrical portion 23L along the axis of the left support shaft 18L. Thus, when the left first treatment member 19L is moved to the left, while maintaining the sliding of the inner circumferential surface of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L relative to the outer circumferential surface of the left cylindrical portion 23L, the left first recess 25L is inserted externally into the left cylindrical portion 23L. In this way, when the left first recess 25L is inserted externally into the left cylindrical portion 23L, the left first treatment member 19L can move reliably and without wobbling relative to the axis of the left support shaft 18L.

[0095] Furthermore, when the treatment area, such as the back, has protrusions like the scapula, moving the treatment piece left or right can cause these protrusions to put a load on the movement, increasing the massage sensation and sometimes causing discomfort to the user. In such cases, with the left massage member 16L of the first embodiment, the left elastic member 20L elastically deforms (outward in the left and right directions) in the same way as in the neck or other treatment areas (the coil spring constituting the left elastic member 20L contracts). Therefore, it can provide the treatment area with protrusions with the same level of soft (appropriate) massage sensation as a wide treatment area (such as the shoulder), without causing discomfort to the user.

[0096] The massage unit 10 of the first embodiment includes a pinching massage mechanism 42 for pinching massage of the treatment area. The pinching massage mechanism 42 has a left pinching treatment member 41L arranged at a distance in the vertical direction relative to the left first treatment member 19L. In addition, the pinching massage mechanism 42 causes the pinching treatment member 41L to swing in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism 17.

[0097] When using the pinching massager 41 to massage the treatment area, when the left pinching massager 41L approaches the top of the left arm portion 13L (left first massager 19L) in the vertical direction, the massage sensation is too strong. However, if the left elastic member 20L (outward in the left-right direction) deforms elastically and the left first massager 19L moves outward in the left-right direction, the force applied between the left first massager 19L and the left pinching massager 41L can be released, and no discomfort will be caused to the user.

[0098] Furthermore, the above description relates to the effects of the left massage member 16L and the left pinch massage member 43L, but the right massage member 16R and the right pinch massage member 43R can also achieve the same effect.

[0099] [Second Implementation]

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, in the second embodiment, the left massage member 16L, in addition to the left first treatment member 19L, also has a left second treatment member 22L as a treatment member. Similarly, the right massage member 16R has a right first treatment member 19R and a right second treatment member 22R as treatment members. Like the first embodiment, the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R in the second embodiment also have a left arm portion 13L and a right arm portion 13R, with two treatment members positioned at the top of each arm portion 13L and right arm portion 13R, clamping the arm portion.

[0101] Of the two treatment devices, the left first treatment device 19L is positioned to the right of the left arm 13L (inner side in the left-right direction), and the left second treatment device 22L is positioned to the left of the left arm 13L (outer side in the left-right direction). Additionally, the right first treatment device 19R is positioned to the left of the right arm 13R (inner side in the left-right direction), and the right second treatment device 22R is positioned to the right of the right arm 13R (outer side in the left-right direction).

[0102] In the second embodiment, the left first treatment member 19L and the left second treatment member 22L are made of the same soft, malleable resin as in the first embodiment, and are formed into a short cylindrical shape (wheel-shaped) in the left-right direction. A left first insertion hole 24L is formed inside the left first treatment member 19L, with an opening diameter identical to the outer diameter of the left support shaft 18L. The left first insertion hole 24L is oriented in the same direction as the axis of the left support shaft 18L, penetrating the interior of the left first treatment member 19L along the axial direction. The left support shaft 18L is freely inserted into the left first insertion hole 24L in the left-right direction.

[0103] Specifically, at the top (right side) of the left arm portion 13L in the second embodiment, a cylindrical left third recess 29L with an opening diameter larger than that of the left support shaft 18L is formed, opening to the right. The left third recess 29L is formed as a cylinder with an opening diameter larger than the outer diameter of the left support shaft 18L, and the left support shaft 18L is centrally positioned so as to pass through the center (cylindrical axis) of the left third recess 29L in the left-right direction. At the opening edge of the left third recess 29L, a left first protrusion 39L protruding to the right is formed, and the left first protrusion 39L surrounds the left third recess 29L along the opening edge.

[0104] A fourth left recess 31L with an opening to the left is formed on the left side of the first left treatment piece 19L. The depth of the recess along the axial direction of the fourth left recess 31L (the direction of the axis of the left support shaft 18L) (the distance from point P1 on the left side of the first left treatment piece 19L to point P2 at the deepest point of the recess in the fourth left recess 31L) L1 is equal to the height of the protrusion of the first left protrusion 39L from the right side of the left arm 13L (the distance along the axial direction of the left support shaft 18L from point P3 on the right side of the left arm 13L to point P4 at the protruding end of the first left protrusion 39L).

[0105] A left sliding member 32L is disposed between the left first treatment member 19L and the left third recess 29L. The left sliding member 32L has: an annular left closing portion 33L that can loosely fit with the left third recess 29L; and a left second protrusion 34L that protrudes to the left from the outer edge of the left closing portion 33L along the axial direction of the left support shaft 18L. A left through hole 35L is formed in the center of the left closing portion 33L, penetrating the left closing portion 33L along the axial direction of the left support shaft 18L. The left support shaft 18L is movable through the left through hole 35L along the axial direction. The left second protrusion 34L is formed to surround the left closing portion 33L along the opening edge of the left closing portion 33L.

[0106] The depth of the depression along the axial direction of the third left recess 29L (the distance along the axial direction of the left support axis 18L from point P5 located on the inner bottom wall of the third left recess 29L to point P4 located on the convex end of the first left protrusion 39L) L3 is equal to the protrusion height of the second left protrusion 34L from the right side of the left closed portion 33L (the distance along the axial direction of the left support axis 18L from point P6 located on the right side of the left closed portion 33L to point P7 located on the convex end of the second left protrusion 34L).

[0107] The left support shaft 18L of the second embodiment has an outer diameter smaller than that of the left third recess 29L, and is formed into a round rod that is longer in the left-right direction, with a left elastic member 20L disposed on its outer peripheral surface.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the left third recess 29L is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the left support shaft 18L, and a left elastic member 20L is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the left third recess 29L and the left support shaft 18L. That is, the area between the inner peripheral surface of the left third recess 29L and the left support shaft 18L forms a left receiving portion 28L for accommodating the left elastic member 20L.

[0109] In the second embodiment of the left first treatment member 19L, a left second recess 30L is formed on the right side of the left first insertion hole 24L, similar to the first embodiment. The left second recess 30L opens to the right (inner side in the left-right direction). The top end (right end) of the left support shaft 18L is protrudingly disposed in the left second recess 30L. An anti-detachment mechanism (e.g., anti-detachment pin, not shown) is installed on the top end (right end) of the left support shaft 18L, which prevents the top end of the left support shaft 18L from detaching to the right from the left second recess 30L.

[0110] A second left insertion hole 38L is formed inside the second left treatment element 22L, with an opening diameter identical to the outer diameter of the left support shaft 18L. The second left insertion hole 38L is oriented in the same direction as the axis of the left support shaft 18L, and passes through the first left treatment element 19L in the axial direction (direction of the axis of the left support shaft 18L). The left support shaft 18L is inserted through the second left insertion hole 38L in a state where its movement in the left-right direction is restricted.

[0111] Specifically, in the second embodiment, a second left insertion hole 38L with the same opening diameter as the outer diameter of the left support shaft 18L is formed on the left second treatment member 22L. The second left insertion hole 38L is oriented in the same direction as the left first insertion hole 24L, sharing the same axis as the left support shaft 18L, and passes through the left second treatment member 22L in the axial direction. The left support shaft 18L can move freely in the left-right direction to pass through the second left insertion hole 38L. In addition, a third left insertion hole 36L with the same opening diameter as the outer diameter of the left support shaft 18L is formed at the top of the left arm portion 13L. The third left insertion hole 36L is oriented in the same direction as the left first insertion hole 24L, sharing the same axis as the left support shaft 18L, and passes through the left arm portion 13L in the axial direction. The left third insertion hole 36L and the left second insertion hole 38L are formed adjacent to each other with their openings aligned. The left support shaft 18L connects the left third insertion hole 36L and the left second insertion hole 38L in a connected state along the left-right direction.

[0112] In the second embodiment of the left second treatment member 22L, a left fifth recess 40L is formed on the left side of the left second insertion hole 38L. The left fifth recess 40L opens to the left (outer side in the left-right direction). The left end of the left support shaft 18L protrudes into the interior of the left fifth recess 40L. An anti-disengagement pin (not shown) is installed at the left end of the left support shaft 18L to prevent the top end (left end) of the left support shaft 18L from disengaging to the right from the left fifth recess 40L. The left second treatment member 22L is rotatably supported on the left arm portion 13L while its movement is restricted in the axial direction of the left support shaft 18L.

[0113] like Figure 7 As shown, in the case of massaging a treatment area that is wide in the left-right direction, such as the shoulder, the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R are set to have a wide treatment width (swing width) in the left-right direction, corresponding to the wide treatment area. The left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R massage the treatment area such as the shoulder by stroking (rubbing) the surface of the treatment area. Therefore, especially when massaging a treatment area without unevenness, such as the shoulder, almost no load is applied to the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R. That is, even when using Figure 7 When the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R are in a state of kneading and massaging, they do not exert a large force on the left elastic member 20L and the right elastic member 20R in the compression direction. The left elastic member 20L and the right elastic member 20R are maintained in a state of free length (in a state of no elastic deformation) while kneading and massaging. Therefore, when massaging a treatment area such as the shoulder, the treatment area can be kneaded and massaged without causing the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R to move towards the left arm 13L side and the right arm 13R side.

[0114] On the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, when massaging a slender and sensitive area such as the neck, the left first treatment piece 19L and the right first treatment piece 19R are positioned to clamp the neck, thus potentially resulting in a massage that clamps the treatment area. In particular, when the treatment width (swing width) is set wider to accommodate treatment areas such as the shoulders, the distance between the left arm 13L and the right arm 13R may be narrower than that of the neck when the left arm 13L and the right arm 13R are close together, which is expected to intensify the massage sensation and cause discomfort to the user.

[0115] However, in the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R of the second embodiment, when the left first treatment member 19L and right first treatment member 19R are inserted into the treatment area such as the neck, the left first treatment member 19L and right first treatment member 19R generate a large load in the direction (outward in the left-right direction) near the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R. As a result, the left elastic member 20L and right elastic member 20R elastically deform (outward in the left-right direction) (the helical spring constituting the left elastic member 20L and right elastic member 20R contracts). For example, when the left elastic member 20L elastically deforms, the left first recess 25L is inserted (deeply pressed) into the left cylindrical portion 23L.

[0116] Since the inner diameter of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left cylindrical portion 23L, the inner circumferential surface of the left cylindrical inner wall 26L slides relative to the outer circumferential surface of the left cylindrical portion 23L along the axis of the left support shaft 18L. This causes the left first treatment member 19L to move to the left (towards the left arm portion 13L, in the left-right direction) along the axis of the left support shaft 18L. In other words, the force applied to the left first treatment member 19L in the direction close to the treatment portion can be released through the elastic deformation of the left elastic member 20L in the left-right direction.

[0117] Furthermore, the above description pertains to the left elastic member 20L, but the right elastic member 20R also performs the same action.

[0118] In other words, in the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R of the second embodiment, when the tips of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R approach each other, the distance between the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R increases. As a result, even when massaging a treatment area that is narrow in the left-right direction, such as the neck, it is possible to provide the same level of soft (appropriate) massage sensation as a treatment area with a wide width (such as the shoulder), without causing discomfort to the user.

[0119] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, in the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R of the second embodiment, the distance between the left first treatment member 19L and right first treatment member 19R, which move towards the left arm portion 13L and right arm portion 13R respectively (moving outward in the left and right directions), and the distance between the left second treatment member 22L and right second treatment member 22R, whose left and right direction movement is restricted, also varies according to the elastic deformation of the left elastic member 20L and right elastic member 20R. Therefore, if the left massage member 16L and right massage member 16R are arranged such that the treatment portion is located between the left first treatment member 19L and left second treatment member 22L and between the right first treatment member 19R and right second treatment member 22R, a pinching massage can also be performed on the treatment portion.

[0120] As described above, the depth of the recess along the axial direction of the left fourth recess 31L (the direction of the axis of the left support shaft 18L) (the distance from point P1 on the left side of the left first treatment member 19L to point P2 at the deepest point of the recess in the left fourth recess 31L) L1 is equal to the protrusion height of the left first protrusion 39L from the right side of the left arm 13L (the distance along the axial direction of the left support shaft 18L from point P3 on the right side of the left arm 13L to point P4 at the protruding end of the left first protrusion 39L). Thus, if distances L1 and L2 are equal, then in the case of elastic deformation of the left arm 13L, the protruding end of the left first protrusion 39L of the left sliding member 32L contacts the recessed portion (the deepest part of the recess) of the left fourth recess 31L, restricting the movement of the left sliding member 32L, and therefore, no excessive force is applied to the left elastic member 20L. In addition, even if the left elastic member 20L deforms elastically, it can prevent the left first treatment member 19L from contacting the left arm 13L, thus preventing damage to the left first treatment member 19L.

[0121] As shown above, the depth of the recess along the axial direction of the left third recess 29L (the distance along the axial direction of the left support axis 18L from point P5 on the inner bottom wall of the left third recess 29L to point P4 on the convex end of the left first protrusion 39L) L3 is equal to the protrusion height of the left second protrusion 34L from the right side of the left closed portion 33L (the distance along the axial direction of the left support axis 18L from point P6 on the right side of the left closed portion 33L to point P7 on the convex end of the left second protrusion 34L). Thus, if distances L3 and L4 are equal, then in the case of elastic deformation of the left elastic member 20L, the convex end of the left second protrusion 34L of the left sliding member 32L contacts the inner bottom wall of the left third recess 29L, restricting the movement of the left sliding member 32L. Therefore, no excessive force is applied to the left elastic member 20L. In addition, even if the left elastic member 20L deforms elastically, it can prevent the left first treatment member 19L from contacting the left arm 13L, thus preventing damage to the left first treatment member 19L.

[0122] The opening on the right side of the left third recess 29L is closed by the left sliding member 32L, making the left receiving portion 28L, which accommodates the left elastic member 20L, a closed space. In this way, if the left receiving portion 28L is set as a space closed by the left sliding member 32L, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from entering the left receiving portion 28L and to prevent corrosion of the left elastic member 20L, thereby improving the durability of the left elastic member 20L.

[0123] In the left massage member 16L of the second embodiment, the inner diameter of the third recess 29L is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the left sliding member 32L. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface of the left third recess 29L can slide relative to the outer peripheral surface of the left sliding member 32L along the axis of the left support shaft 18L. Thus, when the left first treatment member 19L is moved to the left, the left third recess 29L is inserted into the left sliding member 32L while maintaining the sliding of the inner peripheral surface of the left third recess 29L relative to the outer peripheral surface of the left sliding member 32L. In this way, when the left third recess 29L is inserted into the left sliding member 32L, the left first treatment member 19L can move reliably and without wobbling relative to the axis of the left support shaft 18L.

[0124] Furthermore, the above description relates to the effects associated with the left massage member 16L, but the right massage member 16R also has the same effect.

[0125] Furthermore, the massage unit 10 of the second embodiment also achieves the effects of the massage unit 10 of the first embodiment, other than those described above. For example, when the treatment area is massaged by the pinching treatment member 41, the left elastic member 20L and the right elastic member 20R (outward in the left and right directions) elastically deform, thereby releasing the force applied between the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R and the left pinching treatment member 41L and the right pinching treatment member 41R. Thus, the massage unit 10 of the second embodiment also achieves the effect of preventing discomfort to the user.

[0126] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, matters not explicitly stated in the embodiments disclosed herein, such as working or operating conditions, the dimensions and weight of structures, are employed as matters readily conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from what is commonly practiced by those skilled in the art.

[0127] The approach or distance between the left and right massage members, their swing speed, and their left-right intervals as described in this embodiment (the approach or distance between the left massage member 16L and the right massage member 16R, or the approach or distance between the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R and the left second treatment member 22L and the right second treatment member 22R, their swing speed, and their left-right intervals) can be appropriately modified. Furthermore, the approach or distance between the left first treatment member 19L and the right first treatment member 19R and the left grasping treatment member 41L and the right grasping treatment member 41R, their swing speed, and their left-right intervals can also be appropriately modified.

[0128] In addition to kneading massage, the massage unit 10 can also perform tapping, pinching, and other massage actions. In this embodiment, the treatment area is exemplified as the shoulder and neck on the user's back, but the treatment area can also be the buttocks, thighs, hands, or arms.

[0129] In addition, the left support shaft 18L and the right support shaft 18R in this embodiment are round rods with the center hollowed out, but the left support shaft 18L and the right support shaft 18R of the present invention can also be solid rods (rods with the center not hollowed out).

[0130] For example, the structure of the massage unit 10, such as the length of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R, the tilt angle of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R (the cam surface 12 of the rotating boss portion 11) relative to the rotation axis 9, the separation distance between the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R, and the number of treatment pieces, can be appropriately changed according to the treatment range.

[0131] Furthermore, the kneading massage action based on the massage unit 10 (the width, timing, speed, etc. of the swinging motion in the same direction, whether approaching or moving away) is not limited to the actions listed in this embodiment, and can be appropriately changed according to the condition of the treatment area (the part being treated, the degree of stiffness of that part, etc.).

[0132] The basic device structure of the massage unit 10 described in this embodiment is only one example, and various device structures can be adopted.

[0133] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Chair-type massage machine 2 seats 3 Backrest 4. Armrests 5 Back Massage Institutions 6 guide rails 6L left guide rail 6R right guide rail 7L left rack 7R right rack 8 drive motors 8a drive shaft 9 rotating axes 10 massage units 11 Rotating boss section 11L Left Rotating Boss 11R Right Rotating Boss 12 Cam Surfaces 12L left cam face 12R right cam face 13 Arms 13L left arm 13R right arm 14 Annular Interlocking Parts 14L Left Annular Fitting Part 14R Right Annular Fitting Part 15 abutments 16 massage components 16L left massage component 16R Right Massage Component 17 drive mechanism 17a Drive Unit 17b Conversion Section 18 support shafts 18L left support shaft 18R right support shaft 19 First Treatment Item 19L Left First Treatment Item 19R Right First Treatment Item 20 elastic members 20L left elastic member 20R right elastic member 21L Left Rotation Limiting Section 21R Right Rotation Restriction Section 22L left second treatment piece 22R Right Second Treatment Item 23L Left Cylindrical Section 24L Left First Insert Hole 25L first recess on the left 25R right first recess 26L left cylindrical inner wall 27L Left Inner Wall 28L left accommodating section 28R Reception Section 29L left third recess 30L left second recess 31L fourth concave part on the left 32L left sliding component 33L Left Closed Section 34L Left Second Protrusion 35L left through hole 36L Left Third Insert Hole 37L left pinion 37R right pinion 38L Left Second Insert Hole 39L Left First Protrusion 40L fifth recessed part on the left 41L Left-hand grasping and pinching therapy piece 41R Right-hand grasping and pinching therapy piece 42 Kneading Massage Institution 43L Left-hand kneading massage component 43R Right-hand grasping massage component 44L Left Grip Arm 45L left first gripping arm 46L Left Second Grip Arm 47L Left Second Rotating Boss 48L Left Second Annular Fitting Part 49L Left Second Cam Surface U users

Claims

1. A massage unit comprising: a pair of left and right massage members disposed on a base; and a drive mechanism for causing the pair of left and right massage members to approach or move away from each other to generate a kneading action on a treatment area; wherein, The massage components, arranged in a pair on the left and right, are configured as follows: have: The arm portion, at its base end, is supported by the base via the drive mechanism; A support shaft is provided at the top of the arm and on the inner side in the left and right directions, intersecting the long side direction of the arm. The first treatment piece is supported by the support axis in a manner that allows it to move along the support axis; as well as The elastic member applies force to the first treatment component in the left-right direction inwards; The elastic member elastically deforms according to the load applied to the first treatment member, and the first treatment member is capable of moving outward in the left-right direction along the support axis.

2. The massage unit according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is a helical spring wound around the axis of the support shaft on the outer circumference of the support shaft.

3. The massage unit according to claim 2, wherein, A recess is formed on the first treatment element, the recess being loosely fitted onto the support shaft, and a receiving portion for an elastic member is disposed between the support shaft and the recess.

4. The massage unit according to claim 2, wherein, A recess is formed in the arm portion, the support shaft is disposed in the recess and a portion of the first treatment member is slidably embedded in the recess, and a receiving portion of the elastic member is disposed between the portion of the first treatment member and the recess.

5. The massage unit according to claim 1, wherein, At the top of the arm portion of the pair of massage members, the first treatment member is provided on the inner side in the left-right direction and the second treatment member is provided on the outer side in the left-right direction, in a manner that clamps the arm portion.

6. The massage unit according to claim 5, wherein, The second treatment component is supported by the support shaft in a state where its movement in the direction along the axis of the support shaft is restricted.

7. The massage unit according to claim 1, wherein, It has a kneading massage mechanism that performs kneading massage on the treatment area. The grasping and massaging mechanism has a grasping and massaging element that is spaced apart from the first massaging element in the vertical direction, and the grasping and massaging element is oscillating in the vertical direction by the driving mechanism.

8. A chair-type massager having a seat and a backrest, wherein a massage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided in the backrest.

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