Massage machines and clothing for using massage machines

Abstract

The objective is to provide a massage machine that can deliver electrical stimulation to the user through their clothing by controlling the drive of electrodes attached to the massage machine with a control unit. [Solution] A massage machine for use by a user while wearing clothes, wherein at least a part of the clothing is made of a conductive first material, and the machine has a body support part and a control part, wherein an electrode for applying electrical stimulation to the first material is attached to the body support part, and the control part controls the driving of the electrode and applies electrical stimulation to the user via the first material by making it energized.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine and clothing for using the massage machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electrical stimulation device has been proposed that can apply electrical stimulation to a user wearing innerwear provided with a conductive material in part (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 electrical stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 above, an electrical stimulation is applied to the user by attaching the main body or fixture of the electrical stimulation device to the user's clothing, and it is not possible to drive another device independent of the clothing (for example, the control unit of a massage machine) to apply an electrical stimulation to the user through the clothing. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a massage machine that can apply an electrical stimulation to a user sitting on the massage machine through clothing by controlling the driving of a conductor attached to the massage machine with a control unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] ​The present invention relates to a massage machine used by a user while wearing clothing, wherein at least a portion of the clothing is made of a conductive first material, and the machine comprises a body support section and a control section, wherein electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the first material are attached to the body support section, and the control section controls the driving of the electrodes and energizes them to apply electrical stimulation to the user via the first material. With this configuration, by energizing the electrodes, electrical stimulation can be delivered to a user seated in the massage machine through their clothing.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first material is composed of metal fibers. This configuration allows electricity to be passed through clothing.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that multiple electrodes are attached and positioned to correspond to the user's acupuncture points. This configuration allows for pinpoint electrical stimulation to be applied to the user's specific acupoints.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device further has an operating unit, multiple electrodes are attached, and the control unit can select which of the multiple electrodes to drive by operating the operating unit. This configuration allows for the selection of electrodes to apply electrical stimulation.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit further includes an operating unit, and that the control unit can adjust the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode by operating the operating unit. This configuration allows the intensity of electrical stimulation to be adjusted according to the user's preference.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable to start with a low level of electrical stimulation. This configuration prevents the user from being startled or injured by suddenly receiving a strong electrical stimulus.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable to have an identification unit, and the control unit controls the driving of the electrode identified by the identification unit. This configuration allows for the driving of specific electrodes.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit has a storage unit that stores multiple massage programs, and when the identification unit identifies that the electrode and the first material are in an overlapping position, the control unit is configured to call a specific massage program from the multiple massage programs and execute the specific massage program. This configuration allows for the application of electrical stimulation by executing a specific massage program based on the identified result.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the garment worn by the user for using the massage machine is made of a first conductive material in at least a portion thereof, and that the first material is positioned to correspond to the user's acupoints. This configuration allows for pinpoint electrical stimulation to be applied to the user's specific acupoints.

[0014] The garment worn by the user for using the massage machine preferably has at least a portion of a conductive first material, and the first material is provided at a position corresponding to the electrode when the user is supported by the body support part. This configuration allows for pinpoint electrical stimulation to be applied to the same location as the electrode on the body support side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, by controlling the drive of the conductor attached to the massager with a control unit, it is possible to apply an electrical stimulus to a user sitting on the massager through clothing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the screen of the operation unit of the massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a screen for selecting the conductor to be driven, and (b) is a screen for selecting (adjusting) the intensity of the electrical stimulus emitted by the conductor. [Figure 4] It is a front schematic view of a buffer member attached to the backrest portion of the massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a diagram showing the state before the user leans on it, and (b) is a diagram showing the state when the user leans on it. [Figure 5] It is a plan schematic view of a buffer member attached to the seat portion of the massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a diagram showing the state before the user sits down, and (b) is a diagram showing the state when the user sits down. [Figure 6] It is a rear schematic view of the user. (a) is a diagram showing the acupuncture points, and (b) is a diagram showing the meridians. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view of the clothing according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back. (a) is the clothing for the upper body, and (b) is the clothing for the lower body.

[0017] [Overall Configuration of the Massager] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the massager 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 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 a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configuration, arrangement, and number of each massage section M (3a, 5a, 10) and electrode 11 are examples only and are not limited to these. They can be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention consists of a seat 3 on which the user sits, a backrest 4 provided at the rear of the seat 3 for the user 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 6 that supports the user H's head is attached to the backrest 4 (see Figure 4). The armrests 2, seat 3, backrest 4, footrest 5, and pillow 6 function as body support parts S that support the user's body. The massage machine 1 is equipped with various parts including a massage section M (massage mechanism 10, buttock massage section 3a, leg massage section 5a) that provides massage to the user, a control section 7 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, an operating section 8 for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, an air supply and exhaust device 9 for supplying and exhausting air to the air cell, and electrodes 11 for providing electrical stimulation to the user. Each component will be described later.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the screen 8a of the control unit 8 of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the screen 8a for selecting the electrode 11 to be driven, and (b) is the screen 8a for selecting (adjusting) the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode 11. Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the cushioning member 40 (cushioning member K) attached to the backrest 4 of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the user H leans back, and (b) shows the state with the user H leaning back. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the cushioning member 30 (cushioning member K) attached to the seat 3 of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the user H sits down, and (b) shows the state with the user H seated down. To make the structure of the electrodes 11 attached to the seat portion 3 (cushioning member 30) easier to understand, some areas around the electrodes 11 are shown in magnification. The magnified area is the electrode 11 enclosed by the frame W (see Figure 5(a)).

[0020] [Seat structure] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the seat portion 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is elongated horizontally in the left-right direction. The seat portion 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. The seat portion 3 has a cushioning member 30. The cushioning member 30 functions as a so-called cushion to improve the user's sitting comfort (it plays the role of a body support part S). The cushioning member 30 will be described later.

[0021] The seat portion 3 (more specifically, the interior of the cushioning member 30 of the seat portion 3) is provided with a pair of buttock massage portions 3a (massage portions M) on the left and right sides for massaging the buttocks of the user seated on the seat portion 3. The buttock massage portions 3a are composed of air cells that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air. In addition, electrodes 11 for applying electrical stimulation to the user's buttocks are attached to the upper surface of the seat portion 3 (more specifically, the surface above the buttock massage portions 3a that comes into contact with the user's buttocks). The configuration of the electrodes 11 will be described later.

[0022] [Structure of the backrest] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the direction of the user's height. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 10 (massage section M) is provided via the guide rail 16. The massage mechanism 10 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, thereby massaging the back of the user's torso (for example, the shoulders and lower back) while seated on the seat 3.

[0023] A cushioning member 40 is attached to the front of the backrest 4, which is a body support part S that supports the user's upper body. An electrode 11 for applying electrical stimulation to the user's back is attached to the front of the cushioning member 40 (more specifically, the surface that comes into contact with the user's back). The cushioning member 40 functions as a so-called cushion to improve the user's comfort when leaning against it (it fulfills its role as a body support part S). The cushioning member 40 will be described later.

[0024] [Footrest structure] As shown in Figure 1, the footrest section 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right sides into which the user's legs can be inserted. On the inner walls of both the left and right recesses 5b, there are leg massage sections 5a (massage section M) for massaging the user's legs. The leg massage section 5a is composed of air cells that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air. More specifically, the leg massage sections 5a are provided one on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the right recess 5b, and one on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the left recess 5b. Preferably, 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.

[0025] [Structure of the armrest] As shown in Figure 1, the armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3. A U-shaped arm massage unit (not shown) for massaging the user's arms may be provided on the upper surface of the armrests 2. If a U-shaped arm massage unit is provided, it is preferable that the left and right arm massage units (not shown) are configured to be able to be driven independently.

[0026] Furthermore, although not described in this embodiment, electrodes 11 may be attached to the footrest portion 5. When electrodes 11 are attached to the footrest portion 5, it is preferable that they be attached to the surface that comes into contact with the user's legs (including the feet and soles), similar to when electrodes 11 are attached to the seat portion 3 or backrest portion 4. It is also preferable that the attachment position corresponds to the user's acupoints or meridians.

[0027] Alternatively, an arm massage unit (not shown) with the electrodes 11 attached may be attached to the armrest 2. When the arm massage unit (not shown, including the electrodes 11) is attached to the armrest 2, it is preferable that it is attached to a surface that comes into contact with the user's arm (including the fingertips), similar to when the electrodes 11 are attached to the seat 3 or backrest 4. Furthermore, it is preferable that the attachment position corresponds to the user's acupoints or meridians.

[0028] [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 operation of the massage mechanism 10 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 to operate the massage machine 1, a storage unit (not shown) that stores massage courses (hereinafter sometimes referred to as massage programs), and an identification unit 12 that identifies the contact state between the electrodes 11 and the first material 100a. The user can operate the operation unit 8 to drive the electrodes 11 (put them into an energized state), thereby providing electrical stimulation to the user, or to drive the massage unit M to execute various massage operations (including massage programs).

[0029] The control unit 7 can control the supply of power to the electrode 11. More specifically, by turning on the power supply to the electrode 11 (setting it to a powered state), the electrode 11 can be driven, and by turning off the power supply to the electrode 11 (setting it to a de-powered state), the driving of the electrode 11 can be stopped. In other words, by turning on the power supply to the electrode 11 (changing from a de-energized state to an energized state), electrical stimulation can be delivered to the user H seated in the massage machine 1 via the clothing 100.

[0030] The control unit 7 also controls the drive of the massage unit M. Therefore, it is possible to execute a massage program that combines the drive of the electrodes 11 and the drive of the massage unit M. For example, by energizing the electrodes 11 and driving the massage unit M, a massage program that combines electrical stimulation from the electrodes 11 and various massage actions from the massage unit M can be executed. Alternatively, by de-energizing the electrodes 11 and driving the massage unit M, a massage program that combines various massage actions from the massage unit M alone can be executed. In other words, the control unit 7 can realize three operations: massage operation by the massage unit M, electrical stimulation by the electrode 11, and massage operation by the massage unit M and electrical stimulation by the electrode 11.

[0031] [Configuration of the identification unit] As shown in Figure 2, an identification unit 12 is connected to the control unit 7. The identification unit 12 is used to identify whether the electrode 11 attached to the massage machine 1 and the first material 100a constituting the clothing 100 are in an overlapping position. The identification of overlapping positions involves determining whether the first material 100a attached to various parts of the garment 100 and the individual electrodes 11 attached to the massage machine 1 (body support side) overlap or not. In other words, identifying that only one of the individual electrodes 11 attached to the massage machine 1 overlaps with the first material 100a does not mean that all the other electrodes 11 overlap with the first material 100a. However, identifying that only one electrode 11 overlaps with the first material 100a may mean that all the other electrodes 11 overlap with the first material 100a.

[0032] An example of the identification unit 12 is a proximity sensor such as an inductive (high-frequency oscillating) type. An inductive (high-frequency oscillating) proximity sensor is a sensor that determines the presence or absence of a detected object (in this embodiment, the first material 100a of the clothing 100) by oscillating a high-frequency magnetic field from the main body (in this embodiment, the electrode 11).

[0033] The configuration of the identification unit 12 described in this embodiment is merely an example, and any configuration is acceptable as long as it can identify whether the electrode 11 attached to the massage machine 1 and the first material 100a constituting the clothing 100 are in overlapping positions. For example, it may be a sensor that monitors the current or voltage between conductors 30a and 30b.

[0034] For example, a detection coil (not shown) is embedded in the electrode 11, which is the main body attached to the backrest 4 (more specifically, the cushioning member 40 attached to the backrest 4), and highly conductive metal fibers are woven into the first material 100a that makes up the garment 100. In other words, the electrode 11 (including a detection coil (not shown)) and the first material 100a constitute an inductive (high-frequency oscillation) proximity sensor.

[0035] When current is passed through the detection coil (not shown) (driving the electrode 11), a high-frequency magnetic field is generated from the detection coil (not shown). When the user sits on the massage machine 1 (leaning against the backrest 4) while the high-frequency magnetic field is oscillating, the detection object (first material 100a) approaches the oscillating high-frequency magnetic field. When the detection object approaches the oscillating high-frequency magnetic field, eddy currents are generated in the detection object (first material 100a) due to electromagnetic induction.

[0036] When eddy currents are generated in the detection object (first material 100a), losses occur due to resistance within the detection object (first material 100a). More specifically, losses occur due to heat. These losses cause a change in the oscillation state of the detection coil (not shown) embedded in the electrode 11. More specifically, the oscillation decreases or disappears altogether. This change in oscillation state is detected by the sensor's internal circuitry (not shown), which identifies the presence of a detected object (that the electrode 11 is in contact with the first material 100a of the clothing 100).

[0037] Furthermore, if no current is flowing through the detection coil (not shown) (i.e., the electrode 11 is not being driven), no high-frequency magnetic field will be emitted from the detection coil (not shown). Therefore, regardless of whether the electrode 11 attached to the massage machine 1 and the first material 100a constituting the clothing 100 are close to overlapping (regardless of whether the electrode 11 and the first material 100a are in an overlapping position), no induced current (eddy current) will flow through the first material 100a. In other words, when the electrode 11 is not energized, the identification unit 12 does not perform its function (and there is no need for it to perform its function in the first place).

[0038] Furthermore, the "overlapping position" of the electrode 11 and the first material 100a does not need to be "perfectly aligned without any discrepancies." If the electrode 11 and the first material 100a overlap by about 80% to 90%, it should not be significantly off from the user's acupoint position, and it can be identified as being in an overlapping position with the electrode 11 and the first material 100a. In addition, the information used by the identification unit 12 when making an identification may include content indicating the overlapping position with the electrode 11. For example, when it is identified that the distance between the electrode 11 and the first material 100a is within the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, it can be identified as being in an "overlapping position with the electrode 11." By including content indicating the overlapping position with the electrode 11 as information used for identification, errors in the degree of overlap between the electrode 11 and the first material 100a can be eliminated (misalignment can be suppressed).

[0039] Another possible embodiment of the identification unit 12 is one that utilizes RFID tags. For example, an RFID tag (a device with an IC chip capable of reading and writing data connected to a transmitting antenna; this acts as the transmitter) is attached to the garment 100, and a receiver is attached to the massage machine 1. When the RFID tag (transmitter side) approaches the massage machine 1, the massage machine 1 receives a signal transmitted from the RFID tag. By receiving the signal transmitted from the RFID tag, the identification unit 12 can obtain multiple location information points where the massage machine 1 (more specifically, the electrode 11) and the garment 100 (more specifically, the first material 100a) overlap.

[0040] RFID tags are attached to various parts of the garment 100, and each RFID tag attached to the garment 100 stores location information indicating its position on the garment 100. As an example of how location information is stored, coordinates can be set on the garment 100, similar to GPS. By storing the location of an average acupoint on the human body as coordinates (for example, Feishu if latitude: +15.21565 longitude: +5.90916), the identification unit 12 can determine whether the massage machine 1 (more specifically, the electrode 11) and the garment 100 (more specifically, the first material 100a) are in an overlapping position based on the signal (coordinates) transmitted from the RFID tag.

[0041] Alternatively, one RFID tag may be attached somewhere on the garment 100. The location information of all the places where the first material 100a is attached (this may also be the location information of average acupuncture points on the human body) is stored in a single RFID tag. In this way, by identifying just one RFID tag, the location information of all the first material 100a attached to the garment 100 can be identified, and the cost of the garment 100 and the massage machine 1 itself can also be reduced.

[0042] When the identification unit 12 identifies that the electrode 11 and the first material 100a are in overlapping positions, the control unit 7 can retrieve a specific massage program from among a plurality of massage programs stored in the memory unit (not shown) according to the identification result. In this embodiment, a specific massage program is described using the case of applying electrical stimulation as an example, but the massage performed by the massage unit M may also be considered a specific massage program. The system may also be configured to call up a program specifically designed to apply stimulation to the bladder diameter or small intestine diameter using the massage unit M.

[0043] For example, if the identification unit 12 identifies that the electrode 11 located at a position corresponding to the bladder diameter (described later) and the first material 100a are in overlapping positions, a specific massage program (bladder diameter program) specialized in applying electrical stimulation (including massage movements) to the bladder diameter can be called up, making it possible to execute a specific massage program (bladder diameter program). Also, if the identification unit 12 identifies that the electrode 11 located at a position corresponding to the small intestine diameter (described later) and the first material 100a are in overlapping positions, a specific massage program (small intestine meridian program) specialized in applying electrical stimulation (including massage movements) to the small intestine meridian can be called up, making it possible to execute a specific massage program (small intestine meridian program). By doing so, electrical stimulation can be applied by executing a specific massage program according to the result identified by the identification unit 12.

[0044] [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 massage section 3a, 5a, which are made up of air cells, and a valve 9b that connects each massage section 3a, 5a to the pump 9a. By turning the valve 9b ON and OFF, air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells.

[0045] [Composition of the cushioning material] The body support section S is fitted with cushioning members K to improve the seating and leaning comfort for the user H when using the massage machine 1. In this embodiment, the cushioning members 40 attached to the backrest section 4 and 30 attached to the seat section 3 are described as examples, but the attachment of the cushioning members K is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, cushioning members K may also be attached to the armrest section 2 or the footrest section 5, which are part of the body support section S. Alternatively, the pillow section 6 may be integrally formed with the cushioning members K.

[0046] [Configuration of the cushioning material attached to the backrest] As shown in Figure 4(a), the cushioning member 40 attached to the backrest 4 is composed of two materials. More specifically, it consists of electrodes 11 and a second material 40b with low conductivity (or no conductivity) to which the electrodes 11 are attached. The second material 40b is the main body of the cushioning member (cushioning body). Multiple electrodes 11 (11a, 11b, etc.) for delivering electrical stimulation to the user are attached to the second material 40b.

[0047] The electrode 11 consists of a semicircular conductor 30a to which the electrode 11 is attached, and an insulator 30c. By sandwiching the insulator 30c from both sides with the semicircular conductor 30a, the electrode 11 is formed into a circular shape (the electrode 11 is divided into left and right halves by the insulator 30c). The right conductor 30a has a negative pole embedded in it, and the left conductor 30a has a positive pole embedded in it (see frame W in Figure 5(a)). In this embodiment, the DC type using positive and negative poles will be explained as an example, but an AC type (a method in which the direction of electric current is changed by periodically switching the positive and negative poles; that is, it is possible to flow electric current from the positive pole to the negative pole, or from the negative pole to the positive pole) may also be used.

[0048] The positive and negative poles are separated by the insulator 30c, which divides the left and right conductors 30a. In other words, the electrode 11 is designed so that electricity does not flow on its own. User H's body has the function of an electrical conductor. Therefore, when user H sits on the massage machine 1 (user H's body comes into contact with the electrode 11), the left and right conductors 30a are connected by user H's body (the positive and negative poles are connected). In this state, when the electrode 11 is driven (turned on), current flows from the positive pole to the negative pole, providing electrical stimulation to the user.

[0049] More precisely, electric current is generated when negatively charged electrons are ejected from atoms and move. In other words, electric current is generated when negatively charged electrons are attracted to the positive electrode (electron movement).

[0050] In other words, the accurate statement is that electric current flows from the negative pole to the positive pole, and electrons flow from the positive pole to the negative pole. However, since the convention that "electrons flow in the positive direction and electric current flows in the negative direction" is still used today, this specification will also assume that the direction of electric current is "from the positive pole to the negative pole." Although only some parts are numbered, in Figure 4, the electrode 11 is indicated by a circle on the second material 40b.

[0051] Since the electrode 11 is attached to the second material 40b which has low conductivity (or no conductivity), the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 cannot escape to the second material 40b which has low conductivity (or no conductivity), and remains inside the electrode 11. In other words, the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 can be directly delivered to the user H (upper body) seated in the massage machine 1, via the clothing 100. Note that the arrangement, size, and shape of the electrodes 11 attached to the second material 40b (cushioning member 40) are examples only and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 and 6(b), the electrodes 11 are attached along the meridians of the human body. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just one example, but in the example shown in Figure 4(a), the part extending vertically in the center of the buffer member 40 corresponds to the meridian generally known as the bladder meridian. The parts extending vertically on both the left and right sides of the central part correspond to the meridian known as the spleen meridian. Furthermore, the parts extending vertically on the outside of these, in pairs on the left and right, correspond to the meridian known as the lung meridian. By attaching the electrodes 11 along the meridians of the user H, electrical stimulation can be applied to the meridians of the user H. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is merely an example and is not limited to this. They should be attached in positions corresponding to the user H's acupoints or along the user H's meridians, and can be arranged freely in all directions along various meridians.

[0053] The electrodes 11 are attached to positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H. For example, electrode 11a corresponds to the acupoint called Feishu, electrode 11b corresponds to the acupoint called Geshu, electrode 11c corresponds to the acupoint called Ganshu, electrode 11d corresponds to the acupoint called Pishu, electrode 11e corresponds to the Sanjiaoshu, and electrode 11f corresponds to the Shenshu.

[0054] As explained, the electrode 11 is circular in shape, consisting of a semicircular conductor 30a and an insulator 30c. Therefore, when user H sits on the massage machine 1 (user H's body comes into contact with the electrode 11), the left and right conductors 30a are connected via user H's body (the positive and negative poles are connected). As a result, the positive and negative poles are connected via user H's body, and electricity flows from the positive pole to the negative pole. In other words, by attaching the electrode 11 to a position corresponding to the user H's acupoint, it is possible to deliver pinpoint electrical stimulation to the user H's acupoint. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is merely an example and is not limited to this. They should be placed in positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H or in positions where conductive material is used in the clothing 100, and may be appropriately placed in positions corresponding to various acupoints.

[0055] [Configuration of the cushioning material attached to the seat] As shown in Figure 5(a), the cushioning member 30 attached to the seat 3 is made up of two materials. More specifically, it consists of electrodes 11 and a second material 30b (cushioning member body) to which the electrodes 11 are attached, which has low conductivity (or no conductivity). Multiple electrodes 11 (11a, 11b, etc.) are attached to the second material 30b to deliver electrical stimulation to the user.

[0056] Similar to the electrode 11 attached to the backrest 4, the electrode 11 has positive and negative electrodes embedded in it (see Figure 5(a)). When the electrode 11 is activated (energized), current flows from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, providing electrical stimulation to the user. Although only some parts are numbered, the electrode 11 is indicated by a circle on the second material 30b in Figure 5.

[0057] When user H is not seated on the massage machine 1, the electrode 11 is separated into positive and negative poles by the insulator 30c, so no electricity flows. When user H sits on the massage machine 1 and user H's body comes into contact with the electrode 11, user H's body becomes a conductor, allowing electricity to flow from the positive pole to the negative pole. The electrode 11 is attached to the second material 30b, which has low conductivity (or no conductivity). Therefore, even when user H sits on the massage machine 1 and electricity is applied, the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 does not escape to the second material 30b, which has low conductivity (or no conductivity), but flows to the clothing 100 (the conductive first material 100a).

[0058] In short, the electrical stimulation emitted from the positive electrode of the electrode 11 flows from the positive electrode of the electrode 11 to the clothing 100 (the first conductive material 100a), through the clothing 100 (the first conductive material 100a) to the user H's body, then from the user H's body to the clothing 100 (the first conductive material 100a), and from the clothing 100 (the first conductive material 100a) to the negative electrode of the electrode 11. In other words, the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 flows directly to the user H (lower body) seated in the massage machine 1 via the clothing 100. Note that the arrangement, size, and shape of the electrodes 11 attached to the second material 30b (cushioning member 30) are examples only and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the case in which electrical stimulation is applied to the user H through clothing 100 is described as an example, but the system may also be configured to apply electrical stimulation to the user H by bringing the electrodes 11 into contact with the skin. For example, the electrode 11 is brought into direct contact with an exposed area of ​​skin, such as the fingertips. The fingertips of user H are not covered by clothing 100, and the skin is exposed to the outside. Therefore, by directly contacting the electrode 11 with the user H's fingertips, electrical stimulation can be directly applied to the user H's fingertips.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the electrodes 11 are attached along the meridians of the human body. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just one example, but in the example shown in Figure 5(a), the parts located in the center of the buffer member 30 (electrodes 11a, 11b) correspond to the meridian generally known as the bladder meridian. The parts located on both the left and right outer sides (electrode 11c) correspond to the meridian known as the gallbladder meridian. By attaching the electrodes 11 along the meridians of the user H, electrical stimulation can be applied to the meridians of the user H. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is merely an example and is not limited to this. They should be attached in positions corresponding to the user H's acupoints or along the user H's meridians, and can be arranged freely in all directions along various meridians.

[0061] The electrodes 11 are positioned to correspond to the acupoints of user H. For example, electrode 11a corresponds to the acupoint called Yaoshu, electrode 11b corresponds to the acupoint called Baohuang, and electrode 11c corresponds to the acupoint called Huanqiao. By attaching the electrodes 11 to the positions corresponding to the acupoints of user H, electrical stimulation can be applied precisely to the acupoints of user H. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is merely an example and is not limited to this. They should be placed in positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H or in positions where highly conductive material is used in the clothing 100, and may be appropriately placed in positions corresponding to various acupoints.

[0062] [Configuration of the control panel] Figure 3 shows the screen 8a of the control unit 8 of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the screen 8a for selecting the electrode 11 to be driven, and (b) is the screen 8a for selecting (adjusting) the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode 11. The control unit 8 has a screen 8a. The screen 8a is a touch panel.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3(a), the user can select which electrode 11 to drive from among several electrodes 11 by operating the control unit 8. The back of the user's upper body is displayed in the center of screen 8a. When a point displayed on screen 8a is selected, the color of the point changes (in this embodiment, it is displayed with diagonal lines). By configuring the selected point to change color, the user H can visually recognize which electrode 11 to drive. When the user presses the confirm button 8b with the electrode 11 to drive selected, the electrode 11 to be driven is confirmed and the massage machine 1 starts to operate.

[0064] Note that on screen 8a, where you select the electrode 11 to be driven, pressing the back button 8c displayed in the lower right corner of screen 8a will end the selection of the electrode 11 to be driven. The selection of the electrode 11 to be driven is configured not to be reflected unless you press the OK button 8b, so if you press the back button 8c without pressing the OK button 8b, you will return to the state before selecting the electrode 11 to be driven (a state where no electrode 11 is selected).

[0065] Below screen 8a, where the user selects the electrode 11 to be driven, there is a button (back button 8c) for switching the currently displayed image. By pressing the back button 8c, the user H can switch back to the screen 8a before selecting the electrode 11 to be driven. Furthermore, a "Next" button (not shown) can be displayed on screen 8a, where the user selects the electrode 11 to be driven. By displaying a "Next" button (not shown) on screen 8a, when the user H presses the "Next" button (not shown), the screen 8a can be switched to a screen 8a where the user selects the electrode 11 to be driven on another part of the user H (such as the buttocks or arms). By doing so, user H can select the electrode 11 to be driven from among the electrodes 11 located in other parts of the screen 8a.

[0066] Depending on how the electrodes 11 to be driven are selected, electrical stimulation can be applied to acupoints or meridians. For example, to apply electrical stimulation to an acupoint, on screen 8a which displays the back of the upper body of user H, select Dazhui and press the confirm button 8b (see Figure 3(a)). This allows for pinpoint electrical stimulation to the Dazhui acupoint. Furthermore, when applying electrical stimulation to a meridian, on screen 8a, which displays the back of the upper body of user H, select Dazhui and Shenzhu, and press the confirm button 8b (see Figure 3(a)). This will allow electrical stimulation to be applied to the Sanjiao meridian, which is formed by connecting Dazhui and Shenzhu. Please note that these explanations are examples only and are not exhaustive. Depending on the selected acupoint, the acupoints and meridians to which electrical stimulation can be applied can be appropriately changed.

[0067] Furthermore, the intensity of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode 11 can be adjusted by operating the control unit 8. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3(b), the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by operating the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter displayed in the center of the screen 8a of the control unit 8. In this embodiment, the screen 8a for adjusting the intensity is configured to allow adjustment in 8 steps from 0 to 7 using the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter, but this is just an example and is not limited to this configuration. Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow adjustment of the intensity of each massage area M, in addition to electrical stimulation.

[0068] As shown in Figure 3(b), at least the intensity of the electrical stimulation from the electrode 11 can be adjusted by operating the control unit 8. An intensity adjustment button (not shown) is displayed on the screen 8a of the control unit 8, and by pressing the intensity adjustment button (not shown), the user H can switch the display on screen 8a to the intensity adjustment screen and adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation. In other words, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted to the user's preferred level.

[0069] In the center of screen 8a, used for adjusting the intensity, a right-angled triangle-shaped parameter is displayed, allowing you to adjust the intensity in 8 steps from 0 to 7. The leftmost position is the weakest setting, the fourth from the left is the medium setting, and the rightmost position is the strongest setting. In other words, the intensity can be gradually increased from left to right.

[0070] When the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter displayed on screen 8a is pressed, the color of the pressed area changes (in this embodiment, it is displayed with diagonal lines). By configuring the device so that the color of the pressed area changes, the user can visually perceive the intensity (strength) of the electrical stimulation from the driving electrode 11. After selecting the strength, pressing the confirmation button 8b displayed in the lower right corner of screen 8a reflects the selected strength in the electrical stimulation.

[0071] Note that pressing the back button 8c, displayed in the lower right corner of screen 8a, while adjusting the intensity will end the intensity adjustment. The selected intensity is configured not to be reflected unless the confirm button 8b is pressed. Therefore, if you press the back button 8c without pressing the confirm button 8b, the intensity will revert to the state it was in before you selected the intensity adjustment. For example, suppose the intensity before selecting the intensity adjustment was 3, and you selected intensity 6 on the intensity adjustment screen. If you press the back button 8c in that state, the selected intensity will not be reflected, and the intensity will revert to 3.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that the electrical stimulation is configured to start with a low intensity. By configuring the stimulation to start with a low intensity, it is possible to prevent the user from being surprised or injured by suddenly receiving a strong electrical stimulus.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic rear view of user H, where (a) shows acupoints and (b) shows meridians. Figure 7 is a schematic rear view of clothing 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the upper body clothing 100 and (b) is the lower body clothing 100. Note that the locations of acupoints and meridians in Figure 6 will differ for each user H using the massage machine 1 due to individual differences in height, build, etc. Furthermore, the acupoints and meridians shown in Figure 6 represent only a portion of the acupoints and meridians on user H's back (especially the upper body), and do not encompass all of the acupoints and meridians in user H's body.

[0074] Acupoints are what are commonly known as pressure points, and according to the WHO definition, there are 361 acupoints throughout the body. In Oriental medicine, acupoints are considered to be the entry and exit points of vital energy (qi). There are two types of vital energy: pathogenic energy and righteous energy. Pathogenic energy is the energy that causes illness in the body, while righteous energy is the energy that keeps the body functioning normally. Meridians are pathways for vital energy and blood that connect acupoints and are spread throughout the entire body in all directions. In other words, meridians run along the acupoints. The circulation of vital energy and blood from the deep parts of the body down to the skin and muscles plays a role in regulating biological functions and maintaining balance. Meridians consist of main meridians and collateral meridians that branch off from the main meridians, and the main meridians consist of the twelve regular meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians.

[0075] [Composition of clothing] The following describes the clothing 100 worn by user H (more specifically, the clothing 100 used by user H while wearing the clothing 100 in the massage machine 1). In this embodiment, a long-sleeved innerwear is used as an example for the upper body clothing 100, and a short-length innerwear is used as an example for the lower body clothing 100. The shape of the clothing 100 is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, a short-sleeved or three-quarter-length innerwear may be used as the upper body clothing 100. Also, an innerwear that reaches to the ankles may be used as the lower body clothing 100. Furthermore, there may be multiple sizes of clothing (S to XXXL, etc.) to suit the physique of user H using the massage machine 1.

[0076] Furthermore, the garment could be something that fits snugly against the user H's skin, like leggings, or something that has some room between the garment and the user H's skin, such as loungewear. Regardless of the degree of snugness, it just needs to be something that touches the user H's skin. In this embodiment, the example described is one in which a conductive first material 100a is used on a part of the back of the garment 100, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. The conductive first material 100a may be used on the front or sides of the garment 100. The parts other than the first material 100a are made of non-conductive (or low-conductive) materials. Therefore, even if the conductor 11 comes into contact with a part other than the first material 100a, no current will flow through the garment 100.

[0077] By bringing the electrode 11 into contact with the conductive first material 100a used on the front or sides of the garment 100 and creating an electrical current, electrical stimulation can be applied to the front or sides of the user H's skin. Furthermore, the material used for the garment 100 can be anything. It is sufficient that at least a part of the garment 100 uses the conductive first material 100a.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7(a), the upper body garment 100A is made up of a combination of multiple materials. More specifically, the material is composed of a first conductive material 100a and a non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b. In this embodiment, the conductive first material 100a is used only around the location where the electrode 11 is attached. In other words, the majority of the material that makes up the garment 100 is composed of material 100b that is not conductive (or has low conductivity). The material 100b that is not conductive (or has low conductivity) can be any material that has lower conductivity than the first conductive material 100a. For example, it may be a material with high electrical resistance or a so-called insulating material (non-conductive material) such as rubber.

[0079] The conductive first material 100a is composed of highly conductive metal fibers such as silver and copper, and is used (placed) at positions corresponding to the acupoints of user H. By composing the conductive first material 100a with metal fibers, electrical stimulation can be efficiently delivered to user H's body. Furthermore, by locating the conductive first material 100a at positions corresponding to user H's acupoints, electrical stimulation can be delivered precisely to user H's acupoints.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first material 100a is used at a location relative to an acupoint on the back of the upper body of user H (see Figure 6(a)). The arrangement of the conductive first material 100a is merely an example and is not limited to this arrangement. At least a portion of the first material 100a must be positioned at locations corresponding to the acupoints of the user H. For example, the first material 100a may be positioned at the location corresponding to the Feishu acupoint, or it may not be positioned at the location corresponding to the Feishu acupoint.

[0081] User H can apply electrical stimulation to any acupoint (for example, Feishu and Jianzhongshu) by selecting and activating the electrodes 11 located at the positions corresponding to the acupoints that the user wishes to stimulate. Depending on the selected acupoints, it is also possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridians formed by connecting the acupoints. For example, by selecting the three acupoints "Dazhui, Shenzhu, and Mingmen," it is possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian known as the Sanjiao meridian, which is formed by connecting "Dazhui, Shenzhu, and Mingmen" (see Figure 6(b)). In this way, by selecting electrodes 11 located on the meridians that connect the various acupoints, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation not only to the acupoints but also to the meridians.

[0082] More specifically, electric current flows from the positive pole to the negative pole. Therefore, when attempting to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian known as the Triple Energizer meridian, the positive electrode 11 located at Dazhui and the negative electrode 11 located at Mingmen are selected. By doing so, electric current can be transmitted from the electrode 11 at Dazhui, through Shenzhu, to the electrode 11 at Mingmen. Furthermore, select the negative electrode 11 located at Dazhui and the positive electrode 11 located at Mingmen. By doing so, current can be passed from the electrode 11 located at Mingmen, through Shenzhu, to the electrode 11 located at Dazhui.

[0083] In other words, by selecting electrodes 11 located on the meridians formed by connecting each acupoint (including the selection of positive and negative poles), it is possible to apply electrical stimulation not only to acupoints such as Dazhui and Mingmen, but also to meridians such as the Triple Energizer meridian. In this embodiment, the example of applying electrical stimulation to the Triple Energizer meridian was used, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. Which meridian is stimulated depends on how the user H selects the electrodes 11 to be driven (including the selection of the positive and negative poles).

[0084] As shown in Figure 7(b), the lower body garment 100B is made up of a combination of multiple materials. More specifically, the material is composed of a first conductive material 100a and a non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b. In this embodiment, the conductive first material 100a is used only around the location where the electrode 11 is attached. In other words, the majority of the material that makes up the garment 100 is composed of material 100b that is not conductive (or has low conductivity). The material 100b that is not conductive (or has low conductivity) can be any material that has lower conductivity than the first conductive material 100a. For example, it may be a material with high electrical resistance or a so-called insulating material (non-conductive material) such as rubber.

[0085] The conductive first material 100a is composed of highly conductive metal fibers such as silver and copper, and is used (placed) at positions corresponding to the acupoints of user H. By composing the conductive first material 100a with metal fibers, electrical stimulation can be efficiently delivered to user H's body. Furthermore, by locating the conductive first material 100a at positions corresponding to user H's acupoints, electrical stimulation can be delivered precisely to user H's acupoints.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first material 100a is used at a position relative to an acupoint on the back of the user H's buttocks (see Figure 6(a)). The arrangement of the conductive first material 100a is merely an example and is not limited to this arrangement. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the first material 100a is positioned at locations corresponding to the acupoints of the user H. For example, the first material 100a may be positioned at the location corresponding to the Yaoshu point, but not at the location corresponding to the Huanqiao point.

[0087] User H can apply electrical stimulation to any acupoint by selecting and activating the electrodes 11 located at the positions corresponding to the acupoints they wish to stimulate. Depending on the selected acupoints, it is also possible to apply electrical stimulation to meridians formed by connecting these acupoints. For example, by selecting the three acupoints "Geliao, Huiyang, and Chengfu," it is possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian known as the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang, which is formed by connecting "Geliao, Huiyang, and Chengfu." In this way, by selecting electrodes 11 located on the meridians that connect the various acupoints, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation not only to the acupoints but also to the meridians.

[0088] The electrode 11 is switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state, and an electrical stimulus is emitted from the electrode 11. The electrical stimulus does not escape through the non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b, but is transmitted through the conductive first material 100a to the user H's acupoint (including meridians depending on the selected acupoint), thereby providing an electrical stimulus to the acupoint. In other words, by devising the arrangement of the conductive first material 100a (including the electrodes 11 attached to the first material 100a) that is combined with the garment 100, the acupoints to which electrical stimulation is applied can be changed for each user wearing the garment 100.

[0089] For example, in one garment (not shown), a conductive first material 100a may be placed at a location corresponding to an acupoint that has a slimming effect, or in another garment (not shown), a conductive first material 100a may be placed at a location corresponding to an acupoint that is effective for treating cold sensitivity. Since the conductive first material 100a is surrounded by a non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b, user H can receive electrical stimulation according to their purpose by wearing clothing 100 appropriate for the purpose (for example, if the purpose is weight loss, clothing in which the conductive first material 100a is positioned at a location corresponding to acupoints that have a weight-loss effect; if the purpose is to improve cold sensitivity, clothing in which the conductive first material 100a is positioned at a location corresponding to acupoints that are effective for cold sensitivity) and using the massage machine 1, without having to select the electrodes 11 to be driven each time. [Industrial applicability]

[0090] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine and clothing for using the massage machine, which can deliver electrical stimulation to a user seated in the massage machine through their clothing by controlling the drive of electrodes attached to the massage machine with a control unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] Control Unit 7 Electrode 11 Buffer material 30, 40, K clothes 100 Material 1: Ka User H Body support part S

Claims

1. This is a massage machine that is used while the user is wearing clothes. At least a portion of the garment is made of a first conductive material. Body support area and, It has a control unit and The body support portion is fitted with electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the first material. The massage machine is characterized in that the control unit controls the driving of the electrode and energizes it to provide electrical stimulation to the user through the first material.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material is composed of metal fibers.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that multiple electrodes are attached and positioned to correspond to the user's acupuncture points.

4. It further has an operating section, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of electrodes are attached, and the control unit can select which of the plurality of electrodes to drive by operating the operation unit.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operating unit, wherein the control unit can adjust the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode by operating the operating unit.

6. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical stimulation is performed starting from a low level.

7. It further has an identification unit, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit controls the driving of the electrode identified by the identification unit.

8. It has a memory unit that stores multiple massage programs, When the identification unit identifies that the electrode and the first material are in an overlapping position, the control unit calls a specific massage program from among the plurality of massage programs. The massage machine according to claim 7, characterized in that it is configured to execute the aforementioned specific massage program.

9. Clothing worn by a user in order to use the massage machine described in claim 3, At least in part, a first material having conductivity is used. The garment is characterized in that the first material is used in positions corresponding to the acupuncture points of the user.

10. Clothing worn by a user in order to use the massage machine described in claim 1 or 2, At least in part, a first material having conductivity is used. The garment is characterized in that the first material is provided at a position corresponding to the electrode when the user is supported by the body support portion.

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