Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a useful massage machine.SOLUTION: A massage machine includes: a seat part 2; a back rest part 3; an ottoman 9; an actuator 20 (a first moving part) for ottoman for moving the ottoman 9; and an actuator 18 (a second moving part) for seat part for moving a front end of the seat part 9 upward. With a front end of the seat part 2 moving upward from the rear end of the seat part 2 by the actuator 18 for seat part, the back rest part 3 is tilted, and the ottoman 9 is moved by the actuator 20 for ottoman.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A general chair-type massage machine performs kneading treatment and pounding treatment on a subject. In addition, a chair-type massage machine has been developed that performs not only kneading treatment and pounding treatment but also stretching treatment on a subject (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The chair-type massage machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs stretching treatment on a subject by tilting the seat portion and the backrest portion in opposite directions so that the subject's body is extended, and projecting the kneading balls so as to press against the subject's waist.

[0005] However, even when the seat portion and the backrest portion of the chair-type massage machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 are tilted in opposite directions, effective stretching treatment has not been performed because the subject's buttocks sink downward.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a useful massage machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The massage machine disclosed in this specification includes a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the subject, a reclinable backrest portion, an ottoman that accommodates the lower legs of the subject, a first moving portion that moves the ottoman, and a second moving portion that moves the front end of the seat portion upward. When the front end of the seat portion is moved upward relative to the rear end of the seat portion by the second moving portion, the backrest portion is tilted and the ottoman is moved by the first moving portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair-type massage machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as "massage machine 1") according to an embodiment. In the following description, the front side (front surface side) as viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 3 not reclined is referred to as the "front side" or "front", and the rear side (rear surface side) as viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 3 not reclined is referred to as the "rear side" or "rear". Also, the upper side (head side) as viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 3 not reclined is referred to as the "upper side" or "above", and the lower side (leg side) as viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest portion 3 not reclined is referred to as the "lower side" or "below". Further, the right side as viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 is referred to as the "right side" or "right", and the left side as viewed from a subject seated on the massage machine 1 is referred to as the "left side".

[0011] The massage machine 1 includes a seat portion 2, a backrest portion 3, side wall portions 4, arm treatment portions 5, an operation portion 6, a cord line 7, a stand 8, and an ottoman 9.

[0012] The seat portion 2 supports the buttocks and thighs of the subject.

[0013] The backrest portion 3 supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the subject. The backrest portion 3 is reclinable. That is, the backrest portion 3 is rotatable about a reclining rotation axis extending along the left-right direction. The reclining rotation axis is the rotation fulcrum P1 (see FIGS. 3 to 8) of the backrest portion 3.

[0014] The position of the rotation fulcrum P1 of the backrest portion 3 in the front-rear direction coincides with the position of the hip point in the front-rear direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the head of the subject from shifting along the longitudinal direction of the backrest portion 3 when the backrest portion 3 is reclined. Note that the hip point is the center (design value) of the buttocks of the subject.

[0015] The backrest portion 3 incorporates a massage unit (not shown), and guide rails 3B and 3C extending along the surfaces 3A in contact with the shoulders and waist of the subject. The massage unit is guided by the guide rails 3B and 3C and moves up and down within the backrest portion 3.

[0016] The side wall portions 4 are provided standing on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 2.

[0017] The arm treatment portions 5 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 2 and are supported by the side wall portions 4. The arm treatment portions 5 incorporate expandable and contractible airbags, and perform treatment while supporting the arms of the subject with the airbags.

[0018] The operation unit 6 is an input device for the subject to select a treatment pattern, adjust the intensity of treatment, etc. The operation unit 6 is connected to a control unit (not shown in FIG. 1) provided below the seat portion 2 via a cord line 7. The control unit controls each part of the massage machine 1 based on the signal output from the operation unit 6.

[0019] The stand 8 is fixed to the arm treatment portion 5 provided on the left side of the seat portion 2. The operation unit 6 is detachable from the stand 8.

[0020] The ottoman 9 accommodates the lower legs of the subject.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system for controlling the operation of the massage machine 1.

[0022] The massage machine 1 includes a control unit 10, a memory unit 11, drive circuits 12 to 17, a seat actuator 18, a backrest actuator 19, an ottoman actuator 20, a massage unit actuator 21, an air pump 22, and a solenoid valve group 23. and comprises.

[0023] The memory unit 11 stores programs, data, etc. necessary for the control unit 10 to control the operation of the massage machine 1.

[0024] The control unit 10 controls the operation of the massage machine 1 based on the signal output from the operation unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 10 performs the following controls.

[0025] The control unit 10 controls the seat actuator 18 via the drive circuit 12. The control unit 10 controls the backrest actuator 19 via the drive circuit 13. The control unit 10 controls the ottoman actuator 20 via the drive circuit 14. The control unit 10 controls the massage unit actuator 21 via the drive circuit 15. Note that the drive circuit 15 and the massage unit actuator 21 are part of the massage unit and are provided within the massage unit.

[0026] The control unit 10 controls the air pump 22 via the drive circuit 16. The control unit 10 controls the solenoid valve group 23 via the drive circuit 17. The solenoid valve group 23 includes a plurality of solenoid valves. Each solenoid valve is disposed between the air pump 22 and at least one airbag. The solenoid valve is, for example, a three-way valve of a shunt type. The air pump 22 is connected to the input-side valve of the solenoid valve through a pipe. One of the output-side valves of the solenoid valve is connected to at least one airbag through a pipe. The other output-side valve of the solenoid valve is a valve that can be opened to the atmosphere.

[0027] The above-described air pump 22 and solenoid valve are an example of an air supply and exhaust unit that supplies air to and discharges air from the airbag, and can also stop the air supply and exhaust.

[0028] Figs. 3 to 8 are side views schematically showing the frame and the like of the massage machine 1.

[0029] The actuator 18 for the seat portion includes a rod member 18A, a cylindrical member 18B that houses the rear portion of the rod member 18A, and a motor for the seat portion (not shown). The front end of the rod member 18A is connected in a rotatable manner on a plane perpendicular to the left - right direction near the front end and at the lower end of a frame 2A provided under the seat portion 2. Here, "near the front end of the frame 2A" means a position where the distance from the front end of the frame 2A is shorter than the distance from the rear end of the frame 2A. The rear end of the frame 2A is connected in a rotatable manner on a plane perpendicular to the left - right direction at the upper end and the rear end of a base frame F1. Note that a frame 2B is provided between the seat portion 2 and the frame 2A. The front end of the frame 2B is connected in a rotatable manner on a plane perpendicular to the left - right direction to the front end of the frame 2A. The rear end of the cylindrical member 18B is connected in a rotatable manner on a plane perpendicular to the left - right direction to the lower end of a base frame F1 that supports the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 3.

[0030] The actuator 18 for the seat portion can change the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B by the rotation of the motor for the seat portion. When the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B increases, the front end of the seat portion 2 rotates clockwise as viewed from the left side of the massage machine 1. Conversely, when the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B decreases, the front end of the seat portion 2 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the massage machine 1. The larger the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B, the larger the acute angle α formed between the longitudinal direction and the front - rear direction of the cylindrical member 18B as viewed from the left side of the massage machine 1.

[0031] The actuator 19 for the backrest portion includes a rod member 19A, a cylindrical member 19B that houses the front portion of the rod member 19A, and a motor for the backrest portion (not shown). The rear end of the rod member 19A is rotatably connected in a possible form to the lower end of a frame 3A provided on the backrest portion 3 on a plane perpendicular to the left - right direction. The front end of the cylindrical member 19B is connected in a rotatable manner on a plane perpendicular to the left - right direction to the front end of the base frame F1.

[0032] The actuator 19 for the backrest part can change the protruding amount of the rod member 19A from the cylindrical member 19B by the rotation of the motor for the backrest part. When the protruding amount of the rod member 19A from the cylindrical member 19B increases, the backrest part 3 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the massager 1. Conversely, when the protruding amount of the rod member 19A from the cylindrical member 19B decreases, the backrest part 3 rotates clockwise as viewed from the left side of the massager 1. The larger the protruding amount of the rod member 19A from the cylindrical member 19B, the smaller the acute angle β formed by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the cylindrical member 19B as viewed from the left side of the massager 1.

[0033] The actuator 20 for the ottoman has a rod member 20A, a cylindrical member 20B that houses the rear part of the rod member 20A, and a motor for the ottoman (not shown). The front end of the rod member 20A is in contact with the back surface of the frame 9A provided on the ottoman 9. When the ottoman 9 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side of the massager 1 with the actuator 20 for the ottoman stopped, the back surface of the ottoman frame 9A moves away from the front end of the rod member 20A. The rear end of the cylindrical member 20B is connected to the base frame F1 that supports the seat part 2 and the backrest part 3 in a form that can rotate on a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0034] The actuator 20 for the ottoman can change the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B by the rotation of the motor for the ottoman. When the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B increases, the ottoman 9 rotates clockwise as viewed from the left side of the massager 1. Conversely, when the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B decreases, the ottoman 9 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the left side of the massager 1. The larger the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B, the smaller the acute angle γ formed by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction of the cylindrical member 20B as viewed from the left side of the massager 1.

[0035] Figure 3 shows the initial state of the massage machine 1. In the state shown in Figure 3, the front end of the seat part 2 is located at the lowest position, the backrest part 3 is in the most upright state, and the ottoman 9 is closest to the front end of the base frame F1. In the state shown in Figure 3, within the movable range of the rod member 18A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B is the minimum, within the movable range of the rod member 19A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 19B is the maximum, and within the movable range of the rod member 20A, the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B is the minimum.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the state of the massage machine 1 immediately after the power is turned on. Note that the power-on may be manually executed by operating the operation unit 6, or a sensor for detecting the seating of the subject may be constantly operated, and it may be automatically executed using the seating of the subject as a trigger. In the state shown in Figure 4, the front end of the seat part 2 is located higher than the state shown in Figure 3, the backrest part 3 is in the most upright state, and the ottoman 9 is farther from the front end of the base frame F1 than the state shown in Figure 3. In the state shown in Figure 4, within the movable range of the rod member 18A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B is an intermediate value, within the movable range of the rod member 19A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 19B is the maximum, and within the movable range of the rod member 20A, the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B is the first intermediate value.

[0037] Figures 5 to 7 show the state in which the backrest part 3 of the massage machine 1 is tilted backward the most (fully reclined state).

[0038] In the states shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front end of the seat part 2 is located higher than the state shown in Figure 3, the backrest part 3 is tilted backward the most, and the ottoman 9 is away from the front end of the base frame F1. In the states shown in Figures 5 and 6, within the movable range of the rod member 18A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B is an intermediate value, within the movable range of the rod member 19A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 19B is the minimum, and within the movable range of the rod member 20A, the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B is the second intermediate value (> the first intermediate value).

[0039] In the state shown in FIG. 6, the airbag 2C provided between the rear end of the frame 2A and the rear end of the frame 2B is inflated. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the rear end of the seat portion 2 moves upward compared to the states shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. That is, the airbag 2C functions as a moving portion that moves the rear end of the seat portion 2 upward.

[0040] In the state shown in FIG. 6, since the upward movement of the rear end of the seat portion 2 can suppress the downward sinking of the buttocks of the subject, the waist of the subject can be effectively stretched.

[0041] Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 6, the lower leg of the subject accommodated in the ottoman 9 descends as it goes from the knee to the ankle. Thereby, compared with the state where the lower leg of the subject is along the horizontal direction, the stretching treatment for the waist of the subject can be strengthened.

[0042] In the state shown in FIG. 7, the front end of the seat portion 2 is located higher than the state shown in FIG. 3, the backrest portion 3 is tilted most rearward, and the ottoman 9 is farthest from the front end of the base frame F1. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B is an intermediate value within the movable range of the rod member 18A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 19B is the minimum within the movable range of the rod member 19A, and the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B is the maximum within the movable range of the rod member 20A.

[0043] In the state shown in FIG. 7, the airbag 2C is inflated in a deflated state compared to the state shown in FIG. 6. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the rear end of the seat portion 2 moves upward compared to the states shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0044] In the state shown in FIG. 7, by moving the rear end of the seat portion 2 upward, it is possible to suppress the buttocks of the subject from sinking downward. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 7, since the rear end of the seat portion 2 does not move upward as much as in the state shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to suppress the stretching treatment on the waist of the subject. Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the lower legs of the subject accommodated in the ottoman 9 are along the horizontal direction.

[0045] In the state shown in FIG. 7, the surface where the calf of the subject in the ottoman 9 contacts, the upper surface of the seat portion 2, and the surface 3A (see FIG. 1) of the backrest portion 3 are arranged almost in a straight line, and the massage machine 1 has a shape close to the bed for the subject. Since the state shown in FIG. 7 can relax the subject, it is preferable that the massage machine 1 maintains the state shown in FIG. 7 for a certain period of time, for example, after the treatment for the subject is completed.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows the state after the treatment for the subject by the massage machine 1 is completed. In the present embodiment, after the treatment for the subject is completed, it transitions to the state shown in FIG. 8 through the state shown in FIG. 7.

[0047] In the state shown in FIG. 8, the front end of the seat portion 2 is located at the lowest position, the backrest portion 3 is erected most, and the ottoman 9 is closest to the front end of the base frame F1. In the state shown in FIG. 8, within the movable range of the rod member 18A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 18B is the smallest, within the movable range of the rod member 19A, the protruding amount of the rod member 18A from the cylindrical member 19B is the largest, and within the movable range of the rod member 20A, the protruding amount of the rod member 20A from the cylindrical member 20B is the smallest.

[0048] In the state shown in FIG. 8, the airbag 2C is inflated. As a result, in the state shown in FIG. 8, the rear end of the seat portion 2 moves upward compared to the states shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0049] In the state shown in FIG. 8, by moving the rear end of the seat portion 2 upward, it becomes easier for the subject to stand up from the sitting state.

[0050] In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that the airbag 2C is inflated in a deflated state compared to the state shown in FIG. 7. This is because if the airbag 2C is inflated too much, the effect of making it easier for the subject to stand up from the sitting state will be reduced.

[0051] The above embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and it should be understood that all modifications belonging to the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0052] For example, in the present embodiment, the moving part that moves the rear end of the seat part 2 upward is the airbag 2C. However, different from the present embodiment, parts other than the airbag 2C, for example, a rod member, a cylindrical member that houses the rod member, and a motor for adjusting the protruding amount of the rod member with respect to the cylindrical member, and the like, may be used as the moving part that moves the rear end of the seat part 2 upward.

[0053] For example, in the present embodiment, as the actuator for the seat part 18, the actuator for the backrest part 19, and the actuator for the ottoman 20, an actuator having a rod member, a cylindrical member that houses the rod member, and a motor for adjusting the protruding amount of the rod member with respect to the cylindrical member is used. However, different from the present embodiment, at least one of the actuator for the seat part 18, the actuator for the backrest part 19, and the actuator for the ottoman 20 may be an actuator other than the actuator having a rod member, a cylindrical member that houses the rod member, and a motor for adjusting the protruding amount of the rod member with respect to the cylindrical member. For example, by using an actuator having a link mechanism, the occupied space of the actuator can be reduced.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the massage machine 1 is configured to have a moving part that moves the rear end of the seat part 2 upward. However, in a massage machine that does not have a moving part that moves the rear end of the seat part 2 upward, the position of the rotation fulcrum P1 of the backrest part 3 in the front-rear direction may be made to coincide with the position of the hip point in the front-rear direction. Also in this case, the effect of being able to prevent the head of the person being treated from shifting along the longitudinal direction of the backrest part 3 when the backrest part 3 is laid down can be obtained.

Explanation of Signs

[0055] 1 Chair-type massage machine according to one embodiment 2 Seat part 2A, 2B Frame 2C Airbag 3 Backrest part 9 Ottoman 18 Actuator for seat part 19 Actuator for backrest part 20 Actuator for ottoman F1 Base frame

Claims

1. a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the subject; a reclinable backrest portion; an ottoman that houses the lower legs of the subject; a first moving portion that moves the ottoman; a second moving portion that moves the front end of the seat portion upward, and a massage machine, wherein when the front end of the seat portion is moved upward relative to the rear end of the seat portion by the second moving portion, the backrest portion is tilted and the ottoman is moved by the first moving portion.

2. having a base frame that supports the seat portion and the backrest portion, the massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the backrest portion is tilted to the most rearward position and the ottoman is separated from the front end of the base frame.

3. comprising an operation unit that receives an operation of the subject, and when an operation is received via the operation unit, the front end of the seat portion moves upward. the massage machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. comprising a sensor that detects the seating of the subject, and when the sensor detects the seating, the front end of the seat portion moves upward. the massage machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ottoman is movable by the first moving portion so that the lower legs of the subject assume a first state in which the lower legs descend from the knees toward the ankles and a second state in which the lower legs of the subject extend along the horizontal direction.

Images