Massage machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a massage machine that can change the destination of the massage mechanism by driving a switch to change the direction of the guide rail. [Solution] A massage machine having a massage mechanism and guide rails for the massage mechanism to move, wherein the guide rails are composed of a guide rail body, a first guide rail, and a second guide rail, and the massage machine has a switch, and by driving the switch, the guide rails are switched to change the destination of the massage mechanism.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a massage machine in which by setting a seat portion and a leg rest portion at a predetermined angle, racks of a seat guide rail and a leg rest guide rail mesh with each other, and a roller portion can move between the seat portion and the leg rest portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 4919290 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] In the massage machine described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, although a guide rail is provided on each of the seat portion and the leg rest portion, since only one guide rail is provided on the seat portion and one guide rail on the leg rest portion respectively, there is a problem that the moving destination of the roller portion within the seat portion or within the leg rest portion cannot be changed. Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a massage machine capable of changing the moving destination of a massage mechanism by driving a branching device to switch a guide rail. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] The present invention relates to a massage machine having a massage mechanism and guide rails for the movement of the massage mechanism, wherein the guide rails are composed of a guide rail body, a first guide rail, and a second guide rail, and the massage machine has a switch, and by driving the switch, the guide rails are switched to change the destination of the massage mechanism. This configuration allows the destination of the massage mechanism to be changed.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable that changing the destination of the massage mechanism includes changing the destination of the massage mechanism from the first guide rail to the second guide rail, and changing the destination of the massage mechanism from the second guide rail to the first guide rail. This configuration allows the destination of the massage mechanism to be changed from the first guide rail to the second guide rail, and from the second guide rail to the first guide rail.

[0007] Furthermore, the second guide rail is for moving the massage mechanism to its storage position, and it is preferable that it be located further away from the user than the first guide rail. This configuration prevents the massage mechanism, once moved to its storage position, from coming into contact with the user.

[0008] Furthermore, the first guide rail is for moving the massage mechanism to the extrusion position, and it is preferable that it be located closer to the user than the second guide rail. This configuration allows the massage mechanism to be pushed out as it moves.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage machine has a backrest, and that the guide rail is provided on the backrest. This configuration allows the position of the massage mechanism in the backrest to be changed.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage machine has a seat and that the guide rail is provided on the seat. This configuration allows the position of the massage mechanism in the seat to be changed.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the massage machine has a backrest and a seat, and that the guide rail is provided across the backrest and the seat. This configuration allows the massage mechanism to be moved to different locations across the backrest and seat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the destination of the massage mechanism can be changed by driving the switch and switching the guide rail. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a massage machine in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic front view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a plan view. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the area around a switch according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the area around a turnout according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the switch is driven, and (b) shows the state after the switch is driven. [Figure 8]It is a schematic left-side view of a chair body of a massage machine provided with a guide rail on a seat portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a state before moving a massage mechanism to an extended position, and (b) shows a state after moving the massage mechanism to the extended position. [Figure 9] It is a schematic left-side view of a chair body of a massage machine provided with a guide rail on a seat portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a state before moving a massage mechanism to a storage position, and (b) shows a state after moving the massage mechanism to the storage position. [Figure 10] It is a schematic left-side view of a chair body of a massage machine provided with a guide rail on a backrest portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a state before moving a massage mechanism to an extended position, and (b) shows a state after moving the massage mechanism to the extended position. [Figure 11] It is a schematic left-side view of a chair body of a massage machine provided with a guide rail on a backrest portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows a state before moving a massage mechanism to a storage position, and (b) shows a state after moving the massage mechanism to the storage position.

[0014] [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. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the configuration, arrangement, number of installed massage units M (2a, 3a, 5a, 10) and the like are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications can be made according to embodiments.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a chair body S consisting of a seat portion 3 on which a user sits, a backrest portion 4 provided at a rear portion of the seat portion 3 for the user to lean against, and a frame F that supports the chair body S. A footrest portion 5 is attached to a front portion of the seat portion 3 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. Side walls 2 are attached to the chair body S. In various parts of the chair body S, there are provided a massage portion M (a massage mechanism 10, a side massage portion 2a, a buttock massage portion 3a, a leg massage portion 5a) that massages a user, a control portion 8 that controls functions of the massage machine 1, an operation portion (not shown) for performing various operations of the massage machine 1, and an air supply and exhaust device 9 for supplying and exhausting air to and from an air cell. Each configuration will be described later.

[0016] [Configuration of Chair Body] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the chair body S is formed in a substantially L-shape in which the seat portion 3 and the backrest portion 4 are integrated. A guide rail G is provided inside the chair body S, extending from the seat portion 3 to the backrest portion 4. More specifically, the guide rail G includes a guide rail body 20, a first guide rail G1 connected to the guide rail body 20, and a second guide rail G2 switchable from the first guide rail G1. A massage mechanism 10 is attached to the guide rail G. A plurality of (one in the present embodiment) massage mechanisms 10 may be provided along the height direction of the user. The massage mechanism 10 provided on the chair body S is movable in the vertical direction along the guide rail G. The configuration of the guide rail G will be described later.

[0017] The massage mechanism 10 moves up and down along the guide rail G, allowing it to massage the back of the user's torso (e.g., shoulders and waist) and the user's buttocks while seated on the seat 3. On the upper surface of the seat 3, there are two pairs of buttock massage sections 3a (massage sections M) on the left and right sides for massaging the user's buttocks. More specifically, they are provided with a predetermined gap between them so as not to interfere with the massage mechanism 10 when it moves to the seat 3 (see Figure 2). The buttock massage sections 3a are composed of air cells that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air.

[0018] Side walls 2 are attached to the sides of the chair body S (see Figures 1 and 2). Side massage sections 2a are attached to the side walls 2 for massaging the sides of the user's body. Two side massage sections 2a are attached to each of the left and right side walls 2. More specifically, one is attached to the backrest 4 side of the chair body S, and another to the seat 3 side of the chair body S. The side massage section 2a is composed of air cells that expand and contract by the intake and exhaust of air.

[0019] [Footrest structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the footrest section 5 is configured in a concave shape. More specifically, the central part of the footrest section 5 is configured in a plate shape, and both left and right ends are configured in a concave shape that bends forward. Leg massage sections 5a (massage sections M) for massaging the user's legs are provided at various points on the footrest section 5a. The leg massage sections 5a are made of air cells that expand and contract with the supply and exhaust of air.

[0020] More specifically, the leg massage units 5a are attached in pairs to the central part of the plate-like section, and one is also attached to each of the left and right ends that are bent forward. In other words, a total of four leg massage units 5a are attached to the footrest unit 5. The user's legs, when placed on the footrest unit 5, can be massaged by the leg massage units 5a from two directions: the back and the outer surface. Each leg massage section 5a may be configured to expand and contract independently.

[0021] [Massage mechanism configuration] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the massage mechanism 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic top view of the massage mechanism 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the massage mechanism 10 (massage section 10) will be described below. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, this massage mechanism 10 is composed of a pair of arms 81 on the left and right sides, and treatment elements 82 provided at both the upper and lower ends of the arms 81. By driving the massage motors M1 and M2, the left and right treatment elements 82 can move closer together and further apart to perform kneading massage, and the left and right treatment elements 82 can move back and forth alternately toward the user to perform tapping massage.

[0022] Furthermore, the massage mechanism 10 can be moved upward or downward along the user's height direction by the drive of the lifting motor M3. Therefore, the position of the massage mechanism 10 can be changed (for example, moving it from near the user's shoulders to the buttocks) or a rolling massage can be performed. Inside the chair body S, there are paired guide rails G (including the guide rail body 20, the first guide rail G1, and the second guide rail G2) that extend in the direction of the user's height. The massage mechanism 10 moves along the guide rails G. As the massage mechanism 10 moves in the direction of the user's height, the massager 82 can massage the area from the user's neck to the buttocks.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the massage mechanism 10 has a base frame 80a and a movable frame 80b supported by the base frame 80a. The base frame 80a has guide rollers 83 on both its left and right sides that fit into the guide rails G. The guide rollers 83 are rotatably mounted on the four corners of the base frame 80a via rotating shafts 83a that extend in the front-rear direction. More specifically, guide rollers 83 are mounted on the upper side of the base frame 80a and on the lower side of the base frame 80a, respectively. In other words, the massage mechanism 10 has a total of eight guide rollers 83. When the lifting motor M3 is driven, the guide rollers 83 connected to the lifting motor M3 rotate, allowing the massage mechanism 10 to move vertically along the guide rails G.

[0024] The shape of the guide roller 83 will be explained using the guide roller 83 located on the treatment device 82 side as an example. A hole is provided in the center of the guide roller 83. The rotating shaft 83a is inserted through this hole. The guide roller 83 has a roughly H-shape, concave from the outside in the left-right direction towards the inside, and the diameter of the guide roller 83 differs at the front and rear. More specifically, the diameter of the front side of the guide roller 83 is smaller than the diameter of the rear side. In other words, the guide roller 83 is formed in a roughly trapezoidal shape (see Figure 5 in particular). This prevents the guide rollers 83 from derailing from the guide rail G when the guide rail G is switched, and allows the destination of the massage mechanism 10 to be changed. As shown in Figure 5, the pair of guide rollers 83 at the front and rear are mounted facing opposite directions. More specifically, the guide rollers 83 with larger diameters are mounted facing each other.

[0025] The movable frame 80b is supported by the base frame 80a via a left-right pivot axis 84. A reciprocating drive unit 85, consisting of an air cell or the like, is provided between the base frame 80a and the movable frame 80b. Driven by the reciprocating drive unit 85, the movable frame 80b can move back and forth in the front-rear direction around the pivot axis 84. Note that the structure does not necessarily require the movable frame 80b to move back and forth; the reciprocating drive unit 85 may be provided on the arm 81, allowing only the arm 81 to move back and forth.

[0026] The arm 81 is connected to the kneading shaft 86 and the striking shaft 87, which extend in the left-right direction. On both the left and right sides of the kneading shaft 86, there are inclined cams 86a having inclined shaft portions 86b, and the arm 81 is attached to these inclined cams 86a. The left and right inclined shaft portions 86b are inclined with respect to the axis of the kneading shaft 86 so as to form a roughly V-shape when viewed from the front. On both the left and right sides of the striking shaft 87, there are eccentric cams 87a having eccentric shaft portions 87b that are eccentric with respect to the axis of the striking shaft 87, and the arm 81 is attached to these eccentric cams 87a via a connecting rod 88.

[0027] The left and right eccentric shaft portions 87b are in different phases with respect to the axis of the tapping shaft 87, specifically by 180 degrees. The kneading shaft 86 and the tapping shaft 87 are rotated by the drive of massage motors M1 and M2, respectively. The treatment element 82 performs kneading massage by the rotation of the kneading shaft 86 and tapping massage by the rotation of the tapping shaft 87. The arm 81 on which the treatment element 82 is mounted, the kneading shaft 86, and the tapping shaft 87 are supported by a movable frame 80b. Therefore, the treatment element 82 can move forward and backward relative to the user by the movement of the movable frame 80b.

[0028] The arm 81 is movable in the front-rear direction and is biased by a biasing means (not shown) consisting of a spring or the like so that the upper treatment element 82 protrudes forward. The massage mechanism 10 also has a sensor 89 that detects the user's body information. This sensor 89 can obtain body information by detecting when the arm 81 reaches a predetermined swinging position.

[0029] To explain in more detail, as the massage mechanism 10 is raised along the height direction, when the upper treatment element 82 reaches above the shoulder, the load acting on the treatment element 82 is released, and the arm 81 swings forward to a predetermined swing position. The sensor 89 detects that the arm 81 has reached the predetermined swing position and detects the shoulder position based on the vertical position of the massage mechanism 10 at that time. Using the shoulder position as a reference, the positions of other body parts (neck, back, waist, etc.) are calculated. The detected body information is stored in a memory unit (not shown).

[0030] [Guide rail configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, guide rails G for the movement of the massage mechanism 10 are provided inside the chair body S. More specifically, they are provided in pairs on the left and right sides inside the chair body S. The guide rails G consist of a guide rail body 20, a first guide rail G1, and a second guide rail G2. A turnout 30 is provided between the guide rail body 20 and the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2. Details of each component will be described later. In this embodiment, the example described is when the switch 31 is driven to switch the track from the second guide rail G2, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. The switch 31 may also be configured to switch the track from the first guide rail G1. Since the left and right guide rails G have the same structure, the explanation will be given using one of the guide rails G as an example.

[0031] The section of guide rail G before it is branched into the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 by the turnout 30 is the guide rail body 20. The first guide rail G1 is for moving the massage mechanism 10 to the extrusion position. Therefore, the first guide rail G1 is located closer to the user than the second guide rail G2. The second guide rail G2 is for moving the massage mechanism 10 to the storage position. Therefore, the second guide rail G2 is located further away from the user than the first guide rail G1.

[0032] In this embodiment, the guide rails G attached to the massage machine 1 are described as being configured such that the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are branched at the seat 3, and the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are branched at the backrest 4, but these are just examples and are not limited to these configurations. For example, a configuration in which the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are branched at both the seat 3 and the backrest 4 may be adopted. By doing so, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 can be changed across the backrest 4 and the seat 3. In other words, not only can the destination of the massage mechanism 10 in the seat 3 be changed, but the destination of the massage mechanism 10 in the backrest 4 can also be changed.

[0033] [Storage location] The storage position of the massage mechanism 10 is the position to which the massage mechanism 10 moves when the power to the massage machine 1 is turned off or when the massage course of the massage machine 1 is completed. When the massage mechanism 10 is in the storage position, the massage mechanism 10 (more specifically, the treatment element 82 of the massage mechanism 10) is not in contact with the user. The massage mechanism 10 can move to the storage position by moving along the second guide rail G2. The second guide rail G2 is located further away from the user than the first guide rail G1. In this embodiment, the storage position is described, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, it may be a position used when you want to reduce the sensation of the massage provided by the massage mechanism 10.

[0034] [Extrusion position] The extrusion position of the massage mechanism 10 is the position where the massage mechanism 10 moves to the first guide rail G1 when a user operates the control unit (not shown) to drive the switch 30, thereby switching the guide rail G (in short, the position where the massage mechanism 10 is used for massage). When the massage mechanism 10 is in the extrusion position, the massage mechanism 10 (more specifically, the treatment element 82 of the massage mechanism 10) comes into closer contact with the user compared to when the massage mechanism 10 is not in the extrusion position (when it is on the second guide rail G2). The first guide rail G1 is located closer to the user than the second guide rail G2. In this embodiment, the position is described as an extrusion position, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, it may be a position used when you want to intensify the sensation of the massage provided by the massage mechanism 10.

[0035] [Configuration of turnouts and switches] Figure 6 is a schematic enlarged view of the area around the turnout 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view of the area around the turnout 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the switch 31 is driven, and (b) shows the state after the switch 31 is driven. In this embodiment, the guide rail body 20 and the members located between the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are collectively described as the turnout 30.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the turnout 30 is composed of multiple rails and a switch 31 attached to the rails. More specifically, the multiple rails consist of a guard rail 23, a tongue rail 24 (including the tip 24a of the tongue rail), a lead rail 25, a wing rail 26, a stock rail 27, a main rail 28, and a nose rail 29.

[0037] Each rail will now be described. The basic rail, the stock rail 27, is the rail to which the tongue rail 24 makes contact. The area under the chin of the top of the stock rail 27 may be trimmed to suppress the upward movement of the tongue rail 24. The basic stock rails 27 are paired vertically with a predetermined gap between them. One end of the stock rail 27 extends toward the backrest 4 and is connected to the guide rail body 20.

[0038] The other end of each stock rail 27 is connected to the main rail 28. More specifically, the upper stock rail 27 (including the main rail 28) is connected to the first guide rail G1 for moving the massage mechanism 10 toward the extrusion position. Therefore, the stock rail 27 (including the main rail 28) is formed with an upward curve.

[0039] Furthermore, the lower stock rail 27 (including the main rail 28) is connected to the second guide rail G2 for moving the massage mechanism 10 towards the storage position. Therefore, the stock rail 27 (including the main rail 28) is formed straight in the left-right direction. In other words, the stock rails 27, which are paired vertically, are formed to spread out in a V-shape from one end (backrest 4 side) to the other end (seat 3 side).

[0040] Inside each main rail 28, a guard rail 23 is provided to prevent one side of the guide roller 83 from derailing. More specifically, the upper guard rail 23 is located at the position where the centrifugal force generated when the massage mechanism 10 moves on the turnout 30 is greatest. The presence of the guard rail 23 prevents one side of the guide roller 83 from derailing due to centrifugal force when the massage mechanism 10 is moved towards the extrusion position. The lower guard rail 23 is located near the nose rail 29, which is the end point of the turnout. The presence of the guard rail 23 prevents one side of the guide roller 83 from derailing when the massage mechanism 10 is moved towards the storage position.

[0041] Furthermore, a pair of tongue rails 24 are provided between the upper and lower stock rails 27 (including the main rail 28). The tongue rails 24 are rails with pointed ends (in this embodiment, the pointed portion will be described as the tip portion 24a). A tip portion 24a is continuously formed at one end of the tongue rail 24 (the backrest portion 4 side) and is turned by the drive of the switch 31. The tip portion 24a is formed to gradually narrow from the other end (seat portion 3 side) towards the one end (backrest portion 4 side). By gradually narrowing the shape of the one end (backrest portion 4 side), when the tip portion 24a is turned, one wheel of the guide roller 83 can follow along the tip portion 24a, thereby allowing the massage mechanism 10 to move smoothly.

[0042] A lead rail 25 is continuously formed on the other end (seat portion 3 side) of the tongue rail 24. The lead rail 25 is a rail that connects the other end of the tongue rail 24 to the front end of the wing rail 26 that constitutes the crossing section. The crossing section is the part of the turnout 30 where the rails intersect.

[0043] The upper wing rail 26 is angled slightly so as to spread outward (upward in the vertical direction) relative to the lead rail 25. Specifically, it is angled to match the tip of the nose rail 29, which has a sharp angle. Similarly, the lower wing rail 26 is angled slightly so as to spread outward (downward in the vertical direction) relative to the lead rail 25. Specifically, it is angled to match the tip of the nose rail 29, which has a sharp angle.

[0044] One end of the lead rail 25 (on the backrest 4 side) is connected to the tongue rail 24, and the other end of the lead rail 25 (on the seat 3 side) is connected to the wing rail 26. The tip 24a of the tongue rail 24 is connected to the switch 31. In other words, the structure is formed by continuously arranging multiple members in the order of wing rail 26, lead rail 25, tongue rail 24, and tip 24a, from the seat 3 side toward the backrest 4 side. In other words, in this embodiment, the tongue rail 24 (including the tip portion 24a), the lead rail 25, and the wing rail 26 are configured as an integrated elastic turnout.

[0045] The nose rail 29 is the rail that marks the end of the branch and is configured in a roughly V-shape. At the tip of the nose rail 29 (the acute-angled part), there are two opposing wing rails 26, one above the other. The other ends of the nose rail 29 are connected to the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2, respectively. More specifically, the upper end of the other end of the nose rail 29 is connected to the first guide rail G1, and the lower end is connected to the second guide rail G2. In other words, one end of the first guide rail G1 (on the backrest 4 side) is connected to the upper side of the main rail 28 and the nose rail 29. Also, one end of the second guide rail G2 (on the backrest 4 side) is connected to the lower side of the main rail 28 and the nose rail 29.

[0046] The turnout 30 includes a switch 31. The switch 31 is used to switch the tip 24a of the tongue rail 24. As shown in Figure 6, the switch 31 consists of a main body 32 with a built-in motor (not shown) and a connecting rod 33 attached to the main body 32. In this embodiment, the connecting rod 33 consists of a pair of rods spaced at a predetermined distance apart. The connecting rod 33 is connected to the tip 24a of the tongue rail 24.

[0047] The switch 31 receives a signal from the control unit 8 and moves the connecting rod 33, thereby moving (switching) the tip 24a of the tongue rail 24 connected to the connecting rod 33. By moving (switching) the tip 24a of the tongue rail 24, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 can be changed. For example, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 from the guide rail body 20 can be changed from the first guide rail G1 to the second guide rail G2, or from the second guide rail G2 to the first guide rail G1.

[0048] When the movement of the connecting rod 33 is complete, the drive of the switch 31 is terminated. The termination of the drive of the switch 31 locks the movement of the connecting rod 33. Locking the movement of the connecting rod 33 fixes the destination of the massage mechanism 10 (whether it is the first guide rail G1 or the second guide rail G2).

[0049] As shown in Figure 7(a), when the switch 31 is not driven, the massage mechanism 10 moves toward the storage position along the second guide rail G2. More specifically, the tip 24a of the upper tongue rail 24 is connected to the upper stock rail 27. The tip 24a of the lower tongue rail 24 is not connected to the lower stock rail 27. Therefore, the massage mechanism 10 cannot move toward the first guide rail G1. Consequently, the massage mechanism 10 moves toward the storage position.

[0050] In other words, the upper guide roller 83 moves from the upper stock rail 27 along the tip 24a of the upper tongue rail 24. On the other hand, the lower guide roller 83 moves from the lower stock rail 27 along the main rail 28 without following the lower tongue rail 24.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7(b), when the switch 31 is driven, the massage mechanism 10 moves toward the extrusion position along the first guide rail G1. More specifically, the tip 24a of the upper tongue rail 24 is not connected to the upper stock rail 27. The tip 24a of the lower tongue rail 24 is connected to the lower stock rail 27. Therefore, the massage mechanism 10 cannot move toward the second guide rail G2. Consequently, the massage mechanism 10 moves toward the extrusion position.

[0052] In other words, the upper guide roller 83 moves along the main rail 28 without following the upper stock rail 27 and the upper tongue rail 24. On the other hand, the lower guide roller 83 moves along the tip 24a of the lower tongue rail 24, starting from the lower stock rail 27.

[0053] In other words, the massage mechanism 10 begins to move along the guide rail body 20 from the backrest 4 side toward the seat 3 side, and when it reaches the turnout 30, it moves along the first guide rail G1 or the second guide rail G2 depending on the state of the turnout 30 (the state of the switch 31). If the state of the turnout 30 is "before the switch 31 is driven", the massage mechanism 10 moves along the second guide rail G2 toward the storage position (see Figure 7(a)). If the state of the turnout 30 is "after the switch 31 has been driven", the massage mechanism 10 moves along the first guide rail G1 toward the extrusion position (see Figure 7(b)).

[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the chair body S of a massage machine 1, which is equipped with a seat 3 and guide rails G (including a first guide rail G1 and a second guide rail G2), as viewed from the left, where (a) shows the state before the massage mechanism 10 is moved to the extrusion position, and (b) shows the state after the massage mechanism 10 has been moved to the extrusion position. In Figure 8, the first guide rail G1 plays a role in moving the massage mechanism 10 to the extrusion position. Therefore, the first guide rail G1 is positioned closer to the user than the second guide rail G2.

[0055] Based on Figure 8, the relationship between the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 in the seat portion 3 will be explained. Note that Figure 8 shows the state in which the massage mechanism 10 moves along the first guide rail G1 and moves to the extrusion position. Therefore, the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). As shown in Figure 8, the guide rail G is provided extending from the backrest 4 to the seat 3. The guide rail G, which extends from the backrest 4 to the seat 3, starts from a turnout 30 located near the boundary between the backrest 4 and the seat 3. The guide rail body 20 is provided on the backrest 4 side, and the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are provided on the seat 3 side. The first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 branch off from the turnout 30.

[0056] Since the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b), as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the massage mechanism 10, which has moved along the guide rail body 20 from the backrest 4 side to the seat 3 side, moves to the first guide rail G1 via the turnout 30. In other words, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 is the first guide rail G1, and the massage mechanism 10 can be moved toward the extrusion position.

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chair body S of a massage machine 1, which is equipped with a seat 3 and guide rails G (including a first guide rail G1 and a second guide rail G2), as viewed from the left, where (a) shows the state before the massage mechanism 10 is moved to the storage position, and (b) shows the state after the massage mechanism 10 has been moved to the storage position. In Figure 9, the second guide rail G2 plays a role in moving the massage mechanism 10 to its storage position. Therefore, the second guide rail G2 is positioned further away from the user than the first guide rail G1.

[0058] Based on Figure 9, the relationship between the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 in the seat section 3 will be explained. Note that Figure 9 shows the state in which the massage mechanism 10 moves along the second guide rail G2 and moves to the storage position. Therefore, the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(a). As shown in Figure 9, the guide rail G is provided extending from the backrest 4 to the seat 3. The guide rail G, which extends from the backrest 4 to the seat 3, starts from a turnout 30 located near the boundary between the backrest 4 and the seat 3. The guide rail body 20 is provided on the backrest 4 side, and the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are provided on the seat 3 side. The first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 branch off from the turnout 30.

[0059] Since the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(a), as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the massage mechanism 10, which has moved along the guide rail body 20 from the backrest 4 side to the seat 3 side, moves to the second guide rail G2 via the turnout 30. In other words, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 is the second guide rail G2, and the massage mechanism 10 can be moved towards the storage position.

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the chair body S of a massage machine 1 equipped with guide rails G (including a first guide rail G1 and a second guide rail G2) on the backrest 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left, where (a) shows the state before the massage mechanism 10 is moved to the extrusion position, and (b) shows the state after the massage mechanism 10 has been moved to the extrusion position. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the chair body S of a massage machine 1 equipped with guide rails G (including a first guide rail G1 and a second guide rail G2) on the backrest 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left, where (a) shows the state before the massage mechanism 10 is moved to the storage position, and (b) shows the state after the massage mechanism 10 has been moved to the storage position.

[0061] In Figure 10, the first guide rail G1 plays a role in moving the massage mechanism 10 to the extrusion position. Therefore, the first guide rail G1 is positioned closer to the user than the second guide rail G2. Note that the turnout 30 is positioned in the opposite direction to that in Figures 8 and 9. In other words, the direction that was "backrest side" in Figures 6 and 7 is now "seat side," and the direction that was "extruded position side, stored position side" is now "backrest side."

[0062] Based on Figure 10, the relationship between the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 in the backrest section 4 will be explained. Figure 10 shows the state in which the massage mechanism 10 moves along the first guide rail G1 and moves to the extrusion position. Therefore, the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b). As shown in Figure 10, the guide rail G is provided extending from the backrest 4 to the seat 3. The guide rail G, which extends from the backrest 4 to the seat 3, starts from the turnout 30 located above the backrest 4, with the guide rail body 20 on the seat 3 side and the first guide rail G1 and second guide rail G2 on the backrest 4.

[0063] Since the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(b), the massage mechanism 10, which has moved along the guide rail body 20 from the seat 3 side to the backrest 4 side as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), moves to the first guide rail G1 via the turnout 30. In other words, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 is the first guide rail G1, and the massage mechanism 10 can be moved toward the extrusion position.

[0064] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the chair body S of a massage machine 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is equipped with guide rails G (including a first guide rail G1 and a second guide rail G2) on the backrest 4, viewed from the left. (a) shows the state before the massage mechanism 10 is moved to the storage position, and (b) shows the state after the massage mechanism 10 has been moved to the storage position. In Figure 11, the second guide rail G2 plays a role in moving the massage mechanism 10 to its storage position. Therefore, the second guide rail G2 is positioned further away from the user than the first guide rail G1.

[0065] Based on Figure 11, the relationship between the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 in the backrest section 4 will be explained. Note that Figure 11 shows the state in which the massage mechanism 10 moves along the second guide rail G2 and moves to the storage position. Therefore, the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(a). As shown in Figure 11, the guide rail G is provided extending from the backrest 4 to the seat 3. The guide rail G, which extends from the backrest 4 to the seat 3, starts from the turnout 30 located above the backrest 4, with the guide rail body 20 on the seat 3 side and the first guide rail G1 and second guide rail G2 on the backrest 4 side.

[0066] Since the turnout 30 is in the state shown in Figure 7(a), as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the massage mechanism 10, which has moved along the guide rail body 20 from the backrest 4 side to the seat 3 side, moves to the second guide rail G2 via the turnout 30. In other words, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 is the second guide rail G2, and the massage mechanism 10 can be moved towards the storage position.

[0067] In other words, the destination of the massage mechanism 10 can be easily changed simply by driving the turnout 30 and switching the guide rail G. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine that can change the destination of the massage mechanism by driving a switch to change the direction of the guide rail. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] Massage mechanism 10 Guide rail G First guide rail 21b Second guide rail 22b 30 branch switches

Claims

1. Massage mechanism, A massage machine having a guide rail for the massage mechanism to move, The aforementioned guide rail is composed of a guide rail body, a first guide rail, and a second guide rail. The massage machine has a splitter, A massage machine characterized by changing the destination of the massage mechanism by driving the aforementioned switch to switch the guide rail.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein changing the destination of the massage mechanism includes changing the destination of the massage mechanism from the first guide rail to the second guide rail, and changing the destination of the massage mechanism from the second guide rail to the first guide rail.

3. The second guide rail is for moving the massage mechanism to the storage position. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is located further away from the user than the first guide rail.

4. The first guide rail is for moving the massage mechanism to the extrusion position. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is located closer to the user than the second guide rail.

5. The massage machine has a backrest, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide rail is provided on the backrest.

6. The massage machine has a seat, The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide rail is provided on the seat portion.

7. The massage machine has a backrest and a seat. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide rail is provided across the backrest and the seat.

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