Chair type massage machine

Abstract

To stably support a holder of an input device following a backrest part.SOLUTION: A chair type massage machine 100 has a link mechanism 2 and a support part 3. The link mechanism 2 supports a holder 1 holding an input device 1061 receiving an operation input, and causes the holder 1 to follow rotation of a backrest part 102. The support part 3 supports the link mechanism 2 and is connected to the backrest part 102 by the link mechanism 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair-type massager.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional chair-type massagers are provided with an input device such as a remote controller for receiving operation inputs. Also, in many models, the chair-type massager is provided with a dedicated remote control holder for holding the remote controller. For example, in the massager of Patent Document 1, the support member of the remote control holder is attached to the armrest portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, when the backrest portion is tilted backward, the face and shoulders of the subject move away from the remote control holder. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the subject to visually recognize the operation surface of the remote controller held by the remote control holder, and it also becomes difficult to operate the remote controller.

[0005] On the other hand, when the support member of the remote control holder is fixed to the backrest portion, the remote control holder follows the rotation of the backrest portion. However, the remote control holder is likely to wobble due to the influence of vibrations generated by treatment operations using a beater or the like. Therefore, the visibility and operability of the remote controller may not be improved.

[0006] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to stably support a holder of an input device that follows the backrest portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a chair-type massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a seat portion, a backrest portion, a holder, a link mechanism, and a support portion. The seat portion supports the buttocks of the subject. The backrest portion is rotatably supported about a rotation axis and supports the head and torso of the subject. The rotation axis is disposed at the rear end portion of the seat portion and extends in the left-right direction. The holder holds an input device that receives operation inputs. The link mechanism supports the holder and causes the holder to follow the rotation of the backrest portion. The support portion supports the link mechanism and is connected to the backrest portion by the link mechanism.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the embodiments shown below.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the holder of the input device that follows the backrest portion can be stably supported.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, when viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest portion 102 described later standing upright, the front side (front surface side) is referred to as "front", and the rear side (back surface side) is referred to as "rear". Regarding the backrest portion 102 and the subject leaning on the backrest portion 102, even when the backrest portion 102 is in a tilted state, the side of the backrest portion 102 on the subject side and the front side of the subject may be referred to as "front". Also, the side of the backrest portion 102 opposite to the subject and the back side of the subject may be referred to as "rear". Further, when viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest portion 102 standing upright, the upper side (head side) is referred to as "upper", and the lower side (foot side) is referred to as "lower". Also, when viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest portion 102 standing upright, the right side is referred to as "right", and the left side is referred to as "left".

[0012] <1. Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an external view of the chair-type massage machine 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system for controlling the operation of the chair-type massage machine 100. Hereinafter, the chair-type massage machine 100 may be referred to as the "massage machine 100".

[0013] <1. Massage Machine 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the massage machine 100 includes a seat portion 101, a backrest portion 102, a pair of left and right standing portions 103, a pair of left and right armrest portions 104, and an ottoman 105.

[0014] A subject sits on the seat portion 101. The seat portion 101 supports the buttocks and thighs of the subject.

[0015] The backrest portion 102 supports the head and torso of the subject. Note that the "torso" refers to the central part of the body excluding the head, neck, and limbs, and includes, for example, the shoulders, waist, and back. The backrest portion 102 is connected to the seat portion 101 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis J. The rotation axis J is disposed at the rear end portion of the seat portion 101 and extends in the left - right direction. For example, the backrest portion 102 stands up by rotating forward about the rotation axis J (see FIGS. 3A and 4A described later), and reclines backward by rotating backward about the rotation axis J (see FIGS. 3B and 4B described later).

[0016] The backrest portion 102 is provided with a headrest portion 1021. The headrest portion 1021 supports the head of the subject. Further, the backrest portion 102 is provided with a treatment unit 1022. The treatment unit 1022 is movable up and down along the longitudinal direction D of the backrest portion 102, and treats the shoulders, waist, and back of the subject. Note that the longitudinal direction D of the backrest portion 102 is the direction in which the backrest portion 102 extends from one of the headrest portion 1021 and the rear end portion of the seat portion 101 to the other when viewed from the left - right direction.

[0017] The standing portion 103 is provided standing on both sides in the left - right direction of the seat portion 101 and supports the armrest portions 104.

[0018] The armrest portions 104 support the forearms and hands of the subject. The pair of left - right armrest portions 104 have symmetric shapes with respect to each other.

[0019] The ottoman 105 is rotatably supported at the front end portion of the seat portion 101 and accommodates the lower legs and feet of the subject. Note that the feet refer to the parts below the ankles of the subject. The ottoman 105 is rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown) extending along the left - right direction below the front end portion of the seat portion 101. The ottoman 105 is provided with an airbag (not shown). By the expansion and contraction of the airbag, the lower legs of the subject are treated.

[0020] <1 - 2. Control System of the Massage Machine 100> As shown in FIG. 2, the massage machine 100 further includes an input device 1061, a storage unit 1062, a control unit 107, an actuator group 1081, an air pump 1082, and a solenoid valve group 1083.

[0021] The input device 1061 receives operation inputs. The operation inputs are, for example, selection of a treatment pattern, adjustment of the strength of treatment, etc. In the present embodiment, the input device 1061 is a wirelessly communicable remote controller and is wirelessly connected to the control unit 107. However, it is not limited to this example, and the input device 1061 may be wired-connected to the control unit 107. The input device 1061 receives operation inputs from a person to be treated or the like, and outputs a signal based on the operation input to the control unit 107.

[0022] The storage unit 1062 is a non-transitory storage medium that retains stored information even when power supply is stopped. The storage unit 1062 stores, for example, programs and data necessary for the control unit 107 to control the operation of the massage machine 100.

[0023] The control unit 107 is disposed, for example, below the seat portion 101, and controls each part of the massage machine 100 based on signals output from the input device 1061 and the like. For example, the control unit 107 controls the actuator group 1081, the air pump 1082, and the solenoid valve group 1083.

[0024] The actuator group 1081 includes a plurality of actuators. For example, the actuator group 1081 includes an actuator for the backrest portion that rotates the backrest portion 102, an actuator for the ottoman that rotates the ottoman 105, and the like.

[0025] The electromagnetic valve group 1083 includes a plurality of electromagnetic valves. Some of the plurality of electromagnetic valves are provided between the air pump 1082 and the airbag group provided in the massage machine 100, and switch the communication / shutoff between the two. The airbag group includes, for example, an airbag provided in the ottoman 105. Also, some of the other plurality of electromagnetic valves are provided between the airbag group and the outside, and switch the communication / shutoff between the two.

[0026] For example, when the air pump 1082 and the airbag communicate with each other through some electromagnetic valves, the airbag expands as airbag air is supplied from the air pump 1082 through the electromagnetic valves. On the other hand, when the outside and the airbag communicate with each other due to the operation of some of the other electromagnetic valves, the air in the airbag is released to the outside through the electromagnetic valves. As a result, the air in the airbag is released and the airbag contracts. Also, when the airbag does not communicate with either the air pump 1082 or the outside due to the operation of each electromagnetic valve, the amount of air in the airbag is maintained.

[0027] <1-3. Mechanism for Supporting and Moving the Input Device 1061> Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3A to 4B, a mechanism for supporting and moving the input device 1061 will be described. FIG. 3A is a schematic side view of the link mechanism 2 of the first embodiment with the backrest portion 102 standing upright. FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the link mechanism 2 of the first embodiment with the backrest portion 102 tilted backward. FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of the link mechanism 2 of the second embodiment with the backrest portion 102 standing upright. FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of the link mechanism 2 of the second embodiment with the backrest portion 102 tilted backward. In FIGS. 3A to 4B, illustrations of, for example, a cloth or leather cover arranged on the surface, an exterior such as a cushioning material, and the ottoman 105 are omitted.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A to 4B, the massage machine 100 further includes a base portion 109, a holder 1, a link mechanism 2, and a support portion 3.

[0029] The base portion 109 is a frame that supports the seat portion 101 and is disposed below the seat portion 101.

[0030] The holder 1 holds the input device 1061 that receives operation inputs.

[0031] The link mechanism 2 supports the holder 11 and causes the holder 1 to follow the rotation of the backrest portion 102. Specifically, the link mechanism 2 connects the backrest portion 102 and the support portion 3 and moves the holder 1 in the front-rear direction following the rotation of the backrest portion 102. In the present embodiment, the input device 1061 can be attached to and detached from the holder 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the input device 1061 may be fixed to the holder 1 or integrated therewith. That is, the input device 1061 does not have to be a remote controller.

[0032] Also, in the present embodiment, the link mechanism 2 is disposed outside the left-right direction of the standing portion 103 and the armrest portion 104 (see, for example, FIG. 1). However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the link mechanism 2 may be disposed inside the left-right direction of the standing portion 103 with respect to the standing portion 103 between the seat portion 101 and the standing portion 103 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the link mechanism 2 may be disposed inside the left-right direction of the armrest portion 104 with respect to the armrest portion 104 between the seat portion 101 and the armrest portion 104 in the left-right direction.

[0033] The support portion 3 supports the link mechanism 2 and is connected to the backrest portion 102 by the link mechanism 2. Note that the support portion 3 is a general term for components in which a part of the link mechanism 2 (such as a shaft support portion 211 described later) can be disposed. For example, the support portion 3 includes at least any one of the seat portion 101, the base portion 109, and the standing portion 103. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B, a part of the link mechanism 2 (for example, one end 22a of the second link member 22 described later) is connected to the backrest portion 102. Another part of the link mechanism 2 (for example, the support shaft 211 of the first link member 21 described later) is pivotally supported by any one of the support portions 3 of the seat portion 101, the base portion 109 that supports the seat portion 101, and the standing portion 103 that is a frame standing in the left-right direction of the seat portion 101.

[0034] In the massage machine 100 of the present embodiment, the link mechanism 2 can move following the holder 1 of the input device 1061 in response to the rotation of the backrest portion 102 without requiring a predetermined driving device or the like. For example, when the backrest portion 102 stands up, the holder 1 moves forward, and when the backrest portion 102 reclines, the holder 1 moves backward. Therefore, the visibility and operability of the input device 1061 held by the holder 1 are improved. Further, by adjusting the design of the link mechanism 2 (such as the arrangement and size of the constituent members), it is also easy to design the holder 1 to draw a locus along which the subject can favorably view and operate the input device 1061.

[0035] Further, the link mechanism 2 has a part connected to the backrest portion 102 and another part pivotally supported by the pivot support portion 211. Therefore, even if vibration occurs due to a treatment operation or the like, the holder 1 is less likely to be affected and is less likely to wobble. Accordingly, the input device 1061 held by the holder 1 is sufficiently suppressed from shaking due to vibration and escaping of the operation surface and is stabilized. Thus, the link mechanism 2 of the massage machine 100 can stably support the holder 1 that holds the input device 1061. The subject can visually recognize the operation surface of the input device 1061 and perform operation input to the input device 1061 sufficiently and without difficulty.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the link mechanism 2 includes a first link member 21 and a second link member 22. In the present embodiment, the first link member 21 and the second link member 22 are each a rod-shaped member. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and at least one of the first link member 21 and the second link member 22 may have a bent shape.

[0037] The first link member 21 is pivotally supported by a pivot support portion 211. One end 21a of the first link member 21 supports the holder 1. In the present embodiment, the pivot support portion 211 that forms a support shaft extending along the left - right direction is disposed on the support portion 3 (see FIGS. 3A to 4B). The pivot support portion 211 may be disposed on the base portion 109 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), or may be disposed on the seat portion 101 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B). Alternatively, the pivot support portion 211 may be disposed on the standing portion 103. The first link member 21 is rotatable about the pivot support portion 211. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pivot support portion 211 may pivotally support the other end 21b of the first link member 21, or as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, may pivotally support a portion between the one end 21a and the other end 21b of the first link member 21. However, these examples do not exclude a configuration in which the pivot support portion 211 is not disposed on the seat portion 101 or the standing portion 103. In other words, the pivot support portion 211 may be disposed on a support portion 3 other than the seat portion 101, the base portion 109, and the standing portion 103.

[0038] The second link member 22 is connected to the first link member 21 and the backrest portion 102 to enable interlocking between the two. The backrest portion 102 is connected to one end 22a of the second link member 22. In the present embodiment, the first link member 21 is pivotally supported at the other end 22b of the second link member 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the holder 1 may be pivotally supported at the other end 22b.

[0039] In this way, one end 22a of the second link member 22 follows the rotation of the backrest portion 102. Therefore, the first link member 21 or the holder 1 pivotally supported at the other end 22b of the second link member 22 rotates about the pivot support portion 211 of the first link member 21. In other words, the first link member 21 or the holder 1 rotates about an axis parallel to the left - right direction and passing through the pivot support portion 211. Thereby, the holder 1 that holds the input device 1061 can move following the rotation of the backrest portion 102. Further, since one end 22a of the second link member 22 is connected to the backrest portion 102 and the first link member 21 is pivotally supported by the above - mentioned pivot support portion 221, the holder 1 is less likely to be affected by vibration even during treatment. Therefore, the massager 100 can stably support the holder 1.

[0040] <First Embodiment of Link Mechanism 2> Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a first embodiment of the link mechanism 2 will be described. In the first embodiment, the shaft support portion 211 of the first link member 21 is disposed on the base portion 109 of the support portion 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the shaft support portion 211 may be disposed on the seat portion 101 or the standing portion 103 or the like.

[0041] Also, one end 22a of the second link member 22 is connected above the rotation axis J of the backrest portion 102. Specifically, the one end 22a is connected to a portion on the pillow portion 1021 side in the longitudinal direction D above the rotation axis J of the backrest portion 102. The other end 22b of the second link member 22 is connected to the holder 1 side with respect to the shaft support portion 211. That is, the other end 22b is connected to the one end 21a side with respect to the shaft support portion 211 of the first link member 21. Alternatively, the other end 22b may be connected to the holder 1.

[0042] In this way, the other end 22b of the second link member 22 moves following the rotation of the backrest portion 102. For example, when the backrest portion 102 stands up, the other end 22b of the second link member 22 moves forward to push the first link member 21 or the holder 1 forward, and moves the one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 forward. On the other hand, when the backrest portion 102 reclines, the other end 22b of the second link member 22 moves backward to pull the first link member 21 or the holder 1 backward, and moves the one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 backward from the seat portion 101.

[0043] Therefore, the difference between the rotation amount of the first link member 21 and the rotation amount of the backrest portion 102 can be reduced, so that the distance between the face and hand of the subject and the input device 1061 held by the holder 1 is easily maintained. Therefore, even when the backrest portion 102 rotates, the massage machine 100 can maintain the ease of visual recognition and operation with respect to the input device 1061 of the subject.

[0044] <Second Embodiment of Link Mechanism 2> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a second embodiment of the link mechanism 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, the shaft support portion 211 of the first link member 21 is disposed on the seat portion 101 of the support portion 3. However, it is not limited to this example, and the shaft support portion 211 may be disposed on the base portion 109, the standing portion 103, or the like.

[0045] In the second embodiment of the link mechanism 2, the shaft support portion 211 is disposed between one end 21a and the other end 21b of the first link member 21. One end 22a of the second link member 22 is connected below the rotation axis J of the backrest portion 102. Specifically, the one end 22a is connected to a portion of the backrest portion 102 opposite to the headrest portion 1021 in the longitudinal direction D with respect to the rotation axis J. The other end 22b of the second link member 22 is pivotally supported by the other end 21b of the first link member 21. A shaft support portion 211 is disposed between the other end 22b of the second link member 22 and the holder 1.

[0046] In this way, one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 rotate in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the other end 22b of the second link member 22 about the shaft support portion 211 of the first link member 21. Therefore, one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 rotate in the same direction as the backrest portion 102. For example, when the backrest portion 102 stands up, the other end 22b of the second link member 22 moves backward to pull the other end 21b of the first link member 21 backward, and moves one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 forward. On the other hand, when the backrest portion 102 reclines, the other end 22b of the second link member 22 moves forward to push the other end 21b of the first link member 21 forward, and moves one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 backward from the seat portion 101.

[0047] At this time, according to the principle of the lever, the distance L1 between one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the shaft support portion 211, and the distance L2 between the other end 21b of the first link member 21 and the shaft support portion 211, the one end 21a of the first link member 21 and the holder 1 can be moved greatly. Therefore, for example, the holder 1 (and the input device 1061) can move forward and above the elbow rest portion 104 when the backrest portion 102 stands up, and can move backward and above the backrest portion 102 when the backrest portion 102 reclines. Thus, the massage machine 100 can move the input device 1061 to a position where it is easy for the subject to visually recognize and operate according to the rotation of the backrest portion 102.

[0048] <2. Remarks> As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been described. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are examples, and various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and that they are within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] <3. Summary> Hereinafter, the embodiments described so far will be summarized.

[0050] For example, the chair-type massage machine 100 disclosed in this specification a seat portion 101 that supports the buttocks of the subject, a backrest portion 102 that is disposed at the rear end of the seat portion 101 and is rotatably connected to the seat portion about a rotation axis J extending in the left-right direction and supports the head and torso of the subject, a holder 1 that holds an input device 1061 that receives operation input, a link mechanism 2 that supports the holder 1 and converts the force generated by the rotation of the backrest portion 102 into a force that the holder 1 moves following the backrest portion 102, and a part of the link mechanism 2 is connected to the backrest portion 102, Another part of the link mechanism 2 is configured (first configuration) to be pivotally supported by any one of the support portions 3 among the seat portion 101, the base portion 109 that supports the seat portion 101, and the standing portion 103 that stands on the outer side in the left - right direction of the seat portion 101.

[0051] The chair - type massage machine 100 having the above - mentioned first configuration is The link mechanism 2 is pivotally supported by a pivot portion 211 disposed on the support portion 3, and a first link member 21 that supports the holder 1 at one end 21a; a second link member 22 having the backrest portion 102 connected to one end 22a and either the first link member 21 or the holder 1 pivotally supported at the other end 22b; and may have a configuration (second configuration).

[0052] Further, the chair - type massage machine 100 having the above - mentioned second configuration is One end 22a of the second link member 22 is connected above the rotation axis J of the backrest portion 102, and the other end 22b of the second link member 22 may be connected closer to the holder 1 side than the pivot portion 211 (third configuration).

[0053] Alternatively, the chair - type massage machine 100 having the above - mentioned second configuration is One end 22a of the second link member 22 is connected below the rotation axis J of the backrest portion 102, the other end 22b of the second link member 22 is pivotally supported by the first link member 221, and a pivot portion 221 may be disposed between the other end 22a of the second link member 22 and the holder 1 (fourth configuration).

[0054] Further, the chair - type massage machine 100 having any one of the above - mentioned first to fourth configurations is configured such that when the backrest portion 102 tilts backward, the holder 1 is disposed behind the seat portion 101 (fifth configuration).

[0055] Also, the chair-type massager 100 having any one of the first to fifth configurations The support part 3 may have a configuration (sixth configuration) including at least any one of the seat part 101, the base part 109 that supports the seat part 101, and the standing part 103 that stands on the outer side in the left-right direction of the seat part 101.

Explanation of Signs

[0056] 100 (chair-type) massager 101 Seat part 102 Backrest part 1021 Pillow part 1022 Treatment unit 103 Standing part 104 Armrest part 105 Ottoman 1061 Input device 1062 Storage part 107 Control part 1081 Actuator group 1082 Air pump 1083 Solenoid valve group 109 Base part 1 Holder 2 Link mechanism 21 First link member 211 Shaft support part 22 Second link member 3 Support part J Rotation axis D Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. a seat portion that supports the buttocks of the subject; a backrest portion that is disposed at the rear end of the seat portion and is connected to the seat portion so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left - right direction, and supports the head and torso of the subject; a holder that holds an input device for receiving operation inputs; a link mechanism that supports the holder and causes the holder to follow the rotation of the backrest portion; a support portion that supports the link mechanism and is connected to the backrest portion by the link mechanism; A chair - type massage machine comprising the above.

2. The link mechanism is: a first link member that is pivotally supported by a shaft support portion disposed on the support portion and supports the holder at one end; a second link member having the backrest portion connected to one end and either the first link member or the holder pivotally supported at the other end; The chair - type massage machine according to Claim 1, having the above.

3. One end of the second link member is connected above the rotation axis of the backrest portion; The other end of the second link member is connected closer to the holder side than the shaft support portion. The chair - type massage machine according to Claim 2.

4. One end of the second link member is connected below the rotation axis of the backrest portion; The other end of the second link member is pivotally supported by the first link member; The shaft support portion is disposed between the other end of the second link member and the holder. The chair - type massage machine according to Claim 2.

5. The chair - type massage machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein when the backrest portion tilts backward, the holder is disposed behind the seat portion.

6. The support portion includes at least any one of the seat portion, a base portion that supports the seat portion, and a standing portion that stands on the outer side in the left - right direction of the seat portion. The massage machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

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