Chair type massage machine

Abstract

To provide a chair type massage machine that allows a person to be treated to easily stand up even if the person to be treated does not intentionally move the center of gravity forward.SOLUTION: A chair type massage machine 101 and 102 includes a first backrest mode, a second backrest mode, and at least one of a first seat portion operation mode and a second seat portion operation mode. In the first backrest mode, the upper portion of a backrest portion 300 is located on the front side with respect to the lower portion of the backrest portion 300, and a seat portion 200 and the backrest portion 300 form an acute angle with a person to be treated in between when viewed from the right-left direction. In the second backrest mode, the upper portion of the backrest portion 300 is located on the rear side with respect to the lower portion of the backrest portion 300. In the first seat portion operation mode, the seat portion 200 moves forward. In the second seat portion operation mode, the rear end portion of the seat portion 300 rotates upward relative to the front end portion. When the treatment is finished, the seat portion operation mode is executed before or after the transition from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a chair-type massage machine that can assist the user in standing up by inflating an air cell provided at the rear of the seat to tilt the seat surface forward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-135807 A (paragraph 0035) [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-96671 A (paragraph 0050) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the chair-type massage machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the user keeps his / her weight on the backrest, the user's buttocks are simply lifted, and the user is not able to stand up easily. In other words, in the chair-type massage machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user is not able to stand up easily unless the user intentionally moves his / her center of gravity forward.

[0005] Furthermore, some chair-type massage machines that have a reclining function for the backrest are capable of performing a stretching action that arches the back of the person being massaged (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] Back stretching involves not only stretching the back in a direction that arches the back, but also stretching in a direction that bends forward. However, conventional chair-type massage machines were unable to stretch the back of the user in a direction that bends forward.

[0007] Furthermore, when using a chair-type massage machine to stretch the user's back in a forward bending direction, the user is seated, so care must be taken to ensure that the user's lower back does not become cramped.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, a first object of the present invention is to provide a chair-type massage machine that allows a user to easily stand up without intentionally moving the center of gravity forward.

[0009] In view of the above situation, the second object of the present invention is to provide a chair-type massage machine that can stretch the user's back in a forward bending direction without causing any discomfort to the user's lower back. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A chair-type massage machine according to one aspect of the present specification includes a seat, a backrest, a first backrest mode, a second backrest mode, and at least one of the first and second seat operation modes. In the first backrest mode, the upper part of the backrest is positioned forward of the lower part of the backrest, and the seat and the backrest form an acute angle with the user sandwiched between them when viewed from the left and right. In the second backrest mode, the upper part of the backrest is positioned rearward of the lower part of the backrest. In the first seat operation mode, the seat moves forward. In the second seat operation mode, the rear end of the seat rotates upward relative to the front end. When treatment is completed, the seat operation mode is executed before or after transition from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the chair-type massage machine of one aspect disclosed in the present specification, the user can easily stand up without intentionally moving the center of gravity forward.

[0012] And / or, according to one aspect of the chair-type massage machine disclosed in this specification, it is possible to stretch the user's back in a forward bending direction without causing any discomfort to the user's lower back. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a chair-type massage machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the second control mode is being executed. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the second control mode is being executed. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the second control mode is being executed. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the seat portion is not moved forward. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the seat is moving forward. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the rear end of the seat has not yet moved above the front end of the seat. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the rear end of the seat is moved higher than the front end of the seat. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment when the rear end of the seat is moved higher than the front end of the seat. [Figure 13] Schematic perspective view of a chair-type massage machine according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is not being executed. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is not being executed. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is not being executed. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a main part of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the first control mode is being executed. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the second control mode is being executed. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a frame and the like of the chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment when the third control mode is being executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair-type massage machine 101 (hereinafter referred to as chair-type massage machine 101) according to a first embodiment. In the following description of the first embodiment, the front side (front side) as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 101 with their back and waist aligned vertically is referred to as the "front side," and the rear side (back side) as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 101 with their back and waist aligned vertically is referred to as the "rear side." Furthermore, the foot side as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 101 with their back and waist aligned vertically is referred to as the "lower side" or "below," and the opposite sides of the "lower side" and "below" in the vertical direction are referred to as the "upper side" and "upper," respectively. Furthermore, the right side as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 101 is referred to as the "right side," and the left side as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 101 is referred to as the "left side."

[0016] The chair-type massage machine 101 includes a seat 200, a backrest 300, a base 400, an arm treatment section 500, an operating section 600, a cord 700, a stand 800, and an ottoman 900.

[0017] The seat 200 supports the buttocks and thighs of the user. The base frame F1 (see FIG. 2) is located below the seat 200.

[0018] The backrest 300 supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the user. The backrest 300 is reclining. The backrest 300 is rotatably attached to a base frame (not shown in FIG. 1). The backrest 300 incorporates guide rails 300B and 300C that extend along a surface 300A that contacts the user's shoulders and waist. The back massage unit MU1 moves up and down within the backrest 300, guided by the guide rails 300B and 300C. In other words, the chair-type massage machine 101 includes the back massage unit MU1 incorporated in the backrest 300. The back massage unit MU1 includes back massage applicators, a kneading drive mechanism for causing the back massage applicators to perform a kneading action, and a tapping drive mechanism for causing the back massage applicators to perform a tapping action (all not shown). The back massage unit MU1 also includes an elevation motor (not shown) for raising and lowering the back massage unit MU1.

[0019] The base portions 400 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 200 and below the seat portion 200 in an upright position.

[0020] The arm treatment units 500 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat unit 200 and stand upright above the seat unit 200. The arm treatment units 500 contain inflatable and deflated airbags. The arms of the user are massaged by the inflation and deflation of these airbags. In addition to the arm treatment units 500, inflatable and deflated airbags are also provided in the backrest unit 300, the base unit 400, and the ottoman 900. Each airbag massages a different part of the user.

[0021] The operation unit 600 is an input device that allows the user to select a treatment pattern, adjust the strength of the treatment, etc. The operation unit 600 is connected to the control unit CNT1 provided below the seat 200 via a code 700. The control unit CNT1 controls each part of the chair-type massage machine 101 based on the signal output from the operation unit 600.

[0022] The stand 800 is fixed to the arm treatment unit 500 provided on the left side of the seat 200. The operation unit 600 is detachable from the stand 800 .

[0023] The ottoman 900 accommodates the lower legs of the user. The ottoman 900 is rotatably attached to a base frame (not shown in FIG. 1). The ottoman 900 is located in front of the base frame (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0024] The chair-type massage machine 101 can execute a first control mode and a second control mode, as will be described in detail later.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 101 when the second control mode is being executed. Fig. 3 is a side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 101 when the second control mode is being executed. Fig. 4 is a see-through side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 101 when the second control mode is being executed.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 101 when the first control mode is being executed. Fig. 6 is a side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 101 when the first control mode is being executed. Fig. 7 is a see-through side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 101 when the first control mode is being executed.

[0027] 2 to 7, the ottoman 900 and the like are omitted from the illustration.

[0028] The chair-type massage machine 101 includes a base frame F1, an actuator 1 that drives a backrest portion 300, and a control portion CNT1 (not shown in FIGS. 2 to 12).

[0029] The control unit CNT1 has a first control mode in which it controls the actuator 1 so that the upper part of the backrest 300 is positioned further forward than the lower part of the backrest 300. The upper part of the backrest 300 is the part of the backrest 300 that comes into contact with the shoulders and back of the person being treated, and the lower part of the backrest 300 is the part of the backrest 300 that comes into contact with the waist of the person being treated. The control unit CNT1 also has a second control mode in which it controls the actuator 1 so that the upper part of the backrest 300 is positioned further behind the lower part of the backrest 300.

[0030] The backrest 300 is attached to the base frame F1 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis AX1 extending in the left-right direction. An actuator 1 is attached to the lower end of the backrest 300. More specifically, the tip of a rod 1A of the actuator 1 is attached to the lower end of the backrest 300 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The actuator 1 can adjust the amount of protrusion of the rod 1A. The smaller the amount of protrusion of the rod 1A, the more the backrest 300 leans backward. The amount of protrusion of the rod 1A can be said to be the drive amount of the actuator 1. In the first control mode and the second control mode, the positional relationship between the upper and lower parts of the backrest 300 is determined by the drive amount of the actuator 1. In other words, in the first control mode and the second control mode, when viewed from the left and right, the angle formed by the upper part of the backrest portion 300 and the vertical direction and the angle formed by the lower part of the backrest portion 300 and the vertical direction are each determined by the drive amount of the actuator 1.

[0031] When the control unit CNT1 executes the first control mode, the upper part of the backrest 300 is positioned further forward than the lower part of the backrest 300, so that the center of gravity of the user naturally moves forward. This makes it easier for the user to stand up, even if the user does not intentionally move their center of gravity forward.

[0032] When the control unit CNT1 is executing the first control mode, the control unit CNT1 may protrude the back massage applicators of the back massage unit MU1 to move the center of gravity of the user further forward. This makes it easier for the user to stand up. Note that the back massage applicators of the back massage unit MU1 do not protrude when they are furthest rearward from the surface 300A that contacts the user's shoulders and waist. In other words, if the back massage applicators of the back massage unit MU1 are not furthest from the surface 300A that contacts the user's shoulders and waist, they are protruding.

[0033] Regarding the transition from the second control mode to the first control mode, for example, the transition from the second control mode to the first control mode may be automatic upon completion of a programmed series of treatment courses, or may be transition from the second control mode to the first control mode upon a predetermined operation of the operation unit 600. Furthermore, it is desirable to return from the first control mode to the second control mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition from the second control mode to the first control mode. This allows the user to sit in a natural posture the next time they sit on the chair-type massage machine 101. Furthermore, the chair-type massage machine 101 may be provided with a sensor that can detect whether the user has stood up from the chair-type massage machine 101, and when the sensor detects that the user has stood up from the chair-type massage machine 101, the chair-type massage machine 101 may be configured to return from the first control mode to the second control mode. Examples of the sensor include a contact sensor provided on the seat surface of the seat 200.

[0034] Alternatively, the seat 200 may be configured to move forward immediately before or after the transition from the second control mode to the first control mode. This allows the user to stand up more easily. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a forward / backward sliding frame F2 fixed to the lower part of the seat 200 may be provided on a base frame F1, and an actuator ACT1 for driving the forward / backward sliding frame F2 may be provided on the base frame F1. The actuator ACT1 may include, for example, a ball screw shaft ACT1A extending along the forward / backward direction, a motor ACT1B for rotating the ball screw shaft ACT1A, and a pedestal ACT1C that moves forward / backward as the ball screw shaft ACT1A rotates. The pedestal ACT1C is fixed to the forward / backward sliding frame F2. The seat 200 can be moved forward by rotating the ball screw shaft ACT1A of the actuator ACT1 to move the forward / backward sliding frame F2 fixed to the pedestal ACT1C from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 9.

[0035] Also, immediately before or after the transition from the second control mode to the first control mode, the rear end of the seat 200 may be moved above the front end of the seat 200. This makes it easier for the user to stand up. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a forward / backward sliding frame F2 may be provided on a base frame F1, a tilting frame F3 fixed to the lower part of the seat 200 may be provided on the forward / backward sliding frame F2, and an actuator ACT1 for driving the forward / backward sliding frame F2 and an actuator ACT2 for driving the tilting frame F3 may be provided. By extending the rod ACT2A of the actuator ACT2 to move the tilting frame F3 from the position shown in FIG. 10 to the position shown in FIG. 11, the rear end of the seat 200 can be moved above the front end of the seat 200. Furthermore, the seat 200 can be moved forward by moving the forward / backward sliding frame F2. The lower end of the actuator ACT2 is attached to the base frame F1 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and the tip of the rod ACT2A of the actuator ACT2 is attached to the tilting frame F3 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction. Also, although the seat section 200 cannot be moved forward, for example, the front-rear sliding frame F2 may be removed and the tilting frame F3 may be rotatably attached to the base frame F1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 12, an airbag AB1 may be provided instead of the actuator ACT2. The airbag AB1 is fixed onto the rear end of the front-rear sliding frame F2. When the airbag AB1 inflates, the rear end of the seat portion 200 can be moved above the front end of the seat portion 200, as shown in Figure 12.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the chair-type massage machine 101 is configured to include the back massage unit MU1, but one aspect of the present invention can also be applied to chair-type massage machines that do not include a massage unit. Examples of chair-type massage machines that do not include a massage unit include chair-type massage machines that perform massage by only inflating and deflating airbags.

[0038] One aspect of the present invention is also applicable to a chair-type massage machine in which the backrest can be reclined while the angle between the seat and the backrest remains fixed.

[0039] Second Embodiment 13 is a front perspective view of a chair-type massage machine 102 according to a second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the chair-type massage machine 102). In the following description of the second embodiment, the front side (front side) as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 102 with their back and waist aligned vertically is referred to as the "front side," and the rear side (back side) as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 102 with their back and waist aligned vertically is referred to as the "rear side." Furthermore, the foot side as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 102 with their back and waist aligned vertically is referred to as the "lower side" or "below," and the opposite sides of the "lower side" and "below" in the vertical direction are referred to as the "upper side" and "upper," respectively. Furthermore, the right side as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 102 is referred to as the "right side," and the left side as seen from a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 102 is referred to as the "left side."

[0040] The chair-type massage machine 102 includes a seat 200, a backrest 300, a base 400, an arm treatment section 500, an operating section 600, a cord 700, a stand 800, and an ottoman 900.

[0041] The seat 200 supports the buttocks and thighs of the user. A base frame (not shown in FIG. 13) is located below the seat 200.

[0042] The backrest 300 supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the user. The backrest 300 is reclining. More specifically, a reclining member (not shown in FIG. 13) is attached to a base frame (not shown in FIG. 13) so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis extending along the left-right direction, and a longitudinal intermediate portion of the backrest 300 is attached to the reclining member (not shown in FIG. 13) so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis, which also extends along the left-right direction. The backrest 300 has an upper backrest portion above the second rotation axis and a lower backrest portion below the second rotation axis. The backrest 300 incorporates guide rails 300B and 300C that extend along a surface 300A that contacts the user's shoulders and waist. The back massage unit MU1 is guided by guide rails 300B and 300C and moves up and down within the backrest section 300. In other words, the chair-type massage machine 102 includes the back massage unit MU1 built into the backrest section 300. The back massage unit includes back treatment elements, a kneading drive mechanism that causes the back treatment elements to perform a kneading action, and a tapping drive mechanism that causes the back treatment elements to perform a tapping action. The back massage unit also includes an elevation motor that raises and lowers the back massage unit.

[0043] The "longitudinal direction" in "longitudinal intermediate portion" refers to the definition of the longitudinal direction, either the short-side direction or the long-side direction of the backrest portion 300, and the "longitudinal intermediate portion" is a concept excluding the upper end portion and the lower end portion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, even if the backrest portion 300 is bent on the paper surface of Figures 15 and 16, for example, it is not intended to define the longitudinal intermediate portion only for the upper side of the bent portion, or to define the longitudinal intermediate portion only for the lower side of the bent portion.

[0044] The base portions 400 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 200 and below the seat portion 200 in an upright position.

[0045] The arm treatment units 500 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat unit 200 and stand upright above the seat unit 200. The arm treatment units 500 contain inflatable and deflated airbags. The arms of the user are massaged by the inflation and deflation of these airbags. In addition to the arm treatment units 500, inflatable and deflated airbags are also provided in the backrest unit 300, the base unit 400, and the ottoman 900. Each airbag massages a different part of the user.

[0046] The operation unit 600 is an input device that allows the user to select a treatment pattern and adjust the intensity of the treatment. The operation unit 600 is connected to a control unit CNT1 provided below the seat 200 via a code 700. The control unit CNT1 controls each part of the chair-type massage machine 102 based on signals output from the operation unit 600. The control unit CNT1 is located below the seat 200. In other words, the chair-type massage machine 102 is equipped with the control unit CNT1.

[0047] The stand 800 is fixed to the arm treatment unit 500 provided on the left side of the seat 200. The operation unit 600 is detachable from the stand 800.

[0048] The ottoman 900 has accommodation grooves 900A that accommodate the lower legs of the user. The ottoman 900 is rotatably attached to a base frame (not shown in FIG. 13). More specifically, the ottoman 900 is attached to the base frame (not shown in FIG. 13) so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis that extends along the left-right direction. The ottoman 900 is located in front of the base frame (not shown in FIG. 13).

[0049] As will be described in detail later, the chair-type massage machine 102 can execute a first control mode, a second control mode, and a third control mode.

[0050] Fig. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is not being executed. Fig. 15 is a side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is not being executed. Fig. 16 is a see-through side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is not being executed. In Fig. 16, the reclining member R1 is depicted by a thick solid line to make the shape of the reclining member R1 easier to understand.

[0051] Fig. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is being executed. Fig. 18 is a side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is being executed. Fig. 19 is a see-through side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is being executed. In Fig. 19, the reclining member R1 is drawn with a thick solid line to make the shape of the reclining member R1 easier to understand.

[0052] 14 to 20, the ottoman 900 and the like are omitted from the illustration.

[0053] The chair-type massage machine 102 includes a base frame F1, an ottoman frame F4, a reclining member R1, a first actuator 2 that drives the reclining member R1, a second actuator 3 that drives the backrest portion 300, and a control unit CNT1 (not shown in Figures 14 to 22).

[0054] The control unit CNT1 has a first control mode in which the first actuator 2 and the second actuator 3 are controlled so that the upper part of the backrest is positioned further forward than the lower part of the backrest.

[0055] The reclining member R1 is attached to the base frame F1 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis AX1 extending along the left-right direction. The reclining member R1 is generally arc-shaped in a side view, and an intermediate portion of the arc is attached to the base frame F1 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis AX1. In this embodiment, the chair-type massage machine 102 includes two reclining members R1. The lower end of the reclining member R1 is connected to the first actuator 2 via a connecting member L1. More specifically, the connecting member L1 is fixed to the lower end of the reclining member R1, and the tip of the rod 2A of the first actuator 2 is attached to the connecting member L1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 20, the connecting member L1 is a member extending in the left-right direction and is rod-shaped in this embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing the main parts of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the first control mode is being executed. In FIG. 20, the seat 200, the back massage unit MC1, the control unit CNT1, the ottoman 900, etc. are omitted. The left end of the connecting member L1 is fixed to the lower end of one reclining member R1 provided on the left side of the chair-type massage machine 102. The right end of the connecting member L1 is fixed to the lower end of the other reclining member R1 provided on the right side of the chair-type massage machine 102. The tip of the rod 2A of the first actuator 2 is attached to the center of the connecting member L1 in the left-right direction so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The first actuator 2 can adjust the protrusion amount of the rod 2A. The smaller the protrusion amount of the rod 2A, the more the reclining member R1 tilts backward.

[0056] The longitudinal intermediate portion 300D of the backrest portion 300 is attached to the reclining member R1 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis AX2 extending along the left-right direction. More specifically, the longitudinal intermediate portion 300D of the backrest portion 300 is attached to the upper end of the reclining member R1 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis AX2 extending along the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the backrest portion 300 includes two longitudinal intermediate portions 300D. One longitudinal intermediate portion 300D provided on the left side of the chair-type massage machine 102 is attached to the upper end of one reclining member R1 provided on the left side of the chair-type massage machine 102 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis AX2 extending along the left-right direction. The other longitudinal intermediate portion 300D provided on the right side of the chair-type massage machine 102 is attached to the upper end of the other reclining member R1 provided on the right side of the chair-type massage machine 102 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis AX2 extending along the left-right direction. A second actuator 3 is attached to the lower end of the backrest portion 300. More specifically, the tip end of a rod 3A of the second actuator 3 is attached to the lower end of the backrest portion 300 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the left-right direction. The second actuator 3 can slide the rod 3A in the front-rear direction. The more the rod 3A slides rearward, the further forward the upper end of the backrest portion 300 is positioned.

[0057] When the control unit CNT1 executes the first control mode, the upper part of the backrest is positioned forward of the lower part of the backrest, so that the chair-type massage machine 102 can stretch the user's back in a direction that bends forward. Also, because the longitudinal middle part 300D of the backrest 300 is attached to the reclining member R1 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis AX2, the lower part of the backrest 300 is separated from the user's lower back when the first control mode is executed. This allows the chair-type massage machine 102 to stretch the user's back in a direction that bends forward without causing discomfort to the user's lower back.

[0058] In this embodiment, the reclining member R1 is provided on the lower backrest side of the upper backrest or lower backrest, and the first rotation axis AX1 is located below the second rotation axis AX2. This configuration allows the upper backrest to be positioned further forward than the lower backrest with a small torque. In other words, this configuration allows the upper backrest to be positioned further forward than the lower backrest efficiently.

[0059] In this embodiment, in the first control mode, when viewed from the left and right, the space formed by the rear part of the seat 200, the line connecting the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2, and the upper part of the backrest can accommodate the user's lower back. With this configuration, when stretching the user's back in a forward bending direction, the user's lower back is not compressed, and the treatment can be performed comfortably.

[0060] In the first control mode, the angle θ between the upper backrest and the seat 200 is preferably 30 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees. If the angle θ between the upper backrest and the seat 200 is less than 30 degrees, the stretching in the forward bending direction may be excessive relative to the user's back. In the first control mode, the angle θ between the upper backrest and the seat 200 is more preferably 45 degrees or more and 70 degrees or less. If the angle θ between the upper backrest and the seat 200 is less than 45 degrees, the stretching in the forward bending direction may be excessive relative to the user's stiff back, such as the elderly. Furthermore, if the angle θ between the upper backrest and the seat 200 is greater than 70 degrees, the stretching effect in the forward bending direction may be small relative to the user's back.

[0061] When the control unit CNT1 executes the first control mode, the upper part of the backrest presses the back of the user diagonally downward and forward, causing the chair-type massage machine 102 to stretch the user's back in a forward bending direction.

[0062] When the control unit CNT1 is executing the first control mode, the control unit CNT1 may assist in pushing the back massage element of the back massage unit MU1 toward the user's back diagonally downward and forward.

[0063] Furthermore, when the control unit CNT1 is executing the first control mode, it is desirable that the back massage unit MU1 be located at the upper part of the backrest, because if the back massage unit MU1 is located at the lower part of the backrest while the control unit CNT1 is executing the first control mode, the back massage unit MU1 will not act on the user and will be wasted.

[0064] Fig. 21 is a side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the second control mode is being executed. Fig. 22 is a side view schematically showing the frame etc. of the chair-type massage machine 102 when the third control mode is being executed.

[0065] 21 and 22, the reclining member R1, the backrest portion 300, etc. are not shown.

[0066] The chair-type massage machine 102 includes a third actuator 4 that drives the ottoman 900 .

[0067] The ottoman 900 is attached to the base frame F1 so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis AX3 extending in the left-right direction. More specifically, the ottoman frame F4 built into the ottoman 900 is attached to the front upper end of the base frame F1 so as to be rotatable about the third rotation axis AX3. The tip of the rod 4A of the third actuator 4 is attached to the ottoman frame F4 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The third actuator 4 can adjust the amount of protrusion of the rod 4A. The greater the amount of protrusion of the rod 4A, the further forward the longitudinal direction of the storage groove 900A of the ottoman 900 is positioned relative to the vertical direction.

[0068] The first control mode includes a second control mode in which the first actuator 2, the second actuator 3, and the third actuator 4 are controlled so that the upper part of the backrest is positioned forward of the lower part of the backrest and the longitudinal direction DR1 of the accommodation groove 900A of the ottoman 900 is aligned vertically. By using the second control mode, the chair-type massage machine 102 can make the lower legs of the user comfortable when stretching the user's back in a forward bending direction.

[0069] The first control mode also includes a third control mode in which the first actuator 2, the second actuator 3, and the third actuator 4 are controlled so that the upper part of the backrest is positioned forward of the lower part of the backrest and the ottoman 900 is rotated about the third rotation axis AX3 as a fulcrum so that the longitudinal direction DR1 of the accommodation groove 900A of the ottoman 900 is tilted forward from the vertical direction. The third control mode enables the chair-type massage machine 102 to strengthen the stretch when stretching the back of the user in a forward bending direction.

[0070] In the above second embodiment, for example, an angle adjustment mechanism that can adjust the angle of the seat surface of the seat portion 200 relative to the base frame F1 may be provided in the chair-type massage machine 102, and the angle of the seat surface of the seat portion 200 relative to the base frame F1 may be changed in the first control mode compared to when in a mode other than the first control mode.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the chair-type massage machine 102 is configured to include the back massage unit MU1, but other aspects of the present invention can also be applied to chair-type massage machines that do not include a massage unit. An example of a chair-type massage machine that does not include a massage unit is a chair-type massage machine that performs massage by only inflating and deflating an airbag.

[0072] In the second embodiment described above, there are two reclining members R1, but there may be one reclining member R1 or three or more reclining members R1. When there is one reclining member R1, for example, the reclining member R1 may be positioned in the center in the left-right direction. When there are three or more reclining members R1, for example, the reclining members R1 may be positioned with a gap between them in the left-right direction. When there is one reclining member R1, the structure is simple, allowing for cost reduction. On the other hand, when there are multiple reclining members R1, stress can be distributed to each reclining member R1, allowing for the reclining member R1 to be made smaller.

[0073] <Points to note> The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the above-described embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0074] The chair-type massage machine of one aspect disclosed in this specification as described above comprises a seat, a backrest, a first backrest mode in which the upper part of the backrest is located forward of the lower part of the backrest and the seat and the backrest form an acute angle with the person being treated sandwiched between them when viewed from the left and right, a second backrest mode in which the upper part of the backrest is located rearward of the lower part of the backrest, and at least one of the following seat operation modes: a first seat operation mode in which the seat moves forward, and a second seat operation mode in which the rear end of the seat rotates upward above the front end, and is configured so that when treatment is completed, the seat operation mode is executed before or after transition from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode (configuration 1a).

[0075] The chair-type massage machine having the above-mentioned configuration 1a may be configured (configuration 2a) to transition from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode after the first seat operation mode is executed.

[0076] In the chair-type massage machine of the above-mentioned 2a configuration, after transitioning from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode, it may be configured to transition from the second seat operation mode to the first backrest mode (3a configuration).

[0077] The chair-type massage machine having the above-mentioned configuration 1a may be configured (configuration 4a) such that after the second seat operation mode is executed, the second backrest mode is shifted to the first backrest mode.

[0078] The chair-type massage machine of the above-mentioned configuration 4a may be configured (configuration 5a) such that the first seat operation mode is executed after the second backrest mode has been shifted to the first backrest mode.

[0079] In the chair-type massage machine of the above-mentioned 1a configuration, after the first seat operation mode and the second seat operation mode are executed, the machine may be configured to transition from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode (configuration 6a).

[0080] In a chair-type massage machine of any of the configurations 1a to 6a above, the massage machine may further include a base frame located below the seat, and a reclining member attached to the base frame so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis extending along the left-right direction, wherein the longitudinal middle portion of the backrest is attached to the reclining member so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis extending along the left-right direction, and in the first backrest mode, the backrest rotates around the second rotation axis (configuration 7a).

[0081] In the chair-type massage machine of the seventh a configuration, the second rotation shaft may be located above the first rotation shaft (an eighth a configuration).

[0082] In the chair-type massage machine having any of the configurations 1a to 8a above, the acute angle formed by the seat portion and the backrest portion may be configured to be equal to or greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees (configuration 9a).

[0083] Furthermore, the chair-type massage machine of another aspect disclosed in this specification as described above comprises a seat portion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated, a backrest portion that supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the person being treated, an actuator that drives the backrest portion, and a control unit, and the control unit is configured (first configuration) to have a first control mode that controls the actuator so that the upper part of the backrest portion is positioned forward of the lower part of the backrest portion.

[0084] In the chair-type massage machine of the above-mentioned first configuration, the control unit may have a second control mode that controls the actuator so that the upper part of the backrest is positioned further back than the lower part of the backrest, and the seat may be configured to move forward immediately before or after transitioning from the second control mode to the first control mode (second configuration).

[0085] In the chair-type massage machine of the first or second configuration, the rear end of the seat may be configured (third configuration) to move higher than the front end of the seat just before or just after transitioning from the second control mode to the first control mode.

[0086] In a chair-type massage machine of any of the above first to third configurations, the massage machine may further include a massage unit built into the backrest portion, the massage unit having treatment elements, and the massage unit may be configured to protrude the treatment elements when the control unit is executing the first control mode (fourth configuration).

[0087] Alternatively, the chair-type massage machine according to another aspect disclosed in the present specification as described above includes a seat portion supporting the buttocks and thighs of a user, a base frame positioned below the seat portion, a reclining member, a backrest portion supporting the shoulders, waist, and back of the user, a first actuator for driving the reclining member, a second actuator for driving the backrest portion, and a control unit, wherein the reclining member is attached to the base frame so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis extending along the left-right direction, and a longitudinal intermediate portion of the backrest portion is attached to a position different from the first rotation axis extending along the left-right direction. The backrest is attached to the reclining member so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis, and the backrest has an upper backrest portion above the second rotation axis and a lower backrest portion below the second rotation axis, and the control unit has a first control mode that controls the first actuator and the second actuator so that the upper backrest portion is positioned forward of the lower backrest portion (fifth configuration).

[0088] In the chair-type massage machine of the fifth configuration, the reclining member may be provided on the lower backrest side of the upper backrest or the lower backrest, and the first rotation axis may be positioned lower than the second rotation axis (sixth configuration).

[0089] In the chair-type massage machine of the fifth or sixth configuration above, in the first control mode, when viewed from the left and right, the space formed by the rear part of the seat, the line connecting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and the upper part of the backrest may be configured to be able to accommodate the waist of the person being treated (seventh configuration).

[0090] The chair-type massage machine of any one of the fifth to seventh configurations may be configured (eighth configuration) such that in the first control mode, the angle θ formed between the upper part of the backrest and the seat is equal to or greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0091] In a chair-type massage machine of any of the above fifth to eighth configurations, the massage machine may further include an ottoman having a storage groove for storing the lower legs of the user, and a third actuator for driving the ottoman, wherein the ottoman is attached to the base frame so as to be rotatable around a third rotation axis extending along the left-right direction, and the first control mode may include a second control mode (ninth configuration) that controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator so that the upper part of the backrest is positioned further forward and to the side than the lower part of the backrest and the longitudinal direction of the storage groove is aligned vertically.

[0092] In the chair-type massage machine of the ninth configuration, the first control mode may be configured (tenth configuration) to include a third control mode in which the upper part of the backrest is positioned forward of the lower part of the backrest and the ottoman is rotated around the third rotation axis as a fulcrum, thereby controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator so that the longitudinal direction of the storage groove is tilted forward from the vertical direction.

[0093] In the chair-type massage machine of any of the fifth to tenth configurations above, the massage machine may further include a massage unit built into the backrest portion, and when the control unit is executing the first control mode, the massage unit may be configured to be located above the backrest portion (eleventh configuration). [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, ACT1, ACT2 actuator 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, ACT2A Rod 2. First Actuator 3 Second Actuator 4. Third Actuator 101 Chair-type massage machine according to the first embodiment 102 Chair-type massage machine according to the second embodiment 200 seat 300 Backrest 300A Surface that comes into contact with the shoulders and waist of the patient 300B, 300C guide rail 300D longitudinal middle section 400 Base 500 Arm Treatment Section 600 Control unit 700 cord line 800 Stand 900 Ottoman 900A Receiving Groove AB1 airbag ACT1A ball screw shaft ACT1B motor ACT1C base AX1 First rotation axis AX2 Second rotation axis AX3 3rd rotation axis CNT1 control unit F1 base frame F2 Front and rear slide frame F3 tilt frame F4 Ottoman Frame MU1 Back Massage Unit L1 connecting member R1 Reclining member

Claims

1. A seat and A backrest portion, A first backrest mode in which the upper part of the backrest is located forward of the lower part of the backrest, and the seat and the backrest form an acute angle with the user sandwiched between them when viewed from the left and right direction; a second backrest mode in which an upper portion of the backrest portion is positioned rearward of a lower portion of the backrest portion; At least one of a first seat operation mode in which the seat moves forward and a second seat operation mode in which the rear end of the seat rotates upward relative to the front end; Equipped with When the treatment is completed, the seat operation mode is executed before or after the transition from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode.

2. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein the massage mode is shifted from the second backrest mode to the second backrest mode after the first seat operating mode is executed.

3. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 2 , wherein the second seat operation mode is executed after the second backrest mode is shifted to the first backrest mode.

4. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second backrest mode is shifted to the first backrest mode after the second seat operating mode is executed.

5. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the first seat operating mode is executed after the second backrest mode is shifted to the first backrest mode.

6. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein the massage mode is shifted from the second backrest mode to the first backrest mode after the first seat operating mode and the second seat operating mode have been executed.

7. a base frame located below the seat; a reclining member attached to the base frame so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis extending along the left-right direction; Furthermore, a longitudinal intermediate portion of the backrest portion attached to the reclining member so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis that extends along the left-right direction and is different from the first rotation axis; The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein in the first backrest mode, the backrest portion rotates about the second rotation axis.

8. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 7 , wherein the second rotation axis is positioned higher than the first rotation axis.

9. 9. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle formed between the seat portion and the backrest portion is equal to or greater than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

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