Massage device for providing arm exercise mode, and method for controlling massage device

Abstract

A massage device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a body massage unit for massaging at least a portion of the body of a user; an arm massage unit disposed on a side portion of the body massage unit so as to receive an arm part of the user therein and perform a massage operation on the received arm part; a driving module for rotating or moving the arm massage unit in one or more directions; a detection sensor for detecting a force applied by the arm part received in the arm massage unit; and a control unit for controlling the driving module so that, by using a detection signal inputted from the detection sensor, the arm massage unit is rotated or moved in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the force is applied.

Description

Massage device providing arm exercise mode and method for controlling the massage device

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage device including a rotatable arm massage unit, and more specifically, to a massage device capable of providing an arm movement mode using a sensor or the like that detects force applied by a user.

[0002] Massage is a medical auxiliary therapy that regulates the user's biological rhythm, improves blood circulation, and relieves fatigue by applying or inducing various forms of mechanical stimulation to the user's body, such as kneading, pressing, pulling, tapping, or inducing movement.

[0003] As eating habits, living patterns, areas of activity, and lifestyles change and interest in health and work-life balance increases, demand for massage devices or massage machines (hereinafter collectively referred to as “massage devices”) that provide muscle relaxation, tension relief, fatigue recovery, and stress relief is increasing.

[0004] Recently, massage devices have been developed to go beyond simply providing massage to the user's body and are now also implemented as electronic devices that provide various additional functions, convenience functions, and medical assistance functions.

[0005] In addition, research is being conducted to incorporate advanced mechanisms into massage devices that perform rolling, rotation, expansion / contraction, movement, and posture change, not only of the massage device itself but also of individual modules included in the massage device, based on ergonomic optimization or UX (User eXperience).

[0006] Some massage devices include a function to rotate the arm massage part, but this function is mainly used for limited purposes such as opening and closing in an up-and-down direction when the user gets on (sits on, etc.) the massage device, to ensure ease of boarding or secure boarding space.

[0007] The present invention was created against the background described above, and its purpose is to provide a massage device that can implement the same effect as actual arm movement by detecting force applied by a user and rotating or moving an arm massage unit to have characteristics of moving corresponding to the detected force.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized through the configurations and combinations of configurations set forth in the claims.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body massage unit that massages at least a part of a user's body; an arm massage unit that is arranged on a side of the body massage unit and receives an arm portion of the user and performs a massage operation on the received arm portion; a drive module that rotates or moves the arm massage unit in one or more directions; a detection sensor that detects a force applied by the arm portion received in the arm massage unit; and a control unit that controls the drive module so that the arm massage unit rotates or moves in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the force is applied using a detection signal input from the detection sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit of the present invention can control the arm massage unit to rotate or move only when the size of the detection signal is greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0012] In addition, the control unit of the present invention can control the rotation or movement of the arm massage unit to stop when the size of the detection signal is lower than or equal to the first reference value while the arm massage unit is rotating or moving, and according to an embodiment, the drive module can be controlled so that the rotation or movement speed of the arm massage unit is inversely proportional to the size of the detection signal.

[0013] Here, it is preferable that the first reference value of the present invention be configured to be variably set by user identification information or the user's selection.

[0014] Specifically, the driving module of the present invention may include a first driving module that rotates or moves the arm massage part in an up-and-down direction, and the detection sensor of the present invention may include a first sensor that detects a force applied upward by the arm part; and a second sensor that detects a force applied downward by the arm part.

[0015] In this case, the control unit of the present invention can control the first drive module to rotate or move the arm massage unit in a direction corresponding to the direction of the force applied by the arm portion using a detection signal of one of the first and second sensors.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the drive module of the present invention may further include a second drive module that rotates or moves the arm massage part in the left-right direction, and the detection sensor may further include a third sensor that detects a force applied in the left direction by the arm part; and a fourth sensor that detects a force applied in the right direction by the arm part.

[0017] In this case, the control unit of the present invention may be configured to control at least one of the first and second driving modules to rotate or move the arm massage unit in a three-dimensional direction corresponding to the direction of the force applied by the arm portion using a detection signal of at least one of the first to fourth sensors.

[0018] The detection sensor of the present invention may be a pressure sensor installed in the arm massage part and detecting a force that presses the inside of the arm massage part while the arm part is accommodated in the arm massage part.

[0019] In addition, the detection sensor of the present invention may be configured to detect a force applied by the arm portion by using at least one of a portion where the pressure of the air cell changes and a displacement of the portion while the air cell covers the arm portion.

[0020] A massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an air cell provided in the arm massage part.

[0021] In this case, the control unit of the present invention can control the air cell to expand when the detection signal is input from the detection sensor or when the size of the detection signal is equal to or greater than the second reference value, and can control the air cell to contract when the size of the detection signal is equal to or less than the third reference value.

[0022] In addition, the control unit of the present invention can control the air cell to contract when the rotation or movement of the palm massage unit exceeds a reference range.

[0023] A massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a second air cell provided on the user's shoulder area. In this case, the control unit of the present invention may control the second air cell to expand when the arm massage unit rotates or moves upward.

[0024] Preferably, the control unit of the present invention can control the guidance information to be output when the arm massage unit reaches the end of the rotational or movable area of ​​the arm massage unit.

[0025] A method for controlling a massage device of a massage device according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a massage device including a body massager for massaging at least a part of a user's body, and an arm massager for receiving an arm portion of the user and rotating or moving in more than one direction, the method including a signal input step for receiving a detection signal from a detection sensor for detecting force applied by the arm portion received in the arm massager; and a control step for controlling the arm massager to rotate or move in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the force is applied using the detection signal.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm massage unit is controlled to have a moving characteristic (size and direction of rotation or movement) corresponding to the force applied by the user, so that it can provide the user with an effect substantially identical to actual exercise.

[0027] According to the present invention, not only the massage function, which is a unique function of the massage device, but also the arm movement mode can be provided, so that the convenience of the user can be further improved as well as the usability of the massage device.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, arm movement modes can be provided in various directions of a three-dimensional space, including horizontal and vertical directions, as well as combinations thereof, thereby further enhancing the exercise effect and providing higher user orientation.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion and contraction of the air cell that pressurizes the user's arm area is adaptively controlled in conjunction with the size of the external force, the rotation range or position of the arm massage part, etc., thereby providing a more three-dimensional exercise effect such as providing feedback on the current state, and providing an arm exercise mode more safely and stably.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to more effectively understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a massage device according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a main frame according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining components of a massage device according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining a driving method of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5a is a drawing showing a state in which the arm massage part of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotated in the up-and-down direction;

[0036] FIG. 5b is a drawing showing a state in which the arm massage part of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotated in the left and right direction.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which a rotation module is connected to a main frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 6.

[0039] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are drawings showing a rotation module and an arm massage unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a state before the rotation module unit and the arm massage unit are combined according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a second rotating part according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 11 is a bottom view showing a second rotating part according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration according to one embodiment of the control unit shown in Fig. 12;

[0045] Figure 14 is a flowchart explaining a processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention based on the action configuration of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the present invention for the entire process of performing arm movement.

[0049] A massage device comprising: a body massage unit for massaging at least a portion of a user's body; an arm massage unit disposed on a side of the body massage unit for receiving an arm portion of the user and performing a massage motion on the received arm portion; a drive module for rotating or moving the arm massage unit in one or more directions; a detection sensor for detecting force applied by the arm portion received in the arm massage unit; and a control unit for controlling the drive module to rotate or move the arm massage unit in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the force is applied using a detection signal input from the detection sensor.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0051] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0052] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0053] Conversely, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, this should be understood as meaning that there are no intervening components. Other expressions used to describe relationships between components should also be interpreted in the same way.

[0054] The terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention, and singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "comprise" or "have" imply the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that these terms do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0057] In this specification, an actuator refers to a structure capable of providing driving force. For example, the actuator may include, but is not limited to, a motor, a linear motor, an electric motor, a DC motor, an AC motor, a linear actuator, an electric actuator, etc.

[0058] In this specification, binaural beats may refer to a specific form of audio information capable of modulating brain waves. In this specification, according to one embodiment, the massage device may refer to a massage device including a body massage unit and a leg massage unit. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the body massage unit and the leg massage unit may exist as separate devices (e.g., a body massage unit and a leg massage unit), and the massage device may refer to either a body massage unit or a leg massage unit.

[0059]

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings 1 to 11, the basic embodiment of the present invention and the details of the driving mechanism of the present invention will be first described, and the details of the embodiment of the present invention that provides the arm movement mode will be described later.

[0061] Figure 1 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a massage device according to the present invention.

[0062] A massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention forms an area for accommodating at least a portion of a user's (10) body, and may include a body massage unit (1000) for massaging the user's body, a leg massage unit (2000) for massaging the user's legs, an arm massage unit (3000), and a driving module unit.

[0063] The above driving module part may include at least one of a rotation module part (5000) that rotates the arm massage part (3000) in the up-down direction and / or left-right direction, an extension part that expands or contracts the length of the arm massage part (3000), and a position adjustment part that adjusts the position of the arm massage part (3000) in the up-down direction, etc., as described below.

[0064] The body massage unit (1000) can provide a massage to at least a part of a user's body. The body massage unit (1000) can include a massage module (1700) that provides a massage function to at least a part of a user's body, an audio output module (1500) for providing an audio output of any form to the user, a main frame (1100) that constitutes the skeleton of the body massage unit (1000), and a user input unit (1400) for receiving an input of any form from the user.

[0065] The configurations included in the body massage unit (1000) described above are merely exemplary embodiments, and the body massage unit (1000) may include various configurations in addition to the configurations described above.

[0066] In addition, the shape and structure of the massage device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 are merely exemplary, and various forms of massage devices (100) may also be included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they do not exceed the scope of rights defined by the claims of the present invention.

[0067] The body massage unit (1000) can form a space of any shape to accommodate a user. The body massage unit (1000) can have a space of a shape corresponding to the shape of the user's body. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the body massage unit (1000) can be implemented as a seating type capable of accommodating the entire body or a portion of the body of the user (10).

[0068] The part of the body massage unit (1000) that comes into contact with the ground may include any material to increase friction or any member to increase friction (e.g., an anti-slip pad, etc.), and may include wheels to enhance the mobility of the massage device (100).

[0069] At least a portion of the body massage unit (1000) can slide. For example, when the body massage unit (1000) begins a massage, at least a portion of the body massage unit (1000) can slide forward. Additionally, the body massage unit (1000) can tilt backward. As a result, the body massage unit (1000) can provide a massage while tilted backward.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the massage device (100) may include at least one air cell. The air cell may be positioned on the user's shoulder area, pelvic area, arm massage part (3000), leg massage part (2000), etc., but is not limited thereto and may be positioned in various parts of the massage device (100).

[0071] The massage device (100) may include an air supply unit (not shown in the drawing), which may inflate the air cell by supplying air to the air cell. The air supply unit may be located inside the body massage unit (1000) or in the leg massage unit (2000). Additionally, the air supply unit may be located outside the massage device (100).

[0072] The leg massage unit (2000) can provide a leg massage to the user. For example, the leg massage unit (2000) can include a calf massage unit that massages the user's calves and / or a foot massage unit that massages the user's feet.

[0073] The leg massage unit (2000) may be adjustable in length depending on the user's physical characteristics. For example, if a tall user uses the massage device (100), the length of the leg massage unit (2000) may need to be increased due to the length of their calves. Furthermore, if a short user uses the massage device (100), the length of their calves may need to be decreased due to the length of their leg massage unit (2000). Accordingly, the leg massage unit (2000) may provide a leg massage tailored to the user's height.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of leg massage units (2000) may be provided, and the right and left feet of the user (10) may enter each of the plurality of leg massage units (2000A, 2000B). The plurality of leg massage units, specifically a pair of leg massage units (2000A, 2000B), may be independently driven. The leg massage unit (2000) will be described in detail later.

[0075] A massage module (1700) may be installed inside the body massage unit (1000) to provide any type of mechanical stimulation to a user accommodated in the body massage unit (1000). The massage module (1700) may move along a main frame (1100) installed inside the body massage unit (1000) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0076] For example, a main frame (1100) of a body massage unit (1000) may be equipped with a rack gear (1112), and a massage module (1700) may move along the rack gear (1112) to provide mechanical stimulation to various parts of the user's body. The massage module (1700) may include a ball massage unit or a roller massage unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The main frame (1100) constitutes the skeleton of the internal structure of the body massage unit (1000) and may be made of a metal material or a plastic material. For example, the main frame (1100) may be made of iron, an alloy, steel, etc., but is not limited thereto and may be made of various solid materials.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the massage device (100) may include an audio output module (1500).

[0079] The audio output module (1500) may be provided in various locations. For example, the audio output module (1500) may include a plurality of output units, such as, but not limited to, an upper audio output unit positioned on the upper portion of the seat portion (1000a) that comes into contact with a user sitting on the massage device (100), a front audio output unit attached to the front end of the left and right arm massage portions (3000) of the seat portion (1000a), and / or a rear audio output unit attached to the rear end of the arm massage portion (3000).

[0080] The seat portion (1000a) provided in the massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body and a lower body support portion that supports the user's lower body.

[0081] The upper body support part is in contact with the user's upper body, specifically from the head to the back, and supports the user's body, and the lower body support part is in contact with the area below the upper body support part, such as the buttocks and thighs, and supports the user's body.

[0082] In this case, the audio output module (1500) can provide surround sound such as 5.1 channels, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user can control a massage device (100) using a massage device control device (CD). The massage device control device (CD) can be connected to the massage device (100) via wired communication and / or wireless communication.

[0084] The massage device control device (CD) may include a remote controller, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., and may include various electronic devices that can be connected to the massage device (100) via wired or wireless communication, but are not limited thereto.

[0085] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the main frame (1100) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining components of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the massage device (100) may include at least one of a main frame (1100), a control unit (1200), a storage unit (1300), a user input unit (1400), an audio output module (1500), a network connection unit (1600), and a massage module (1700).

[0087] The main frame (1100) may be a configuration that forms the skeleton of the body massage unit (1000).

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main frame (1100) may include a body frame having a massage module (1700) and a base frame (1130) supporting the body frame.

[0089] The body frame may include a back frame (1110) that forms the skeleton of the user's upper body receiving portion and a seat frame (1120) that forms the skeleton of the seat portion.

[0090] At least a portion of the body frame may be equipped with a rack gear (1112). The rack gear (1112) serves as a member for guiding the movement of the body massage module in the up-and-down direction (based on FIG. 2), and may include a plurality of ribs and a plurality of floors.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rack gear (1112) may be provided in a form facing each other on both sides of the body frame, specifically, the back frame (1110) and the seat frame (1120), and the body massage module may move along the rack gear (1112).

[0092] For example, the body massage module may include a gear that meshes with the rack gear (1112), and the body massage module may move upward or downward by rotating the gear by an actuator provided in the body massage module.

[0093] The rack gear (1112) may be made of metal or plastic. For example, the rack gear (1112) may be made of iron, steel, alloy, reinforced plastic, melamine resin, phenol resin, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0094] The body frame can be implemented in various shapes. For example, the body frame can be classified into S-frame, L-frame, S&L frame, and double S&L frame depending on the shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] An S-frame means a frame that includes at least a portion of a body frame that is curved like an "S". An L-frame means a frame that includes at least a portion of a body frame that is curved like an "L". An S&L frame means a frame that includes both a curved shape like an "S" and a curved shape like an "L". A double S&L frame means a frame that includes a curved shape like an "L" and two portions of curved shapes like an "S".

[0096] The base frame (1130) refers to a portion of the main frame (1100) that supports the body frame and is in contact with the ground. The base frame (1130) may include a base upper frame (1131) and a base lower frame (1132).

[0097] The base upper frame (1131) can support the body frame, and the base lower frame (1132) can be in contact with the ground. In addition, the base upper frame (1131) can be positioned in contact with the base lower frame (1132).

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base upper frame (1131) can move along the base lower frame (1132). For example, the base upper frame (1131) can slide forward or backward along the base lower frame (1132). In this case, the body frame is connected to the base upper frame (1131) and can move according to the movement of the base upper frame (1131).

[0099] For example, when the base upper frame (1131) moves forward, the body frame can also move forward, and when the base upper frame (1131) moves backward, the body frame can also move backward. As a result, sliding movement of the body massage unit (1000) can be permitted.

[0100] The control unit (1200) can control the operation of the massage device (100). The control unit (1200) can be implemented with a single processor or multiple processors. If the control unit (1200) is implemented with multiple processors, at least some of the multiple processors can be physically separated from each other. Furthermore, the control unit (1200) is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various ways.

[0101] For example, the control unit (1200) may correspond to one or more processors. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable on the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present embodiment may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (1200) can control the operation of the massage device (100).

[0103] For example, the massage device (100) may include a plurality of actuators, and the massage device (100) may control the operation of the massage device (100) by controlling the operation of the plurality of actuators.

[0104] For example, the massage device (100) may include at least one of a massage module movement actuator, at least one actuator included in the massage module (1700), a back angle actuator, a leg angle actuator, a foot massage actuator, a leg length adjustment actuator, and a sliding actuator, and the control unit (1200) may control the operation of the massage device (100) by controlling these.

[0105] In this specification, the 'leg length adjustment actuator' may refer to a connecting drive unit provided in the leg massage unit (2000). The massage module (1700) movement actuator is an actuator that enables the massage module (1700) to move up and down, and the massage module (1700) can move along the rack gear (1112) by the operation of the massage module movement actuator.

[0106] The isometric actuator is an actuator that adjusts the angle of the part of the massage device (100) that the user's back touches, and the isometric angle of the massage device (100) can be adjusted by the operation of the isometric actuator.

[0107] The leg angle actuator is an actuator that adjusts the angle of the leg massage part (2000) of the massage device (100), and the angle between the leg massage part (2000) and the body massage part (1000) can be adjusted by the operation of the leg angle actuator.

[0108] The foot massage actuator refers to an actuator that operates a foot massage module included in a leg massage unit (2000), specifically a foot massage unit (2200). By utilizing the foot massage actuator, the massage device (100) can provide a foot massage to a user.

[0109] The massage module (1700) may include at least one actuator, and the control unit (1200) may provide various massage movements by operating the at least one actuator. For example, the control unit (1200) may provide tapping massage, kneading massage, etc., by operating the at least one actuator included in the massage module (1700), but is not limited thereto and may provide various massage movements.

[0110] The leg length adjustment actuator, i.e., the connecting drive unit, represents an actuator that adjusts the length of the leg massage unit (2000). For example, the control unit (1200) can utilize the leg length adjustment actuator to adjust the length of the leg massage unit (2000) to suit the user, and as a result, the user can receive a massage suited to their body type.

[0111] The sliding actuator enables the sliding motion of the massage device (100). For example, by the motion of the sliding actuator, the horizontal base upper frame (1131) can move forward or backward, and as a result, the body frame connected to the horizontal base upper frame (1131) can also move forward or backward.

[0112] The storage unit (1300) can store various information related to the massage device (100). For example, the storage unit (1300) can include massage control information and personal authentication information, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] The storage unit (1300) may be implemented using a non-volatile storage medium capable of persistently storing arbitrary data. For example, the storage unit (1300) may include, but is not limited to, storage devices based on disks, optical disks, and magneto-optical storage devices, as well as flash memory and / or battery-backed memory.

[0114] In addition, the storage unit (1300) may include memory. The memory may refer to a volatile storage device in which stored information is instantly erased when power is turned off, such as a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), which is the main storage device directly accessed by the processor, but is not limited thereto. Such memory may be operated by the control unit (1200).

[0115] The user input unit (1400) can receive commands related to the control of the operation of the massage device (100) from the user, and the user input unit (1400) can be implemented in various forms. For example, the user input unit (1400) can be provided in the body massage unit (1000), the leg massage unit (2000), and the arm massage unit (3000), but is not limited thereto.

[0116] The massage device (100) can obtain various commands from the user through the user input unit (1400). For example, the massage device (100) can receive any command related to selection of a massage module, selection of a massage mode, selection of a massage intensity, selection of a massage time, selection of a massage area, selection of a position and operation of a body massage unit (1000), selection of turning the power of the massage device (100) on and off, selection of whether or not to operate a heating function, selection related to sound source playback, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0117] As an optional embodiment, the user input unit (1400) may be provided with hot key type buttons and / or selection buttons for selecting a direction, canceling, executing an input, etc., according to preset user-defined functions or self-preset functions.

[0118] The user input unit (1400) may be implemented as a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / capacitive), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the user input unit (1400) may obtain commands through the user's speech based on voice recognition technology.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user input unit (1400) may include a display for displaying the operating status of the massage device (100) or the current status of the user.

[0120] In this case, the display may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display, but is not limited thereto.

[0121] The audio output module (1500) can provide any form of audio output to the user. For example, the audio output module (1500) can provide brain stimulation to the user by outputting sound sources and / or binaural beats optimized for the massage pattern provided by the massage device (100). The audio output module (1500) can output audio signals received via a network (not shown) or stored in an internal / external storage medium (not shown).

[0122] For example, the audio output module (1500) can output a sound source according to the control of the user terminal through a network connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection, etc.) with the user terminal. In addition, the audio output module (1500) can output any form of acoustic signal generated in relation to the operation of the massage device (100).

[0123] A massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a network connection unit (1600). The network connection unit (1600) may communicate with a module within the massage device (100), an external massage device (100), and / or a user terminal via any type of network.

[0124] The network connection unit (1600) may include a wired / wireless connection module for network connection. Wireless connection technologies that may be used include, for example, WLAN (wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (wireless broadband), Wimax (world interoperability for microwave access), and HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access).

[0125] For example, XDSL (digital subscriber line), FTTH (fibers to the home), PLC (power line communication), etc. can be used as wired connection technology. In addition, the network connection unit (1600) can include a short range communication module to transmit and receive data with any device / terminal located in a short range. For example, Bluetooth, RFID (radio frequency identification), infrared communication (infrared data association, IrDA), UWB (Ultra-wideband), ZigBee, etc. can be used as short range communication technology, but are not limited thereto.

[0126] As described above, a massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a massage module (1700). That is, the massage module (1700) is a configuration that provides a mechanical stimulus to a user, and the massage module (1700) can move along the main frame (1100).

[0127] A massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main frame (1100). As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the main frame (1100) may provide a path along which the massage module (1700) may move.

[0128] The control unit (1200) can provide a massage by controlling the operation of the massage module (1700) and applying a mechanical stimulus to the user.

[0129] The control unit (1200) can move the massage module (1700) in the directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The control unit (1200) can advance the massage ball forward or retreat the massage ball backward along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Alternatively, the control unit (1200) can rotate the massage ball around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0130] A massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor unit (4000). At this time, the sensor unit (4000) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor unit (4000) may include a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, an LED sensor, a photo sensor, a hall sensor, an electrostatic sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0131] The sensor unit (4000) can be used to acquire various types of information. For example, the sensor unit (4000) can be used to recognize the user. That is, information can be acquired regarding whether the user is seated, the user's body shape, and any abnormalities in the user's body.

[0132] As another example, the sensor unit (4000) can be used to acquire biometric information. That is, it can acquire fingerprint information, facial information, voice information, iris information, weight information, electrocardiogram information, body composition information, etc., and can include various types of biometric information without being limited thereto.

[0133] As an optional embodiment, the massage device (100) can detect the contact area and / or contact location with the user through the sensor unit (4000).

[0134] Additionally, the massage device (100) can obtain the user's shoulder position information through the sensor unit (4000).

[0135] Additionally, the massage device (100) can provide a customized massage based on the acquired information. For example, when the massage device (100) provides a shoulder massage, the massage device (100) can recognize the user's shoulder position based on the information acquired through the sensor unit (4000) and provide the user with a shoulder massage based on the recognition result.

[0136] The leg massage unit (2000) may be configured to massage the user's legs. The leg massage unit (2000) may be provided with a leg receiving space for receiving the user's legs.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B, a plurality of leg massage units (2000) may be provided, and the user's right foot and left foot may be respectively received in the plurality of leg massage units (2000A, 2000B).

[0138] Specifically, the plurality of leg massage units (2000A, 2000B) may include a foot massage unit and a calf massage unit, and the user's right foot and left foot may be inserted, placed, and received, respectively.

[0139] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a driving method of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of leg massage units (2000A, 2000B) can be independently driven by receiving an electrical signal from the control unit (1200).

[0141] A plurality of leg massage parts (2000A, 2000B) can be hingedly (or rotatably) connected to the body massage part (1000), specifically to the main frame (1100).

[0142] Referring to FIG. 4, due to the power generated from the hinge drive unit (2700) connected to the main frame (1100), the leg massage unit (2000) is hinged (or rotated) clockwise or counterclockwise based on the hinge (or rotation) center axis preset in the main frame (1100), and the leg angle can be adjusted.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 4, a hinge drive unit (2700) may be provided in each of a plurality of leg massage units (2000A, 2000B).

[0144] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 4, various modifications can be implemented, such as only one of the plurality of leg massage parts (2000A, 2000B) rotating relative to the main frame (1100) to adjust the leg angle, or the plurality of leg massage parts (2000A, 2000B) adjusting the leg angle so that they form the same angle relative to the main frame (1100).

[0145] Referring to FIG. 1, an arm massage unit (3000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be inserted into a user's arm and provide an arm massage function to the user.

[0146] A plurality of arm massage units (3000) may be provided, and the right and left arms of the user (10) may be inserted into the plurality of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B), respectively. The plurality of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) may be driven independently. The arm massage units (3000) will be described in detail later.

[0147] FIG. 5A is a drawing illustrating a state in which the arm massage unit rotates in the up-and-down direction in a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a drawing illustrating a state in which the arm massage unit rotates in the left-right direction in a massage device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a rotation module unit is connected to a main frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 6. FIGS. 8A and 8B are drawings illustrating a rotation module unit and an arm massage unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a state before the rotation module unit and the arm massage unit are coupled according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a second rotation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating a second rotation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, a body massage unit (1000), specifically a main frame (1100), according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module frame (1150).

[0149] The module frame (1150) is coupled to the back frame (1110) that forms the skeleton of the upper body receiving portion of the user (10), and may include a base frame body (1151) and side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b). The module frame (1150) may be connected to a rotation module portion (5000).

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, a plurality of module frames (1150) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided to correspond to a pair of rotation module parts (5000) connected to a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B).

[0151] Specifically, a pair of module frames (1150) can be connected to each side of the main frame (1100), specifically the back frame (1110).

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the base frame body (1151) according to one embodiment of the present invention can contact and support one side of the rotation module part (5000), specifically, the first rotation part (5100), which will be described later.

[0153] Specifically, the base frame body (1151) is connected to the side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b) to be described later, and can contact and support one side of the first rotating part (5100).

[0154] The base frame body (1151) can be formed to extend at a preset angle, specifically perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b). As a result, the module frame (1150) can stably contact and support one side (lower side as shown in FIG. 7) of the rotation module unit (5000).

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, a side frame body (1153a, 1153b) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connectable to a base frame body (1151), is provided in pairs, and can contact and support both sides of the first rotating part (5100).

[0156] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b) can be spaced apart from each other by a preset distance.

[0157] A first rotating part (5100) can be inserted through a space formed between a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b), and the pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b) can contact and support both sides (upper and lower sides as shown in FIG. 7) of the first rotating part (5100).

[0158] Among a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b), the side frame body (1153a) that contacts and supports one side (lower side in FIG. 7) of the first rotating part (5100) is connected to the base frame body (1151) and can contact and support one side (lower side in FIG. 7) of the first rotating part (5100).

[0159] Due to this, the first rotating part (5100) can be positionally fixed to the main frame (1100), specifically, the module frame (1150), and the rotation center axis (AX1) of the rotating body (5130) provided to the first rotating part (5100), which is the first rotation center axis of the arm massage part (3000), can be stably maintained.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b) can each be connected to the back frame (1110).

[0161] As an optional embodiment, the side frame body (1153a, 1153b) and the first rotating part (5100) can be connected by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5a, 5b, 6, 8a, 8b, and 9, the rotation module (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention rotates the arm massage unit (3000) in the up-down direction and / or left-right direction relative to the body massage unit (1000). The rotation module (5000) will be described in detail later, and the arm massage unit (3000) will be described first below.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, an arm massage unit (3000) according to one embodiment of the present invention accommodates a user's arm and can massage the user's arm.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of arm massage units (3000) may be provided to be placed on both sides of a body massage unit (1000).

[0165] The right and left arms of the user (10) can be respectively inserted into a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B). The pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) can be driven independently.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 8a, and 8b, the arm massage unit (3000) can receive power from the rotation module unit (5000) and rotate relative to the body massage unit (1000).

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the arm massage unit (3000) can be rotated left and right with respect to the body massage unit (1000) based on the first rotation center axis (AX1), and can be rotated up and down with respect to the body massage unit (1000) based on the second rotation center axis (AX2).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6, FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, and FIG. 9, an arm massage unit (3000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an arm housing unit (3100), an arm massage main body unit (3300), an arm movement guide unit (3330), and a shoulder air cell (3500).

[0169] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, and FIG. 9, an arm housing portion (3100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed with an arm receiving portion (3110) that receives a user's arm, and can be connected to a rotation module portion (5000).

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9, the arm massage unit (3000B) for receiving the user's left arm is illustrated. Since the configuration, operating principle, and effect are the same as those of the arm massage unit (3000A) for receiving the user's right arm, the following description will be based on the arm massage unit (3000B) for receiving the user's left arm.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 9, the arm housing part (3100) forms the exterior of the arm massage part (3000), and an arm receiving part (3110), which is a space in which the user's arm can be received, can be formed on the inside.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 9, the arm housing part (3100) can be connected to a rotation module part (5000) to be described later, specifically, a second rotation part (5500), and the arm housing part (3100) can be rotated around a rotation center axis (AX2) that is set in advance by the rotational power generated from the second rotation part (5500).

[0173] From another perspective, the arm housing part (3100) can be rotated up and down (based on FIG. 5a) with respect to the body massage part (1000) with the second rotation center axis (AX2) as the rotation center axis.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 9, a rotation guide portion (3105) may be formed in the shape of a groove on one surface of the arm housing portion (3100) facing the rotation module portion (5000), specifically the second rotation portion (5500). The rotation guide portion (3105) may have a preset distance from the second rotation center axis (AX2) and may be formed in a preset section along the circumferential direction.

[0175] That is, a stopper (5511) formed in the second rotation part (5500) is inserted into the rotation guide part (3105), and the arm housing part (3100) can rotate only in the section where the rotation guide part (3105) is formed.

[0176] For example, if the rotation guide part (3105) is formed in a section corresponding to 180 degrees along the circumferential direction centered on the second rotation center axis (AX2), the arm housing part (3100) can rotate 180 degrees with respect to the body massage part (1000) and the second rotation part (5500).

[0177] However, it is not limited to this, and the rotation guide part (3105) can be extended to have sections of 90 degrees and 270 degrees centered on the second rotation center axis (AX2), and various other modifications can be implemented.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a rotation guide part (3105) is formed in the arm housing part (3100), and a stopper (5511) of a second rotation part (5500) can be placed on the rotation guide part (3105).

[0179] Accordingly, the arm housing part (3100) can rotate around the second rotation center axis (AX 2) until both ends of the rotation guide part (3105) contact the stopper (5511) provided in the second rotation part (5500), and the section where the rotation guide part (3105) is formed can be set as the rotational angle of the arm massage part (3000) with respect to the second rotation part (5500).

[0180] That is, there is an effect of limiting the rotation angle of the arm massage part (3000) due to the rotation guide part (3105) formed in the arm housing part (3100) and the stopper (5511) formed in the second rotation part (5500).

[0181] Referring to FIG. 5a, a coupling protrusion (3101) may be formed to protrude on one surface (the lower surface based on FIGS. 8a and 8b) of the arm housing portion (3100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the arm massage portion (3000) may be placed on the body massage portion (1000) at the initial position of the massage device (100) where the user (10) is seated.

[0182] At this time, a coupling protrusion (3101) may be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the front-back direction of the massage device (100)) on one side (the lower surface of FIG. 1) of the arm housing part (3100) that is mounted on the body massage part (1000).

[0183] A protrusion groove (1005) may be formed on one side of the body massage part (1000) facing one side of the arm housing part (3100) where the coupling protrusion (3101) is formed. The protrusion groove (1005) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the coupling protrusion (3101) formed on the arm housing part (3100).

[0184] When the arm massage unit (3000) is placed on the body massage unit (1000), the joining projection (3101) formed on the arm massage unit (3000) is inserted and placed into the projection groove (1005) formed on the body massage unit (1000), thereby providing the effect that the arm massage unit (3000) can be stably placed on a preset position on the body massage unit (1000).

[0185] In the present invention, the coupling protrusion (3101) is formed in an extended bar shape, but is not limited thereto. The coupling protrusion (3101) is positioned on the inside of the protrusion groove (1005) formed on the body massage part (1000), and various modifications can be made within the technical concept of guiding the position of the arm massage part (3000).

[0186] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9, the arm receiving portion (3110) is a receiving space into which the user's arm can be inserted, and may be formed in the shape of a groove along a preset depth. An arm massage main body (3300), which will be described later, may be placed in the arm receiving portion (3110).

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a shoulder air cell (3500) can be placed in the arm housing portion (3100).

[0188] The shoulder air cell (3500) may be configured to secure at least a portion of the user's arm. The shoulder air cell (3500), which is disposed in the arm housing (3100), may be configured to receive air from a separately provided air supply unit and expand to secure at least a portion of the user's arm, for example, the shoulder area.

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a shoulder air cell (3500) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be placed in an area corresponding to a user's shoulder.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 5b, 6, 8a, 8b, and 9, an arm massage main body (3300) according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in an arm housing (3100), and can provide a massage function to the user's arm while allowing the user's arm to rest thereon.

[0191] An arm massage main body (3300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an arm massage main body (3310) and an arm movement guide part (3330). The arm massage main body (3310) is configured to allow the user's arm to rest thereon and is capable of making contact with the user's arm.

[0192] Although not shown in the drawing, an air cell may be placed in the arm massage body (3310). The air cell may be supplied with air from an air supply unit, inflated and / or deflated, and may apply pressure to the user's arm and provide a massage function.

[0193] As an optional embodiment, a massage module (not shown) may be placed in the arm massage body (3310). The massage module may include a roller, come into contact with the user's arm, and provide a massage function.

[0194] The arm massage body (3310) can be movably positioned inside the arm receiving portion (3110).

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the arm massage body (3310) according to one embodiment of the present invention can move along a preset direction on an arm movement guide unit (3330) to be described later and its position can be adjusted.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 8b, an arm movement guide unit (3330) according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed on an arm receiving unit (3110) and provides a movement path of an arm massage body (3310), and may include a guide plate (3331) and a guide rail (3335).

[0197] The guide plate (3331) is coupled to the arm massage body (3310), and as the guide plate (3331) moves on the guide rail (3335), the arm massage body (3310) coupled to the guide plate (3331) can move together.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a guide rail (3335) according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed on an arm receiving portion (3110) formed in an arm housing portion (3100), and can provide a movement path of a guide plate (3331) and an arm massage body (3310) coupled with the guide plate (3331).

[0199] The guide rail (3335) can be formed to extend along a preset direction (front-back direction based on FIGS. 8a and 8b), and the guide plate (3331) and the arm massage body (3310) coupled with the guide plate (3331) can move on the guide rail (3335).

[0200] In this specification, the 'front-back direction' in which the arm massage body (3310) moves means the direction when the direction from the user's shoulder to the fingers is considered forward, and the direction from the user's fingers to the shoulder is considered backward.

[0201] Although not shown in the drawing, the arm movement guide unit (3330) may include a guide driving unit that is driven by receiving power from the outside, and the guide plate (3331) coupled to the arm massage body (3310) may be linearly moved forward and / or backward on the guide rail (3335) by the power generated from the guide driving unit.

[0202] The guide drive unit can generate power by a motor, or by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0203] As an optional embodiment, the guide plate (3331) may include a roller capable of cloud contact with the guide rail (3335).

[0204] As an optional embodiment, the guide plate (3331) may include a block that is slidable on the guide rail (3335), and the block may move by making surface contact on a groove formed in the guide rail (3335).

[0205] The control unit (1200) can be electrically connected to the guide driving unit and the rotation module unit (5000), and when the arm massage unit (3000) rotates relative to the body massage unit (1000) by the rotational power generated from the rotation module unit (5000), it can transmit an electrical signal to the guide driving unit to control the amount of movement of the arm massage body (3310).

[0206] That is, the control unit (1200) can control the amount of movement of the arm massage body (3310) on the arm movement guide unit (3330) based on the amount of rotation of the arm massage unit (3000), and has the effect of linearly moving the arm massage body (3310) in response to the user's arm position changing as the arm massage unit (3000) rotates.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, and FIG. 6 to FIG. 11, a rotation module unit (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention connects an arm massage unit (3000) and a body massage unit (1000), has a plurality of different rotation center axes (AX1, AX2), and can generate rotational power based on the plurality of rotation center axes (AX1, AX2).

[0208] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a rotation module unit (5000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can rotate an arm massage unit (3000) about a plurality of rotational central axes (AX1, AX2). A pair of rotation modules (5000) are provided to correspond to a pair of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B), and can be arranged on each side of a body massage unit (1000). A pair of rotation modules (5000) can be driven independently of each other.

[0209] The rotation module (5000) may include a first rotation unit (5100) and a second rotation unit (5500).

[0210] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first rotation unit (5100) can rotate the arm massage unit (3000) in the left and right directions with respect to the body massage unit (1000) around the first rotation center axis (AX1), thereby generating rotational power.

[0211] The first rotating part (5100) can rotate the arm massage part (3000) in the left and right directions (based on FIG. 5b) relative to the body massage part (1000).

[0212] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second rotation part (5500) can rotate the arm massage part in the up-and-down direction with respect to the body massage part (1000) about a second rotation center axis (AX2) that is different from the first rotation center axis (AX1).

[0213] That is, the second rotation part (5500) generates rotational power based on the second rotation center axis (AX2), and can rotate the arm massage part (3000) in the up-and-down direction (based on FIG. 5a) with respect to the body massage part (1000).

[0214] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation module unit (5000) can have a first rotation unit (5100) generate rotational power based on a first rotational center axis (AX1), and a second rotation unit (5500) generate rotational power based on a second rotational center axis (AX2).

[0215] However, it is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible, such as the first rotating part (5100) generating rotational power based on the second rotating center axis (AX2), and the second rotating part (5500) generating rotational power based on the first rotating center axis (AX1).

[0216] Hereinafter, the main frame (1100), specifically, the first rotating part (5100) connected to the module frame (1150), generates rotational power based on the first rotational center axis (AX1), and the second rotating part (5500) generates rotational power based on the second rotational center axis (AX2) will be described as the basis.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 7, the first rotating part (5100) and the second rotating part (5500) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be coupled to enable relative rotation. The first rotating part (5100) and the second rotating part (5500) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be formed identically.

[0218] That is, the first rotating part (5100) and the second rotating part (5500) have the same configuration and are coupled to be able to rotate relative to each other, so that the part structure can be simplified and modularized when rotating the arm massage part (3000) relative to the body massage part (1000).

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, a first rotating part (5100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main housing (5110), a rotating body (5130), and a rotating driving part (5150).

[0220] Specifically, the first rotating part (5100) may include a main housing (5110) that can be placed in the body massage part (1000), a rotating body that is rotatably placed in the main housing (5110), and a rotating driving part (5150) that is installed in the main housing (5110) and receives power and transmits power to the rotating body (5130).

[0221] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 8b, the main housing (5110) forms the exterior of the first rotating part (5100), and can be placed on the body massage part (1000), specifically, the module frame (1150) provided on the main frame (1100).

[0222] Referring to FIG. 7, the main housing (5110) can be inserted between a module frame (1150), specifically, a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b). That is, both sides (upper and lower surfaces as shown in FIG. 7) of the main housing (5110) can be contact-supported by a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b).

[0223] Referring to FIG. 7, one side (bottom surface based on FIG. 7) of both sides of the main housing (5110) that is contact-supported by a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b) can be contact-supported by a module frame (1150), specifically, a base frame body (1151) that is connected to the side frame bodies (1153a).

[0224] The first rotating part (5100), specifically the main housing (5110), is connected to the module frame (1150) and is placed on the main frame (1100), so that the position of the first rotating part (5100) can be stably fixed.

[0225] In addition, since a pair of side frame bodies (1153a, 1153b) contact and support both sides of the main housing (5110), there is an effect of preventing the main housing (5110) from rotating or twisting.

[0226] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 9, a main housing (5110) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rotating body (5130) and a rotating driving unit (5150).

[0227] Referring to FIG. 11, a stopper (5111) may be formed protrudingly on one surface (upper surface based on FIG. 9) of the first rotating part (5100) that can come into contact with the second rotating part (5500).

[0228] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing one side (bottom surface based on FIG. 10) of a second rotating part (5500) that is connected to the first rotating part (5100) in a relative rotational manner. A stopper (5111) that is formed protruding from the first rotating part (5100), specifically the main housing (5110), can be placed inside a rotating guide part (5513) formed in the shape of a groove.

[0229] That is, when the second rotating part (5500) rotates on the first rotating part (5100), it rotates clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the first rotation center axis (AX1), and the position of the stopper (5111) formed on the first rotating part (5100) is fixed, and the rotation guide part (5513) moves as the second rotating part (5500) rotates.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 11, when the stoppers (5111) formed protrudingly on the main housing (5110) of the first rotating part (5100) come into contact with the two ends of the rotation guide part (5513) formed on the second rotating part (5500), the second rotating part (5500) can no longer rotate, so that the rotation amount (or rotation angle) of the second rotating part (5500) rotating on the first rotating part (5100) can be limited.

[0231] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 9, a rotation coupling groove (5115) may be formed in the shape of a groove on one side (upper side as shown in FIG. 9) of a first rotation part (5100) that can come into contact with a second rotation part (5500) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and on the other side (right side as shown in FIG. 9).

[0232] Specifically, the first rotating part (5100) may be a surface perpendicular to the first surface. From another perspective, the depth-direction central axis of the rotating coupling groove (5115) formed on the surface may be formed parallel to the second rotating central axis (AX2) of the second rotating part (5500).

[0233] That is, since the first rotating part (5100) and the second rotating part (5500) have the same configuration so that they can be coupled to each other so as to be able to rotate relative to each other, a rotating coupling groove (5115) can be formed in the shape of a groove so that a rotating body provided in one of the rotating parts that generates rotational power based on the second rotational center axis (AX2) can be inserted and coupled to the first rotating part (5100).

[0234] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 9, on one side of the main housing (5110) where the rotation coupling groove (5115) is formed, a rotation guide portion (5113) may be formed to extend in the shape of the groove along the circumferential direction at a preset distance from the center of the rotation coupling groove (5115).

[0235] The rotation guide part (5113) formed in the first rotation part (5100) has the same configuration as the rotation guide part (5513) formed in the second rotation part (5500), and will be described in detail later.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 9, a rotating body (5130) according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotatably disposed in the main housing (5110) and can be coupled with a second rotating part (5500).

[0237] The rotating body (5130) may penetrate one surface of the main housing (5110) and a preset area may be exposed to the outside. The area may be coupled with the main housing (5510) of the second rotating part (5500).

[0238] The rotating body (5130) can receive power from the rotating drive unit (5150) to be described later and transmit the power to the second rotating unit (5500) connected to the first rotating unit (5100).

[0239] Referring to Fig. 9, a rotating body (5130) provided in a first rotating part (5100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotatable around a first rotational center axis (AX1). The rotating body (5130) is connectable with a main housing (5510) provided in a second rotating part (5500).

[0240] Accordingly, as the rotating body (5130) rotates, the main housing (5510) provided in the second rotating part (5500) can rotate together, and as the main housing (5510) rotates, the arm massage part (3000) coupled with the second rotating part (5500) can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the first rotation center axis (AX1) (left-right direction based on FIG. 5b).

[0241] Referring to FIG. 5b, a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) according to one embodiment of the present invention can each rotate around a first rotation axis (AX1a, AX1b) by rotational power generated from a first rotation part (5100).

[0242] For example, when a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) are rotated in opposite directions with respect to each first rotation center axis (AX1a, AX1b), the pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) can move closer to each other so as to be positioned on a sheet part (1000a) formed in the body massage part (1000), and can move away from each other toward the outside of the body massage part (1000), as illustrated in FIG. 5b.

[0243] As an optional embodiment, a pair of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) can rotate in the same direction relative to a first rotational center axis (AX1a, AX1b).

[0244] As an optional embodiment, a pair of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) can be driven independently.

[0245] Although not shown in the drawing, the rotating body (5130) provided in the first rotating part (5100) can be inserted and coupled into the rotating coupling groove (5515) formed in the main housing (5510) provided in the second rotating part (5500).

[0246] As a result, as the rotating body (5130) provided in the first rotating part (5100) rotates, the main housing (5510) provided in the second rotating part (5500) can rotate together.

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a rotary drive unit (5150) according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in the main housing (5110) and can receive power from the outside and transmit power to the rotary body (5130).

[0248] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the rotary drive unit (5150) may include a drive body (5151) and a power transmission unit (5153). The drive body (5151) generates power and may be formed as a motor. The drive body (5151) may receive power from an external source to generate rotational power and transmit the rotational power to the power transmission unit (5153).

[0249] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, a power transmission unit (5153) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one gear. Specifically, the power transmission unit (5153) includes a plurality of gears (5153a, 5153b, 5153c) and may transmit power generated from a driving body (5151) to a rotating body (5130).

[0250] The gears (5153a, 5153b, 5153c) provided in the power transmission unit (5153) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed as a worm gear, a helical gear, or the like.

[0251] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the first gear (5153a) coupled with the driving body (5151) may be formed as a worm gear, and the second gear (5153b) coupled with the first gear (5153a) may be formed as a gear in which a helical gear and a worm gear are integrated.

[0252] Additionally, the third gear (5153c) connected to the second gear (5153b) may be formed as a helical gear with the first rotation center axis (AX1), which is the rotation center axis of the rotating body (5130), as its rotation center axis.

[0253] However, it is not limited to this, and within the technical concept of being able to transmit power generated from the driving body (5151) to the rotating body (5130), the power transmission unit (5153) can be implemented in various modifications, such as adopting a power transmission method of various gears such as a rack-and-pinion gear.

[0254] Although not shown in the drawing, the rotating body (5130) may include a shaft that can be connected to a gear (5153c) provided in the power transmission unit (5153). As a result, power generated from the driving body (5151) can be transmitted to the rotating body (5130) through the power transmission unit (5153).

[0255] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 9, as the power generated from the rotary drive unit (5150) is transmitted to the rotary body (5130), the rotary body (5130) can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the first rotation center axis (AX1), and the main housing (5510) of the second rotary unit (5500) coupled with the rotary body (5130) can rotate together.

[0256] As the main housing (5510) of the second rotating part (5500) rotates, the arm massage part (3000), specifically the arm housing part (3100) coupled to the second rotating part (5500), can rotate left and right (based on FIG. 5b) with respect to the body massage part (1000) with respect to the first rotation center axis (AX1), as shown in FIG. 5b.

[0257] That is, the arm massage unit (3000A) that accommodates the user's right arm can be rotated relative to the body massage unit (1000) in the left and right directions based on the first-first rotation center axis (AX1a).

[0258] Likewise, the arm massage unit (3000B) that accommodates the user's left arm can rotate relative to the body massage unit (1000) in the left-right direction based on the first-second rotation center axis (AX1b) that is arranged parallel to the first-first rotation center axis (AX1a).

[0259] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, a second rotating part (5500) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main housing (5510), a rotating body (5530), and a rotating driving part (5550).

[0260] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 8b, the main housing (5510) forms the exterior of the second rotating part (5500) and can be placed on the main housing (5110) provided in the first rotating part (5100).

[0261] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the main housing (5510) can be placed on the main housing (5110) of the first rotating part (5100).

[0262] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, a rotation coupling groove (5515) may be formed in the shape of a groove on one side (bottom surface based on FIG. 9) of the main housing (5510) of the second rotation part (5500) facing the main housing (5110) of the first rotation part (5100).

[0263] Specifically, the above-mentioned one surface of the main housing (5510) may be a surface that is perpendicular to the other surface on which the rotating body (5530) is placed.

[0264] Looking at this from another perspective, the depth direction central axis of the rotational coupling groove (5515) formed on the above surface can be formed identically to the first rotational central axis (AX1), which is the rotational central axis of the rotational body (5130) provided in the first rotational part (5100).

[0265] That is, since the second rotating part (5500) has the same configuration as the first rotating part (5100) so that it can be coupled to the first rotating part (5100) so as to be able to rotate relative to each other, a rotating coupling groove (5515) can be formed in the shape of a groove so that a rotating body (5130) provided in the first rotating part (5100) that generates rotational power based on the first rotational center axis (AX1) can be inserted and coupled to the second rotating part (5500).

[0266] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, on one side of the main housing (5510) where the rotation coupling groove (5515) is formed, a rotation guide portion (5513) can be formed in the shape of the groove along the circumferential direction at a preset distance from the center of the rotation coupling groove (5515).

[0267] Referring to Fig. 11, the rotation guide part (5513) can be formed to extend along the circumferential central axis (L1).

[0268] Referring to FIG. 9, although not shown because it is covered by the rotating body (5130) of the first rotating part (5100) inserted into the rotating coupling groove (5515) of the second rotating part (5500), a stopper (5111) may be formed protrudingly on one surface of the main housing (5110) on which the rotating body (5130) of the first rotating part (5100) is rotatably positioned.

[0269] Referring to FIG. 11, when the first rotating part (5100) and the second rotating part (5500) are connected, the stopper (5111) provided in the first rotating part (5100) can be placed inside the rotating guide part (5513) formed in the main housing (5510) of the second rotating part (5500).

[0270] Referring to FIG. 11, when the second rotating part (5500) rotates on the first rotating part (5100), it can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the first rotation center axis (AX1).

[0271] At this time, the position of the stopper (5111) formed in the first rotating part (5100) is fixed, and the rotating guide part (5513) moves as the second rotating part (5500) rotates relative to it.

[0272] When the stopper (5111) formed protrudingly on the main housing (5110) of the first rotating part (5100) comes into contact with the two ends of the rotation guide part (5513) formed on the second rotating part (5500), the second rotating part (5500) can no longer rotate, thereby having the effect of limiting the rotation amount (or rotation angle) of the second rotating part (5500) rotating on the first rotating part (5100).

[0273] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, a stopper (5511) may be formed to protrude outward on one surface of the main housing (5510) in which the rotating body (5530) of the second rotating part (5500) inserted into the groove formed in the arm massage part (3000), specifically the arm housing part (3100), is disposed.

[0274] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, when the second rotating part (5500) and the arm housing part (3100) are connected, the stopper (5511) provided in the second rotating part (5500) can be placed on the inside of the rotating guide part (3105) formed in the arm housing part (3100).

[0275] Referring to FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, and FIG. 9, when the arm housing part (3100) is rotated on the second rotating part (5500), it rotates clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the second rotation center axis (AX2), and the position of the stopper (5511) formed on the second rotating part (5500) is fixed, and the rotation guide part (3105) moves as the arm housing part (3100) is rotated.

[0276] When the stopper (5511) formed protrudingly on the main housing (5510) of the second rotating part (5500) comes into contact with the two ends of the rotation guide part (3105) formed on the arm housing part (3100), the arm housing part (3100) can no longer rotate, so there is an effect that the rotation amount (or rotation angle) of the arm massage part (3000) rotating on the second rotating part (5500) can be limited.

[0277] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a main housing (5510) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rotating body (5530) and a rotating drive unit (5550).

[0278] Referring to FIG. 9, a rotating body (5530) according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotatably disposed in the main housing (5510) and can be combined with an arm massage unit (3000), specifically, an arm housing unit (3100).

[0279] The rotating body (5530) may penetrate one side of the main housing (5510) and a preset area may be exposed to the outside. The area may be coupled with the arm massage unit (3000), specifically, the arm housing unit (3100).

[0280] The rotating body (5530) can receive power from the rotating drive unit (5550) to be described later and transmit the power to the arm housing unit (3100) connected to the second rotating unit (5500).

[0281] Referring to Fig. 9, a rotating body (5530) provided in a second rotating part (5500) according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotatable about a second rotational center axis (AX2). The rotating body (5530) is connectable to an arm housing part (3100).

[0282] As a result, as the rotating body (5530) rotates, the arm housing part (3100) can rotate together, and the arm massage part (3000) can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the second rotation center axis (AX2) (up and down direction based on FIG. 5a).

[0283] Referring to FIG. 5a, a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) according to one embodiment of the present invention can each rotate around a second rotation center axis (AX2a, AX2b) by rotational power generated from a second rotation part (5500).

[0284] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) can rotate in the same direction with respect to a second rotation center axis (AX2a, AX2b).

[0285] However, it is not limited thereto, and a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) can rotate in opposite directions based on each second rotation center axis (AX2a, AX2b), in which case, a pair of arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) can rotate in different directions with respect to the body massage part (1000) to provide a stretching function. Referring to FIG. 9, a rotation body (5530) provided in the second rotation part (5500) can be inserted and coupled into a groove formed in the arm housing part (3100).

[0286] As a result, as the rotating body (5530) provided in the second rotating part (5500) rotates, the arm housing part (3100) provided with the groove part can rotate together.

[0287] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 10, a rotary drive unit (5550) according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed in the main housing (5510) and can receive power from the outside and transmit power to the rotary body (5530).

[0288] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 10, the rotary drive unit (5550) may include a drive body (5551) and a power transmission unit (5553). The drive body (5551) generates power and may be formed as a motor. The drive body (5551) may receive power from an external source to generate rotational power and transmit the rotational power to the power transmission unit (5553).

[0289] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 10, a power transmission unit (5553) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one gear. Specifically, the power transmission unit (5553) includes a plurality of gears (5553a, 5553b, 5553c) and may transmit power generated from a driving body (5551) to a rotating body (5530).

[0290] The gears (5553a, 5553b, 5553c) provided in the power transmission unit (5553) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed as a worm gear, a helical gear, or the like.

[0291] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the first gear (5553a) coupled with the driving body (5551) may be formed as a worm gear, and the second gear (5553b) connected to the first gear (5553a) may be formed as a gear in which a helical gear and a worm gear are integrated.

[0292] Additionally, the third gear (5553c) connected to the second gear (5553b) may be formed as a helical gear with the second rotation center axis (AX2), which is the rotation center axis of the rotating body (5530), as its rotation center axis.

[0293] However, it is not limited to this, and within the technical concept of being able to transmit power generated from the driving body (5551) to the rotating body (5530), the power transmission unit (5553) can be implemented in various modifications, such as adopting a power transmission method of various gears such as a rack-and-pinion gear.

[0294] Although not shown in the drawing, the rotating body (5530) may include a shaft that can be connected to a gear (5553c) provided in the power transmission unit (5553). As a result, power generated from the driving body (5551) can be transmitted to the rotating body (5530) through the power transmission unit (5553).

[0295] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 9, as the power generated from the rotary drive unit (5550) is transmitted to the rotary body (5530), the rotary body (5530) can rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise with respect to the second rotation center axis (AX2), and the arm housing unit (3100) coupled with the rotary body (5530) can rotate together.

[0296] Specifically, the arm housing part (3100) can be rotated in the up-and-down direction (based on FIG. 5a) with respect to the body massage part (1000) with respect to the second rotation center axis (AX2), as shown in FIG. 5a.

[0297] That is, the arm massage unit (3000A) that accommodates the user's right arm can be rotated relative to the body massage unit (1000) in the up-and-down direction based on the second-first rotation center axis (AX2a).

[0298] Likewise, the arm massage unit (3000B) that accommodates the user's left arm can rotate relative to the body massage unit (1000) in the left-right direction based on the 2-2 rotation center axis (AX2b) that is arranged parallel to the 2-1 rotation center axis (AX2a).

[0299] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a massage device has a rotation module (5000) having a plurality of different rotational center axes (AX1, AX2) and generates rotational power, and rotates an arm massage unit (3000) based on each of the plurality of rotational center axes (AX1, AX2), thereby enabling the arm massage unit (3000) to rotate in an up-down direction and / or a left-right direction, thereby providing a user with various arm massage functions.

[0300] In addition, since the first rotating part (5100) and the second rotating part (5500) have the same configuration and are coupled to be rotatable relative to each other, the component configuration for rotating the arm massage part (3000) relative to the body massage part (1000) can be simplified and modularized.

[0301]

[0302] Hereinafter, the specific configuration, processing, function, etc. of a massage device (hereinafter referred to as a “massage device”) (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the “second embodiment”) that detects the force applied by a user through the arm and provides an arm movement mode by utilizing the characteristics (direction or magnitude, etc.) of the detected force will be described in detail.

[0303] Some of the terms and / or reference symbols referring to the massage device and its sub-components according to the second embodiment described below may be different from the terms and / or reference symbols of the massage device, etc. described above.

[0304] This is due to the instrumental necessity of distinguishing embodiments and effectively explaining the embodiments, so if the corresponding technical idea can be implemented at the level of a person skilled in the art, it should be interpreted that the configurations of the embodiments described below can be the same as or equivalent to the configurations described above.

[0305] For example, the arm massage unit (110) and the drive module (120) described in the second embodiment below have a configuration corresponding to the arm massage unit (3000) and the rotation module unit (5000) (drive module unit) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, and the air cell (111) of the second embodiment has a configuration corresponding to the air cell that can be placed in the arm massage body (3310) in the above-described embodiment.

[0306] In addition, the control unit (140) of the second embodiment has a configuration corresponding to the control unit (1200, see FIG. 3, etc.) of the above-described embodiment, and the audio unit (163), which is exemplified as a configuration of the interface unit (160) in the second embodiment, may have a configuration corresponding to the audio output module (1500) of the above-described embodiment. In addition, the second air cell (150) of the second embodiment described below may have a configuration corresponding to the shoulder air cell (3500) of the above-described embodiment.

[0307] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a massage device (100) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is a flowchart explaining a processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention based on the action configuration of the present invention.

[0308] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the massage device (100) of the present invention may be configured to include an arm massage unit (110), an air cell (111), a driving module (120), a detection sensor (130), a control unit (140), a second air cell (150), and an interface unit (160).

[0309] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a massage device (100) for mainly explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the massage device (100) of the present invention may additionally be provided with other configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in Fig. 12, depending on the embodiment, for example, a body massage unit (1000, see Fig. 1, etc.) that receives at least a portion of a user's body and massages the user's body, or a leg massage unit (2000, see Fig. 1, etc.) that is connected to the body massage unit (1000) and massages the user's legs.

[0310] Before going into a detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that the massage device (100) according to the present invention can be implemented through various combinational applications of electronic components, parts, etc. (ASIC, chipset, logic circuit, register, communication modem, CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) such as storage means, operation processing means, input / output means, etc.

[0311] Therefore, each component of the massage device (100) illustrated in Fig. 12 should be understood as a functionally or logically distinct component rather than a physically distinct component. The same applies to each component of the control unit (140) illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0312] That is, since each component illustrated in the above drawing corresponds to a logical configuration for effectively explaining the technical idea of ​​the present invention, even if each component is configured integrated or separated, if the function performed by the logical configuration of the present invention can be realized, it should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention, and of course, if it is a component that performs the same or similar function, it should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention regardless of whether or not the name is consistent.

[0313] In addition, the control method or management method of the massage device according to the present invention can be implemented as a set or algorithm of processing related to data processing, handling, control, operation, input / output, etc., and thus, it can be implemented by a combination of logical configurations shown in FIG. 12, etc., as well as in the form of software that is installed and operated in a device, computer (or a device equivalent thereto), module, or a lower configuration thereof.

[0314] The arm massage unit (110), which is a component of the massage device (100) according to the present invention, can be placed on the side of the body massage unit (1000), and can be configured to receive the user's arm area and perform various types and methods of massage movements on the received arm area.

[0315] The driving module (120) of the present invention may be configured to perform a function of rotating or moving the arm massage unit (110) in one or more directions or expanding and contracting it according to an internal algorithm that determines whether a user input signal, a preset condition environment is satisfied, or a function of the arm massage unit (100). It goes without saying that the driving module (120) may be designed to be controlled by the control unit (140) of the present invention.

[0316] The arm massage unit (110) described in this embodiment can correspond to the detailed configuration of the arm massage unit (300) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, so that the detailed contents of the structure, operation, control, etc. of the arm massage unit (110) are replaced with the description described above. The drive module (120) described in this embodiment also corresponds to the rotation module unit (5000) of the above-described embodiment, and is thus the same.

[0317] The detection sensor (130) of the present invention is configured to detect the force applied by the arm portion accommodated in the arm massage unit (110) (S100, see FIG. 14).

[0318] When the user's arm is received in the arm massage unit (110) and the user applies force to move the user's arm (at least one of the left arm and the right arm) in a specific direction (for example, upward), force is applied to the arm massage unit (110) etc. by the user's arm. The detection sensor (130) of the present invention is configured to detect the force applied by the user's arm in this way.

[0319] Therefore, the detection sensor (130) of the present invention can be installed in multiple locations (upper, lower, left, right, etc.) of the arm massage unit (110) so as to effectively detect the direction of force applied by the user's arm.

[0320] According to the embodiment, the detection sensor (130) of the present invention may be installed in a driving module (120) that drives the rotation or movement of the palm massage unit (110).

[0321] When force is applied to the arm massage unit (110), a load is generated on the motor, actuator, gear, power transmission means, etc. of the driving module (120) that drives the rotation or movement of the arm massage unit (110), so the characteristics (size, direction, etc.) of the force applied by the user's arm can be detected by a method of measuring or detecting this load. Other embodiments of the detection sensor (130) and specific details of the detection sensor (130) will be described later.

[0322] The control unit (140) of the present invention uses the detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) to control the drive module (120) so that the arm massage unit (110) rotates or moves in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the force applied by the arm part (hereinafter referred to as “external force”) is applied.

[0323] Specifically, when a detection signal is input from a detection sensor (130) (S110), the control unit (140) of the present invention analyzes (parses) the input detection signal to determine the characteristics (size, direction, etc.) of the external force, and generates a control signal to rotate or move the arm massage unit (110) in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the external force is applied (S130) and outputs the control signal to the driving module (120) (S140).

[0324] When a control signal is input to the drive module (120) in this way (S140), the drive module (120) of the present invention rotates or moves the arm massage unit (110) in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the external force is applied based on the input control signal (S150).

[0325] The massage device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to provide an arm movement function by rotating or moving the arm massage unit (110), which is a rotatable or movable hardware object, in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the user applies force, in addition to its original function of providing a massage to the arm area.

[0326] In the case of the massage device (100) of the present invention, the arm massage part (110) does not rotate or move by the user's force itself, but through the processing described above, the arm massage part (110) is controlled to rotate or move in response to the force (external force) applied by the user, thereby providing an effect substantially identical to an actual arm movement that rotates or moves a weight or the like by the user's own force.

[0327]

[0328] Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 15, the control unit (140) of the present invention may be configured to initiate arm movement mode when a detection signal is input from the detection sensor (130) (S200), i.e., when the user's force is detected.

[0329] In order to induce a practical exercise effect, as illustrated in FIG. 15, it is preferable that the control unit (140) of the present invention control the arm exercise mode to be initiated only when the size of the detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) is greater than or equal to the first reference value (S210) (S220). Here, the 'arm exercise mode' means a mode in which the arm massage unit (110) rotates or moves in a direction corresponding to an external force, as described above.

[0330] In order to accurately reflect the time-series trend in which the user's external force changes over time, the control unit (140) of the present invention can control the rotation or movement of the arm massage unit (110) to stop (S240) when the size of the detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) becomes lower than the first reference value (S230) after the arm movement mode is started, that is, when the arm massage unit (110) is in a state of rotation or movement.

[0331] If the arm massage unit (110) is controlled to rotate even when no force is applied or a force less than an appropriate amount is applied, the user's arm may be pulled by the arm massage unit (110) and rotate or move.

[0332] In this respect, the first reference value may be variably set using user characteristic information (gender, age, weight, height, etc.) that can be stored in a database in the storage unit (1300) of the embodiment described above as reference information for inducing actual exercise effects or a sense of exercise accomplishment, and may also be set in a manner in which the user selects or inputs the information.

[0333] According to the embodiment, when the size of the detection signal (size of the external force) is maintained at a level greater than or equal to the first reference value and the size of the detection signal gradually decreases or approaches the first reference value, the control unit (140) of the present invention can control the interface unit (160) to output guidance information such as encouraging movement.

[0334] The interface unit (160) of the present invention may be composed of one or more of a haptic unit (161), a screen display unit (162), and an audio unit (163), as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0335] Guidance information such as encouraging the above exercise can be displayed through one or more of auditory, tactile and visual media by driving the screen display unit (162), audio unit (163) and haptic unit (161).

[0336] The control unit (140) of the present invention can control the provision of the guidance information through one or more of tactile, visual, and auditory media, taking into account whether the user is listening to music, etc. (auditory means inefficiency), etc., through a speaker (earphone, etc.) connected to the massage device (100).

[0337] Meanwhile, when a relatively weak external force is applied, that is, when the size of the detection signal output by the detection sensor (130) is small, the rotation or movement of the arm massage unit (110) can be controlled to be light, and when a relatively strong external force is applied, the rotation or movement of the arm massage unit (110) can be controlled to be heavy.

[0338] When a means for converting force and power, such as a gear conversion device, is provided inside the drive module (120), a differential gear can be applied depending on the user's selection or the size of the applied force.

[0339] In order to implement a corresponding effect, when a strong force exceeding a specific value is detected by the detection sensor (130) according to an embodiment or when a high-intensity exercise mode is selected by a user, etc., the control unit (140) of the present invention can control the drive module (120) so that the arm massage unit (110) rotates or moves at a speed inversely proportional to the size of the detection signal (S225).

[0340] When configured in this manner, it can induce the user to continuously apply strong force and provide an effect substantially identical to the effect of rotating or moving a heavy weight, etc.

[0341] It is preferable that the control processing of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 15 be configured to be applied cyclically if a preset termination condition such as a log-out, forced termination, system down, or occurrence of an emergency event is not met (S250).

[0342]

[0343] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration according to one embodiment of the control unit (140) shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining a processing process according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0344] The control unit (140) of the present invention may be configured to include a receiving unit (141), a main control unit (143), and a history storage unit (145), as illustrated in FIG. 13. As previously discussed, each component of the control unit (140) illustrated in FIG. 13 is a logical configuration for enhancing the efficiency of understanding and explanation of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0345] The driving module (120) may include a first driving module (120A) that rotates or moves the arm massage unit (110) in an up-and-down direction (vertical direction) as illustrated in FIG. 13, and / or a second driving module (120B) that rotates or moves the arm massage unit (110) in a left-right direction (horizontal direction).

[0346] The detection sensor (130) of the present invention may include at least one of a first sensor (130A) that detects an upward external force (force applied by the arm part), a second sensor (130B) that detects a downward external force, a third sensor (130C) that detects a leftward external force, and a fourth sensor (130D) that detects a rightward external force.

[0347] The main control unit (143), which is a component of the control unit (140), analyzes one or more of the input signals from one or more of the first to fourth sensors (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D) when the detection signals are input through the receiving unit (141) to determine the characteristics (size, direction, etc.) of the external force generated by the user.

[0348] The first to fourth sensors (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D) detect external forces acting in a positive or negative direction based on the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the control unit (140) of the present invention, specifically the main control unit (143), can use these detection signals to specify the exact direction component of the external force.

[0349] When the direction component of the external force is specified in this way, the main control unit (143) of the present invention controls at least one of the first and second driving modules (120A, 120B) so that the palm massage unit (110) rotates or moves in a three-dimensional direction corresponding to the direction of the external force.

[0350] In the case of the embodiment of the present invention, the arm massage unit (110) can be rotated or moved in a three-dimensional direction in a three-dimensional space, so that arm movement modes in almost all directions that the user needs or desires can be provided.

[0351] According to the embodiment, the control unit (140) of the present invention can provide an arm movement mode in the up-and-down direction (vertical direction) using the first drive module (120A), the first sensor (130A), and the second sensor (130B), or can provide an arm movement mode in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) using the second drive module (120B), the third sensor (130C), and the fourth sensor (130D).

[0352] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the control unit (140) of the present invention can control the air cell (111) provided in the arm massage unit (110) to expand when a detection signal is input from the detection sensor (130) or when the detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) is greater than the second reference value (S300) (S310).

[0353] The above second reference value may be set to be the same as the first reference value described above, i.e., the magnitude of the external force at which the arm movement mode is initiated, but may be set to a different value depending on the embodiment.

[0354] A detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) exceeding the second reference value indicates that the user is applying a force exceeding an appropriate level to the arm. Therefore, in this case, the free play range of the arm may be relatively large, which may result in safety accidents such as the arm slipping or the arm going beyond the range of the arm massage unit (110).

[0355] Additionally, if the user applies more force than an appropriate level to the arm area, the inner surface of the arm massage part (110) may be damaged or a wound may occur on the arm area.

[0356] Therefore, when the size of the detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) is greater than the second reference value, the air cell (111) is controlled to expand, so that the user's arm area can be supported or fixed more firmly by the air cell (111), thereby effectively preventing the above-described injuries, damage, safety accidents, etc.

[0357] In addition, when the user's external force is above an appropriate level, the arm area is controlled to tighten, which provides feedback that the user is applying strong force, which can provide interest in exercise, and as the user's arm area is supported more firmly, the user can apply stronger force, which can also double the exercise effect.

[0358] From a corresponding viewpoint, when the size of the detection signal input from the detection sensor (130) in the expanded state of the air cell (111) becomes smaller than the third reference value (S320), the control unit (140) of the present invention can control the air cell (111) to contract (S330).

[0359] The above third reference value is a reference external force value at which physical support of the arm part is relatively loosely controlled when the external force is weakened, and may have the same size as the second reference value described above, and may also be set differently from the second reference value by user selection or default setting, etc.

[0360] In this way, when the external force decreases, the air cell (111) contracts accordingly, so this can also function as user feedback regarding the decrease in external force.

[0361] The process (S300 to S330) in which the expansion and contraction of the air cell (111) is controlled can be applied cyclically, so that the expansion and contraction of the air cell (111) can be performed as a series of time-series processes linked to the size of the detection signal of the detection sensor (130), i.e., the size of the user's external force.

[0362] Meanwhile, if the arm is raised in a specific direction (e.g., upward) beyond the critical position, it may become an uncomfortable posture due to the human body structure, and the possibility of pain may also increase relatively. In addition, if the arm is strongly compressed or fixed by the air cell (111), a safety issue may arise, and the user's arm may be restricted by the air cell (111), making evasive maneuvers difficult.

[0363] Therefore, it may be desirable for the control unit (140) of the present invention to control the air cell (111) to contract (S350) when the rotation or movement of the palm massage unit (110) exceeds a reference range (S340) even if an external force greater than an appropriate size is maintained to maintain the expanded state of the air cell (111).

[0364] Meanwhile, the control unit (140) of the present invention can control the second air cell (150) provided on the user's shoulder area to expand so that the user's shoulder area can be physically supported or fixed when the arm massage unit (110) rotates or moves upward.

[0365] In the case of the embodiment of the present invention, since the shoulder part can be effectively prevented from rotating or moving along with the movement or rotation of the arm part, not only can injury to the shoulder part be prevented, but the effect of arm exercise can also be further improved.

[0366]

[0367] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the present invention for the entire process of performing arm movement.

[0368] Steps S400 and S410 of Fig. 17, that is, the processing steps controlled to operate the 'arm movement mode' (a mode in which the arm massage unit (110) rotates or moves in a direction corresponding to an external force) when the size of the input detection signal is greater than the first reference value, correspond to the previously described content, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0369] The control unit (140) of the present invention monitors the position, rotation path, rotation angle, etc. of the arm massage unit (110) when the arm movement mode is performed in this manner (S420).

[0370] Monitoring of the position or rotation range, etc. can be done in various ways, such as using a sensor to check the position of the palm massage unit (110) or the rotation path of the palm massage unit (110), as well as using the movement distance or gear rotation speed of the driving part constituting the driving module (120).

[0371] The control unit (140) of the present invention can control the arm massage unit (110) to output guidance information through the interface unit (160) (S440) when the arm massage unit (110) reaches the end of the rotatable area or movable area of ​​the arm massage unit (110) (S430).

[0372] The present invention, through the above configuration, can fundamentally enable the user to accurately recognize the current state, and can prevent safety accidents or device failures that may occur when the user applies strong force to the arm massage unit (110) when it is physically unable to move or rotate any further. In addition, the above guidance information can be used to naturally guide the user in changing the direction of movement, etc.

[0373] According to an embodiment, the control unit (140) of the present invention can control subsequent processing such as returning the arm massage unit (110) to the original position, etc., by an internal algorithm, etc. after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has passed after the guidance information is output (S450). The control unit (140) of the present invention can control the guidance information for returning the arm massage unit (110) to the original position to be output through the interface unit (160) when the arm massage unit (110) is returned to the original position.

[0374] The exercise information, which is interrelated with the start and end points of the arm exercise mode, the time-series magnitude (magnitude of the detection signal) of the external force measured from the detection sensor (130) during the arm exercise mode, the amount of energy consumed, etc., can be stored in the history storage unit (145) of the present invention so that it can be used as raw data for the exercise history. According to the embodiment, the exercise information can be configured to be output to the screen display unit (162) or the like in a GUI (Graphic User Interface) environment or transmitted to the user terminal or the like.

[0375] As described in the above-described embodiment, the arm massage unit (110, 3000) of the present invention may include a pair of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B), and the pair of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) may accommodate the user's right arm and left arm, respectively. As previously described, these individual arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) may be driven independently.

[0376] Since the massage device (100) according to the present invention is configured so that multiple arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) are independently driven, the above-described processing for the arm movement mode can be performed independently for each individual arm massage unit (3000A, 3000B).

[0377] Therefore, when the external force due to the left arm part and the external force due to the right arm part are different, that is, when the detection signals output by the detection sensors (130) installed in each of the multiple arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) are different, the rotation speed or movement speed of each of the multiple arm massage parts (3000A, 3000B) can be controlled differently.

[0378] According to an embodiment, the control unit (140) of the present invention controls the output of guidance information through the interface unit (160) when the detection signals of the detection sensors (130) installed in each of the plurality of arm massage units (3000A, 3000B) are different from each other, thereby enabling the user to recognize the current state and inducing balanced arm movement.

[0379] The detection sensor (130) of the present invention is configured to detect force applied by the arm portion as described above. It goes without saying that various types of sensors can be applied as long as they can detect force applied by the arm portion.

[0380] According to the embodiment, the detection sensor (130) may be installed on the inner surface of the arm massage part (110) (such as the arm housing part (3100) of the above-described embodiment), and may be a pressure sensor that detects the force that presses the inner side of the arm massage part (110) when the arm part is accommodated in the arm massage part (110).

[0381] In the drawing (Fig. 8a, etc.), an arm massage part (110) is shown with an open inner side for ease of entry into the arm area, but depending on the embodiment, the front part of the inner side where the hand is located may be closed.

[0382] In this case, the first sensor (130A) that detects an upward external force may be installed on the inner upper surface of the arm massage part (110), and the second sensor (130B) that detects a downward external force may be installed on the inner lower surface of the arm massage part (110).

[0383] In addition, the third sensor (130C) that detects an external force in an outward direction (leftward when the left arm is taken as the standard) may be installed on the inner left side of the arm massage unit (110), and the fourth sensor (130D) that detects an external force in an inward direction (rightward when the left arm is taken as the standard) may be installed on the front (closed area) part of the inner right side of the arm massage unit (110).

[0384] According to the embodiment, the detection sensor (130) is provided in the arm massage unit (110) and may be composed of a strap that can be wrapped around the arm area and a directional pressure sensor connected to an end of the strap.

[0385] When the strap is fastened in a manner that wraps around the outer circumference of the arm or when force is applied by the arm while the arm is inserted into the strap, the same external force is applied to the strap, so a directional pressure sensor connected to the end of the strap can detect the magnitude and direction of the external force.

[0386] Meanwhile, when the air cell (111) provided in the arm massage part (110) covers the arm area and force is applied in a specific direction by the arm area, the pressure in the area of ​​the air cell (111) corresponding to the direction in which the force is applied relatively increases and the pressure in the opposite direction relatively decreases.

[0387] The detection sensor (130) of the present invention may be configured to detect the force applied by the arm portion by using one or more of the portion where the pressure change of the air cell (111) occurs and the displacement of the portion.

[0388]

[0389] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0390] In the description of the present invention described above, modifiers such as first and second are merely instrumental conceptual terms used to relatively distinguish components from each other, and should be interpreted as not being terms used to indicate a specific order, priority, etc.

[0391] The drawings attached for the purpose of explaining the present invention and illustrating embodiments thereof may be illustrated in a somewhat exaggerated form to emphasize or highlight the technical contents of the present invention. However, it should be interpreted that it is obvious that various modified application examples may be possible at the level of a person skilled in the art in consideration of the contents described above and matters illustrated in the drawings.

[0392] The control method of the massage device (100) according to the present invention described above can be implemented as a computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, floppy disk, magnetic disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.) that store data that can be read by a computer, and also includes a server for wired or wireless Internet transmission.

[0393] [Explanation of symbols]

[0394] 100: Massage device AX1: First rotation center axis

[0395] AX2: Second rotation center axis 1000: Body massage section

[0396] 1005: Groove 1100: Main frame

[0397] 1150: Module frame 1151: Base frame body

[0398] 1153a, 1153b: Side frame body

[0399] 2000, 2000A, 2000B: Leg massage section

[0400] 3000, 3000A, 3000B: Arm massage unit

[0401] 3100: Arm housing 3101: Joint protrusion

[0402] 3105, 5113, 5513: Rotating guide part

[0403] 3110: Arm receiving part 3300: Arm massage main body

[0404] 3310: Arm massager body 3330: Arm movement guide part

[0405] 3331: Guide plate 3335: Guide rail

[0406] 3500: Shoulder air cell 5000: Rotating module

[0407] 5100: First rotating part 5110, 5510: Main housing

[0408] 5111, 5511: Stopper 5115, 5515: Rotating joint groove

[0409] 5130, 5530: Rotating body 5150, 5550: Rotating drive unit

[0410] 5151, 5551: Drive unit 5153, 5553: Power transmission unit

[0411] 5153a, 5153b, 5153c, 5553a, 5553b, 5553c: Gears

[0412] 5500: Second rotation section

[0413] 110: Palm Massage Branch 111: Air Cell

[0414] 120: Drive module 120A: First drive module

[0415] 120B: Second drive module 130: Detection sensor

[0416] 130A(B, C, D): 1st (2nd, 3rd, 4th) sensor 140: Control unit

[0417] 141: Receiver 143: Main control unit

[0418] 145: History storage unit 150: Second air cell

[0419] 160: Interface section 161: Haptic (vibration) section

[0420] 162: Display section 163: Audio section

Claims

1. A body massage unit that massages at least a part of the user's body; An arm massage unit positioned on the side of the body massage unit, which receives the user's arm area and performs a massage movement on the received arm area; A driving module that rotates or moves the above-mentioned arm massage part in more than one direction; A sensor that detects the force applied by the arm part accommodated in the above arm massage part; and A massage device characterized by including a control unit that controls the drive module so that the arm massage unit rotates or moves in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the force is applied using a detection signal input from the detection sensor.

2. In the first paragraph, the control unit, A massage device characterized in that the arm massage unit is controlled to rotate or move only when the size of the detection signal is greater than or equal to a first reference value.

3. In the second paragraph, the control unit, A massage device characterized in that when the size of the detection signal is less than or equal to a first reference value while the arm massage unit is rotating or moving, the rotation or movement of the arm massage unit is controlled to stop.

4. In the second paragraph, the first reference value is A massage device characterized in that it is variably set by user identification information or the user's selection.

5. In the first paragraph, the control unit, A massage device characterized in that the driving module is controlled so that the rotation or movement speed of the arm massage part is inversely proportional to the size of the detection signal.

6. In the first paragraph, the driving module, It includes a first driving module that rotates or moves the above-mentioned arm massage part in an up-and-down direction, The above detection sensor, A first sensor that detects an upward force applied by the arm portion; and Includes a second sensor that detects the force applied downward by the arm portion, The above control unit, A massage device characterized in that the first drive module is controlled to rotate or move the arm massage part in a direction corresponding to the direction of force applied by the arm part using a detection signal of one of the first and second sensors.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the driving module, It further includes a second driving module that rotates or moves the above-mentioned arm massage part in the left and right directions, The above detection sensor, A third sensor that detects the force applied in the left direction by the above arm portion; and Further comprising a fourth sensor that detects the force applied in the right direction by the above arm portion, The above control unit, A massage device characterized in that it controls at least one of the first and second drive modules to rotate or move the arm massage part in a three-dimensional direction corresponding to the direction of force applied by the arm part using a detection signal of at least one of the first to fourth sensors.

8. In the first paragraph, the detection sensor, A massage device characterized by a pressure sensor installed in the above arm massage part and detecting a force that presses the inside of the arm massage part while the arm part is accommodated in the arm massage part.

9. In paragraph 2, It further includes an air cell provided in the above palm massage part, The above control unit, A massage device characterized in that the air cell is controlled to expand when the detection signal is input from the detection sensor or when the size of the detection signal is greater than or equal to a second reference value.

10. In paragraph 9, the control unit, A massage device characterized in that the air cell is controlled to contract when the size of the detection signal is less than or equal to a third reference value.

11. In paragraph 1, It further includes an air cell provided in the above palm massage part, The above control unit, A massage device characterized in that when the rotation or movement of the arm massage part exceeds a reference range, the air cell is controlled to contract.

12. In paragraph 1, It further includes an air cell provided in the above palm massage part, The above detection sensor, A massage device characterized in that the force applied by the arm portion is detected by using at least one of a portion where the pressure of the air cell changes and a displacement of the portion while the air cell covers the arm portion.

13. In paragraph 1, It further includes a second air cell provided on the shoulder area of ​​the user, The above control unit, A massage device characterized in that the second air cell is controlled to expand when the arm massage part rotates or moves upward.

14. In the first paragraph, the control unit, A massage device characterized in that the arm massage unit is controlled to output guidance information when the arm massage unit reaches the end of the rotational or movable area of ​​the arm massage unit.

15. A method for controlling a massage device including a body massager that massages at least a part of a user's body and an arm massager that receives an arm portion of the user and rotates or moves in more than one direction, A signal input step in which a detection signal is input from a detection sensor that detects the force applied by the arm part accommodated in the above-mentioned arm massage unit; and A control method for a massage device, characterized in that it includes a control step for controlling the arm massage unit to rotate or move in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the force is applied using the detection signal.

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