Massage machine

Abstract

To correct a deviation at a seated position in a longitudinal direction of a treated person.SOLUTION: A massage machine includes a seat part, rollers, a drive part, lifting parts, and a control part. The seat part supports the hip and the thigh of a treated person. The rollers extend in a lateral direction and are rotatably arranged around the lateral direction in the seat part. The rollers can press at least one of the hip and the thigh of the treated person. The drive part rotates the roller. The lifting parts are arranged in the seat part and can lift the hip of the treated person upward. The control part controls the lifting parts and the drive part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a massage machine for massaging a subject sitting on a seat portion is known. For example, the massage machine of Patent Document 1 has a seat portion, a reclining backrest portion provided at the rear of the seat portion, and a massage mechanism for massaging the buttocks and thighs of a subject sitting on the seat portion. The massage mechanism is configured to rise with respect to the seat portion in conjunction with the reclining of the backrest portion to the rear side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, if the subject sits on the seat portion in a bad posture or the seating position of the subject shifts forward during the treatment, the treatment effect of the massage machine on the subject may not be fully exerted. For example, the treatment effect on the waist is most effective when the subject is sitting in a correct seating position. In addition, as in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to eliminate the forward shift of the seating position of the subject only by raising and lowering the massage mechanism for the buttocks and thighs. [[ID=**36**]]

[0005] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the shift of the seating position of the subject in the front-rear direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a seat, a roller, a drive unit, a lifting unit, and a control unit. The seat supports the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment. The roller extends in the left-right direction and is rotatably positioned on the seat so as to be rotatable about the left-right direction. The roller is also capable of pressing against at least one of the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment. The drive unit rotates the roller. The lifting unit is positioned on the seat and is capable of lifting the buttocks of the person receiving treatment upward. The control unit controls the lifting unit and the drive unit.

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

[0008] The massage machine of the present invention can eliminate displacement of the seated position of the person receiving treatment in the anterior-posterior direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of a chair-type massage machine. [Figure 2] Plan view of a chair-type massage machine, seen from above to below. [Figure 3] Plan view showing other sensor placement examples [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the control system for controlling the operation of a chair-type massage machine. [Figure 5] A schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of a transport unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of the chair-type massage machine 100. Figure 2 is a plan view of the chair-type massage machine 100, viewed from above and below. Note that in Figure 2, the illustration of the fabric or other cover placed on the surface of the seat 101 is omitted. In the following text, the chair-type massage machine 100 will be referred to as "massage machine 100".

[0012] In the following explanation, the front side (front view) from the perspective of a person receiving treatment U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined will be referred to as the "front side," and the rear side (back view) from the perspective of a person receiving treatment U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined will be referred to as the "rear side." Furthermore, the upper side (head view) from the perspective of a person receiving treatment U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined will be referred to as the "upper side," and the lower side (leg view) from the perspective of a person receiving treatment U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined will be referred to as the "lower side." Furthermore, the right side from the perspective of the person receiving treatment U seated in the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined is referred to as the "right side," and the left side from the perspective of the person receiving treatment U seated in the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined is referred to as the "left side."

[0013] <1. Massage machine 100> The massage machine 100 comprises a seat 101, a backrest 102, a treatment unit 103, a pair of left and right bases 104, a pair of left and right armrests 105, and an ottoman 106. The massage machine 100 also comprises a transport unit 1, a lifting unit 2, and a sensor 3.

[0014] The seat 101 supports the buttocks and thighs of the patient U. The seat 101 is equipped with a transport unit 1, a lifting unit 2, and a sensor 3.

[0015] The backrest 102 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the seat 101 and supports the head, torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, and back) of the person being treated U. The backrest 102 is rotatable about a reclining rotation axis (not shown) that extends along the left-right direction. By rotating about the reclining rotation axis, the backrest 102 can be tilted backward or raised forward.

[0016] The treatment unit 103 is capable of treating the back of the person being treated U. The treatment unit 103 is positioned on the backrest 102 and is movable along the backrest 102 in the left-right and vertical directions. For example, the treatment unit 103 can be raised and lowered along the longitudinal direction of the backrest 102, guided by a guide rail 1031 provided on the backrest 102.

[0017] The backrest portion 102 has a pair of side portions 1021 and a pair of pressing portions 1022. The pair of side portions 1021 are arranged in the left-right direction. The pair of side portions 1021 are positioned outward in the left-right direction from the shoulder and upper arm portions of the patient U, and face the patient U in the left-right direction. For example, the left side portion 1021 is positioned to the left of the patient U. The right side portion 1021 is positioned to the right of the patient U.

[0018] A pair of pressing portions 1022 are respectively positioned on a pair of side portions 1021. The pressing portions 1022 can press on at least one of the shoulder and upper arm portions of the person being treated U from the outside in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, each pressing portion 1022 has an airbag 1023. By inflating and deflating the airbag 1023, the pressing portion 1022 presses on at least one of the shoulder and upper arm portions of the person being treated U. By inflating the left and right pair of airbags 1023, the person being treated U can be held between them. In addition, by inflating and deflating the airbags 1023, at least one of the shoulder and upper arm portions of the person being treated U can be treated. Note that this embodiment is not limited to the examples shown, and the pressing portions 1022 may use members other than airbags 1023 to hold the person being treated U between them in the left-right direction.

[0019] The base portion 104 is provided upright on both sides in the left - right direction of the seat portion 101 and supports the armrest portion 105.

[0020] The armrest portion 105 supports the forearm and hand of the subject U. The pair of left - and - right armrest portions 105 have a bilaterally symmetric shape.

[0021] The ottoman 106 is rotatably supported at the front end portion of the seat portion 101 and accommodates the lower leg and foot of the subject U. The ottoman 106 is rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown) extending along the left - right direction below the front end portion of the seat portion 101.

[0022] An airbag (not shown) is provided on the ottoman 106. By the expansion and contraction of the airbag, the lower leg of the subject U is treated.

[0023] The transfer unit 1 is arranged on the seat portion 101 and adjusts the seating position of the seated subject U in the front - rear direction. For example, the transfer unit 1 moves the subject U in the front - rear direction to move the seating position of the subject U to a position more suitable for treatment. When the seating position of the subject U is at the above - mentioned position, the treatment effect of the massage machine 100 can be fully exerted. For example, the treatment effect on the waist is most effective when the subject U is seated in the correct seating position. Hereinafter, this position is referred to as the "appropriate treatment position". Details of the transfer unit 1 will be described later.

[0024] The lifting portion 2 is arranged on the seat portion 101 and can lift at least the buttocks of the subject U upward. The lifting portion 2 has an airbag 21 that can expand and contract at least in the up - down direction. The airbag 21 is arranged at least at the rear portion of the seat portion 101. The rear airbag 21 is arranged directly below the buttocks of the seated subject U. Note that there are two rear airbags 21 in FIG. 2. However, it is not limited to this example, and the rear airbag 21 may be singular or plural (three or more).

[0025] The rear airbag 21, upon inflation, presses the buttocks of the patient U upward. This causes the rear airbag 21 to lift the buttocks of the patient U upward, creating a slightly floating state. When the rear airbag 21 deflates, the buttocks of the patient U descend downward due to their own weight, thus releasing the floating state. The inflation and deflation of the rear airbag 21 can also be used to treat the buttocks of the patient U.

[0026] In addition, the airbag 21 may be positioned directly beneath the thighs of the seated patient U, for example, in the front of the seat 101 as shown in Figure 2. The airbag 21 directly beneath the thighs presses the thighs of the patient U upward when inflated. For example, inflating the airbag 21 directly beneath the thighs together with the rear airbag 21 makes it easier to lift the patient U into a floating state. The airbag 21 directly beneath the thighs can also be used to treat the buttocks of the patient U by inflating and deflating. The airbag 21 directly beneath the thighs can be inflated and deflated independently of the rear airbag 21.

[0027] It should be noted that the lifting unit 2 is not limited to the examples of this embodiment, and may use members other than the airbag 21 to lift at least the buttocks of the person receiving treatment U upward. For example, a mechanism member that moves up and down by a motor or the like may be used to lift the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment U upward.

[0028] Sensor 3 detects the anterior-posterior position of the buttocks of the person being treated U. Sensor 3 can employ pressure sensors, photoelectric sensors, contact sensors, etc.

[0029] For example, in this embodiment, the sensor 3 is a plurality of photoelectric sensors, which are arranged in the front-to-back direction on the inner surfaces of the base portion 104 or the armrest portion 105 that face each other in the left-to-right direction. The light-emitting elements of the photoelectric sensors are arranged on one of the inner surfaces of the base portion 104 or the armrest portion 105, either facing left or facing right. The light-receiving elements of the photoelectric sensors are arranged on the other side and face the light-emitting elements in the left-to-right direction.

[0030] Alternatively, the sensor 3 may be placed on the lower part of the seat 101, the backrest 102, etc. Figure 3 is a plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the sensor 3. In Figure 3, the sensor 3 includes sensor 3a and sensor 3b. For example, a pair of left and right sensors 3a are placed on the upper surface of the seat 101 and arranged in the front-to-back direction. Sensor 3a is a plurality of pressure sensors and is placed directly below the buttocks or thighs of the person receiving treatment U who is seated. The pressure sensors detect pressure due to contact with the person receiving treatment U. For example, the front-to-back position of the buttocks of the person receiving treatment U can be detected based on the placement positions of sensors 3a that detect pressure from the person receiving treatment U and the placement positions of sensors 3a that do not detect pressure from the person receiving treatment U. In this case, the sensor 3a is placed in a position that does not come into contact with the roller 12, shaft 13, left protrusion 14L, and right protrusion 14R of the transfer unit 1, which will be described later, and the lifting unit 2.

[0031] Sensor 3b is a pressure sensor and is positioned at the bottom of the backrest 102 (i.e., the part of the backrest 102 that is on the seat 101 side). Whether or not sensor 3b detects pressure from the person being treated U can determine whether or not the buttocks of the person being treated U are separated from the bottom of the backrest 102. For example, if the buttocks of the person being treated U are separated from the bottom of the backrest 102, it can be determined that the buttocks have shifted forward from the appropriate treatment position.

[0032] <2. Control system for massage machine 100> Next, with reference to Figure 4, an example of the configuration of the control system for the massage machine 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the control system that controls the operation of the massage machine 100.

[0033] The massage machine 100 includes an operating unit 1071, a memory unit 1072, a notification unit 1073, a control unit 108, an actuator group 1091, an air pump 1092, a solenoid valve group 1093, and the aforementioned treatment unit 103.

[0034] The control unit 1071 is an input device for the patient U to select a treatment pattern, adjust the intensity of the treatment, and give instructions to adjust the seating position, which will be described later. The control unit 1071 is connected to the control unit 108 via a cord. The control unit 1071 receives operation input from the patient U and outputs a signal based on the operation input to the control unit 108. The control unit 1071 can be attached to and detached from the stand (not shown). The stand is fixed to the armrest 105 located on the left side of the seat 101.

[0035] The memory unit 1072 is a non-transient storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, the memory unit 1072 stores programs and data necessary for the control unit 108 to control the operation of the massage machine 100. In addition, the memory unit 1072 stores the detection results of the sensor 3, for example, the appropriate position of the buttocks of the person being treated U in the anterior-posterior direction at a predetermined point in time. In this way, the massage machine 100 stores in the memory unit 1072 the position detected by the sensor 3 at a predetermined point in time as the appropriate treatment position of the buttocks of the person being treated U in the anterior-posterior direction. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can use this storage at a later point in time to detect deviations of the position of the buttocks of the person being treated U from the appropriate treatment position in the anterior-posterior direction.

[0036] The notification unit 1073 provides predetermined notifications to the person receiving treatment U. For example, the notification unit 1073 includes a speaker (not shown) provided by the massage machine 100 and provides predetermined notifications by outputting sound. The notification unit 1073 also includes a display (not shown) provided by the massage machine 100 and provides predetermined notifications by displaying information on the display. The notification unit 1073 also includes a vibration device (not shown) provided by the massage machine 100 and provides predetermined notifications by transmitting vibrations to the person receiving treatment U.

[0037] The control unit 108 is located, for example, below the seat 101 and controls various parts of the massage machine 100 based on signals output from the operation unit 1071. For example, the control unit 108 controls the actuator group 1091, the air pump 1092, and the solenoid valve group 1093. Furthermore, the control unit 108 controls the transfer unit 1 (for example, the drive unit 15 described later) and the lifting unit 2.

[0038] The actuator group 1091 includes multiple actuators. For example, the actuator group 1091 includes a backrest actuator for rotating the backrest 102, an ottoman actuator for rotating the ottoman 106, and so on.

[0039] The solenoid valve group 1093 includes multiple solenoid valves. Some of these solenoid valves are installed between the air pump 1092 and the airbag group provided in the massage machine 100, and switch between communication and disconnection between the two. The airbag group includes, for example, airbags 21 and 1023 provided in the lifting part 2 of the seat 101 and the pressing part 1022 of the backrest 102. Other parts of the solenoid valves are installed between the airbag group and the outside, and switch between communication and disconnection between the two.

[0040] For example, when some solenoid valves connect the air pump 1092 and the airbag, air is supplied from the air pump 1092 to the airbag via the solenoid valves. This causes the airbag to inflate. On the other hand, when some other solenoid valves connect the airbag to the outside, the air inside the airbag is released to the outside via the solenoid valves. This releases the air inside the airbag, causing it to deflate. Furthermore, when the operation of each solenoid valves causes the airbag to lose communication with both the air pump 1092 and the outside, the amount of air inside the airbag is maintained.

[0041] <3. Configuration of Transfer Unit 1> Next, the transfer unit 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the transfer unit 1. Note that in Figure 5, the housing 11, which will be described later, is made transparent to show the internal configuration of the transfer unit 1.

[0042] The transfer unit 1 includes a housing 11, rollers 12, a shaft 13, a left-side protrusion 14L, a right-side protrusion 14R, a drive unit 15, and a transmission unit 16. In other words, the massage machine 100 comprises these components. In the following, the left-side protrusion 14L and the right-side protrusion 14R may be collectively referred to as "protrusion 14".

[0043] The housing 11 houses the roller 12, shaft 13, protrusion 14, drive unit 15, and transmission unit 16. The housing 11 has two openings 111 aligned horizontally. The openings 111 penetrate vertically through the top plate portion (reference numerals omitted) of the housing 11. A portion of the roller 12 is exposed to the outside of the housing 11 through the openings 111.

[0044] The roller 12 has a shaft 13. The shaft 13 is rotatably supported by the housing 11. The shaft 13 extends along axes of rotation A1 and A2 parallel to the left-right direction and is rotatable about axes A1 and A2. In this embodiment, the shaft 13 has a first shaft 131 and a second shaft 132. The first shaft 131 extends along a first axis of rotation A1 parallel to the left-right direction and is rotatable about the first axis of rotation A1. The central axis of the first shaft 131 coincides with the first axis of rotation A1. The second shaft 132 extends along a second axis of rotation A2 parallel to the left-right direction and is rotatable about the second axis of rotation A2. The second shaft 132 is positioned behind the first shaft 131. The central axis of the second shaft 132 coincides with the second axis of rotation A2.

[0045] The roller 12 extends in the left-right direction and is positioned on the seat 101 so as to be rotatable about the left-right direction by the rotation of the shaft 13. The roller 12 can press against at least one part of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U. The roller 12 rotates as the airbag 21 of the lifting section 2 inflates. In this way, the massage machine 100 can move the person being treated U in the front-back direction while slightly lifted upwards.

[0046] In other words, the lifting unit 2 lifts the buttocks of the person being treated U, who is sitting on the seat 101, upward. Furthermore, the roller 12 rotates, pressing against at least one of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U. As a result, even if the seating position of the person being treated U in the front-to-back direction is deviated from the appropriate treatment position, the massage machine 100 can move the aforementioned seating position in the front-to-back direction back to the appropriate treatment position.

[0047] For example, if the seating position of the person being treated U is shifted forward from the appropriate treatment position, the massage machine 100 rotates the roller 12 clockwise, viewed from left to right. This allows the massage machine 100 to move the seating position backward and return it to the appropriate treatment position. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can eliminate any shift in the seating position of the person being treated U in the anterior-posterior direction, and provide sufficient treatment to the person being treated U.

[0048] Furthermore, the roller 12 has a pair of left and right first rollers 121 and a pair of left and right second rollers 122. The first rollers 121 are positioned at the radially outer end of the first shaft 131 and extend in the left-right direction. The first rollers 121 are held by the first shaft 131. The pair of left and right first rollers 121 are aligned in the left-right direction and are rotatable about the left-right direction.

[0049] The second roller 122 is positioned at the radially outer end of the second shaft 132 and extends in the left-right direction. The second roller 122 is held by the second shaft 132. The pair of left and right second rollers 122 are aligned in the left-right direction and are rotatable around the left-right direction.

[0050] The upper ends of the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 each protrude outside the housing 11 through the opening 111. This allows the first roller 121 to press against the thigh of a seated patient U. The second roller 122 can press against the buttocks of a seated patient U. For example, the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 located on the left side can each press against the left thigh and the left side of the buttocks of a seated patient U. The first roller 121 and the second roller 122 located on the right side can each press against the right thigh and the right side of the buttocks of a seated patient U.

[0051] Preferably, the rotation axes of the shaft 13 (for example, the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2) are eccentric with respect to the radial center of the roller 12. In other words, the roller 12 has rotation axes that are eccentric with respect to its radial center. For example, the first roller 121 is mounted eccentrically with respect to the first rotation axis A1. The first rotation axis A1 is eccentric with respect to the radial center of the first roller 121. Similarly, the second roller 122 is mounted eccentrically with respect to the second rotation axis A2. The second rotation axis A2 is eccentric with respect to the radial center of the second roller 122. In this way, the massage machine 100 can engage the rollers 12 with at least one of the aforementioned parts of the person being treated U, and the rotating rollers 12 can lightly lift the person being treated U. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions. However, this example does not exclude configurations in which the first roller 121 is not eccentric with respect to the first rotation axis A1, nor does it exclude configurations in which the second roller 122 is not eccentric with respect to the second rotation axis A2. For example, the central axis of the first roller 121 may coincide with the first rotation axis A1. Also, the central axis of the second roller 122 may coincide with the second rotation axis A2.

[0052] The left protrusion 14L and the right protrusion 14R project radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the roller 12. The radially outer ends of the left protrusion 14L and the right protrusion 14R are rounded in shape.

[0053] The left-side projection 14L is capable of pressing against at least one of the above-mentioned parts (buttocks and thigh) on the left half of the patient U. For example, the roller 12 has a left-side projection 14L. The left-side projection 14L is positioned on the left first roller 121 and the left second roller 122, respectively. The left-side projection 14L of the left first roller 121 is positioned directly below the left thigh of the seated patient U. The left-side projection 14L of the left second roller 122 is positioned directly below the left side of the buttocks of the seated patient U.

[0054] Furthermore, the right-side projection 14R can press against at least one of the above-mentioned parts (buttocks and thigh) on the right half of the patient U. For example, the roller 12 has a right-side projection 14R. The right-side projection 14R is positioned on the right-side first roller 121 and the right-side second roller 122, respectively. The right-side projection 14R of the right-side first roller 121 is positioned directly below the right thigh of the seated patient U. The right-side projection 14R of the right-side second roller 122 is positioned directly below the right side of the buttocks of the seated patient U.

[0055] In this configuration, the massage machine 100 can insert its left protrusion 14L into at least one of the left side of the buttocks and left thigh of the person being treated U who is sitting on the seat 101. Furthermore, the massage machine 100 can insert its right protrusion 14R into at least one of the right side of the buttocks and right thigh of the person being treated U who is sitting on the seat. Therefore, by rotating the roller 12 in these positions, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions. It can also apply stronger treatment to at least one of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U.

[0056] Preferably, the left-side projections 14L arranged on a single roller 12 are multiple and arranged in the circumferential direction. More preferably, the multiple left-side projections 14L arranged on a single roller 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. For example, in this embodiment, the two left-side projections 14L are arranged 180° apart around the shaft 13, that is, arranged symmetrically twice. However, the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which there is only one left-side projection 14L arranged on a single roller 12. Also, the above configurations do not exclude a configuration in which the multiple left-side projections 14L arranged on a single roller 12 are not arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0057] Preferably, the right-side projections 14R arranged on a single roller 12 are multiple and arranged in the circumferential direction. Even more preferably, the multiple right-side projections 14R arranged on a single roller 12 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. For example, in this embodiment, the two right-side projections 14R are arranged 180° apart around the shaft 13, that is, arranged symmetrically twice. However, the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which there is only one right-side projection 14R arranged on a single roller 12. Also, the above configurations do not exclude a configuration in which the multiple right-side projections 14R arranged on a single roller 12 are not arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, a left-side projection 14L and a right-side projection 14R are formed on the first roller 121 and the second roller 122, respectively. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the first roller 121 does not have at least one of the left-side projection 14L and the right-side projection 14R. Similarly, the above example does not exclude a configuration in which the second roller 122 does not have at least one of the left-side projection 14L and the right-side projection 14R. For example, either the left-side projection 14L or the right-side projection 14R may be placed on only one of the first roller 121 or the second roller 122. Furthermore, the left-side projection 14L and the right-side projection 14R may be omitted, or they may not be placed on roller 12 at all.

[0059] Next, the drive unit 15 rotates the rollers 12. More specifically, the drive unit 15 is a drive device such as a motor, which rotates the first shaft 131 and the second shaft 132. The drive unit 15 is positioned in the left-right direction between the left first roller 121 and the second roller 122 and the right first roller 121 and the second roller 122.

[0060] The transmission unit 16 transmits the rotational driving force of the drive unit 15 to the shaft 13. For example, the rotational driving force of the drive unit 15 is transmitted to the first shaft 131 via the gear mechanism (not shown) of the transmission unit 16. The rotational driving force of the first shaft 131 is transmitted to the second shaft 132 via a first pulley (not shown), a belt (not shown), and a second pulley (not shown). The first pulley is fixed to the center of the first shaft 131 in the left-right direction. The second pulley is fixed to the center of the second shaft 132 in the left-right direction. The belt is stretched from the first pulley to the second pulley. As a result, the transfer unit 1 can rotate the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 using the same drive unit 15. Note that this example does not exclude a configuration in which the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 are rotated by separate drive devices.

[0061] <4. Example of operation of massage machine 100> Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the massage machine 100 to correct the displacement of the seated position of the patient U in the anterior-posterior direction.

[0062] <4-1. Example of the first operation> For example, before performing a lumbar massage, the control unit 108 inflates the airbag 21 of the lifting unit 2 to lift at least the buttocks of the person being treated U upward. This causes the person being treated U to be slightly suspended. This reduces the frictional force generated between the seat 101 and the person being treated U when moving the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions.

[0063] Next, the control unit 108 rotates the roller 12 clockwise, viewed from left to right. As a result, the roller 12 rotates towards the front from the perspective of the person being treated U. At this time, the part of the roller 12 that presses against the person being treated U moves to the rear. This causes a force acting towards the rear on the person being treated U, who is slightly floating. As a result, the person being treated U can be moved to the rear. These operations can be performed, for example, based on operation input to the operating unit 1071 of the person being treated U.

[0064] Alternatively, the above operations may be performed automatically based on the detection results of sensor 3. For example, when the person being treated U is seated in the appropriate treatment position (for example, the first time point), sensor 3 detects the position of the buttocks in the anterior-posterior direction (for example, the first position). The detection result is stored in the memory unit 1072 as the appropriate treatment position. At a second time point, after the first time point, if the buttocks of the person being treated U have shifted, the control unit 108 returns the buttocks to the appropriate treatment position. That is, at the second time point, the control unit 108 determines, based on the detection results of sensor 3, whether the position of the buttocks of the person being treated U in the anterior-posterior direction is more than a predetermined distance away from the first position (i.e., the appropriate treatment position) in the anterior-posterior direction. If the buttocks of the person being treated U are more than a predetermined distance away from the first position in the anterior-posterior direction, the control unit 108 lifts the buttocks of the person being treated U upward with the lifting unit and rotates the roller 12. In this way, the massage machine 100 can automatically move the buttocks of the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions based on the detection results of the sensor 3, returning them to the appropriate treatment position.

[0065] For example, if the buttocks move forward due to movement during treatment, the anterior-posterior position of the buttocks is likely to shift forward from the appropriate treatment position. In such cases, the control unit 108 detects, based on the detection result of the sensor 3, that the anterior-posterior position of the buttocks of the person being treated U is shifted forward from the appropriate treatment position. Also, if the person being treated U sits shallowly on the seat, or if the person being treated U is small in stature, the anterior-posterior position of the buttocks is likely to shift forward from the appropriate treatment position. In these cases as well, the control unit 108 can similarly detect the forward shift by using, for example, the most recent appropriate treatment position stored in the memory unit 1072. Then, with the person being treated U lightly lifted by the lifting unit 2, the control unit 108 moves the person being treated U backward by rotating the roller 12 clockwise from left to right. This allows the massage machine 100 to automatically move the buttocks of the person being treated U to the appropriate treatment position in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can eliminate any misalignment of the seating position in the front-to-back direction, and thus fully exert its therapeutic effect.

[0066] On the other hand, if the position of the buttocks in the anterior-posterior direction is shifted backward from the appropriate treatment position, the control unit 108 lightly lifts the person being treated U with the lifting unit 2 and rotates the roller 12 counterclockwise, viewed from left to right. This allows the massage machine 100 to automatically move the person being treated U forward, returning the buttocks of the person being treated U to the appropriate treatment position.

[0067] In this case, the control unit 108 may provide a predetermined notification. For example, if the control unit 108 detects, based on the detection result of the sensor 3, that the buttocks of the person being treated U are more than a predetermined distance away in the front-rear direction from the first position (i.e., the appropriate treatment position), the notification unit 1073 may provide a predetermined notification. In this way, the massage machine 100 can notify the person being treated U that, for example, the position of their buttocks in the front-rear direction is deviating from the appropriate treatment position. In response to the notification, the person being treated U can correct their seating position by reading their posture or move themselves backward by rotating the rollers 12 or other means in response to manual operation.

[0068] <4-2. Second example of operation> The massage machine 100 may combine the operation of other components with the operation of the first operation example. For example, the control unit 108 rotates the backrest 102 relative to the seat 101 to tilt the backrest 102 backward or forward, and at the same time, the lifting unit 2 lifts the buttocks of the person being treated U upward, causing the roller 12 to rotate. That is, when the control unit 108 rotates the roller 12 with the person being treated U slightly lifted by the lifting unit 2, it tilts the backrest 102 backward to put the person being treated U in a supine position, and then rotates the backrest 102 forward to raise the person.

[0069] In other words, the massage machine 100 lightly lifts the person being treated U with the lifting section 2, supports the torso of the person being treated U with the backrest section 102, and rotates the roller 12 as described above. This allows the massage machine 100 to more easily move the seating position of the person being treated U in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, even if the seating position of the person being treated U is shifted in the front-to-back direction from the appropriate treatment position, the massage machine 100 can easily correct that shift.

[0070] For example, if the seating position is shifted forward from the appropriate treatment position, the backrest 102 tilts backward, causing the buttocks of the person being treated U to be pulled backward along with the movement of the torso backward. This allows the massage machine 100 to correct the forward shift in the seating position.

[0071] Preferably, the control unit 108 tilts the backrest 102 backward to position the patient U on their back. More preferably, the massage machine 100 fully reclines the backrest 102, tilting it backward to a nearly horizontal position. Furthermore, the control unit 108 uses the lifting unit 2 to lift the patient U's buttocks upward and rotates the roller 12 clockwise, viewed from left to right. For example, the massage machine 100 positions the patient U in a lying position (e.g., on their back). This action allows the massage machine 100 to move the patient U's torso significantly backward. Consequently, the patient U's buttocks are pulled backward and moved. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the patient U backward and return them to the appropriate treatment position. However, this example does not exclude configurations in which the massage machine 100 does not fully recline the backrest 102. For example, the massage machine 100 may tilt the backrest 102 to a position that is not horizontal.

[0072] Furthermore, if the seating position is shifted backward from the appropriate treatment position, the backrest 102 rises, pushing the buttocks of the person being treated U forward as their torso stands up. This allows the massage machine 100 to correct any backward shift in the seating position.

[0073] Here, the rotation of the backrest 102 may be performed simultaneously with the movement of the roller 12. When both are performed simultaneously, the movement of the buttocks accompanying the movement of the torso is linked to the movement of the buttocks due to the rotation of the roller 12. As a result, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the seated position of the person being treated U in the front-to-back direction.

[0074] Alternatively, the rotation of the backrest 102 may occur before the movement of the roller 12. In this case, the massage machine 100 can move the buttocks in the forward and backward directions as the torso moves, while the person being treated U is slightly lifted by the lifting section 2. Furthermore, the massage machine 100 can easily move the buttocks in the forward and backward directions by the rotation of the roller 12 while the person being treated U is slightly lifted and a forward and backward force is acting on the buttocks.

[0075] Preferably, when the control unit 108 rotates the backrest 102 and the roller 12, it moves the treatment unit 103 along the backrest 102.

[0076] In this way, the massage machine 100 can move the buttocks of the person being treated U in the forward and backward direction by moving the torso of the person being treated U with the treatment unit 103 that is in contact with the back of the person being treated U. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the seated position of the person being treated U to the appropriate treatment position.

[0077] For example, when the massage machine 100 tilts the backrest 102 backward and rotates the roller 12 clockwise from left to right, it moves the treatment unit 103 that contacts the back of the person being treated U from the buttocks side towards the shoulder side of the person being treated U. This allows the massage machine 100 to move the torso of the person being treated U backward using the treatment unit 103 that contacts the back of the person being treated U. Consequently, the buttocks of the person being treated U are pulled backward and moved. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the person being treated U backward and return them to the appropriate treatment position. At this time, the massage machine 100 tilts the backrest 102 backward to a nearly horizontal position, and rotates the roller 12 in a position where the person being treated U can lie down (for example, on their back). This allows the massage machine 100 to treat the person being treated U more effectively.

[0078] Furthermore, when the massage machine 100 raises the backrest 102 and rotates the roller 12 counterclockwise from left to right, it moves the treatment unit 103 that contacts the back of the person being treated U from the shoulder side towards the buttocks side of the person being treated U. This allows the massage machine 100 to move the torso of the person being treated U forward using the treatment unit 103 that contacts the back of the person being treated U. Consequently, the buttocks of the person being treated U are pulled backward and moved. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the person being treated U forward and return them to the appropriate treatment position.

[0079] However, the above examples do not exclude configurations in which the treatment unit 103 is not moved along the backrest 102 when the backrest 102 and roller 12 rotate.

[0080] Preferably, when the backrest 102 is rotated, the control unit 108 presses the person being treated U with a pair of pressing parts 1022. In this way, the massage machine 100 can rotate the backrest 102 while at least one of the shoulder and upper arm of the person being treated U is held between the pair of left and right pressing parts 1022. For example, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the torso of the person being treated U to the rear by tilting the backrest 102 backward while maintaining the above state. Also, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the torso of the person being treated U to the rear by raising the backrest 102 while maintaining the above state. Therefore, the massage machine can more easily move the seating position of the person being treated U in the front-to-back direction to return to the appropriate treatment position. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the pair of pressing parts 1022 do not press against the patient U when the backrest 102 rotates.

[0081] <2. Remarks> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative, and various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and this will be understood by those skilled in the art as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] For example, in the embodiment described above, the rollers 12 of the transfer unit 1 have a first roller 121 and a second roller 122. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and either the first roller 121 or the second roller 122 may be omitted. Alternatively, the transfer unit 1 may be configured such that the rollers 12 further have a pair of left and right third rollers different from the first roller 121 and the second roller 122. The third rollers are configured similarly to the first roller 121 and the second roller 122.

[0083] <3. Summary> According to the above-described embodiment, the massage machine 100 is configured to include a seat 101 that supports the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U, a roller 12 that extends in the left-right direction and is rotatably positioned on the seat 101 about the left-right direction, and capable of pressing on at least one part of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U, a drive unit 15 that rotates the roller 12, a lifting unit 2 positioned on the seat 101 and capable of lifting the buttocks of the person being treated U upward, and a control unit 108 that controls the lifting unit 2 and the drive unit 15.

[0084] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can move the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions while slightly lifting them upward. For example, the lifting unit 2 lifts the buttocks of the person being treated U sitting on the seat 101 upward. Furthermore, the roller 12 that presses against at least one part of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U rotates. As a result, even if the seating position of the person being treated U sitting on the seat 101 is deviated from the appropriate treatment position in the forward and backward directions, the massage machine 100 can move the seating position in the forward and backward directions to return it to the appropriate treatment position. For example, if the seating position is deviated forward from the appropriate treatment position, the massage machine 100 rotates the roller 12 clockwise when viewed from left to right. This allows the massage machine 100 to move the seating position backward to return it to the appropriate treatment position. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can eliminate any displacement of the seated position of the person being treated U in the anterior-posterior direction, and can provide sufficient treatment to the person being treated U.

[0085] The massage machine 100 described above may have a left-side projection 14L capable of pressing on at least one of the above-mentioned parts on the left half of the body of the person being treated U, and a right-side projection 14R capable of pressing on at least one of the above-mentioned parts on the right half of the body of the person being treated U, wherein the left-side projection 14L and the right-side projection 14R may be configured to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the roller 12.

[0086] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can insert its left protrusion 14L into at least one of the left side of the buttocks and left thigh of the person being treated U who is sitting on the seat 101. In addition, the massage machine 100 can insert its right protrusion 14R into at least one of the right side of the buttocks and right thigh of the person being treated U who is sitting on the seat 101. Therefore, by rotating the roller 12 in these positions, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions. Furthermore, it is possible to apply stronger treatment to at least one of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated U.

[0087] In the massage machine 100 described above, the roller 12 may be configured to have rotation axes A1 and A2 that are eccentric with respect to the radial center.

[0088] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can engage the roller 12 with at least one of the aforementioned parts of the person being treated U, and the rotating roller 12 can slightly lift the person being treated U. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions.

[0089] In the massage machine 100 described above, a backrest 102 is further provided which is rotatably supported at the rear end of the seat 101 and supports the torso of the person being treated U. The control unit 108 rotates the backrest 102 relative to the seat 101 and also lifts the buttocks of the person being treated U upward with the lifting unit 2 to rotate the roller 12.

[0090] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 lightly lifts the person being treated U with the lifting section 2, supports the torso of the person being treated U with the backrest section 102, and rotates the roller 12 as described above. This allows the massage machine 100 to more easily move the seating position of the person being treated U in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, even if the seating position of the person being treated U is shifted in the front-to-back direction from the appropriate treatment position, the massage machine 100 can easily correct that shift.

[0091] In the massage machine 100 described above, the control unit 108 may be configured to tilt the backrest 102 backward to place the person being treated U in a supine position, and to lift the buttocks of the person being treated U upward with the lifting unit 2, thereby rotating the roller 12 clockwise when viewed from left to right.

[0092] With this configuration, for example, the massage machine 100 tilts the backrest 102 backward to a nearly horizontal position, allowing the person being treated U to lie down (for example, on their back). This action allows the massage machine 100 to move the torso of the person being treated U significantly backward. Consequently, the buttocks of the person being treated U are pulled backward and moved. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the person being treated U backward and return them to the appropriate treatment position.

[0093] The massage machine 100 described above may further include a treatment unit 103 capable of treating the back of the person being treated U, the treatment unit 103 being positioned on the backrest 102 and movable along the backrest 102 in the left-right direction and in the vertical direction, and the control unit 108 may be configured to move the treatment unit 103 along the backrest 102 when rotating the backrest 102 and the roller 12.

[0094] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can move the buttocks of the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions by moving the torso of the person being treated U with the treatment unit 103 that is in contact with the back of the person being treated U. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the position of the person being treated U to the appropriate treatment position.

[0095] In the massage machine 100 described above, the backrest portion 102 is positioned outward in the left-right direction from the shoulder portion and upper arm portion of the person being treated U, and has a pair of side portions 1021 facing the person being treated U in the left-right direction, and a pair of pressing portions 1022 positioned on the pair of side portions 1021, capable of pressing at least one of the shoulder portion and upper arm portion of the person being treated U from the outside in the left-right direction, and the control unit 108 may be configured to press the person being treated U with the pair of pressing portions 1022 when the backrest portion 102 is rotated.

[0096] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can rotate the backrest 102 while clamping at least one of the shoulder and upper arm of the person being treated U with the pair of left and right pressing parts 1022. For example, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the torso of the person being treated U backward by tilting the backrest 102 backward while maintaining the above state. Also, the massage machine 100 can more reliably move the torso of the person being treated U backward by raising the backrest 102 while maintaining the above state. Therefore, the massage machine 100 can more easily move the seating position of the person being treated U in the front-to-back direction to return to the appropriate treatment position.

[0097] The massage machine 100 described above may further include a sensor 3 for detecting the anterior-posterior position of the buttocks of the person being treated U, and a storage unit 1072 for storing the first anterior-posterior position of the buttocks of the person being treated U at a predetermined first time point.

[0098] In this configuration, the massage machine 100 stores in its memory a first position detected by a sensor at a predetermined first time point, which is, for example, an appropriate treatment position in the anterior-posterior direction of the buttocks of the person being treated U. The massage machine 100 can use this memory at a time point later than the first time point to detect any deviation of the anterior-posterior position of the buttocks of the person being treated U from the appropriate treatment position.

[0099] In the massage machine 100 described above, the control unit 108 may, based on the detection result of the sensor 3, detect that at a second time point later than the first time point described above, the second position, which is the position of the buttocks of the person being treated U in the front-rear direction, is more than a predetermined distance away from the first position (i.e., the appropriate treatment position) in the front-rear direction, and at the same time, lift the buttocks of the person being treated U upward with the lifting unit 2 and rotate the roller 12.

[0100] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can automatically move the buttocks of the person being treated U in the forward and backward directions based on the detection results of the sensor 3, returning them to the appropriate treatment position.

[0101] The massage machine 100 described above may further include a notification unit 1073 that provides predetermined notifications to the person receiving treatment U. The control unit 108 may, based on the detection result of the sensor 3, detect that the buttocks of the person receiving treatment U are more than a predetermined distance away in the front-rear direction from the first position (i.e., the appropriate treatment position) and provide a notification via the notification unit 1073.

[0102] With this configuration, the massage machine 100 can, for example, notify the person being treated U if the position of their buttocks in the anterior-posterior direction is deviating from the appropriate treatment position. In response to the notification, the person being treated U can correct their seating position by readjusting their posture, or move themselves backward by manually rotating the rollers 12, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 100 (Chair-type) Massage Machine 101 Seat area 102 Backrest 1021 Side section 1022 Pressing part 1023 Airbag 103 Treatment Unit 1031 Guide rail 104 Base section 105 Armrest 106 Ottoman 1071 Operation section 1072 Storage section 1073 Hochi Department 108 Control Unit 1091 Actuator Group 1092 Air Pump 1093 Solenoid valve group 1. Transfer Unit 11 cabinets 111 Opening 12 Laura 121 First Laura 122 Second Laura 13 shafts 131 First shaft 132 Second shaft 14L Left side protrusion 14R Right side protrusion 15 Drive unit 16. Transmission Section 2 Lifting part 21 Airbags 3 sensors U: Patient A1 First rotation axis A2 2nd rotation axis

Claims

1. A seat that supports the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment, A roller extending in the left-right direction and rotatably positioned on the seat portion about the left-right direction, and capable of pressing against at least one part of the buttocks and thighs of the person being treated, A drive unit for rotating the roller, The seat portion is provided with a lifting section capable of lifting the buttocks of the person being treated upwards, A control unit that controls the lifting unit and the drive unit, A backrest portion is rotatably supported at the rear end of the seat portion and supports the torso of the person being treated, A sensor that detects the position of the patient's buttocks in the anterior-posterior direction, Equipped with, The control unit, when it determines based on the detection result of the sensor that the buttocks of the person being treated are separated from the lower part of the backrest, rotates the roller in a direction that brings the buttocks of the person being treated closer to the lower part of the backrest, in a massage machine.

2. The aforementioned roller, A left-side protrusion capable of pressing on at least one of the parts of the left half of the patient's body, A right-side protrusion capable of pressing on at least one of the parts of the right half of the patient's body, It has, The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the left-side protrusion and the right-side protrusion protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the roller.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the roller has a rotation axis eccentric with respect to the radial center.

4. The massage machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit rotates the backrest relative to the seat and lifts the buttocks of the person being treated upward with the lifting unit to rotate the roller.

5. The massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the control unit tilts the backrest backward to place the person being treated in a supine position, and the lifting unit lifts the buttocks of the person being treated upward to rotate the roller.

6. The treatment unit further comprises a treatment unit capable of treating the back of the person being treated, The treatment unit is positioned on the backrest and is movable along the backrest in the left-right and vertical directions. The massage machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control unit moves the treatment unit along the backrest when rotating the backrest and the roller.

7. The aforementioned backrest portion is, The following are positioned on the left and right sides of the shoulder and upper arm of the person being treated, and a pair of side portions facing the person being treated in the left and right directions, A pair of pressing parts are arranged on each of the two side portions, and are capable of pressing on at least one of the shoulder and upper arm portions of the person being treated from the outside in the left-right direction, It has, The massage machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control unit presses the person being treated with a pair of pressing parts when the backrest is rotated.

8. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a storage unit for storing a first position in the anterior-posterior direction of the buttocks of the person being treated at a predetermined first time point.

9. If, at a second time point later than the first time point, the second position, which is the position of the patient's buttocks in the anterior-posterior direction, is forward of the first position, the control unit rotates the roller backward. The massage machine according to claim 8, wherein the roller is rotated forward when the second position is located behind the first position.

10. The system further includes a notification unit that provides a predetermined notification to the person receiving treatment. The massage machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit detects, based on the sensor's detection result, that the buttocks of the person being treated are separated from the first position by a predetermined distance or more, and the notification unit provides the notification.

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