Massage machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a massage machine that promotes lymphatic flow without obstructing it, while also providing a massage effect. [Solution] The device comprises a stimulating unit and a control unit that controls the driving of the stimulating unit, wherein the control unit has a massage program, and the massage program is composed of a combination of a first program for promoting lymphatic flow in the user and a second program for massaging parts of the user's body, wherein the stimulation intensity of the stimulating unit in the first program is weaker than the stimulation intensity of the stimulating unit in the second program, and the first program controls the driving of the stimulating unit in the same direction as the lymphatic flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massager.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a hand massager that performs stretch massage to stretch the joints of the fingers and wrists using a stretch airbag, thereby relaxing the joints and muscles and improving blood flow and lymph flow (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the hand massager described in Patent Document 1 above, it is said that the lymph flow is improved by expanding and contracting the stretch airbag, but there is no specific disclosure regarding the content and strength of the stretch massage. The strength of the stretch massage and the lymph flow are in an inverse relationship. When the stretch massage is made stronger, the lymph flow is inhibited, and when trying to promote the lymph flow, it is necessary to weaken the stretch massage. That is, depending on the strength of the stretch massage, there is a problem that the lymph flow is rather inhibited. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a massager that can obtain a massage effect while promoting lymph flow without inhibiting lymph flow.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention comprises a stimulating unit and a control unit that controls the driving of the stimulating unit, wherein the control unit has a massage program, and the massage program is composed of a combination of a first program for promoting lymphatic flow in the user and a second program for massaging parts of the user's body, wherein the stimulation intensity of the stimulating unit in the first program is weaker than the stimulation intensity of the stimulating unit in the second program, and the first program controls the driving of the stimulating unit in the same direction as the direction of lymphatic flow. This configuration allows for the promotion of lymphatic flow without obstructing it, while also providing a massage effect.

[0006] Furthermore, the stimulation-providing part is preferably an air cell. This configuration allows for the creation of a stimulation-granting unit with a simple design.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the amount of expansion of the air cell differs between the first program and the second program. This configuration allows the intensity of stimulation from the air cells to be changed according to the purpose.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the amount of expansion of the air cell in the first program is smaller than the amount of expansion of the air cell in the second program. This configuration allows for maintaining the massage effect while avoiding obstruction of lymphatic flow.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first program drives the stimulation unit toward the user's lower limb from the toes toward the thigh. This configuration allows for the promotion of lymphatic flow in the popliteal lymph nodes by stimulating them along the direction of lymphatic drainage.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first program drives the stimulation unit toward the user's arm from the fingertips toward the upper arm, and from the shoulder toward the upper arm. This configuration allows for the promotion of lymphatic flow in the elbow lymph nodes by stimulating them along the direction of lymphatic drainage.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first program drives the stimulating unit along the scapula from top to bottom on the user's back, and drives the stimulating unit from the lumbar region towards the scapula. This configuration allows for the promotion of lymphatic flow in the axillary lymph nodes by stimulating the lymph nodes along the direction of lymphatic drainage.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first program drives the stimulation unit toward the user's waist in a direction outward from the center in the left-right direction. This configuration allows for the promotion of lymphatic flow in the lymph nodes located on the posterior side of the inguinal lymph nodes by stimulating them along the direction of lymphatic flow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to promote lymphatic flow without obstructing it, while also obtaining a massage effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the backrest portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a footrest according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]It is a schematic diagram of a seat portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram of an armrest portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the upper body of a user. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing the lower body of a user.

[0015] [Lymph] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the upper body of user H. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the lower body of user H. In FIGS. 7 and 8, what are indicated by R1 to R5 are lymph nodes, and what are indicated by Q1 to Q9 are lymphatic vessels. More specifically, it shows the direction (hereinafter referred to as a locus) in which lymph flows in the lymphatic vessels. Note that the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are part of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels that are stretched all over the body in all directions. The operation content of the first program P1 described in this embodiment may be any operation content as long as it can promote the flow of lymph by applying a stimulus along the direction in which lymph flows to the lymphatic vessels stretched all over the body and the like.

[0016] Lymphatic fluid (hereinafter referred to as lymph) flows in the lymphatic vessels. Lymph is a liquid composed of lymphocytes and the like, and plays a role in collecting waste products that have become unnecessary in the body and discharging them outside the body. The lymphatic vessels are stretched all over the body in all directions, and lymph flows from the terminal lymphatic vessels (lymphatics with a small diameter) to the central lymphatic vessels (lymphatic vessels with a large diameter).

[0017] More specifically, lymphatic capillaries at the extremities of the body merge as they move towards the center of the body to form collecting lymphatic vessels, and these collecting lymphatic vessels further merge as they move towards the center of the body to form main lymphatic vessels. The main lymphatic vessels also merge, eventually converging into two vessels (the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic trunk) that drain into the veins. While blood vessels can circulate blood through the beating of the heart, lymphatic vessels are different. More specifically, lymphatic vessels do not have an organ that acts as a pump like the heart. Lymph flows through pressure changes caused by muscle contraction and relaxation, and pressure changes caused by respiration.

[0018] Furthermore, lymphatic flow can also be promoted by changing pressure through external stimulation such as massage. In this embodiment, we will explain, as an example, how to promote lymphatic flow by changing pressure through external stimulation using massage program P (first program P1). Massage program P will be described later.

[0019] Lymph nodes are located at the nodes of the lymphatic vessels (see Figures 7 and 8). Lymph nodes are where immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages gather. Lymph nodes are the points where lymphatic vessels converge, and there are many of them throughout the body. For example, there are "preauricular (parotid) lymph nodes" around the ears and "clavicular lymph nodes" near the collarbone. There are "axillary lymph nodes" in the armpits and "abdominal lymph nodes" around the abdomen. In addition, there are "inguinal lymph nodes" at the base of the thighs and "popliteal lymph nodes" behind the knees on the back of the body. There are many other lymph nodes throughout the body besides these.

[0020] [Overall configuration of the massage machine] The following describes the overall configuration of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the backrest 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the footrest 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the seat 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the armrest 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configuration, arrangement, and number of each stimulating unit M are merely examples and are not limited to these. They can be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention consists of a seat 3 on which the user H sits, a backrest 4 provided at the rear of the seat 3 for the user H to lean against, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. A pillow 80 that supports the user H's head is attached to the backrest 4. The armrests 2, seat 3, backrest 4, footrest 5, and pillow 80 function as body support parts S that support the user H's body.

[0022] Each part of the massage machine 1 is provided with a stimulation unit M (each massage unit 2a, 3a, 3b, 5a, 6a, consisting of a massage mechanism 10 and air cells 99) that provides stimulation (hereinafter referred to as massage) to the user H, a control unit 7 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, an operation unit 8 for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, an air supply and exhaust device 9 for supplying and exhausting air to and from the air cells 99, and a storage unit 11 in which the massage program P is stored. Each of these components will be described later.

[0023] [Seat structure] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the seat 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is elongated horizontally in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. Inside the seat 3, there are a total of four buttock massage sections 3a (stimulation sections M) in pairs, one each on the front, back, left, and right sides, for massaging the buttocks of the user H seated on the seat 3. The buttock massage sections 3a are composed of air cells 99 that expand and contract with the intake and exhaust of air. By composing the stimulation sections M with air cells 99, the stimulation sections M can be easily realized. The buttock massage units 3a may be configured to be driven independently, or they may be configured to be driven simultaneously in the front-to-back or left-to-right directions.

[0024] Furthermore, on both the left and right sides of the seat 3, there are a pair of thigh massage sections 3b (stimulation sections M) positioned front to back to massage the user H's thighs (see Figure 5). More specifically, it consists of a thigh massage section 31b located at the front and a thigh massage section 32b located at the rear. The thigh massage section 3b is also made of an air cell 99 that expands and contracts with the intake and exhaust of air. By making the stimulation section M out of an air cell 99, the stimulation section M can be easily realized. Furthermore, the thigh massage section 3b may be configured such that the front thigh massage section 31b and the rear thigh massage section 32b are driven independently, or they are driven simultaneously. They may also be configured to be driven simultaneously on both sides, or they may be driven independently on each side.

[0025] Furthermore, by designing the expansion fulcrum of the buttock massage section 3a provided on the seat 3, it is possible to stimulate the inguinal lymph nodes (more specifically, lymph R5 located on the posterior side of the inguinal lymph nodes) and promote lymphatic flow. For example, the expansion fulcrum of the buttock massage section 3a is set to the outward side in the left-right direction (towards the thigh massage section 3b). This causes the buttock massage section 3a to expand in a fan shape from the inside outwards in the left-right direction. In other words, the expansion of the buttock massage section 3a allows for a movement that lifts the buttocks.

[0026] When you lift your buttocks (stimulating the back of your buttocks), the area around your hip joint also moves. Since there are inguinal lymph nodes near the hip joint (on the front of the buttocks), massaging the user H's buttocks with the buttock massage unit 3a stimulates lymph node R5, which is located on the back side of the inguinal lymph nodes, thereby promoting lymphatic flow in the buttocks (especially lymph node R5, which is located on the back side of the inguinal lymph nodes).

[0027] In this case, the buttock massage unit 3a may be configured to promote lymphatic flow by being driven independently, or it may be driven in conjunction with the thigh massage unit 3b. For example, one pattern involves activating the thigh massage unit 3b first, and then activating the buttock massage unit 3a. By activating the thigh massage unit 3b to move lymph from the toes towards the thighs, and then activating the buttock massage unit 3a, the lymph that has flowed to the thighs can be further moved towards the inguinal lymph nodes.

[0028] [Structure of the backrest] As shown in Figures 1-3, the backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the direction of the user's height. The backrest 4 has an opening 4c. A guide rail (not shown) is provided inside the opening 4c, and a massage mechanism 10 (stimulation unit M) is provided via the guide rail. The massage mechanism 10 moves up and down along the guide rail, thereby massaging the back of the user H's torso (for example, the shoulders and waist) while the user H is seated on the seat 3.

[0029] Furthermore, on both the left and right sides of the backrest 4, there are multiple (three in this embodiment) stimulation-applying sections M arranged vertically to stimulate both sides of the user H's back (positions that cannot be reached by the massage element 10a of the massage mechanism 10). The stimulation-applying section M consists of, from top to bottom, a first massage section 41a located around the user H's shoulder blades, a second massage section 42a located between the user H's shoulder blades and waist, and a third massage section 43a (also called the lumbar massage section 43a) located at the user H's waist.

[0030] The first massage section 41a to the third massage section 43a are composed of air cells 99 that expand and contract by the supply and exhaust of air. By composing the stimulation section M with air cells 99, the stimulation section M can be easily realized. The first massage section 41a to the third massage section 43a may be configured to be driven independently, or they may be configured to be driven simultaneously on both sides.

[0031] Furthermore, shoulder massage sections 6a (stimulation sections M) for massaging the user H's shoulders (including upper arms) are attached to the left and right sides of the backrest section 4 (see Figure 1). The shoulder massage section 6a is composed of air cells 99 that expand and contract by the supply and exhaust of air. By composing the stimulation section M with air cells 99, the stimulation section M can be easily realized. The left and right shoulder massage sections 6a may be configured to be driven independently of each other. Note that the mounting position of the shoulder massage unit 6a is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, it may be attached to the armrest 2 as shown in Figure 1, or it may be attached to both the left and right sides of the backrest 4 as shown in Figure 3.

[0032] [Footrest structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the footrest section 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right sides into which the user H's legs can be inserted. On the inner walls of both the left and right recesses 5b, there are leg massage sections 5a (stimulation sections M) for massaging the user H's legs. The leg massage sections 5a are composed of air cells 99 that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air. By composing the stimulation sections M with air cells 99, the stimulation sections M can be easily realized.

[0033] More specifically, the footrest section 5 consists of a first footrest section 5A located on the user H's calf and a second footrest section 5B located on the user H's toes. One leg massage section 5a (also called a calf massage section 51a) is attached to each inner wall of the left and right recesses 5b of the first footrest section 5A. One leg massage section 5a (also called a toe massage section 51b) is attached to each inner wall of the left and right recesses 5b of the second footrest section 5B.

[0034] It is preferable that each leg massage section 5a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently. In addition, a foot massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5b of the second footrest section 5B.

[0035] [Armrest structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3, with recesses into which the user H's arms can be inserted. The shoulder massage section 6a may be attached to the armrests 2 as shown in Figure 1, or to both the left and right sides of the backrest 4 as shown in Figure 3. The armrests 2 extend in the front-to-back direction so that they can massage the user H's hands and upper arms (including the shoulders).

[0036] Arm massage sections 2a (stimulation sections M) for massaging the user H's arms are provided on the inner walls of both the left and right sides of the recess. The arm massage sections 2a are composed of air cells 99 that expand and contract with the intake and exhaust of air. By composing the stimulation section M with air cells 99, the stimulation section M can be easily realized.

[0037] More specifically, the arm massage unit 2a is composed of a hand massage unit 21a for massaging the fingertips and a forearm massage unit 21b for massaging the forearm (see Figure 6). Preferably, the arm massage unit 2a (hand massage unit 21a and forearm massage unit 21b) is configured to be able to be driven independently.

[0038] The shoulder massage section 6a is composed of air cells 99 that expand and contract due to the intake and exhaust of air. By composing the stimulation section M with air cells 99, the stimulation section M can be easily realized. Alternatively, the shoulder massage section 6a may be configured in a U-shape, allowing the user H's upper arm to be fitted into it in a U-shape. By configuring the shoulder massage section 6a in a U-shape and providing an upper arm massage section (not shown) opposite the shoulder massage section 6a for massaging the inside of the user H's upper arm, the user H's upper arm can be massaged from both the left and right sides.

[0039] [Configuration of the control unit] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the massage machine 1 is equipped with a control unit 7 consisting of a microcomputer and the like for controlling the drive of the massage mechanism 10 (stimulation unit M) and the air intake / exhaust device 9. The control unit 7 is located below the seat 3. The control unit 7 is connected to an operation unit 8 for the user H to operate the massage machine 1 and a storage unit 11 that stores multiple massage programs P. The user H can operate the operation unit 8 to select any massage program and execute the massage program P.

[0040] [Structure of the massage program] The massage program P stored in the memory unit 11 will now be described. The massage program P is composed of a combination of a first program P1 for promoting lymphatic flow in the user H and a second program P2 for massaging parts of the user H's body. The first program P1 is a program aimed at promoting lymphatic flow, and the second program is a program aimed at massaging parts of the body.

[0041] Massage program P can be composed of a combination of program 1 P1 and program 2 P2. Here, "combination" refers to various configurations, such as executing program 1 P1 and program 2 P2 alternately, executing program 2 P2 after program 1 P1, or executing program 2 P2 before program 1 P1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the massage program P is defined as "a combination of the first program P1 and the second program P2," but individual programs such as "a program consisting only of the first program P1" or "a program consisting only of the second program P2" are also included in the massage program P.

[0043] Massage program P refers to a so-called massage course. A massage course could be, for example, a full-body course, a stretching massage course, or a warm-up course. The memory unit 11 of the massage machine 1 stores programs for multiple massage courses. Of the multiple types of massage courses stored in the memory unit 11, a specific program (for example, a warm-up course) may be composed solely of the second program P2.

[0044] [Structure of Program 1] Program 1, P1, is a program aimed at promoting lymphatic flow. Lymphatic vessels, through which lymph flows, are equipped with valves to prevent the backflow of lymphatic fluid, ensuring that lymphatic fluid flows in one direction towards the veins. Applying strong pressure (stimulation) to lymphatic vessels can damage them, potentially impairing their ability to properly drain lymphatic fluid. Furthermore, stimulating them in the opposite direction to the lymphatic flow can block the flow of lymphatic fluid.

[0045] In other words, in the case of stimulation by massage, if the stimulation is too strong, it may actually compress the lymphatic vessels and obstruct lymphatic flow. Therefore, in this invention, the stimulation intensity of the stimulation unit M in the first program P1, which promotes lymphatic flow, is controlled to be weaker than the stimulation intensity in the second program P2, which massages the body parts of the user H.

[0046] [Structure of Program 2] Program 2, P2, is a program aimed at massaging the user's body parts. When using massage with massage machine 1, a certain level of intensity is required because if the stimulation is too weak, the user may not feel the sensation, and if the user does not feel the sensation, they may not use the massage machine 1 at all. In other words, unlike the first program P1, a stronger stimulation intensity from the stimulation unit M is preferable. Therefore, the stimulation intensity from the stimulation unit M is controlled to be different between the first program P1 and the second program P2.

[0047] For example, let's consider a case where the stimulation intensity provided by the stimulation unit M is configured in five stages from 1 to 5. The first program P1 aims to promote lymphatic flow, and the second program P2 aims to provide massage; therefore, the stimulation intensity is controlled so that "first program P1 < second program P2". More specifically, it is preferable that the stimulation intensity in the first program P1 is 1 or 2, and the stimulation intensity in the second program P2 is one of 3 to 5.

[0048] The stimulation intensity in the first program P1 is set to 1, and the stimulation intensity in the second program P2 is set to 5. In this case, the difference between the stimulation intensity of the first program P1 and the stimulation intensity of the second program P2 is greatest. Therefore, lowering the stimulation intensity in the first program P1 does not obstruct lymphatic flow, and increasing the stimulation intensity in the second program P2 does not impair the massage sensation. In other words, it's possible to promote lymphatic flow without obstructing it, while also obtaining the benefits of massage.

[0049] Furthermore, the stimulation intensity in the first program P1 is set to 2, and the stimulation intensity in the second program P2 is set to 3. In this case, the difference between the stimulation intensity of the first program P1 and the stimulation intensity of the second program P2 is minimized. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to user H by the difference between the stimulation intensity of the first program P1 and the stimulation intensity of the second program P2.

[0050] Furthermore, the operation of the first program P1 at this time is controlled to drive the stimulating unit M in the same direction as the lymphatic flow. For example, when the stimulating unit M located on the backrest 4 is driven in the same direction as the lymphatic flow, the lymph flows from bottom to top (trajectory Q5; see Figure 7). Therefore, the control is made to drive the third massage unit 43a located at the user H's waist, and then the second massage unit 42a located between the user H's shoulder blades and waist. This allows for more effective lymphatic drainage.

[0051] Furthermore, when the stimulating unit M provided on the footrest 5 is driven in the same direction as the lymphatic flow, the lymph flows from bottom to top (trajectory Q8; see Figure 8). Therefore, the system is controlled to drive the calf massage unit 51a after the toe massage unit 51b. This allows for more effective lymphatic drainage. Furthermore, when the stimulating unit M provided on the elbow rest 2 is driven in the same direction as the lymphatic flow, the lymph flows from the fingertips towards the upper arm (trajectory Q4a). Therefore, the device is controlled to drive the fingertip massage unit 21a first, followed by the forearm massage unit 21b. This allows for more effective lymphatic drainage.

[0052] [Configuration of the intake and exhaust system] As shown in Figure 2, the air supply and exhaust device 9 consists of a pump 9a for supplying air to each stimulation unit M (arm massage unit 2a, buttock massage unit 3a, thigh massage unit 3b, leg massage unit 5a, shoulder massage unit 6a) which is composed of air cells 99, and a valve 9b that connects each stimulation unit M to the pump 9a. By turning the valve 9b ON and OFF, air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells 99.

[0053] Since the stimulation intensity of the stimulation unit M in the first program P1 is controlled to be weaker than the stimulation intensity in the second program P2, the amount of expansion of each air cell 99 is also controlled accordingly. In other words, the amount of expansion of the air cells 99 constituting the stimulation unit M is configured to be different for the amount of expansion of the air cells 99 in the first program P1 and the amount of expansion of the air cells 99 in the second program P2. To put it another way, the stimulation intensity is configured to be different for the first program P1 and the second program P2.

[0054] In the case of massage stimulation, if the stimulation is too strong, it may actually compress the lymphatic vessels and obstruct lymphatic flow. Therefore, in this invention, the stimulation intensity of the stimulation unit M in the first program P1, which promotes lymphatic flow, is controlled to be weaker than the stimulation intensity in the second program P2, which massages the body parts of the user H.

[0055] For example, let's consider a case where the inflation level of the Air Cell 99 is configured in five stages, from 1 to 5. The first program P1 aims to promote lymphatic flow, and the second program P2 aims to provide massage; therefore, the inflation amount of the air cell 99 is controlled so that "first program P1 < second program P2". More specifically, it is preferable that the inflation amount (stimulation intensity) of the air cell 99 in the first program P1 is 1 or 2, and the inflation amount (stimulation intensity) of the air cell 99 in the second program P2 is one of 3 to 5.

[0056] In the first program P1, the expansion amount of the air cell 99 is set to 1, and in the second program P2, the expansion amount of the air cell 99 is set to 5. In this case, the difference between the stimulation intensity of the first program P1 and the stimulation intensity of the second program P2 is greatest. Therefore, lowering the stimulation intensity in the first program P1 does not obstruct lymphatic flow, and increasing the stimulation intensity in the second program P2 does not impair the massage sensation. In other words, it's possible to promote lymphatic flow without obstructing it, while also obtaining the benefits of massage.

[0057] Furthermore, the inflation amount of the air cell 99 in the first program P1 is set to 2, and the inflation amount of the air cell 99 in the second program P2 is set to 3. In this case, the difference between the stimulation intensity of the first program P1 and the stimulation intensity of the second program P2 is minimized. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to user H by the difference between the stimulation intensity of the first program P1 and the stimulation intensity of the second program P2.

[0058] The following describes the operation of the first program P1 in each operation pattern. It is assumed that the stimulation intensity of the stimulation unit M in the first program P1 is weaker than that of the stimulation unit M in the second program P2. Furthermore, the operation of the second program P2 is omitted because any operation that can massage the user H's body parts is acceptable.

[0059] [Operation Pattern 1] The first program P1 operation pattern 1 is an operation aimed at promoting lymphatic flow by driving the stimulating unit M (leg massage unit 5a) towards the user H's lower limbs, from the toes towards the thigh. For example, after activating the leg massage unit 5a of the second footrest unit 5B, the leg massage unit 5a of the first footrest unit 5A is activated. Activating the leg massage unit 5a of the second footrest unit 5B causes the lymph accumulated in the toes to flow towards the thighs (more specifically, to the calves). Then, activating the leg massage unit 5a of the first footrest unit 5A further directs the lymph that has flowed to the calves towards the thighs.

[0060] In other words, movement pattern 1 causes the lymph accumulated in the lower limbs (especially the lymph in the popliteal lymph node R4) to flow along the direction of trajectory Q8 (see Figure 8), allowing it to flush out waste products and other substances accumulated in the body.

[0061] Alternatively, the operation pattern 1 may be linked to the drive of the stimulation unit M (thigh massage unit 3b) provided on the seat unit 3. For example, one pattern involves first activating the leg massage section 5a of the second footrest section 5B, then activating the leg massage section 5a of the first footrest section 5A, and then activating the thigh massage section 3b. By doing so, the lymph that has been flowed up to the calf area by the drive of the leg massage unit 5a can be further flowed towards the thigh by the drive of the thigh massage unit 3b.

[0062] At this time, the thigh massage unit 3b is composed of a thigh massage unit 31b located on the front side and a thigh massage unit 32b located on the back side. Therefore, by driving the thigh massage unit 31b and then the thigh massage unit 32b, the lymph is flowed along the direction of trajectory Q7 (including trajectory Q9; see Figure 8), allowing waste products accumulated in the body to be flushed out along with the lymph. By doing so, lymphatic fluid can be circulated from the extremities of the body towards the center, starting from the toes, then the calves, and finally the thighs.

[0063] [Operation Pattern 2] The first program P1 operation pattern 2 is an operation aimed at promoting lymphatic flow by driving the stimulating unit M (arm massage unit 2a) from the fingertips towards the upper arm (operation of trajectory Q4a) and driving the stimulating unit M (shoulder massage unit 6a) from the shoulder towards the upper arm (operation of trajectory Q4b).

[0064] For example, after activating the hand massage unit 21a of the elbow rest 2, the forearm massage unit 21b of the elbow rest 2 is activated. Activating the hand massage unit 21a causes the lymph accumulated in the fingertips to flow towards the upper arm (more specifically, it flows from the fingertips to the forearm area (near the elbow lymph node R3) along the trajectory Q4a). Then, activating the forearm massage unit 21b allows the lymph that has flowed to the forearm area to flow further towards the upper arm (near the axillary lymph node R2).

[0065] Then, by activating the shoulder massage unit 6a, the lymph that had accumulated around the neck and shoulder blade (around cervical lymph node R1, including the upper arm) is drained from the shoulder towards the upper arm (more specifically, it is drained along the trajectory Q4b to the armpit area). This allows the lymph accumulated around the shoulder to be drained towards the upper arm (near axillary lymph node R2).

[0066] In other words, movement pattern 2 causes lymph accumulated in the arm (especially the fingertips) (particularly the lymph in the elbow lymph node R3) to flow along the direction of trajectory Q4a (see Figure 7), and lymph accumulated in the shoulder (especially the lymph in the cervical lymph node R1) to flow towards trajectory Q4b, allowing waste products accumulated in the body to be flushed out together. Alternatively, the massage mechanism 10 may be used instead of the shoulder massage section 6b.

[0067] [Operation Pattern 3] The operation pattern 3 of the first program P1 is an operation aimed at promoting lymphatic flow by driving the stimulating unit M (massage mechanism 10) along the shoulder blades from top to bottom on the user H's back, and driving the stimulating unit M (first massage unit 41a to third massage unit 43a) from the lower back towards the shoulder blades.

[0068] For example, after activating the massage mechanism 10 located on the backrest 4, the first massage section 41a to the third massage section 43a located on the backrest 4 are activated. More specifically, the treatment element 10a of the massage mechanism 10 is made to perform a counterclockwise kneading motion (downward kneading). In other words, the treatment element 10a moves along the scapula from top to bottom. By doing so, lymphatic flow can be promoted along the scapula from top to bottom in accordance with the trajectory Q3.

[0069] Then, the first massage section 41a to the third massage section 43a, located on the backrest 4, are driven in order from bottom to top. More specifically, the third massage section 43a, the second massage section 42a, and the first massage section 41a are driven in that order. By doing so, lymphatic flow can be promoted from the lumbar region towards the scapula, following the trajectory Q5. In other words, movement pattern 3 causes the lymph accumulated in the back (especially the lymph from the axillary lymph node R2) to flow along the directions of trajectories Q3 and Q5 (see Figure 7), allowing it to flush out waste products and other substances accumulated in the body.

[0070] Furthermore, by providing multiple massage mechanisms 10 (for example, two, one above the other), the operation pattern 3 can also be realized. For example, by having the treatment element 10a of the massage mechanism 10 located on the upper side perform a counterclockwise kneading motion (downward kneading), the treatment element 10a can be moved along the scapula from top to bottom. In other words, lymphatic flow can be promoted along the scapula from top to bottom in accordance with the trajectory Q3. At this time, the massage mechanism 10 located on the lower side is moved from the lumbar region towards the scapula. More specifically, the massage mechanism 10 is moved towards the scapula while gradually widening the distance between the left and right sides of the treatment element 10a (creating a trajectory Q5). In this way, the operation pattern 3 can be realized by multiple massage mechanisms 10.

[0071] [Operation Pattern 4] The operation pattern 4 of the first program P1 is an operation aimed at promoting lymphatic flow by driving the stimulating unit M (massage mechanism 10) toward the user H's lower back, moving outward from the center in the left-right direction.

[0072] For example, the motion pattern 4 can be realized by driving the massage mechanism 10 provided in the backrest 4. More specifically, the distance between the left and right treatment points 10a of the massage mechanism 10, which is positioned on the user H's lower back, is moved from a narrow distance to a wide distance. In this way, the treatment points 10a move outward from the center of the lower back in the left and right directions. This promotes lymphatic flow in the user H's lower back (especially the lymph located on the posterior side of the inguinal lymph nodes) along the trajectory Q6.

[0073] Furthermore, the operation pattern 4 can be realized by combining the drive of the massage mechanism 10 and the drive of the third massage unit 43a. For example, the third massage unit 43a is activated after moving the distance between the left and right treatment elements 10a of the massage mechanism 10, which is positioned on the user H's waist, from a narrow distance to a wide distance. In this way, the treatment elements 10a move outward from the center of the waist along the trajectory Q6, allowing lymph accumulated near the waist to be drained to both the left and right sides of the waist. From this state, activating the third massage unit 43a further drains lymph that has been drained to the areas near the left and right sides of the user H's waist that the treatment elements 10a cannot reach. In other words, it is possible to promote lymphatic flow in the user H's lumbar region (especially around the lumbar lymph nodes (periaortic lymph nodes)) along the trajectory Q6.

[0074] In this embodiment, the case in which the stimulation unit M stimulates the back of the user H has been described, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. Since there are also many lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels on the front of the user H, by providing the stimulation unit M on the front of the user H, it is possible to promote lymphatic flow located on the front of the user H. One possible method of stimulating the front of user H is thermal stimulation using a heater. Since warming the body promotes lymphatic flow, a stimulating unit M (heater) is attached to the backrest 4 in the form of an apron, and the stimulating unit M (heater) is applied to the front of user H (chest, abdomen, etc.) while they are seated in the massage machine 1. In this way, the body is warmed by the heater, and lymphatic flow is promoted.

[0075] Another option is electrical stimulation, such as EMS. In this case, a weaker electrical stimulation is preferable. EMS aims to increase muscle strength by applying electrical stimulation to muscles to encourage contraction of muscles that are not normally consciously engaged. If the electrical stimulation is too strong, the lymphatic vessels may be compressed as the muscles contract, potentially hindering lymphatic flow. By weakening the electrical stimulation, it is possible to moderately encourage muscle contraction, which in turn promotes lymphatic flow.

[0076] The configuration of each stimulation unit M in this embodiment is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration. Any configuration that can stimulate the body parts of the user H is acceptable. [Industrial applicability]

[0077] This invention can be applied to a massage machine that can promote lymphatic flow without obstructing it, while also providing a massage effect. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] Stimulation section M Control Unit 7 Massage Program P Program 1 P1 Program 2 P2

Claims

1. Stimulation unit, It includes a control unit that controls the driving of the stimulus application unit, The control unit has a massage program, The aforementioned massage program, The first program is designed to promote lymphatic flow in the user, It consists of a second program for massaging the user's body parts, and is composed of these two components. The stimulation intensity of the stimulation unit in the first program is weaker than the stimulation intensity of the stimulation unit in the second program. The first program is characterized by controlling the stimulation unit to drive in the same direction as the lymphatic flow.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the stimulation-providing unit is an air cell.

3. The massage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the amount of inflation of the air cell differs between the first program and the second program.

4. The massage machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the amount of expansion of the air cell in the first program is less than the amount of expansion of the air cell in the second program.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first program drives the stimulation unit toward the user's lower limb from the toes toward the thigh.

6. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first program drives the stimulating unit toward the user's arm from the fingertips toward the upper arm and drives the stimulating unit toward the shoulder toward the upper arm.

7. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first program drives the stimulating unit on the user's back from the top to the bottom along the shoulder blade, and drives the stimulating unit from the lower back towards the shoulder blade.

8. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first program drives the stimulation application unit toward the user's waist in a direction outward from the center in the left-right direction.

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