Massage machine

Abstract

We provide a massage machine that allows users to freely set the treatment position of each individual treatment device. [Solution] The massage machine 100 comprises a backrest 52 and a treatment unit 1. The backrest 52 supports the torso of the person being treated. The treatment unit 1 is built into the backrest 52 and is movable in the vertical direction. The treatment unit 1 has a plurality of treatment elements 101 and a moving part 106. The plurality of treatment elements 101 are arranged at different positions in the left-right direction. The moving part 106 moves each treatment element 101 independently in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a massage machine that treats a subject by pressing a treatment element is known. For example, in the massage chair of Patent Document 1, a treatment element unit and its drive device are provided inside the backrest portion. The treatment element units are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the subject's back and are supported by the left and right arms. On both sides of the central portion in the length direction of the support shaft that supports these arms, reverse screw portions with different screw directions are formed. A nut member fixed to each arm is screwed into each reverse screw portion. Each nut portion moves inward or outward in the left-right direction according to the rotation direction of the support shaft by driving a width drive electric motor. As a result, the left and right treatment element units supported by the arms to which each nut portion is fixed move inward in the left-right direction (toward each other) according to the forward rotation of the support shaft by the forward drive of the width drive electric motor. Further, the left and right treatment element units move outward in the left-right direction (away from each other) according to the reverse rotation of the support shaft by the reverse drive of the left and right width drive electric motors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the massage machine of Patent Document 1, the left and right treatment element units move symmetrically with respect to the center of the support shaft. Therefore, the treatment positions of each treatment element unit in the left-right direction are also symmetric. In other words, since treatment cannot be performed at asymmetric positions in the left-right direction, it was difficult to freely set the treatment positions of each treatment element.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a massage machine that allows the treatment position of each treatment element to be freely set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a backrest and a treatment unit. The backrest supports the torso of the person being treated. The treatment unit is built into the backrest and is movable in the vertical direction. The treatment unit has a plurality of treatment elements and a moving part. The plurality of treatment elements are arranged at different positions in the left-right direction. The moving part moves each of the treatment elements independently in the left-right direction.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be further revealed by the embodiments described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a massage machine that allows the treatment position of each treatment element to be freely set. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of a chair-type massage machine. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of a control system for controlling the operation of a chair-type massage machine. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of a treatment unit and guide frame. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view showing other configuration examples of the treatment unit and guide frame. [Figure 5A] Perspective view showing the first example of movement of the treatment area in the left-right direction. [Figure 5B] Perspective view showing a second example of movement of the treatment area in the left-right direction. [Figure 5C] Perspective view showing a third example of movement of the treatment area in the left-right direction. [Figure 5D]Perspective view showing the fourth example of movement of the treatment area in the left-right direction. [Figure 6] Side view showing an example of rotation of the treatment area in the front-to-back direction. [Figure 7A] Perspective view showing the first example of left-right movement of the treatment device in the treatment area. [Figure 7B] A perspective view showing a second example of the left-right movement of the treatment device in the treatment area. [Figure 7C] A perspective view showing a third example of the left-right movement of the treatment device in the treatment area. [Figure 7D] A perspective view showing a fourth example of the left-right movement of the treatment device in the treatment area. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the chair-type massage machine 100 may be referred to as "massage machine 100".

[0011] Furthermore, in this specification, the front side (front) and the rear side (back) are referred to as "rear" when viewed from the perspective of a person seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 52 in an upright position. Also, the upper side (head side) and the lower side (leg side) are referred to as "down" when viewed from the perspective of a person seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 52 in an upright position. Also, the right side and the left side are referred to as "left" when viewed from the perspective of a person seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 52 in an upright position.

[0012] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the backrest 52 is the direction from one of the head and waist of the person receiving treatment who is leaning their torso against the backrest 52 to the other, and in this specification, this is referred to as the "first direction D1". Of the first direction D1, the direction from the waist of the person receiving treatment who is leaning their torso against the backrest 52 towards the head is referred to as the "first direction one side D1a", and the direction from the head of the person receiving treatment who is leaning their torso against the backrest 52 towards the waist is referred to as the "first direction other side D1b".

[0013] Incidentally, the longitudinal direction of the backrest portion 52 may also be referred to as the vertical direction. For example, with respect to the backrest portion 52, the treatment unit 1 and the lifting mechanism 2 described later, and the subject being treated who leans on the backrest portion 52, even when the backrest portion 52 is in a tilted state, the direction from one of the later-described headrest portion 521 side (and the head side of the subject) and the later-described seat portion 51 side (and the waist side of the subject) of the backrest portion 52 to the other may be referred to as the "vertical direction". Also, the headrest portion 521 side (and the head side of the subject) of the backrest portion 52 may be referred to as "upward", and the seat portion 51 side (and the waist side of the subject) of the backrest portion 52 may be referred to as "downward". For example, when the backrest portion 52 is in a upright state, the "first direction D1", "first direction one D1a", and "first direction other D1b" respectively correspond to the vertical direction, upward, and downward. The "second direction D2", "second direction one D2a", and "second direction other D2b" respectively correspond to the front-rear direction, forward, and rearward.

[0014] Also, with respect to the backrest portion 52, the treatment unit 1 and the lifting mechanism 2, and the subject being treated who leans on the backrest portion 52, a direction perpendicular to both the left-right direction and the first direction D1 may be referred to as the "second direction D2" in this specification. The second direction D2 is the direction from one of the front and the back of the backrest portion 52 to the other. Among the second direction D2, the direction from the back to the front of the backrest portion 52 is referred to as the "second direction one D2a", and the direction from the front to the back of the backrest portion 52 is referred to as the "second direction other D2b".

[0015] Also, in any component, the direction from the end portion to the central portion in any one direction may be referred to as the "inward" in that one direction, and the direction from the central portion to the end portion in that one direction may be referred to as the "outward" in that one direction. For example, in any component, the direction from the end portions in the left-right direction to the central portion may be referred to as the "inward in the left-right direction", and the direction from the central portion in the left-right direction to the end portions may be referred to as the "outward in the left-right direction" in that direction.

[0016] Note that the above matters are merely names used for the purpose of explanation, and there is no intention to limit the actual positional relationship, direction, and name, etc.

[0017] Regarding the names of body parts of the person being treated, "torso" refers to the central part of the body excluding the head, neck, and limbs. "Thigh" refers to the part from the hip joint to the knee. "Hip joint" refers to the joint connecting the pelvis and the thigh bone (i.e., the femur). "Lower leg" refers to the part from the knee to the ankle. "Foot" refers to the part from the ankle to the toes. "Sole" is the underside of the foot (sole), the part that comes into contact with the ground or floor when standing barefoot.

[0018] <1. Embodiments> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the chair-type massage machine 100. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control system that controls the operation of the chair-type massage machine 100.

[0019] <1-1. Massage machine 100> The massage machine 100 comprises a seat 51, a backrest 52, a pair of left and right bases 53, a pair of left and right armrests 54, and an ottoman 55.

[0020] The patient sits on the seat 51. The seat 51 supports the patient's buttocks and thighs.

[0021] The backrest 52 is erected relative to the seat 51 and supports the head, torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, and back) of the person being treated. In this embodiment, the backrest 52 is connected to the rear end of the seat 51. The backrest 52 is rotatable relative to the seat 51 around a backrest rotation axis Ja that extends in the left-right direction. For example, the backrest 52 can be reclined by rotating it backward from an upright position. Also, the backrest 52 can be raised by rotating it forward from a reclined position.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, a pillow section 521 is positioned on the upper part of the backrest section 52. The pillow section 521 supports the head, neck, etc. of the person receiving treatment. The backrest section 52 also houses a treatment unit 1 and a guide frame 21. The treatment unit 1 can treat the torso and neck of the person receiving treatment. The guide frame 21 is included in the lifting mechanism 2 of the massage machine 100 and supports the treatment unit 1 so that it can move up and down. The lifting mechanism 2 moves the treatment unit 1 up and down in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) of the backrest section 52.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of the treatment unit 1 and the guide frame 21. The guide frame 21 has a pair of left and right guide rails 211, an upper frame 212, and a lower frame 213. The guide rails 211 are arranged on both sides of the backrest 52, outward in the left-right direction, and extend along the backrest 52 in a first direction D1 (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the backrest 52). The upper frame 212 connects the upper ends of the pair of left and right guide rails 211. The lower frame 213 connects the lower ends of the pair of left and right guide rails 211.

[0024] In addition, the guide frame 21 may further have a central frame 214, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing another configuration example of the treatment unit 1 and the guide frame 21. The central frame 214 is a frame member that extends in the vertical direction and is positioned between the first treatment section 11, which is the left treatment section 10, and the second treatment section 12, which is the right treatment section 10, in the left-right direction. One end of the central frame 214 on the first direction D1a side is connected to the upper frame 212. The other end on the first direction D1b side is connected to the lower frame 213. Preferably, the central frame 214 is positioned in the center between a pair of left and right guide rails 211 in the left-right direction. The arrangement of the central frame 214 prevents the patient leaning against the backrest 52 from sinking into the front side of the backrest 52.

[0025] Preferably, the central frame 214 functions as a guide member. For example, the front surface of the central frame 214 is geared, with multiple teeth arranged in a first direction D1. Also, a gear (i.e., a pinion gear) that meshes with the multiple teeth (i.e., a rack) on the front surface of the central frame 214 is rotatably arranged on the rear side of the treatment unit 1 (for example, the support member 134). In this way, the rack and pinion allows the treatment unit 1 to be raised and lowered along the central frame 214.

[0026] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 2 also includes a lifting drive unit 22 (see Figure 2). The lifting drive unit 22 moves (lifts and lowers) the treatment unit 1 in a first direction D1. At this time, the treatment unit 1 is guided in the first direction D1 by a pair of left and right guide frames 21. As a result, the treatment unit 1 within the backrest 52 can move up and down in the first direction D1 along the guide frames 21, allowing treatment to be performed on the patient's back, waist, etc. The upper frame 212 functions as a stopper for the upward movement of the treatment unit 1. The lower frame 213 functions as a stopper for the downward movement of the treatment unit 1.

[0027] The base portion 53 is erected on both sides of the seat portion 51 in the left-right direction and supports the armrest portion 54.

[0028] The elbow rests 54 support the forearms and hands of the person receiving treatment. The pair of left and right elbow rests 54 are symmetrical in shape.

[0029] The ottoman 55 is positioned near the front end of the seat 51 and accommodates the lower legs and feet of the person receiving treatment. The ottoman 55 is rotatable around the ottoman pivot axis Jb. The ottoman pivot axis Jb extends in the left-right direction, passing through the front end of the seat 51 and the upper end of the ottoman 55. In this embodiment, the upper end of the ottoman 55 is rotatably supported relative to the front end of the seat 51. The ottoman 55 is equipped with an airbag (not shown). The lower legs of the person receiving treatment are treated by the inflation and deflation of the airbag.

[0030] <1-2. Control system for massage machine 100> Next, with reference to Figure 2, an example of the configuration of the control system of the massage machine 100 will be described. The massage machine 100 further comprises an input unit 61, a storage unit 62, a control unit 63, an actuator group 64, an air pump 65, and a solenoid valve group 66.

[0031] The input unit 61 receives operational inputs such as the selection of a treatment pattern and the adjustment of the intensity of the treatment, and outputs a signal based on the operational input to the control unit 63. The input unit 61 is connected to the control unit 63 via a cord. The input unit 61 can be attached to and detached from the stand (not shown). The stand is fixed to the armrest 54 located on the seat 51.

[0032] The memory unit 62 is a non-transient storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, the memory unit 62 stores programs and data necessary for the control unit 63 to control the operation of the massage machine 100.

[0033] The control unit 63 is located, for example, below the seat 51 and controls each component of the massage machine 100 based on signals output from the input unit 61. For example, the control unit 63 controls the treatment unit 1, the lifting drive unit 22, the actuator group 64, the air pump 65, and the solenoid valve group 66.

[0034] The actuator group 64 includes multiple actuators. For example, the actuator group 64 includes an actuator for the backrest that rotates the backrest 52, an actuator for the ottoman that rotates the ottoman 55, and so on.

[0035] The solenoid valve group 66 includes multiple solenoid valves. Some of these solenoid valves are installed between the air pump 65 and the airbag group provided in the massage machine 100, and switch between communication and disconnection between the two. The airbag group includes airbags placed in various parts of the massage machine 100 (for example, the ottoman 55). Other parts of the solenoid valves are installed between the airbag group and the outside, and switch between communication and disconnection between the two.

[0036] For example, when some solenoid valves connect the air pump 65 and the airbag, air is supplied from the air pump 65 to the airbag via the solenoid valves, causing the airbag to inflate. On the other hand, when some other solenoid valves connect the airbag to the outside, the air inside the airbag is released to the outside via the solenoid valves. This causes the airbag to deflate. Furthermore, when the operation of each solenoid valve disconnects the airbag from both the air pump 65 and the outside, the amount of air inside the airbag is maintained.

[0037] <1-3. Treatment Unit 1> Next, an example of the configuration of the treatment unit 1 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the treatment unit 1 has a first treatment section 11, a second treatment section 12, and a base frame 13.

[0038] The first treatment unit 11 is positioned side-by-side with the second treatment unit 12, and is located to the left of the second treatment unit 12. The first treatment unit 11 treats the left side of the back of the person being treated while leaning against the backrest 52. The second treatment unit 12 also treats the left side of the back of the person being treated while leaning against the backrest 52. The configuration of the first treatment unit 11 is the same as that of the second treatment unit 12. Hereafter, the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12 may be collectively referred to as "treatment unit 10".

[0039] The base frame 13 movably holds the treatment section 10 (i.e., the first treatment section 11 and the second treatment section 12). Figure 5A is a perspective view showing a first example of movement of the treatment section 10 in the left-right direction. Figure 5B is a perspective view showing a second example of movement of the treatment section 10 in the left-right direction. Figure 5C is a perspective view showing a third example of movement of the treatment section 10 in the left-right direction. Figure 5D is a perspective view showing a fourth example of movement of the treatment section 10 in the left-right direction. Figure 6 is a side view showing an example of rotation of the treatment section 10 in the front-back direction. Note that Figure 5A shows that both the left and right treatment sections 10 (i.e., the first treatment section 11 on the left and the second treatment section 12 on the right) are moving outward in the left-right direction. Figure 5B shows that both the left and right treatment sections 10 are moving inward in the left-right direction. Figures 5C and 5D show that one of the left and right treatment sections 10 is moving outward in the left-right direction and the other is moving inward in the left-right direction. Figure 6 shows that the treatment unit 10 moves forward and backward by rotation.

[0040] In other words, each treatment unit 10 (the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) can move independently in the left-right direction relative to the base frame 13, as shown in Figures 5A to 5D. Furthermore, each treatment unit 10 (the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) can rotate independently in the front-rear direction relative to the base frame 13, as shown in Figure 6.

[0041] <1-3-1. Base frame 13> The base frame 13 includes an upper shaft 131, a lower shaft 132 extending in the left-right direction, a pair of left and right base plates 133, a support member 134, and a plurality of rollers 135.

[0042] The upper shaft 131 and the lower shaft 132 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction and are aligned in the first direction D1 (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the backrest 52). The upper shaft 131 is positioned above the lower shaft 132.

[0043] Each base plate 133 is a rectangular plate shape extending in a first direction D1 when viewed from the left or right. The support member 134 is a columnar shape extending in the first direction D1 and is positioned between the left and right pair of base plates 133. The left and right pair of base plates 133 and the support member 134 connect the upper shaft 131 and the lower shaft 132.

[0044] For example, the left side of the upper shaft 131 is inserted through an opening (not shown) on one side D1a in the first direction of the left base plate 133 and fixed to the left base plate 133. The right side of the upper shaft 131 is inserted through an opening (not shown) on one side D1a in the first direction of the right base plate 133 and fixed to the right base plate 133. The central portion of the upper shaft 131 is inserted through an opening (not shown) on one side D1a in the first direction of the support member 134 and fixed to the support member 134.

[0045] Furthermore, the left side of the lower shaft 132 is inserted through an opening (not shown) on the other D1b side of the left base plate 133 and fixed to the left base plate 133. The right side of the lower shaft 132 is inserted through an opening (not shown) on the other D1b side of the right base plate 133 and fixed to the right base plate 133. The central portion of the lower shaft 132 is inserted through an opening (not shown) on the other D1b side of the support member 134 and fixed to the support member 134.

[0046] The roller 135 is disc-shaped with its normal direction in the left-right direction, and is positioned at both ends in the left-right direction of the upper shaft 131 and both ends in the left-right direction of the lower shaft 132, respectively. For example, when viewed from the left-right direction, the central part of the roller 135 is attached to either the left-right end of the upper shaft 131 or the left-right end of the lower shaft 132. At both ends in the left-right direction of the upper shaft 131, the roller 135 is rotatable around the upper shaft 131. At both ends in the left-right direction of the lower shaft 132, the roller 135 is rotatable around the lower shaft 132.

[0047] Furthermore, each roller 135 is positioned inside the guide rail 211. The outer surface of the roller 135, when viewed from the left or right, is in contact with the inner surface of the guide rail 211 facing the second direction D2. When the treatment unit 1 moves up and down, the roller 135 rolls on the aforementioned inner surface. As a result, the treatment unit 1 moves up and down along the guide rail 211.

[0048] <1-3-2. Treatment Section 10> Next, an example of the configuration of the treatment unit 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 7A to 7D. Figure 7A is a perspective view showing a first example of the left-right movement of the treatment element 101 in the treatment unit 10. Figure 7B is a perspective view showing a second example of the left-right movement of the treatment element 101 in the treatment unit 10. Figure 7C is a perspective view showing a third example of the left-right movement of the treatment element 101 in the treatment unit 10. Figure 7D is a perspective view showing a fourth example of the left-right movement of the treatment element 101 in the treatment unit 10. Note that Figure 7A shows that both the left and right treatment elements 101 are moving outward in the left-right direction. Figure 7B shows that both the left and right treatment elements 101 are moving inward in the left-right direction. Figures 7C and 7D show that one of the left and right treatment elements 101 is moving outward in the left-right direction and the other is moving inward in the left-right direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the treatment unit 10 includes a pair of left and right treatment elements 101, a pair of left and right arms 102, an auxiliary member 103, a holding member 104, an elongated hole 1041, a pair of left and right upper support shafts 1042, and a pair of left and right lower support shafts 1043.

[0050] The treatment element 101 provides treatment to the person being treated by applying pressure. In this embodiment, the treatment element 101 is a massage ball, but it is not limited to this example and may be a treatment member other than a massage ball (for example, a roller). In the following, the treatment element 101 of the first treatment unit 11 may be referred to as the "first treatment element 111". Also, the treatment element 101 of the second treatment unit 12 may be referred to as the "second treatment element 121".

[0051] The arm 102 supports the treatment element 101. The treatment element 101 is attached to the tip of the arm 102 (for example, the end on the second direction side D2a). The base end of the arm 102 (for example, the end on the other second direction side D2b) is rotatably and slidably mounted on the upper support shaft 1042.

[0052] The auxiliary member 103 supports the arm 102 without interfering with the movement of the tip of the arm 102 (i.e., the treatment element 101). One end of the auxiliary member 103 on the arm 102 side is connected by a ball joint. The other end of the auxiliary member 103, opposite to the arm 102, is rotatably and slidably mounted on the lower support shaft 1043.

[0053] For example, the auxiliary member 103 rotates on a vertically movable pivot shaft (such as the lower support shaft 1043). The arm 102 moves downward when the auxiliary member 103 rotates downward around the aforementioned pivot shaft, and moves upward when the auxiliary member 103 rotates upward around the aforementioned pivot shaft.

[0054] Furthermore, the auxiliary member 103 supporting the arm 102 may be an extendable or retractable member. In this case, the arm 102 moves downward, for example, when the auxiliary member 103 is retracted, and moves upward when the auxiliary member 103 is extended.

[0055] The holding member 104 is plate-shaped, extending in the left-right and perpendicular directions, and is positioned between the base plate 133 and the support member 134 in the left-right direction. The holding member 104 is supported by the upper support shaft 1042 and lower support shaft 1043 of the base frame 13, so as to be rotatable around the lower support shaft 1043. As a result, the treatment unit 10 is rotatable in a second direction D2 relative to the base frame 13.

[0056] For example, an opening (not shown in reference numeral) is provided on the other D1b side of the holding member 104 in the first direction. The lower support shaft 1043 is slidably inserted through this opening.

[0057] Furthermore, an elongated hole 1041 is provided on one side D1a of the retaining member 104 in the first direction, penetrating the retaining member 104 in the left-right direction. The elongated hole 1041 is arc-shaped when viewed from the left-right direction and extends in the circumferential direction with respect to the lower support shaft 1043 (the axis extending in the left-right direction through its center). The upper support shaft 1042 is inserted into the elongated hole 1041 so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction with respect to the lower support shaft 1043 (the axis extending in the left-right direction through its center).

[0058] Furthermore, the holding member 104 is slidable in the left-right direction relative to the upper support shaft 1042 and the lower support shaft 1043. As a result, the treatment unit 10 is movable in the left-right direction relative to the base frame 13.

[0059] The upper support shaft 1042 protrudes in the left-right direction from the left-right end faces of the holding member 104. The base end of the arm 102 is attached to the upper support shaft 1042. The arm 102 is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the upper support shaft 1042 (the axis extending in the left-right direction through the center of the upper support shaft 1042). Furthermore, the base end of the arm 102 is slidable in the left-right direction relative to the upper support shaft 1042 (the outer circumferential surface).

[0060] The lower support shaft 1043 is positioned in the other direction D1b of the upper support shaft 1042 and protrudes in the left-right direction from the left-right end face of the holding member 104. The other end of the auxiliary member 103, opposite to the arm 102, is attached to the lower support shaft 1043. The auxiliary member 103 is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the lower support shaft 1043 (the axis extending left-right through the center of the lower support shaft 1043). Furthermore, the other end of the auxiliary member 103 is slidable left-right relative to the lower support shaft 1043 (the outer circumferential surface).

[0061] Next, the treatment unit 10 further includes a treatment element drive unit 105, a moving unit 106, and a forward / backward moving unit 107 (see Figure 2). These are controlled by the control unit 63.

[0062] The treatment element drive unit 105 drives the treatment element 101 via the arm 102. This allows the treatment element drive unit 105 to cause the treatment element 101 to perform treatment actions such as kneading and tapping. For example, the treatment element drive unit 105 may have an eccentric rotating body, such as a cam, attached to the upper support shaft 1042. In this case, the treatment element 101 can perform a kneading action by rotating eccentrically due to the eccentric rotating body. Alternatively, the treatment element drive unit 105 may have a vibrating member that vibrates the base end of the arm 102. In this case, the treatment element 101 can perform a tapping treatment action through vibration. The vibrating member can be an eccentric motor with an eccentric weight attached to the output rotating shaft. Furthermore, the driving means of the treatment element drive unit 105 is not particularly limited, and known configurations can be used, for example.

[0063] The moving unit 106 moves multiple treatment elements 101 independently in the left-right direction. The moving unit 106 has a device moving unit 1061 and a left-right moving unit 1062. The left-right moving unit 1062 of the first treatment unit 11 is sometimes referred to as the "first left-right moving unit." The left-right moving unit 1062 of the second treatment unit 12 is sometimes referred to as the "second left-right moving unit."

[0064] The device movement unit 1061 is capable of independently moving each treatment unit 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) in the left-right direction relative to the base frame 13. In this embodiment, the left-right movement unit 1062 independently moves the holding member 104 of each treatment unit 10 relative to the upper support shaft 1042 and the lower support shaft 1043. The means by which the device movement unit 1061 moves the treatment units 10 are not particularly limited. For example, the device movement unit 1061 may independently move each treatment unit 10 in the left-right direction using a ball screw mechanism with a screw groove arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the lower shaft 132.

[0065] The device movement unit 1061 allows the left-right position of each treatment unit 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) to be changed independently (see, for example, Figures 5A to 5D). Furthermore, the distance between the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12 in the left-right direction can be arbitrarily changed. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can freely set the left-right position of the treatment element 101 of each treatment unit 10.

[0066] For example, the device movement unit 1061 can move each treatment unit 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) outward in the left-right direction, and widen the distance between them in the left-right direction to any size (see Figure 5A).

[0067] Furthermore, the device movement unit 1061 can move each treatment unit 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) inward in the left-right direction, and narrow the distance between them in the left-right direction to any size (see Figure 5B).

[0068] Furthermore, the device movement unit 1061 can move both treatment units 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) to the left (see Figure 5C). Alternatively, the device movement unit 1061 can move both treatment units 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) to the right (see Figure 5D). In these cases, the distance between the two in the left-right direction can be set to any width depending on the amount of movement of each treatment unit 10.

[0069] The left-right movement unit 1062 allows each treatment element 101 to move independently in the left-right direction relative to the holding member 104. In this embodiment, the left-right movement unit 1062 moves the treatment elements 101 independently to the left and right together with the arm 102 and the auxiliary member 103. Specifically, the left-right movement unit 1062 moves the base end of the arm 102 in the left-right direction relative to the upper support shaft 1042, and moves the other end of the auxiliary member 103 in the left-right direction relative to the lower support shaft 1043. The means by which the left-right movement unit 1062 moves the treatment elements 101 is not particularly limited. For example, the left-right movement unit 1062 may move each treatment element 101 independently in the left-right direction using a ball screw mechanism with a screw groove arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the lower support shaft 1043.

[0070] This allows the left-right position of the treatment element 101 positioned at the tip of the arm 102 to be changed independently on the left and right sides. Furthermore, the distance between the left and right pair of treatment elements 101 in the same treatment unit 10 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0071] For example, as shown in Figure 7A, the left-right movement unit 1062 can move each treatment element 101 outward in the left-right direction within the same treatment unit 10, thereby widening the distance between them in the left-right direction to any desired size.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7B, the left-right movement unit 1062 can move each treatment element 101 inward in the left-right direction within the same treatment unit 10, thereby narrowing the distance between them in the left-right direction to any desired size.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7C, the left-right movement unit 1062 can move each treatment element 101 to the left within the same treatment unit 10. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7D, the device movement unit 1061 can move each treatment element 101 to the right within the same treatment unit 10. In these cases, the distance between the two in the left-right direction can be set to any width depending on the amount of movement of each treatment unit 10.

[0074] The front-rear moving section 107 can independently project forward or retract backward each treatment section 10 (i.e., the first treatment section 11 and the second treatment section 12) relative to the base frame 13. In this embodiment, the front-rear moving section 107 independently rotates the holding member 104 of the first treatment section 11 and the holding member 104 of the second treatment section 12 in the circumferential direction with respect to the lower support shaft 1043 (an axis extending in the left-right direction through its center). The means of moving the treatment sections 10 by the device moving section 1061 is not particularly limited, and known means can be used, for example.

[0075] The forward / backward movement unit 107 allows the position of each treatment element 101 (i.e., the first treatment element 111 and the second treatment element 121) in the second direction D2 to be changed independently, for example, as shown in Figure 6. For example, the forward / backward movement unit 107 can cause the treatment element 101 to protrude forward in each treatment section 10 by rotating the holding member 104 forward (see dashed line in Figure 6), that is, the amount of forward protrusion of the treatment element 101 can be increased. Also, the forward / backward movement unit 107 can cause the treatment element 101 to retract backward in each treatment section 10 by rotating the holding member 104 backward (see solid line in Figure 6), that is, the amount of forward protrusion of the treatment element 101 can be decreased. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can freely set the position of each treatment element 101 in the second direction D2 (i.e., the amount of forward protrusion).

[0076] <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.

[0077] For example, in the above embodiment, one treatment unit 10 has two treatment elements 101. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and one treatment unit 10 may have three or more treatment elements 101. This example does not exclude a configuration in which one treatment unit 10 has a single treatment element 101. For example, at least one of the first treatment element 111 and the second treatment element 121 may be singular.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the device movement unit 1061 is moved in the left-right direction. However, the device movement unit 1061 may also be able to move each treatment unit 10 (i.e., the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12) independently in the first direction D1 relative to the base frame 13.

[0079] <3. Summary> The embodiments described so far will be summarized below.

[0080] For example, the massage machine 100 disclosed herein is A backrest 52 that supports the torso of the person being treated, The treatment unit 1, which is built into the backrest 52 and is movable in the vertical direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned treatment unit 1 is Multiple treatment devices 101 are arranged at different positions in the left-right direction, A moving unit 106 that moves multiple treatment elements 101 independently in the left-right direction, This configuration (first configuration) is defined as having the following characteristics.

[0081] The massage machine 100 with the above first configuration is Multiple treatment devices 101, The first treatment device 111, A second treatment element 121 is positioned to the right of the first treatment element, It has, The aforementioned treatment unit 1 is The first treatment unit 11 on which the first treatment element 111 is arranged, The second treatment unit 12 is positioned where the second treatment element 121 is located, and is positioned to the right of the first treatment unit 11. This also refers to a configuration having (the second configuration).

[0082] Furthermore, the massage machine 100 with the second configuration described above is The moving unit 106 may also have a device moving unit 1061 that moves the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12 independently in the left-right direction (third configuration).

[0083] Furthermore, the massage machine 100 with the third configuration described above is The device movement unit 1061 may also be configured to move the first treatment unit 11 and the second treatment unit 12 independently in the vertical direction (fourth configuration).

[0084] Furthermore, a massage machine 100 having any of the second to fourth configurations described above, The first treatment element 111 and the second treatment element 121 are each multiple, The aforementioned movable part 106 is The first treatment unit 11 is equipped with a first left-right movement unit (left left-right movement unit 1062) which moves each of the first treatment elements 111 independently in the left-right direction, The second treatment unit 12 is equipped with a second left-right movement unit (right left-right movement unit 1062) which moves each of the second treatment elements 121 independently in the left-right direction, It may also be a configuration having (the fifth configuration).

[0085] Furthermore, a massage machine 100 having any of the second to fifth configurations described above, The configuration may further include a frame member 214 that is positioned between the first treatment section 11 and the second treatment section 12 in the left-right direction and extends in the vertical direction (sixth configuration). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 100...(chair-type) massage machine, 1...treatment unit, 10...treatment section, 101...treatment element, 102...arm, 103...auxiliary member, 104...holding member, 1041...elongated hole, 1042...upper support shaft, 1043...lower support shaft, 105...treatment element drive unit, 106...moving unit, 1061...device movement Section, 1062...Left-right movement section, 107...Front-back movement section, 11...First treatment section, 111...First treatment element, 12...Second treatment section, 121...Second treatment element, 13...Base frame, 131...Upper shaft, 132...Lower shaft, 133...Base plate, 134...Support member, 134...Roller, 2...Lifting and lowering Mechanism, 21... Guide frame, 211... Guide rail, 212... Upper frame, 213... Lower frame, 214... Center frame, 22... Lifting drive unit, 51... Seat, 52... Backrest, 521... Headrest, 53... Base, 54... Armrest, 55... Ottoman, 61... Input unit, 62... ...Memory unit, 63...Control unit, 64...Actuator group, 65...Air pump, 66...Solenoid valve group, Ja...Backrest pivot shaft, Jb...Ottoman pivot shaft, D1...First direction, D1a...One side of the first direction, D1b...Other side of the first direction, D2...Second direction, D2a...One side of the second direction, D2b...Other side of the second direction

Claims

1. A backrest that supports the torso of the person being treated, A treatment unit built into the backrest and movable in the vertical direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned treatment unit is, Multiple treatment devices positioned at different locations in the left-right direction, A moving unit that moves multiple treatment devices independently in the left-right direction, A massage machine that has [a certain feature].

2. Multiple of the aforementioned treatment devices are The first treatment device, A second treatment device positioned to the right of the first treatment device, It has, The aforementioned treatment unit is, The first treatment unit on which the first treatment element is placed, The second treatment unit is positioned to the right of the first treatment unit, and the second treatment unit is positioned to the right of the first treatment unit. A massage machine according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the moving part has a device moving part that moves the first treatment part and the second treatment part independently in the left-right direction.

4. The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the device movement unit further moves the first treatment unit and the second treatment unit independently in the vertical direction.

5. The first treatment device and the second treatment device are each multiple, The aforementioned movable part is The first treatment unit is positioned to move each of the first treatment elements independently in the left-right direction, A second left-right movement unit is positioned in the second treatment unit and moves each of the second treatment elements independently in the left-right direction, A massage machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, having the following features.

6. The massage machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a frame member that is positioned between the first treatment section and the second treatment section in the left-right direction and extends in the vertical direction.

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