Massage machine

Abstract

To provide a massage machine capable of changing air pressure to be output to specified air cells among multiple air cells by controlling an air pump.SOLUTION: A massage machine includes: body support parts for supporting a body of a user; multiple air cells arranged in the body support parts and to be expanded / contracted by air supply / discharge; an air pump for supplying air to the multiple air cells; valves arranged between the multiple air cells and the air pump so as to distribute supply / discharge of air to be output from the air pump; and a control section for controlling at least the air pump and the valves. The control section controls the air pump so as to change air pressure to be output to the specified air cells among the multiple air cells.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine, and more particularly to a massage machine capable of changing the air pressure output to a specific air cell among a plurality of air cells by controlling an air pump. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a massage machine which comprises a seat on which a user sits, a backrest supported at the rear end of the seat so as to be able to swing, armrests formed on both sides of the seat, and a legrest for massaging the user's calves and the like, and in which the backrest, seat and legrest are each equipped with massage means consisting of airbags or the like which expand and contract when compressed air is supplied to and discharged from the backrest, seat and legrest, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-219553 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the massage machine in Patent Document 1 above works by holding a pair of treatment airbags, one on each side, in a pre-inflated state to a predetermined extent in order to quickly twist the human body and perform a sharp twisting massage, and tilts the human body by the sum of the movements of both airbags, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to change the air pressure output to a specific air cell among multiple air cells by controlling the air pump.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a massage machine that can change the air pressure output to a specific air cell among multiple air cells by controlling the air pump. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention comprises a body support section that supports the body of a user, a plurality of air cells that are provided on the body support section and expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air, an air pump for supplying air to the plurality of air cells, a valve provided between the plurality of air cells and the air pump for distributing the supply and exhaust of air output from the air pump, and a control section that controls at least the air pump and the valve, wherein the control section changes the air pressure output to a particular air cell among the plurality of air cells by controlling the air pump. With this configuration, it is possible to change the sensation of some of the multiple treatment areas (sites). For example, by increasing the air pressure output to a specific air cell (for example, an air cell provided on the sole of the foot) among the air cells provided in the backrest, seat, and footrest, it is possible to increase the sensation on the sole of the foot.

[0007] The present invention also comprises a body support section that supports the body of a user, an air cell that is provided on the body support section and expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air, an air pump for supplying air to the air cell, a valve provided between the air cell and the air pump for distributing the supply and exhaust of air output from the air pump, a control section that controls at least the air pump and the valve, and a physical information acquisition section that acquires physical information of the user, wherein the control section changes the air pressure output to the air cell by controlling the air pump based on the physical information of the user acquired by the physical information acquisition section. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a massage that corresponds to the physical differences of the users. For example, even if users of different builds (e.g., male and female) use the same massage machine, it is possible to provide a massage that corresponds to the physical differences by changing the air pressure output to the air cells based on the physical information of the users.

[0008] It is also preferable that the control unit changes the supply flow rate of air per unit time output to the air cell by controlling the air pump. With this configuration, the air supply flow rate can be adjusted. For example, by changing the air supply flow rate per unit time of the air pump when outputting to the air cells provided in the foot from 1 cubic centimeter / second to 3 cubic centimeters / second, the speed at which the air cells expand can be increased. In other words, the speed at which the air cells press is different when air is output at 1 cubic centimeter / second and when air is output at 3 cubic centimeters / second, and therefore the user can experience a different sensation.

[0009] Moreover, it is preferable that the control unit performs control to change the air pressure output to the air cells and / or the amount of air supply flow per unit time during a series of operations of a massage course of the massage machine. With this configuration, the air pressure and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time output to the air cells can be changed in a series of operations in a massage course. For example, in a whole body course, the air pressure and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time when outputting to the air cells provided in the buttocks are changed to be different from the air pressure and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time when outputting to the air cells provided in the legs. By doing so, the air pressure output to the air cells and / or the amount of air supply per unit time can be made different, and the physical sensation felt by the legs and the buttocks can be made different.

[0010] It is also preferable that the body support portion has at least one of a seat portion on which the user sits, a backrest portion that supports the upper body of the user, an armrest portion that supports the arms of the user, and a footrest portion that supports the lower limbs of the user. With this configuration, it is possible to change the air pressure and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time output to the air cells provided in each of the body support parts (seat, backrest, armrest, footrest).For example, by differentiating the driving frequency (60 Hz) of the air pump when outputting to the air cells provided in the seat and the driving frequency (70 Hz) of the air pump when outputting to the air cells provided in the footrest, it is possible to change the bodily sensation for each treatment part (site).

[0011] It is also preferable that the backrest is configured to be freely reclined relative to the seat, and the control unit changes the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time depending on the reclining angle of the backrest relative to the seat. With this configuration, the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the amount of air supply flow per unit time can be changed according to the reclining angle. For example, when the reclining angle is small, the load from the user that the backrest receives is small, so by increasing the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the amount of air supply flow per unit time, the air cell can be brought into closer contact with the user, and the bodily sensation can be changed. Also, when the reclining angle is large, the load from the user that the backrest receives is large, so by decreasing the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the amount of air supply flow per unit time, the air cell can be prevented from coming into contact with the user, and the bodily sensation can be changed.

[0012] It is also preferable that the footrest portion is configured to be freely oscillating relative to the seat portion, and the control portion changes the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time depending on the oscillating angle of the footrest portion relative to the seat portion. With this configuration, the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time can be changed according to the swing angle. For example, when the swing angle is small, the load from the user that the footrest receives is small, so by increasing the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time, the air cell can be brought into closer contact with the user, and the physical sensation can be changed. Also, when the swing angle is large, the load from the user that the footrest receives is large, so by decreasing the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time, the air cell can be prevented from coming into contact with the user, and the physical sensation can be changed.

[0013] In addition, it is preferable that the footrest portion is composed of a calf unit that supports the user's calves and a toe unit that supports the user's toes, and that the air cell is provided in at least one of the calf unit or the toe unit. With this configuration, it is possible to massage the calves or toes of the user with varying strength. For example, by controlling the air pump to make the air pressure and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time different between the air cells provided in the calf unit and the air cells provided in the toe unit, it is possible to make the user's calves and toes feel different. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the air pressure output to a specific air cell among a plurality of air cells can be changed by controlling the air pump. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of a massage machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a massage machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the massage machine. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the posture of the massage machine. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing an air pump according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an air pump according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an air pump and a valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an expanded state of an air cell. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view of a massage unit provided in the backrest portion. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a massaging body that massages the user's feet. [Figure 13] 11 is a front view showing a state in which massage bodies for massaging the user's toes are provided on the toe unit. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the massaging body that massages the user's feet. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation pattern in the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation pattern in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [Overall configuration of the massage machine] The overall configuration of the massage machine 1 of the present invention will now be described. In addition, the concept of direction used in the following explanation will be consistent with the concept of direction as seen by a user using the massage machine 1 while seated on the massage machine 1, and other cases will be explained as appropriate.

[0017] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the massage machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a seat 2 on which a user sits, a backrest 3 on which the user leans and which is provided at the rear of the seat 2 so as to be reclined, a footrest 4 on which the user leans and which is provided at the front of the seat 2 so as to be able to swing up and down, a pillow 5 on the upper front surface of the backrest 3 to support the user's head and / or neck, armrests 6 on both the left and right sides of the seat 2, and side walls 7 on both the left and right sides of the backrest 3. The seat 2, the backrest 3, the footrest 4, the pillow 5, the armrests 6, and the side walls 7 function as body support parts that support the user's body. The body support parts 2 to 7 are provided with massage parts (air cells 20) and massage bodies 70 that massage the user's body. The configurations of the massage parts (air cells 20) and the massage bodies 70 will be described later. The massage machine 1 also has a massage unit 8 that performs kneading massage and / or tapping massage on the backrest portion 3, a control unit 9 that controls each operation of the massage machine 1, and a controller 10 that allows the user to perform various operations, as described below.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the backrest 3 is configured to be reclined forward and backward with respect to the seat 2 by a first actuator 11 (see Fig. 3) provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from the standing position shown in Fig. 1 to a reclined position (see Fig. 4) in which the backrest surface is substantially horizontal. The armrest 6 is configured to move backward in conjunction with the reclining of the backrest 3, and to move forward in conjunction with the standing of the backrest 3. The footrest 4 is configured to be swingable up and down with respect to the seat 2 by a second actuator 12 (see Fig. 3) provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from the hanging position shown in Fig. 1 to a raised position (see Fig. 4) in which the lower limbs (lower legs and feet) are supported with the knees extended.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, below the seat 2, there are provided an air supply / exhaust device 13 having an air pump 13a and a valve 13b for supplying air to air cells 20 serving as massage parts, and the control unit 9 described above. The air pump 13a is configured so that the air pressure output to the air cells 20 and / or the amount of air supply per unit time can be changed by the control unit 9, and is specifically controlled by the control unit 9. Details will be described later. The air cells 20 inflate and deflate by supplying and exhausting air. Air pressure refers to compressed air used for power, for example, 20Kpa or 40Kpa. Air intake flow rate refers to the amount of air intake per unit time, for example, 1 cubic centimeter / second or 3 cubic centimeters / second. Note that if the air pressure is increased, the air intake flow rate decreases, and if the air pressure is decreased, the air flow rate increases.

[0020] The control unit 9 has a programmable microcomputer and the like, and drives and controls the first actuator 11, the second actuator 12, each massage part (air cell 20), the massage unit 8, the massage body 70, the body information acquisition unit 30, and the air supply and exhaust device 13. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to a controller 10 and a memory unit 50. The massage machine 1 operates each massage part and the like according to a predetermined program (massage action and massage course) stored in the memory unit 50, and various massage actions are performed by the user operating the controller 10.

[0021] [Configuration of the exhaust system] The air supply / exhaust device 13 is composed of an air pump 13a for supplying air to the air cell 20, and a valve 13b for distributing the supply and exhaust of air output from the air pump 13a. The valve 13b is provided between the air cell 20 and the air pump 13a. Specifically, the air pump 13a is connected to the valve 13b by a pipe, and the valve 13b is connected to the air cell 20 by a pipe, and the air pump 13a and the valve 13b are controlled by the control unit 9.

[0022] [About the air pump] 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing the inside of the air pump 13a. In the air pump 13a in Figs. 5 and 6, the left side on the paper is defined as the "left" and the right side on the paper is defined as the "right". The air pump 13a in Fig. 5 shows a state in which the air pump 13a is not driven. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the air pump 13a is driven and supplies air. It is preferable that the air pump 13a is provided with a check valve therein to prevent the supplied air from returning. In this embodiment, a diaphragm type air pump 13a will be described. Note that the air pump 13a may be any type of pump as long as it is a positive displacement pump (including a motor pump) such as a diaphragm type.

[0023] The air pump 13a has an intake port 110 for drawing in air, an exhaust port 111 for sending out air, a diaphragm 112, a first air chamber 114 for temporarily holding the air from the intake port 110, and a second air chamber 115 for temporarily holding the air from the first air chamber 114, on the left and right sides, respectively, and has a drive unit 113 for operating the diaphragm 112.

[0024] The driving unit 113 has a pair of electromagnets 116, and an oscillator 117 is provided between the pair of electromagnets 116. Both ends of the oscillator 117 are connected to the diaphragm 112. A permanent magnet 118 is provided on the oscillator 117. The oscillator 117 moves left and right by switching the magnetic poles of the electromagnets 116.

[0025] The second air chamber 115 is provided with a hole 119 communicating with the suction port 110 and a hole 120 communicating with the discharge port 111. The hole 119 communicating with the suction port 110 is closed by a suction valve 122 so that air does not return to the first air chamber 114. The hole 120 communicating with the discharge port 111 is closed by a discharge valve 121 so that air does not return to the second air chamber 115. The suction valve 122 is provided inside the second air chamber 115, and the discharge valve 121 is provided outside the second air chamber 115. The suction valve 122 and the discharge valve 121 thus provided are adapted to open and close as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) by the action of the diaphragm 112.

[0026] 6(a), oscillator 117 is moving to the right, and as oscillator 117 moves to the right, left diaphragm 112 and right diaphragm 112 also move to the right. When oscillator 117, left diaphragm 112, and right diaphragm 112 move to the right, suction valve 122 of left second air chamber 115 opens, and air is sucked into left second air chamber 115. In right second air chamber 115, discharge valve 121 opens, and air is sent to the discharge port 111 side. 6(b), oscillator 117 is moving to the left, and as oscillator 117 moves to the left, left diaphragm 112 and right diaphragm 112 also move to the left. When oscillator 117, left diaphragm 112, and right diaphragm 112 move to the left, discharge valve 121 of left second air chamber 115 opens, and air is sent to discharge port 111. In right second air chamber 115, suction valve 122 opens, and air is sucked into right second air chamber 115.

[0027] By repeating such an operation, the air pump 13a sends out air from the outlet 111. At this time, by controlling the air pump 13a, it is possible to change the air pressure output to the air cell 20 and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the drive frequency of air pump 13a (the operation cycle of left and right diaphragms 112 and vibrator 117) is changed to change the air pressure output to air cell 20. Note that any control method can be used as long as it can change the air pressure output to air cell 20 and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time.

[0028] Specifically, when the driving frequency of air pump 13a is low (e.g., 40 Hz), the operation cycle of left and right diaphragms 112 and vibrator 117 is slower than when the driving frequency of air pump 13a is high (e.g., 70 Hz). Therefore, air is discharged from outlet 111 at a low air pressure (e.g., 20 Kpa). Also, when the driving frequency of air pump 13a is high (e.g., 70 Hz), the operation cycle of left and right diaphragms 112 and vibrator 117 is faster than when the driving frequency of air pump 13a is low (e.g., 40 Hz). Therefore, air is discharged from outlet 111 at a high air pressure (e.g., 40 Kpa). In other words, the air pressure output to the air cell 20 can be changed according to the drive frequency of the air pump 13a. When the driving unit 113 of the air pump 13a stops, both the suction valve 122 and the discharge valve 121 are closed as shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, the hole 120 on the discharge port 111 side is blocked by the discharge valve 121, providing a check valve structure that prevents air from escaping.

[0029] [About the valve] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a cross section of the valve 13b. The valve 13b is a three-way valve. Fig. 7(a) shows the valve 13b in the OFF state (exhaust). Fig. 7(b) shows the valve 13b in the ON state (supply). Valve 13b can switch between a first communication state in which air cell 20 and air pump 13a are in communication with each other and a second communication state in which air cell 20 is in communication with the atmosphere. Valve 13b has an air chamber 130, an intake port 131, a first discharge port 132 to the air cell 20 side, a second discharge port 133 to the atmosphere side, an iron core 134 provided inside the air chamber, a drive unit 135 that moves iron core 134, and a spring 136 that returns iron core 134 from the moving state.

[0030] Drive unit 135 is an electromagnet, and by controlling valve 13b to the ON state (air supply), iron core 134 moves toward second outlet 133, closing second outlet 133, establishing a first communication state in which first outlet 132 and suction port 131 are connected, and air flows into the air cell (see FIG. 7(b)). By controlling valve 13b to the OFF state (air exhaust), iron core 134 moves toward suction port 131 by spring 136, closing suction port 131, establishing a second communication state in which first outlet 132 and second outlet 133 are connected, and air is released to the atmosphere (see FIG. 7(a)). In this manner, by controlling the air pump 13a and the valve 13b, it is possible to set the air cell 20 in an air supply state, an expansion maintaining state, or an air exhaust state.

[0031] In the air supply / exhaust device 13 of FIG. 8, an air pump 13a, a plurality of valves 13b (a first valve 13c and a second valve 13d), and a plurality of air cells (a first air cell 20a and a second air cell 20b) are illustrated in a simplified manner. The arrows shown inside the first valve 13c and the second valve 13d indicate a communication state, and air flows in the direction of the arrows. The first valve 13c is connected to the first air cell 20a, and the second valve 13d is connected to the second air cell 20b. The first air cell 20a and the second air cell 20b may be plural or singular, and are air cells as the forward and backward drive part 65 provided in the massage unit 8 described later, or air cells as each of the massage parts a1 to a8.

[0032] In Fig. 8(a), the first valve 13c and the second valve 13d are in the ON state (air supply), and air is being supplied to the first air cell 20a and the second air cell 20b. This is the air supply state. If the air supply from the air pump 13a is stopped in this state, the inflation state is maintained. In Fig. 8(b), the first valve 13c and the second valve 13d are in the OFF state (exhaust), and air is not supplied to the first air cell 20a and the second air cell 20b. When the first air cell 20a and the second air cell 20b are inflated, the air inside is released and the first air cell 20a and the second air cell 20b contract when the first valve 13c and the second valve 13d are in the OFF state (exhaust). This is the contracted state. In FIG. 8(c), the first valve 13c is in the ON state (air supply) and the second valve 13d is in the OFF state (air exhaust). Since the first valve 13c is in the ON state (air supply), air is supplied to the first air cell 20a. Since the second valve 13d is in the OFF state, air is not supplied to the second air cell 20b. By controlling the ON and OFF states of each valve 13c, 13d, it is possible to inflate or deflate either of the air cells 20a, 20b. Also, by stopping the air supply from the air pump 13a in this state, air is not supplied to the second air cell 20b and the first air cell 20a remains in an inflated state. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the expanded state of the air cell 20. Figure 9(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the air pressure output to the air cell 20 is low, and Figure 9(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the air pressure output to the air cell 20 is high.

[0033] [Seat configuration] 1 to 3, a buttocks massage section a5 that massages the buttocks and / or thighs of the user from below (the back) is provided on the seat section 2. The buttocks massage section a5 is composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. A massage body 70, which will be described later, may be provided to be located above the buttocks massage section a5. The number of massage bodies 70 may be one or more. When the massage body 70 is provided on the seat 2, an inner wall (not shown) protruding upward may be provided on the side of the seat 2, and the drive section 73 may be disposed within the inner wall (not shown). In this way, the user's buttocks can be pressed from the side by the pressing section 81, and the back of the user's buttocks can be massaged by the massage body 70.

[0034] [Backrest configuration] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the backrest 3 is composed of a rigid back frame 3a, a guide rail 18 for guiding the up-down movement of the massage unit 8 attached to the back frame 3a, and a cover member 3c for covering the back frame 3a. The back frame 3a is composed of a metal member and / or a resin member. The back frame 3a has an opening 3b formed in the center of the left and right sides and opening in the front-rear direction, and is generally gate-shaped when viewed from the front. A pair of lower back massage parts a4 for massaging the lower back of the user are provided on the left and right sides below the back frame 3a. The lower back massage parts a4 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The cover member 3c covers the opening 3b from the front. The treatment elements 62 (see FIG. 9) of the massage unit 8 protrude forward from the opening 3b, and can massage the user's torso from behind through the cover member 3c.

[0035] [Massage unit configuration] The configuration of the massage unit 8 will now be described. 1 to 3 and 10, the backrest 3 is provided with a massage unit 8 that massages the upper body of the user from behind (back side). A plurality of massage units 8 (one in this embodiment) may be provided along the height direction. The massage unit 8 is composed of a pair of arms 61 on the left and right and treatment elements 62 provided on both the upper and lower ends of the arms 61, and can perform a kneading massage in which the left and right treatment elements 62 move toward and away from each other by driving massage motors M1 and M2, and a tapping massage in which the left and right treatment elements 62 move alternately toward and away from the user. The massage unit 8 can be moved upward or downward in the height direction by driving the lifting motor M3 to change its position relative to the body or to perform a rolling massage. The back frame 3a is provided with a pair of guide rails 18 extending in the height direction, and the massage unit 8 moves along the guide rails 18. Since the massage unit 8 can be moved in the height direction, the treatment elements 62 can massage the area from the neck to the waist of the user.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 10, the massage unit 8 has a base frame 60a and a movable frame 60b supported by the base frame 60a. The base frame 60a has guide rollers 63 that fit into the guide rails 18 on both the left and right sides. The base frame 60a can move along the height direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown) made of a rack and pinion or the like. The movable frame 60b is supported by the base frame 60a via a swing shaft 64 in the left and right direction. A forward and backward drive unit 65 made of an air cell or the like is provided between the base frame 60a and the movable frame 60b. The forward and backward drive unit 65 drives the movable frame 60b to move forward and backward around the swing shaft 64. Note that the structure does not have to move the movable frame 60b forward and backward, and the forward and backward drive unit 65 may be provided on the arm 61 to move only the arm 61 forward and backward.

[0037] The arm 61 is connected to a kneading shaft 66 and a pounding shaft 67 that extend in the left-right direction. On both the left and right sides of the kneading shaft 66, inclined cams 66a having inclined shaft portions 66b are provided, and the arm 61 is attached to the inclined cams 66a. The left and right inclined shaft portions 66b are inclined with respect to the axis of the kneading shaft 66 so as to form a substantially V-shape when viewed from the front. On both the left and right sides of the pounding shaft 67, eccentric cams 67a having eccentric shaft portions 67b eccentric with respect to the axis of the pounding shaft 67 are provided, and the arm 61 is attached to the eccentric cams 67a via connecting rods 68. The left and right eccentric shaft portions 67b are in different phase with respect to the axis of the tapping shaft 67, specifically, the phases are different by 180 degrees. The kneading shaft 66 and the tapping shaft 67 are rotated by the driving of the massage motors M1 and M2, respectively. The treatment elements 62 perform a kneading massage by the rotation of the kneading shaft 66, and perform a tapping massage by the rotation of the tapping shaft 67. The arm 61 on which the treatment elements 62 are provided, the kneading shaft 66, and the tapping shaft 67 are supported by the movable frame 60b. Therefore, the treatment elements 62 can advance and retreat with respect to the user via the movement of the movable frame 60b.

[0038] The arm 61 is freely swingable in the front-rear direction, and is biased by a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring so that the upper treatment head 62 protrudes forward. The massage unit 8 also has a sensor 69 for detecting the body information of the user. The sensor 69 can obtain the body information by detecting that the arm 61 has reached a predetermined swing position. More specifically, when the upper treatment element 62 reaches above the shoulder during the process of raising the massage unit 8 in the height direction, the load acting on the treatment element 62 is released and the arm 61 swings forward to a predetermined swing position. The sensor 69 detects that the arm 61 has reached the predetermined swing position, and detects the position of the shoulder based on the up-down position of the massage unit 8 at that time. Using the position of the shoulder as a reference, the positions of other parts of the body (neck, back, waist, etc.) are calculated. The detected body information is stored in the memory unit 50.

[0039] [Side wall configuration] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, side walls 7 are provided on both the left and right sides of the back frame 3a (backrest portion 3) so as to face the outer surfaces of the user's shoulders or upper arms. These side walls 7 are erected forward on the sides of the backrest portion 3. The inner surfaces of the side walls 7 are provided with shoulder-side massage portions a2 that massage the outer surfaces of the shoulders or upper arms. The shoulder-side massage portions a2 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air.

[0040] [Pillow section configuration] As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, a pillow section 5 for supporting the head and / or neck of the user is provided on the upper front surface of the backrest section 3. A pair of head massage sections a1 are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the pillow section 5, facing the back surface of the head and / or neck. The head massage sections a1 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air.

[0041] [Armrest configuration] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and 11, armrests 6 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2 to support the user's hands and forearms. The armrests 6 are U-shaped and comprise a support surface 6a on which the user's hands and forearms are placed, an outer wall 6b protruding upward from the side of the support surface, and an upper wall 6c protruding inward from the outer wall 6b so as to face the support surface 6a. A plurality of arm massage sections a3 are provided above and below the hand and forearm of the armrest 6. The arm massage sections a3 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. A massage body 70, which will be described later, may be provided to be located above the arm massage section a3. The number of massage bodies 70 may be one or more. When the massage body 70 is provided on the armrest section 6, the drive section 73 may be disposed inside the outer wall 6b. This allows the pressing section 81 to press the user's arm from the side, and the back of the user's arm (the surface facing the placement surface) to be massaged by the massage body 70.

[0042] [Footrest section configuration] 1 to 3, the footrest portion 4 supports the lower limbs (the lower legs and the feet) of a user. The lower legs specifically refer to the calves. The footrest portion 4 is composed of a pair of calf units 40 (left and right) that support the lower legs of the user, and a pair of toe units 41 (left and right) that support the feet of the user.

[0043] [Calf unit configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the calf unit 40 is composed of a bottom wall 40a disposed opposite the back of the user's lower leg, side walls 40b extending forward from both left and right ends of the bottom wall 40a, and a central wall 40c extending forward from the center of the left and right sides of the bottom wall 40a.

[0044] The inner surface of the side wall 40b is provided with a leg massage section a6 for massaging the outer surface of the lower leg. The outer surfaces of both sides of the central wall 40c are provided with a leg massage section a6 for massaging the inner surface of the lower leg. The leg massage section a6 is composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The calf unit 40 may be provided with a massage body 70, which will be described later. When provided in the calf unit 40, the drive unit 73 may be disposed in the side wall 40b, or the drive unit 73 may be disposed in the central wall 40c. In this way, the user's lower leg can be pressed from the side by the pressing part 81, and the back surface of the user's lower leg (the surface facing the bottom wall 40a) can be massaged by the massage body 70.

[0045] In addition, a leg massage section (not shown) that massages the back of the user's lower leg may be provided on the bottom wall 40a. In this way, the back of the lower leg (the surface facing the bottom wall 40a) can be massaged by the leg massage section (not shown). Also, a leg massage section (not shown) may be provided on the bottom wall 40a, and a massage body 70 (described later) may be provided above (in front of) the leg massage section (not shown). The number of massage bodies 70 may be one or more. In this way, the back of the user's lower leg (the surface facing the bottom wall 40a) can be massaged by the massage body 70.

[0046] [Toe unit configuration] 1 to 3 and 13, the foot unit 41 has a bottom wall 41a on which the sole of the user's foot is placed, side walls 41b standing upward from both left and right ends of the bottom wall 41a, a central wall 41c standing upward from the center of the left and right sides of the bottom wall 41a, and a rear wall 41d standing upward from the rear of the bottom wall 41a and facing the back surface (near the heel). Each wall 41a to 41d has a recess 42 that is open upward and forward, and the recess 42 can accommodate the foot.

[0047] Both outer surfaces of the central wall 41c are provided with foot massage sections a7 for massaging the inner surface of the foot. In addition, the inner surface of the side wall 41b is provided with the foot massage section a7 for massaging the outer surface of the foot. The bottom wall 41a is provided with a sole massage section a8 for massaging the sole of the foot. A massage body 70, which will be described later, is provided above the sole massage section a8. Specifically, a drive section 73 of the massage body 70 is disposed inside the side wall 41b. It may also be disposed inside the central wall 41c. The number of massage bodies 70 may be one or more. The foot massage portion a7 and the sole massage portion a8 are constituted by air cells 20 which expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the foot of the user can be massaged from the side by the foot massage portion a7, and the sole of the user's foot can be massaged by the sole massage portion a8 and the massage body 70. The foot massage portion a7 also serves as the pressing portion 81 constituting the massage body 70.

[0048] [Massage body composition] In this embodiment, a case in which the massage body 70 is provided in the foot unit 41 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14, the massage body 70 provided in the foot unit 41 has a treatment element 71 for treating the lower surface of the user's body (the sole of the foot in this case), and the treatment element 71 has a shape that protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the user's body. The treatment element 71 is supported by an arm portion 72, and the arm portion 72 is connected to a drive portion 73 provided in the side wall 41b via a connection portion 82. The driving unit 73 is a motor 74, and has an eccentric portion 75 that makes the motor 74 eccentric with respect to the center of the rotation axis, and a restricting means 76 that restricts the movement of the arm portion 72. The eccentric portion 75 has an eccentric cam 75a and a bearing 75b, and the connecting portion 82 is connected to the eccentric cam 75a via the bearing 75b. The restricting means 76 causes the treatment head 71 supported by the arm portion 72 to move in an elliptical orbit.

[0049] 14, the arm portion 72 has a swing shaft 79 and is supported so as to be swingable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the user's body. The bottom wall 41a is provided with a sole massage portion a8, which pushes up the arm portion 72 to bring the treatment elements 71 closer to the lower surface (soles) of the user's body. In other words, the amount by which the treatment elements 71 are pushed up can be adjusted according to the amount of expansion of the sole massage portion a8.

[0050] The foot unit 41 has a pressing portion 81 (foot massage portion a7) that presses the user's foot from above or from the side. The pressing portion 81 (foot massage portion a7) is connected to the drive portion 73 by a connecting portion 82 that follows the movement of the treatment element 71 by the drive portion 73. Specifically, connecting parts 82 are provided above and below the driving part 73. The pressing part 81 (foot massage part a7) is provided on the upper connecting part 82, and the arm part 72 is provided on the lower connecting part 82. Furthermore, the upper and lower connecting parts 82 are each provided with a restricting means 76. The restricting means 76 are connected by a connecting shaft 85. Therefore, the upper and lower parts can move in the same trajectory. The upper and lower connecting parts 82 enable the pressing part 81 (foot massage part a7) to follow the movement of the treatment element 71.

[0051] By pressing the user's foot from the side with the pressing portion 81 (foot massage portion a7), the sole massage portion a8 provided on the bottom wall 41a is expanded, and when the treatment element 71 is pushed up to massage the lower surface of the user's body (sole), it is possible to prevent the treatment portion (site) from being lifted and the force from being lost. In other words, the lower surface of the user's body (sole) can be pressed against the treatment element 71, so that the physical sensation can be intensified. The pressing portion 81 (foot massage portion a7) may be used as the foot massage portion a7 for massaging the outer surface of the foot.

[0052] In this embodiment, the pressing unit 81 (foot massage unit a7) is configured to follow the movement of the treatment element 71 by the drive unit 73 via the connecting unit 82, but the pressing unit 81 (foot massage unit a7) may be fixed to the side wall 41b. When fixing the pressing unit 81 (foot massage unit a7) to the side wall 41b, the upper connecting unit 82 and the upper regulating means 76 of the drive unit 73 can be removed. In this way, the lower connecting unit 82 and the lower regulating means 76 of the drive unit 73 can move only the treatment element 71 so as to draw an elliptical orbit.

[0053] [Configuration of the physical information acquisition unit] The physical information acquiring unit 30 will be described. The physical information acquiring unit 30 is a measuring unit (not shown) that acquires the physical information of the user. The measuring unit (not shown) is, for example, a weight scale, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse monitor, etc. These measuring units (not shown) have a communication function and can transmit the measurement results to the massage machine 1 via the communication function. The physical information acquiring unit 30 measures at least one of a plurality of physical conditions of the user. The physical information includes, for example, the user's weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, sweat rate, blood sugar level, body fat percentage, water content, muscle mass, bone mass, basal metabolic rate, BMI, obesity level, number of steps, walking distance, calories burned, and sleep state. The user may input the physical information by himself / herself. In this case, for example, the controller 10 may be operated to input the physical information (for example, height) and the input information may be stored in the memory unit 50 of the control unit 9.

[0054] [Control Unit Configuration] A method for the control unit 9 to control the air supply / exhaust device 13 consisting of the air pump 13a and the valve 13b will be described. The control unit 9 can change the drive frequency of the air pump 13a. By changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a, the air pressure output to the air cell 20 can be changed. For example, by increasing the driving frequency of the air pump 13a (from 40 Hz to 70 Hz), the operating cycle of the diaphragm 112 and the vibrator 117 (see Figs. 5 and 6) provided in the air pump 13a can be made faster. This allows the air pump 13a to send out air at a high air pressure (for example, from 20 Kpa to 40 Kpa). By sending out air at a high pressure, the amount of expansion of the air cell 20 increases. That is, the state shown in Fig. 9(a) changes to the state shown in Fig. 9(b). By reaching the state shown in Fig. 9(b), the air cell 20 can expand to the maximum amount of expansion that it can expand, and the air cell 20 can overcome the load received from the user, thereby enhancing the bodily sensation.

[0055] The control unit 9 can also change the air supply flow rate per unit time output to the air cell 20 by changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a. For example, by increasing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 40 Hz to 70 Hz), the air supply flow rate per unit time is changed from 3 cubic centimeters / second to 1 cubic centimeter / second. This makes it possible to slow down the speed at which the air cell 20 inflates.

[0056] Another method for changing the drive frequency of air pump 13a is to change the drive frequency based on the physical information of the user acquired by physical information acquisition unit 30. For example, if the user is 170 cm tall and weighs 45 kg, the physical information of the user acquired by the physical information acquisition unit 30 (for example, the height inputted by the controller 10 and the weight measured by a weight scale) determines that the user is thin, and changes the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 40 Hz). By changing the drive frequency, the air pressure can be changed, and the load on the user can be reduced, allowing a massage suited to the user's physique. Also, if the user is 170 cm tall and weighs 90 kg, the physical information of the user acquired by the physical information acquisition unit 30 (for example, the height inputted by the controller 10 and the weight measured by a weight scale) determines that the user is obese, and changes the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 75 Hz). By changing the drive frequency, the air pressure can be changed, and the load on the user can be increased, allowing a massage suited to the user's physique.

[0057] The air supply flow rate per unit time may also be changed by changing the drive frequency. For example, if the user is 170 cm tall and weighs 45 kg, the body information of the user acquired by the body information acquisition unit 30 (for example, height inputted by the controller 10 and weight measured by a weighing scale) determines that the user is thin, and changes the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 40 Hz). By changing the drive frequency, the air supply flow rate per unit time is increased, and the speed at which the air cells 20 inflate is increased. This increases the speed at which the air cells 20 press, changing the user's physical sensation, and providing a massage suited to the user's physique. Also, if the user is 170 cm tall and weighs 90 kg, the physical information acquired by the physical information acquisition unit 30 (for example, height inputted into the controller 10 and weight measured on a weighing scale) determines that the user is obese, and changes the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 75 Hz). Changing the drive frequency reduces the amount of air intake per unit time, slowing down the rate at which the air cells 20 inflate. This slows down the speed at which the air cells 20 press, changing the sensation felt by the user and providing a massage suited to the user's physique.

[0058] The change in the drive frequency of the air pump 13a is not limited to the above. The drive frequency may be increased for a thin user, or decreased for an obese user. In this way, by changing the drive frequency of air pump 13a based on the user's physical information acquired by physical information acquisition unit 30, a massage suited to the user's physique can be performed.

[0059] Another method for changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a is to change the frequency in accordance with the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2. For example, when the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2 is small (close to the upright position), the load from the user received by the backrest 3 is small, so the air pressure is changed by increasing the driving frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60Hz to 70Hz) for the lumbar massage part a4 provided on the backrest 3, so that the lumbar massage part a4 comes into closer contact with the user, and the physical sensation is made stronger. Also, when the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2 is large (close to the reclining position), the load from the user received by the backrest 3 is large, so the air pressure is changed by decreasing the driving frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60Hz to 40Hz) for the lumbar massage part a4 provided on the backrest 3, so that the lumbar massage part a4 is prevented from coming into contact with the user, and the physical sensation is made weaker.

[0060] The air supply flow rate per unit time may be changed by changing the drive frequency. For example, when the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2 is small (close to an upright position), the load from the user that the backrest 3 receives is small, so the air supply flow rate per unit time can be reduced by increasing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 70 Hz) for the lower back massage part a4 provided on the backrest 3, and the time until the lower back massage part a4 comes into contact with the user can be lengthened, and the bodily sensation of the user can be changed by slowing down the speed at which the air cells 20 press. Furthermore, when the reclining angle of the backrest portion 3 relative to the seat portion 2 is large (close to the reclining position), the load from the user received by the backrest portion 3 becomes large, so that the air supply flow rate per unit time for the lumbar massage portion a4 provided on the backrest portion 3 is increased by lowering the driving frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60Hz to 40Hz), thereby shortening the time until the lumbar massage portion a4 comes into contact with the user and increasing the speed at which the air cell 20 presses, thereby changing the sensation experienced by the user.

[0061] The change in the drive frequency of the air pump 13a is not limited to the above. The drive frequency of the air pump 13a may be changed to be lowered when the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2 is small, and may be changed to be higher when the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2 is large. In this way, by changing the driving frequency of the air pump 13a according to the reclining angle of the backrest portion 3 relative to the seat portion 2, the air pressure output to the air cell 20 and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time can be changed according to the reclining angle.

[0062] Another method for changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a is to change the drive frequency in accordance with the rocking angle of the footrest portion 4 relative to the seat portion 2. For example, when the swing angle of the footrest portion 4 relative to the seat portion 2 is small (close to the hanging posture), the load from the user that the footrest portion 4 receives is small, so the air pressure can be changed by increasing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60Hz to 70Hz), and the air cells 20 can be brought into closer contact with the user, resulting in a stronger physical sensation. Also, when the swing angle of the footrest portion 4 relative to the seat portion 2 is large (close to the raised posture), the load from the user that the footrest portion 4 receives is large, so the air pressure can be changed by decreasing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60Hz to 40Hz), and the air cells 20 can be prevented from coming into contact with the user, resulting in a weaker physical sensation.

[0063] The air supply flow rate per unit time may be changed by changing the drive frequency. For example, when the swing angle of the footrest 4 relative to the seat 2 is small (close to a hanging posture), the load from the user that the footrest 4 receives is small, so that the air supply flow rate per unit time can be reduced by increasing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 70 Hz), and the time until the air cells 20 come into contact with the user can be lengthened, and the speed at which the air cells 20 press can be slowed down to change the sensation felt by the user. Furthermore, when the rocking angle of the footrest portion 4 relative to the seat portion 2 is large (close to the raised position), the load from the user that the footrest portion 4 receives increases; therefore, by lowering the driving frequency of the air pump 13a (from 60 Hz to 40 Hz), the air supply flow rate per unit time is increased, the time until the air cell 20 comes into contact with the user is shortened, and the speed at which the air cell 20 presses is increased, thereby changing the physical sensation experienced by the user.

[0064] The change in the drive frequency of the air pump 13a is not limited to the above. The drive frequency of the air pump 13a may be changed to be lowered when the rocking angle of the footrest 4 relative to the seat 2 is small, and the drive frequency of the air pump 13a may be changed to be higher when the reclining angle of the backrest 3 relative to the seat 2 is large. In this way, by changing the driving frequency of the air pump 13a according to the rocking angle of the footrest portion 4 relative to the seat portion 2, the air pressure output to the air cell 20 and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time can be changed according to the rocking angle.

[0065] Another method for changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a is to change the drive frequency during a series of massage courses performed by the massage machine 1. Fig. 14 is a flow diagram showing an operation pattern in this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing an operation pattern in this embodiment. A method for changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a in a series of operations of a massage course of the massage machine 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. The operation pattern is merely an example, and any operation may be performed as long as the drive frequency of air pump 13a is changed during a series of operations in a massage course, and the timing at which the drive frequency is changed does not matter. Furthermore, the operations of the massage unit 8 and the air cell 20 are not limited to the above, and any massage course may be used in combination with the timing of changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a.

[0066] [Operation pattern 1] 15 is a flow diagram illustrating operation pattern 1. Operation pattern 1 describes a case in which the air pressure output to air cell 20 is changed by changing the drive frequency of diaphragm-type air pump 13a. In the explanation of a case in which the supply air flow rate per unit time output to air cell 20 is changed, "air pressure" is read as "supply air flow rate per unit time." The air pump 13a may be any type of pump as long as it is a positive displacement pump (including a motor pump) such as a diaphragm type. In addition, any control method may be used as long as it can change the air pressure output to the air cell 20 and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time.

[0067] After turning on the power of the massage machine 1, the user selects a massage course and starts the massage course (STEP 1). When the massage course starts, the massage unit 8 starts to rise and detects the user's shoulder position (STEP 2). After the shoulder position is detected, the massage operation starts (STEP 3). First, the backrest portion 3 is put into a reclining position and the footrest portion 4 is put into a raised position (STEP 4). This allows the weight of the user to be distributed to the backrest portion 3, the seat portion 2, and the footrest portion 4. Thereafter, the air pump 13a is driven to inflate the buttocks massage parts a5 on both the left and right sides (STEP 5).

[0068] The expansion and contraction of the buttocks massage parts a5 on both the left and right sides may be repeated multiple times, and in that case, the driving frequency of the air pump 13a may be controlled to change. For example, the driving frequency of the air pump 13a for the first time is set to 40 Hz, and the driving frequency of the air pump 13a for the second time and thereafter is set to 60 Hz. In this way, the user's buttocks can be pushed up in stages, causing the user to arch his or her body, without suddenly applying a strong force to the user.

[0069] After that, the leg massage portion a6 of the footrest portion 4 is inflated and the footrest portion 4 is lowered (STEP 6). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is set to 70 Hz. This allows the footrest portion 4 to be lowered while firmly holding the legs, allowing the user to stretch all the way up to the thighs. Next, the buttock massage portions a5 on both the left and right sides are contracted and the waist massage portions a4 on both the left and right sides are inflated while the backrest portion 3 is reclined (STEP 7). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is set to 50 Hz.

[0070] When the backrest 3 is reclined up, the leg massage section a6 of the footrest 4 is contracted (STEP 8). Since the load received by the backrest 3 from the user varies depending on the reclining angle of the backrest 3, the driving frequency of the air pump 13a may be set to 40 Hz when the reclining angle is small, and 60 Hz when the reclining angle is large. Then, the massage body 70 is moved to a position near the spring of the sole of the user's foot, and the foot massage portion a7 and the sole massage portion a8 of the footrest portion 4 are inflated (STEP 9). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is set to 70 Hz.

[0071] In this way, the foot of the user can be held from above or from the side by the foot massage section a7, and the foot can be prevented from slipping away from the footrest section 4. Then, by expanding the sole massage section a8 in this state, the massage body 70 can be massaged in a state where it is firmly in contact with the vicinity of the spring of the sole of the foot.

[0072] After maintaining the expanded state for a predetermined time, the foot massage portion a7 and the sole massage portion a8 are contracted (STEP 10), and the massage course is then completed (STEP 11). Incidentally, STEP 9 and STEP 10 may be configured to be repeated for a predetermined period of time. In this way, even for the same user, by changing the driving frequency of the air pump 13a according to the part (area) to be treated and changing the air pressure output to the air cell, it is possible to massage with the strength appropriate for the part (area) to be treated. Also, by changing the air supply flow rate per unit time, for example, it is possible to make the same user feel differently.

[0073] [Operation pattern 2] 16 is a flow diagram illustrating operation pattern 2. Operation pattern 2 describes a case in which the air pressure output to air cell 20 is changed by changing the drive frequency of diaphragm-type air pump 13a. In the explanation of a case in which the supply air flow rate per unit time output to air cell 20 is changed, "air pressure" is read as "supply air flow rate per unit time." The air pump 13a may be any type of pump as long as it is a positive displacement pump (including a motor pump) such as a diaphragm type. In addition, any control method may be used as long as it can change the air pressure output to the air cell 20 and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time.

[0074] After turning on the power of the massage machine 1, the user inputs physical information (STEP 1). After that, the user selects a massage course and starts the massage course (STEP 2). When the massage course starts, the massage unit 8 starts to rise and detects the user's shoulder position (STEP 3). After detecting the shoulder position, the massage operation starts (STEP 4).

[0075] The case of User A (height 170 cm, weight 45 kg) will be described. User A is a woman. First, the air pump 13a is driven to inflate the lower back massage part a4 provided on the backrest part 3 and to put the backrest part 3 in a reclining position (STEP 5A). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is set to 60 Hz. This allows the user to stretch their upper body while arching their back.

[0076] After that, the lower back massage part a4 is contracted and the backrest part 3 is brought into an upright position (STEP 6A). Then, the air pump 13a is driven again to inflate the lower back massage part a4 on the backrest part 3 and bring the backrest part 3 into a reclining position (STEP 7A). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is 80 Hz. This allows the user's lower back to bend in stages. After that, the lower back massage section a4 is contracted and the backrest section 3 is brought into an upright position (STEP 8A). Then, the massage course is completed (STEP 9). Note that STEP 5A to STEP 8A may be configured to be repeated for a predetermined period of time.

[0077] The case of User B (height 170 cm, weight 90 kg) will be described. User A is a male. First, the air pump 13a is driven to inflate the lower back massage part a4 provided on the backrest part 3 and to put the backrest part 3 in a reclining position (STEP 5B). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is set to 70 Hz. This allows the user to stretch their upper body while arching their back.

[0078] After that, the lower back massage part a4 is contracted and the backrest part 3 is brought into an upright position (STEP 6B). Then, the air pump 13a is driven again to inflate the lower back massage part a4 on the backrest part 3 and bring the backrest part 3 into a reclining position (STEP 7B). The driving frequency of the air pump 13a during inflation is 90 Hz. This allows the user's lower back to bend in stages. After that, the lower back massage section a4 is contracted and the backrest section 3 is brought into an upright position (STEP 8B). Then, the massage course is completed (STEP 9). Note that STEP 5B to STEP 8B may be configured to be repeated for a predetermined period of time.

[0079] In this way, by changing the drive frequency of the air pump 13a based on the user's physical information and changing the air pressure output to the air cell, even when users of different physiques (e.g., male and female) use the same massage machine, it is possible to provide a massage that corresponds to the difference in physique. Furthermore, by changing the amount of air supply per unit time, for example, by changing the speed at which the air cells 20 are pressed, the bodily sensation can be made to differ even for the same user.

[0080] The method of controlling the air pump 13a by the control unit 9 is not limited to the above. For example, the drive frequency may be changed depending on the strength of the massage action. As an example, when the strength setting is weak, the drive frequency is set to 40 Hz, when it is medium, the drive frequency is set to 60 Hz, and when it is strong, the drive frequency is set to 70 Hz. Note that this is just an example, and the drive frequency may be different for weak, medium, and strong. The air pump 13a may also be controlled by PWM control. Furthermore, these control methods may be combined. By doing so, the air cell 20 can be controlled more precisely. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine in which the air pressure output to a specific air cell among a plurality of air cells can be changed by controlling an air pump. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2~7 Body support part 9. Control Unit 13a Air pump 13b Valve 20 Air Cell

Claims

1. A body support part that supports the body of a user; A plurality of air cells provided in the body support section that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air; an air pump for supplying air to the plurality of air cells; a valve provided between the plurality of air cells and the air pump for distributing the supply and exhaust of air output from the air pump; A control unit that controls at least the air pump and the valve, The body support portion includes a seat portion on which a user sits, The seat has at least one of a backrest portion for supporting an upper body of a user and configured to be reclined with respect to the seat, and a footrest portion for supporting a lower limb of a user and configured to be pivotable with respect to the seat, The control unit controls the air pump to change an air pressure output to a specific air cell among the plurality of air cells, the specific air cell being a massage unit that massages a body of a user; The change in the air pressure is a change in a drive frequency for driving the air pump, changing an air pressure output to the air cell in accordance with a reclining angle of the backrest portion relative to the seat portion or a rocking angle of the footrest portion relative to the seat portion; When the reclining angle or the rocking angle is small, the air pressure output to the air cell is increased to intensify the sensation felt by the user by the massage section; The massage machine is characterized in that, when the reclining angle or the rocking angle is large, the air pressure output to the air cells is lowered to weaken the bodily sensation of the massage section to the user.

2. A physical information acquisition unit for acquiring physical information of the user, The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit changes the air pressure output to the air cells by changing the drive frequency based on the physical information of the user acquired by the physical information acquisition unit.

3. 3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a flow rate of the air per unit time output to the air cell by controlling the air pump.

4. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit changes the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time during a series of operations of a massage course of the massage machine.

5. 5. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the body support portion has an armrest portion for supporting the arms of a user.

6. The backrest portion is provided. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit changes the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time depending on the reclining angle of the backrest relative to the seat.

7. The footrest portion is provided. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control unit changes the air pressure output to the air cell and / or the air supply flow rate per unit time depending on the rocking angle of the footrest portion relative to the seat portion.

8. The body support portion is a footrest portion that supports the lower limbs of a user, The footrest portion is composed of a calf unit that supports the calves of a user and a foot unit that supports the toes of a user, The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air cells are provided in at least one of the calf unit and the toe unit.

Images