Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine provided with a massage mechanism capable of smoothly massaging a user regardless of the material and shape of a treating element.SOLUTION: A massage machine includes a massage mechanism that treats a user, and a control unit that controls driving of the massage mechanism. The massage mechanism includes a treatment element, a movement mechanism that moves the massage mechanism along a treatment site of the user, and a first cover member. The first cover member is attached to the massage mechanism so as to cover at least a front surface of the treatment element. The massage mechanism is configured to treat the user via a second cover member attached to the massage machine and the first cover member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Massage chairs equipped with cover members have been proposed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5032295 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The massage chair described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the treatment heads get caught on the cover while the drive mechanism is being driven, making it impossible to provide a smooth massage to the user. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a massage machine equipped with a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is a massage machine having a massage mechanism that treats a user and a control unit that controls the operation of the massage mechanism, wherein the massage mechanism has a treatment head, a moving mechanism that moves the massage mechanism along the treatment area of ​​the user, and a first cover member, the first cover member being attached to the massage mechanism so as to cover at least the front of the treatment head, and the massage mechanism being configured to treat the user via a second cover member attached to the massage machine and the first cover member. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment head.

[0006] It is also preferable that the control unit further controls the driving of the moving mechanism, driving the massage mechanism to treat the user and driving the moving mechanism to move the massage mechanism along the user's treatment area. With this configuration, the user can be treated while the massage mechanism is moved along the area of ​​the user to be treated.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage mechanism has a storage section for storing the first cover member, the storage section having a first storage section located on one side and a second storage section located on the other side, the first cover member having one end located within the first storage section and the other end located within the second storage section, and the first cover member moves in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism, being extended from the first storage section and stored in the second storage section, or being extended from the second storage section and stored in the first storage section, thereby changing the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment head. With this configuration, the first cover member can be moved in accordance with the operation of the massage mechanism.

[0008] It is also preferable that the first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other, and that it rotates around the circumference of the cylindrical shape along the movement direction of the massage mechanism in response to the movement of the massage mechanism, thereby changing the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment head. With this configuration, the first cover member can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism while changing the contact points between the treatment head and the first cover member.

[0009] Preferably, the first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other, and is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the massage mechanism. With this configuration, the first cover member can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism while changing the contact points between the treatment head and the first cover member.

[0010] The second cover member preferably has elasticity. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the second cover member from being damaged.

[0011] Preferably, the first cover member and the second cover member are made of different materials. With this configuration, cover members with different coefficients of friction can be applied to the massage mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a massage machine equipped with a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment heads. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of a massage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the massage mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a massage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a backrest portion, as viewed from the left. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left, where (a) shows the state in which the first cover member moves from the first storage section toward the second storage section, and (b) shows the state in which the first cover member moves from the second storage section toward the first storage section. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic rear view of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged schematic plan view of the rear surface of a massage mechanism and the periphery of a first cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to a backrest portion, as viewed from the left, in which (a) shows a state in which the first cover member rotates in a circumferential direction along the movement direction of the massage mechanism, and (b) shows a state in which the first cover member rotates in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the massage mechanism. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a schematic front view and (b) is a schematic view seen from the left. [Figure 13] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic rear view and (b) is a schematic plan view. [Figure 14] 10 is an enlarged schematic plan view of the rear surface of a massage mechanism and the periphery of a first cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[0014] [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 one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is composed of a seat 3 on which a user sits, a backrest 4 on which the user leans, which is provided at the rear of the seat 3, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. On the upper surface of the armrest 2, arm massage units 2L and 2R are provided for massaging the user's arms. The massage machine 1 has at its various locations massage sections A (massage mechanism 11, arm massage section 2a, buttocks massage section 3a, leg massage section 5a) that massage the user, a control section 10 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, a controller 13 for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, a memory section 14 that stores programs for massage courses, an air supply / exhaust device 15 for supplying / exhausting air to / from the air cells, and actuators (not shown) that swing the backrest section 4 and footrest section 5 relative to the seat section 3. Each component will be described later.

[0016] [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 constitutes the massage machine 1. A pair of buttocks massage sections 3a (massage sections A) 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.

[0017] [Backrest configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, 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 A is provided via the guide rail 16. The front of the backrest 4 is covered by a cover member (more specifically, a second cover member 41 (see FIG. 6)). 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 (more specifically, the second cover member 41 (see FIG. 6)).

[0018] [Footrest configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the footrest 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right, into which the user's legs can be inserted. Leg massage sections 5a (massage section A) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the recesses 5b. The leg massage sections 5a are made up of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one leg massage unit 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the right recess 5b on the left and right sides, and one leg massage unit 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the left recess 5b on the left and right sides. It is preferable that each leg massage unit 5a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently. Also, a sole massage unit (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may be provided on the bottom surface of each recess 5b.

[0019] [Armrest configuration] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of armrests 2 are provided on the left and right sides. Arm massage mechanisms 2L and 2R, into which the user's arms can be inserted, are attached to the upper surfaces of the armrests 2. Arm massage units 2a (massage units A) for massaging the user's arms are provided on the inner surfaces of the arm massage mechanisms 2L and 2R (the surfaces facing the user's treatment area). The arm massage units 2a are made up of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, the arm massage units 2a are provided on the upper and lower inner walls of the arm massage mechanisms 2L and 2R. Each arm massage unit 2a is preferably configured to be able to expand and contract independently. Furthermore, they may be configured as mechanical massage units instead of air cells.

[0020] [Controller configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 10 consisting of a microcomputer and the like for operating the massage mechanism 11 and the air intake and exhaust device 15. This control unit 10 is provided below the seat 3 and is connected to a controller 13 that is operated by the user. The user operates the controller 13 to perform various massage operations.

[0021] [Configuration of the air intake and exhaust system] 2, the air supply / exhaust device 15 is composed of a pump 15a for supplying air to the massage sections 2a, 3a, and 5a, which are each made up of an air cell, and a valve 15b for connecting the massage sections 2a, 3a, and 5a to the pump 15a. By turning the valve 15b on and off, air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view of a massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to a backrest 4. FIG. 7 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows the first cover member 40 moving from the first storage section 30a toward the second storage section 30b, and (b) shows the first cover member 40 moving from the second storage section 30b toward the first storage section 30a. Note that the first cover member 40 is not shown in FIG. 3 to make the structure of the massage mechanism 11 easier to understand.

[0023] [Massage mechanism configuration] As shown in Fig. 6, the backrest section 4 is provided with a massage mechanism 11 (massage section A) for massaging the upper half of the user's body from behind (back). As shown in Figs. 3 to 5 and 7, this massage mechanism 11 is composed of a pair of left and right arms 11b and treatment elements 11a provided at both the upper and lower ends of the arms 11b. When driven by a massage motor M1, the left and right treatment elements 11a move towards and away from each other to perform a kneading massage, and when driven by a massage motor M2, the left and right treatment elements 11a move alternately towards and away from the user to perform a tapping massage.

[0024] The massage mechanism 11 also has a lifting motor M3. Driven by the lifting motor M3, the massage mechanism 11 moves upward or downward in the height direction along a guide rail 16 provided in the backrest portion 4. The lifting motor M3 is a moving mechanism 12 for moving the massage mechanism 11. By moving the massage mechanism 11 upward or downward, it is possible to change its position relative to the body and perform a rolling massage with the treatment elements 11a on the upper half of the user's body (from the neck to the waist).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the massage mechanism 11 includes a base frame 24a and a movable frame 24b supported by the base frame 24a. The base frame 24a has pinions 23 that engage with the guide rails 16 on both the left and right sides. The base frame 24a can move along the height direction by driving an elevation motor M3. The movable frame 24b is supported by the base frame 24a via a swing shaft 22 that swings in the left-right direction. A forward / backward driving unit (not shown) made of an air cell or the like is provided between the base frame 24a and the movable frame 24b. By driving the forward / backward driving unit (not shown), the movable frame 24b can move forward and backward around the swing shaft 22 relative to the user. Note that the structure does not necessarily need to move the movable frame 24b forward and backward; instead, a forward / backward driving unit may be provided on the arm 11b, and only the arm 11b may be moved forward and backward.

[0026] A storage section (more specifically, first storage section 30a) for storing one end of first cover member 40 is attached to the upper surface of base frame 24a. A storage section (more specifically, second storage section 30b) for storing the other end of first cover member 40 is attached to the lower surface of base frame 24a. The configurations of storage sections 30a and 30b will be described later.

[0027] The arm 11b is connected to the kneading shaft 20 and the hitting shaft 21, which extend in the left-right direction. On both the left and right sides of the kneading shaft 20, inclined cams 20b having inclined shaft portions 20a are provided, and the arm 11b is attached to these inclined cams 20b. The left and right inclined shaft portions 20a are inclined with respect to the axis of the kneading shaft 20 so as to form a generally V-shape when viewed from the front. On both the left and right sides of the hitting shaft 21, eccentric cams 21a having eccentric shaft portions 21b eccentric with respect to the axis of the hitting shaft 21 are provided, and the arm 11b is attached to these eccentric cams 21a via connecting rods 11c. The left and right eccentric shaft portions 21b have different phases with respect to the axis of the hitting shaft 21, specifically, a difference of 180 degrees. The kneading shaft 20 and the hitting shaft 21 are rotated by the driving of massage motors M1 and M2, respectively.

[0028] The treatment elements 11a perform a kneading massage by rotating the kneading shaft 20, and perform a tapping massage by rotating the tapping shaft 21. The arm 11b on which the treatment elements 11a are mounted, the kneading shaft 20, and the tapping shaft 21 are supported by a movable frame 24b. Therefore, the treatment elements 11a can move forward and backward relative to the user via the movement of the movable frame 24b.

[0029] The arm 11b is swingable in the front-rear direction and is biased by a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring so that the upper treatment head 11a protrudes forward. The massage mechanism 11 also has a detection sensor 20c that detects the user's physical information (see FIG. 3). The detection sensor 20c can obtain physical information by detecting that the arm 11b has reached a predetermined swing position.

[0030] Specifically, when the upper treatment element 11a reaches above the shoulder during the process of raising the massage mechanism 11 along the height direction, the load acting on the treatment element 11a is released, and the arm 11b swings forward by the action of a biasing means (not shown) to a predetermined swing position. The detection sensor 20c detects that the arm 11b has reached the predetermined swing position, and the shoulder position is detected based on the vertical position of the massage mechanism 11 at that time. Using the shoulder position as a reference, the positions of other parts (neck, back, waist, etc.) are calculated. The detected physical information is stored in the memory unit 14. The user may input the physical information themselves. In this case, for example, the user can input the physical information by operating the controller 13 and store it in the memory unit 14. The memory unit 14 will be described later.

[0031] A first cover member 40 is attached to the front of the massage mechanism 11 so that the internal structure of the massage mechanism 11, including the treatment elements 11a, is not exposed to the outside. By covering the front of the massage mechanism 11 with the first cover member 40, it is possible to prevent the treatment elements 11a from interfering with the second cover member 41 of the backrest 4 and hindering the operation of the massage mechanism 11, regardless of the shape of the treatment elements 11a. The configuration of the first cover member 40 will be described later (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 7).

[0032] [Storage section] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the storage section is composed of a first storage section 30a attached to the upper surface side of the base frame 24a and a second storage section 30b attached to the lower surface side of the base frame 24a. The first storage section 30a is a hollow member that is substantially L-shaped in side view. Rotation shafts 31U, 32U, and 33U are provided inside the first storage section 30a.

[0033] More specifically, the rotating shaft 31U is provided on the rear side of the first storage section 30a in the front-rear direction, on the back side of the massage mechanism 11. One end of the first cover member 40 is attached (wrapped around) the rotating shaft 31U. The rotating shafts 32U are paired in the vertical direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 40, and are provided on the back side of the massage mechanism 11, above the rotating shaft 31U. Note that, although each rotating shaft 32U is configured to have approximately the same diameter, this is an example and is not limiting. The diameters of each rotating shaft 32U may be different.

[0034] The rotating shafts 33U are arranged in a pair in the vertical direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 40, and are provided on the upper surface of the massage mechanism 11 near the entrance to the first storage section 30a. The diameter of the upper rotating shaft 33U is smaller than the diameter of the lower rotating shaft 33U. Note that the diameters of the rotating shafts 33U are merely an example and are not limiting. Each rotating shaft 33U may have the same diameter.

[0035] 5, a first cover member moving motor M4 is attached to the right side of the rotation shaft 31U in the left-right direction via a belt member 36U. By driving the first cover member moving motor M4, the first cover member 40 can be wound up (the first cover member 40 can be rotated from downward to upward). When the first cover member moving motor M4 is driven, the first cover member moving motor M5 provided in the second storage section 30b is free to rotate. By freeing the first cover member moving motor M5, the first cover member 40 can be rotated smoothly.

[0036] The second storage section 30b has the same configuration as the first storage section 30a. More specifically, the first storage section 30a and the second storage section 30b are vertically symmetrical about an imaginary axis extending in the front-to-rear direction, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the case of the second storage section 30b, the rotation axis 31U should be read as the rotation axis 31D, the rotation axis 32U as the rotation axis 32D, the rotation axis 33U as the rotation axis 33D, and the first cover member moving motor M4 as the first cover member moving motor M5.

[0037] By driving the first cover member moving motor M5, the first cover member 40 can be wound up (the first cover member 40 can be rotated from an upward direction to a downward direction). When the first cover member moving motor M5 is driven, the first cover member moving motor M4 provided in the first storage section 30a is free. By freeing the first cover member moving motor M4, the first cover member 40 can be rotated smoothly.

[0038] 7, one end of the first cover member 40 is provided in the first storage section 30a, and the other end is provided in the second storage section 30b. That is, when the first cover member moving motor M4 is driven to wind up the first cover member 40 (rotating the first cover member 40 from downward to upward), the first cover member 40 is moved so as to be reeled out from the second storage section 30b and stored in the first storage section 30a, thereby changing the contact point with the treatment head 11a. When the first cover member moving motor M5 is driven to wind up the first cover member 40 (rotating the first cover member 40 from upward to downward), the first cover member 40 is moved so as to be reeled out from the first storage section 30a and stored in the second storage section 30b, thereby changing the contact point with the treatment head 11a. This prevents the first cover member 40 from bending more than necessary, which would hinder the operation of the massage mechanism 11.

[0039] [Configuration of first cover member] The first cover member 40 is provided on the front surface of the massage mechanism A (11, 110 (see FIG. 8), 111 (see FIG. 12)). As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, by providing the first cover member 40 on the front surface of the massage mechanism A, treatment heads of any shape can be used in the massage mechanism A.

[0040] More specifically, in the past, since the massage mechanism A was not provided with a first cover member 40, treatment devices with multiple protrusions around the treatment head or treatment devices with irregular shapes (for example, triangular, star-shaped, or shapes resembling human fingers) could not be used because they would get caught on the second cover member 41, not only interfering with the operation of the massage mechanism but also risk damaging the second cover member 41.

[0041] By providing the first cover member 40 on the front surface of the massage mechanism A, the first cover member 40 encloses the outer periphery of the treatment element 11a, preventing the treatment element 11a from directly interfering with the second cover member 41 and preventing interference with the operation of the massage mechanism A. In other words, regardless of the material or shape of the treatment element 11a, the user can be smoothly massaged. In addition, the second cover member 41 can be prevented from being damaged by the massage mechanism A.

[0042] [Configuration of second cover member] The second cover member 41 is provided on the front surface of the backrest portion 4. The second cover member 41 is made of a stretchable material, such as a fabric made of natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk, or a fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon. By using a stretchable fabric as the material for the second cover member 41, it is possible to reduce friction between the second cover member 41 and the treatment head 11a, etc., and to prevent the second cover member 42 from being damaged.

[0043] It is preferable that the first cover member 40 (400, 410) and the second cover member 41 are made of different materials. More specifically, the second cover member 41 is preferably made of a material that is comfortable to the touch since it comes into contact with the user, and the first cover member 40 (400, 410) is preferably made of a material with a certain degree of rigidity since it comes into contact with the treatment heads 11a of the massage mechanism A. It is also preferable that the cover members 40 (400, 410) and 41 are made of a material with a low coefficient of friction so that they do not interfere with each other. By using cover members with different coefficients of friction for the massage mechanism A, it is possible to prevent the cover members 40 (400, 410) and 41 from coming into contact with each other, which could result in damage to the cover members 40 (400, 410) and 41.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. FIG. 9 is a schematic rear view of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view enlarging the periphery of the rear face of the massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention and the first cover member 400. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to a backrest portion 4, as viewed from the left, in which (a) shows a state in which the first cover member 400 rotates in the circumferential direction along the movement direction of the massage mechanism 110, and (b) shows a state in which the first cover member 400 rotates in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the massage mechanism 110. More specifically, it shows a state in which the first cover member 400 rotates in the circumferential direction in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the massage mechanism 110.

[0045] The internal structure of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 (such as the treatment elements 11a and the kneading shafts 20) is the same as that of the massage mechanism 11 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The differences from the massage mechanism 11 are the first cover member and the storage section, which will be described in detail later.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 8, the first cover member 400 of the massage mechanism 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other. More specifically, the first cover member 400 is formed in a cylindrical shape by sewing one end (upper side) and the other end (lower side) of the first cover member 400 together (connecting the ends to each other) so that the first cover member 400 can rotate up and down. Convex portions 40a and concave portions 40b are provided on both the left and right ends of one surface (the inner side in the inward / outward direction) of the first cover member 400. These concave portions (40a, 40b) engage with the concave portions (convex portions 35a, concave portions 35b) of the roller 35, allowing the first cover member 400 to rotate smoothly.

[0047] As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 11, the storage section 300a that stores the first cover member 400 is configured to be approximately U-shaped in a plan view and covers the upper, lower, and rear surfaces of the massage mechanism 110. The storage section 300a has a hollow structure. A movement mechanism 12 for moving the first cover member 400 in a rotational direction in the vertical direction is provided inside the storage section 300a. The movement mechanism 12 is configured with a first cover member movement motor M6, a belt member 36 attached to the rotation shaft of the first cover member movement motor M6, and a plurality of roller members 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, 34D, and 35.

[0048] The plurality of roller members are provided inside the storage section 300a of the massage mechanism 110. The plurality of roller members are composed of roller 35, which is located at the center of the back surface of the massage mechanism 110 and is formed integrally with a rotating shaft to which belt member 36 is attached, rollers 34U and 34D, which are provided at a predetermined distance from roller 35 so as to be vertically symmetrical about roller 35, roller 32U provided above roller 34U and on the upper surface of the storage section 300a, roller 32D provided below roller 34D and on the lower surface of the storage section 300a, roller 33U provided in front of roller 32U and near the entrance to the storage section 300a, and roller 33D provided in front of roller 32D and near the entrance to the storage section 300a.

[0049] The rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, and 33D are provided in pairs. More specifically, the rollers 32U and 32D are configured with rollers of approximately the same diameter and are provided in pairs in the front-to-rear direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 400. The rollers 33U and 33D are configured with rollers of different diameters and are provided in pairs in the up-to-down direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 400. Specifically, the diameter of the roller 33U located on the outer side in the inward-outward direction is smaller than the diameter of the roller 33U located on the inner side in the inward-outward direction. Note that the diameters are merely examples and are not limiting. Any diameter may be used as long as the rollers can rotate the first cover member 400.

[0050] Each of rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, 34D, and 35 may be a simple roller or a pinion. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, by employing a pinion structure (protrusions 35a and recesses 35b) for roller 35, which is formed integrally with a rotation shaft, the recesses and projections (protrusions 35a and recesses 35b) of roller 35 mesh with the recesses and projections (protrusions 40a and recesses 40b) of first cover member 400, allowing first cover member 400 to rotate smoothly. When a simple roller is used as the roller 35, it is preferable not to provide unevenness (protrusions 40a, recesses 40b) on the first cover member 400. Furthermore, although the case where a pinion structure is used for the roller 35 has been described, this is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0051] For example, similar to roller 35, rollers 34U and 34D may also employ a pinion structure, or only one of rollers 34U and 34D may employ a pinion structure. The pinion structure may also be adopted for the other rollers (for example, 32U, 32D, 33U, and 33D).Also, a combination with a simple roller may be adopted, and the roller 35 may adopt the pinion structure, while the other rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, and 34D may be simple rollers.

[0052] When the first cover member moving motor M6 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotation shaft integrated with the roller 35 via the belt member 36 rotates in the forward direction. The forward rotation of the roller 35 also causes the first cover member 400 to start rotating. Then, as the first cover member 400 rotates, the other rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, and 34D also rotate. In other words, the first cover member 400 can be rotated from the upward direction to the downward direction.

[0053] At this time, the paired rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, and 33D rotate in different directions. For example, in the case of roller 32U, when roller 32U located at the front side in the front-to-rear direction rotates counterclockwise, roller 32U located at the rear side in the front-to-rear direction rotates clockwise. This allows the first cover member 400 to be fed out.

[0054] Furthermore, when the first cover member moving motor M6 is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft that is integrated with the roller 35 via the belt member 36 is rotated in the reverse direction. When the roller 35 is rotated in the reverse direction, the first cover member 400 also begins to rotate. Then, in accordance with the rotational movement of the first cover member 400, the other rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, and 34D also rotate. In other words, the first cover member 400 can be rotated from downward to upward.

[0055] Therefore, the first cover member 400 can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the massaging mechanism 110 while changing the contact point between the first cover member 400 and the treatment element 11a.

[0056] Furthermore, the movement of the massage mechanism 110 and the rotational movement of the first cover member 400 may be combined. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the first cover member 400 rotates (reverses) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from top to bottom) in response to the upward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a. Furthermore, the first cover member 400 rotates (forward) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from bottom to top) in response to the downward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a. In this way, the first cover member 400 can rotate in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism 110 while changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a.

[0057] 11(b), the first cover member 400 rotates (reverses) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from top to bottom) in the direction opposite to the downward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a. Also, the first cover member 400 rotates (forward) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from bottom to top) in the direction opposite to the upward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a. In this way, the first cover member 400 can rotate in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism 110 while changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a.

[0058] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic front view and (b) is a schematic view seen from the left. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic rear view and (b) is a schematic plan view. Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view enlarging the rear face of the massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention and the periphery of the first cover member 410. In FIG. 12(a), the first cover member 410 is omitted in order to make the internal structure of the massage mechanism 111 easier to see.

[0059] The internal structure (such as the treatment elements 11a and the kneading shafts 20) of a massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 14 is the same as that of the massage mechanism 11 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The differences from the massage mechanism 11 are the first cover member and the storage section, which will be described in detail later.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first cover member 410 of the massage mechanism 111 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other. More specifically, the first cover member 410 is formed in a cylindrical shape by sewing one end (right side) and the other end (left side) of the first cover member 410 together (connecting the ends to each other) so that the first cover member 410 can rotate left and right (see FIGS. 12(b) and 13(a) and 13(b)). A convex portion 410a and a concave portion 410b are provided at both the top and bottom ends of one surface (the inner side in the inward / outward direction) of the first cover member 410. These concave portions (410a, 410b) engage with the concave portions (convex portion 51Ua, concave portion 51Ub) of the roller 51U, allowing the first cover member 410 to rotate smoothly.

[0061] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the storage section 310a that stores the first cover member 410 is configured to be approximately U-shaped in a plan view and covers the back and side surfaces of the massage mechanism 111. The storage section 310a has a hollow structure. A movement mechanism 12 for moving the first cover member 410 in a rotational direction in the left-right direction is provided inside the storage section 310a. The movement mechanism 12 is configured with a first cover member moving motor M7, a belt member 53 attached to the rotation shaft of the first cover member moving motor M7, and a plurality of roller members 51U, 51D, and 52U.

[0062] The multiple roller members are composed of rollers 51U and 51D attached to both ends of rotating shaft 50S, which is located at the center of the back of massage mechanism 111 and has belt member 53 attached to it; rollers 51U and 51D attached to both ends of rotating shafts 50L and 50R, which are located on the left and right sides of the back of massage mechanism 111; and rollers 52U attached to both ends of a rotating shaft (not shown) located on the left and right sides of the front of massage mechanism 111.

[0063] 12 to 14, by employing a pinion structure (protrusions 51Ua, recesses 51Ub) for rollers 51U attached to both ends of rotation shaft 50S, the recesses and projections (protrusions 51Ua, recesses 51Ub) of rollers 51U mesh with the recesses and projections (protrusions 410a, recesses 410b) of first cover member 410, allowing first cover member 410 to rotate smoothly. When simple rollers are used for the rollers 51U and 51D, it is preferable not to provide unevenness (protrusions 410a and recesses 410b) on the first cover member 410. Furthermore, although a case where a pinion structure is used for the roller 51U attached to the rotation shaft 50S has been described, this is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0064] For example, similar to roller 51U, roller 51D may also employ a pinion structure, or only one of roller 51U and roller 51D may employ a pinion structure. A pinion structure may be employed for rollers 51U, 51D attached to both ends of rotating shafts 50L, 50R, respectively, or a pinion structure may be employed for rollers 52U attached to both ends of rotating shafts (not shown) located on the left and right sides of the front surface. Alternatively, a combination with a simple roller may be employed, and rollers 51U attached to both ends of rotating shaft 50S may employ a pinion structure, while the other rollers 51U, 51D, 52U may be simple rollers.

[0065] When the first cover member moving motor M7 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotating shaft 50S is rotated in the forward direction via the belt member 53. Because rollers 51U and 51D are attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 50S, the rollers 51U and 51D also rotate in the forward direction. When the rollers 51U and 51D rotate in the forward direction, the first cover member 410 also begins to rotate. Then, as the first cover member 410 rotates, the rotating shafts 50L, 50R and the rotating shaft 52U also rotate in the forward direction. In other words, when viewing the massage mechanism 111 from the front, the first cover member 410 can be rotated from left to right.

[0066] Furthermore, when the first cover member moving motor M7 is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft 50S is rotated in the reverse direction via the belt member 53. Because rollers 51U and 51D are attached to both ends of the rotation shaft 50S, the rollers 51U and 51D also rotate in the reverse direction. When the rollers 51U and 51D rotate in the reverse direction, the first cover member 410 also begins to rotate. Then, in accordance with the rotational movement of the first cover member 410, the rotation shafts 50L and 50R and the rotation shaft 52U also rotate in the reverse direction. In other words, when viewing the massage mechanism 111 from the front, the first cover member 410 can be rotated from right to left.

[0067] Therefore, the first cover member 410 can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the massaging mechanism 111 while changing the contact point between the first cover member 410 and the treatment head 11a. [Industrial Applicability]

[0068] The present invention can be applied to massage machines equipped with a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment heads. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] Control unit 10 Massage mechanism 11 Treatment child 11a Moving mechanism 12 First cover member 40 Second cover member 41

Claims

1. a massage mechanism for treating a user; A control unit that controls the driving of the massage mechanism, The massage mechanism includes: With a therapist, a moving mechanism that moves the massage mechanism along the treatment area of ​​the user; a first cover member, the first cover member is attached to the massaging mechanism so as to cover at least the front surface of the treatment head; The massage mechanism is configured to provide treatment to a user via a second cover member attached to the massage machine and the first cover member.

2. The control unit further controls the driving of the movement mechanism, 2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the massage mechanism is driven to provide a massage to the user, and the moving mechanism is driven to move the massage mechanism along the area of ​​the user to be treated.

3. the massage mechanism has a storage portion that stores the first cover member, The storage section has a first storage section located on one side and a second storage section located on the other side, The first cover member is one end of the first storage section and the other end of the second storage section, The massage machine of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment head is changed by moving in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism, such that the first cover member is extended from the first storage section and stored in the second storage section, or extended from the second storage section and stored in the first storage section.

4. The first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment head is changed by rotating around the circumference of the cylindrical shape along the movement direction of the massage mechanism in response to the movement of the massage mechanism.

5. The first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other, 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the massage mechanism is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the massage mechanism.

6. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the second cover member is stretchable.

7. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are made of different materials.

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