Massage unit and massage machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a massage unit and a massage machine. The massage unit (10) comprises: a massage portion (102), comprising a massage member (1021) with a tray portion (1022); a driving portion, driving the massage portion (102) so that the massage portion (102) swings back and forth in the direction of a support surface and the vertical direction; and a limiting portion, limiting the swing of the massage portion (102). In addition, the massage machine comprises the described massage unit (10).

Description

Massage unit and massage machine TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a massage unit and a massage machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the increasing concern for health, massage machines capable of performing treatment (e.g., massage) on body parts are attracting attention.

[0003] For example, there is known a massage machine provided with a massage unit that performs massage on a body part by a massage head provided at one end of a rocker assembly being shaken by a rotating shaft driven by a motor. In addition, there is also known a massage machine provided with a massage unit that performs massage on a body part by a roller structure driven by a rotating shaft driven by a motor.

[0004] However, in the above-described massage machine, after the user stops the massage, the rocker assembly is not completely housed in the housing space and a part thereof protrudes, and thus the user feels a foreign body sensation due to the protruding part of the rocker assembly, and the comfort of the user is reduced.

[0005] In addition, in the above-described massage machine, there is a problem that the contact area of the massage head and the roller structure is small and thus the body part cannot be sufficiently massaged. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above problems, and has been intensively studied until the present application was completed. It is an object of one aspect of the present application to provide a massage unit and a massage machine capable of avoiding a foreign body sensation for a user and improving the comfort of the user.

[0007] The massage unit according to one aspect of the present application includes a main body portion including a support surface that supports a prescribed portion of a user; a massage portion including a plurality of first massage members, a plurality of second massage members, a plurality of first massage arms that respectively support the first massage members, and a plurality of second massage arms that respectively support the second massage members; a drive portion that drives the massage portion to swing the first massage members and the second massage members to and fro to massage the prescribed portion; a detection portion that detects positions of the first massage arms and the second massage arms and outputs a position signal indicating that the first massage arms and the second massage arms are positioned at a specific position below the support surface; and a control portion that, when the massage unit stops the massage, sets the massage portion to a standby state based on the position signal.

[0008] In the massage unit according to one aspect of the present application, the plurality of first massage members can be synchronized to move upward or downward, and the plurality of second massage members can be synchronized to move upward or downward.

[0009] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which a plurality of the first massage members and a plurality of the second massage members are swung in a synchronized upward or synchronized downward manner.

[0010] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the specific position is a position on the support surface that supports the prescribed part.

[0011] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the drive section includes a rotating shaft fixed to the main body section, a motor that drives the rotating shaft, and a plurality of double-headed eccentric wheels each fixed to the rotating shaft, the first massage arm being supported to the rotating shaft via a first side eccentric wheel of the double-headed eccentric wheels, the second massage arm being supported to the rotating shaft via a second side eccentric wheel of the double-headed eccentric wheels, and an angle difference between the first side eccentric wheel and the second side eccentric wheel being less than 180°.

[0012] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the angle difference between the first side eccentric wheel and the second side eccentric wheel is within a range of 60° to 120°.

[0013] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the detection section includes a sensor disc that rotates in synchronization with the rotating shaft and has a light passing hole, and a light sensor that receives light passing through the light passing hole, the light sensor being turned on and outputting the position signal when the light is received, and the control section, when the massage unit stops the massage, sets the massage section to the standby state in a manner that stops the drive section and stops the rotating shaft from rotating when the position signal is received.

[0014] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the massage section further includes a first side fitting section that fits over the first side eccentric wheel and a second side fitting section that fits over the second side eccentric wheel, the first massage arm being fixed to one end of the first side fitting section, the second massage arm being fixed to one end of the second side fitting section, a first restriction section being formed at the other end of the first side fitting section, and a second restriction section being formed at the other end of the second side fitting section.

[0015] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the first restriction section and the second restriction section are universal joints.

[0016] In one aspect of the present application, the massage unit can also be one in which the first massage member and the second massage member each include at least one pair of massage balls.

[0017] In the massage unit according to one aspect of the present application, the prescribed portion can include at least any one of a buttock portion, a thigh portion, a calf portion, an arm portion, a neck portion, a back portion, and an abdominal portion.

[0018] In the massage unit according to one aspect of the present application, the first massage arm and the second massage arm can be configured in a scissor structure.

[0019] The massage machine according to one aspect of the present application can include one or more of the above-described massage units.

[0020] Another aspect of the present application provides a massage unit and a massage machine capable of increasing a force application area and performing sufficient massage on a body portion.

[0021] The massage unit according to another aspect of the present application can include a massage portion including a massage member having a tray portion, a drive portion that drives the massage portion to reciprocally swing the massage portion in a support surface direction and a vertical direction, and a restriction portion that restricts the swinging of the massage portion.

[0022] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the massage member can further include an air bag portion fixed to at least a portion of the tray portion.

[0023] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the drive portion can include a drive shaft and an eccentric mechanism fixed to the drive shaft in a manner of being rotationally driven by the drive shaft and located at a lower side of the massage portion, the massage portion being connected to the eccentric mechanism in a manner of being swung by the eccentric mechanism.

[0024] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the massage portion can include two groups of the massage members.

[0025] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the tray portion can include a lower tray portion and a side tray portion connected to the lower tray portion.

[0026] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, a bottom air bag portion can be fixed to the lower tray portion, and a side air bag portion can be fixed to the side tray portion.

[0027] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the air bag portion can be swung in synchronization with the tray portion, and can include one or more air bag portions.

[0028] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the one or more air bag portions can be in communication with each other to perform air charging and discharging.

[0029] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the one or more air bags can be individually inflated and deflated.

[0030] In the massage unit according to another aspect of the present application, the eccentric mechanism can include an inclined eccentric and an outer member fitted to the inclined eccentric.

[0031] The massage machine according to another aspect of the present application can include the above-described massage unit.

[0032] The massage machine according to another aspect of the present application can further include another massage unit that performs kneading or rolling massage in cooperation with the massage unit.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present application, a massage unit and a massage machine that can improve the comfort of a user by avoiding a foreign body sensation can be provided.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present application, a massage unit and a massage machine that can improve the force application area and thus perform sufficient massage on a body part can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general structure of a first massage unit according to the present application.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the general structure of a massage portion of the first massage unit according to the present application.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the general structure of the first massage unit according to the present application.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the state in which a massage arm of the first massage unit according to the present application is positioned below a specific position.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the state in which the massage arm of the first massage unit according to the present application is positioned above the specific position.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the general structure of a second massage unit according to the present application.

[0041] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the general structure of the second massage unit according to the present application.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the general structure of a drive portion and one tray portion of the second massage unit according to the present application.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the general structure of a drive portion and two tray portions of the second massage unit according to the present application.

[0044] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a combination of massage units provided in a massage machine to which the present application is applied.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of a combination of massage units provided in a massage machine to which the present application is applied.

[0046] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing another example of a combination of massage units provided in a massage machine to which the present application is applied.

[0047] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a general structure of a drive section in still another example of a combination of massage units provided in a massage machine to which the present application is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein, in the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are marked by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be omitted. Also, the positional relationship of up, down, left, right, and the like is not particularly described based on the positional relationship shown in the drawings. Also, the dimensional ratio of the drawings is not limited to the illustrated ratio except for the drawing.

[0049] Further, it should be understood that the embodiments recited in the present specification are only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the present application to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present application includes various alternatives, modifications and equivalents as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0050] In the present specification, it should be understood that the terms "comprise", "include", "have", "possess", and the like, denote that there are the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0051] (First Massage Unit)

[0052] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a general structure of a first massage unit to which the present application is applied. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a general structure of a massage section of the first massage unit to which the present application is applied. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a general structure of the first massage unit to which the present application is applied. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a massage arm of the first massage unit to which the present application is applied is in a specific position. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the massage arm of the first massage unit to which the present application is applied is in a specific position.

[0053] The first massage unit 1 to which the present embodiment is applied is mounted to a seat section of a massage machine described below, for example, for massaging a user's buttocks. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first massage unit 1 is provided with a main body section 11, a massage section 12, a drive section 13, a detection section 14, and a control section (not shown).

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 11 includes a core frame 111 and a support structure 112. The core frame 111 includes first to fourth side walls 111a to 111d that form a housing space S in which the massage section 12 is housed, and first to fourth mounting sections 111e to 111h formed at upper ends of the first to fourth side walls 111a to 111d, respectively.

[0055] The support structure 112 is mounted to the core frame 111 and has a support surface 112S on which a user sits. Here, the support surface on which the user sits is formed by an outer surface of the support structure 112. However, it should be understood that in the case where the first massage unit 1 is mounted to a massage machine such as a handheld massager that does not require a support for a body part, the outer surface of the support structure 112 can be simply referred to as a contact surface.

[0056] The support structure 112 includes a first support body 112a, a second support body 112b, a first belt member 112c supported between the first support body 112a and the second support body 112b, a pair of seat cushions 112d, and a second belt member 112e supported between the pair of seat cushions 112d.

[0057] The first belt member 112c and the second belt member 112e are orthogonal to each other and formed in a cross shape. As a material that constitutes the first and second belt members, for example, a woven belt or the like can be listed.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the first support body 112a is fixed to the first mounting section 111e by screw fastening, for example, the second support body 112b is fixed to the third mounting section 111g by screw fastening, for example, and the pair of seat cushions 112d are fixed to the second and fourth mounting sections 111f and 111h, respectively, by screw fastening, for example. However, the mounting method of the first support body, the second support body, and the pair of seat cushions is not limited to screw fastening, and can be any method such as adhesion, welding, or the like.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the massage section 12 is housed in the housing space S of the core frame 111.

[0060] The massage section 12 includes two first massage members 121, two second massage members 122, two first massage arms 123 that support the first massage members 121, respectively, two second massage arms 124 that support the second massage members 122, respectively, a first side fitting section 125 connected to the first massage arms 123 and fitted to a first side eccentric wheel described below, and a second side fitting section 126 connected to the second massage arms 124 and fitted to a second side eccentric wheel described below. Also, the number of the first massage members is not limited to two, and can be one or more than three, and similarly, the number of the second massage members is not limited to two, and can be one or more than three.

[0061] The first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction, thereby constituting a scissor structure. In this case, by reciprocating swing of the first massage arm and the second massage arm, it is possible to realize kneading massage to the user's buttocks.

[0062] In addition, in Figs. 1 to 3, an example in which the first massage member 121 and the second massage member 122 each include a pair of massage balls arranged side by side is illustrated. In addition, in Figs. 4 and 5, an example in which the first massage member 121 and the second massage member 122 each include only one massage ball is illustrated. Further, although not illustrated, the first massage member and the second massage member can include two or more pairs of massage balls. In this way, by flexibly setting the number of massage balls as needed, it is possible to realize various kneading operations.

[0063] The massage section 12 is driven by the drive section 13 to reciprocally swing the two first massage members 121 and the two second massage members 122 to massage the user's buttocks. As a manner in which the two first massage members and the two second massage members reciprocally swing, for example, a manner in which the two first massage members are simultaneously swung upward or downward and the two second massage members are simultaneously swung upward or downward, a manner in which the two first massage members and the two second massage members reciprocally swing in a manner of simultaneous upward swing or simultaneous downward swing, and the like can be cited.

[0064] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the drive section 13 is provided with a motor 131, a worm 132 as a power transmission mechanism, a rotation shaft 133, and two double-headed eccentric wheels 134.

[0065] The motor 131 is installed in a motor seat 135 fixed to the core frame 111, and includes an output shaft.

[0066] The worm 132 functions as a mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor 131 to the rotation shaft 133 to rotate the rotation shaft 133. The worm 132 is fixed to the substantially center of the rotation shaft 133 via a bearing 136. The worm 132 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 131, so that the worm 132 is rotated by receiving the driving force of the motor 131 and rotates the rotation shaft 133.

[0067] In addition, the worm 132 can be housed in a case composed of a first case 137 on the upper side and a second case 138 on the lower side.

[0068] The rotation shaft 133 is rotatably erected between the second side wall 111b and the fourth side wall 111d of the core frame 111 via a shaft sleeve 139.

[0069] Two double-headed eccentric wheels 134 are fixed to the rotating shaft 133 and are located on both sides of the turbine 132. The double-headed eccentric wheels 134 function as mechanisms that rotate in synchronization with the rotating shaft 133 to swing the first and second massage members 121 and 122 back and forth. The double-headed eccentric wheels 134 include a middle wheel 1341, a first side eccentric wheel 1342 formed on one side in the axial direction of the middle wheel 1341, and a second side eccentric wheel 1343 formed on the other side in the axial direction of the middle wheel 1341. The first side eccentric wheel 1342 is located on the upper side in the radial direction of the middle wheel 1341, and the second side eccentric wheel 1343 is located on the lower side in the radial direction of the middle wheel 1341 (see FIG. 3). That is, the first side eccentric wheel 1342 and the second side eccentric wheel 1343 are arranged to be offset in the radial direction of the middle wheel 1341.

[0070] In order to more reliably swing the first and second massage arms 123 and 124 upward or downward at the same time during massage, the angle difference between the first side eccentric wheel 1342 and the second side eccentric wheel 1343 is preferably less than 180°, and more preferably in the range of 60° to 120°. In the present embodiment, the angle difference between the first side eccentric wheel 1342 and the second side eccentric wheel 1343 is set to, for example, 88°.

[0071] As described above, the first side fitting portion 125 is fitted to the first side eccentric wheel 1342, and the second side fitting portion 126 is fitted to the second side eccentric wheel 1343, and thus the first massage arm 123 is supported to the rotating shaft 133 via the first side eccentric wheel 1342, and the second massage arm 124 is supported to the rotating shaft 133 via the second side eccentric wheel 1343. In this case, when the rotating shaft 133 is rotated by the motor 131, the first side eccentric wheel 1342 swings the first massage arm 123 back and forth, and the second side eccentric wheel 1343 swings the second massage arm 124 back and forth.

[0072] The detection portion 14 detects the positions of the first and second massage arms 123 and 124, and is configured to include a photosensitive code disk 142 that rotates in synchronization with the rotating shaft 133 and has a light passing hole 141, and a photoelectric sensing device 143 that receives light that has passed through the light passing hole 141.

[0073] The control portion can be installed on the massage machine described below, or can be installed outside the massage machine. In the case where the control portion is installed outside the massage machine, the control portion controls the positions of the first and second massage arms 123 and 124 by transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly. In the present embodiment, the control portion sets the massage portion 12 to a standby state based on the position signal described below when the first massage unit 1 stops massage.

[0074] Specifically, the inductive encoder 142 of the detection unit 14 rotates in synchronization with the rotation shaft 133, and when the light on the inductive encoder 142 rotates to the position of the photoelectric inductive device 143 through the light passing hole 141, the photoelectric inductive device 143 receives the light passing through the light passing hole 141. The light inductive device 143 is turned on and outputs a position signal indicating that both the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are in a specific position below the support surface 112S when receiving the light. The position signal is fed back to the control unit. When the first massage unit 1 stops the massage, the control unit stops the rotation of the rotation shaft 133 by stopping the driving of the driving unit 13 in a manner that the massage unit 12 is set to the standby state when receiving the position signal. Here, the specific position refers to the position of the support surface 112S supporting the hips.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the specific position below which both the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are located refers to the specific position at which the upper ends of the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are below the support surface 112S as shown in FIG. 4. The specific position above which both the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are located refers to the specific position at which the upper ends of the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are above the support surface 112S as shown in FIG. 5.

[0076] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, when the first massage arm 123 is fixed to one end of the first side sleeve 125 and the second massage arm 124 is fixed to one end of the second side sleeve 126, a first limiting portion 127 is formed at the other end of the first side sleeve 125 and a second limiting portion 128 is formed at the other end of the second side sleeve 126. In this way, the first massage member and the second massage member can swing back and forth within a specified range by the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the first limiting portion 127 and the second limiting portion 128 are universal joints fixed to the core frame 111. In this case, the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124 are installed to the core frame 111 via the universal joints, so that the universal joints can limit the range of the back and forth swinging of the first massage arm 123 and the second massage arm 124.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the detection unit detects the positions of the first massage arm and the second massage arm and outputs a position signal indicating that both the first massage arm and the second massage arm are in a specific position below the support surface, and the control unit sets the massage unit to the standby state based on the position signal when the first massage unit stops the massage, so that both the first massage arm and the second massage arm are completely accommodated into the accommodation space after the user stops the massage. Therefore, the user will not feel the foreign body, so that the comfort of the user can be improved.

[0079] Further, in the present embodiment, the first massage unit 1 is described as being used to massage the user's buttocks, but the prescribed part of the user that the first massage unit 1 massages can include at least any one of the thigh, the lower leg, the arm, the neck, the back, and the abdomen.

[0080] (Second Massage Unit)

[0081] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the general structure of the second massage unit according to the present application. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the general structure of the second massage unit according to the present application. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the general structure of the drive section and one tray section of the second massage unit according to the present application. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the general structure of the drive section and two tray sections of the second massage unit according to the present application.

[0082] The second massage unit 10 according to the present embodiment is installed, for example, to the seat section of the following massage machine, and is used to massage the user's thigh. The second massage unit 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, has a main body section 101, a massage section 102, a drive section 103, and a restriction section 104.

[0083] The main body section 101 includes a core frame 1011 and a support structure 1012. The support structure 1012 includes a first support body 1012a, a second support body 1012b, a first belt member 1012c supported between the first support body 1012a and the second support body 1012b, a pair of seat cushions 1012d, and a second belt member 1012e supported between the pair of seat cushions 1012d. The structure of the main body section 101 is substantially the same as that of the main body section 11, and thus detailed description of the structure of the main body section 101 is omitted here.

[0084] The massage section 102 includes two massage members 1021. Note that the number of the massage members 1021 is not limited to two, and can be one or more than three.

[0085] The massage member 1021 has a tray section 1022 and an air bag section 1023 fixed to substantially the entire surface 1022S of the tray section 1022. The air bag section 1023 swings in synchronization with the tray section 1022.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the air bag section 1023 covers substantially the entire surface 1022S of the tray section 1022, but is not limited thereto, and the air bag section can cover only a part of the surface of the tray section, or can not be provided on the surface of the tray section.

[0087] Further, in the present embodiment, the tray section 1022 has a lower tray section 1024 and a side tray section 1025 connected to the lower tray section 1024, and thus is formed as an L-shaped tray.

[0088] The air bag portion 1023 has a bottom air bag portion 1026 and a side air bag portion 102. The bottom air bag portion 1026 is fixed to the lower tray portion 1024, and the side air bag portion 102 is fixed to the side tray portion 1025. In addition, the bottom air bag portion 1026 and the side air bag portion 102 can be connected to each other to be charged and discharged, or can be separately charged and discharged.

[0089] In addition, the bottom air bag portion 1026 and the side air bag portion 102 can be provided separately or integrally. In the case where the bottom air bag portion 1026 and the side air bag portion 102 are provided integrally, by providing the side air bag portion and the bottom air bag portion integrally in the same L-shaped tray portion, it is possible to more reliably wrap and pinch the thigh portion to perform kneading. In the case where the bottom air bag portion 1026 and the side air bag portion 102 are provided separately, by providing the side air bag portion and the bottom air bag portion separately in the same L-shaped tray portion, it is possible to provide a variety of massage methods.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the air bag portion 1023 has two air bag portions, the bottom air bag portion 1026 and the side air bag portion 102. However, it is not limited thereto, and the air bag portion can have one or more than three air bag portions. In the case where the air bag portion has a plurality of air bag portions, the plurality of air bag portions can be connected to each other to be charged and discharged, or can be separately charged and discharged.

[0091] The drive portion 103 drives the massage portion 102 to reciprocally swing the massage portion 102 in the support surface direction and the up-down direction. That is, the massage portion 102 is reciprocally swung not only in the up-down direction but also in each direction in which the support surface on which the massage portion 102 is present is present (for example, each of the front-rear direction and the left-right direction).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 7, the drive portion 103 includes a motor 1031, a worm 1032 as a power transmission mechanism, a rotation shaft 1033, and two eccentric mechanisms 1034. The motor 1031 is mounted to the core frame 1011 and includes an output shaft.

[0093] The worm 1032 functions as a mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor 1031 to the rotation shaft 1033 to rotate the rotation shaft 1033. The worm 1032 is fixed to the substantially center of the rotation shaft 1033 via a bearing 1035. The worm 1032 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 1031, so that the worm 1032 receives the driving force of the motor 1031 to rotate and rotate the rotation shaft 1033.

[0094] In addition, the worm 1032 can be housed in a case composed of a first case 1036 on the upper side and a second case 1037 on the lower side.

[0095] The rotating shaft 1033 is rotatably supported between the two side walls of the core frame 1011 via a shaft sleeve 1038 and a shaft collar 1039.

[0096] The two eccentric mechanisms 1034 are fixed to the driving shaft 1033 and are located on both sides of the turbine 1032. The eccentric mechanisms 1034 function as mechanisms that rotate in synchronization with the driving shaft 1033 to drive the massage portion 102 to swing back and forth in the direction of the support surface and the up-and-down direction of the massage portion. The eccentric mechanisms 1034 are fixed to the driving shaft 1033 in a manner to be rotationally driven by the driving shaft 1033 and are located on the lower side of the massage portion 102. The massage portion 102 is connected to the eccentric mechanisms 1034 in a manner to be swung by the eccentric mechanisms 1034.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the eccentric mechanism 1034 is configured to have an inclined eccentric 1034a and an outer fitting portion 1034b fitted to the inclined eccentric 1034a. The inclined eccentric 1034a has an eccentric portion and an inclined portion inclined toward the inner side, and the outer fitting portion 1034b is fitted to the outer side of the inclined portion. The outer fitting portion 1034b rotates in synchronization with the inclined portion inclined toward the inner side. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer fitting portion 1034b (inclined portion) is inclined in such a manner that the distance Ll from the center axis of the turbine 1032 at the upper end 10341 thereof is smaller than the distance L2 from the center axis of the turbine 1032 at the lower end 10342 thereof.

[0098] In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer fitting portion 1034b is mounted to the inclined eccentric 1034a via an inner connecting member 1034c. The outer fitting portion 1034b and the inner connecting member 1034c can be a bearing assembly. The outer fitting portion 1034b is connected to the tray portion 1022, so that the tray portion 1022 is swung by the outer fitting portion 1034b of the inclined portion.

[0099] The limiting portion 104 limits the swinging of the massage portion 102. Specifically, the limiting portion 104 is configured to include a double-headed universal joint 1041, and the two spherical ends of the double-headed universal joint 1041 are respectively accommodated in spherical head covers 1043 formed by upper and lower housings 1042. One of the two spherical head covers 1043 is fixed to the tray portion 1022, and the other spherical head cover 1043 is fixed to the core frame 1011. During swinging of the tray portion 1022 by the outer fitting portion 1034b, the double-headed universal joint 1041 also swings in synchronization. Since the double-headed universal joint 1041 is accommodated in the spherical head covers 1043, the swinging of the double-headed universal joint 1041 is limited by the spherical head covers 1043, so that the double-headed universal joint 1041 can limit the swinging range of the tray portion 1022.

[0100] In the present embodiment, by providing the massage unit, the drive unit, and the restriction unit described above, the tray unit provided in the massage unit is reciprocated in the support surface direction and the vertical direction within a prescribed oscillation range, and thus the massage of the body part can be performed with a large contact area. In addition, in the case where the air bag unit is provided in the tray unit, by filling and discharging the air in the air bag unit, the kneading massage is performed in conjunction with the oscillation of the tray unit in conjunction with the filling and discharging of the air in the air bag unit, and thus the thighs can be wrapped and pinched to perform the kneading.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the second massage unit 10 is described as being used to massage the thighs of the user, but the prescribed part to be massaged by the second massage unit 10 can include at least any one of the buttocks, the upper and lower thighs, the arms, the neck, the back, and the abdomen.

[0102] (Massage machine)

[0103] Hereinafter, a massage machine in which at least any one of the first massage unit 1 and the second massage unit 10 described above is installed will be described. In addition, the massage machine can be installed with another massage unit that performs the kneading or rolling massage in conjunction with the first massage unit 1 and / or the second massage unit 10 described above.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the massage machine is described in detail as a chair-type massage machine, i.e., a massage chair, including a seat portion having a seat surface on which a user sits, a backrest portion having a backrest surface on which a user leans back, a pair of armrest portions each having a plate surface that supports the inner side of the body of the user when the user sits on the seat surface with the side of the body facing the seat portion, and a footrest portion having a footrest surface that supports the feet of the user. However, the massage machine is not limited to the massage chair, and can be any massage machine having a massage function, such as a massage bed, a massage pillow, a hand-held massager, a foot massager, or the like.

[0105] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing one example of a combination of massage units provided in a massage machine according to the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the massage chair as the massage machine is provided with the second massage unit 10 and a unit 30 on which the buttocks of the user sit, which are arranged side by side. Here, the combination of the second massage unit 10 and the unit 30 is installed in the seat portion of the massage chair, the second massage unit 10 performs the kneading massage of the thighs of the user, and the unit 30 supports the buttocks of the user. However, this is not limiting, and the positions of the second massage unit 10 and the unit 30 can be reversed so that the second massage unit 10 performs the kneading massage of the buttocks of the user and the unit 30 supports the thighs of the user. In addition, the second massage unit 10 can be installed in at least any one of the backrest portion, the armrest portion, and the footrest portion of the massage chair to massage at least any one of the back, the arms, and the upper and lower thighs of the user.

[0106] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of the combination of the massage units provided in the massage machine according to the present application. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing another example of the combination of the massage units provided in the massage machine according to the present application. As shown in Fig. 11, a massage chair as the massage machine is provided with a second massage unit 10 and another massage unit 40 arranged side by side, the second massage unit 10 and the another massage unit 40 being configured to perform rolling massage on the user. Here, the combination of the second massage unit 10 and the another massage unit 40 is installed in the seat portion of the massage chair, the second massage unit 10 is configured to perform kneading massage on the thighs of the user, and the another massage unit 40 is provided with a pair of rollers 401 to perform rolling massage on the buttocks of the user. However, the positions of the second massage unit 10 and the another massage unit 40 are not limited to this, and the second massage unit 10 can be configured to perform kneading massage on the buttocks of the user, and the another massage unit 40 can be configured to perform rolling massage on the thighs of the user (see Fig. 12, for example). In addition, the second massage unit 10 and / or the another massage unit 40 can be installed in at least any one of the backrest portion, the armrest portion, and the footrest portion of the massage chair to perform massage on at least any one of the back, the arms, and the thighs of the user.

[0107] In addition, as shown in Fig. 11, a plurality of sub-rollers 4011 are formed on the outer surface of the roller 401, but the present application is not limited to this, and as shown in Fig. 12, the sub-rollers can not be formed on the outer surface of the roller 401'.

[0108] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the general structure of the drive portions in another example of the combination of the massage units provided in the massage machine according to the present application. As shown in Fig. 13, a massage chair as the massage machine is provided with a first massage unit and a second massage unit arranged side by side. As described above, the positions of the first massage unit and the second massage unit can be arranged in any order, and the first massage unit and / or the second massage unit can be installed in at least any one of the seat portion, the backrest portion, the armrest portion, and the footrest portion of the massage chair. In addition, the drive portion 13 of the first massage unit and the drive portion 103 of the second massage unit are driven by the same motor 131 (1031), so that the first massage unit and the second massage unit constitute a single-motor drive system. The drive portion 13 includes the rotating shaft 133 and the two double-headed eccentric wheels 134 described above, and the drive portion 103 includes the drive shaft 1033 and the two eccentric mechanisms 1034 described above. However, the drive portion 13 of the first massage unit and the drive portion 103 of the second massage unit can be driven by different motors, respectively, so as to constitute a double-motor drive system.

[0109] The above describes specific embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify and change the present application as needed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. These modifications and changes fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A massage unit comprising: The first massage unit includes a massage component having a tray portion; A first driving unit drives the first massage unit to reciprocate in the support surface direction and the up-down direction; and The limiting part restricts the shaking of the first massage part.

2. The massage unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The massage element also has an airbag portion fixed to at least a portion of the tray portion.

3. The massage unit as described in claim 1, wherein, The first driving unit includes: First drive shaft; and An eccentric mechanism is fixed to the first drive shaft in a manner that allows it to rotate, and is located below the first massage unit. The first massage unit is connected to the eccentric mechanism in a manner that allows it to be rocked by the eccentric mechanism.

4. The massage unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first massage unit includes two sets of massage elements.

5. The massage unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The tray section has a lower tray section and a side tray section connected to the lower tray section.

6. The massage unit as claimed in claim 5, wherein, A bottom airbag is fixed to the lower tray. A side airbag is fixed to the side tray.

7. The massage unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The airbag section shakes synchronously with the tray section and has more than one airbag section.

8. The massage unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The one or more airbags are interconnected and inflated or deflated.

9. The massage unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein, Each of the one or more airbags is individually inflated and deflated.

10. The massage unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The eccentric mechanism has an inclined eccentric wheel and an external part sleeved on the inclined eccentric wheel.

11. A massage machine, wherein, A second massage unit having a massage unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The massage machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein, It also features a first massage unit. The first massage unit includes: The main body includes a support surface that supports the specified parts of the user; The second massage unit includes a plurality of first massage elements, a plurality of second massage elements, a plurality of first massage arms that support the first massage elements respectively, and a plurality of second massage arms that support the second massage elements respectively. The second drive unit drives the second massage unit to cause the first massage member and the second massage member to swing back and forth to massage the specified area. The detection unit detects the positions of the first massage arm and the second massage arm and outputs a position signal indicating that both the first massage arm and the second massage arm are below a specific position on the support surface; and The control unit sets the second massage unit to standby mode based on the position signal when the first massage unit stops massaging.

13. The massage machine as described in claim 12, wherein, The first massage element and the second massage element swing back and forth synchronously upward or downward.

14. The massage machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The specific location is the position on the support surface that supports the specified part.

15. The massage machine as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The second drive unit includes: The second rotating shaft is fixed to the main body. A motor that drives the second rotating shaft; and Multiple double-headed eccentric wheels are respectively fixed to the second rotating shaft. The first massage arm is supported on the second rotation axis via a first side eccentric wheel of the double-headed eccentric wheels, and the second massage arm is supported on the second rotation axis via a second side eccentric wheel of the double-headed eccentric wheels. The angle difference between the first eccentric wheel and the second eccentric wheel is less than 180°.

16. The massage machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The angle difference between the first eccentric wheel and the second eccentric wheel is in the range of 60° to 120°.

17. The massage machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The detection unit includes a sensing code disk that rotates synchronously with the second rotating axis and has a light-passing aperture, and a light-sensing device that receives light passing through the light-passing aperture. The photosensitive device turns on and outputs the position signal when it receives the light. When the first massage unit stops massaging, the control unit, upon receiving the position signal, sets the second massage unit to the standby state by stopping the drive of the second drive unit and thus stopping the rotation of the second rotating shaft.

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