Massage module of massage device

Abstract

The utility model provides a massage module of a massage device, which comprises a massage actuator for providing at least more than one power of vibration, linear motion, rotary motion and massage position adjusting power for massaging a body; the coupling bracket is connected with the massage actuator so as to transmit the power of the massage actuator; the massage head bracket is rotatably arranged on the coupling bracket in the vertical direction by taking a hinge shaft as the center; the elastic component is used for elastically supporting the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket; the massage component is arranged on the massage head bracket and is used for performing finger pressing on the body of the user; and a locking unit for fixing the massage head holder with respect to the coupling holder or releasing the massage head holder with respect to the coupling holder by a control signal applied from a control unit of the massage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a massage module arranged in a massage device, and more particularly to a massage module of the massage device, which performs a massage function by applying vibration or pressure to a body part of a user by using a roller or a ball-shaped massage component. Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the improvement of living standards and aging of the population, the number of people suffering from muscle paralysis or muscle pain due to lack of exercise and stress has increased, and thus interest in massage devices has been increasing.

[0003] As a result, users require more than just a simple massage function, and the emergence of massage devices with various functions and high performance is meeting the needs of users.

[0004] The chair type massage device uses a mechanical massager and an air expansion massager to massage various parts of the body that are in direct contact with the chair, namely the neck, back, waist, buttocks, arms, legs, and feet.

[0005] Since chair-type massage devices are usually provided with a massage module having a roller-shaped massage member on the backrest portion, when the massage module is raised and lowered at the neck and waist, the massage member vibrates or rotates forward and backward, left and right, and / or up and down to perform kneading and patting massage actions, thereby eliminating fatigue and performing functions such as muscle relaxation, spinal correction and massage.

[0006] The massage module of such a massage device uses a plurality of massage components to massage the body while moving along the body part, and when the massage components are fixed, strong stimulation is applied according to the curve of the body part, thereby causing pain.

[0007] To perfect this, a massage head bracket provided with a massage component is rotatably connected to a coupling bracket with a hinge axis as the center. The coupling bracket is combined with an actuator of the massage module, and the massage head bracket and the coupling bracket are connected by an elastic component such as a tension spring. When the massage component rolls and massages according to the curve of the body, the massage head bracket can provide gentle finger pressure to the body part by elastically rotating in the front and rear directions.

[0008] However, this massage module has the following problem: since the massage head bracket always moves elastically, it cannot provide finger pressure of sufficient intensity when strong finger pressure is required.

[0009] Patent document 1: Korean Patent No. 10-1730782 (granted on April 20, 2017).

[0010] Patent document 2: Korean authorized patent No. 10-2303155 (authorized on September 10, 2021).

[0011] Patent document 3: Japanese Patent Gazette Patent No. 6371549 (granted on July 20, 2018). Utility Model Content

[0012] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0013] The utility model is used to solve the above-mentioned problem. The purpose of the utility model is to provide a massage module of a massage device, by fixing a massage head bracket provided with a massage component to a coupling bracket connected to an actuator, or releasing the fixation with the coupling bracket, so that according to needs, strong finger pressure can be applied by fixing the position of the massage component or soft finger pressure can be applied through elastic movement.

[0014] Means used to solve problems

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the utility model provides a massage module of a massage device, comprising: a massage actuator, which provides at least one of vibration, linear motion, rotational motion, and power for adjusting massage position for massaging the body; a coupling bracket, which is connected to the massage actuator to transmit the power of the massage actuator; a massage head bracket, which is rotatably arranged on the coupling bracket in the up and down directions with a hinge axis as the center; an elastic member, which elastically supports the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket; a massage member, which is arranged on the massage head bracket to perform finger pressure on the user's body; and a locking unit, which fixes the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket or releases the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket through a control signal applied from a control unit of the massage device.

[0016] Optionally, the locking unit contacts a side surface of the massage head bracket and fixes the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket.

[0017] Optionally, the locking unit includes: a stopper, which is arranged on the coupling bracket in a manner that can reciprocate between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position where the stopper overlaps with a side surface of the massage head bracket, and the second position is a position where the stopper is separated from a side surface of the massage head bracket; and a stopper driving unit, which moves the stopper relative to the coupling bracket through a control signal applied by the control unit.

[0018] Optionally, the stopper performs linear reciprocating motion on the upper side of the hinge shaft in a direction parallel to the hinge shaft and contacts the upper surface of the massage head bracket, thereby fixing the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket.

[0019] Optionally, the locking unit further comprises: a mounting bracket combined with the coupling bracket to support the stopper and the stopper driving portion.

[0020] Optionally, the locking unit further comprises: a guide shaft, which slides relative to the mounting bracket and guides the movement of the stopper.

[0021] Optionally, one end of the guide shaft is inserted into and coupled to an inner side of a guide coupling groove formed on the stopper, and the other end of the guide shaft is coupled to the stopper driving portion, so that the guide shaft slides relative to the mounting bracket.

[0022] Optionally, the stopper has a block shape that contacts one side surface of the massage head bracket and limits the rotation of the massage head bracket, and one side end of the stopper is formed to be inclined at a certain angle to prevent interference between the massage head bracket and the massage head bracket when the massage head bracket rotates around the hinge axis.

[0023] Optionally, the stopper driving unit includes: a motor, which is arranged on the coupling bracket; and a power transmission module, which converts the rotational force of the motor into linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the stopper.

[0024] Optionally, the power transmission module includes: a pinion, which is rotated by the motor; rack teeth, which are configured to mesh with the pinion and make a linear reciprocating movement of a certain distance on the coupling bracket through the rotation of the pinion; and a connecting member, which connects the rack teeth and the stopper.

[0025] Utility Model Effect

[0026] According to the utility model, when the massage head bracket is in a specific state relative to the coupling bracket combined with the massage actuator, for example, when the user's load is not applied to the massage head bracket and it is in an initial state where only the elastic force of the elastic member acts on the massage head bracket, a control signal is applied from the control part to the locking unit, so that the massage head bracket can be fixed to the coupling bracket. When the massage module is moved in this state and the user's body is massaged, since the massage head bracket is fixed to the coupling bracket, a strong finger pressure can be provided.

[0027] On the contrary, when the locking unit releases the fixed state between the massage head bracket and the coupling bracket, the massage head bracket elastically moves relative to the coupling bracket, thereby providing a gentle finger pressure effect.

[0028] That is, the massage module of the utility model can easily switch the structure by using a locking unit, thereby providing the effect of a hybrid massage module that can easily adjust the finger pressure, and the structure includes: a structure that allows the massage head bracket to move elastically relative to the coupling bracket; and a structure that fixes the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining a main frame according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a stereoscopic diagram of a massage module according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a side view of a massage module according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the massage action of the massage module according to one embodiment of the utility model.

[0034] Figure 6 3D is a perspective view showing a locking unit in a massage module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 The utility model is an exploded perspective view showing a partial structure of a locking unit according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0036] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of a locking unit according to an embodiment of the utility model.

[0037] Fig. 9 It is a side view of a massage module according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Fig.10a and Fig.10b is a plan view of a massage module showing an operation example of a locking unit according to an embodiment of the present utility model, Fig.10a The stopper is shown in the second position. Fig.10b The state where the stopper is located at the first position is shown.

[0039] Fig.11 2 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of a locking unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals

[0041] 1000: massage device; 1100: body massage part; 1200: arm massage part; 1300: leg massage part; 1500: massage module; 1510: module base; 1530: massage head bracket; 1535: hinge shaft; 1540: coupling bracket; 1545: elastic member; 1550: massage member; 1560: stopper; 1561: guide coupling groove; 1562: inclined surface; 1565: guide shaft; 1571: motor; 1572: pinion; 1573: rack teeth; 1575: connecting member; 1576: gear bracket; 1577: pad; 1578: screw fastening hole; 1579: screw; 1580: mounting bracket; 1583: reinforcement part DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood through the following embodiments related to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The following specific structures and functional descriptions are only used to illustrate the embodiments based on the concepts of the present disclosure. The embodiments based on the concepts of the present disclosure can be implemented in various ways and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in this specification or application.

[0044] Based on the embodiments of the concepts of the present disclosure, various changes can be applied and various modes can be provided, so specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail in this specification or application. However, this does not limit the embodiments of the concepts of the present disclosure to specific disclosure modes, but should be understood to include all changes, equivalents and substitutes included in the ideas and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Although the terms "first" and "second" can be used to describe various components, the components are not limited to the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first component can be named as the second component, and similarly, the second component can also be named as the first component.

[0046] When it comes to a certain component being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, and other components may exist between the two. On the contrary, when it comes to a certain component being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between the two. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between the components, such as “located between” and “between” or “adjacent to” and “directly adjacent to”, should also be interpreted in the same way.

[0047] The terms used in this specification are used only to illustrate specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the content of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, expressions in the singular include expressions in the plural. Terms such as "including" or "having" in this specification are used to specify the existence of the described features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts, or combinations thereof, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Predefined terms commonly used should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined in this specification.

[0049] In this specification, an actuator refers to a structure that can provide a driving force. For example, the actuator may include a motor, a linear motor, an electronic motor, a direct current (DC) motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, a linear actuator, an electric actuator, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0050] In this specification, binaural beats may refer to a specific type of audio information that can control brain waves.

[0051] In this specification, according to one embodiment, a massage device may refer to a massage device including a body massage part and a leg massage part. In addition, according to another embodiment, the body massage part and the leg massage part may exist as separate independent devices (e.g., a body massage device and a leg massage device) from each other.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 to Figure 1 0 is a diagram showing a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a massage device 1000 may include a massage portion that forms an area for accommodating at least a portion of a user's body, supports the user's body (eg, a torso), and massages a portion of the user's body.

[0055] The massage part may include at least one of the following massage parts: a body massage part 1100 for massaging at least a part of the user's body; an arm massage part 1200 for massaging the user's arms; and a leg massage part 1300 for massaging the user's legs.

[0056] The body massaging part 1100 may massage at least a portion of the user's body. For example, the body massaging part 1100 may massage at least a portion of at least one of the upper body and the lower body of the user.

[0057] Specifically, the body massage part 1100 may include: a massage module 1500, which provides a massage function to at least a part of the user's body; an audio output module 1120, which is used to provide any form of audio output to the user; a main frame 1130, which constitutes the frame of the body massage part 1100 and supports the user's body; and a user input part 1140, which is used to receive any form of input from the user.

[0058] The above-mentioned structures of the body massage part 1100 are merely exemplary embodiments. In addition to the above-mentioned structures, the body massage part 1100 may further include various structures.

[0059] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shape and structure of the massage device 1000 shown are merely examples. Without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present invention, various forms of massage devices 1000 should also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0060] The body massage part 1100 may form a space of any shape for accommodating the user. The body massage part 1100 may have a space of a shape corresponding to the shape of the user's body. Figure 1 As shown, the body massage part 1100 can be implemented in a seated manner that can accommodate the entire body or a part of the body of the user, thereby supporting at least a part of the body of the user. For example, the body massage part 1100 may include: a backrest part 1101 for supporting at least a part of the upper body of the user; and a seat part 1102 for supporting at least a part of the lower body of the user.

[0061] The portion of the body massage part 1100 that contacts the ground may include any material or any component (eg, a non-slip pad, etc.) for enhancing friction, and may include wheels for enhancing the mobility of the massage device 1000 .

[0062] At least a portion of the body massage part 1100 is capable of sliding. For example, when the body massage part 1100 starts massaging, or when the body massage part 1100 is driven, at least a portion of the body massage part 1100 can slide forward. In addition, the body massage part 1100 can be tilted backward. As a result, the body massage part 1100 can provide massage in a state tilted backward. For example, the massage device 1000 may include an actuator to tilt the massage device 1000 (or the body massage part 1100) toward the rear of the massage device 1000 (or the body massage part 1100). The massage device 1000 can tilt the body massage part 1100 or restore it to its original state by driving the above-mentioned actuator. At this time, the actuator can be configured at least a portion of the massage device (e.g., a base frame).

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the massage device 1000 may include at least one airbag (not shown). The airbag may be located in at least a portion of the body massage part 1100 (for example, in the entire area of ​​the body massage part 1100, at least one of the area corresponding to the user's shoulders, the area corresponding to the pelvis, and the area corresponding to the waist), at least a portion of the arm massage part 1200, and at least a portion of the leg massage part 1300, but is not limited thereto and may be configured in multiple parts of the massage device 1000.

[0064] The massage device 1000 may include an air supply unit, and the air supply unit can inflate the airbag by supplying air to the airbag. The air supply unit may be located inside the body massage part 1100 or the leg massage part 1300. In addition, the air supply unit may be located outside the massage device 1000.

[0065] The massage module 1500 may be disposed inside the body massage part 1100 to provide any form of mechanical stimulation to the user accommodated in the body massage part 1100. The massage module 1500 may massage at least a portion of the user's body while moving along the main frame 1130 disposed inside the body massage part 1100.

[0066] For example, a rack gear 1132 may be provided on the main frame 1130 of the body massage part 10, and the massage module 1500 provides mechanical stimulation to various parts of the user's body while moving along the rack gear 1132. The massage assembly 1500 may include a ball massage unit or a roller massage unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] The main frame 1130 is used to form the frame of the internal structure of the body massage part 10, and can be implemented by metal materials or plastic materials, etc. For example, the main frame 1130 can be implemented by iron, alloy, steel, etc., but is not limited thereto, and can be implemented by various strong materials.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main frame 1130 may include an upper frame 1131 provided with the massage module 1500 and a base frame 1135 supporting the upper frame 1131 .

[0069] A rack 1132 may be provided on at least a portion of the upper frame 1131. The rack 1132 is a member for guiding the massage module 1500 to move up and down, and the rack 1132 may be provided on both sides of the upper frame 1131 facing each other. On the rack 1132, a plurality of gears are continuously arranged along the length direction of the upper frame 1131 to provide a driving force for the massage module 1500 to move, and the plurality of gears are meshed with the module moving pinions 1512 provided on both sides of the massage module 1500. The massage module 1500 may move along the rack 1132.

[0070] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the rack 1132 is formed in the up-down direction, but is not limited thereto. The rack 1132 may include a rack in the front-to-back direction or a rack in the up-to-down direction. In the present invention, the front-to-back direction refers to the direction from the massage module 1500 toward the user or from the user toward the massage module 1500, which may also be referred to as the Z-axis direction. In addition, in the present invention, the top and the bottom may refer to the top and the bottom guided by the rack 1132. That is, the top and the bottom may not be perpendicular to the ground.

[0071] The massage module 1500 may include a module moving pinion 1512 meshed with the rack 1132 in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The module moving pinion 1512 is rotated by an actuator provided on the module base 1510 of the massage module 1500, so that the massage module 1500 can move forward, backward, upward or downward along the rack 1132.

[0072] As the massage module 1500 moves forward, the intensity of the massage can be increased. In addition, as the massage module 1500 moves backward, the intensity of the massage can be weakened.

[0073] The rack 1132 may be made of a metal material or a plastic material. For example, the rack 1132 may be made of iron, steel, alloy, reinforced plastic, melamine resin, phenolic resin, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The upper frame 1131 may be implemented in various shapes. For example, the upper frame 1131 may be divided into an S frame, an L frame, an S&L frame, a double S&L frame according to the shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The S frame refers to a frame in which at least a portion of the upper frame 1131 is in an S-shaped curved shape. The L frame refers to a frame in which at least a portion of the upper frame 1131 is in an L-shaped folded shape. The S&L frame refers to a frame including both an S-shaped curved shape and an L-shaped folded shape. The double S&L frame refers to a frame including an L-shaped folded shape and two portions of an S-shaped curved shape.

[0076] The base frame 1135 refers to a portion of the main frame 1130 that supports the upper frame 1131 and contacts the ground.

[0077] Figure 3 to Figure 1 FIG. 0 shows a massage module 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The massage module 1500 includes a module base 1510 that moves along the upper frame 1131 of the massage device 1000 (see Figure 2 ); an actuator, disposed on the module base 1510, providing at least one of vibration, linear motion, rotational motion, and power for adjusting the massage position for massaging the body; two massage head brackets 1530, connected to and moving with the actuator; and a plurality of massage components 1550, rotatably disposed at the upper and lower ends of each massage head bracket 1530.

[0079] The module base 1510 may be formed of a substantially U-shaped flat plate with an open center, and a module moving pinion 1512 is provided on both sides of the lower end. The module moving pinion 1512 is connected to a module moving rack 1132 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and moves along the module moving rack 1132. The outer side of the module moving pinion 1512 may be provided with a track 1133 (refer to Figure 2 ) rolling wheel 1513, the track 1133 is arranged in parallel on the upper frame 1131 (refer to Figure 2 ) on both sides of the module moving rack 1132. As described above, the module moving pinion 1512 rotates while receiving the rotational force from the module moving actuator 1515 disposed behind the module base 1510, and rolls along the module moving rack 1132, so that the massage module 1500 can be moved to a desired position along the upper frame 1131.

[0080] On both sides of the module base 1510, two massage head brackets 1530 are connected to the actuators for adjusting massage and position to receive power for body massage, and cause the massage member 1550 to move linearly and / or rotationally in the front-back direction and / or left-right direction, etc. by moving in any direction. The actuators provided on the module base 1510 may include: a massage actuator, which massages the body by generating linear motion, rotational motion and vibration in the up-down, front-back and left-right directions of the massage member 1550; a module moving actuator 1515, which moves the module base 1510 by rotating the module moving pinion 1512; and an advance and retreat actuator, which changes the position of the massage member 1550 by moving the massage member 1550 a certain distance in the front-back direction (Z-axis direction) of the module base 1510 to make it move forward or backward.

[0081] The massage actuator may include: a kneading motor 1521, a slapping motor (not shown), and a power transmission mechanism, wherein the power transmission mechanism transmits the power of the kneading motor 1521 and the slapping motor to the massage head bracket 1530. The power transmission mechanism may be formed by appropriately combining cams, gears, pulleys, timing belts, and linking mechanisms. Since the massage actuator may be formed by applying the same or similar structure of a known massage actuator formed on a common chair-type massage device, the detailed description of its structure and function is omitted.

[0082] The massage head bracket 1530 is roughly in a "V" shape and can be made of a metal material or a plastic material. The massage head bracket 1530 is connected to the massage actuator through the coupling bracket 1540 and receives power and moves in a predetermined direction. The middle part of the massage head bracket 1530 is rotatably connected to the coupling bracket 1540 through the hinge shaft 1535 extending in the lateral direction (left-right direction) of the massage device 1000, and the part of the massage head bracket 1530 located on the lower side of the hinge shaft 1535 is elastically connected to the coupling bracket 1540 through the elastic member 1545, so that it elastically rotates in the up-down direction (front-back direction) with the hinge shaft 1535 as the center according to the body curve of the user's back, and performs massage by flexibly changing the front-back direction positions of the upper massage member 1550 and the lower massage member 1550.

[0083] The spring connection pin 1532 for connecting the elastic member 1545 is provided at the lower part of the massage head bracket 1530. The elastic member 1545 may be a tension coil spring that provides elastic force to pull the lower part of the massage head bracket 1530 backward. Figure 4 As shown in (A), when the massage component 1550 and the massage head bracket 1530 are not subjected to the load of the user's body, the upper end of the massage head bracket 1530 protrudes forward and the lower end is pulled backward, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown in (B), when the massage module 1500 moves along the user's body part (refer to Figure 5 ), when the massage component 1550 and the massage head bracket 1530 are subjected to the load of the user's body, the massage head bracket 1530 elastically rotates around the hinge shaft 1535, so that the position of the massage component 1550 can be flexibly changed while performing massage.

[0084] On the other hand, in a state where the position of the massage member 1550 is fixed, when the module base 1510 moves up and down and performs massage, it may not be possible to provide appropriate finger pressure according to the curve of the user's body part. Therefore, by adjusting the front-to-back position (depth) of the massage member 1550 according to the position of the user's body part, the finger pressure applied to the body can be adjusted, so that an effective massage action can be performed. For the depth adjustment of the massage member 1550, the module base 1510 can be provided with: a position adjustment motor 1524; a shaft 1525 for transmitting the power of the position adjustment motor 1524 to the two massage head brackets 1530 at the same time; two depth adjustment pinions 1526, which are combined with the shaft 1525 and rotate; and a depth adjustment rack tooth 1527, which is provided at the upper end of the movable frame 1528 combined with one side of the coupling bracket 1540 and meshed with the depth adjustment pinion 1526. The depth adjustment rack tooth 1527 is combined with one side of the coupling bracket 1540 to which the massage head bracket 1530 is connected.

[0085] Therefore, when the position adjustment motor 1524 is activated and the shaft 1525 is rotated, the depth adjustment rack teeth 1527 and the movable frame 1528 engaged with the depth adjustment pinion 1526 will move a certain distance forward or backward, thereby, the coupling bracket 1540 and the massage head bracket 1530 will also move a certain distance forward or backward, thereby adjusting the front and rear direction position (depth) of the massage component 1550.

[0086] The massage member 1550 contacts the user's body part and performs finger pressure on the body part, and is made of a resin material with elasticity such as rubber or silicon, or a roller or ball made of hard plastic, ceramic or minerals such as jade and germanium, and is rotatably arranged at the upper and lower ends of each massage head bracket 1530. In this embodiment, two massage members 1550 are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of each massage head bracket 1530, or different from this, three or more massage members 1550 can also be arranged in the massage head bracket 1530 in the up and down direction. In addition, the massage member 1550 can have a roller or ball shape, but in addition to this, it can also have various shapes such as a shape of a protrusion or other auxiliary roller or ball installed around the roller, a long drum shape, etc., and the massage member 1550 arranged on the upper side of the massage head bracket 1530 and the massage member 1550 arranged on the lower side can have different shapes or sizes from each other.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the massage module 1500 moves the actuator 1515 (see Figure 3 ) Make the module move with pinion 1512 (refer to Figure 3 ) and wheel 1513 (refer to Figure 3 ) is rotated, so that it can move to a desired position along the main frame 1130 and the track 1133 of the massage device 1000 and perform massage through the massage member 1550. In this process, the massage member 1550 of the massage module 1500 rolls and massages according to the curve of the body, but since the massage head bracket 1530 is elastically supported and rotated by the elastic member 1545, it can provide soft finger pressure on the back and waist parts of the body.

[0088] However, even if the user requests strong finger pressure to be applied to a specific body part such as the shoulder part or the waist part, the desired strength of finger pressure may not be provided when the massage head bracket 1530 is continuously moved.

[0089] Therefore, when the massage head bracket 1530 is in a specific posture relative to the coupling bracket 1540, for example, Figure 4 In the initial state (no-load state) shown in (A), a locking unit is configured to fix the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540. When strong finger pressure is required on a specific body part, the massage head bracket 1530 can be fixed relative to the coupling bracket 1540 for use. That is, the massage module 1500 is configured to easily switch states by using the locking unit, and the states include: a state in which the massage head bracket 1530 is elastically moved relative to the coupling bracket 1540 for use; and a state in which the massage head bracket 1530 is fixed relative to the coupling bracket 1540 for use.

[0090] Figure 6 to Figure 1 0 shows an embodiment of a locking unit, which is configured to execute the function of contacting the stopper 1560 with a side surface of the massage head bracket 1530 and fixing the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540 or releasing the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540 through a control signal applied by a control unit (not shown) of the massage device 1000.

[0091] The control unit (not shown) of the massage device 1000 can control not only the locking unit, but also the overall operation of the massage device 1000 including the operation of the massage actuator of the massage module 1500, the module movement actuator 1515 for moving the massage module 1500, etc.

[0092] The locking unit may include: a stopper 1560, which is arranged on the coupling bracket 1540 in a manner capable of reciprocating between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position where the stopper 1560 overlaps with a side surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the massage head bracket 1530, and the second position is a position where the stopper 1560 is separated from a side surface of the massage head bracket 1530; a stopper driving unit, which moves the stopper 1560 relative to the coupling bracket 1540 through a control signal applied by a control unit (not shown); and a mounting bracket 1580, which is combined with the coupling bracket 1540 to support the stopper 1560 and the stopper driving unit.

[0093] The stopper 1560 can move to a first position and a second position while performing linear reciprocating motion on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the hinge shaft 1535 in a direction parallel to the hinge shaft 1535, thereby fixing the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540 or releasing the coupling bracket 1540 relative to the coupling bracket 1540.

[0094] The stopper 1560 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped or a polyhedral block shape such as a track shape in the front-to-back direction (Z-axis direction) of the massage module 1500, and one side (e.g., the lower surface) thereof is in surface contact with one side surface of the massage head bracket 1530, and the rotation of the massage head bracket 1530 may be restricted. The shape of the stopper 1560 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and may be formed in any shape capable of surface contact with one side surface of the massage head bracket 1530 and restricting the massage head bracket 1530. However, the larger the contact area between the stopper 1560 and the massage head bracket 1530, the more stable it is. When the stopper 1560 moves to the second position that does not overlap with the massage head bracket 1530, in order to prevent the stopper 1560 from occupying too large an area, it may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped or track shape in the front-to-back direction as described in the embodiment.

[0095] At this time, when the locking unit releases the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540, in order to prevent the massage head bracket 1530 from colliding and interfering with the stopper 1560 during the rotation of the massage head bracket 1530 around the hinge shaft 1535, an end portion (for example, the front end portion) on one side in the length direction of the stopper 1560 can form an inclined surface 1562 inclined at a certain angle.

[0096] The stopper 1560 is connected to the stopper driving part through the guide shaft 1565 so as to be able to slide relative to the mounting bracket 1580 coupled to one side of the coupling bracket 1540 while performing linear motion. When the stopper 1560 contacts the upper surface of the massage head bracket 1530 while limiting its rotation, a plurality of guide shafts 1565 may be provided to effectively disperse the load applied to the stopper 1560 while providing support, but it is of course possible to provide only one. In addition, the guide shaft 1565 may have a circular rod shape, but may have various shapes different from this, such as a polygonal column shape or a track shape.

[0097] The guide shaft 1565 passes through the mounting bracket 1580 , and one end portion thereof is inserted into and coupled to the inner side of the guide coupling groove 1561 formed on the stopper 1560 , and the other end portion of the guide shaft 1565 is coupled to the stopper driving portion so as to be able to slide relative to the mounting bracket 1580 .

[0098] One end of the guide shaft 1565 is pressed into the guide coupling groove 1561 formed on the stopper 1560 to a predetermined depth and coupled by a forced engagement method, or after being inserted into the guide coupling groove 1561 to a predetermined depth, coupled by a fastener such as a screw. The depth of the guide shaft 1565 inserted into the guide coupling groove 1561 of the stopper 1560 can be determined in consideration of the wall thickness of the outer portion of the guide coupling groove 1561. For example, when the wall thickness t of the outer portion of the guide coupling groove 1561 is greater than 1 / 3 of the overall thickness d of the stopper 1560, even if one end of the guide shaft 1565 completely passes through the guide coupling groove 1561 and is coupled, the stopper 1560 can fully withstand the load. However, when the wall thickness t of the outer portion of the guide coupling groove 1561 is less than 1 / 3 of the overall thickness d of the stopper 1560, one end of the guide shaft 1565 can be inserted into the guide coupling groove 1561 to approximately 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the extent and coupled.

[0099] The stopper driving unit is provided on the mounting bracket 1580 to make the guide shaft 1565 coupled to the stopper 1560 reciprocate linearly, thereby moving the stopper 1560 to the first position and the second position. For example, the stopper driving unit may include: a motor 1571 provided on the mounting bracket 1580; and a power transmission module that converts the rotational force of the motor 1571 into a linear motion and transmits it to the guide shaft 1565 and the stopper 1560 coupled to the guide shaft 1565.

[0100] For example, the power transmission module may include: a pinion 1572, which is rotated by a motor 1571; a rack tooth 1573, which meshes with the pinion 1572 and makes a linear reciprocating movement of a certain distance on the mounting bracket 1580 through the rotation of the pinion 1572; and a connecting member 1575, which connects the rack tooth 1573 and the guide shaft 1565.

[0101] The connecting member 1575 may include: a gear bracket 1576, including a first coupling portion 1576a and a second coupling portion 1576b, wherein the first coupling portion 1576a is coupled to the rack teeth 1573, and the second coupling portion 1576b is formed integrally with the first coupling portion 1576a and is provided with a plurality of shaft insertion holes 1576c for the distal end portion of the guide shaft 1565 to pass through; a pad 1577, which is tightly attached to one side of the second coupling portion 1576b of the gear bracket 1576 and is provided with a plurality of screw fastening holes 1578 corresponding to the shaft insertion holes 1576c; and a screw 1579, which is fastened to the distal end portion of the guide shaft 1565 through the screw fastening holes 1578 of the pad 1577.

[0102] In this embodiment, the power transmission module of the stopper driving part uses the rack teeth 1573 and the pinion 1572. When the rack teeth 1573 and the pinion 1572 are used as the power transmission module of the stopper driving part, there is an advantage that the rotational force of the motor 1571 can be accurately transmitted to the stopper 1560 with a simple structure. For the power transmission module, other gear modules or other motion conversion methods can be applied instead of the rack teeth 1573 and the pinion 1572. For example, as the power transmission module, a cam-type power transmission module that converts the rotational force of the cam into a linear motion, a magnetic force-type power transmission module that uses an attractive force or a repulsive force according to the approach and separation of a magnet rotated by a motor and a magnet provided on the stopper 1560 or the guide shaft 1565, or a solenoid type that forms an electromagnetic field by applying electric energy to a coil and causes a plunger to move linearly, etc. can be applied. The cam-type power transmission module, the magnetic-type power transmission module and the solenoid-type power transmission module can all be additionally provided with a spring. When the driving force generated by the cam, the driving force generated by the magnetic force, or the driving force generated by the electromagnetic field is not applied to the stopper 1560, the spring can cause the stopper 1560 to automatically return to its original position.

[0103] The mounting bracket 1580 is attached to one side of the coupling bracket 1540, and can play a role in supporting the stopper 1560 and the stopper driving part. For example, the mounting bracket 1580 can be attached to the inner side of the coupling bracket 1540, that is, it can be attached to the side surfaces of a pair of coupling brackets 1540 disposed on the massage module 1500 that face each other.

[0104] The mounting bracket 1580 can be made of a metal material such as steel, but can also be made of high-strength plastic or ceramic. In addition, the mounting bracket 1580 can be separately made into a motor fixing portion 1581 to which the motor 1571 is fixed and a portion to which the guide shaft 1565 is connected, and then combined with one side of the coupling bracket 1540. Fig.11As shown, for the convenience of assembly, the part to which the motor 1571 is fixed and the part to which the guide shaft 1565 is connected can be integrally constructed.

[0105] When the stopper 1560 moves to the second position that does not overlap with the massage head bracket 1530, in order to ensure that the stopper 1560 does not interfere with the space of the massage head bracket 1530, the portion of the mounting bracket 1580 connected with the guide shaft 1565 can be bent at a certain angle relative to the portion attached to the coupling bracket 1540.

[0106] In addition, the outer edge portion of the mounting bracket 1580 adjacent to the portion connected to the guide shaft 1565 is subjected to relatively more load from the massage head bracket 1530 than other portions, so the reinforcement portion 1583 can be formed by bending approximately at a right angle to ensure the support strength of this portion.

[0107] The locking unit constructed in this manner can operate as follows.

[0108] When it is desired to obtain a stronger finger pressure by fixing the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in (A), when the massage head bracket 1530 is not subjected to the load generated by the user's body, the control unit (not shown) applies a control signal to the motor 1571 to rotate the motor 1571 by a certain amount. Therefore, the pinion 1572 rotates, and the rack teeth 1573 meshing with the pinion 1572 move in a direction approaching the massage head bracket 1530.

[0109] By the movement of the rack teeth 1573, the guide shaft 1565 combined with the rack teeth 1573 slides relative to the mounting bracket 1580, and as shown in FIG. Fig.10b As shown, the stopper 1560 coupled to one end of the guide shaft 1565 is moved from the second position (refer to Fig.10a ) moves to a first position overlapping with the upper surface of the massage head bracket 1530 adjacent to the hinge shaft 1535.

[0110] Therefore, even if the massage member 1550 coupled to the upper and lower ends of the massage head bracket 1530 applies a load by contacting a body part of the user, causing the massage head bracket 1530 to be subjected to a force to rotate about the hinge shaft 1535, the upper surface of the massage head bracket 1530 can be restricted by the stopper 1560, so that the massage head bracket 1530 does not rotate.

[0111] When it is necessary to release the fixed state of the massage head bracket 1530 and the coupling bracket 1540 so that the massage head bracket 1530 can rotate around the hinge shaft 1535, if the control unit (not shown) applies a control signal to the motor 1571 to make the motor 1571 rotate in the opposite direction to the previous direction, the pinion 1572 will rotate in the opposite direction to the previous direction, causing the rack teeth 1573 to move linearly away from the massage head bracket 1530.

[0112] Through the movement of the rack teeth 1573, the guide shaft 1565 coupled to the rack teeth 1573 slides relative to the mounting bracket 1580 in the opposite direction to the previous direction. Fig.10a As shown, the stopper 1560 coupled to one end of the guide shaft 1565 moves from the first position to the second position and is separated from the upper surface of the massage head bracket 1530 .

[0113] Therefore, when the massage members 1550 coupled to the upper and lower ends of the massage head bracket 1530 apply a load by contacting a body part of the user, the massage head bracket 1530 massages the body while rotating around the hinge shaft 1535 .

[0114] In addition, when the module base 1510 of the massage module 1500 moves to a specific position of the massage device 1000 and the load generated by the user's body is not applied to the massage member 1550, the control unit (not shown) can apply a control signal to the locking unit to fix the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540 or release the coupling bracket 1540 relative to the coupling bracket 1540. For example, when the module base 1510 of the massage module 1500 moves to the uppermost end of the massage device 1000 and is located above the user's shoulder, the massage head bracket 1530 can be fixed relative to the coupling bracket 1540 by applying a control signal from the control unit (not shown) to the locking unit.

[0115] Alternatively, a position detection sensor such as a hall sensor is further provided, which detects the rotational position of the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540. The control unit (not shown) of the massage device 1000 applies a control signal to the locking unit according to the rotational position of the massage head bracket 1530 detected by the position detection sensor, thereby fixing the massage head bracket 1530 relative to the coupling bracket 1540 or releasing the coupling bracket 1540 relative to the coupling bracket 1540.

[0116] According to the present invention as described above, when the massage head bracket 1530 is in a specific state relative to the coupling bracket 1540 combined with the massage actuator, for example, when in an initial state where the user's load is not applied to the massage head bracket 1530 and only the elastic force of the elastic member 1545 acts on the massage head bracket 1530, the control unit applies a control signal to the motor 1571 of the locking unit so that the massage head bracket 1530 is fixed to the coupling bracket 1540 by the stopper 1560. When the massage module 1500 is moved and the user's body is massaged in this state, since the massage head bracket 1530 is fixed to the coupling bracket 1540, a strong finger pressure can be provided.

[0117] On the contrary, when the fixed state between the massage head bracket 1530 and the coupling bracket 1540 is released by moving the stopper 1560 of the locking unit to the second position, the massage head bracket 1530 elastically moves relative to the coupling bracket 1540, thereby providing a gentle acupressure effect.

[0118] That is, the massage module of the present invention is constructed to be able to easily switch states by using a locking unit, thereby realizing a massage module with simple adjustment of finger pressure, and the states include: a state in which the massage head bracket 1530 is elastically moved relative to the coupling bracket 1540 for use; and a state in which the massage head bracket 1530 is fixed relative to the coupling bracket 1540 for use.

[0119] The above-mentioned technical concept of the present invention is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but this is only an exemplary description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art of the present invention should understand that various modifications and imitations can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A massage module of a massage device, characterized in that: include: The massage actuator provides at least one of vibration, linear motion, rotational motion, and power for adjusting massage position for massaging the body. a coupling bracket connected to the massage actuator to transmit power of the massage actuator, The massage head bracket is rotatably arranged on the coupling bracket in the up and down directions with the hinge axis as the center. The elastic member elastically supports the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket, a massage component, arranged on the massage head bracket, for performing finger pressure on the user's body, and The locking unit fixes the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket or releases the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket through a control signal applied from the control unit of the massage device.

2. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking unit contacts a side surface of the massage head bracket and fixes the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket.

3. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking unit comprises: a stopper, which is arranged on the coupling bracket in a manner that can reciprocate between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is a position where the stopper overlaps with a side surface of the massage head bracket, and the second position is a position where the stopper is separated from a side surface of the massage head bracket, and The stopper driving unit moves the stopper relative to the coupling bracket through a control signal applied by the control unit.

4. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stopper performs linear reciprocating motion on the upper side of the hinge shaft in a direction parallel to the hinge shaft and contacts the upper surface of the massage head bracket, thereby fixing the massage head bracket relative to the coupling bracket.

5. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking unit further comprises: A mounting bracket is combined with the coupling bracket to support the stopper and the stopper driving portion.

6. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The locking unit further comprises: The guide shaft slides relative to the mounting bracket and guides the movement of the stopper.

7. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the guide shaft is inserted into and coupled to the inner side of the guide coupling groove formed on the stopper, and the other end of the guide shaft is coupled to the stopper driving portion, so that the guide shaft slides relative to the mounting bracket.

8. The massage module of the massage device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The stopper has a block shape that contacts one side surface of the massage head bracket and limits the rotation of the massage head bracket. One side end of the stopper is formed to be inclined at a certain angle, thereby preventing interference between the massage head bracket and the massage head bracket when the massage head bracket rotates around the hinge axis.

9. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stopper driving unit comprises: a motor, disposed on the coupling bracket, The power transmission module converts the rotational force of the motor into a linear motion and transmits the linear motion to the stopper.

10. The massage module of the massage device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The power transmission module comprises: A small gear, rotated by the motor, The rack teeth are arranged to mesh with the pinion gear and to make a linear reciprocating movement of a certain distance on the coupling bracket through the rotation of the pinion gear. A connecting member connects the rack teeth and the stopper.

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