Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine capable of giving an effective aroma (a relaxing effect, an autonomic nerve regulating effect, a stress eliminating effect, a sympathetic nerve enhancing effect or the like) to a user according to a purpose at a low manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A body support part configured to support a body of a user, the body support part including a first frame made of plywood obtained by combining a plurality of wood members having a predetermined thickness in a left-right direction, and a second frame to which the first frame is attached, the second frame being made of a material different from that of the first frame, and the plywood of the first frame containing phytoncide.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Massage machines equipped with a scent emitter capable of emitting at least one type of scent from among several types of scents have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-183561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The massage machine described in Patent Document 1 above is equipped with an aroma diffuser (scent emitter) that can emit scents according to the scene provided by the head-mounted display device (sensory information providing means), but there is a problem in that the scent emitter must be prepared separately from the massage machine, which increases manufacturing costs. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a massage machine that can provide effective fragrances to users according to their purpose (such as relaxation effect, effect of regulating the autonomic nervous system, effect of relieving stress, effect of enhancing the sympathetic nervous system, etc.) at low manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is characterized in that it has a body support section that supports the user's body, the body support section having a first frame made of plywood formed by combining multiple pieces of wood having a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction, and a second frame to which the first frame is attached, the second frame being made of a material different from that of the first frame, and the plywood of the first frame containing phytoncides. With this configuration, the scent emitted by the wood used can provide the user with effects such as relaxation, autonomic nervous system regulation, stress relief, and sympathetic nervous system enhancement.

[0006] It is also preferable that the phytoncide is applied to the plywood. By adopting such a configuration, it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0007] The phytoncide is preferably provided on the outer layer of the plywood, on the surface that comes into contact with the user supported by the body support portion. This configuration allows the user to be given a stronger scent.

[0008] It is also preferable that the phytoncide be provided near the head of the user supported by the body support portion. By adopting such a configuration, the fragrance can be efficiently imparted.

[0009] The phytoncide preferably contains any one of α-cadinol, camphor, citral, thymol, turpentine oil, hinokitiol, borneol, menthol, and limonene. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to impart a scent according to the purpose.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the phytoncide is provided at a position in the layer formed by combining a plurality of pieces of wood, closer to the user supported by the body support portion than the middle. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to provide the user with a fragrance while ensuring the strength of the plywood.

[0011] Furthermore, the phytoncide is preferably a combination of a plurality of different components. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to impart a scent according to the purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide users with the effects of the scent emitted by the wood used (relaxation effect, effect of regulating the autonomic nervous system, effect of relieving stress, effect of enhancing the sympathetic nervous system, etc.) at low manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a frame of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front schematic view of a backrest according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are schematic plan views showing a plywood according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which phytoncides are provided on the outer layer of the plywood (the side that comes into contact with the user), (b) shows a state in which phytoncides are provided in a position that is farther away from the user supported by the body support section than the middle, and (c) shows a state in which phytoncides are provided in a position that is closer to the user supported by the body support section than the middle. [Figure 6] 1 is a table showing examples of phytoncides according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] [Overall configuration of the massager] The overall configuration of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame F of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in this example, the configuration, arrangement, and number of attached massage sections M (3a, 5a, 99) are merely examples and are not limited to these. They can be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0015] 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a seat 3 on which a user sits, a backrest 4 on which the user leans, which is provided at the rear of the seat 3, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. The massage machine 1 is provided with massage units M (massage mechanism 99, buttocks massage unit 3a, foot massage unit 5a) that massage the user, a control unit 7 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, a controller 8 for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, an air supply / exhaust device 9 that supplies / exhausts air to / from the air cells, a first drive unit 20a that rocks the backrest 4, and a second drive unit 20b that drives the footrest 5. Each component will be described later.

[0016] [Seat configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 3 is made up of a rectangular member that is long in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame F that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. The frame F will be described later. A pair of buttocks massage parts 3a (massage parts M) are provided on the upper surface of the seat 3, one on each side, for massaging the buttocks of a user seated on the seat 3. The buttocks massage parts 3a are made up of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. It is preferable that the left and right buttocks massage portions 3a are configured so as to be able to expand and contract independently of each other.

[0017] [Backrest configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the backrest 4 supports the upper body of the user. The backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the height direction. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 99 (massage unit M) is provided via the guide rail 16. The front of the backrest 4 is covered with a cover member (not shown), and the massage mechanism 99 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, thereby massaging the back of the torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, etc.) of the user seated on the seat 3 via the cover member (not shown).

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

[0019] [Armrest configuration] As shown in Figure 1, armrests 2 are attached in pairs to the left and right sides of seat 3. U-shaped arm massage units (not shown) for massaging the user's arms may be provided on the upper surfaces of armrests 2, and it is preferable that the left and right arm massage units (not shown) are configured so that they can be driven independently.

[0020] [Controller configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 7 consisting of a microcomputer or the like for controlling the operation of the massage mechanism 99, the air intake and exhaust device 9, etc. This control unit 7 is provided below the seat 3, and is connected to a controller 10 operated by the user and a memory unit (not shown) in which massage courses are stored. Various massage operations are performed by the user operating the controller 10.

[0021] [Configuration of the air intake and exhaust system] As shown in Figure 3, the air supply / exhaust device 9 is composed of a pump 9a for supplying air to each of the massage parts 3a, 5a, which are made up of air cells, and a valve 9b for connecting each of the massage parts 3a, 5a to the pump 9a. By turning the valve 9b on and off, air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells.

[0022] [Frame Configuration] The armrests 2, the seat 3, the backrest 4, and the footrest 5 are body support parts that support the body of the user. Hereinafter, the armrests 2, seat 3, backrest 4, and footrest 5 will be collectively referred to as body support sections 2 to 5. The body support sections 2 to 5 are composed of a first frame F1 made of plywood assembled from multiple pieces of wood with a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction, and a second frame F2 to which the first frame is attached. The plywood of the first frame F1 contains phytoncides. The phytoncides will be described later. The second frame F2 will be described later.

[0023] 5 is a plan view schematic diagram showing a plywood (first frame F1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a diagram showing a state in which phytoncides are provided on the outer layer of the plywood (the side that comes into contact with the user), (b) is a diagram showing a state in which phytoncides are provided in a position farther away from the user supported by body support parts 2 to 5 than the middle, and (c) is a diagram showing a state in which phytoncides are provided in a position closer to the user supported by body support parts 2 to 5 than the middle. The plywood refers to the first frame F1.

[0024] [Configuration of the first frame] As shown in FIG. 5, the first frame F1 is made by combining multiple pieces of wood with a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction (multiple pieces of wood are stacked to form a laminated structure). In this embodiment, four pieces of wood are combined. Note that any combination of multiple pieces of wood will do, and the materials and number of pieces of wood to be combined are not limited to this. For example, oak and zelkova could be combined (a combination of two pieces of wood). Alternatively, the first frame F1 could be made from a single piece of wood without combining the pieces, and the outer layer (surface) of the wood could be coated with phytoncide. Coating the outer layer (surface) of the wood with phytoncide allows for inexpensive production.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5(a), the plywood (first frame F1) is constructed in layers by combining multiple pieces of wood 30 to 33. Specifically, wood piece 30 made of highly durable Zelkova is positioned on the outermost side in the inward-outward direction, and wood piece 31 made of medium-durable camphor is positioned inside wood piece 30. Wood piece 32 made of highly durable oak is positioned inside wood piece 31 in the inward-outward direction, and wood piece 33 made of cedar, which contains phytoncides, is positioned inside wood piece 32 in the inward-outward direction. By placing wood 33 (cedar in this embodiment) containing phytoncides on the outer layer of the plywood (the side (position) that comes into contact with the user supported by the body support parts 2 to 5), the scent of phytoncides can be directly imparted to the user.

[0026] Furthermore, the phytoncide is preferably provided near the user's head, which is supported by the backrest 4, which is the body support part. By providing (applying) the phytoncide near the user's head, it is not necessary to apply the phytoncide to the entire plywood (first frame F1). More specifically, the position of the phytoncide can be brought close to the position of the user's nose, so the scent can be efficiently imparted to the user.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5(b), the plywood (first frame F1) is constructed in layers by combining multiple pieces of wood 30 to 33. Specifically, wood piece 31 made of camphor wood, which has medium durability, is positioned on the outermost side in the inward-outward direction, and wood piece 33 made of cedar, which contains phytoncides, is positioned inside wood piece 31. Wood piece 30 made of highly durable zelkova wood is positioned inside wood piece 33 in the inward-outward direction, and wood piece 32 made of highly durable oak wood is positioned inside wood piece 30 in the inward-outward direction. By placing the phytoncide-containing wood 33 (cedar in this embodiment) at a position away from the user supported by the body support parts 2 to 5 rather than the middle of the plywood, the strength of the plywood is ensured while the scent of phytoncides can be imparted indirectly to the user compared to when the scent is placed on the outermost layer of the plywood.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5(c), the plywood (first frame F1) is constructed in layers by combining multiple pieces of wood 30 to 33. Specifically, wood piece 30 made of highly durable Zelkova is positioned on the outermost side in the inward-outward direction, and wood piece 31 made of medium-durable camphor is positioned inside wood piece 30. Wood piece 33 made of cedar, which contains phytoncides, is positioned inside wood piece 31, and wood piece 32 made of highly durable oak is positioned inside wood piece 33 in the inward-outward direction. By placing the phytoncide-containing wood 33 (cedar in this embodiment) in a position closer to the user supported by the body support sections 2 to 5 than the middle of the plywood, the strength of the plywood can be ensured while providing the user with a fragrance. More specifically, compared to when the phytoncide scent is provided on the outer layer of the plywood, the scent can be provided indirectly to the user. Furthermore, compared to the case of FIG. 5(b), the scent can be provided more strongly.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of phytoncides according to one embodiment of the present invention. Phytoncides are volatile substances produced and emitted by trees and plants themselves, and are primarily composed of organic compounds called terpenes (fragrance components). Different trees and plants contain different components of phytoncides. There are many different types of phytoncides (see FIG. 6). Phytoncides preferably contain any of α-cadinol, camphor, citral, thymol, turpentine oil, hinokitiol, borneol, menthol, and limonene. This allows businesses to impart a scent (such as a relaxing scent) tailored to their needs. The phytoncides shown in FIG. 6 are just an example, and are not limited to this.

[0030] For example, one type of phytoncide is a component called "alpha-cadinol." This is a component found in cypress and has the effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria. The main component is alpha-pinene, a monoterpene hydrocarbon, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, providing users with a relaxing and refreshing effect. Another type of phytoncide is a component called "camphor." This is a component found in camphor and is said to be effective against muscle pain and neuralgia.

[0031] There are many other types of phytoncides, including limonene, saponin, and sesquiterpenes. The types of phytoncides contained vary depending on the tree or plant, and the effects obtained also vary depending on the wood used. Therefore, manufacturers of massage machine 1 can provide the intended effects to users by combining wood materials to form the plywood (first frame F1) according to their purposes.

[0032] When using trees such as cypress or camphor as lumber, it is sufficient to simply process the wood as is, but when extracting phytoncides from plants and using them, it is preferable to apply them to the wood. By applying the extracted phytoncides to the wood, it is possible to combine wood that does not contain phytoncides as plywood (first frame F1).

[0033] Moreover, it may be configured by combining Japanese cypress and camphor wood. By combining woods with different components (Japanese cypress and camphor wood in this example), it is possible to adjust the scent of phytoncides emitted from the wood. For example, by combining (layering) wood A, which has a relaxing effect (component A), with wood B, which has a relaxing effect (component B), a synergistic effect of components A and B can be expected, providing a more relaxing effect to the user. Also, wood A, which has a relaxing effect (component A), can be combined (layered) on the surface that comes into contact with the user, and wood C, which has a stress-relieving effect (component C), can be combined (layered) on the outermost surface from the user. In this way, the phytoncide scent can be provided not only to the user using the massage machine 1, but also to people who are not using the massage machine 1 (people around the massage machine 1). In other words, the intended scent can be provided to the user according to the business's purpose.

[0034] [Configuration of the second frame] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a frame F of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of the backrest portion 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the second frame F2 constituting the body support sections 2 to 5 is made up of a combination of multiple members. The second frame F2 is preferably made of a material different from that of the first frame F1. In this embodiment, the second frame F2 is made of metal. By making the second frame F2 out of metal, the strength of the massage machine 1 can be ensured.

[0035] Specifically, it is made up of frames F2a and F2b that form the backrest portion 4, and frames F2c to F2f that support the backrest portion 4 and come into contact with the floor surface. As shown in Figure 2, the frames that come into contact with the floor are the left and right pair of frames F2e that extend in the front-to-back direction, The frame F2f is provided in pairs at the front and rear of the frame F2e, and extends in the left-right direction between the frames F2e.

[0036] A pair of frames F2c extending in the vertical direction are provided on the upper surface of the frame F2e (one is provided on each of the left and right frames F2e, for a total of four frames). A pair of frames f2d extending in the vertical direction are provided on the upper surface of the frame F2c. A frame F2g extending in the horizontal direction between the left and right frames F2d is provided between the frames F2d. That is, the frames in contact with the floor surface are configured in a cross shape by combining the frames F2c to F2g with each other.

[0037] A footrest 5 is attached to the front end of the frame F2d so as to be able to swing up and down. A backrest 4 is attached to the rear end of the frame F2d so as to be able to swing back and forth. The footrest portion 5 is driven by the second drive portion 20b to swing up and down relative to the seat portion 3, and the backrest portion 4 is driven by the first drive portion 20a to swing back and forth relative to the seat portion 3.

[0038] The frame that constitutes the backrest portion 4 is a pair of left and right frames F2b that extend in the vertical direction, with a frame F2a that extends in the horizontal direction being provided between the pair of left and right frames F2b. A first frame F1 is attached to the outer left and right surfaces of the frames F2b (see FIG. 4). A guide rail 16 is attached to the inner left and right surfaces of the frames F2d, and the massage mechanism 99 can move up and down along the guide rail 16. In other words, the frame that constitutes the backrest portion 4 is configured in a square shape.

[0039] A seat portion 3 serving as a body support portion is attached to the upper surface of the second frame F2 (frames F2d and F2g), and armrest portions 2 serving as a body support portion are attached to the side surfaces of the second frame F2 (frames F2c to F2d, F2Fg). That is, the body support sections 2 to 5 are formed by attaching the first frame F1 to the second frame F2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the frames F2a and F2b constituting the backrest portion 4 are configured as the second frame F2 made of metal, but this is just an example and is not limiting. For example, the frame F2b may be made of metal and the frame F2a may be made of wood (the same plywood as the first frame F1). Also, some of the frames F2c to F2g constituting the second frame F2 may be made of wood (the same plywood as the first frame F1). This can keep manufacturing costs low. [Industrial Applicability]

[0041] The present invention is applicable to massage machines that can provide users with a relaxing fragrance at low manufacturing costs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] Body support part 2~5 1st frame F1 Second frame F2

Claims

1. a body support portion that supports the body of a user; The body support portion includes: a first frame made of plywood formed by combining a plurality of pieces of wood having a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction; a second frame to which the first frame is attached, the second frame is made of a material different from that of the first frame, The massage machine is characterized in that the plywood of the first frame contains phytoncide.

2. 2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the phytoncide is applied to the plywood.

3. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the phytoncide is provided on an outer layer of the plywood, the surface of the plywood being in contact with the user supported by the body support portion.

4. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the phytoncide is provided near the head of the user supported by the body support portion.

5. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the phytoncide includes any one of α-cadinol, camphor, citral, thymol, turpentine oil, hinokitiol, borneol, menthol, and limonene.

6. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the phytoncide is provided in a layer formed by combining a plurality of pieces of wood, at a position closer to the user supported by the body support portion than the middle.

7. 6. The massage machine according to claim 5, wherein the phytoncide is a combination of a plurality of different components.

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