Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine allowing a user to receive an appropriate massage.SOLUTION: The massage machine includes a backrest portion on which a user leans, a massage portion that performs a massage on the user, an operation unit for performing various operations, a first actuator that reclines the backrest portion, a storage unit that stores a massage course in which the massage portion and the first actuator operate according to a predetermined program, and a control unit that controls driving of the massage portion and the first actuator, in which the control unit executes first control of not receiving an operation related to an operation of the first actuator by the operation unit during the massage course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, massage machines are known that allow the user to change the angle of the backrest by operating a button (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192256 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The massage machine described in Patent Document 1 above allows the user to freely change the angle of the backrest and leg rest by operating buttons (for example, the reclining button or ottoman button shown in Figure 16) during a massage course, which poses a problem in that it may interfere with the actions (massage course) that the operator wants to provide. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a massage machine that can perform the desired actions that the business operator wants to provide without being hindered by the user, that is, a massage machine that can provide the user with an appropriate massage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention comprises a backrest portion on which a user leans, a massage portion that massages the user, an operation portion for performing various operations, a first actuator that reclines the backrest portion, a memory portion that stores massage courses in which the massage portion and the first actuator operate according to a predetermined program, and a control portion that controls the driving of the massage portion and the first actuator, wherein the control portion executes a first control that does not accept operations related to the operation of the first actuator by the operation portion during the massage course. This configuration prevents the user from operating the operating unit to recline the backrest during a massage course, thereby preventing the service provider from interfering with the massage course they are aiming to provide. In other words, the user can receive an appropriate massage.

[0006] It is also preferable that the massage device has a footrest that supports the user's lower limbs and a second actuator that causes the footrest to oscillate, the massage course includes operation of the second actuator, and the control unit executes a second control that does not accept operation related to the operation of the second actuator by the operating unit during the massage course. This configuration prevents the user from operating the operating unit to rock the footrest during a massage course, thereby preventing the service provider from interfering with the massage course they are providing. In other words, the user can receive an appropriate massage.

[0007] It is also preferable that the footrest has a third actuator that extends and retracts in the height direction, the massage course includes operation of the third actuator, and the control unit executes a third control that does not accept operation related to the operation of the third actuator by the operating unit during the massage course. This configuration prevents the user from operating the operating unit to extend or retract the footrest during a massage course, thereby preventing the service provider from interfering with the massage course they are providing. In other words, the user can receive an appropriate massage.

[0008] It is also preferable that the operation unit has a display unit and / or an audio output unit, and the control unit notifies the display unit and / or the audio output unit that at least one of the operations related to the operation of the first actuator, the operation related to the operation of the second actuator, and the operation related to the operation of the third actuator will not be accepted. By adopting such a configuration, the user can know that the operation relating to the actuator operation that he or she is trying to execute is not possible.

[0009] It is also preferable that the notification is given during the reclining operation, the rocking operation, or the extension / contraction operation of the massage course. With this configuration, the user can know, while the actuator is operating, that the operation related to the actuator that he or she is trying to execute is not possible.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit has a plurality of control modes in which at least some of the functions available to the user differ from the total functions of the massage machine, and the plurality of control modes include a full function control mode in which the user can use all or almost all of the functions of the massage machine, and a limited function control mode in which at least some of the functions available to the user in the full function control mode are restricted, and the limited function control mode includes at least one of the first control, the second control, and the third control, and it is preferable that the control unit transitions to the full function control mode or the limited function control mode when a predetermined state occurs during execution of the massage course. With this configuration, the user can receive an appropriate massage without being hindered from the action (massage course) that the business operator wants to provide.

[0011] It is also preferable that the operation unit has a display unit and / or an audio output unit, and the control unit notifies the user by the display unit and / or the audio output unit that the operation unit has transitioned to the full function control mode or the limited function control mode. With this configuration, the user can know whether the mode has been switched to the full function control mode or the limited function control mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the user can receive an appropriate massage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a massage machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the posture of the massage machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the first back massage portion. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement of the slide mechanism of the massage machine, in which (a) is a diagram before the footrest moves relative to the seat, and (b) is a diagram after the footrest has moved forward relative to the seat. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a controller of a massage machine, in which FIG. 1A shows a full-function control mode, and FIG. 1B shows a limited-function control mode. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a controller of a massage machine, in which FIG. 1A shows a limited function control mode, and FIG. 1B shows a full function control mode. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a transition of a control mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a transition of a control mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [Overall configuration of the massager] The overall configuration of the massage machine 1 of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the massage machine 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1. Fig. 4 is a side view illustrating the posture of the massage machine 1. Fig. 5 is a front view of the first back massage section 8. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the third actuator 13, which is a slide mechanism of the massage machine 1. The concept of direction used in the following explanation is the same as the concept of direction when seen from the user seated on the massage machine 1 shown in Figure 1, and other cases will be explained as appropriate. In addition, the definition of the front and back of the body will be explained as the chest side of a standing user being the "front" and the back side being the "back".

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention mainly comprises a seat 2 on which a user sits, a backrest 3 on which the user leans and which is reclined at the rear of the seat 2, a footrest 4 which is mounted at the front of the seat 2 and can swing up and down to support the user's lower limbs, a pillow 5 which is mounted on the upper front surface of the backrest 3 to support the user's head and / or neck, armrests 6 on both the left and right sides of the seat 2, and side walls 7 on both the left and right sides of the backrest 3.

[0016] The seat 2, backrest 3, footrest 4, pillow 5, armrests 6, and sidewalls 7 function as body support sections that support the user's body. Air cells 20 (described later) that massage the user's body are provided at each of the body support sections 2 to 7. The massage machine 1 also has a first back massage section 8 as a back massage section 15 that performs kneading massage and / or tapping massage on the backrest 3, a control section 9 that controls each operation of the massage machine 1, and a controller 10 (described later) that is an operation section that allows the user to perform various operations.

[0017] 1, 3, 4 and 6, the backrest 3 is configured to be reclined forward and backward relative to the seat 2 by a first actuator 11 (see Fig. 3) provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from the upright position shown in Fig. 4 to a reclined position in which the backrest surface is approximately horizontal. The armrests 6 are configured to move backward in conjunction with the reclining movement of the backrest 3, and to move forward in conjunction with the upright movement of the backrest 3. The footrest 4 is configured to be able to swing up and down relative to the seat 2 by a second actuator 12 (see Fig. 3) provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from the hanging position shown in Fig. 1 to an elevated position (see Fig. 4) in which the lower legs and feet are supported with the knees extended. In addition, a third actuator 13 (see Fig. 6), which is a slide mechanism provided on the back side of the footrest 4, can be used to extend or retract the footrest 4 forward or backward relative to the seat 2 in the height direction.

[0018] 1 to 3, an air supply / exhaust device 14 having a pump 14a and a valve 14b for supplying and exhausting air to and from massage sections a1 to a8 each made up of an air cell 20, and the aforementioned control section 9 are provided below the seat 2. The air cells 20 can press against the user by supplying and exhausting air. The control unit 9 has a programmable microcomputer or the like, and drives and controls the actuators 11, 12, 13, the first back massage unit 8, the massage units a1 to a8, and the air supply and exhaust device 14. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to a controller 10 and a memory unit 50, which will be described later. The massage machine 1 operates each massage unit according to a predetermined program (massage course) stored in the memory unit 50, and also operates according to instructions from the user via the controller 10, which will be described later.

[0019] [Seat configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, walls 22 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2, facing the outer surfaces of the user's buttocks and / or thighs. These walls 22 are erected upward on the sides of the seat. Seat massage sections a4 are provided on the inner surfaces of the walls 22 to massage the sides (outer surfaces) of the buttocks and / or thighs. The inner walls of the armrests 6 on both the left and right sides of the seat 2 may be used as the walls 22, in which case the seat massage sections a4 may be provided on the inner walls of the armrests 6. The seat 2 is also provided with seat massage parts a5 that massage the user's buttocks and / or thighs from below. The seat massage parts a4, a5 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The seat massage parts a4, a5 are configured as a pair on the left and right. The seat massage parts a4, a5 can be pressed separately on the left and right. Although the seat massage parts a4, a5 have been described as being configured as a pair on the left and right, this is not limiting, and massage parts may be provided in four locations on the buttocks and thighs.

[0020] [Armrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, armrests 6 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2 to support the user's hands and forearms. Arm massage sections a6 are provided above and below the armrests 6, above and below the hands and forearms. The arm massage sections a6 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the arm massage sections a6 are configured in pairs on the left and right. The left and right arm massage sections a6 can be pressed separately. Alternatively, the upper and lower arm massage sections a6 may be pressed separately.

[0021] [Pillow section configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a pillow section 5 that supports the head and / or neck of the user is provided on the upper front surface of the backrest section 3. A pair of head massage sections a1 are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the pillow section 5, facing the back surface of the head and / or neck. The head massage sections a1 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The head massage part a1 may be provided facing the outer surface of the head and / or neck. In this case, it is preferable to provide it on the inner surface of a wall (not shown) erected forward. The head massage part a1 may also be provided directly on the upper front surface of the backrest part 3, rather than on the pillow part 5. The head massage part a1 can be pressed separately on the left and right sides.

[0022] [Backrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the backrest section 3 is composed of a rigid back frame 3a, guide rails 18 that guide the elevation of a first back massage section 8 (described later) attached to the back frame 3a, and a cover member 3c that covers the back frame 3a. The back frame 3a is composed of a metal member and / or a resin member. The back frame 3a has an opening 3b formed in the center on the left and right that opens in the front-rear direction, and is generally gate-shaped in front view. The cover member 3c (see Figure 1) covers the opening 3b from the front.

[0023] The treatment elements 62 (see FIG. 5) of the first back massage unit 8 protrude forward from the opening 3b, allowing the user's torso to be massaged from behind via the cover member 3c. In addition, second back massage units a3 (included in the back massage unit 15) that can press against the user's lower back are provided on both the left and right sides of the backrest unit 3. The second back massage units a3 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the second back massage units a3 are configured in pairs on the left and right. The left and right second back massage units a3 can be pressed separately.

[0024] [Configuration of the first back massage section] The configuration of the first back massage portion 8 will be described below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the backrest 3 is provided with a first back massage section 8 that massages the user's upper body from behind (back). A plurality of first back massage sections 8 (one in this embodiment) may be provided along the height direction. The back frame 3a is provided with a pair of guide rails 18 extending in the height direction, and the first back massage section 8 moves along the guide rails 18. The first back massage section 8 is movable in the height direction.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the first back massage unit 8 has a base frame 60a and a movable frame 60b supported by the base frame 60a. The base frame 60a has guide rollers 63 that fit into guide rails 18 on both the left and right sides. The base frame 60a can move in the height direction by an elevating mechanism (not shown) such as a rack and pinion. The movable frame 60b is supported by the base frame 60a via a left-right swing shaft 64. A forward / backward driving unit 65 such as an air cell is provided between the base frame 60a and the movable frame 60b. Drive of the forward / backward driving unit 65 allows the movable frame 60b to move forward and backward around the swing shaft 64. It should be noted that the structure does not necessarily have to move the movable frame 60b forward and backward, and a structure in which the arm 61 is provided with an advance / retract drive unit 65 and only the arm 61 is advanced and retracted may also be used. When the arm 61 is provided with an advance / retract drive unit 65, separate advance / retract drive units 65 are provided on the left and right. In this way, the pair of left and right arms 61 can be driven separately, and for example, only the right arm 61 or only the left arm 61 can be advanced.

[0026] The arm 61 is connected to a kneading shaft 66 and a pounding shaft 67, which extend in the left-right direction. On both the left and right sides of the kneading shaft 66, inclined cams 66a having inclined shaft portions 66b are provided, and the arm 61 is attached to these inclined cams 66a. The left and right inclined shaft portions 66b are inclined with respect to the axis of the kneading shaft 66 so as to form a generally V-shape in front view. On both the left and right sides of the pounding shaft 67, eccentric cams 67a having eccentric shaft portions 67b eccentric with respect to the axis of the pounding shaft 67 are provided, and the arm 61 is attached to these eccentric cams 67a via connecting rods 68. The left and right eccentric shaft portions 67b have phases that are different from each other with respect to the axis of the pounding shaft 67, specifically, they are different in phase by 180 degrees. The kneading shaft 66 and the hitting shaft 67 are rotated by the driving of massage motors M1 and M2, respectively. The treatment elements 62 perform a kneading massage when the kneading shaft 66 rotates, and perform a hitting massage when the hitting shaft 67 rotates. The arm 61 on which the treatment elements 62 are mounted, the kneading shaft 66, and the hitting shaft 67 are supported by the movable frame 60b. Therefore, the treatment elements 62 can move forward and backward relative to the user via the movement of the movable frame 60b.

[0027] The arm 61 is swingable in the front-rear direction and is biased by a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring so that the upper treatment element 62 protrudes forward. The first back massage unit 8 also has a sensor 69 that detects the user's physical information. The sensor 69 can obtain physical information by detecting that the arm 61 has reached a predetermined swing position. More specifically, when the upper treatment element 62 reaches above the shoulder during the process of raising the first back massage unit 8 in the height direction, the load acting on the treatment element 62 is released, and the arm 61 swings forward to a predetermined swing position. The sensor 69 detects that the arm 61 has reached the predetermined swing position, and detects the position of the shoulder based on the up-down position of the first back massage unit 8 at that time. Using the position of the shoulder as a reference, the positions of other parts of the body (neck, back, waist, etc.) are calculated. The detected physical information is stored in the memory unit 50.

[0028] [Side Wall Configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, side walls 7 are provided on both the left and right sides of the back frame 3a (backrest portion 3), facing the outer surfaces of the user's shoulders or upper arms. These side walls 7 are erected forward on the sides of the backrest portion 3. The inner surfaces of the side walls 7 are provided with shoulder massage portions a2 that massage the shoulders or upper arms from the sides (outer surfaces) or from the front. The shoulder massage portions a2 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the shoulder massage portions a2 are configured in pairs on the left and right. The left and right shoulder massage portions a2 can be pressed separately.

[0029] [Footrest configuration] The aforementioned lower limbs include at least the lower legs and feet of the user. 1 to 3, the footrest 4 has a pair of left and right leg support portions 40 that support the user's lower legs, and a pair of left and right foot support portions 41 that support the user's feet. The leg support portions 40 have a bottom wall 40a that faces the backs of the user's lower legs, side walls 40b that extend forward from both left and right ends of the bottom wall 40a, and a central wall 40c that extends forward from the center of the left and right sides of the bottom wall 40a.

[0030] The inner surfaces of the side walls 40b are provided with leg massage sections a7 that massage the outer surfaces of the lower legs. The outer surfaces of both sides of the central wall 40c are provided with leg massage sections a7 that massage the inner surfaces of the lower legs. The bottom wall 40a is also provided with leg massage sections a7 that massage the backs of the user's lower legs. The leg massage sections a7 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The leg massage sections a7 are configured as pairs on the left and right, with one leg massage section a7 facing the inner surface of the lower leg and the other facing the outer surface of the lower leg. The leg massage sections a7 also include a leg massage section a7 facing the back surface of the left lower leg across the central wall 40c, and a leg massage section a7 facing the back surface of the right lower leg across the central wall 40c. The left and right leg massage sections a7 can be pressed separately. The leg massage sections a7 also function as lower leg clamping means 16 that clamp the user's lower legs (lower legs). The lower leg clamping means 16 may clamp at least one of the left and right lower legs (lower legs) of the user.

[0031] The foot support section 41 has a bottom wall 41a on which the soles of the user's feet are placed, side walls 41b extending upward from both the left and right ends of the bottom wall 41a, a central wall 41c extending upward from the center of the left and right sides of the bottom wall 41a, and a rear wall 41d extending upward from the rear of the bottom wall 41a and facing the back of the foot (near the heel). Recesses 42 that are open upward and forward are formed in each of the walls 41a to 41d, and the foot can be accommodated in the recesses 42.

[0032] Each wall 41a to 41c is provided with a foot massage section a8 that massages the user's feet. The foot massage section a8 is made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The left and right foot massage sections a8 can be pressed separately. The foot massage section a8 also serves as lower leg clamping means 16 that clamps the user's feet (lower legs). The lower leg clamping means 16 only needs to clamp at least one of the left and right feet (lower legs) of the user.

[0033] [First actuator] The first actuator 11 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The backrest 3 is configured to be reclined forward and backward relative to the seat 2 by the first actuator 11 provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from an upright position shown in Figure 4 to a reclined position in which the backrest surface is approximately horizontal. The first actuator 11 is, for example, a linear actuator consisting of a main body (not shown) including a drive source (motor) and an extension / contraction section (not shown). By rotating the motor forward, the extension / contraction section can be extended relative to the main body, placing the backrest section 3 in an upright position, and by rotating the motor in the reverse direction, the extension / contraction section can be contracted relative to the main body, placing the backrest section 3 in a reclining position.

[0034] [Second actuator] The second actuator 12 will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The footrest 4 is configured to be able to swing up and down relative to the seat 2 by the second actuator 12 provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from a hanging position shown in Figure 4 to a raised position in which the lower legs and feet are supported with the knees extended. The second actuator 12 is, for example, a direct-acting actuator consisting of a main body (not shown) including a drive source (motor) and an extension / contraction section (not shown). By rotating the motor forward, the extension / contraction section can be extended relative to the main body, causing the footrest 4 to assume an elevated position, and by rotating the motor in the reverse direction, the extension / contraction section can be contracted relative to the main body, causing the footrest 4 to assume a suspended position.

[0035] [Third Actuator] The third actuator 13 will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the slide mechanism of the massage machine 1, in which (a) is a diagram before the footrest 4 moves relative to the seat 2, and (b) is a diagram after the footrest 4 has moved forward relative to the seat 2. 3 and 6, the slide mechanism is a third actuator 13 that moves (extends and retracts) the footrest 4 forward or backward relative to the seat 2, and is provided on the back side of the footrest 4. The third actuator 13 is composed of a motor 13a, a threaded rod 13b, a belt member 13c that transmits the driving force of the motor 13a to the threaded rod 13b, and an attachment part 13d that is attached to the threaded rod 13b and that moves the footrest 4 relative to the seat 2, and the attachment part 13d is attached to the footrest 4.

[0036] When motor 13a is driven, threaded rod 13b rotates via belt member 13c attached to motor 13a. The rotation of threaded rod 13b moves mounting portion 13d on threaded rod 13b, and the movement of mounting portion 13d moves footrest 4 within a desired range relative to the seat 2. Such operation of third actuator 13 is executed based on instructions from control unit 9, as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, by rotating motor 13a forward, mounting portion 13d moves forward on threaded rod 13b, and footrest 4 moves forward (extends) relative to seat 2. By rotating motor 13a in the reverse direction, mounting portion 13d moves backward on threaded rod 13b, and footrest 4 moves backward (retracts) relative to seat 2.

[0037] [Controller Configuration] 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, a controller 10, which is an operation unit for performing various operations, is provided on the upper part of the armrest 6, and can be operated by the user while seated on the massage machine 1. This controller 10 has a screen 10a, which is a display unit that the user can visually confirm, and a touch panel 10b, which the user operates with his / her fingertips on the screen 10a, and further has physical buttons 31 and a speaker 33, which is an audio output unit, below the screen 10a. Although the speaker 33 has been described as being included in the controller 10, this is not limited to this and the speaker 33 may be provided at the top of the backrest portion 3 (around the ears when the user is seated) or in the pillow portion 5.

[0038] The controller 10 can also be used to perform various operations related to the massage machine 1. For example, the posture of the backrest 3 can be changed (by operating the first actuator 11), the posture of the footrest 4 can be changed (by operating the second actuator 12), and the footrest 4 can be moved relative to the seat 2 (by operating the third actuator 13). It is also possible to select the first back massage section 8 and each of the massage sections a1 to a8 to be operated, and to change the operation (technique, strength, etc.) of the first back massage section 8 and each of the massage sections a1 to a8.

[0039] The above operation may be performed using the touch panel 10b, or may be performed using the physical buttons 31 or the voice recognition unit 32 installed in the controller 10. The voice recognition unit 32 may be installed on the upper part of the backrest 3 or on the pillow 5. In this way, the user can operate the massage machine 1 with the voice recognition unit 32 while leaning on the backrest 3 without having to change his / her posture.

[0040] The physical buttons 31 include a "power button 31a" that starts or stops the massage machine 1 by switching the power supply state, a "stand up button 31b" and a "fall down button 31c" that change the position of the backrest 3 by operating the first actuator 11, a "raise button 31d" and a "lower button 31e" that change the position of the footrest 4 by operating the second actuator 12, and an "extend button 31f" and a "retract button 31g" that move (extend) the footrest 4 forward or backward in the height direction relative to the seat 2 by operating the third actuator.

[0041] The touch panel 10b can change the screen it displays by performing a specific operation or by the passage of time, and different types of operation keys (buttons) are displayed on each screen. One or more operation keys (buttons) are displayed on one screen. 7(a) is an example of the screen 10a of the controller 10 when transitioning to the full function control mode 71 described later. The touch panel 10b includes functions operated by the above-described physical buttons 31 as shown in FIG. 7(a) and one or more operation keys (buttons) for operating each massage unit. By doing this, during a massage course, the course content and operating status of the massage course being executed can be displayed on the screen 10a, and the user can operate the massage machine 1 by operating the screen 10a (touch panel 10b).

[0042] 7(b) is an example of the screen 10a of the controller 10 when the mode has shifted to the below-described function limitation restriction mode 70. Specifically, this is the screen 10a of the controller 10 executing the first control that does not accept any operation related to the operation of the first actuator 11 when the mode has shifted to the function limitation restriction mode 70. In the full function control mode 71, the screen 10a of the controller 10 displays a "stand up button 10b" and a "fall down button 10b" as shown in Figure 7(a), and the user can perform operations related to the operation of the first actuator 11 by pressing the buttons 10b.

[0043] On the other hand, when the full function control mode 71 is switched to the limited function control mode 70, the "stand up button 10b" and the "fall down button 10b" are no longer displayed on the screen 10a, as shown in Figure 7(b). In other words, the user is no longer able to perform operations related to the operation of the first actuator 11. By doing this, while the massage machine 1 is executing the first control, the user will not be able to operate the "stand up button 10b" and the "fall down button 10b", which are operations related to the operation of the first actuator 11, and the desired operations that the operator wants to provide can be performed without being hindered by the user (the user can receive an appropriate massage).

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 9 has a plurality of control modes for controlling functions available to the user among all the functions of the massage machine 1. Operation programs for operating the functions of the massage machine 1 according to the control modes are stored in a storage unit 50 consisting of a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 50 is connected to the control unit 9. When the user operates the controller 10, the control unit 9 operates each massage unit and each function 11 to 13 according to the operation instructions.

[0045] The multiple control modes consist of a full function control mode 71 in which the user can use all or almost all functions of the massage machine 1, and a limited function control mode 70 in which some of the functions available to the user are limited.

[0046] In the limited function control mode 70, at least some of the functions available to the user in the full function control mode 71 are limited. In other words, operations related to the operations of the first actuator 11 to the third actuator 13, which are functions of the massage machine 1, are not accepted. In this embodiment, the operations of the first actuator 11 to the third actuator 13 are described as examples of functions to be restricted, but this is not limiting. For example, the operations of the first back massage portion 8 and the first back massage portion 8 and the massage portions a1 to a8 (air cells 20) may be restricted.

[0047] Specifically, in the function-limited control mode 70, during a massage course, the operation of the physical buttons 31 that perform operations related to the operation of the first actuator 11 (operation of the "rise button 31b" and "fall down button 31c" that change the position of the backrest portion 3), operations related to the operation of the second actuator 12 (operation of the "raise button 31d" and "lower button 31e" that change the position of the footrest 4), and operations related to the operation of the third actuator 13 (operation of the "extend button 31f" and "retract button 31g" that extend and retract the footrest 4) is not accepted.

[0048] Furthermore, not only is physical button 31 controlled, but as shown in Fig. 7(b), the operation keys (buttons) displayed on screen 10a are also controlled not to be displayed. Note that Fig. 7(b) shows a state in which stand up button 31b and fall down button 31c are not displayed on screen 10a, but raise button 31d, lower button 31e, extend button 31f, and retract button 31g may also be controlled not to be displayed on screen 10a. At least, in function limited control mode 70, control is performed so that operations related to the operations of first actuator 11 to third actuator 13 are not accepted.

[0049] In this way, by disabling operations (including not accepting operations and not displaying buttons on the screen 10a), it is possible to prevent the user from operating the first to third actuators 11 to 13 during a massage course. In other words, the user can receive an appropriate massage without being hindered by the operation that the provider wants to provide (for example, a stretching operation that links the reclining operation of the backrest 3 with the rocking operation of the footrest 4). In addition, operations other than those related to the operation of the first actuator 11 to the third actuator 13 (for example, operations of the power button 31a, etc.) may be set to be valid or invalid even in the limited-function control mode 70.

[0050] Although the example has been described in which control is performed so that the rise button 31b and fall button 31c are not displayed on the screen 10a, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the display of each button may remain the same (the same state as the content displayed on the screen 10a in the full function control mode 71) and the operation with the user's finger may be disabled. In this case, when the button is operated with a finger, the speaker 33, which is the audio output unit, may output a notification sound (e.g., an electronic sound such as "beep beep") indicating that the operation is disabled, or may output a voice such as "That function is currently unavailable" to notify the user, or the screen 10a may display (not shown) "That function is currently unavailable" to notify the user. In this way, the user can know that the operation he or she is trying to perform is not possible.

[0051] When the control mode transitions from limited-function control mode 70 to full-function control mode 71, or from full-function control mode 71 to limited-function control mode 70, the control unit 9 controls the screen 10a and / or speaker 33 of the controller 10 to notify the user of the transition of the control mode by displaying and / or outputting audio. In this way, the user can know whether the operation he or she is trying to perform is possible or not, and the user can use the massage machine 1 appropriately.

[0052] [Control mode transition flow] The following describes the flow of transitions between the control modes 70 and 71. Fig. 8 shows a screen 10a of the controller 10 of the massage machine 1, where (a) shows the limited-function control mode 70, and (b) shows the full-function control mode 71. Fig. 9 is a flow chart for explaining transitions between the control modes.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the user operates the power button 31a to start the massage machine 1 (step S0). At this time, the power is turned on. When the massage machine 1 is started, it automatically transitions to the full function control mode 71 (step S1). In the full function control mode 71, the user can use all or almost all functions. When the user selects a massage course that he or she wants to execute from the massage courses displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10, the massage course starts (step S2). The massage course here will be described using a whole body course as an example.

[0054] The whole body course includes massages performed by operating the first back massage section 8 and each massage section a1 to a8 provided at each of the body support sections 2 to 7 in a sequential order, a stretching action that arches the user's entire body by linking the reclining action that reclines the backrest section 3, the rocking action that rocks the footrest 4, and the extension and contraction action that extends and contracts the footrest 4, and a stretching action for the lower limbs by linking the rocking action and the extension and contraction action while the lower limbs are clamped by the lower limb clamping means 16.

[0055] When the massage course starts, the mode shifts to the limited function control mode 70 (step S3). As described above, the limited function control mode 70 restricts the operation of the first to third actuators 11 to 13 so that the operation is not accepted.

[0056] The control that does not accept operation is the first control that does not execute a drive command to the first actuator 11 that causes the backrest portion 3 to recline even when the "rise button 31b" or the "fall down button 31c" is operated; the second control that does not execute a drive command to the second actuator 12 that causes the footrest 4 to oscillate even when the "raise button 31d" or the "lower button 31e" is operated; and the third control that does not execute a drive command to the third actuator 13 that causes the footrest 4 to extend or retract in the height direction even when the "extend button 31f" or the "retract button 31g" is operated. In the function-limited control mode 70, the first control to the third control are executed.

[0057] In this way, the user can perform the desired action that the business operator wants to provide without interfering with the action, and the user can receive an appropriate massage. When all pre-programmed actions are completed, the massage course ends (step S4). When the massage course ends, the system transitions from limited-function control mode 70 to full-function control mode 71, and all or almost all functions become available to the user (step S5). After this, the user can select a massage course again or operate other functions. If the massage course is selected again, the full function control mode 71 is switched to the limited function control mode 70 again (the process proceeds to step S3).

[0058] The transition to the full function control mode 71 in step S1 is not limited to when an operation is performed to start the massage machine 1. For example, the transition to the full function control mode 71 may be made after characters, images, etc. are displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10 from the state in which the massage machine 1 is started. By doing so, even if an operation is performed accidentally on the screen 10a immediately after startup (when no characters or images are displayed), the operation is invalidated, and the operation can be accepted after characters or images are displayed on the screen 10a. Alternatively, a sensor (not shown) may be provided on the seat 2 or the backrest 3, etc., and the full function control mode 71 may be entered when contact between the user and the massage machine 1 is detected.

[0059] When transitioning to the limited function control mode 70 in step S3 or the full function control mode 71 in step S5, the transition to each control mode may be displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10 using text or images, or may be output as audio through the speaker 33.

[0060] Specifically, when transitioning to the limited-function control mode 70, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the display 10a displays "Currently, the operations of raising, lowering, lifting, lowering, extending, and retracting are not possible." and the speaker 33 outputs a voice message saying, "Currently, the operations of raising, lowering, lifting, lowering, lifting, and retracting are not possible." to the user. At this time, the user is informed that the notified function cannot be operated. The reason for the operation being unavailable may also be displayed or output as voice. The display that the operation is unavailable is kept for a time long enough for the user to recognize (e.g., 5 seconds), after which functions that the user can operate (e.g., the strength adjustment button) are displayed, but functions that the user cannot operate are not displayed. When transitioning to the full-function control mode 71, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the display 10a displays "Currently, the operations of raising, lowering, lifting, lowering, lifting, and retracting are possible." and the speaker 33 outputs a voice message saying, "Currently, the operations of raising, lowering, lifting, lowering, lifting, and retracting are possible." At this time, the user is informed that the operation is available. The indication that the operation is possible is displayed for a time long enough for the user to recognize (for example, 5 seconds), after which the functions that the user can operate (for example, the intensity adjustment button) are displayed.

[0061] The following describes the flow to each of the other control modes 70 and 71. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the screen 10a of the controller 10 of the massage machine 1, where (a) is a diagram displaying the limited function control mode 70, and (b) is a diagram displaying the full function control mode 71. Fig. 10 is a flow diagram explaining the transition of the control mode.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the user operates the power button 31a to start the massage machine 1 (step S0). At this time, the power is turned on. When the massage machine 1 is started, it automatically transitions to the full function control mode 71 (step S1). In the full function control mode 71, the user can use all or almost all functions. When the user selects a massage course that he or she wants to execute from the massage courses displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10, the massage course starts (step S2). The massage course here will be explained using the whole body course described above as an example.

[0063] After the massage course starts and the massage operations of the first back massage unit 8 and the massage units a1 to a8 are performed in sequence, the stretching operation is started (step S3). The stretching operation described here is a stretching operation in which the reclining operation of the backrest unit 3, the swinging operation of the footrest 4, and the extension and retraction operation of the footrest 4 are linked together. Before the stretching operation is performed, the backrest unit 3 is in an upright position, the footrest 4 is in an elevated position, and the footrest 4 has not yet moved relative to the seat unit 2 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6(a)).

[0064] From this state, first, the lower legs are clamped by the lower leg clamping means 16. Next, with the lower legs clamped, the second actuator 12 is driven to swing the footrest 4 to a hanging position. At the same time, the first actuator 11 is driven to change the backrest 3 to a reclining position. Furthermore, during the process of swinging the footrest 4 from the raised position to the hanging position, the third actuator 13 is driven to move the footrest 4 forward relative to the seat 2 (see FIG. 6(b)). In this way, by moving the backrest 3 and the footrest 4 in conjunction with each other, the user can stretch the entire body by arching the entire body.

[0065] When the stretching operation starts, the full function control mode 71 is switched to the limited function control mode 70 (step S4). As described above, in the limited function control mode 70, operations related to the operations of the first actuator 11 to the third actuator 13 are restricted so as not to be accepted.

[0066] In other words, the user cannot perform the above-mentioned operations while stretching. Note that the device may be configured to notify the user that they cannot perform these operations while stretching by displaying "Currently, the following operations are not possible: sitting up, lying down, raising, lowering, stretching, and contracting" on screen 10a shown in Fig. 8(a) or outputting a voice message from speaker 33 saying "Currently, the following operations are not possible: sitting up, lying down, raising, lowering, stretching, and contracting."

[0067] The stretching action is a predetermined range of movement (reclining, rocking, and extending / contracting) of the backrest 3 and footrest 4 that the operator wishes to provide, and if the user operates the first actuator 11 to the third actuator 13 during the stretching action, the effect of the stretching action will be reduced. Therefore, by keeping the limited function control mode 70 in effect while the stretching motion is being performed, operations related to the motions of the first to third actuators 11 to 13 are not accepted, and the user can perform the desired motion that the business operator wants to provide without being hindered. In other words, the user can receive an appropriate massage.

[0068] When the stretching operation is completed (step S5), the mode shifts from the limited function control mode 70 to the full function control mode 71 (step S6). That is, while the stretching operation is being performed, the mode remains in the limited function control mode 70 to prevent the effect of the stretching operation from being reduced, and while the stretching operation is not being performed (during other massage operations), the mode remains in the full function control mode 71. In this way, the user can change the posture of the backrest 3 and the footrest 4 by operating the first to third actuators 11 to 13 only when the full function control mode 71 is in effect.

[0069] It is determined whether all pre-programmed operations have been completed, and if not (NO in step S7), the process returns to the stretching operation (returns to step S3). When all pre-programmed operations are completed, the massage course ends (YES in step S7). When the massage course ends, a storage operation such as moving the first back massage section 8 to its initial position is performed, and when the storage operation is completed, the power is turned off and the massage machine 1 is stopped (step S8).

[0070] It should be noted that the transition to the full function control mode 71 in step S1 is not limited to when an operation is performed to start the massage machine 1. For example, when the massage machine 1 is started (powered on), the transition to the full function control mode 71 may be made when characters or images are displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10. Alternatively, a sensor (not shown) may be provided in the seat 2 or the backrest 3, etc., and the transition to the full function control mode 71 may be made when contact between the user and the massage machine 1 is detected. Furthermore, when transitioning to the limited function control mode 70 in step S4 or the full function control mode 71 in step S6, the transition to each control mode may be displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10 by text or images, or may be output as audio by the speaker 33.

[0071] Specifically, when transitioning to the function limited control mode 70, as shown in Fig. 8(a), the user is notified by displaying "Currently, operations to stand up, tilt, raise, lower, extend, and retract are not possible" on the screen 10a and outputting the voice message "Currently, operations to stand up, tilt, raise, lower, extend, and retract are not possible" from the speaker 33. At that time, the user can know that the notified function cannot be operated. The reason why the operation is not possible may also be displayed or output as audio. The display of the inoperability may be long enough for the user to recognize (for example, 5 seconds), and after the time has elapsed, only functions that the user can operate (for example, intensity adjustment buttons) may be displayed, and functions that the user cannot operate may not be displayed. Also, functions that the user cannot operate may remain displayed, and when the user operates (selects) the function, the user may be notified that the function limited control mode 70 is being executed, as shown in Figure 8(a).

[0072] When transitioning to full function control mode 70, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the user is notified by displaying "The operations of standing up, tilting, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting are now possible" on screen 10a and outputting the voice message "The operations of standing up, tilting, raising, lowering, extending, and retracting are now possible" from speaker 33. At this time, the user can know that the notified functions can be operated. The display indicating that the functions can be operated only needs to be long enough for the user to recognize (for example, 5 seconds), and after the time has elapsed, the functions that the user can operate (for example, the strength adjustment button) are displayed.

[0073] Furthermore, the massage machine 1 of the present invention is not limited to the form shown in the drawings, and may be of other forms within the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the functions limited in the function-limited control mode 70 include, as an example, operations related to the operation of each actuator 11, 12, and 13, but this is not limiting; the functions of the first actuator 11 and the second actuator 12 may be limited, and the function of the third actuator 13 may not be limited. That is, the first control and the second control are executed so that operations relating to the operation of the first actuator 11 and the second actuator 12 are not accepted, and the operation relating to the operation of the third actuator 13 is accepted.

[0074] Furthermore, the functions of the second actuator 12 and the third actuator 13 may be limited, and the function of the first actuator 11 may not be limited. That is, the second control and the third control are executed so that operations relating to the operation of the second actuator 12 and the third actuator 13 are not accepted, and the operation relating to the operation of the first actuator 11 is accepted.

[0075] Furthermore, the functions may be limited to operations other than those related to the operation of the actuators 11, 12, and 13. For example, the functions may be limited to strength and speed adjustment of the first back massage portion 8 and strength and speed adjustment of the massage portions a1 to a8. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The present invention can provide a massage machine that can give a user an appropriate massage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 massage machine 3 Backrest 4 Footrest 8, 15, a1~a8 Massage section 9 Control Unit 10 Controller (operation unit) 10a Screen (display part) 10b Touch Panel 11 First Actuator 12 Second actuator 13 Third actuator (slide mechanism) 31 Physical Buttons 33 Speaker (audio output section) 50 Storage section 70 Limited function control mode (control mode) 71 Full function control mode (control mode)

Claims

1. a backrest portion on which a user leans, and a massage portion that massages the user; an operation unit for performing various operations; a first actuator that causes the backrest portion to recline; a storage unit that stores massage courses in which the massage unit and the first actuator operate according to a predetermined program; a control unit that controls the driving of the massage unit and the first actuator, The control unit executes a first control that does not accept an operation related to the operation of the first actuator by the operation unit during the massage course.

2. a footrest for supporting the user's lower limbs; a second actuator for swinging the footrest, the massage course includes an operation of the second actuator, The massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit executes a second control that does not accept an operation related to the operation of the second actuator by the operation unit during the massage course.

3. a third actuator for extending and retracting the footrest in the height direction; the massage course includes an operation of the third actuator, The massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the control unit executes a third control that does not accept an operation related to the operation of the third actuator by the operation unit during the massage course.

4. the operation unit has a display unit and / or an audio output unit, The massage machine described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit notifies the display unit and / or the audio output unit that at least one of the operations related to the operation of the first actuator, the operation related to the operation of the second actuator, and the operation related to the operation of the third actuator will not be accepted.

5. 5. The massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the notification is given during the reclining operation, the rocking operation, or the extension / contraction operation of the massage course.

6. The control unit has a plurality of control modes in which at least some of the functions available to the user are different from each other among all the functions of the massage machine, The plurality of control modes include a full function control mode in which a user can use all or almost all functions of the massage machine, and a limited function control mode in which at least some of the functions available to the user in the full function control mode are limited, the function-limited control mode includes at least one of the first control, the second control, and the third control, The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit transitions to the full function control mode or the limited function control mode when a predetermined state occurs during execution of the massage course.

7. the operation unit has a display unit and / or an audio output unit, 7. The massage machine according to claim 6, wherein the control unit notifies the user of the transition to the full-function control mode or the limited-function control mode by means of the display unit and / or the audio output unit.

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