Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine which can perform varied massage operations by a simple structure.SOLUTION: A massage unit comprises a first massage unit and a second massage unit. The first massage unit comprises a first massage part positioned on one side, a second massage part positioned on the other side, and a connecting part. The second massage unit comprises a third massage part positioned on one side to face the first massage part, a fourth massage part positioned on the other side to face the second massage part, and a connecting part. An advancing-retreating means comprises a first advancing-retreating means, a second advancing-retreating means, a third advancing-retreating means, and a fourth advancing-retreating means. A control unit makes each of the massage parts approach and separate from a user by controlling each of the advancing-retreating means independently.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Massage machines have been proposed in the past that can massage a treatment area by opening and closing two hinged support parts provided on the armrest or footrest (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4194824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the massage machine described in Patent Document 1, the drive unit drives two support parts to open and close around a hinge to sandwich the area to be treated, thereby providing a massage, but this has the problem of only providing a monotonous massage. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a massage machine that has a simple structure and is capable of performing a wide variety of massage actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a massage unit including a treatment element, a moving means for moving the treatment element forward and backward, and a control unit for controlling the drive of the moving means, the massage unit being composed of a first massage unit and a second massage unit arranged to face each other, the first massage unit being composed of a first massage section located on one side, a second massage section located on the other side, and a connecting section connecting the first massage section and the second massage section, the second massage unit being composed of a third massage section located on one side to face the first massage section, The massage unit is composed of a surge portion, a fourth massage portion located on the other side opposite the second massage portion, and a connecting portion connecting the third massage portion and the fourth massage portion, and the advancing / retreating means is composed of a first advancing / retreating means for advancing / retreating the first massage portion, a second advancing / retreating means for advancing / retreating the second massage portion, a third advancing / retreating means for advancing / retreating the third massage portion, and a fourth advancing / retreating means for advancing / retreating the fourth massage portion, and the control unit moves each massage portion toward or away from the user by independently controlling each advancing / retreating means. With this configuration, each massage portion can be moved forward and backward separately, so that the massage action can be varied.

[0006] It is also preferable that each of the advancing and retracting means is constituted by an air cell. With this configuration, each massage portion can be advanced and retreated with a simple structure.

[0007] It is preferable that at least one of the massage sections further includes a biasing means for biasing the treatment head in a direction away from the user. With this configuration, when the advancing and retracting means is stopped, the biasing means can move the treatment head in a direction away from the user.

[0008] In addition, it is preferable that the control unit drives the first advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means, or drives the second advancing / retreating means and the third advancing / retreating means. With this configuration, the area to be treated can be massaged from two different directions (diagonally above and below).

[0009] In addition, it is preferable that the control unit drives the first advancing / retreating means and the third advancing / retreating means, or drives the second advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means. With this configuration, it is possible to massage the area to be treated from two different directions (opposing each other above and below).

[0010] It is also preferable that the control unit repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retreating means and the second advancing / retreating means, or the third advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means. With this configuration, massage can be performed from above and below.

[0011] It is also preferable that the control unit repeatedly drives and stops the third advancing / retreating means and / or the fourth advancing / retreating means while driving the first advancing / retreating means, or repeatedly drives and stops the third advancing / retreating means and / or the fourth advancing / retreating means while driving the second advancing / retreating means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retreating means and / or the second advancing / retreating means while driving the third advancing / retreating means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retreating means and / or the second advancing / retreating means while driving the fourth advancing / retreating means. With this configuration, a wide variety of massage movements can be performed.

[0012] It is also preferable that the control unit repeatedly drives and stops the second advancing / retracting means and / or the third advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the first advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the third advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the second advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the second advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the third advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the second advancing / retracting means and / or the third advancing / retracting means while driving the fourth advancing / retracting means. With this configuration, a wide variety of massage movements can be performed. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, since each massage portion can be moved forward and backward separately, it is possible to provide a variety of massage movements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a left view of the massage machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of a massage unit (right) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] This is a front view of a massage unit (right) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the driving of the advancing / retreating means has been stopped, and (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the first advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means are being driven. [Figure 6] This is a front view of a massage unit (right) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the driving of the advancing / retreating means has been stopped, and (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the first advancing / retreating means and the third advancing / retreating means are being driven. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course in the massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course in the massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2(a) is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course in a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2(b) is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course in a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course in the massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [Overall configuration of the massage machine] The overall configuration of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view of the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the left. More specifically, it is a view showing the state before the backrest portion 4 and the footrest portion 5 are reclined (the state in which the backrest portion 4 is raised and the footrest portion 5 is lowered). Fig. 3 is a front view of a massage unit (right) 30R according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is composed of a seat 3 on which a user sits, a backrest 4 on which the user leans, which is provided at the rear of the seat 3, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. The massage machine 1 also has a massage section M (massage mechanism 6, buttocks massage section 3a, leg massage section 5a, massage units (right, left) 30R, 30L) that massages the user, a control section 7 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, and a controller 8 that performs various operations on the massage machine 1. Note that the arrangement of the massage section M is an example and is not limited to this.

[0017] [Seat configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the seat 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the left-right direction. On the upper surface of the seat 3, a pair of buttock massage parts 3a (massage parts M) are provided on the left and right for massaging the buttocks of a user seated on the seat 3. The buttock massage parts 3a are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. It is preferable that the left and right buttock massage parts 3a are configured so that they can expand and contract independently of each other. The configuration of the massage section M arranged on the seat 3 is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, thigh massage sections (not shown) for massaging the sides of the thighs may be provided on the sides of the seat 3, or thigh massage sections (not shown) for massaging the backs of the thighs may be provided on the front side of the seat 3. Also, the buttock massage sections 3a may be of different sizes, and a total of four may be provided in pairs on the front, back, left and right.

[0018] [Backrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the backrest 3 supports the upper body of the user. The backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the height direction. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4 (see Figure 1), and a massage mechanism 6 (massage unit M) is provided via the guide rail 16. The massage mechanism 6 can move up and down along the guide rail 16, and is capable of massaging the upper body of the user.

[0019] The front surface of the backrest 4 is covered with a cover member (not shown). The massage mechanism 6 is capable of massaging the back of the torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, etc.) of a user seated on the seat 3 through the cover member (not shown). Although not shown, air cells may be provided as massage units M at various locations on the backrest 4.

[0020] A pair of swing shafts (not shown) extending in the left-right direction are provided on the left and right sides of the side of the backrest 4 (more specifically, the side of the backrest) below the center. The swing shafts (not shown) are attached to a frame (not shown) that supports the seat 3. In other words, the backrest 4 can be reclined in the front-rear direction relative to the seat 3, with the swing shafts (not shown) as a fulcrum. The backrest 4 is reclined in the front-rear direction by the control unit 7 controlling the drive of an actuator (not shown) provided below the seat 3.

[0021] [Footrest section configuration] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the footrest section 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right into which the user's legs can be inserted. Leg massage sections 5a (massage sections M) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the recess 5b. The leg massage sections 5a are made of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one leg massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the right recess 5b, and one leg massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the left recess 5b. It is preferable that each leg massage section 5a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently. In addition, a sole massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5b.

[0022] The footrest portion 5 is attached to the front side of the seat portion 3. More specifically, the footrest portion 5 is attached to the seat portion 3 so as to be movable up and down via a swing shaft (not shown) extending in the left-right direction provided on the front side of the seat portion 3. In other words, the footrest portion 5 can move up and down relative to the seat portion 3 with the swing shaft (not shown) as a fulcrum. The movement of the footrest portion 5 in the up and down direction is performed by the control portion 7 controlling the driving of an actuator (not shown) provided below the seat portion 3.

[0023] [Control Unit Configuration] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 7 consisting of a microcomputer or the like for operating the massage mechanism 6, the air supply and exhaust device 9, the massage unit 30, etc. This control unit 7 is provided below the seat 3 and is connected to a controller 8 that is operated by the user. The user operates the controller 8 to perform various massage operations.

[0024] [Configuration of the exhaust system] The air supply and exhaust device 9 is composed of a pump 9a for supplying air to the moving means 41-44 of the left and right massage units 30, which are composed of air cells, the buttocks massage section 3a, and the leg massage section 5a, and a valve 9b for connecting each air cell to the pump 9a. Each air cell and the valve 9b are connected separately. In other words, each air cell can be expanded and contracted independently. By turning the valve 9b on and off, air can be supplied to and exhausted from each air cell. In other words, by turning on the valve 9b connected to the air cell to be inflated, an air flow path can be secured and air can be supplied only to the air cell to be inflated. Also, by turning off the valve 9b, the air in the air cell can be exhausted.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a front view of the massage unit (right) 30R according to one embodiment of the present invention, (a) showing a state in which the driving of the advancing and retreating means (more specifically, the first advancing and retreating means 41 to the fourth advancing and retreating means 44) is stopped, and (b) showing a state in which the first advancing and retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing and retreating means 44 are driven. Fig. 6 is a front view of the massage unit (right) 30R according to one embodiment of the present invention, (a) showing a state in which the driving of the advancing and retreating means (more specifically, the first advancing and retreating means 41 to the fourth advancing and retreating means 44) is stopped, and (b) showing a state in which the first advancing and retreating means 41 and the third advancing and retreating means 43 are driven.

[0026] [Massage unit configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of massage units 30 are provided on the upper surface of the armrest portion 2, one on the left and one on the right. The massage unit located on the right side is referred to as massage unit (right) 30R, and the massage unit located on the left side is referred to as massage unit (left) 30L. The massage unit (right) 30R and the massage unit (left) 30L have the same configuration. Therefore, in this embodiment, the massage unit (right) 30R will be described as an example, and a description of the massage unit (left) 30L will be omitted. Hereinafter, the massage unit (right) 30R may be simply referred to as the massage unit 30.

[0027] The massage unit (right) 30R is composed of a first massage unit and a second massage unit arranged to face each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first massage unit will be described as "the upper massage section 50A located relatively on the upper side" and the second massage unit will be described as "the lower massage section 50B located relatively on the lower side." In addition, the first massage part located on one side of the first massage unit (upper massage part 50A) will be described as the "first massage part 40A located on the relatively right side," and the second massage part located on the other side will be described as the "second massage part 40B located on the relatively left side." In addition, in the second massage unit (lower massage part 50B), the third massage part located on one side so as to face the first massage part will be described as the "third massage part 40C located on the relatively right side," and the fourth massage part located on the other side so as to face the second massage part will be described as the "fourth massage part 40D located on the relatively left side."

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the massage unit (right) 30R has a recessed shape with an opening on the left side (inner side) in the left-right direction. The recessed portion is composed of a bottom wall 30a, a side wall 30b standing upward from the right side of the bottom wall 30a, and an upper wall 30c facing the bottom wall 30a. An upper massage part 50A (first massage part 40A, second massage part 40B) is attached to the upper wall 30c, and a lower massage part 50B (third massage part 40C, fourth massage part 40D) is attached to the bottom wall 30a. By inserting the part to be treated (e.g., arm) of the user into the recessed portion, the part to be treated (e.g., arm) of the user can be massaged by each of the massage parts 40A to 40D.

[0029] In this embodiment, the opening of the massage unit (right) 30R is on the left side in the left-right direction (facing each other), but the arrangement method is only an example and is not limited to this. For example, the openings of the massage units 30R and 30L may be arranged so that they face upward, or so that they face outward. They may also be provided in the footrest 5 instead of the armrest 2, or in both the armrest 2 and the footrest 5. When the massage units are provided in the footrest 5, the direction of the opening does not matter. For example, the openings may be arranged so that they face the front, or so that the openings face each other, or so that the openings face the rear or outward.

[0030] The massage unit 30 includes treatment elements 46UL, 46UR, 46DL, and 46DR, treatment plates 45UL, 45UR, 45DL, and 45DR to which the treatment elements 46 are attached, and advancing and retracting means 41-44. More specifically, the massage unit 30 is composed of an upper massage portion 50A located relatively on the upper side, and a lower massage portion 50B located relatively on the lower side.

[0031] The upper massage section 50A is composed of a first massage section 40A located relatively to the right, a second massage section 40B located relatively to the left, and a connecting section 31 connecting the first massage section 40A and the second massage section 40B. The first massage section 40A and the second massage section 40B are composed of a combination of multiple members. The lower massage section 50B is composed of a third massage section 40C located relatively to the right, a fourth massage section 40D located relatively to the left, and a connecting section 32 connecting the third massage section 40C and the fourth massage section 40D. The third massage section 40C and the fourth massage section 40D are composed of a combination of multiple members.

[0032] [Configuration of the first massage section] The first massage section 40A is composed of a treatment element 46UR, a treatment plate 45UR to which the treatment element 46UR is attached, a first moving means 41, and a biasing means 47UR. The treatment element 46UR is attached to the front surface (the surface facing the part to be treated) of the treatment plate 45UR. More specifically, it is attached to the front surface (the surface facing the part to be treated) of the treatment plate 45UR near the right end in the left-right direction. The treatment element 46UR is composed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The treatment element 46UR is formed in a semi-spherical shape.

[0033] The shape of the treatment element 46UR is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the treatment element 46UR may be formed into a cone shape. By changing the shape of the treatment element 46UR, the bodily sensation of the massage given to the user can be changed. Furthermore, the number of treatment elements 46UR attached is also an example and is not limited to this. For example, multiple treatment elements 46UR may be attached in the left-right direction, or multiple treatment elements 46UR may be attached in the front-back direction. By changing the shape of the treatment element 46UR or the number of treatment elements 46UR attached, the bodily sensation of the massage given to the user can be changed.

[0034] The treatment plate 45UR is composed of a plate-shaped member. A treatment element 46UR for providing stimulation to the user is attached to the front surface (the surface facing the treatment area) of the treatment plate 45UR. A biasing means 47UR for biasing the treatment plate 45UR upward is attached to the rear surface (the surface facing the upper wall 30c) of the treatment plate 45UR. A first advancing and retreating means 41 for pushing the treatment plate 45UR downward is provided between the treatment plate 45UR and the upper wall 30c.

[0035] The treatment plate 45UR is attached so as to be swingable in the up-down direction with the connecting shaft 32 inserted through the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum. More specifically, a pair of connecting portions 31 for connecting the treatment plate 45UR and the treatment plate 45UL are provided in the vicinity of the center of the surface of the upper wall 30c on the first massage section 40A side. A connecting shaft 32 extending in the front-rear direction is inserted through the center of the connecting portion 31. The left side of the treatment plate 45UR in the left-right direction is attached to the connecting shaft 32 inserted through the connecting portion 31. Therefore, when the first forward / backward moving means 41 is driven, the treatment plate 45UR is pushed downward with the connecting portion 31 (connecting shaft 32) as a fulcrum. The treatment plate 45UR is pushed downward, and the treatment element 46UR comes into contact with the treatment area, thereby massaging the area. That is, by driving the first advancing and retreating means 41 (expanding and contracting the air cells), the treatment plate 45UR moves in the vertical direction (direction approaching or receding from the treatment area) with the connection portion 31 as a fulcrum.

[0036] The biasing means 47UR biases the treatment plate 45UR upward (in a direction away from the treatment area). The biasing means 47UR is, for example, configured with a spring having elasticity. One end of the biasing means 47UR is attached to the upper wall 30c, and the other end is attached to the rear surface of the treatment plate 45UR. That is, the massaging plate 45UR is constantly urged by the urging means 47UR in a direction toward the upper wall 30c (a direction away from the treatment area).

[0037] The first advancing / retracting means 41 is composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air. By configuring the first advancing / retracting means 41 with air cells, the first massage part 40A (treatment plate 45UR) can be advanced and retreated in a direction toward and away from the treatment part with a simple configuration. The first advancing / retracting means 41 is attached to the upper wall 30c that forms the recess. More specifically, it is attached to the surface facing the rear surface of the treatment plate 45UR so that it can expand and contract with the left side in the left-right direction (the connecting part 31 side) as a fulcrum.

[0038] When the first advancing / retreating means 41 is driven (air cells are expanded), the treatment plate 45UR moves in a direction (downward) away from the upper wall 30c of the massage unit 30, with the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum. When the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 is stopped (air cells are contracted), the biasing means 47UR works to move the treatment plate 45UR in a direction (upward) approaching the upper wall 30c of the massage unit 30, with the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum.

[0039] [Configuration of the second massage section] The second massage section 40B is composed of the treatment elements 46UL, the treatment plate 45UL to which the treatment elements 46UL are attached, the second moving means 42, and the biasing means 47UL. The second massage section 40B has the same configuration as the first massage section 40A, so a description thereof will be omitted. The second massage section 40B is symmetrical to the first massage section 40A with respect to the connecting portion 31. That is, the treatment elements 46UR correspond to the treatment elements 46UL, the treatment plates 45UR correspond to the treatment plates 45UL, the first advancing / retreating means 41 corresponds to the second advancing / retreating means 42, and the biasing means 47UR corresponds to the biasing means 47UL.

[0040] The first massage unit 40A is attached to the connecting shaft 32 inserted into the connecting portion 31. The second massage unit 40B is attached to the connecting shaft 32 inserted into the connecting portion 31. In other words, the treatment plates 45UR and 45UL are attached to a common shaft (connecting shaft 32). At this time, the shape of the treatment plate 45UR on the connecting portion 31 side and the shape of the treatment plate 45UL on the connecting portion 31 side form a hinge structure so that they do not interfere with each other. In other words, the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B are symmetrical with respect to the connecting part 31 (connecting shaft 32).

[0041] [Configuration of the third massage section] The third massage section 40C is composed of a treatment element 46DR, a treatment plate 45DR to which the treatment element 46DR is attached, a third advancing / retreating means 43, and a biasing means 47DR. The treatment element 46DR is attached to the front surface (the surface facing the treatment area) of the treatment plate 45DR. More specifically, it is attached to the front surface (the surface facing the treatment area) of the treatment plate 45DR, on the right end side in the left-right direction. The treatment element 46DR is composed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The treatment element 46DR is formed in a semi-spherical shape.

[0042] The shape of the treatment element 46DR is an example and is not limited to this. For example, it may be formed into a cone shape. By changing the shape of the treatment element 46DR, the bodily sensation of the massage given to the user can be changed. Furthermore, the number of treatment elements 46UR attached is also an example and is not limited to this. For example, multiple treatment elements 46UR may be attached in the left-right direction, or multiple treatment elements 46UR may be attached in the front-back direction. By changing the shape of the treatment element 46DR or the number of treatment elements 46DR attached, the bodily sensation of the massage given to the user can be changed.

[0043] The treatment plate 45DR is composed of a plate-shaped member. One side (left side in the left-right direction) of the treatment plate 45DR is attached so as to be able to swing up and down around the connecting part 31 (more specifically, the connecting shaft 32). A treatment element 46DR for providing stimulation to the user is provided on the front surface (surface facing the treatment area) of the other side (right side in the left-right direction) of the treatment plate 45DR. A third advancing and retreating means 43 for pushing the treatment plate 45DR upward and a biasing means 47DR for biasing the treatment plate 45DR downward are provided on the rear surface (surface facing the bottom wall 30a) of the treatment plate 45DR.

[0044] A treatment element 46DR for providing stimulation to the user is attached to the front surface (the surface facing the treatment area) of the treatment plate 45DR. A biasing means 47DR for biasing the treatment plate 45DR downward is attached to the rear surface (the surface facing the bottom wall 30a) of the treatment plate 45DR. A third advancing and retreating means 43 for pushing the treatment plate 45DR upward is provided between the treatment plate 45DR and the bottom wall 30a.

[0045] The treatment plate 45DR is attached so as to be swingable in the up-down direction with the connecting shaft 32 inserted through the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum. More specifically, a pair of connecting portions 31 for connecting the treatment plate 45DR and the treatment plate 45DL are provided in the vicinity of the center of the surface of the bottom wall 30a on the third massage section 40C side. A connecting shaft 32 extending in the front-rear direction is inserted through the center of the connecting portion 31. The left side of the treatment plate 45DR in the left-right direction is attached to the connecting shaft 32 inserted through the connecting portion 31. Therefore, when the third forward / backward moving means 43 is driven, the treatment plate 45DR is pushed upward with the connecting portion 31 (connecting shaft 32) as a fulcrum. The treatment plate 45DR is pushed upward, and the treatment element 46DR comes into contact with the treatment area, thereby performing a massage. In other words, by driving the third advancing / retreating means 43 (expanding and contracting the air cell), the treatment plate 45DR moves in the vertical direction (in the direction approaching or moving away from the treatment area) with the connecting shaft 32 inserted into the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum.

[0046] The biasing means 47DR biases the treatment plate 45DR downward (in a direction away from the treatment area). The biasing means 47DR is, for example, configured with a spring having elasticity. One end of the biasing means 47DR is attached to the bottom wall 30a, and the other end is attached to the rear surface of the treatment plate 45DR. That is, the massaging plate 45DR is constantly urged by the urging means 47DR in a direction toward the bottom wall 30a (a direction away from the treatment area).

[0047] The third advancing / retracting means 43 is composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air. By configuring the third advancing / retracting means 43 with air cells, the third massage part 40C (treatment plate 45DR) can be advanced and retreated in a direction toward and away from the treatment part with a simple configuration. The third advancing / retracting means 43 is attached to the bottom wall 30a that constitutes the recess. More specifically, it is attached to the surface facing the rear surface of the treatment plate 45DR so that it can expand and contract with the left side in the left-right direction (the connecting part 31 side) as a fulcrum.

[0048] When the third advancing / retracting means 43 is driven (air cells are expanded), the treatment plate 45DR moves in a direction (upward) away from the bottom wall 30a of the massage unit 30, with the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum. When the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped (air cells are contracted), the biasing means 47DR works to move the treatment plate 45DR in a direction (downward) approaching the bottom wall 30a of the massage unit 30, with the connecting portion 31 as a fulcrum.

[0049] [Configuration of the fourth massage section] The fourth massage part 40D is composed of a treatment element 46DL, a treatment plate 45DL to which the treatment element 46DL is attached, a fourth moving means 44, and a biasing means 47DL. The fourth massage part 40D has the same configuration as the third massage part 40C, so a description thereof will be omitted. The fourth massage part 40D is symmetrical to the third massage part 40C with respect to the connecting part 31. That is, the treatment elements 46DR correspond to the treatment elements 46DL, the treatment plates 45DR correspond to the treatment plates 45DL, the third advancing / retreating means 43 corresponds to the fourth advancing / retreating means 44, and the biasing means 47DR corresponds to the biasing means 47DL.

[0050] The third massage part 40C is attached to the connecting shaft 32 inserted into the connecting part 31. The fourth massage part 40D is attached to the connecting shaft 32 inserted into the connecting part 31. In other words, the treatment plates 45DR and 45DL are attached to a common shaft (connecting shaft 32). At this time, the shape of the connecting part 31 side of the treatment plate 45DR and the shape of the connecting part 31 side of the treatment plate 45DL are hinged so that they do not interfere with each other. In other words, the third massage part 40C and the fourth massage part 40D are symmetrical with respect to the connecting part 31 (connecting shaft 32).

[0051] Figure 5 is a front view of the massage unit (right) 30R according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view showing the state in which the driving of the advancing and retreating means 41 to 44 is stopped, and (b) is a view showing the state in which the first advancing and retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing and retreating means 44 are driven. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 7 can independently control the first advancing / retracting means 41 to the fourth advancing / retracting means 44. For example, it can drive only the first advancing / retracting means 41, or drive the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the second advancing / retracting means 42. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5(b), by driving the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44, which are diagonally opposite each other, it is possible to massage the treatment area by diagonally sandwiching it from above and below.

[0052] The timing for driving the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 may be the same, or one of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 may be driven first. By driving them simultaneously or with a time lag, a wide variety of massages can be performed. Also, the second advancing / retreating means 42 and the third advancing / retreating means 43, which are diagonally opposite each other, may be driven.

[0053] Figure 6 is a front view of the massage unit (right) 30R according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view showing the state in which the driving of the advancing and retreating means 41 to 44 has been stopped, and (b) is a view showing the state in which the first advancing and retreating means 41 and the third advancing and retreating means 43 are being driven. As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 7 can independently control the first advancing / retreating means 41 to the fourth advancing / retreating means 44. For example, it can drive only the first advancing / retreating means 41, or drive the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5(b), by driving the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 positioned opposite each other, it is possible to massage one side of the treatment area by sandwiching it from above and below.

[0054] The timing for driving the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 may be the same, or one of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 may be driven first. By driving them simultaneously or with a time lag, a wide variety of massages can be performed. Also, the second advancing / retreating means 42 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44, which are positioned opposite each other, may be driven.

[0055] 7 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course C1 in the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The massage course C1 is a course in which the driving and stopping of the first advancing and retreating means 41 to the fourth advancing and retreating means 44 are respectively combined. As shown in Fig. 7, first, the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 (power ON) to make it possible to select a massage course (S1). A plurality of massage courses are stored in a storage unit (not shown). The user selects an arbitrary massage course (massage course C1) from the selectable massage courses (S2).

[0056] When the massage course C1 is started, the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 of the massage unit 30 start to be driven (S3). By driving the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44, the first massage part 40A and the fourth massage part 40D are pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and the treatment part is sandwiched diagonally from above and below (see FIG. 5(b)). After maintaining this state for a predetermined time, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped (S4). When the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped, the first massage part 40A and the fourth massage part 40D move in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47UR, 47DL.

[0057] Next, the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43 of the massage unit 30 are started to be driven (S5). By driving the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43, the second massage part 40B and the third massage part 40C are pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and the treatment part is sandwiched diagonally from above and below. After maintaining this state for a predetermined time, the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped (S6). When the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped, the second massage part 40B and the third massage part 40C move in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47UL, 47DR.

[0058] Next, the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 of the massage unit 30 are started to be driven (S7). By driving the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43, the first massage part 40A and the third massage part 40C are pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and sandwich the treatment part from above and below. After maintaining this state for a predetermined time, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped (S8). When the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped, the first massage part 40A and the third massage part 40C move in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47UR, 47DR.

[0059] Next, the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 of the massage unit 30 are started to be driven (S9). By driving the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44, the second massage part 40B and the fourth massage part 40D are pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and sandwich the treatment part from above and below. After maintaining this state for a predetermined time, the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is stopped (S10). When the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is stopped, the second massage part 40B and the fourth massage part 40D move in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47UL, 47DL. Then, the massage course C1 is completed (S11). In this manner, by independently controlling the first advancing / retreating means 41 to the fourth advancing / retreating means 44, a wide variety of massages can be performed.

[0060] 8 is a flow diagram showing the flow of massage course C2 in the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Massage course C2 is a course that combines repeated driving and stopping of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 and repeated driving and stopping of the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44. As shown in Fig. 8, first, the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 (power ON) to make it possible to select a massage course (S21). A plurality of massage courses are stored in a storage unit (not shown). The user selects an arbitrary massage course (massage course C2) from the selectable massage courses (S22).

[0061] When the massage course C2 is started, the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the second advancing / retracting means 42 of the massage unit 30 start to be driven (S23). By driving the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the second advancing / retracting means 42, the upper massage part 50A (the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B) is pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and presses the treatment part from above to below (more specifically, presses the treatment part so as to sandwich it from the left and right with the connecting part 31 as a fulcrum). While maintaining this state, the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are driven (S24). By driving the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44, the lower massage part 50B (the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44) is pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and presses the treatment part from below to above (more specifically, presses the treatment part so as to sandwich it from the left and right with the connecting part 31 as a fulcrum). In other words, the treatment part is sandwiched from above, below, left and right.

[0062] When this state continues for a predetermined time, the drive of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped (S25). When the drive of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped, the biasing means 47UR, 47UL move the upper massage part 50A (the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B) in a direction away from the treatment part. Next, the drive of the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped (S26). When the drive of the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped, the biasing means 47DR, 47DL move the lower massage part 50B (the third massage part 40C and the fourth massage part 40D) in a direction away from the treatment part.

[0063] After that, the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 are driven again (S27). By driving the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42, the upper massage part 50A (the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B) is pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and the treatment part is pressed from above to below (more specifically, the treatment part is pressed so as to sandwich the treatment part from the left and right with the connecting part 31 as a fulcrum). While maintaining this, the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 are driven again (S28). By driving the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44, the lower massage part 50B (the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44) is pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part, and the treatment part is pressed from below to above (more specifically, the treatment part is pressed so as to sandwich the treatment part from the left and right with the connecting part 31 as a fulcrum). In other words, the treatment area is sandwiched from above, below, left and right.

[0064] Next, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped (S29). By doing so, the upper massage part 50A (the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 48B) is moved in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47UR, 47UL. After that, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 is started again (S30). Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the massage course C2 ends (S31). In this way, by controlling the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 (upper massage section 50A), and the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 (lower massage section 50B) as a set, a wide variety of massages can be performed.

[0065] 9(a) is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course C3 in the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a flow diagram showing the flow of a massage course C4 in the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The massage course C3 is a course in which the first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven while the third advancing / retracting means 43 and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are repeatedly driven and stopped, or the second advancing / retracting means 42 is driven while the third advancing / retracting means 43 and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are repeatedly driven and stopped. The massage course C4 is a course in which the third advancing / retracting means 43 is driven while the first advancing / retracting means 41 and / or the second advancing / retracting means 42 are repeatedly driven and stopped, or the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is driven while the first advancing / retracting means 41 and / or the second advancing / retracting means 42 are repeatedly driven and stopped.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 9(a), first, the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 (power ON) to make it possible to select a massage course (S41). A plurality of massage courses are stored in a memory unit (not shown). The user selects an arbitrary massage course (massage course C3) from the selectable massage courses (S42). At this time, the second advancing / retreating means 42 may be driven instead of the first advancing / retreating means 41 (S43-2).

[0067] When the massage course C3 is started, the first advancing / retracting means 41 of the massage unit 30 starts to be driven (S43-1). The first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven to push the first massage part 40A in a direction approaching the treatment part. While maintaining the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41, the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are driven (S44). In this way, the treatment part can be pressed from three directions. After that, the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is stopped (S45). When the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is stopped, the third massage part 40C and the fourth massage part 40D move in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47DR, 47DL.

[0068] Next, the driving of the third advancing / retreating means 43 is started (S46). At this time, since the first advancing / retreating means 41 is still driven, the treatment area is sandwiched between the first massage part 40A and the third massage part 40C from above and below. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped (S47). When the driving of the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped, the third massage part 40C moves in a direction away from the treatment area due to the action of the biasing means 47DR.

[0069] Next, the driving of the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is started (S48). At this time, since the first advancing / retreating means 41 is still driven, the treatment area is sandwiched diagonally from above and below between the first massage part 40A and the fourth massage part 40D. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped (S49). When the driving of the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped, the biasing means 47DL acts to move the fourth massage part 40D in a direction away from the treatment area.

[0070] Then, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 is stopped (S50-1), and the massage course C3 is completed (S51). If the second advancing / retreating means 42 has been driven instead of the first advancing / retreating means 41, the driving of the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped (S50-2). In this way, by independently controlling the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 while the first advancing / retreating means 41 or the second advancing / retreating means 42 is driven, a wide variety of massages can be performed.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 9(b), first, the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 (power ON) to make it possible to select a massage course (S61). A plurality of massage courses are stored in a memory unit (not shown). The user selects an arbitrary massage course (massage course C4) from the selectable massage courses (S62). At this time, the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 may be driven instead of the third advancing / retreating means 43 (S63-2).

[0072] When the massage course C4 is started, the third advancing / retracting means 43 of the massage unit 30 starts to be driven (S63-1). By driving the third advancing / retracting means 43, the third massage part 40C is pushed in a direction approaching the treatment part. While maintaining the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43, the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the second advancing / retracting means 42 are driven (S64). In this way, the treatment part can be pressed from three directions. After that, the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the second advancing / retracting means 42 is stopped (S65). When the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the second advancing / retracting means 42 is stopped, the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B move in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47UR, 47UL.

[0073] Next, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 is started (S66). At this time, since the third advancing / retreating means 43 is still driven, the treatment area is sandwiched between the first massage part 40A and the third massage part 40C from above and below. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 is stopped (S67). When the driving of the first advancing / retreating means 41 is stopped, the first massage part 40A moves in a direction away from the treatment area due to the action of the biasing means 47UR.

[0074] Next, the second advancing / retreating means 44 starts to be driven (S68). At this time, since the third advancing / retreating means 43 is still driven, the treatment area is sandwiched diagonally from above and below between the third massage part 40C and the second massage part 40B. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped to be driven (S69). When the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped to be driven, the second massage part 40B moves in a direction away from the treatment area by the action of the biasing means 47UL.

[0075] Then, the driving of the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped (S70-1), and the massage course C4 is completed (S71). If the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is driven instead of the third advancing / retreating means 43, the driving of the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped (S70-2). In this way, by independently controlling the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 while the third advancing / retreating means 43 or the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is driven, a wide variety of massages can be performed.

[0076] 10 is a flow diagram showing the flow of massage course C5 in the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Massage course C5 is a course in which the first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven while the second advancing / retracting means 42 and / or the third advancing / retracting means 43 and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are repeatedly driven and stopped. In this embodiment, the state is described as "while driving the first advancing / retreating means 41", but this is merely an example and is not limiting. For example, the state may be described as "while driving the second advancing / retreating means 42". In that case, the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the second advancing / retreating means 42 may be read as interchangeable. Also, the state may be described as "while driving the third advancing / retreating means 43". In that case, the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 may be read as interchangeable. Also, the state may be described as "while driving the fourth advancing / retreating means 44". In that case, the first advancing / retreating means 41 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 may be read as interchangeable.

[0077] 10, massage course C5 has a plurality of motion patterns (motion patterns A to D). Massage course C5 may be configured with these motion patterns (motion patterns A to D) as independent motions, or may be configured by appropriately combining motion patterns A to D. First, the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 (power ON) to make it possible to select a massage course (S81). A plurality of massage courses are stored in a memory unit (not shown). The user selects an arbitrary massage course (massage course C5) from the selectable massage courses (S82). When the massage course C5 is selected, first, the first advancing / retreating means 41 starts to be driven (S83).

[0078] [Operation pattern A] Operation pattern A is an operation that combines the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the driving and stopping of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43. Specifically, while the first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven, the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43 are driven (S84). In this way, the treatment area can be pressed from three directions. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 is stopped. At this time, the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43 is maintained (S85). When the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 is stopped, the second massage part 40B moves in a direction away from the treatment area due to the action of the biasing means 47UL. In other words, the treatment area is sandwiched between the first massage part 40A and the third massage part 40C in a vertically opposed manner.

[0079] After that, the second advancing / retreating means 42 is started to be driven again, and the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped to be driven (S86). When the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped to be driven, the third massage part 40C is moved in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47DR. That is, the treatment part is pressed from above to below by the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B (upper massage part 50A) (more specifically, the treatment part is pressed so as to sandwich the treatment part from the left and right directions with the connecting part 31 as a fulcrum). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the massage course C5 is ended (S100). Note that the timing of driving the second advancing / retreating means 42 and the third advancing / retreating means 43 is an example, and the order of S84 to S86 does not matter.

[0080] [Operation pattern B] The operation pattern B is an operation that combines the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the driving and stopping of the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44. Specifically, while the first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven, the third advancing / retracting means 43 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are driven (S87). In this way, the treatment area can be pressed from three directions. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped. At this time, the driving of the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is maintained (S88). When the driving of the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped, the third massage part 40C moves in a direction away from the treatment area due to the action of the biasing means 47DR. In other words, the treatment area is sandwiched diagonally from above and below by the first massage part 40A and the fourth massage part 40D.

[0081] After that, the third advancing / retreating means 43 starts to be driven again, and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 stops to be driven (S89). When the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 stops to be driven, the fourth massage part 40D moves in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47DL. That is, the treatment part is pressed from above and below by the first massage part 40A and the third massage part 40C in opposing directions. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the massage course C5 ends (S100). Note that the timing of driving the third advancing / retreating means 43 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is merely an example, and the order of S87 to S89 does not matter.

[0082] [Operation pattern C] The operation pattern C is an operation that combines the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the driving and stopping of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44. Specifically, while the first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven, the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are driven (S90). In this way, the treatment area can be pressed from three directions. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 is stopped. At this time, the driving of the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is maintained (S91). When the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 is stopped, the second massage part 40B moves in a direction away from the treatment area due to the action of the biasing means 47UL. In other words, the treatment area is sandwiched diagonally from above and below by the first massage part 40A and the fourth massage part 40D.

[0083] After that, the second advancing / retreating means 42 is started to be driven again, and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped to be driven (S92). When the driving of the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped, the fourth massage part 40D moves in a direction away from the treatment part by the action of the biasing means 47DL. That is, the treatment part is pressed from the top to the bottom by the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B (upper massage part 50A) (more specifically, the treatment part is pressed so as to sandwich the treatment part from the left and right directions with the connecting part 31 as a fulcrum). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the massage course C5 is ended (S100). Note that the timing of driving the second advancing / retreating means 42 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is an example, and the order of S90 to S92 does not matter.

[0084] [Operation pattern D] Operation pattern D is an operation that combines the driving of the first advancing / retracting means 41 and the driving and stopping of the second advancing / retracting means 42, the third advancing / retracting means 43, and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44. Specifically, while the first advancing / retracting means 41 is driven, the second advancing / retracting means 42, the third advancing / retracting means 43, and the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 are driven (S93). In this way, the treatment area can be pressed from four directions. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped. At this time, the driving of the fourth advancing / retracting means 44 is maintained (S94). When the driving of the second advancing / retracting means 42 and the third advancing / retracting means 43 is stopped, the second massage part 40B and the third massage part 40C move in a direction away from the treatment area by the action of the biasing means 47UL and 47DR. In other words, the area to be treated is sandwiched diagonally from above and below between the first massage part 40A and the fourth massage part 40D.

[0085] After that, the second advancing / retreating means 42 is started to be driven again, and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped to be driven (S95). When the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped to be driven, the biasing means 47DL works to move the fourth massage part 40D in a direction away from the treatment part. In other words, the treatment part is pressed from the top to the bottom by the first massage part 40A and the second massage part 40B (upper massage part 50A). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the third advancing / retreating means 43 is driven again (S96). By driving the third advancing / retreating means 43, the treatment part can be pressed from three directions.

[0086] Thereafter, the driving of the second advancing / retreating means 42 is stopped and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is driven (S97). In this way, the treatment area can be pressed from three directions different from S96. Thereafter, the second advancing / retreating means 42 is driven again and the driving of the third advancing / retreating means 43 is stopped (S98). In this way, the treatment area can be pressed from three directions different from S96 and S97. Thereafter, the driving of the second advancing / retreating means 42 and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is stopped again, and the third advancing / retreating means 43 is driven again (S99). Then, the massage course C5 is ended (S100). Note that the timing of driving the second advancing / retreating means 42, the third advancing / retreating means 43, and the fourth advancing / retreating means 44 is just an example, and the order of S93 to S99 does not matter. In this way, by independently controlling each of the advancing and retreating means 41 to 44, a wide variety of massages can be performed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0087] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine that has a simple structure and is capable of performing a wide variety of massage actions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] Control unit 7 Massage unit 30 Connecting part 31 First massage section 40A Second massage section 40B Third massage unit 40C Fourth massage unit 40D First advancing / retreating means 41 Second advancing / retreating means 42 Third advancing / retreating means 43 Fourth advancing / retreating means 44 Treatment elements 46UR, 46UL, 46DR, 46DL Upper massage unit 50A Lower massage unit 50B

Claims

1. The therapist and a massage unit including a reciprocating means for reciprocating the treatment element; A control unit that controls the driving of the advancing and retreating means, The massage unit is composed of a first massage unit and a second massage unit arranged to face each other, The first massage unit is A first massage part located on one side; A second massage portion located on the other side; A connecting portion that connects the first massage portion and the second massage portion, The second massage unit is A third massage part located on one side so as to face the first massage part; A fourth massage part located on the other side so as to face the second massage part; A connecting portion that connects the third massage portion and the fourth massage portion, The advancing and retreating means is A first advancing / retracting means for advancing / retracting the first massage part; A second advancing / retracting means for advancing / retracting the second massage part; A third advancing / retracting means for advancing / retracting the third massage part; and a fourth advancing / retracting means for advancing / retracting the fourth massage part, The control unit controls each of the advancing and retreating means independently to move each of the massage units toward or away from the user.

2. 2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein each of said advancing and retreating means is constituted by an air cell.

3. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the massage sections further comprises a biasing means for biasing the treatment head in a direction away from the user.

4. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the first advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means, or drives the second advancing / retreating means and the third advancing / retreating means.

5. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit drives the first advancing / retreating means and the third advancing / retreating means, or drives the second advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means.

6. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retreating means and the second advancing / retreating means, or the third advancing / retreating means and the fourth advancing / retreating means.

7. The massage machine described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit repeatedly drives and stops the third advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the first advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the third advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the second advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the second advancing / retracting means while driving the third advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the second advancing / retracting means while driving the fourth advancing / retracting means.

8. The massage machine described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit repeatedly drives and stops the second advancing / retracting means and / or the third advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the first advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the third advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the second advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the second advancing / retracting means and / or the fourth advancing / retracting means while driving the third advancing / retracting means, or repeatedly drives and stops the first advancing / retracting means and / or the second advancing / retracting means and / or the third advancing / retracting means while driving the fourth advancing / retracting means.

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