Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine capable of performing treatment with a high degree of freedom.SOLUTION: A massage machine includes a first treatment unit 2a having a first treatment part 3a, which can move in a height direction of a treated person and a second treatment unit 2b having a second treatment part 3b, which can move in a height direction of the treated person. The first treatment part 3a is disposed inside the second treatment part 3b in a widthwise direction, A moving range of the first treatment unit 2a in the height direction and a moving range of the second treatment unit 2b in the height direction overlap each other such that the first treatment part 3a and the second treatment part 3b are at least arranged side by side in the widthwise direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are massage machines that are equipped with multiple massage units each having a massage element (such as a kneading ball). For example, the massage machine described in Patent Document 1 has two mechanical units, one above the other, arranged in the direction of the user's height. Each mechanical unit has the same configuration.

[0003] However, in this configuration, the upper and lower mechanical units move along a common guide frame, which means that the range of movement of one mechanical unit is limited by the other (it cannot move to a position where another mechanical unit is present), limiting the degree of freedom in terms of freely massaging the user's entire body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-8289 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a massage machine that can provide treatment with a high degree of freedom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a massage machine comprising a first treatment unit having a first treatment section and movable in the height direction of the person to be treated, and a second treatment unit having a second treatment section and movable in the height direction of the person to be treated, wherein the first treatment section is positioned widthwise inward of the second treatment section, and the heightwise movement range of the first treatment section and the heightwise movement range of the second treatment unit overlap so that the first treatment section and the second treatment section are at least side-by-side in the width direction.

[0007] According to this configuration, the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit overlap so that they are at least side-by-side in the width direction within the range of movement in the height direction of the first treatment unit and the range of movement in the height direction of the second treatment unit, so that treatment can be performed by the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit within the overlapping range in the height direction.

[0008] The device may also include a first guide section and a second guide section extending along the height direction of the person being treated, with the first treatment unit moving along the longitudinal direction of the first guide section and the second treatment unit moving along the longitudinal direction of the second guide section.

[0009] According to this configuration, each treatment unit can be easily moved in the height direction by each guide portion.

[0010] The first guide portion and the second guide portion may be provided so as to share an elongated body that is fixedly provided to the massage machine.

[0011] According to this configuration, by sharing the elongated body, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components of the massage machine.

[0012] Furthermore, each of the first and second guide portions can be an elongated body fixedly attached to the massage machine, and the first and second guide portions can differ in the shape of at least the portion that guides the movement of each of the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit.

[0013] According to this configuration, each treatment unit can be moved in the height direction along a trajectory that matches the shape of each guide portion.

[0014] Furthermore, the treatment operation of the first treatment section by the first treatment unit and the treatment operation of the second treatment section by the second treatment unit can be set to be different.

[0015] According to this configuration, when different treatment operations are set for the treatment sections, different treatment effects can be obtained for the treatment sections.

[0016] The second treatment unit may have a pair of the second treatment sections and may also include a single power source, which supplies driving power to each of the pair of second treatment sections.

[0017] According to this configuration, the power source can be centralized, and therefore the number of components of the massage machine can be reduced.

[0018] Furthermore, when the first treatment section and the second treatment section are not arranged side by side in the width direction, they may be arranged at different positions in a direction toward the body of the person to be treated.

[0019] With this configuration, treatment can be performed using the treatment section located closer to the body, making it easier for the person being treated to understand which part of their body is being massaged, which makes the person feel psychologically more comfortable.

[0020] Furthermore, one of the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit can move in the height direction of the person to be treated to provide treatment when the other does not move in the height direction of the person to be treated.

[0021] With this configuration, the treatment section of the non-moving treatment unit serves as a fulcrum for the body, and the moving treatment section performs treatment by combining movements similar to techniques that include movement in the height direction, thereby improving the physical sensation that the person being treated has in response to the stretching or massage technique.

[0022] The first treatment unit and the second treatment unit may pass each other in the height direction of the person to be treated one or more times.

[0023] According to this configuration, treatment can be given in various patterns depending on the passing of the other person, thereby providing the person receiving treatment with a new physical sensation.

[0024] Furthermore, at least one of the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit is configured as a pair in which the first treatment section and the second treatment section are aligned in the width direction, and when the first treatment section and the second treatment section are not aligned side by side in the width direction, the spacing between the pair in the width direction of the first treatment section or the second treatment section on the side that is configured by the pair that the unit owns can be changed.

[0025] This configuration allows for appropriate treatment to be given according to the body shape of the person being treated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, the first treatment section and the second treatment section can perform treatment in an overlapping range in the height direction, allowing for a highly flexible massage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external shape of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a treatment mechanism built into the massage machine. [Figure 3] 10 is a front view showing a state in which the first treatment section and the second treatment section are arranged side by side in the width direction in the treatment mechanism. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the treatment mechanism in a state where a first treatment section is positioned at a lower position and a second treatment section is positioned at an upper position. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the treatment mechanism in a state where a first treatment section is positioned at an upper position and a second treatment section is positioned at a lower position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the treatment mechanism, mainly including a first treatment unit and a second treatment unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of another embodiment in which the rails are extended to the seat and legs. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a curved rail as another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment in which the rail for guiding the first treatment unit is curved. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment in which the rail for guiding the second treatment unit is curved. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Next, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The directions hereinafter are those in the massage machine (chair-type massage machine) 1 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the height direction of a user seated in the chair-type massage machine 1 is referred to as the "height direction" or "up-down direction," the left-right direction (body width direction) of the user is referred to as the "width direction" or "left-right direction," and the front-to-back direction of the user is referred to as the "front-to-back direction." The correspondence between the directions is as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, etc. Regarding the reference numerals of each part, parts that need to be distinguished between the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b are given different reference numerals, but parts that share basic functions in the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b are given the same reference numerals even if their shapes are different.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the massage machine 1 of this embodiment is a chair-type massage machine, and mainly includes a seat portion 11, a backrest portion 12, armrest portions 13, and an ottoman 14. The configuration of each portion is basically the same as that of a conventional massage machine, and therefore will not be described in detail. The backrest portion 12 incorporates a unitized treatment mechanism 2, as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the treatment mechanism 2 includes two types of units: a first treatment unit 2a located on the inside in the width direction, and a second treatment unit 2b, which is a separate unit from the first treatment unit 2a and located on the outside in the width direction, sandwiching the first treatment unit 2a between them. The configuration of each treatment unit 2a, 2b will be described later. Each of the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b mainly includes treatment sections 3a, 3b, a power source 4 (see FIG. 6), and a power transmission section 5. The treatment mechanism 2 can be configured as being assembled into a box-shaped case 6, but this is merely an example, and the treatment mechanism 2 can be configured in various other forms. 2 to 5 are merely schematic illustrations of specific embodiments of the present invention, including its characteristic features, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated contents.

[0030] 6, the first treatment unit 2a of this embodiment is provided with a power source 4 that includes an elevation motor 41 for raising and lowering the treatment units 2a and 2b using the elevation mechanism 7, a kneading motor 42 that drives the first treatment section 3a when it performs a kneading operation, a beating motor 43 that drives the first treatment section 3a when it performs a beating operation, and a strength motor 44 that drives the first treatment section 3a to move forward and backward (advance and retreat) (advance and retreat movement) to vary the strength of the treatment operation, for example. The provision of the motors 41 to 44 is the same as in conventional treatment units.

[0031] The kneading action of the first treatment section 3a is, for example, an action in which an axis on which an eccentric cam (not shown) is mounted is rotated by a kneading motor 42, and the rotational action of the eccentric cam is transmitted to the support section 32, thereby moving the treatment element 31a in three dimensions.

[0032] The tapping action is an action in which the treatment elements 31 reciprocate in a short time in a direction toward the body of the person to be treated (hereinafter referred to as "front-rear direction").

[0033] The first treatment unit 3a may, for example, perform a massage on the user by combining a kneading operation and a tapping operation simultaneously. In addition to the massage and / or tapping operation, the first treatment unit 3a may drive the high / low motor 44 to press the treatment elements 31a against the user for a certain period of time and then release the treatment elements 31a, repeating this process.

[0034] On the other hand, the second treatment unit 2b of this embodiment is provided with only one dual-purpose motor 45. The dual-purpose motor 45 supplies the power required to drive the lifting mechanism 7 (see FIG. 6) to lift the unit, the kneading action by the second treatment unit 3b, and the tapping action by the second treatment unit 3b. That is, the second treatment unit 2b has a single power source 4, and this power source 4 supplies power to each of the pair of second treatment units 3b, 3b. With this configuration, the power sources for the lifting movement and the kneading action are combined into one unit. Therefore, since the power sources can be centralized, the increase in the number of components of the massage machine 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the number and weight of the components of the second treatment unit 2b can be reduced compared to a configuration having separate power sources for the lifting movement and the kneading action.

[0035] In the second treatment unit 2b of this embodiment, the power of the dual-purpose motor 45 simultaneously performs unit elevation and kneading. The kneading operation is performed by the treatment elements 31b of the second treatment unit 2b being eccentrically supported, as described below, and the treatment elements 31b moving three-dimensionally as they ascend and descend. On the other hand, a tapping operation is performed when the unit is not elevated or descended. The switching of operations is performed by the power transmission unit 5 of the second treatment unit 2b. The treatment operation of the first treatment unit 3a by the first treatment unit 2a and the treatment operation of the second treatment unit 3b by the second treatment unit 2b can be set to be different. For example, in this embodiment, the first treatment unit 3a can perform one or both of kneading and tapping, and the second treatment unit 3b can perform acupressure-style treatment (e.g., tapping (note that the tapping speed is adjustable)), or roller treatment in which the treatment elements 31 are rolled along the body or rolling treatment (kneading and ascending and descending).

[0036] Specifically, the second treatment unit 2b is provided with a mechanism for moving the treatment element 31b back and forth, and the acupressure-like treatment can be performed by moving the treatment element 31b back and forth at a relatively slow speed using this mechanism. Furthermore, tapping treatment can be performed by moving the treatment element 31b back and forth at a relatively fast speed. In the case of tapping treatment, the pair of left and right treatment elements 31b, 31b can be used simultaneously.

[0037] By setting the treatment operations of the treatment units 3a and 3b to be different, different treatment effects can be obtained for each treatment unit 3a and 3b. This is not limited to this, and the treatment performed by the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b may be set in reverse to the above. Furthermore, the treatment performed by the first treatment unit 3a by the first treatment unit 2a and the treatment performed by the second treatment unit 2b by the second treatment unit 3b may be set to be the same. In this case, the same treatment is performed separately on the inside and outside in the width direction. Even if the treatment operation itself is the same for the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b, the intensity of the treatment may be different between the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b, for example, by moving the first treatment unit 2a forward and backward using the strength motor 44.

[0038] Returning to the description of the configuration of the treatment units 3a and 3b, the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b each have treatment units 3a and 3b (however, the specific operation differs between them as described below). These units move while providing treatment to a human body (the body of the person being treated) sitting on the seat 11 with its back leaning against the backrest 12. In this embodiment, these units move while applying pressure from outside the human body, thereby providing massage treatment to the human body facing the backrest 12. The pressure (which may or may not be accompanied by movement) performs kneading and tapping movements on the human body. Note that, because the sheet (made of cloth or leather) of the backrest 12 is present between the treatment units 3a and 3b and the human body as shown in FIG. 1, the pressure is applied through the sheet. In addition to the pressure, the treatment also includes heating or cooling the human body, as well as applying vibration (pressure in which the strength of the pressure is varied over a short period of time), electromagnetic waves, or light to the human body.

[0039] Each of the treatment units 3a, 3b (a pair (two in this embodiment) of first treatment units 3a, 3a and a pair (two in this embodiment) of second treatment units 3b, 3b) is composed of a treatment element 31 and a support unit 32 that physically supports the treatment element 31. In this description, one treatment unit 3a, 3b is defined as corresponding to a unit that contacts a group of locations on the human body (one location or multiple closely related locations). In this embodiment, multiple (specifically, two) treatment units 3a, 3b are provided. Particularly in this embodiment, multiple (specifically, two) treatment units 3a, 3b are provided in each of the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, one treatment element 31 is provided in each of the treatment units 3a, 3b, but this is not limited thereto, and multiple treatment elements 31 may be provided in each of the treatment units 3a, 3b. In the following description, when simply referred to as a "treatment element," it refers to one (single) treatment element 31.

[0040] The treatment element 31 is sometimes called a "massage ball" and is a unit (as a single mass) that performs treatment. The treatment element 31 of this embodiment has a disk-shaped portion 311. The treatment element 31a provided on the first treatment unit 2a is rotatably supported on the support portion 32 by a connecting portion 312 that is integrally formed by protruding from the radial center of one of the axial end faces of the disk-shaped portion 311. In other words, the treatment element 31 is "cantilevered" on the support portion 32. On the other hand, the treatment element 31b provided on the second treatment unit 2b is rotatably supported on the support portion 32 so that the support portion 32 fits into approximately the axial center.

[0041] Regarding the support of the treatment elements 31, the treatment elements 31a of the first treatment unit 2a are supported at the radial center. On the other hand, the treatment elements 31b of the second treatment unit 2b are supported eccentrically, away from the radial center. By using different support points in this way, different treatments can be performed by the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b. In particular, with the second treatment unit 2b, due to the eccentric support, the outer circumferential surface of the treatment element 31b moves back and forth as the treatment element 31b is rotated, allowing for undulating pressure to be applied to the body in the front-to-back direction.

[0042] The support unit 32 is a part that supports the treatment element 31 so that it can be pressed and moved relative to the human body. In this embodiment, it is a rod-shaped body whose width decreases toward the tip, and is operated by the power transmission unit 5 described below. The shape of the support unit 32 is not limited to this, and it may be, for example, a plate-shaped body or a shape with a constant width. An example of the operation of the support unit 32 to move the treatment element 31 relative to the human body and perform treatment will be described later.

[0043] The power source 4 is a part that generates power for the treatment (here, kneading and / or tapping) and movement (back and forth and up and down movement) for the treatment units 3a and 3b, and includes, for example, a motor and a configuration for supplying electricity to the motor. In this embodiment, it is built into the case 6 (shown in the block diagram (FIG. 6)).

[0044] The power transmission unit 5 transmits the power generated by the power source 4 to the treatment units 3a and 3b (more specifically, the treatment elements 31) as power for the treatment and movement. The power transmission unit 5 is composed of, for example, a speed reduction mechanism, a power interrupting mechanism (gears, cams, etc.), a link mechanism, etc., and the power is distributed within the power transmission unit 5 according to the purpose. Note that the support unit 32 constitutes part of the power transmission unit 5 from the viewpoint of transmitting power to the treatment elements 31. In the first treatment unit 2a, the link mechanism, which is part of the power transmission unit 5, is exposed to the outside of the case 6. In the second treatment unit 2b, a part of the power transmission unit 5 is also exposed to the outside of the case 6.

[0045] Next, the configuration of each of the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b will be described. The first treatment unit 2a has a pair (two units) of first treatment sections 3a, 3a lined up in the width direction and configured to be movable in the height direction of the person being treated. The second treatment unit 2b has a pair (two units) of second treatment sections 3b, 3b lined up in the width direction and configured to be movable in the height direction of the person being treated. Therefore, each of the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b has a pair (two in this embodiment) of treatment elements 31, 31. Note that a pair is not essential, and a single treatment element 31 may be included. Furthermore, even when a pair is provided, the number of treatment elements 31 is not limited to two. In this embodiment, the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b are arranged such that the pair of first treatment sections 3a, 3a is located more inward in the width direction than the pair of second treatment sections 3b, 3b (closer to the center of the user's body width (specifically, the position along the spine)). As shown in the figure, the first treatment unit 2a is located inside two guide rails 8 (corresponding to the first guide section 8a and the second guide section 8b) extending in the vertical direction, and the second treatment unit 2b is located outside the two guide rails 8 so as to straddle the two guide rails 8. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance along the guide direction between both ends (upper and lower ends) in the height direction is the same for each guide section 8a, 8b. The distance may be different for each guide section 8a, 8b. In this case, the upper and lower ranges of each guide section 8a, 8b only need to overlap partially in the width direction. The pair of first treatment sections 3a, 3a and the pair of second treatment sections 3b, 3b are arranged side by side in the width direction, although their positional relationship may change during treatment operation.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 , the range of movement of the first treatment unit 2a in the height direction (the height direction of the user, corresponding to the up-down direction in the figure (the same applies hereinafter)) and the range of movement of the second treatment unit 2b in the height direction overlap such that the pair of first treatment units 3a, 3a and the pair of second treatment units 3b, 3b are at least side-by-side in the width direction. "Side-by-side" refers to a state in which the center positions in the height direction of all treatment elements 31a, 31b are aligned in a straight line in the width direction. In this embodiment, the ranges of movement in the height direction of both treatment units 2a, 2b are parallel and have the same length in the height direction. With respect to the state shown in FIG. 3 , each treatment unit 3a, 3b can be freely moved so that the second treatment unit 3b is positioned above the first treatment unit 3a as shown in FIG. 4 or below the first treatment unit 3a as shown in FIG. 5.

[0047] In order to freely change the vertical relationship between the first treatment section 3a and the second treatment section 3b, the cross-sectional shape of the second treatment unit 2b, in which the second treatment section 3b is located on the outer side in the width direction, is designed to not interfere with the vertical movement of the first treatment section 3a (second treatment section 3b). For example, the cross-sectional shape may be recessed so that the front is open, allowing the first treatment unit 2a to pass through the space defined by the recess. Furthermore, by providing a gap between the pair of second treatment sections 3b, 3b, the first treatment unit 2a can pass through the space between the second treatment sections 3b, 3b.

[0048] Because the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b overlap so that they are at least side-by-side in the width direction, treatment can be performed by the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b in an overlapping range in the height direction. If the first treatment unit 2a corresponds to a conventional treatment unit, the second treatment unit 3b of the second treatment unit 2b can treat, for example, areas above the shoulder blades or the sides of the lower back of the user in a range expanded in the width direction compared to the conventional treatment range. Therefore, by combining the two treatment units 2a and 2b, the treatment range can be expanded, particularly in the width direction. Furthermore, simultaneous treatment can be performed at different positions in the width direction in the height direction as well. Furthermore, compared to the treatment range of a treatment unit (so-called "double mechanism") in which two mechanical units share a guide frame and are positioned at different positions above and below, such as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the configuration of the present invention is advantageous in that the treatment units 2a, 2b located above and below do not interfere with each other when they move up and down, making it possible to widen the treatment range above and below in the massage machine 1 compared to conventional configurations.

[0049] The massage machine of this embodiment includes a first guide portion 8a and a second guide portion 8b that extend in the height direction. The first treatment unit 2a moves along the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion 8a. The second treatment unit 2b moves along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion 8b. This configuration makes it easy to move the treatment units 2a and 2b in the height direction by the guide portions 8a and 8b.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first guide portion 8a and the second guide portion 8b are provided so as to share a guide rail 8, which is an elongated body fixedly provided to the massage machine. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, two guide rails 8 are provided, and the inner portion in the width direction of each guide rail 8, 8 functions as the first guide portion 8a, and the outer portion in the width direction functions as the second guide portion 8b. With this configuration, by sharing the elongated body, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components of the massage machine.

[0051] Although each figure is a schematic view and does not show a specific shape, the track portion, which serves as the portion of each guide rail 8 that guides each treatment unit 2a, 2b, is shaped to engage with each treatment unit 2a, 2b. Specifically, the configuration of the track portion and each corresponding treatment unit 2a, 2b is a combination of a rack-shaped portion provided on each guide rail 8 and a pinion-shaped portion provided on a rotation drive shaft for movement relative to each guide rail 8, as a component of the lifting mechanism 7 (see FIG. 6) possessed by each treatment unit 2a, 2b. Note that each treatment unit 2a, 2b only needs to be provided with a pair of pinion-shaped portions at one end and the other end in the width direction, and the other portion of each treatment unit 2a, 2b that engages with each guide rail 8 may be a simple protrusion without a pinion-shaped portion. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the rotational driving force of the power source (a motor that generates power for lifting and lowering) is transmitted to at least one of the pair of pinion-shaped portions, and the other pinion-shaped portion may be a driven portion to which no driving force is applied.

[0052] Below, several examples of the operation of the first treatment unit 2a (first treatment section 3a) and the second treatment unit 2b (second treatment section 3b) will be described. Note that the following examples may be implemented alone, or multiple examples may be combined (implemented together). The control unit 15 (see FIG. 6) provided in the massage machine 1 can control the first treatment unit 2a (particularly the first treatment section 3a) and the second treatment unit 2b (particularly the second treatment section 3b) to perform the following operations. Note that for the operations classified in the following examples, detection means 16a, 16b (see FIG. 6) consisting of various sensors for detecting the operations are provided, and the control unit 15 selects the operation based on the detection results of these detection means 16a, 16b. Depending on the detection content, the detection means 16a, 16b may be provided external to each treatment unit 2a, 2b as shown in the figure, or may be built into each treatment unit 2a, 2b.

[0053] When the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b are arranged side by side in the width direction (i.e., when the detection means 16a, 16b detect that they are arranged side by side), they can be arranged at the same position or at different positions in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the treatment elements 31a of the first treatment unit 3a and the treatment elements 31b of the second treatment unit 3b to treat the user by sandwiching the left and right shoulder blades, for example. Furthermore, when the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b are not arranged side by side in the width direction, they can be arranged at different positions in the front-to-rear direction. For example, even if four different locations on the back are treated simultaneously in the height direction, it is difficult for the user to know which parts of their body are being massaged. In contrast, as mentioned above, when the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b are arranged side by side, four locations can be treated simultaneously, and if the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b are located at different height positions, the treatment elements 31 of either treatment unit 3a, 3b can be moved forward or either treatment element 31 can be moved backward, so that treatment can be performed by the treatment unit that is closer to the body (the treatment element 31 is in the front).This makes it easier to know which part of the body is being massaged, which has the advantage of making the person being massaged feel more comfortable psychologically.

[0054] When the first treatment unit 2a or the second treatment unit 2b does not move in the height direction of the user (when the detection means 16a, 16b detect that one of the treatment units 2a, 2b is stopped (or when movement is not detected)), one of the first treatment unit 2a or 2b can move in the height direction of the user to provide treatment. Specifically, when a shoulder massage is performed, if the second treatment unit 2b is at the shoulder position of the user and the first treatment unit 2a is descending, the second treatment unit 2b massages the shoulders at a fixed position while the treatment elements 31 of the first treatment unit 2a are descending in an advanced state. Also, when a waist massage is performed, if the second treatment unit 2b is at the waist position and the first treatment unit 2a is ascending, the second treatment unit 2b massages the waist at a fixed position while the treatment elements 31 of the first treatment unit 2a are ascending in an advanced state. In this way, for example, when the second treatment unit 2b is fixed in position in the height direction (including when the treatment unit is stopped and during kneading and tapping operations), the body can be supported. Therefore, the treatment element of the second treatment unit 3b serves as a fulcrum for the body, and at this time, the first treatment unit 2a performs treatment that combines movements similar to manual techniques including up and down movements, thereby improving the physical sensation of the person being treated that corresponds to stretching or massage techniques. Note that the relationship between the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b may be reversed (the first treatment unit 2a serves as the fulcrum). This allows treatment to be performed in various patterns, thereby providing the person being treated with a new physical sensation.

[0055] Furthermore, the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b can pass each other in the height direction of the user one or more times. In this case, for example, the following modes A to C can be performed. Note that the "upward" and "downward" below correspond to the up and down directions when treating the back. (Mode A) The treatment devices of both the treatment units 2a and 2b are arranged at the same positions in the front-rear direction, and pass each other. (Mode B) The first treatment unit 2a is raised with the treatment elements 31 of the first treatment unit 2a moving forward relative to the treatment elements 31 of the second treatment unit 2b, allowing the two treatment units 2a and 2b to pass each other. After that, the first treatment unit 2a is lowered with the treatment elements 31 of the first treatment unit 2a moving backward relative to the treatment elements 31 of the second treatment unit 2b, allowing the two treatment units 2a and 2b to pass each other. (Mode C) The first treatment unit 2a is lowered with the treatment elements 31 of the first treatment unit 2a positioned further forward than the treatment elements 31 of the second treatment unit 2b, allowing the two treatment units 2a and 2b to pass each other. Then, the first treatment unit 2a is raised with the treatment elements 31 of the first treatment unit 2a positioned further back than the treatment elements 31 of the second treatment unit 2b, allowing the two treatment units 2a and 2b to pass each other. These modes of operation allow the second treatment unit 2b to function as the four fingers excluding the thumb, and the first treatment unit 2a to function as the thumb, in the case of a massage therapist's manual technique. This allows for a treatment similar to the manual technique of fisting four fingers and moving the thumb up and down. Therefore, by utilizing the passing of the treatment elements, various treatment patterns can be provided, providing the recipient with a new experience.

[0056] Furthermore, at least one of the first treatment unit 2a and the second treatment unit 2b can change the widthwise spacing between its pair of treatment units 3a, 3a / 3b, 3b when the first treatment unit 3a and the second treatment unit 3b are not aligned side by side in the widthwise direction. Changing the spacing includes both static width adjustment of the kneading balls and dynamic width adjustment of the kneading balls while providing treatment. This allows for appropriate treatment tailored to the user's body shape.

[0057] The change in the spacing can be realized, for example, by a configuration in which the base of the power transmission unit 5, which is the part that supports the treatment elements 31a, 31b, is attached to a screw shaft that extends in the width direction, and the spacing in the width direction of the pair of treatment elements 31a, 31a / 31b, 31b can be increased or decreased by rotating the screw shaft. Note that the configuration for changing the spacing is not limited to this, and various configurations can be used, such as using a hydraulic actuator, a chain, or a link.

[0058] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0059] For example, the massage machine 1 in the above embodiment is a chair-type massage machine, but is not limited to this and may be a massage machine of various forms and configurations. For example, it may be a bed-type massage machine that the user lies down on when using it. It may also be a portable massage machine that can be carried around and moved to a desired part of the human body to provide treatment (for example, a massage machine that provides treatment to the legs of the user).

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the movement range of each treatment unit 2a, 2b is set so that treatment can be performed on the back of the user, specifically, in the range from the back to the waist. However, this is not limiting. As shown in FIG. 7, the guide rail 8 (corresponding to the first guide portion 8a and the second guide portion 8b) may be extended downward and provided so as to correspond to the rear portion of the seat portion 11 and the ottoman 14 in FIG. 1 so that treatment can also be performed on the user's buttocks to legs. In this case, it is possible to arrange the guide rail 8 in a curved manner so as to follow the user's seated posture. Note that, although the example in FIG. 7 shows two curved portions in a side view, the curved portions may be one or three or more.

[0061] In the second treatment unit 2b of the above embodiment, parts of the second treatment section 3b protrude forward in parallel from the case 6, and the pair of second treatment sections 3b, 3b are parallel (see FIG. 2, etc.). However, this is not limiting, and as shown in FIG. 7, parts of the second treatment section 3b may protrude diagonally forward from the case 6, and the width of the pair of second treatment sections 3b, 3b may narrow toward the front.

[0062] 7, as in the above-described embodiment, as can be seen from the position of the support shaft shown as a circle, the treatment element 31 (31b) is supported eccentrically away from the radial center. The combination of the above-described configuration in which the second treatment unit 3b protrudes diagonally forward and the eccentric support allows for undulating pressure to be applied to the body in the width direction and the front-to-rear direction.

[0063] The second treatment unit 2b having such a configuration can also be configured in combination with a straight rod-shaped guide rail 8 shown in FIG.

[0064] Each of the treatment units 2a and 2b may have built-in vibration means for vibrating the treatment element, thereby enabling treatment to be performed while the treatment element is vibrated.

[0065] In the above embodiment, each treatment unit 2a, 2b is provided with a pair of treatment elements 31, i.e., two treatment elements 31. However, the number of treatment elements 31 provided in each treatment unit 2a, 2b is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the shape of the treatment elements 31 is not particularly limited.

[0066] Furthermore, although the guide rail 8 has a straight rod shape in the above embodiment, it can also be curved. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the guide rail 8 can be curved in a substantially S-shape. With this configuration, the treatment units 2a, 2b can be moved in the height direction along a trajectory that matches the shape of the guide rail 8. Therefore, the treatment sections 3a, 3b can be adjusted to fit the body shape of the person being treated when ascending or descending.

[0067] Furthermore, the first and second guide sections 8a and 8b may differ in the shape of at least the portion guiding the movement of the first and second treatment units 2a and 2b. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first guide section 8a may be curved in a generally S-shape, and the second guide section 8b may be straight-rod shaped. As shown in FIG. 10, the first guide section 8a may be straight-rod shaped, and the second guide section 8b may be curved in a generally S-shape. These configurations allow the treatment units 2a and 2b to move in the height direction along a trajectory that matches the shape of the guide sections 8a and 8b. Therefore, the treatment sections 3a and 3b can be adjusted to fit the body shape of the user when ascending and descending.

[0068] Furthermore, the second treatment unit 2b in the above embodiment was a single unit (shaped like the letter "C" in plan view as shown in FIG. 2, etc.) having a pair of second treatment sections 3b, 3b arranged in the width direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the unit may also be a set of two separate small units on one side and the other side in the width direction. In this case, each small unit will have a power source. In addition, in this case, the two small units may be operated electrically or mechanically in sync, or may be operated independently.

[0069] In addition, in the second treatment unit 2b of the above embodiment, only one dual-purpose motor 45 is provided. However, this is not limited to this, and similar to the first treatment unit 2a, a lifting motor, a kneading motor, a beating motor, etc. may be provided separately. Furthermore, a dual-purpose motor may be provided that is configured to perform only some, but not all, of the multiple operations.

[0070] The guide unit may also be configured in a form other than the guide rail 8 as in the above embodiment. For example, the treatment units 2a, 2b may be supported by a rope such as a wire or chain so as to be suspended, and the rope may be moved along the height direction to move the treatment units 2a, 2b. In this case, the rope corresponds to the guide unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 massage machine 2 Treatment Organization 2a First Treatment Unit 2b Second treatment unit 3a First Treatment Department 3b 2nd treatment department 31 Treatment child 31a Treatment unit (first treatment unit side) 31b Treatment unit (second treatment unit side) 32 Support part 4 Power source 5 Power transmission section 6 cases 7 Lifting mechanism 8 Guide Rail 8a 1st induction section 8b 2nd induction part

Claims

1. a first treatment unit having a first treatment section and movable in the height direction of the person to be treated; a second treatment unit having a second treatment section and movable in the height direction of the person to be treated; The first treatment unit is disposed more inward in the width direction than the second treatment unit, A massage machine in which the range of movement in the height direction of the first treatment unit and the range of movement in the height direction of the second treatment unit overlap so that the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit are at least side-by-side in the width direction.

2. The device includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion extending along the height direction of the user, The first treatment unit moves along the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion, The massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein the second treatment unit moves along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion.

3. The massage machine according to claim 2 , wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion are provided so as to share an elongated body fixedly provided to the massage machine.

4. each of the first guide portion and the second guide portion is an elongated body fixedly provided to the massage machine; The massage machine according to claim 2 , wherein the first guide portion and the second guide portion differ in shape at least in the portions that guide the movements of the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit, respectively.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment action of the first treatment section by the first treatment unit and the treatment action of the second treatment section by the second treatment unit can be set to be different from each other.

6. the second treatment unit has a pair of the second treatment sections and is equipped with a single power source; The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power source supplies driving power to each of the pair of second treatment units.

7. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first treatment section and the second treatment section are positioned at different positions in a direction toward the body of the person being treated when the first treatment section and the second treatment section are not aligned side by side in the width direction.

8. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit moves in the height direction of the person to be treated to provide treatment when the other unit does not move in the height direction of the person to be treated.

9. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit perform a motion of passing each other in a height direction of the person to be treated at least once.

10. At least one of the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit is configured as a pair of the first treatment section and the second treatment section arranged side by side in the width direction, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the pair of first treatment units or the pair of second treatment units that the massage machine has is changed in the width direction when the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit are not aligned side by side in the width direction.

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