JP7150592B2 - chair massage machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a chair-type massage machine having armrests and an ottoman.

In recent years, various chair-type massage machines having armrests and ottomans have been developed (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-152260

The massage machine proposed in Patent Literature 1 can stretch the arms of the user when the backrest is tilted backward. However, since the armrests are immovable, the arm of the user who is the target of the stretching treatment does not move, and the body of the user who is not the target of the stretching treatment moves, thereby realizing the stretching treatment. Such stretching treatment gives a feeling of discomfort to the person being treated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a chair-type massage machine that can perform stretching treatment on the arms of a user without causing discomfort to the user.

The chair-type massage machine disclosed in this specification includes a main body, armrests for supporting the forearms and hands of a user, an ottoman for accommodating the lower legs and feet of the user, and a connecting portion, wherein the main body portion has a seat portion that supports the thighs of the user, and a base portion that supports the armrest portion, and the armrest portion has a front-rear direction component. The ottoman is rotatably attached to the main body about a first rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and the ottoman is attached to the lower leg. The connecting part is attached to the armrest part so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The connecting portion is attached to the ottoman so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and the connecting portion connects the armrest portion and the ottoman (first configuration). ).

In the chair-type massage machine having the first configuration, the ottoman is configured to rotate around the first rotation axis when the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are aligned (second rotation axis). configuration).

In the chair-type massage machine having the second configuration, the ottoman is in a first state in which the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are aligned and the longitudinal direction of the lower leg is along the direction of gravity; A second state in which the first state is rotated from the rear toward the front by a predetermined amount, and a third state in which the same amount of rotation as in the second state is maintained. configuration).

In the chair-type massage machine having the third configuration, the ottoman is configured to undergo state transitions in the order of the first state, the second state, the third state, the second state, and the first state (the second state). 4).

In the chair-type massage machine having any one of the first to fourth configurations, a first airbag is provided in the armrest portion, and the first airbag is inflated when the ottoman is extended to A configuration (fifth configuration) in which at least part of the hand is fixed to the armrest may be employed.

In the chair-type massage machine having any one of the first to fifth configurations, a second airbag is provided in the ottoman, and the second airbag expands when the ottoman is expanded to A configuration (sixth configuration) in which at least part of the leg is fixed to the ottoman may be employed.

According to the chair-type massage machine disclosed in this specification, stretching treatment can be performed on the arms of the user without giving the user a sense of discomfort.

Front view of a chair-type massage machine according to one embodiment Side view of a chair-type massage machine according to one embodiment A side view of an armrest and a connecting portion of a chair-type massage machine according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system that controls the operation of a chair-type massage machine according to an embodiment; FIG. Flowchart showing stretching treatment operation of the chair-type massage machine according to one embodiment Side view of a chair-type massage machine according to one embodiment Side view of a chair-type massage machine according to one embodiment

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a chair-type massage machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as "massage machine 1") according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the massage machine 1 viewed from the left. FIG. 3 is a side view of the armrest portion 5L and the connecting portion 7L of the massage machine 1 as viewed from the right. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 6 to 7, which will be described later, only the parts constituting the framework of the massage machine 1 are illustrated.

In the following description, the front side (front side) as seen from the user seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest 3 not reclined is referred to as the "front side." The rear side (rear side) as viewed from the patient seated on the machine 1 is referred to as the "rear side." In addition, the upper side (head side) as seen from the user seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest 3 not reclined is referred to as the "upper side". The lower side (leg side) as seen from the seated patient is referred to as the "lower side". Also, the right side of the subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest 3 not reclined is referred to as the "right side", and the subject seated on the massage machine 1 with the backrest 3 not reclined. The left side as seen from the person is called the "left side".

The massage machine 1 includes a seat portion 2, a backrest portion 3, a pair of left and right base portions 4L and 4R, a pair of left and right armrest portions 5L and 5R, an ottoman 6, a pair of left and right connecting portions 7L and 7R, Prepare. The backrest 3, the armrests 5L and 5R and the ottoman 6 are attached to a body having a seat 2 and bases 4L and 4R.

The seat 2 supports the user's buttocks and thighs.

The backrest 3 supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the user. The backrest portion 3 is attached to the rear end of the seat portion 2 so as to be rotatable around a reclining rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The backrest portion 3 is provided with a massage unit (not shown) having treatment elements. The massage unit moves up and down in the longitudinal direction of the backrest 3 while being guided by guide rails (not shown) provided on the backrest 3 . In addition, the guide rail may be extended to the rear portion of the seat portion 2 so that the massage unit moves up and down in the longitudinal direction of the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 3 . The massage unit includes treatment elements, a kneading drive mechanism that causes the treatment elements to perform a kneading motion, and a tapping drive mechanism that causes the treatment elements to perform a tapping motion.

The base portion 4L is erected on the left side of the seat portion 2 and supports the armrest portion 5L. The base portion 4R is erected on the right side of the seat portion 2 and supports the armrest portion 5R.

The armrest portion 5L has a concave portion that is concave downward. The concave portion of the armrest portion 5L accommodates and supports the left forearm and left hand of the user. An airbag (not shown) is provided in the concave portion of the armrest portion 5L. The user's left forearm and left hand are massaged by the expansion and contraction of the airbag provided in the concave portion of the armrest 5L. Further, when the airbag provided in the concave portion of the armrest portion 5L inflates to a predetermined level or more, at least part of the left forearm and left hand of the user are fixed to the armrest portion 5L. The armrest 5L does not necessarily have to support the left forearm and left hand of the user. . Therefore, the "armrest for supporting the user's forearm and hand" recited in the claims does not necessarily support the user's forearm and hand in its entirety. It is sufficient if it has a function to support at least part of the body and the hand. In other words, "armrests supporting the forearms and hands of the user" described in the claims mean "armrests supporting at least part of the forearms and hands of the user".

In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the treatment means other than the airbag may be provided in the concave portion of the armrest portion 5L, or the treatment means may not be provided in the concave portion of the armrest portion 5L. If no airbag is provided in the concave portion of the armrest portion 5L, it is desirable to provide a fixing means other than the airbag or an auxiliary means for assisting the fixing. Fixing means other than the airbag include, for example, a fixing band that is wrapped around the wrist of the user. As the auxiliary means, for example, a grasping portion which is grasped by the person to be treated can be cited.

The armrest portion 5R has a shape symmetrical to the armrest portion 5L, and supports the right forearm and right hand of the user.

The ottoman 6 accommodates the lower legs and feet of the user. The ottoman 6 is attached to the main body of the massage machine 1 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis AX1 extending in the left-right direction. The ottoman 6 is a mechanism ( extension mechanism). The extension mechanism can be realized, for example, by a cylinder whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the direction DR1 and an actuator that drives the cylinder. The ottoman 6 does not necessarily have to accommodate all of the user's lower legs and feet, as long as it has the function of accommodating at least part of the user's lower legs and feet. Therefore, the "ottoman for accommodating the lower legs and feet of the user" described in the claims does not necessarily accommodate the entire lower legs and feet of the user. It is sufficient if it has a function to accommodate at least part of the lower leg and foot of the body. In other words, "an ottoman that accommodates the lower legs and feet of the user" described in the claims means "an ottoman that accommodates at least a part of the lower legs and feet of the user." .

The ottoman 6 is provided with an airbag. The user's lower legs and feet are massaged by inflating and deflating airbags provided on the ottoman 6 . Further, when the airbag provided on the ottoman 6 is inflated to a predetermined level or more, at least a part of the user's lower legs and feet is fixed to the ottoman.

In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the ottoman 6 may be provided with treatment means other than the airbag, or the ottoman 6 may not be provided with treatment means. If the ottoman 6 is not provided with an airbag, it is desirable to provide fixing means other than the airbag. Fixing means other than the airbag include, for example, a fixing band wrapped around the ankle of the user.

The connecting portion 7L connects the armrest portion 5L and the ottoman 6 . 7 L of connection parts are rod-shaped. One end of the connecting portion 7L is attached to the front lower portion of the armrest portion 5L so as to be rotatable around the second rotation axis AX2 extending along the left-right direction. The other end of the connecting portion 7L is attached to the left side surface of the ottoman 6 so as to be rotatable around a third rotation axis AX3 extending in the left-right direction.

The connecting portion 7R connects the armrest portion 5R and the ottoman 6 together. The connecting portion 7R is rod-shaped. One end of the connecting portion 7R is attached to the front lower portion of the armrest portion 5R so as to be rotatable around the second rotation axis AX2 extending along the left-right direction. The other end of the connecting portion 7R is attached to the right side surface of the ottoman 6 so as to be rotatable around a third rotation axis AX3 extending in the left-right direction.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system that controls the operation of the massage machine 1. As shown in FIG. The massage machine 1 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, an operation unit 13, drive circuits 14 to 18, a backrest actuator 19 that rotates the backrest 3, and an ottoman actuator that rotates the ottoman 6. 20 , an extension mechanism 21 for the ottoman 6 , an air pump 22 , and an electromagnetic valve group 23 .

The storage unit 11 stores programs and data necessary for the control unit 12 to control the operation of the massage machine 1 . The control section 12 controls the operation of the massage machine 1 based on signals output from the operation section 13 .

The controller 12 controls the backrest actuator 19 via the drive circuit 14 . The control unit 12 controls the ottoman actuator 20 via the drive circuit 15 . The control unit 12 controls the extension mechanism 21 of the ottoman 6 via the drive circuit 16 . The controller 12 controls the air pump 22 via the drive circuit 17 . The control unit 12 controls the electromagnetic valve group 23 via the drive circuit 18 . Electromagnetic valve group 23 includes a plurality of electromagnetic valves.

Each solenoid valve is provided between the air pump 22 and at least one airbag. For example, when the solenoid valve is in the first state and the air pump 22 and the airbag communicate with each other, air is supplied from the air pump 22 to the airbag via the solenoid valve. This inflates the airbag. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve is in the second state and the airbag communicates with the outside, the air inside the airbag is discharged to the outside via the solenoid valve. This releases the air in the airbag and deflates the airbag. Further, when the solenoid valve is in the third state and the airbag is disconnected from both the air pump 22 and the outside, the amount of air in the airbag is held.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the stretching treatment operation of the massage machine 1. As shown in FIG. The massage machine 1 is controlled by the control unit 12 to perform the stretching treatment operation shown in FIG.

At the start of the stretching treatment operation shown in FIG. 5, the massage machine 1 is in the state shown in FIG. That is, at the start of the stretching treatment operation shown in FIG. 5, the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 are aligned, and the direction DR1 is downward (the direction of gravity). At the start of the stretching treatment operation shown in FIG. 5, the air in the airbags provided in the armrests 5L and 5R and the air in the airbags provided in the ottoman 6 are released to the outside.

First, the control unit 12 rotates the ottoman 6 from the rear toward the front by a predetermined amount (step S10). In the following description, the predetermined amount is 90 degrees, but this value is only an example, and the predetermined amount may be 45 degrees, for example. When the process of step S10 is completed, the massage machine 1 will be in the state shown in FIG.

In the process of step S10, since the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 are aligned, the ottoman 6 rotates even though the armrests 5L and 5R and the ottoman 6 are connected. However, the armrests 5L and 5R do not move relative to the bases 4L and 4R.

In step S20 following step S10, the control unit 12 inflates the airbags provided in the armrests 5L and 5R and the airbags provided in the ottoman 6 while maintaining the state shown in FIG.

When the process of step S20 is completed, at least part of the left forearm and left hand of the user are fixed to the armrest 5L, and at least part of the right forearm and right hand of the user are fixed to the armrest 5R. , and at least part of the user's lower legs and feet are fixed to the ottoman 6 .

In step S30 following step S20, the control unit 12 maintains the inflated state (air amount) of the airbags provided in the armrests 5L and 5R and the airbags provided in the ottoman 6 at the time when the process of step S20 is completed. Extend the ottoman 6 as it is. When the process of step S30 is completed, the massage machine 1 will be in the state shown in FIG.

When the process of step S30 is completed, the ottoman 6 has moved in the direction DR1 compared to when the process of step S20 was completed. As a result, stretching treatment is performed on the lower legs and feet of the user.

Further, since the armrest portions 5L and 5R and the ottoman 6 are connected by the connection portions 7L and 7R, the armrest portions 5L and 5R move relative to the base portions 4L and 4R as the ottoman 6 moves in the direction DR1. to move. Specifically, the armrests 5L and 5R slide on the upper surfaces of the bases 4L and 4R and move obliquely forward and upward along a direction DR2 including a front-rear component and a vertical component. As a result, stretching treatment is performed on the forearms and hands of the user. In addition, since the massage machine 1 includes the connecting portions 7L and 7R, the armrest portions 5L and 5R are connected to the base portions 4L and 4R in conjunction with the movement of the ottoman 6 without providing an actuator dedicated to the armrest portions 5L and 5R. can be moved against.

In step S40 following step S30, the controller 12 cancels the extended state of the ottoman 6 and restores the state of the massage machine 1 to the state at the start of step S30. Therefore, when the process of step S40 is completed, the massage machine 1 returns to the state shown in FIG. In addition, in order to ensure sufficient time for the stretching treatment, a predetermined waiting time may be provided between the time when the process of step S30 is completed and the time when the process of step S40 is started.

In step S50 following step S40, the control unit 12 deflates the airbags provided on the armrests 5L and 5R and the airbags provided on the ottoman 6. When the process of step S50 is completed, the left forearm and left hand of the user are not fixed to the armrest 5L, the right forearm and right hand of the user are not fixed to the armrest 5R, The user's lower legs and feet are not fixed to the ottoman 6 .

In step S60 following step S50, the controller 12 rotates the ottoman 6 from the front to the rear by a predetermined amount. When the process of step S60 is completed, the massage machine 1 returns to the state shown in FIG.

In the processing of step S60, since the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 are aligned, the ottoman 6 rotates even though the armrests 5L and 5R and the ottoman 6 are connected. However, the armrests 5L and 5R do not move relative to the bases 4L and 4R.

When the process of step S60 is completed, the flow operation shown in FIG. 5 ends.

The above embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are included.

For example, unlike the present embodiment, the processing of steps S30 to S40 may be repeated multiple times before proceeding to step S50. For example, unlike the present embodiment, the execution order of step S10 and step S20 may be switched. For example, unlike the present embodiment, the execution order of steps S50 and S60 may be interchanged.

For example, the backrest portion 3 may be tilted rearward as the ottoman 6 is rotated from rear to front.

For example, the massage machine 1 may be configured so that the direction DR1 and the direction DR2 can be parallel. By adjusting at least one of the rotation range of the ottoman 6 and the orientation of the upper surfaces of the base portions 4L and 4R, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the direction DR1 and the direction DR2 can be made parallel. By extending the ottoman 6 with the direction DR1 and the direction DR2 parallel to each other, the amount of movement of the armrests 5L and 5R relative to the bases 4L and 4R is maximized. You can increase the effect.

1 Chair type massage machine according to one embodiment 2 Seat 3 Backrest 4L, 4R Base 5L, 5R Armrest 6 Ottoman 7L, 7R Connection

Claims (6)

a main body;
an armrest for supporting the user's forearm and hand;
an ottoman for accommodating the lower legs and feet of the user;
a connector;
with
The body portion has a seat portion that supports the thighs of the user and a base portion that supports the armrests,
the armrest portion is movable relative to the base portion along a rectilinear direction including a front-rear direction component;
The ottoman is attached to the main body so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis extending in the left-right direction,
The ottoman has a mechanism that extends in a longitudinal direction of the lower leg and in a direction from the knee to the ankle of the user,
The connecting portion is attached to the armrest portion so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis extending in the left-right direction,
The connecting portion is attached to the ottoman so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis extending in the left-right direction,
The connecting portion connects the armrest portion and the ottoman,
Chair type massage machine. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the ottoman rotates around the first rotation axis when the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are aligned. The ottoman is
A first state in which the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are aligned and the longitudinal direction of the lower leg is along the direction of gravity;
A second state rotated from the rear to the front by a predetermined amount based on the first state;
A third state that extends while maintaining the same amount of rotation as in the second state,
3. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the state transitions in the order of . The ottoman is
4. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 3, wherein state transitions are made in the order of said first state, said second state, said third state, said second state, and said first state. A first airbag provided in the armrest,
The chair type according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first airbag is inflated when the ottoman is extended to fix at least part of the forearm and the hand to the armrest. Massage machine. A second airbag provided in the ottoman,
The chair type according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second airbag is inflated when the ottoman is extended to fix at least part of the lower leg and the leg to the ottoman . Massage machine.

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