CN112672722B - Massaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a massage machine, which can instruct a user to change the posture of the user, so that the user can perform different massage from the massage performed before the posture change without a mechanism for enabling the user to perform physical activities. An instruction unit (45) for giving first instruction information including instruction content for changing the posture of a user to be massaged is provided, and when the user changes the posture based on the first instruction information, if massage is performed on a massage target portion including a predetermined body portion or the vicinity of the predetermined body portion in a state different from the previous posture, the influence of the massage on the predetermined body portion is changed from the influence of the massage in a state in which the posture is not changed, so that the user can give a stimulus as a new massage different from the conventional massage, and can efficiently perform the massage, and further, the alleviation of muscle stiffness and the like by the massage can be promoted.

Description

massage machine

Technical field

The present invention relates to a massage machine that operates a massage mechanism such as a kneading ball while supporting the user's body to massage the user.

Background technique

Massage machines that perform massage while supporting the user's body generally have a structure that operates the massage mechanism when the user is supported by the massage machine in a predetermined normal posture for receiving massage from a massage mechanism such as a kneading ball or an air bag. To perform massage on the user's massage target area.

In such a massage machine, a technique has been proposed in which a massaging mechanism such as a kneading ball is pressed against a massage target part or the like to perform a massage, or just before such a massage is performed, a technique other than the massage mechanism actually used to perform the massage has been proposed. In the standby state, another massage mechanism that does not participate in the massage, or a pressing mechanism that is completely different from the massage mechanism, presses the user's body to change the body position, and performs massage with a kneading ball or the like while the body position is changed, This provides a massage that is completely different from a state where the body position is not changed.

As an example of such a conventional massage machine, there is a massage machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-120350.

In addition, in the massage machine, the following proposal is also proposed: when a massage mechanism such as a kneading ball is pressed against the massage target part to perform massage, the user is instructed by a sound or the like to guide the user's breathing action. As a result of guidance, the connection between breathing and massage in a predetermined cycle is achieved.

As an example of such other conventional massage machines, there is a massage machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-73613.

existing technical documents

patent documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-120350

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-73613

Contents of the invention

The problem to be solved by the invention

The existing massage machine has the structure shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. The size of the mechanism that presses the user's body to move it is a size that can be accommodated in the backrest. Therefore, there is a restriction on the movable range, and the range of movement by pressing is limited. smaller. Therefore, there is a problem that such a mechanism cannot cause the body supported by the massage machine to move widely, and it is impossible to cause a large change in posture corresponding to a change in the massage effect imparted to the body.

In addition, in order to change the user's posture, if a separately provided body-pressing mechanism is used for body posture change instead of another massage mechanism that is not related to the massage to be performed, there is an increase in the number of mechanisms related to the massage. The issue of increasing cost of floor massage machines.

On the other hand, in another conventional massage machine shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the breathing guidance unit performs breathing guidance that outputs the sounds of exhalation and inhalation in synchronization with the reference breathing, and the person being treated follows the breathing. Breathing is guided so that the actual breathing of the person being treated coincides with the period of the reference respiration. On the other hand, the treatment unit applies a relatively large load to the person being treated during exhalation of the reference respiration, and during inhalation When breathing, a relatively small load is placed on the person being treated, so that effective treatment can be carried out in a relationship with breathing.

However, since there is no particular confirmation of whether the user actually breathed according to the instructions, there is a problem that if the user does not breath at the instructed timing, even if the massage is performed, the expected effect cannot be obtained. .

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a massage machine in which, during massage, an instruction part is used to give instructions to the user to move the body, such as changing the posture, and the user himself changes the posture, etc. to move the body. movable, so that a complex and large-scale mechanism for moving the user's body is not required, and a massage different from that performed on the user supported by the massage machine in a normal posture can be performed correctly and safely.

Solutions for solving problems

The massage machine according to the present invention has one or more massage mechanisms that are moved by a predetermined driving source. The massage mechanism performs massage on the user while supporting the user's body. The massage machine is provided with: a control unit. , which controls the working state of the above-mentioned massage mechanism; and an instruction unit that issues first instruction information to the user who receives massage from the above-mentioned massage mechanism at a predetermined timing, where the first instruction information includes an instruction to move at least part of the user's body to change the posture.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, an instruction unit is provided that issues first instruction information including an instruction content to change the user's posture to the user who is to receive massage, and the user changes the posture based on the first instruction information. If the massage is performed on a massage target part including a predetermined part of the body that is in a different state from the previous posture or the vicinity of the part, the effect of the massage on the predetermined part of the body will be the same as if the body were not in the posture. By changing the influence of massage on the same massage target part in a changed state, it is possible to achieve the same effect on the predetermined body part or its vicinity as compared to the current massage performed in a state without changing the user's posture. The stimulation given by the new massage that is different from the massage enables efficient massage and further promotes muscle stiffness, pain relief, fatigue recovery, etc. through massage. In addition, the user himself can move his body in accordance with the instruction of the instruction information issued to the user to achieve necessary and sufficient posture changes. Therefore, in order to obtain such a change in the user's posture, it is not necessary to provide the user with the massage machine. A special mechanism for body movement can thereby suppress the costs associated with the realization of posture changes of the user in the massage machine.

Furthermore, according to the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, when the above-mentioned instruction part issues the above-mentioned first instruction information, the above-mentioned control part performs control so that the massage mechanism performs a predetermined massage. The predetermined massage is assumed to be performed by the user in accordance with the above-mentioned first instruction. An instruction included in the instruction information causes the posture to change, thereby providing massage corresponding to a specific posture after the user's posture change predicted based on the instruction.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the instruction unit sends out the first instruction information, under the control of the control unit, the massage mechanism is caused to perform massage corresponding to the predicted specific posture, and the user changes the posture according to the instruction to take the specific posture. In the case of a posture, the user's body is subjected to a massage that is different from the massage performed without changing the posture, thereby performing appropriate adjustments to the predetermined body parts of the user in accordance with the specific posture after the posture change. The massage path, speed, intensity, etc. of the massage can be adjusted to provide a special massage effect that cannot be obtained without changing the posture. This can greatly improve the effect of the massage on the body and improve the user's health. satisfaction, and makes the performance of massage on the body more efficient, and can also shorten the entire massage time when performed as a process.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the above-mentioned instruction unit issues first instruction information to the user who receives the massage from the above-mentioned massage mechanism. The first instruction information includes an instruction to move at least part of the user's body. Posture change, or content of continuing movement of at least part of the body, the above-mentioned massage machine is equipped with a confirmation part that can identify whether the user changes the posture in accordance with the instruction from the above-mentioned instruction part and adopts a specific posture after the posture change, or Whether the user is performing a specific action to continue moving at least part of the body in accordance with the instructions, after the above-mentioned instruction part sends the first instruction information to the user, if the above-mentioned confirmation part grasps that the user adopts the above-mentioned specific posture or performs the above-mentioned In a specific action state, the control unit controls so that the massage mechanism performs massage.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, an instruction unit is provided that issues first instruction information including an instruction content to change the user's posture or continue to move the body to the user who is to receive massage, and is provided to be able to respectively identify whether the user follows the instructions. The instruction unit sends the first instruction information to the user from the instruction unit to confirm the state of moving the body to adopt a specific posture, or the confirmation unit of whether to perform a specific action of continuing to move at least a part of the body in accordance with the instruction, and When the confirming unit determines that the user has adopted a specific posture or performed a specific action in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, the user's body including the user's body movement into a state different from the previous posture is scheduled. When a massage is performed on a massage target area including the target area or its vicinity, the effect of the massage on the intended part of the body is the same as the massage on the same massage target area assuming that the body is in a state where it does not change its posture or continue to move. By changing the influence ratio, it is possible to provide a new massage stimulation to the predetermined body part or its vicinity, which is different from the existing massage performed without changing the user's posture or continuing the body movement. Efficient massage further promotes muscle stiffness, pain relief, fatigue recovery, etc. through massage. Furthermore, by performing the massage when the confirming unit recognizes that the user has accurately moved the body as instructed by the instruction information, the preset massage can be accurately performed at the desired position of the body, and the massage can be performed reliably. The massage effect is obtained, and adverse effects on the body caused by the massage can be prevented when the user does not move the body as instructed.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the control unit performs control so that the state of the user assuming the specific posture or the state of performing the specific action is determined by the confirmation unit, or from a scheduled time after the determination. From the moment on, for the predetermined body part or the vicinity of the part that changes with the change of the user's posture to a specific posture or the execution of the user's specific action, the massage mechanism executes the predetermined position corresponding to the user's specific posture or specific action. massage.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, if the confirmation unit determines that the user adopts a specific posture or performs a specific action, the massage mechanism is caused to execute the massage mechanism corresponding to the user's specific posture or specific action under the control of the control unit. A massage that performs a massage on the user's body that is different from the massage performed without taking a specific posture or performing a specific action, thereby performing a specific posture on a predetermined part of the user's body or its vicinity. Or a massage in which the path, speed, intensity, etc. of the massage are appropriately adjusted in response to specific movements, thereby providing a special massage effect that cannot be obtained at all without taking a specific posture or performing a specific movement, and thus can significantly improve the massage effect. The effect of massaging the body can be greatly improved to improve user satisfaction, make the execution of body massage more efficient, and shorten the entire massage time when performed as a process.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the above-mentioned instruction unit issues second instruction information, and the second instruction information includes content instructing a specific posture after the user's posture change is released.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the second instruction information including an instruction to release the user's specific posture is issued from the instruction unit, and the user returns to the original posture from the state of changing the posture, thereby being able to utilize the second instruction. The information allows the user to accurately recognize the end of the massage performed in a changed posture, so that the user can be returned to the posture before changing to the specific posture at an appropriate time, and the user's body can be accurately performed Massage effects can be imparted reasonably and reliably in a series of massages, including massages performed in the original position.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the above-mentioned instruction unit issues third instruction information, and the third instruction information includes an instruction to the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the effect of the massage performed after the above-mentioned first instruction information is issued. Content, the above-mentioned control unit can obtain information related to the answer performed by the user in accordance with the instruction of the above-mentioned third instruction information.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the third instruction information is sent from the instruction part to instruct the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the massage effect received by the user after the first instruction information is sent from the instruction part. On the other hand, in In the control unit, the information sent by the user in accordance with the third instruction information can be acquired, and the control unit can understand how the user evaluates the effect of the massage performed, thereby actually performing the massage according to the instructions of the user in accordance with the first instruction information. When performing a massage based on changes in posture, the control unit can determine whether the effect of the massage performed meets the user's wishes based on information sent by the user, and the entire massage can be performed taking into account the user's own evaluation. Judgments such as settings and combination changes can be made, for example, to determine whether a massage accompanying the change in the user's posture can be performed in the future, and then a massage that suits the user can be set and performed.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, before issuing the first instruction information to the user, the instruction unit issues to the user a scheduled massage to be executed based on the control of the control unit after the issuance of the first instruction information. The information involved in the content.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, before the first instruction information to change the user's posture is issued from the instruction unit, the user's posture in the case where the user changes the posture in accordance with the instruction information is issued from the instruction unit. The content of the scheduled massage to be performed on the changed body, so that the user knows in advance the content of the massage to be performed thereafter. In this state, instruction information corresponding to the massage can be received, so that the user understands the content of the massage. content, it is recognized that posture changes based on instruction information are indispensable, and the user is motivated to actively change the posture, thereby motivating the user to move the body from the normal posture to actual actions to change the posture, and thereby being able to reasonably and Reliably changes the user's posture to provide an appropriate massage effect.

Furthermore, if necessary, the massage machine disclosed in the present invention will adjust the position of one or more predetermined parts of the massage machine that support the user's body if the above-mentioned instruction part issues first instruction information to the user, so as to promote Physical activities involving posture changes performed by the user in accordance with the instructions of the first instruction information.

In this manner, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the first instruction information is issued from the instruction unit, the predetermined portion of the massage machine supporting the user's body is positioned so as to correspond in advance to the change in posture of the user based on the first instruction information. When the user changes the posture according to the instructions of the first instruction information, the adjusted parts will not hinder the user's body movements and guide the user to move the body smoothly, thereby appropriately assisting the user based on the instructions. The activities involved in the posture change are carried out through the information, so that the user can move smoothly from the normal posture to the posture after the posture change, which can reduce the user's burden and ensure that the relaxation effect produced by the massage is not impaired.

Furthermore, the massage machine disclosed in the present invention is provided with an auxiliary support part if necessary. The auxiliary support part is arranged at a predetermined position of the massage machine and is in a state where the user changes the posture in accordance with the instruction of the first instruction information. Part of the body is in contact after movement to assist in maintaining posture.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the user changes the posture in accordance with the instruction of the first instruction information, the auxiliary instruction unit provided in the massage machine contacts the part of the body that moves during the change of the user's posture to support the user. The role of the body, thereby greatly reducing the user's burden when the user maintains the posture after the posture change, the user can easily maintain the posture after the posture change, and can reliably perform pre-planning for the body after the posture change massage, so that the desired massage effect can be appropriately produced.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the instruction unit outputs the instruction information as information that can be directly received as a stimulus by the user's sensory organs.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the instruction unit that issues instruction information to the user outputs the instruction information as sound, image display, etc. that can be directly received by the user's sensory organs as stimulation, and the user directly receives the instruction information included in the instruction information. Instructs and directly understands the instruction content, and performs actions according to the instructions, so that the user does not need to prepare for obtaining the information and can simply obtain the information, and by directly transmitting the instructions to the user himself, there is no omission of instructions. It can prompt the user to reliably move the body as instructed. For example, when the first instruction information is output, the instruction is clearly conveyed to the user so that the user can move to a posture suitable for massage, and the body after the posture has changed can be adjusted. Perform a pre-planned massage so that the massage effect can be imparted appropriately.

Furthermore, in the massage machine disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the above-mentioned instruction unit outputs the above-mentioned instruction information as information that can be received by a communication terminal. The communication terminal has a transmission member capable of transmitting information to the user and is carried or carried by the user. Worn on the user's body.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the instruction unit that issues instruction information to the user outputs the instruction information received as communication data by the communication terminal carried by the user or worn on the user's body, and uses the transmission member of the communication terminal to transmit the instruction information. The included instructions are delivered to the user in the form of sound, image display, etc., so that the user understands the instruction content, and the user will act according to the instructions. Therefore, the user uses the communication terminal owned in advance to transmit the instruction information without the need for Providing an information output member on the side of the massage machine in a form that the user can directly receive can simplify the structure of the massage machine. Furthermore, by transmitting only the instructions included in the instruction information to the user via the communication terminal, a state in which the user can properly receive the instructions is ensured, and at the same time, sound, light, etc. are not accidentally diffused around the massage machine, thereby preventing the user from causing damage to the massage machine. It causes discomfort to people other than the user around the massage machine.

Furthermore, the massage machine disclosed in the present invention has one or more massage mechanisms that are moved by a predetermined driving source, and the massage mechanism performs massage on the user while supporting the user's body, wherein the massage machine is equipped with: a control unit that controls the working state of the above-mentioned massage mechanism; and an instruction unit that issues first instruction information to a user who receives massage from the above-mentioned massage mechanism, where the first instruction information includes instructions for the user to move at least part of the body. The content of causing the posture to change from the normal posture or to continue moving at least part of the body, after the above-mentioned instruction unit sends the first instruction information to the user, if it is obtained from the outside and it is determined that the user has performed the posture in accordance with the instruction from the above-mentioned instruction unit. The control unit controls the massage mechanism to perform massage by the massage mechanism if the user performs a specific action to continue moving at least a part of the body according to instructions.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, an instruction unit is provided that issues first instruction information including instructions to change the user's posture or continue to move the body to the user who is to receive massage. The first instruction information is issued, and the external confirmation unit recognizes and confirms that the user moves the body in accordance with the instruction from the instruction unit and adopts a specific posture, or performs a specific action of continuing to move at least a part of the body in accordance with the instruction. state, the control unit acquires information identified as the content of the above-mentioned state from the external confirmation unit, and if the control unit includes a predetermined part of the user's body that is in a state different from the previous posture due to the user's body movement, or the part of the If a massage is performed on a massage target area including the nearby area, the effect of the massage on a predetermined part of the body will be different from the effect of the massage on the same massage target area assuming that the body is in a state where the posture does not change or the body does not continue to move. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new massage stimulation to the above-mentioned predetermined body part or its vicinity, which is different from the existing massage performed without changing the user's posture or continuing the body movement, and the massage can be performed efficiently. It further promotes muscle stiffness, pain relief, fatigue recovery, etc. through massage. Furthermore, by performing the massage when the control unit acquires information indicating that the user moved the body accurately as instructed by the instruction information, the preset massage can be accurately performed at the desired position of the body. The massage effect can be reliably obtained, and adverse effects on the body caused by the massage can be prevented when the user does not move the body as instructed.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a front perspective view of the mechanical unit in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a perspective view of the back side of the mechanical unit in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the protrusion amount of the kneading ball of the mechanical unit in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is small.

6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the kneading ball protrusion amount of the mechanical unit in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is large.

7 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which first instruction information is output from an instruction unit in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operating state of the backrest and the leg support part that cause the user's posture to change in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a user's posture change process on the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

10 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the user moves to a specific posture on the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contact state of each backrest portion in the normal posture and the specific posture of the user in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which massage is performed in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which first instruction information is output from the instruction unit in the massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operating state of the backrest and the leg support part that cause the user's posture to change in the massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a user's posture change process on the massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

18 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the user moves to a specific posture on the massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

19 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a user assuming a specific posture is being massaged in the massage machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

20 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a specific massage is performed based on a change in the user's posture in the first specific example of the massage machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

21 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a specific massage is performed based on a change in the user's posture in the second specific example of the massage machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

22 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which arm air bag massage is performed in a user's normal posture and a specific posture in a third specific example of the massage machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

23 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first instruction information is output from the instruction unit and the information is transmitted from the communication terminal to the user in the massage machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

24 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the user moves to a specific posture on the massage machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

25 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a user using another communication terminal moves to a specific posture on the massage machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which first instruction information is output from the instruction unit in the massage machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

27 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a user performing a specific action is massaged in the massage machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

(First embodiment of the present invention)

Hereinafter, the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the above-described FIGS. 1 to 12 . In this embodiment, an example of a so-called massage chair type (chair-shaped) massage machine that massages a user while supporting the seated user will be described.

In each of the above figures, the massage machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to include: a base portion 11 that is placed on the ground and stably supports the entire chair; and a seat portion 12 that is supported above the base portion 11 for use. The user's buttocks; the backrest part 13, which supports the user's back on the rear side of the seat part 12; the armrest parts 14, which supports the user's elbows and forearms on the left and right sides of the seat part 12; the leg support part 15 , which supports the user's legs on the front side of the seat 12; the operating portion 30, which accepts various operating inputs from the user involved in the massage; the control portion 40, which controls the working states of the multiple mounted massage mechanisms. ; and the instruction unit 45, which emits predetermined instruction information including the content instructed to the user in a sound manner.

In the massage machine of this embodiment, the user mainly supports his buttocks on the seat 12, his back on the backrest 13, his elbows and forearms on the armrests 14, and his legs and feet on the legs. The support part 15 is used to receive massage in the normal posture of the seated state. However, the user can also receive specific massage in a state (specific posture) in which the posture is changed from the normal posture by moving part of the body. In this case, before the massage, the instruction unit 45 is configured to issue instruction information instructing the user to change the posture from the normal posture.

The base portion 11 is integrally mounted with and supports the seat portion 12 , the backrest portion 13 , the armrest portion 14 and the leg support portion 15 that constitute the respective parts of the chair. Furthermore, the seat 12 is mounted on the base 11 in such a manner that the inclination angle of the seat surface can be adjusted, and the user's buttocks and thighs are supported by the seat surface while massaging is performed using the built-in massage mechanism. The massage mechanism of the seat 12 is configured to include a buttocks airbag 71 and a thigh airbag 72 that operate by supplying and discharging air. An air pump 70 for operating the airbag by supplying and discharging air is disposed in the space below the seat 12 .

The backrest portion 13 is configured to have a surface shape conforming to the shape of a person's back, is disposed to be able to adjust its inclination angle with respect to the base portion 11 and the seat portion 12, and has a massage mechanism inside it for performing massage.

The backrest portion 13 is configured to have a mechanical unit 50 integrally formed with a pair of left and right kneading balls 51 and a driving portion 60 for operating the backrest portion 13, and a frame-shaped backrest portion frame 13a supporting the mechanical unit 50. The airbag 73 for the back and the airbag 74 for the waist are operated by supplying and discharging air by the air pump 70 described above. Among them, the mechanical unit 50, the air bag for the back 73, and the air bag for the waist 74 respectively constitute a massage mechanism for performing massage.

In addition, a pair of side wall portions are protrudingly arranged on the left and right sides of the backrest 13. The pair of side wall portions are provided with massage mechanisms such as airbags on the inner surface side facing the user, and can also massage the user from the side. Massage the upper arms, etc.

The backrest frame 13a is integrally connected in the transverse direction between a pair of left and right guide frames 13b that support the mechanical unit 50 in such a way that the mechanical unit 50 can move in the vertical direction of the backrest portion 13 and restricts movement in other directions. A plurality of horizontal frames form a roughly ladder-like frame structure.

The mechanical unit 50 is configured to include: a pair of left and right kneading balls 51 that provide stimulation to the user such as kneading and tapping; a pair of left and right kneading ball support arms 52 that respectively support the kneading balls 51 in a protruding state; and a drive. part 60, which moves the kneading ball 51 via the kneading ball support arm 52 in response to massage actions such as kneading and tapping; and a base part 54, which supports the driving part 60 so as to be able to move at right angles to the up and down direction of the backrest. The axis of the direction is the center tilt.

The drive unit 60 is provided with: a kneading motor 63 that generates a driving force for kneading and massaging the kneading ball 51 based on the control of the control unit 40; and a tapping motor 64 that generates a driving force for kneading and massaging the kneading ball 51 based on the control of the control unit 40. The driving force for the ball 51 to perform percussion massage; and the kneading mechanism and the percussion mechanism (not shown), which respectively convert the rotational motion output from each motor into a motion equivalent to kneading and percussion. The kneading ball support arm 52 transmits such motion to the kneading ball 51. Since the driving part 60 is the same mechanism as that used in a known massage machine, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In addition, the kneading mechanism uses the rotation of the kneading motor 63 based on the control of the control unit 40 to cause the kneading ball support arm 52 to continuously swing. The kneading ball 51 attached to one end of the kneading ball support arm 52 swings up and down, left and right, and back and forth while drawing a continuous trajectory along with the movement of the kneading ball support arm 52, thereby enabling kneading massage.

Furthermore, the knocking mechanism uses the rotation of the knocking motor 64 to swing the kneading ball support arm 52 around a predetermined position, and the kneading ball 51 at one end of the arm swings back and forth (reciprocates) due to the swing of the kneading ball support arm 52. Thus achieving percussion massage.

The base portion 54 supports the driving portion 60 in a tiltable manner, and is also configured to include: a lifting motor 57 that generates a driving force for lifting the mechanical unit based on control of the control portion 40; and a forward and backward motor. 58, which similarly generates the driving force for tilting the driving part 60 based on the control of the control part 40.

The mechanical unit 50 is configured to be sandwiched by the guide frames 13 b by supporting the side end portions of the base portion 54 on the pair of guide frames 13 b so as to be able to move up and down, so that the entire mechanical unit 50 can move along the guide frames 13 b. The guide frame 13b moves. Furthermore, based on the control of the control unit 40, the lifting motor 57 is operated and the base part 54 is in a state of traveling on the guide frame 13b. Therefore, the entire mechanical unit 50 including the base part 54 moves along the guide frame 13b on the backrest part 13. By moving up and down, the position of the kneading ball 51 in the backrest part 13 (the massage target part performed by the kneading ball) can be changed up and down.

Furthermore, the mechanical unit 50 moves in the up and down direction of the backrest 13 as described above under the control of the control unit 40 to adjust the up and down position of the kneading ball 51 according to the set content of the massage. The tilting movement of the kneading ball 51 and the driving part 60 caused by the operation of the kneading ball 51 is used to adjust the protruding amount of the kneading ball 51 toward the user side.

When kneading or percussion massage is performed, after such movement and position adjustment of the kneading ball 51 to the massage target part, or in parallel with the movement of the kneading ball 51, the control unit 40 controls the mechanical movement of the kneading ball 51 according to the type of massage. The kneading and tapping motor of the driving part 60 in the unit 50 operates to cause the kneading ball 51 to perform movements corresponding to the set massage, such as kneading and tapping.

The armrest portions 14 are arranged on both sides of the seat portion 12 and can stably support the user's forearms by moving forward and backward as the backrest portion 13 tilts relative to the base portion 11 and the seat portion 12 . The arm airbag 75 is disposed on the armrest 14 and operates by supplying and discharging air by the air pump 70, so that the user's hand and forearm can be massaged.

When performing massage using the arm airbag 75 in the armrest 14, in principle, the user's forearm and hand are positioned so that the radius side of the forearm and the thumb side of the hand face upward, and the palms (palms) face each other from left to right. The direction is placed on the armrest portion 14, which becomes the normal posture of the forearm and hand.

The above-mentioned leg support portion 15 is located on the front side of the seat portion 12, and is disposed to be tiltable around the front end of the seat portion 12, and the inclination angle is adjusted by an actuator (not shown) on the lower side of the seat portion. The leg support part 15 contains a leg airbag 76 as a massage mechanism for the lower knee part of the leg and a foot side airbag 77 as a massage mechanism for the foot. The leg airbag 76 passes air by the air pump 70 . The supply and exhaust system comes to work. In addition, the leg support part 15 may be provided with a massage member such as a roller that presses the legs while moving up and down.

The operation unit 30 includes a plurality of switches and a display unit that accept various operation inputs to the massage machine. The operation unit 30 is detachably installed on the bracket 31 on the side of the massage machine 1 and sends operation inputs related to massage to the control unit. Department 40. In addition, the position of the bracket 31 is adjustable so that the positions of the switches and the display part of the operating part 30 are optimal for the user. The operation unit 30 is integrally provided with an instruction unit 45 for outputting sound.

The control unit 40 adjusts the massage mechanism and other movable parts of the massage machine to a state corresponding to the user based on the detection results obtained by detecting the position of each part of the user's body in advance, and based on the operation of the operation unit 30, The set massage content and the information on the above-mentioned detection results are recorded, and the massage mechanism and other movable parts are controlled to perform appropriate massage.

The control unit 40 is a computer including a CPU, a memory, an input/output interface, etc. as its hardware configuration, and is configured to operate the computer as the control unit 40 using a program stored in the memory or the like. The computer constituting the control unit 40 may be a microcomputer in which a CPU, a memory, a ROM, etc. are integrally formed.

The computer unit constituting the control unit 40 is disposed in a predetermined space inside the massage machine 1 such as directly under the seat unit 12 and is in a state capable of communicating with the operation unit 30 and communicates with various motors and the seat of the mechanical unit 50 respectively. The actuators and the air pump 70 for tilting the part 12, the backrest part 13, and the leg support part 15 are electrically connected. When detecting the position of each part of the user's body, the control signal output is formed based on a preset position detection program. The operation of the above-mentioned driving mechanism, and when performing massage, the operation of the above-mentioned driving mechanism is controlled by using a control signal output formed based on the set massage data.

In addition, the control unit 40 is electrically connected to signal output members such as encoders that output the displacement amounts of the mechanical unit 50 and each actuator, and controls the status of the mechanical unit 50, the seat 12, the backrest 13, and the leg supports. The operations of driving components such as motors and actuators are controlled while controlling the tilt of the portion 15.

The control unit 40 performs a massage process in which the basic functions of massage selected and instructed by the user on the operation unit 30 and a plurality of massage functions are grouped into a group in such a manner that they can be automatically executed in a predetermined order based on the instruction data from the operation unit 30 , reading the data of the function and massage process selected by the user from the storage unit of the control unit 40, outputting a control signal based on the data, causing each massage mechanism, specifically the mechanical unit 50 and/or the air pump 70 to operate, thereby through the mechanical The mechanical massage and/or air bag massage performed by the kneading ball 51 of the unit 50 can perform the massage function and massage process selected by the user on the user.

In addition, the same as the known massage machine, in order to detect the position of each part of the user's body before massage, the control part 40 controls the mechanical unit 50 to move the mechanical unit 50 from the initial position at the backrest 13 along the guide frame 13b. While the kneading ball 51 is moving along the user, changes in the pressure on the kneading ball 51 from the side of the user leaning on the backrest 13, changes in the inclination of the kneading ball 51, etc. are sequentially acquired. Based on this information, it is also possible to detect The user's shoulder position, spine line, and waist position.

In addition, the control unit 40 controls the instruction unit 45 to output the sound of the instruction information, and controls each part of the massage machine corresponding to the instruction content of the instruction information. For example, when the instruction unit 45 issues the first instruction information, the user On the assumption that the posture is changed according to the instructions of the instruction information, a specific posture after the posture change is predicted, and the operation of each massage mechanism is controlled so as to perform a specific massage targeting the body taking the specific posture.

The control unit 40 performs control so that each massage mechanism performs a predetermined massage on a massage target part including a position expected to be changed by the user in accordance with instructions from the instruction information from the instruction unit 45 In the case of the posture change, a predetermined part of the body that has changed from the previous posture state, or the vicinity of the part.

Specifically, for example, when the specific posture after the posture change is a posture of raising both hands upward, the control unit 40 performs control so as to perform "stretching" on the massage target part in a predetermined upper and lower range from the waist to the shoulders of the back. " Massage in which the massage target part in the upper and lower predetermined range from the waist to the shoulders of the back includes the above-mentioned predetermined body part whose state changes with the change to the posture and becomes elongated in the up and down direction of the body. From the shoulder to the muscle area of the back, the above-mentioned "stretch" massage is applied with the moving direction upward, and the rolling of the protruding kneading ball 51 is moved together with the mechanical unit 50 in a state where it is in contact with the body. Then, the massage ball 51 is used to push up the massage target part of the back to stretch it.

In this case, the control unit 40 can also perform control so that each massage mechanism performs a massage on the massage target part of the user's body that is different from the massage performed on the user in the normal posture and a specific posture after the user changes the posture. Corresponding massage.

For example, when the specific posture is a posture in which both hands are raised upward, the control unit 40 performs control so that the back is in a state different from the normal posture, specifically, a state in which the relative positional relationship with the backrest portion 13 is slightly changed. A special "stretch" massage is performed on a predetermined upper and lower range from the waist to the shoulders. This special "stretch" massage is different from the "stretch" massage in the normal posture. The upward push intensity of the kneading ball 51 is changed according to the position of the back ( The amount of protrusion of the kneading ball toward the body side), or changing the moving speed of the kneading ball 51 toward the upper part of the backrest.

In addition, when the first instruction information is issued to the user by the instruction part 45, the control part 40 controls the position adjustment of the backrest part 13, the leg support part 15, etc. that support the user's body in the massage machine. In order to promote the user to perform physical activities involved in posture changes according to the instructions of the first instruction information.

Based on the control of the control unit 40, the instruction unit 45 outputs information such as instruction information including content to instruct the user as sound information at appropriate timings before or during massage, and issues the information to the user, thereby using able to receive information.

When the instruction unit 45 is scheduled to perform a specific massage based on the user's specific posture, the instruction unit 45 sends the first instruction information to the user at a time shortly before the specific massage is included in the massage process or by using The operator's operation directly instructs the execution of massage.

The first instruction information includes content instructing the user to move at least a part of the body to change the posture. If the user moves the body in accordance with the instructions of the first instruction information and moves to a specific posture, and can receive the above-mentioned specific massage based on the specific posture without any problem, that is, the target part for receiving the massage includes the part accompanying the user to the specific massage. Massage of a predetermined part of the body or its vicinity in which the posture changes from the state of the above-mentioned normal posture.

Specifically, for example, when the above-mentioned "stretching" massage is performed using the kneading ball 51 in the posture of raising both hands upward, sound information with the content "Please raise both hands" is output from the instruction unit 45 to the user as the instruction information. . The user is asked to raise their hands according to the instructions and properly receive the "stretch" massage mentioned above.

Furthermore, the instruction unit 45 newly issues second instruction information to the user when each massage mechanism performs and completes a specific massage targeting the user's body in a specific posture.

The second instruction information includes the content of canceling the specific posture, that is, assuming that the user changes the posture and adopts the specific posture in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, instructs the user with respect to at least a part of the body that the user is expected to move when the posture changes. Restore at least part of the body. When the user moves the body in accordance with the instruction of the second instruction information, the user returns to the posture before the specific posture, and enters a state of receiving normal massage corresponding to the posture as in the related art.

Specifically, for example, when the above-mentioned "stretching" massage using the kneading ball 51 is performed and completed with the user's hands raised upward, "Please put down your hands" is output from the instruction unit 45 to the user. The audio information of the content is used as the second instruction information. The user is required to put down both hands in accordance with this instruction and return the forearms and hands to the original normal posture placed on the armrest 14 .

In addition, the instruction unit 45 can also send information related to the content of a scheduled massage (specific massage) to the user before sending the first instruction information to the user. The scheduled massage will be assumed to be performed in accordance with the first instruction information. The user's body after the posture change is used as the object to execute.

In addition, the instruction unit 45 is configured to output the instruction information as a sound that can be directly received by the user's ears. However, it is not limited to this, and it may be output as information that can be directly received by the user's sensory organs as a stimulus, such as an instruction. The instruction part may also send information in other forms, that is, the instruction part may be used as a display part of the operation part 30 or a display device such as an independent display, and the instruction information may be output as image information that the user can see with his or her eyes, or the instruction part may have Tactile stimulation such as vibration of characteristics corresponding to the information content is transmitted to the surface (skin) of the user's body. In addition, the instruction information only needs to be associated with posture changes in advance so that the user who receives the information can understand how to change the posture. It may also be simplified or symbolized by long and short electronic sounds, vibrations, flashes of color-coded light, etc. Information.

Next, the state in which the massage machine of this embodiment performs massage will be described. As a premise, in a state where the user is seated on the massage machine 1 and has his back supported by the backrest 13 , the main power supply of the massage machine 1 is turned on, the massage machine 1 is started, and the user's body shape is detected. After the preparatory actions before the start of the massage, the adjustment of the inclination angle of the backrest 13, etc. are completed, and the user inputs action status instructions such as the massage process, the control unit 40 will then use a massage mechanism such as a kneading ball to perform massage on the user.

Then, a massage process of "stretching" is combined with the massage process scheduled to be performed, and assuming that the user changes his posture to a posture of raising his hands upward, the massage target area is the waist to the shoulders of the back. The massage ball 51 together with the mechanical unit 50 moves upward from the bottom of the backrest 13 while being pushed up by the pair of massage balls 51. The massage target part includes the state from the normal posture due to the posture change. The muscles from the shoulders to the back become stretched in the vertical direction of the body.

During the massage process, when it reaches the stage immediately before performing the above-mentioned "stretching" massage which is a specific massage based on a change in the user's posture, the control unit 40 first transmits the content of the next massage from the instruction unit 45 The information is output as sound information.

Specifically, voice information such as "Thereafter, use the kneading ball to "stretch" the back." is output from the instruction unit 45 .

In this way, the instruction unit 45 notifies the user of the content of the specific massage scheduled to be performed before issuing the first instruction information including the instruction to change the posture to the user, thereby motivating the user to move the body in order to change the posture. Promote actual action to change posture.

Next, based on the control of the control unit 40, the instruction unit 45 instructs the user to move part of the body to change the posture. Specifically, the instruction unit 45 instructs the user to include "Please raise your hands to stretch your back." The first instruction information is issued to the user as sound information (see FIG. 7 ).

In accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, the user places both hands above the head and raises the arms above the shoulders, thereby taking a posture in which the back is stretched (see FIG. 10 ). This posture (specific posture) is a posture for receiving the above-mentioned "stretching" massage.

Accompanying the posture change toward the specific posture in which the user raises his hands, the muscle parts from the shoulders to the back change from the state of the normal posture to a state of elongation in the vertical direction of the body. Directly or indirectly stimulate the stretched muscle part, which cannot be achieved in the normal posture with the hands lowered, so that the above-mentioned massage target parts including such muscle parts or their vicinity are stimulated. "Stretch" massage can provide a different massage effect from the massage of the same massage target area performed in a normal posture.

In response to the first instruction information being sent from the instruction part 45, the control part 40 moves the backrest part 13 and the leg support part 15 in order to prompt the user to raise both hands in accordance with the instruction of the first instruction information. Specifically, the backrest portion 13 is tilted in the direction of laying down, and the leg support portion 15 is tilted in the direction of raising, so that the user assumes a posture in which the user is lying on his back as a whole (see FIGS. 8 , 9 , and 10 ).

Furthermore, the control unit 40 assumes that the user changes the posture according to the instruction, and moves the mechanical unit 50 relative to the guide frame 13b by the operation of the lifting motor 57 as preparation for the massage of "stretch" at the massage target part in the predicted specific posture. Move downward and lower the position of the kneading ball 51 so that it is located at the lower part of the backrest 13 in the "stretched" initial position. In addition, the control part 40 operates the forward and backward motor 58 to tilt the driving part 60 together with the kneading ball 51, and adjusts the protrusion amount of the kneading ball 51 toward the user, so that the kneading ball 51 can be pushed up to the leaning position respectively. The back part of the user's body on the backrest 13.

In addition, the control unit 40 operates the leg airbag 76 of the leg support unit 15 to restrain the legs so that the user's body does not deviate in the up-and-down direction of the backrest when "stretch" massage is performed.

After the first instruction information is issued, the control unit 40 performs "stretch" massage at a predetermined timing when the user is expected to change the posture in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information. Specifically, for example, 3 seconds after the leg support part 15 restrains the legs, the mechanical unit 50 is operated so that the kneading ball 51 starts to travel upwards of the backrest.

"Stretching" using the kneading ball 51 is a massage in which the kneading ball 51 is moved upward together with the mechanical unit 50 while pressing a part of the back on the front side of the backrest with the protruding kneading ball 51, and the kneading ball 51 is maintained While in contact with the back, move upward along the back to continuously apply stimulation from bottom to top to the predetermined upper and lower range of the back from the waist to the shoulders, thereby stretching the back (see Figure 12).

In the posture where the user raises his hands, the back is also affected. Compared with the normal posture where the user does not raise his hands, the lumbar part of the back, which is the target part for massage, floats away from the backrest. A state in which the shoulder portion of the back moves relatively in a direction in which the shoulder portion of the backrest is pressed against the backrest portion (refer to Fig. 11). In order to appropriately perform a "stretching" massage accordingly, when performing the massage, adjustments are made compared to the case of the same massage in the normal posture, that is, the protrusion of the kneading ball 51 is increased at the lumbar portion of the back. The amount can ensure the intensity of stimulation and reduce the protruding amount of the kneading ball 51 at the shoulder part of the back so that the stimulation will not be too large (see Figure 12). In this way, the "stretching" massage in the posture of raising the hands upward causes a qualitative change in the massage itself, and can be performed as a massage different from the same massage in the case of a normal posture and in particular a massage corresponding to the change of the user's posture. It provides a special massage effect that cannot be obtained in normal postures, thereby improving user satisfaction.

After the preset time has elapsed and the "stretching" massage using the kneading ball 51 is completed in a specific posture in which the user raises his hands upwards, the instruction unit 45 will include instructions for the user to release the specific posture. The second instruction information is sent to the user as sound information.

Specifically, sound information including the instruction "Please put down your hands." is output from the instruction unit 45 as the second instruction information.

The user puts down his hands in accordance with the instruction of the second instruction information and assumes the original normal posture of placing the forearms and hands on the armrest 14 .

In response to the second instruction information being issued from the instruction portion 45, the control portion 40 prompts the user to lower his hands and cancel the action of the specific posture, except for the case where the next massage is performed without changing the state of the backrest portion 13 and the leg support portion 15. , after operating the leg air bag 76 of the leg support part 15 to release the constraint of the legs, the backrest part 13 is tilted in the direction of rising and standing, and the leg support part 15 is tilted in the direction of falling, so that the user becomes Initial seated state.

Since the user returns to the normal posture before changing to the specific posture, the subsequent massage is accepted as normal massage. By returning to a natural and comfortable position, the massage can be more relaxing.

After the predetermined time elapses since the instruction part 45 sends the second instruction information and the user is expected to release the specific posture according to the instruction, the control part 40 moves to the next massage in the massage process, or ends the massage process and stops the work of each part. , thus ending the processing involved in performing a series of massages.

In this way, the massage machine of this embodiment is provided with the instruction unit 45 that issues the first instruction information including instruction content to change the user's posture to the user who wants to receive massage. When the user changes the posture based on the first instruction information, In this case, if the massage is performed on a massage target part including a predetermined part of the body that is in a different state from the previous posture such as muscle elongation or the vicinity of the part, the effect of the massage on the predetermined part of the body will be different from that of the assumed body. By changing the massage at the same massage target part with the posture changed, it is possible to achieve a new massage on a predetermined part of the body or its vicinity that is different from the conventional massage performed without changing the posture. The stimulation imparted by massage enables efficient massage and further promotes muscle stiffness, pain relief, fatigue recovery, etc. through massage. In addition, the user himself moves the body in response to the instruction of the instruction information issued to the user to achieve necessary and sufficient posture changes. Therefore, there is no need to install a user on the massage machine in order to obtain such a change in the user's posture. A special mechanism for body movement can thereby suppress the costs associated with the realization of posture changes of the user in the massage machine.

In addition, in the massage machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, the structure is provided with the sound output unit constituting the instruction unit 45, but in addition, it may also be configured to include an input unit such as the user's voice, which is emitted from the user. The information is used for the control of the control unit 40. For example, the first instruction information issued from the instruction unit 45 may be configured such that the user does not want to move the body in accordance with the instructions of the first instruction information, or the user temporarily changes the posture but cannot maintain the changed posture. In the case of , if a negative answer is given, the control unit 40 controls not to perform the massage corresponding to the first instruction information or to stop the execution of the massage based on the information received by the input unit.

Furthermore, in the massage machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, the first instruction information and the second instruction information are respectively issued from the instruction unit 45 to the user. Alternatively, the instruction unit 45 may be configured such that the instruction unit 45 is provided in each massage mechanism. At a predetermined time when the above-mentioned specific massage is executed and ended, third instruction information is newly issued to the user. The third instruction information includes instructing the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the effect of the massage performed after the issuance of the first instruction information. Content, the control unit 40 acquires information related to the user's answer in accordance with the instruction of the third instruction information and uses it for control.

Specifically, for example, the second instruction information is output from the instruction unit 45, the user moves the body in accordance with the instructions of the second instruction information, and at a predetermined timing when the specific posture is expected to be released, the instruction unit 45 uses the third instruction information as a voice. A message is issued to the user, and the third instruction information includes content instructing the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the effect of the "stretch" massage performed since the first instruction message was issued.

Specifically, voice information including "How about massage?" is output from the instruction unit 45 as the third instruction information.

In accordance with the instructions of the third instruction information, the user outputs the information of the response to evaluate the effect of the massage as a voice and inputs it into the voice input unit, or inputs the information through the input member of the operation unit 30 , and at this time, the control unit 40 acquires the information. The information is used for the control unit 40 to determine whether it can be used in the massage process after the massage, etc.

Then, after a predetermined time has passed since the instruction unit 45 issued the third instruction information and the acquisition of the information expected to be answered from the user is completed, the control unit 40 moves to the next massage in the massage process, as in the above embodiment, or End the massage process and stop the work of each part.

In addition, the massage effect is not limited to the acquisition of information confirming the user's answer based on such third instruction information. It can also be configured to detect the contact between the rubbing ball 51 (treatment element) and the user's body. To confirm the changes, if after the massage it is detected that the contact becomes softer with the relaxation of stiffness than before the massage, the certain effect of the massage can be confirmed more objectively.

(Second embodiment of the present invention)

The massage machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the above-described FIGS. 13 to 18 . In this embodiment, an example of a so-called massage chair type (chair-shaped) massage machine that performs massage while supporting a seated user will be described.

In each of the above figures, like the first embodiment, the massage machine 1 of this embodiment includes a base part 11, a seat part 12, a backrest part 13, an armrest part 14, a leg support part 15, an operating part 30, and a control part. 40 and the indication unit 45, the difference is that the confirmation unit 90 is provided on the operation unit 30 and recognizes the state in which the user's posture has been changed based on instructions from the indication unit 45.

In addition, aspects of the massage machine 1 described above other than the configuration of the confirmation unit 90 , the identification of the user's status by the confirmation unit 90 , and the control related to performing a specific massage on the user in the control unit 40 based on the results are the same as those of the massage machine 1 . The situation is the same as that of the above-mentioned first embodiment, and detailed description is omitted.

In the massage machine of this embodiment, like the above-mentioned first embodiment, the user mainly receives massage in a normal posture. However, the user can also receive specific massage in a state (specific posture) in which the user moves part of the body and changes the posture from the normal posture. In this case, before performing the massage, the instruction unit 45 issues instruction information instructing the user to change the posture from the normal posture, and the confirmation unit 90 confirms that the user adopts the specific posture in accordance with the instruction.

The control unit 40 has the same structure as the first embodiment, and controls each massage mechanism and other movable parts of the massage machine to perform massage.

Furthermore, the control unit 40 controls the instruction unit 45 to output the sound of the instruction information, obtains the identification result of the user's status from the confirmation unit 90, and controls each part of the massage machine corresponding to the instruction content of the instruction information. For example, if the first instruction information is issued by the instruction unit 45 and the user's predetermined state is grasped by the confirming unit 90, the operation control of each massage mechanism is performed so as to assume a state of taking a specific posture according to the instructions of the instruction information, or A specific massage that targets the user's body while performing specific movements.

When the control unit 40 recognizes from the confirmation unit 90 that the user has changed the posture in accordance with the instruction of the instruction information from the instruction unit 45, the control unit 40 performs control so that each massage mechanism performs a predetermined massage on the massage target part. The part includes a predetermined part of the body that is expected to change from the state of the previous posture due to the change in posture, or the vicinity of the part.

Specifically, for example, when the specific posture after the posture change is a posture of raising both hands upward, the control unit 40 performs control so as to perform "stretching" on the massage target part in a predetermined upper and lower range from the waist to the shoulders of the back. " Massage in which the massage target part in the upper and lower predetermined range from the waist to the shoulders of the back includes the above-mentioned predetermined body part whose state changes with the change to the posture and becomes elongated in the up and down direction of the body. From the shoulder to the muscle area of the back, the above-mentioned "stretch" massage is applied with the moving direction upward, and the rolling of the protruding kneading ball 51 is moved together with the mechanical unit 50 in a state where it is in contact with the body. Then, the massage ball 51 is used to push up the massage target part of the back to stretch it.

In this case, the control unit 40 can also perform control so that each massage mechanism performs a massage on the massage target part of the user's body that is different from that performed on the user in the normal posture, and the user changes the posture from the normal posture. specific postures corresponding to the massage.

In addition, when the first instruction information is issued to the user by the instruction part 45, the control part 40 controls the position adjustment of the backrest part 13, the leg support part 15, etc. that support the user's body in the massage machine. In order to promote the user to perform physical activities involved in posture changes according to the instructions of the first instruction information.

Similar to the above-described first embodiment, the above-mentioned instruction unit 45 outputs information such as instruction information including the content of instructing the user as sound information at an appropriate timing before or during massage based on the control of the control unit 40 . , sends information to the user so that the user can receive the information.

When a specific massage based on a specific posture of the user is scheduled to be performed, the instruction unit 45 sends the first instruction information to the user at a time shortly before the specific massage is included in the massage process or by using The operator's operation directly instructs the massage to be performed.

Furthermore, the instruction unit 45 newly issues second instruction information to the user when each massage mechanism performs and completes a specific massage targeting the user's body in a specific posture.

The second instruction information includes the content of canceling the specific posture, that is, when the confirming unit 90 recognizes that the user adopts the specific posture, instructs the user regarding at least a part of the body that the user is expected to move when the posture changes. Rehabilitation by movement of at least part of the body. When the user moves the body in accordance with the instruction of the second instruction information, the user returns to the posture before the specific posture, and enters a state of receiving normal massage corresponding to the posture as in the related art.

Specifically, for example, when the above-mentioned "stretching" massage using the kneading ball 51 in the posture of raising both hands upward is performed and completed, voice information with the content "Please put down your hands" is output from the instruction unit 45 to the user. as the second instruction information. The user is required to put down both hands in accordance with this instruction and return the forearms and hands to the original normal posture placed on the armrest 14 .

In addition, the instruction unit 45 can also issue the third instruction information to the user at a predetermined timing such as when each massage mechanism performs the specific massage on the user's body and ends the above-mentioned specific massage.

The third instruction information includes content instructing the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the effect of the massage performed since the confirmation unit 90 recognized the state in which the user took the specific posture. The user outputs the information related to the answer in accordance with the instructions of the third instruction information as a voice and the confirmation unit 90 receives the voice, or inputs the voice through the input member of the operation unit 30, in which case the control unit 40 acquires the information. .

In addition, before issuing the first instruction information to the user, the instruction unit 45 may also issue to the user a scheduled massage to be executed after the confirmation unit 90 grasps that the user adopts a specific posture based on the first instruction information. Information related to the content of (specific massage).

The above-mentioned confirmation unit 90 determines whether the user changes his posture in accordance with the instruction from the instruction unit 45 and adopts a specific posture after the posture change, or whether the user is performing a specific action that continues to move at least a part of the body in accordance with the instruction. When the user assumes a specific posture or performs a specific action, the content information is transmitted to the control unit 40 .

Specifically, before the confirmation unit 90 determines that the user adopts a specific posture or performs a specific action, the first instruction information is issued to the user from the instruction unit 45 as the sound output unit, and at the same time or later, the instruction information is issued to the user. The user outputs information asking whether the user is in a state where the user adopts a specific posture or a state where the user performs a specific action.

The confirmation unit 90 is configured to receive information related to the user's reply as a voice in response to the inquiry of the user, and to identify and identify the state in which the user adopts a specific posture or performs a specific action through analysis.

Specifically, for example, when the specific posture is a posture of raising both hands upward, "Please raise both hands. Please submit a reply after raising." is output from the instruction unit 45 simultaneously with the first instruction information, or from After the first instruction message is issued, a message asking "whether both hands are raised" is output later. When the user replies "yes" to such an inquiry, the confirmation unit 90 that receives the voice message recognizes that the user is in a state of adopting a specific posture of raising both hands. Then, based on the authentication information of the confirmation unit 90, the control unit 40 controls each massage mechanism to perform a specific massage targeting the body of the user taking a specific posture.

On the other hand, when the user answers "No" to the inquiry outputted from the instruction unit 45 or does not answer within a predetermined time, the confirmation unit 90 does not determine that the user is taking a specific posture. In this state, the control unit 40 does not perform control to cause each massage mechanism to perform specific massage.

In addition, the confirmation unit 90 can also serve as an input unit for the voice uttered by the user, and can utilize the information uttered by the user for the control of the control unit 40 . For example, when the user outputs the information of the response to evaluate the effect of the massage as a voice according to the instruction of the third instruction information, the voice information is input to the confirmation unit 90 as the input unit, and the control unit 40 acquires the information.

Next, the state in which the massage machine of this embodiment performs massage will be described. As a premise, with the user sitting on the massage machine 1 and leaning his back against the backrest 13 , the main power supply of the massage machine 1 is turned on, the massage machine 1 is started, and the user's body shape is detected and preparations are made before the massage starts. After the movement, tilt angle adjustment of the backrest 13, etc. are completed, and the user inputs working status instructions such as the massage process, the control unit 40 will then use a massage mechanism such as a kneading ball to perform massage on the user.

Then, a massage process of "stretching" is combined with the massage process scheduled to be performed, and assuming that the user changes his posture to a posture of raising his hands upward, the massage target area is the waist to the shoulders of the back. The massage ball 51 together with the mechanical unit 50 moves upward from the bottom of the backrest 13 while being pushed up by the pair of massage balls 51. The massage target part includes the state from the normal posture due to the posture change. The muscles from the shoulders to the back become stretched in the vertical direction of the body.

During the massage, when it reaches the stage immediately before performing the above-mentioned "stretching" massage that is a specific massage that occurs with a change in the user's posture, the control unit 40 first transmits the content of the next massage from the instruction unit 45 The information is output as audio information.

Specifically, voice information such as "Thereafter, use the kneading ball to "stretch" the back." is output from the instruction unit 45 .

In this way, the instruction unit 45 notifies the user of the content of the specific massage scheduled to be performed before issuing the first instruction information including the instruction to change the posture to the user, thereby motivating the user to move the body in order to change the posture. Action that prompts an actual change in posture.

Next, based on the control of the control unit 40, the instruction unit 45 instructs the user to move part of the body to change the posture from the normal posture. Specifically, the instruction includes the instruction "Please raise both hands to stretch the back." The first instruction information including the content is sent to the user as sound information (see Figure 15).

In accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, the user places his hands above the head and raises the arms above the shoulders, thereby stretching the back and taking a posture (specific posture) corresponding to the above-mentioned "stretch" massage (see Figure 18).

Accompanying the posture change toward the specific posture in which the user raises his hands, the muscle parts from the shoulders to the back change from the state of the normal posture to a state of elongation in the vertical direction of the body. Directly or indirectly stimulate the stretched muscle part, which cannot be achieved in the normal posture with the hands lowered, so that the above-mentioned massage target parts including such muscle parts or their vicinity are stimulated. "Stretch" massage can provide a different massage effect from the massage of the same massage target area performed in a normal posture.

In response to the first instruction information being issued from the instruction part 45, the control part 40 moves the backrest part 13 and the leg support part 15 in order to prompt the user to raise both hands in accordance with the instruction of the first instruction information. Specifically, the backrest portion 13 is tilted in the direction of laying down, and the leg support portion 15 is tilted in the direction of raising, so that the user assumes a posture in which the user is lying on his back as a whole (see FIGS. 16 , 17 , and 18 ).

In addition, as preparation for the "stretch" massage, the control unit 40 uses the operation of the lifting motor 57 to move the mechanical unit 50 downward relative to the guide frame 13b to lower the position of the kneading ball 51 so that it is located at the initial position of "stretch". Position the lower part of the backrest 13. In addition, the control part 40 operates the forward and backward motor 58 to tilt the driving part 60 together with the kneading ball 51, and adjusts the protrusion amount of the kneading ball 51 toward the user, so that the kneading ball 51 can be pushed up to lean against the backrest. 13. The back part of the user's body.

In addition, the control unit 40 operates the leg airbag 76 of the leg support unit 15 to restrain the legs so that the user's body does not deviate in the up-and-down direction of the backrest when "stretch" massage is performed.

After the first instruction information is issued, at a time when the user is expected to change the posture in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, the control unit 40 outputs information inquiring from the instruction unit 45 "whether the hands have been raised."

On the other hand, when the user replies "No", the confirmation unit 90 receives the voice information related to the reply, and based on the information content, the confirmation unit 90 identifies and determines that the user is not in a specific posture of raising both hands. state. Furthermore, if the user does not reply, the confirming unit 90 does not recognize that the user is in a state of taking a specific posture of raising both hands. In this way, the confirmation unit 90 does not recognize that the user is in a state of taking a specific posture with both hands raised, and the control unit 40 does not cause each massage mechanism to perform operations targeting the body of the user who takes a specific posture of raising both hands. The control of "stretch" massage can prevent the "stretch" massage from being erroneously performed on the user's body in a state where the user does not assume a specific posture.

On the other hand, when the user replies "yes" to the inquiry output from the instruction unit 45, the confirmation unit 90 receives the voice information related to the answer, and based on the information content, the confirmation unit 90 identifies and identifies the use of The person assumes a specific posture with his hands raised. By transmitting the information authenticated by the confirmation unit 90 to the control unit 40, the control unit 40 executes "stretch" massage. Specifically, the mechanical unit 50 is operated so that the kneading ball 51 starts to travel upwards of the backrest.

"Stretching" using the kneading ball 51 is a massage in which the kneading ball 51 is moved upward together with the mechanical unit 50 while pressing a part of the back on the front side of the backrest with the protruding kneading ball 51, and the kneading ball 51 is maintained While in contact with the back, move upward along the back to continuously apply stimulation from bottom to top to the predetermined upper and lower range of the back from the waist to the shoulders, thereby stretching the back (see Figure 12).

In the posture where the user raises his hands, the back is also affected. Compared with the normal posture where the user does not raise his hands, the lumbar part of the back, which is the target part for massage, floats away from the backrest. A state in which the shoulder portion of the back moves relatively in a direction in which the shoulder portion of the backrest is pressed against the backrest portion (refer to Fig. 11). In order to appropriately perform a "stretching" massage accordingly, when performing the massage, adjustments are made compared to the case of the same massage in the normal posture, that is, the protrusion of the kneading ball 51 is increased at the lumbar portion of the back. The amount can ensure the intensity of stimulation and reduce the protruding amount of the kneading ball 51 at the shoulder part of the back so that the stimulation will not be too large (see Figure 12). In this way, the "stretching" massage in the posture of raising the hands upward brings about a qualitative change in the massage itself, as a massage that is different from the same massage in the case of a normal posture and particularly a massage that corresponds to a specific posture after the user's posture has changed. It can provide a special massage effect that cannot be obtained in normal postures, thereby improving user satisfaction.

After the preset time has elapsed and the "stretching" massage using the kneading ball 51 is completed in a specific posture in which the user raises his hands upwards, the instruction unit 45 will include instructions for the user to release the specific posture. The second instruction information is sent to the user as sound information.

Specifically, sound information including the instruction "Please put down your hands." is output from the instruction unit 45 as the second instruction information.

The user puts down his hands in accordance with the instruction of the second instruction information and assumes the original normal posture of placing the forearms and hands on the armrest 14 .

In response to the second instruction information being issued from the instruction portion 45, the control portion 40 prompts the user to lower his hands and cancel the action of the specific posture, except for the case where the next massage is performed without changing the state of the backrest portion 13 and the leg support portion 15. , after operating the leg air bag 76 of the leg support part 15 to release the constraint of the legs, the backrest part 13 is tilted in the direction of rising and standing, and the leg support part 15 is tilted in the direction of falling, so that the user becomes Initial seated state.

Since the user returns to the normal posture before changing to the specific posture, the subsequent massage is accepted as normal massage. By returning to a natural and comfortable position, the massage can be more relaxing.

Next, the instruction unit 45 emits third instruction information to the user as voice information including content instructing the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the effect of the "stretch" massage performed.

Specifically, voice information including "How about massage?" is output from the instruction unit 45 as the third instruction information.

In accordance with the instructions of the third instruction information, the user outputs the information of the answer to evaluate the effect of the massage as a voice and the confirmation part 90 receives the information, or the user inputs the answer information through the input member of the operation part 30, in which case the control part 40 obtains this information and uses it to determine whether it can be used in the massage process after the massage in the control unit 40.

In addition, the effect of massage is not limited to the acquisition of information confirming the user's answer based on the third instruction information. It can also be configured by detecting changes in the contact between the rubbing ball 51 (treatment element) and the user's body. To confirm, if after the massage it is detected that the contact becomes softer with the relaxation of stiffness than before the massage, the certain effect of the massage can be confirmed more objectively.

After the instruction unit 45 issues the third instruction information, if the acquisition of information from the user's answer is completed or a predetermined time preset for the answer has elapsed, the control unit 40 moves to the next massage in the massage process. , or end the massage process and stop the work of each part, thereby ending the processing involved in performing a series of massages.

In this way, the massage machine of the present embodiment is provided with the instruction unit 45 that issues the first instruction information including instruction content to change the user's posture to the user who wants to receive massage, and is provided with the instruction unit 45 that can determine whether the user follows the instructions from the instruction unit 45. The confirmation unit 90 instructs the user to move the body and adopt a specific posture. If the first instruction information is issued from the instruction unit 45 to the user, and the confirmation unit 90 grasps that the user has adopted the specific posture in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information. , if a massage is performed on a massage target part including a predetermined part of the user's body or the vicinity of the user's body that is in a different state from the previous posture due to the user's body movement, then the impact and assumptions of the massage on the predetermined part of the body The influence of massage on the same massage target part is changed when the body is in a state where the body does not change the posture or continues to move, so that the above-mentioned predetermined part of the body or its vicinity can be provided with the same effect as without causing the user to By changing postures and stimulating new massages that are different from existing massages while the body continues to move, massage can be performed efficiently, and muscle stiffness, pain relief, fatigue recovery, etc. through massage can be further promoted. Furthermore, by performing the massage when the confirming unit 90 understands that the user moved the body correctly as instructed by the instruction information, the preset massage can be accurately performed at the desired position of the body, thereby reliably The massage effect is effectively obtained, and adverse effects on the body caused by massage can be prevented when the user does not move the body as instructed.

In addition, in the massage machine of the above-described embodiment, the confirmation unit 90 is configured to receive the voice information as a reply regarding the user's posture change in response to the information inquiring about the content of the posture change from the instruction unit 45, and to determine based on the reply content. Whether the user is in a state taking a specific posture is not limited to this, and another confirmation unit that can objectively identify the state based on the user's body movement may be used.

For example, the confirmation unit can be configured to determine whether the user is in a state of taking a specific posture or performing a specific action in accordance with the instruction based on an image of the user captured by a camera (photography unit). Furthermore, the confirmation unit may be configured to acquire a change in pressure detected by a pressure sensor provided at a part of the backrest, seat, armrest, leg support, etc. facing the user's body, and to determine the characteristics of the pressure change based on the change. To identify whether the user is taking a specific posture or performing a specific action in accordance with the instructions.

Furthermore, the confirmation unit may be configured to continuously detect the internal pressure of the air bag after inflating each air bag relative to the user's body, and determine whether the user is in a specific posture or performs a specific posture based on changes in the internal pressure. The state of the action. In addition, the confirmation unit may be configured as a switch or sensor that detects contact, and when the user assumes a specific posture or performs a specific action in accordance with the instruction, the confirmation unit may be configured to move with a predetermined body part of the user. The switch or sensor is provided at a predetermined position of the massage machine that is in contact.

In addition, the confirmation unit may be configured to detect the user's physical activity using a vibration sensor provided in the massage machine or a non-contact Doppler sensor using radio waves, and determine whether the user follows the instructions based on the detection results. Indicates the state of taking a specific posture or performing a specific action.

Furthermore, in the massage machine of the above-mentioned embodiment, the information inquiring about the content of the posture change is output from the instruction unit 45, and when the user replies that the posture change is not confirmed or does not reply, the confirmation unit 90 determines that the user The control unit 40 does not perform the specific massage when the specific posture is not adopted. However, the control unit 40 may also be configured such that even when the specific massage is being performed, for example, the user temporarily changes the posture but cannot maintain the changed posture. In this case, if a reply indicating negative content is issued, the control unit 40 controls so as to stop the execution of the specific massage based on the information of the reply received by the confirmation unit 90 as the voice input unit.

(Third embodiment of the present invention)

In the massage machine of the above-described first embodiment, when the user assumes the posture of raising both hands, the two arms raised above the shoulders are supported by the user himself, and there is no special installation on the side of the massage machine. A member that maintains the user's changed posture, but is not limited to this. In the third embodiment, the massage machine may be provided with an auxiliary support part that is in contact with the user's movements due to the change in posture. part of the body in contact to assist in maintaining the posture.

As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 19 , the backrest portion 13 can be provided with a handle portion 13d protruding from an end portion in the up-down direction.

The user who has adopted the posture of raising his hands above his head and his arms above his shoulders as instructed grasps the handle portion 13d as an auxiliary support portion with his hands without letting go, so that the weight of the arms is A part is supported by the handle part 13d, and the position of both hands is fixed, and both arms are stable, and a state can be obtained in which the user can easily maintain the posture after the posture change. The positional relationship between the handle portion 13d and the backrest portion 13 can be adjusted according to the user's physique.

After the user raises his hands to change his posture in accordance with the instructions of the first instruction information, he can maintain the changed posture with less burden through the assistance of the handle portion 13d, so that he can use the massage without impairing the relaxing effect of the massage. The patient can reasonably maintain the changed posture and reliably perform pre-planned massage on the predetermined parts of the body, so that the desired massage effect can be appropriately produced.

Shortly before or at the same time as the user raises his hands and grasps the handle part 13d in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, the backrest part 13 is tilted in the direction of laying down to increase the height of the backrest part 13 relative to the seat part, as in the above embodiment. At an angle of 12, the user can also easily move to a position with his hands raised.

In addition, a sensor may be provided at a predetermined position of the handle part 13d as the auxiliary support part to detect the state of the handle part 13d being grasped by the hand, and the connection may be switched when the user grasps the handle part 13d with the hand. The on and off switch can detect that the user has adopted a posture of raising both hands, that is, such sensors, switches, etc. are used as confirmation to determine whether the user has adopted a specific posture of raising both hands in accordance with the instruction from the instruction unit 45 department.

Using such a confirmation unit, as in the second embodiment described above, the confirmation unit can determine that the user adopts a specific posture with both hands raised, and transmits the information on this content to the control unit 40, so that the control unit 40 can be used at an appropriate time. The control unit 40 starts executing the specific massage based on the change in the user's posture, and can grasp the state in which the user has not changed the posture, so that execution of the specific massage in this state can be avoided.

(Fourth embodiment of the present invention)

In the massage machine of each of the above embodiments, the instruction included in the first instruction information issued by the instruction unit 45 is to change the user's posture, and the user's posture of raising both hands is set, and the control unit 40 controls, In order to perform a "stretch" massage on the massage target part including the muscle parts from the shoulders to the back, where the massage target part is expected to stretch to a different position from the previous posture as the user changes the posture according to the instructions. However, the position of the state change is not limited to this. As the instruction content in the first instruction information, it may be configured such that the hands are moved in directions other than upward, or a part of the body other than the hands is moved to change the posture. The control unit 40 performs control to perform a predetermined massage on a predetermined position of the body outside the above-mentioned upper and lower predetermined range from the waist on the back to the shoulders as a massage target part including the posture change expected to occur in accordance with such instructions. And a predetermined part of the body that changes to a state different from the previous posture or the vicinity of that part.

As a first specific example, the instruction unit 45 issues a sound message with the content "Please reach out and touch the front end of the armrest" to the user as the first instruction information. Then, when the user changes his posture in such a manner that his hands are stretched forward and come into contact with the front end of the armrest portion 14 in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information (see FIG. 20 ), the control unit 40 controls so that the kneading ball 51 is used. Kneading and percussion massage are performed on the massage target part, specifically the neck part. The massage target part includes the muscle parts from the shoulders to the neck that are expected to change from the previous posture to the elongated state due to the change in posture.

Furthermore, the configuration may be such that the confirmation unit determines the state of the user's posture change relative to the user's posture change, and then the control unit performs control to perform massage on the massage target site. For example, when the user changes the posture in accordance with the instruction of the instruction information, and the confirmation unit 90 recognizes that the user has changed the posture, the control unit 40 performs control so that the kneading ball 51 is used to cause the posture change to be expected to occur. Kneading and percussion massage are performed on the above-mentioned massage target part that has changed from the previous posture to an elongated state.

With the change in posture of a specific posture of reaching out to the user, the muscle parts from the shoulders to the neck change from the state before the posture change to a state of elongation in the outer direction of the body. Since the stretched muscle parts cannot be stimulated in the state before the posture change of the hands close to the body, the neck part, which is the massage target part including such muscle parts, is kneaded by the kneading ball 51 , Percussion massage can provide a massage effect different from the massage performed on the same massage target part without changing the user's posture.

Furthermore, in this case, the front end portion of the armrest portion 14 may be provided with a sensor that detects a state in which the front end portion is touched by hand, and a switch that switches on and off when the user's hand touches the front end portion. Such a sensor, a switch, etc. are used as a confirmation part which determines whether the user takes a specific posture of extending both hands forward to the front end of the armrest part 14 based on the instruction from the instruction part 45.

As a second specific example, the instruction unit 45 issues voice information with the content "Please lift your feet" to the user as the first instruction information. Then, when the user changes the posture in such a manner that the part below the knee of the leg is moved forward and the foot is lifted as instructed by the instruction information (see FIG. 21 ), the control unit 40 performs control so as to perform the massage on the target part. Massage is performed by the expansion and contraction of the buttocks air bag 71 and the thigh air bag 72. The massage target parts include the muscles of the thighs and buttocks that are expected to change from the previous normal posture to an elongated or contracted state due to the posture change. Furthermore, in this example, the control unit may control the massage target part to be performed after the confirmation unit detects a change in the user's posture with respect to the user's posture change. For example, when the user changes his posture by raising his feet in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information and the confirmation unit 90 recognizes that the user has changed his posture, the control unit 40 performs control so that the posture is expected to be accompanied by the change of the user's posture. Massage is performed on the above-mentioned massage target part that has changed from the previous normal posture to an elongated or contracted state.

As the posture changes in a specific posture in which the user raises his or her feet, the muscles of the thighs and buttocks change from the state before the posture change to an elongated or contracted state. Since the muscles in the above-mentioned state cannot be stimulated in the state before the posture change of the foot drops, the buttocks air bag 71 and the thigh air bag 72 are used to massage a predetermined range from the thigh to the buttocks as the massage target site including such muscles. The massage can provide a massage effect different from the massage performed on the same massage target part without changing the user's posture.

As a third specific example, the instruction unit 45 issues a voice message with the content "Please twist your arm so that your palm faces up (down)" as the first instruction information to the user. Then, when the user changes the posture such that the arms on the armrest portion 14 are twisted so that the palms of both hands face up (down) as instructed by the instruction information (see FIG. 22 ), the control unit 40 performs control so that Massage by the expansion and contraction of the arm air bag 75 is performed on the side portion of the massage target portion that is newly facing the arm air bag 75 due to the change in posture of the armrest portion 14 relative to the arm air bag 75 . The direction of the forearm and hand massage target area has changed from the previous normal posture. Furthermore, in this example, the control unit may control the massage target part to be performed after the confirmation unit detects a change in the user's posture with respect to the user's posture change. For example, when the user changes the posture so that the palm of the hand faces up (downward) in accordance with the instruction of the instruction information and the confirmation unit 90 recognizes that the user has changed the posture, the control unit 40 controls so that the user changes the posture. Massage is performed on the massage target portion whose direction has been changed from the previous normal posture in accordance with this posture change.

As the posture changes to a specific posture in which the user's palm faces upward (downward), the portion of the forearm and hand facing the arm airbag 75 deviates from the state before the posture change, and becomes a state in which the side portion faces the airbag. . In the state before changing the posture of the radial side of the forearm and the thumb side of the hand upward, stimulation cannot be applied to the radial side of the forearm and each side of the hand, so the arm airbag 75 is used to stimulate the radial side of the forearm and the hand. Massage performed on each side can provide a massage effect different from massage performed without changing the user's posture. Furthermore, since the distance between the forearm and the hand and arm airbags 75 is reduced, stronger stimulation can be applied from the airbags, thereby providing a special massage corresponding to a specific posture.

In addition, before performing the massage on the inner part of the shoulder blade or the part around the shoulder blade using the kneading ball 51 included in the massage process or instructed by the user's operation, it may be different from the usual massage. The automatic position adjustment function of the machine adjusts the position of the massage ball to the massage start position near the shoulder blades. Due to the user's body shape, etc., the position of the kneading ball is inconsistent with the correct position near the user's shoulder blades in the user's normal posture. This is inconsistent with the user's normal posture. Depending on the situation, the instruction unit 45 issues a voice message with the content "Please move your body so that the position of the rubbing ball is inside the shoulder blade" as the first instruction information to the user.

When the user moves the body according to the instructions of the instruction information and changes the posture so that the kneading ball 51 is located inside the user's shoulder blade, the control unit 40 controls so that the kneading ball 51 is used to massage the user's part to be massaged. Massage such as kneading is performed on the inner part of the shoulder blades and the parts around the shoulder blades. In accordance with the change in posture, the massage target part changes its relative position with respect to the kneading ball from the previous normal posture state and reaches the vicinity of the kneading ball. Furthermore, in this example, the control unit may control the massage target part to be performed after the confirmation unit detects a change in the user's posture with respect to the user's posture change. For example, when the user changes his posture by moving his body in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, and the confirmation unit 90 recognizes that the user has changed his posture, the control unit 40 controls the user so as to change the posture from the previous position due to the change in the posture. In the normal posture, reach the above-mentioned massage target area near the kneading ball to perform massage.

In the above case, in the state before the kneading ball is not correctly positioned near the user's shoulder blades before the posture change, the kneading ball 51 cannot be used to massage the user's shoulder blades that are positioned near the kneading ball with the user's posture change. By stimulating the inner part of the user's body and the parts around the shoulder blades, the massage ball 51 is used to massage the body after the posture change corresponding to the instruction of the instruction information, which is different from that performed without changing the user's posture. Massage for proper massage effect.

In addition, before the waist is massaged using the kneading ball 51 included in the massage process, the user's body is affected by the tilting of the backrest 13 and the leg support 15 during other massages performed previously in the same massage process. The position of the massage ball 51 is deviated, so that the massage ball 51, which is at the massage start position at the lower part of the backrest and should originally be located near the waist, is supported by the user's massage machine and follows the movement of the massage machine in the normal posture. Corresponding to the situation where the user's waist is deviated, the instruction unit 45 can also issue a voice message with the content "Please sit deep in the seat again" as the first instruction information to the user.

When the user moves his body in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information and sits deep again, and changes the posture so that the kneading ball 51 located at the lower part of the backrest comes into contact with the user's waist vicinity, the control unit 40 performs Control is performed so that the massage ball 51 is used to perform massage such as kneading on the waist of the user as a massage target part, where the relative position of the massage target part with respect to the rub ball 51 changes from the previous normal posture to the massage due to the posture change. near the ball. Furthermore, in this example, the control unit may control the massage target part to be performed after the confirmation unit detects a change in the user's posture with respect to the user's posture change. For example, when the user changes his posture by moving his body in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, and the confirmation unit 90 grasps the state in which the user changes his posture, the control unit 40 controls the state of the user's posture from the previous time, which is expected to be accompanied by the change in posture. In the normal posture, reach the above-mentioned massage target area near the kneading ball to perform massage.

In the above case, in the state before the kneading ball 51 is not correctly positioned near the user's waist before the posture change, the kneading ball 51 cannot be used to stimulate the user's waist that is positioned near the kneading ball as the user's posture changes. Therefore, the massage performed by using the kneading ball 51 on the body after the posture change corresponding to the instruction of the instruction information can provide an appropriate massage effect different from the massage performed without changing the user's posture.

(Fifth embodiment of the present invention)

In the massage machine of each of the above-described embodiments, the instruction unit 45 is configured to output each instruction information as information that can be directly received as a stimulus by the user's sensory organs, for example, sound information that can be heard by the ears, but it is not limited to this. , as a fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23 , the instruction unit 48 may be configured to output each instruction information as information that can be received by the communication terminal 80 carried by the user or worn on the user's body, where the communication The terminal 80 has a delivery member capable of delivering information to the user.

Specifically, the instruction unit 48 outputs the instruction information as communication data that can be received by the communication terminal 80 such as a smartphone carried by the user or a wearable device worn on the user's body, using wired communication based on direct connection via a cable. Communication, or wireless communication based on changes in radio waves, light, sound waves, magnetic fields, etc., transmits instruction information to the above-mentioned communication terminal.

Furthermore, the communication terminal 80 such as a smartphone or a wearable device can transmit the instruction information received from the instruction unit 48 to the user through a sound output from a sound generating unit such as a speaker or an earphone as a transmission member, or through a sound output from the smartphone. The display output of the display unit, such as the image display area of smart glasses (wearable display), etc. is transmitted to the user.

In this way, the instruction unit 48 is configured to output instruction information as communication data received by the communication terminal 80 carried or worn by the user, and to display the instructions included in the instruction information in audio or video using the transmission member of the communication terminal 80 If the communication terminal 80 owned by the user in advance is used to transmit the instruction information, there is no need to provide an information output member on the side of the massage machine in a form that the user can directly receive. , which can simplify the structure of the massage machine. In addition, the instruction included in the instruction information is transmitted only to the user through the communication terminal 80, thereby ensuring that the user can properly receive the instruction, and preventing sound, light, etc. from accidentally spreading around the massage machine, thereby preventing It causes discomfort to people other than the user around the massage machine.

In addition, when the instruction is transmitted to the user from the communication terminal 80 as described above, after the first instruction information is output, the user's information is obtained through the function installed in the communication terminal 80, and based on the information, the communication The terminal 80 performs a process of identifying whether the user is in a state of taking a specific posture or performing a specific action, that is, the communication terminal 80 is configured so that it can also be used as a confirmation unit.

Specifically, as a first specific example, after the first instruction information is transmitted, the instruction unit 48 outputs content asking the user whether to actually change the posture according to the instruction of the instruction information or to continue moving at least a part of the body. When the information is transmitted from the communication terminal 80 to the user, the communication terminal 80 receives the voice information related to the user's reply to the question posed to the user through the microphone unit mounted thereon (see FIG. 24 ), or The user inputs the content of the reply by himself using the input means (touch panel, etc.) of the communication terminal 80 to obtain the reply information. Then, the communication terminal 80 performs a process of analyzing the reply information, identifies and identifies whether the user is in a state of taking a specific posture or performing a specific action, and transmits the information of the identified content to the control unit 40 of the massage machine.

Furthermore, as a second specific example, after the first instruction information is transmitted, the user's physical activities can be captured using a camera mounted on the communication terminal 80 to obtain image information, and the communication terminal 80 performs a process of analyzing the image information. It identifies and identifies whether the user is in a state of taking a specific posture or performing a specific action, and sends information on the identified content to the control unit 40 of the massage machine.

In addition, as a third specific example, after the first instruction information is transmitted, the user's body movement can be detected using the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor mounted on the communication terminal 81, and the communication terminal 81 performs processing of analyzing the detection information. It identifies and identifies whether the user is in a state of taking a specific posture or performing a specific action, and sends information on the identified content to the control unit 40 of the massage machine (see FIG. 25 ).

Using such a communication terminal 80 that also serves as a confirmation unit, as in the second embodiment, as the confirmation unit, it is possible to determine whether the user is in a state of assuming a specific posture or performing a specific action, and transmits information on this content to the control unit. The control unit 40 can start performing the specific massage at an appropriate time, and can grasp the state in which the user does not assume a specific posture or perform a specific action, thereby avoiding the specific massage in this state.

In addition, as a structure in which information on the result of authentication by the communication terminal 80 is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the massage machine, the instruction unit 48 serving as a transmitting means for information in the massage machine may also serve as a receiving means for receiving information from the communication terminal 80 .

(Sixth embodiment of the present invention)

The massage machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the above-described FIGS. 26 and 27 . In this embodiment, an example of a massage chair type (chair-shaped) massage machine will be described.

In each of the above figures, like the second embodiment, the massage machine 1 of this embodiment includes a base part 11, a seat part 12, a backrest part 13, an armrest part 14, a leg support part 15, an operating part 30, and a control part. 40. The instruction unit 45 and the confirmation unit 95 differ in that the confirmation unit 95 has a structure that determines whether the user is performing a specific action of continuing to move a part of the body based on the instruction from the instruction unit 45 .

In addition, in the massage machine 1 described above, in addition to the instruction content included in the instruction information from the instruction unit 45, the state of the user who is the target of identification and confirmation by the confirmation unit 95, and the instruction unit 45 and the confirmation in the control unit 40 Aspects other than the control related to the operation of the unit 95 and the control related to performing a specific massage on the user are the same as in the second embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In the massage machine 1 of this embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, the user mainly receives massage in a normal posture. However, the user can also receive a specific massage in a state where the user continues to move part of the body (specific movement). In this case, before performing the massage, the instruction unit 45 issues instruction information instructing the user to continue moving a part of the body from the normal posture, and the confirmation unit 95 confirms whether the user follows the instruction. The status of the above specific action.

The control unit 40 has the same structure as the first embodiment, and controls each massage mechanism and other movable parts of the massage machine to perform massage.

On the other hand, when the confirming unit 90 understands that the user continues the specific action of moving the body in accordance with the instructions from the instruction information from the instruction unit 45, the control unit 40 performs control so that the massage target parts are massaged by each massage mechanism. A predetermined massage is performed in which the massage target part includes a predetermined part of the body that is expected to change from the state of the posture so far with the action or the vicinity of the part.

Specifically, for example, when the user's work (specific movement) of continuing to move at least part of the body is to perform a breathing movement in a preset cycle, the control unit 40 controls the part to be massaged so as to A massage of "acupressure" pushed up by the kneading ball 51 is performed on the upper and lower predetermined range of the back. The massage target part includes the above-mentioned predetermined part of the body whose state changes with the change to the action state, and becomes periodically The muscles on the back side of the chest are repeatedly tense and relaxed.

In this case, the control unit 40 can also perform control so that each massage mechanism performs a massage on the massage target part of the user's body that is different from that performed on the user in the normal posture and moves the body with the user from the normal posture. specific movements corresponding to the massage.

For example, when the specific movement is the above-mentioned breathing movement, the control unit 40 performs control so as to perform different movements of pushing up by the kneading ball 51 in a predetermined upper and lower range of the back that becomes tense while the user inhales. A special "shiatsu" massage based on the "shiatsu" massage performed on the back in a normal posture.

Similar to the above-mentioned second embodiment, based on the control of the control unit 40 , the instruction unit 45 outputs information including instruction information that instructs the user as voice information at an appropriate timing before or during massage, and sends it to the user. The user sends the information so that the user can receive the information.

When the instruction unit 45 is scheduled to perform a specific massage based on a specific action of the user, it sends the first instruction information to the user at a timing shortly before the specific massage is included in the massage process or by using The operator's operation directly instructs the massage to be performed.

The first instruction information includes content instructing the user to continue moving at least a part of the body. If the user continues to work according to the instructions of the first instruction information, it will move to the specific action state and become able to receive the above-mentioned specific massage based on the specific action without any problem, that is, the target part of the massage will be accepted, including the accompanying user. Massage of a predetermined part of the body or its vicinity by performing a specific action to change the state of the posture so far.

Specifically, for example, when the user performs the breathing action in a preset cycle and performs the above-mentioned "acupressure" massage using the kneading ball 51, the instruction unit 45 sends instructions to the user in a preset cycle. A sound message with the content "please breathe in" is repeatedly output as instruction information. The user is required to perform regular breathing in the above-mentioned cycle along with inhalation according to the instructions, so as to properly receive the above-mentioned "shiatsu" massage.

Furthermore, when the specific massage targeting the user's body performing a specific movement is executed and completed by each massage mechanism, the instruction unit 45 newly issues the second instruction information to the user.

The second instruction information includes an instruction to stop the specific action, that is, at least a part of the body that is determined to be continued by the user as the specific action when the confirming unit 90 recognizes that the user is performing the specific action. , the user stops the action of moving at least part of the body. If the user stops continuing to move the body in accordance with the instructions of the second instruction information, the user returns to the state of the posture before performing the specific action and receives a normal massage corresponding to the posture as in the related art.

Specifically, for example, when the user performs breathing movements in a preset cycle, when the above-mentioned "acupressure" massage based on the kneading ball 51 is performed and completed, the instruction unit 45 outputs "Please" to the user. The sound information with the content of "Recover Breathing" is used as the second instruction information. The user is required to stop breathing in the above cycle and breathe as usual.

In addition, the instruction unit 45 is not limited to a structure that outputs instruction information as a sound as in the first embodiment, but may also output information in another form that can be directly received as a stimulus by the user's sensory organs. In addition, the instruction information only needs to be associated with a specific action in advance and the user who receives the information can understand the information to continue to move the body. It may also be simplified and symbolic information such as long and short electronic sounds.

The above-mentioned confirmation unit 95 determines whether the user is performing a specific action that continues to move at least a part of the body in accordance with the instruction from the instruction unit 45. If it is determined that the user is performing the specific action, the information on the content is transmitted to the control unit 40. .

Specifically, the confirmation unit 95 has a well-known Doppler sensor that uses radio waves (millimeter waves, microwaves), is provided in the operation unit 30, detects minute movements of the user's body in a non-contact manner, and identifies them by analyzing them. , determine whether the user performs a specific action.

Specifically, for example, when the specific action is breathing at a preset cycle, the confirmation unit 95 irradiates radio waves to the user's body, particularly the chest, captures the reflected radio waves, and determines the result based on the change in frequency. The activity related to breathing is detected. If the activity related to breathing is an activity with the same period as the activity given under the first instruction information, then the confirming unit 95 determines that the user is breathing in the above period, that is, the user is performing a specific operation. The state of the action. Then, based on the information authenticated by the confirmation unit 95, the control unit 40 controls each massage mechanism to perform a specific massage targeting the body of the user who performs a specific action.

On the other hand, if the activity related to the user's breathing detected by the confirmation unit 95 is not an activity of the same period as the activity given under the first instruction information, the user is not recognized by the confirmation unit 95 While the specific operation is being performed, the control unit 40 does not perform control to cause each massage mechanism to perform the specific massage.

Next, the state in which the massage machine of this embodiment performs massage will be described. The same as the above-mentioned first embodiment, as a premise, with the user sitting on the massage machine 1 and leaning the back against the backrest 13, the main power supply of the massage machine 1 is turned on, the massage machine 1 is started, and the user is detected. The preparatory actions before starting the massage, such as the body shape, etc., and the adjustment of the inclination angle of the backrest 13, etc. are completed. In addition, the user inputs action status instructions such as the massage process, and then the control unit 40 uses a massage mechanism such as a kneading ball to perform massage on the user.

Then, the massaging process scheduled to be performed is combined with a process of performing "acupressure" massage on a predetermined upper and lower range of the back as a massage target area by pushing up a pair of kneading balls 51. In this process, it is assumed that the user has performed the massage in advance. When a breathing action is performed in a set cycle, the massage target part includes the muscle part on the back side of the chest that is periodically repeated from a state of normal posture to a state of tension and relaxation due to this action.

During the massage process, when it reaches the stage just before the massage of the above-mentioned "shiatsu" which is a specific massage performed with the continued movement of the user's body, the control unit 40 first sends the content of the next massage from the instruction unit 45 The information involved is output as sound information.

Specifically, voice information such as "Hereafter, perform "acupressure" on the back using the kneading ball." is output from the instruction unit 45 .

In this way, the instruction unit 45 notifies the user of the content of the specific massage scheduled to be performed before issuing the first instruction information including the instruction of the action to the user, thereby motivating the user to continue moving the body in order to receive the massage. , prompting users to actually move their bodies.

Next, based on the control of the control unit 40, the instruction unit 45 sends the first instruction information as sound information to the user. The first instruction information includes content instructing the user to continue moving a part of the body, specifically including preset instructions. The content of "Please inhale." is indicated in a predetermined period (refer to Figure 26).

In accordance with the instructions of the instruction information, the user inhales at the regular timing based on the first instruction information, and then exhales, and performs a breathing action (specific action) corresponding to the massage of "acupressure".

As the user moves to a specific movement, the muscle area on the back side of the chest changes from the state of the normal posture to a state of periodically repeating tension and relaxation. In the state of a normal posture that is performed periodically without specifically determining the breathing period, it is impossible to stimulate the muscle parts that are in a state of periodically repeating tension and relaxation. Therefore, it is performed on massage target parts including such muscle parts or their vicinity. The above-mentioned "shiatsu" massage can provide a massage effect different from the massage of the same massage target part performed in a normal posture.

In response to the first instruction information being sent from the instruction part 45, as preparation for the "shiatsu" massage, the control part 40 uses the operation of the lifting motor 57 to move the mechanical unit 50 relative to the guide frame 13b to adjust the position of the kneading ball 51 Move the backrest 13 to a predetermined position that becomes the initial position of "acupressure". In addition, the control part 40 operates the forward and backward motor 58 to tilt the driving part 60 together with the kneading ball 51, and adjusts the protrusion amount of the kneading ball 51 toward the user, so that the kneading ball 51 can be pushed up to the backrest respectively. Part 13 is the back part of the user's body.

After the first instruction information is issued, based on the control of the control unit 40 , the confirmation unit 95 detects the activity related to breathing in the user's body, and determines whether the activity related to the breathing has reached the cycle given under the first instruction information. Activity.

Regarding the first instruction information, when the user does not follow the instructions of the instruction information and does not breathe in the above-mentioned cycle, the activity related to breathing detected by the confirmation unit 95 does not become the activity in the above-mentioned period, so the confirmation unit 95 Identify and determine that the user has not performed a specific action.

In this way, the confirmation unit 95 does not recognize that the user is in a state of performing a specific action, and the control unit 40 does not perform control to cause each massage mechanism to perform a "shiatsu" massage targeting the body of the user who performs the specific action. , it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly performing "acupressure" massage on the user's body who is not in a state to perform a specific action.

On the other hand, when the user follows the instruction and breathes in the above-mentioned cycle, the activity related to the breathing detected by the confirmation unit 95 moves in the same cycle as the period given in the first instruction information, so the confirmation unit 95 95 identifies and determines that the user is in a state of performing a specific action. By transmitting the authentication information of the confirmation unit 95 to the control unit 40, the control unit 40 executes the "acupressure" massage. Specifically, the mechanical unit 50 is operated so that the kneading ball 51 starts to push up the back.

"Acupressure" using the kneading ball 51 causes the protrusion of the kneading ball 51 to stimulate upward pushing at a predetermined position on the back, thereby enabling massage such as acupressure on the back (see FIG. 27 ).

When the user breathes in a preset cycle, unlike the normal posture where the user does not breathe in a preset cycle, the muscles on the back side of the user's chest periodically repeat tension and relaxation. status. Correspondingly, during the execution of "Shiatsu" massage, adjustments are made so that the protrusion amount of the kneading ball 51 is increased to push up the predetermined position of the back and the period of inhalation during the user's breathing. Correspondingly, the timing of reducing the protruding amount of the kneading ball 51 and releasing the predetermined position of the back from the push-up state corresponds to the exhalation period in the user's breathing (see FIG. 27 ).

This pushes up the tense muscles during the user's inhalation period and provides a strong pressing stimulus. On the other hand, it is released from the pushed-up state during the user's exhalation period, causing the muscles accompanying the release to relax. The transfer is synchronized with the relaxation of muscles caused by exhalation, thereby further promoting the transfer of muscles to a relaxed state accompanying this release, which can enhance the stimulation of muscles and greatly improve the massage effect such as relaxing stiffness.

In this way, the massage of "acupressure" in the state of breathing in the above-mentioned cycle causes a qualitative change in the massage itself, and is performed as a massage that is different from the same massage in the case of a normal posture and particularly in response to the specific movements of the user. , can provide a special massage effect that is completely unavailable in normal postures, thereby improving user satisfaction.

After a preset time has elapsed, and when the "acupressure" massage performed by the kneading ball 51 is completed when the user follows the instruction to perform the specific action of breathing in the above-mentioned cycle, the instruction part 45 will include instructions for the user to perform the specific action. The second instruction information of the stopped content is sent to the user as sound information.

Specifically, voice information with the content "Please resume breathing." is output from the instruction unit 45 as the second instruction information.

The user stops breathing in the above-mentioned cycle according to the instruction of the second instruction information, and returns to normal breathing in the original normal posture.

Since the user stops the specific action and returns to the state of the normal posture before performing the specific action, the subsequent massage is accepted as a normal massage. By returning to a natural state of not being aware of instructions and not moving the body, the relaxation level of the massage can be enhanced.

Next, the instruction unit 45 issues third instruction information including content instructing the user to respond to the user's evaluation of the effect of the massage performed by "acupressure" as voice information to the user.

Specifically, voice information including "How about massage?" is output from the instruction unit 45 as the third instruction information.

If the user follows the instruction of the third instruction information and outputs the answer information for evaluating the effect of the massage as a voice and receives the answer information through the confirmation unit 95, or the user inputs the answer information through the input member of the operation unit 30, then This information is obtained by the control unit 40 and is used in the control unit 40 to determine whether it can be used in the massage process after the massage.

After the instruction unit 45 issues the third instruction information, if the acquisition of information from the user's answer is completed or a predetermined time preset for the answer has elapsed, the control unit 40 moves to the next massage in the massage process. , or end the massage process and stop the work of each part, thereby ending the processing involved in performing a series of massages.

In this way, the massage machine of this embodiment is provided with the instruction unit 45 that issues the first instruction information including instructions to continue moving the user's body to the user who wants to receive the massage, and is provided with the instruction unit 45 that can recognize that the user is following the instructions from the instruction unit 45. The confirmation unit 95 instructs a state of performing a specific action to continue moving at least a part of the body. If the first instruction information is issued from the instruction unit 45 to the user, and the confirmation unit 95 understands that the user performs the specific action in accordance with the instruction of the instruction information. If a massage is performed on a massage target part including a predetermined part of the user's body or the vicinity of the part where the user has moved his body into a different state from the previous posture, then the effect of the massage on the predetermined part of the body By changing the effect of massage on the same massage target part when the body is in a state of not continuing to move, it is possible to achieve the same effect on the predetermined part of the body or its vicinity as if the user's body does not continue to move. The stimulation of the new massage that is different from the existing massage performed under the condition enables efficient massage and further promotes muscle stiffness, pain relief, fatigue recovery, etc. through massage. Furthermore, by performing the massage when the confirming unit 95 understands that the user has accurately moved the body as instructed by the instruction information, the preset massage can be accurately performed at the desired position of the body, and the massage can be reliably performed. The massage effect is effectively obtained, and adverse effects on the body caused by massage can be prevented when the user does not move the body as instructed.

(Seventh embodiment of the present invention)

In the massage machine of the sixth embodiment described above, as the instruction content included in the first instruction information issued by the instruction unit 45 as the user's specific action of continuing to move a part of the body, the user is set to preset Breathing action is performed in a cycle, and the control unit 40 performs control so as to perform "acupressure" massage on the massage target parts, including the parts expected to change from the state of the previous posture with the user's actions in accordance with the instructions. The muscle area on the back side of the chest is included, but it is not limited to this. As the instruction content in the first instruction information, the control unit 40 may be configured to control the upper and lower areas of the back as the massage target part outside the above-mentioned predetermined range. A predetermined massage is performed on a predetermined body position, wherein the massage target part includes a predetermined body part expected to change from the state of the posture so far with the action performed in accordance with such instructions, or the vicinity of the part.

As a specific example, the instruction unit 45 emits voice information with the content "Please grasp the front end of the armrest with your hand and apply force with your hand" as the first instruction information to the user. When the user follows the instruction of the instruction information and performs the action of grabbing the front end of the armrest portion 14 with both hands and continuing to exert force on the hand, and the confirmation unit 90 grasps the state in which the user performs the above action, the control unit 40 performs control. , so that the massage target part, specifically the hand and the forearm, is massaged by the expansion and contraction of the arm airbag 75. The massage target part includes the hand, which is expected to change from the previous posture to a tense state with the execution of this action. Muscle parts of the arm.

As the user's hand continues to exert force, the muscles from the hand to the forearm change from the state before the movement to a tense state. Since the tense muscle part cannot be stimulated in the state before the above-mentioned movement without exerting force on the hand, the arm airbag 75 can be used to massage the hand and forearm parts that are the massage target parts including such muscle parts. It provides a massage effect different from the massage performed on the same massage target part in a state where the user's hand is not continuously exerting force.

Furthermore, in this case, a sensor capable of detecting the force of the hand when the front end portion is grasped by hand is provided on the front end portion of the armrest portion 14 and the sensor can be used as a confirmation portion. Based on the instruction from the instruction part 45, the user is in a state of performing a specific action of grabbing the front end of the armrest part 14 with both hands and continuing to exert force on the hand.

In addition, the instruction unit 45 may be configured so that the instruction unit 45 issues "Please relax your body" to the user before performing the massage on the back using the kneading ball 51 that is included in the massage process or is instructed to be performed by the user's operation. The sound information is used as the first instruction information. For example, based on the user's heart rate and respiratory rate detected by the non-contact Doppler sensor provided in the massage machine, it is determined whether the user has moved to the location in accordance with the instructions of the instruction information. When the user relaxes his or her body, the control unit 40 performs control to perform massage such as kneading on the user's back using the kneading ball 51 .

In this case, since the user is in a relaxed state, the kneading ball 51 cannot be used to relax the tension in the user's body before transitioning to the above-mentioned state. By applying stimulation to the back, the massage performed on the body moved to the state corresponding to the instruction of the instruction information using the kneading ball 51 can provide a massage different from the massage performed on the same massage target part in the user's unrelaxed state. Proper massage effect.

In addition, in the massage mechanism of each of the above embodiments, as the massage mechanism, the mechanical unit 50 that moves the kneading ball 51 in response to massage actions such as kneading and tapping is mounted on the backrest 13 and is used for sitting. It is a chair-shaped massage machine that performs massage while supporting the user, but it is not limited to this. It only needs to have a massage mechanism that operates through a motor. It can also be other massage equipment, for example, it can be used for users lying on their backs or prone positions. A mattress or bed (bed)-shaped massage machine that performs massage while supporting it. In addition, the massage mechanism is not limited to a mechanism that moves a kneading ball or an air bag, but may also be configured to move other stimulation-imparting members such as rollers and protrusions in a manner that appropriately imparts stimulation.

Explanation of symbols

1—Massage machine, 11—Base, 12—Seat, 13—Backrest, 13a—Backrest frame, 13b—Guide frame, 13d—Auxiliary support, 14—Arrest, 15—Leg support, 30 —Operation part, 31-bracket, 40-control part, 45, 48-instruction part, 50-mechanical unit, 51-kneading ball, 52-kneading ball support arm, 54-base part, 57-lifting motor, 58 —Advance and retreat motor, 60—driving part, 63—kneading motor, 64—percussion motor, 70—air pump, 71—air bag for buttocks, 72—air bag for thighs, 73—air bag for back, 74—for waist Airbag, 75—airbag for arms, 76—airbag for legs, 77—airbag for foot side, 80, 81—communication terminal, 90, 95—confirmation department.

Claims (11)

1. A massage machine having one or more massage mechanisms that move by a predetermined drive source, the massage mechanism performing massage on a user while supporting the user's body, the massage machine comprising:

a control unit for controlling an operation state of the massage mechanism; and

an instruction unit that gives first instruction information to a user who receives the massage by the massage mechanism at a predetermined timing, the first instruction information including a content that instructs to change the posture by extending or contracting a muscle portion of the user,

When the indication part sends out the first indication information to the user, the control part performs the control of adjusting the position of one or more preset parts of the massage machine for supporting the body of the user so as to promote the body movement related to the posture change of the user according to the indication of the first indication information,

when performing an extended massage on a muscle portion extending from a shoulder portion to a back portion of a user, the control unit moves a back portion supporting the back portion of the user in a reclined direction and moves leg support portions supporting legs of the user in a raised direction.

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein,

when the indication part sends out the first indication information,

the control unit controls the massage mechanism to perform a predetermined massage, which is a massage that is supposed to correspond to a specific posture after the posture of the user is predicted to be changed based on the instruction included in the first instruction information by changing the posture of the user according to the instruction included in the first instruction information.

3. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein,

the indication part sends first indication information to a user receiving massage of the massage mechanism, the first indication information comprises content for indicating to enable at least one part of the body of the user to move so as to enable the posture to change or enable at least one part of the body to continue to move,

The massage machine includes a confirmation unit for distinguishing whether or not a user has changed his posture in response to an instruction from the instruction unit, has taken a specific posture after the posture has changed, or whether or not the user is performing a specific action to continue moving at least a part of his body in response to an instruction,

after the instruction unit sends the first instruction information to the user, if the confirmation unit grasps the state in which the user takes the specific posture or the state in which the specific action is performed, the control unit controls the massage mechanism to perform the massage.

4. A massage machine according to claim 3, wherein,

the control unit controls the massage mechanism to perform a predetermined massage corresponding to the specific posture or the specific action of the user on a predetermined part of the body or the vicinity of the part, which is changed with the posture change of the user to the specific posture or the execution of the specific action of the user, from the time when the state of the specific posture or the state of the specific action of the user is grasped by the confirmation unit or from the time when the state of the specific action is grasped.

5. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

The instruction unit issues second instruction information including content that instructs to cancel the specific posture after the posture change of the user.

6. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the instruction unit sends out third instruction information including content for instructing a user to answer the evaluation of the effect of the massage performed by the user after sending out the first instruction information,

the control unit may acquire information related to an answer issued by the user in response to the instruction of the third instruction information.

7. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

before the first instruction information is sent to the user, the instruction unit sends information related to the content of the predetermined massage executed based on the control of the control unit from the first instruction information to the user.

8. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the massage device is provided with an auxiliary support part which is arranged at a preset position of the massage machine and is contacted with a part of the body after the movement to assist in maintaining the posture when the posture of the user is changed according to the instruction of the first instruction information.

9. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the instruction unit outputs the instruction information as information that can be directly received by the sense organ of the user as a stimulus.

10. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the instruction unit outputs the instruction information as information receivable by a communication terminal having a transmission means capable of transmitting information to a user and carried by the user or worn on the body of the user.

11. A massage machine having one or more massage mechanisms that move by a predetermined drive source, the massage mechanism performing massage on a user while supporting the user's body, the massage machine comprising:

a control unit for controlling an operation state of the massage mechanism; and

an instruction unit that gives a first instruction message to a user who receives the massage by the massage unit, the first instruction message including a content instructing the user to move at least a part of the body to extend or contract a muscle portion from a normal posture to change the posture or to move at least a part of the body continuously,

When the indication part sends out the first indication information to the user, the control part performs the control of adjusting the position of one or more preset parts of the massage machine for supporting the body of the user so as to promote the body movement related to the posture change of the user according to the indication of the first indication information,

when performing an extended massage on a muscle portion extending from a shoulder portion to a back portion of a user, the control unit moves a back portion supporting the back portion of the user in a reclined direction and moves leg support portions supporting legs of the user in a raised direction,

after the instruction unit issues the first instruction information to the user, the control unit controls the massage mechanism to perform the massage when information is acquired from the outside, the information being recognized as a state in which the user has changed posture in response to an instruction from the instruction unit and has assumed a specific posture after the posture has changed, or a state in which the user has instructed to perform a specific action for continuing to move at least a part of the body.