Massage mechanism

Abstract

To provide a massage machine capable of performing excellent massage by imparting various massaging feelings by effectively imparting various massage operations to the treatment part of a user by one device.SOLUTION: The massage mechanism 2 of the present invention includes the first massage part 4a including the upper treatment element 4c and the lower treatment element 12R that approach and separate from each other in the up-down direction to perform the gripping and kneading massage on the treatment part, the second massage part 4d including the upper treatment element 4f and the lower treatment element 12L that approach and separate from each other in the up-down direction to perform the gripping and kneading massage on the treatment part, and the first conversion part 12R that converts the driving force of the drive motor 15 into the up-down movement and transmits the up-down movement to the first massage part 13R. A second conversion part 12L for converting the driving force into the vertical motion and transmitting it to the second massage part 13L is provided, and the timing when the upper treatment element 12R and the lower treatment element 4a of the first massage part 4c are sandwiched is different from the timing when the upper treatment element 12L and the lower treatment element 4d of the second massage part 4f are sandwiched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage mechanism that can provide an effective massage to a treatment area. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, massage machines are equipped with a massage mechanism capable of massaging the area to be treated. For example, a neck-hanging massage machine is equipped with a massage mechanism capable of massaging the neck (scruff) and shoulders. An example of such a massage machine is shown in Patent Document 1. Also, a chair-type massage machine is equipped with a massage mechanism capable of kneading the shoulders and back, and a massage mechanism capable of massaging the buttocks, thighs, etc. An example of such a massage mechanism is shown in Patent Document 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7049671 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-135191 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 is capable of providing a sufficient massage to the neck, shoulders, etc., and achieving a high massage effect. Patent Document 2 is capable of providing a sufficient kneading massage to the shoulders, back, lumbar region, etc., and achieving a high massage effect.

[0005] In recent years, users have expressed demands for a variety of massage sensations and for more effective massages. For example, there has been a demand for massages that do not only involve a constant periodic movement (phase of the rocking motion) of the treatment area, but also for the ability to vary the massage range. To date, various massage devices that can achieve a high massage effect have been commercially available, as shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0006] However, in some cases, the above-mentioned user's request can be met by preparing multiple devices, but in this case, the user has to bear a large burden in terms of costs, etc., such as purchasing multiple devices.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a massage mechanism that can effectively apply a variety of massage actions to the user's treatment area with a single device, thereby providing a variety of kneading sensations and providing a good massage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical means.

[0009] The massage mechanism according to the present invention has a rotary drive shaft facing in the front-rear direction, and first and second massage parts driven by the rotary drive force of the rotary drive shaft, wherein the first massage part has a first rotary boss part that rotates concentrically with the rotary drive shaft, and upper and lower massage elements that move toward and away from each other in the vertical direction by the rotary drive force of the first rotary boss part, and is provided with a first conversion part that converts the rotary drive force transmitted to the first rotary boss part into a clamping action in which the lower and upper massage elements move toward and away from each other, and the second massage part has a second rotary boss part that rotates concentrically with the rotary drive shaft, The device has a rotating boss portion, and upper and lower massage elements that move toward and away from each other in the vertical direction due to the rotational driving force of the second rotating boss portion, and is provided with a second conversion portion that converts the rotational driving force transmitted to the second rotating boss portion into a clamping action in which the lower and upper massage elements move toward and away from each other, and is characterized in that the first conversion portion is provided with a switching portion that makes the up and down movements of the first massage element and the second massage element in the same phase when the rotational driving shaft rotates forward, and makes the up and down movements of the first massage element and the second massage element out of phase when the rotational driving shaft rotates reversely.

[0010] The switching unit may have a C-shaped engagement piece that is rotatable integrally with the rotary drive shaft, and a C-shaped groove formed in the rotary boss provided in the first conversion unit, into which the C-shaped engagement piece slides freely. When the rotary drive shaft rotates in the forward direction, the C-shaped engagement piece rotates in the forward direction within the C-shaped groove, and the C-shaped engagement piece engages with one end of the C-shaped groove, thereby causing the first massage unit and the second massage unit to perform massage operations in the same phase.

[0011] The switching unit may be configured such that, when the rotary drive shaft rotates in the reverse direction, the C-shaped engagement piece rotates in the reverse direction within the C-shaped groove portion, and the C-shaped engagement piece engages with the other end within the C-shaped groove portion, causing the first massage unit to perform a massage operation in a different phase from the massage operation of the second massage unit.

[0012] The C-shaped engagement piece may be formed in an arc shape having a predetermined length around the rotation drive shaft.

[0013] The C-shaped groove portion may have an arc-shaped groove length that is longer in the circumferential direction than a semicircle by the length of the C-shaped engagement piece around the rotary drive shaft, and when one end of the C-shaped engagement piece engages with the other end of the C-shaped groove portion, the other end of the C-shaped engagement piece is 180 degrees circumferentially away from one end of the C-shaped groove portion, and when the other end of the C-shaped engagement piece engages with one end of the C-shaped groove portion, the one end of the C-shaped engagement piece is 180 degrees circumferentially away from the other end of the C-shaped groove portion.

[0014] The first massage part may be provided on one side in the left-right direction, and the second massage part may be provided on the other side in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the massage mechanism of the present invention, a variety of massage actions can be effectively applied to the area to be treated of the user with a single device, thereby providing a variety of kneading sensations and providing a good massage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a first embodiment of a massage mechanism of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, in which the first clamping operation (forward rotation) and the second clamping operation (reverse rotation) are switched. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of the massage mechanism of the present invention, in which the first clamping operation (forward rotation) and the second clamping operation (reverse rotation) are switched. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, and an exploded view showing an outline of the switching section in the same phase (positive rotation) of the swinging motion. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, and an exploded view showing an outline of the switching section in the same phase (positive rotation) of the swinging motion. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the switching unit causes the massage mechanism to perform a first clamping operation (forward rotation) in the same phase of the swinging motion, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the first right-hand rotation boss portion (forward rotation). [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, and is an exploded view showing an outline of a switching section when the phase of the swinging motion is different (reverse rotation). [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, and is an exploded view showing an outline of a switching section when the phase of the swinging motion is different (reverse rotation). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the switching unit causes the massage mechanism to perform a second clamping action (reverse rotation) with a different phase of the swinging motion, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the first right rotation boss portion (reverse rotation). [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a neck-hanging massager (reference embodiment) equipped with a massage mechanism of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, in which the first clamping operation and the second clamping operation are switched. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are front perspective views showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, and exploded views showing an outline of the switching section at the same phase of the swinging motion. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a state in which the switching unit causes the massage mechanism to perform a first clamping action in the same phase of the swinging motion, and is a cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion. [Figure 17]1A and 1B are rear perspective views showing an outline of the massage mechanism of the present invention, and exploded views showing an outline of a switching section at different phases of the swinging motion. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a state in which the switching unit causes the massage mechanism to perform a second clamping action with a different phase of the swinging motion, and is a cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing an outline of the massage mechanism, and an exploded view showing an outline of the left conversion unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a massage mechanism 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The embodiment described below is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this specific example.

[0019] For example, the massage mechanism 2 (switching unit 14) according to the present invention may be installed in a wrap-around type massager (first embodiment) or in a neck-hanging type massager 1 (reference embodiment).

[0020] The massage mechanism 2 (switching unit 14) according to the present invention may be installed in a back massage machine that massages the shoulders, back, etc., or in a seat massage machine that massages the thighs, buttocks, etc. The massage mechanism 2 according to the present invention may also be installed in a lower limb massage machine that massages the calves, feet, etc. In other words, the massage mechanism 2 (switching unit 14) according to the present invention can be installed in various massage machines or exercise machines. [First embodiment] The massage mechanism 2 of the first embodiment will be described taking as an example a type that is built into a wrap-around massager.

[0021] In addition, in describing this embodiment, the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the massage mechanism 2 are as shown in the drawings. These directions correspond to the directions seen by a user wearing a belt-type massager incorporating the massage mechanism 2. In the following description, the directions shown in the drawings will be the directions when describing the massage mechanism 2 of the present invention. In addition, for ease of viewing, some components are omitted or drawn using virtual lines.

[0022] With regard to the massage machine of this embodiment, the left and right flexible belt-like gripping parts (not shown) can be held in the hands, and the treatment elements 4 can be pressed against the treatment area such as the neck, shoulders, or back to drive the massage mechanism 2 to perform a massage, or the left and right belt-like gripping parts can be wrapped around the lower back so that the treatment elements 4 of the massage mechanism 2 come into contact with the lower back.

[0023] 1 to 11 are diagrams showing the configuration of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment.

[0024] The upper view of Figure 2, the upper view of Figure 3, Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 show the state in which the upper and lower treatment elements 4a and 4c on the right side and the upper and lower treatment elements 4d and 4f on the left side approach and move away from each other in the vertical direction at the same time to sandwich and massage the treatment area. In other words, they show the state in which the left and right rotating boss portions 26L and 26R are rotating forward.

[0025] The lower diagram of Figure 2, the lower diagram of Figure 3, Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 show the state in which the upper and lower treatment elements 4a and 4c on the right side rotate with a delay relative to the upper and lower treatment elements 4d and 4f on the left side, and move closer to and away from each other in the vertical direction at different times (alternately left and right) to clamp and massage the treatment area.

[0026] In other words, the left and right rotating boss portions 26L, 26R reverse their forward rotation to reverse rotation, and the switching portion 14 (half-rotation clutch mechanism 14) causes the right rotating boss portion 26R to rotate half a rotation behind the left rotating boss portion 26L.

[0027] 2 and 3, the state in which the right-side rotation boss 26R (the upper right treatment element 4a) rotates counterclockwise and the left-side rotation boss 26L (the upper left treatment element 4d) rotates clockwise in front view is called "forward rotation." The clamping action of the massage elements 12 during this forward rotation (simultaneous clamping action on the left and right) is called "first clamping action" in this embodiment.

[0028] In addition, when viewed from the front, the state in which the left rotating boss portion 26L rotates counterclockwise and the right rotating boss portion 26R (the upper right treatment element 4a) rotates clockwise, lagging behind (shifted by) a half rotation from the rotation of the left rotating boss portion 26L (the upper left treatment element 4d), is called "reverse rotation." The clamping action (alternate clamping action between the left and right) of the massage portion 12 during this reverse rotation is called "second clamping action" in this embodiment.

[0029] First, the features of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0030] The massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that the timing at which the upper right treatment element 4a and the lower right treatment element 4c arranged in the right massage section 12R move toward and away from each other (squeeze) is different from the timing at which the upper left treatment element 4d and the lower left treatment element 4f arranged in the left massage section 12L move toward and away from each other (squeeze) each other (the timing can be shifted).

[0031] In this embodiment, the first conversion unit 13R (right conversion unit 13R) described later is provided with a delay mechanism that shifts the timing of clamping the right massage unit 12R, thereby making the timing of clamping the right massage unit 12R and the left massage unit 12L different.

[0032] That is, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment eccentrically rotates the upper right treatment element 4a and the upper left treatment element 4d in the same phase, thereby moving the upper left and right treatment elements 4a, 4d closer to and farther apart in the left-right direction.

[0033] In addition, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that the upward and downward approach and separation of the upper and lower left treatment elements 4d and 4f arranged in the left massage section 12L is shifted relative to the upward and downward approach and separation of the upper and lower left treatment elements 4a and 4c arranged in the right massage section 12R, thereby performing a clamping (grasping and kneading) massage.

[0034] In the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the upper right treatment element 4a and the upper left treatment element 4d rotate eccentrically, so that when the upper right treatment element 4a and the upper left treatment element 4d come close to each other, a massage can be performed by squeezing the treatment area from the left and right.

[0035] Furthermore, when the upper right treatment element 4a and the lower right treatment element 4c are brought close to each other, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment can massage the treatment area by sandwiching it from above and below. Similarly, when the upper left treatment element 4d and the lower left treatment element 4f are brought close to each other, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment can massage the treatment area by sandwiching it from above and below.

[0036] Furthermore, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment is capable of performing a massage in which the treatment areas are clamped alternately left and right by shifting the timing of clamping between the upper right treatment element 4a and the lower right treatment element 4c, and the upper left treatment element 4d and the lower left treatment element 4f.

[0037] In other words, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment allows the clamping action of the right massage section 12R to be changed by the switching section 14 (details will be described later), and using the upper right and lower treatment elements 4a, 4c arranged on the right massage section 12R and the upper left and upper treatment elements 4d, 4f arranged on the left massage section 12L, it is possible to switch between a massage in which the treatment section is clamped (grasping and kneading) alternately on the left and right, and a massage in which the treatment section is clamped (grasping and kneading) on ​​the left and right simultaneously.

[0038] In the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a (details will be described later) of the drive motor 15 is rotated forward, the upper left treatment element 4d of the left massage section 12L rotates eccentrically (the rotation on the left side is constant).

[0039] On the other hand, when the output shaft 15a rotates forward, the operation of the right massage section 12R is switched by the switching section 14, and the upper right treatment element 4a rotates eccentrically in the same phase, causing the upper right treatment element 4a and the upper left treatment element 4d to move closer to and away from each other.

[0040] When the output shaft 15a rotates forward, the left lower treatment element 4f moves vertically toward or away from the left upper treatment element 4d, and at the same time, the right lower treatment element 4c moves vertically toward or away from the right upper treatment element 4a.

[0041] In this way, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment performs a "first clamping operation" in which the upper right treatment element 4a and the upper left treatment element 4d move closer to and away from each other in the left-right direction, the upper left treatment element 4d and the lower treatment element 4f move closer to and away from each other in the up-down direction, and the upper right treatment element 4a and the lower right treatment element 4c move closer to and away from each other in the up-down direction, all at the same timing (same phase) when the output shaft 15a rotates forward.

[0042] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a rotates forward, the upper left and right treatment elements 4a, 4d come closer to each other due to eccentric rotation, clamping the treatment area from the left and right, and when the upper left and right treatment elements 4a, 4d move away from each other, the clamping of the treatment area from the left and right is loosened, and this process is repeated.

[0043] In addition, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a rotates forward, the lower left treatment element 4f approaches the upper left treatment element 4d, thereby clamping the treatment area from above and below, and at the same time, the lower right treatment element 4c approaches the upper right treatment element 4a, thereby clamping the treatment area from above and below, and as the upper and lower treatment elements 4d and 4f on the left move away, the upper and lower treatment elements 4a and 4c on the right move away, thereby loosening the clamping of the left and right treatment areas from above and below, and this process is repeated.

[0044] That is, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the upper left and right treatment applicators 4a and 4d sandwich the treatment area from the left and right, while the lower right and upper treatment applicators 4a and 4c sandwich the treatment area from the top and bottom, and at the same time the upper left and upper treatment applicators 4d and 4f sandwich the treatment area from the top and bottom, performing a gripping and kneading massage.

[0045] In the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a of the drive motor 15 is rotated in the reverse direction, the upper left treatment element 4d of the left massage section 12L rotates eccentrically (the rotation on the left side is constant).

[0046] On the other hand, when the output shaft 15a rotates in the reverse direction, the operation of the right massage unit 12R is switched by the switching unit 14, and the upper right treatment element 4a rotates eccentrically in a different phase. As a result, the upper right treatment element 4a rotates later than the upper left treatment element 4d. In other words, the upper right treatment element 4a and the upper left treatment element 4d rotate alternately.

[0047] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the rotation of the third gear 58R (rotating body) is switched, the third gear 58R rotates half a rotation around the second shaft member 60R (shaft body) by the switching unit 14, and the right rotation boss portion 26R starts moving half a rotation later than the rotation of the left rotation boss portion 26L, and accordingly the lower right treatment element 4c starts moving half a rotation later than the lower left treatment element 4f, and the lower right treatment element 4c moves towards and away from the upper right treatment element 4a in the vertical direction at a different timing than the lower left treatment element 4f.

[0048] That is, in the right massage portion 12R, the treatment element 4c at the lower right moves toward or away from the treatment element 4f at the lower left with a phase difference of 180° in the up-down direction (the phase on the right side is variable).

[0049] In this way, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the eccentric rotation of the upper left treatment element 4d and the eccentric rotation of the upper right treatment element 4a are staggered, and the approaching and separating movements of the upper and lower treatment elements 4d and 4f on the left side occur at a delayed timing (different phase) with respect to the approaching and separating movements of the upper and lower treatment elements 4a and 4c on the right side, thereby performing a ``second clamping movement.''

[0050] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a rotates in the reverse direction, the upper and lower treatment elements 4d and 4f on the left side come close to each other, thereby clamping the treatment area on the left side from above and below, while the upper and lower treatment elements 4a and 4c on the right side move away from each other, thereby loosening the clamping force on the treatment area on the right side from above and below.

[0051] Thereafter, the upper and lower treatment elements 4d and 4f on the left side move away from each other, loosening the vertical clamping of the left treatment area, while the upper and lower treatment elements 4a and 4c on the right side move closer to each other, clamping the right treatment area from above and below, repeating different actions.

[0052] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the upper and lower treatment elements 4d, 4f on the left side perform a constant approaching and separating movement, while the switching unit 14 switches the approaching and separating movement of the upper and lower treatment elements 4a, 4c on the right side to a delayed phase, so that the approaching and separating movements of the upper and lower treatment elements 4a, 4c on the right side are performed at different times, and the upper and lower treatment elements 4a, 4c on the right side and the upper and lower treatment elements 4d, 4f on the left side alternately (alternately) to clamp the treatment parts from above and below, performing a grasping and kneading massage.

[0053] The massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 11, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment has a drive unit 10 that is arranged on a base 9 and generates a drive force, massage units 12 that have a plurality of treatment heads 4 and are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides of the base 9, and a switching unit 14 that switches the rotation of the drive force output from the drive unit 10 between forward and reverse rotation to switch the phase of the clamping action of the massage units 12.

[0055] In this embodiment, the switching unit 14 is provided on the right massage part 12R side. That is, the phase of the pinching operation of the right massage part 12R is switched relative to the phase (constant phase) of the pinching operation of the left massage part 12L.

[0056] 2 and 3 are front views showing the massage mechanism 2 during forward rotation and reverse rotation. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the switching unit 14 provided in the right massage unit 12R during forward rotation, as seen from the front. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the switching unit 14 provided in the right massage unit 12R during forward rotation, as seen from the rear.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a rear view showing a state in which the massage mechanism 2 performs the first clamping operation (forward rotation) in the same clamping operation phase by the switching unit 14, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the right rotation boss portion 26R. Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the right rotation boss portion 26R shown in Fig. 6 (forward rotation).

[0058] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the switching unit 14 provided on the right massage unit 12R during reverse rotation as seen from the front. Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the switching unit 14 provided on the right massage unit 12R during reverse rotation as seen from the rear.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the massage mechanism 2 performs a second clamping operation (reverse rotation) with a different phase of the left-right alternating clamping operation by the switching unit 14, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the right-handed rotating boss portion 26R. Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the right-handed rotating boss portion 26R shown in Fig. 10 (reverse rotation).

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, the drive unit 10 has a drive motor 15 that outputs a rotational drive force (drive power), and a gear case 16 that reduces the output rotational drive force to a predetermined speed.

[0061] The drive motor 15 is a bi-axial motor that can rotate forward and backward and has output shafts 15a and 15b on the left and right that output a rotational driving force. The drive motor 15 is disposed in the center of the base 9, with the output shaft 15a facing rightward and disposed horizontally, and the output shaft 15b facing leftward and disposed horizontally. The rotation direction, speed, etc. of the drive motor 15 can be controlled by operating an operation panel (not shown).

[0062] The drive unit 10 of this embodiment includes a right drive mechanism 10R that drives the right massage unit 12R with a rotational drive force output from the right output shaft 15a, and a left drive mechanism 10L that drives the left massage unit 12L with a rotational drive force output from the left output shaft 15b. First, the right drive mechanism 10R will be described. Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9 are exploded views of the right drive mechanism 10R, the right conversion unit 13R (first conversion unit 13R), and the switching unit 14.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, 9, etc., the right drive mechanism 10R is made up of multiple gears as described below. A worm gear is attached to the right output shaft 15a and is disposed in a gear case 16. The right worm gear 15a meshes with a first gear 56R in the gear case 16. The right first gear 56R is disposed above the worm gear 15a.

[0064] The first gear 56R is a disk-shaped gear with a through-hole 56a provided in the center. A first shaft member 59R provided on the substrate 9 is inserted into the through-hole 56a of the first gear 56R. A second gear 57R is provided in front of the first gear 56R.

[0065] The right-side second gear 57R has a smaller diameter than the first gear 56R and is provided with a through-hole 57a in the center. The through-hole 57a of the second gear 57R communicates with the through-hole 56a of the first gear 56R and is coaxial with the through-hole 56a. A first shaft member 59R provided on the base plate 9 is inserted into the through-holes 57a, 56a. In other words, the first gear 56R and the second gear 57R are an integrated, flange-shaped, two-stage gear that is rotatably supported by the first shaft member 59R.

[0066] A third gear 58R is provided above the second gear 57R. The right-side third gear 58R is in mesh with the second gear 57R. The third gear 58R is a disk-shaped gear with a larger diameter than the second gear 57R. A through-hole 58a is provided in the center of the third gear 58R. A second shaft member 60R provided on the substrate 9 is inserted into the through-hole 58a of the third gear 58R. In other words, the third gear 58R is rotatably supported by the second shaft member 60R.

[0067] The rotational driving force of the drive motor 15 is transmitted from the worm gear 15a to the first gear 56R, and then transmitted to the third gear 58R via the second gear 57R which rotates integrally therewith.

[0068] The massage mechanism 2 of the present invention is provided with a delay mechanism that shifts the clamping timing of the right massage part 12R and the clamping timing of the left massage part 12L. This delay mechanism is provided in the right conversion part 13R (first conversion part 13R) and has a switching part 14 that switches the phase of the clamping operation of the left and right massage parts 12.

[0069] 4 to 11, in this embodiment, the switching part 14 is provided on the proximal end side of the right massage part 12R. Note that the switching part 14 may also be provided on the proximal end side of the left massage part 12L.

[0070] The switching unit 14 switches the phase (periodic operation) of the clamping operation of the right massage unit 12R relative to the phase (constant phase) of the clamping operation of the left massage unit 12L by rotating the output shafts 15a, 15b of the drive motor 15 forward and backward.

[0071] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the switching unit 14 of this embodiment is configured to be able to switch between a "first clamping operation" in which the clamping operations of a pair of left and right massage units 12 are performed in the same phase, and a "second clamping operation" in which, after one of the left and right massage units 12 (in this embodiment, the left massage unit 12L) starts moving, the clamping operation of the other massage unit 12 (the right massage unit 12R) is performed in a delayed phase relative to the phase of the clamping operation of the massage unit 12.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the rotating boss portion 26 is rotating forward, the switching portion 14 switches to the "first clamping operation", and when the rotating boss portion 26 is rotating backward, the switching portion 14 switches to the "second clamping operation".

[0073] The switching unit 14 can switch between the first clamping operation and the second clamping operation by a delay operation that delays the start of movement of the right conversion unit 13R after the left conversion unit 13L (second conversion unit 13L) has started to move.

[0074] The switching unit 14 is preferably configured as a "rotation clutch mechanism" that rotates the rotor in the forward or reverse direction around the shaft by a predetermined angle (for example, 1 / 4 rotation, 1 / 3 rotation, 1 / 2 rotation (half rotation), etc.) and then delays the movement of the right massage part 12R by the amount of rotation, thereby switching the phase of the clamping action of the massage part 12. Note that the rotor is a member provided with a hook part 51 (described later), and in this embodiment, the rotor is the third gear 58R. In addition, in this embodiment, the shaft is the second shaft member 60R.

[0075] In this embodiment, the switching unit 14 employs a "half-rotation clutch mechanism" that switches the phase of the clamping action of the right massage unit 12R by rotating the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) half a turn in the forward direction or half a turn in the reverse direction around the axis of the second shaft member 60R (shaft body), and then delaying the movement of the right massage unit 12R by a phase difference of 180° relative to the movement of the left massage unit 12L.

[0076] In other words, in this embodiment, the right rotation boss 26R starts rotating half a rotation later than the left rotation boss 26L due to the delay operation of the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 provided between the right rotation boss 26R and the right-side third gear 58R, so that the right massage part 12R switches to a pinching operation phase that is delayed relative to the pinching operation phase of the left massage part 12L. However, the "half-rotation clutch mechanism 14" includes rotations other than half a rotation (180°). For example, 120°, 90°, etc.

[0077] As shown in Figures 4 to 11, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) of this embodiment has a hook portion 51 (C-shaped engagement piece) that switches between the first clamping operation and the second clamping operation, a hook groove portion 52 (C-shaped groove portion) into which the hook portion 51 slides freely, and a switching shaft 53 on which the hook portion 51 is provided.

[0078] In this embodiment, the hook portion 51 is provided on the third gear 58R, and this third gear 58R is the switching shaft 53. The third gear 58R rotates a half turn in the forward or reverse direction relative to the second shaft member 60R, and then rotates the right-hand rotation boss portion 26R.

[0079] The hook portion 51 in this embodiment is provided on the front side of the third gear 58R (rotating body) so as to protrude forward. The hook portion 51 is a plate member that protrudes forward in the axial direction of the second shaft member 60R (shaft body) and is curved along the outer periphery of the second shaft member 60R. In other words, the hook portion 51 can be said to be a curved bulging piece that follows a hook groove portion 52 described later.

[0080] The hook portion 51 is a curved member having a side wall of the same arc shape as the outer circumferential curved surface of the second shaft member 60R and two end walls 51a, 51b. One end wall 51a (one end) is a wall surface that engages with the first rotation switching portion 54 of the hook groove portion 52 during forward rotation. The other end wall 51b (the other end) is a wall surface that engages with the second rotation switching portion 55 of the hook groove portion 52 during reverse rotation.

[0081] That is, the hook portion 51 has a shape that fits into the hook groove portion 52, and has approximately the same length (height) in the front-rear direction as the hook groove portion 52. The hook portion 51 slides within the hook groove portion 52 around the axis of the second shaft member 60R.

[0082] The hook groove portion 52 in this embodiment is provided on the rear surface side of the right rotation boss portion 26R in a state where it is open to the rear. In a rear cross-sectional view, the hook groove portion 52 is a groove having a crescent-shaped (C-shaped) track that goes around the outer periphery of the second shaft member 60R. The hook groove portion 52 is provided along the outer periphery of the second shaft member 60R and is a long (deep) groove in the axial direction of the second shaft member 60R.

[0083] That is, the hook groove portion 52 is a curved groove that is the same arc as the outer circumferential curved surface of the hook portion 51. Moreover, the hook groove portion 52 is a curved groove that follows the hook portion 51. That is, the hook groove portion 52 has a shape that the hook portion 51 fits into, and the length (depth) in the front-to-rear direction is approximately the same as the height of the hook portion 51.

[0084] The hook groove portion 52 is an arc-shaped groove that goes around the outer periphery of the second shaft member 60R and forms a track with two end walls. These two end walls, i.e., a side wall portion 54 (one end) and a side wall portion 55 (the other end), serve as rotation switching portions 54, 55 that switch the rotation of the third gear 58R supported by the second shaft member 60R.

[0085] When the third gear 58R supported by the second shaft member 60R rotates forward or backward, the rotation switching units 54, 55 engage the hook portion 51 that has rotated half a turn, thereby delaying the operation of the right conversion unit 13R (details will be described later) and switching the clamping operation of the right massage unit 12R.

[0086] In this embodiment, one end wall 54 provided in the semicircular hook groove portion 52 is the first rotation switching portion 54. The first rotation switching portion 54 is a portion for synchronizing the operations of the left and right conversion portions 13L, 13R during forward rotation of the third gear 58R supported by the second shaft member 60R.

[0087] That is, when the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) rotates forward, the hook portion 51 of the third gear 58R rotates half a turn in the forward direction around the axis of the second shaft member 60R, and then one end wall 51a of the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching portion 54, causing the right rotation boss portion 26R to start rotating together with the left rotation boss portion 26L, and by coordinating the operations of the left and right conversion portions 13L, 13R, the right massage portion 12R is switched to the "first clamping operation."

[0088] The other end wall 55 provided in the semicircular hook groove portion 52 is the second rotation switching portion 55. The second rotation switching portion 55 is a portion for delaying the operation of the right conversion portion 13R relative to the operation of the left conversion portion 13L during reverse rotation of the third gear 58R supported by the second shaft member 60R.

[0089] In other words, when the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) rotates in the reverse direction, the hook portion 51 of the third gear 58R rotates half a rotation in the reverse direction around the axis of the second shaft member 60R, and then the other end wall 51b of the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55, causing the right rotation boss portion 26R to begin rotating half a rotation later than the rotation of the left rotation boss portion 26L, delaying the operation of the right conversion portion 13R relative to the operation of the left conversion portion 13L, and switching the right massage portion 12R (details will be described later) to the "second clamping operation."

[0090] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, in the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) of this embodiment, when the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) supported by the second shaft member 60R rotates half a turn in the forward direction around the axis of the second shaft member 60R, one end 51a of the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching unit 54 (one end 54) in the hook groove portion 52, the right conversion unit 13R starts to move with a delay, and the operations of the left and right conversion units 13L, 13R are synchronized, switching the phase of the clamping operation of the right massage unit 12R and the left massage unit 12L to the same phase, and performing the first clamping operation (massage during forward rotation).

[0091] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, in the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 of this embodiment, when the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) supported by the second shaft member 60R rotates half a turn in the reverse direction around the axis of the second shaft member 60R, the other end 51b of the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55 (the other end 55) in the hook groove portion 52, the right conversion portion 13R starts moving later than the operation of the left conversion portion 13L, and the movement of the right massage portion 12R is delayed, so that the right massage portion 12R is switched to a clamping action phase that is delayed relative to the phase of the clamping action of the left massage portion 12L, and a second clamping action (massage during reverse rotation) is performed.

[0092] Until the hook 51 engages with the first rotation switching part 54 or the second rotation switching part 55 (while the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) rotates half a turn), the left rotation boss part 26L is rotating but the right rotation boss part 26R is temporarily stopped. In other words, the left massage part 12L (left massage member 24L) is performing a clamping action but the right massage part 12R (right massage member 24R) is temporarily stopped.

[0093] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, the right rotation boss portion 26R is a member provided on the upper part of the right massage member 24R. The right rotation boss portion 26R is a member provided with a disk-shaped cylindrical member (rear cylindrical portion 36R) on the rear side and a small-diameter cylindrical member (front cylindrical portion 37R) on the front side thereof. In other words, the right rotation boss portion 26R is a member formed in a flange shape.

[0094] A hole 38R into which the second shaft member 60R is inserted is formed in the axis of the rear tubular portion 36R (the center of the right rotation boss portion 26R). Also, a hook groove 52 is formed in the rear tubular portion 36R so as to surround the outside of the hole 38R.

[0095] The front tubular portion 37R is provided in front of the rear tubular portion 36R. The front tubular portion 37R is provided eccentrically with respect to the rear tubular portion 36R. That is, the axis of the front tubular portion 37R facing in the front-rear direction is disposed at a different position from the axis of the rear tubular portion 36R facing in the front-rear direction.

[0096] A star-shaped engaging portion 37a is formed at the front of the front tube portion 37R to secure the upper right treatment element 4a (upper treatment element 4a). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the upper right treatment element 4a is a slightly long, approximately bale-shaped member, and its base end is secured to the engaging portion 37a. The upper right treatment element 4a rotates eccentrically around the engaging portion 37a. The tip of the upper right treatment element 4a is provided with a plurality of pressing portions that press the treatment element.

[0097] The front cylinder portion 37R is inserted into the through-hole 24a provided at the base end of the right massage member 24R. This allows the right massage member 24R to be rotatably attached to the right rotation boss portion 26R. Furthermore, a star-shaped fitting portion (not shown) formed in the upper right treatment element 4a engages with the engagement portion 37a protruding from the through-hole 24a, thereby fixing the upper right treatment element 4a to the right rotation boss portion 26R. When the right rotation boss portion 26R rotates, the upper right treatment element 4a rotates.

[0098] The hook portion 51 of the third gear 58R is slidably fitted into the hook groove portion 52 of the rear cylinder portion 36R, and the hook portion 51 is engaged with the hook groove portion 52 by the rotation of the third gear 58R, and the rear cylinder portion 36R rotates around the axis of the second shaft member 60R, but the front cylinder portion 37R rotates eccentrically relative to the second shaft member 60R. As a result, the eccentric rotation of the right rotation boss portion 26R relative to the second shaft member 60R causes the upper right treatment head 4a to rotate eccentrically around the axis facing in the front-to-rear direction, and the right massage member 24R performs a clamping action in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0099] The massage unit 12 comprises a right massage unit 12R that massages the treatment area on the right side and a left massage unit 12L that massages the treatment area on the left side. First, the right massage unit 12R will be described. Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9 are exploded views of the right drive mechanism 10R, right massage unit 12R, right conversion unit 13R, and switching unit 14.

[0100] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, 9, etc., a right converter 13R is provided on the base end side of the right massage part 12R to convert the rotational driving force into a clamping motion (up-and-down swinging motion) and transmit it to the right massage part 12R. In this embodiment, the right converter 13R is a right rotation boss part 26R. The right converter 13R converts the rotation of the third gear 58R into a clamping motion (up-and-down swinging motion) of the right massage member 24R by eccentrically rotating the right rotation boss part 26R.

[0101] The right massage section 12R has a right massage member 24R that massages the right treatment area. The right massage member 24R is an arm-shaped member that is long in the vertical direction. A through-hole 24a is provided at the base end of the right massage member 24R, into which the front tubular portion 37R of the right rotation boss portion 26R is inserted. The inner diameter of the through-hole 24a is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the front tubular portion 37R. A restriction groove 24b that is long in the vertical direction is provided at the middle of the longitudinal direction of the right massage member 24R.

[0102] The restricting groove 24b restricts the right massage member 24R from rotating together with the front tubular portion 37R. A restricting pin (not shown) is slidably provided in the restricting groove 24b. This restricting pin is screwed to the tip of the first shaft member 59R.

[0103] When the right-hand rotating boss 26R rotates eccentrically, the restricting pin slides in the restricting groove 24b in the vertical direction, restricting the right-hand massage member 24R from rotating together with the right-hand rotating boss 26R, causing the right-hand massage member 24R to swing up and down. The right-hand massage member 24R and the right-hand rotating boss 26R form a slider-crank mechanism.

[0104] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tip of the right massage member 24R is formed in a shape that is slightly bent outward. This bent shape allows the right massage member 24R to move not only up and down but also left and right during the clamping operation. A base 24c is provided at the tip of the right massage member 24R to which the lower right treatment head 4c (lower treatment head 4c) is attached.

[0105] The lower right treatment element 4c is attached to the base 24c so as to be rotatable around an axis facing the front-to-rear direction. The lower right treatment element 4c is a member having a spherical tip, and the spherical surface is provided with multiple pressing parts that press the treatment part.

[0106] In other words, when the third gear 58R rotates, the right rotating boss portion 26R (right conversion portion 13R) rotates eccentrically relative to the second shaft member 60R and converts it into a clamping motion (up and down swinging motion), causing the right massage member 24R to swing up and down and left and right, and accordingly the treatment element 4c on the lower right side swings up and down and left and right.

[0107] Here, the left drive mechanism 10L will be described. The left drive mechanism 10L has a similar shape to the right drive mechanism 10R, but is a mirror image of the right drive mechanism 10R, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0108] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, 9, etc., the left drive mechanism 10L is made up of multiple gears as described below. A worm gear is attached to the left output shaft 15b and is disposed inside the gear case 16. The left worm gear 15b meshes with a first gear 56L disposed above it.

[0109] The first gear 56L on the left side is a disk-shaped gear with a through-hole 56b provided in the center. A first shaft member 59L provided on the substrate 9 is inserted into the through-hole 56b. A second gear 57L is provided in front of the first gear 56L.

[0110] The second gear 57L on the left side has a through-hole 57b in its center. The through-hole 57b communicates with the through-hole 56b and is coaxial with it, and a first shaft member 59L is inserted into the through-holes 57b, 56b. The first gear 56L and the second gear 57L are an integral, flange-shaped, two-stage gear that is rotatably supported by the first shaft member 59L.

[0111] The third gear 58L on the left side meshes with the second gear 57L provided below. The third gear 58L is a disk-shaped gear with a larger diameter than the second gear 57L, and has a through-hole 58b in its center. A second shaft member 60L provided on the substrate 9 is inserted into the through-hole 58b.

[0112] The third gear 58L is rotatably supported by the second shaft member 60L. The rotational driving force of the drive motor 15 is transmitted from the worm gear 15b to the first gear 56L, and then transmitted to the third gear 58L via the second gear 57L, which rotates integrally with the first gear 56L.

[0113] 4, 5, 8, 9, etc., the left rotation boss portion 26L is a member provided on the upper part of the left massage member 24L. In this embodiment, the left rotation boss portion 26L is a flange-shaped member integrally molded with the third gear 58L.

[0114] The left rotation boss 26L has a disk-shaped rear cylindrical portion 36L, and a small-diameter front cylindrical portion 37L provided in front of the rear cylindrical portion 36L. A hole 38L into which the second shaft member 60L is inserted is formed in the axis center of the rear cylindrical portion 36L (the center of the left rotation boss 26L). The front cylindrical portion 37L is provided eccentrically with respect to the rear cylindrical portion 36L.

[0115] A star-shaped engaging portion 37b for fixing the upper left treatment head 4d (upper treatment head 4d) is formed at the front portion of the front cylindrical portion 37L. The base end of the upper left treatment head 4d is fixed to the engaging portion 37b, and the upper left treatment head 4d rotates eccentrically around the engaging portion 37b.

[0116] The upper left treatment element 4d has substantially the same shape as the upper right treatment element 4a. The front cylinder portion 37L is inserted into a through-hole 24b provided at the base end of the left massage member 24L. This allows the left massage member 24L to be rotatably attached to the left rotation boss portion 26L.

[0117] In addition, a star-shaped fitting portion (not shown) formed in the upper left treatment head 4d engages with the engagement portion 37b protruding from the through hole 24b, thereby fixing the upper left treatment head 4d to the left rotation boss portion 26L.

[0118] When the left rotating boss 26L rotates, the upper left treatment element 4d rotates. The rotation of the third gear 58L causes the left rotating boss 26L to rotate eccentrically with respect to the second shaft member 60L, causing the upper left treatment element 4d to rotate eccentrically around an axis facing the front-to-back direction, and the left massage member 24L to swing up, down, left, and right.

[0119] Next, the left massage portion 12L will be described. Note that the left massage portion 12L has a similar shape to the right massage portion 12R, but is a mirror image of the right massage portion 12R, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, 9, etc., a left conversion part 13L is provided on the base end side of the left massage part 12L, which converts the rotational driving force into a clamping motion (up and down swinging motion) and transmits it to the left massage part 12L.

[0121] The left conversion portion 13L in this embodiment is a left rotation boss portion 26L. The left conversion portion 13L converts the rotation of the third gear 58L into a clamping motion (up and down swinging motion) of the left massage member 24L by eccentrically rotating the left rotation boss portion 26L.

[0122] The left massage unit 12L has a left massage member 24L that massages the right treatment area. The left massage member 24L is an arm-shaped member that is long in the vertical direction. A through-hole 24d is provided at the base end of the left massage member 24L, into which the front cylindrical portion 37L of the left rotation boss 26L is inserted.

[0123] A vertically long restriction groove 24e is provided in the middle of the left massage member 24L in the longitudinal direction. The restriction groove 24e restricts the left massage member 24L from co-rotating with the front tube portion 37L. When the left rotation boss portion 26L rotates eccentrically, the restriction pin slides in the restriction groove 24e in a substantially vertical direction, restricting the left massage member 24L from co-rotating with the left rotation boss portion 26L and allowing the left massage member 24L to oscillate up and down.

[0124] When the left rotation boss portion 26L rotates, the front cylinder portion 37L rotates eccentrically relative to the second shaft member 60L, causing the left massage member 24L to swing up and down. In other words, the left massage member 24L and the left rotation boss portion 26L form a slider crank mechanism.

[0125] The tip of the left massage member 24L is formed in a shape that is slightly bent outward, and is provided with a base portion 24f to which the lower left treatment element 4f (lower treatment element 4f) is rotatably attached. The lower left treatment element 4f has substantially the same shape as the lower right treatment element 4c.

[0126] In other words, when the third gear 58L rotates, the left rotating boss portion 26L (left conversion portion 13L) rotates eccentrically relative to the second shaft member 60L and converts it into a clamping motion (up and down swinging motion), causing the left massage member 24L to swing up and down and left and right, and accordingly, the treatment element 4f at the lower left swings up and down and left and right. [Operation mode] Next, the operation of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <First clamping operation (forward rotation)> Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment when rotated forward, as seen from the front. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment when rotated forward, as seen from the rear. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment when rotated forward, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0127] 4 to 6 show a state in which, when the third gear 58R is rotating forward, the right-hand rotation boss 26R rotates forward after the third gear 58R rotates half a turn in the forward direction due to the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14), causing the left massage part 12L and the right massage part 12R to switch to oscillating rotation in the same phase, thereby performing the first clamping action (clamping massage during forward rotation). Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of Fig. 6, showing a cross-sectional view of the right-hand rotation boss 26R.

[0128] The user wraps the left and right belts (not shown) provided on the massage mechanism 2 around their waist so that the upper, lower, left, and right treatment elements 4a, 4c, 4d, and 4f touch the user's waist. The user operates an operation panel (not shown) provided on the massage mechanism 2 to issue an instruction to perform, for example, the first clamping operation, i.e., a massage during forward rotation. The drive unit 10 drives the right drive mechanism 10R and the left drive mechanism 10L in response to the instruction.

[0129] 4 to 7, the left drive mechanism 10L transmits to the left rotation boss portion 26L the rotational drive force of the positive rotation direction component output from the left output shaft 15b of the drive motor 15. At this time, the drive motor 15 simultaneously outputs the rotational drive force of the positive rotation direction component from the right output shaft 15a.

[0130] The rotational drive force of the forward rotation direction component is transmitted from the left output shaft 15b to the first gear 56L on the left side, causing the two-stage gear consisting of the first gear 56L and the second gear 57L to rotate. The rotational drive force of the forward rotation direction component is transmitted from the second gear 57L to the third gear 58L, causing the third gear 58L to rotate in the forward rotation direction (outward to the left of the device, counterclockwise when viewed from behind in FIG. 6). As the third gear 58L rotates forward, the left rotation boss portion 26L, which is integral with the third gear 58L, rotates in the forward rotation direction.

[0131] The left conversion unit 13L converts the motion into a constant-phase up-down swinging motion, causing the left massage member 24L (left massage unit 12L) to perform a pinching motion at a constant phase. The upper left treatment element 4d rotates eccentrically outward to the left of the device, approaching the lower left treatment element 4f and performing a pinching motion.

[0132] Meanwhile, the right drive mechanism 10R transmits the rotational drive force in the forward rotation direction output from the right output shaft 15a of the drive motor 15 to the right rotation boss portion 26R. The rotational drive force of the forward rotation direction component is transmitted from the right output shaft 15a to the first gear 56R on the right side, causing the two-stage gear consisting of the first gear 56R and the second gear 57R to rotate.

[0133] A rotational driving force having a forward rotation direction component is transmitted from the second gear 57R to the third gear 58R (rotating body), causing the third gear 58R to rotate in the forward rotation direction (outward to the right of the device). As the third gear 58R rotates forward, the hook portion 51 slides within the hook groove portion 52 of the right rotation boss portion 26R in the forward circumferential direction (clockwise when viewed from behind in FIG. 6), causing the second shaft member 60R (shaft body) to rotate a half turn in the forward rotation direction around its axis.

[0134] The right conversion section 13R rotates in the forward direction half a rotation around the axis of the second shaft member 60R due to the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching section 14), and the right rotation boss section 26R begins to rotate in the forward direction half a rotation behind the rotation of the left rotation boss section 26L.

[0135] That is, in the right conversion part 13R, the third gear 58R rotates idle in the forward direction for half a rotation. After that, the right conversion part 13R synchronizes with the rotation of the left conversion part 13L, and the right massage part 12R performs a clamping operation in the same phase as the left massage part 12L.

[0136] Specifically, when the third gear 58R rotates in the forward direction, the hook portion 51 slides in the forward circumferential direction within the semicircular hook groove portion 52. The third gear 58R rotates idle around the axis of the second shaft member 60R by half a rotation in the forward direction.

[0137] When the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) rotates a half turn in the forward direction, the half-turn clutch mechanism 14 causes one end wall 51a of the hook portion 51 to engage with the first rotation switching portion 54 (one end wall 54) in the hook groove portion 52. The right-hand rotation boss portion 26R starts to move half a turn behind the rotation of the left-hand rotation boss portion 26L, and the right-hand rotation boss portion 26R rotates in the same forward direction as the third gear 58R rotates forward.

[0138] By delaying the movement of the right conversion part 13R and converting it into an up-and-down swinging motion with the same constant phase as the left conversion part 13L, the right massage member 24R (right massage part 12R) performs a pinching motion with a constant phase. The upper right treatment element 4a rotates eccentrically outward to the right of the device, approaching the lower right treatment element 4c and performing a pinching motion.

[0139] Until the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching portion 54 (while the third gear 58R, which is the switching shaft 53, rotates half a turn in the forward direction), the left massage portion 12L (left massage member 24L) is performing the clamping operation, but the right massage portion 12R (right massage member 24R) is temporarily stopped.

[0140] The half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 rotates the right rotating boss 26R in the same phase as the left rotating boss 26L for the clamping action. That is, the left and right converting units 13R, 13R are synchronized and converted into swinging actions in the same phase, and the right massage member 24R and the left massage member 24L start moving in the same phase. In this way, the right massage unit 12R and the left massage unit 12L switch to the clamping action in the same phase and perform the first clamping action.

[0141] That is, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 synchronizes the conversion operation of the left rotating boss portion 26L (left conversion portion 13L) to the left massage portion 12L with the conversion operation of the right rotating boss portion 26R (right conversion portion 13R) to the right massage portion 12R, switches the left massage portion 12L and the right massage portion 12R to a clamping operation in the same phase, and performs the first clamping operation.

[0142] As a result, the left and right massage members 24L, 24R swing in the same clamping phase. The right massage member 24R can massage the treatment area on the upper right side of the user by eccentrically rotating the treatment element 4a on the upper right side outward to the right. Also, the right massage member 24R can massage the treatment area on the lower right side of the user by swinging the treatment element 4c on the lower right side up and down and left and right.

[0143] On the other hand, the left massage member 24L can massage the treatment area on the upper left side of the user by eccentrically rotating the upper left treatment element 4d outward to the left. Also, the left massage member 24L can massage the treatment area on the lower left side of the user by swinging the lower left treatment element 4f up and down and left and right. <Second clamping action (reverse rotation)> Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment when rotated in reverse, as seen from the front. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment when rotated in reverse, as seen from the rear. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment when rotated in reverse, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0144] 8 to 10 are diagrams showing a state in which the right rotation boss 26R rotates in the reverse direction after the third gear 58R rotates half a turn in the reverse direction by the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14), and the right massage part 12R switches to a pinching operation phase that lags behind the pinching operation phase of the left massage part 12L, thereby performing the second pinching operation. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of Fig. 10, and is a cross-sectional view of the right rotation boss 26R.

[0145] The user operates the operation panel provided on the massage mechanism 2 to perform the second clamping operation, i.e., a switching operation to perform a massage during reverse rotation. In response to the switching instruction, the drive unit 10 switches the rotation direction to reverse rotation and drives the right drive mechanism 10R and the left drive mechanism 10L.

[0146] 8 to 11, when the left drive mechanism 10L is switched to reverse rotation in response to a switching command, it transmits to the left rotation boss portion 26L the rotational drive force of the reverse rotation direction component output from the left output shaft 15b of the drive motor 15. At this time, the drive motor 15 simultaneously outputs the rotational drive force of the reverse rotation direction component from the right output shaft 15a.

[0147] The rotational drive force of the reverse rotation direction component is transmitted from the left output shaft 15b to the first gear 56L on the left side, causing the two-stage gear consisting of the first gear 56L and the second gear 57L to rotate. The rotational drive force of the reverse rotation direction component is transmitted from the second gear 57L to the third gear 58L, causing the third gear 58L to rotate in the reverse rotation direction (toward the inside right of the device, clockwise when viewed from behind in FIG. 10).

[0148] As the third gear 58L rotates in the reverse direction, the left rotating boss 26L, which is integrated with the third gear 58L, rotates in the reverse direction. The left conversion part 13L converts the vertical swinging motion with a constant phase, and the left massage member 24L (left massage part 12L) performs a pinching motion with a constant phase. The upper left treatment element 4d rotates eccentrically inward to the right of the device, approaching the lower left treatment element 4f and performing a pinching motion.

[0149] On the other hand, when the right drive mechanism 10R is switched to reverse rotation in response to a switching command, it transmits to the right rotation boss portion 26R the rotational drive force of the reverse rotation component output from the right output shaft 15a of the drive motor 15. The rotational drive force of the reverse rotation component is transmitted from the right output shaft 15a to the first gear 56R on the right side, causing the two-stage gear consisting of the first gear 56R and the second gear 57R to rotate.

[0150] A rotational driving force having a reverse rotational component is transmitted from the second gear 57R to the third gear 58R (rotating body), causing the third gear 58R to rotate in the reverse rotational direction (toward the left inward direction of the device). As the third gear 58R rotates in the reverse rotational direction, the hook portion 51 slides within the hook groove portion 52 of the right rotation boss portion 26R in the circumferential direction of the reverse rotation (counterclockwise when viewed from behind in FIG. 10), causing the second shaft member 60R (shaft body) to rotate a half turn in the reverse rotational direction around its axis.

[0151] The right conversion section 13R rotates in the reverse direction half a rotation around the axis of the second shaft member 60R due to the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching section 14), and the right rotation boss section 26R begins to rotate in the reverse direction half a rotation behind the rotation of the left rotation boss section 26L.

[0152] That is, in the right conversion part 13R, the third gear 58R rotates idly in the reverse direction for half a turn. After that, the right conversion part 13R rotates differently from the left conversion part 13L, and the right massage part 12R performs a clamping operation in a different phase from the left massage part 12L.

[0153] Specifically, when the third gear 58R rotates in the reverse direction, the hook portion 51 slides in the circumferential direction of the reverse rotation within the semicircular hook groove portion 52. The third gear 58R rotates idle around the axis of the second shaft member 60R for half a rotation in the reverse rotation direction.

[0154] When the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) rotates half a turn in the reverse direction, the other end wall 51b of the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55 (the other end wall 55) in the hook groove portion 52 by the half-turn clutch mechanism 14. The right-hand rotation boss portion 26R starts to move half a turn behind the rotation of the left-hand rotation boss portion 26L, and the right-hand rotation boss portion 26R rotates in the same reverse direction as the third gear 58R rotates in the reverse direction.

[0155] By delaying the movement of the right conversion part 13R and converting it into an up-and-down swinging movement in a different phase from that of the left conversion part 13L, the right massage member 24R (right massage part 12R) performs a pinching action in a different phase.

[0156] The upper right treatment element 4a rotates eccentrically inward to the left of the device, approaching the lower right treatment element 4c and performing a pinching action later than the pinching action of the upper left treatment element 4d and the lower left treatment element 4f. From another perspective, it can also be seen that the pinching action of the right treatment elements 4a and 4c occurs first, and the pinching action of the left treatment elements 4d and 4f occurs later.

[0157] Until the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55 (while the third gear 58R, which is the switching shaft 53, rotates half a turn in the reverse direction), the left massage portion 12L (left massage member 24L) is performing the clamping operation, but the right massage portion 12R (right massage member 24R) is temporarily stopped.

[0158] The half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 causes the right rotating boss 26R to move later than the left rotating boss 26L and rotate with a different phase from the rotation phase of the left rotating boss 26L. That is, the right converting part 13R converts the swinging motion of the left converting part 13L into a swinging motion with a delayed phase, and the right massage member 24R starts moving with a delay from the swinging motion of the left massage member 24L. In this way, the right massage part 12R and the left massage part 12L switch to a clamping motion with a different phase and perform a second clamping motion.

[0159] That is, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 performs a delayed conversion operation that delays the conversion operation of the right rotating boss portion 26R (right conversion portion 13R) to the right massage portion 12R relative to the conversion operation of the left rotating boss portion 26L (left conversion portion 13L) to the left massage portion 12L, and switches to a second clamping operation that delays the phase of the clamping operation of the right massage portion 12R relative to the phase of the clamping operation of the left massage portion 12L.

[0160] As a result, the right massage member 24R has a different clamping action phase (delayed gripping and kneading action) from the left massage member 24L, and by causing the upper right treatment element 4a to rotate eccentrically (rotate inward to the left) differently (half a rotation behind) relative to the eccentric rotation (rotation inward to the right) of the upper left treatment element 4d, it is possible to massage the treatment area on the upper right side of the user.

[0161] In addition, the right massage member 24R can massage the treatment area on the lower right side of the user by moving the treatment element 4c on the lower right towards and away from each other in a different (delayed) direction in response to the up, down, left and right oscillating movement of the treatment element 4f on the lower left.

[0162] The left massage member 24L can massage the upper left treatment area of ​​the user by eccentrically rotating the upper left treatment element 4d inward to the right. Also, the left massage member 24L can massage the lower left treatment area of ​​the user by swinging the lower left treatment element 4f up and down and left and right.

[0163] That is, the right massage part 12R can perform a pressure massage from the lower back to the lower back on the right side, for example. The left massage part 12L can perform a pressure massage from the lower back to the lower back on the left side, for example. In this way, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 can switch between the first clamping operation and the second clamping operation by rotating the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53) forward or backward.

[0164] In the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the third gear 58R is rotated forward or backward to perform a massage, the upper and lower treatment elements 4a, 4c on the right side and the upper and lower treatment elements 4d, 4f on the left side move in a manner that clamps the treatment area, but since they are made of an elastic material (for example, a material that deforms when pressed hard), they deform appropriately, allowing a comfortable massage to be given to the treatment area.

[0165] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the tip sides of the upper right treatment head 4a and the upper left treatment head 4d are made of a rubber-like material. Furthermore, it is preferable to remove the thick portions at the tip sides of the upper right and left treatment heads 4a and 4d (by making the inside concave and erecting ribs to create spaces), thereby creating a structure that provides elastic strength and bends when the upper right and left treatment heads 4a and 4d and the lower right and left treatment heads 4c and 4f sandwich the treatment area.

[0166] That is, the tips of the upper right and left treatment members 4a and 4d are preferably covered with a rubber material, and a space is provided within the area where the treatment members come into contact, allowing for appropriate deformation. The lower right and left treatment members 4c and 4f are also preferably made of an elastic material.

[0167] In summary, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 of this embodiment rotates the third gear 58R, which is the switching shaft 53, in the forward direction, and engages one end wall 51a of the hook portion 51 with the first rotation switching portion 54 in the hook groove portion 52, thereby delaying the rotation of the right rotating boss portion 26R by half a rotation compared to the rotation of the left rotating boss portion 26L, thereby synchronizing the rotation of the left and right rotating boss portions 26R and 26L, and switching the phase of the clamping action of the right massage portion 12R and the phase of the clamping action of the left massage portion 12L to the "same phase."

[0168] This allows the left massage member 24L and the right massage member 24R to massage the lower back in the same clamping action phase.

[0169] In addition, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 of this embodiment reverses the rotation of the third gear 58R, which is the switching shaft 53, and engages the other end wall 51b of the hook portion 51 with the second rotation switching portion 55 in the hook groove portion 52, thereby delaying the rotation of the right rotation boss portion 26R by half a rotation compared to the rotation of the left rotation boss portion 26L, and operating the right massage portion 12R, so that the phase of the clamping action of the right massage portion 12R can be switched to a ``delayed clamping action phase'' relative to the phase of the clamping action of the left massage portion 12L.

[0170] As a result, the right massage member 24R can massage the right waist of the user in a different clamping action phase from that of the left massage member 24L. That is, the left massage portion 12L (left massage member 24L) can perform a pressure massage from the left lower back to the waist, and the right massage portion 12R (right massage member 24R) can perform a pressure massage from the right lower back to the waist.

[0171] That is, in the switching unit 14 (half-rotation clutch mechanism 14) of this embodiment, when the third gear 58R (switching shaft 53), which is a rotating body, rotates half a turn in either the forward or reverse direction around the axis of the second shaft member 60R, which is a shaft body, and the hook portion 51 provided on the third gear 58R engages with the end walls 54, 55 (first rotation switching unit 54 or second rotation switching unit 55) in the hook groove portion 52 provided on the right rotation boss portion 26R, the right rotation boss portion 26R begins to rotate half a turn behind the rotation of the left rotation boss portion 26L, thereby switching the phase of the clamping action of the right massage portion 12R.

[0172] That is, the pair of left and right massage portions 12 includes a first massage portion 12R (right massage portion 12R) and a second massage portion 12L (left massage portion 12L).

[0173] The first massage unit 12R has an upper right massage element 4a and a lower right massage element 4c that perform a gripping and kneading massage on the treatment area by moving closer to and away from each other in the vertical direction. The second massage unit 12L is provided to be paired with the first massage unit 12R and has an upper left massage element 4d and a lower left massage element 4f that perform a gripping and kneading massage on another treatment area by moving closer to and away from each other in the vertical direction.

[0174] The first massage part 12R and the second massage part 12L can be switched between a first clamping operation and a second clamping operation by a switching part 14 (half-rotation clutch mechanism 14).

[0175] In the first clamping operation, the phase of approaching and moving away by the upper right massage element 4a and the lower right massage element 4c of the first massage unit 12R is the same as the phase of approaching and moving away by the upper left massage element 4d and the lower left massage element 4f of the second massage unit 12L. That is, in the first clamping operation, the pair of left and right massage units 12L and 12R repeatedly perform gripping and kneading massage simultaneously.

[0176] In the second clamping operation, the phase of approach and separation between the upper right massage element 4a and the lower right massage element 4c of the first massage unit 12R is different from the phase of approach and separation between the upper left massage element 4d and the lower left massage element 4f of the second massage unit 12L. That is, in the second up-down movement, for example, the second massage unit 12L performs a gripping and kneading massage, and then, with a delay, the first massage unit 12R performs a gripping and kneading massage, and this is repeated. In the massage mechanism 2 of the present invention, not only the phase difference between the left and right massage units 12 is changed, but also the timing of approach and separation between the upper and lower massage elements 4 is changed. [Reference embodiment] In the reference embodiment, a neck-hanging type massager 1 equipped with the massage mechanism 2 of the present invention will be described as an example. In addition, in describing this embodiment, the front-back and left-right directions of the massager 1 are as shown in the drawings. These directions correspond to the directions seen from a user who uses the massager 1 while hanging it around the neck and shoulders. In the following description, the directions shown in the drawings will be the directions when describing the neck-hanging type massager 1 equipped with the massage mechanism 2 of the present invention. In addition, for ease of viewing, some components have been omitted or drawn using virtual lines.

[0177] First, the features of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0178] The massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that the timing at which the upper right treatment element 4a and the lower right treatment element 4c arranged on the right massage section 12R approach and move away (squeeze) is shifted from the timing at which the upper left treatment element 4d and the lower left treatment element 4e arranged on the left massage section 12L approach and move away (squeeze) from each other (squeeze).

[0179] That is, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the treatment elements 4a and 4b at the upper right and the treatment elements 4d and 4e at the upper left move towards and away from each other in the left-right direction, the treatment element 4c at the lower right moves towards and away from the treatment elements 4a and 4b at the upper right in the up-down direction, and the treatment element 4f at the lower left moves towards and away from the treatment elements 4d and 4e at the upper left in the up-down direction.

[0180] In addition, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that the vertical approach and separation between the upper left treatment element 4a, 4b and the lower treatment element 4c arranged in the left massage section 12L is offset from the vertical approach and separation between the upper right treatment element 4d, 4e and the lower treatment element 4f arranged in the right massage section 12R, thereby performing a clamping (grasping and kneading) massage.

[0181] In other words, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment allows the clamping action of the right massage section 12R to be changed by the switching section 14 (details will be described later), and can switch between clamping (grasping and kneading) massages in which the treatment sections are clamped alternately on the left and right, and clamping (grasping and kneading) massages in which the treatment sections are clamped on the left and right simultaneously, using the upper right treatment sections 4a, 4b and the lower right treatment section 4c arranged on the right massage section 12R, and the upper left treatment sections 4d, 4e and the lower left treatment section 4f arranged on the left massage section 12L.

[0182] In the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a (details will be described later) of the drive motor 15 is rotated forward, the upper left treatment element 4d and the upper left treatment element 4e of the left massage section 12L swing left and right, and the lower left treatment element 4f moves closer to and away from the upper left treatment element 4d and the upper left treatment element 4e in the vertical direction (the operation of the left side is constant).

[0183] During forward rotation of the output shaft 15a, the operation of the right massage unit 12R is switched by the switching unit 14, and the upper right treatment elements 4a and 4b swing left and right, moving toward and away from the upper left treatment elements 4d and 4e in the left-right direction. The lower right treatment element 4c moves toward and away from the upper right treatment elements 4a and 4b in the up-down direction.

[0184] In this way, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the approaching and separating movement of the upper left treatment element 4d, 4e and the upper right treatment element 4a, 4b in the left-right direction, the approaching and separating movement of the lower left treatment element 4f in the up-down direction relative to the upper left treatment element 4d, 4e, and the approaching and separating movement of the lower right treatment element 4c in the up-down direction relative to the upper right treatment element 4a, 4b occur at the same timing (in the same phase), thereby performing a ``first clamping operation.''

[0185] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a rotates forward, the treatment elements 4a, 4b at the top right and the treatment elements 4d, 4e at the top left come close to each other, thereby clamping the treatment area from the left and right, and when the treatment elements 4a, 4b at the top right and the treatment elements 4d, 4e at the top left move away from each other, the clamping of the treatment area from the left and right is loosened, and this process is repeated.

[0186] In addition, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a rotates forward, the lower left treatment element 4f approaches the upper left treatment elements 4d and 4e, and at the same time the lower right treatment element 4c approaches the upper right treatment elements 4a and 4b, thereby clamping the treatment area from above and below, and as the lower left treatment element 4f moves away from the upper left treatment elements 4d and 4e, the lower right treatment element 4c moves away from the upper right treatment elements 4a and 4b, thereby loosening the clamping of the treatment area from above and below.

[0187] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the treatment elements 4a, 4b at the top right and the treatment elements 4d, 4e at the top left sandwich the treatment area from the left and right, while the treatment elements 4a, 4b at the top right and the treatment element 4c at the bottom sandwich the treatment area from the top and bottom, and at the same time the treatment elements 4d, 4e at the top left and the treatment element 4f at the bottom sandwich the treatment area from the top and bottom, thereby simultaneously performing a grasping and kneading massage.

[0188] In addition, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a of the drive motor 15 is rotated in the reverse direction, the upper left treatment element 4d and the treatment element 4e of the left massage section 12L swing left and right, and the lower left treatment element 4f moves closer to and away from the upper left treatment elements 4d and 4e in the vertical direction (the operation of the left side is constant).

[0189] When the output shaft 15a rotates in the reverse direction, the operation of the right massage unit 12R is switched by the switching unit 14, and the upper right treatment elements 4a and 4b swing left and right, and the upper left treatment elements 4d and 4e also swing left and right.

[0190] On the other hand, when the rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11 is switched, the switching shaft 53 (rotating body) rotates half a rotation around the rotary drive shaft 11 (shaft body) by the switching unit 14, and the first right rotary boss portion 26R and the second right rotary boss portion 46R start moving half a rotation later than the rotation of the first left rotary boss portion 26L and the second left rotary boss portion 46L.As a result, the lower right treatment element 4c starts moving half a rotation later than the lower left treatment element 4f, and the lower right treatment element 4c moves closer to and away from the upper right treatment elements 4a, 4b in the vertical direction at a different timing than the lower left treatment element 4f.

[0191] That is, in the right massage portion 12R, the treatment element 4c at the lower right side oscillates up and down with a phase difference of 180° relative to the treatment element 4f at the lower left side (the operation of the right side is variable).

[0192] In this way, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the upper left treatment element 4d, 4e and the upper right treatment element 4a, 4b swing left and right, and the vertical approaching and moving away movement of the lower left treatment element 4f relative to the upper left treatment element 4d, 4e occurs at a delayed timing (different phase) compared to the vertical approaching and moving away movement of the lower right treatment element 4c relative to the upper right treatment elements 4a, 4b, thereby performing a ``second clamping action.''

[0193] In other words, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, when the output shaft 15a rotates in the reverse direction, the treatment element 4f on the lower left approaches the treatment elements 4d and 4e on the upper left, clamping the treatment area from above and below, while the treatment element 4c on the lower right moves away from the treatment elements 4a and 4b on the upper right, loosening the clamping of the treatment area from above and below.

[0194] Thereafter, the massage mechanism 2 repeats different operations in which the lower left treatment element 4f moves away from the upper left treatment elements 4d and 4e, loosening the clamping of the treatment area from above and below, while the lower right treatment element 4c approaches the upper right treatment elements 4a and 4b and clamps the treatment area from above and below.

[0195] That is, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the upper left treatment element 4d, 4e and the lower left treatment element 4f perform a constant approaching and separating movement in the vertical direction, while the right massage element 12R is switched by the switching unit 14 to a phase in which the approaching and separating movement is delayed, so that the approaching and separating movements of the upper right treatment element 4a, 4b and the lower right treatment element 4c are performed at different times, and the upper right treatment element 4a, 4b and the lower right treatment element 4c, as well as the upper left treatment element 4d, 4e and the lower left treatment element 4f alternately (alternately) left and right and clamp the treatment elements from the vertical direction, performing a grasping and kneading massage.

[0196] The massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0197] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view showing an outline of a neck-hanging type massager 1 (reference embodiment) equipped with a massage mechanism 2 of the present invention.

[0198] As shown in Fig. 12, the massage machine 1 of this embodiment has a massage mechanism 2 built into a massage main body 3, and a plurality of treatment elements 4 are provided in a protruding manner at the front of the massage main body 3. In this embodiment, a total of six treatment elements 4 are provided, three on each side.

[0199] A right grip portion 5R is provided to extend forward from the right side of the massage body 3. A right grip belt 6R is provided to hang down from the right grip portion 5R. A left grip portion 5L is provided to extend forward from the left side of the massage body 3. A left grip belt 6L is provided to hang down from the left grip portion 5L.

[0200] The user holds the left and right gripping parts 5L, 5R in their hands, presses the treatment elements 4 of the massage body 3 against the treatment area, such as the neck, shoulders, back, or lower back, and performs a massage by driving the massage mechanism 2. In addition, by pulling the left and right gripping belts 6L, 6R downward with their hands, the treatment elements 4 can be pressed further against the treatment area.

[0201] The massage machine 1 of this embodiment has a massage main body 3 that houses the massage mechanism 2, and a long grip part 5 that can be held by the user. A grip belt 6 is attached to the grip part 5 in a suspended manner. The massage main body 3 is a housing made of synthetic resin or the like, and is hollow inside. The massage main body 3 consists of a front cover body 3a formed in a concave shape that curves backward, and a rear cover body 3b formed in a convex shape that curves backward. The massage mechanism 2 is housed in the internal space formed by the combination of the front cover body 3a and the rear cover body 3b.

[0202] An opening 7 that opens forward is formed on the front surface of the front cover body 3a (the front surface of the massage body 3). The treatment elements 4 of the massage mechanism 2 are disposed so as to protrude forward from the opening 7. A flexible cloth material (not shown) is attached to this opening 7 so as to cover the treatment elements 4. This cloth material reduces the pressure of the treatment elements 4, providing a comfortable massage to the treatment area.

[0203] The left end of the massage body 3 is formed to protrude so as to narrow diagonally toward the front left. A right grip portion 5R that is long toward the front is provided at the protruding left tip side (left front end side). Similarly, the right end of the massage body 3 is formed to protrude so as to narrow diagonally toward the front right. A left grip portion 5L that is long toward the front is provided at the protruding right tip side (right front end side). The left and right grip portions 5L, 5R are formed to taper toward the front so that the user can easily grip them.

[0204] A controller for controlling the massage operation of the massage mechanism 2 is stored inside the left grip portion 5L. An operation panel 8 for operating the controller is provided on the top surface of the left grip portion 5L. By sending commands from the controller to a drive unit 10 (described later) via the operation panel 8, it is possible to change the massage operation by a switching unit 14 provided in the massage mechanism 2, and to change the massage content such as the intensity of the massage operation. The massage machine 1 of this embodiment may be used by gripping the left and right grip portions 5L, 5R and hanging it around the neck and shoulders, or by placing it on the lower back.

[0205] Next, the massage mechanism 2 built into the massage main body 3 will be described in detail.

[0206] 12 to 20 are diagrams showing the configuration of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment.

[0207] The upper diagram of Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, etc. show a state in which both the left and right treatment elements 4a to 4f perform a gripping massage. Note that the state in which both the left and right treatment elements 4a to 4f simultaneously perform a gripping and kneading massage is sometimes called a "double gripping massage."

[0208] The lower diagram of Figure 13, Figures 17, 18, 19, 20, etc. show the state in which the lower right massage member 25R equipped with the third treatment element 4c on the lower right is lowered, and the treatment elements 4d to 4f on the left side perform a grasping and kneading massage, while the treatment elements 4a to 4c on the right side perform a grasping and kneading massage after a delay.

[0209] The massagers 4d to 4f on the left side perform the gripping and kneading massage, followed by the massagers 4a to 4c on the right side performing the kneading massage, that is, alternately gripping and kneading massage on the left and right sides, is sometimes called "one-sided gripping massage."

[0210] The massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment has a drive unit 10 that is mounted on a base 9 and generates a drive force, a rotating drive shaft 11 that is mounted on the base 9 with its axis facing left and right and that rotates by the drive force, massage units 12 that have treatment heads 4 at their tip ends and are mounted in pairs on the left and right sides of the base 9, a conversion unit 13 that is mounted on the rotating drive shaft 11 and converts the drive force into a clamping motion (up and down swinging motion) and transmits it to the massage units 12, and a switching unit 14 that switches the phase of the clamping motion of the massage units 12 between forward and reverse rotation of the rotating drive shaft 11.

[0211] In this embodiment, the switching unit 14 is provided on the right massage part 12R side. That is, the phase of the pinching operation of the right massage part 12R is switched relative to the phase (constant phase) of the pinching operation of the left massage part 12L.

[0212] As shown in Figures 14, 17, 20, etc., the drive unit 10 has a drive motor 15 that outputs a rotational drive force (drive power) and a gear case 16 that reduces the output rotational drive force to a predetermined speed. The drive motor 15 is a motor that can rotate forward and backward. The rotation direction, speed, etc. of the drive motor 15 can be controlled by operating the operation panel 8.

[0213] The drive motor 15 is disposed on the rear side of the base 9 and is a single-shaft motor with an output shaft 15a that outputs a rotational drive force. The output shaft 15a faces rightward and is disposed horizontally. A worm gear is attached to the output shaft 15a and is inserted into a gear case 16. The worm gear 15a meshes with a worm wheel 17 inside the gear case 16. The worm wheel 17 is attached to the rear side of a transmission shaft 18.

[0214] The transmission shaft 18 is disposed on the base 9 with its axis facing the front-to-rear direction and is rotatably supported via bearings 19. A worm gear 20 is attached to the front side of the transmission shaft 18. The worm gear 20 meshes with a worm wheel 21 attached to the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0215] That is, the drive unit 10 reduces the rotational drive force generated by the drive motor 15 using a gear case 16 and transmits the reduced speed to the rotary drive shaft 11. An elongated cylindrical battery 22 is provided below the base 9 so as to face in the left-right direction. The battery 22 is small and has a sufficient capacity to drive the electric motor 15. An example of this battery 22 is a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited to this.

[0216] The rotary drive shaft 11 passes through the base 9 (gear case 16) and is disposed so that its axis faces the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The rotary drive shaft 11 is a long, round rod-shaped shaft member, and is supported via a bearing 23 so that its rotation direction can be freely switched. The rotary drive shaft 11 is disposed in parallel with the output shaft 15a of the drive motor 15. A worm wheel 21 is attached to the right side of the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0217] A right conversion unit 13R (first conversion unit 13R) that converts the rotational driving force into a pinching motion (up-down swing motion) is provided on the right end side of the rotational drive shaft 11. Also, a left conversion unit 13L (second conversion unit 13L) that converts the rotational driving force into a pinching motion (up-down swing motion) is provided on the left end side of the rotational drive shaft 11.

[0218] That is, the rotary drive shaft 11 is provided with the drive unit 10 in the middle of its longitudinal direction and the massage units 12L, 12R at its left and right ends. The rotary drive shaft 11 distributes and transmits the rotational drive force output from the drive motor 15 to the pair of left and right massage units 12L, 12R.

[0219] In this embodiment, "forward rotation" of the rotary drive shaft 11 is defined as a rotation from rear to top to front (clockwise in FIG. 15), and "reverse rotation" is defined as a rotation from front to top to rear (counterclockwise in FIG. 18). Regarding the definition of the rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11, forward and reverse may be reversed.

[0220] 14, 17, 20, etc., the massage unit 12 includes a right massage unit 12R that massages the treatment area on the right side and a left massage unit 12L that massages the treatment area on the left side. The massage unit 12 also includes a pair of upper and lower massage members 24, 25.

[0221] In addition, a conversion unit 13 is provided on the base end side of the massage unit 12 to convert the rotational drive force into a clamping action and transmit it to the massage unit 12. The conversion unit 13 has rotation bosses 26, 46 attached to the rotation drive shaft 11 and rotating integrally with the rotation drive shaft 11, annular fittings 27, 40 provided at the base end of the massage unit 12 and fitted onto the outer peripheral edges (cam surfaces 30, 50) of the rotation bosses 26, 46, and a restriction unit 28 that restricts the massage unit 12 from rotating together with the rotation drive shaft 11.

[0222] In this embodiment, the rotation boss portions 26, 46 are made up of a first rotation boss portion 26 and a second rotation boss portion 46. The annular fitting portions 27, 40 are made up of a first annular fitting portion 27 and a second annular fitting portion 40.

[0223] First, the right massage portion 12R will be described. Figures 14 and 17 are exploded views of the right massage portion 12R, the right conversion portion 13R, and the switching portion 14.

[0224] As shown in Figures 14, 17, etc., the right massage section 12R has an upper right massage member 24R that massages the upper right treatment area, and a lower right massage member 25R that massages the lower right treatment area.

[0225] In this embodiment, the upper massage members 24 are members that perform a "kneading massage," while the lower massage members 25 are members that perform a "grabbing massage." In other words, the upper massage members 24 and the lower massage members 25 perform different massage actions.

[0226] 14, 17, etc., the upper right massage member 24R (first massage member 24R on the right side) has an upper right arm member 29R that protrudes forward and a first right annular fitting portion 27R that fits a first right rotation boss portion 26R (described later) from the outside. This upper right massage member 24R is configured line-symmetrically to the upper left massage member 24L (described later).

[0227] The base end of the upper right arm member 29R is provided on the rotary drive shaft 11 side, and the tip end is formed in a shape that extends forward from the rotary drive shaft 11. The tip end of the upper right arm member 29R is shaped to branch upward and downward. A first treatment element 4a (upper treatment element 4a) and a second treatment element 4b (upper treatment element 4b) are provided at each of the tips of the upper right arm member 29R that branch upward and downward.

[0228] In this embodiment, the upper treatment applicators on the right side are the first treatment applicator 4a and the second treatment applicator 4b, which are provided on the upper right massage member 24R, and the lower treatment applicator on the right side is the third treatment applicator 4c, which is provided on the lower right massage member 25R.

[0229] The upper treatment element on the left side is the upper left treatment element 4d and the middle left treatment element 4e, both of which are provided on the upper left massage member 24L, and the lower treatment element on the left side is the lower left treatment element 4f, which is provided on the lower left massage member 25L.

[0230] The first treatment element 4a is attached to the tip of the upper right arm member 29R that branches upward. This first treatment element 4a (upper right treatment element 4a) is a member formed in a cylindrical shape with a rounded tip, and is attached so as to be rotatable around an axis facing in the vertical direction.

[0231] The second treatment element 4b is attached to the tip of the upper right arm member 29R, which branches downward. This second treatment element 4b (right middle treatment element 4b) is a roughly bale-shaped element with a rounded pressing portion, and is fixed to the lower tip of the upper right arm member 29R so that it faces forward and slightly upward. In other words, the first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction, sandwiching the upper right arm member 29R therebetween.

[0232] The first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b swing left and right, and the third treatment element 4c (described later) moves up and down relative to the first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b. The first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b massage (kneading massage) the treatment area on the upper right side as the upper right massage member 24R swings due to the rotational driving force of the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0233] A first right annular fitting portion 27R that constitutes the right conversion portion 13R is provided on the base end side of the upper right arm member 29R. This first right annular fitting portion 27R is configured to be line-symmetrical to a first left annular fitting portion 27L (described later) on the left and right. The first right annular fitting portion 27R is formed to be able to fit into a first right cam surface 30R of the first right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0234] That is, the inner diameter of the first right annular fitting portion 27R is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first right cam surface 30R. When the first right annular fitting portion 27R is fitted onto the first right rotation boss portion 26R, the upper right massage member 24R rotates around the axis of the first right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0235] A right connecting portion 31R is provided below the first right annular fitting portion 27R. The right connecting portion 31R protrudes inward in the width direction. The right connecting portion 31R is inserted into a right connecting hole 42R provided in the lower right massage member 25R to connect the upper right massage member 24R and the lower right massage member 25R.

[0236] The right connecting portion 31R swings the right lower massage member 25R in conjunction with the right upper massage member 24R. That is, the right upper massage member 24R and the right lower massage member 25R are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the axis of the right connecting portion 31R.

[0237] A flat plate member 32R is provided in the lower portion connecting the upper right arm member 29R and the first right annular fitting portion 27R, and a groove portion 33 is formed on the inner surface of the flat plate member 32R. The groove portion 33 guides the right support shaft 44R that connects the lower right arm member 39R and the right ring member 40R (second right annular fitting portion 40R).

[0238] When the upper right massage member 24R moves left and right by switching using the switching unit 14 (half-rotation clutch mechanism 14) described later, the right support shaft 44R moves up and down along the groove portion 33 formed on the inner surface of the flat plate material 32R of the upper right massage member 24R.

[0239] The first right annular fitting portion 27R is provided with a right restricting portion 28R that restricts the upper right massage member 24R from rotating together with the first right rotation boss portion 26R. The right restricting portion 28R has a right restricting pin 34R provided on the base end side of the first right annular fitting portion 27R (upper right massage member 24R) and a right restricting groove 35R into which the right restricting pin 34R slidably fits.

[0240] The right restriction pin 34R is provided so as to protrude rearward from the outer peripheral surface (rear side) of the first right annular fitting portion 27R. The right restriction groove 35 is provided at a position facing the right restriction pin 34 and is a groove that is long in the left-right direction. The right restriction pin 34 slides left-right in the right restriction groove 35, thereby restricting the upper right massage member 24R from rotating together with the rotation drive shaft 11.

[0241] 14, 17, etc., the first rotation boss portion 26 has a first right rotation boss portion 26R provided on the right end side of the rotation drive shaft 11, and a first left rotation boss portion 26L provided on the left end side of the rotation drive shaft 11. The first right rotation boss portion 26R and the first left rotation boss portion 26L are configured to be line-symmetrical to each other on the left and right.

[0242] The first right rotation boss portion 26R is a member provided on the upper right massage member 24R. The first right rotation boss portion 26R is a member provided with a disk-shaped cylindrical member (right outer cylindrical member 36R) on the outside and a small-diameter cylindrical member (right inner cylindrical member 37R) on the inside thereof.

[0243] That is, the first right rotation boss portion 26R is a member formed in a horizontally stepped cylindrical shape (flange shape). The first right rotation boss portion 26R has a right through-hole 38R that penetrates the right outer cylinder portion 36R and the right inner cylinder portion 37R.

[0244] The right end of the rotary drive shaft 11 is inserted into this right through-hole 38R. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the right outer cylinder portion 36R of the first right rotation boss portion 26R is inclined with respect to the outer surface. A right inner cylinder portion 37R is formed on the inner surface of the inclined right outer cylinder portion 36R.

[0245] The right inner cylinder portion 37R is provided eccentrically with respect to the right through-hole 38R. That is, the first right rotation boss portion 26R is attached eccentrically with respect to the rotation drive shaft 11.

[0246] A first right cam surface 30R is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the right inner cylindrical portion 37R, and is inclined with respect to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11. The first right cam surface 30R is configured to be line-symmetrical to a first left cam surface 30L (described later) on the left and right.

[0247] The first right cam surface 30R is adapted to receive the first right annular fitting portion 27R of the upper right massage member 24R. Due to this shape, the first right rotation boss portion 26R is an inclined rotation boss portion.

[0248] The right inner cylinder 37R is provided so that its axis passes through a position offset from the axis of the right outer cylinder 36R. Due to this shape, the first right rotation boss 26R is an eccentric rotation boss. In other words, the first right rotation boss 26R rotates at an angle relative to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 and also rotates eccentrically.

[0249] 14, 17, etc., the right lower massage member 25R (second massage member 25R on the right side) is a member that combines two members, a right lower arm member 39R and a right ring member 40R. This right lower massage member 25R is configured to be line-symmetrical to the left lower massage member 25L, which will be described later.

[0250] The right lower arm member 39R is a member provided at the tip side of the right lower massage member 25R. The right lower arm member 39R is a member whose longitudinal middle portion is bent downward in a substantially L-shape and whose tip is bent forward. A third treatment element 4c (right lower treatment element 4c) is attached to the tip. This third treatment element 4c (right lower treatment element 4c) has substantially the same shape as the first treatment element 4a and is attached so as to be rotatable around an axis facing in the front-to-rear direction.

[0251] The third treatment element 4c moves toward and away from the first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b in the vertical direction. That is, the first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b swing left and right, and the third treatment element 4c swings up and down.

[0252] A right through-hole 41R, whose axis faces the left-right direction, is formed in the middle of the right lower arm member 39R in the longitudinal direction (at the L-shaped bent portion). A right support shaft 44R, which connects the right ring member 40R (described later), is inserted into the right through-hole 41R.

[0253] The right through-hole 41R is aligned with the right through-hole 45R of the right ring member 40R, allowing the right support shaft 44R to be inserted. The right lower arm member 39R and the right ring member 40R are connected to be rotatable about the axis of the right support shaft 44R inserted into the right through-hole 41R and the right through-hole 45R.

[0254] A right connecting hole 42R, whose axis faces the left-right direction, is formed at the base end of the right lower arm member 39R. The right connecting portion 31R of the right upper massage member 24R is inserted into this right connecting hole 42R. The right upper massage member 24R and the right lower massage member 25R are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about the axis of the right connecting portion 31R inserted into the right connecting hole 42R.

[0255] The right ring member 40R is a member provided on the proximal end side of the right lower massage member 25R. This right ring member 40R and the left ring member 40L (described later) are configured to be line-symmetrical to each other on the left and right. The right ring member 40R is a member formed in a ring shape that can be fitted onto the second right rotation boss portion 46R (described later). In other words, the right ring member 40R is the second right annular fitting portion 40R.

[0256] A right protrusion 43R is formed on the outer periphery of the second right annular fitting portion 40R. The right protrusion 43R is provided so as to protrude in a triangular shape in a side view. A right through-hole 45R is formed at the tip of the right protrusion 43R, into which the right support shaft 44R is inserted. A longitudinal midpoint of the right lower arm member 39R is rotatably supported around the axis of the right support shaft 44R.

[0257] 14, 17, etc., the second rotation boss portion 46 is provided on the rotary drive shaft 11, with the second right rotation boss portion 46R provided inside the first right rotation boss portion 26R, and the second left rotation boss portion 46L provided inside the first left rotation boss portion 26L. The second right rotation boss portion 46R and the second left rotation boss portion 46L are configured to be line-symmetrical to each other on the left and right.

[0258] The second right rotation boss 46R is a member provided on the right lower massage member 25R. The second right rotation boss 46R is a member having a disk-shaped cylindrical member (right inner cylindrical member 47R) on the inside and a small-diameter cylindrical member (right outer cylindrical member 48R) on the outside. In other words, the second right rotation boss 46R is a member formed in a horizontally stepped cylindrical shape (flange shape).

[0259] The second right rotation boss 46R has a right through-hole 49R that penetrates the right outer cylinder 48R and the right inner cylinder 47R. The right side of the rotary drive shaft 11 is inserted into the right through-hole 49R. The right outer cylinder 48R is eccentrically disposed relative to the right through-hole 49R. That is, the second right rotation boss 46R is eccentrically disposed relative to the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0260] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the right inner cylinder portion 47R of the second right rotation boss portion 46R is inclined relative to the inner surface. The angle of inclination of the outer surface of the right inner cylinder portion 47R of the second right rotation boss portion 46R is the same as the angle of inclination of the inner surface of the right outer cylinder portion 36R of the first right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0261] That is, the outer surface of the right inner cylinder portion 47R and the inner surface of the right outer cylinder portion 36R are parallel to each other. The right outer cylinder portion 48R is formed on the outer surface of the inclined right inner cylinder portion 47R. A second right cam surface 50R, which is inclined with respect to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the right outer cylinder portion 48R.

[0262] The second right cam surface 50R is adapted to receive the second right annular fitting portion 40R (right ring member 40R) of the lower right massage member 25R. The inclination angle of the second right cam surface 50R is the same as the angle of the first right cam surface 30R relative to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11. Due to this shape, the second right rotary boss portion 46R is an inclined rotary boss portion.

[0263] The right outer cylindrical portion 48R is provided so that its axis passes through a position offset from the axis of the right inner cylindrical portion 47R. Due to this shape, the second right rotation boss portion 46R is an eccentric rotation boss portion. In other words, the second right rotation boss portion 46R rotates at an angle relative to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 and also rotates eccentrically.

[0264] In this embodiment, the right conversion part 13R is a divided body consisting of a first right rotation boss part 26R and a first right annular fitting part 27R that oscillate the upper right massage member 24R, and a second right rotation boss part 46R and a second right annular fitting part 40R that oscillate the lower right massage member 25R.

[0265] The massage mechanism 2 of the present invention includes a switching unit 14 that switches the phase of the clamping action of the left and right massage units 12.

[0266] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an overview of the massage mechanism 2 during the first clamping operation and the second clamping operation. Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the right conversion unit 13R and the switching unit 14 during the first clamping operation. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss unit 26R on the right side during the first clamping operation. Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss unit 26R shown in Fig. 15.

[0267] Fig. 17 is an exploded view of the right conversion section 13R and the switching section 14 during the second clamping operation. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss section 26R during the second clamping operation. Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss section 26R shown in Fig. 18.

[0268] As shown in Figures 13 to 19, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment is characterized in that the clamping timing of the right massage part 12R and the clamping timing of the left massage part 12L are different (the timings can be shifted).

[0269] The right conversion part 13R (first conversion part 13R) is provided with a delay mechanism that shifts the timing of clamping the right massage part 12R, thereby making the timing of clamping the right massage part 12R and the left massage part 12L different.

[0270] The delay mechanism has a switching unit 14 that switches the phase of the clamping action of the left and right massage units 12. The switching unit 14 may be provided in the left conversion unit 13L of the left massage unit 12L.

[0271] The switching unit 14 of this embodiment switches the phase (periodic operation) of the clamping operation of the right massage unit 12R relative to the phase (constant phase) of the clamping operation of the left massage unit 12L by rotating the rotary drive shaft 11 forward and backward.

[0272] As shown in FIG. 13, the switching unit 14 is configured to be able to switch between a "first clamping action (double-grasp massage)" in which a pair of left and right massage units 12 are performed in the same phase, and a "second clamping action (single-grasp massage)" in which, after one of the left and right massage units 12 (in this embodiment, the left massage unit 12L) starts moving, the clamping action of the other massage unit 12 (the right massage unit 12R) is performed in a delayed phase relative to the phase of the clamping action of the other massage unit 12.

[0273] In this embodiment, when the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotating forward, the switching unit 14 switches to the "first clamping operation", and when the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotating backward, the switching unit 14 switches to the "second clamping operation".

[0274] The switching unit 14 can switch between the first clamping operation and the second clamping operation by a delay operation that delays the start of movement of the right conversion unit 13R after the left conversion unit 13L has started to move.

[0275] The switching unit 14 is preferably configured as a "rotation clutch mechanism" that rotates the rotor in the forward or reverse direction around the shaft by a predetermined angle (for example, 1 / 4 rotation, 1 / 3 rotation, 1 / 2 rotation (half rotation), etc.) and then delays the movement of the right massage unit 12R by the amount of rotation, thereby switching the phase of the clamping action of the massage unit 12. Note that the rotor is a member provided with a hook 51 (described later), and in this embodiment, the rotor is the switching shaft 53. In addition, in this embodiment, the shaft is the rotation drive shaft 11.

[0276] In this embodiment, the switching unit 14 employs a "half-rotation clutch mechanism" that switches the phase of the clamping action of the right massage part 12R by rotating the switching shaft 53 provided on the rotary drive shaft 11 half a turn in the forward direction or half a turn in the reverse direction, and then delaying the movement of the right massage part 12R.

[0277] In other words, in this embodiment, the delay operation of the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 causes the first right-hand rotating boss portion 26R and the second right-hand rotating boss portion 46R, which are provided on the right side of the rotating drive shaft 11, to start rotating half a rotation later than the rotation of the first left-hand rotating boss portion 26L and the second left-hand rotating boss portion 46L, thereby switching the right massage portion 12R to a clamping action phase that is delayed relative to the phase of the clamping action of the left massage portion 12L.

[0278] However, the "half-rotation clutch mechanism 14" includes rotations other than half a rotation (180°), such as 120° and 90°.

[0279] As shown in Figures 14 to 19, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) of this embodiment has a hook portion 51 provided on the rotary drive shaft 11, a hook groove portion 52 into which the hook portion 51 slides freely, and a switching shaft 53 on which the hook portion 51 is provided.

[0280] The switching shaft 53 in this embodiment is a cylindrical member attached so as to cover the right end of the rotary drive shaft 11. The switching shaft 53 rotates together with the rotary drive shaft 11. The switching shaft 53 (rotating body) rotates a half turn in the forward or reverse direction relative to the rotary drive shaft 11 (shaft body), and then rotates the first right rotation boss portion 26R and the second right rotation boss portion 46R.

[0281] The inner diameter of the switching shaft 53 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the rotary drive shaft 11, and the outer diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the right through-holes 38R, 49R. A hook portion 51 protruding radially outward is formed on the outer periphery of this switching shaft 53.

[0282] The hook portion 51 of this embodiment is a plate-like member that is provided along the outer periphery of the switching shaft 53 and is long in the axial direction of the switching shaft 53 (rotation drive shaft 11). In other words, the hook portion 51 can be said to be a curved bulging piece that extends along a hook groove portion 52 described later.

[0283] The hook portion 51 is a curved member having a side wall of the same arc shape as the outer circumferential curved surface of the switching shaft 53 and two end walls 51a, 51b. One end wall 51a is a wall surface that engages with a first rotation switching portion 54 of the hook groove portion 52 during forward rotation. The other end wall 51b is a wall surface that engages with a second rotation switching portion 55 of the hook groove portion 52 during reverse rotation.

[0284] That is, the hook portion 51 has a shape that fits into the hook groove portion 52, and has a length (height) in the front-rear direction that is approximately the same as that of the hook groove portion 52. The hook portion 51 slides within the hook groove portion 52 around the axis of the switching shaft 53 (rotation drive shaft 11).

[0285] In the present embodiment, the hook groove portion 52 is a groove having a crescent-shaped (C-shaped) track that goes around the outer periphery of the switching shaft 53 (rotational drive shaft 11) in a side cross-sectional view. The hook groove portion 52 is provided along the outer periphery of the switching shaft 53, and is a long (deep) groove in the axial direction of the switching shaft 53 (rotational drive shaft 11).

[0286] That is, the hook groove portion 52 is a curved groove that is the same arc as the outer circumferential curved surface of the hook portion 51. Moreover, the hook groove portion 52 is a curved groove that follows the hook portion 51. That is, the hook groove portion 52 has a shape that the hook portion 51 fits into, and the length (depth) in the front-to-rear direction is approximately the same as the height of the hook portion 51.

[0287] In this embodiment, the hook groove 52 comprises a hook groove 52a formed in the right through-hole 38R of the first right rotation boss 26R and a hook groove 52b formed in the right through-hole 49R of the second right rotation boss 46R. The hook groove 52a and the hook groove 52b have the same shape. In other words, when the first right rotation boss 26R and the second right rotation boss 46R are assembled together, the hook grooves 52a and 52b are in communication with each other.

[0288] The hook groove portion 52 is an arc-shaped groove that goes around the outer periphery of the switching shaft 53, and forms a track with two end walls. These two end walls, i.e., side wall portions 54, 55, serve as rotation switching portions 54, 55 that switch the rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0289] When the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates forward or backward, the rotation switching units 54, 55 engage the hook portion 51 that has rotated halfway, thereby delaying the operation of the right conversion unit 13R and switching the clamping operation of the right massage unit 12R.

[0290] In this embodiment, one end 54 provided in the semicircular hook groove portion 52 is the first rotation switching portion 54. The first rotation switching portion 54 is a portion for synchronizing the operations of the left and right conversion portions 13L, 13R when the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates forward.

[0291] That is, when the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates forward, the hook portion 51 of the switching shaft 53 rotates half a turn in the forward direction around the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11, and then one end 51a of the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching portion 54, causing the right rotary boss portions 26R, 46R to start rotating together with the left rotary boss portions 26L, 46L, and by coordinating the operations of the left and right conversion portions 13L, 13R, the right massage portion 12R is switched to the "first clamping operation."

[0292] The other end 55 provided in the semicircular hook groove portion 52 is the second rotation switching portion 55. The second rotation switching portion 55 is a portion for delaying the operation of the right conversion portion 13R relative to the operation of the left conversion portion 13L when the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0293] In other words, when the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates in the reverse direction, the hook portion 51 of the switching shaft 53 rotates half a rotation in the reverse direction around the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11, and then the other end 51b of the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55, causing the right rotary boss portions 26R, 46R to begin rotating half a rotation later than the rotation of the left rotary boss portions 26L, 46L, thereby delaying the operation of the right conversion portion 13R relative to the operation of the left conversion portion 13L and switching the right massage portion 12R to the "second clamping operation."

[0294] That is, when the rotating drive shaft 11 rotates forward, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) causes the switching shaft 53 to rotate half a turn in the forward direction around the axis of the rotating drive shaft 11, while the movement of the right massage member 12R is temporarily stopped; after that half turn, when one end 51a of the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching unit 54 (one end 54) in the hook groove portion 52, the temporarily stopped right massage member 12R starts to move (delayed operation), causing the operations of the left and right conversion units 13L, 13R to be synchronized, and the phases of the clamping operations of the right massage portion 12R and the left massage portion 12L are switched to the same phase, thereby performing the first clamping operation (double-grasping massage).

[0295] In addition, when the rotating drive shaft 11 rotates in the reverse direction, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 temporarily stops the movement of the right massage member 12R while the switching shaft 53 rotates half a turn in the reverse direction around the axis of the rotating drive shaft 11. After that half turn, when the other end 51b of the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55 (the other end 55) in the hook groove portion 52, the paused massage member 12R starts moving (delayed operation), and the right massage portion 12R is switched to a clamping action phase that is delayed relative to the phase of the clamping action of the left massage portion 12L, thereby performing a second clamping action (one-sided gripping massage).

[0296] Until the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching portion 54 or the second rotation switching portion 55 (while the switching shaft 53 rotates half a turn), the first left rotation boss portion 26L and the second left rotation boss portion 46L are rotating, but the first right rotation boss portion 26R and the second right rotation boss portion 46R are temporarily stopped.

[0297] That is, the left massage part 12L (upper left massage member 24L and lower left massage member 25L) is performing a clamping operation, but the right massage part 12R (upper right massage member 24R and lower right massage member 25R) is temporarily stopped.

[0298] Here, the left massage portion 12L will be described. Note that the left massage portion 12L has a similar shape to the right massage portion 12R, which is a mirror image of the right massage portion 12R, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0299] Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the left massage unit 12L and the left conversion unit 13L. As shown in Fig. 20, the left massage unit 12L has an upper-left massage member 24L that massages the upper-left treatment area and a lower-left massage member 25L that massages the lower-left treatment area.

[0300] The left upper massage member 24L (first massage member 24L on the left side) has a left upper arm member 29L that protrudes forward and a first left annular fitting portion 27L that fits a first left rotation boss portion 26L (described later) from the outside. The left upper massage member 24L is configured to be line-symmetrical to the right upper massage member 24R.

[0301] The left upper arm member 29L has the same shape as the right upper arm member 29R. An upper left treatment element 4d and a middle left treatment element 4e are provided at the distal end of the left upper arm member 29L. The upper left treatment element 4d has the same shape as the first treatment element 4a. The middle left treatment element 4e has the same shape as the second treatment element 4b.

[0302] The upper left treatment element 4d and the middle left treatment element 4e swing left and right, and the lower left treatment element 4f (described later) moves up and down relative to the upper left treatment element 4d and the middle left treatment element 4e. The upper left treatment element 4d and the middle left treatment element 4e massage the treatment area on the upper left side as the upper left massage member 24L swings due to the rotational driving force of the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0303] A first left annular fitting portion 27L that constitutes the left conversion section 13L is provided on the base end side of the left upper arm member 29L. This left upper arm member 29L and the right upper arm member 29R are configured to be line-symmetrical with each other on the left and right. The first left annular fitting portion 27L is formed so as to be able to fit into a first left cam surface 30L of the first left rotation boss portion 26L. In addition, a left connecting portion 31L is provided below the first left annular fitting portion 27L.

[0304] The left connecting portion 31L is inserted into a left connecting hole 42L provided in the lower-left massage member 25L to connect the upper-left massage member 24L and the lower-left massage member 25L. Similar to the upper-right massage member 24R, a flat plate member 32L is provided below the portion connecting the upper-left arm member 29L and the first left annular fitting portion 27L. A groove is formed on the inner surface of the flat plate member 32L to guide the left support shaft 44L.

[0305] The first left annular fitting portion 27L is provided with a left restriction portion 28L that restricts the left upper massage member 24L from rotating together with the first left rotation boss portion 26L. The left restriction portion 28L has a left restriction pin 34L and a left restriction groove 35L.

[0306] The first left rotation boss 26L is a member provided on the left upper massage member 24L. This first left rotation boss 26L and the first right rotation boss 26R are configured line-symmetrically to each other on the left and right. The first left rotation boss 26L is a member provided with a disk-shaped left outer cylinder 36L on the outside and a small-diameter left inner cylinder 37L on the inside thereof.

[0307] A left through-hole 38L is formed in the first left rotation boss portion 26L, and the left end of the rotary drive shaft 11 is inserted into this left through-hole 38L. A first left cam surface 30L that is inclined with respect to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the left inner cylinder portion 37L. The first left rotation boss portion 26L is eccentric with respect to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11. The first left rotation boss portion 26L rotates at an angle with respect to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 and also rotates eccentrically.

[0308] 20, the left lower massage member 25L (second massage member 25L on the left side) is a member that combines two members, a left lower arm member 39L and a left ring member 40L. This left lower massage member 25L is configured to be line-symmetrical to the right lower massage member 25R.

[0309] The left lower arm member 39L is a member provided on the distal end side of the left lower massage member 25L. The left lower treatment element 4f is attached to the distal end of the left lower arm member 39L. This left lower treatment element 4f has substantially the same shape as the third treatment element 4c.

[0310] The left lower treatment element 4f moves toward and away from the left upper treatment element 4d and the left middle treatment element 4e in the vertical direction. That is, the left upper treatment element 4d and the left middle treatment element 4e swing left and right, and the left lower treatment element 4f swings up and down.

[0311] A left through-hole 41L, into which the left support shaft 44L is inserted, is formed in the L-shaped bent portion of the left lower arm member 39L. The left lower arm member 39L and the left ring member 40L are connected to be rotatable about the axis of the left support shaft 44L inserted into the left through-hole 41L and the left through-hole 45L.

[0312] A left connecting hole 42L into which the left connecting part 31L is inserted is formed at the base end of the left lower arm member 39L. The left upper massage member 24L and the left lower massage member 25L are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the axis of the left connecting part 31L inserted into the left connecting hole 42L.

[0313] The left ring member 40L is a second left annular fitting portion 40L that is provided on the base end side of the left lower massage member 25L and fits onto the second left rotation boss portion 46L. The second left annular fitting portion 40L and the second right annular fitting portion 40R are configured to be line-symmetrical to each other on the left and right.

[0314] A left protrusion 43L is formed on the outer periphery of the second left annular fitting portion 40L, and a left through-hole 45L into which the left support shaft 44L is inserted is formed in the left protrusion 43L. A longitudinal midpoint of the left lower arm member 39L is rotatably supported around the axis of the left support shaft 44L.

[0315] The second left rotation boss 46L is a member provided on the left lower massage member 25L. This second left rotation boss 46L and the second right rotation boss 46R are configured to be line-symmetrical to each other on the left and right. The second left rotation boss 46L is a member provided with a disk-shaped left inner cylinder 47L on the inside and a small-diameter left outer cylinder 48L on the outside thereof.

[0316] A left through-hole 49L is formed in the second left rotation boss portion 46L, and the left side of the rotation drive shaft 11 is inserted into this left through-hole 49L. A second left cam surface 50L that is inclined with respect to the axis of the rotation drive shaft 11 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the left outer cylinder portion 48L.

[0317] The second left cam surface 50L and the second right cam surface 50R are configured to be line-symmetrical to each other on the left and right. The second left rotation boss portion 46L is eccentric with respect to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11. The second left rotation boss portion 46L rotates at an angle relative to the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 and also rotates eccentrically.

[0318] The left conversion part 13L in this embodiment is a divided body consisting of a first left rotating boss part 26L and a first left annular fitting part 27L that oscillate the upper left massage member 24L, and a second left rotating boss part 46L and a second left annular fitting part 40L that oscillate the lower left massage member 25L. [Operation mode] Next, the operation of the massage machine 1 equipped with the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <First clamping action> Fig. 15 is a view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment seen from the right side, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion 26R. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of Fig. 15, and is a cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0319] Figure 15 shows a state in which, when the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotating forward, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) causes the switching shaft 53 to rotate half a turn in the forward direction, and then the right rotating boss portion 26R rotates forward, causing the left massage portion 12L and the right massage portion 12R to switch to oscillating rotation in the same phase, thereby performing the first clamping action (double-grasping massage).

[0320] The user holds the left and right gripping parts 5L, 5R with both hands, places the massager 1 against the upper part of the back such as the shoulders or the lower part of the back such as the waist, and operates the operation panel 8 provided on the left gripping part 5L. At this time, for example, the user presses the operation button for the first clamping operation, i.e., double-grasp massage (simultaneous left and right gripping and kneading massage).

[0321] 15 and 16, the drive unit 10 is driven, and the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates forward by the rotational drive force of the drive motor 15. With the forward rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11, the left conversion unit 13L rotates, and the left massage unit 12L performs a vertical clamping motion at a constant phase.

[0322] The right conversion unit 13R starts to rotate after a delay of half a rotation of the switching shaft 53 in the forward direction due to the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14). In other words, the right conversion unit 13R is in a state where the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates idly in the forward direction for half a rotation. After that, the right conversion unit 13R synchronizes with the rotation of the left conversion unit 13L, and the right massage unit 12R performs a clamping action in the left-right and up-down directions in the same phase as the left massage unit 12L.

[0323] Specifically, when the switching shaft 53 rotates in the forward direction in accordance with the forward rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11, the hook portion 51 slides in the semicircular hook groove portion 52 in the circumferential direction of the forward rotation (clockwise in side view in FIG. 16), and rotates a half turn in the forward rotation direction around the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11. In other words, the switching shaft 53 idles by a half turn in the forward rotation direction (toward the massage machine 1).

[0324] When the switching shaft 53 rotates a half turn in the forward direction, the half-turn clutch mechanism 14 causes one end 51 a of the hook portion 51 to engage with the first rotation switching portion 54 (one end wall 54 ) in the hook groove portion 52 .

[0325] In the right conversion unit 13R, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) causes the switching shaft 53 (rotating body) to rotate half a rotation in the forward direction around the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 (shaft body), and the right rotation boss portions 26R, 46R begin to rotate in the forward direction half a rotation behind the rotation of the left rotation boss portions 26L, 46R. As the rotary drive shaft 11 rotates forward, the first right rotation boss portion 26R and the second right rotation boss portion 46R rotate in the same forward direction.

[0326] Until the hook portion 51 engages with the first rotation switching portion 54 (while the switching shaft 53 rotates half a turn in the forward direction), the left massage portion 12L (upper left massage member 24L and lower left massage member 25L) is performing a vertical clamping operation, but the right massage portion 12R (upper right massage member 24R and lower right massage member 25R) is temporarily stopped.

[0327] As a result, the first right rotating boss portion 26R and the second right rotating boss portion 46R rotate in the same phase as the first left rotating boss portion 26L and the second left rotating boss portion 46L for the clamping action. That is, the left and right converting portions 13L, 13R are synchronized and converted into swinging actions of the same phase. That is, the right massage portion 12R and the left massage portion 12L switch to up-and-down swinging motions of the same phase, and perform the first clamping action.

[0328] As a result, the upper and lower massage members 24L and 25L on the left side and the upper and lower massage members 24R and 25R on the right side perform a first clamping action in which they clamp left and right and up and down in the same phase.

[0329] In other words, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment can perform a kneading massage by squeezing the center of the user's shoulder (or center of the waist) from the left and right, by having the first treatment element 4a and second treatment element 4b of the upper right massage member 24R and the upper left treatment element 4d and left middle treatment element 4e of the upper left massage member 24L move towards and away from each other in the left and right directions.

[0330] In addition, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment can perform a gripping and kneading massage by grabbing and squeezing the user's shoulders to the right side of the center and back (or right waist area) from above and below by moving the third treatment element 4c of the lower right massage member 25R closer to and away from (shortening the distance between) the first treatment element 4a and the second treatment element 4b of the upper right massage member 24R in the vertical direction.

[0331] In addition, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment can perform a gripping and kneading massage by grabbing and squeezing the user's shoulder to back (or left waist) to the left of the center from above and below by moving the lower left treatment element 4f of the lower left massage member 25L closer to and away from the upper left treatment element 4d and the left middle treatment element 4e of the upper left massage member 24L in the vertical direction.

[0332] That is, the right massage portion 12R and the left massage portion 12L can massage the left, right, and center shoulders to the back (or the lumbar region). <Second clamping action> Fig. 18 is a view of the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment seen from the right side, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion 26R. Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of Fig. 18, and is a cross-sectional view of the first right rotation boss portion 26R.

[0333] Figure 18 shows a state in which, when the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotating in reverse, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14) causes the switching shaft 53 to rotate half a turn in the reverse direction, and then the right rotating boss portion 26R rotates in reverse, causing the right massage portion 12R to switch to a clamping action phase that lags behind the phase of the clamping action of the left massage portion 12L, thereby performing a second clamping action (one-sided grip massage).

[0334] The user operates the operation panel 8 to switch to the second clamping operation, that is, one-sided gripping massage (a massage in which the left and right sides are gripped and kneaded alternately).

[0335] 18, 19, etc., the drive unit 10 is driven, and the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotated in the reverse direction by the rotary drive force of the drive motor 15. With the reverse rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11, the left conversion unit 13L rotates, and the left massage unit 12L performs a vertical clamping motion at a constant phase.

[0336] On the other hand, the right conversion part 13R starts to rotate after a delay of a half rotation of the switching shaft 53 in the reverse rotation direction due to the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching part 14). That is, in the right conversion part 13R, the rotation drive shaft 11 idles for a half rotation in the reverse rotation direction (towards the rear of the massage machine 1). After that, the right conversion part 13R rotates differently from the left conversion part 13L, and the right massage part 12R performs a vertical clamping action in a phase different from that of the left massage part 12L.

[0337] Specifically, when the switching shaft 53 rotates in the reverse direction in conjunction with the reverse rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11, the hook portion 51 slides in the semicircular hook groove portion 52 in the circumferential direction of the reverse rotation (counterclockwise in side view in FIG. 19 ), and rotates a half turn in the reverse direction around the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11. In other words, the switching shaft 53 rotates idle in the reverse direction by a half turn.

[0338] When the switching shaft 53 rotates half a turn in the reverse direction, the other end 51b of the hook portion 51 is engaged with the second rotation switching portion 55 (the other end wall 55) in the hook groove portion 52 by the half-turn clutch mechanism .

[0339] The right conversion unit 13R rotates the switching shaft 53 (rotating body) in the reverse direction around the axis of the rotary drive shaft 11 (shaft body) by half a rotation clutch mechanism 14 (switching unit 14), and the right rotation bosses 26R, 46R begin to rotate in the reverse direction half a rotation behind the rotation of the left rotation bosses 26L, 46R. The first right rotation boss 26R and the second right rotation boss 44R rotate in the reverse direction in conjunction with the reverse rotation of the rotary drive shaft 11.

[0340] Until the hook portion 51 engages with the second rotation switching portion 55 (while the switching shaft 53 rotates half a turn in the reverse direction), the left massage portion 12L (upper left massage member 24L and lower left massage member 25L) performs a vertical clamping action, but the right massage portion 12R (upper right massage member 24R and lower right massage member 25R) is temporarily stopped.

[0341] As a result, the first right rotation boss portion 26R and the second right rotation boss portion 44R rotate with a phase different from the rotation phase of the first left rotation boss portion 26L and the second left rotation boss portion 44L. In other words, the right conversion portion 13R converts into an oscillation motion with a delayed phase relative to the oscillation conversion of the left conversion portion 13L.

[0342] Due to this half-rotation clutch mechanism 14, the right conversion part 13R starts moving later than the left conversion part 13L, and the upper right massage member 24R starts moving later than the swinging motion of the upper left massage member 24L. Similarly, the lower right massage member 25R starts moving later than the swinging motion of the lower left massage member 25L.

[0343] The half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 performs a delayed conversion operation that delays the conversion operation of the right conversion unit 13R to the right massage unit 12R relative to the conversion operation of the left conversion unit 13L to the left massage unit 12L, and performs a second clamping operation that delays the phase of the vertical clamping operation of the right massage unit 12R relative to the phase of the vertical clamping operation of the left massage unit 12L.

[0344] As a result, the right upper massage member 24R and the right lower massage member 25R perform a second clamping action, which is a delayed vertical clamping action with a different phase relative to the left upper massage member 24L and the left lower massage member 25L.

[0345] In other words, the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment can perform a gripping and kneading massage by grabbing and squeezing the user's shoulder to back (or left waist) to the left of the center from above and below by moving the lower left treatment element 4f of the lower left massage member 25L closer to and away from the upper left treatment element 4d and the left middle treatment element 4e of the upper left massage member 24L in the vertical direction.

[0346] On the other hand, in the massage mechanism 2 of this embodiment, in response to the vertical approaching and moving away movement of the left lower treatment element 4f relative to the left upper treatment elements 4d and 4e, the third treatment element 4c of the lower right massage member 25R approaches and moves away in the vertical direction relative to the first treatment element 4a and second treatment element 4b of the upper right massage member 24R with a phase difference of 180°, thereby performing a grasping and kneading massage by grabbing and squeezing the user's shoulders to the right side of the center and back (or right waist) from above and below.

[0347] In this way, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 can switch between the first clamping action (double-grasp massage) and the second clamping action (single-grasp massage) by the right massage part 12R and the left massage part 12L by rotating the rotary drive shaft 11 forward or backward.

[0348] In summary, when the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotating forward, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 rotates the switching shaft 53 half a turn in the forward direction, engaging one end wall 51a of the hook portion 51 with the first rotation switching portion 54 in the hook groove portion 52, thereby delaying the operation of the right massage portion 12R by half a turn and synchronizing it with the operation of the left massage portion 12L, thereby switching the phase of the vertical clamping action of the right massage portion 12R and the phase of the vertical clamping action of the left massage portion 12L to "the same phase."

[0349] This allows a first clamping operation to be performed in which the upper left massage member 24L massages the left shoulder and the lower left massage member 25L massages the left side of the back in the same vertical clamping operation phase.

[0350] Furthermore, in the same phase of the vertical clamping operation, the upper right massage member 24R massages the right shoulder, and the lower right massage member 25R massages the right side of the back, thereby performing a first clamping operation.

[0351] Furthermore, when the rotary drive shaft 11 is rotating in the reverse direction, the half-rotation clutch mechanism 14 rotates the switching shaft 53 half a turn in the reverse direction, and engages the other end wall 51b of the hook portion 51 with the second rotation switching portion 55 in the hook groove portion 52, thereby delaying the operation of the right massage portion 12R by half a turn, and switching the phase of the vertical clamping operation of the right massage portion 12R to a "delayed clamping operation phase" relative to the phase of the vertical clamping operation of the left massage portion 12L.

[0352] As a result, the upper right massage member 24R can perform a second clamping action in which the upper right massage member 24R performs a clamping action in the up and down direction at a different phase from the upper left massage member 24L to massage the right shoulder of the user.

[0353] In addition, the lower right massage member 25R performs a vertical clamping action at a different phase from the lower left massage member 25L, so when the lower left massage member 25L is raised, the lower right massage member 25R is lowered, allowing a second clamping action to be performed, massaging the right side of the user's back at different timings in the vertical direction.

[0354] That is, the left massage portion 12L performs a gripping massage from the left shoulder to the back in different phases, and then the right massage portion 12R performs a kneading massage from the right shoulder to the back.

[0355] That is, in the switching unit 14 (half-rotation clutch mechanism 14) of the present invention, when the switching shaft 53, which is a rotating body, rotates half a turn in either the forward or reverse direction around the axis of the rotating drive shaft 11, which is a shaft body, and the hook portion 51 provided on the switching shaft 53 engages with the end 54, 55 (first rotation switching unit 54 or second rotation switching unit 55) in the hook groove portion 52 provided on the right rotation boss portion 26R, 46R, the right rotation boss portion 26R, 46R begins to rotate half a turn behind the rotation of the left rotation boss portion 26L, 46L, thereby switching the phase of the vertical clamping action of the right massage portion 12R.

[0356] As described above, according to the massage mechanism 2 of the present invention, by providing the switching unit 14 (half-rotation clutch mechanism 14), the phase of the vertical clamping action of the right massage unit 12 and the left massage unit 12 is switched, so that a variety of massage actions can be effectively applied to the user's treatment area (for example, the neck (nape), shoulders, lower back, etc.) with one device, thereby providing a variety of kneading sensations and performing a good massage. In other words, the massage mechanism 2 of the present invention can change the kneading method when massaging the treatment area to perform an effective massage.

[0357] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, matters not explicitly stated in the embodiments disclosed herein, such as operating conditions, operation conditions, dimensions and weights of components, etc., do not deviate from the scope of ordinary practice by a person skilled in the art, and are matters that can be easily assumed by a person skilled in the art.

[0358] For example, the length and shape of the upper massage member 24 and lower massage member 25 provided in the massage mechanism 2, the inclination angle of the upper massage member 24 (first rotating boss portion 26 (first cam surface 30)) and the lower massage member 25 (second rotating boss portion 46 (second cam surface 50)) relative to the rotating drive shaft 11, the left-right separation distance between the left and right massage portions 12, and the vertical separation distance between the upper massage member 24 and the lower massage member 25 can be changed as appropriate taking into account the treatment range.

[0359] Furthermore, the phase difference of the clamping action (up and down swinging movement) of the massage part 12 by the switching part 14, the relationship between the hook part 51 of the switching shaft 53 and the hook groove part 52 of the right rotation boss part 26R, 46R (for example, the shape (sliding range) of the hook part 51 and the hook groove part 52), etc. are not limited to those exemplified, and can be changed as appropriate. In other words, the rotation angle of the switching shaft 53 until the hook part 51 engages with the first rotation switching part 54 or the second rotation switching part 55 (the end wall 54, 55 of the hook groove part 52) ​​may be a half turn or any angle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0360] 1 massage machine 2 Massage mechanism 3 Massager 4 Treatment child 4a Upper treatment head 4c Lower treatment head 9 Foundation 10 Drive unit 10R Right drive mechanism 10L Left drive mechanism 11 Rotating drive shaft 12 Massage Department 12R Right massage area (1st massage area) 12L Left massage section (second massage section) 13 Conversion unit 13R Right conversion unit (first conversion unit) 13L Left conversion unit (second conversion unit) 14 Switching unit (half-turn clutch mechanism) 15 Drive motor 15a Right output shaft (right worm gear) 15b Left output shaft (left worm gear) 24 Massage member (upper massage member) 24R Right massage member (upper right massage member) 24L Left massage member (upper left massage member) 25 Lower massage member 25R Lower right massage member 25L Lower left massage member 26 Rotation boss part (first rotation boss part) 26R Right rotation boss part (1st right rotation boss part) 26L Left rotation boss part (first left rotation boss part) 27 First annular fitting portion 27R First right annular fitting 27L First left annular fitting 30R 1st right cam surface 30L 1st left cam surface 40 Ring member (second annular fitting portion) 40R Right ring member (second right annular fitting part) 40L Left ring member (second left annular fitting part) 46 Second rotating boss part 46R 2nd right rotation boss 46L Second left rotating boss 50R Second right cam surface 50L 2nd left cam surface 51 Hook part 51a One end 51b Other end 52 Hook groove 52a Hook groove part 52b Hook groove part 53 Switching Axis 54 First rotation switching part 55 Second rotation switching part 56R 1st gear (right side) 56L 1st gear (left side) 57R 2nd gear (right side) 57L 2nd gear (left side) 58R 3rd gear (right side) 58L 3rd gear (left side) 59R 1st shaft member 59L 1st shaft member 60R Second shaft member 60L 2nd shaft member

Claims

1. A massage mechanism having a rotary drive shaft facing a front-rear direction, and a first massage part and a second massage part driven by a rotary drive force of the rotary drive shaft, The first massage unit has a first rotary boss portion that rotates concentrically with the rotary drive shaft, and upper and lower massage elements that move toward and away from each other in the vertical direction due to the rotational drive force of the first rotary boss portion, a first conversion unit that converts the rotational driving force transmitted to the first rotation boss unit into a clamping action in which the lower treatment head and the upper treatment head move toward and away from each other; The second massage unit has a second rotation boss unit that rotates concentrically with the rotation drive shaft, and an upper treatment element and a lower treatment element that move toward and away from each other in the vertical direction due to the rotation drive force of the second rotation boss unit, a second conversion unit that converts the rotational driving force transmitted to the second rotation boss unit into a clamping action in which the lower treatment head and the upper treatment head move toward and away from each other, The first conversion unit is provided with a switching unit that makes the up and down movements of the first massage unit and the second massage unit in the same phase when the rotary drive shaft rotates forward, and makes the up and down movements of the first massage unit and the second massage unit out of phase when the rotary drive shaft rotates backward. A massage mechanism characterized by:

2. The switching unit is a C-shaped engagement piece provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the rotary drive shaft; and a C-shaped groove formed in the rotary boss portion provided in the first conversion portion, into which the C-shaped engagement piece is slidably fitted, When the rotary drive shaft rotates in the forward direction, the C-shaped engagement piece rotates in the forward direction within the C-shaped groove, and the C-shaped engagement piece engages with one end of the C-shaped groove, causing the first massage part and the second massage part to perform massage operations in the same phase.

2. The massage mechanism of claim 1.

3. The switching unit is configured such that, when the rotary drive shaft rotates in the reverse direction, the C-shaped engagement piece rotates in the reverse direction within the C-shaped groove, and the C-shaped engagement piece engages with the other end of the C-shaped groove, causing the first massage unit to perform a massage operation in a different phase from the massage operation of the second massage unit.

3. The massage mechanism according to claim 2.

4. 4. The massage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the C-shaped engagement piece is formed in an arc shape having a predetermined length around the rotation drive shaft.

5. The C-shaped groove portion is The groove has an arc-shaped length that is longer than the semicircle in the circumferential direction by the length of the C-shaped engagement piece around the rotation drive shaft, When one end of the C-shaped engagement piece engages with the other end of the C-shaped groove, the other end of the C-shaped engagement piece is 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction from one end of the C-shaped groove, and when the other end of the C-shaped engagement piece engages with one end of the C-shaped groove, the one end of the C-shaped engagement piece is 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction from the other end of the C-shaped groove.

5. The massage mechanism of claim 4.

6. The first massage part is disposed on one side in the left-right direction, and the second massage part is disposed on the other side in the left-right direction.

2. The massage mechanism of claim 1.

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