Massage unit and massage machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a massage unit, which has a simple structure and can stably implement therapy within a wide range in the width direction, and a massage machine comprising same. The massage unit comprises: a pair of therapeutic members; a kneading mechanism, the kneading mechanism being capable of moving the pair of therapeutic members such that the centers of the pair of therapeutic members respectively depict tracks having widths in the up-down direction and the left-right direction; a tapping mechanism, the tapping mechanism being capable of moving the pair of therapeutic members back and forth in the front-back direction; a width adjusting mechanism, the width adjusting mechanism being capable of adjusting the width in the left-right direction between the pair of therapeutic members; and a connecting portion, the connecting portion connecting the kneading mechanism, the tapping mechanism and the width adjusting mechanism.

Description

Massage units and massage machines Technical Field

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

[0002] Among massage machines, a massage machine that connects a kneading shaft that transmits a kneading action and a beating shaft that transmits a beating action is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). By configuring in this way, the number of treatment modes can be increased.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7060224

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the structure of Patent Document 1, the movement range of the treatment member in the width direction is narrow, making it difficult to perform treatment over a wide range.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a massage unit and a massage machine that have a simple structure and can stably perform treatment over a wide range in the width direction.

[0010] Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0011] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the massage unit of the present invention comprises: a pair of treatment elements; a kneading mechanism capable of moving the treatment elements so that their centers describe tracks having widths in the vertical, horizontal, and lateral directions; a striking mechanism capable of moving the treatment elements forward and backward in the front-back direction; a width adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the width between the treatment elements in the horizontal direction; and a connecting portion connecting the kneading mechanism, the striking mechanism, and the width adjustment mechanism. The width adjustment mechanism allows the connecting portion to move in the horizontal direction.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the massage unit and the massage machine of the present invention, while having a simple structure, it is possible to stably perform treatment over a wide range in the width direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG2 is a front view of the backrest.

[0016] FIG3 is a front view of a backrest portion of another structure.

[0017] FIG4 is a front view of a backrest portion of another embodiment.

[0018] FIG5 is a front view of a backrest portion of another embodiment.

[0019] FIG6 is a functional block diagram of the massage unit.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the massage unit as seen from the front side.

[0021] FIG8 is a perspective view of the massage unit as seen from the back side.

[0022] FIG9 is a front view of the massage unit.

[0023] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the massage unit shown in FIG9 cut along line XX.

[0024] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the massage unit shown in FIG9 taken along line XI-XI.

[0025] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of the massage unit shown in FIG9 taken along line XII-XII.

[0026] FIG13 is a perspective view of the treatment part as seen from the front.

[0027] FIG14 is a perspective view of the treatment part as seen from the back side.

[0028] FIG15 is a side view of the treatment part.

[0029] FIG16 is a schematic diagram showing the movement range of the body of the person being treated and the treatment member.

[0030] FIG17 is a flowchart showing the steps of treatment.

[0031] FIG18 is a flowchart showing the body measurement operation.

[0032] FIG19a is a diagram showing the left-right positions of the treatment tool and the first width adjustment guide during the kneading operation, and FIG19b is a diagram showing the trajectory of the treatment tool.

[0033] FIG20a is a diagram showing the vertical positions of the treatment tool and the drive shaft during the kneading action, and FIG20b is a diagram showing the trajectory of the treatment tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 100 according to one embodiment. The massage machine 100 shown in Fig. 1 is in a state of being covered with a cover Cv made of natural leather, synthetic leather, cloth, or the like.

[0035] In addition, in the following description, the front side (front side) of the person being treated sitting on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "front side", and the back side (back side) of the person being treated sitting on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "back side". In addition, the upper side (head side) of the person being treated sitting on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "upper side", and the lower side (foot side) of the person being treated sitting on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "lower side". In addition, the right side of the person being treated sitting on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "right side", and the left side of the person being treated sitting on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "left side". In addition, the so-called "extending along" a prescribed direction includes, in addition to the case of extending strictly along the prescribed direction, the case of extending along a direction inclined within a range of less than 45° relative to the strict direction.

[0036] <Massage Machine 100>

[0037] The massage machine 100 massages the entire body of a supported person. As shown in FIG1 , the massage machine 100 includes a base 10 , a seat 20 , a backrest 30 , an arm massage part 40 , and a foot massage part 50 .

[0038] The seat 20 and backrest 30 support the patient's body. The seat 20 supports the patient's buttocks and thighs. The seat 20 may also include an expansion and contraction portion for treating the buttocks or thighs. The expansion and contraction portion may, for example, comprise a bag (so-called air bag) that can repeatedly expand and contract by filling and exhausting air. The expansion and contraction portions used in the following description have the same structure.

[0039] The backrest 30 supports the patient's shoulders, waist, and spine. It stands upright from the rear of the seat 20. The backrest 30 has a so-called tilt function, in which a tilt motor (not shown) tilts the upper portion of the backrest 30 backward relative to the seat 20.

[0040] The massage unit 60, described below, is disposed within the backrest 30 and is guided by guide rails 31R and 31L provided on the backrest 30 so as to rise and fall along the backrest 30. Furthermore, the backrest 30 may also include an expansion and contraction portion for treating the shoulders and upper arms of the patient. The backrest 30 and massage unit 60 will be described in detail below.

[0041] The base 10 supports the seat 20 and the backrest 30. The arm treatment unit 40 is provided on the base 10 and extends upward from the left and right ends of the seat 20. The arm treatment unit 40 has an internal expansion and contraction unit (not shown) that expands and contracts to treat the patient's arm.

[0042] The foot therapy part 50 supports the lower limbs of the person being treated. The lower limbs are, for example, the calves, that is, the parts of the legs below the knees. The foot therapy part 50 is arranged downward from the front of the seat 20. The lower part of the foot therapy part 50 rotates upward with the front of the seat 20 as an axis. In addition, the rotation of the foot therapy part 50 can be performed synchronously with the tilting movement of the backrest 30. In addition, the tilting movement of the backrest 30 and the rotation of the foot therapy part 50 can also be performed independently.

[0043] The foot treatment part 50 has a recessed portion 51 into which the lower limb of the person being treated can be inserted. An expansion and contraction portion, for example, is disposed in the recessed portion 51, and the foot treatment part 50 is configured to perform treatment by compressing the inserted lower limb.

[0044] <Backrest 30>

[0045] FIG2 is a front view of the backrest portion 30. FIG2 shows the backrest portion 30 with the cover Cv removed. As shown in FIG2 , the backrest portion 30 has a vertically extending hole 33 formed in the center portion thereof when viewed from the front. The hole 33 extends upward from the lower end portion of the backrest portion 30.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the hole 33 has a first region 331 and a second region 332. The left-right width of the first region 331 is a first width W1. Furthermore, the left-right width of the second region 332 is a second width W2, which is narrower than the first width W1. As shown in Figure 2, the hole 33 of the backrest 30 has an upper first region 331u and a lower first region 331d. The second region 332 is positioned between the upper first region 331u and the lower first region 331d, and is formed continuously with the first regions 331u and 331d.

[0047] The first area 331u of the upper portion of the hole 33 of the backrest 30 corresponds to the shoulders of a seated patient. Furthermore, the first area 331d of the lower portion corresponds to the waist of a seated patient. Furthermore, the second area 332 corresponds to the spine of a seated patient.

[0048] The treatment element 622 of the massage unit 60 protrudes forward of the backrest 30 through the hole 33. In the massager 100, the width of the treatment area for the patient's shoulders and waist is wide, while the width of the treatment area for the patient's spine is narrower than that for the shoulders and waist. As a result, the treatment element 622 can provide a kneading and tapping effect over a wide horizontal area of ​​the patient's body, where muscles are distributed over a wide horizontal area.

[0049] On the other hand, muscles are present in the central portion of the spine in the horizontal direction, but are less abundant at the ends. Therefore, the therapeutic effect of the treatment member 622 is lower at the ends of the spine in the horizontal direction. In other words, even if the treatment member 622 is moved over a wide horizontal range in the portion corresponding to the spine, the effect is low. Therefore, a second region 332 of the second width W2 is formed in the portion of the hole 33 corresponding to the spine.

[0050] The hole 33 is formed in the backrest portion 30, which can achieve weight reduction. On the other hand, if the hole 33 is too large, the rigidity of the backrest portion 30 may be reduced, and the patient's body may sink into the hole 33. By providing the second region 332 in the hole 33 with a second width W2 narrower than the first width W1 of the first region 331, the rigidity of the backrest portion 30 can be reduced, and the patient's body can be prevented from sinking.

[0051] Adjacent to the second region 332 of the backrest 30 in the left-right direction is a protrusion 34, whose opening protrudes inwardly of the backrest 30. An expansion / contraction portion 35 is disposed on the front surface of the protrusion 34. The expansion / contraction portion 35 expands by supplying compressed air from, for example, an air compressor (not shown), and contracts by removing the air. Specifically, the expansion / contraction portion 35 is a bag (so-called airbag) that can be repeatedly expanded and contracted by air.

[0052] When inflated, the expansion and contraction unit 35 simultaneously or alternately presses the left and right ends of the patient's back forward and inward in the left and right directions. The expansion and contraction unit 35 applies pressure to the patient's body by expanding due to air filling, providing gentler treatment than kneading or tapping performed by the treatment element 622.

[0053] FIG3 is a front view of a backrest 30A of another configuration. The backrest 30A shown in FIG3 includes a pair of movable protrusions 34a that are movable (movable) in the left-right direction. The protrusions 34a can, for example, move between a first width W1 and a second width W2, approaching or separating from each other in the left-right direction. Alternatively, in the massager 100, the protrusions 34a can be configured such that the expansion / contraction portion 35 expands while moving inward and contracts while moving outward.

[0054] FIG4 is a front view of a backrest 30B having another structure. The backrest 30B shown in FIG4 has two pairs of protrusions 34. Thus, the hole 33 has two second regions 332 located vertically. Furthermore, a first region 331 is disposed between adjacent second regions 332 located vertically along the hole 33. Thus, since the protrusions 34 support multiple parts of the patient's body, the patient's body can be prevented from falling into the hole 33. Alternatively, the backrest 30B may have a structure having three or more second regions 332.

[0055] FIG5 is a front view of another backrest 30C. The backrest 30C shown in FIG5 has three pairs of movable protrusions 34a. The three pairs of protrusions 34a are arranged in a vertical arrangement. The three pairs of protrusions 34a are arranged, for example, at the shoulders, back, and waist of the patient's body.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the left-right movement of the protrusion 34a is synchronized with the up-and-down movement of the massage unit 60. For example, the protrusion 34a, which overlaps the massage unit 60 in the front-to-back direction, moves outward in the left-right direction. This expands the left-and-right treatment range of the massage unit 60. In other words, the massage unit 60 can provide treatment over a wide area of ​​the patient's body.

[0057] The protrusions 34a other than those overlapping the massage unit 60 are positioned on the inner side. Therefore, the inner protrusions 34a support the patient's body, preventing the patient's body from falling into the hole 33. Furthermore, the number of protrusions 34a is not limited to three pairs. Furthermore, at least one pair of protrusions 34a may be immobile.

[0058] In addition, the protrusion 34a can also be configured to be movable in the left-right direction and the up-down direction. By moving the protrusion 34a up and down, the position of the second area 332 in the up-down direction can be changed. By adopting such a structure, the narrow area in the left-right direction where the treatment piece 622 can protrude forward from the hole 33 can be adjusted. In addition, the protrusion 34 can also be moved in a manner that changes the width in the left-right direction. In this way, since the protrusion 34 can be moved, the area in the body of the person being treated that can be treated by the treatment piece 622 can be expanded while maintaining the rigidity of the backrest 30. In addition, the narrow area in the left-right direction can be adjusted according to the body of the person being treated, and treatment can be performed according to the body of the person being treated.

[0059] <Structure of Massage Unit 60>

[0060] Next, the massage unit 60 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG6 is a functional block diagram of the massage unit 60. FIG7 is a perspective view of the massage unit 60 as viewed from the front. FIG8 is a perspective view of the massage unit 60 as viewed from the back. FIG9 is a front view of the massage unit 60. FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the massage unit 60 shown in FIG9 taken along line XX. FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the massage unit 60 shown in FIG9 taken along line XI-XI. FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of the massage unit 60 shown in FIG9 taken along line XII-XII.

[0061] 6 , 7 and 8 , the massage machine includes a massage unit 60 and a control unit 70 . The massage unit 60 includes a base 61 , a pair of treatment parts 62 , a kneading mechanism 63 , a beating mechanism 64 , a width adjustment mechanism 65 , a strength adjustment mechanism 66 , and a lifting mechanism 67 .

[0062] <Control Unit 70>

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 70 is connected to the kneading mechanism 63, the beating mechanism 64, the width adjustment mechanism 65, the strength adjustment mechanism 66, and the lifting mechanism 67, obtains information from each mechanism, and controls the operation of each mechanism. When describing each mechanism, the connection between the control unit 70 and each mechanism will be described in detail as needed.

[0064] As shown in FIG6 , the control unit 70 includes a processing unit 71 and a storage unit 72. The processing unit 71 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) computing circuit. The processing unit 71 controls the massage unit 60 based on computing information from various mechanisms and information stored in the storage unit 72.

[0065] Storage unit 72 includes semiconductor memory devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), portable memory devices such as flash memory, storage media such as hard disks, or circuits connected to these memory devices or storage media. Storage unit 72 stores information from the aforementioned mechanisms and information required to control them.

[0066] In the control unit 70 , the processing unit 71 may be configured to perform calculations as a single circuit, or may perform calculations and control by using a general-purpose calculation circuit and executing a program stored in the storage unit 72 .

[0067] As shown in FIG6 , the control unit 70 is connected to an operating unit 80 for receiving operations from the user. The operating unit 80 includes a display unit 81 and an input unit 82. The display unit 81 includes a display device for displaying the operating status of the massage unit 60. Examples of the display device include a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which information is communicated by turning on or off an LED or the like.

[0068] The input unit 82 includes an input device for receiving input from the patient or the operator. Examples of the input device include buttons, slide buttons, and volume switches. Alternatively, a touch panel mounted on the surface of the display unit 81 and receiving input by contact may be used.

[0069] In addition, in the massage machine 100 of this embodiment, a structure including the operating unit 80 is shown, but a portable terminal such as a smartphone held by the person being treated can also be used. In this case, the massage machine 100 is configured to include a connection unit connected to the portable terminal. Alternatively, a structure including both the operating unit 80 and the connection unit can be used.

[0070] <Base 61>

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the base portion 61 includes a left base plate 610L and a right base plate 610R. The left base plate 610L and the right base plate 610R are plate-shaped members arranged symmetrically along the left and right sides, and are arranged so as to face each other in the left-right direction. Mounted on the base portion 61 are a power adjustment shaft 661 and a power adjustment motor 665 (described later) of the power adjustment mechanism 66, as well as a drive shaft 671, a driven shaft 672, and a lift motor 675 of the lift mechanism 67.

[0072] The base 61 is provided with a connecting portion 611 that connects the kneading mechanism 63, the beating mechanism 64, and the width adjustment mechanism 65. The connecting portion 611 includes a first support portion 612 and a second support portion 613. The first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 are both flat plate-shaped members that are arranged in the left-right direction of the treatment portion 62 to support the treatment portion 62.

[0073] In the base portion 61, a pair of left and right connecting portions 611 are provided. Furthermore, a bracket 617 is provided in the middle portion of the pair of connecting portions 611 in the left-right direction. The bracket 617 rotatably supports a kneading shaft 631 (to be described later) of the kneading mechanism 63 and a knocking shaft 641 (to be described later) of the knocking mechanism 64. In other words, the kneading shaft 631 and the knocking shaft 641 are rotatable relative to the bracket 617.

[0074]

[0075] The pair of treatment units 62 are arranged symmetrically. Here, the treatment unit 62 will be described using the treatment unit 62R located on the right side as a representative example. When it is necessary to distinguish the pair of treatment units 62 by left and right, the treatment unit 62 on the left side will be referred to as the left treatment unit 62L, and the treatment unit 62 on the right side will be referred to as the right treatment unit 62R. In the following description, when distinguishing other components by left and right, the suffix "L" will be added to the left side, and the suffix "R" will be added to the right side.

[0076] The treatment part 62 includes an arm 621 and a treatment piece 622. The arm 621 is a plate-like member that extends forward and backward and up and down, and a treatment piece 622 is installed at the front end. The treatment piece 622 is a rotating body centered on a central axis extending in the left-right direction. In addition, a rotating body centered on the central axis refers to a solid formed when a figure arranged on a plane containing the central axis is rotated around the central axis. In addition, in this embodiment, the central axis is an axis perpendicular to a plane of the arm 621, but is not limited to vertical. The treatment piece 622 performs treatments such as rubbing and tapping on the person being treated by contacting the body of the person being treated. The rubbing action and the tapping action will be described in detail later.

[0077] The rear end of arm 621 is provided with a driven ring 633 of kneading mechanism 63 and a rod connecting portion 645 connected to rod 644 of striking mechanism 64. Driven ring 633 and rod connecting portion 645 are integrally formed. Furthermore, driven ring 633 and rod connecting portion 645 may be formed as one piece, as long as they are securely fixed. In other words, arm 621 is supported by kneading mechanism 63 and striking mechanism 64, while projecting forward.

[0078] <Kneading mechanism 63>

[0079] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, kneading mechanism 63 has kneading shaft 631, kneading cam 632, driven ring 633, kneading motor 634, and power transmission portion 635. Kneading shaft 631 is a rod member extending in the left-right direction. Kneading shaft 631 is supported on a pair of regulating members 663 of the later description of the strength regulating mechanism 66 in a rotatable manner at the two ends of the left-right direction. On kneading shaft 631, rotary encoder 636 is configured, and rotary encoder 636 is connected (with reference to Figure 6) with control unit 70. By obtaining information from rotary encoder 636, control unit 70 can obtain states such as rotational speed and rotation angle of kneading shaft 631.

[0080] The kneading cam 632 is arranged on the kneading shaft 631. The kneading cam 632 can rotate together with the kneading shaft 631 and can move in the direction along the axis of the kneading shaft 631. As such a structure, for example, a structure can be adopted in which the inner surface of the through hole of the kneading cam 632 through which the kneading shaft 631 passes or the outer peripheral surface of the kneading shaft 631 has a radially protruding protrusion and a groove on the other side for the protrusion to be embedded. However, other structures can also be adopted.

[0081] The kneading cam 632 is in the shape of a disk, and its center line deviates from, i.e., is eccentric, the center line of the kneading cam 632 being tilted relative to the center line of the kneading shaft 631. In this state, if the kneading shaft 631 rotates, the kneading cam 632 rotates eccentrically and swings in the direction of the axis of the kneading shaft 631.

[0082] The driven ring 633 is annular, and its inner circumferential surface is configured to slide circumferentially relative to the outer circumferential surface of the kneading cam 632. The inner circumferential surface of the driven ring 633 and the outer circumferential surface of the kneading cam 632 are configured so as not to move along the axial direction of the kneading shaft 631. As an example of such a structure, a structure in which a convex portion extending in the circumferential direction and a concave portion engaging with the convex portion are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the kneading cam 632 and the inner circumferential surface of the driven ring 633 can be cited.

[0083] When the kneading cam 632 rotates, the driven ring 633 moves along with the movement of the kneading cam 632. That is, when viewed from the front, the driven ring 633 approaches or separates from the center line of the kneading shaft 631 due to the rotation of the kneading shaft 631, and moves in a manner that changes the direction of inclination relative to the center line. The driven ring 633 is fixed to the arm 621 of the treatment part 62. Therefore, the arm 621 moves along with the movement of the driven ring 633. As a result, the center of the treatment piece 622 arranged at the end portion of the front side of the arm 621 moves in a manner that describes a track Cbt having a width along the upper, lower, left and right sides (refer to Figure 9).

[0084] The track Cbt may be formed into a closed curve, for example. Here, a "closed curve" refers to a shape where the starting point and the end point are aligned. For example, a "closed curve" should be understood to include shapes such as arcs, ellipses, rings, and polygons.

[0085] Kneading motor 634 and power transmission part 635 are installed on support 617.Power transmission part 635 is the structure that uses pulley and belt, and the power of kneading motor 634 is transmitted to kneading shaft 631.Power transmission part 635 makes the rotational speed of kneading motor 634 decelerate and increases output torque.But power transmission part 635 also can be configured to make the rotational speed of kneading motor 634 increase and reduce output torque.In addition, power transmission part 635 also can be configured to make the rotational speed of kneading motor 634 increase and reduce output torque.In addition, power transmission part 635 also can be configured to make gear.In addition, also can be configured to directly transmit the power of kneading motor 634 to kneading shaft 631.In this case, power transmission part 635 also can be omitted.

[0086] The kneading motor 634 is connected to the control unit 70 and driven based on the instruction of the control unit 70. The control unit 70 can also change the torque and speed of the kneading motor 634 to change the treatment intensity and speed of the treatment member 622 during the kneading operation.

[0087] The power from the output shaft of the kneading motor 634 is transmitted to the kneading shaft 631 via the power transmission part 635. In addition, the power transmission part 635 can also be a structure connected to the control part 70 and switched between the situation of transmitting the power of the kneading motor 634 and the situation of not transmitting the power of the kneading motor 634. In this case, the switching of transmitting power or not transmitting power can be cited as the switching using a clutch, and the clutch is controlled by the control part 70. Each power transmission part 646, 655, 666, 676 mentioned later can also have the same structure.

[0088] The kneading cam 632 and the driven ring 633 are structures provided in the left treatment part 62L and the right treatment part 62R, and have the same structure.

[0089] <Strike mechanism 64>

[0090] As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, the striking mechanism 64 includes a striking motor 640, a striking shaft 641, a striking cam 642, a driven ring 643, a rod 644, a rod connecting portion 645, and a power transmission portion 646. The striking shaft 641 is a rod member extending in the left-right direction. The striking shaft 641 is rotatably supported at its two ends in the left-right direction by a pair of adjustment members 663 of the strength adjustment mechanism 66. In addition, when viewed from the front, the striking shaft 641 is positioned above the kneading shaft 631.

[0091] The tapping cam 642 is disposed on the tapping shaft 641. The tapping cam 642 can rotate together with the tapping shaft 641 and can move in a direction along the axis of the tapping shaft 641. As such a structure, for example, a structure can be adopted in which the inner surface of the through hole of the tapping cam 642 through which the tapping shaft 641 passes or the outer peripheral surface of the tapping shaft 641 has a radially protruding protrusion and a groove on the opposite side for the protrusion to be embedded. However, other structures can also be adopted.

[0092] The striking cam 642 is in the shape of a disk, and its center line is offset, that is, eccentric, from the center line of the striking shaft 641. Therefore, the striking cam 642 rotates eccentrically.

[0093] The driven ring 643 is annular, and its inner circumferential surface is configured to slide circumferentially relative to the outer circumferential surface of the tapping cam 642. The inner circumferential surface of the driven ring 643 and the outer circumferential surface of the tapping cam 642 are configured so as not to move along the axis of the tapping shaft 641. Examples of such a structure include a structure in which a circumferentially extending protrusion and a recessed portion engaging with the protrusion are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tapping cam 642 and the inner circumferential surface of the driven ring 643.

[0094] As the tapping cam 642 rotates, the driven ring 643 moves in conjunction with the movement of the tapping cam 642. Specifically, when viewed from the front, the driven ring 643 moves toward or away from the center line of the tapping shaft 641 while maintaining a constant angle with the center line. In the massage unit 60, the driven ring 643 reciprocates in the axial direction of the tapping shaft 641, for example, in the vertical direction.

[0095] One end of the rod 644 is connected to the driven ring 643 via a universal joint. Furthermore, the other end of the rod 644 is connected to the rod connection portion 645 via a universal joint. The rod connection portion 645 is integrally mounted on the arm 621. The rod connection portion 645 is capable of swinging about the centerline of the kneading shaft 631. One end of the rod 644 is connected to the driven ring 643, which moves linearly, and the other end is connected to the swingable rod connection portion 645.

[0096] Thus, the rod 644 converts the linear motion of the driven ring 643 into the swing of the rod connecting portion 645. The swing of the rod connecting portion 645 causes the treatment member 622 mounted on the arm 621 to move forward and backward. Thus, the pair of treatment members 622 perform a tapping motion, striking the body of the person being treated. An example of a tapping motion is the pair of treatment members 622 moving alternately left and right and forward and backward.

[0097] The tapping motor 640 is connected to the control unit 70 and operates based on instructions from the control unit 70. The tapping motor 640 is provided on the adjustment member 663L on the left side of the intensity adjustment mechanism 66. In addition, the control unit 70 can also change the torque and speed of the tapping motor 640 to change the intensity and speed of the treatment of the treatment member 622 during the tapping action.

[0098] The power transmission unit 646 is provided on the left adjustment member 663L, similar to the striking motor 640. The power transmission unit 646 uses a pulley and a belt structure to transmit the power of the striking motor 640 to the striking shaft 641. Here, the power transmission unit 646 reduces the rotation speed of the striking motor 640 and increases the output torque. However, the power transmission unit 646 may also be configured to increase the rotation speed and reduce the output torque.

[0099] In addition, the power transmission part 646 can also be the structure using a gear. In addition, it can also be configured to directly supply the power of the knocking motor 640 to the knocking shaft 641. In this case, the power transmission part 646 can also be omitted.

[0100] The striking cam 642, the driven ring 643, the rod 644, and the rod connecting portion 645 are provided in both the left treatment section 62L and the right treatment section 62R and have the same structure. In addition, the striking cam 642 has the same shape, but is offset and eccentrically arranged in a manner that the left and right treatment members 622 alternately strike the body of the person being treated.

[0101] The control unit 70 controls the kneading motor 634 and the beating motor 640 to operate one or both of the kneading mechanism 63 and the beating mechanism 64, and can perform only kneading action, only beating action, or a combination of kneading action and beating action.

[0102] <Width Adjustment Mechanism 65>

[0103] The width adjustment mechanism 65 adjusts the width of the treatment member 622. As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, the width adjustment mechanism 65 includes a width adjustment shaft 651, a first width adjustment guide 652, a second width adjustment guide 653, a width adjustment motor 654, and a power transmission unit 655. The width adjustment shaft 651 is a rod member extending in the left-right direction. The width adjustment shaft 651 rotatably supports both ends in the left-right direction on a pair of adjustment members 663 of the strength adjustment mechanism 66. In addition, when viewed from the front, the width adjustment shaft 651 is arranged between the kneading shaft 631 and the tapping shaft 641 in the vertical direction.

[0104] The width adjustment shaft 651 is equipped with a sensor, such as a rotary encoder 658, which is connected to the control unit 70 (see FIG6 ). By receiving information from the rotary encoder 658, the control unit 70 can obtain information about the rotation speed and rotation angle of the width adjustment shaft 651. Furthermore, based on the information from the rotary encoder 658, the control unit 70 can determine the position of the treatment unit 62 and the width between the pair of treatment units 62 in the left-right direction.

[0105] The width adjustment shaft 651 has a first threaded portion 656 formed on the right side and a second threaded portion 657 formed on the left side. The first threaded portion 656 has left-hand thread-shaped concavities and convexities, and the second threaded portion 657 has right-hand thread-shaped concavities and convexities.

[0106] The first width adjustment guide 652 is cylindrical, with left-handed threaded projections and depressions formed on its inner circumference. The projections and depressions on the first width adjustment guide 652 are configured to mesh with the projections and depressions on the first threaded portion 656. The second width adjustment guide 653 is cylindrical, with right-handed threaded projections and depressions formed on its inner circumference. The projections and depressions on the second width adjustment guide 653 are configured to mesh with the projections and depressions on the second threaded portion 657.

[0107] As the width adjustment shaft 651 rotates, the first width adjustment guide 652 and the second width adjustment guide 653 move along the centerline of the width adjustment shaft 651. Because the first threaded portion 656 has a left-handed concave-convex shape and the second threaded portion 657 has a right-handed concave-convex shape, the rotation of the width adjustment shaft 651 causes the first width adjustment guide 652 and the second width adjustment guide 653 to move in opposite directions. To further illustrate, because the helical directions of the first threaded portion 656 and the second threaded portion differ, the first width adjustment guide 652 and the second width adjustment guide 653 can move toward or away from each other depending on the direction of rotation of the width adjustment shaft 651. Combined with a kneading action, the left-right width of the track Cbt traced by the center of the treatment member 622 can be adjusted.

[0108] The first width adjustment guide 652 is fixed to both the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the right connecting portion 611R. Furthermore, the second width adjustment guide 653 is fixed to both the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the left connecting portion 611L. Thus, when the first width adjustment guide 652 and the second width adjustment guide 653 move to adjust the width in the left-right direction, the right connecting portion 611R and the left connecting portion 611L move in the left-right direction, moving them apart or closer to each other.

[0109] In the massage unit 60 of this embodiment, the first width adjustment guide 652 and the first threaded portion 656, the second width adjustment guide 653 and the second threaded portion 657 are formed of a common threaded structure, but are not limited thereto. For example, a ball screw structure may be used.

[0110] The width adjustment motor 654 is connected to the control unit 70 and operates based on instructions from the control unit 70. The width adjustment motor 654 is provided in the adjustment member 663R on the right side of the strength adjustment mechanism 66. The power transmission unit 655 transmits the power of the width adjustment motor 654 to the width adjustment shaft 651. Like the width adjustment motor 654, the power transmission unit 655 is also provided in the adjustment member 663R on the right side.

[0111] The power transmission unit 655 utilizes a pulley and belt structure to reduce the rotational speed of the width adjustment motor 654 and increase the output torque. However, the power transmission unit 655 may also utilize a structure that increases the rotational speed and reduces the output torque. Alternatively, the power transmission unit 655 may utilize gears. Alternatively, the power of the width adjustment motor 654 may be directly supplied to the width adjustment shaft 651. In this case, the power transmission unit 655 may be omitted.

[0112] In the massage unit 60 , the beating motor 640 and the power transmission unit 646 may be mounted on the right adjustment member 663R, and the width adjustment motor 654 and the power transmission unit 655 may be mounted on the left adjustment member 663L.

[0113] <Strength Adjustment Mechanism 66>

[0114] In the massage unit 60, the more forwardly the track Cbt traced by the center of the treatment element 622 protrudes, the stronger the pressure felt by the patient. The intensity adjustment mechanism 66 utilizes this to move the track Cbt traced by the center of the treatment element 622 forward or backward when a stronger force is required for treatment. In other words, the intensity adjustment mechanism 66 can adjust the front-to-back position of the pair of treatment elements 622.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 , FIG. 10 and the like, the intensity adjustment mechanism 66 includes an intensity adjustment shaft 661 , a pinion 662 , a pair of adjustment members 663 , an intensity adjustment motor 665 and a power transmission unit 666 .

[0116] The strength adjustment shaft 661 is a rod member extending in the left-right direction. The strength adjustment shaft 661 supports the two end portions in the left-right direction on the base plate 610L on the left side and the base plate 610R on the right side of the base portion 61 in a rotatable manner. In addition, a pair of pinions 662 are fixed to the strength adjustment shaft 661. In addition, a rotary encoder 668 is arranged on the strength adjustment shaft 661, and the rotary encoder 668 is connected to the control unit 70 (refer to Figure 6). By obtaining information from the rotary encoder 668, the control unit 70 can obtain the status of the rotation speed, rotation angle, etc. of the strength adjustment shaft 661. The control unit 70 can obtain the status of the treatment strength of the strength adjustment mechanism 66 based on the information from the rotary encoder 668.

[0117] The pair of adjustment members 663 are fan-shaped plates when viewed from the side. Furthermore, an arc-shaped rack 664 is disposed within the arc portion of the fan shape. Furthermore, a drive shaft 671, described later, of the lifting mechanism 67 passes through the center of the arc portion of each adjustment member 663, and the adjustment member 663 is rotatably supported by the drive shaft 671. Furthermore, a reinforcement rod 667 is fixed to each of the pair of adjustment members 663. The reinforcement rod 667 suppresses deviation in the left-right width and position of the pair of adjustment members 663.

[0118] The rack 664 meshes with the pinion 662. The rotation of the strength adjustment shaft 661 rotates the pinion 662, thereby rotating the rack 664. As a result, the pair of adjustment members 663 move forward and backward around the drive shaft 671.

[0119] The power adjustment motor 665 is mounted on the left base plate 610L. The power adjustment motor 665 is connected to the control unit 70 and operates based on the instructions of the control unit 70. In addition, the power transmission unit 666 is also mounted on the left base plate 610L and transmits the power of the power adjustment motor 665 to the power adjustment shaft 661.

[0120] The power transmission unit 666 is formed by a combination of gears, and here, it reduces the speed of the power adjustment motor 665 and increases the output torque. However, the power transmission unit 666 can also be a structure that increases the speed of the power adjustment motor 665 and reduces the output torque. In addition, the power transmission unit 666 is not limited to a combination of gears.

[0121] In addition, in the massage unit 60 of the present embodiment, a structure is adopted in which the strength adjustment shaft 661 is rotated by a strength adjustment motor 665 and a power transmission part 666, but it is not limited to this. The strength adjustment motor 665 and the power transmission part 666 can also be arranged on the base plate 610R on the right side to rotate the strength adjustment shaft 661 synchronously with the strength adjustment motor 665 and the power transmission part 666 arranged on the base plate 610L on the left side.

[0122] As shown in Figures 7 to 12, the strength adjustment shaft 661 is configured at a position closer to the rear side than the kneading shaft 631, the knocking shaft 641 and the width adjustment shaft 651. Moreover, a pair of adjustment members 663 support the kneading shaft 631, the knocking shaft 641 and the width adjustment shaft 651 so as to be rotatable. Therefore, since the adjustment member 663 moves forward and backward with the drive shaft 671 as the center, the treatment part 62, the kneading mechanism 63, the knocking mechanism 64 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 also move forward and backward with the drive shaft 671 as the center. As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the treatment part 62, the kneading mechanism 63, the knocking mechanism 64 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 except the arm 621 and the treatment piece 622 are configured to overlap with the pair of adjustment members 663 when observed from the side.

[0123] Furthermore, the pair of adjustment members 663 are formed so as not to protrude from the front of the massage unit 60 when moved to the front. Since the pair of adjustment members 663 are formed so as not to protrude from the front, the pair of adjustment members 663 can be arranged behind the portion of the backrest 30 that is not the hole 33.

[0124] Furthermore, in the massage unit 60, when the pair of adjustment members 663 are moved to the frontmost position, only the arm 621 and the treatment member 622 protrude forward from the hole 33 of the backrest 30. Furthermore, by adjusting the front-to-back position of the pair of adjustment members 663, the amount by which the arm 621 and the treatment member 622 protrude from the front surface 30F of the backrest 30 can be varied. The greater the amount by which the treatment member 622 protrudes from the front surface 30F of the backrest 30, the greater the intensity of treatment provided by the treatment member 622 to the patient. In the intensity adjustment mechanism 66, the intensity of treatment provided by the treatment member 622 to the patient's body can be adjusted based on the front-to-back position of the pair of adjustment members 663.

[0125] Alternatively, when the adjustment member 663 is at the rearmost position, at least the treatment element 622 may protrude further forward than the front surface 30F of the backrest 30. Alternatively, when the adjustment member 663 is at the rearmost position, the entire massage unit 60 may be positioned further rearward than the front surface 30F of the backrest 30.

[0126] <Lifting Mechanism 67>

[0127] As shown in Figures 7, 8, 10 to 12, and other figures, the lifting mechanism 67 includes a drive shaft 671, a driven shaft 672, a pair of pinions 673, a pair of guide rollers 674, a lifting motor 675, and a power transmission unit 676. The drive shaft 671 and the driven shaft 672 are both rod members extending in the left-right direction. The drive shaft 671 is rotatably supported at its ends by the left and right base plates 610L and 610R. The driven shaft 672 is fixed to the left and right base plates 610L and 610R. In the massage unit 60, the drive shaft 671 is positioned below the driven shaft 672.

[0128] A rotary encoder 677 is disposed on the drive shaft 671 and is connected to the control unit 70 (see FIG6 ). By receiving information from the rotary encoder 677, the control unit 70 can obtain information such as the rotational speed and rotation angle of the drive shaft 671. Furthermore, the control unit 70 can obtain the vertical position of the massage unit 60 based on the information from the rotary encoder 677.

[0129] The left and right ends of the drive shaft 671 protrude further outward from the left base plate 610L and the right base plate 610R. Furthermore, a pair of pinion gears 673 are fixed to the portions of the drive shaft 671 that protrude further outward from the left base plate 610L and the right base plate 610R. The pair of pinion gears 673 rotate together with the drive shaft 671.

[0130] Furthermore, similar to the drive shaft 671, both ends of the driven shaft 672 in the left-right direction protrude outward from the left base plate 610L and the right base plate 610R. A pair of guide rollers 674 are rotatably disposed at portions of the driven shaft 672 that protrude outward from the left base plate 610L and the right base plate 610R at both ends.

[0131] The pinion 673R on the right side of the massage unit 60 meshes with a rack provided on the right guide rail 31R. Furthermore, the pinion 673L on the left side of the massage unit 60 meshes with a rack provided on the left guide rail 31L. Furthermore, the guide roller 674L on the left side of the massage unit 60 is engaged with the left guide rail 31L so as to be movable on the left guide rail 31L. Furthermore, the guide roller 674R on the right side of the massage unit 60 is engaged with the right guide rail 31R so as to be movable on the right guide rail 31R.

[0132] A lift motor 675 is mounted on the left base plate 610L. The lift motor 675 is connected to the control unit 70 and operates based on instructions from the control unit 70. Furthermore, a power transmission unit 676 is also mounted on the left base plate 610L and transmits the power of the lift motor 675 to the drive shaft 671. The rotation of the drive shaft 671 rotates the pinion gear 673.

[0133] The power transmission unit 676 is formed by a combination of gears, and here, it reduces the rotation speed of the lifting motor 675 and increases the output torque. However, the power transmission unit 676 can also be configured to increase the rotation speed of the lifting motor 675 and reduce the output torque. In addition, the power transmission unit 676 is not limited to a combination of gears.

[0134] In addition, in the massage unit 60 of this embodiment, a structure is adopted in which the drive shaft 671 is rotated by a lifting motor 675 and a power transmission part 676, but it is not limited to this. The lifting motor 675 and the power transmission part 676 can also be arranged on the base plate 610R on the right side to rotate the drive shaft 671 synchronously with the lifting motor 675 and the power transmission part 676 arranged on the base plate 610L on the left side.

[0135] As described above, the pair of pinions 673 mesh with the racks provided on the guide rails 31R and 31L, and the pair of guide rollers 674 cooperate with the guide rails 31R and 31L, thereby supporting the massage unit 60 on the guide rails 31R and 31L. Furthermore, the massage unit 60 can be raised and lowered along the guide rails 31R and 31L by the rotation of the pair of pinions 673.

[0136] <First Supporting Part 612, Second Supporting Part 613>

[0137] FIG13 is a perspective view of the connection portion 611 (611R) supporting the treatment section 62, as viewed from the front. FIG14 is a perspective view of the connection portion 611 supporting the treatment section 62, as viewed from the back. FIG15 is a side view of the connection portion 611R supporting the treatment section 62. Here, the connection portion 611R supporting the treatment section 62R on the right side of the massage unit 60 will be described. The left connection portion 611L is configured to form a mirror image of the right connection portion 611R and supports the left treatment section 62L.

[0138] The first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the connecting portion 611R are bilaterally symmetrical. The first and second support portions 612, 613 extend in the vertical direction, with their upper and lower ends connected by support members 614. By connecting the first and second support portions 612, 613 via support members 614, they are connected with a certain width. The first and second support portions 612, 613 have first and second through-holes 615, 616.

[0139] When the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 are connected by the support member 614, the first through-holes 615 are aligned with each other in the left-right direction, and the second through-holes 616 are aligned with each other in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613, the first through-holes 615 are arranged below the second through-holes 616. In other words, the first through-holes 615 and the second through-holes 616 form a pair on the left and right sides.

[0140] With the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 connected by the support member 614, a kneading cam 632 is rotatably disposed in the pair of first through-holes 615. The kneading cam 632 has flanges at both ends in the left-right direction, which prevent the kneading cam 632 from falling out of the first through-holes 615. Furthermore, a tapping cam 642 is rotatably disposed in the pair of second through-holes 616. The tapping cam 642 has flanges at both ends in the left-right direction, which prevent the tapping cam 642 from falling out of the second through-holes 616.

[0141] In addition, a first width adjustment guide 652 is fixed to the outer edge of the first support part 612 and the second support part 613 in a manner that spans the first support part 612 and the second support part 613. The first width adjustment guide 652 serves to connect the first support part 612 and the second support part 613. Thus, the first support part 612 and the second support part 613 are fixed relative to the first width adjustment guide 652, respectively, and both can move synchronously with the first width adjustment guide 652. The first width adjustment guide 652 moves in the left and right directions through the rotation of the width adjustment shaft 651. At this time, the first support part 612, the second support part 613, the rubbing cam 632 supported by the first support part 612 and the second support part 613, the driven ring 633, the knocking cam 642, the driven ring 643, the arm 621 and the treatment piece 622 move through the movement of the first width adjustment guide 652. Therefore, the first width adjustment guide 652 is installed at a position where the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 can move in a well-balanced manner. In addition, in the massage unit 60 of this embodiment, the first width adjustment guide 652 is arranged between the first through hole 615 and the second through hole 616 when viewed from the front.

[0142] The first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the left connecting portion 611L have the same structure as the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the right connecting portion 611R. Specifically, a kneading cam 632 and a tapping cam 642 are attached to the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the left connecting portion 611L. Furthermore, a second width adjustment guide 653 is fixed to the first support portion 612 and the second support portion 613 of the left connecting portion 611L.

[0143] As mentioned above, kneading shaft 631, striking shaft 641 and width adjustment shaft 651 are connected by plate-like first supporting part 612 and second supporting part 613.Thus, if connecting part 611 moves in the left-right direction, then first supporting part 612 and second supporting part 613 move in the left-right direction while maintaining the positional relationship with kneading shaft 631, striking shaft 641 and width adjustment shaft 651.Thereby, when connecting part 611 moves in the left-right direction along with the rotation of width adjustment shaft 651, it also moves in the width direction along kneading shaft 631 and striking shaft 641.Owing to kneading shaft 631 and striking shaft 641 and width adjustment shaft 651 being connected only by plate-like first supporting part 612 and second supporting part 613, therefore, can constitute with less component number, and under the state that treatment piece 622 performs kneading action and striking action, treatment piece 622 can be stably moved in the width direction. This makes it possible to perform treatment over a wide range and increase the number of treatment modes.

[0144] <Treatment of the Part of the Person Being Treated>

[0145] FIG16 is a schematic diagram showing the movement range of the body Bd of the person being treated and the treatment piece 622. FIG17 is a flow chart showing the treatment steps. The arm 621 of the treatment part 62 passes through the hole 33 of the backrest 30 and protrudes forward. Moreover, generally speaking, the shoulders, waist, and buttocks of the body Bd of the person being treated have muscles in a large range in the left-right direction, while the muscles on the spine are concentrated in the central part in the left-right direction. Therefore, for the spine located between the shoulders and the waist, the massage unit can be operated in such a way that the width between the treatment pieces is narrower than the width between the shoulders and the waist. Information associated with the treatment width and treatment method at the location can also be stored in the storage unit 72.

[0146] As shown in FIG16 , the shoulder position P1, back position P2, waist position P3, and hip position P4 of the patient's body Bd are stored in the storage unit 72 as information on the vertical position. In other words, the vertical position of the treatment portion 62 corresponding to each position of the patient's body Bd (shoulder position P1, back position P2, waist position P3, and hip position P4) is pre-stored in the storage unit 72 of the massager 100. In this embodiment, values ​​predetermined by the massager 100 are used, but they can also be corrected by the patient or adjusted through measurement as described later.

[0147] The shoulder position P1, back position P2, waist position P3, and hip position P4 (hereinafter referred to as reference positions) may represent the vertical position of a specific point or a certain range in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the reference position represents a certain range.

[0148] As shown in FIG17 , the control unit 70 activates the lifting motor 675 to move the massage unit 60 (step S101). For example, the massage unit 60 moves and performs treatment in the treatment order of the reference position (shoulder position) P1, the reference position (back position) P2, the reference position (waist position) P3, and the reference position (hip position) P4. The control unit 70 can obtain the position of the massage unit 60 in the vertical direction based on the information from the rotary encoder 677 of the lifting mechanism 67. In addition, in the massage machine 100, in the measurement of the body of the person being treated, the position of the body part is measured from the upper end of the shoulder to the lower end. The position of the body part can also be measured from the lower end of the hip to the upper end in the reverse direction. Thus, the position information of each reference position can be determined based on the position information of the measured body part.

[0149] The control unit 70 confirms whether the treatment member 622 has reached a predetermined reference position (e.g., reference position P1, shoulder position) (step S102). As described above, the control unit 70 obtains the vertical position of the massage unit 60 based on the information from the rotary encoder 677 and confirms whether the treatment member 622 has reached the reference position based on the vertical position.

[0150] Before the treatment member 622 reaches the reference position (while the answer is "No" in step S102), steps S101 and S102 are repeated, and the control unit 70 continues the operation of the lifting motor 675. Furthermore, when the treatment member 622 reaches the reference position (when the answer is "Yes" in step S102), the control unit 70 stops the operation of the lifting motor 675 and obtains treatment information from the storage unit 72, including information on the left-right treatment range, treatment direction, and treatment intensity of the area (shoulder) corresponding to the current reference position (e.g., reference position P1) (step S103). Furthermore, the obtained treatment information may also include at least one of the following: information on the left-right treatment range, treatment direction, and treatment intensity of the area corresponding to the current reference position.

[0151] As described above, the treatment range in the left and right directions is determined by the body part of the person being treated. In addition, the treatment range in the left and right directions is also determined by the first width W1 of the first area 331 and the second width W2 of the second area 332, which are the shapes of the holes 33 of the backrest 30. In addition, the treatment method is selected from kneading action only, tapping action only, or a combination of kneading action and tapping action. The intensity of the treatment is determined, for example, by strong treatment on the shoulders and waist and weak treatment on the spine. This information can be input from the input unit 82 of the operating unit 80 or a portable terminal owned by the person being treated, or it can be pre-set as a predetermined treatment course and stored, and selected for use according to the needs of the person being treated. In addition, the treatment information also includes specific treatment actions, and here, it can also include information on a specific action non-permitted area An where specific actions cannot be performed. For example, in this specific action non-permitted area An, specific actions such as kneading action or tapping action are not performed. In addition, the treatment information may also include action information, such as determining the actions of the kneading mechanism, the beating mechanism, the width adjustment mechanism, and the strength adjustment mechanism for each different body part of the above-mentioned person being treated.

[0152] Then, the control unit 70 performs treatment with the treatment member 622 based on the treatment information (step S104). In addition, during treatment with the treatment member, the control unit 70 activates at least one of the kneading motor 634 and the tapping motor 640 according to the treatment information and performs the treatment action specified by the treatment information.

[0153] At this time, the treatment can be configured to temporarily stop the left-right movement of the treatment part 62 while performing a kneading action by the kneading mechanism 63 and / or a tapping action by the tapping mechanism 64, or the treatment part 62 can be moved in the left-right direction while performing the kneading action and / or the tapping action. In addition, the treatment can also be performed by the action of the expansion and contraction part 35. In addition, when the intensity of the treatment at the reference position is specified in the treatment information, the control unit 70 activates the intensity adjustment motor 665 and adjusts the position of the track Cbt drawn by the center of the treatment piece 622 in the front-to-back direction.

[0154] Furthermore, the intensity of the treatment may be constant at a reference position or may vary depending on the left-right position of the treatment element 622. If the intensity varies depending on the left-right position of the treatment element 622, the control unit 70 operates the intensity adjustment motor 665 to adjust the intensity of the treatment to a predetermined value based on the position of the treatment element 622. In other words, the control unit 70 can synchronize the operation of at least one of the kneading mechanism 63 and the beating mechanism 64 with the intensity adjustment mechanism 66 based on the position of the massage unit 60.

[0155] Then, the control unit 70 confirms whether the treatment at the current reference position is completed (step S105). For example, the control unit 70 may also end the treatment at a reference position based on the time of the treatment. In addition, at a reference position, the treatment is sometimes completed by the treatment member 622 reciprocating a certain number of times in the left and right directions. In this case, the control unit 70 may end the treatment at a reference position based on the number of reciprocating movements of the treatment member 622 in the left and right directions reaching a specified number of times, or the distance the treatment member 622 moves.

[0156] While the end of treatment has not been confirmed (when the answer is "No" in step S105), steps S104 and S105 are repeated, and the control unit 70 continues treatment at the current reference position. In addition, when the end of treatment is confirmed (when the answer is "Yes" in step S105), the control unit 70 confirms whether the current reference position is the last reference position among all the reference positions that need to be performed according to the established treatment sequence (step S106). In the case that the current reference position is not the last reference position in the established treatment sequence (when the answer is "No" in step S106), the process returns to step S101, and the control unit 70 moves the massage unit 60 to the next reference position in the treatment sequence and continues treatment using the above-mentioned method. In addition, when the current reference position is the last reference position (when the answer is "Yes" in step S106), the process ends. The selection of each reference position involved in the above-mentioned treatment sequence is not limited to this, and can be selected as needed. For example, the treatment sequence can be set to include only the shoulder position P1, the spine position P2, and the waist position P3. The order in which the reference positions are treated is not limited to the above treatment order and can be set as needed. For example, the shoulder position P1 can be set as the first reference position to be treated, and the waist position P3 can be set as the last reference position to be treated, or vice versa.

[0157] As described above, the massager 100 can provide treatment by varying the width in the left-right direction, the treatment method, and the intensity of the treatment, depending on the vertical position of the massage unit 60. Therefore, it is possible to provide treatment tailored to each body part, ensuring neither excessive nor insufficient treatment, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment.

[0158]

[0159] <Body Measurement (Body Shape Detection) Action>

[0160] In the treatment according to the flowchart shown in FIG17 , a predetermined position in the vertical direction is used as a reference position and treatment in the width direction is performed. On the other hand, the position and width of the shoulders, back, waist, buttocks, and other parts of the body Bd of the person being treated are different. In order to cope with the differences between different parts of the body Bd of the same person being treated and the differences in body shape between different people being treated, the massage machine 100 has a function of measuring the body parts of the person being treated. The following describes the steps for measuring the body parts of the person being treated. FIG18 is a flowchart showing the body measurement action.

[0161] As shown in Figure 18, the control unit 70 brings the treatment piece 622 into contact with the patient's body Bd and measures various reference positions in the vertical direction of the patient's body Bd (step S201). For example, the shoulder position P1, the back position P2, the waist position P3, and the hip position P4 are measured as the reference positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 of each part, respectively. In addition, the patient's body Bd is curved in the same way as the spine. The width of the pair of treatment pieces 622 in the left-right direction is narrowed, and the lifting motor 675 is activated to move the treatment piece 622 in the vertical direction while in contact with the patient's body Bd. In addition, the strength adjustment motor 665 generates an electromotive force due to the force, i.e., the load, from the patient's body Bd. The control unit 70 measures the vertical curvature of the patient's body Bd based on the load acting on the strength adjustment motor 665, thereby measuring the reference positions at the parts of the patient's body Bd.

[0162] Furthermore, the control unit 70 can determine the shoulder position P1, back position P2, waist position P3, and hip position P4 based on the measurement results. Alternatively, after determining any one reference position, the control unit 70 can estimate the body shape based on other reference positions, such as the shoulder position P1, and determine the remaining reference positions. Furthermore, the patient can manually modify each reference position.

[0163] The control unit 70 activates the lift motor 675 to move the massage unit 60 vertically (step S202). At this point, the control unit 70 can obtain the vertical position of the massage unit 60 based on information from the rotary encoder 677 of the lift mechanism 67. Furthermore, in the massager 100, when measuring the patient's body, the position of the body parts is measured starting from the upper shoulders and moving downward. Alternatively, the position of the body parts can be measured starting from the lower hips and moving upward in the opposite direction.

[0164] The control unit 70 checks whether the treatment member 622 has reached the reference position (step S203). As described above, the control unit 70 obtains the vertical position of the massage unit 60 based on the information from the rotary encoder 677 and checks whether the treatment member 622 has reached the reference position based on the vertical position.

[0165] Until the treatment member 622 reaches the reference position ("No" in step S203), steps S202 and S203 are repeated, and the control unit 70 continues to operate the lifting motor 675. If the treatment member 622 reaches the reference position ("Yes" in step S203), the control unit 70 stops the lifting motor 675 and operates the width adjustment motor 654 to move the treatment member 622 in the left-right direction (step S204). The control unit 70 obtains the left-right position of the treatment member 622 based on information from a sensor, such as the rotary encoder 658.

[0166] The control unit 70 controls the treatment piece 622 to be pressed against the body Bd of the person being treated and to move the treatment piece 622 in the left-right direction. The treatment piece 622 is pressed against the body Bd of the person being treated, and an electromotive force corresponding to the load acting on the treatment piece 622 is generated in the strength adjustment motor 665. The control unit 70 obtains the electromotive force as the load acting on the treatment piece 622 and obtains information about the body Bd of the person being treated (step S205). In addition, as information about the body Bd of the person being treated, the width, curvature, etc. of the body Bd of the person being treated can be cited. In addition, various information related to the body of the person being treated, such as body shape, can be inferred based on the load on the treatment piece 622.

[0167] The control unit 70 determines whether the patient has reached the left-right end of the body Bd at the current reference position (step S206). The control unit 70 detects the unevenness of the patient's body Bd based on the load acting on the intensity adjustment motor 665. Therefore, the control unit 70 determines that the patient has reached the end of the body Bd at the reference position when the load acting on the intensity adjustment motor 665 falls below a certain value.

[0168] If the treatment member 622 has not reached the left-right end of the current reference position of the body Bd (if "No" in step S206), steps S204 to S206 are repeated, and the left-right movement of the treatment member 622 and the acquisition of information about the body Bd of the person being treated are continued. In addition, if the treatment member 622 has reached the left-right end of the current reference position of the body Bd (if "Yes" in step S206), the control unit 70 confirms whether the current reference position is the last reference position (here, for example, the hip position P4) among all the reference positions required in the established treatment sequence (step S207).

[0169] If the current reference position is not the last reference position (e.g., the lowest buttocks position P4) (if "No" in step S207), steps S202 to S207 are repeated, and the control unit 70 activates the lifting motor 675 to move the massage unit 60 toward the next reference position in the predetermined treatment sequence. Furthermore, if the current reference position is the last reference position (if "Yes" in step S207), it is confirmed whether information about a specific action-unavailable area An is recorded for that reference position (step S208). If information about a specific action-unavailable area An is recorded, a specific action-unavailable area An is set in which either the kneading action or the tapping action is not performed (step S209).

[0170] In the above example, although only the information of whether the last reference position has the specific action non-allowed area An is confirmed and set after confirmation, it is also possible to confirm whether each reference position has the specific action non-allowed area An. As the specific action non-allowed area An, for example, the area where the tapping action is not performed in the muscle-less parts of the left and right ends of the spine can be cited. In addition to this, for example, an area where the rubbing action is not performed is sometimes set in a part of the shoulder. The specific action non-allowed area An can be set according to a predetermined condition, or it can be input by the person being treated via the input unit 82 or the portable terminal held by the person being treated.

[0171] If a specific movement-unable area An exists ("Yes" in step S208), the specific movement-unable area An corresponding to the patient's body Bd is set with reference to the measured information of the patient's body Bd (step S209). If a specific movement-unable area An does not exist ("No" in step S208) or if the specific movement-unable area An has been set (step S209), the control unit 70 digitizes the measured information of the patient's body Bd and stores it in the storage unit 72 (step S210).

[0172] The control unit 70 may also store the body information in association with information identifying the individual being treated in the storage unit 72. Alternatively, the individual being treated may not be identified and the body information of the individual being treated may be deleted at the end of each treatment. The end of treatment may be, for example, when the main power supply of the massage machine 100 is turned off or when a treatment course is switched, such as from an automatic course to a manual course.

[0173] The control unit 70 displays the information of the patient's body Bd stored in the storage unit 72 on the display unit 81 (step S211). At this time, the information may be displayed on the display unit of a portable terminal held by the patient.

[0174] In addition to measuring the vertical concavity and convexity of the patient's body, the massage machine 100 can also measure the horizontal concavity and convexity at a predetermined vertical position or a predetermined position on the body. Therefore, by controlling the movement of the treatment member 622 based on the horizontal concavity and convexity, the treatment effect can be improved.

[0175] <Action of Treatment Component 622>

[0176] Here, the operation of the width adjustment mechanism 65 corresponding to the operation of the kneading mechanism 63 is described. Figure 19a is a diagram showing the left-right positions of the treatment member 622 and the first width adjustment guide 652 during the kneading operation. Figure 20a is a diagram showing the up-down positions of the treatment member 622 and the drive shaft 671 during the kneading operation. In addition, Figures 19b and 20b also show the track Cbt. In Figure 19a, the vertical axis represents time, and time progresses from top to bottom. In addition, the horizontal axis represents the left-right position of the center of the treatment member 622. Thus, the left-right position of the treatment member 622 at a predetermined time is shown. In Figure 20a, the horizontal axis represents time, and time progresses from left to right. In addition, the vertical axis represents the up-down position of the center of the treatment member 622. Thus, the up-down position of the treatment member 622 at a predetermined time is shown. In addition, Figure 19b shows the track of the treatment member, with the vertical axis representing the up-down direction and the horizontal axis representing the left-right direction. Thus, the track Cbt of the treatment member 622 is shown. 20b shows the track of the treatment member, with the vertical axis being the up-down direction and the horizontal axis being the left-right direction.

[0177] As shown in Figure 19b, when the kneading mechanism 63 is activated, the center of the treatment element 622 moves along a track Cbt1 extending in the horizontal direction. In the massage unit 60 of this embodiment, the track Cbt1 is a generally elliptical shape with its major axis in the vertical direction. The center of the treatment element 622 reciprocates within a certain range in the horizontal direction at a certain period. Furthermore, the center of the treatment element 622 can be moved in the horizontal direction by activating the width adjustment mechanism 65.

[0178] As shown in FIG19a , the left-right position of the center of the treatment element 622 over time due to the operation of the kneading mechanism 63 is represented by Cx1, and the left-right position of the center of the treatment element 622 due to the operation of the width adjustment mechanism 65 is represented by Cx2. The control unit 70 synchronizes the operation of the kneading mechanism 63 and the width adjustment mechanism 65. Therefore, the positions Cx1 and Cx2 change synchronously.

[0179] The control unit 70 then synchronizes the kneading mechanism 63 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 to reverse the phases of positions Cx1 and Cx2. As a result, the center of the treatment element 622 reaches a horizontal position over time, as shown by Cx3, where position Cx2 offsets position Cx1. Consequently, the horizontal width of the track Cbt2 drawn by the center of the treatment element 622 when the kneading mechanism 63 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 are operated is narrower than the horizontal width of the track Cbt1 drawn by the center of the treatment element 622 when only the kneading mechanism 63 is operated.

[0180] When the treatment element 622 performs a kneading action, by narrowing the width of the track Cbt, a small rotational motion, so-called kneading, can be performed while applying local pressure to the stiff muscle area. As described above, the control unit 70 drives the width adjustment motor 654 of the width adjustment mechanism 65 in a direction opposite to the left-right movement direction of the treatment element 622 caused by the operation of the kneading mechanism 63, thereby performing kneading that is more concentrated in the left-right direction of the massage area.

[0181] 19a and 19b , the control unit 70 controls the width adjustment motor 654 so that the first width adjustment guide 652 moves to the left end of its movable range when the treatment element 622 is positioned at the right end due to the operation of the kneading mechanism 63. This minimizes the maximum width of the track Cbt2 in the left-right direction, which is drawn by the center of the treatment element 622 when the kneading mechanism 63 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 are in operation.

[0182] In addition, as shown in Figures 19a and 19b, for ease of understanding, the left-right position Cx1 of the center of the treatment piece 622 when moving along the track Cbt1 is set to be sinusoidal, but is not limited to this. As the left-right position of the center of the treatment piece 622, an action of reciprocating motion with a certain period and amplitude can be cited. In addition, the left-right position Cx2 of the center of the treatment piece 622 caused by the movement of the width adjustment mechanism 65 is also sinusoidal in shape consistent with the position Cx1, but is not limited to this. In addition, in the present embodiment, the periods of position Cx1 and position Cx2 are completely synchronized, but as long as at least a part of the left-right movement of the treatment piece 622 caused by the action of the kneading mechanism 63 can be offset by the action of the width adjustment mechanism 65, they can also be staggered.

[0183] As shown in Figure 20b, the track Cbt1 traced by the center of the treatment element 622 when the kneading mechanism 63 is in operation has a width in the vertical direction. At this time, the center of the treatment element 622 reciprocates within a certain range in the vertical direction at a certain period. Furthermore, by operating the lifting mechanism 67, the center of the treatment element 622 can be moved in the vertical direction.

[0184] As shown in FIG20a , the vertical position of the center of the treatment element 622 over time due to the operation of the kneading mechanism 63 is represented by Cy1, and the vertical position of the center of the treatment element 622 due to the operation of the lifting mechanism 67 is represented by Cy2. The control unit 70 synchronizes the operation of the kneading mechanism 63 and the lifting mechanism 67. Therefore, the positions Cy1 and Cy2 change synchronously.

[0185] The control unit 70 then synchronizes the kneading mechanism 63 and the lifting mechanism 67 to reverse the phases of position Cy1 and position Cy2. As a result, the vertical position of the center of the treatment element 622 over time is represented by Cy3, where position Cy2 partially offsets position Cy1. Consequently, the vertical width of the track Cbt3 drawn by the center of the treatment element 622 when the kneading mechanism 63 and the lifting mechanism 67 are operated is narrower than the vertical width of the track Cbt1 drawn by the center of the treatment element 622 when only the kneading mechanism 63 is operated.

[0186] The control unit 70 drives the lifting motor 675 of the lifting mechanism 67 in the direction opposite to the vertical movement direction of the treatment element 622 caused by the operation of the kneading mechanism 63, thereby kneading the massage area more concentratedly in the vertical direction.

[0187] 20a and 20b , the control unit 70 controls the lifting motor 675 so that, when the treatment member 622 is positioned at an end in the vertical direction due to the operation of the kneading mechanism 63, the lifting motor 675 moves to the end on the opposite side of the movable range of the treatment member 622 in the vertical direction. This minimizes the maximum vertical width of the track Cbt3 drawn by the center of the treatment member 622 when the kneading mechanism 63 and the lifting mechanism 67 are in operation.

[0188] In addition, as shown in Figures 20a and 20b, for ease of understanding, the vertical position Cy1 of the center of the treatment piece 622 when moving along the track Cbt1 is set to be sinusoidal, but is not limited to this. As the vertical position of the center of the treatment piece 622, a reciprocating motion with a certain period and amplitude can be cited. In addition, the vertical position Cy2 of the center of the treatment piece 622 caused by the movement of the lifting mechanism 67 is also sinusoidal in shape consistent with the position Cy1, but is not limited to this. In addition, in the present embodiment, the periods of position Cy1 and position Cy2 are completely synchronized, but as long as at least a part of the vertical movement of the treatment piece 622 caused by the action of the kneading mechanism 63 can be offset by the action of the lifting mechanism 67, they can also be staggered.

[0189] Furthermore, the control unit 70 can implement kneading and rubbing, and by synchronizing the kneading mechanism 63, the width adjustment mechanism 65, and the lifting mechanism 67, it can reduce the maximum horizontal and vertical widths of the track Cbt compared to when only the kneading mechanism 63 is in operation. Furthermore, by using the massage unit 60 of this embodiment, the kneading and rubbing performed by the treatment element 622 can be accompanied by a tapping action by the tapping mechanism 64. This further enhances the therapeutic effect of the treatment element 622.

[0190] The control unit 70 operates the kneading mechanism 63 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 synchronously, as shown in the track Cbt2 of Figure 19b, so that the maximum value in the left and right directions is smaller than when only the kneading mechanism 63 is operated, and operates the lifting mechanism 67, as shown in the track Cbt3 of Figure 20b, so that the maximum value in the up and down directions is smaller than when only the kneading mechanism 63 is operated.

[0191] For example, when the treatment area is longitudinally long, the control unit 70 synchronizes the kneading mechanism 63 and the width adjustment mechanism 65 to minimize the maximum value of the track Cbt in the left and right directions, and by linking the lifting mechanism 67, kneading can be performed after reducing the maximum value of the track Cbt in the up and down directions.

[0192] In addition, when the longitudinal width of the treatment area is small, the control unit 70 synchronizes the kneading mechanism 63 and the lifting mechanism 67 to minimize the maximum value of the track Cbt in the vertical direction, and by linking the width adjustment mechanism 65, kneading can be implemented after reducing the maximum value of the track Cbt in the horizontal direction.

[0193] Furthermore, the massage unit 60 of this embodiment can simultaneously perform a kneading and kneading action by linking the kneading mechanism 63, the width adjustment mechanism 65, and the lifting mechanism 67, and a tapping action by the tapping mechanism 64. Therefore, the movement range of the treatment member 622 during the kneading action can be reduced, thereby enhancing the kneading and kneading effect, and the application of the tapping action can further enhance the therapeutic effect.

[0194] While the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the various structures and combinations thereof in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the structures can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0195] Summary

[0196] The present invention has the following structure.

[0197] (1) A massage unit comprising:

[0198] a pair of treatment pieces;

[0199] a kneading mechanism capable of moving the pair of treatment members so that the centers of the treatment members trace a track having widths in the vertical and horizontal directions;

[0200] a striking mechanism capable of causing the pair of treatment members to move forward and backward in a front-to-back direction;

[0201] a width adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the width between the pair of treatment members in the left-right direction; and

[0202] A connecting portion connecting the kneading mechanism, the beating mechanism and the width adjustment mechanism.

[0203] The width adjustment mechanism allows the connection portion to move in the left-right direction.

[0204] (2) A massage unit as described in (1), wherein it has a pair of treatment parts, the pair of treatment parts have a pair of arms respectively supporting the pair of treatment pieces, and the connecting part has a pair of support parts, and the pair of support parts are arranged on the left and right sides of each of the treatment parts and support the treatment parts.

[0205] (3) The massage unit according to (2), wherein the kneading mechanism comprises a kneading shaft extending in the left-right direction and a kneading action cam rotatable together with the kneading shaft and movable along the kneading shaft, wherein the arm is moved by the rotation of the kneading action cam.

[0206] The kneading shaft is rotatably supported by each of the support portions, and the kneading operation cam is disposed between a pair of the support portions and is rotatably supported by each of the pair of support portions.

[0207] (4) A massage unit as described in (2) or (3), wherein the tapping mechanism comprises: a tapping shaft extending in the left-right direction; a tapping cam capable of rotating together with the tapping shaft and capable of moving along the tapping shaft; and a rod connecting the tapping cam and the arm and converting the rotation of the tapping cam into movement of the arm in the front-rear direction.

[0208] The striking shaft is rotatably supported by each of the support portions, and the striking operation cam is disposed between a pair of the support portions and rotatably supported by each of the pair of support portions.

[0209] (5) A massage unit as described in any one of (2) to (4), wherein the width adjustment mechanism comprises: a width adjustment shaft extending in the left-right direction; and a width adjustment guide mounted on the width adjustment shaft and movable in the left-right direction according to the rotation of the width adjustment shaft, the width adjustment guide being fixed to a pair of the support portions, respectively.

[0210] (6) A massage machine comprising the massage unit according to any one of (1) to (5), and performing a massage on a seated person's body.

[0211] It has a backrest for supporting the back of the person being treated,

[0212] The massage unit is disposed in a hole portion extending in the vertical direction provided in the backrest portion so as to be movable along the hole portion.

[0213] [Industrial Applicability]

[0214] The present invention can be used for a chair-type massage machine for massaging the body of a person being treated.

[0215] Explanation of symbols

[0216] 100 massage machine; 10 base portion; 20 seat portion; 30, 30A, 30B, 30C backrest portion; 30F front surface; 31L, 31R guide rail; 33 hole; 331, 331d, 331u first area; 332 second area; 34, 34a protrusion; 35 expansion and contraction portion; 40 arm treatment portion; 50 foot treatment portion; 51 recess; 60 massage unit; 61 base portion; 610L, 610R base plate; 611, 611L, 611R connecting portion; 612 first support portion; 613 second support portion; 614 support member; 615 first through hole; 616 second through hole; 617 bracket; 62 treatment portion; 62L Left treatment unit; 62R Right treatment unit; 621 Arm; 622 Treatment member; 63 Kneading mechanism; 631 Kneading shaft; 632 Kneading cam; 633 Driven ring; 634 Kneading motor; 635 Power transmission unit; 636 Rotary encoder; 64 Tapping mechanism; 640 Tapping motor; 641 Tapping shaft; 642 Tapping cam; 643 Driven ring; 644 Rod; 645 Rod connecting unit; 646 Power transmission unit; 647 Rotary encoder; 65 Width adjustment mechanism; 651 Width adjustment shaft; 652 First width adjustment guide; 653 Second width adjustment guide; 654 Width adjustment motor; 655 Power transmission unit; 656 First threaded portion; 657 Second threaded portion; 658 1. Rotary encoder; 2. Power adjustment mechanism; 3. Power adjustment shaft; 4. Pinion; 5. Adjusting member; 6. Rack; 7. Power adjustment motor; 8. Power transmission unit; 9. Reinforcement rod; 10. Rotary encoder; 11. Lifting mechanism; 12. Drive shaft; 13. Driven shaft; 14. Pinion; 15. Guide roller; 16. Lifting motor; 17. Power transmission unit; 18. Rotary encoder; 19. Control unit; 20. Processing unit; 21. Storage unit; 22. Operation unit; 23. Display unit; 24. Input unit.

Claims

1. A massage unit, characterized in that: have: a pair of treatment pieces; a kneading mechanism capable of moving the pair of treatment members in such a manner that the centers of the respective treatment members describe a track having a width along the upper, lower, left, and right sides; A striking mechanism capable of causing the pair of treatment members to move forward and backward in a front-to-rear direction; A width adjustment mechanism, the width adjustment mechanism can adjust the width between the pair of treatment members in the left-right direction; as well as a connecting portion connecting the kneading mechanism, the beating mechanism and the width adjustment mechanism, The connecting portion is moved in the left-right direction by the width adjustment mechanism.

2. The massage unit according to claim 1, characterized in that A pair of treatment parts are provided, each of the treatment parts having a pair of arms supporting the pair of treatment members, The connecting part has a pair of supporting parts, and the pair of supporting parts are arranged on the left and right sides of each of the treatment parts to support the treatment parts.

3. The massage unit according to claim 2, characterized in that The kneading mechanism includes a kneading shaft extending in the left-right direction and a kneading operation cam that can rotate together with the kneading shaft and can move along the kneading shaft, and the arm is moved by the rotation of the kneading operation cam. The kneading shaft is rotatably supported by each of the support parts, and the kneading operation cam is disposed between a pair of the support parts and is rotatably supported by each of the pair of the support parts.

4. The massage unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The knocking mechanism comprises: a knocking shaft extending in the left-right direction; a knocking action cam capable of rotating together with the knocking shaft and capable of moving along the Tap the shaft to move; and a rod connecting the striking action cam and the arm and converting the rotation of the striking action cam into movement of the arm in the front-rear direction, The striking shaft is rotatably supported by each of the support portions, and the striking operation cam is disposed between a pair of the support portions and rotatably supported by each of the pair of support portions.

5. The massage unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The width adjustment mechanism includes: a width adjustment shaft extending in the left-right direction; and a width adjustment guide mounted on the width adjustment shaft and movable in the left-right direction according to the rotation of the width adjustment shaft. The width adjustment guides are respectively fixed to the pair of support portions.

6. A massage machine, characterized in that: The massage unit comprises the massage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and performs treatment on the body of a seated person to be treated. The massage machine includes a backrest portion for supporting the back of the person being treated. The massage unit is disposed in a hole portion extending in the up-down direction provided in the backrest portion so as to be movable along the hole portion.

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