Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine which is comfortably usable even including an ottoman.SOLUTION: The massage machine includes: a seat part for supporting a hip part and a thigh part of a seated treated person; and an ottoman for supporting a lower thigh part of the treated person, wherein at least a front end part of the seat part can be raised and lowered from a predetermined reference position, the ottoman and the front end part of the seat part constitute an engaging mechanism so as to make the ottoman movable relative to the seat part, and the engaging mechanism is so constituted that the ottoman is raised together with the front end part when the front end part of the seat part is raised from the reference position, and the front end part is lowered while the ottoman keeps a position when the front end part of the seat part is lowered from the reference position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine provided with an ottoman.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a massage machine having a function of assisting a subject to stand up has been known (see Patent Document 1). This massage machine includes a seat portion and a backrest portion. When treating a subject, for example, the backrest portion falls while the front end portion of the seat portion rises above the rear end portion, so that the weight of the subject is applied to the therapist to enhance the treatment effect. On the other hand, when the subject finishes the treatment and gets off the seat, the front end portion of the seat portion drops below the rear end portion to assist the subject in standing up from the seat portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, in many massage machines, an ottoman for supporting the lower legs of a subject is arranged at the front end portion of the seat portion on which the subject sits. However, the above-described massage machine does not include an ottoman and does not consider the ease of standing up and the comfort such as the treatment effect in a configuration including an ottoman.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a massage machine that is comfortable to use even when provided with an ottoman.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The massage machine according to the present invention includes a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a seated subject, an ottoman that supports the lower leg of the subject, and at least the front end portion of the seat portion is capable of rising and falling from a predetermined reference position, the ottoman and the front end portion of the seat portion constitute an engagement mechanism so that the ottoman is movable relative to the seat portion, the engagement mechanism is configured such that when the front end portion rises from the reference position, the ottoman rises together with the front end portion, while when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the front end portion descends while the ottoman maintains its position.

[0007] In this way, when at least the front end portion of the seat portion rises from the reference position, the ottoman also rises together with the front end portion, so that the position of the ottoman relative to the seat portion is maintained. Therefore, when the front end portion is at the reference position or a position higher than the reference position, changes in the treatment position with respect to the lower leg or the like are suppressed, and thereby, a decrease in the treatment effect due to changes in the treatment position is suppressed. On the other hand, when the front end portion of the seat portion descends from the reference position while the position of the ottoman is maintained, it becomes easier for the subject to stand up when getting off the seat. As a result, even a massage machine equipped with an ottoman is comfortable to use. In the present invention, the "comfort" of the massage machine is a concept including the feeling of the subject's comfort, such as during and before and after the treatment, the treatment effect, and the ease of use of the massage machine.

[0008] In the massage machine, the seat portion may rotate such that the front end portion rises and falls with the rear end portion as the rotation center, and the front end portion may be lowered to a position where the seat surface of the seat portion slopes downward.

[0009] According to such a configuration, when the front end portion descends due to the rotation of the seat portion and the seat surface slopes downward, it becomes easier for the subject to stand up when getting off the seat.

[0010] Also, in the massage machine, The ottoman can move between an upright position in which a wall portion that is disposed on the rear side of the shin of the subject and contacts the shin stands upright, and a deployed position in which the ottoman rotates and the lower end of the wall portion extends forward from the upright position, and may be in the upright position when the front end portion descends from the reference position.

[0011] According to such a configuration, when the front end portion of the seat portion descends from the reference position and the subject stands up, the ottoman assumes an upright position (i.e., the wall portion stands upright), so that the subject can stand up without the ottoman getting in the way.

[0012] Further, the massage machine includes a control unit that controls the ottoman, and the control unit may control the ottoman so as not to move when the front end portion is descending from the reference position.

[0013] According to such a configuration, when the front end portion of the seat portion descends from the reference position and the subject gets on and off the seat portion, the movement of the ottoman is prevented, whereby the subject can safely get on and off the seat portion.

[0014] Further, in the massage machine, the engagement mechanism has a rotation shaft extending in the width direction of the seat portion and a bearing portion that engages with the rotation shaft, the front end portion has the rotation shaft, and the ottoman has the bearing portion, and the bearing portion has an engagement portion that engages with the rotation shaft of the ottoman in the vertical direction, and a separation portion that is arranged in the vertical direction with the engagement portion and in a state where the rotation shaft is separated from the engagement portion, and when the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotation shaft engages with the engagement portion, while when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the rotation shaft may move from the engagement portion toward the separation portion side.

[0015] According to such a configuration, as the rotation axis moves from the engagement portion toward the separation portion side in the bearing portion, the front end portion of the seat portion can be lowered from the reference position.

[0016] Further, in the massage machine, the engagement mechanism includes a rotation axis extending in the width direction of the seat portion and a bearing portion that engages with the rotation axis. The front end portion has the bearing portion, and the ottoman has the rotation axis. The bearing portion has an engagement portion where the ottoman engages with the rotation axis in the vertical direction, and a separation portion that is arranged vertically with the engagement portion and in a state where the rotation axis is separated from the engagement portion. When the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotation axis engages with the engagement portion, while when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the rotation axis may move from the engagement portion toward the separation portion side.

[0017] Also according to such a configuration, as the rotation axis moves from the engagement portion toward the separation portion side in the bearing portion, the front end portion of the seat portion can be lowered from the reference position.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a massage machine that is comfortable to use even when equipped with an ottoman.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment is a chair-type massage machine provided with an ottoman 3. Specifically, the massage machine 1 includes a seat portion 2 and an ottoman 3 that supports the lower legs of the subject. Further, this massage machine 1 includes a backrest portion 4, a treatment unit 5, a pair of standing portions 6, and a pair of armrest portions 7. Furthermore, the massage machine 1 includes an operation unit 8 for operating the massage machine 1, a control unit 9 for controlling the massage machine 1, and a plurality of actuators (drive units) 12 to 14 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) for rotating each component (seat portion 2, ottoman 3, and backrest portion 4) of the massage machine 1.

[0022] In the following description, each component of the massage machine 1 will be specifically described. In this description, when viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 4 upright (the state shown in FIG. 1), the front side (the front face side) is referred to as "front", and the rear side (the back face side) is referred to as "rear". Also, when viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 4 upright, the upper side (the head side) is referred to as "upper", and the lower side (the foot side) is referred to as "lower". Further, when viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 4 upright, the right side is referred to as "right", and the left side is referred to as "left".

[0023] Regarding the ottoman 3, even when the ottoman 3 is in a state of rotating in the front-rear direction, the side facing the subject with respect to the ottoman 3 is referred to as "front", and the side opposite to the subject with respect to the ottoman 3 is referred to as "rear". Furthermore, in the ottoman 3, the direction from the ankle portion to the knee portion of the subject is referred to as "upper", and the direction from the knee portion to the ankle portion of the subject in the ottoman 3 is referred to as "lower".

[0024] Also, in the following description, "foot portion" refers to the portion from the ankle to the tip (i.e., the toenail). "Leg portion" refers to the portion below the hip joint (i.e., the toenail of the foot portion). "Lower limb portion" refers to the portion from the hip joint to the ankle. "Thigh portion" refers to the portion from the hip joint to the knee. "Lower leg portion" refers to the portion from the knee to the ankle. "Gastrocnemius" refers to the bulging portion at the rear of the lower leg portion.

[0025] Note that FIGS. 2 to 10 schematically (roughly) show the configuration of the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment. Also, in FIGS. 2 to 10, covers made of cloth or leather, plastic covers (casings), exteriors such as cushioning materials, airbags, etc. arranged on the surfaces of the respective components are omitted. Further, in FIGS. 2 to 10, the treatment unit 5, the standing portion 6, the armrest portion 7, etc. are also omitted in order to make each component easier to view.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, a pair of standing portions 6 are erected on both sides of the seat portion 2 in the left - right direction and support the armrest portions 7 respectively. Each standing portion 6 of the present embodiment has a frame standing portion 61 inside as shown in Figs. 2 - 6. These two frame standing portions 61, together with a plurality of frame connection portions 62a - 62d connecting the frame standing portions 61 to each other, constitute a frame 60.

[0027] This frame 60 supports the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 4. Specifically, the upper part of the frame 60 is connected to the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 4, and the lower part is placed on the floor surface (installation surface).

[0028] The pair of frame standing portions 61 are plate - shaped parts or members of a predetermined shape extending in the front - rear direction and the up - down direction, and are erected on both sides of the seat portion 2 in the left - right direction. The upper part of each frame standing portion 61 is connected to the lower end portion of the backrest portion 4 via a backrest rotation shaft A4 extending in the left - right direction.

[0029] Each of the frame connection portions 62a - 62d extends in the left - right direction and connects the pair of frame standing portions 61 to each other. Among these plurality of frame connection portions 62a - 62d, the frame connection portion 62a connecting the upper parts of the frame standing portions 61 (specifically, the positions corresponding to the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion 2) has a pair of shaft support portions 621 extending upward at both ends. This shaft support portion 621 supports a seat rotation shaft A2 extending in the left - right direction and is connected to the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion 2 via the seat rotation shaft A2 (see Fig. 3).

[0030] Returning to Fig. 1, the pair of armrest portions 7 are respectively arranged at the upper parts of the standing portions 6. These pair of armrest portions 7 are arranged on both sides of the seat portion 2 in the left - right direction and support the forearms and hands of the patient.

[0031] The seat part 2 is the part where the patient sits, and supports the buttocks and thighs of the sitting patient. As also shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, an ottoman 3 is connected to the front end part 2f of this seat part 2, and the seat part 2 supports the ottoman 3. Specifically, in the massage machine 1, the front end part 2f of the seat part 2 and the ottoman 3 constitute an engagement mechanism E described later so that the ottoman 3 can move (rotatable in the example of this embodiment) with respect to the seat part 2.

[0032] The seat part 2 of this embodiment rotates such that the front end part (seat front end part) 2f moves up and down with the rear end part (seat rear end part) 2r as the rotation center. Specifically, the seat part 2 is supported by the frame 60 at the seat rear end part 2r and is rotatable about a seat rotation shaft A2 disposed at the seat rear end part 2r. This seat rotation shaft A2 extends in the left - right direction and is disposed at the connection part between the seat part 2 and the frame 60 (specifically, the shaft support part 621 and the rear end connection part 23 described later).

[0033] More specifically, the seat part 2 has a seat part main body 21 having a seat surface 2a that contacts the buttocks and thighs of the patient from below, a shaft holding part 22 disposed at the front end part of the seat part main body 21, and an ottoman rotation shaft (rotation shaft) A3 that extends in the left - right direction (the width direction of the seat part 2) and is disposed at the shaft holding part 22. Further, the seat part 2 has a rear end connection part 23 disposed at the rear end part of the seat part main body 21. The seat part 2 of this embodiment has a pair of shaft holding parts 22 disposed at intervals in the left - right direction, a pair of ottoman rotation shafts A3 respectively disposed at each shaft holding part 22, and a pair of rear end connection parts 23 disposed at intervals in the left - right direction.

[0034] Each shaft holding part 22 holds the ottoman rotation shaft A3 so as to protrude on both sides in the left - right direction. These pair of ottoman rotation shafts A3 are respectively held by the corresponding shaft holding parts 22 so as to be located on the same straight line.

[0035] The pair of rear end connection parts 23 are respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the respective shaft support parts 621 of the frame 60 in the left - right direction and are connected to the respective shaft support parts 621 via the seat rotation shaft A2.

[0036] The seat part 2 configured as described above is driven by an actuator (first actuator) 11 for the seat part 2 (see FIG. 6) among the plurality of actuators 11 to 13, and rotates about the seat rotation axis A2 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). This first actuator 11 is connected to the front end part 2f of the seat part and the lower front end part of the front side of the frame 60 (specifically, the frame connection part 62c), and as the rod 11a advances and retreats with respect to the cylinder tube 11b, the seat part 2 rotates about the seat rotation axis A2. The seat part 2 of the present embodiment rotates about the seat rotation axis A2 so that the front end part 2f of the seat part rises and falls with respect to the reference position P0 (see FIG. 3). Further, when the front end part 2f of the seat part 2 descends from the reference position P0, the seat part 2 can be lowered to a position where the seat surface 2a of the seat part 2 is inclined downward (downward slope) by rotating about the seat rotation axis A2 (see FIG. 10).

[0037] The ottoman 3 is supported by the front end part 2f of the seat part, and houses and supports at least the lower leg part of the subject. The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment has a wall part 31 disposed behind the shin of the subject and in contact with the shin. This ottoman 3 is rotatable between an upright posture P1 in which the wall part 31 stands upright (the state shown by the solid line ottoman 3 in FIG. 3) and a deployed posture P2 in which the ottoman 3 rotates about the ottoman rotation axis A3 and the lower end of the wall part 31 protrudes forward from the time of the upright posture P1 (the state shown by the two-dot chain line ottoman 3 in FIG. 3). The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment is in the upright posture P1 when the seat part 2 rotates and the front end part 2f of the seat part descends from the reference position P0.

[0038] Specifically, the ottoman 3 has a wall part 31, a partition wall part 32, and a pair of side wall parts 33. The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment also has a bottom plate part 34 on which the sole of the seated subject can be placed. Further, the ottoman 3 has a bearing part 35 that engages with the ottoman rotation axis A3. The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment has a pair of bearing parts 35 at both ends in the left-right direction at the upper end part.

[0039] The wall portion 31 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The wall portion 31 is disposed behind the calf of the seated subject to be treated and contacts the calf.

[0040] The partition portion 32 is disposed between a pair of left and right lower leg portions of the seated subject to be treated. This partition portion 32 protrudes forward from the central portion in the horizontal direction of the front surface of the wall portion 31 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0041] A pair of side wall portions 33 are respectively disposed on the outer sides in the horizontal direction of a pair of left and right lower leg portions of the seated subject to be treated. That is, each side wall portion 33 is disposed such that the lower leg portion is positioned between it and the partition portion 32 in the horizontal direction. These pair of side wall portions 33 protrude forward from both ends in the horizontal direction of the wall portion 31 and extend in the vertical direction.

[0042] The bottom plate portion 34 protrudes from the front surface of the wall portion 31 at the lower end portion of the wall portion 31 and extends in the horizontal direction.

[0043] The bearing portion 35 has an engaging portion 351 in which the ottoman 3 engages with the ottoman rotation axis A3 in the vertical direction, and a separating portion 352 that is arranged in the vertical direction with the engaging portion 351 and in a state where the ottoman rotation axis A3 is separated from the engaging portion 351 (see FIG. 3). In the bearing portion 35 of the present embodiment, the engaging portion 351 rotatably engages with the ottoman rotation axis A3 so that the ottoman 3 rotates around the ottoman rotation axis A3, and the separating portion 352 is disposed below the engaging portion 351. And the ottoman rotation axis A3 is in a state of being separated from the engaging portion 351 by moving from the engaging portion 351 toward the separating portion 352 side. The ottoman 3 of the present embodiment has a pair of bearing portions 35 disposed at positions corresponding to a pair of shaft holding portions 22 of the seat portion 2 (that is, a pair of ottoman rotation axes A3), respectively.

[0044] Specifically, as shown also in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bearing portion 35 is a portion or member extending in the vertical direction at a position adjacent to the shaft holding portion 22 in the left - right direction, and has a bearing through - hole 350 penetrating in the left - right direction. The bearing portion 35 of the present embodiment has a first bearing member 355 and a second bearing member 356 extending upward from the upper part of the wall portion 31 on both sides of the shaft holding portion 22 in the left - right direction, and the first and second bearing members 355, 356 each have a bearing through - hole 350. The first and second bearing members 355, 356 of the present embodiment are members that extend in the front - rear direction and the vertical direction and are long in the vertical direction.

[0045] The bearing through - hole 350 is a long hole extending in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first inner diameter α1 in the front - rear direction of the bearing through - hole 350 is of a size corresponding to the diameter (outer diameter) β of the Ottman rotation shaft A3 (specifically, the same or slightly larger), and the second inner diameter α2 in the vertical direction is larger than the diameter β of the Ottman rotation shaft A3 (see FIG. 3). In the bearing through - hole 350 of the present embodiment, the first inner diameter α1 is the same at each position except for both end portions in the vertical direction, and both end portions in the vertical direction are each in a semi - circular shape protruding outward. This bearing through - hole 350 is arranged such that when the seat portion front end 2f is at the reference position P0 in the first and second bearing members 355, 356, the Ottman rotation shaft A3 is located at the upper end of the bearing through - hole 350 (that is, in contact with (engaging with) the engaging portion 351 described later).

[0046] The through - hole peripheral portion 350a defining the bearing through - hole 350 in the first and second bearing members 355, 356 constitutes the above - mentioned engaging portion 351 and the separating portion 352. Specifically, in a state where the Ottman rotation shaft A3 is located at the upper end of the through - hole peripheral portion 350a, the portion of the through - hole peripheral portion 350a in contact with (engaging with) the Ottman rotation shaft A3 constitutes the engaging portion 351, and the portion of the through - hole peripheral portion 350a excluding the engaging portion 351 constitutes the separating portion 352. More specifically, the portion of the through - hole peripheral portion 350a constituting the engaging portion 351 is the portion that comes into contact with (engages with) the Ottman rotation shaft A3 when the Ottman 3 rotates from the upright posture P1 to the deployed posture P2.

[0047] In the massage apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the bearing portion 35 of the ottoman 3 configured as described above and the ottoman rotation axis A3 of the seat portion 2 constitute the engagement mechanism E described above.

[0048] When the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion (see FIG. 9). On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 maintains its position while the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends (see FIG. 10). That is, in the engagement mechanism E, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation axis A3 engages with the engagement portion 351. On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation axis A3 moves to the separation portion 352 side from the engagement portion 351. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the ottoman 3 is in the deployed posture P2. However, when the ottoman 3 rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, since the ottoman rotation axis A3 engages with the engagement portion 351, it can rotate to an arbitrary position between the upright posture P1 and the deployed posture P2.

[0049] The ottoman 3 configured as described above is driven by an actuator (second actuator) 12 for the ottoman 3 among the plurality of actuators 11 to 13 (see FIG. 5), and rotates around the ottoman rotation axis A3 (see FIG. 3). The second actuator 12 has a rod 12a, a cylinder tube 12b, and a roller 12c. The end portion on the cylinder tube 12b side is connected to the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion, and the roller 12c disposed at the end portion on the rod 12a side abuts on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 31 of the ottoman 3. Then, when the rod 12a moves forward and backward with respect to the cylinder tube 12b, the ottoman 3 rotates around the ottoman rotation axis A3.

[0050] When the backrest portion 4 has a longitudinal direction extending from one of the buttocks (or waist) and the head of the subject leaning against the backrest portion 4 to the other, and a lateral direction as the short side direction, it spreads. This backrest portion 4 supports the head, torso (for example, shoulders, waist, and back) of the subject. The lower end portion of this backrest portion 4 is connected to the frame 60 via a backrest rotation axis A4 while being disposed behind the seat portion 2.

[0051] The backrest rotation axis A4 extends in the lateral direction and is disposed at the connection portion between the backrest portion 4 and the frame 60. Thereby, the backrest portion 4 can be tilted backward from the upright state or stand up from the backward tilted state by rotation around the backrest rotation axis A4 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0052] The backrest portion 4 configured as described above is driven by an actuator (third actuator) 13 for the backrest portion 4 among the plurality of actuators 11 to 13 (see FIG. 5) to rotate around the backrest rotation axis A4 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). This third actuator 13 is connected to the lower end portion of the backrest portion 4 and the lower front side of the frame 60 (specifically, the frame connection portion 62d) (see FIG. 5), and the rod 13a moves forward and backward with respect to the cylinder tube 13b, whereby the backrest portion 4 rotates around the backrest rotation axis A4.

[0053] The treatment unit 5 is disposed on the backrest portion 4 and treats the torso and neck of the subject (see FIG. 1). This treatment unit 5 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction along the backrest portion 4. That is, the treatment unit 5 is movable up and down in the longitudinal direction of the backrest portion 4. The treatment unit 5 of the present embodiment is guided by a pair of left and right guide rails 41 provided on the backrest portion 4. These pair of guide rails 41 each extend in the longitudinal direction of the backrest portion 4 and are arranged at intervals in the lateral direction.

[0054] The operation unit 8 receives input operations from the subject or the like, and outputs a signal based on the input operation to the control unit 9. The input operations include the rotation of the seat part 2, the ottoman 3, and the backrest part 4, the selection of the treatment pattern, the adjustment of the strength of the treatment, and the like.

[0055] The control unit 9 is disposed, for example, below the seat part 2, and controls each component of the massage machine 1 based on a signal output from the operation unit 8 or the like. For example, the control unit 9 controls the driving and lifting of the treatment unit 5, each actuator 11 to 13, and the like.

[0056] Next, the operations of each component when the massage machine 1 is in use will be described.

[0057] First, for the massage machine 1 in the initial state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 10), that is, the state where the front end portion 2f of the seat part is lowered from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 is in the upright posture P1, and the backrest part 4 is in the upright state (the position of the backrest part 4 in FIG. 10), the subject sits on the massage machine 1, and the massage machine 1 starts the preparation for treatment by an input operation from the operation unit 8. At this time, since the front end portion 2f of the seat part is lowered from the reference position P0 and the seat surface 2a is inclined downward to the front, it is easy for the subject to sit on the seat part 2.

[0058] In this treatment preparation, for example, in the massage machine 1, by the operation of each actuator 11 to 13 under the control of the control unit 9, as shown in FIG. 9, the backrest part 4 tilts backward (that is, the backrest part 4 rotates around the backrest rotation axis A4), and at the same time, the seat part 2 rotates around the seat rotation axis A2 so that the front end portion 2f of the seat part rises from the reference position P0. Also, at the same time, the ottoman 3 rotates forward (that is, the ottoman 3 rotates around the ottoman rotation axis A3 so as to be in the deployed posture P2). Note that the positions (states) of each component during the treatment for the subject are not limited to these positions (states).

[0059] In the rotation of the seat portion 2, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises to the reference position P0, since the ottoman rotation axis A3 of the seat portion 2 is located at the upper end of the bearing through hole 350 of the bearing portion 35, as the seat portion 2 continues to rotate, the ottoman 3 also rises along with this rotation (that is, along with the rise of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion from the reference position P0). And in the bearing portion 35 of the rising ottoman 3, since the ottoman rotation axis A3 is engaged with the engaging portion 351 of the bearing portion 35, the ottoman 3 smoothly rotates around the ottoman rotation axis A3. As a result, the massage machine 1 becomes, for example, the state (operating state) shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, and treatment is performed on the subject in this state. Note that the operating state means a state in which at least one of the seat portion 2, the ottoman 3, and the backrest portion 4 rotates (moves) from the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 10 in the massage machine 1.

[0060] Next, when the treatment of the subject is finished and the subject gets off the massage machine 1, from the state shown in FIG. 9, the backrest portion 4 rises (that is, the backrest portion 4 rotates around the backrest rotation axis A4), and the seat portion 2 rotates around the seat rotation axis A2 so that the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends. At the same time, the ottoman 3 rotates rearward (that is, the ottoman 3 rotates around the ottoman rotation axis A3 so as to be in the upright posture P1).

[0061] Then, when the massage machine 1 returns to the state (initial state) shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, that is, when the backrest portion 4 rises to the upright state (rises from the position of the solid line of reference numeral 4 in FIG. 9 to the position of the two-dot chain line), the seat portion 2 rotates until the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends below the reference position P0, and the ottoman 3 rotates until it is in the upright posture P1, the subject stands up from the seat portion 2.

[0062] When the massage machine 1 changes from the operating state shown in FIG. 9 to the initial state shown in FIG. 10, in the operation of each component, when the seat part 2 rotates and the front end part 2f of the seat part descends and reaches the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 is in the upright posture P1 in contact with the installation surface of the massage machine 1. Then, when the seat part 2 continues to rotate further with the ottoman 3 in the upright posture, the front end part 2f of the seat part passes through the reference position P0 (i.e., descends below the reference position P0).

[0063] When the front end part 2f of this seat part passes through the reference position P0, until the front end part 2f of the seat part reaches the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 continues to be located at the upper end of the bearing through hole 350 (i.e., continues to engage with the engaging part 351). After the front end part 2f of the seat part descends below the reference position P0, as the front end part 2f of the seat part descends, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 moves downward within the bearing through hole 350 (i.e., the ottoman rotation shaft A3 moves to the separation part 352 side and becomes separated from the engaging part 351).

[0064] Thus, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, in the engagement mechanism E, since the ottoman rotation shaft A3 can move within the bearing through hole 350 (i.e., can move from the engaging part 351 to the separation part 352 side), the front end part 2f of the seat part can be lowered to a position below the position of the front end part 2f of the seat part when the front end part 2f of the seat part is at the reference position P0 (i.e., when the ottoman 3 is in the upright posture in contact with the installation surface of the massage machine 1). As a result, when the seat part 2 is inclined so that the seat surface 2a slopes downward and forward (see FIG. 10), the front end part 2f of the seat part is located at a position lower than the position of the front end part 2f of the seat part in the state where the ottoman 3 can rotate (the state where the ottoman rotation shaft A3 is engaged with the engaging part 351) (reference position P0). Therefore, the rising of the subject is assisted, and it becomes easier for the subject to rise when getting up from the seat part 2.

[0065] Further, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position P0, in other words, when the ottoman rotation shaft A3 moves within the bearing through hole 350 and is separated from the engaging portion 351, the control unit 9 controls the second actuator 12 so that the ottoman 3 does not rotate.

[0066] The above-described massage machine 1 includes a seat portion 2 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated subject, and an ottoman 3 that supports the lower legs of the subject. At least the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 can be raised and lowered from a predetermined reference position P0, and the ottoman 3 and the front end portion 2f of the seat portion constitute an engagement mechanism E so that the ottoman 3 can move (rotatable in the example of the present embodiment) with respect to the seat portion 2. This engagement mechanism E is configured such that when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, while when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 maintains its position while the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends (i.e., allows the descent of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion).

[0067] In this way, when at least the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 also rises together with the front end portion 2f of the seat portion, so that the position of the ottoman 3 with respect to the seat portion 2 is maintained. Therefore, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is at the reference position P0 or a position raised from the reference position P0 (e.g., the deployed posture P2), a change in the treatment position by the ottoman 3 with respect to the lower legs and the like is suppressed, and thereby a decrease in the treatment effect due to a change in the treatment position is suppressed. On the other hand, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0 while the position of the ottoman 3 is maintained, it becomes easier for the subject to stand up from the seat portion 2 when getting off the seat. As a result, the massage machine 1 equipped with the ottoman 3 is comfortable to use.

[0068] In the massage apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the seat portion 2 rotates about the rear end portion 2r of the seat portion such that the front end portion 2f of the seat portion moves up and down (in the example of the present embodiment, it rotates about the seat rotation axis A2), and the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 can be lowered to a position where the seat surface 2a of the seat portion 2 slopes downward forward. In this way, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion 2 is lowered by the rotation of the seat portion 2 and the seat surface 2a slopes downward forward, it becomes easier for the subject to stand up when getting off the seat.

[0069] Further, in the massage apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the ottoman 3 can move (rotate in the example of the present embodiment) between an upright posture P1 in which the wall portion 31 in contact with the calf of the subject is upright and is disposed on the rear side of the calf of the subject, and a deployed posture P2 in which the ottoman 3 moves (rotates in the example of the present embodiment) and the lower end of the wall portion 31 protrudes forward from the upright posture P1. And when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 is in the upright posture P1.

[0070] According to such a configuration, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0 and the subject stands up, the ottoman 3 assumes the upright posture P1 (that is, the wall portion 31 stands upright), so that the subject can stand up without the ottoman 3 getting in the way. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0071] When the ottoman 3 is in a state of rotating from the upright posture P1 toward the deployed posture P2 side (in other words, when the wall portion 31 is inclined such that the lower end portion of the wall portion 31 protrudes forward from the upper end portion), the distance in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) from the position where the sole touches the installation surface of the massage apparatus 1 to the seat portion 2 becomes larger when the subject is seated on the seat portion 2, so it becomes difficult for the subject to stand up from the seat portion 2. However, when the ottoman 3 assumes the upright posture P1 and the wall portion 31 stands upright, the distance in the front-rear direction from the position where the sole touches the installation surface to the seat portion 2 is suppressed, and thereby, it becomes easier for the subject to stand up from the seat portion 2.

[0072] Further, the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 9 that controls the ottoman 3. When the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position P0, the control unit 9 controls the ottoman 3 so as not to move (rotate in the example of the present embodiment). Thereby, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position P0 and the subject gets on and off the seat portion 2, the movement (rotation in the example of the present embodiment) of the ottoman 3 is reliably prevented. As a result, the subject can safely get on and off the seat portion 2.

[0073] Further, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position P0, the ottoman 3 is in the upright posture P1, and the ottoman rotation axis A3 is located on the side of the separation portion 352 in the bearing through hole 350 of the bearing portion 35. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to rotate the ottoman 3 around the ottoman rotation axis A3, the ottoman rotation axis A3 moves within the bearing through hole 350, and the ottoman 3 cannot rotate smoothly around the ottoman rotation axis A3. When the ottoman 3 attempts to rotate in a state where the ottoman rotation axis A3 moves within the bearing through hole 350 in this way, the load on the bearing portion 35 and the like may become larger than during normal use. For this reason, as in the above configuration, when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is lowered from the reference position P0, the control unit 9 controls the ottoman 3 so as not to move (rotate in the example of the present embodiment), thereby preventing the occurrence of the load and the like.

[0074] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the present embodiment, the engagement mechanism E includes an ottoman rotation shaft (rotation shaft) A3 extending in the rotation center direction of the ottoman 3 (the width direction of the seat portion 2), and a bearing portion 35 that engages with the ottoman rotation shaft A3. The front end portion 2f of the seat portion has the ottoman rotation shaft A3, and the ottoman 3 has the bearing portion 35. Further, the bearing portion 35 has an engagement portion 351 with which the ottoman 3 engages with the ottoman rotation shaft A3 in the vertical direction, and a separation portion 352 that is arranged in the vertical direction with the engagement portion 351 and in a state where the ottoman rotation shaft A3 is separated from the engagement portion 351. When the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 engages with the engagement portion 351, while when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0, the ottoman rotation shaft A3 moves from the engagement portion 351 toward the separation portion 352 side.

[0075] According to such a configuration, when the ottoman rotation shaft A3 moves from the engagement portion 351 toward the separation portion 352 side in the bearing portion 35, the front end portion 2f of the seat portion can descend from the reference position P0.

[0076] Note that the massage machine of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0077] In the massage machine 1 of the above embodiment, the seat portion 2 has the ottoman rotation axis A3, the ottoman 3 has the bearing portion 35, and these ottoman rotation axis A3 and bearing portion 35 constitute at least a part of the engagement mechanism E, but it is not limited to this configuration. The ottoman 3 may have the ottoman rotation axis A3, the seat portion 2 may have the bearing portion 35, and these ottoman rotation axis A3 and bearing portion 35 may constitute at least a part of the engagement mechanism E. In this case, when the ottoman rotation axis A3 is located at the lower end of the bearing through hole 350, the portion of the peripheral edge portion 350a of the through hole with which the ottoman rotation axis A3 contacts (engages) constitutes the engagement portion 351, and the other portion of the peripheral edge portion 350a of the through hole constitutes the separation portion 352.

[0078] Also, the specific shape of the bearing through hole 350 of the bearing portion 35 constituting the engagement mechanism E is not limited. The bearing through hole 350 of the above embodiment is a long hole extending straight in the vertical direction, but for example, it may be an arc shape (see FIG. 11) along the locus of the ottoman rotation axis A3 when the seat portion 2 rotates around the seat rotation axis A2. Further, the bearing through hole 350 may have a shape such that the ottoman rotation axis A3 rotatably contacts (engages) the engagement portion 351 (the portion of the peripheral edge portion 350a of the through hole corresponding to the engagement portion 351), and when the ottoman rotation axis A3 moves to the separation portion 352 side, it is non-contact with the separation portion 352 (the portion of the peripheral edge portion 350a of the through hole corresponding to the separation portion 352). That is, the bearing through hole 350 (peripheral edge portion 350a of the through hole) may have a shape that rotatably engages with the ottoman rotation axis A3 when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion rises from the reference position P0, and allows the movement of the ottoman rotation axis A3 accompanying the descent when the front end portion 2f of the seat portion descends from the reference position P0 (see FIGS. 12(a) to 12(d)).

[0079]

[0080] Also, in the bearing portion 35 of the present embodiment, the region Ar (in the example of the above embodiment, the bearing through hole 350) where the ottoman rotation axis A3 moves due to the elevation of the front end portion 2f of the seat portion is a closed region surrounded by the peripheral edge portion 350a of the through hole, but it may be a region with a part opened as shown in FIG. 13, for example.Further, the seat part 2 of the present embodiment rotates around a seat rotation axis A2 disposed at the rear end part 2r of the seat part, so that the front end part 2f of the seat part rises and falls from a reference position P0, but is not limited to this configuration. The seat part 2 may be configured such that the seat part 2 (seat surface 2a) rises and falls in a parallel or substantially parallel posture by a link mechanism or the like.

[0081] Further, the specific position of the reference position P0 is not limited. That is, in the seat part 2 of the present embodiment, when the front end part 2f of the seat part is at the reference position P0, the seat surface 2a is inclined rearward and downward, but when the front end part 2f of the seat part is at the reference position P0, the seat surface 2a may be horizontal or may be inclined forward and downward.

[0082] Further, the ottoman 3 of the massage machine 1 of the above embodiment has a wall part 31, a partition wall part 32, a side wall part 33, and a bottom plate part 34, but is not limited to this configuration. The ottoman 3 may not have the bottom plate part 34. Further, the ottoman 3 may not have the partition wall part 32, the side wall part 33, and the bottom plate part 34. That is, the ottoman 3 only needs to have at least the wall part 31.

[0083] Further, in the ottoman 3 of the massage machine 1 of the above embodiment, the wall part 31 stands upright when the front end part 2f of the seat part is below the reference position P0, but the lower end of the wall part 31 is positioned in front of the upper end so as not to interfere when the subject stands up from the seat part 2, and the wall part 31 (front surface) may be inclined or the like.

[0084] Further, in the massage machine 1 of the above embodiment, the engagement mechanism E between the seat part 2 and the ottoman 3 is constituted by an ottoman rotation axis A3 and a bearing part 35, but is not limited to this configuration. The engagement mechanism E may include other configurations other than the ottoman rotation axis A3 and the bearing part 35.

[0085] In addition, in the massage machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the ottoman 3 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis (ottoman rotation axis A3 in a state of being engaged with the engagement portion 351 of the bearing portion 35) whose position is fixed with respect to the front end portion 2f of the seat portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The ottoman 3 may be configured such that the position of the ottoman rotation axis A3 with respect to the front end portion 2f of the seat portion changes before, during, or after rotation.

Explanation of Signs

[0086] 1... Massage machine, 2... Seat portion, 2a... Seat surface, 2f... Front end portion of seat portion, 2r... Rear end portion of seat portion, 21... Seat portion main body, 22... Axis holding portion, 23... Rear end connection portion, 3... Ottoman, 31... Wall portion, 32... Partition portion, 33... Side wall portion, 34... Bottom plate portion, 35... Bearing portion, 350... Bearing through hole, 350a... Peripheral portion of through hole, 351... Engagement portion, 352... Spacing portion, 355... First bearing member, 356... Second bearing member, 4... Backrest portion, 41... Guide rail, 5... Treatment unit, 6... Upright portion, 60... Frame, 61... Frame upright portion, 62, 62a, 62b, 62c... Frame connection portions, 621... Axis support portion, 7... Armrest portion, 8... Operation portion, 9... Control portion, 11... First actuator, 12... Second actuator, 13... Third actuator, 11a, 12a, 13a... Rods, 11b, 12b, 13b... Cylinder tubes, 12c... Roller, A2... Seat portion rotation axis, A3... Ottoman rotation axis, A4... Backrest portion rotation axis, Ar... Region where ottoman rotation axis moves, E... Engagement mechanism, P0... Reference position, P1... Upright posture, P2... Deployed posture, α1... First inner diameter of bearing through hole, α2... Second inner diameter of bearing through hole, β... Diameter of ottoman rotation axis

Claims

1. a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the subject being treated while seated; an ottoman that supports the lower legs of the subject being treated, and comprising: at least the front end portion of the seat portion is capable of rising and falling from a predetermined reference position; the ottoman and the front end portion of the seat portion constitute an engagement mechanism so that the ottoman is movable relative to the seat portion; the engagement mechanism is configured such that when the front end portion rises from the reference position, the ottoman rises together with the front end portion, while when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the ottoman maintains its position while the front end portion descends, a massage machine.

2. The seat portion rotates about the rear end portion as a rotation center so that the front end portion rises and falls, and the front end portion can be lowered to a position where the seat surface of the seat portion slopes downward forward, the massage machine according to claim 1.

3. The ottoman is movable between an upright posture in which it is disposed on the rear side of the calf of the subject being treated and a wall portion in contact with the calf stands upright, and a deployed posture in which the ottoman moves and the lower end of the wall portion projects forward from the upright posture, and when the front end portion descends from the reference position, it is in the upright posture, the massage machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. comprising a control unit for controlling the ottoman; the control unit controls so that the ottoman does not move when the front end portion is descending from the reference position, the massage machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The engagement mechanism has a rotation shaft extending in the width direction of the seat portion and a bearing portion engaged with the rotation shaft; the front end portion has the rotation shaft, and the ottoman has the bearing portion; the bearing portion is: an engagement portion where the ottoman engages with the rotation shaft in the vertical direction; a separation portion that is arranged in the vertical direction with the engagement portion and in a state where the rotation shaft is separated from the engagement portion; and having, when the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotation shaft engages with the engagement portion, while when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the rotation shaft moves from the engagement portion toward the separation portion side, the massage machine according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The engagement mechanism has a rotation shaft extending in the width direction of the seat portion and a bearing portion engaged with the rotation shaft; the front end portion has the bearing portion, and the ottoman has the rotation shaft; the bearing portion is: an engagement portion where the ottoman engages with the rotation shaft in the vertical direction; It has an engaging portion arranged in the vertical direction and a separation portion in a state where the rotation shaft is separated from the engaging portion. When the front end portion rises from the reference position, the rotation shaft engages with the engaging portion, while when the front end portion descends from the reference position, the rotation shaft moves from the engaging portion toward the separation portion side. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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