Massaging element and massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massaging element for executing a plurality of types of different operations by the same drive source, and massage machine using the same.SOLUTION: A massaging element 1 of a massage machine 100 massages a massage object site of a massage recipient. The massaging element 1 includes a contact member 11 and a conversion mechanism 12. The contact member 11 can come into contact with, approach, and separate from the massage object site with prescribed pressing force. When the massaging element 1 massages the massage object site, the conversion mechanism 12 converts force Fr that the contact member 11 receives from the massage object site into rotational force of the contact member 11 about a rotation axis Jc. The rotation axis Jc extends from one of the massage object site and the contact member 11 toward the other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment element and a massage machine using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional massage machines, when increasing the number of treatment operations, it was necessary to increase the drive source according to each treatment operation.

[0003] As an example of the prior art related to the present invention, Patent Document 1 discloses an overload prevention mechanism for a treatment finger of a massage device that pinches and rubs an affected part of a subject. When the pressing force of the contact part of the treatment finger for treating the affected part becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the overload prevention mechanism moves an arm connected to the contact part away from the subject to remove the pressing force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, increasing the drive source increases the cost of the massage machine and reduces its productivity. In addition, since the space required for arranging the drive source and the treatment mechanism increases, it is difficult to secure. Also, when securing space, the massage machine tends to become larger and it is difficult to make it compact. Therefore, there is a need for a technique that allows a plurality of different operations to be performed on the treatment element while suppressing an increase in the drive source.

[0006] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a treatment element that performs a plurality of different operations with the same drive source and a massage machine using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a treatment device according to one aspect of the present invention treats a treatment site of a subject. The treatment device includes a contact member and a conversion mechanism. The contact member can contact, approach, and separate from the treatment site with a predetermined pressing force. When the treatment device treats the treatment site, the conversion mechanism converts the force received by the contact member from the treatment site into a rotational force of the contact member about a rotation axis. The rotation axis extends from one of the treatment site and the contact member toward the other.

[0008] To achieve the above object, a massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above treatment device and a drive unit. The drive unit moves the treatment device in the axial direction.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the embodiments shown below.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a treatment device that performs a plurality of different operations with the same drive source and a massage machine using the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the "trunk" refers to the central part of the body other than the head, neck, and limbs. The "thigh" refers to the part from the hip joint to the knee. The "hip joint" refers to the joint part connecting the pelvis and the thigh bone (i.e., the femur). The "lower leg" refers to the part from the knee to the ankle. The "foot" refers to the part from the ankle to the tip (i.e., the toe tip). The "sole" is the lower surface of the foot (the sole of the foot), which is the part that contacts the ground or the floor surface when standing barefoot, etc.

[0013] <1. First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair-type massage machine 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system for controlling the operation of the chair-type massage machine 100. In the following, the chair-type massage machine 100 may sometimes be referred to as the "massage machine 100".

[0014] <1-1. Massage Machine 100> The massage machine 100 includes a seat portion 101, a backrest portion 102, a pair of left and right base portions 103, a pair of left and right armrest portions 104, and an ottoman 105.

[0015] A subject sits on the seat portion 101. The seat portion 101 supports the buttocks and thighs of the subject. Note that treatment devices for treating the lower part of the buttocks and the lower part of the thighs of the subject may be arranged on the upper surface of the seat portion 101. Also, treatment devices for treating the lateral portions in the left-right direction of the buttocks and the lateral portions in the left-right direction of the thighs of the subject may be arranged on the wall portions 1011 erected at both ends in the left-right direction of the seat portion 101.

[0016] The backrest part 102 is erected with respect to the seat part 101 and supports the head, trunk (for example, shoulders, waist, and back) of the subject being treated. In the present embodiment, the backrest part 102 is connected to the rear end part of the seat part 101. The backrest part 102 is rotatable with respect to the seat part 101 about a backrest rotation axis Ja extending along the left - right direction. For example, the backrest part 102 can recline by rotating backward from the upright state. Also, the backrest part 102 can stand up by rotating forward from the reclined state.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, a headrest part 1021 is arranged on the upper part of the backrest part 102. The headrest part 1021 supports the head, neck, etc. of the subject being treated. Also, a treatment unit 1022 and a pair of left - and - right guide rails 1023 are incorporated in the backrest part 102. The treatment unit 1022 can treat the trunk and neck of the subject being treated. The guide rails 1023 extend along the backrest part 102 in the longitudinal direction of the backrest part 102. The longitudinal direction is, for example, the direction from one of the rear end part of the seat part 101 and the headrest part 1021 to the other. The guide rails 1023 guide the treatment unit 1022 in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the treatment unit 1022 can move up and down in the longitudinal direction of the backrest part 102 and treat the back, waist, etc. of the subject being treated.

[0018] In addition, treatment elements for treating the rear part of the body (for example, the rear part of the shoulders, the upper part of the back, and the rear part of the waist) may be arranged on the backrest part 102, or treatment elements for treating the pelvic part, etc. by pressing the rear part of the buttocks may be arranged.

[0019] The base part 103 is erected on both sides in the left - right direction of the seat part 101 and supports the armrest parts 104.

[0020] The armrest parts 104 support the forearms and hands of the subject being treated. The pair of left - and - right armrest parts 104 have symmetric shapes with respect to each other. In addition, treatment elements for treating the forearms and hands of the subject being treated may be arranged on each of the armrest parts 104.

[0021] The ottoman 105 is disposed near the front end of the seat portion 101 and accommodates the lower legs and feet of the subject. The ottoman 105 is rotatable about the ottoman rotation axis Jb. The ottoman rotation axis Jb extends in the left-right direction through the front end of the seat portion 101 and the upper end of the ottoman 105. In the present embodiment, the upper end of the ottoman 105 is rotatably supported with respect to the front end of the seat portion 101. The ottoman 105 is provided with treatment elements for treating the lower legs, feet, and soles of the feet of the subject.

[0022] <1-2. Control System of the Massage Machine 100> Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a configuration example of the control system of the massage machine 100 will be described. The massage machine 100 further includes an input unit 1061, a storage unit 1062, a control unit 107, an actuator group 1081, an air pump 1082, and a solenoid valve group 1083.

[0023] The input unit 1061 receives an operation input and outputs a signal based on the operation input to the control unit 107. The operation input includes selection of a treatment pattern, adjustment of treatment strength, and the like. In FIG. 1, the input unit 1061 is wired to the control unit 107, but may be wirelessly connected to the control unit 107. The input unit 1061 can be attached to and detached from a stand (reference numeral omitted). The stand is fixed to the armrest portion 104 disposed on the seat portion 101.

[0024] The storage unit 1062 is a non-transitory storage medium that retains the stored information even when the 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.

[0025] 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 unit 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. Further, the control unit 107 also controls a drive unit 2 that drives a treatment element 1 described later.

[0026] The actuator group 1081 includes a plurality of actuators. For example, the actuator group 1081 includes an actuator for the backrest part that rotates the backrest part 102, an actuator for the ottoman that rotates the ottoman 105, and the like.

[0027] The solenoid valve group 1083 includes a plurality of solenoid valves. A part of the plurality of solenoid valves is provided between the air pump 1082 and the airbag group 1084 provided in the massage machine 100, and switches the communication / shutoff between the two. Note that the airbag group 1084 includes airbags arranged in each part (for example, the ottoman 105) of the massage machine 100. Also, another part of the plurality of solenoid valves is provided between the airbag group 1084 and the outside, and switches the communication / shutoff between the two.

[0028] For example, when the air pump 1082 and the airbag communicate with each other through some solenoid valves, air is supplied from the air pump 1082 to the airbag through the solenoid valves, and the airbag expands. On the other hand, when the outside and the airbag communicate with each other due to the operation of some other solenoid valves, the air in the airbag is discharged to the outside through the solenoid valves. As a result, 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 solenoid valve, the amount of air in the airbag is maintained.

[0029] <1-3. Treatment element 1> Next, the massage machine 100 further includes a treatment element 1 and a drive unit 2 (see FIG. 2). FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the treatment element 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the treatment element 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the treatment element 1.

[0030] The treatment element 1 treats the treatment site of the subject. For example, the treatment element 1 is arranged in at least any one of the seat part 101, the backrest part 102, the treatment unit 1022, the armrest part 104, and the ottoman 105.

[0031] The treatment implement 1 includes a contact member 11 and a conversion mechanism 12. The contact member 11 can contact the treatment site with a predetermined pressing force and can approach and separate in the axial direction. The conversion mechanism 12 converts the force received by the contact member 11 from the treatment site (hereinafter referred to as the reaction force Fr) into a rotational force of the contact member 11 around the rotation axis Jc. Note that the rotation axis Jc extends from one of the treatment site and the contact member 11 to the other.

[0032] In this way, the treatment implement 1 can press the treatment site with the contact member 11 by the force applied to the treatment site, for example. Further, the contact member 11 can be rotated around the rotation axis Jc in a state where the treatment site is pressed by the rotational force converted by the conversion mechanism 12. That is, the treatment implement can perform a new treatment operation (for example, kneading treatment) using the rotation of the contact member 11 while performing the pressing operation. Therefore, without increasing the number of drive sources, a plurality of different operations can be performed on the treatment implement 1 with the same drive source.

[0033] Further, the treatment implement 1 further includes an elastic member 13. The elastic member 13 applies an elastic force Fe toward the treatment site to the contact member 11. Since the reaction force, which is the force received by the contact member 11 from the treatment site, and the elastic force by the elastic member 13 are in opposite directions, the treatment implement 1 can suppress a decrease in the pressing strength according to the elastic force Fe applied from the elastic member 13. Therefore, the treatment implement 1 can rotate the contact member 11 while maintaining a predetermined pressing strength. Further, even if the contact member 11 retreats with respect to the conversion mechanism 12 by the force applied to the treatment site, it can return to the original position in the front by the elastic force Fe when the force is released.

[0034] Preferably, when the treatment element 1 treats the treatment site, when the force (reaction force Fr) acting on the contact member 11 from the treatment site exceeds the elastic force Fe applied by the elastic member 13 (Fr>Fe), the conversion mechanism 12 converts the force ΔF (=Fr - Fe) exceeding the elastic force Fe into the rotational force of the contact member 11. In this way, when the reaction force Fr received by the contact member 11 from the treatment site is less than or equal to the elastic force Fe (Fr≦Fe), the treatment element 1 only presses the treatment site. Also, when the reaction force Fr exceeds the elastic force Fe (Fr>Fe), the treatment element 1 can start kneading treatment by the rotation of the contact member 11 in addition to pressing. Further, the treatment element 1 can maintain the pressing of the treatment site with a force corresponding to the elastic force Fe applied from the elastic member 13. Therefore, the treatment element 1 can prevent a decrease in the pressing strength even when the contact member 11 rotates. Thereby, regardless of the physical differences of the therapist due to individual differences, treatment by pressing and kneading with a predetermined pressure becomes possible. However, this example does not exclude a configuration that converts the reaction force Fr into the rotational force of the contact member 11 even when Fr≦Fe.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the conversion mechanism 12 includes a slider 121 and a support member 122.

[0036] The slider 121 has a cylindrical portion 1211, a female screw portion 1212, and a flange portion 1213. The cylindrical portion 1211 extends in the axial direction. The female screw portion 1212 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 1211. The flange portion 1213 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 1211 and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0037] The support member 122 has a rod portion 1221, a male screw portion 1222, and a flange portion 1223. The rod portion 1221 extends in the axial direction. The male screw portion 1222 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 1221 and is screwed with the female screw portion 1212. The flange portion 1223 extends radially outward from the rear end portion (the other axial end portion) of the rod portion 1221 and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0038] However, without being limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the slider 121 may have a rod portion 1221, a male screw portion 1222, and a flange portion 1223, and the support member 122 may have a cylindrical portion 1211, a female screw portion 1212, and a flange portion 1213.

[0039] That is, it is sufficient that one of the slider 121 and the support member 122 has the cylindrical portion 1211, the female screw portion 1212, and (the flange portion 1213). Also, it is sufficient that the other of the slider 121 and the support member 122 has the rod portion 1221, the male screw portion 1222, and (the flange portion 1223).

[0040] The slider 121 is movable in the axial direction of the rotation axis Jc together with the contact member 11. In this way, only by the force of pushing the support member 122 toward the treatment site, the pressing operation and the kneading operation by the contact member 11 can be performed. For example, by the force of pushing toward the treatment site, while the contact member 11 presses the treatment site, it receives a reaction force Fr from the treatment site. Due to the reaction force Fr, the contact member 11 and the slider 121 rotate along the threads of the male screw portion 1212 and the female screw portion 1222 that are screwed together with each other and move backward (that is, move to the side opposite to the treatment site in the axial direction).

[0041] Also, an elastic member 13 is disposed between the flange portion 1213 of the slider 121 and the flange portion 1223 of the support member 122 in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the elastic member 13 is a spring coil and is disposed radially outward of the rod portion and the male screw portion 1222 and surrounds them. In other words, the rod portion and the male screw portion 1222 are inserted through the spring coil. In the axial direction, the front end portion (one axial end portion) of the spring coil abuts against the rear surface (the other axial end surface) of the flange portion 1213, and the rear end portion (the other axial end portion) of the spring coil abuts against the front surface (one axial end surface) of the flange portion 1213.

[0042] However, without being limited to the above examples, the elastic member 13 may be other than a coil spring as long as it has high elasticity in the axial direction parallel to the rotation axis Jc. For example, the elastic member 13 may be a leaf spring, a cylindrical rubber, or the like.

[0043] Next, the drive unit 2 moves the applicator 1 in the axial direction. The axial direction is the direction in which the applicator 1 (particularly the contact member 11) approaches and separates from the treatment site. In this way, the massager 100 can perform pressing treatment and kneading treatment on the subject using the drive unit 2 as a drive source. Therefore, the massager 100 can cause the applicator 1 to perform a plurality of different operations with the same drive source.

[0044] The drive unit 2 is controlled by the control unit 107. The drive unit 2 may be a ball screw mechanism or an actuator.

[0045] Alternatively, the drive unit 2 may be an airbag. The airbag moves the applicator 1 in the axial direction according to its expansion and contraction. The airbag is included in the airbag group 1084. In this way, the massager 100 can, for example, arrange the applicator 1 on the surface of the airbag on the treatment site side. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the airbag and the applicator 1 can enhance these treatment effects.

[0046] <1-4. Modification of the First Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the applicator 1a according to the modification of the first embodiment.

[0047] In the modification, as shown in FIG. 6, the applicator 1a further includes an adjustment mechanism 14. The adjustment mechanism 14 adjusts the elastic force Fe of the elastic member 13. The adjustment mechanism 14 is, for example, an actuator that can expand and contract in the axial direction and is controlled by the control unit 107. In the axial direction, the adjustment mechanism 14 is disposed between the rear end portion of the elastic member 13 and the flange portion 1223 of the support member 122, and advances and retreats the rear end portion of the elastic member 13 according to the contraction of the adjustment mechanism 14 itself.

[0048] For example, when the rear end of the elastic member 13 moves forward (in one axial direction) due to the extension of the adjustment mechanism 14, the elastic member 13 contracts axially, so the elastic force Fe applied to the contact member 11 (and the slider 121) becomes stronger. On the other hand, when the rear end of the elastic member 13 moves backward (in the other axial direction) due to the contraction of the adjustment mechanism 14, the elastic member 13 extends axially, so the elastic force Fe applied to the contact member 11 (and the slider 121) becomes weaker.

[0049] By adjusting the elastic force Fe, the treatment head 1a can adjust the timing to start the treatment by the rotation of the contact member 11. Also, the treatment head 1a can adjust the balance between the pressing strength of the contact member 11 and the kneading treatment strength. For example, by weakening the elastic force Fe, the latter treatment strength can be increased. Also, by strengthening the elastic force Fe, the latter treatment strength can be decreased.

[0050] <2. Second Embodiment> Next, referring to FIG. 7, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the treatment head 1a according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, for the second embodiment, the configurations different from those of the first embodiment and its modified examples will be described. Also, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment and its modified examples, and the description of the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and its modified examples may be omitted.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the contact member 11 includes a base portion 111, an extension portion 112, and a protruding portion 113. The base portion 111 is disposed at the front end portion (one axial end portion) of the conversion mechanism 12 (for example, the slider 121). A rotation axis Jc passes through the center portion of the base portion 111. The base portion 111 is rotatable about the rotation axis Jc. The extension portion 112 extends radially outward from the tip portion (one axial end portion) of the base portion 111. The protruding portion 113 protrudes forward (in one axial direction) from the radially outer end portion of the extension portion 112. Further, the protruding portion 113 is disposed radially outward of the rotation axis Jc and contacts the treatment site. In this way, when the treatment element 1a treats the treatment site, a circular motion centered on the rotation axis Jc can be imparted to the protruding portion 113 that contacts the treatment site. Therefore, the treatment element 1a can perform a wide range of kneading treatments together with the pressing treatment.

[0052] <3. Third Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the treatment element 1b according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the treatment element 1b according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with respect to configurations different from those of the first embodiment and its modifications and the second embodiment. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment and its modifications and the second embodiment, and the description of the same configurations as those in the first embodiment and its modifications and the second embodiment may be omitted.

[0053] In the third embodiment, the contact member 11 has, in addition to the base portion 111, a plate-like portion 115. The base portion 111 is connected to the conversion mechanism 12 (for example, the slider 121) as described above, and particularly to its front end portion (one axial end portion). A rotation axis Jc passes through the center portion of the base portion 111. The base portion 111 is rotatable about the rotation axis Jc. The plate-like portion 115 extends radially outward from the tip portion of the base portion 111. Note that the central portion of the plate-like portion 115 as viewed in the axial direction may be located on the rotation axis Jc as shown in FIG. 8, or may be displaced radially outward from the rotation axis Jc as shown in FIG. 9.

[0054] By bringing the plate-shaped part 115 into contact with the treatment site, the contact area of the treatment element 1b with respect to the treatment site can be increased. Therefore, the treatment element 1b can realize a treatment operation as if using a human palm.

[0055] Also, a plurality of protrusions 116 are arranged on the surface of the plate-shaped part 115 on the treatment site side in the axial direction. Preferably, these are arranged along the outer edge of the plate-shaped part 115 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In this way, when the plate-shaped part 115 comes into contact with the treatment site, the protrusions 116 penetrate into the treatment site. Therefore, the protrusions 116 can perform pressing treatment deep into the treatment site. Further, when the base 111 rotates, the treatment site can be efficiently kneaded. However, the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which the plurality of protrusions 116 are not arranged along the outer edge of the plate-shaped part 115, nor do they exclude a configuration in which the plurality of protrusions 116 are not arranged on the plate-shaped part 115.

[0056] Also, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the massager 100 includes a pair of treatment elements 1b. For example, the pair of treatment elements 1b are arranged on the elbow rest part 104 to treat the forearm and hand of the subject. Alternatively, the pair of treatment elements 1b are arranged on the ottoman 105 to treat the lower leg and foot of the subject.

[0057] The contact members 11 of each treatment element 1b face each other with a gap in the axial direction. In this way, treatment can be performed with a part of the subject's body sandwiched between the contact members 11 of the pair of treatment elements 1b. Therefore, the massager 100 can perform pressing treatment on, for example, the subject's arm, leg, etc. from both sides.

[0058] However, the examples in FIGS. 8 and 9 do not exclude a configuration in which there is not a pair of treatment elements 1b. For example, a single treatment element 1b that does not face the other may be arranged on the seat part 101, the backrest part 102, the treatment unit 1022, etc.

[0059] <4. Remarks> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are examples, and various modifications are possible for each component and combination of processes, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that they are within the scope of the present invention.

[0060] For example, the above-described first embodiment and its modifications, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment can be implemented in combination as long as there is no particular contradiction.

[0061] In addition, in the present disclosure, the present invention is applied to the chair-type massager 100. However, it is not limited to this example, and the present invention is applicable to other devices in addition to the chair-type massager 100. For example, it is also applicable to a simple massager, a leg massager, a fascia release massage gun for removing adhered fascia, and the like.

[0062] <5. Summary> Hereinafter, the embodiments described so far will be summarized.

[0063] For example, the treatment element 1 disclosed in this specification is a treatment element 1 for treating the treatment site of the subject, a contact member 11 capable of contacting, approaching, and separating from the treatment site with a predetermined pressing force, a conversion mechanism 12 that converts the force Fr received by the contact member 11 from the treatment site when the treatment element 1 treats the treatment site into a rotational force of the contact member 11 around a rotation axis Jc extending from one of the treatment site and the contact member 11 to the other, and is configured as a first configuration.

[0064] The treatment element 1 of the first configuration described above may further include an elastic member 13 that applies an elastic force Fe toward the treatment site to the contact member 11, and is configured as a second configuration.

[0065] Further, the treatment element 1 of the second configuration The elastic member 13 may be configured as a spring coil (third configuration).

[0066] Also, for the therapeutic device 1 having the second or third configuration, when the therapeutic device 1 treats the treatment site, the conversion mechanism 12 may be configured (fourth configuration) to convert a force ΔF (= Fr - Fe) exceeding the elastic force Fe applied by the elastic member 13 into a rotational force of the contact member 11 when the force Fr acting on the contact member 11 from the treatment site exceeds the elastic force Fe.

[0067] Also, for the therapeutic device 1 having any one of the second to fourth configurations, it may be configured (fifth configuration) to further include an adjustment mechanism 14 for adjusting the elastic force Fe of the elastic member 13.

[0068] Also, for the therapeutic device 1 (1a) having any one of the first to fifth configurations, the contact member 11 may be configured (sixth configuration) to have a protruding portion 113 that is disposed radially outward of the rotation axis Jc and contacts the treatment site.

[0069] Also, for the therapeutic device 1 (1b) having any one of the first to fifth configurations, the contact member 11 has a base portion 111 connected to the conversion mechanism and a plate-like portion 115 that extends radially outward from the tip of the base portion 111, and may be configured (seventh configuration).

[0070] Also, for the therapeutic device 1 having any one of the first to seventh configurations, the conversion mechanism 12 includes a slider 121 and a support member 122, one of the slider 121 and the support member 122 has a cylindrical portion 1211 extending in the axial direction and a female screw portion 1212 disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 1211, The other of the slider 121 and the support member 122 has an axially extending rod portion 1221 and an external thread portion 1222 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 1221 and screwed with the internal thread portion 1212. The slider 121 may be configured (eighth configuration) to be movable in the axial direction of the rotation axis Jc together with the contact member 11.

[0071] Also, the massage machine 100 disclosed in this specification has the treatment element 1 having any one of the first to eighth configurations described above, and a drive unit 2 that moves the treatment element 1 in the axial direction. It may be configured (ninth configuration) to include.

[0072] Also, in the massage machine 100 having the ninth configuration, the treatment elements 1 (1b) are a pair, and the contact members 11 of the respective treatment elements 1 (1b) may be configured to face each other with a gap in the axial direction (tenth configuration).

[0073] Also, in the massage machine 100 having the ninth or tenth configuration, the drive unit 2 may be an airbag that moves the treatment element 1 in the axial direction according to expansion and contraction (eleventh configuration).

Explanation of Signs

[0074] 100 (chair type) massage machine 101 Seat part 102 Backrest part 1021 Pillow part 1022 Treatment unit 1023 Guide rail 103 Base part 104 Armrest part 105 Ottoman 1061 Input part 1062 Storage part 107 Control part 1081 Actuator group 1082 Air pump 1083 Electromagnetic valve group 1084 Airbag group 1, 1a, 1b Therapeutic device 11 Contact member 111 Base 112 Extension part 113 Protrusion 115 Plate-like part 116 Protrusion 12 Conversion mechanism 121 Slider 1211 Cylindrical part 1212 Female screw part 1213 Flange part 122 Support member 1221 Rod part 1222 Male screw part 1223 Flange part 13 Elastic member 14 Adjustment mechanism 2 Driving part Jc Rotation axis Ja Backrest rotation axis Jb Ottman rotation axis

Claims

1. A treatment device for treating a treatment site of a patient, comprising: a contact member capable of contacting, approaching, and separating from the treatment site with a predetermined pressing force; a conversion mechanism that, when the treatment device treats the treatment site, converts the force received by the contact member from the treatment site into a rotational force of the contact member about a rotation axis extending from one of the treatment site and the contact member to the other; A treatment device comprising the above.

2. The treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that applies an elastic force toward the treatment site to the contact member.

3. The treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

4. When the treatment device treats the treatment site, if the force acting on the contact member from the treatment site exceeds the elastic force applied by the elastic member, the conversion mechanism according to claim 2 converts the excess force into the rotational force of the contact member.

5. The treatment device according to claim 2, further comprising an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the elastic force of the elastic member.

6. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member has a protruding portion disposed radially outward of the rotation axis and contacting the treatment site.

7. The contact member includes: a base portion connected to the conversion mechanism; a plate-like portion extending radially outward from the tip of the base portion; The treatment device according to claim 1.

8. The conversion mechanism includes a slider and a support member, wherein one of the slider and the support member has a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and a female thread portion disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and the other of the slider and the support member has a rod portion extending in the axial direction and a male thread portion disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion and screwed with the female thread portion, The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the slider is movable in the axial direction of the rotation axis together with the contact member.

9. A massage device comprising the treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a drive unit for axially moving the treatment device.

10. There are a pair of the treatment devices, and the contact members of the respective treatment devices face each other with a gap in the axial direction. The massage device according to claim 9.

11. The drive unit according to claim 9 is an airbag that axially moves the treatment device according to the expansion and contraction.

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