Massage machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a massage machine that can massage different body parts using a common massage unit. [Solution] The device comprises a body support and a massage unit attached to the body support, wherein the massage unit is configured to be detachable from the body support and has a first form for use when attached to the body support and a second form for use when detached from the body support, and is characterized in that different parts of the body can be massaged in the first and second forms.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a massage machine including a chair body having a seat portion and a leg massage portion that is detachable from the chair body, and controlling a first treatment element of the leg massage portion and a second treatment element of the chair body by controlling a first control device or a second control device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the massage machine described in Patent Document 1 above, the driving of the first treatment element of the leg massage portion and the second treatment element of the chair body is controlled depending on whether the leg massage portion is attached to the chair body, and there is a problem that the leg massage portion cannot be diverted as a massage portion for other treatment parts. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a massage machine in which a massage unit attached to a body support portion is detachable, and can be used not only in a state of being attached to the body support portion but also for other treatment parts in a state of being removed from the body support portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention comprises a body support and a massage unit attached to the body support, wherein the massage unit is configured to be detachable from the body support and has a first form in which it is used while attached to the body support and a second form in which it is used while detached from the body support, and is characterized in that different parts of the body can be massaged in the first form and the second form. This configuration allows a common massage unit to be used to massage different body parts.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable that the body support portion is an elbow rest that supports the user's arm, the area that can be massaged in the first embodiment is the user's shoulder, and the area that can be massaged in the second embodiment is the user's hand. This configuration allows a common massage unit to massage both the user's shoulders and hands.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage unit has air cells. This configuration allows for massage using air cells.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage unit or the body support part is provided with a cord reel mechanism. This configuration allows for easy feeding and winding of the wiring and piping extending to the removed massage unit.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage unit includes a vibrating member. This configuration allows for massage through vibration.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage unit has a communication unit for communicating with the massage machine, the massage machine has a control unit, the control unit transmits a signal to control the driving of the massage unit, and the communication unit drives the massage unit based on the received signal. This configuration allows the massage unit to be driven wirelessly.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage unit has a locking mechanism. This configuration prevents the massage unit from detaching from the body support.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable to have an identification unit, the identification unit being able to identify the state of attachment or detachment of the massage unit to the body support unit. This configuration allows for identification of whether the massage unit is properly attached to the body support area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, different body parts can be massaged using a common massage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state in which the massage unit is attached to the body support part, and (b) shows the state in which the massage unit is removed from the body support part. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]It is a plan view showing a user seated on a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a view showing a state where the massage unit is attached to the body support part (armrest part), and (b) is a view showing a state where the massage unit is removed from the body support part (armrest part) and used on the user's hand. [Figure 5] It is a view of the left massage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the right. (a) is a view showing the state before inserting the user's hand, and (b) is a view showing the state after inserting the user's hand. [Figure 6] It is a view of the left massage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back. (a) to (c) are views showing an example of the embodiment respectively. [Figure 7] It is a schematic view showing a cord reel mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a view showing the entire cord reel mechanism, (b) is a view showing the state of extending the pipe from the state of (a), and (c) is a view showing the state of returning the extended pipe. [Figure 8] It is a schematic view of a lock mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is an overall view showing the state of removing the massage unit from the body support part, (b) is a partially enlarged view showing the state of attaching the massage unit to the body support part, and (c) is a partially enlarged view showing the state of removing the massage unit from the state of (b). [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the identification process by the identification unit.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a view showing a state in which a massage unit 7 is attached to a body support portion S, and (b) is a view showing a state in which the massage unit 7 is removed from the body support portion S. In other words, (a) is a view showing a first form V1, and (b) is a view showing a second form V2. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a user H seated on the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a view showing a state in which the massage unit 7 is attached to the body support portion S (armrest portion 2), and (b) is a view showing a state in which the massage unit 7 is removed from the body support portion S (armrest portion 2) and used on the hand of the user H. In other words, (a) is a view showing a first form V1 corresponding to FIG. 1(a), and (b) is a view showing a second form V2 corresponding to FIG. 1(b). Note that in this embodiment, the arrangement and the number of attachments of each massage portion M (3a, 5a, 7, 10), etc. are merely examples and are not limited thereto. They can be appropriately changed according to the embodiment.

[0016] [Overall Configuration of Massage Machine] Hereinafter, the overall configuration of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a seat portion 3 on which a user sits, a backrest portion 4 provided at the rear of the seat portion 3 for the user to lean on (including a headrest portion 6 provided on the backrest portion 4), a footrest portion 5 provided at the front of the seat portion 3, and an armrest portion 2 attached to the side portion of the seat portion 3. Above the armrest portion 2, a pair of left and right massage units 7 for massaging the shoulders of the user are attached. The armrest portion 2, the seat portion 3, the backrest portion 4 (including the headrest portion 6), the footrest portion 5, and the massage unit 7 function as a body support portion S for supporting the body of the user.

[0017] [Configuration of Seat Portion] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat portion 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is elongated horizontally in the left-right direction. The seat portion 3 is attached to a base that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. The seat portion 3 is provided with a pair of buttock massage portions 3a (massage portions M) on the left and right sides for massaging the buttocks of the user H who is seated on the seat portion 3. The buttock massage portions 3a are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air.

[0018] [Structure of the backrest] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the backrest 4 is made up of a rectangular member that is long in the direction of the user's height. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and an opening 4a is provided in the center of the front of the backrest 4. A massage mechanism 10 (massage unit M) is attached to the guide rail 16. The massage mechanism 10 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, thereby massaging the back of the user's torso (for example, the shoulders and waist) when the user is seated on the seat 3.

[0019] [Footrest structure] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the footrest 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right sides into which the user H's legs can be inserted. On the inner walls of both the left and right recesses 5b, there are leg massage sections 5a (massage section M) for massaging the user H's legs. The leg massage section 5a is composed of an air cell 20 that expands and contracts with the supply and exhaust of air. More specifically, the leg massage sections 5a are provided one on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the right recess 5b, and one on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the left recess 5b. Preferably, each leg massage section 5a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently. In addition, a foot massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5b.

[0020] [Armrest structure] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3. Above the armrests 2, a massage unit 7 for massaging the user H's shoulders is detachably attached (see Figures 1(a) and 4(a)). Inside the armrests 2, a cord reel mechanism K is provided for feeding out and winding up the piping 21 and wiring extending to the massage unit 7. Furthermore, above the armrests 2, at the position where the massage unit 7 is attached, a locking mechanism R is provided to prevent the massage unit 7 from falling off the armrests 2 (body support part S). The cord reel mechanism K and the locking mechanism R will be described later.

[0021] Alternatively, a locking mechanism R may be provided on the upper surface of the armrest 2 (near where the user H's hands are placed), allowing the massage unit 7, which has been removed from above the armrest 2, to be attached to the upper surface of the armrest 2 (near where the user H's hands are placed). By allowing the massage unit 7 to be attached to the upper surface of the armrest 2, the massage unit 7 can be stabilized when massaging the user H's hands.

[0022] In this embodiment, the body support part S will be described using the elbow rest 2 that supports the user H's arm as a specific example. Therefore, the area that can be massaged in the first form V1 (with the massage unit 7 attached to the body support part S) will be described using the user H's shoulder as an example. The area that can be massaged in the second form V2 (with the massage unit 7 removed from the body support part S) will be described using the user H's hand as an example. By using the massage unit 7 detached from the body support unit S (second form V2) or attached to the body support unit S (first form V1), the same massage unit 7 can be used to massage different parts of the user H (shoulders or hands).

[0023] The massage unit 7 may also be attached to the seat 3 (body support part S) for use. For example, if the massage unit 7 is attached to the side of the seat 3 (first form V1), the massage unit 7 can massage the side of the user H's thigh. Also, if the massage unit 7 is placed on the top surface of the seat 3 (body support part S) (second form V2), the massage unit 7 can massage the user H's buttocks. Furthermore, if the massage unit 7 is placed on the thighs of the user H seated on the seat 3 (body support part S) (second form V2), the massage unit 7 can massage the top surface of the user H's thigh.

[0024] Furthermore, the mounting position of the massage unit 7 on the backrest 4 is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, if the massage unit 7 is mounted below the backrest 4 (first form V1), the massage unit 7 can massage the user H's lower back. If it is mounted on the front of the backrest 4 (first form V1), the massage unit 7 can massage the back of the user H's torso, which cannot be massaged by the massage mechanism 10.

[0025] Alternatively, the massage unit 7 may be attached to the footrest 5. For example, if it is attached to the side, near the front of the footrest 5 (first form V1), the front of the user H's legs can be massaged by the massage unit 7. Also, if the massage unit 7 is attached to the bottom surface (the surface on which the soles of the feet are placed) of the footrest 5 (first form V1), the soles of the user H's feet can be massaged by the massage unit 7. Furthermore, with the massage unit 7 removed from the footrest 5 (second form V2), the user H's toes can be massaged by the massage unit 7 by inserting the feet into the space A of the massage unit 7.

[0026] In other words, the massage unit 7 can be used by attaching it to any part of the body support part S (first form V1), and it can also be used when detached from the body support part S (second form V2).

[0027] [Configuration of the control unit] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the massage machine 1 is equipped with a control unit 8, which consists of a microcomputer for controlling the operation of the intake and exhaust device 9 (composed of a pump 9a and a valve 9b), the massage mechanism 10, an identification unit 12 for identifying the attachment and detachment state of the massage unit 7 to the body support part S, and a communication unit 13a for communicating with the massage unit 7. The control unit 8 is located below the seat part 3.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 8 is connected to an operating unit (not shown) for the user H to operate the massage machine 1, and a storage unit (not shown) that stores massage programs. The user H can operate the operating unit (not shown) to drive each massage unit M and execute various massage operations (including massage programs). The identification unit 12 will be described later.

[0029] Figure 5 is a view of the left massage unit 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention from the right (more specifically, from the inside in the left-right direction), where (a) shows the state before the user H's hand is inserted, and (b) shows the state after the user H's hand is inserted. More specifically, (b) shows an example of use in the second embodiment V2. Figure 6 is a view of the left massage unit 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention from the rear, where (a) to (c) are examples of embodiments. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism R according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an overall view showing the state in which the massage unit 7 has been removed from the body support part S, (b) is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the massage unit 7 has been attached to the body support part S, and (c) is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the massage unit 7 has been removed from the state in (b). Note that the body support part S in Figure 8 is the elbow rest part 2.

[0030] [Massage Unit Configuration] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4-6, the massage unit 7 (massage section M) is for massaging the user H's shoulder or hand. More specifically, in the first form V1 (with the massage unit 7 attached to the body support section S), the massage unit 7 can massage the user H's shoulder, and in the second form V2 (with the massage unit 7 removed from the body support section S), the massage unit 7 can massage the user H's hand. The massage unit 7 also functions as a body support section S that supports the user H's shoulder.

[0031] The massage unit 7 has a roughly trapezoidal shape, gradually tapering from rear to front (from the arm side to the fingertip side) (see Figure 5). The massage unit 7 consists of an outer shell 7a, an air cell 20 mounted inside the outer shell 7a, and a vibrating member 11. A space A is formed between the outer shell 7a and the air cell 20 and vibrating member 11 into which the user H's hand can be inserted. The arrangement of the air cell 20 and vibrating member 11 of the massage unit 7 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6 as examples. Note that the arrangement of the air cell 20 and vibrating member 11 shown in Figure 6 is just an example and is not limited to this configuration. For example, the system may consist of only the air cell 20, or only the vibrating member 11, or a pressure point (not shown) may be added to these configurations.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, two vibrating members 11 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. Each vibrating member 11 has an eccentric weight attached to the rotating shaft of a motor (not shown). Vibration is generated by rotating the rotating shaft of the motor (not shown) (driving the motor (not shown)). This generated vibration can provide a massage (vibration) to the user H. In other words, by providing the vibrating member 11 to the massage unit 7, it is possible to perform a vibration massage on the part of the user H being treated.

[0033] The configuration of the massage unit 7 in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), will be explained below. Note that the configuration of the vibrating member 11 and the air cell 20 is just an example and is not limited to this. The massage unit 7 can have any configuration as long as some massage part M that can massage the user H is attached and a space A is formed.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6(a), the massage unit 7 consists of an outer shell 7a, a vibrating member 11, an air cell 20L, and an air cell 20R, in that order from the left side outward. The vibrating member 11 is attached to the outer shell 7a, and the air cell 20L is attached to its left side so as to be in contact with the vibrating member 11. The vibrating member 11 and air cell 20L attached to the outer shell 7a are covered by cover 7b (indicated by diagonal lines). Similarly, air cell 20R located on the inner side (right side) is also covered by cover 7b (indicated by diagonal lines). In other words, a space A is formed between air cell 20L and air cell 20R.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6(b), the massage unit 7 consists of an outer shell 7a, a vibrating member 11, and an air cell 20R, in that order from the left side outward in the left-right direction. The vibrating member 11 is attached to the outer shell 7a. The vibrating member 11 attached to the outer shell 7a is covered by a cover 7b (shown by diagonal lines). The air cell 20R, located on the right side in the left-right direction, is also covered by a cover 7b (shown by diagonal lines). In other words, a space A is formed between the vibrating member 11 and the air cell 20R.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6(c), the massage unit 7 consists of an outer shell 7a, an air cell 20L, an air cell 20R, and a vibrating member 11, in that order from the left side outward. The air cell 20L is attached to the outer shell 7a. The air cell 20L attached to the outer shell 7a is covered by a cover 7b (shown by diagonal lines). The vibrating member 11 is attached so as to be in contact with the air cell 20R. The air cell 20R and the vibrating member 11 are also covered by a cover 7b (shown by diagonal lines). In other words, a space A is formed between the air cell 20L and the air cell 20R.

[0037] In this embodiment, when used in the first form V1, the massage unit 7 is mounted above the armrest 2, so that the massage unit M (vibrating member 11, air cell 20) can massage the user H's shoulder. When used in the second form V2, the user H inserts their hand into space A, so that the massage unit M can massage the user H's hand.

[0038] Furthermore, when used in the second form V2, the area being massaged can be changed by changing the direction in which the hand is inserted into space A. For example, as explained in Figure 6(a), by inserting the hand into space A so that the back of the hand is positioned on the outer shell 7a side of the massage unit 7, the back of the hand can be massaged by the air cell 20L and vibrating member 11, and the palm side can be massaged by the air cell 20R. Alternatively, by inserting the hand into space A so that the palm is positioned on the outer shell 7a side of the massage unit 7, the palm side can be massaged by the air cell 20L and vibrating member 11, and the back of the hand can be massaged by the air cell 20R.

[0039] In short, when used in the second form V2, the massage unit 7 is used detached from the body support part S, allowing the orientation of the massage unit 7 to be freely changed. User H can change the location of the massage by changing the orientation of the massage unit 7, or by changing the orientation of the part to be treated that is inserted into the space A of the massage unit 7 without changing the orientation of the massage unit 7.

[0040] Furthermore, the massage unit 7 is equipped with a communication unit 13b for communicating with the massage machine 1 (see Figure 2). The communication unit 13b is for receiving signals transmitted from the control unit 8 (more specifically, the communication unit 13a). When the control unit 8 (communication unit 13a) of the massage machine 1 transmits a signal to control the drive of the massage unit 7, the transmitted signal is received by the communication unit 13b of the massage unit 7. The communication unit 13b drives the massage unit 7 based on the received signal. In other words, the massage unit 7 can be used on its own (with the massage unit 7 removed from the body support part S / second form V2).

[0041] Furthermore, by providing a communication unit 13b in the massage unit 7, the wiring extending from the massage machine 1 to the massage unit 7 can be eliminated, and the massage unit 7 can be driven wirelessly. Eliminating the wiring eliminates the discomfort caused to the user H, such as tangled wires or the wires themselves getting in the way. For example, if the massage section M attached to the massage unit 7 is composed solely of the vibrating member 11, then wiring itself becomes unnecessary, and the range of movement of the massage unit 7 is no longer restricted by the wiring.

[0042] Furthermore, when the massage section M attached to the massage unit 7 is composed of air cells 20, if a supply and exhaust device 9 is provided inside the massage unit 7, the piping 21 extending to the air cells 20 can be eliminated (or made as short as possible), eliminating discomfort to the user H, such as the piping 21 becoming tangled or the piping 21 itself becoming an obstacle to the user H.

[0043] The massage unit 7 is configured to be detachably attached to the body support part S. Both the massage unit 7 and the body support part S are provided with a locking mechanism R to prevent the massage unit 7 from falling off the body support part S when attached. The configuration in which the massage unit 7 is used while attached to the body support part S is designated as the first configuration V1, and the configuration in which the massage unit 7 is used while detached from the body support part S is designated as the second configuration V2. Depending on the configuration in which it is used, the same massage unit 7 can be used to massage different parts of the body.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 8(c), holes B1 and B2 are provided at the rear of the upper and lower edges of the massage unit 7, respectively. More specifically, hole B1 is located at the rear of the massage unit 7, on both the upper and lower edges, so that a button 41 attached to a pin 43 can be inserted through it (see Figure 8(c)). Holes B2 are located at the rear of the massage unit 7 (on the back of the massage unit 7), in a pair, one above the other, so that a pin 43 attached to the body support part S can be inserted (see Figure 6). These holes B1 and B2 constitute part of the locking mechanism R. The locking mechanism can be activated by inserting the pin 43 (including the button 41) attached to the body support part S into these holes B1 and B2 (the button 41 is inserted into hole B1 and the pin 43 into hole B2). In other words, the locking mechanism R prevents the massage unit 7 from falling off the body support part S. Further details will be described later.

[0045] [Configuration of the cord reel mechanism] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a cord reel mechanism K according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the entire cord reel mechanism K, (b) shows the state in which the piping 21 is extended from the state in (a), and (c) shows the state in which the extended piping 21 is returned to its original position. The configuration of the cord reel mechanism K is the same whether it is installed on the body support part S or on the massage unit 7. Therefore, in this embodiment, the case in which the cord reel mechanism K is installed on the body support part S (above the armrest part 2) will be described, and the description of the case in which the cord reel mechanism K is installed on the massage unit 7 will be omitted.

[0046] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case where a cord reel mechanism K is used to easily feed out and retract the piping 21, a cord reel mechanism K may also be used for the wiring extending to the vibrating member 11. In this case, the wiring can also be easily fed out and retracted, just like the piping 21.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, a cord reel mechanism K is provided on the body support section S (above the armrest section 2). By providing the cord reel mechanism K, it is possible to support the delivery of the pipes 21 and wiring that are extended when the massage unit 7 is removed from the massage machine 1 (second form V2). Also, when attaching the removed massage unit 7 to the body support section S (above the armrest section 2) (when changing from second form V2 to first form V1), it is possible to support the winding up of the pipes 21 and wiring that were extended until then. Furthermore, by providing the cord reel mechanism K on the body support section S (above the armrest section 2), it is possible to prevent the massage unit 7 from becoming larger.

[0048] Alternatively, the cord reel mechanism K may be provided on the massage unit 7 side instead of the body support section S (above the armrest section 2). By providing the cord reel mechanism K on the massage unit 7 side, it becomes unnecessary to change the length of the piping 21 that runs throughout the inside of the massage machine 1. In addition, the body support section S (above the armrest section 2) can be made more compact. Furthermore, if only the vibrating element 11 is attached to the massage unit 7 (without the air cell 20), the vibrating element 11 can be driven wirelessly, eliminating the need for the cord reel mechanism K.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the cord reel mechanism K consists of a rotating drum 34 (including the shaft 34a of the rotating drum 34) around which the piping 21 is wound, a brake roller 33 (including the shaft 33a of the brake roller 33) that restricts the rotation of the rotating drum 34, a trigger 31 (including the shaft 31a of the trigger 31) to which the brake roller 33 is attached, and a spring 32 that pushes the brake roller 33 attached to the trigger 31 toward the rotating drum 34.

[0050] In this embodiment, a so-called spring-type auto-reel system is used as the cord reel mechanism K. When the piping 21 is fed out (pulled out), a coil spring (not shown) provided on the back of the rotating drum 34 is tightened. Since the rotating drum 34 is in contact with the brake roller 33, the action of the brake roller 33 prevents the tightened coil spring (not shown) from returning to its original state. In other words, since the coiled spring (not shown) does not return to its original state, the rotating drum 34 does not rotate, and the pipe 21 that is sent out does not automatically rewind.

[0051] When the trigger 31 is pressed and the contact between the brake roller 33 and the rotating drum 34 is released, the restriction on the rotation of the rotating drum 34, which was being held down by the brake roller 33, is removed, and the coiled spring (not shown) returns to its original position. The force (repulsive force) at this time, which tries to return to its original position, causes the rotating drum 34 to rotate and wind up the pipe 21.

[0052] The trigger 31 is configured in a roughly S-shape with both ends bent in opposite directions. One end of the trigger 31 is exposed to the outside, and the other end has a brake roller 33 attached to it via a shaft 33a. The trigger 31 is designed to swing up and down with the shaft 31a, which is located near the center of the trigger 31, as the pivot point. A spring 32 is attached to the lower edge of the trigger 31, in front of the shaft 31a. The spring 32 is a compression spring and is used to push the trigger 31 (more specifically, the brake roller 33 attached to the other end of the trigger 31) toward the rotating drum 34 (to press the brake roller 33 against the rotating drum 34). In other words, when no force is applied to the trigger 31, the spring 32 causes the brake roller 33 to come into contact with the rotating drum 34.

[0053] The brake roller 33 is attached to the trigger 31 via a shaft 33a. More specifically, the shaft 33a of the brake roller 33 is attached to a hole (not shown) provided at the other end of the trigger 31. The brake roller 33 is rotatable relative to the shaft 33a. In other words, when the brake roller 33 is in contact with the rotating drum 34, if the massage unit 7 is removed and extended (as used in the second form V2), the piping 21 and other components will extend along with the movement of the massage unit 7. At this time, the rotation of the rotating drum 34 supports the extension of the piping 21 and other components. The brake roller 33 also rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating drum 34.

[0054] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7(b), when no force is applied to the trigger 31 (the trigger 31 is not pressed), the brake roller 33 is in contact with the rotating drum 34 due to the action of the spring 32. Therefore, when the massage unit 7 is removed from the body support part S and the piping 21 is extended (moving the massage unit 7 away from the body support part S), the rotating drum 34 rotates clockwise, and the brake roller 33, which is in contact with the rotating drum 34, rotates counterclockwise. In other words, the presence of the brake roller 33 prevents the extended pipe 21 from retracting on its own.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(c), when one end of the externally exposed trigger 31 is pressed (a force is applied from below upward), the trigger 31 swings around the shaft 31a as a pivot point. More specifically, by pressing one end of the trigger 31, the other end of the trigger 31 swings downward around the shaft 31a as a pivot point. When the trigger 31 swings, the spring 32 attached to the lower side of the trigger 31 compresses, and the contact between the brake roller 33 and the rotating drum 34 is released.

[0056] When the contact between the brake roller 33 and the rotating drum 34 is released, the restriction on the rotation of the rotating drum 34 that was previously regulated by the brake roller 33 is removed, and the rotating drum 34 rotates counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the rotating drum 34 supports the winding of the piping 21, and the piping 21 is wound around the rotating drum 34. In other words, the cord reel mechanism K allows for easy feeding out and winding up of the wiring and piping 21 extending to the removed massage unit 7 (used in the second form V2).

[0057] [Configuration of the locking mechanism] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a locking mechanism R according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is an overall view showing the state in which the massage unit 7 has been removed from the body support part S, (b) is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the massage unit 7 has been attached to the body support part S, and (c) is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the massage unit 7 has been removed from the state in (b).

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the locking mechanism R is composed of multiple components. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism R is provided on both the body support part S and the massage unit 7. By providing the locking mechanism R, it is possible to prevent the massage unit 7 from falling off the body support part S. The configuration of the locking mechanism R is merely an example and is not limited to this. Any configuration is acceptable as long as it prevents the massage unit 7 from falling off the body support part S when the massage unit 7 is attached to the body support part S.

[0059] The locking mechanism R consists of a pin 43 provided on the body support part S side, a spring 42 provided inside the pin 43, a button 41 connected to the spring 42, and holes B1 and B2 provided on the massage unit 7 side. Hole B1 is a hole that extends in the vertical direction, and there is one on the upper side and one on the lower side of the massage unit 7. Hole B1 is for inserting the button 41 provided on the pin 43 (see Figure 8(c)). Hole B2 is a hole that extends in the front-back direction, and there is one on the upper side and one on the lower side of the massage unit 7. Hole B2 is for inserting the pin 43 provided on the armrest part 2 (see Figure 6).

[0060] The pins 43 extend in the front-to-back direction and are provided in pairs at a predetermined distance apart in the up-to-down direction. The pins 43 have a hollow structure, and a spring 42 is provided inside each pin 43. The spring 42 is a compression spring configured to push out the button 41 (upward if the upper pin 43 is located, and downward if the lower pin 43 is located). More specifically, one end of the spring 42 is attached to the other end of the button 41, and the other end of the spring 42 is attached to the pin 43 (the inner wall of the hollow pin 43).

[0061] The pin 43 has a hole (not shown) that extends vertically, into which the button 41 is inserted. In other words, the direction of movement of the button 41 is restricted to vertical movement by the hole (not shown). One end of the button 41 is exposed to the outside. Since the buttons 41 are pushed out by the spring 42, when the buttons 41 are not pressed, the massage unit 7 and the body support part S are locked by the pin 43 (including the buttons 41).

[0062] More specifically, with button 41 pressed down, pin 43 is inserted into hole B2. When button 41 reaches hole B1, the spring 42 causes button 41 to protrude (become exposed to the outside) from hole B1. When button 41 protrudes from hole B1, it becomes locked, and pin 43 cannot be removed from hole B2 (the massage unit 7 is locked to prevent it from falling off the body support part S).

[0063] To release the locked state, it is necessary to simultaneously press the button 41 on the upper pin 43 and the button 41 on the lower pin 43. By configuring the locking mechanism R with two pins 43 (including the buttons 41), it is possible to prevent the locking state of the massage unit 7 from being accidentally released. For example, when user H places their hand on the massage unit 7, they may accidentally press the button 41 on the upper pin 43. If there is only one locking mechanism R, the unlocked massage unit 7 may fall to user H's toes or other body parts, potentially injuring user H. In other words, having two locking mechanisms R prevents user H from being injured by the massage unit 7 that they unintentionally remove.

[0064] When the button 41 on the upper pin 43 is pressed, the button 41 moves downward, and the pin 43 moves below the hole B1 of the massage unit 7. This releases part of the lock state that was maintained by the pin 43. Since there are two pins 43, one above the other, as part of the lock mechanism R, similarly, when the button 41 on the lower pin 43 is pressed, the button 41 moves upward, and the pin 43 moves above the hole B1 of the massage unit 7. This releases part of the lock state that was maintained by the pin 43.

[0065] In other words, by pressing the buttons 41 on the upper and lower pins 43, the lock state of the massage unit 7 relative to the body support part S can be released. With the buttons 41 on the upper and lower pins 43 pressed (releasing the lock state), the massage unit 7 can be pulled out from the pins 43 (the massage unit 7 can then be used as the second form V2).

[0066] [Configuration of the identification unit] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the identification process by the identification unit 12. As shown in Figure 2, the massage machine 1 is provided with an identification unit 12 for identifying the attachment / detachment status of the massage unit 7 to the body support unit S. An example of the identification unit 12 is a pressure sensor. By providing an identification unit 12 for identifying the attachment / detachment status of the massage unit 7 to the body support unit S, it is possible to identify whether the massage unit 7 is properly attached to the body support unit S.

[0067] For example, a pressure sensor (not shown) is attached to pin 43 of the body support part S. In this way, if the massage unit 7 is not attached to the body support part S, the pressure sensor (not shown) will not detect pressure, and the massage machine 1 can be identified as being in the second form V2. Also, for example, if the massage unit 7 is attached to pin 43 of the body support part S, the pressure sensor (not shown) will detect pressure, and the massage machine 1 can be identified as being in the first form V1.

[0068] Specifically, when the massage unit 7 is attached to the body support part S (first form V1), the pin 43 and the hole B2 are in contact. Therefore, the pressure sensor (not shown) can detect the pressure generated between the pin 43 and the hole B2, and the massage machine 1 can be identified as being in the first form V1. On the other hand, when the massage unit 7 is not attached to the body support part S (second form V2), the pin 43 and the hole B2 are not in contact, so the pressure sensor (not shown) does not detect any pressure. Therefore, the massage machine 1 can be identified as being in the second form V2. The configuration of the identification unit 12 is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration. Any configuration is acceptable as long as it can identify whether the massage machine 1 is in the first form V1 or the second form.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, when user H turns on the power to the massage machine 1 (power ON, S-1), the identification unit 12 starts identification (S-2). If the identification unit 12 identifies that the massage unit 7 is attached (the massage unit 7 is attached to the body support unit S), the massage machine 1 is identified as being in the first form V1 (S-3-1). If the identification unit 12 identifies that the massage unit 7 is not attached (the massage unit 7 is removed from the body support unit S), the massage machine 1 is identified as being in the second form V2 (S-3-2).

[0070] Subsequently, a massage program corresponding to the first form V1 or the second form V2 is executed (S-4). By identifying the mounting status of the massage unit 7 with the identification unit 12, it becomes possible to execute specific massage programs that can be used in the first form V1 (for example, stretching movements by pressing on the shoulder area while tilting the backrest 4 backward). In other words, it becomes impossible to execute massage programs that cannot be used in the second form V2 (for example, if the massage unit 7 is removed from the body support unit S and used on the hand, it is not possible to press on the shoulder area, and therefore stretching movements by pressing on the shoulder area while tilting the backrest 4 backward cannot be performed). [Industrial applicability]

[0071] This invention can be applied to a massage mechanism that allows different body parts to be massaged using a common massage unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] Massage unit 7 Body support part S 1st form V1 2nd form V2

Claims

1. Body support area and, It has a massage unit attached to the body support part, The massage unit is configured to be detachably attached to the body support portion. A first embodiment in which the body is attached to the body support part and used in that state, It also has a second form in which it is used in a state detached from the body support part, A massage machine characterized in that it can massage different body parts in the first and second embodiments.

2. The aforementioned body support portion is an elbow rest that supports the user's arm, The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the area that can be massaged in the first embodiment is the user's shoulder, and the area that can be massaged in the second embodiment is the user's hand.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the massage unit has air cells.

4. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the massage unit or the body support part is provided with a cord reel mechanism.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the massage unit has a vibrating member.

6. The massage unit has a communication unit for communicating with the massage machine, The massage machine has a control unit, The massage machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit transmits a signal to control the driving of the massage unit, and the communication unit drives the massage unit based on the received signal.

7. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the massage unit has a locking mechanism.

8. Having an identification unit, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification unit identifies the state of attachment or detachment of the massage unit to the body support unit.

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