Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine in which the heating temperature of a heater can be adjusted to a temperature set by an operation of an operation unit, and which can inform a user that the set temperature has been reached.SOLUTION: The present invention is characterized by: comprising a heater that heats the body parts of a user, a control unit that controls driving of the heater, an operation unit for adjusting the temperature of the heater, and a notification unit; the control unit being configured to adjust the heating temperature of the heater so as to obtain a temperature set by an operation of the operation unit; and the notification unit being configured to notify the user that the set temperature has been reached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A chair-type electric massage machine provided with a footrest heating means arranged on the footrest has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-295756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the chair-type electric massager described in Patent Document 1, after the power switch on the remote control is pressed to turn on the chair-type electric massager, the massage operation switch is pressed to start the massage, and the heating means consisting of a heater or the like is started by pressing the heating switch on the remote control, so there is a problem in that the heating means is not operating when the user starts to use the chair-type electric massager. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a massage machine that can adjust the heating temperature of the heater to a temperature set by operating the operating unit, and can notify the user when the set temperature has been reached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention comprises a heater for warming a body part of a user, a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater, an operation unit for adjusting the temperature of the heater, and an alarm unit, wherein the control unit adjusts the heating temperature of the heater to a temperature set by operation of the operation unit, and the alarm unit notifies the user that the set temperature has been reached. With this configuration, the user can be made aware via the notification unit that the set temperature has been reached.

[0006] It is also preferable that there are multiple heaters, each attached to a body support section that supports the user's body, and that the control section adjusts the heating temperature of any one of the multiple heaters to a set temperature by operating the operating section. With this configuration, the heating temperatures of the multiple heaters can be set individually.

[0007] It is also preferable that the device has a timer, and the controller stops heating by the heater when a preset time has elapsed. This configuration can prevent the heater from continuing to heat the device.

[0008] It is also preferable that the notification unit notify the user before the heating of the heater is stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user in advance that heating by the heater will be stopped.

[0009] It is also preferable that the device has a memory unit so that the temperature set by operating the operation unit can be stored for each user. With this configuration, it is possible to store a different temperature for each user.

[0010] It is also preferable that the time can be set arbitrarily by the user. With this configuration, the time until heating is stopped can be set arbitrarily according to the user's preference.

[0011] It is also preferable that the device has a massage section, and the heater is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the massage section. With this configuration, the massage part can also be heated.

[0012] It is also preferable that the massage machine has an external terminal capable of communicating with the massage machine, the external terminal being capable of adjusting the heating temperature of the heater, and the control unit adjusting the heating temperature of the heater to the temperature set by operating the external terminal. With this configuration, the heating temperature of the heater can be set via an external terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the heating temperature of the heater can be adjusted to the temperature set by operating the operation unit, and the user can be notified that the set temperature has been reached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation unit (controller) of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of selecting the part to drive the heater on the screen of an operation unit (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing the state displayed in text, and (b) is a diagram showing the state displayed in an image. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a heater set time is displayed on the screen of the operation unit (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of setting a temperature on the screen of an operation unit (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing the state displayed in text, and (b) is a diagram showing the state displayed in an image. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of notification to the user on the screen of an operation unit (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a diagram notifying that the set temperature has been reached, (b) is a diagram notifying that the time until the set temperature is reached, and (c) is a diagram notifying that the heater should be turned off. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a series of steps from heater reservation to heater OFF.

[0015] [Overall configuration of the massager] The overall configuration of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it is a diagram showing the position where a massage unit M is attached. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it is a diagram showing the position where heaters 2b to 5b, 8b for heating body parts of a user are attached. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a seat 3 on which a user sits, a backrest 4 provided at the rear of the seat 3 against which the user leans, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3, and sidewalls 8 provided on the sides of the backrest 4. Arm massage units 2L and 2R for massaging the user's arms are provided on the upper surface of the armrest 2. The seat 3, backrest 4, footrest 5, armrests 2 (including the arm massage units 2L and 2R), and sidewalls 8 function as a body support S that supports the user's body.

[0017] The massage machine 1 has massage sections M (massage mechanism 11, arm massage section 2a, buttocks massage section 3a, leg massage section 5a, side massage section 8a) that massage the user, a control section 10 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, a controller 12 as an operation section for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, and an air supply / exhaust device 16 that supplies air to and exhausts air from the air cells. Each component will be described later.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation unit 12 (controller) of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the portions for driving the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b are selected on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using an image. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the set times for the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b are displayed on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the temperature is set on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using an image. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which notifications are sent to the user on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using an image.

[0019] [Seat configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 3 is made up of a rectangular member that is long in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. A pair of buttocks massage sections 3a (massage sections M) are provided on the upper surface of the seat 3, one on each side, for massaging the buttocks of a user seated on the seat 3. The buttocks massage sections 3a are made up of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. It is preferable that the left and right buttock massage sections 3a are configured so that they can expand and contract independently.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of buttock heaters 3b are provided on the upper surface of the seat 3, one on each side, to warm the user's buttocks. The buttock heaters 3b are arranged to overlap the buttock massage units 3a. The buttock heaters 3b may be arranged to overlap the buttock massage units 3a, or the buttock heaters 3b may be arranged to overlap the buttock massage units 3a. The buttock heaters 3b and the buttock massage units 3a may be mounted at offset positions, as long as they are at least partially overlapping. This allows not only the user but also the buttock massage units 3a to be heated together. The buttock heaters 3b may be configured to be driven independently on the left and right sides.

[0021] The mounting positions and number of buttock massage units 3a and buttock heaters 3b are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the number of units may be different, such as four buttock massage units 3a and three buttock heaters 3b. Alternatively, the buttock massage units 3a may be mounted on the front side of the seat 3 to massage the backs of the user's thighs, or the buttock heater units 3b may be mounted on the front side of the seat 3 to warm the backs of the user's thighs, while the buttock massage units 3a may be mounted on the rear side of the seat 3 to massage the user's buttocks.

[0022] [Backrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the backrest 4 supports the upper body of the user. The backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the height direction. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 11 serving as a massage unit M is provided via the guide rail 16. The front of the backrest 4 is covered with a cover member 4a, and the massage mechanism 11 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, thereby massaging the back of the torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, etc.) of the user seated on the seat 3 via the cover member 4a. The arrangement of the massage section M is an example and is not limited to this. For example, a lower back massage section may be provided on the backrest section 4.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, a back heater 4b for warming the user's back is attached near the center of the cover member 4a. More specifically, the back heater 4b extends in the height direction along the user's spine and is attached so as not to interfere with the treatment heads of the massage mechanism 11. Note that the attachment position and number of back heaters 4b are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, the back heaters 4b may be attached as a pair on both the left and right sides of the backrest 4 (at positions that do not interfere with the massage mechanism 11), or the back heaters 4b may be attached in a direction that intersects with the height direction of the user. The buttocks heaters 4b may be configured so that they can be driven independently depending on the number of heaters attached.

[0024] The back heater 4b may be arranged so as to overlap above the lumbar massage part (not shown), or so as to overlap below the lumbar massage part (not shown). The back heater 4b and the lumbar massage part (not shown) may be attached at different positions as long as they are at least partially overlapping. This allows not only the user but also the lumbar massage part (not shown) to be heated together. Although the case of a lower back massage section (not shown) has been described as an example, the same applies to a massage section appropriately placed on the backrest section 4 (for example, a back massage section placed above the lower back massage section).

[0025] [Footrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the footrest 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5c on the left and right into which the user's legs can be inserted. Foot massage sections 5a (massage sections M) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the recesses 5c. The foot massage sections 5a are made up of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one foot massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the right recess 5c on both the left and right sides, and one foot massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the left recess 5c on both the left and right sides. Each foot massage section 5a is preferably configured to be able to expand and contract independently. A sole massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may also be provided on the bottom of each recess 5c.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of foot heaters 5b for warming the user's legs are provided in the recess 5c of the footrest 5. The foot heaters 5b are provided so as to overlap the foot massage section 5a. The foot heaters 5b may be arranged so as to overlap the foot massage section 5a, or the foot heaters 5b may be arranged so as to overlap the foot massage section 5a. Furthermore, the foot heaters 5b may be arranged so as to overlap at least partially, and the mounting positions of the foot heaters 5b and the foot massage section 5a may be offset from each other. This allows not only the user but also the foot massage section 5a to be heated together. The left and right foot heaters 5b may be configured to be independently driven.

[0027] The mounting positions and number of the foot massage units 5a and foot heaters 5b are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, the number of mounted units may be different, such as mounting two foot massage units 5a on the upper and lower inner walls of the left and right sides of the recess 5c and one foot heater 5b.

[0028] [Armrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3. Arm massage units 2L and 2R are provided on the upper surfaces of the armrests 2 for massaging the user's arms. Arm massage sections 2a (massage sections M) for massaging the user's arms are provided on the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L and 2R, respectively. The arm massage sections 2a are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one arm massage section 2a is provided on the top and bottom of the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L and 2R. It is preferable that each arm massage section 2a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of upper and lower arm heaters 2b for warming the user's arms are provided on the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L and 2R. The arm heaters 2b are provided so as to overlap the arm massage section 2a. The arm heaters 2b may be arranged so as to overlap the upper or lower arm massage section 2a. Furthermore, the arm heater 2b and the arm massage unit 2a may be mounted at positions that are offset from each other as long as they are at least partially overlapped. This allows not only the user but also the arm massage unit 2a to be heated as a set. The arm heater 2b may be configured so that it can be driven independently on the top, bottom, left, and right sides.

[0030] [Controller configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 10 including a microcomputer and the like for controlling the operation of the massage mechanism 11, air intake / exhaust device 16, and heaters 2b to 5b and 8b. The control unit 10 is provided below the seat 3 and is connected to an operation unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as a controller) operated by the user, a memory unit 13 for storing massage courses and set temperatures of the heaters 2b to 5b and 8b for each user, a timer unit 15 for notifying the time, and a communication unit 17 for communicating with an external terminal 20. Various massage operations are performed by the user operating the controller 12. The control unit 10 is also capable of adjusting the heating temperatures of the heaters 2b to 5b and 8b.

[0031] [Configuration of the air intake and exhaust system] 3, the air supply / exhaust device 16 is composed of a pump 16a for supplying air to the massage sections 2a, 3a, 5a, and 8a, which are each made up of an air cell, and a valve 16b for connecting the massage sections 2a, 3a, 5a, and 8a to the pump 16a. By turning the valve 16b on and off, air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells.

[0032] [Controller configuration] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation unit 12 (controller) of the massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 12 is composed of physical buttons 12a and 12b, a screen (display) 12c, and an alarm unit 14. The physical button 12a is, for example, a power button. The physical button 12b is, for example, a selection button for selecting a course. The screen (display) 12 is composed of a touch panel. The screen (display) displays a selection button 12d for selecting a course, a back button 12f for switching the screen display, a next button 12g, and a heater button 12e for setting the heater.

[0033] In addition, a notification unit 14 for notifying the user of various information is provided below the screen 12c and to the right of the physical button 12b. The notification unit 14 is, for example, a speaker. The screen 12c may also be used as the notification unit 14. When the screen 12c is used as the notification unit 14, the notification may be displayed in text as shown in FIG. 8, or may be displayed in image form.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the location of heaters 2b to 5b, 8b to be driven is selected on the screen of an operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state displayed in text, and (b) shows the state displayed in an image. 5, the user can arbitrarily select the locations where heaters 2b to 5b and 8b are to be driven. The selection may be made on a touch panel screen or by using a physical button 12b.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5(a), a plurality of buttons are displayed on the screen 12c. This screen is displayed after pressing the heater button 12e shown in FIG. 4. On the screen 12c, an ON button 12h and an OFF button 12i are displayed corresponding to each part of the massage machine 1 to select which heater to activate among the heaters provided in each part. When the user presses the ON button 12h, the heater provided in the selected part is activated. At this time, it is preferable that the selected button is colored. This allows the user to see at a glance which heater is activated. In the initial state (when information such as the set temperature is not stored in the memory unit 13), the heater is in the OFF state. To stop the heater while it is running, press the OFF button 12i in the corresponding location. Pressing the back button 12f displayed at the bottom of the screen 12c switches to the screen shown in Figure 4.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the information may be displayed as an image instead of text. This screen is displayed after pressing the heater button 12e shown in FIG. 4. The screen 12c displays an image of the massage machine 1, and illustrates the locations where heaters are installed. By pressing the heater locations shown in the image, the user can activate the heaters installed in the selected areas. In the initial state (when information such as the set temperature has not been stored in the memory unit 13), the heaters are in the OFF state (not being driven) and are displayed as uncolored on the screen. When the user drives the heaters (presses the heater position shown in the figure to turn it ON), the heaters are displayed as colored on the screen (shown with diagonal lines in the figure), allowing the user to see at a glance which heaters are being driven. Pressing the back button 12f displayed at the bottom of the screen 12c switches to the screen shown in Figure 4.

[0037] Note that the display on screen 12c is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the size and layout of characters and images may be arranged so that they are easy for the user to see, and if the content cannot be displayed on one screen, a Next button 12g as shown in Fig. 4 may be displayed to allow switching between screens.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the set times of the heaters 2b to 5b and 8b are displayed on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention. 6, the controller 12 allows the user to select the time for turning on the heaters. By driving the heaters 2b to 5b and 8b before starting a massage using the massage machine 1, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user when sitting on the massage machine 1 (such as feeling cold when sitting and causing the body to shrink).

[0039] The massage machine 1 is provided with a timer 15, which allows the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b to be driven before starting a massage using the massage machine 1, and allows the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b to stop heating after a time set by the user has elapsed. The set time can be set arbitrarily by the user. This allows the user to freely set the timing for starting heating and the time from when heating starts until it stops, according to their preferences.

[0040] In the case of Fig. 6, it is possible to select the time after which the heater will start operating by displaying "5 minutes later" or "30 minutes later," or it is also possible to select the time after which the heater will start operating by displaying "10:00" or "15:00" (selection button 12j). Note that these are just examples, and the time after which the heater will start operating and the time at which the heater will start operating can be any time period. Furthermore, the time may be displayed not as text but as an image. In the case of displaying the time as an image, for example, hour and minute hands of a clock may be displayed, and the time may be set by aligning the hour and minute hands to any position of the user.

[0041] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing how to set a temperature on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows a state where the temperature is displayed as text, and (b) shows a state where the temperature is displayed as an image. The controller 12 is capable of adjusting the temperatures of the heaters 2b to 5b and 8b. As shown in FIG. 7(a), a plurality of buttons are displayed on screen 12c. This screen is displayed after FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. Selection buttons 12l are displayed on screen 12c for selecting the temperature at which the heater to be driven is to be set. The user can set the heater temperature to their preference by selecting the selection button 12l for the temperature they wish to set.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the temperature may be displayed as an image rather than as text. This is the screen displayed after FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. An image of an inverted triangle is displayed on screen 12c, with the temperature increasing from bottom to top. The user operates the inverted triangle image displayed on screen 12c by touching it with their finger, sliding their finger upward to increase the temperature, or sliding their finger downward to decrease the temperature. In this way, the user can adjust the temperature to their liking.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, there are multiple heaters (provided at various locations on the body support section S), and the operation section 12 can be used to set which of the multiple heaters to adjust its heating temperature and what temperature the heater should be set to. For example, preferred temperatures vary from user to user; for example, the hands and feet tend to get cold easily, so the temperature should be set higher, while the buttocks and back should be set lower. Therefore, by allowing the user to set the temperature to their preference for each body part (individually setting the heating temperatures of the multiple heaters), a massage machine 1 that is more user-friendly can be provided.

[0044] In this embodiment, the temperature is set to the first temperature level, which is the lowest of the five levels (shown by the diagonal lines in the figure). For example, the first temperature level is about 36°C, which is about the same as average body temperature, the second temperature level is about 38°C, and the third and fourth temperatures are increased by about 2°C each, until the fifth temperature level is 44°C.

[0045] Although the screen is configured to be adjustable in five steps from 1 to 5, this is an example and is not limiting. For example, instead of five steps, the screen may be configured to be continuously adjustable in response to the user's finger slide. Pressing a back button 12f displayed at the bottom of the screen 12c switches to one of the screens shown in Figures 4 to 6. The display of the screen 12c is also an example and is not limiting. For example, the size and layout of characters and images may be arranged so that they are easy for the user to see, and if the screen cannot be displayed on one screen, a next button 12g as shown in Figure 4 may be displayed to allow the user to switch screens.

[0046] Furthermore, since preferred temperatures differ from user to user, it is preferable that the temperature set by operating the operation unit 12 (controller) be stored for each user in the memory unit 13. For example, user A's preferred temperature may be 48°C, but user B may feel that 48°C is too hot. By storing each user's preferred temperature (the temperature set by operating the operation unit 12 (controller)) in the memory unit 13, the user's preferred temperature can be called up from the memory unit 13 according to the user using the massage machine 1 without any cumbersome operations.

[0047] A storage button (not shown) may be provided on the screen 12c of the operation unit, and the temperature set by operating the operation unit 12 may be stored by pressing the storage button. This allows the user's preferred temperature to be stored in the memory unit 13 without any cumbersome operations.

[0048] Figure 8 shows the state of notifications to the user on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram notifying that the set temperature has been reached, (b) is a diagram notifying that the time until the set temperature is reached, and (c) is a diagram notifying that the heater should be turned off. 8 illustrates a case where the screen 12c is used as the notification unit 14. In this case, the notification unit 14 may be configured to notify the user by voice using the speaker shown in FIG. By notifying by voice, the user can know that the heater temperature has reached the set temperature without looking at the screen 12c.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 8(a), when the heater temperature reaches the set temperature, the message "Set temperature reached" is displayed on the screen 12c. The user looks at the message displayed on the screen 12c, presses the back button 12f, switches to the course selection screen shown in Fig. 4, and then selects a course. This allows the massage machine 1 to be used in a state where it is warmed by the heater. Note that the massage machine 1 may be configured to automatically switch to the course selection screen after a predetermined time has elapsed. By configuring the screen to automatically switch, the user does not need to operate the back button 12f.

[0050] Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the time until the heater temperature reaches the set temperature may be displayed on the screen 12c. For example, a message such as "X minutes left until set temperature" may be displayed. By looking at the message displayed on the screen 12c, the user can calculate the time until the massage machine 1 is ready to use and take action accordingly. Even before the set temperature is reached, the user can press the back button 12f to switch to the course selection screen shown in FIG. 4 and select any course. When the set temperature is reached, the user is notified that the set temperature has been reached (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0051] It is also possible that the user may forget to set the heater to operate, so the timer unit 15 is used. By using the timer unit 15, the control unit 10 controls the heater to stop heating when the time set in advance by the user has elapsed. This prevents the heater from continuing to heat up, which also saves on electricity costs and prevents the heater from catching fire for some reason.

[0052] Before the heating of the heater is stopped, the notification unit 14 is configured to notify the user that the heating of the heater will be stopped. As shown in Figure 8(c), for example, if a seating sensor is provided on the seat 3 of the massage machine 1 and the heater reaches the set temperature, and if the user is not detected as sitting within a predetermined time, the message "Heater will be turned off as no user is detected as sitting" will be displayed on the screen 12c (alarm unit 14). This can prompt the user to sit on the massage machine 1 before the heater stops driving.

[0053] The predetermined time may be set by the user. By allowing the user to set the predetermined time as desired, the user can use the massage machine 1 in accordance with their lifestyle (the time until heating stops can be set as desired by the user). As a method for setting the predetermined time, for example, a setting button (not shown) may be provided, and the predetermined time may be set by pressing the setting button (not shown) to switch the screen 12c of the controller 12 to a setting screen.

[0054] The massage machine 1 may also be capable of communicating with an external terminal 20 via the communication unit 17 (see FIG. 1). The external terminal 20 is, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable device owned by the user. By installing an app for operating the massage machine 1 (including selecting a massage course for the massage machine 1 and adjusting the heater heating temperature) in the external terminal 20, the user can operate the massage machine 1 via the app. It is advisable that the screen of the app at this time has the same configuration as the screen of the controller 12 (see FIGS. 4 to 8). This allows the user to operate the external terminal 20 with the same operational feel as when operating the controller 12.

[0055] Furthermore, by configuring the external terminal 20 so that the heating temperature of the heater can be adjusted, the user can adjust the heating temperature of the heater even if he or she is not near the massage machine 1. For example, in the case of a conventional massage machine 1, if a user who is out during the cold winter months returns home and tries to sit on the massage machine 1 immediately, the massage machine 1 is cold because it has not been started, causing discomfort to the user. Therefore, by configuring the external terminal 20 to be able to adjust the heating temperature of the heater, the user can have the heater heated according to the time of returning home, and can be prepared to sit on the massage machine 1 immediately.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a series of steps from heater reservation to heater OFF. Heater reservation is a function that controls the heater to reach a preset temperature. In other words, as shown in Figs. 5 to 8, it is a function that activates (heats) the heater before using the massage machine 1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 and reserves the heater (S-1). When the heater is reserved, the heater starts to operate (the heater is turned ON). It is determined whether the heater has reached the set temperature (S-2), and if the result is NO, the process (S-2) is repeated until the set temperature is reached. If the result is YES, the notification unit 14 notifies the user that the set temperature has been reached (S-3). Thereafter, the seat sensor determines whether the user has sat on the massage machine 1 (S-4). If the result is NO, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S-7), and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO determination in (S-7)), the process returns to (S-4). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES determination in (S-7)), it is determined that the user will not use the massage machine 1, and the heater and the power of the massage machine 1 are turned off.

[0058] When the seating sensor detects that the user is seated on the massage machine 1 (YES in (S-4)), the screen moves to the course selection screen (S-5). The course selected by the user is executed for a predetermined time, and then the course ends (S-6). When the course ends, the heater is turned off and the power of the massage machine 1 is also turned off. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine that can adjust the heating temperature of a heater to a temperature set by operating an operating unit and notify the user when the set temperature has been reached. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] Heater 2b~5b, 8b Control unit 10 Control unit 12 Notification Department 14

Claims

1. a heater for warming a body part of a user; a control unit that controls driving of the heater; an operation unit for adjusting the temperature of the heater; a notification unit, the control unit adjusts the heating temperature of the heater to the temperature set by the operation of the operation unit; The massage machine is characterized in that the notification unit notifies the user that the set temperature has been reached.

2. There are a plurality of the heaters, The device is attached to various locations on the body support part that supports the user's body, 2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts the heating temperature of any one of the plurality of heaters to a set temperature by operating the operation unit.

3. It has a timing unit, 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the heating of the heater after a preset time has elapsed.

4. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user before the heating of the heater is stopped.

5. A storage unit is included, 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the temperature set by the operation of the operation unit can be stored for each user.

6. 4. The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the time can be arbitrarily set by a user.

7. It has a massage section, 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the heater is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the massage part.

8. an external terminal capable of communicating with the massage machine; the external terminal is capable of adjusting the heating temperature of the heater, 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts the heating temperature of the heater to a temperature set by an operation of the external terminal.

Images