JP7519599B2 - Massage intensity adjustment device and massage machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a massage intensity adjustment device and a massage machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a massage machine that sets the amount of stimulation according to the user's sex, age, body type, etc., and provides a massage according to that setting. This massage machine also identifies the user's body type, and sets the massage strength according to the position identified from the body type.

JP 2008-6037 A

The strength of the massage given to a user by a massage machine varies from user to user. In addition, the strength of the massage given to a user may change due to changes in posture during the massage, such as body movements during the massage. For this reason, it is not easy to give a massage with a strength appropriate for each user.

In this regard, if the amount of stimulation is simply set using user information as in Reference 1, it is unclear whether the massage strength actually given to the user is appropriate for that user. In particular, if the user does not sit on the massage machine in an appropriate posture or changes their posture during the massage, the massage strength may not be as set.

According to one embodiment, the massage intensity adjustment device is a device that adjusts the massage intensity in a massage machine having one or more massage units, and includes a detection unit that detects the massage intensity provided to the user by the massage unit, and a controller that controls the massage unit, and the controller controls the massage intensity provided to the user by the massage unit based on a detection value indicating the massage intensity detected by the detection unit so that the massage intensity is an intensity corresponding to the user intensity determined based on user information.

According to another embodiment, the massage machine has one or more massage sections and is equipped with the massage intensity adjustment device described above.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the massage machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the massage machine. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the massage machine. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the posture of the massage machine. FIG. 5 is a front view of the massage unit. FIG. 6 is a side view of the massage unit, showing (A) a state in which the movable frame is retracted into the base frame, and (B) a state in which the movable frame is pushed out from the base frame. FIG. 7 is a front view of the right armrest 6, showing (A) the state before the arm massage section expands when massaging a small arm, and (B) the state after the arm massage section expands when massaging a small arm. FIG. 8 is a front view of the right armrest 6, showing (A) the state before the arm massage section expands when massaging a thick arm, and (B) the state after the arm massage section expands when massaging a thick arm. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the massage strength adjustment device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of setting information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11A is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the control process according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a massage strength adjusting device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of setting information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the control process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a massage strength adjusting device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example of conversion information according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a control process according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 17B is a flowchart showing a flow of the control process according to the third embodiment.

[1. Overview of massage intensity adjustment device and massage machine]
(1) The massage intensity adjustment device included in this embodiment is a device that adjusts the massage intensity in a massage machine having one or more massage units, and is equipped with a detection unit that detects the massage intensity provided to a user from the massage unit, and a control unit that controls the massage unit, and the control unit controls the massage intensity provided to the user from the massage unit based on a detection value indicating the massage intensity detected by the detection unit so that the massage intensity corresponds to a user intensity determined based on user information.

User information is information that specifies attributes such as age (age range), sex, and body type for each user. The massage strength determined based on the user information may not necessarily be suitable for the user. For example, if the user is not in an appropriate posture while sitting on the massage machine, the massage strength given to the user will not be the massage strength set for the user. Even if the user's posture is appropriate at the start of the massage, if the user's posture changes during the massage operation, the massage strength given to the user will no longer be the massage strength set for the user. In this regard, the control unit controls the massage unit so that the massage strength given to the user corresponds to the user strength determined based on the user information, and the massage strength set at the start of the massage operation is maintained during the massage operation.

(2) Preferably, the control unit determines a target detection value based on user information from the set massage strength, and controls the massage unit so as to reduce an error between the detection value and the target detection value. By determining the target detection value from the massage strength based on user information, a target detection value suitable for the user can be set.

(3) Preferably, the control unit determines a target detection value from the set massage strength based on the user information and the area to be massaged. The area to be massaged is, for example, the shoulders, lower back, arms, fingertips, etc. By determining the target detection value from the massage strength based on the user information and the area to be massaged, a target detection value suitable for the area to be massaged can be set.

(4) Preferably, the control unit determines the target detection value from the set massage strength based on the user information and the type of massage motion. The types of massage motion include, for example, kneading and tapping. The massage unit is controlled so that the error between the detection value and the target detection value is reduced for each type of massage motion, and the massage strength set for each type of massage motion is maintained during the massage motion.

(5) Preferably, the control unit sets the massage strength based on user information and controls the massage unit so as to reduce the error between the detection value and a target detection value that is pre-associated with the set massage strength. By setting the massage strength based on user information, it is possible to set a massage strength suitable for the user. By controlling the massage unit so as to reduce the error between the detection value and the target detection value, the set massage strength is maintained even during the massage operation.

Preferably, the control unit sets the massage strength based on the user information and the area to be massaged. By setting the massage strength based on the user information and the area to be massaged, it is possible to set a massage strength appropriate for the area to be massaged.

Preferably, the control unit sets the massage strength based on the user information and the type of massage action. When the massage is performed in a course, the massage strength is set for each massage action. This allows the massage strength set for each type of massage action to be maintained during the massage action.

(6) Preferably, the control unit converts the detection value into a massage strength based on user information to obtain a conversion level, and controls the massage unit so as to reduce an error between the conversion level and a set massage strength. By converting the detection value into a massage strength based on user information and controlling the massage unit so as to reduce an error between the conversion level and a set massage strength, the set massage strength is maintained even during the massage operation.

Preferably, the control unit converts the detection value into massage strength based on the user information and the massage target area. This makes it possible to maintain the massage strength set for each massage area.

Preferably, the control unit converts the detected value into massage strength based on the user information and the type of massage motion. This allows the massage strength to be set for each type of massage motion.

(7) Preferably, the massage unit includes multiple massage members that are used on the same target area, and the control unit controls the massage unit by selecting a massage member to be operated from among the multiple massage members. This allows the massage members to be used to maintain the massage strength that has been set during the massage operation.

(8) Preferably, the massage unit includes a movable massage member, and the control of the massage unit by the control unit includes determining the position of the massage member. This allows the position of the massage member to be adjusted to maintain the set massage strength during the massage operation.

(9) Preferably, the detection unit includes a plurality of sensors corresponding to the plurality of massage parts, and the control unit controls the massage parts using the detection value of a sensor among the plurality of sensors corresponding to the massage part to be controlled.

(10) The massage machine included in this embodiment has one or more massage units and is equipped with a massage intensity adjustment device described in any one of (1) to (9). Since this massage machine is equipped with a massage intensity adjustment device described in any one of (1) to (9), it has the same effect as these massage intensity adjustment devices.

2. Examples of massage intensity adjustment device and massage machine
[First embodiment]
1 to 8 show the massage machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The concept of direction used in the following description is the same as the concept of direction when seen from the user seated on the massage machine 1 shown in Fig. 1, and other cases will be explained as appropriate. In addition, the front and back of the body will be defined as the chest side of a standing user as the "front side" and the back side as the "back side."

<Overall configuration of the massage machine>
1 to 4 mainly comprises a seat 2 on which a user sits, a backrest 3 on which the user leans and which is provided at the rear of the seat 2 in a reclining manner, a footrest 4 provided at the front of the seat 2 in a vertically swingable manner to support the lower limbs of the user, a pillow 5 provided on the upper front surface of the backrest 3 to support the head and/or neck of the user, armrests 6 on both the left and right sides of the seat 2, and side walls 7 on both the left and right sides of the backrest 3. The seat 2, the backrest 3, the footrest 4, the pillow 5, the armrests 6, and the side walls 7 function as body support parts that support the body of the user.

A massage section 15 is provided at each of the body support sections 2 to 7, which includes air cells 20 (described later) and vibrators 21 (described later) that massage the user's body. The massage machine 1 also has a massage unit 8 as the massage section 15 that performs kneading and/or tapping actions (described later) on the backrest section 3, a control section 9 that controls each operation of the massage machine 1, and a controller 10 (described later) that allows the user to perform various operations.

As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the backrest 3 is configured to be reclined forward and backward with respect to the seat 2 by a first actuator 11 (see Fig. 3) provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from the upright position shown in Fig. 1 to a reclined position (see Fig. 4) in which the backrest surface is approximately horizontal. The armrests 6 are configured to move backward in conjunction with the reclining of the backrest 3, and move forward in conjunction with the upright position of the backrest 3. The footrest 4 is configured to be swingable up and down with respect to the seat 2 by a second actuator 12 (see Fig. 3) provided below the seat 2, and can be changed from the hanging position shown in Fig. 1 to a raised position (see Fig. 4) in which the lower legs and feet are supported with the knees extended.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, walls 22 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2, facing the outer surfaces of the user's buttocks and/or thighs. These walls 22 are erected upward on the sides of the seat. The inner surface of the wall 22 is provided with a buttocks massage section a4 that massages the outer surfaces of the buttocks and/or thighs. The inner walls of the armrests 6 on both the left and right sides of the seat 2 may be used as the walls 22, and the buttocks massage section a4 may be provided on the inner walls of the armrests 6. The seat 2 may also be provided with a buttocks massage section a5 that massages the user's buttocks and/or thighs from below (the back). The buttocks massage sections a4, a5 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the buttocks massage sections a4 form a pair on the left and right to form massage section group A4, and the buttocks massage sections a5 form a pair on the left and right to form massage section group A5.

(Configuration of the backrest)
As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the backrest 3 is composed of a rigid back frame 3a, a guide rail 18 for guiding the up-down movement of the massage unit 8, which is the massage unit 15 attached to the back frame 3a, and a cover member 3c for covering the back frame 3a. The back frame 3a is composed of a metal member and/or a resin member. The back frame 3a has an opening 3b formed in the center of the left and right sides and opening in the front-rear direction, and is generally gate-shaped when viewed from the front. The cover member 3c covers the opening 3b from the front. The massage applicator 62 (see Fig. 5) of the massage unit 8 protrudes forward from the opening 3b, and the user's torso can be massaged from behind through the cover member 3c.

(Configuration of massage unit)
The configuration of the massage unit 8 will be described below. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5, and 6, the backrest portion 3 is provided with a massage unit 8 that massages the upper body of the user from the rear (back side). The massage unit 8 is a movable massage member.

The massage unit 8 may be provided in a plurality (one in this embodiment) along the height direction. The massage unit 8 is composed of a pair of arms 61 on the left and right and treatment elements 62 provided at both the upper and lower ends of the arms 61. The massage motors M1 and M2 are driven to move the left and right treatment elements 62 toward and away from each other to perform a kneading action, and the left and right treatment elements 62 alternately move toward and away from the user to perform a tapping action. The massage unit 8 can also be moved upward or downward along the height direction by the lifting motor M3 to change its position relative to the body or perform a rolling massage. The back frame 3a is provided with a pair of guide rails 18 extending in the height direction, and the massage unit 8 moves along the guide rail 18. Since the massage unit 8 can move in the height direction, the treatment elements 62 can massage the area between the user's neck and waist.

As shown in FIG. 5, the massage unit 8 has a base frame 60a and a movable frame 60b supported by the base frame 60a. The base frame 60a has guide rollers 63 that fit into the guide rails 18 on both the left and right sides. It can be moved in the height direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown) consisting of a rack and pinion or the like. The movable frame 60b is supported by the base frame 60a via a left-right swing shaft 64.

Between the base frame 60a and the movable frame 60b, a forward/backward drive unit 65 is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the forward/backward drive unit 65 includes, for example, an air cell 65A and an elastic body such as a spring 65B. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the air cell 65A expands, the movable frame 60b moves forward from the normal state of FIG. 6A around the swing shaft 64. When the air cell 65A contracts, the elastic force of the spring 65B causes the movable frame 60b to move backward from the forward state of FIG. 6B around the swing shaft 64, and returns to the normal state of FIG. 6A. Note that the structure does not have to move the movable frame 60b forward/backward, and the forward/backward drive unit 65 may be provided on the arm 61 to move only the arm 61 forward/backward.

The arm 61 is connected to the kneading shaft 66 and the beating shaft 67 that extend in the left-right direction. On both the left and right sides of the kneading shaft 66, an inclined cam 66a having an inclined shaft portion 66b is provided, and the arm 61 is attached to this inclined cam 66a. The left and right inclined shaft portions 66b are inclined with respect to the axis of the kneading shaft 66 so as to be approximately V-shaped when viewed from the front. On both the left and right sides of the beating shaft 67, an eccentric cam 67a having an eccentric shaft portion 67b eccentric with respect to the axis of the beating shaft 67 is provided, and the arm 61 is attached to this eccentric cam 67a via a connecting rod 68. The left and right eccentric shaft portions 67b have different phases with respect to the axis of the beating shaft 67, specifically, they differ by 180 degrees. The kneading shaft 66 and the beating shaft 67 are rotated by the drive of the massage motors M1 and M2, respectively. The treatment element 62 performs a kneading action by rotating the kneading shaft 66, and can perform a kneading massage on the user. The treatment element 62 also performs a tapping action by rotating the tapping shaft 67, and can perform a tapping massage on the user. In addition, the treatment element 62 performs a kneading and tapping action by rotating the kneading shaft 66 and the tapping shaft 67, and can perform a kneading and tapping massage on the user, and can perform a finger pressure action by combining the kneading action with the drive of the forward and backward drive unit 65, and can perform a finger pressure massage on the user. The arm 61 on which the treatment element 62 is provided, the kneading shaft 66, and the tapping shaft 67 are supported by the movable frame 60b. Therefore, the treatment element 62 can advance and retreat with respect to the user via the movement of the movable frame 60b.

3 and 5, the massage unit 8 has a sensor 69 that detects the user's physical information. The sensor 69 can obtain physical information by detecting that the arm 61 has reached a predetermined swing position. Specifically, when the massage unit 8 is raised along the height direction and the upper treatment member 62 reaches above the shoulder, the load acting on the treatment member 62 is released and the arm 61 swings forward to a predetermined swing position. The sensor 69 detects that the arm 61 has reached the predetermined swing position, and detects the position of the shoulder based on the vertical position of the massage unit 8 at that time. Using the position of the shoulder as a reference, the positions of other parts (neck, back, waist, etc.) are calculated. The detected physical information is stored in the memory unit 50, which will be described later.

As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the massage unit 8 has a pressure sensor 70. The pressure sensor 70 is provided between the movable frame 60b and the air cell 65A. The pressure sensor 70 detects the pressure applied by the air cell 65A, thereby detecting the pressure applied from the user to the massage unit 8, which is the massage section 15, that is, the massage strength received by a certain position of the massage unit 8 on the user's back. This is because the massage strength received by the user's body appears as pressure applied to the massage section 15.

In addition, instead of the pressure sensor 70, the massage unit 8 may have a rotation detection sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation speed of the massage motors M1 and M2. The rotation detection sensor may be, for example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. The rotation detection sensor detects the rotation speed of the motors M1 and M2, thereby indirectly detecting the massage strength received by the massage unit 8 at a certain position on the user's back. This is because the massage strength received by the user's body is expressed as the rotation speed of the massage motors M1 and M2.

(Configuration of side wall portion)
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, side walls 7 are provided on both the left and right sides of the back frame 3a (backrest section 3) so as to face the outer surfaces of the user's shoulders or upper arms. These side walls 7 are erected forward on the sides of the backrest section 3. The inner surfaces of the side walls 7 are provided with shoulder-side massage sections a2 that massage the outer surfaces of the shoulders or upper arms. The shoulder-side massage sections a2 are made up of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the shoulder-side massage sections a2 are paired on the left and right to form the massage section group A2.

(Pillow section configuration)
As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, a pillow section 5 for supporting the head and/or neck of the user is provided on the upper front surface of the backrest section 3. A pair of head massage sections a1 are provided on the left and right of the front surface of the pillow section 5, facing the rear surface of the head and/or neck. The head massage sections a1 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. In this way, the head massage sections a1 are paired on the left and right to form a massage section group A1. The head massage sections a1 may be provided facing the outer surface of the head and/or neck. In this case, it is preferable to provide them on the inner surface of a wall section (not shown) erected forward. The head massage sections a1 may be provided directly on the upper front surface of the backrest section 3, instead of on the pillow section 5.

(Armrest Configuration)
As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, 7 and 8, armrests 6 are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat 2 to support the user's hands and forearms. The right armrest 6 is composed of an armrest frame 6A including at least an upper wall 6A-1, a lower wall 6A-2 and an outer wall 6A-3 at the position of the hands and forearms, and an arm massage section a3 arranged on the inside of the armrest frame 6A. The arm massage section a3 is composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The arm massage sections a3 are paired on the left and right to form a massage section group A3. The left armrest 6 is symmetrical to the right armrest 6 shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

As shown in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the arm massage section a3 includes a plurality of massage members, a thick arm massage section a3-1 and a thin arm massage section a3-2. The arm massage section a3 is constructed by stacking the thick arm massage section a3-1 and the thin arm massage section a3-2. The thick arm massage section a3-1 is disposed along the upper wall section 6A-1 and the lower wall section 6A-2 of the armrest frame 6A, respectively, and the thin arm massage section a3-2 is disposed inside the thick arm massage section a3-1. The thin arm massage section a3-2 is smaller than the thick arm massage section a3-1.

As shown in FIG. 7, if the user has thin arms AR1, when massaging the hands and forearms, the massage section for thick arms a3-1 is not inflated, and only the massage section for thin arms a3-2 is inflated. As shown in FIG. 8, if the user has thick arms AR2, when massaging the hands and forearms, the massage section for thick arms a3-2 is not inflated, and only the massage section for thick arms a3-1 is inflated. For thicker arms, both massage sections a3-1 and a3-2 may be inflated. This makes it possible to provide a massage with the set massage strength even when the thickness of the user's arms varies.

The armrest 6 has pressure sensors 71, 72 provided between the upper wall 6A-1 of the armrest frame 6A and the thick arm massage section a3-1, and between the lower wall 6A-2 and the thick arm massage section a3-1. The pressure sensor 71 is in contact with the thick arm massage section a3-1 at a position that does not overlap with the thin arm massage section a3-2. The pressure sensor 72 is in contact with the thick arm massage section a3-1 at a position that overlaps with the thin arm massage section a3-2.

The pressure sensor 71 detects the pressure applied by the thick arm massage section a3-1, thereby detecting the massage strength received by the thick arm of the user. The pressure sensor 72 detects the pressure applied by the thin arm massage section a3-2 via the thick arm massage section a3-1, thereby detecting the massage strength received by the thin arm of the user.

(Footrest Configuration)
1 to 3, the footrest 4 has a pair of left and right leg support parts 40 that support the user's lower legs, and a pair of left and right foot support parts 41 that support the user's feet. The leg support parts 40 have a bottom wall 40a provided opposite the back surface of the user's lower legs, side walls 40b erected forward from both left and right ends of the bottom wall 40a, and a central wall 40c erected forward from the center of the left and right sides of the bottom wall 40a.

The inner surface of the side wall 40b is provided with a leg massage section a6 that massages the outer surface of the lower leg. The outer surfaces of both sides of the central wall 40c are provided with a leg massage section a6 that massages the inner surface of the lower leg. The bottom wall 40a is provided with a leg massage section a7 that massages the back of the user's lower leg. The leg massage sections a6, a7 are composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. The leg massage sections a6 are paired on the left and right to form a massage section group A6, with the leg massage section a6 facing the inner surface of the lower leg and the leg massage section a6 facing the outer surface of the lower leg. The leg massage section a7 is paired on the left and right to form a massage section group A7, with the leg massage section a7 facing the back of the left lower leg across the central wall 40c and the leg massage section a7 facing the back of the right lower leg across the central wall 40c.

The foot support section 41 has a bottom wall 41a on which the soles of the user's feet are placed, side walls 41b erected upward from both the left and right ends of the bottom wall 41a, a central wall 41c erected upward from the center of the left and right sides of the bottom wall 41a, and a rear wall 41d erected upward from the rear of the bottom wall 41a facing the back of the foot (near the heel). Each wall 41a to 41d has a recess 42 that is open upward and forward, and the foot can be accommodated in the recess 42.

Each wall 41a to 41c is provided with a foot massage section a8 that massages the user's feet, and the left and right sides form a pair to form a massage section group A8. The foot massage section a8 is composed of air cells 20 that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air.

(Controller configuration)
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, a controller 10 is provided on the upper part of the armrest 6, and can be operated by the user while seated. The controller 10 has a screen 10a that the user can visually confirm, and a touch panel 10b that the user operates with his/her fingertips on the screen 10a. By operating the controller 10, the posture of the backrest 3 can be changed by reclining, and the posture of the footrest 4 can be changed by rocking it up and down. In addition, the massage unit 8 and each massage part a1 to a8 to be operated can be selected, and the operation (technique or strength, etc.) of the massage unit 8 and each massage part a1 to a8 can be changed. A selection part 30 is displayed on the screen 10a of the controller 10, and the user can select a massage course by operating the touch panel 10b.

Instead of operation using the touch panel 10b, operation may be performed using only the physical buttons 31 arranged in the controller 10 or only the voice recognition unit 32 using a microphone (not shown) installed in the controller 10. In this way, the user can easily make a selection. Note that the microphone (not shown) which is the voice recognition unit 32 may be installed on the upper part of the backrest 3 or in the pillow part 5, rather than in the controller 10. In this way, the user can make a selection using the voice recognition unit 32 while leaning against the backrest 3 without having to change his/her posture. The controller 10 also has an alarm unit 33. The alarm unit 33 may be the above-mentioned screen 10a, or a speaker (not shown) installed in the controller 10.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, below the seat 2, there is provided an air supply/exhaust device 13 having a pump 13a and a valve 13b for supplying and exhausting air to each of the massage sections a1 to a8, which are made up of air cells 20, and the control section 9 described above. A vibrator 21 driven by a motor may be provided in the same location as each of the massage sections a1 to a8. The air cell 20 can press against the user by supplying and exhausting air. The vibrator 21 can apply vibrations to the user by rotating an eccentric weight.

(Configuration of the control unit)
The control unit 9 includes a processor and the like. The control unit 9 drives and controls the actuators 11, 12, the massage unit 15, and the air supply and exhaust device 13. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to the controller 10 and the storage unit 50. The control unit 9 executes a massage course according to the massage data stored in the storage unit 50. When the control unit 9 executes a massage course, the control unit 9 controls the drive of the massage unit 15 and the like so that the massage unit 15 and the like perform a massage action defined in the massage data. The massage machine 1 can also operate according to an instruction from the user via the controller 10.

Furthermore, the control unit 9 may be connected to a communication device 90 and be capable of communicating with an external device such as a server 92 via a communication network 91 such as the Internet. The server 92 stores user information, which will be described later, and the control unit 9 may obtain the user information from the server 92 as necessary in subsequent processing.

<Explanation of massage strength adjustment device>
9 shows a massage strength adjustment device (hereinafter, adjustment device) 100 according to this embodiment. The adjustment device 100 is configured by a computer including a control unit 9 and a storage unit 50. The storage unit 50 stores a computer program 400 for causing the computer to function as the adjustment device 100, and user information 500. The processor of the control unit 9 executes the computer program 400 to cause the computer to function as the adjustment device 100.

The user information 500 is user information for each pre-registered user. The user information is stored in the storage unit 50 in association with the user's identification information, such as name and login information. The user information specifies the user's attributes that affect the strength of the massage performed by the massage machine 1, and the user's attributes include age (age group), sex, and body type.

The memory unit 50 stores user information 500 for each of a plurality of users. In addition to the memory unit 50, the user information 500 may be stored in a memory unit of an external device such as a server 92 when the control unit 9 is connected to a communication device 90.

Based on the detected value of the massage strength given to the user, the adjustment device 100 executes an intensity adjustment process to control the massage unit 15 so that the massage strength given to the user corresponds to the user strength determined based on the user information 500 corresponding to the user of the massage machine 1 among the multiple user information 500. The user strength corresponds to the massage sensation received by the user, and refers to the strength of the massage that differs depending on the user's attributes such as the user's gender, body type, and physique.

The intensity adjustment process in the first embodiment is a process that calculates a target detection value for the pressure sensor based on user information from the set massage intensity, and controls the pressure sensor so that the error between the detection value and the target detection value is reduced.

To execute the intensity adjustment process according to the first embodiment, the control unit 9 executes a first setting process S10. The first setting process S10 is a process of accepting input of a set massage intensity, converting the input massage intensity into a target detection value based on user information, and setting the massage intensity. The massage intensity may be set by the user operating the controller 10, or, in the case where the massage is performed in a course configured to execute a plurality of massage actions in sequence, may be set in advance in a course selected by operating the controller 10, etc.

The massage strength is, for example, a level, such as levels 1 to 4. As an example, the smaller the level number, the weaker the massage strength, and the larger the level number, the stronger the massage strength. The target detection value refers to the target detection value of the massage strength given to the user's body by the massage unit 15, and refers to the target detection value of the detection value by the pressure sensor. The target detection value is expressed, for example, as a pressure value.

To execute the first setting process S10, the storage unit 50 stores setting information SI1. The setting information SI1 is information that specifies the relationship between the massage strength (massage level) and the target detection value according to the attributes of the user specified in the user information, and is in a table format, for example. The storage unit 50 stores setting information SI1 for each part to be massaged. Note that the setting information SI1 may be stored in an external device such as a server 92, and the control unit 9 may read it from the server 92 and temporarily store it in the storage unit 50. This also applies to the second and third embodiments described below.

As shown in FIG. 10, the setting information SI1 is information that specifies the relationship between massage strength (massage level) and target detection value for each of the user's attribute information, namely, age (age group), sex, and body type. For example, for a male in his teens, target values (hereinafter, target detection values) of the detection values of the pressure sensors 71 and 72 are specified for each of four pre-prepared intensity levels (levels 1 to 4) for four body types, namely, "slim," "medium," "obese," and "muscular." For example, for the "slim" body type, target detection values are specified as p111 to p114 for each of massage strength levels 1 to 4. p111 to p114 are the pressure values detected by the pressure sensor. Note that the age group and body type are merely examples, and classifications different from this example may be used.

As shown in FIG. 9, the memory unit 50 stores setting information SI1 for each of a plurality of massage target areas. Therefore, different target detection values can be set for the same massage strength level depending on the massage target area. For example, even if they are both at level 3, the massage strength of the fingertips can be stronger than the massage strength of the arms.

In the first setting process S10, the control unit 9 selects user information 500 corresponding to the user from among the multiple pieces of user information 500. The user of the massage machine 1 may be selected by, for example, a user operation on the controller 10, or may be identified by a user authentication process or the like. The control unit 9 reads out a target detection value corresponding to the massage strength according to the attributes indicated in the selected user information 500 from the setting information SI1.

To execute the intensity adjustment process according to the first embodiment, the control unit 9 further executes a control process S50. The control process S50 is a process for controlling the drive of a target massage section 15 (hereinafter also referred to as a target massage section) among the massage sections 15 so that the error between the massage strength applied to the user's body and detected by the pressure sensor and the target detection value set in the first setting process S10 is reduced.

For this process, the control unit 9 selects a pressure sensor (hereinafter also referred to as a target sensor) that is located at a position that is the target of the control process S50 from among multiple pressure sensors (e.g., pressure sensors 71 and 72), and uses the detection value from the target sensor. Selecting a target sensor from among multiple pressure sensors in the control process and using the detection value from the target sensor is similar to the second and third embodiments described below.

As shown in FIG. 11A, in the control process according to the first embodiment, when the massage strength is set, a target detection value corresponding to the set massage strength is read from the setting information SI1 based on the user information 500 corresponding to the user and passed to the control unit 9. In this example, the target detection value is a pressure value. The read target detection value corresponds to the user's attributes such as gender, age, and body type, and users with different attributes may have different target detection values read from the setting information SI1 even if the same massage strength is set.

The control unit 9 controls the massage unit 15 so that the received target detection value is the massage strength to be given to the user. The massage strength to be given to the user by the massage unit 15, i.e., the user strength, is detected by a target sensor. The target sensors are pressure sensors 70, 71, 72, etc. In this example, the detection value by the target sensor is a pressure value.

The target detection value is corrected so that the error with the detection value is reduced, and the corrected target detection value is passed to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the massage unit 15 so that the passed target detection value becomes the massage strength to be given to the user. The correction of the target detection value passed to the control unit 9 is repeated.

As shown in FIG. 11B, in the control process S50, the control unit 9 controls the target massage part to operate with a control amount previously stored for the massage strength set by the first setting process S10 (step S101).

The drive control in step S101 includes, for example, driving the target massage part, driving the air supply/exhaust device 13 for supplying and exhausting air to the air cell 20 included in the target massage part, etc. More specifically, it includes changing the rotation speed and rotation time of the motor included in the target massage part, changing the air supply/exhaust time of the air supply/exhaust device 13, etc.

In addition, as another example, when the target massage part is the arm massage part a3, the drive control in step S101 includes determining whether the massage member to be driven is the thick arm massage part a3-1, the thin arm massage part a3-2, or both. For example, when the user is obese, a predetermined amount of air is supplied to the thick arm massage part a3-1, which is the air cell 20, and the massage operation is started. However, there are cases where the user's arm is thinner than the expected thick arm, or the user's posture is not appropriate and the expanded arm does not fit the thick arm massage part a3-1, etc. In such cases, the drive control in step S101 may change the massage part to which air is supplied to the thin arm massage part a3-2, or both the thick arm massage part a3-1 and the thin arm massage part a3-2, based on the detection value from the pressure sensor 71.

In addition, when the target massage part is the massage unit 8, the drive control in step S101 includes determining the position of the massage unit 8. In this case, the drive control in step S101 includes driving and controlling the forward and backward drive unit 65 to position the massage unit 8 appropriately. For example, when the user's posture is not appropriate and the massage unit 8 does not fit the massage target part, the drive control in step S101 may drive and control the forward and backward drive unit 65 to move the massage unit 8 to a position that fits the massage target part based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 70.

The control unit 9 receives the input of the detection value from the target sensor under the drive control of the target massage part (step S103). If the target massage part is the massage unit 8, in step S103, the control unit 9 sets the pressure sensor 70 as the target sensor and receives the input of the pressure value, which is the detection value, from the pressure sensor 70.

The control unit 9 compares the input detection value with the target detection value set in the first setting process S10 (step S105). If these values are different (NO in step S105), the control unit 9 adjusts the control amount of the target massage part so as to reduce the error between the detection value and the target detection value (step S107), and repeats the process from step S103 again. In order to adjust the control amount in step S107, as an example, the control unit 9 pre-stores an adjustment value according to the error between the detection value and the target detection value. The adjustment value is, for example, the intake and exhaust time of the intake and exhaust device 13, the rotation speed of the motor, etc.

The control unit 9 repeats steps S103 to S107 until the massage operation at the target massage area is completed (NO in step S109). For example, if the target massage area is the massage unit 8, the control unit 9 repeats steps S103 to S107 until the massage operation at the massage unit 8 (e.g., the massage operation of the shoulders or lower back) is completed. Then, when the massage operation at the target massage area is completed (YES in step S109), the control unit 9 ends the series of control processes.

As shown in FIG. 9, the storage unit 50 stores setting information SI1 for each of the multiple parts to be massaged. Therefore, preferably, the control unit 9 selects and uses setting information SI1 according to the part to be massaged, as shown in FIG. 11A. This is also the case in the second and third embodiments described below. For example, the massage strength may differ between the shoulders and the lower back depending on the attributes of the user. This allows the massage unit 15 to be controlled so that the massage strength is set according to the part to be massaged.

When the massage is performed in a course configured to execute multiple massage actions sequentially, the control unit 9 may execute the first setting process S10 and the control process S50 for each massage action even within the same course. In this case, the control unit 9 executes the control process S50 using the detection value from the pressure sensor at the target position when the target massage action is executed. This is also the case in the second and third embodiments described below.

The massage action may include multiple types. The multiple types of massage action may include, for example, kneading and tapping. In this case, preferably, the storage unit 50 stores setting information SI1 for each type of massage action, and the control unit 9 selects and uses setting information SI1 according to the type of massage action, as shown in FIG. 11A. This is the same in the second and third embodiments described below. For example, the massage strength may differ between kneading and tapping depending on the attributes of the user. This makes it possible to control the massage unit 15 to achieve the set massage strength according to the type of massage action.

<Effects of the embodiment>
In the adjustment device 100 according to the present embodiment, the above control process S50 is executed during the massage operation. Therefore, in the massage machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the massage strength set according to the user is given to the user. In addition, the massage strength given to the user is maintained during the massage operation. For example, even if the user is not in an appropriate posture while sitting on the massage machine 1, the massage strength given to the user's body during the massage operation is detected by the pressure sensor, and the massage strength given to the user's body is adjusted (corrected) to the set massage strength. In addition, even if the user's posture changes during the massage operation and becomes a posture in which the set massage strength cannot be given, the massage strength given to the user's body is adjusted (corrected) to the set massage strength.

[Second embodiment]
The intensity adjustment process according to the second embodiment is a process for setting a massage intensity based on user information corresponding to the user of the massage machine 1, and controlling the massage intensity so that the error between the target detection value of the target sensor (pressure sensor) that is previously associated with the set massage intensity and the detection value of the pressure sensor is reduced. FIG. 12 shows an adjustment device 100 according to the second embodiment. In order to execute the intensity adjustment process according to the second embodiment, the control unit 9 of the adjustment device 100 executes a second setting process S11. The second setting process S11 sets the massage intensity based on user information 500 corresponding to the user of the massage machine 1. For example, each massage intensity, such as levels 1 to 4, is previously associated with a target detection value of the pressure sensor.

To execute the second setting process S11, the storage unit 50 stores setting information SI2. The setting information SI2 is information that specifies the relationship between the attributes of the user indicated in the user information 500 and the massage strength, and is in the form of a table, for example. The storage unit 50 stores setting information SI2 for each part to be massaged. The storage unit 50 may also store setting information SI2 for each type of massage motion.

Figure 13 shows a specific example of setting information SI2. As shown in Figure 13, setting information SI2 is information that specifies massage strength (massage level) for each user's attribute information, such as age (age group), sex, and body type. For example, for a teenage male, levels 1, 1, 2, and 2 are specified for four body types, "slim," "medium," "obese," and "muscular," respectively.

A target detection value is associated in advance with each massage strength (massage level). Preferably, the setting information SI2 also specifies a target detection value for each massage level. For example, a target detection value p1 is associated in advance with level 1, a target detection value p2 with level 2, a target detection value p3 with level 3, and a target detection value p4 with level 4. In the second setting process S11, the control unit 9 reads out user information 500 corresponding to the user from the storage unit 50, and reads out a massage strength corresponding to the attributes indicated in the user information 500 from the setting information SI2.

To execute the intensity adjustment process according to the second embodiment, the control unit 9 further executes a control process S50. The control process S50 is a process for controlling the drive of the target massage part so as to reduce the error between the massage intensity applied to the user's body and detected by the pressure sensor, and the target detection value according to the massage intensity set in the second setting process S11.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the control process according to the second embodiment, the massage strength defined for the attributes indicated in the user information 500 of the user of the massage machine 1 is read from the setting information SI2 and set. When the massage strength is set, a target detection value defined in advance for the set massage strength is read, for example, from the setting information SI2 and passed to the control unit 9. Since the massage strength is set based on the user information 500 according to the user, the massage level set may differ for users with different attributes.

The control unit 9 controls the massage unit 15 so that the received target detection value is the massage strength to be given to the user. The massage strength given to the user by the massage unit 15, i.e., the user strength, is detected by the target sensor.

The target detection value is corrected so that the error with the detection value by the pressure sensors 71 and 72 is reduced, and the corrected target detection value is passed to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the massage unit 15 so that the passed target detection value becomes the massage strength to be given to the user. The correction of the target detection value passed to the control unit 9 is repeated.

The control process S50 according to the second embodiment is generally the same as the control process S50 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11B. That is, the control unit 9 controls the target massage unit to operate with a control amount previously stored for the massage strength set by the second setting process S11 (step S101). The control unit 9 accepts the input of a detection value from the target sensor under the drive control of the target massage unit (step S103). The control unit 9 compares the input detection value with the target detection value set in the second setting process S11 (step S105). If the values are different (NO in step S105), the control unit 9 adjusts the control amount of the target massage unit so as to reduce the error between the detection value and the target detection value (step S107), and repeats the process from step S103 again. Then, when the massage operation in the target massage unit is completed (YES in step S109), the control unit 9 ends the series of control processes.

<Effects of the embodiment>
In the adjustment device 100 according to the present embodiment, the massage strength is set according to the user information. Since the above control process S50 is executed during the massage operation, the massage machine 1 according to the present embodiment also provides the user with the massage strength set according to the user. Moreover, the massage strength provided to the user is maintained during the massage operation.

[Third embodiment]
The intensity adjustment process according to the third embodiment is a process of converting a detection value from a target sensor (pressure sensor) into a massage strength based on user information corresponding to a user, and controlling the massage strength so that the error between the converted massage strength (conversion level) and the set massage strength is reduced. Fig. 15 shows an adjustment device 100 according to the third embodiment. In order to execute the intensity adjustment process according to the third embodiment, the control unit 9 of the adjustment device 100 executes a third setting process S12. The third setting process S12 is a process of receiving an input of a set massage strength and setting the input massage strength.

To execute the intensity adjustment process according to the third embodiment, the control unit 9 further executes the control process S50 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the control process S50 according to the third embodiment includes a conversion process S52. The conversion process S52 is a process for converting the detection value obtained from the target sensor into a massage level (hereinafter also referred to as a conversion level) indicating the massage strength based on the attributes indicated in the user information according to the user.

To execute the conversion process S52, the storage unit 50 stores conversion information CI. The conversion information CI is information that specifies the relationship between the detection value of the target sensor and the massage level according to the attributes indicated in the user information, and is in a table format, for example. The storage unit 50 stores conversion information CI for each part of the body that is to be massaged. The storage unit 50 may also store conversion information CI for each type of massage motion.

Figure 16 shows a specific example of conversion information CI. As shown in Figure 16, conversion information CI is information that specifies the range of detection values by the detection sensor corresponding to each massage strength (massage level) for each age (age group), sex, and body type as user information. For example, for a teenage male, the ranges of detection values by the detection sensor for massage levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 for four body types, "slim," "medium height," "obese," and "muscular," are specified as p111-112, p112-p113, p113-p114, and p114-p115.

As shown in FIG. 17A, in the control process according to the third embodiment, when a massage strength is set, a target detection value that is predefined for the set massage strength is passed to the control unit 9. In this example, when the same massage strength is set, the same target detection value is set regardless of the user's attributes.

The control unit 9 controls the massage unit 15 so that the received target detection value is the massage strength to be given to the user. The massage strength given to the user by the massage unit 15, i.e., the user strength, is detected by the target sensor.

The detection value by the target sensor is passed to the control unit 9, where a conversion process S51 is performed. In the conversion process S51, the detection value is converted into a massage level based on the attributes indicated in the user information 500 corresponding to the user, and a conversion level is obtained.

The set massage strength is corrected so that the error with the conversion level is reduced, and a target detection value corresponding to the corrected massage strength is passed to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the massage unit 15 so that the passed target detection value becomes the massage strength to be given to the user. The correction of the target detection value passed to the control unit 9 is repeated.

As shown in FIG. 17B, in the control process S50 according to the third embodiment, the control unit 9 controls the target massage unit to operate with a control amount previously stored for the target detection value set by the third setting process S12 according to the set massage level (step S301). The control unit 9 accepts the input of the detection value from the target sensor under the drive control of the target massage unit (step S303). The control unit 9 reads out the detection value range corresponding to the massage level according to the attribute defined in the user information 500 according to the user from the conversion information CI (step S305). The control unit 9 converts the detection value from the target sensor to a massage level by comparing the read detection value range with the detection value from the target sensor (step S307) to obtain the conversion level.

The control unit 9 compares the obtained conversion level with the massage level set in the third setting process S12 (step S309). If the levels are different (NO in step S309), the control unit 9 adjusts the control amount of the target massage part so as to reduce the error between the conversion level and the set massage level (step S311), and repeats the process from step S303 again. In order to adjust the control amount in step S311, as an example, the control unit 9 pre-stores an adjustment value according to the error between the conversion level and the set massage level.

The control unit 9 repeats steps S303 to S311 until the massage operation on the target massage area is completed (NO in step S313). Then, when the massage operation on the target massage area is completed (YES in step S313), the control unit 9 ends the series of control processes.

<Effects of the embodiment>
In the adjustment device 100 according to the present embodiment, the detection value of the target sensor is converted into a massage level according to the attribute defined in the user information. Since the above control process S50 is executed during the massage operation, the massage machine 1 according to the present embodiment also provides the user with a massage strength set according to the user. Moreover, the massage strength provided to the user is maintained during the massage operation.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

1: Massage machine 2: Seat 3: Backrest 3a: Back frame 3b: Opening 3c: Cover member 4: Footrest 5: Pillow 6: Armrest 6A: Armrest frame 6A-1: Upper wall 6A-2: Lower wall 6A-3: Outer wall 7: Side wall 11: First actuator 12: Second actuator 13: Air supply and exhaust device 13a: Pump 13b: Valve 15: Massage section 18: Guide rail 20: Air cell 21: Vibrator 22: Wall 30: Selection section 31: Physical button 32: Voice recognition section 33: Notification section 40: Leg support section 40a: Bottom wall 40b: Side wall 40c: Central wall 41: Foot support section 41a: Bottom wall 41b: Side wall 41c: Central wall 41d : Wall 42 : Recess 50 : Memory unit 60a : Base frame 60b : Movable frame 61 : Arm 62 : Treatment element 63 : Guide roller 64 : Oscillating shaft 65 : Advance/retreat drive unit 65A : Air cell 65B : Spring 66 : Shaft 66a : Inclined cam 66b : Inclined shaft portion 67 : Shaft 67a : Eccentric cam 67b : Eccentric shaft portion 68 : Connecting rod 69 : Sensor 70 : Pressure sensor 71 : Pressure sensor 72 : Pressure sensor 90 : Communication device 91 : Communication network 92 : Server 100 : Adjustment device 400 : Computer program 500 : User information A1 : Massage unit group A2 : Massage unit group A3 : Massage unit group A4 : Massage unit group A5 : Massage unit group A6 : Massage unit group A7 : Massage unit group A8 : Massage unit group AR1 : Thin arm AR2 : Thick arm CI : Conversion information M1 : Massage motor M2 : Massage motor M3 : Lifting motor S10 : First setting process S11 : Second setting process S12 : Third setting process S50 : Control process S52 : Conversion process SI1 : Setting information SI2 : Setting information a1 : Head massage section a2 : Shoulder massage section a3 : Arm massage section a3-1 : Thick arm massage section a3-2 : Thin arm massage section a4 : Buttocks massage section a5 : Buttocks massage section a6 : Leg massage section a7 : Leg massage section a8 : Foot massage section p1 : Target detection value p2 : Target detection value p3 : Target detection value p4 : Target detection value

Claims (9)

A device for adjusting massage intensity in a massage machine having one or more massage units, comprising:
A detection unit that detects a pressure applied to the massage unit or a rotation speed of a motor of the massage unit ;
A control unit that controls the massage unit;
A storage unit in which setting information is stored,
The setting information is information in a table format that specifies a relationship between a pressure or a rotation speed detected in response to a massage level and a target detection value for each attribute information of a user,
The massage level is multiple,
The control unit executes an intensity adjustment process so that the pressure or rotation speed detected by the detection unit has an intensity corresponding to attribute information of the user;
the intensity adjustment process includes a first conversion process or a second conversion process,
The first conversion process is a process of converting a pressure or a rotation speed detected corresponding to a massage level set by a user into the target detection value based on the table and setting the target detection value,
The second conversion process is a process of converting and setting the pressure or rotation speed detected corresponding to a predetermined massage level in a selected course as the target detection value based on the table,
The control unit compares the target detection value in the table with the pressure or rotation speed detected by the detection unit , and executes a control process to control the drive of the massage unit so as to reduce the error with respect to the target detection value . The massage intensity adjusting device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the massage unit based on the first table so as to reduce an error between the detected value and the target detected value. The setting information is stored in the storage unit for each of a plurality of massage target areas,
The massage intensity adjusting device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit determines the target detection value from the setting information based on the user information and a massage target part. The setting information is stored in the storage unit for each type of massage motion,
The massage intensity adjusting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit determines the target detection value from the setting information based on the user information and a type of massage motion. the setting information is a second table that defines a relationship between a plurality of massage strength levels according to user attributes included in user information for identifying a user and a detection value range of a pressure or a rotation speed detected corresponding to the plurality of massage strength levels;
the control unit compares the detection value detected by the detection unit with the detection value range read out from the second table to determine a conversion level;
The massage intensity adjusting device according to claim 1 , wherein the massage unit is controlled so that an error between the conversion level and a massage intensity level based on the setting information is reduced. The massage unit includes a plurality of massage members that are used on the same target area,
6. The massage intensity adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the control of the massage unit by the control section includes selecting a massage member to be operated from among the plurality of massage members. The massage portion includes a movable massage member,
7. The massage intensity adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the control of the massage unit by the control section includes determining the positions of the massage members. The detection unit includes a plurality of sensors corresponding to the plurality of massage units,
The massage intensity adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit controls the massage part using the detection value of a sensor among the plurality of sensors that corresponds to the massage part to be controlled. having one or more massage parts,
A massage machine equipped with the massage intensity adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .

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