Massage machine

Abstract

[Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a massage machine comprising a massage mechanism capable of smoothly performing massage on a user regardless of the material and shape of a treatment element. [Solution] A massage machine has a massage mechanism that treats a user and a control unit that controls the driving of the massage mechanism, and is characterized in that: the massage mechanism has a treatment element, a movement mechanism that moves the massage mechanism along a treatment site of the user, and a first cover member; the first cover member is attached to the massage mechanism so as to cover at least the front surface of the treatment element; and the massage mechanism is configured to treat the user through a second cover member attached to the massage machine and the first cover member.

Description

Massage machine

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Massage chairs equipped with cover members have been proposed in the past (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 5032295

[0004] The massage chair described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the treatment heads get caught on the cover while the drive mechanism is operating, making it impossible to provide a smooth massage to the user. The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and aims to provide a massage machine equipped with a massage mechanism that can provide a smooth massage to the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment heads.

[0005] The present invention provides a massage machine having a massage mechanism for treating a user and a control unit for controlling the operation of the massage mechanism, wherein the massage mechanism has treatment applicators, a moving mechanism for moving the massage mechanism along the area of ​​the user to be treated, and a first cover member, the first cover member being attached to the massage mechanism so as to cover at least the front of the treatment applicators, and the massage mechanism is configured to treat the user via a second cover member attached to the massage machine and the first cover member. By using this configuration, it is possible to provide a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment applicators.

[0006] Preferably, the control unit further controls the driving of the moving mechanism to drive the massage mechanism to treat the user and to move the massage mechanism along the user's treatment area. With this configuration, the user can be treated while the massage mechanism is moved along the user's treatment area.

[0007] Preferably, the massage mechanism has a storage section for storing the first cover member, the storage section having a first storage section located on one side and a second storage section located on the other side, the first cover member having one end located within the first storage section and the other end located within the second storage section, and the first cover member moves in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism, being extended from the first storage section and stored in the second storage section, or being extended from the second storage section and stored in the first storage section, thereby changing the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment element. With this configuration, the first cover member can be moved in accordance with the operation of the massage mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other, and rotates in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical shape along the direction of movement of the massage mechanism in response to the movement of the massage mechanism, thereby changing the contact points of the first cover member with the treatment elements. With this configuration, the first cover member can rotate in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism while changing the contact points of the first cover member with the treatment elements.

[0009] Preferably, the first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other and configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the massage mechanism, so that the first cover member can rotate in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism while changing the contact points between the treatment heads and the first cover member.

[0010] The second cover member is preferably stretchable, which can prevent the second cover member from being damaged.

[0011] Preferably, the first cover member and the second cover member are made of different materials, so that cover members with different coefficients of friction can be applied to the massage mechanism.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a massage machine equipped with a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment heads.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to a backrest. FIG. 7 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a view showing a state in which the first cover member moves from the first storage section toward the second storage section, and (b) is a view showing a state in which the first cover member moves from the second storage section toward the first storage section. FIG. 8 is a schematic left view of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic rear view of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view enlarging the periphery of the back of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention and the first cover member. 1 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to a backrest portion, as viewed from the left, where (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the first cover member rotates in a circumferential direction along the movement direction of the massage mechanism, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which it rotates in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the massage mechanism.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic front view and (b) is a schematic diagram as viewed from the left.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic back view and (b) is a schematic plan view.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view enlarging the periphery of the back of the massage mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention and the first cover member.

[0014] [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 a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises 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, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. Arm massage units 2L and 2R are provided on the upper surface of the armrest 2 for massaging the user's arms. Various components of the massage machine 1 include a massage section A (massage mechanism 11, arm massage section 2a, buttocks massage section 3a, and leg massage section 5a) that massages the user, a control section 10 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, a controller 13 that performs various operations on the massage machine 1, a memory section 14 that stores programs for massage courses, an air supply / exhaust device 15 that supplies and exhausts air to and from the air cells, and actuators (not shown) that rock the backrest 4 and footrest 5 relative to the seat 3. Each component will be described later.

[0016] [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 constitutes the massage machine 1. A pair of buttocks massage sections 3a (massage sections A) 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.

[0017] [Configuration of Backrest Section] As shown in FIG. 1 , the backrest section 4 supports the upper body of the user. The backrest section 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the height direction. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest section 4, and a massage mechanism 11 serving as a massage section A is provided via the guide rail 16. The front of the backrest section 4 is covered with a cover member (more specifically, a second cover member 41 (see FIG. 6 )). The massage mechanism 11 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, thereby massaging the back of the torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, etc.) of the user seated on the seat section 3 via the cover member (more specifically, the second cover member 41 (see FIG. 6 )).

[0018] [Configuration of Footrest] As shown in FIG. 1 , the footrest 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right sides into which the user's legs can be inserted. Leg massage sections 5a (massage sections A) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls of both the left and right sides of the recesses 5b. The leg massage sections 5a are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one leg massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the right recess 5b on the left and right sides, and one leg massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls of the left recess 5b on the left and right sides. It is preferable that each leg 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 5b.

[0019] [Armrest Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of armrests 2 are provided on the left and right sides. Arm massage mechanisms 2L and 2R, into which the user's arms can be inserted, are attached to the upper surfaces of the armrests 2. Arm massage units 2a (massage units A) for massaging the user's arms are provided on the inner surfaces of the arm massage mechanisms 2L and 2R (the surfaces facing the user's treatment area). The arm massage units 2a are configured as air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one arm massage unit 2a is provided on each of the upper and lower walls of the inner surfaces of the arm massage mechanisms 2L and 2R. It is preferable that each arm massage unit 2a be configured to expand and contract independently. Alternatively, a mechanical massage unit may be used instead of an air cell.

[0020] [Configuration of Control Unit] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 10 consisting of a microcomputer and the like for operating the massage mechanism 11 and the air intake and exhaust device 15. This control unit 10 is provided below the seat 3 and is connected to a controller 13 that is operated by the user. Various massage operations are performed by the user operating the controller 13.

[0021] 2, the air supply / exhaust device 15 is composed of a pump 15a for supplying air to the massage sections 2a, 3a, and 5a, which are each made up of an air cell, and a valve 15b for connecting the massage sections 2a, 3a, and 5a to the pump 15a. Air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cells by turning the valve 15b on and off.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic left view of the massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view of the massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic left view of the massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to the backrest 4. FIG. 7 is a schematic left view of the massage mechanism 11 according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows the first cover member 40 moving from the first storage section 30a to the second storage section 30b, and (b) shows the first cover member 40 moving from the second storage section 30b to the first storage section 30a. Note that the first cover member 40 is not shown in FIG. 3 to make the structure of the massage mechanism 11 easier to understand.

[0023] [Configuration of Massage Mechanism] As shown in Fig. 6, the backrest section 4 is provided with a massage mechanism 11 (massage section A) for massaging the upper half of the user's body from behind (back). As shown in Figs. 3 to 5 and 7, this massage mechanism 11 is composed of a pair of left and right arms 11b and treatment elements 11a provided at both the upper and lower ends of the arms 11b. A kneading massage can be performed by driving the massage motor M1 to move the left and right treatment elements 11a toward and away from each other, and a tapping massage can be performed by driving the massage motor M2 to move the left and right treatment elements 11a alternately toward and away from the user.

[0024] The massage mechanism 11 also has a lifting motor M3. Driven by the lifting motor M3, the massage mechanism 11 moves upward or downward in the height direction along a guide rail 16 provided in the backrest portion 4. The lifting motor M3 is a moving mechanism 12 for moving the massage mechanism 11. By moving the massage mechanism 11 upward or downward, it is possible to change its position relative to the body and to perform a rolling massage with the treatment elements 11a on the upper half of the user's body (from the neck to the waist).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the massage mechanism 11 includes a base frame 24a and a movable frame 24b supported by the base frame 24a. The base frame 24a has pinions 23 that engage with the guide rails 16 on both the left and right sides. The base frame 24a can be moved along the height direction by driving an elevation motor M3. The movable frame 24b is supported by the base frame 24a via a left-right swing shaft 22. A forward / backward driving unit (not shown) made of an air cell or the like is provided between the base frame 24a and the movable frame 24b. Driving the forward / backward driving unit (not shown) allows the movable frame 24b to advance and retreat around the swing shaft 22 relative to the user. Note that the structure does not necessarily require the movable frame 24b to advance and retreat; instead, a forward / backward driving unit may be provided on the arm 11b, allowing only the arm 11b to advance and retreat.

[0026] A storage section (more specifically, first storage section 30a) for storing one end of first cover member 40 is attached to the upper surface of base frame 24a. A storage section (more specifically, second storage section 30b) for storing the other end of first cover member 40 is attached to the lower surface of base frame 24a. The configuration of storage sections 30a and 30b will be described later.

[0027] The arm 11b is connected to the kneading shaft 20 and the hitting shaft 21, which extend in the left-right direction. On both the left and right sides of the kneading shaft 20, inclined cams 20b having inclined shaft portions 20a are provided, and the arm 11b is attached to these inclined cams 20b. The left and right inclined shaft portions 20a are inclined with respect to the axis of the kneading shaft 20 so as to form a generally V-shape in front view. On both the left and right sides of the hitting shaft 21, eccentric cams 21a having eccentric shaft portions 21b eccentric with respect to the axis of the hitting shaft 21 are provided, and the arm 11b is attached to these eccentric cams 21a via connecting rods 11c. The left and right eccentric shaft portions 21b have different phases with respect to the axis of the hitting shaft 21, specifically, a difference of 180 degrees. The kneading shaft 20 and the hitting shaft 21 are rotated by the driving of massage motors M1 and M2, respectively.

[0028] The treatment elements 11a perform a kneading massage by rotating the kneading shaft 20, and perform a tapping massage by rotating the tapping shaft 21. The arm 11b on which the treatment elements 11a are mounted, the kneading shaft 20, and the tapping shaft 21 are supported by a movable frame 24b. Therefore, the treatment elements 11a can move forward and backward relative to the user via the movement of the movable frame 24b.

[0029] The arm 11b is swingable in the front-rear direction and is biased by a biasing means (not shown) such as a spring so that the upper treatment head 11a protrudes forward. The massage mechanism 11 also has a detection sensor 20c for detecting the user's physical information (see FIG. 3). The detection sensor 20c can obtain physical information by detecting that the arm 11b has reached a predetermined swing position.

[0030] Specifically, when the upper treatment element 11a reaches above the shoulder during the process of raising the massage mechanism 11 along the height direction, the load acting on the treatment element 11a is released, and the arm 11b swings forward by the action of a biasing means (not shown) to a predetermined swing position. The detection sensor 20c detects that the arm 11b has reached the predetermined swing position, and the shoulder position is detected based on the vertical position of the massage mechanism 11 at that time. Using the shoulder position as a reference, the positions of other parts of the body (neck, back, waist, etc.) are calculated. The detected physical information is stored in the memory unit 14. The user may also input the physical information themselves. In this case, for example, the user can input the physical information by operating the controller 13 and store it in the memory unit 14. The memory unit 14 will be described later.

[0031] A first cover member 40 is attached to the front of the massage mechanism 11 to prevent the internal structure of the massage mechanism 11, including the treatment elements 11a, from being exposed to the outside. By covering the front of the massage mechanism 11 with the first cover member 40, it is possible to prevent the treatment elements 11a from interfering with the second cover member 41 of the backrest 4 and interfering with the operation of the massage mechanism 11, regardless of the shape of the treatment elements 11a. The configuration of the first cover member 40 will be described later (see FIGS. 4, 6, and 7).

[0032] 3 to 5, the storage section is composed of a first storage section 30a attached to the upper surface of the base frame 24a and a second storage section 30b attached to the lower surface of the base frame 24a. The first storage section 30a is a hollow member that is approximately L-shaped in side view. Rotation shafts 31U, 32U, and 33U are provided inside the first storage section 30a.

[0033] More specifically, the rotating shaft 31U is provided on the rear side of the first storage section 30a in the front-rear direction, on the back side of the massage mechanism 11. One end of the first cover member 40 is attached (wrapped around) to the rotating shaft 31U. The rotating shafts 32U are paired in the vertical direction to sandwich the first cover member 40, and are provided on the back side of the massage mechanism 11, above the rotating shaft 31U. Note that, although each rotating shaft 32U is configured to have approximately the same diameter, this is an example and is not limiting. The diameters of each rotating shaft 32U may be different.

[0034] The rotating shafts 33U are arranged in pairs in the vertical direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 40, and are provided on the upper surface of the massage mechanism 11 near the entrance to the first storage section 30a. The diameter of the upper rotating shaft 33U is smaller than the diameter of the lower rotating shaft 33U. Note that the diameters of the rotating shafts 33U are merely examples and are not limiting. Each rotating shaft 33U may have the same diameter.

[0035] 5, a first cover member moving motor M4 is attached to the right side of the rotation shaft 31U in the left-right direction via a belt member 36U. By driving the first cover member moving motor M4, the first cover member 40 can be wound up (the first cover member 40 can be rotated from downward to upward). Note that when the first cover member moving motor M4 is driven, the first cover member moving motor M5 provided in the second storage section 30b is free to rotate. By freeing the first cover member moving motor M5, the first cover member 40 can be smoothly rotated and moved.

[0036] The second storage section 30b has the same configuration as the first storage section 30a. More specifically, the first storage section 30a and the second storage section 30b are vertically symmetrical about an imaginary axis extending in the front-to-rear direction, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the case of the second storage section 30b, the rotation axis 31U is replaced with the rotation axis 31D, the rotation axis 32U is replaced with the rotation axis 32D, the rotation axis 33U is replaced with the rotation axis 33D, and the first cover member moving motor M4 is replaced with the first cover member moving motor M5.

[0037] By driving the first cover member moving motor M5, the first cover member 40 can be wound up (the first cover member 40 can be rotated from upward to downward). Note that when the first cover member moving motor M5 is driven, the first cover member moving motor M4 provided in the first storage section 30a is free to rotate. By freeing the first cover member moving motor M4, the first cover member 40 can be rotated smoothly.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7 , one end of the first cover member 40 is provided within the first storage section 30a, and the other end is provided within the second storage section 30b. That is, when the first cover member moving motor M4 is driven to wind up the first cover member 40 (rotating the first cover member 40 from downward to upward), the first cover member 40 is unwound from the second storage section 30b and moved to be stored in the first storage section 30a, thereby changing the contact point with the treatment element 11a. When the first cover member moving motor M5 is driven to wind up the first cover member 40 (rotating the first cover member 40 from upward to downward), the first cover member 40 is unwound from the first storage section 30a and moved to be stored in the second storage section 30b, thereby changing the contact point with the treatment element 11a. This prevents the first cover member 40 from bending more than necessary and interfering with the operation of the massage mechanism 11.

[0039] [Configuration of the first cover member] The first cover member 40 is provided on the front of the massage mechanism A (11, 110 (see FIG. 8), 111 (see FIG. 12)). As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, by providing the first cover member 40 on the front of the massage mechanism A, treatment heads of any shape can be used with the massage mechanism A.

[0040] More specifically, in the past, since the massage mechanism A was not provided with a first cover member 40, treatment heads with multiple protrusions around them or irregularly shaped treatment heads (for example, triangular, star-shaped, or shaped like human fingers) could not be used because they would get caught on the second cover member 41, not only interfering with the operation of the massage mechanism but also risk damaging the second cover member 41.

[0041] By providing the first cover member 40 on the front surface of the massage mechanism A, the first cover member 40 encloses the outer periphery of the treatment element 11a, preventing the treatment element 11a from directly interfering with the second cover member 41 and preventing interference with the operation of the massage mechanism A. In other words, the user can be smoothly massaged regardless of the material or shape of the treatment element 11a. In addition, the second cover member 41 can be prevented from being damaged by the massage mechanism A.

[0042] [Configuration of the Second Cover Member] The second cover member 41 is provided on the front surface of the backrest portion 4. The second cover member 41 is made of a stretchable material. For example, the second cover member 41 may be made of a fabric made of natural fibers such as cotton, linen, or silk, or a fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon. By using a stretchable material for the second cover member 41, friction between the second cover member 41 and the treatment heads 11a, etc. can be reduced, and damage to the second cover member 42 can be prevented.

[0043] The first cover member 40 (400, 410) and the second cover member 41 are preferably made of different materials. More specifically, the second cover member 41 is preferably made of a material that is comfortable to the touch because it comes into contact with the user, while the first cover member 40 (400, 410) is preferably made of a material with a certain degree of rigidity because it comes into contact with the treatment heads 11a of the massage mechanism A. Furthermore, the cover members 40 (400, 410), 41 are preferably made of a material with a low coefficient of friction so that they do not interfere with each other. Applying cover members with different coefficients of friction to the massage mechanism A can prevent the cover members 40 (400, 410), 41 from coming into contact with each other, which could result in damage to the cover members 40 (400, 410), 41.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left. FIG. 9 is a schematic rear view of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view enlarging the rear view of the massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention and the periphery of the first cover member 400. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to a backrest portion 4, as viewed from the left, in which (a) shows a state in which the first cover member 400 rotates in the circumferential direction along the movement direction of the massage mechanism 110, and (b) shows a state in which the first cover member 400 rotates in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the massage mechanism 110. More specifically, it shows a state in which the first cover member 400 rotates in the circumferential direction in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the massage mechanism 110.

[0045] The internal structure of the massage mechanism 110 according to another embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 (including the treatment elements 11a and the kneading shafts 20) is the same as that of the massage mechanism 11 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and therefore will not be described further. The differences from the massage mechanism 11 are the first cover member and the storage section. Details will be described later.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8, the first cover member 400 of the massage mechanism 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected together. More specifically, the first cover member 400 is formed in a cylindrical shape by sewing one end (top edge) and the other end (bottom edge) of the first cover member 400 together (connecting the ends together) so that the first cover member 400 can rotate up and down. Convex portions 40a and concave portions 40b are provided on both the left and right ends of one surface (the inner side in the inward / outward direction) of the first cover member 400. These concave portions (40a, 40b) engage with the concave portions (convex portions 35a, concave portions 35b) of the roller 35, allowing the first cover member 400 to rotate smoothly.

[0047] As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 11, the storage section 300a that stores the first cover member 400 has a generally U-shape in plan view and covers the top, bottom, and back of the massage mechanism 110. The storage section 300a has a hollow structure. A movement mechanism 12 for moving the first cover member 400 in a vertical rotational direction is provided inside the storage section 300a. The movement mechanism 12 is composed of a first cover member movement motor M6, a belt member 36 attached to the rotation shaft of the first cover member movement motor M6, and a plurality of roller members 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, 34D, and 35.

[0048] The plurality of roller members are provided inside the storage section 300a of the massage mechanism 110. The plurality of roller members are composed of a roller 35 located at the center of the back surface of the massage mechanism 110 and integral with a rotation shaft to which a belt member 36 is attached, rollers 34U and 34D provided at a predetermined distance from roller 35 so as to be vertically symmetrical about roller 35, roller 32U provided above roller 34U and on the upper surface of the storage section 300a, roller 32D provided below roller 34D and on the lower surface of the storage section 300a, roller 33U provided in front of roller 32U and near the entrance / exit of the storage section 300a, and roller 33D provided in front of roller 32D and near the entrance / exit of the storage section 300a.

[0049] The rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, and 33D are provided in pairs. More specifically, the rollers 32U and 32D are configured with rollers of approximately the same diameter and are provided in pairs in the front-to-rear direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 400. The rollers 33U and 33D are configured with rollers of different diameters and are provided in pairs in the up-to-down direction so as to sandwich the first cover member 400. Specifically, the diameter of the roller 33U located on the outer side in the inward-outward direction is smaller than the diameter of the roller 33U located on the inner side in the inward-outward direction. Note that the diameters are merely examples and are not limiting. Any roller diameter may be used as long as it is possible to rotate the first cover member 400.

[0050] Each of the rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, 34D, and 35 may be a simple roller or a pinion. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , by adopting a pinion structure (protrusions 35 a, recesses 35 b) for the roller 35, which is integral with the rotation shaft, the unevenness (protrusions 35 a, recesses 35 b) of the roller 35 engages with the unevenness (protrusions 40 a, recesses 40 b) of the first cover member 400, allowing the first cover member 400 to rotate smoothly. Note that when a simple roller is adopted for the roller 35, it is preferable not to provide the unevenness (protrusions 40 a, recesses 40 b) on the first cover member 400. Furthermore, although the case where a pinion structure is adopted for the roller 35 has been described, this is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0051] For example, like roller 35, rollers 34U and 34D may also employ a pinion structure, or only one of rollers 34U and 34D may employ a pinion structure. Furthermore, other rollers (e.g., 32U, 32D, 33U, and 33D) may also employ a pinion structure. Furthermore, a combination with a simple roller may also be used, and roller 35 may employ a pinion structure, while the other rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, and 34D may simply be rollers.

[0052] When the first cover member moving motor M6 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotation shaft that is integrated with the roller 35 via the belt member 36 rotates in the forward direction. The forward rotation of the roller 35 also causes the first cover member 400 to begin to rotate. Then, as the first cover member 400 rotates, the other rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, and 34D also rotate. In other words, the first cover member 400 can be rotated from the top to the bottom.

[0053] At this time, the paired rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, and 33D rotate in different directions. For example, in the case of roller 32U, when the roller 32U located at the front in the front-to-rear direction rotates counterclockwise, the roller 32U located at the rear in the front-to-rear direction rotates clockwise. This allows the first cover member 400 to be fed out.

[0054] Furthermore, when the first cover member moving motor M6 is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft that is integrated with the roller 35 via the belt member 36 is rotated in the reverse direction. When the roller 35 is rotated in the reverse direction, the first cover member 400 also begins to rotate. Then, as the first cover member 400 rotates, the other rollers 32U, 32D, 33U, 33D, 34U, and 34D also rotate. In other words, the first cover member 400 can be rotated from downward to upward.

[0055] Therefore, the first cover member 400 can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism 110 while changing the contact point between the first cover member 400 and the treatment head 11a.

[0056] Furthermore, the movement of the massage mechanism 110 and the rotational movement of the first cover member 400 may be combined. For example, as shown in FIG. 11( a), the first cover member 400 can be rotated (reversely rotated) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from top to bottom) in response to the upward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11 a. Furthermore, the first cover member 400 can be rotated (forwardly rotated) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from bottom to top) in response to the downward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11 a. This allows the first cover member 400 to rotate in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism 110 while changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11 a.

[0057] 11(b), the first cover member 400 can be rotated (reversed) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from top to bottom) in the direction opposite to the downward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a. Furthermore, the first cover member 400 can be rotated (forward) in the circumferential direction of the cylinder (from bottom to top) in the direction opposite to the upward movement of the massage mechanism 110, thereby changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a. This allows the first cover member 400 to rotate in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism 110 while changing the contact points with the treatment elements 11a.

[0058] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic front view and (b) is a schematic view as seen from the left. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic rear view and (b) is a schematic plan view. Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view enlarging the rear of the massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention and the periphery of the first cover member 410. Note that Fig. 12(a) omits the first cover member 410 to make the internal structure of the massage mechanism 111 easier to see.

[0059] The internal structure of a massage mechanism 111 according to another embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 14 (such as the treatment elements 11a and the kneading shafts 20) is the same as that of the massage mechanism 11 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and therefore will not be described further. The differences from the massage mechanism 11 are the first cover member and the storage section. Details will be described later.

[0060] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first cover member 410 of the massage mechanism 111 is formed into a cylindrical shape with its ends connected together. More specifically, the cylindrical shape is formed by sewing one end (right side) and the other end (left side) of the first cover member 410 together (connecting the ends together) so that the first cover member 410 can rotate left and right (see Figures 12(b) and 13(a) and 13(b)). Convex portions 410a and concave portions 410b are provided at both the top and bottom ends of one side (the inner side in the inward / outward direction) of the first cover member 410. These concave portions (410a, 410b) engage with the concave portions (convex portions 51Ua, concave portions 51Ub) of the roller 51U, allowing the first cover member 410 to rotate smoothly.

[0061] 12 and 13, the storage section 310a that stores the first cover member 410 is configured to be approximately U-shaped in a plan view and covers the back and side of the massage mechanism 111. The storage section 310a has a hollow structure. A movement mechanism 12 for moving the first cover member 410 in a rotational direction in the left-right direction is provided inside the storage section 310a. The movement mechanism 12 is configured with a first cover member movement motor M7, a belt member 53 attached to the rotation shaft of the first cover member movement motor M7, and a plurality of roller members 51U, 51D, and 52U.

[0062] The multiple roller members are composed of rollers 51U and 51D attached to both ends of a rotating shaft 50S located in the center of the back of the massage mechanism 111 and to which a belt member 53 is attached, rollers 51U and 51D attached to both ends of rotating shafts 50L and 50R located on the left and right sides of the back of the massage mechanism 111, and rollers 52U attached to both ends of a rotating shaft (not shown) located on the left and right sides of the front of the massage mechanism 111.

[0063] The rollers 51U and 51D may be simple rollers or pinions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 , by employing a pinion structure (protrusions 51Ua and recesses 51Ub) for the rollers 51U attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 50S, the unevenness (protrusions 51Ua and recesses 51Ub) of the rollers 51U meshes with the unevenness (protrusions 410a and recesses 410b) of the first cover member 410, allowing the first cover member 410 to rotate smoothly. Note that when simple rollers are employed for the rollers 51U and 51D, it is preferable not to provide the unevenness (protrusions 410a and recesses 410b) on the first cover member 410. Furthermore, although a case where a pinion structure is employed for the rollers 51U attached to the rotating shaft 50S has been described, this is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0064] For example, like roller 51U, roller 51D may also have a pinion structure, or only one of rollers 51U and 51D may have a pinion structure. Furthermore, rollers 51U and 51D attached to both ends of rotating shafts 50L and 50R may have a pinion structure, or rollers 52U attached to both ends of rotating shafts (not shown) located on the left and right sides of the front surface may have a pinion structure. Furthermore, a combination with a simple roller may be used, and rollers 51U attached to both ends of rotating shaft 50S may have a pinion structure, while the other rollers 51U, 51D, and 52U may be simple rollers.

[0065] When the first cover member moving motor M7 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotating shaft 50S is rotated in the forward direction via the belt member 53. Because rollers 51U and 51D are attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 50S, the rollers 51U and 51D also rotate in the forward direction. As the rollers 51U and 51D rotate in the forward direction, the first cover member 410 also begins to rotate. Then, as the first cover member 410 rotates, the rotating shafts 50L, 50R and the rotating shaft 52U also rotate in the forward direction. In other words, when viewing the massage mechanism 111 from the front, the first cover member 410 can be rotated from left to right.

[0066] Furthermore, when the first cover member moving motor M7 is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft 50S is rotated in the reverse direction via the belt member 53. Because rollers 51U and 51D are attached to both ends of the rotation shaft 50S, the rollers 51U and 51D also rotate in the reverse direction. When the rollers 51U and 51D rotate in the reverse direction, the first cover member 410 also begins to rotate. Then, as the first cover member 410 rotates, the rotation shafts 50L and 50R and the rotation shaft 52U also rotate in the reverse direction. In other words, when viewing the massage mechanism 111 from the front, the first cover member 410 can be rotated from right to left.

[0067] Therefore, the first cover member 410 can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism 111 while changing the contact point between the first cover member 410 and the treatment head 11a.

[0068] The present invention can be applied to massage machines equipped with a massage mechanism that can smoothly massage the user regardless of the material or shape of the treatment heads.

[0069] Control unit 10 Massage mechanism 11 Treatment element 11a Movement mechanism 12 First cover member 40 Second cover member 41

Claims

1. A massage machine having a massage mechanism that treats a user and a control unit that controls the operation of the massage mechanism, wherein the massage mechanism has a treatment head, a movement mechanism that moves the massage mechanism along the area of ​​the user that is to be treated, and a first cover member, wherein the first cover member is attached to the massage mechanism so as to cover at least the front of the treatment head, and the massage mechanism is configured to treat the user via a second cover member attached to the massage machine and the first cover member.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit further controls the driving of the moving mechanism, driving the massage mechanism to treat the user and driving the moving mechanism to move the massage mechanism along the area of ​​the user to be treated.

3. The massage machine described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the massage mechanism has a storage section that stores the first cover member, the storage section having a first storage section located on one side and a second storage section located on the other side, the first cover member having one end located within the first storage section and the other end located within the second storage section, and the first cover member moves in accordance with the movement of the massage mechanism, being extended from the first storage section and stored in the second storage section, or being extended from the second storage section and stored in the first storage section, thereby changing the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment head.

4. The massage machine described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected to each other, and follows the movement of the massage mechanism, rotating around the circumference of the cylindrical shape along the direction of movement of the massage mechanism, thereby changing the contact point of the first cover member with the treatment head.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first cover member is formed in a cylindrical shape with its ends connected together, and is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the massage mechanism.

6. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cover member is stretchable.

7. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are made of different materials.

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