Frame of a massage machine, massage machine, and control method for a massage machine

Abstract

This invention provides a massage machine frame, a massage machine, and a control method for the massage machine, all of which are compact in design and facilitate the implementation of zero-gravity mode and standing-up assistance mode. [Solution] The frame of the massage machine according to the present invention comprises a base and a seat supported on the base so as to be movable relative to the base, one of the base and the seat has a rail and the other has a cooperating part that cooperates with the rail, the rail comprises a first rail which is arc-shaped and convex forward and a second rail which is arc-shaped and convex backward and whose center is different from the center of the first rail, the cooperating part comprises a first cooperating part which can switch from movement along the first rail to movement along the second rail and a second cooperating part which moves along the second rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame of a massage machine, a massage machine, and a control method of a massage machine.

Background Art

[0002] Utility model document CN213157432U discloses a massage chair including a seat frame and a backrest iron frame, with a first slide groove frame and a second slide groove frame fixed above the seat frame, and rollers slidingly contacting the first slide groove frame and rollers slidingly contacting the second slide groove frame provided on the backrest iron frame via a roller bracket, so that the backrest iron frame can swing back and forth with respect to the seat frame.

[0003] In the above massage chair, by sliding the roller slidingly contacting the first slide groove frame to the most forward position, the backrest part of the backrest iron frame can be tilted backward to the maximum extent, thereby realizing the zero-gravity mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above massage chair, even if the roller slidingly contacting the first slide groove frame is slid to the most rearward position to stand up the backrest part of the backrest iron frame to the maximum extent forward, the backrest part of the backrest iron frame still tilts backward to some extent, and the seat part of the backrest iron frame presents a state where the front end is at a higher position than the rear end, making it difficult for the subject to stand up.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a frame for a massage machine, a massage machine, and a control method thereof that can easily realize zero gravity mode and standing assistance mode in a compact configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a frame for a massage machine comprising a base and a seat supported on the base so as to be movable relative to the base, wherein one of the base and the seat has a rail and the other has a cooperating part that cooperates with the rail, the rail comprises a first rail which is arc-shaped and convex forward, and a second rail which is arc-shaped and convex backward and whose center is different from the center of the first rail, and the cooperating part comprises a first cooperating part which can switch from movement along the first rail to movement along the second rail, and a second cooperating part which moves along the second rail.

[0008] According to the massage machine frame of the present invention, the first rail is an arc shape that is convex forward, so by moving the first coordinating part along the first rail, it is easy to tilt the seat significantly backward and form a zero-gravity mode. Furthermore, since the second rail is an arc shape that is convex backward and whose center is different from the center of the first rail, by switching the first coordinating part to a state where it moves along the second rail, it is easy to raise the rear end of the seat significantly and form a standing-up assist mode, making it easier for the person being treated to stand up. Moreover, because the first and second rails are formed in an arc shape, the entire frame can be made more compact in the front-to-back direction compared to the case where the first and second rails extend in a straight line. With this compact configuration, if the seat drive device extends and retracts with a short stroke, the relative positional relationship between the front and rear ends of the seat can be greatly changed in the vertical direction.

[0009] Furthermore, in the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention, the lower end of the first rail and the lower end of the second rail are connected to each other.

[0010] According to the present invention, by connecting the lower ends of the first rail and the second rail, the first cooperative part can move from the communication / connection point at the lower end of the rail to the second rail, and both the first and second cooperative parts can move along the second rail. When both the first and second cooperative parts move along the second rail, the seat drive device can push the seat to move with a long stroke in the vertical direction by extending and retracting with a short stroke. Compared to the case where the lower end of one of the first and second rails is positioned midway along the other in the vertical direction, the entire frame can be made more compact in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to switch to the standing-up assist mode.

[0011] Furthermore, in the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention, the radius of the first rail is smaller than the radius of the second rail.

[0012] According to the present invention, by making the radius of the first rail smaller than the radius of the second rail, when the first cooperative part is moved along the first rail, it is easier to quickly tilt the seat significantly backward to form a zero-gravity mode.

[0013] Furthermore, the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention further comprises a leg support portion that is rotatably supported relative to the seat portion via a pivot shaft, wherein the distance between the center of the first cooperative portion and the axis of the pivot shaft is equal to the distance between the center of the second cooperative portion and the axis of the pivot shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, in the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention, the distance between the center of the first cooperative part and the center of the second cooperative part is equal to the radius of the first rail.

[0015] Furthermore, in the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention, the upper end of the first rail is located lower than the upper end of the second rail.

[0016] According to the present invention, when the second cooperative part is positioned as far away from the first rail as possible, the rear end of the seat can be positioned higher than the front end of the seat, making it easier for the person receiving treatment to stand up.

[0017] Furthermore, in the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention, the first cooperative part and the second cooperative part are rollers.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention further comprises a backrest, the backrest being rotatably connected to the seat, or the backrest being integrally fixed to the seat.

[0019] According to the present invention, when the backrest is fixed to the seat and forms an integrated seat frame, the backrest drive device can be omitted, and multiple modes such as zero gravity mode and standing assistance mode can be realized with a single drive device (seat drive device), thereby reducing costs.

[0020] Furthermore, the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention further comprises a seat drive device, the seat drive device comprising a seat drive push rod rotatably connected to one of the base and the seat, and a seat drive slider that is movable along the seat drive push rod and rotatably connected to the other of the base and the seat.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a massage machine comprising the frame of any of the above-described massage machines.

[0022] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for controlling a massage machine that controls the massage machine, the method causing the massage machine to execute at least one of a zero-gravity mode and a rising assistance mode. In the zero-gravity mode, the first cooperation part is slid along the first rail, and the second cooperation part is slid along the second rail. In the rising assistance mode, the first cooperation part and the second cooperation part are positioned on the second rail, and the second cooperation part is positioned as far as possible from the first rail.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the frame of the massage machine according to the present invention, since the first rail is in an arc shape convex forward, by moving the first cooperation part along the first rail, it is easy to greatly tilt the seat portion backward to form a zero-gravity mode. Further, since the second rail is in an arc shape convex backward and has a center of a circle different from that of the first rail, by switching the first cooperation part to a state of moving along the second rail, the rear end of the seat portion can be greatly raised, making it easy to form a rising assistance mode and facilitating the subject to rise. Furthermore, since the first rail and the second rail are formed in an arc shape, the entire frame can be made more compact in the front-rear direction compared to the case where the first rail and the second rail extend linearly. With this compact configuration, if the seat driving device expands and contracts with a short stroke, the mutual positional relationship between the front end and the rear end of the seat portion can be greatly changed in the vertical direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing a state of a frame of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention in a standby mode, as viewed from the rear. [Figure 2] It is an exploded view schematically showing a frame of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view schematically showing a partial structure of a frame of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] The figure is a perspective view showing the state of the frame of the massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention in zero-gravity mode, as seen from the rear. [Figure 5] The figure is a perspective view showing the state of the frame of the massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention in the rising assist mode, as seen from the rear. [Figure 6] The figure is a perspective view showing the state of the frame of the massage machine according to a modification of the present invention in standby mode, as seen from the front. [Figure 7] The figure is an exploded view schematically showing the frame of the massage machine according to a modification of the present invention. [Figure 8] The figure is a side view schematically showing the state of the frame of the massage machine according to a modification of the present invention in standby mode. [Figure 9] The figure is a side view schematically showing the state of the frame of the massage machine according to a modification of the present invention in zero-gravity mode. [Figure 10] The figure is a side view schematically showing the state of the frame of the massage machine according to a modification of the present invention in the rising assist mode.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, the frame of the massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking the chair frame of the massage chair as an example with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. However, the frame of the massage machine is not limited to being applied to the massage chair, and may also be applied to other massage machines such as a massage bed.

[0026] For the sake of explanation, the direction from which the person receiving treatment while sitting in the massage machine is viewed will be used as the direction for explaining the configuration of the massage machine. For example, the front side (front view) as seen by the person receiving treatment while sitting in the massage machine will be referred to as the "front side" or "forward side," the rear side (back view) as the "rear side" or "backward side," the upper side (head side) as the "upper side" or "upward," the lower side (feet side) as the "lower side" or "downward," the right side as the "right side" or "rightward direction," and the left side as the "left side" or "leftward direction." The shoulder width direction of the person receiving treatment while sitting in the massage machine will simply be referred to as the "shoulder width direction," that is, the left-right direction of the massage machine. "Outer side in the shoulder width direction" corresponds to the direction away from the person receiving treatment's neck in the shoulder width direction, and "inner side in the shoulder width direction" corresponds to the direction closer to the person receiving treatment's neck in the shoulder width direction.

[0027] <Overall configuration of the massage machine frame> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame 1 of the massage machine comprises a base 10 and a seat 20. The seat 20 is supported on the base 10 so as to be movable relative to the base 10. The base 10 has rails 12 on both the left and right sides, and the seat 20 has cooperating parts 24 on both the left and right sides that cooperate with the rails 12. The rails 12 include a first rail 121 and a second rail 122. The first rail 121 is an arc shape that is convex forward. The second rail 122 is an arc shape that is convex backward and whose center of cone is different from that of the first rail 121. The cooperating parts 24 include a first cooperating part 241 and a second cooperating part 242. The first cooperating part 241 can switch from moving along the first rail 121 to moving along the second rail 122. The second cooperating part 242 moves along the second rail 122.

[0028] Here, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frame 1 of the massage machine further comprises a leg support section 30 and a backrest section 40. The leg support section 30 is rotatably supported on the seat section 20 via a first pivot axis S1. The backrest section 40 is rotatably supported on the seat section 20 via a second pivot axis (not shown).

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the frame 1 of the massage machine further includes a seat drive unit 50. The seat drive unit 50 drives the seat 20 to rotate relative to the base 10. As will be described later, the seat 20 changes relative to the base 10 in the front-rear and up-down directions so as to rotate relative to the base 10 during its movement along the rail 12. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the frame 1 of the massage machine further includes a leg support drive unit 60 and a backrest drive unit 70. The leg support drive unit 60 drives the leg support 30 to rotate relative to the seat 20 around a first pivot axis S1, thereby changing the relative angle between the leg support 30 and the seat 20. The backrest drive unit 70 drives the backrest 40 to rotate relative to the seat 20 around a second pivot axis, thereby changing the relative angle between the backrest 40 and the seat 20.

[0030] Although not shown in the figures, the frame 1 of the massage machine may also be provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the seat drive unit 50, the leg support drive unit 60, and the backrest drive unit 70. Furthermore, the frame 1 of the massage machine may also be provided with a storage unit that stores control commands.

[0031] <Bass> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base 10 is a support frame that supports the entire functional component, including the leg support section 30, the seat section 20, and the backrest section 40.

[0032] Although not shown in the diagram, in practice, a base covering portion is usually provided to cover the base 10 (for example, it may be made of plastic or the like).

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base 10 is equipped with rails 12 that guide the movement trajectory of the seat 20.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the base 10 comprises a bottom portion 11, a rail 12, and a connecting portion 13. The bottom surface of the bottom portion 11 is in contact with a supporting surface such as the ground, and the surface on which the bottom portion 11 is located may be considered as the bottom surface. The rail 12 is located above the bottom portion 11 and is connected to the bottom portion 11 via the connecting portion 13. Both the front and rear ends of the rail 12 are located higher than the bottom portion 11.

[0035] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the bottom portion 11 constitutes a support base for the support frame and includes a pair of first horizontal bars 111 that extend in the front-to-back direction and are spaced apart in the left-to-right direction, and a plurality of second horizontal bars 112 that extend in the left-to-right direction, are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, and connect the pair of first horizontal bars 111 to each other.

[0036] The rails 12 extend in the front-to-back direction and are provided in pairs with a gap in the left-to-right direction. Each pair of rails 12 includes a first rail 121 and a second rail 122. The first rail 121 is an arc shape that is convex forward (in the illustrated example, it is convex both forward and downward). The second rail 122 is an arc shape that is convex backward (in the illustrated example, it is convex both backward and downward). The radius of the first rail 121 is different from the radius of the second rail 122. The lower ends of the first rail 121 and the second rail 122 are connected to each other so that the first connecting part 241, which will be described later, can slide from the first rail 121 to the second rail 122 and from the second rail 122 to the first rail 121 (the lower ends of the first rail 121 and the lower ends of the second rail 122 may be connected by a curved section or by a sharp corner). The upper end of the first rail 121 is lower than the upper end of the second rail 122.

[0037] In other words, in this embodiment, the first rail 121 and the second rail 122 are connected so that they communicate with each other. The first rail 121 extends forward from the communication point. The second rail 122 extends backward from the communication point. The first rail 121 is an arc-shaped rail having a predetermined center and a predetermined radius. The second rail 122 is also an arc-shaped rail having a predetermined center and a predetermined radius. The radius of the first rail 121 is smaller than the radius of the second rail 122. The center of the first rail 121 is different from the center of the second rail 122. The first rail 121 and the second rail 122 are provided facing each other so that their respective centers are located on the other side. The first rail 121 is located inside the imaginary arc that extends forward along the arc in which the second rail 122 is located, from the communication point.

[0038] The connecting section 13 is connected between the rail 12 and the corresponding first horizontal bar 111. The connecting section 13 includes a pair of first vertical bars 131, a pair of second vertical bars 132, a pair of third vertical bars 133, and a pair of fourth vertical bars 134. The pair of first vertical bars 131 extend inclined in the vertical direction (in the illustrated example, they extend inclined towards the rear as they extend upward), are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and connect the vicinity of the front end of the rail 12 (in the illustrated example, the vicinity of the front end of the first rail 121) and the vicinity of the front end of the first horizontal bar 111. The pair of second vertical bars 132 extend along the vertical direction, are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and connect the middle of the rail 12 in the longitudinal direction (in the illustrated example, the rear end of the first rail 121 and the front end of the second rail 122) and the middle of the first horizontal bar 111 in the longitudinal direction. A pair of third vertical bars 133 extend vertically and are spaced apart horizontally, connecting the middle of the rail 12 in the longitudinal direction (the middle of the second rail 122 in the longitudinal direction in the illustrated example) to the vicinity of the longitudinal center of the first horizontal bar 111. A pair of fourth vertical bars 134 extend inclined vertically (in the illustrated example, they inclin forward as they extend upward), are spaced apart horizontally, connecting the vicinity of the rear end of the rail 12 (the vicinity of the rear end of the second rail 122 in the illustrated example) to the middle of the first horizontal bar 111 in the longitudinal direction (in the illustrated example, a position about 1 / 3 of the length of the first horizontal bar 111 from the rear end of the first horizontal bar 111). The lengths of the fourth vertical bar 134, the first vertical bar 131, the third vertical bar 133, and the second vertical bar 132 decrease in order.

[0039] <Seat and its drive structure> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the seat portion 20 is a support frame for supporting the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment.

[0040] Although not shown in the diagram, in practice, a seat cover is usually provided to cover the seat 20 (the part that comes into contact with the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment during use is made of, for example, leather, fabric, etc.).

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the seat 20 is mounted on the rail 12, slides against the base 10 via the rail 12, and rotates relative to the base 10 while sliding against it. The seat 20 can move along the rail 12 and switch between multiple states, such as standby mode, zero gravity mode, and standing-up assist mode. Thus, by driving the seat 20 to move relative to the rail 12 with the same seat drive unit 50, the seat 20 can be switched between multiple states, including, for example, zero gravity mode and standing-up assist mode. In the process of switching between multiple states, the relative positions of the front and rear ends of the upper surface of the seat 20 can be smoothly changed, thereby allowing the seat 20 to work in cooperation with other functional components of the massage chair to configure a state suitable for each mode, and in any mode, the person being treated can be held in the most comfortable position. For example, in standby mode, as shown in Figure 1, the front end of the upper surface of the seat 20 (in the illustrated example, it is flush with the upper surface of the top side rod 221 of the seat top 22, which will be described later, but if a seat cover is provided, it corresponds to the part of the seat cover that comes into contact with the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated when in use) is slightly higher than the rear end, or at the same height as the rear end. This maintains an initial posture suitable for the person being treated to sit in and for switching to other massage modes. In zero gravity mode, as shown in Figure 4, the front end of the upper surface of the seat 20 is considerably higher than the rear end. In zero gravity mode, the space between the backrest 40 and the seat 20, and the space between the seat 20 and the leg support 30, are set at predetermined angles, allowing the person being treated to be held in an optimal posture. Furthermore, by adjusting the angle between the seat 20 and the horizontal plane, the front end of the upper surface of the seat 20 is positioned higher than the rear end, which also adjusts the center of gravity of the person sitting on the seat 20, allowing the person to experience a more comfortable massage. In standing-up assistance mode, as shown in Figure 5, the front end of the upper surface of the seat 20 is positioned slightly lower than the rear end.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the seat portion 20 comprises a seat base portion 21, a seat top portion 22, and a seat connecting portion 23. The seat top portion 22 is located above the seat base portion 21. The seat connecting portion 23 integrally connects the seat base portion 21 and the seat top portion 22. The seat connecting portion 23 is provided with a cooperating portion 24, which movably engages with the rail 12 so that the seat portion 20 slides along the rail 12 without falling off the rail 12. More specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the seat base portion 21 comprises a pair of bottom side rods 211 and a pair of bottom links 212. The pair of bottom side rods 211 extend in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The pair of bottom links 212 extend in the left-right direction and are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and connect the pair of bottom side rods 211. The seat top 22 comprises a top side bar 221 and a top link 222. The top side bars 221 extend in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and are provided in pairs spaced apart in the left-right direction. The top link 222 extends in the left-right direction and connects the pair of top side bars 221. The seat connection portion 23 comprises a pair of first links 231 and a pair of second links 232. The pair of first links 231 are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction and connect the vicinity of the front end of the bottom side bar 211 and the vicinity of the front end of the top side bar 221. A pair of second links 232 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and connect the vicinity of the rear end of the bottom side bar 211 and the vicinity of the rear end of the top side bar 221 (in the illustrated example, the length of the second links 232 is shorter than the length of the first links 231. When the bottom side bar 211 is in a position where its longitudinal direction coincides with the front-rear direction, the upper end of the second links 232 is lower than the upper end of the first links 231). A first cooperative section 241 is provided near the lower end of each of the pair of first links 231. A second cooperative section 242 is provided midway along the longitudinal direction of the pair of second links 232. In the illustrated example, both the first cooperative section 241 and the second cooperative section 242 are a pair of rollers, but are not limited to this, and more rollers may be provided, or sliders may be provided instead of rollers. The distance between the center of the first cooperative part 241 (the rotation center of the roller in the illustrated example) and the axis of the first pivot shaft S1 that rotatably supports the leg support part 30 on the seat part 20 is equal to the distance between the center of the second cooperative part 242 and the axis of the first pivot shaft S1.The distance between the center of the first cooperative section 241 and the center of the second cooperative section 242 is equal to the radius of the first rail 121 (the distance between the center of the first rail 121 and the midpoint of the width of the first rail 121 in the radial direction). Figures 6 to 10 show the relative positional relationship between the first and second cooperative sections and the rail in different modes, where the rail would have been shielded. It goes without saying that the rail may be formed in a perforated manner. In this case, the first and second cooperative sections are exposed from the rail.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat drive device 50 comprises a seat drive push rod 51 and a seat drive slider 52. The seat drive push rod 51 is rotatably connected to the base 10. The seat drive slider 52 is movable along the direction in which the seat drive push rod 51 extends and is rotatably connected to the seat 20. Specifically, the seat drive push rod 51 extends in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, and its front end is rotatably connected to the bottom 11 of the base 10. That is, the front end of the seat drive push rod 51 is fixedly connected to the front end of the base 10, and the seat drive push rod 51 is rotatable in the vertical direction relative to the connection point with the base 10. The seat drive slider 52 is rotatably connected to the bottom 21 of the seat 20. For example, when the seat drive push rod 51 extends or retracts, pushing the seat drive slider 52 such that its position changes in the direction in which the seat drive push rod 51 extends, a rotation occurs between the seat drive slider 52 and the seat base 21 due to hinge movement, and the seat base 21 moves in response.

[0044] <Leg support section and its drive structure> As shown in Figure 1, the leg support section 30 is a support frame for supporting the lower limbs of the person receiving treatment.

[0045] Although not shown in the diagram, in practice, a leg covering is usually provided to cover the leg support portion 30 (the part that comes into contact with the patient's shin during use is made of, for example, leather, fabric, etc.).

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the leg support section 30 comprises a footrest section 31, a connecting section 32, and a partition section 33. The footrest section 31 is a roughly rectangular plate on which the patient's feet rest. In standby mode, the thickness direction of the footrest section 31 is approximately the same as the vertical direction, and the longitudinal direction of the footrest section 31 is the same as the left-right direction. The connecting section 32 connects the rear end of the footrest section 31 and the front end of the seat section 20 via the first rotation axis S1. The partition sections 33 extend forward and upward from the footrest section 31 and the connecting section 32, and three partition sections are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction. Spaces for accommodating the patient's legs are formed between adjacent partition sections 33.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the leg support drive device 60 is located between the upper surface (top side rod 221) and the bottom of the seat 21 in the vertical direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the leg support drive device 60 also includes a leg drive push rod 61 and a leg drive link 62. The leg drive push rod 61 has a first portion 611 and a second portion 612 that is extendable relative to the first portion 611. The first portion 611 is rotatably connected to the seat base 21 of the seat 20. In the illustrated example, the lower end of the leg drive push rod 61 (located on the first portion 611) is hinged to the seat 20, specifically to one of the front-facing bottom links 212, and is rotatable around the front-facing bottom link 212. The upper end of the leg drive push rod 61 (located on the second portion 612) is extendable relative to the rear end and is rotatably hinged to a point in the leg drive link 62. The upper end of the leg drive link 62 is connected to the front end of the seat 20 and is rotatable in the front-rear direction relative to the connection point with the seat 20. Furthermore, a roller is provided at the front end of the leg drive link 62. The roller of the leg drive link 62 slides against the leg support 30 so as to support the leg support 30.

[0049] Furthermore, when the leg support drive device 60 drives the second portion 612 of the leg drive push rod 61 to extend and retract relative to the first portion 611, the leg drive link 62 moves in sync with the extension and retraction of the second portion 612, as the second portion 612 is connected to the leg drive link 62 by a hinge. In addition, since the upper end of the leg drive link 62 is rotatably connected to the front side of the seat top 22 of the seat 20 by a hinge, the position of the roller provided at the front end of the leg drive link 62 can be changed in the front-rear and up-down directions while the leg drive link 62 is rotated relative to the front side of the seat 20. As the position of the roller changes in the front-rear and up-down directions, the leg support 30 supported by the roller moves in accordance with the roller. As a result, the leg support 30 rotates relative to the seat 20, and the angle between the upper surface of the leg support 30 and the upper surface of the seat 20 is changed with the first pivot axis S1 as the center of rotation.

[0050] <Backrest and its drive structure> As shown in Figure 1, the backrest portion 40 is a support frame for supporting the back of the person receiving treatment.

[0051] Although not shown in the diagram, in practice, a backrest covering is usually provided to cover the backrest portion 40 (the part that comes into contact with the patient's back during use is made of, for example, leather, fabric, etc.).

[0052] Here, although not shown in the diagram, an armrest mechanism is provided between the backrest 40 and the seat 20. When the backrest 40 is tilted backward or raised forward relative to the seat 20, the part of the armrest mechanism on which the patient's arms are placed moves backward or forward in conjunction with the backrest 40.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the backrest drive mechanism 70 is located in the vertical direction between the upper surface (top side rod 221) and the bottom of the seat 21 of the seat 20.

[0054] The backrest drive mechanism 70 also includes a backrest drive push rod. The backrest drive push rod has a first part and a second part that is extendable relative to the first part. The first part is rotatably connected to one of the seat 20 and the backrest 40. The second part is rotatably connected to the other of the seat 20 and the backrest 40. For example, the lower end of the backrest drive push rod (located in the first part) is hinged to the seat 20, specifically to the rearmost bottom link 212. The upper end of the backrest drive push rod (located in the second part) is hinged to the backrest 40.

[0055] Furthermore, both the leg support drive unit 60 and the backrest drive unit 70 are fixedly connected to the seat 20 and have one end that is rotatable relative to the connection point with the seat 20, while the other end is extendable and retractable. By extending and retracting the leg support drive unit 60, the leg support 30 is driven to rotate relative to the point where the leg support 30 is hinged to the seat 20, thereby changing the angle of the legs formed by the front of the leg support 30 and the top surface of the seat 20. By extending and retracting the backrest drive unit 70, the backrest 40 is driven to rotate relative to the point where the backrest 40 is hinged to the seat 20, thereby changing the angle of the backrest formed by the front of the backrest 40 and the top surface of the seat 20.

[0056] <Massage Mode> The seat drive unit 50 is controlled, for example, by extending or retracting, the frame 1 of the massage machine can form a standby mode, a zero-gravity mode, and a standing-up assist mode, and can switch between these states. This allows the person receiving the massage to experience it in different postures and positions, and makes it easier for the person receiving the massage to stand up after the massage is finished.

[0057] Here, as shown in Figure 1, in standby mode, the first cooperative part 241 is located at the connection point between the first rail 121 and the second rail 122 (the bottom end of rail 12 in the illustrated example). Furthermore, the front end of the upper surface of the seat portion 20 (in the illustrated example, it is flush with the upper surface of the top side bar 221, which will be described later, but if a seat portion covering is provided, it corresponds to the part of the seat portion covering that comes into contact with the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated when in use) is slightly higher than the rear end. In addition, in standby mode, the upper surface of the seat portion 20 may be positioned parallel to the support surface (ground).

[0058] Furthermore, zero gravity mode is a posture in which the patient's torso and legs are at an angle of approximately 128 ± 8 degrees. In zero gravity mode, the patient's heart and knees are positioned at approximately the same horizontal level, or the patient's feet are higher than the heart. This contributes to promoting blood circulation and reducing the burden on the heart. In addition, the patient's body weight is evenly distributed, preventing excessive load on any one or more parts of the body, and minimizing pressure on muscles and bones.

[0059] Here, as shown in Figure 4, in zero gravity mode, the first coordinating part 241 slides along the first rail 121, and the second coordinating part 242 slides along the second rail 122. Also, the front end of the upper surface of the seat 20 is positioned considerably higher than the rear end.

[0060] To put the frame 1 of the massage machine into zero gravity mode, the leg support 30 may be rotated by the leg support drive unit 60 so that the leg angle between the top surface of the seat 20 and the front surface of the leg support 30 is any angle within a predetermined range. The seat 20 may be rotated by the seat drive unit 50 so that the seat angle between the front surface of the seat 20 and the bottom surface of the base 10 is a predetermined angle, and the backrest 40 may be rotated by the backrest drive unit 70 so that the backrest angle is within a predetermined range. After adjusting the backrest angle to a predetermined angle, the seat drive slider 52 may be driven to slide the seat 20 along the rail 12 so that the seat angle becomes larger or smaller, thereby adjusting the height of the front end of the seat 20 so that the front end of the seat 20 is positioned higher, at the same height as, or lower than a predetermined position on the backrest 40. In zero-gravity mode, the predetermined position of the backrest 40 is the position on the backrest 40 corresponding to the patient's heart. The position of the patient's heart may be detected or estimated by a conventional body shape detection method.

[0061] The frame 1 of the massage machine is held in zero gravity mode, and during the period when the person being treated is in the zero gravity position, the seat 20 may be driven to rotate repeatedly around the rail 12 to perform a rocking motion. That is, while maintaining the leg angle and backrest angle at angles close to the angles required for zero gravity mode, the seat drive slider 52 is driven to reciprocate along the seat drive push rod 51, thereby repeatedly changing the position of the person being treated's center of gravity while maintaining the person in the zero gravity position, thereby increasing the enjoyment and experience of rocking while keeping the person being treated in the zero gravity position.

[0062] Furthermore, the standing-up assistance mode is a state that makes it easier for the person receiving treatment to stand up from the frame 1 of the massage machine.

[0063] Here, as shown in Figure 5, in the standing-up assistance mode, the first and second coordinating parts 241 and 242 are located on the second rail 122, with the second coordinating part 242 being as far away from the first rail 121 as possible. Also, the front end of the upper surface of the seat 20 is slightly lower than the rear end. For example, the seat angle formed by the upper surface of the seat 20 and the horizontal plane (bottom surface of the base) may be set to an angle of 5° to 40°. Needless to say, the seat angle may be designed as appropriate. For example, the seat angle in the standing-up assistance mode may be set in advance to a predetermined angle such as 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, or 30°, and the seat angle may be fine-tuned by the person receiving treatment and then set to an angle that the person receiving treatment likes. Furthermore, the backrest 40 is in an upright position relative to the seat 20, and for example, the backrest angle is close to 90°.

[0064] When attempting to put the massage machine frame 1 into the standing assist mode, the seat drive slider 52 can be driven to move along the seat drive push rod 51. For example, the leg angle can be set to less than 270° and greater than 180°.

[0065] According to the frame 1 of the massage machine of this embodiment, the first rail 121 is an arc shape that is convex forward, so by moving the first cooperative part 241 along the first rail 121, the seat 20 can be tilted significantly backward to form a zero-gravity mode. Also, since the second rail 122 is an arc shape that is convex backward and whose center of cone is different from that of the first rail 121, by switching the first cooperative part 241 to move along the second rail 122, the rear end of the seat 20 can be raised significantly to form a standing-up assist mode, making it easier for the person receiving treatment to stand up. Furthermore, because the first rail 121 and the second rail 122 are formed in an arc shape, the entire frame can be made more compact in the front-to-back direction compared to the case where the first rail 121 and the second rail 122 extend in a straight line. With this compact configuration, if the seat drive device 50 extends and retracts with a short stroke, the relative positional relationship between the front and rear ends of the seat 20 can be greatly changed in the vertical direction.

[0066] As described above, the present invention has been explained illustratively with reference to the drawings, but it goes without saying that the specific realization of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0067] For example, in the above embodiment, in the standing-up assistance mode, the leg support section 30 and the backrest section 40 may be driven to a state suitable for the person being treated to stand up. For example, the leg angle may be set to less than 270° and greater than 180°, and the backrest angle β may be set to an angle within the range of 80° to 110°. There is no order to the above adjustment procedures. The seat angle and leg angle may be adjusted first, and then the backrest angle may be adjusted, and by applying a back-pushing force from rear to front to the person being treated with the backrest, it can be further contributed to the person being treated to stand up.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the base 10 has a rail 12 and the seat portion 20 has a cooperative portion 24 that movably engages with the rail 12, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the seat portion 20 may have a rail 12 and the base 10 may have a cooperative portion 24 that movably engages with the rail 12.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the radius of the first rail 121 is smaller than the radius of the second rail 122, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and the radius of the first rail 121 may be equal to the radius of the second rail 122, or it may be larger than the radius of the second rail 122.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distance between the center of the first cooperating part 241 and the axis of the first rotational shaft S1 is equal to the distance between the center of the second cooperating part 242 and the axis of the first rotational shaft S1. However, it is not limited to this, and the distance between the center of the first cooperating part 241 and the axis of the first rotational shaft S1 may be greater than the distance between the center of the second cooperating part 242 and the axis of the first rotational shaft S1, or less than the distance between the center of the second cooperating part 242 and the axis of the first rotational shaft S1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distance between the center of the first cooperating section 241 and the center of the second cooperating section 242 is equal to the radius of the first rail 121. However, it is not limited to this, and the distance between the center of the first cooperating section 241 and the center of the second cooperating section 242 may be greater than or less than the radius of the first rail 121.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the specific structures of the base 10, leg support 30, backrest 40, seat drive unit 50, leg support drive unit 60, and backrest drive unit 70 may be modified as needed.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the backrest portion 40 is rotatably supported on the seat portion 20 via a second pivot axis, but is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the backrest portion 40 may be fixed to the seat portion 20 (i.e., the backrest portion 40 cannot rotate relative to the seat portion 20), formed integrally with the seat portion 20, and constitute an integrated seat frame. In this case, the backrest drive device 70 can be omitted.

[0074] Specifically, in the modified examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, a portion of the seat top 22 of the seat portion 20 is integrally formed with a portion of the backrest portion 40. More specifically, the backrest portion 40 comprises a backrest side bar 411 and a backrest link 412. The backrest side bars 411 extend in a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and are provided in pairs spaced apart in the left-right direction. The front ends of the backrest side bars 411 are connected to the rear ends of the top side bars 221 of the seat portion 20 and are integrally formed. The backrest link 412 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper ends of the pair of backrest side bars 411. As a result, the seat portion 20 and the backrest portion 40 constitute an integrated seat frame.

[0075] The seat drive push rod 51 of the seat drive unit 50 is rotatably connected to the first lug seat 113 of the base 10. The seat drive slider 52 is movable along the direction in which the seat drive push rod 51 extends and is rotatably connected to the second lug seat 213 provided on the seat portion 20 of the seat frame. The leg drive push rod 61 of the leg support drive unit 60 has a first portion and a second portion that is extendable relative to the first portion. The first portion is rotatably connected to the seat frame (in the illustrated example, the bottom link 212 of the seat base 21 of the seat portion 20). The second portion is rotatably connected to the middle of the leg drive link 62. The upper end of the leg drive link 62 is rotatably connected to the front end of the seat portion 20 (in the illustrated example, the top link 222).

[0076] As a result, the seat drive unit 50 drives the seat portion of the seat frame to move along the rail, causing the seat portion to change position relative to the base in sync with the backrest portion. This allows the massage machine frame 1 to be set to the standby mode (see Figure 8), zero gravity mode (see Figure 9), and standing-up assist mode (see Figure 10), and the massage machine frame 1 to switch between these states. In other words, by adopting the above configuration, multiple modes such as standing-up assist, reclining, zero gravity, and pressing can be realized with just one drive unit, and furthermore, it contributes to reducing manufacturing costs.

[0077] It should be understood that, within the scope of the present invention, the parts in the embodiments can be freely combined, or the parts in the embodiments can be appropriately modified or omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1. Frame of the massage machine 10 base 11 Bottom 111 First horizontal bar 112 Second horizontal bar 113 First Ear Constellation 12 rails 121 First Rail 122 Second Rail 13 Connection part 131 First vertical bar 132 Second vertical bar 133 Third vertical bar 134 Fourth vertical bar 20 Seat area 21 Seat bottom 211 Bottom side bar 212 Bottom Link 213 Second Ear Constellation 22 Seat top 221 Top side bar 222 Top Link 23 Seat connection part 231 Link 1 232 Second Link 24. Cooperative Department 241 1st Cooperative Department 242 Second Cooperative Department 30 Leg support 31 Foot section 32 Connection part 33 Partition 40 Backrest 411 Backrest side bar 412 Backrest Link 50 Seat drive mechanism 51 Seat drive push rod 52 Seat drive slider 60 Leg support drive mechanism 61 Leg drive push rod 611 Part 1 612 Part 2 62 Leg drive link 70 Backrest drive mechanism S1 First rotation axis

Claims

1. Bass and, A seat portion supported on the base so as to be movable relative to the base, A frame for a massage machine equipped with, One of the base and the seat has a rail, and the other has a cooperating part that cooperates with the rail. The aforementioned rail is The first rail is an arc shape that is convex forward, A second rail which is convex towards the rear and has an arc shape whose center is different from the center of the first rail, Equipped with, The aforementioned collaborative department, A first cooperative unit that can switch from movement along the first rail to movement along the second rail, A second cooperative unit that moves along the second rail, A frame for a massage machine characterized by having the following features.

2. The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower end of the first rail and the lower end of the second rail are connected to each other.

3. The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the radius of the first rail is smaller than the radius of the second rail.

4. The system further comprises a leg support portion that is rotatably supported relative to the seat portion via a pivot axis, The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the center of the first cooperative part and the axis of the pivot shaft is equal to the distance between the center of the second cooperative part and the axis of the pivot shaft.

5. The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the center of the first cooperative part and the center of the second cooperative part is equal to the radius of the first rail.

6. The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end of the first rail is located lower than the upper end of the second rail.

7. The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cooperative part and the second cooperative part are rollers.

8. It also has a backrest, The frame of the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the backrest portion is rotatably connected to the seat portion, or the backrest portion is integrally fixed to the seat portion.

9. It is further equipped with a seat drive mechanism, The aforementioned seat drive device, A seat drive push rod is rotatably connected to one of the base and the seat, A seat drive slider is movable along the seat drive push rod and rotatably connected to the other of the base and the seat. A frame for a massage machine according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

10. A massage machine characterized by comprising a frame for a massage machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for controlling a massage machine according to claim 10, The massage machine is set to perform at least one of the following modes: zero gravity mode and standing assistance mode. In the zero gravity mode, the first cooperative part is slid along the first rail, and the second cooperative part is slid along the second rail. A control method for a massage machine, characterized in that, in the rise-up assist mode, the first cooperative part and the second cooperative part are positioned on the second rail, and the second cooperative part is positioned as far away from the first rail as possible.

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