Massage machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a massage machine with a simple configuration that allows the armrests to move in conjunction with the tilt of the backrest. [Solution] The massage machine of the present invention comprises a base, a backrest supported by the base so as to be tiltable, a seat that moves forward relative to the base as the backrest tilts, an armrest, and a support mechanism that supports the armrest so as to move as the backrest tilts, wherein the support mechanism lowers the rear end of the armrest and moves the front end of the armrest backward relative to the seat when the backrest tilts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair-type massage machine provided with a seat portion and a reclinable backrest portion.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a chair-type massage machine provided with armrests has been known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this massage machine, a guide rail for guiding the armrest is disposed below the armrest, and the armrest moves along the guide rail as the backrest portion tilts. Thus, in the massage machine, even when the backrest portion tilts, the position relationship between the armrest and the arm hardly changes due to the change in the posture of the subject because the armrest moves as the backrest portion tilts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above-described massage machine, in order to move the armrest as the backrest portion tilts, many components such as those disposed around the guide rail are required, resulting in a complicated configuration.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a massage machine capable of moving an armrest as a backrest portion tilts with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The massage machine according to the present invention a base, A backrest portion that is tiltably supported by the base, A seat portion that moves forward relative to the base portion as the backrest portion tilts, Armrest and, The device includes a support mechanism that supports the armrest so that the armrest moves in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest, The support mechanism lowers the rear end of the armrest and moves the front end of the armrest backward relative to the seat when the backrest is tilted.

[0008] With this configuration, the armrest can be moved in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest using a simple structure (support mechanism).

[0009] In the aforementioned massage machine, The aforementioned support mechanism is A first member is connected to the rear end of the armrest and the backrest, A movable part that moves back and forth relative to the base together with the seat portion, It has a second member that connects the front end of the armrest to the movable part, When the backrest is tilted, the rear end of the armrest may be lowered by the first member, and the front end of the armrest may be moved backward relative to the seat by the moving part and the second member.

[0010] This configuration allows for a simpler support mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned massage machine, The support mechanism moves the front end of the armrest forward relative to the base as the backrest tilts. When the backrest is tilted, the forward movement distance of the front end of the armrest relative to the base may be less than the forward movement distance of the seat relative to the base.

[0012] In this way, by limiting the forward movement of the armrests relative to the forward movement of the seat when the backrest is tilted, the armrests move backward relative to the seat. This reduces the change in the positional relationship between the armrests and the arms when the patient's posture changes due to the tilting of the backrest.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned massage machine, The armrest and the support mechanism may constitute a link mechanism.

[0014] In this way, by using a linkage mechanism to control the movement of the armrests in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest, the configuration of the support mechanism becomes simpler.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned massage machine, The second member is rotatably connected to the movable part around an axis extending in the left-right direction, and may rotate relative to the movable part such that when the movable part moves forward relative to the base together with the seat, the front end of the armrest moves rearward relative to the movable part.

[0016] As the link (second member) constituting the link mechanism rotates in this manner, the forward movement distance of the front end of the armrest relative to the base is suppressed relative to the forward movement distance of the seat relative to the base when the backrest is tilted. This effectively suppresses the change in the positional relationship between the armrest and the arm when the patient's posture changes due to the tilting of the backrest.

[0017] Furthermore, in the aforementioned massage machine, The first member is a long member, In the first member, One end is connected to the backrest so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction, The other end is connected to the base so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction, A predetermined portion between one end and the other end may be connected so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction relative to the rear end of the armrest.

[0018] Thus, by connecting the link (the first member) constituting the link mechanism to the armrest, the backrest, and the base, the tilting of the backrest with respect to the base and the movement of the armrest can be interlocked.

[0019] Also, in the massage machine, the moving part may be guided by the base.

[0020] Thus, by adopting a configuration in which the moving part is guided by using a part of the base, it is not necessary to separately provide a member for guiding the moving part, and thereby, the configuration of the support mechanism can be further simplified.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a massage machine capable of moving the armrest along with the tilting of the backrest with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a massage machine according to the present invention (in a state where the exterior member and the treatment part of the backrest are removed, the same applies hereinafter), and is a right side view in a state where the backrest is upright. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the massage machine, and is a plan view in a state where the backrest is upright. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the massage machine, and is a right side view in a state where the backrest is tilted. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining the configuration of the armrest part and its periphery in a state where the armrest main body is removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the seat part and the armrest.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The following description will explain a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the following description, the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-and-down direction refer to the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-and-down direction relative to the person being treated when they are seated in the massage machine in a normal posture.

[0024] The massage machine 1 of this embodiment is a chair-type massage machine (massage chair), as shown in Figures 1 to 3. This massage machine 1 comprises a base 2 placed on an installation surface (such as the floor of the installation location), a backrest 3 tiltably supported by the base 2, a seat 4 that moves forward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts, a treatment unit which is a unit equipped with a treatment device, and a pair of armrests 5 arranged on both the left and right sides of the seat 4. The massage machine 1 also includes a drive unit 6 that drives each component. The massage machine 1 of this embodiment also includes an ottoman 7 connected to the front end of the seat 4. Note that in each figure, exterior members such as covers and the treatment unit are not shown, but rather the internal mechanism (excluding the treatment unit) is shown. Also, in Figure 2, to make the configuration easier to see, a part of the configuration of the right armrest 5 (armrest body 51) is shown with a dashed line, and the configuration below it is made visible.

[0025] The base 2 comprises a lower frame 21 that is close to or in contact with the installation surface, an upper frame 22 that supports the backrest 3, seat 4, etc., and an upper and lower connecting frame 23 that connects the lower frame 21 and the upper frame 22.

[0026] The lower frame 21 is a frame positioned parallel to or in close proximity to the installation surface. This lower frame 21 is a rectangular frame-shaped part in plan view or bottom view, formed by the combination of a pair of first parts 211 extending in the front-to-back direction and a pair of second parts 212 extending in the left-to-right direction.

[0027] The pair of first portions 211 in this lower frame 21 extend in the front-to-back direction at positions that do not overlap with the backrest portion 3 in a plan view or bottom view (in other words, on both the left and right sides of the backrest portion 3).

[0028] Furthermore, the lower frame 21 has wheels 213 at its rear end that are used when moving the massage machine 1. These wheels 213 are located at the rear end of the first section 211 and only make contact with the mounting surface when in use.

[0029] The upper frame 22 is positioned above the lower frame 21 and extends in the front-to-back direction. This upper frame 22 is inclined such that its front side is positioned upward with respect to the horizontal direction. Specifically, the upper frame 22 is positioned so as to overlap the first portion 211 of the lower frame 21 in a plan view or a bottom view. Furthermore, the upper frame 22 is positioned so that its front end is higher than its rear end with respect to the installation surface and the first portion 211 of the lower frame 21, and is inclined upward at a certain angle. A movable part 55 that can slide (reciprocate) along the upper frame 22 is provided (see Figure 5).

[0030] The upper and lower connecting frame 23 is a frame that extends vertically to connect the first portion 211 of the lower frame 21 and the upper frame 22. In this embodiment, one upper and lower connecting frame 23 is positioned in front of the lower frame 21 and two in the rear of the upper frame 22.

[0031] The front upper and lower connecting frame 23 and the rear-front upper and lower connecting frame 23 extend in the vertical direction. For example, the front upper and lower connecting frame 23 and the rear-front upper and lower connecting frame 23 extend straight in the vertical direction. In addition, the rear-rear upper and lower connecting frame 23 has a straight lower section and a curved upper section that matches the inclination of the upper frame 22.

[0032] The base 2 is formed in a three-dimensional frame shape by combining the frames 21, 22, and 23 configured as described above.

[0033] The seat portion 4 is a part equipped with a cushioning member that contacts the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated when seated, via an outer covering member. The frame portion 41, shown in the figure, supports the cushioning member and is arranged to be movable in the front-rear direction along the upper frame 22 of the base 2. In this embodiment, the frame portion 41 is made movable in the front-rear direction by being spanned between movable parts 55 arranged on each upper frame 22. Therefore, the seat portion 4 moves in the front-rear direction along the upper frame 22. More specifically, the seat portion 4 moves in the front-rear direction along the upper frame 22 between the rear end position P1 shown in Figure 1 and the front end position P2 shown in Figure 3. When the seat portion 4 is at the front end position P2, a part of the seat portion 4 (the front end) is located in front of the front end of the upper frame 22 (see reference numeral β in Figure 5).

[0034] The backrest portion 3 has a backrest body 31 that extends diagonally upward and to the rear from the rear end position of the seat portion 4, and tilting support shaft portions 32 that protrude from both ends of the backrest body 31 in the left and right directions. The backrest portion 3 is supported on the base 2 so as to be tiltable by each tilting support shaft portion 32 engaging with a movable portion 55.

[0035] The backrest body 31 comprises a pair of vertical frame sections 311 arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other with a gap between them in the left-right direction, and a horizontal frame section 312 connecting the rear ends of the vertical frame sections 311 (see Figure 2). The pair of vertical frame sections 311 and the horizontal frame section 312 may be formed integrally. A treatment section is arranged between the pair of vertical frame sections 311 so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the vertical frame sections 311, but it is not shown in each figure.

[0036] The tilting support shaft portion 32 protrudes from both ends of the backrest body 31 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the tilting support shaft portion 32 protrudes from the lower end of the backrest body 31 and has a roller 321. This roller 321 is rotatably positioned with respect to its radial center.

[0037] The treatment unit, positioned between the vertical frame sections 311 of the backrest section 3, is equipped with a treatment element sometimes called a "massage ball." The treatment unit generally has multiple treatment elements (for example, two spaced apart in the left-right direction), but is not limited to this, and may have only one treatment element. This treatment element is the part that performs treatment on the person being treated by moving against the person's body with pressing, kneading, tapping, etc.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the armrest section 5 comprises an armrest 50 and a support mechanism 53 that supports the armrest 50.

[0039] The armrest 50 is the part on which the person receiving treatment rests their arm or where treatment is performed on the arm. The armrest 50 comprises an armrest body 51 and a third link (third member) 52 that supports the armrest body 51.

[0040] The armrest body 51 is the part of the armrest 50 that comes into contact with the arm of the person receiving treatment. The armrest body 51 in this embodiment has a recess 511 that is open at the top and extends in the front-rear direction. The arm of the person receiving treatment is fitted into this recess 511. The armrest body 51 in this embodiment is equipped with (built in, etc.) a treatment device for performing treatment on the arm.

[0041] The armrest body 51 is equipped with, for example, an airbag. The airbag is located on the inside of the side wall of the armrest body 51 and applies pressure to the arm. More specifically, the airbag applies pressure to the outer forearm (from the elbow to the fingertips). Multiple airbags may be provided. The armrest body 51 may also be equipped with a treatment element such as a roller.

[0042] The third link 52 is a long member extending in the front-rear direction and is positioned below the armrest body 51. In this embodiment, the third link 52 extends straight in the front-rear direction, for example. As a result, the third link 52 supports the armrest body 51 from below.

[0043] The support mechanism 53 supports the armrest 50 so that it moves in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest 3. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 53 together with the armrest 50 (specifically, the third link 52) constitutes a link mechanism. This support mechanism 53 includes a first link (first member) 54 connected to the rear end of the armrest 50, a movable part 55 that moves along the upper frame 22 of the base 2, and a second link (second member) 56 connected to the front end of the armrest 50.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the first link 54 is a long member that extends upward and forward when the backrest 3 is in an upright position. In this embodiment, the first link 54 is a long member that extends straight upward and forward when the backrest 3 is in an upright position. In this first link 54, one end (first end) 54a is rotatably connected to the backrest 3 around a first axis J1 that extends in the left-right direction. In addition, the other end (second end) 54b of the first link 54 is rotatably connected to the base 2 around a second axis J2 that extends in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the first link 54, a predetermined portion 54c between the first end 54a and the second end 54b is rotatably connected to the rear end of the armrest 50 around a third axis J3 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0045] More specifically, the first end 54a of the first link 54 is connected to a portion of the backrest 3 that is above the tilting support shaft portion 32 and below the vertical center of the backrest 3. The second end 54b of the first link 54 is connected to the rear end of the upper frame 22. A predetermined portion 54c of the first link 54 is a portion of the first link 54 that is above the center and is connected to the rear end of the third link 52.

[0046] The movable part 55 moves in the front-rear direction relative to the base 2 together with the seat part 4. In this embodiment, the movable part 55 moves in the front-rear direction guided by the base 2 (more specifically, the upper frame 22). This movable part 55 has a plurality of rollers, and as these rollers rotate while in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the upper frame 22, it can move smoothly in the front-rear direction along the upper frame 22.

[0047] Furthermore, the movable part 55 has a movable part-side engaging part 552 on the inner side (patient side) in the left-right direction that engages with the tilting support shaft part 32 of the backrest part 3. This movable part-side engaging part 552 has a pair of guide surfaces 552a that face each other in the vertical direction, and the roller 321 of the tilting support shaft part 32 rolls between this pair of guide surfaces 552a. In this embodiment, each guide surface 552a is curved so as to be convex downwards.

[0048] The second link 56 is a long member that extends upward and forward when the backrest 3 is in an upright position. In this embodiment, the second link 56 extends straight upward and forward when the backrest 3 is in an upright position. The second link 56 in this embodiment is shorter than the first link 54. In this second link 56, one end (third end) 56a is rotatably connected to the front end of the armrest 50 around a fourth axis J4 that extends in the left-right direction. The other end (fourth end) 56b is rotatably connected to the movable part 55 around a fifth axis J5 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0049] More specifically, the third end 56a of the second link 56 is connected to the front end of the third link 52. Also, the fourth end 56b of the second link 56 is connected to the front end (more specifically, the upright portion extending upward from the front end) 555 of the movable section 55.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the drive unit 6 includes a first actuator (first drive source) 61 that drives the backrest 3, seat 4, and armrest 5, and a drive force transmission unit 62 that transmits the drive force output from the first actuator 61. Furthermore, the drive unit 6 of this embodiment also includes a second actuator (second drive source) 65 that drives the ottoman 7.

[0051] The first actuator 61 is a linear actuator that outputs linear motion driving force. The direction of the driving force is linear in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the first actuator 61 is electrically driven, but the driving method (driving principle) is not limited. For example, the first actuator 61 may be hydraulically driven. To accommodate the diagonal movement of the seat portion 4 along the upper frame 22, the first actuator 61 is angle-variably supported on the base 2. Specifically, the rear end of the first actuator 61 is rotatably supported (pivoted) with respect to a horizontal axis, enabling swivel motion within a predetermined range in the vertical direction.

[0052] The drive force transmission unit 62 includes an input unit 621 connected to an output unit in the first actuator 61 that outputs drive force, an intermediate transmission unit 622 that transmits the drive force input to the input unit 621 in the left-right direction, a pair of first arms 623 connected to both ends of the intermediate transmission unit 622 in the left-right direction and transmitting the drive force to the seat unit 4 via the moving unit 55, and a pair of second arms 624 connected to the intermediate transmission unit 622 and transmitting the drive force to the backrest unit 3 via the first link 54.

[0053] Each first arm 623 extends upward and forward, its lower end connected to the left-right end of the intermediate transmission unit 622, and its upper end rotatably connected to the movable unit 55. In this embodiment, the first arm 623 extends straight upward and forward. Each second arm 624 extends upward and rearward, its lower end rotatably connected to the end of the intermediate transmission unit 622 (inward from the lower end of the first arm), and its upper end rotatably connected to the first link 54. In this embodiment, the second arm 624 extends straight upward and rearward. The upper end of this second arm 624 is connected between the connection point of the first link 54 to the third link 52 and the connection point of the upper frame 22. In this way, the first arm 623 is connected to the movable unit 55, and the upper end of the second arm 624 is connected to the first link 54, thereby transmitting the driving force output from the first actuator 61 to the backrest 3 and the seat 4.

[0054] The second actuator 65 is an actuator for rotating the ottoman 7. This second actuator 65 is positioned below the front end of the seat 4 and is connected to the ottoman 7 and the base 2. In this embodiment, the second actuator 65 is electrically driven, but the drive method (drive principle) is not limited. For example, the second actuator 65 may be hydraulically driven.

[0055] The ottoman 7 is supported at the front end of the seat 4 and accommodates and supports at least the lower legs of the person being treated. The ottoman 7 in this embodiment has a wall portion 71 positioned behind the calf of the person being treated and in contact with the calf (see Figure 2). The ottoman 7 is rotatable between an upright position in which the wall portion 71 is upright (as shown in Figures 1 and 3) and an extended position in which the ottoman 7 rotates around a rotation axis J7 extending in the left-right direction (clockwise in Figure 1) so that the lower end of the wall portion 71 is further forward than in the upright position. In the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the upper end of the wall portion 71 of the ottoman 7 is connected to the front end of the seat 4 via the rotation axis J7.

[0056] Next, in the massage machine 1 configured as described above, the movement of each component that is linked to the tilting (movement) of the backrest 3 when the backrest 3 is tilted will be explained.

[0057] When the backrest 3 tilts from an upright position (see Figures 1 and 2), the first actuator 61 is driven, and the driving force output from the first actuator 61 is transmitted to the backrest 3 and the seat 4 through the driving force transmission unit 62.

[0058] Specifically, when a driving force is input from the first actuator 61 to the input section 621 of the driving force transmission section 62, the driving force is transmitted to the first arm 623, which then transmits the driving force to the movable section 55, causing the movable section 55 to move forward along the upper frame 22. At this time, since the seat section 4 (more specifically, the frame section 41) is connected to the movable section 55, the seat section 4 also moves forward along the upper frame 22 as the movable section 55 moves. That is, the seat section 4 moves along the upper frame 22 from the rear end position P1 to the front end position P2.

[0059] On the other hand, when the driving force is transmitted to the second arm 624, the second arm 624 transmits the driving force to the first link 54, causing the first link 54 to rotate around the second axis J2 so that its first end 54a faces forward. At this time, since the tilting pivot shaft 32 of the backrest 3 is engaged with the moving part 55, the rotation center of the tilt of the backrest 3 also moves forward together with the moving part 55 (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0060] As a result, the backrest 3 and the seat 4 move in conjunction, causing the backrest 3 to tilt and the seat 4 to move forward.

[0061] Furthermore, when the backrest 3 tilts, the armrest 50 also moves in conjunction with the movement of the backrest 3 and the seat 4. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the support mechanism 53 lowers the rear end of the armrest 50 by the first link 54 and moves the front end of the armrest 50 backward relative to the seat 4 by the moving part 55 and the second link 56. In Figure 5, the upper diagram shows the position of the armrest 50 and support mechanism 53 when the backrest 3 is in the upright position (as shown in Figure 1), and the lower diagram shows the position of the armrest 50 and support mechanism 53 when the backrest 3 is in the tilted position (as shown in Figure 3).

[0062] Specifically, the first link 54 to which the driving force is transmitted through the second arm 624 rotates about the second axis J2 so as to move the first end portion 54a forward, whereby the rear end portion of the armrest 50 (specifically, the rear end portion of the third link 52) moves in an arc. As a result, the rear end portion of the armrest 50 moves in an upwardly convex arc shape, that is, it moves forward with respect to the base 2 and descends with respect to the base 2.

[0063] Also, the moving portion 55 to which the driving force is transmitted through the first arm 623 moves forward along the upper frame 22, whereby the fifth axis J5 moves forward together with the moving portion 55. As a result, the second link 56 rotates about the fifth axis J5 so as to move the third end portion 56a rearward, and the front end portion of the armrest 50 (specifically, the front end portion of the third link 52) moves in an arc. As a result, the front end portion of the armrest 50 moves in an upwardly convex arc shape, that is, it moves forward with respect to the base 2 and once rises with respect to the base 2 and then descends.

[0064] In a state where the tilting of the backrest portion 3 is completed, the front end portion of the armrest 50 rises (in FIG. 5, h11 < h12) compared to when the backrest portion 3 stands up in response to the moving portion 55 moving forward along the upper frame 22, and the rear end portion of the armrest 50 descends (in FIG. 5, h21 > h22) compared to when the backrest portion 3 stands up.

[0065] The forward movement distance α1 of the front end portion of the armrest 50 with respect to the base 2 (installation surface) when the backrest portion 3 tilts is smaller than the forward movement distance α2 of the seat portion 4 (moving portion 55) with respect to the base 2 (installation surface) by the second link 56 rotating about the fifth axis J5 so that the third end portion 56a faces the rear side (see FIG. 5). As a result, the armrest 50 moves rearward (relative movement) with respect to the seat portion 4 as the backrest portion 3 tilts. In FIG. 5, since the forward and backward movement distances of the seat portion 4 and the moving portion 55 are the same, the dimension line indicating the movement distance α2 is attached to the tip of the moving portion 55.

[0066] Next, when the backrest 3 is raised from a tilted position (see Figure 3), the first actuator 61 is driven (in the opposite direction to when the backrest 3 tilts), and the driving force output from the first actuator 61 is transmitted to the backrest 3 and the seat 4 through the driving force transmission unit 62.

[0067] Specifically, when a driving force is input from the first actuator 61 to the input section 621 of the driving force transmission section 62, the driving force is transmitted to the first arm 623, which then transmits the driving force to the movable section 55, causing the movable section 55 to move backward along the upper frame 22. At this time, since the seat section 4 (more specifically, the frame section 41) is connected to the movable section 55, the seat section 4 also moves backward along the upper frame 22 as the movable section 55 moves. That is, the seat section 4 moves along the upper frame 22 from the front end position P2 to the rear end position P1.

[0068] On the other hand, when the driving force is transmitted to the second arm 624, the second arm 624 transmits the driving force to the first link 54, causing the first link 54 to rotate around the second axis J2 so that its first end 54a faces backward. At this time, since the tilting pivot shaft 32 of the backrest 3 is engaged with the moving part 55, the rotation center of the tilt of the backrest 3 also moves backward together with the moving part 55 (see Figures 3 and 1).

[0069] As a result, the backrest 3 and the seat 4 move in conjunction, causing the backrest 3 to stand upright and the seat 4 to move backward.

[0070] Furthermore, when the backrest 3 is raised, the armrest 50 also moves in conjunction with the movement of the backrest 3 and the seat 4. Specifically, the support mechanism 53 raises the rear end of the armrest 50 by the first link 54 and moves the front end of the armrest 50 forward relative to the seat 4 by the moving part 55 and the second link 56.

[0071] More specifically, the first link 54, to which the driving force is transmitted through the first arm 623, rotates around the second axis J2 so that its first end 54a moves to the rear, causing the rear end of the armrest 50 (more specifically, the rear end of the third link 52) to move in an arc shape. As a result, the rear end of the armrest 50 moves rearward relative to the base 2, rises relative to the base 2, and then descends.

[0072] Furthermore, as the movable part 55, to which the driving force is transmitted via the second arm 624, moves rearward along the upper frame 22, the second link 56 rotates around the fifth axis J5 so that its third end 56a moves forward, causing the front end of the armrest 50 (more specifically, the front end of the third link 52) to move in an arc shape. As a result, the front end of the armrest 50 moves in an upwardly convex arc shape, that is, it moves rearward relative to the base 2 while simultaneously descending relative to the base 2.

[0073] When the backrest 3 is fully upright, the front end of the armrest 50 is lower than when the backrest 3 is tilted (h12 > h11 in Figure 5), and the rear end of the armrest 50 is higher than when the backrest 3 is tilted (h22 in Figure 5). <h21)。

[0074] When the backrest 3 is raised, the rearward movement distance α1 of the front end of the armrest 50 relative to the base 2 is smaller than the rearward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 (movable part 55) relative to the base 2 (installation surface) (see Figure 5). As a result, the armrest 50 moves forward (relative movement) relative to the seat 4 as the backrest 3 is raised.

[0075] The massage machine 1 described above comprises a base 2, a backrest 3 tiltably supported by the base 2, a seat 4 that moves forward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts, an armrest 50, and a support mechanism 53 that supports the armrest 50 so that it moves as the backrest 3 tilts. The support mechanism 53 lowers the rear end of the armrest 50 and moves the front end of the armrest 50 backward relative to the seat 4 when the backrest 3 tilts.

[0076] With this configuration, the armrest 50 can be moved in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest 3 by a simple support mechanism 53.

[0077] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the support mechanism 53 includes a first link (first member) 54 connected to the rear end of the armrest 50 and the backrest 3, a movable part 55 that moves back and forth with the seat 4 relative to the base 2, and a second link (second member) 56 connected to the front end of the armrest 50 and the movable part 55. When the backrest 3 tilts, the rear end of the armrest 50 is lowered by the first link 54, and the front end of the armrest 50 is moved rearward relative to the seat 4 by the movable part 55 and the second link 56. This allows for a further simplification of the support mechanism 53.

[0078] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the support mechanism 53 moves the front end of the armrest 50 forward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts. The forward movement distance α1 of the front end of the armrest 50 relative to the base 2 when the backrest 3 is tilted is smaller than the forward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 relative to the base 2.

[0079] In this way, by suppressing the forward movement distance α1 of the armrest 50 relative to the forward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 when the backrest 3 is tilted, the armrest 50 moves backward relative to the seat 4. This makes it possible to suppress the change in the positional relationship between the armrest 50 and the arm when the patient's posture changes due to the tilting of the backrest 3.

[0080] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the armrest 50 and the support mechanism 53 form a link mechanism. By using a link mechanism to move the armrest 50 in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest 3, the configuration of the support mechanism 53 becomes simpler.

[0081] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the second link (second member) is rotatably connected to the movable part 55 around a fifth axis (shaft) J5 that extends in the left-right direction, and rotates relative to the movable part 55 so that when the movable part 55 moves forward relative to the base 2 together with the seat 4, the front end of the armrest 50 moves rearward relative to the movable part 55.

[0082] As the link (second link) 56 constituting the link mechanism rotates in this manner, the forward movement distance α1 of the front end of the armrest 50 relative to the base 2 is suppressed relative to the forward movement distance α2 of the seat 4 relative to the base 2 when the backrest 3 is tilted. This effectively suppresses the change in the positional relationship between the armrest 50 and the arm when the patient's posture changes due to the tilting of the backrest 3.

[0083] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the first link (first member) 54 is a long member. In the first link 54, the first end (one end) 54a is rotatably connected to the backrest 3 around a first axis (shaft) J1 extending in the left-right direction, the second end (the other end) 54b is rotatably connected to the base 2 around a second axis (shaft) J2 extending in the left-right direction, and a predetermined portion 54c between the first end 54a and the second end 54b is rotatably connected to the rear end of the armrest 50 around a third axis (shaft) J3 extending in the left-right direction. In this way, the link (first link) 54 constituting the link mechanism is connected to the armrest 50, the backrest 3, and the base 2, so that the tilting of the backrest 3 relative to the base 2 and the movement of the armrest 50 can be linked. Note that the expression "connected" in this embodiment includes the form of connection via a predetermined member.

[0084] Furthermore, in the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, the movable part 55 is guided by the base 2. By guiding the movable part 55 using a part of the base 2 (in this example, the upper frame 22), it is not necessary to provide a separate member to guide the movable part 55, thereby further simplifying the configuration of the support mechanism 53.

[0085] It should be noted that the massage machine of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0086] The support mechanism 53 in the above embodiment forms a link mechanism together with the armrest 50 (third link 52), but is not limited to this configuration. The mechanism for moving the armrest 50 in accordance with the tilting of the backrest 3 may be a configuration other than a link mechanism. For example, the support mechanism 53 may include a cam, gears, a chain belt, etc., and be configured to move the armrest 50 in accordance with the tilting of the backrest 3. Alternatively, some of the components constituting the support mechanism 53 may be replaced with other components such as a cam, gears, or a chain belt.

[0087] Furthermore, although the support mechanism 53 in the above embodiment moves the front end of the armrest 50 forward relative to the base 2 (installation surface) as the backrest 3 tilts, it is not limited to this configuration. The support mechanism 53 may be configured to move the front end of the armrest 50 backward relative to the base 2 as the backrest 3 tilts, or to maintain its position. In other words, the support mechanism 53 is sufficient as long as it moves the front end of the armrest 50 backward relative to the seat 4 as the backrest 3 tilts.

[0088] Furthermore, although the armrest body 51 in the above embodiment is equipped with a therapeutic element, i.e., has a massage function, it is not limited to this configuration. The armrest body 51 may be a simple armrest without a therapeutic element, i.e., without a massage function.

[0089] Furthermore, although the armrest body 51 of the above embodiment has a recess 511 that is open at the top and extends in the front-to-back direction, it is not limited to this configuration. The armrest body 51 may, for example, have a recess that is open on the inside in the left-to-right direction (towards the patient in a seated position) and extends in the front-to-back direction (i.e., a configuration in which the arm is inserted from the inside in the left-to-right direction), or it may be a simple platform (a platform on which the arm is placed, but which does not cover the placed arm), or it may be a configuration that covers only a part of the arm (for example, the fingertips), or it may be a configuration that covers the arm from all directions.

[0090] Furthermore, although the armrest body 51 in the above embodiment is fixed to the third link 52 in a way that prevents removal, this configuration is not limited to this. The armrest body 51 may be fixed to the third link 52 in a way that allows for removal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Massage machine, 2...Base, 21...Lower frame, 211...First part, 212...Second part, 213...Wheel, 22...Upper frame, 23...Upper and lower connecting frame, 3...Backrest, 31...Backrest body, 311...Vertical frame, 312...Horizontal frame, 32...Tilting support shaft, 321...Roller, 4...Seat, 41...Frame, 5...Armrest, 50...Armrest, 51...Armrest body, 511...Recess, 52...Third link, 53...Support mechanism, 54...First link, 54a...First end, 54b...Second end, 54c...Determined part, 55...Movement part 552...Engaging part on the moving part side, 552a...Guide surface, 56...Second link, 56a...Third end, 56b...Fourth end, 6...Drive unit, 61...First actuator, 62...Drive force transmission unit, 621...Input unit, 622...Intermediate transmission unit, 623...First arm, 624...Second arm, 65...Second actuator, 7...Ottoman, 71...Wall, J1...First axis, J2...Second axis, J3...Third axis, J4...Fourth axis, J5...Fifth axis, J7...Rotation axis, P1...Rear end position, P2...Front end position, α1...Travel distance, α2...Travel distance, β...Amount of protrusion from the upper frame

Claims

1. Base and, A backrest portion that is tiltably supported by the base, A seat portion that moves forward relative to the base portion as the backrest portion tilts, Armrest and, The device includes a support mechanism that supports the armrest so that the armrest moves in conjunction with the tilting of the backrest, The support mechanism of the massage machine lowers the rear end of the armrest and moves the front end of the armrest backward relative to the seat when the backrest is tilted.

2. The aforementioned support mechanism is A first member is connected to the rear end of the armrest and the backrest, A movable part that moves back and forth relative to the base together with the seat portion, It has a second member that connects the front end of the armrest to the movable part, The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein when the backrest is tilted, the rear end of the armrest is lowered by the first member and the front end of the armrest is moved backward relative to the seat by the moving part and the second member.

3. The support mechanism moves the front end of the armrest forward relative to the base as the backrest tilts. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forward movement distance of the front end of the armrest relative to the base when the backrest is tilted is smaller than the forward movement distance of the seat relative to the base.

4. The massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the armrest and the support mechanism constitute a link mechanism.

5. The massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the second member is rotatably connected to the movable part around an axis extending in the left-right direction, and rotates relative to the movable part such that when the movable part moves forward relative to the base together with the seat, the front end of the armrest moves rearward relative to the movable part.

6. The first member is a long member, In the first member, One end is connected to the backrest so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction, The other end is connected to the base so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction, The massage machine according to claim 4, wherein a predetermined portion between one end and the other end is rotatably connected to the rear end of the armrest around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

7. The massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the movable part is guided by the base.

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