Massage machine

Abstract

[Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a massage machine in which the heating temperature of a heater can be adjusted to a temperature set by an operation of an operation unit, and which can inform a user that the set temperature has been reached. [Solution] The present invention is characterized by: comprising a heater that heats the body parts of a user, a control unit that controls driving of the heater, an operation unit for adjusting the temperature of the heater, and a notification unit; the control unit being configured to adjust the heating temperature of the heater so as to obtain a temperature set by an operation of the operation unit; and the notification unit being configured to notify the user that the set temperature has been reached.

Description

Massage machine

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a chair-type electric massage machine has been proposed that includes a footrest heating means provided on the footrest (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-295756

[0004] In the chair-type electric massager described in Patent Document 1, after the power switch on the remote control is pressed to turn on the chair-type electric massager, the massage operation switch is pressed to start the massage, and the heating switch on the remote control is pressed to start the operation of the heating means composed of a heater or the like, but there is a problem in that the heating means is not operating when the user starts to use the chair-type electric massager. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide a massager that can adjust the heating temperature of the heater to a set temperature by operating the operation unit, and can notify the user when the set temperature has been reached.

[0005] The present invention is characterized in that it comprises a heater for warming a body part of a user, a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater, an operation unit for adjusting the temperature of the heater, and an alarm unit, wherein the control unit adjusts the heating temperature of the heater to a temperature set by operation of the operation unit, and the alarm unit notifies the user when the set temperature has been reached. With this configuration, the user can be made aware via the alarm unit that the set temperature has been reached.

[0006] Preferably, the heaters are provided in multiple locations on the body support section that supports the user's body, and the control section adjusts the heating temperature of any one of the multiple heaters to a set temperature by operating the operation section. With this configuration, the heating temperatures of the multiple heaters can be set individually.

[0007] It is also preferable that the device has a timer, and the controller stops the heater from heating when a preset time has elapsed. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the heater from continuing to heat.

[0008] Preferably, the notification unit notifies the user before the heater stops heating. With this configuration, the user can be notified in advance that the heater will stop heating.

[0009] It is also preferable that the device has a memory unit so that the temperature set by the operation of the operation unit can be stored for each user. By using such a configuration, it is possible to store different temperatures for each user.

[0010] It is also preferable that the time can be set arbitrarily by the user. By adopting such a configuration, the time until heating is stopped can be set arbitrarily according to the user's preference.

[0011] It is also preferable that the heater has a massage part and is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the massage part, so that the massage part can also be heated.

[0012] It is also preferable that the massage machine has an external terminal capable of communicating with the massage machine, the external terminal being capable of adjusting the heating temperature of the heater, and the control unit adjusting the heating temperature of the heater to the temperature set by operating the external terminal. With this configuration, the heating temperature of the heater can be set via the external terminal.

[0013] According to the present invention, the heating temperature of the heater can be adjusted to the temperature set by operating the operation unit, and the user can be notified that the set temperature has been reached.

[0014] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operation unit (controller) of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a portion to activate a heater is selected on the screen of the operation unit (controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which it is displayed in text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which it is displayed in image; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a temperature is set on the screen of the operation unit (controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which it is displayed in text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which it is displayed in image; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a notification is given to a user on the screen of the operation unit (controller) according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing ...

[0015] [Overall Configuration of Massage Machine] The overall configuration of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it is a diagram showing the position where the massage unit M is attached. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it is a diagram showing the position where heaters 2b to 5b, 8b for heating body parts of the user are attached. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a seat 3 on which a user sits, a backrest 4 on which the user leans, which is provided at the rear of the seat 3, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3, and sidewalls 8 provided on the sides of the backrest 4. Arm massage units 2L and 2R for massaging the user's arms are provided on the upper surface of the armrest 2. The seat 3, backrest 4, footrest 5, armrests 2 (including the arm massage units 2L and 2R), and sidewalls 8 function as a body support S that supports the user's body.

[0017] The massage machine 1 has massage sections M (massage mechanism 11, arm massage section 2a, buttock massage section 3a, leg massage section 5a, and side massage section 8a) that massage the user, a control section 10 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, a controller 12 that serves as an operation section for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, and an air supply / exhaust device 16 that supplies air to and exhausts air from the air cells. Each component will be described later.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation unit 12 (controller) of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the portion for driving the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b is selected on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using an image. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the set time for the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b is displayed on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the temperature is set on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using an image. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the user is notified on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using text, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the selection is made using an image.

[0019] [Configuration of Seat] As shown in Fig. 1, the seat 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. A pair of buttocks massage sections 3a (massage sections M) are provided on the upper surface of the seat 3, one on each side, for massaging the buttocks of a user seated on the seat 3. The buttocks massage sections 3a are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. It is preferable that the left and right buttock massage sections 3a are configured so that they can expand and contract independently.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of buttock heaters 3b are provided on the upper surface of the seat 3 to warm the user's buttocks. The buttock heaters 3b are arranged to overlap the buttock massage units 3a. The buttock heaters 3b may be arranged to overlap the buttock massage units 3a, or may be arranged to overlap the buttock massage units 3a. As long as they are arranged to overlap at least partially, the mounting positions of the buttock heaters 3b and the buttock massage units 3a may be offset from each other. This allows not only the user but also the buttock massage units 3a to be heated together. The buttock heaters 3b may be configured to be driven independently.

[0021] The mounting positions and numbers of the buttock massage units 3a and buttock heaters 3b are merely examples and are not limiting. For example, the number of units may be different, such as four buttock massage units 3a and three buttock heaters 3b. Alternatively, the buttock massage units 3a may be mounted on the front side of the seat 3 to massage the backs of the user's thighs, or the buttock heater units 3b may be mounted on the front side of the seat 3 to warm the backs of the user's thighs, while the buttock massage units 3a may be mounted on the rear side of the seat 3 to massage the user's buttocks.

[0022] [Configuration of Backrest] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the backrest 4 supports the upper body of the user. The backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the height direction. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 11 serving as a massage unit M is provided via the guide rail 16. The front of the backrest 4 is covered with a cover member 4a, and the massage mechanism 11 moves up and down along the guide rail 16 to massage the back of the torso (e.g., shoulders, lower back, etc.) of the user seated on the seat 3 via the cover member 4a. Note that the arrangement of the massage unit M is one example and is not limited thereto. For example, a lower back massage unit or the like may be provided on the backrest 4.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 , a back heater 4b for warming the user's back is attached near the center of the cover member 4a. More specifically, the back heater 4b extends in the height direction along the user's spine and is attached so as not to interfere with the treatment heads of the massage mechanism 11. Note that the attachment position and number of back heaters 4b are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, the back heaters 4b may be attached as a pair on both the left and right sides of the backrest 4 (at positions that do not interfere with the massage mechanism 11), or the back heaters 4b may be attached in a direction that intersects with the height direction of the user. Note that the buttock heaters 4b may be configured to be independently operable depending on the number of heaters attached.

[0024] The back heater 4b may be arranged so as to overlap above the lumbar massage unit (not shown), or so as to overlap below the lumbar massage unit (not shown). The back heater 4b and the lumbar massage unit (not shown) may be attached at different positions as long as they are at least partially overlapping. This allows not only the user but also the lumbar massage unit (not shown) to be heated together. While the lumbar massage unit (not shown) has been described as an example, the same applies to a massage unit appropriately positioned on the backrest 4 (for example, a back massage unit positioned above the lumbar massage unit).

[0025] [Footrest Configuration] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the footrest 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5c on the left and right sides into which the user's legs can be inserted. Foot massage sections 5a (massage sections M) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls of both the left and right sides of the recesses 5c. The foot massage sections 5a are composed of air cells that expand and contract when air is supplied and exhausted. More specifically, one foot massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the right recess 5c on the left and right sides, and one foot massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the left recess 5c on the left and right sides. It is preferable that each foot massage section 5a be configured to expand and contract independently. Furthermore, a sole massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may be provided on the bottom of the recess 5c.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of foot heaters 5b for warming the user's legs are provided in the recess 5c of the footrest 5. The foot heaters 5b are provided so as to overlap the foot massage section 5a. The foot heaters 5b may be arranged so as to overlap the foot massage section 5a, or the foot heaters 5b may be arranged so as to overlap the foot massage section 5a. Furthermore, the foot heaters 5b may be arranged so as to overlap at least partially, and the mounting positions of the foot heaters 5b and the foot massage section 5a may be offset from each other. This allows not only the user but also the foot massage section 5a to be heated together. The left and right foot heaters 5b may be configured to be independently driven.

[0027] The mounting positions and number of the foot massage units 5a and the foot heaters 5b are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the number of mounted units may be different, such as two foot massage units 5a mounted on the upper and lower sides of the inner wall of the recess 5c on both the left and right sides, and one foot heater 5b mounted.

[0028] [Armrest Configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3. Arm massage units 2L, 2R for massaging the user's arms are provided on the upper surfaces of the armrests 2. Arm massage sections 2a (massage sections M) for massaging the user's arms are provided on the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L, 2R, respectively. The arm massage sections 2a are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one arm massage section 2a is provided on the top and bottom of the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L, 2R. It is preferable that each arm massage section 2a be configured to be able to expand and contract independently.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , a pair of upper and lower arm heaters 2b for warming the user's arms are provided on the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L and 2R. The arm heaters 2b are arranged to overlap the arm massage sections 2a. The arm heaters 2b may be arranged to overlap the arm massage sections 2a, or may be arranged to overlap the arm massage sections 2a. As long as they are arranged to overlap at least partially, the mounting positions of the arm heaters 2b and the arm massage sections 2a may be offset from each other. This allows not only the user but also the arm massage sections 2a to be heated together. The arm heaters 2b may be configured to be independently driven on the top, bottom, left, and right sides.

[0030] [Controller Configuration] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the massage machine 1 is provided with a controller 10, which includes a microcomputer and other components for controlling the operation of the massage mechanism 11, air intake / exhaust device 16, and heaters 2b-5b and 8b. The controller 10 is located below the seat 3 and is connected to an operation unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as the controller) operated by the user, a memory unit 13 that stores massage courses and set temperatures for the heaters 2b-5b and 8b for each user, a timer 15 that notifies the user of the time, and a communication unit 17 that communicates with an external terminal 20. Various massage operations are performed by the user operating the controller 12. The controller 10 is also capable of adjusting the heating temperatures of the heaters 2b-5b and 8b.

[0031] 3, the air supply / exhaust device 16 is composed of a pump 16a for supplying air to the massage sections 2a, 3a, 5a, and 8a, which are each made up of an air cell, and a valve 16b for connecting the massage sections 2a, 3a, 5a, and 8a to the pump 16a. Air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells by turning the valve 16b on and off.

[0032] [Configuration of Operation Unit (Controller)] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation unit 12 (controller) of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the controller 12 is composed of physical buttons 12a and 12b, a screen (display) 12c, and an alarm unit 14. The physical button 12a is, for example, a power button. The physical button 12b is, for example, a selection button for selecting a course. The screen (display) 12 is composed of a touch panel. The screen (display) displays a selection button 12d for selecting a course, a back button 12f and a next button 12g for switching the screen display, and a heater button 12e for setting the heater.

[0033] In addition, a notification unit 14 for notifying the user of various information is provided below the screen 12c and to the right of the physical button 12b. The notification unit 14 is, for example, a speaker. The screen 12c may also be used as the notification unit 14. When the screen 12c is used as the notification unit 14, the notification may be displayed in text as shown in FIG. 8, or may be displayed in image form.

[0034] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the state of selecting the portion of the heaters 2b to 5b, and 8b to be driven on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram showing the state displayed in text, and (b) is a diagram showing the state displayed in image. As shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the heaters 2b to 5b, and 8b to be driven can be selected by the user at will. Note that the selection may be made on a touch panel screen, or by using the physical button 12b.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5( a), multiple buttons are displayed on the screen 12c. This screen is displayed after pressing the heater button 12e shown in FIG. 4. The screen 12c displays an ON button 12h and an OFF button 12i for selecting which heater to activate among the heaters provided in each section of the massage machine 1. When the user presses the ON button 12h, the heater provided in the selected section is activated. At this time, it is preferable that the selected button be colored. This allows the user to see at a glance which heater is activated. In the initial state (when information such as the set temperature is not stored in the memory unit 13), the heater is in the OFF state. To stop a heater that is currently activated, press the OFF button 12i for the corresponding section. Pressing the back button 12f displayed at the bottom of the screen 12c switches to the screen shown in FIG. 4.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5( b), the information may be displayed as an image rather than text. This screen is displayed after pressing the heater button 12e shown in FIG. 4. Screen 12c displays an image of the massage machine 1 and illustrates the locations of heaters. The user can activate the heater at the selected location by pressing the heater location shown in the image. In the initial state (when information such as the set temperature is not stored in the memory unit 13), the heater is in the OFF state (not activated) and is displayed as a non-colored icon on the screen. When the user activates the heater (by pressing the heater location shown in the image to activate it), the heater is displayed as a colored icon (shown with diagonal lines in the figure), allowing the user to see at a glance which heater is activated. Pressing the back button 12f displayed at the bottom of screen 12c switches to the screen shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] The display on screen 12c is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the size and layout of characters and images may be arranged so that they are easy for the user to see, and if the content cannot be displayed on one screen, a Next button 12g as shown in Fig. 4 may be displayed to allow switching between screens.

[0038] 6 is a diagram showing the setting times of the heaters 2b to 5b, and 8b displayed on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 12 allows the user to select the time for turning on the heaters. By driving the heaters 2b to 5b, and 8b before starting a massage using the massage machine 1, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user when sitting on the massage machine 1 (such as feeling cold and shrinking when sitting on it).

[0039] The massage machine 1 is provided with a timer 15, which allows the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b to be driven before starting a massage using the massage machine 1, and allows the heaters 2b to 5b, 8b to stop heating after a time set by the user has elapsed. The set time can be set by the user as desired. This allows the user to freely set the timing to start heating and the time from when heating starts to when it stops, according to their preferences.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 6 , the time after which the heater will start to operate may be displayed as 5 minutes or 30 minutes, allowing the user to select the time, or the time after which the heater will start to operate may be displayed as 10:00 or 15:00, allowing the user to select the time (selection button 12j). Note that these are merely examples, and the time after which the heater will start to operate and the time at which the heater will start to operate may be any time period. Furthermore, the time may be displayed as an image rather than as text. When displayed as an image, for example, hour and minute hands of a clock may be displayed, allowing the user to set the time by aligning the hour and minute hands to any position.

[0041] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing temperature setting on the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows a state where the temperature is displayed as text, and (b) shows a state where the temperature is displayed as an image. The controller 12 is configured to adjust the temperatures of the heaters 2b to 5b and 8b. As shown in FIG. 7A, multiple buttons are displayed on screen 12c. This screen is displayed after FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. Screen 12c also displays a selection button 12l for selecting the temperature at which the heater is to be driven. By selecting the selection button 12l for the desired temperature, the user can set the heater temperature according to the user's preference.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the temperature may be displayed as an image rather than as text. This is the screen displayed after FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. An image of an inverted triangle is displayed on screen 12c, with the temperature increasing from bottom to top. The user operates the inverted triangle image displayed on screen 12c by touching it with their finger, sliding their finger upward to increase the temperature, or downward to decrease the temperature. In this way, the user can adjust the temperature to their preference.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 2, there are multiple heaters (provided at various locations on the body support section S), and the operation section 12 allows the user to set which of the multiple heaters to adjust its heating temperature and what temperature to set the heater to. For example, preferred temperatures vary from user to user; for example, the hands and feet tend to get cold easily, so the temperature should be set higher, while the buttocks and back should be set lower. Therefore, by allowing the user to set the desired temperature for each body part (individually setting the heating temperatures of the multiple heaters), a massage machine 1 that is more user-friendly can be provided.

[0044] In this embodiment, the temperature is set to the first temperature level, which is the lowest of the five levels (shown by the diagonal lines in the figure). For example, the first temperature level is about 36°C, which is the same as the average body temperature, the second temperature level is about 38°C, and the third and fourth temperatures are increased by about 2°C each, until the fifth temperature level is 44°C.

[0045] Although the screen 12c is configured to allow adjustment in five steps from 1 to 5, this is merely an example and is not limiting. For example, instead of five steps, the screen 12c may be configured to allow stepless adjustment in response to the user's finger slide. Pressing the back button 12f displayed at the bottom of the screen 12c switches to one of the screens shown in Figures 4 to 6. The display of the screen 12c is merely an example and is not limiting. For example, the size and layout of text and images may be arranged to be easy for the user to see, and if the content cannot be displayed on one screen, a next button 12g as shown in Figure 4 may be displayed to allow the user to switch screens.

[0046] Furthermore, since preferred temperatures differ from user to user, it is preferable that the temperature set by operating the operation unit 12 (controller) be stored for each user in the memory unit 13. For example, user A's preferred temperature may be 48°C, but user B may feel that 48°C is too hot. By storing each user's preferred temperature (the temperature set by operating the operation unit 12 (controller)) in the memory unit 13, the user's preferred temperature can be called up from the memory unit 13 according to the user using the massage machine 1 without any cumbersome operations.

[0047] A memory button (not shown) may be provided on the screen 12c of the operation unit so that the temperature set by operating the operation unit 12 can be stored by pressing the memory button. In this way, the user's preferred temperature can be stored in the memory unit 13 without any cumbersome operations.

[0048] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing how the screen of the operation unit 12 (controller) according to one embodiment of the present invention notifies the user, where (a) is a diagram notifying that the set temperature has been reached, (b) is a diagram notifying that the time remaining until the set temperature is reached, and (c) is a diagram notifying that the heater should be turned off. Note that FIG. 8 illustrates a case in which the screen 12c is used as the notification unit 14. In this case, the notification unit 14, which is configured as a speaker as shown in FIG. 4, may be configured to notify the user by voice. By notifying by voice, the user can know that the heater temperature has reached the set temperature without looking at the screen 12c.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the heater temperature reaches the set temperature, the message "Set temperature reached" is displayed on the screen 12c. The user looks at the message displayed on the screen 12c, presses the back button 12f, switches to the course selection screen shown in FIG. 4, and then selects a desired course. This allows the user to use the massage machine 1 while it is warmed by the heater. Note that the screen may be configured to automatically switch to the course selection screen after a predetermined time has elapsed. By configuring the screen to switch automatically, the user does not have to operate the back button 12f.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the time until the heater temperature reaches the set temperature may be displayed on the screen 12c. For example, a message such as "X minutes remaining until the set temperature is reached" may be displayed. By looking at the message displayed on the screen 12c, the user can calculate the time until the massage machine 1 is ready to use and take appropriate action. Even before the set temperature is reached, the user can press the back button 12f to switch to the course selection screen shown in FIG. 4 and select any course. When the set temperature is reached, the user is notified that the set temperature has been reached (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0051] It is also possible that the user may forget to set the heater to operate. To address this issue, the timer unit 15 is utilized. By using the timer unit 15, the control unit 10 controls the heater to stop heating after the time preset by the user has elapsed. This prevents the heater from continuing to heat. This also saves on electricity costs and prevents the heater from catching fire for some reason.

[0052] Furthermore, before the heater stops heating, the notification unit 14 is configured to notify the user that heating of the heater will stop. As shown in Fig. 8(c), for example, if a seating sensor is provided in the seat portion 3 of the massage machine 1, and if the user's seating is not detected within a predetermined time after the heater reaches the set temperature, the message "Heater will be turned off because seating is not detected" is displayed on the screen 12c (notification unit 14). This can prompt the user to sit on the massage machine 1 before the heater stops driving.

[0053] The predetermined time may be set by the user. By allowing the user to arbitrarily set the predetermined time, the user can use the massage machine 1 in accordance with their daily routine (the time until heating stops can be arbitrarily set according to the user's preference). To set the predetermined time, for example, a setting button (not shown) or the like may be provided, and the predetermined time may be set by pressing the setting button (not shown) to switch the screen 12c of the controller 12 to a setting screen.

[0054] The massage machine 1 may also be capable of communicating with an external terminal 20 via the communication unit 17 (see FIG. 1). The external terminal 20 is, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable device owned by the user. By installing an app for operating the massage machine 1 (including selecting massage courses and adjusting the heater temperature) in the external terminal 20, the user can operate the massage machine 1 via the app. The screen of the app in this case should preferably have the same configuration as the screen of the controller 12 (see FIGS. 4 to 8). This allows the user to operate the external terminal 20 with the same feel as when operating the controller 12.

[0055] Furthermore, by configuring the external terminal 20 to be able to adjust the heater heating temperature, the heater heating temperature can be adjusted even if the user is not near the massage machine 1. For example, with a conventional massage machine 1, if a user who is out during the cold winter months tries to sit on the massage machine 1 immediately after returning home, the massage machine 1 is cold because it has not been started, causing discomfort to the user. Therefore, by configuring the external terminal 20 to be able to adjust the heater heating temperature, the user can have the heater heated according to the time of returning home, and can be prepared to sit on the massage machine 1 immediately.

[0056] 9 is a flowchart showing a series of steps from heater reservation to heater OFF. Heater reservation is a function that controls the heater to reach a preset temperature. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, it is a function that activates the heater (heats) before using the massage machine 1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9 , the user turns on the power of the massage machine 1 and reserves the heater (S-1). When the heater is reserved, the heater starts to operate (the heater is turned on). It is determined whether the heater has reached the set temperature (S-2). If the determination is NO, the process (S-2) is repeated until the set temperature is reached. If the determination is YES, the notification unit 14 notifies the user that the set temperature has been reached (S-3). Thereafter, the seat sensor determines whether the user has sat on the massage machine 1 (S-4). If the determination is NO, it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S-7). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO determination in (S-7)), the process returns to (S-4). If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES determination in (S-7)), it is determined that the user will not be using the massage machine 1, and the heater and the power of the massage machine 1 are turned off.

[0058] When the seating sensor detects that the user is seated on the massage machine 1 (YES in (S-4)), the screen shifts to a course selection screen (S-5). The course selected by the user is executed for a predetermined time, and then the course ends (S-6). When the course ends, the heater is turned off and the power of the massage machine 1 is also turned off.

[0059] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine that can adjust the heating temperature of a heater to a temperature set by operating an operating unit and notify the user when the set temperature has been reached.

[0060] Heaters 2b to 5b, 8b Control unit 10 Operation unit 12 Notification unit 14

Claims

1. A massage machine comprising: a heater for heating a body part of a user; a control unit for controlling the operation of said heater; an operation unit for adjusting the temperature of said heater; and an alarm unit, wherein said control unit adjusts the heating temperature of said heater to a temperature set by operation of said operation unit, and said alarm unit notifies said user when said set temperature has been reached.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that there are multiple heaters, which are attached to various locations on the body support part that supports the user's body, and the control part adjusts the heating temperature of any of the multiple heaters to a set temperature by operating the operating part.

3. A massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a timing unit, and the control unit stops heating by the heater when a preset time has elapsed.

4. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit notifies the user before the heater stops heating.

5. A massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a memory unit, and the temperature set by operating the operating unit can be stored for each user.

6. The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the time can be set arbitrarily by the user.

7. A massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a massage section, and the heater is arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the massage section.

8. A massage machine as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has an external terminal capable of communicating with the massage machine, the external terminal is capable of adjusting the heating temperature of the heater, and the control unit adjusts the heating temperature of the heater to the temperature set by operating the external terminal.

Images