Massage device

JP2025036767AActive Publication Date: 2025-03-14PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025002833
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-08
Publication Date
2025-03-14
Estimated Expiration
2039-05-29

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0006】 本発明に関するマッサージ装置によれば、使用者が不快に感じるおそれを低減することができる。

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Abstract

To provide a massage device capable of reducing the risk of making a user feel discomfort.SOLUTION: A massage device 1 includes: arm rests 13; a backrest 12; a first air bag 31 provided on the backrest 12 so as to correspond to the shoulder blade; a second air bag 32 provided on the backrest 12 so as to correspond to the back surface of the upper arm; a third air bag 33 provided on the backrest 12 so as to correspond to the side surface of the shoulder; and a positional deviation suppressing structure that determines a relative positional relation among the first air bag 31, the second air bag 32 and the third air bag 33 to prevent the force of the inflated third air bag 33 from being transmitted to a part adjacent to the elbow of the forearm or the elbow itself.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known a massage device that includes armrests for supporting the forearms and a plurality of airbags for massaging the back, shoulders, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional massage device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-115657 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional massage devices, when multiple airbags are inflated, the position of the forearm relative to the armrest may shift, causing discomfort to the user. An object of the present invention is to provide a massage device that can reduce the risk of the user feeling uncomfortable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The massage device of the present invention comprises an armrest, a backrest, a first airbag provided in the backrest to correspond to the shoulder blade, a second airbag provided in the backrest to correspond to the back of the upper arm, a third airbag provided in the backrest to correspond to the side of the shoulder, and a positional deviation prevention structure which determines the relative positions of the first airbag, the second airbag and the third airbag so that the force of the inflating third airbag is unlikely to be transmitted to the part of the forearm close to the elbow or to the elbow. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the massage device of the present invention, the risk of the user feeling uncomfortable can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a massage device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the massage device. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the forearm support portion and the armrest base separated from each other. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the forearm support portion and the armrest base are partially separated. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the forearm support portion and the armrest base connected together. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected to each other. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] (Example 1 of the form that the massage device can take) The massage device of the present invention comprises an armrest, a backrest, a first airbag provided in the backrest to correspond to the shoulder blade, a second airbag provided in the backrest to correspond to the back of the upper arm, a third airbag provided in the backrest to correspond to the side of the shoulder, and a positional deviation prevention structure which determines the relative positions of the first airbag, the second airbag and the third airbag so that the force of the inflating third airbag is unlikely to be transmitted to the part of the forearm close to the elbow or to the elbow. According to the above-mentioned massage device, the force of the inflating third airbag is less likely to be transmitted to the part of the forearm close to the elbow or to the elbow (hereinafter referred to as the "arm specific portion"), and the force pressing the arm specific portion inward in the width direction of the massage device is reduced, thereby suppressing displacement of the arm specific portion relative to the armrest when the first to third airbags are inflated.

[0009] According to one example of the massage device, in the position shift prevention structure, the relative positional relationship between the first airbag, the second airbag, and the third airbag is determined so that a first distance between the third airbag and the first airbag is shorter than a second distance between the third airbag and the second airbag. According to the massage device, since the displacement suppression structure is formed by the first distance and the second distance, the shape and the like of each airbag is less likely to be restricted by the displacement suppression structure.

[0010] According to one example of the massage device, the third airbag includes a specified side and a top portion opposite the specified side, and in the position shift prevention structure, the orientation of the third airbag is determined so that the specified side is located closer to the first airbag than the top portion and the top portion is located closer to the second airbag than the specified side. According to the massage device, the force of the inflating third airbag is more unlikely to be transmitted to the arm specific portion, and the effect of suppressing the positional deviation of the arm specific portion with respect to the armrest is enhanced.

[0011] According to one example of the massage device, the backrest includes a back wall facing the back and a shoulder wall protruding from the back wall to face the shoulders, the first airbag and the second airbag are provided in the back wall, and the third airbag is provided in the shoulder wall. According to the massage device, the force of the inflating third airbag is efficiently transmitted to the shoulders, and the massage effect on the shoulders is enhanced. The displacement suppression structure suppresses the transmission of force from the third airbag to the arm specific part. In other words, the third airbag can efficiently massage the shoulders while suppressing the displacement of the arm specific part from the armrest.

[0012] According to one example of the massage device, the second airbag is provided outward of the first airbag in the width direction of the massage device. According to the massage device, the force of the inflating second airbag is efficiently transmitted to the upper arms, improving the effect of massaging the upper arms.

[0013] According to one example of the massage device, the position of the upper end of the third airbag in the height direction of the massage device is determined so as not to protrude above the upper end of the first airbag, and the position of the lower end of the third airbag in the height direction of the massage device is determined so as not to protrude below the lower end of the second airbag. According to the massage device, the force of the inflating third airbag is efficiently transmitted to the shoulders, and the massage effect on the shoulders is enhanced. The displacement suppression structure suppresses the transmission of force from the third airbag to the arm specific part. In other words, the third airbag can efficiently massage the shoulders while suppressing the displacement of the arm specific part from the armrest.

[0014] (Example 2 of the form that the massage device can take) The massage device comprises a forearm support part that supports the forearm, an armrest base that supports the forearm support part, a fourth airbag provided on the forearm support part, an engagement part that connects the forearm support part and the armrest base, a first connecting part provided on the forearm support part so as to be connected to the fourth airbag, and a second connecting part provided on the armrest base so as to be connected to a gas supply path, and the first connecting part and the second connecting part are configured to connect in conjunction with the connection of the forearm support part and the armrest base by the engagement part. According to the massage device, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are connected together with the operation of connecting the forearm support portion and the armrest base by the engaging portion, so that the work efficiency in assembling the massage device is improved.

[0015] In one example of the massage device, the first connecting portion includes a connecting passage configured to be recessed relative to an outer surface of the forearm support portion, and the second connecting portion includes a connecting tube inserted into the connecting passage. In the above massage device, when connecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part, the connecting tube of the second connecting part is guided by a connecting path that is formed so as to be recessed into the first connecting part, so that the first connecting part and the second connecting part can be easily connected.

[0016] In one example of the massage device, an inner diameter of the connecting passage is larger than an outer diameter of the connecting tube. According to the massage device, when the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are joined together, the connecting pipe can be easily inserted into the connecting passage.

[0017] In one example of the massage device, an elastic member is provided in the connection path so as to be compressed between an outer surface of the connection pipe and an inner surface of the connection path. According to the massage device, in a state in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are joined together, the position of the connection pipe relative to the connection path is firmly maintained by the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0018] (Embodiment) The configuration of the massage device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The massage device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used to massage a target part of the human body. The target part of the human body is the muscles present in the shoulders, arms, and trunk. Massaging the muscles of the target part provides a relaxing effect to the user. The massage device 1 massages the target part of the human body, for example, by pressing the human body. The user can use the massage device 1 in a predetermined posture. An example of the predetermined posture is a seated posture. The main elements that make up the massage device 1 are a main body unit 10, a massage unit 20, a control device 50, an adjustment device 60, and an operation device 70. The massage device 1 is driven by power supplied, for example, from an external commercial power source.

[0019] The main body 10 has a configuration suitable for a user to sit on. In one example, the main body 10 is a chair. The main body 10 includes a seat 11 on which a user of the massage device 1 can sit, a backrest 12 disposed behind the seat 11, a pair of armrests 13 disposed on the sides of the seat 11, and an ottoman 14 disposed in front of the seat 11. The front and rear correspond to the directions seen by the user when the user is seated on the main body 10. The backrest 12 includes a back wall 12A attached to the seat 11 so as to be rotatable about a connection portion with the seat 11 as an axis, and a pair of shoulder walls 12B formed on the sides of the back wall 12A. The armrest 13 includes a forearm support portion 13A that supports the forearm of the user, and an armrest base 13B that supports the forearm support portion 13A. The forearm support portion 13A is attached to the armrest base 13B by sliding the forearm support portion 13A relative to the armrest base 13B. The forearm support portion 13A includes a bottom surface portion that engages with the armrest base 13B, a top surface portion to which the operating device 70 is attached, and a side surface portion that connects the bottom surface portion and the top surface portion.

[0020] The ottoman 14 includes a leg support portion 15 that supports the legs, which are part of the lower legs, and a foot support portion 16 that supports the feet, which are part of the lower legs. The leg support portion 15 is composed of a back wall 15A that supports the backs of the legs, a side wall 15B that supports the outer part of the right leg, a side wall 15B that supports the outer part of the left leg, and a side wall 15B that supports the inner part of the right leg and the inner part of the left leg. Each side wall 15B is attached to the front of the back wall 15A.

[0021] The foot support section 16 is composed of a bottom wall 16A that supports the sole of the foot, a side wall 16B that supports the outer part of the right foot, a side wall 16B that supports the outer part of the left foot, a side wall 16B that supports the inner part of the right foot and the inner part of the left foot, and a back wall that supports the back of the foot. The bottom wall 16A, each side wall 16B, and the back wall are integrally formed.

[0022] The massage unit 20 has a configuration suitable for at least one of tapping, kneading, and pressing massage on a target part of the human body. The massage unit 20 includes an airbag 30 suitable for pressing massage. The airbag 30 is provided at a predetermined location on the main body 10. The predetermined location on the main body 10 coincides with the location facing the target part of the human body. The airbag 30 expands or contracts by changing the amount of air in the internal space provided inside, providing a massage effect to the user.

[0023] The airbag 30 has a surface facing the target part of the human body, a back surface formed on the opposite side of the surface from the target part of the human body, and a side surface connecting the surface and the back surface. The back surface is fixed to the main body 10. The side surface has a configuration suitable for inflating or deflating the airbag 30. In one example, the side surface is formed into a bellows. A material suitable for inflating or deflating the airbag 30 is selected for the airbag 30. In one example, the material of the airbag 30 is polyethylene.

[0024] The airbag 30 includes a first airbag 31, a second airbag 32, and a third airbag 33. The first airbag 31, the second airbag 32, and the third airbag 33 are provided at locations suitable for massaging different target parts of the human body. The first airbag 31, the second airbag 32, and the third airbag 33 are provided in the main body 10 in a plurality of locations, and are in a line-symmetric relationship with respect to the center line in the width direction of the main body 10. The first airbag 31, the second airbag 32, and the third airbag 33 are configured so that when they are inflated, the air density in the internal space of each airbag 30 is approximately the same.

[0025] The first airbag 31 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the shoulder blades of the human body. The first airbag 31 is provided in the back wall 12A. One example of a muscle present near the shoulder blades is the trapezius muscle.

[0026] The second airbag 32 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the upper arm of the human body. The second airbag 32 is provided on the back wall 12A. An example of a muscle present near the upper arm is the brachialis muscle.

[0027] The third airbag 33 is disposed at a position suitable for pressing muscles present in the vicinity of the shoulder of the human body. The third airbag 33 is provided in the shoulder wall 12B. An example of a muscle present in the vicinity of the shoulder is the deltoid muscle.

[0028] The airbag 30 further includes a fourth airbag 34, a fifth airbag 35, a sixth airbag 36, a seventh airbag 37, and an eighth airbag 38. The fourth airbag 34, the fifth airbag 35, the sixth airbag 36, the seventh airbag 37, and the eighth airbag 38 are provided at locations suitable for massaging different target parts of the human body. The fourth airbag 34, the fifth airbag 35, the sixth airbag 36, the seventh airbag 37, and the eighth airbag 38 are provided in plurality in the main body 10 and are in a line-symmetric relationship with respect to the center line in the width direction of the main body 10.

[0029] The fourth airbag 34 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the forearm of the human body. The fourth airbag 34 is provided in the forearm support section 13A. The shape of the fourth airbag 34 is suitable for pressing muscles present near the forearm. An example of the shape of the fourth airbag 34 is an elliptical shape. An example of the muscles present near the forearm are the muscles of the forearm extensor group and the forearm flexor group. Preferably, the fourth airbag 34 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the forearm support section 13A.

[0030] The fifth airbag 35 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the waist of the human body. The fifth airbag 35 is provided on the back wall 12A. The shape of the fifth airbag 35 is suitable for pressing muscles present near the waist. One example of a muscle present near the waist is the psoas major muscle.

[0031] The sixth airbag 36 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the thighs of the human body. The sixth airbag 36 is provided in the armrest base 13B. The sixth airbag 36 has a shape suitable for pressing muscles present near the thighs. Examples of muscles present near the thighs are the gluteus maximus and the quadriceps. Preferably, a plurality of sixth airbags 36 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the armrest base 13B.

[0032] The seventh airbag 37 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the legs of the human body. The seventh airbag 37 is provided on at least one of the back wall 15A and the side wall 15B of the leg support portion 15. The seventh airbag 37 has a shape suitable for pressing muscles present near the legs. An example of a muscle present near the legs is the triceps surae. Preferably, the seventh airbag 37 is provided along the back wall 15A and the side wall 15B.

[0033] The eighth airbag 38 is disposed at a location suitable for pressing muscles present near the foot of the human body. The eighth airbag 38 is provided on at least one of the bottom wall 16A or the side wall 16B of the foot support portion 16. The eighth airbag 38 has a shape suitable for pressing muscles present near the foot. An example of a muscle present near the foot is the lumbrical muscle. Preferably, the eighth airbag 38 is provided along the bottom wall 16A and the side wall 16B.

[0034] The massage unit 20 further includes a treatment mechanism 40 suitable for tapping or kneading massage. The treatment mechanism 40 is provided, for example, in the internal space of the backrest 12. The treatment mechanism 40 includes a treatment block 41 that houses multiple elements, a pair of arms connected to the treatment block 41, and kneading balls 42 attached to the ends of each arm and capable of massaging the body. The target part of the human body is massaged by contacting the kneading balls 42 with the target part of the human body. The treatment mechanism 40 further includes a rail extending in the height direction of the backrest 12. The treatment block 41 is attached to the rail so that it can move along the rail.

[0035] The control device 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls various elements of the massage device 1 and a storage unit 52 that stores various information. The control unit 51 is configured with a calculation processing device that executes a program. The calculation processing device is configured with, for example, one or both of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 51 controls the adjustment device 60 to control various elements of the massage device 1.

[0036] The memory unit 52 includes at least one of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory, for example. The memory unit 52 stores information necessary for various controls. In one example, the memory unit 52 stores a control mode that specifies how the control unit 51 controls the adjustment device 60. In one example, an example of the control mode is a trunk stretch mode for stretching the trunk of the user. In another example, a shoulder-arm stretch mode for stretching the shoulders and arms of the user. The control mode specifies the time and the amount of adjustment that the control unit 51 adjusts the adjustment device 60.

[0037] The adjustment device 60 adjusts various operations of the massage device 1 under the control of the control unit 51. The adjustment device 60 includes a first adjustment unit 61 that adjusts the main body unit 10, a second adjustment unit 62 that adjusts the airbag 30, and a third adjustment unit 63 that adjusts the treatment mechanism 40.

[0038] The first adjustment unit 61 adjusts the position of the elements constituting the main body 10 relative to the seat 11. In one example, the first adjustment unit 61 adjusts the position of at least one of the backrest 12 and the ottoman 14 relative to the seat 11. The first adjustment unit 61 is disposed at the connection between the seat 11 and the backrest 12, and includes a rotating shaft extending in the width direction of the main body 10, and a motor connected to the rotating shaft via multiple gears. The control unit 51 rotates the motor in one direction, causing the backrest to rotate from a low position to a high position. The control unit 51 rotates the motor in the other direction, causing the backrest 12 to rotate from a high position to a low position. The first adjustment unit 61 is disposed at the connection between the seat 11 and the ottoman 14, and includes a rotating shaft extending in the width direction of the main body 10, and a motor connected to the rotating shaft via multiple gears. The control unit 51 rotates the motor in one direction, causing the ottoman 14 to rotate from a low position to a high position. When the control unit 51 rotates the motor in the other direction, the ottoman 14 rotates from the high position to the low position.

[0039] The second adjustment unit 62 adjusts the amount of air in the internal space of the airbag 30. In one example, the second adjustment unit 62 includes an air pump that supplies air to the airbag 30, an air supply passage for supplying air to the inside of the airbag 30, an exhaust passage for discharging the air in the airbag 30 to the outside, and an electromagnetic valve that changes the state of supplying and discharging air in the airbag 30. When the airbag 30 and the air pump are connected through the air supply passage via the electromagnetic valve, the amount of air in the internal space of the airbag 30 increases, and the airbag 30 inflates. When the airbag 30 and the exhaust passage are connected through the electromagnetic valve, the amount of air in the internal space of the airbag 30 decreases, and the airbag 30 contracts.

[0040] The third adjustment unit 63 adjusts the position of the kneading balls 42 relative to the backrest 12. The third adjustment unit 63 is provided, for example, on the treatment block 41. The third adjustment unit 63 includes a moving mechanism that moves the kneading balls 42 in at least one direction of the up-down direction, width direction, and front-rear direction of the backrest 12. The moving mechanism includes a first moving mechanism that moves the treatment block in the up-down direction of the backrest 12, a second moving mechanism that moves the treatment block 41 in the width direction of the backrest 12, and a third moving mechanism that moves the treatment block 41 in the front-rear direction of the backrest 12.

[0041] The first movement mechanism includes a first rotating shaft extending in the width direction of the main body 10 and a first motor connected to the first rotating shaft via multiple gears. Multiple pinions are formed on the first rotating shaft. The multiple pinions mesh with racks of a rail provided in the height direction of the backrest 12. As the first motor rotates, the kneading balls 42 move in the up-down direction of the backrest 12 along the rail.

[0042] The second movement mechanism includes a second rotating shaft extending in the width direction of the main body 10 and a second motor connected to the second rotating shaft via a plurality of gears. The second rotating shaft is configured by, for example, a ball screw. The ball screw includes a screw shaft and a nut. The kneading balls 42 are attached to the nut via an arm. When the second motor rotates, the nut moves relative to the screw shaft, and the kneading balls 42 move in the width direction of the main body 10.

[0043] The third movement mechanism includes a third rotating shaft extending in the width direction of the main body 10 and a third motor connected to the third rotating shaft via multiple gears. A gear is provided on the third rotating shaft for rotating the arm, for example, in the front-rear direction of the main body 10. This gear meshes with a gear that rotates integrally with the arm. When the third motor rotates, the arm rotates in the front-rear direction of the main body 10, and the kneading balls 42 move in the front-rear direction of the main body 10.

[0044] The operation device 70 outputs an operation signal for operating the control device 50. In one example, the operation device 70 is a remote control. The operation device 70 includes an operation unit 71 that receives input from the outside. The operation unit 71 includes at least one of a power button that switches the power of the control device 50 on and off, and a mode selection button that selects an operation mode. When an operation mode is selected by the mode selection button, the control unit 51 executes that operation mode. The power button may be provided at any location on the main body unit 10.

[0045] The operation device 70 includes a display unit 72 that displays information related to the massage. An example of the information related to the massage is information related to the control mode being executed by the massage device 1 and information related to which part of the human body the massage is being executed on. The display unit 72 may include a touch panel mechanism, and may be configured to display at least one of a power button and a mode selection button on the display unit 72.

[0046] The operation device 70 is connected to the control device 50 via a connection line 73. The connection line 73 is configured to enable, for example, power line carrier communication. The connection line 73 includes a protective portion. The protective portion protects the connection line 73 from bending. In one example, the protective portion is a cord bushing made of nylon.

[0047] The massage device 1 further includes a support part 80 that supports the operating device 70 relative to the armrest 13. The support part 80 is configured so that the operating device 70 is rotatable relative to the main body part 10. The support part 80 includes an arm-shaped main body 81, an attachment post 82 that supports the main body 81 so as to be rotatable relative to the armrest 13, and a holder 83 that holds the operating device 70 relative to the support part 80.

[0048] The first airbag 31, the second airbag 32, and the third airbag 33 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. The first airbag 31 is provided in the backrest 12 so as to correspond to the shoulder blades. Corresponding to the shoulder blades means that the first airbag 31 can massage at least the part of the body around the shoulder blades when inflated. The first airbag 31 is configured to push the part of the body around the shoulder blades from the rear to the front. The first airbag 31 is provided in the back wall 12A of the backrest 12. The first airbag 31 is provided on a first surface of the back wall 12A. The first surface is a surface facing the back. The first airbag 31 is provided in a portion close to a side portion of the first surface. The side portion of the first surface is an end portion of the first surface in the width direction. The first airbag 31 is long in the first direction. The first airbag 31 is short in the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. In a front view of the backrest 12, the first direction of the first airbag 31 is aligned along the height direction of the backrest 12. The first airbag 31 includes an upper end 31U and a lower end 31L. The upper end 31U of the first airbag 31 is located upward in the first direction. The lower end 31L of the first airbag 31 is located downward in the first direction.

[0049] The first airbag 31 includes an inflatable portion 31A, a surrounding portion 31B, a gas supply portion 31C, and a fixed portion 31D. The inflatable portion 31A is hollow. A gas supply passage is connected to the gas supply portion 31C. Gas flowing through the gas supply passage flows into the inside of the inflatable portion 31A via the gas supply portion 31C. The inflatable portion 31A is inflated by supplying gas to the inside of the inflatable portion 31A. The inflatable portion 31A is contracted by discharging gas to the outside of the inflatable portion 31A. The surrounding portion 31B is provided around the inflatable portion 31A. The surrounding portion 31B is solid. The surrounding portion 31B does not inflate. The fixed portion 31D protrudes outward in the width direction of the backrest 12 from the edge of the surrounding portion 31B. The fixed portion 31D is fixed to the backrest by a fixing member. The fixing member is, for example, a bolt.

[0050] The second airbag 32 is provided in the backrest 12 so as to correspond to the upper arms. Corresponding to the upper arms means that the second airbag 32 can massage at least the upper arms when inflated. The second airbag 32 is configured to push the back of the upper arms from the rear to the front of the human body, for example. The second airbag 32 is provided in the back wall 12A of the backrest 12. The second airbag 32 is provided on the first surface of the back wall 12A. The second airbag 32 is provided in a portion closer to the side of the first surface. The second airbag 32 is provided closer to the edge of the side of the first surface than the first airbag 31. The second airbag 32 is long in the third direction. The second airbag 32 is short in the fourth direction. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction. In a front view of the backrest 12, the third direction of the second airbag 32 intersects with the height direction of the backrest. A first end of the second airbag 32 is located closer to the center in the width direction of the backrest than a second end of the second airbag 32. The second airbag 32 includes an upper end 32U and a lower end 32L. The upper end 32U of the second airbag 32 is located upward in the third direction. The lower end 32L of the second airbag 32 is located downward in the third direction.

[0051] The second airbag 32 includes an inflatable portion 32A, a surrounding portion 32B, a gas supply portion 32C, and a fixed portion 32D. The inflatable portion 32A is hollow. A gas supply passage is connected to the gas supply portion 32C. Gas flowing through the gas supply passage flows into the inside of the inflatable portion 32A via the gas supply portion 32C. The inflatable portion 32A is inflated by supplying gas to the inside of the inflatable portion 32A. The inflatable portion 32A is contracted by discharging gas to the outside of the inflatable portion 32A. The surrounding portion 32B is provided around the inflatable portion 32A. The surrounding portion 32B is solid. The surrounding portion 32B does not inflate. The fixed portion 32D protrudes outward in the width direction of the backrest 12 from the edge of the surrounding portion 32B. The fixed portion 32D is fixed to the backrest 12 by a fixing member. The fixing member is, for example, a bolt. The peripheral portion 32B of the second airbag 32 is connected to the peripheral portion 31B of the first airbag 31.

[0052] The third airbag 33 is provided in the backrest 12 so as to correspond to the shoulder. Corresponding to the shoulder means that the third airbag 33 can at least massage the shoulder when inflated. The third airbag 33 is configured to push the shoulder from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the human body, for example. The third airbag 33 is provided in the shoulder wall 12B of the backrest 12. The third airbag 33 is provided on the second surface of the shoulder wall 12B. The second surface is a surface facing the side surface of the shoulder. The third airbag 33 is provided in a portion closer to the side of the second surface. The side of the second surface is the front side in the front-rear direction. The third airbag 33 is long in the fifth direction. The third airbag 33 is short in the sixth direction. The fifth direction is perpendicular to the sixth direction. In a front view of the shoulder wall 12B, the fifth direction of the third airbag 33 is along the height direction of the shoulder wall 12B. The third airbag 33 includes an upper end 33U and a lower end 33L. The upper end 33U of the third airbag 33 is located upward in the fifth direction. The lower end 33L of the third airbag 33 is located downward in the fifth direction.

[0053] The third airbag 33 includes an inflatable portion 33A, a surrounding portion 33B, a gas supply portion 33C, and a fixed portion 33D. The inflatable portion 33A is hollow. The inflatable portion 33A has a triangular shape. The inflatable portion 33A includes a first apex P1, a second apex P2, a third apex P3, a first side S1, a second side S2, and a third side S3. The first side S1 is a side between the first apex P1 and the second apex P2. The second side S2 is a side between the first apex P1 and the third apex P3. The third side S3 is a side between the second apex P2 and the third apex P3. The first apex P1 constitutes a lower end portion 33L of the third airbag 33. The second apex P2, the third apex P3, and the third side S3 constitute an upper end portion 33U of the third airbag 33. A gas supply passage is connected to the gas supply section 33C. Gas flowing through the gas supply passage flows into the interior of the expansion section 33A via the gas supply section 33C. The expansion section 33A expands as gas is supplied to the interior of the expansion section 33A. The expansion section 33A contracts as gas is discharged to the outside of the expansion section 33A. The surrounding section 33B is provided around the expansion section 33A. The surrounding section 33B is solid. The surrounding section 33B does not expand.

[0054] The operation modes of the massage unit 20 include an operation mode in which at least the first to third airbags are inflated. The first airbag 31 pushes the shoulder blades from the rear to the front of the human body. The second airbag 32 pushes the back of the upper arm from the rear to the front of the human body. The third airbag 33 pushes the shoulders from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the human body. In the operation mode in which the first to third airbags are inflated, the arm specific part, which is the elbow or a part of the forearm close to the elbow, may be unfavorably affected differently from the massage as the first to third airbags are inflated. For example, the position of the arm specific part relative to the armrest 13 may be shifted as the first to third airbags are inflated.

[0055] The massage unit 20 is provided with a positional deviation suppression structure that suppresses the positional deviation of the arm specific part with respect to the armrest when the first to third airbags are inflated. In the positional deviation suppression structure, the relative positional relationship of the first airbag 31, the second airbag 32, and the third airbag 33 is determined so that the force of the inflating third airbag 33 is not easily transmitted to the arm specific part. The positional relationship is characterized by, for example, the distance between the first airbag 31 and the third airbag 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "first distance L1") and the distance between the second airbag 32 and the third airbag 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "second distance L2"). In the positional deviation suppression structure, the relative positional relationship of each airbag is set so that the first distance L1 is shorter than the second distance L2.

[0056] The method of defining the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 will be illustrated. The first distance L1 is the distance between the portion representing the first airbag 31 (hereinafter referred to as the "first representative portion") and the portion representing the third airbag 33 (hereinafter referred to as the "third representative portion"). The second distance L2 is the distance between the portion representing the second airbag 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "second representative portion") and the third representative portion of the third airbag 33. The first to third representative portions will be illustrated. In the first example, the first to third representative portions are the center of gravity of the airbag in a non-inflated state. In the second example, the first to third representative portions are the surface of the most inflated portion of the airbag in an inflated state (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum inflated portion"). When the first to third representative portions are the centers of gravity of the airbags in a non-inflated state, the first distance L1 is the distance between the center of gravity 31G of the first airbag 31 and the center of gravity 33G of the third airbag 33, and the second distance L2 is the distance between the center of gravity 32G of the second airbag 32 and the center of gravity 33G of the third airbag 33. When the first to third representative portions are the surfaces of the maximum expansion portions of the airbags in an inflated state, the first distance L1 is the distance between the maximum expansion portions of the first airbag 31 and the maximum expansion portions of the third airbag 33, and the second distance L2 is the distance between the maximum expansion portions of the second airbag 32 and the maximum expansion portions of the third airbag 33.

[0057] In the positional deviation prevention structure, the orientation of the third airbag 33 with respect to the backrest 12 is further determined so that the force of the inflating third airbag 33 is less likely to be transmitted to the arm specific portion. The third airbag 33 includes a third side S3 that is a predetermined side, and a first apex P1 that is an apex facing the predetermined side. In the positional deviation prevention structure, the orientation of the third airbag 33 is determined so that the third side S3 is located closer to the first airbag 31 than the first apex P1, and the first apex P1 is located closer to the second airbag 32 than the third side S3.

[0058] The action of the massage device 1 will be described. The massage device 1 has a positional deviation suppression structure. In the positional deviation suppression structure, each airbag is arranged so that the first distance L1 is shorter than the second distance L2. That is, compared to when the first distance L1 is equal to the second distance L2 or when the first distance L1 is longer than the second distance L2, the third airbag 33 that presses the side of the shoulder is arranged at a position farther away from the second airbag 32 that presses the back of the upper arm. Therefore, the force of the inflating third airbag 33 is less likely to be transmitted to the arm specific portion, and the force that presses the arm specific portion inward in the width direction of the massage device 1 is reduced, and the positional deviation of the arm specific portion with respect to the armrest is suppressed when the first to third airbags are inflated.

[0059] The configuration of the armrest 13 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The forearm support portion 13A shown in the figures is the bottom portion, and the side and top portions are omitted.

[0060] The forearm support section 13A and the armrest base 13B are attached by a connecting section 90 and an engaging section 100. The connecting section 90 connects the fourth airbag 34 provided in the forearm support section 13A to an air pump provided in the main body section 10 connected to the armrest base 13B. The connecting section 90 is provided between the fourth airbag 34, thereby forming a gas supply path. The engaging section 100 engages the forearm support section 13A and the armrest base 13B to fix the forearm support section 13A to the main body section 10. The connecting section 90 includes a first connecting section 91 provided in the forearm support section 13A and a second connecting section 92 provided in the armrest base 13B. The engaging section 100 is configured by, for example, a notch structure provided in the forearm support section 13A and the armrest base 13B that engage with each other. As the engaging portion 100 engages, the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are interlocked and connected to each other.

[0061] The configuration of the connecting portion 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. The first connecting portion 91 is connected to the fourth airbag 34 via the connection path R1. The first connecting portion 91 includes a main body portion 91A. The main body portion 91A is made of, for example, resin. The main body portion 91A includes a hole portion 91B having a plurality of sizes of inner diameters. In one example, the hole portion 91B having three sizes of inner diameters is provided. The hole portion 91B having the three sizes of inner diameters is provided in order of increasing size from the side connected to the second connecting portion 92. At least one of the hole portions 91B is provided with an elastic member 91C. The elastic member 91C is made of, for example, rubber. The inner diameter of the elastic member 91C is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the connecting pipe T1. The elastic member 91C is formed in an annular shape so as to be compressed between the outer surface of the connecting pipe T1 and the inner surface of the connecting path R1.

[0062] The second connecting portion 92 is connected to the air pump via the connecting pipe T1. The outer diameter of the connecting pipe T1 is smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting passage R1. The second connecting portion 92 includes a main body 92A. The main body 92A is made of, for example, resin. The main body 92A includes a hole 92B that communicates with the connecting pipe T1. The inner diameter of the hole 92B is set to be larger than the diameter of the connecting pipe T1. The inner diameter of the hole 92B matches at least one of the multiple holes 91B. The main body 92A further includes a protruding portion 92C that protrudes from the main body 92A. The protruding portion 92C is connected to the hole 91B of the first connecting portion 91.

[0063] (Modification) The description of the embodiments is merely an example of possible forms of the massage device according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the forms. In addition to the embodiments, the present invention may take other forms, such as modified versions of the embodiments shown below, and combinations of at least two of the modified versions that are not mutually contradictory.

[0064] The airbag 30 may be configured to be in direct contact with the human body and may be further covered with a material that is not uncomfortable for the user. In one example, the airbag 30 is covered with cowhide.

[0065] The configuration of the airbag 30 can be changed as desired. In one example, at least one of the first airbag 31 to the eighth airbag 38 can be omitted. In another example, in addition to the first airbag 31 to the eighth airbag, a ninth airbag is further provided. The ninth airbag is provided in the seat 11, for example, and presses against the buttocks of the user. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The massage device according to the present invention can be used for various massage devices, including those for home and commercial use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Massage device 10: Main body 11: za 12: Backrest 12A: Back wall 12B: Shoulder wall 13: Armrest 13A: Forearm support 13B: Armrest base 14: Ottoman 15: Leg support part 15A: Back wall 15B: Side wall 16: Foot support 16A:Bottom wall 16B: Side wall 20: Massage Department 30: Airbag 31: First airbag 31A: Expansion section 31B: Surrounding area 31C: Gas supply section 31D: Fixed part 31G: Center of gravity 31U: Upper end 31L: Bottom end 32: Second airbag 32A: Expansion section 32B: Surrounding area 32C: Gas supply unit 32D: Fixed part 32G: Center of gravity 32U: Upper end 32L: Bottom end 33: 3rd airbag 33A: Expansion section 33B: Surrounding area 33C: Gas supply section 33D: Fixed part 33G: Center of gravity 33U: Upper end 33L: Bottom end 34: 4th airbag 35: 5th airbag 36: 6th airbag 37: 7th airbag 38: 8th airbag 40: Treatment mechanism 41: Treatment block 42: Massage ball 50: Control device 51: Control section 52: Storage section 60: Adjustment device 61: 1st adjustment section 62:Second adjustment section 63:Third adjustment section 70: Operating device 71 :Operation section 72: Display section 73: Connection line 80: Support part 81: Main unit 82: Mounting post 83: Holding part 90:Connection part 91: 1st connection part 91A: Main body 91B: Hole 91C: Elastic material 92:Second connection part 92A: Main body 92B: Hole 92C:Protrusion 100: Engagement part L1: 1st distance L2: 2nd distance R1: Connection T1: Connecting pipe P1: 1st top P2: 2nd top P3:Third top S1: First side S2: Second side S3: Third side

Claims

1. Armrests and With a backrest, a first airbag provided in the backrest so as to correspond to a shoulder blade; a second airbag provided in the backrest so as to correspond to the back of the upper arms; a third airbag provided in the backrest so as to correspond to a side of the shoulder; a positional deviation suppression structure that determines a relative positional relationship between the first airbag, the second airbag, and the third airbag so that the force of the inflating third airbag is not easily transmitted to a portion of the forearm close to the elbow or to the elbow; and A massage device comprising: The second airbag is provided outward of the first airbag in the width direction of the massage device. Massage device.

2. a position of an upper end of the third airbag in a height direction of the massage device is determined so as not to protrude above an upper end of the first airbag, The position of the lower end of the third airbag in the height direction of the massage device is determined so as not to protrude below the lower end of the second airbag.

2. The massage device of claim 1.

Citation Information

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