Massage machine

Abstract

We provide a massage machine that can be used in various ways to perform treatments, depending on how it is used. [Solution] The massage machine 100 comprises a cylindrical gripping section 3, two arms 12 and 22, treatment elements 11 and 21, and a drive unit 4. The gripping section 3 extends in the axial direction Da. The arms 12 and 22 extend radially outward from the gripping section 3. The treatment elements 11 and 21 are attached to the radially outer ends of each arm 12 and 22, respectively, and reciprocate in the radial direction from which each arm 12 and 22 extends. The drive unit 4 is located inside the gripping section 3 and generates a driving force transmitted to the treatment elements 11 and 21. Each arm 12 and 22 is movable in the circumferential direction Dr along the radially outer surface of the gripping section 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massager.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a handy type massage device that performs massage by pressing a treatment head that vibrates against an arbitrary body part is known. For example, the handy massager of Patent Document 1 converts the rotational motion of a motor into a linear motion, and performs tapping massage by the linear motion of the tapping head (treatment head).

[0003] In recent years, a handy massager having a plurality of treatment heads that linearly reciprocate has also appeared. With this handy massager, by increasing the number of treatment heads, it is possible to widen the treatment range or treat a part away from some treatment heads with other treatment heads.

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-mentioned handy massager, the treatment heads reciprocate in a predetermined linear direction at a predetermined arrangement position. Therefore, it has been difficult to arbitrarily set the positions and body parts to be treated by each treatment head.

[0006] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a massager that can perform treatment in various ways depending on the ingenuity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cylindrical gripping portion, two arms, a treatment element, and a drive unit. The gripping portion extends in the axial direction. The arms extend radially outward from the gripping portion. The treatment elements are attached to the radially outer ends of each of the arms and reciprocate in the radial direction in which each arm extends. The drive unit is located within the gripping portion and generates a driving force transmitted to the treatment elements. Each of the arms is independently movable in the circumferential direction along the radially outer surface of the gripping portion.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be further revealed by the embodiments described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a massage machine that can be used in various ways to perform treatments depending on the ingenuity of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an example of a handheld massager according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic exploded perspective view of a handheld massager [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the control system that controls the operation of a handheld massager. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The direction parallel to the central axis J of the handy massager 100, which will be described later, is called the "axial direction Da". One direction of the axial direction Da is called "axial direction Da1", and the other direction is called "axial direction Da2". The direction perpendicular to a predetermined axis (for example, the central axis J) is called the "radial direction". Of the radial directions, the direction approaching the axis is called the "radial inward direction", and the direction moving away from the axis is called the "radial outward direction". The rotational direction around the axis (for example, the central axis J) is called the "circumferential direction Dr". One direction of the circumferential direction Dr is called "circumferential direction Dr1", and the other direction is called "circumferential direction Dr2".

[0012] Furthermore, in this specification, "ring" includes not only shapes that are continuous and uninterrupted over the entire circumferential direction Dr centered on a predetermined axis (for example, the central axis J), but also shapes that have one or more breaks in a part of the entire area centered on the predetermined axis. In addition, any shape that forms a closed curve on a surface that intersects the predetermined axis is included in the above definition of "ring".

[0013] Furthermore, in the positional relationship between any of the directions, lines, and planes and any of the others, "parallel" includes not only a state in which the two do not intersect at all no matter how far they are extended, but also a state in which they are substantially parallel. Similarly, "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" include not only a state in which the two intersect at a 90-degree angle, but also a state in which they are substantially perpendicular and a state in which they are substantially orthogonal, respectively. In other words, "parallel," "perpendicular," and "orthogonal" each include a state in which there is an angular difference in the positional relationship between the two that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0014] These are used solely for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the actual location, direction, or name of any particular place.

[0015] <1. Embodiments> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a handheld massager 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the handheld massager 100. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control system that controls the operation of the handheld massager 100.

[0016] <1-1. Handheld Massager 100> The handheld massager 100 is a massage device that treats a person's body parts with shocks transmitted from the treatment elements 11 and 21, or with short-period, high-intensity vibrations, and is configured to be held in a person's hand. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handheld massager 100 comprises a first shock unit 1, a second shock unit 2, a gripping part 3, and a drive unit 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the handheld massager 100 also comprises an input unit 5, a storage unit 6, a control unit 7, and a battery 8.

[0017] The first impact unit 1 and the second impact unit 2 transmit impact or short-period, high-intensity vibrations to the treatment area of ​​the person being treated by the reciprocating motion of the treatment elements 11 and 21 that come into contact with the treatment area. In the following, the first impact unit 1 and the second impact unit 2 may be collectively referred to as "impact units 1 and 2".

[0018] The gripping section 3 is a cylindrical housing extending in the axial direction Da, and houses a part of the first impact unit 1 (for example, the first crank mechanism 13), a part of the second impact unit 2 (for example, the second crank mechanism 23), a drive unit 4, a memory unit 6, a control unit 7, and a battery 8 inside. The remaining part of the first impact unit 1 (for example, the first treatment element 11 and the first arm 12) and the remaining part of the second impact unit 2 (for example, the second treatment element 21 and the second arm 22) are positioned in the center of the gripping section 3 in the axial direction Da, as shown in Figure 1, and protrude radially outward from the center of the gripping section 3. This allows the person receiving treatment to grip both ends of the gripping section 3 in the axial direction Da. Therefore, the person receiving treatment can use the handy massager 100 in a stable state. However, the design is not limited to this example, and at least one of the remaining part of the first impact unit 1 and the remaining part of the second impact unit 2 may protrude from the end side of the axial direction Da.

[0019] Further, an input unit 5 is disposed on the outer surface of the gripping portion 3. The portions on both ends of the gripping portion 3 in the axial direction Da are portions that can be gripped by a person's hand such as the subject.

[0020] The gripping portion 3 includes a cylindrical portion 31 and two lid portions 32. The cylindrical portion 31 has a cylindrical shape in the present embodiment and extends in the axial direction Da. However, it is not limited to this example, and the cylindrical portion 31 may have a rectangular tube shape with n sides (n is an integer of 3 or more) when viewed from the axial direction Da. Each lid portion 32 covers and closes the end of the cylindrical portion 31 in the axial direction Da.

[0021] On the radially outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31, a first opening 311 and a second opening 312 are disposed. The first opening 311 and the second opening 312 are respectively guide elongated holes that guide the circumferential direction Dr movement of the first impact unit 1 and the second impact unit 2, penetrate the cylindrical portion 31 in the radial direction, and extend in the circumferential direction Dr. In the present embodiment, the first opening 311 and the second opening 312 are arc-shaped about the central axis J when viewed from the axial direction Da. Also, the circumferential angular width thereof is about 90°. However, it is not limited to this example, and at least one of the circumferential angular widths of the first opening 311 and the second opening 312 may be less than 90° or greater than 90°. Also, at least one of the first opening 311 and the second opening 312 may have an annular shape that extends continuously in the circumferential direction.

[0022] Also, in the present embodiment, the first opening 311 is disposed at a different axial position from the second opening 312, and is disposed in one axial direction Da1 from the second opening 312 in FIG. 1. Preferably, at least a part of the first opening 311 overlaps at least a part of the second opening 312 in the circumferential direction Dr. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the first opening 311 does not overlap the second opening 312 in the circumferential direction Dr.

[0023] The drive unit 4 is located within the gripping unit 3 and generates a driving force (e.g., torque) that is transmitted to the treatment elements 11 and 21, which reciprocate in the radial direction from which each of the arms 12 and 22 extends. Note that "arms 12 and 22" is a collective term for the "first arm 12" and "second arm 22" described later. Also, "treatment elements 11 and 21" is a collective term for the "first treatment element 11" and "second treatment element 21" described later.

[0024] The drive unit 4 includes a motor 41 and a reduction gear 42. Both are located within the cylindrical section 31. The motor 41 has a motor shaft 411. The motor shaft 411 is connected to the reduction gear 42 and transmits the torque output by the motor 41 to the reduction gear 42. The reduction gear 42 has an output shaft 421. The output shaft 421 is connected to the first impact unit 1 and the second impact unit 2. The reduction gear 42 reduces the rotational motion output from the motor shaft 411 by a predetermined reduction ratio. As a result, the reduction gear 42 increases the torque output from the motor shaft 411 according to the reduction ratio and outputs it from the output shaft 421 to the first impact unit 1 and the second impact unit 2. Note that the examples in this embodiment do not exclude a configuration in which the drive unit 4 does not have a reduction gear 42. For example, the reduction gear 42 may be omitted. In this case, the motor shaft 411 functions as the output shaft 421.

[0025] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the input unit 5 receives operation input from an external source and outputs a signal based on the operation input to the control unit 7. For example, the input unit 5 includes an on-off switch 51. In Figure 1, the on-off switch 51 is located on the cover 32 at the axial end Da and switches the handheld massager 100 on and off according to the operation input.

[0026] The memory unit 6 is a non-transient storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, the memory unit 6 stores programs and data necessary for the control unit 7 to control the operation of the massage machine 100.

[0027] The control unit 7 controls each component of the massage machine 100 based on signals output from the input unit 5. For example, the control unit 7 controls the driving of the motor 41, the charging and discharging of the battery 8, and power supply.

[0028] Battery 8 is the power supply unit for the handheld massager 100 and supplies power to components of the handheld massager 100 that require power. In this embodiment, battery 8 includes a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. However, it is not limited to this example, and battery 8 may also include a primary battery such as a dry cell battery as a power source, or primary and secondary batteries may be used in combination.

[0029] <1-2. First Impact Unit 1> The first impact unit 1 includes a first treatment element 11, a first arm 12, a first crank mechanism 13, and a first guide cover 14.

[0030] The first treatment element 11 is detachably attached to the radially outer end (i.e., the tip) of the first arm 12. While the shape of the first treatment element 11 is spherical in Figure 1, it is not limited to this example and may have other shapes such as a weight-like or U-shaped form. For example, the first impact unit 1 is provided with attachments of various shapes, including a spherical one, as the first treatment element 11. In other words, any attachment can be interchangeably mounted to the tip of the first arm 12.

[0031] The first arm 12 extends radially outward from the gripping portion 3. More specifically, the first arm 12 extends radially from the inside to the outside of the gripping portion 3 through the first opening 311 and the opening 141 of the first guide cover 14, which will be described later. The radial inner end (base end) of the first arm 12 is connected to the first crank mechanism 13. In other words, the first arm 12 connects the first treatment element 11 and the first crank mechanism 13 in an interlocking manner.

[0032] The first crank mechanism 13 is connected to the output shaft 421 of the reduction gear 42. The first crank mechanism 13 converts the rotational motion transmitted from the output shaft 421 into linear reciprocating motion in the radial direction to which the first arm 12 extends, and transmits it to the first treatment element 11 via the first arm 12.

[0033] Furthermore, the first crank mechanism 13 is rotatable relative to the output shaft 421 in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude or greater acting in the circumferential direction Dr with respect to the central axis J. For example, the base end side of the first impact unit 1 (i.e., the first crank mechanism 13) is connected to the output shaft 421 of the drive unit 4 via a ratchet mechanism, independently of the second impact unit 2 (particularly the second crank mechanism 23). As a result, the first impact unit 1 is rotatable relative to the gripping part 3 in the circumferential direction Dr. In other words, the first treatment element 11 and the first arm 12 are rotatable in the circumferential direction Dr relative to the gripping part 3 in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude or greater.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first crank mechanism 13 rotates intermittently (for example, at predetermined angle intervals) relative to the output shaft 421. However, the first crank mechanism 13 may rotate continuously and smoothly relative to the output shaft 421, although this is not limited to the examples of this embodiment. Furthermore, the first crank mechanism 13 is rotatable bidirectionally with respect to the output shaft 421, in the circumferential direction between one direction Dr1 and the other direction Dr2.

[0035] The first guide cover 14 is annular in shape and extends in the axial direction Da of the cylindrical portion 31, surrounding the portion where the first opening 311 is located. The first guide cover 14, together with the first treatment element 11, the first arm 12, and the first crank mechanism 13, is rotatable relative to the cylindrical portion 31 in the circumferential direction Dr. The first guide cover 14 has an opening 141 through which the first arm 12 is inserted. The opening 141 faces the first opening 311 in the radial direction and slidably supports the first arm 12 inserted inside.

[0036] <1-3. Second Impact Unit 2> The second impact unit 2 includes a second treatment element 21, a second arm 22, a second crank mechanism 23, and a second guide cover 24.

[0037] The second treatment element 21 is detachably attached to the radially outer end (i.e., tip) of the second arm 22. While the shape of the second treatment element 21 is spherical in Figure 1, it is not limited to this example and may have other shapes such as a weight-like or U-shaped form. For example, the second impact unit 2 is equipped with attachments of various shapes, including a spherical one, as the second treatment element 21. In other words, any attachment can be interchangeably mounted to the tip of the second arm 22.

[0038] The second arm 22 extends radially outward from the gripping portion 3. More specifically, the second arm 22 extends radially from the inside to the outside of the gripping portion 3 through the second opening 312 and the opening 241 of the second guide cover 24, which will be described later. The radially inner end (base end) of the second arm 22 is connected to the second crank mechanism 23. In other words, the second arm 22 connects the second treatment element 21 and the second crank mechanism 23 in an interlocking manner.

[0039] The second crank mechanism 23 is connected to the output shaft 421 of the reduction gear 42. The second crank mechanism 23 converts the rotational motion transmitted from the output shaft 421 into linear reciprocating motion in the radial direction to which the second arm 22 extends, and transmits it to the second treatment element 21 via the second arm 22.

[0040] Furthermore, the second crank mechanism 23 is rotatable relative to the output shaft 421 in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude or greater acting in the circumferential direction Dr with respect to the central axis J. For example, the base end side of the second impact unit 2 (i.e., the second crank mechanism 23) is connected to the output shaft 421 of the drive unit 4 via a ratchet mechanism, independently of the first impact unit 1 (particularly the first crank mechanism 13). As a result, the second impact unit 2 is rotatable relative to the gripping part 3 in the circumferential direction Dr. In other words, the second treatment element 21 and the second arm 22 are rotatable in the circumferential direction Dr relative to the gripping part 3 in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude or greater.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second crank mechanism 23 rotates intermittently (for example, at predetermined angle intervals) relative to the output shaft 421. However, the second crank mechanism 23 may rotate continuously and smoothly relative to the output shaft 421, although this is not limited to the examples of this embodiment. Furthermore, the second crank mechanism 23 is rotatable bidirectionally with respect to the output shaft 421, in one direction Dr1 and the other Dr2.

[0042] The second guide cover 24 is annular in shape and extends in the axial direction Da of the cylindrical portion 31, surrounding the portion where the second opening 312 is located. The second guide cover 24, together with the second treatment element 21, the second arm 22, and the second crank mechanism 23, is rotatable relative to the cylindrical portion 31 in the circumferential direction Dr. The second guide cover 24 has an opening 241 through which the second arm 22 is inserted. The opening 241 faces the second opening 312 in the radial direction and slidably supports the second arm 22 inserted inside it.

[0043] <1-4. Modified versions of the Handy Massager 100> In the handheld massager 100 described above, the protruding positions of the arms 12 and 22 in the axial direction Da are different (see Figure 1). However, the example is not limited to this, and the protruding positions of the arms 12 and 22 in the axial direction Da may be the same.

[0044] Furthermore, in the handheld massager 100 described above, one motor 41 drives two impact units 1 and 2 (see Figure 1). However, the example is not limited to this, and each impact unit 1 and 2 may be driven by an individual drive unit 4 (particularly the motor 41).

[0045] Furthermore, in the handheld massager 100 described above, each arm 12, 22 (in other words, each impact unit 1, 2) is manually moved in the circumferential direction Dr. However, the handheld massager 100 is not limited to this example, and may further include a movement mechanism that moves each arm 12, 22 independently in the circumferential direction Dr based on operation input at the input unit 5 or the like.

[0046] <1-5. Examples of using the Handy Massager 100> As described above, the handheld massager 100 allows each arm 12, 22 to move independently in the circumferential direction Dr along the radial outer surface of the gripping part 3. In this way, the handheld massager 100 can be used in various ways depending on the ingenuity, as shown below.

[0047] <1-5-1. First usage example> For example, as shown by the solid line in Figure 1, the handheld massager 100 can be used with the angular distance between the first arm 12 and the second arm 22 widened to 180 degrees. By placing the handheld massager 100 in this state between the legs, the person receiving treatment can receive treatment on the inner side of both legs (for example, the inner thighs) without having to hold the handheld massager 100 in their hands. In other words, the person receiving treatment can use the handheld massager 100 hands-free.

[0048] <1-5-2. Second usage example> Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, the handy massager 100 can be used with any angle less than 180 degrees as the minimum angular distance between the first arm 12 and the second arm 22 as viewed from the axial direction Da. For example, this angular distance can be obtuse or acute. In this way, for example, by placing the leg (such as the lower leg and thigh), the forearm and upper arm, or the hand (palm and back of the hand) between the first treatment element 11 and the second treatment element 21, the person being treated can receive treatment on the placed area without having to hold the handy massager 100 in their hand. In other words, the person being treated can use the handy massager 100 hands-free.

[0049] In this case, the person receiving treatment can use the handheld massager 100 in various ways by grasping the gripping part 3. For example, by grasping the gripping part 3 and moving the handheld massager 100 along the treatment area, the person receiving treatment can change the treatment area to apply shock or short-period, high-intensity vibrations while rubbing the treatment area.

[0050] Furthermore, in this case, the person receiving treatment can perform a strong rubbing motion (so-called deep rubbing) by pressing the handheld massager 100 against the treatment area. Alternatively, the person receiving treatment can perform a soft rubbing motion (so-called light rubbing) by lightly pressing the handheld massager 100 against the treatment area.

[0051] <1-5-3. Third usage example> Furthermore, by using the handheld massager 100 with the treatment elements 11 and 21 in the closest possible position, it is possible to treat the same body part with, for example, two treatment elements 11 and 21. In this way, the person receiving treatment can receive treatment on the desired body part with a higher intensity.

[0052] <1-5-4. Fourth usage example> Furthermore, the handheld massager 100 can be used not only for treatment with the treatment elements 11 and 21, but also for wrist training by operating it while held in the hand. In this case, by reducing the angular distance between the first arm 12 and the second arm 22 from 180 degrees, a bias in the direction of vibration of the handheld massager 100 is created. Therefore, the smaller the angular distance, the greater the load on the wrist. Accordingly, the person receiving treatment can adjust the load on their wrist by changing the angular distance.

[0053] <2. Remarks> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative, and various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and this will be understood by those skilled in the art as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] <3. Summary> The embodiments described so far will be summarized below.

[0055] For example, the massage machine 100 disclosed herein is A cylindrical gripping portion 3 extending in the axial direction Da, Two arms 12 and 22 extend radially outward from the gripping portion 3, Each of the aforementioned arms 12 and 22 is attached to its radially outer end, and each of the aforementioned arms 12 and 22 moves back and forth in the radial direction in which the arms 12 and 22 extend, A drive unit 4 is located within the gripping portion 3 and generates a driving force (torque) that is transmitted to the treatment elements 11 and 21. Equipped with, Each of the arms 12 and 22 is configured to be movable in the circumferential direction Dr along the radially outer surface of the gripping portion 3 (first configuration).

[0056] The massage machine 100 with the above first configuration is Each of the arms 12 and 22 may be configured to be independently movable in the circumferential direction Dr (second configuration).

[0057] The massage machine 100 having the first or second configuration described above is The arms 12 and 22 may be positioned in the center of the gripping portion 3 in the axial direction Da (third configuration).

[0058] Furthermore, a massage machine 100 having any of the above configurations 1 to 3 is, The treatment elements 11, 21 and the arms 12, 22 may be configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction Dr relative to the gripping portion 3 in response to the application of a force greater than a predetermined magnitude (fourth configuration).

[0059] A massage machine 100 having any of the above configurations 1 to 4 is: The configuration may also be a handheld massager designed to be held in a person's hand (the fifth configuration). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100...Handheld massager (massage machine), 1...First impact unit, 11...First treatment element, 12...First arm, 13...First crank mechanism, 14...First guide cover, 141...Opening, 2...Second impact unit, 21...Second treatment element, 22...Second arm, 23...Second crank mechanism, 24...Second guide cover, 241...Opening, 3...Gripping part, 31...Cylinder part, 311...First Opening, 312...Second opening, 32...Lid, 4...Drive unit, 41...Motor, 411...Motor shaft, 42...Gear reducer, 421...Output shaft, 5...Input unit, 51...On / Off switch, 6...Memory unit, 7...Control unit, 8...Battery, J...Central axis, Da...Axial direction, Da1...One axial direction, Da2...Other axial direction, Dr...Circumferential direction, Dr1...One circumferential direction, Dr2...Other circumferential direction

Claims

1. A cylindrical gripping portion extending in the axial direction, Two arms extend radially outward from the gripping portion, Each of the aforementioned arms is attached to its radially outer end, and each of the aforementioned arms moves back and forth in the radial direction in which it extends; A drive unit is disposed within the gripping portion and generates a driving force transmitted to the treatment element, Equipped with, A massage machine in which each of the aforementioned arms is movable in the circumferential direction along the radially outer surface of the gripping portion.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the arms is independently movable in the circumferential direction.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the arm is positioned at the axial center of the gripping portion.

4. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the treatment element and the arm are rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the gripping portion in response to the application of a force greater than a predetermined magnitude.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1, which is a handheld massager configured to be held in a person's hand.

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