Massage machine and garment for using massage machine

Abstract

A massage machine (1) is used by a user wearing a garment (100). At least part of the garment (100) uses a first material (100a) having conductivity. The massage machine (1) has a body support part (S) and a control part (7). The body support part (S) is equipped with an electrode (11) for applying electrical stimulation to the first material (100a), and the control part (7) controls the driving of the electrode (11) and, by energizing the electrode, provides electrical stimulation to the user via the first material (100a).

Description

Massage machine and clothing for using the massage machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine and clothing for using the massage machine.

[0002] Conventionally, an electrical stimulation device has been proposed that can apply electrical stimulation to a user wearing innerwear provided with a conductive material in part (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7327970

[0004] In the electrical stimulation device described in Patent Document 1 above, an electrical stimulation is given to the user by attaching the main body or fixture of the electrical stimulation device to the user's clothing, and it is not possible to give an electrical stimulation to the user through the clothing by driving another device (for example, the control unit of a massage machine) independent of the clothing. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a massage machine that can apply an electrical stimulation to a user sitting on the massage machine through clothing by controlling the drive of a conductor attached to the massage machine with a control unit.

[0005] The present invention is a massage machine used by a user while wearing clothing, and at least a part of the clothing employs a first material having conductivity, and has a body support part and a control part. A conductor for applying an electrical stimulation to the first material is attached to the body support part, and the control part controls the drive of the conductor and applies an electrical stimulation to the user through the first material by setting it in an energized state. By adopting such a configuration, by setting the conductor in an energized state, it is possible to apply an electrical stimulation to a user sitting on the massage machine through clothing.

[0006] Further, it is preferable that the first material is composed of metal fibers. By adopting such a configuration, electricity can flow through the clothing.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that multiple electrodes are attached and positioned to correspond to the user's acupoints. This configuration allows for pinpoint electrical stimulation to be applied to the user's acupoints.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device further includes an operating unit, and that multiple electrodes are attached, allowing the control unit to select which of the multiple electrodes to be driven by operating the operating unit. With such a configuration, it is possible to select the electrode to which electrical stimulation is applied.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable to have an operating unit, and the control unit can adjust the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode by operating the operating unit. With such a configuration, the strength of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted according to the user's preference.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable to start with a low level of electrical stimulation. This configuration prevents the user from being startled or injured by suddenly applying a strong electrical stimulus.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable to have an identification unit, and the control unit controls the driving of the electrode identified by the identification unit. With such a configuration, a specific electrode can be driven.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit has a memory unit that stores multiple massage programs, and when the identification unit identifies that the electrode and the first material are in an overlapping position, the control unit is configured to call up a specific massage program from the multiple massage programs and execute the specific massage program. With such a configuration, electrical stimulation can be provided by executing a specific massage program according to the identified result.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the garment worn by the user to use the massage machine is made of a conductive first material in at least a portion thereof, and that the first material is positioned to correspond to the user's acupoints. With such a configuration, electrical stimulation can be applied precisely to the user's acupoints.

[0014] The garment worn by the user for using the massage machine preferably has at least a portion of a conductive first material, and the first material is preferably positioned to correspond to the electrodes when the user is supported by the body support part. With this configuration, electrical stimulation can be applied precisely to the same position as the electrodes on the body support part side.

[0015] According to the present invention, by controlling the drive of electrodes attached to the massage machine with a control unit, electrical stimulation can be delivered to a user seated in the massage machine through their clothing.

[0016] This is a perspective view of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing the screen of the control unit of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a screen for selecting the electrode to be driven, and (b) is a screen for selecting (adjusting) the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode. This is a schematic front view of a cushioning member attached to the backrest of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the user leans back, and (b) shows the state with the user leaning back. This is a schematic plan view of a cushioning member attached to the seat of a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the user sits down, and (b) shows the state with the user seated. This is a schematic rear view of a user, where (a) shows acupoints, and (b) shows meridians. This is a schematic rear view of clothing according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is clothing for the upper body, and (b) is clothing for the lower body.

[0017] [Overall Configuration of the Massage Machine] The overall configuration of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configuration, arrangement, and number of each massage unit M (3a, 5a, 10) and electrode 11 are examples only and are not limited thereto. They can be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention consists of a seat 3 on which the user sits, a backrest 4 provided at the rear of the seat 3 for the user to lean against, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. A pillow 6 is attached to the backrest 4 to support the user H's head (see Figure 4). The armrests 2, seat 3, backrest 4, footrest 5, and pillow 6 function as body support parts S that support the user's body. The massage machine 1 is provided with massage parts M (massage mechanism 10, buttock massage part 3a, leg massage part 5a) that perform massage on the user, a control unit 7 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, an operation unit 8 for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, an air supply and exhaust device 9 for supplying and exhausting air to and from the air cell, and electrodes 11 for providing electrical stimulation to the user. Each of these components will be described later.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the screen 8a of the operation unit 8 of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the screen 8a for selecting the electrode 11 to be driven, and (b) is the screen 8a for selecting (adjusting) the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode 11. Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the cushioning member 40 (cushioning member K) attached to the backrest 4 of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the user H leans back, and (b) shows the state with the user H leaning back. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the cushioning member 30 (cushioning member K) attached to the seat 3 of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state before the user H sits down, and (b) shows the state with the user H seated down. Note that to make the structure of the electrode 11 attached to the seat 3 (cushioning member 30) easier to understand, the area around some of the electrodes 11 is magnified. The magnified area is the electrode 11 enclosed in frame W (see Figure 5(a)).

[0020] [Seat Structure] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the seat 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is elongated horizontally in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. The seat 3 has a cushioning member 30. The cushioning member 30 functions as a so-called cushion to improve the user's sitting comfort (it plays the role of a body support part S). The cushioning member 30 will be described later.

[0021] The seat portion 3 (more specifically, the interior of the cushioning member 30 of the seat portion 3) is provided with a pair of buttock massage portions 3a (massage portions M) on the left and right sides for massaging the buttocks of the user seated on the seat portion 3. The buttock massage portions 3a are composed of air cells that expand and contract with the intake and exhaust of air. In addition, electrodes 11 for applying electrical stimulation to the user's buttocks are attached to the upper surface of the seat portion 3 (more specifically, the surface above the buttock massage portions 3a that comes into contact with the user's buttocks). The configuration of the electrodes 11 will be described later.

[0022] [Structure of the backrest] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the backrest 4 is made up of a rectangular member that is long in the direction of the user's height. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 10 (massage section M) is provided via the guide rail 16. The massage mechanism 10 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, thereby massaging the back of the user's torso (for example, the shoulders and waist) when the user is seated on the seat 3.

[0023] A cushioning member 40 is attached to the front of the backrest 4, which is a body support part S that supports the user's upper body. An electrode 11 for applying electrical stimulation to the user's back is attached to the front of the cushioning member 40 (more specifically, the surface that comes into contact with the user's back). The cushioning member 40 functions as a so-called cushion to improve the user's comfort when leaning against it (it fulfills its role as a body support part S). The cushioning member 40 will be described later.

[0024] [Footrest Section Configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the footrest section 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b into which the user's legs can be inserted. Leg massage sections 5a (massage section M) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls of both the left and right recesses 5b. The leg massage sections 5a are made of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air. More specifically, one leg massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the right recess 5b, and one leg massage section 5a is provided on each of the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the left recess 5b. It is preferable that each leg massage section 5a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently. In addition, a sole massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5b.

[0025] [Armrest Configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3. A U-shaped arm massage section (not shown) for massaging the user's arms may be provided on the upper surface of the armrests 2. If a U-shaped arm massage section is provided, it is preferable that the left and right arm massage sections (not shown) are configured to be able to be driven independently.

[0026] Furthermore, although not described in this embodiment, electrodes 11 may be attached to the footrest portion 5. When electrodes 11 are attached to the footrest portion 5, it is preferable that they be attached to the surface that comes into contact with the user's legs (including the feet and soles), similar to when electrodes 11 are attached to the seat portion 3 or backrest portion 4. It is also preferable that the attachment position corresponds to the user's acupoints or meridians.

[0027] Alternatively, an arm massage unit (not shown) with the electrodes 11 attached may be attached to the armrest 2. When the arm massage unit (not shown, including the electrodes 11) is attached to the armrest 2, it is preferable that it is attached to a surface that comes into contact with the user's arm (including the fingertips), similar to when the electrodes 11 are attached to the seat 3 or backrest 4. Furthermore, it is preferable that the attachment position corresponds to the user's acupoints or meridians.

[0028] [Configuration of the Control Unit] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 7 consisting of a microcomputer for controlling the drive of the massage mechanism 10, the air supply and exhaust device 9, etc. The control unit 7 is located below the seat 3. The control unit 7 is connected to an operation unit 8 for the user to operate the massage machine 1, a storage unit (not shown) that stores massage courses (hereinafter sometimes referred to as massage programs), an identification unit 12 that identifies the contact state between the electrodes 11 and the first material 100a, etc. The user can operate the operation unit 8 to drive the electrodes 11 (put them into an energized state) to give the user electrical stimulation, or to drive the massage unit M to execute various massage operations (including massage programs).

[0029] The control unit 7 can control the supply of power to the electrode 11. More specifically, the electrode 11 can be driven by turning on the power supply to the electrode 11 (setting it to a powered state), and the driving of the electrode 11 can be stopped by turning off the power supply to the electrode 11 (setting it to a de-powered state). In other words, by turning on the power supply to the electrode 11 (changing it from a de-powered state to a powered state), electrical stimulation can be applied to the user H seated in the massage machine 1 via the clothing 100.

[0030] The control unit 7 also controls the drive of the massage unit M. Therefore, it is possible to execute a massage program that combines the drive of the electrodes 11 and the drive of the massage unit M. For example, by energizing the electrodes 11 and driving the massage unit M, a massage program that combines electrical stimulation by the electrodes 11 and various massage actions by the massage unit M can be executed. Alternatively, by de-energizing the electrodes 11 and driving the massage unit M, a massage program that combines various massage actions by the massage unit M alone can be executed. In short, the control unit 7 can realize three operations: massage actions by the massage unit M, electrical stimulation by the electrodes 11, and massage actions by the massage unit M and electrical stimulation by the electrodes 11.

[0031] [Configuration of the Identification Unit] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 7 is connected to the identification unit 12. The identification unit 12 is for identifying whether the electrodes 11 attached to the massage machine 1 and the first material 100a constituting the clothing 100 are in overlapping positions. The identification of whether they are in overlapping positions is done by identifying whether the first material 100a attached to various parts of the clothing 100 and the individual electrodes 11 attached to the massage machine 1 (body support side) are overlapping or not. In other words, if it is identified that only one of the individual electrodes 11 attached to the massage machine 1 is in an overlapping position with the first material 100a, it does not mean that all the other electrodes 11 are in an overlapping position with the first material 100a. However, if it is identified that only one electrode 11 is in an overlapping position with the first material 100a, it may be identified that all the other electrodes 11 are in an overlapping position with the first material 100a.

[0032] An example of the identification unit 12 is a proximity sensor such as an inductive (high-frequency oscillation) type. An inductive (high-frequency oscillation) proximity sensor is a sensor that determines the presence or absence of a detected object (in this embodiment, the first material 100a of the clothing 100) by emitting a high-frequency magnetic field from the main body (in this embodiment, the electrode 11).

[0033] The configuration of the identification unit 12 described in this embodiment is merely an example, and any configuration is acceptable as long as it can identify whether the electrode 11 attached to the massage machine 1 and the first material 100a constituting the clothing 100 are in an overlapping position. For example, it may be a sensor that monitors the current or voltage between conductors 30a and 30b.

[0034] For example, a detection coil (not shown) is embedded in the electrode 11, which is the main body attached to the backrest 4 (more specifically, the cushioning member 40 attached to the backrest 4), and highly conductive metal fibers are woven into the first material 100a that makes up the garment 100. In other words, the electrode 11 (including the detection coil (not shown)) and the first material 100a constitute an inductive (high-frequency oscillation) proximity sensor.

[0035] When current is passed through the detection coil (not shown) (driving the electrode 11), a high-frequency magnetic field is generated from the detection coil (not shown). When the user sits on the massage machine 1 (leaning against the backrest 4) while the high-frequency magnetic field is oscillating, the detection object (first material 100a) approaches the oscillating high-frequency magnetic field. When the detection object approaches the oscillating high-frequency magnetic field, eddy currents are generated in the detection object (first material 100a) due to electromagnetic induction.

[0036] When eddy currents are generated in the detection object (first material 100a), a loss occurs due to the resistance inside the detection object (first material 100a). More specifically, a loss occurs due to heat. This loss causes a change in the oscillation state of the detection coil (not shown) embedded in the electrode 11. More specifically, the oscillation decreases or disappears altogether. This change in oscillation state is detected by the sensor's internal circuitry (not shown), which identifies the presence of a detection object (that the electrode 11 and the first material 100a of the clothing 100 are in contact).

[0037] Furthermore, if no current is flowing through the detection coil (not shown) (i.e., the electrode 11 is not being driven), no high-frequency magnetic field will be emitted from the detection coil (not shown). Therefore, regardless of whether the electrode 11 attached to the massage machine 1 and the first material 100a constituting the clothing 100 are close to overlapping (regardless of whether the electrode 11 and the first material 100a are in an overlapping position), no induced current (eddy current) will flow through the first material 100a. In other words, when the electrode 11 is not energized, the identification unit 12 will not perform its function (and there is no need for it to perform its function in the first place).

[0038] Furthermore, the "overlapping position" of the electrode 11 and the first material 100a does not need to be "perfectly aligned without any discrepancies." If the electrode 11 and the first material 100a overlap by about 80% to 90%, it should not be significantly off from the user's acupoint position, so it can be identified as being in an overlapping position with the electrode 11 and the first material 100a. In addition, the information used by the identification unit 12 when making an identification may include content indicating the overlapping position with the electrode 11. For example, when it is identified that the distance between the electrode 11 and the first material 100a is within the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, it can be identified as being in an "overlapping position with the electrode 11." By including content indicating the overlapping position with the electrode 11 as information used for identification, errors in the degree of overlap between the electrode 11 and the first material 100a can be eliminated (misalignment can be suppressed).

[0039] Another embodiment of the identification unit 12 is one that utilizes an RFID tag. For example, an RFID tag (a structure in which a transmitting antenna is connected to an IC chip that can read and write data; this is the transmitter side) is attached to the garment 100, and a receiver is attached to the massage machine 1. When the RFID tag (transmitter side) approaches the massage machine 1, the massage machine 1 receives a signal transmitted from the RFID tag. By receiving the signal transmitted from the RFID tag, the identification unit 12 can obtain multiple location information points where the massage machine 1 (more specifically, the electrode 11) and the garment 100 (more specifically, the first material 100a) overlap.

[0040] RFID tags are attached to various parts of the garment 100, and each RFID tag attached to the garment 100 stores location information indicating its position on the garment 100. As an example of how location information is stored, coordinates can be set on the garment 100, similar to GPS. By storing the location of an average acupoint on the human body as coordinates (for example, Feishu if latitude: +15.21565 and longitude: +5.90916), the identification unit 12 can determine whether the massage machine 1 (more specifically, the electrode 11) and the garment 100 (more specifically, the first material 100a) are in a position where they overlap, based on the signal (coordinates) transmitted from the RFID tag.

[0041] Alternatively, one RFID tag may be attached somewhere on the garment 100. All the location information of the places where the first material 100a is attached (this may also be the location information of average acupuncture points on the human body) is stored in one RFID tag. In this way, by identifying just one RFID tag, the location information of all the first material 100a attached to the garment 100 can be identified, and the cost of the garment 100 and the massage machine 1 itself can also be reduced.

[0042] When the identification unit 12 identifies that the electrode 11 and the first material 100a are in an overlapping position, the control unit 7 can call up a specific massage program from among a plurality of massage programs stored in the memory unit (not shown) according to the identification result. In this embodiment, a specific massage program is described using the case of applying electrical stimulation as an example, but the massage by the massage unit M may also be considered a specific massage program. The system may also be configured to call up a program specifically for applying stimulation to the bladder diameter or small intestine diameter by the massage unit M.

[0043] For example, when the identification unit 12 identifies that the conductor 11 and the first material 100a are at a position where they overlap at a position corresponding to the bladder diameter described later, a massage program (bladder diameter program) specialized in applying electrical stimulation (including a massage operation) to the bladder diameter is called, enabling the execution of a specific massage program (bladder diameter program). Further, when the identification unit 12 identifies that the conductor 11 and the first material 100a are at a position where they overlap at a position corresponding to the small intestine meridian described later, a massage program (small intestine meridian program) specialized in applying electrical stimulation (including a massage operation) to the small intestine meridian is called, enabling the execution of a specific massage program (small intestine meridian program). By doing so, electrical stimulation by executing a specific massage program can be applied according to the result identified by the identification unit 12.

[0044] [Configuration of the air supply and exhaust device] As shown in FIG. 2, the air supply and exhaust device 9 includes a pump 9a for supplying air to each massage unit 3a, 5a composed of an air cell, and a valve 9b for connecting each massage unit 3a, 5a and the pump 9a. By turning the valve 9b ON and OFF, air can be supplied to and exhausted from the air cell.

[0045] [Configuration of the buffer member] A buffer member K is attached to the body support portion S to improve the sitting comfort and leaning comfort when the user H uses the massage machine 1. In this embodiment, the buffer member 40 attached to the backrest portion 4 and the buffer member 30 attached to the seat portion 3 will be described as an example, but the attachment of the buffer member K is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, the buffer member K may be attached to the armrest portion 2 or the footrest portion 5 which are the body support portion S. Also, the pillow portion 6 may be integrally formed with the buffer member K.

[0046] [Configuration of the buffer member attached to the backrest portion] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the buffer member 40 attached to the backrest portion 4 is composed of a combination of two materials. More specifically, it is composed of a conductor 11 and a second material 40b with low conductivity (or no conductivity) to which the conductor 11 is attached. The second material 40b is the main body (buffer main body) as the buffer member. A plurality of conductors 11 (11a, 11b, etc.) for applying an electrical stimulus to the user are attached to the second material 40b.

[0047] The conductor 11 is composed of a semi-circular conductor 30a to which the conductor 11 is attached and an insulator 30c. By sandwiching the insulator 30c with the semi-circular conductor 30a from both left and right, the conductor 11 is configured in a circular shape (the conductor 11 is separated into left and right by the insulator 30C). A negative pole is embedded in the right conductor 30a, and a positive pole is embedded in the left conductor 30a (see the frame W in Fig. 5(a)). In this embodiment, the case of a DC type using a positive pole and a negative pole will be described as an example, but an AC type (a method of changing the direction of the flowing electricity by periodically switching the positive pole and the negative pole. That is, electricity can flow from the positive pole to the negative pole or from the negative pole to the positive pole.) may also be used.

[0048] By separating the left and right conductors 30a with the insulator 30c, the positive pole and the negative pole are blocked. That is, the conductor 11 is configured so that electricity does not flow through the conductor 11 alone. The body of the user H has the function of a conductor that conducts electricity. Therefore, when the user H sits on the massager 1 (the body of the user H comes into contact with the conductor 11), the left and right conductors 30a are connected by the body of the user H (the positive pole and the negative pole are connected). In that state, by driving the conductor 11 (putting it in an energized state), an electric current flows from the positive pole to the negative pole, and an electrical stimulus can be given to the user.

[0049] More precisely, electric current is generated when negatively charged electrons are ejected from atoms and move. In other words, electric current is generated when negatively charged electrons are attracted to the positive electrode (electron movement).

[0050] In other words, the accurate statement is that electric current flows from the negative pole to the positive pole, and electrons flow from the positive pole to the negative pole. However, since the convention that "electrons flow in the positive direction and electric current flows in the negative direction" is still used today, this specification will also explain the direction of electric current assuming that it flows from the positive pole to the negative pole. Although only some figures are numbered, in Figure 4, the electrode 11 is indicated by a circle on the second material 40b.

[0051] Since the electrode 11 is attached to the second material 40b, which has low conductivity (or no conductivity), the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 cannot escape to the second material 40b, which has low conductivity (or no conductivity), and remains within the electrode 11. In other words, the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 can be directly delivered to the user H (upper body) seated in the massage machine 1, via the clothing 100. Note that the arrangement, size, and shape of the electrode 11 attached to the second material 40b (cushioning member 40) are examples and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 and 6(b), the electrodes 11 are attached along the meridians of the human body. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just one example, but in the example shown in Figure 4(a), the part extending vertically in the center of the buffer member 40 corresponds to the meridian generally known as the bladder meridian. The parts extending vertically on both the left and right sides of the central part correspond to the meridian known as the spleen meridian. Furthermore, the parts extending vertically on the outside of these, in pairs on the left and right, correspond to the meridian known as the lung meridian. By attaching the electrodes 11 along the meridians of the user H, electrical stimulation can be applied to the meridians of the user H. Note that the arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just one example and is not limited to this. They only need to be attached to positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H or along the meridians of the user H, and can be arranged freely along various meridians.

[0053] The electrodes 11 are attached to positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H. For example, electrode 11a corresponds to the acupoint called Feishu, electrode 11b corresponds to the acupoint called Geshu, electrode 11c corresponds to the acupoint called Ganshu, electrode 11d corresponds to the acupoint called Pishu, electrode 11e corresponds to the Sanjiaoshu, and electrode 11f corresponds to the Shenshu.

[0054] As explained, the electrode 11 is circular in shape, consisting of a semicircular conductor 30a and an insulator 30c. When user H sits on the massage machine 1 (user H's body comes into contact with the electrode 11), the left and right conductors 30a connect via user H's body (the positive and negative poles connect). As a result, the positive and negative poles are connected via user H's body, and electricity flows from the positive to the negative pole. In other words, by attaching the electrode 11 to positions corresponding to user H's acupoints, electrical stimulation can be applied precisely to user H's acupoints. Note that the arrangement of the electrode 11 is just an example and is not limited to this. It is sufficient that it is placed in positions corresponding to user H's acupoints or in positions where conductive material is used in the clothing 100, and it can be appropriately placed in positions corresponding to various acupoints.

[0055] [Configuration of the cushioning member attached to the seat] As shown in Figure 5(a), the cushioning member 30 attached to the seat 3 is made up of two materials. More specifically, it is made up of an electrode 11 and a second material 30b (cushioning member body) to which the electrode 11 is attached and which has low conductivity (or no conductivity). Multiple electrodes 11 (11a, 11b, etc.) are attached to the second material 30b to deliver electrical stimulation to the user.

[0056] The electrode 11 has positive and negative electrodes embedded in it, similar to the electrode 11 attached to the backrest 4 (see Figure 5(a)). When the electrode 11 is activated (energized), current flows from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, providing electrical stimulation to the user. Although only some parts are numbered, the electrode 11 is indicated by a circle on the second material 30b in Figure 5.

[0057] When user H is not seated on the massage machine 1, the electrode 11 is separated into positive and negative poles by the insulator 30c, so no electricity flows. When user H is seated on the massage machine 1 and user H's body comes into contact with the electrode 11, user H's body becomes a conductor, allowing electricity to flow from the positive pole to the negative pole. The electrode 11 is attached to a second material 30b that has low conductivity (or no conductivity). Therefore, even when user H is seated on the massage machine 1 and electricity is flowing, the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 does not escape to the second material 30b that has low conductivity (or no conductivity), but flows to the clothing 100 (the first conductive material 100a).

[0058] In short, the electrical stimulation emitted from the positive electrode of the electrode 11 flows from the positive electrode of the electrode 11 to the clothing 100 (conductive first material 100a), through the clothing 100 (conductive first material 100a) to the user H's body, then from the user H's body back to the clothing 100 (conductive first material 100a), and finally from the clothing 100 (conductive first material 100a) to the negative electrode of the electrode 11. In other words, the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode 11 flows directly to the user H (lower body) seated in the massage machine 1 via the clothing 100. Note that the arrangement, size, and shape of the electrode 11 attached to the second material 30b (cushioning member 30) are examples and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the case where electrical stimulation is applied to the user H through clothing 100 is described as an example, but the system may also be configured to apply electrical stimulation to the user H by bringing the electrodes 11 into contact with the scalp. For example, the electrodes 11 may be brought into direct contact with an exposed part of the scalp, such as the fingertips. The fingertips of user H are not covered by clothing 100, and the scalp is exposed to the outside. Therefore, by bringing the electrodes 11 into direct contact with the fingertips of user H, electrical stimulation can be applied directly to the fingertips of user H.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the electrodes 11 are attached along the meridians of the human body. The arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just one example, but in the example shown in Figure 5(a), the parts located in the center of the buffer member 30 (electrodes 11a, 11b) correspond to the meridian generally known as the bladder meridian. The parts located on both the left and right outer sides (electrode 11c) correspond to the meridian known as the gallbladder meridian. By attaching the electrodes 11 along the meridians of the user H, electrical stimulation can be applied to the meridians of the user H. Note that the arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just one example and is not limited to this. They should be attached in positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H or along the meridians of the user H, and can be arranged freely along various meridians.

[0061] The electrodes 11 are positioned at locations corresponding to the acupoints of the user H. For example, electrode 11a corresponds to the acupoint called Yaoshu, electrode 11b corresponds to the acupoint called Baohuang, and electrode 11c corresponds to the acupoint called Huanqiao. By attaching the electrodes 11 to positions corresponding to the acupoints of the user H, electrical stimulation can be applied precisely to the acupoints of the user H. Note that the arrangement of the electrodes 11 is just an example and is not limited to this. They should be positioned at locations corresponding to the acupoints of the user H or at locations in the clothing 100 where highly conductive material is used, and can be appropriately placed at locations corresponding to various acupoints.

[0062] [Configuration of the operating unit] Figure 3 shows the screen 8a of the operating unit 8 of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the screen 8a for selecting the electrode 11 to be driven, and (b) is the screen 8a for selecting (adjusting) the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode 11. The operating unit 8 has a screen 8a. The screen 8a is configured as a touch panel.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3(a), the user can select which electrode 11 to drive from among the multiple electrodes 11 by operating the control unit 8. The back of the user's upper body is displayed in the center of the screen 8a. When a point displayed on the screen 8a is selected, the color of the point changes (in this embodiment, it is displayed with diagonal lines). By configuring the selected point to change color, the user H can visually recognize which electrode 11 to drive. When the user presses the confirmation button 8b with the electrode 11 to drive selected, the electrode 11 to be driven is confirmed and the massage machine 1 starts to drive.

[0064] Note that on screen 8a, where you select the electrode 11 to be driven, pressing the back button 8c displayed in the lower right corner of screen 8a will end the selection of the electrode 11 to be driven. The selection of the electrode 11 to be driven is configured not to be reflected unless you press the OK button 8b. Therefore, if you press the back button 8c without pressing the OK button 8b, you will return to the state before selecting the electrode 11 to be driven (a state where no electrode 11 is selected).

[0065] Below the screen 8a where the user selects the electrode 11 to be driven, a button (back button 8c) for switching the currently displayed image is shown. By pressing the back button 8c, the user H can switch back to the screen 8a before selecting the electrode 11 to be driven. Alternatively, a next button (not shown) can be displayed on the screen 8a where the user selects the electrode 11 to be driven. By displaying a next button (not shown) on the screen 8a, when the user H presses the next button (not shown), the screen 8a can be switched to a screen 8a where the user selects the electrode 11 to be driven on another part of the user H (such as the buttocks or arms). In this way, the user H can select the electrode 11 to be driven from among the electrodes 11 on other parts of the user displayed on the screen 8a.

[0066] Depending on how the electrodes 11 to be driven are selected, electrical stimulation can be applied to acupoints or meridians. For example, to apply electrical stimulation to an acupoint, on screen 8a displaying the back of the upper body of user H, select Dazhui and press the confirm button 8b (see Figure 3(a)). This will apply electrical stimulation precisely to the Dazhui acupoint. Alternatively, to apply electrical stimulation to a meridian, on screen 8a displaying the back of the upper body of user H, select Dazhui and Shenzhu and press the confirm button 8b (see Figure 3(a)). This will apply electrical stimulation to the Sanjiao meridian, which is formed by connecting Dazhui and Shenzhu. Note that these explanations are examples and are not exhaustive. Depending on the selected acupoint, the acupoints or meridians to which electrical stimulation can be applied can be changed as appropriate.

[0067] Furthermore, the intensity of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrode 11 can be adjusted by operating the control unit 8. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3(b), the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be adjusted by operating the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter displayed in the center of the screen 8a of the control unit 8. In this embodiment, the screen 8a for adjusting the intensity can be adjusted in eight steps from 0 to 7 using the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter, but this is just an example and is not limited to this configuration. It should also be possible to configure the system to allow adjustment of the intensity of each massage unit M, not just the electrical stimulation.

[0068] As shown in Figure 3(b), at least the intensity of the electrical stimulation from the electrode 11 can be adjusted by operating the control unit 8. An intensity adjustment button (not shown) is displayed on the screen 8a of the control unit 8, and by pressing the intensity adjustment button (not shown), the user H can switch the display on screen 8a to the intensity adjustment screen and adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation. In other words, the intensity of the electrical stimulation can be set to the user's preferred level.

[0069] In the center of screen 8a, which is used for adjusting the intensity, a right-angled triangle-shaped parameter is displayed, allowing you to adjust the intensity in eight steps from 0 to 7. The leftmost position is the weakest setting, the fourth from the left is the medium setting, and the rightmost position is the strongest setting. In other words, the intensity gradually increases as you move from left to right.

[0070] When the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter displayed on screen 8a is pressed, the color of the pressed area changes (in this embodiment, it is displayed with diagonal lines). By configuring the device so that the color of the pressed area changes, the user can visually perceive the intensity (strength) of the electrical stimulation from the driving electrode 11. After selecting the strength, pressing the confirmation button 8b displayed in the lower right corner of screen 8a reflects the selected strength in the electrical stimulation.

[0071] Note that pressing the back button 8c, displayed in the lower right corner of screen 8a, while adjusting the intensity will end the intensity adjustment. The selected intensity is configured not to be reflected unless the confirm button 8b is pressed. Therefore, if you press the back button 8c without pressing the confirm button 8b, the intensity will revert to the state it was in before you selected the intensity adjustment. For example, suppose the intensity before selecting the intensity adjustment was 3, and you selected intensity 6 on the intensity adjustment screen. If you press the back button 8c in that state, the selected intensity will not be reflected, and the intensity will revert to 3.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that the electrical stimulation is configured to start with a low intensity. By configuring the stimulation to start with a low intensity, it is possible to prevent the user from being surprised or injured by suddenly receiving a strong electrical stimulus.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the back of user H, where (a) shows acupoints and (b) shows meridians. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of clothing 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the back, where (a) is clothing 100 for the upper body and (b) is clothing 100 for the lower body. Note that the locations of acupoints and meridians in Figure 6 will differ for each user H using the massage machine 1 due to individual differences in height, build, etc. Also, the acupoints and meridians shown in Figure 6 are only a portion of the acupoints and meridians on the back of user H (especially the upper body), and do not cover all acupoints and meridians in user H's body.

[0074] Acupoints are what are commonly known as pressure points, and according to the WHO definition, there are 361 acupoints throughout the body. In Oriental medicine, acupoints are considered to be the entry and exit points of vital energy (qi). There are two types of vital energy: pathogenic energy and righteous energy. Pathogenic energy is the energy that causes illness in the body, while righteous energy is the energy that keeps the body functioning normally. Meridians are pathways for vital energy and blood that connect acupoints and are spread throughout the entire body in all directions. In other words, meridians run along the acupoints. The circulation of vital energy and blood from the deep parts of the body down to the skin and muscles plays a role in regulating biological functions and maintaining balance. Meridians consist of main meridians and collateral meridians that branch off from the main meridians, and the main meridians consist of the twelve regular meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians.

[0075] [Clothing Composition] The clothing 100 worn by user H (more specifically, the clothing 100 for using the massage machine 1, in the case where user H uses the massage machine 1 while wearing the clothing 100) will be described. In this embodiment, a long-sleeved innerwear will be used as an example for the upper body clothing 100, and a short-length innerwear will be used as an example for the lower body clothing 100. Note that the shape of the clothing 100 is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, a short-sleeved or three-quarter-length innerwear may be used as the upper body clothing 100. Also, an innerwear that reaches to the ankles may be used as the lower body clothing 100. Furthermore, regarding the size of the clothing, there may be multiple sizes (S to XXXL, etc.) to suit the physique of user H who uses the massage machine 1.

[0076] Furthermore, the garment may be something that fits snugly against the user H's skin, like leggings, or it may be something that has some space between it and the user H's skin, such as loungewear. Regardless of the degree of contact, it is acceptable as long as it touches the user H's skin. In this embodiment, the example is given of a case where a conductive first material 100a is used on a part of the back of the garment 100, but this is just an example and is not limited to this. The conductive first material 100a may be used on the front or sides of the garment 100. The parts other than the first material 100a are made of a non-conductive (or low-conductive) material. Therefore, even if the conductor 11 comes into contact with a part other than the first material 100a, no current will flow through the garment 100.

[0077] By bringing the electrodes 11 into contact with the conductive first material 100a used on the front or sides of the garment 100 and creating an electrical current, electrical stimulation can be applied to the front or sides of the user H's skin. Furthermore, the material used for the garment 100 can be anything. It is sufficient that at least a part of the garment 100 uses the conductive first material 100a.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7(a), the upper body garment 100A is made up of a combination of multiple materials. More specifically, it is made up of a combination of a conductive first material 100a and a non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b. In this embodiment, the conductive first material 100a is used only around the location where the electrode 11 is attached. In other words, the majority of the materials constituting the garment 100 are made up of non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b. The non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b can be any material that has lower conductivity than the conductive first material 100a. For example, it may be a material with high electrical resistance or a so-called insulating material (non-conductive material) such as rubber.

[0079] The conductive first material 100a is composed of highly conductive metal fibers such as silver or copper, and is used (placed) at positions corresponding to the acupoints of user H. By composing the conductive first material 100a with metal fibers, electrical stimulation can be efficiently delivered to user H's body. Furthermore, by locating the conductive first material 100a at positions corresponding to user H's acupoints, electrical stimulation can be delivered precisely to user H's acupoints.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first material 100a is used at a location corresponding to an acupoint on the back of the user H's upper body (see Figure 6(a)). Note that the arrangement of the conductive first material 100a is just an example and is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least a part of the first material 100a is positioned at a location corresponding to the user H's acupoint. For example, the first material 100a may be positioned at a location corresponding to the Feishu acupoint, or it may not be positioned at a location corresponding to the Feishu acupoint.

[0081] User H can apply electrical stimulation to any acupoint (for example, Feishu and Jianzhongshu) by selecting and activating the electrodes 11 located at the positions corresponding to the acupoints that the user wishes to stimulate. Depending on the selected acupoints, it is also possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridians formed by connecting the acupoints. For example, by selecting the three acupoints "Dazhui, Shenzhu, and Mingmen," it is possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian known as the Sanjiao meridian, which is formed by connecting "Dazhui, Shenzhu, and Mingmen" (see Figure 6(b)). In this way, by selecting the electrodes 11 located on the meridians formed by connecting each acupoint, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation not only to the acupoints but also to the meridians.

[0082] More specifically, electric current flows from the positive pole to the negative pole. Therefore, when attempting to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian known as the Triple Energizer meridian, select the positive electrode 11 located at Dazhui and the negative electrode 11 located at Mingmen. By doing so, electric current can be transmitted from the electrode 11 located at Dazhui, through Shenzhu, to the electrode 11 located at Mingmen. Alternatively, select the negative electrode 11 located at Dazhui and the positive electrode 11 located at Mingmen. By doing so, electric current can be transmitted from the electrode 11 located at Mingmen, through Shenzhu, to the electrode 11 located at Dazhui.

[0083] In other words, by selecting electrodes 11 located on the meridians formed by connecting various acupoints (including the selection of positive and negative poles), it is possible to apply electrical stimulation not only to acupoints such as Dazhui and Mingmen, but also to meridians such as the Triple Energizer meridian. In this embodiment, the example of applying electrical stimulation to the Triple Energizer meridian was used, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. Which meridian is stimulated depends on how the user H selects the electrodes 11 to be driven (including the selection of positive and negative poles).

[0084] As shown in Figure 7(b), the lower body garment 100B is made up of a combination of multiple materials. More specifically, it is made up of a combination of a conductive first material 100a and a non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b. In this embodiment, the conductive first material 100a is used only around the location where the electrode 11 is attached. In other words, the majority of the materials constituting the garment 100 are made up of non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b. The non-conductive (or low-conductive) material 100b can be any material that has lower conductivity than the conductive first material 100a. For example, it may be a material with high electrical resistance or a so-called insulating material (non-conductive material) such as rubber.

[0085] The conductive first material 100a is composed of highly conductive metal fibers such as silver or copper, and is used (placed) at positions corresponding to the acupoints of user H. By composing the conductive first material 100a with metal fibers, electrical stimulation can be efficiently delivered to user H's body. Furthermore, by locating the conductive first material 100a at positions corresponding to user H's acupoints, electrical stimulation can be delivered precisely to user H's acupoints.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first material 100a is used at a location corresponding to an acupoint on the back of the user H's buttocks (see Figure 6(a)). Note that the arrangement of the conductive first material 100a is just an example and is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the first material 100a is positioned at a location corresponding to the user H's acupoint. For example, the first material 100a may be positioned at the location corresponding to the Yaoshu point, but not at the location corresponding to the Huanqiao point.

[0087] User H can apply electrical stimulation to any acupoint by selecting and activating the electrodes 11 located at the position corresponding to the acupoint they wish to stimulate. Depending on the selected acupoint, it is also possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian formed by connecting the acupoints. For example, by selecting the three acupoints "Geliao, Huiyang, and Chengfu," it is possible to apply electrical stimulation to the meridian known as the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang, which is formed by connecting "Geliao, Huiyang, and Chengfu." In this way, by selecting electrodes 11 located on the meridians formed by connecting each acupoint, it is possible to apply electrical stimulation not only to the acupoints but also to the meridians.

[0088] The electrode 11 is switched from a non-electrical state to an electric state, and an electrical stimulus is emitted from the electrode 11. The electrical stimulus does not escape through the non-electrical (or low-electrical) material 100b, but is transmitted through the conductive first material 100a to the user H's acupoints (including meridians depending on the selected acupoints), thereby providing an electrical stimulus to the acupoints. In other words, by devising the arrangement of the conductive first material 100a (including the electrode 11 attached to the first material 100a) that is combined with the garment 100, the acupoints to which electrical stimulation is applied can be changed for each user wearing the garment 100.

[0089] For example, one garment (not shown) may be constructed with conductive first material 100a positioned at locations corresponding to acupoints that have a slimming effect, or another garment (not shown) may be constructed with conductive first material 100a positioned at locations corresponding to acupoints that are effective for treating cold sensitivity. Since the area around the conductive first material 100a is composed of a non-conductive (or lowly conductive) material 100b, user H can wear garment 100 appropriate to their purpose (for example, if the purpose is slimming, garment with conductive first material 100a positioned at locations corresponding to acupoints that have a slimming effect; if the purpose is to improve cold sensitivity, garment with conductive first material 100a positioned at locations corresponding to acupoints that are effective for treating cold sensitivity) and use the massage machine 1, thereby receiving electrical stimulation according to user H's purpose without having to select the electrodes 11 to be driven each time.

[0090] The present invention can be applied to a massage machine and clothing for using the massage machine, which can deliver electrical stimulation to a user seated in the massage machine through their clothing by controlling the drive of electrodes attached to the massage machine with a control unit.

[0091] Control unit 7 Electrode 11 Cushioning member 30, 40, K Clothing 100 First material Ka User H Body support part S

Claims

1. A massage machine for use by a user while wearing clothes, wherein at least a portion of the clothing is made of a conductive first material, and the machine comprises a body support section and a control section, wherein electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to the first material are attached to the body support section, and the control section controls the driving of the electrodes and energizes them to apply electrical stimulation to the user through the first material.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material is composed of metal fibers.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that multiple electrodes are attached and positioned to correspond to the user's acupuncture points.

4. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operating unit, wherein a plurality of electrodes are attached, and the control unit can select which of the plurality of electrodes to drive by operating the operating unit.

5. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operating unit, wherein the control unit can adjust the strength of the electrical stimulation emitted by the electrodes by operating the operating unit.

6. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical stimulation is performed starting from a low level.

7. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an identification unit, wherein the control unit controls the driving of the electrode identified by the identification unit.

8. The massage machine according to claim 7, having a storage unit that stores a plurality of massage programs, wherein the control unit is configured to call a specific massage program from the plurality of massage programs and execute the specific massage program when the identification unit identifies that the electrode and the first material are in an overlapping position.

9. Clothing worn by a user for using the massage machine described in claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the clothing is made of a first conductive material, and the first material is positioned to correspond to the user's acupuncture points.

10. Clothing worn by a user for use with the massage machine described in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the clothing is made of a conductive first material, and the first material is positioned to correspond to the electrodes when the user is supported by the body support portion.

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