JP4336149B2

JP4336149B2 - Massage equipment

Info

Publication number: JP4336149B2
Application number: JP2003168387A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 信三清水; 震海張
Original assignee: Daito Electric Machine Industry Co Ltd
Current assignee: Daito Electric Machine Industry Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-09-27
Filing date: 2003-06-12
Publication date: 2009-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-12
Also published as: CN1678274A; WO2004028435A1; JP2004160172A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、左右一対の患部押圧体で患部を押圧するマッサージ装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
この種のマッサージ装置としては、例えば、特許文献１に開示された首用マッサージ装置などがある。
この首用マッサージ装置は、回転軸に設けられた左右一対の回転体と、この回転体にそれぞれ相対回転自在に係合すると共に共回りを規制され且つうねり動作を行う左右一対のマッサージ部材とを有しており、このマッサージ部材には患部を押圧する患部押圧体が設けられている。この患部押圧体で首部を挟み込んだ上で押圧マッサージを行うものである。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−２４８１４２号公報（第３〜６頁、図５）
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、この首用マッサージ装置は、患部押圧体の対向うねり動作や左右方向の近接離反移動により首部を押圧しマッサージを施すことができるものの、患部押圧体を前後方向に揺動する構成を有していないため、揉み上げや揉み下げといった前後揺動を含む複雑なマッサージ動作を行うことが困難であった。
また、従来のマッサージ装置は、そのマッサージ対象部位が一カ所に限定されるものがほとんどであった。例えば、前述の首用マッサージ装置は、首部専用のマッサージ装置であり、これを椅子の背もたれ部に立て掛けた上で椅子に座り、腰部をマッサージしようとしても、患部押圧体が装置から張り出すようになっていない、すなわち患部押圧体の高さが低すぎるため、腰部に届かずマッサージが困難であるといった問題が生じていた。
【０００５】
そこで、本発明は、上記問題点に鑑み、揉み上げや揉み下げといった効果的なマッサージを施すことができ及び／又は複数の患部に対応できるマッサージ装置を提供するようにしたものである。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明方法における課題解決のための第１の具体的手段は、患部押圧体２，２を有する左右一対のマッサージ部材３，３を互いに対向するうねり動作をさせながら左右遠近方向に往復移動させ、且つ前後方向に往復移動させることである。
これにより、患部押圧体２，２を対向するうねり動作させ且つ左右に近接離反させて、さらに、前後方向に往復移動させることで、患部に揉み上げや揉み下げといった複雑な押圧によるマッサージを施すことが可能となる。
【０００７】
本発明方法における課題解決のための第２の具体的手段は、前記左右患部押圧体２，２の高さを変更することである。
これにより、患部押圧体２，２の高さが変更自在となり、例えば、首部Ｎや腰部Ｗなどの複数の患部のマッサージを行うことが可能になる。
本発明方法における課題解決のための第３の具体的手段は、前記左右患部押圧部２，２を左右外側に変形させて押圧力を変更することである。
これにより、左右患部押圧部２，２，を左右外側に変形させて押圧力を変更することで、左右患部押圧部２，２の揉み力が変わり、揉み力が異なるマッサージを施すことが可能になる。
【０００８】
本発明物における課題解決のための第１の具体的手段は、回転軸５に固定された左右一対の回転体６，６と、この回転体６，６に相対回転自在に嵌合し且つ患部押圧体２，２を有する左右一対のマッサージ部材３，３と、回転体６，６に対してマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制しながら回転体６，６の回転をマッサージ部材３，３のうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とに変換するうねり動作機構７と、前記マッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動させる姿勢制御機構８とを有することである。
【０００９】
これにより、マッサージ部材３，３は回転体６，６に係合し相対回転自在となり、うねり動作機構７で共回りを規制されながらうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とを行うようになる。さらに、姿勢制御機構８で、マッサージ部材３，３が回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動、すなわち前後移動することにより、患部押圧体２，２は揉み上げ又は揉み下げといった複雑なマッサージ運動を行うことができるようになる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第２の具体的手段は、回転軸５に固定された左右一対の回転体６，６と、この回転体６，６に相対回転自在に嵌合し且つ患部押圧体２，２を有する左右一対のマッサージ部材３，３と、回転体６，６に対してマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制しながら回転体６，６の回転をマッサージ部材３，３のうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とに変換するうねり動作機構７と、前記マッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向に変位して患部押圧体２，２の高さを変更する位置変更機構９とを有していることである。
【００１０】
これにより、マッサージ部材３，３は回転体６，６に係合し相対回転自在となり、うねり動作機構７で共回りを規制されながらうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とを行うようになる。さらに、位置変更機構９でマッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向に変位することで、患部押圧体２，２の高さを変更自在とし複数の患部をマッサージ可能とすることができる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第３の具体的手段は、回転軸５に固定された左右一対の回転体６，６と、この回転体６，６に相対回転自在に嵌合し且つ患部押圧体２，２を有する左右一対のマッサージ部材３，３と、回転体６，６に対してマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制しながら回転体６，６の回転をマッサージ部材３，３のうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とに変換するうねり動作機構７と、前記マッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動させる姿勢制御機構８と、前記マッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向に変位してその高さを変更する位置変更機構９とを有していることである。
【００１１】
これにより、マッサージ部材３，３は回転体６，６に係合し相対回転自在となり、うねり動作機構７で共回りを規制されながらうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とを行うようになる。さらに、姿勢制御機構８で、マッサージ部材３，３が回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動することにより、患部押圧体２，２が前後運動し、患部押圧体２，２は揉み上げ又は揉み下げといった複雑なマッサージ運動を行うことができるようになる。加えて、位置変更機構９でマッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向に変位することで、患部押圧体２，２の高さを変更自在とし複数の患部をマッサージ可能とすることができる。
【００１２】
本発明物における課題解決のための第４の具体的手段は、前記うねり動作機構７は、マッサージ部材３，３が相対回転自在に嵌合すると共に回転軸５に対して傾斜する軸心を有する略円形の軌道１１を回転体６，６の周縁上に設け、マッサージ部材３，３に係合部材１３を設け、前記回転体６，６に対するマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制するべく係合部材１３が左右方向摺動自在に係合する摺動溝１６を有する制御部材１５，１５を回転軸５を支持する基台１７側に設けていることである。
【００１３】
これにより、回転体６，６上に設けられた回転軸５に対して傾斜する略円形の軌道１１にマッサージ部材３，３が相対回転自在に嵌合すると共に、マッサージ部材３，３に設けられた係合部材１３が基台１７側の制御部材１５，１５に形成された摺動溝１６に摺動自在に嵌り込むことで、マッサージ部材３，３の共回りが規制されることになる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第５の具体的手段は、前記姿勢制御機構８は、マッサージ部材３，３に係合部材１３を設け、前記回転体６，６に対するマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制するべく係合部材１３が左右方向摺動自在に係合する摺動溝１６を有する制御部材１５，１５を回転軸５を支持する基台１７側に設けており、前記摺動溝１６をマッサージ部材３，３を左右方向に案内しながら前後方向にも案内する傾斜溝に形成していることである。
【００１４】
これにより、マッサージ部材３，３に設けられた係合部材１３が、基台１７側の制御部材１５，１５に形成された摺動溝１６に摺動自在に嵌り込むことで、マッサージ部材３，３の共回りが規制されると共に左右方向に移動しながら前後方向にも移動するようになる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第６の具体的手段は、前記位置変更機構９は、マッサージ部材３，３に係合部材１３を設け、前記回転体６，６に対するマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制するべく係合部材１３が左右方向摺動自在に係合する摺動溝１６を有する制御部材１５，１５を回転軸５を支持する基台１７側に設けており、この制御部材１５，１５を前後方向に移動する移動手段１８を有することである。
【００１５】
これにより、マッサージ部材３，３に設けられた係合部材１３が、基台１７側の制御部材１５，１５に形成された摺動溝１６に摺動自在に嵌り込むことで、マッサージ部材３，３の共回りが規制される。さらに、この制御部材１５，１５を移動手段１８を用いて前後方向に移動することができ、摺動溝１６を介して、前記マッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向に変位させ、患部押圧体２，２の高さを変更することが可能となる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第７の具体的手段は、前記移動手段１８は、左右制御部材１５，１５を連結する連結部材１９と、装置外部から操作して前記連結部材１９を前後方向へ移動させる操作体２０とを有することである。
【００１６】
これにより、連結部材１９により連結された左右一対の制御部材１５，１５を、装置の外側に設けられた操作体２０を操作することで前後方向へ移動することができ、患部押圧体２，２の高さを変更することが可能となる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第８の具体的手段は、前記マッサージ部材３，３は患部押圧体２，２の左右方向外側に過大荷重に対する患部押圧体２，２の変形を弾力的に支持するバックアップ部材２６を有することである。
これにより、患部押圧体２，２を左右方向に広げようとする過大な荷重が加わった場合であっても、バックアップ部材２６により患部押圧体２，２の変形を弾力的に支持することができ、患部押圧体２，２の破損などを防ぐことが可能となる。
【００１７】
本発明物における課題解決のための第９の具体的手段は、回転軸５に固定された左右一対の回転体６，６と、この回転体５に相対回転自在に嵌合し且つ患部押圧体２，２を有する左右一対のマッサージ部材３，３と、回転体６，６に対してマッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制しながら回転体６，６の回転をマッサージ部材３，３のうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とに変換するうねり動作機構７と、荷重により左右方向外側に変形する患部押圧体２，２に対してその変形に対する抗力を与えて患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐを変更調整する揉み力変更手段とを有していることである。
【００１８】
これにより、マッサージ部材３，３は回転体６，６に係合し相対回転自在となり、うねり動作機構７で共回りを規制されながらうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とを行うようになる。さらに、揉み力変更手段で、揉み力Ｐを多段に変化させて、揉み力Ｐが異なるマッサージを施すことができる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第１０の具体的手段は、前記揉み力変更手段は、回転体５に相対回転自在に嵌合したマッサージ部材３，３のボス部１０に固定され且つ患部押圧体２，２の外側面と当接可能な抵抗体４５を有していることである。
【００１９】
これにより、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形した際に、抵抗体４５が患部押圧体２，２と当接して患部押圧体２，２に変形に対する抗力を与えて、揉み力Ｐを変化させることができる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第１１の具体的手段は、前記抵抗体４５は、マッサージ部材３，３のボス部１０に固定され且つ左右方向に撓み可能な支持体２６と、この支持体２６に設けられ且つ患部押圧体２，２と当接している弾性部材４３とを有していることである。
【００２０】
これにより、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形した際に、支持体２６が患部押圧体２，２を支持しながら撓むことによって揉み力Ｐを変化させることができると共に、弾性部材４３が患部押圧体２，２と当接して圧縮されることによっても揉み力Ｐを変化させることができる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第１２の具体的手段は、前記抵抗体４５は、マッサージ部材３，３のボス部１０に固定され且つ左右方向に撓み可能な支持体２６と、この支持体２６に設けられ且つ患部押圧体２，２が変形したときに当接する弾性部材４３とを有していることである。
【００２１】
これにより、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形した際に、支持体２６が患部押圧体２，２を支持しながら撓むことによって揉み力Ｐを変化させることができると共に、弾性部材４３が患部押圧体２，２と当接して圧縮されることによっても揉み力Ｐを変化させることができる。
本発明物における課題解決のための第１３の具体的手段は、前記マッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動させる姿勢制御機構８とを有することである。
【００２２】
これにより、姿勢制御機構８で、マッサージ部材３，３が回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動、すなわち前後移動することにより、患部押圧体２，２は揉み上げ又は揉み下げといった複雑なマッサージ運動を行うことができるようになる。
【００２３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
図１〜６は本発明にかかるマッサージ装置１の第１実施形態を示すものである。
このマッサージ装置１は、図１に示すように、ケーシング２８と、このケーシング２８内に格納されるマッサージユニット４とを有しており、前記ケーシング２８の上面からは、患部を押圧しマッサージを施す左右一対の患部押圧体２，２が突出している。
【００２４】
なお、以下、実施形態の説明において、左右は図２の左右方向、前は図３の左側、後は図３の右側とする。
ケーシング２８は、上部が開放され内部に前記マッサージユニット４を格納可能な下部半体２８Ｂと、この下部半体２８Ｂを上から閉塞する上部半体２８Ａとから構成されている。
上部半体２８Ａの上面略中央部には、前記患部押圧体２，２がそれぞれ挿通されて外部に突出する開口部２９が形成されており、この開口部２９は伸縮性の高い布やスポンジ等で形成されたカバーシート３０によって覆われている。また、前記下部半体２８Ｂの左右一方の側面には、後述の操作体２０が設けられている。
【００２５】
前記ケーシング２８は、図１，３，４に示すように、平面視略矩形で側面視略台形である。このように側面視略台形であることにより、首部Ｎを図５の如く患部押圧体２，２に載置した場合、ケーシング２８の側縁部に肩部Ｓが当たることが防止される。
なお、ケーシング２８の左右両側面には、当該マッサージ装置１を両手で持って持ち運んだり、持ったままで他人に押し当てて使用するための取っ手部３１が形成されている。
【００２６】
図１〜４に示すように、前記マッサージユニット４は、ケーシング２８の前後及び左右方向の略中央部に配置されており、基台１７を介して下部半体２８Ｂに固定されている。
この基台１７の上面で略後方には、正逆回転自在な駆動モータ３３が取り付けてあり、この駆動モータ３３の前端面にはギアケース３４が設けられている。このギアケース３４には、回転軸５の軸方向中央部が回転自在に支持され、ケーシング２８内で左右方向に向けて配置されている。
【００２７】
詳しくは、ギアケース３４の内部には左右一対のベアリング３５，３５が設けられ、両ベアリング３５，３５に回転軸５が挿通されている。回転軸５の両ベアリング３５，３５間にはウォームホイル３６が固定され、このウォームホイル３６には、前記駆動モータ３３の出力軸に固定されたウォームギア３７が噛み合っている。
前記駆動モータ３３の回転は、ギアケース３４内のウォームギア３７を介して前記回転軸５に伝えられ、回転軸５は正逆自在に回転するようになっており、その両端部には、相対回転不能に設けられた左右一対の回転体６，６が設けられている。
【００２８】
この回転体６，６の周縁面１２には、図２に示すように、前記回転軸５に対して傾斜する軸心Ａを有する略円形の軌道１１が形成され、この軌道１１を摺動しするようにマッサージ部材３，３のボス部１０が相対回転自在に嵌合している。
詳しくは、前記左右一対の回転体６，６の外周面（周縁面）１２には、前記軌道１１に沿ってベアリング３９のインナーレースが嵌め込まれ、回転体６，６の左右方向外側には、ベアリング３９を抜け止めし且つ固定する固定部材１４が設けられている。
【００２９】
ベアリング３９のアウターレースはリング形状をしたボス部１０の内周側に嵌め込まれ、このベアリング３９を介して、マッサージ部材３，３が軌道１１上を摺動するようになっている。なお、この左右回転体６，６の軌道１１の傾斜方向が互いに逆向きとなるように、当該回転体６，６は回転軸５に固定されている。
さらに、前記マッサージ部材３，３は、ボス部１０の外周面１２から径外方向で且つケーシング２８の外側に向かって斜め上方に延設された患部押圧体２，２を備えている。
【００３０】
図１〜３に示すように、患部押圧体２，２は、前記軌道１１の長手方向に幅を有するものであり、好ましくは、人の握りこぶし程度の大きさを有するとよい。
その断面においては、マッサージ部材３，３に比べて薄肉に形成されることで回転軸５の軸方向に弾性変形自在になっている。そして、マッサージ部材３，３のボス部１０から上方に立ち上がる患部押圧体２，２の下部側は可撓アーム部６０とされ、この可撓アーム部６０は、比較的容易に左右に弾性変形しうるように形成されている。この可撓アーム部６０から上方に連なる患部押圧体２，２の部分は側面板部６１とされ、この側面板部６１の外周縁から左右方向外側に屈曲した患部押圧体２，２の部分は周面板部６２とされている。
【００３１】
したがって、これら側面板部６１及び周面板部６２によってマッサージ部が構成され、このマッサージ部は下部側から上部側へ行くにしたがい前後幅が大きくなるように形成されている。
また、首部Ｎに対してソフトな接触面となるように相対向内側が丸みを帯びた楕円形状に形成されていると共に、マッサージ効果を高めるため、複数の略半球状の凸部４０が点在している。
ボス部１０の左右方向外側面には、ベアリング３９の抜け落ちを防止して固定するリング形状の押さえ部材４２が取り付けられており、この押さえ部材４２の略下方には係合部材１３を取り付ける係合部材取付部４４が一体に成形され、棒状の係合部材１３がボス部１０から突出するように固定されている。この係合部材１３の先端部には、回動自在に筒体４１が外嵌している。
【００３２】
前記押さえ部材４２から患部押圧体２，２の左右方向外側に向けて、長方形板状のバックアップ部材（支持体）２６が延設されており、このバックアップ部材２６は、患部押圧体２，２の可撓アーム６０及び側面板部６１に対向し且つ患部押圧体２，２と離間して配置されている。また、バックアップ部材２６は、合成樹脂又は金属等から形成されており、所定以上の外圧が加わると左右方向に撓みむように形成されている。
バックアップ部材２６の先端側と患部押圧体２，２との間には、バックアップ部材２６に比べ軟らかいウレタン等の素材で形成された弾性部材４３が挟み込まれており、この弾性部材４３はバックアップ部材２６の先端部に固定されている。なお、弾性部材４３は、患部押圧体２，２に固定されてもよい。弾性部材４３の外周面は患部押圧体２，２の側面板部６１に当接している。
【００３３】
このバックアップ部材２６及び弾性部材４３は、患部押圧体２，２に荷重が加わって患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形した場合に、患部押圧体２，２に対してその変形に対する抗力を与える抵抗体６５であり、この抵抗体６５によって患部押圧体２，２の揉み力を変更調整することができるようになっている。
例えば、マッサージをするために患部押圧部２，２に腰など載置し、この状態で患部押圧体２，２を互いに左右方向に近接移動させると、患部押圧体２，２が互いに近づくにしたがって患部押圧体２，２を左右方向外側に押し広げようとする荷重が増加し、これにより、患部押圧体２，２は、左右方向外側に向けて徐々に変形すると共に、弾性部材４３が圧縮され始める。そして、患部押圧体２，２が荷重によって左右方向外側にさらに移動させられて、弾性部材４３が圧縮限界に達するか又はその前からバックアップ部材２６がこの患部押圧体２，２と共に左右方向外側に撓み変形するようになっている。
【００３４】
このとき、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは次のようになる。即ち、図９に示すように患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に向けて次第に変形すると共に弾性部材４３が圧縮される段階Ｔ１では、変形に対する患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１（復元力）が患部押圧体２，２に働くと共に、弾性部材４３の圧縮による反発力Ｐ２が働くので、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは、患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１に、弾性部材４３の反発力Ｐ２を加算した力となる。この場合、患部押圧体２，２を互いに近づけているので、患部押圧体２，２の左右方向の変形量は増加する方向となり、その揉み力Ｐは徐々に増加することになる。
【００３５】
また、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に向けて徐々に変形すると共に弾性部材４３が圧縮限界に達してバックアップ部材２６が左右方向外側に向けて変形する段階Ｔ２では、変形に対する患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１（復元力）が患部押圧体２，２に働くと共に、バックアップ部材２６の変形による反発力Ｐ３が働くので、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１に、バックアップ部材２６の反発力Ｐ３を加算した力となる。この場合、患部押圧体２，２を互いに近づけているので、患部押圧体２，２の左右方向の変形量は増加する方向となり、その揉み力は徐々に増加することになる。この段階Ｔ２では、バックアップ部材２６が弾性部材４３よりも硬い素材で形成されているため、変形量に対するバックアップ部材２６の反発力Ｐ３の増加率は、弾性部材４３に比べ大きくなる（例えば、弾性部材４３が圧縮限界となった位置Ｌ１で増加率が変化する）。また、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは、バックアップ部材２６が左右方向外側に変形しなくなる位置Ｌ２で最大となる。
【００３６】
一方で、バックアップ部材２６がこの患部押圧体２，２と共に左右方向外側に撓み可能な位置Ｌ２まで変形している状態で、患部押圧体２，２を互いに左右方向に離反移動させると、患部押圧体２，２が互いに離反するにしたがって患部押圧体２，２を左右方向外側に押し広げようとする荷重が減少して、これにより、患部押圧体２，２の移動に伴ってバックアップ部材２６を撓む前の元状態に戻すことができると共に、圧縮された弾性部材４３は圧縮される前の元状態に戻すことができるようになるので、上記各段階Ｔ１，Ｔ２では患部押圧体２，２の左右方向の変形量は減少する方向となり、その揉み力Ｐを徐々に減少させることができる。
【００３７】
したがって、これから分かるように荷重により左右方向外側に変形する患部押圧体２，２に対してその変形に対する抗力を与えて患部押圧体２，２の揉み力を変更調整する揉み力変更手段が抵抗体６５によって構成されおり、この揉み力変更手段によって、揉み力を多段に変化させることができると共に、変形量に対する揉み力の増減率の異なる段階を少なくとも２段階にすることができ、これにより上記のように患部押圧体２，２に腰を載置するだけで、揉み力が異なるマッサージを施すことが可能となる。
【００３８】
また、患部押圧体２，２を左右方向外側に押し広げようとする荷重が加わった場合、弾性部材４３の弾性変形により、患部押圧体２，２の外側への変形を支える。さらに、前記弾性体４３の変形だけでは荷重を支えきれなくなると、バックアップ部材２６が弾力的に変形しながら患部押圧体２，２を支持するようになる。これにより、過大荷重が加わる可能性のある腰部Ｗ等のマッサージを行う場合であっても、患部押圧体２，２の破壊や変形等を防ぐことが可能となる。
なお、図９において、Ｘ軸は、患部押圧体２，２、抵抗体４５（バックアップ部材２６、弾性部材４３）左右方向外側に変形した変形量を示し、Ｙ軸は、患部押圧体２，２、抵抗体４５（バックアップ部材２６、弾性部材４３）の反発力の強さ又は揉み力の強さを示している。
【００３９】
本実施形態では、マッサージ部材３は、ボス部１０と、患部押圧体２と、押さえ部材４２とを個々に成形し、ネジ等の締結具で固定し組み立てられている。さらに、前記係合部材取付部４４に後付けで係合部材１３をネジ等の締結具で固定するようにしている。しかしながら、これらを一体成形で作るようにしてもよいし、バックアップ部材２６を別途成形しておき、ボス部１０と押さえ部材４２の間に挟み込んで固定するようにしてもよい。
【００４０】
前記係合部材１３の略下方の基台１７側には、この係合部材１３に係合する摺動溝１６が形成された制御部材１５，１５が設けられている。すなわち、基台１７の左右方向で回転軸５と略平行に連結部材である連結軸１９が設けられると共に、前後方向移動可能に配設されている。この連結軸１９の左右両端部に、制御部材１５，１５が軸まわり回動自在に設けられている。
この制御部材１５，１５の平面視略中央には、前記係合部材１３が摺動自在に嵌り込む摺動溝１６が略上下方向に貫通するように形成されている。この摺動溝１６は、マッサージ部材３，３を左右方向に案内しながら前後方向にも案内するものとなっており、この摺動溝１６の長手方向は、前記回転軸５に対して傾斜するようになっている。
【００４１】
本実施形態の場合は、図４に示す如く、左側の摺動溝１６は回転軸５に対して右肩上がり斜めに形成され、右側の摺動溝１６は左肩上がり斜めに形成されている。しかしながら、その傾きは逆であっても何ら問題はない。
この摺動溝１６に略上方から前記係合部材１３が挿入され嵌り込むようになっている。なお、係合部材１３には回転自在なる筒体４１が嵌合しており、この筒体４１と摺動溝１６とが接するようになっているため、摺動溝１６内をスムーズに滑ることができるようになっている。
【００４２】
このように、マッサージ部材３，３の略下方に設けられた係合部材１３が前記制御部材１５，１５の傾斜する摺動溝１６に嵌り込み、その摺動溝１６の左右方向成分に揺動自在であって、さらに、前記回転体６，６上の軌道１１にマッサージ部材３，３が嵌合することで、マッサージ部材３，３の共回りを規制しながら回転体６，６の回転をマッサージ部材３，３のうねり動作と左右遠近往復移動とに変換するうねり動作機構７（揺動動作機構）が構成されることになる。
すなわち、ボス部１０が傾斜した軌道１１に沿って動くと、平面視（図４）において、例えば右側の回転体６に対して共回りが規制されているボス部１０は、回転体６が回転するにつれ、回転軸５に対し左肩上がり斜め、略垂直、右肩上がり斜めの３つの状態を遷移するように揺動（シーソー揺動）する。左側の回転体６も対称状態で同様に傾動する。したがって、両ボス部１０、１０に突設された患部押圧体２，２も同様な動きをし、前後方向一端が互いに近接する際には他端が互いに離反し、一端が離反する際には、他端が近接するような対向うねり動作を行う。
【００４３】
一方、正面視（図２）においては、前記ボス部１０は回転軸５に対して前述のような揺動を行い、且つ、その外周面１２は軸心方向にも移動する。しかしながら、患部押圧体２，２は、回転軸５を挟んで反対側に設けられた摺動溝１６により左右方向に揺動するように規制されているため、回転軸５の軸心方向（左右方向）に互いに遠近揺動することになる。
この両者が組み合わさって、患部押圧体２，２は左右方向の近接及び離反移動しながら対向うねり動作するようになる。
【００４４】
また、回転体６，６にマッサージ部材３，３が嵌合すると共に係合部材１３が傾斜した摺動溝１６に嵌り込み、その前後方向成分に揺動自在であることで、マッサージ部材３，３及び患部押圧体２，２を回転軸５の周方向一定範囲で往復移動させる姿勢制御機構８が構成されることになる。
さらに、係合部材１３が前記制御部材１５，１５の摺動溝１６に互いが連動するように嵌り込み、この制御部材１５，１５を前後方向に移動することで、係合部材１３を介してマッサージ部材３，３を回転軸５の周方向に変位させ、患部押圧体２，２の回転軸５に対してなす角度（持ち上がり角）αを変更しその高さを変える位置変更機構９が構成されることになる。
【００４５】
前記位置変更機構９は、制御部材１５，１５を基台１７に対して前後方向に移動させる移動手段１８を有している。この移動手段１８は、下部半体２８Ｂの左右一方側に設けられた操作体である操作つまみ２０と、前記連結軸１９を駆動する駆動軸２１と、駆動軸２１に操作つまみ２０の回転を伝えるギア部３８と、駆動軸２１の回転により連結軸１９を前後に移動させる連結具２３とを有している。
前記操作つまみ２０には、ケーシング２８内に伸びる操作回転軸２４が設けられており、ベベルギアから構成されるギア部３８を介して駆動軸２１を回転可能となっている。この駆動軸２１の長手方向にはネジ部２２が形成されており、前記連結具２３の一端が螺合すると共に他端が連結軸１９に固定されるようになっている。
【００４６】
したがって、操作つまみ２０を回すことにより、ギア部３８を介して駆動軸２１が回転し、連結具２３が前後方向に移動することで、連結軸１９すなわち、左右制御部材１５，１５は前後方向に移動することになる。
制御部材１５，１５の前後方向への移動に伴い、摺動溝１６に嵌り込んでいる係合部材１３も前後に移動し、例えば、制御部材１５，１５が後方に移動した場合は、係合部材１３も平面視後方へ回動する。したがって、係合部材１３の回転軸に対して略反対側に位置する患部押圧体２，２は、前方側へ回転軸５まわりに回動し、患部押圧体２，２の持ち上がり角αは小さくなり、患部押圧体２，２のケーシング２８底面部からの高さは低くなる。
【００４７】
制御部材１５，１５を前方に移動した場合は、この逆になり、患部押圧体２，２の高さは高くなる。
なお、図３に示す如く、マッサージ部材３，３が回転軸５まわりに回転すると、係合部材１３の回転軸５に対する突出方向も変化する。しかしながら、制御部材１５，１５は連結軸１９まわりに回動自在であるため、前記係合部材１３の突出方向変化にも対応でき、常に摺動溝１６に略垂直に係合部材１３が嵌り込み、スムーズな摺動ができるようになっている。
【００４８】
次に、本実施形態に係るマッサージ装置１によるマッサージ方法を図２〜６に基づいて述べる。
本実施形態のマッサージ装置１において、駆動モータ３３をオンにして回転させると、ウォームホイル３６を介して回転軸５が回転し回転体６，６が回転するようになる。しかし、係合部材１３が制御部材１５，１５の摺動溝１６に嵌り込んでいるため、マッサージ部材３，３は共回りが規制され傾斜した軌道１１に沿った動きで揺動するようになる。
【００４９】
マッサージ部材３，３が傾斜した軌道１１に沿って動くことにより、左右一対の患部押圧体２，２は、前後方向一端が互いに近接する際には他端が互いに離反し、一端が離反する際には、他端が近接するような対向うねり動作を行いながら、左右方向の近接及び離反移動するようになる。
さらに、前記姿勢制御機構８により、マッサージ部材３，３は前後方向に移動するようにも揺動運動をする。すなわち、摺動溝１６により、係合部材１３が前後方向に案内されることにより、マッサージ部材３，３及び患部押圧体２，２が軸心まわりに一定幅を持って前後に移動するようになる。
【００５０】
これにより、患部押圧体２，２が、前述の対向うねり動作及び左右遠近往復動作に加えて、前後方向に大きく揺動するような動きをし、揉み上げ又は揉み下げ運動を行うようになる。例えば、マッサージ装置１の前後方向を人体Ｈの上下方向と対応させた場合、患部押圧体２，２が後方に大きく移動すると揉み上げ運動となり、前方に大きく移動すると揉み下げ運動となる。
首部Ｎを患部押圧体２，２に挟み込むように載置しマッサージを施す状態を図５に示している。これに示されるように、仰向けに寝た人体Ｈの首部Ｎをマッサージする場合は、患部押圧体２，２の持ち上がり角αを小さし、その高さを低くすると、人体Ｈに負担をかけることなくマッサージを行うことができる。
【００５１】
また、椅子４６に座った人体Ｈの腰部Ｗをマッサージする場合は、患部押圧体２，２の持ち上がり角αを大きくし、その高さを高くした上で、椅子４６の背もたれ部４７にケーシング２８を立て掛けるようにし、患部押圧体２，２に腰部Ｗをあてがうことで、マッサージが可能となる。この際に、患部押圧体２，２は、持ち上がり角αが大きく高い位置にあるため、椅子４６に深く腰掛ける等の姿勢をとることなく自然に、患部押圧体２，２が腰部Ｗに当接するようになる。
上述のように、患部押圧体２，２の高さ変更、すなわち、患部押圧体２，２の持ち上がり角αの変更は、図３の如く、位置変更機構９をもちいて行うことができ、前記制御部材１５，１５を前方向に移動させると、２点鎖線に示すように、係合部材１３も前方に移動し、マッサージ部材３，３が回動軸まわりに後方に回動することにより、患部押圧体２，２の持ち上がり角αが大きくなる。すなわち、患部押圧体２，２の高さが高くなる。
【００５２】
逆に、制御部材１５，１５を後方に移動させると、患部押圧体２，２の高さは低くなる。
なお、本実施形態のマッサージ装置１によれば、マッサージ部材３，３が回転体６，６に共回り（連れ回り）されるのが制御部材１５，１５によって規制され、これによって患部押圧体２，２が所定の周方向位置に保持されているので、患部押圧体２，２間に患部を挟み込んだり当接したとき、周方向に逃げることがなく、患部押圧体２，２を患部に対して簡単に位置合わせすることができる。
【００５３】
また、例えば、首部Ｎを患部押圧体２，２に挟み込むように載置し、患部押圧体２，２を左右方向に近接及び離反させて揉む場合、患部押圧体２，２を近接させると、患部押圧体２，２の左右方向外側への変形量が増加方向となり、揉み力変更手段によって首Ｎに対しての患部押圧体の揉み力（押圧力）は次第に増加し、患部押圧体２，２を離反させると、患部押圧体２，２の左右方向外側への変形量が減少方向となり首Ｎに対しての患部押圧体の揉み力（押圧力）は次第に減少する。したがって、左右患部押圧部２，２の揉み力が変わり、揉み力が異なるマッサージを施すことができる。
【００５４】
図７には、本発明にかかるマッサージ装置１の第２実施形態を示している。本実施形態は第１実施形態とは略同一の構成であるものの、制御部材１５，１５に設けられた摺動溝１６が傾斜溝でない点が異なっている。
すなわち、摺動溝１６の長手方向は回転軸５に略平行に形成されている。したがって、前後方向成分でマッサージ部材３，３が案内されないことになり、患部押圧体２，２は対向うねり動作のみを行う。
さらに、この制御部材１５，１５は第１実施形態と略同一の移動手段１８により前後方向に移動可能であり、患部押圧体２，２は軸心まわりにその突出方向を変更することができ、患部押圧体２，２の持ち上がり角αを変更することが可能である。
【００５５】
なお、この構成をもって、前記移動手段１８を対向うねり動作に対応させて作動させ、患部押圧体２，２を前後方向に移動させることにより、患部押圧体２，２に揉み上げ又は揉み下げ動作を行わせることも可能である。
図８には、本発明にかかるマッサージ装置１の第３実施形態を示している。本実施形態は、第１実施形態とは略同一の構成であるものの、制御部材１５，１５が前後方向に移動せず基台１７側に固定されている構成となっている点が異なっている。
【００５６】
これにより、位置変更機構９を省いた簡略な構成であるものの、患部押圧体２，２を対向うねり動作及び前後揺動させ、揉み上げ又は揉み下げ運動させることができるようになる。
図１０〜１２には、本願発明にかかるマッサージ装置の第４の実施の形態を示している。このバックアップ部材２６（支持体）は、第１の実施の形態と同様に、合成樹脂等から形成されており、所定以上の外圧が加わると左右方向に撓みむようになっている。また、このバックアップ部材２６は、患部押圧体２，２と左右方向に離間して配置されており、このバックアップ部材２６の先端側には、弾性部材４３が固定されている。
【００５７】
この弾性部材４３は、患部押圧体２，２と左右方向に離間して配置されており、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形していないときは、患部押圧体２，２と当接しておらず、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形したときに、この患部押圧体２，２の外周面（患部押圧体２，２の側面板部６１）と当接するように構成されている。弾性部材４３の圧縮開始点が第１の実施の形態と異なる。
以上の構成によれば、例えば、マッサージをするために患部押圧部２，２に腰など載置し、この状態で患部押圧体２，２を互いに左右方向に近接移動させたり離反させたりすると、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは次のようになる。即ち、図１２に示すように、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形して弾性部材４３に当接するまでの段階Ｔ３では、変形に対する患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１（復元力）のみが患部押圧体２，２に働くので、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１と同じとなる。患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に変形すると共に、患部押圧体２，２が当接して弾性部材４３が圧縮される段階Ｔ４では、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１に、弾性部材４３の反発力Ｐ２を加算した力となる。
【００５８】
さらに、患部押圧体２，２が左右方向外側に向けて徐々に変形すると共に弾性部材４３が圧縮限界となりバックアップ部材２６が荷重に伴い左右方向外側に向けて変形する段階Ｔ５では、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力Ｐは患部押圧体２，２の反発力Ｐ１に、バックアップ部材２６の反発力Ｐ３を加算した力となる。
したがって、これから分かるように、患部押圧体２，２の揉み力を多段に変化させるとと共に、変化量に対しての揉み力の増減率の異なる段階を少なくとも３段階にすることができ、例えば、患部押圧体２，２に腰を載置だけで、揉み力が異なるマッサージを施すことが可能となる。
【００５９】
また、弾性部材４３と患部押圧体２，２が離間しているので、患部押圧体２，２の前後端部を自在に左右方向に変形させるをことができる。即ち、患部押圧体２，２と弾性部材４３とが離れているときは、例えば、患部押圧体２，２の前端部を左右方向内側に変形させると共に、患部押圧体２，２の後端部を左右方向外側に変形させるといった具合に、患部押圧体２，２を左右方向にねじることができる。したがって、例えば、腰や首などといった幅及び形状の異なる部分であっても、その患部の形状に対応して患部押圧体２，２に患部を合わす（フィット）させることができる。
【００６０】
図１３〜１４には、本願発明にかかるマッサージ装置の第５の実施の形態を示している。
図１４に示すように、この患部押圧体２，２は、そのマッサージ部が前後方向に二股状に分かれるように形成されている。即ち、患部押圧体２，２の側面板部６１及び周面板部６２は、前後中央部を下方に窪ませた形状とされており、その前後両側を上方に突出した円形状とされている。
バックアップ部材２６は、上記第１の実施の形態と同様に長方形板状に形成されて、その前後幅は患部押圧体２，２の可撓アーム６０の前後幅よりやや小さいものとなっている。バックアップ部材２６の先端部には、弾性部材４３が外嵌されており、この弾性部材４３の側面視の形状は、患部押圧体２，２の側面視の形状と略同じ形状になっている。
【００６１】
即ち、この弾性部材４３は、バックアップ部材２６と嵌合した嵌合部７０から前後方向に二股状に分かれると共に上方に突出した形状となっており、患部押圧体２，２の側面板部６１と略同一形状となっている。
したがって、患部押圧体２，２の前後端部７１Ｆ，７１Ｒが左右方向外側に変形したとき、弾性部材４３の前後突出部７２Ｆ，７２Ｒで患部押圧体２，２の前後端部７１Ｆ、７１Ｒを支持することができる。例えば、患部を患部押圧体２，２に載置したときに患部押圧体２，２の一部である前端部７１Ｆのみが左右方向外側に変形した場合でも、弾性部材４３の前突出部７２Ｆで患部押圧体２，２の前端部７１Ｆを支持することができ、これによって、患部押圧体２，２の一部のみが左右方向に偏った変形をしても、揉み力を変化させながらマッサージを施すことが可能となる。
【００６２】
上記において、この弾性部材４３の側面視の形状を患部押圧体２，２の側面視の形状と略同じ形状となるようにしているが、バックアップ部材２６の側面視の形状を患部押圧体２，２の側面視の形状と略同じ形状となるようにしてもよい。
また、図１５に示すように、患部押圧体２，２の側面板部６１に対向すると共に、患部押圧体２，２と離間するようにバックアップ部材２６のみを設けて患部押圧体２，２の揉み力を変化するようにしてもよい。
なお、本発明は上記した実施形態に限定されるものではない。
【００６３】
例えば、マッサージユニット４をマッサージ椅子の背もたれ部に内蔵し、肩から腰の広範囲をマッサージ可能としてもよい
また、移動手段１８は、連結部材１９を基台１７に対して前後方向に摺動自在に設け、前記連結部材１９をケーシング２８の外側まで延設し、その両端部を手でもって前後にスライドさせるようにしてもよい。
また、係合部材１３は棒状であり、制御部材１５，１５にそれが嵌り込む摺動溝１６が形成されているが逆であっても問題ない。すなわち、ボス部１０の周縁面１２に摺動溝１６が形成されており、制御部材１５，１５に係合部材１３が突出する構成でもよく、係合部材１３が直接基台１７に設けられ、制御部材１５，１５となっているものであってもよい。
【００６４】
また、摺動溝１６は、制御部材１５，１５を貫通する必要はなく、断面凹形の溝であってもよく、回転体６，６の軌道１１に凹部を周方向等間隔おきに形成し、各凹部内に転動ボールを収納し、その転動ボールを介して、マッサージ部材３，３が軌道１１上を摺動するようにしても何ら問題はない。
【００６５】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、揉み上げや揉み下げといった効果的なマッサージを施すことができ及び／又は複数の患部に対応できるマッサージ装置を提供することができる。また、揉み力変更手段によって、揉み力を多段に変化させて、揉み力が異なるマッサージを施すことが可能となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】マッサージ装置の第１実施形態の斜視図である。
【図２】同正面断面図である。
【図３】同側面断面図である。
【図４】同平面断面図である。
【図５】第１実施形態の使用状態を示す側面図である。
【図６】第１実施形態の使用状態を示す側面図である。
【図７】マッサージ装置の第２実施形態の平面断面図である。
【図８】マッサージ装置の第３実施形態の平面断面図である。
【図９】揉み力の変化を説明する説明図である。
【図１０】マッサージ装置の第４実施形態の正面断面図である。
【図１１】同平面断面図である。
【図１２】同揉み力の変化を説明する説明図である。
【図１３】マッサージ装置の第５実施形態のマッサージ部材付近の正面断面図である。
【図１４】同マッサージ部材の側面図である。
【図１５】マッサージ装置の他の実施形態のマッサージ部材付近の正面断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１マッサージ装置
２患部押圧体
３マッサージ部材
５回転軸
６回転体
７うねり動作機構
８姿勢制御機構
９位置変更機構
１１軌道
１３係合部材
１５制御部材
１６摺動溝
１７基台
１８移動手段
１９連結部材（連結棒）
２０操作体
２６バックアップ部材（支持体）
４３弾性部材
４５抵抗体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention presses the affected part with a pair of left and right affected part pressing bodies. Massage equipment It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this type of massage device, for example, there is a neck massage device disclosed in Patent Document 1.
This neck massage device includes a pair of left and right rotating bodies provided on a rotating shaft, and a pair of left and right massage members that engage with the rotating bodies in a relatively rotatable manner and are restricted from rotating together and perform a swell operation. The massage member is provided with an affected part pressing body for pressing the affected part. A pressure massage is performed after the neck is sandwiched between the affected part pressing bodies.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-248142 A (pages 3 to 6, FIG. 5)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, this neck massage device can perform massage by pressing the neck part by opposing undulation movement of the affected part pressing body or by moving to the left and right in the lateral direction, but has a configuration that swings the affected part pressing body in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it is difficult to perform a complicated massage operation including back and forth swinging such as squeezing up and down.
In addition, most conventional massage apparatuses are limited to a single massage target part. For example, the neck massage device described above is a massage device dedicated to the neck, so that even if an attempt is made to massage the waist by sitting on the chair after leaning on the backrest of the chair, the affected part pressing body protrudes from the device. In other words, the height of the affected part pressing body is too low, so that there is a problem that the massage does not reach the waist and is difficult to massage.
[0005]
Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention can perform effective massage such as squeezing up and squeezing down and / or can deal with a plurality of affected parts. Massage equipment It is intended to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first specific means for solving the problem in the method of the present invention is to reciprocate the pair of left and right massage members 3, 3 having the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 in the left / right perspective direction while causing the undulations to face each other, And it is to reciprocate back and forth.
Accordingly, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are swung opposite to each other, moved close to and away from each other, and further reciprocated in the front-rear direction, so that the affected part can be massaged by a complicated press such as squeezing up and down. It becomes possible.
[0007]
The second specific means for solving the problem in the method of the present invention is to change the height of the left and right affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
Thereby, the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be freely changed, and for example, a plurality of affected parts such as the neck N and the waist W can be massaged.
The third specific means for solving the problem in the method of the present invention is to change the pressing force by deforming the left and right affected part pressing parts 2 and 2 outward in the left and right directions.
Thereby, by changing the pressing force by deforming the left and right affected part pressing portions 2, 2 to the left and right outer sides, it is possible to change the squeezing force of the left and right affected part pressing units 2, 2, and to perform massage with different squeezing forces. Become.
[0008]
The first specific means for solving the problems in the present invention is a pair of left and right rotating bodies 6 and 6 fixed to the rotating shaft 5, and is fitted to the rotating bodies 6 and 6 so as to be relatively rotatable and affected. The pair of left and right massage members 3 and 3 having the pressing bodies 2 and 2 and the rotation members 6 and 6 rotate while the rotation of the massage members 3 and 3 is restricted with respect to the rotation members 6 and 6. A swell motion mechanism 7 that converts the swell motion into left and right reciprocating reciprocating motions, and a posture control mechanism 8 that reciprocates the massage members 3 and 3 within a constant range in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5.
[0009]
As a result, the massage members 3 and 3 engage with the rotators 6 and 6 to be rotatable relative to each other, and the undulation operation and the left and right perspective reciprocation are performed while the co-rotation is restricted by the undulation operation mechanism 7. Further, the massaging members 3, 3 are reciprocated within a certain range in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5, that is, moved back and forth by the posture control mechanism 8, so that the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 perform a complicated massage motion such as scooping up or down. Will be able to do.
The second specific means for solving the problems in the present invention is a pair of left and right rotating bodies 6 and 6 fixed to the rotating shaft 5, and is fitted to the rotating bodies 6 and 6 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The pair of left and right massage members 3 and 3 having the pressing bodies 2 and 2 and the rotation members 6 and 6 rotate while the rotation of the massage members 3 and 3 is restricted with respect to the rotation members 6 and 6. A swell motion mechanism 7 for converting the swell motion and left / right perspective reciprocation, and a position change mechanism for changing the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 by displacing the massage members 3, 3 in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 5 9.
[0010]
As a result, the massage members 3 and 3 engage with the rotators 6 and 6 to be rotatable relative to each other, and the undulation operation and the left and right perspective reciprocation are performed while the co-rotation is restricted by the undulation operation mechanism 7. Furthermore, by displacing the massaging members 3 and 3 in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5 by the position changing mechanism 9, the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be changed freely, and a plurality of affected parts can be massaged.
A third specific means for solving the problems in the present invention is a pair of left and right rotating bodies 6 and 6 fixed to the rotating shaft 5 and a relatively rotating fit with the rotating bodies 6 and 6 and the affected part. The pair of left and right massage members 3 and 3 having the pressing bodies 2 and 2 and the rotation members 6 and 6 rotate while the rotation of the massage members 3 and 3 is restricted with respect to the rotation members 6 and 6. A swell motion mechanism 7 for converting the swell motion and left and right perspective reciprocation, a posture control mechanism 8 for reciprocating the massage members 3 and 3 within a constant range in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 5, and the massage members 3 and 3 And a position changing mechanism 9 for changing the height of the rotating shaft 5 in the circumferential direction.
[0011]
As a result, the massage members 3 and 3 engage with the rotators 6 and 6 to be rotatable relative to each other, and the undulation operation and the left and right perspective reciprocation are performed while the co-rotation is restricted by the undulation operation mechanism 7. Further, by the posture control mechanism 8, the massage members 3, 3 reciprocate within a certain range in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5, so that the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 move back and forth, and the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 are swung up or itched. It is possible to perform complex massage exercises such as lowering. In addition, by displacing the massaging members 3 and 3 in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5 by the position changing mechanism 9, the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be freely changed and a plurality of affected parts can be massaged. .
[0012]
According to a fourth specific means for solving the problems in the present invention, the swell motion mechanism 7 has a shaft center that the massage members 3 and 3 are fitted to be relatively rotatable and is inclined with respect to the rotation shaft 5. A substantially circular track 11 is provided on the periphery of the rotating bodies 6, 6, an engagement member 13 is provided on the massage members 3, 3, and the engagement of the massaging members 3, 3 with respect to the rotating bodies 6, 6 is restricted. That is, the control members 15 and 15 having the sliding grooves 16 with which the combined member 13 is slidably engaged in the left-right direction are provided on the base 17 side that supports the rotating shaft 5.
[0013]
Thereby, the massage members 3 and 3 are fitted to the substantially circular orbit 11 inclined on the rotary shaft 5 provided on the rotary bodies 6 and 6 so as to be relatively rotatable, and the massage members 3 and 3 are provided. When the engaging member 13 is slidably fitted into the sliding grooves 16 formed in the control members 15 and 15 on the base 17 side, the joint rotation of the massage members 3 and 3 is restricted.
According to a fifth specific means for solving the problems in the present invention, the posture control mechanism 8 is provided with the engagement members 13 on the massage members 3 and 3, and the massage members 3 and 3 with respect to the rotating bodies 6 and 6. Control members 15 and 15 having sliding grooves 16 in which the engaging member 13 is slidably engaged in the left-right direction so as to restrict the common rotation are provided on the base 17 side supporting the rotating shaft 5, and the sliding The groove 16 is formed as an inclined groove that guides the massage members 3 and 3 in the left-right direction and also in the front-rear direction.
[0014]
Thereby, the engagement member 13 provided in the massage members 3 and 3 is slidably fitted into the slide grooves 16 formed in the control members 15 and 15 on the base 17 side, so that the massage members 3 and 3 are fitted. 3 is restricted and moves in the front-rear direction while moving in the left-right direction.
According to a sixth specific means for solving the problem in the present invention, the position changing mechanism 9 is provided with an engagement member 13 on the massage members 3 and 3, and the massage members 3 and 3 with respect to the rotating bodies 6 and 6 are provided. Control members 15 and 15 having sliding grooves 16 with which the engaging member 13 is slidably movable in the left-right direction are provided on the side of the base 17 that supports the rotating shaft 5 so as to restrict the common rotation. 15 and 15 has moving means 18 for moving in the front-rear direction.
[0015]
Thereby, the engagement member 13 provided in the massage members 3 and 3 is slidably fitted into the slide grooves 16 formed in the control members 15 and 15 on the base 17 side, so that the massage members 3 and 3 are fitted. The co-rotation of 3 is regulated. Further, the control members 15 and 15 can be moved in the front-rear direction by using the moving means 18, and the massage members 3 and 3 are displaced in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5 through the sliding groove 16 to thereby affect the affected part. It becomes possible to change the height of the pressing bodies 2 and 2.
The seventh specific means for solving the problems in the present invention is that the moving means 18 includes a connecting member 19 that connects the left and right control members 15 and 15, and the connecting member 19 that is operated from the outside of the apparatus. And an operating body 20 to be moved.
[0016]
As a result, the pair of left and right control members 15, 15 connected by the connecting member 19 can be moved in the front-rear direction by operating the operating body 20 provided on the outside of the apparatus. It becomes possible to change the height.
The eighth specific means for solving the problem in the present invention is that the massage members 3 and 3 are elastically deformed to the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 with respect to an excessive load on the outer side in the left and right direction of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. It has the backup member 26 to support.
Thus, even when an excessive load is applied to expand the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in the left-right direction, the back-up member 26 can elastically support the deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. It becomes possible to prevent damage to the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
[0017]
The ninth specific means for solving the problems in the present invention is a pair of left and right rotating bodies 6 and 6 fixed to the rotating shaft 5, and a relatively pressingly engaging and rotating affected body pressing body. 2 and 2 and the undulations of the massaging members 3 and 3 while the rotation of the massaging members 3 and 3 is restricted relative to the massaging members 3 and 3 and the massing members 3 and 3. The swell motion mechanism 7 that converts the motion and the left and right reciprocating movements, and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 that are deformed to the outside in the left and right direction by a load are given resistance against the deformation, and the stagnation force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 It has the stagnation force change means which changes and adjusts.
[0018]
As a result, the massage members 3 and 3 engage with the rotators 6 and 6 to be rotatable relative to each other, and the undulation operation and the left and right perspective reciprocation are performed while the co-rotation is restricted by the undulation operation mechanism 7. Further, it is possible to perform massage with different itch force P by changing the itch force P in multiple stages by the itch force changing means.
The tenth concrete means for solving the problem in the present invention is that the squeezing force changing means is fixed to the boss part 10 of the massage members 3 and 3 fitted to the rotating body 5 so as to be relatively rotatable and presses the affected part. It has the resistor 45 which can contact | abut with the outer surface of the bodies 2 and 2. FIG.
[0019]
Thereby, when the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction, the resistor 45 abuts on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 to give the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 a resistance against the deformation, and the squeezing force P Can be changed.
The eleventh specific means for solving the problem in the present invention is that the resistor 45 is fixed to the boss portion 10 of the massage members 3 and 3, and is supported in the left-right direction, and the support 26. 26 and the elastic member 43 in contact with the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
[0020]
As a result, when the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction, the support 26 can bend while supporting the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, and the stagnation force P can be changed. The stagnation force P can be changed also by 43 compressing 43 in contact with the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
A twelfth specific means for solving the problem in the present invention is that the resistor 45 is fixed to the boss portion 10 of the massage members 3 and 3, and is supported in a left-right direction, and the support 26. 26 and an elastic member 43 that comes into contact when the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed.
[0021]
As a result, when the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction, the support 26 can bend while supporting the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, and the stagnation force P can be changed. The stagnation force P can be changed also by 43 compressing 43 in contact with the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
A thirteenth specific means for solving the problem in the present invention is to have a posture control mechanism 8 for reciprocating the massage members 3 and 3 within a constant range in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5.
[0022]
As a result, the massaging members 3, 3 are reciprocated in the circumferential direction constant range of the rotating shaft 5 by the posture control mechanism 8, that is, moved back and forth, whereby the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 are complicated massage exercises such as scooping up or down. Will be able to do.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1-6 shows 1st Embodiment of the massage apparatus 1 concerning this invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the massage apparatus 1 includes a casing 28 and a massage unit 4 stored in the casing 28. From the upper surface of the casing 28, the affected part is pressed and massaged. A pair of left and right affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 protrude.
[0024]
In the following description of the embodiment, the left and right are the left and right directions in FIG. 2, the front is the left side of FIG. 3, and the back is the right side of FIG.
The casing 28 is composed of a lower half 28B that is open at the top and can store the massage unit 4 therein, and an upper half 28A that closes the lower half 28B from above.
In the upper center of the upper half body 28A, there is formed an opening 29 through which the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are respectively inserted and projecting to the outside. The opening 29 has a highly stretchable cloth, sponge or the like. It is covered with a cover sheet 30 formed by Further, an operation body 20 described later is provided on one of the left and right side surfaces of the lower half body 28B.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the casing 28 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and a substantially trapezoidal shape in side view. Thus, when the neck N is placed on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 as shown in FIG. 5, the shoulder S is prevented from hitting the side edge of the casing 28.
On the left and right side surfaces of the casing 28, there are formed handle portions 31 for carrying the massage device 1 with both hands, or pressing the massage device 1 against another person while holding it.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the massage unit 4 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the front-rear and left-right directions of the casing 28, and is fixed to the lower half 28 </ b> B via the base 17.
A drive motor 33 that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions is mounted substantially rearward on the upper surface of the base 17, and a gear case 34 is provided on the front end surface of the drive motor 33. The gear case 34 is rotatably supported at the central portion in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 5 and is disposed in the casing 28 in the left-right direction.
[0027]
Specifically, a pair of left and right bearings 35, 35 are provided inside the gear case 34, and the rotary shaft 5 is inserted through both the bearings 35, 35. A worm wheel 36 is fixed between the bearings 35, 35 of the rotating shaft 5, and a worm gear 37 fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor 33 is engaged with the worm wheel 36.
The rotation of the drive motor 33 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 5 via the worm gear 37 in the gear case 34, and the rotary shaft 5 rotates in the forward and reverse directions. A pair of left and right rotating bodies 6 and 6 that are impossible are provided.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular track 11 having an axis A that is inclined with respect to the rotary shaft 5 is formed on the peripheral surface 12 of the rotating bodies 6, 6. Thus, the boss portions 10 of the massage members 3 and 3 are fitted so as to be relatively rotatable.
Specifically, an inner race of a bearing 39 is fitted along the track 11 on the outer peripheral surface (peripheral surface) 12 of the pair of left and right rotating bodies 6, 6, A fixing member 14 for preventing and fixing the bearing 39 is provided.
[0029]
The outer race of the bearing 39 is fitted on the inner peripheral side of the ring-shaped boss portion 10, and the massage members 3, 3 slide on the track 11 through the bearing 39. The rotating bodies 6 and 6 are fixed to the rotating shaft 5 so that the inclination directions of the tracks 11 of the left and right rotating bodies 6 and 6 are opposite to each other.
Further, the massage members 3, 3 include affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 12 of the boss part 10 and obliquely upward toward the outside of the casing 28.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 have a width in the longitudinal direction of the track 11, and preferably have a size of a fist of a person.
In the cross section, it is made thinner than the massaging members 3 and 3 so as to be elastically deformable in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 5. And the lower part side of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 rising upward from the boss part 10 of the massage members 3, 3 is a flexible arm part 60, and the flexible arm part 60 is elastically deformed from side to side relatively easily. It is formed to be able to. The part of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 extending upward from the flexible arm part 60 is a side plate 61, and the part of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 bent outward from the outer peripheral edge of the side plate 61 is left and right. The peripheral plate portion 62 is used.
[0031]
Therefore, a massage part is constituted by these side face plate part 61 and peripheral face plate part 62, and this massage part is formed so that the front-rear width increases as it goes from the lower side to the upper side.
In addition, the opposing inner side is formed in a rounded elliptical shape so as to be a soft contact surface with respect to the neck N, and a plurality of substantially hemispherical convex portions 40 are dotted in order to enhance the massage effect. is doing.
A ring-shaped pressing member 42 that prevents the bearing 39 from falling off and is fixed is attached to the outer side surface of the boss portion 10 in the left-right direction. The member attaching portion 44 is integrally formed, and the rod-like engaging member 13 is fixed so as to protrude from the boss portion 10. A cylindrical body 41 is fitted on the distal end portion of the engaging member 13 so as to be rotatable.
[0032]
A rectangular plate-shaped backup member (support) 26 extends from the pressing member 42 toward the outside in the left-right direction of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. Opposite to the flexible arm 60 and the side plate portion 61 and spaced from the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. The backup member 26 is made of synthetic resin, metal, or the like, and is formed to bend in the left-right direction when an external pressure exceeding a predetermined level is applied.
An elastic member 43 formed of a material such as urethane that is softer than the backup member 26 is sandwiched between the distal end side of the backup member 26 and the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. It is fixed to the tip of the. The elastic member 43 may be fixed to the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. The outer peripheral surface of the elastic member 43 is in contact with the side plate 61 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
[0033]
The backup member 26 and the elastic member 43 are resistant to the deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 when a load is applied to the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction. The resistor 65 gives the squeezing force of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 by the resistor 65.
For example, when the affected part pressing parts 2, 2 are placed on the affected part pressing parts 2, 2 for massage and the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 are moved close to each other in the left-right direction in this state, the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 become closer to each other. The load that tries to spread the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 outward in the left and right direction increases, and as a result, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are gradually deformed outward in the left and right direction and the elastic member 43 is compressed. start. Then, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are further moved outward in the left and right direction by the load, and the elastic member 43 reaches the compression limit, or the backup member 26 is moved outward in the left and right direction together with the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. It is designed to bend and deform.
[0034]
At this time, the squeezing force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, at the stage T1 where the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are gradually deformed outward in the left-right direction and the elastic member 43 is compressed, the repulsive force P1 (restoration) of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 against the deformation Force) acts on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, and a repulsive force P2 due to the compression of the elastic member 43 acts, so that the squeezing force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is applied to the repulsive force P1 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, A force obtained by adding the repulsive force P2 of the elastic member 43 is obtained. In this case, since the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are brought close to each other, the amount of deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in the left-right direction increases, and the stagnation force P gradually increases.
[0035]
Further, in the stage T2 in which the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are gradually deformed outward in the left-right direction and the elastic member 43 reaches the compression limit and the backup member 26 is deformed outward in the left-right direction, the affected part pressing body against the deformation. The repulsive force P1 (restoring force) of 2 and 2 acts on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, and the repulsive force P3 due to the deformation of the backup member 26 acts, so that the squeezing force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is affected by the affected part pressing body 2 , 2 and the repulsive force P3 of the backup member 26 are added to the repulsive force P1. In this case, since the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are brought close to each other, the amount of deformation in the left-right direction of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 increases, and the stagnation force gradually increases. At this stage T2, since the backup member 26 is made of a material harder than the elastic member 43, the increase rate of the repulsive force P3 of the backup member 26 with respect to the deformation amount is larger than that of the elastic member 43 (for example, the elastic member The rate of increase changes at position L1 where 43 is the compression limit). Further, the squeezing force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is maximized at a position L2 at which the backup member 26 does not deform outward in the left-right direction.
[0036]
On the other hand, when the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are moved away from each other in the left and right direction while the backup member 26 is deformed together with the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 to a position L2 that can be bent outward in the left and right direction, As the bodies 2, 2 move away from each other, the load for spreading the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 outward in the left-right direction is reduced, whereby the backup member 26 is moved along with the movement of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. Since the compressed elastic member 43 can be returned to the original state before being compressed while being returned to the original state before being bent, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in each of the stages T1 and T2 described above. The amount of deformation in the left-right direction decreases, and the stagnation force P can be gradually reduced.
[0037]
Therefore, as will be understood, the squeezing force changing means for changing and adjusting the squeezing force of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 by applying a resistance against the deformation to the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 that are deformed outward in the left and right direction by the load is a resistor. 65, the stagnation force changing means can change the stagnation force in multiple stages, and can have at least two stages with different increase / decrease rates of the stagnation force with respect to the deformation amount. Thus, it is possible to perform massages with different itchiness by simply placing the waist on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
[0038]
In addition, when a load is applied to spread the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 outward in the left-right direction, the outward deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is supported by elastic deformation of the elastic member 43. Further, when the load cannot be supported only by the deformation of the elastic body 43, the backup member 26 supports the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 while elastically deforming. Thereby, even if it is a case where massage of the waist part W etc. to which an excessive load may be added is performed, it becomes possible to prevent the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 from being destroyed or deformed.
In FIG. 9, the X axis indicates the amount of deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 and the resistor 45 (the backup member 26, the elastic member 43) laterally outward, and the Y axis indicates the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. The strength of the repulsive force or the strength of the squeezing force of the resistor 45 (the backup member 26, the elastic member 43) is shown.
[0039]
In this embodiment, the massage member 3 is formed by individually molding the boss part 10, the affected part pressing body 2, and the pressing member 42 and fixing them with a fastener such as a screw. Further, the engaging member 13 is fixed to the engaging member attaching portion 44 later by a fastener such as a screw. However, these may be formed by integral molding, or the backup member 26 may be separately molded and sandwiched between the boss portion 10 and the pressing member 42 and fixed.
[0040]
On the base 17 side substantially below the engaging member 13, control members 15, 15 having a sliding groove 16 that engages with the engaging member 13 are provided. That is, a connecting shaft 19 that is a connecting member is provided substantially parallel to the rotation shaft 5 in the left-right direction of the base 17 and is arranged to be movable in the front-rear direction. Control members 15 and 15 are provided at both left and right ends of the connecting shaft 19 so as to be rotatable about the axis.
A slide groove 16 into which the engagement member 13 is slidably fitted is formed substantially vertically in the center of the control members 15 and 15 in plan view. The sliding groove 16 guides the massage members 3, 3 in the left-right direction and also in the front-rear direction, and the longitudinal direction of the sliding groove 16 is inclined with respect to the rotating shaft 5. It is like that.
[0041]
In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the left sliding groove 16 is formed obliquely upward to the right with respect to the rotation shaft 5, and the right sliding groove 16 is formed obliquely upward to the left. However, there is no problem even if the inclination is reversed.
The engaging member 13 is inserted and fitted into the sliding groove 16 from substantially above. In addition, since the rotatable cylinder 41 is fitted to the engaging member 13 and the cylinder 41 and the sliding groove 16 are in contact with each other, the inside of the sliding groove 16 can be smoothly slid. Can be done.
[0042]
In this way, the engaging member 13 provided substantially below the massage members 3 and 3 is fitted into the inclined sliding groove 16 of the control members 15 and 15 and swings in the horizontal component of the sliding groove 16. Further, the massaging members 3 and 3 are fitted into the tracks 11 on the rotating bodies 6 and 6 so that the rotating bodies 6 and 6 can be rotated while restricting the joint rotation of the massaging members 3 and 3. A swell motion mechanism 7 for converting the swell motion of the massage members 3 and 3 and the reciprocating movement in the left and right directions. (Swinging mechanism) Will be configured.
That is, when the boss part 10 moves along the inclined track 11, the rotator 6 rotates in the boss part 10 whose co-rotation is restricted with respect to the right rotator 6 in a plan view (FIG. 4). As it moves, it swings (seesaw rocking) so as to transition between the three states of the left shoulder rising diagonal, substantially vertical, and right shoulder rising diagonal with respect to the rotating shaft 5. The left rotator 6 tilts similarly in a symmetrical state. Therefore, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 projecting from the boss parts 10 and 10 also move in the same manner. When one end in the front-rear direction approaches each other, the other end separates from each other, and when one end separates Then, an opposing swell operation is performed so that the other end approaches.
[0043]
On the other hand, in the front view (FIG. 2), the boss portion 10 swings as described above with respect to the rotary shaft 5 and the outer peripheral surface 12 moves also in the axial direction. However, since the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are regulated to swing in the left and right direction by the sliding groove 16 provided on the opposite side across the rotation shaft 5, the axial direction (left and right) of the rotation shaft 5 is restricted. In the direction).
By combining both, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 come to swell oppositely while moving in the left-right direction and moving apart.
[0044]
Further, the massage members 3 and 3 are fitted to the rotating bodies 6 and 6 and the engagement member 13 is fitted in the inclined slide groove 16 and can swing freely in the front-rear direction component. 3 and the posture control mechanism 8 that reciprocates the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 within a certain range in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 5 is configured.
Further, the engaging member 13 is fitted into the sliding grooves 16 of the control members 15 and 15 so as to be interlocked with each other, and the control members 15 and 15 are moved in the front-rear direction so that the engaging member 13 is interposed. The position change mechanism 9 is configured to change the angle (lift angle) α formed by displacing the massage members 3 and 3 in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 5 and changing the height (lift angle) α with respect to the rotary shaft 5 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. Will be.
[0045]
The position changing mechanism 9 has moving means 18 for moving the control members 15, 15 in the front-rear direction with respect to the base 17. The moving means 18 is an operating knob 20 that is an operating body provided on one of the left and right sides of the lower half 28B, a driving shaft 21 that drives the connecting shaft 19, and a rotation of the operating knob 20 to the driving shaft 21. A gear portion 38 and a connector 23 that moves the connecting shaft 19 back and forth by the rotation of the drive shaft 21 are provided.
The operation knob 20 is provided with an operation rotation shaft 24 extending into the casing 28, and the drive shaft 21 can be rotated through a gear portion 38 formed of a bevel gear. A screw portion 22 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 21, and one end of the connecting tool 23 is screwed and the other end is fixed to the connecting shaft 19.
[0046]
Therefore, when the operation knob 20 is turned, the drive shaft 21 is rotated via the gear portion 38, and the connecting tool 23 is moved in the front-rear direction, so that the connecting shaft 19, that is, the left and right control members 15, 15 are moved in the front-rear direction. Will move.
As the control members 15 and 15 move in the front-rear direction, the engagement member 13 fitted in the sliding groove 16 also moves back and forth. For example, when the control members 15 and 15 move rearward, The member 13 also rotates backward in plan view. Therefore, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 positioned substantially opposite to the rotation axis of the engaging member 13 rotate forward about the rotation axis 5 and the lift angle α of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is small. Thus, the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 from the bottom surface of the casing 28 is reduced.
[0047]
When the control members 15 and 15 are moved forward, the reverse is true, and the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is increased.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the massage members 3, 3 rotate around the rotation shaft 5, the protruding direction of the engagement member 13 with respect to the rotation shaft 5 also changes. However, since the control members 15 and 15 are rotatable around the connecting shaft 19, the control members 15 and 15 can cope with a change in the protruding direction of the engaging member 13, and the engaging member 13 is always fitted substantially vertically into the sliding groove 16. Smooth sliding is possible.
[0048]
Next, a massage method using the massage apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the massage apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the drive motor 33 is turned on and rotated, the rotating shaft 5 rotates through the worm wheel 36 and the rotating bodies 6 and 6 rotate. However, since the engaging member 13 is fitted in the sliding groove 16 of the control members 15, 15, the massage members 3, 3 are rocked by movement along the inclined track 11 with the co-rotation restricted. .
[0049]
When the massage members 3 and 3 move along the inclined track 11, the pair of left and right affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are separated from each other when one end in the front-and-rear direction is close to each other and from the other end. In this case, while the opposite undulation operation is performed such that the other end approaches, the left and right directions approach and move away.
Furthermore, the posture control mechanism 8 causes the massage members 3 and 3 to swing so as to move in the front-rear direction. That is, as the engaging member 13 is guided in the front-rear direction by the sliding groove 16, the massage members 3, 3 and the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 move back and forth with a certain width around the axis. Become.
[0050]
As a result, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 move so as to swing greatly in the front-rear direction in addition to the above-described opposing swell operation and left-right perspective reciprocation operation, and perform a scooping up or scooping down motion. For example, when the front-rear direction of the massage apparatus 1 is made to correspond to the up-down direction of the human body H, a scooping-up movement occurs when the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 greatly move backward, and a scooping-down movement occurs when moving greatly forward.
FIG. 5 shows a state where the neck N is placed so as to be sandwiched between the affected body pressing bodies 2 and 2 and massage is performed. As shown in this, when massaging the neck N of the human body H lying on its back, if the lift angle α of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is reduced and its height is lowered, the human body H is burdened. Massage can be done without.
[0051]
When massaging the waist part W of the human body H sitting on the chair 46, the lift angle α of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is increased and the height thereof is increased, and then the casing 28 is attached to the backrest part 47 of the chair 46. The massage can be performed by placing the waist W on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. At this time, since the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are at a position where the lift angle α is large and high, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 naturally come into contact with the waist W without taking a posture such as sitting on the chair 46 deeply. It becomes like this.
As described above, the height change of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2, that is, the change of the lift angle α of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 can be performed using the position changing mechanism 9 as shown in FIG. When the control members 15 and 15 are moved in the forward direction, as shown by a two-dot chain line, the engagement member 13 is also moved forward, and the massage members 3 and 3 are rotated rearward around the rotation axis. The lift angle α of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is increased. That is, the height of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is increased.
[0052]
On the other hand, when the control members 15 and 15 are moved backward, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are lowered in height.
In addition, according to the massage apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it is controlled by the control members 15 and 15 that the massaging members 3 and 3 rotate together with the rotary bodies 6 and 6 by this, and thereby the affected part pressing body 2 is controlled. , 2 is held at a predetermined circumferential position so that when the affected part is sandwiched or abutted between the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2, the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 are not moved away from the affected part in the circumferential direction. Can be easily aligned.
[0053]
Also, for example, when the neck N is placed so as to be sandwiched between the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are held close to and separated from each other in the left-right direction, The amount of deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 outward in the left-right direction increases, and the squeezing force changing means gradually increases the squeezing force (pressing force) of the affected part pressing body against the neck N. When 2 is moved away, the amount of deformation of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 outward in the left-right direction becomes a decreasing direction, and the squeezing force (pressing force) of the affected part pressing body with respect to the neck N gradually decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to perform massages in which the itch force of the left and right affected part pressing parts 2 and 2 is changed and the itch force is different.
[0054]
In FIG. 7, 2nd Embodiment of the massage apparatus 1 concerning this invention is shown. Although this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, it is different in that the sliding groove 16 provided in the control members 15 and 15 is not an inclined groove.
That is, the longitudinal direction of the sliding groove 16 is formed substantially parallel to the rotating shaft 5. Therefore, the massage members 3 and 3 are not guided by the front-rear direction component, and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 perform only the opposing undulation operation.
Further, the control members 15 and 15 can be moved in the front-rear direction by the moving means 18 substantially the same as in the first embodiment, and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can change the protruding direction around the axis, It is possible to change the lifting angle α of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
[0055]
With this configuration, the moving means 18 is operated in response to the opposing undulation operation, and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are moved in the front-rear direction, so that the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are swung up or down. It is also possible to
In FIG. 8, 3rd Embodiment of the massage apparatus 1 concerning this invention is shown. Although this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, it is different in that the control members 15 and 15 are fixed to the base 17 side without moving in the front-rear direction. .
[0056]
Accordingly, although the position changing mechanism 9 is omitted, the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be swung up and down and swung up and down to be swung up or down.
10-12 show a fourth embodiment of the massage device according to the present invention. The backup member 26 (support) is made of synthetic resin or the like, as in the first embodiment, and bends in the left-right direction when an external pressure exceeding a predetermined level is applied. Further, the backup member 26 is disposed so as to be separated from the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in the left-right direction, and an elastic member 43 is fixed to the distal end side of the backup member 26.
[0057]
The elastic member 43 is arranged to be separated from the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in the left and right direction. When the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are not deformed outward in the left and right direction, the elastic member 43 contacts the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. When the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction, they are not in contact with each other, and are configured to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 (the side plate portion 61 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2). Has been. The compression start point of the elastic member 43 is different from that of the first embodiment.
According to the above configuration, for example, when placing a waist or the like on the affected part pressing parts 2 and 2 for massage, and moving the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 close to each other in the left and right direction in this state, The itching force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in the stage T3 until the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction and come into contact with the elastic member 43, the repulsive force P1 (restoring force) of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 against the deformation. ) Only acts on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, so that the squeezing force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is the same as the repulsive force P1 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. At the stage T4 when the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left-right direction and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are in contact with each other and the elastic member 43 is compressed, the squeezing force P of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is This is a force obtained by adding the repulsive force P2 of the elastic member 43 to the repulsive force P1 of 2 or 2.
[0058]
Further, in the stage T5 in which the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are gradually deformed outward in the left-right direction and the elastic member 43 becomes the compression limit, and the backup member 26 is deformed outward in the left-right direction according to the load, the affected part pressing body 2 , 2 is a force obtained by adding the repulsive force P3 of the backup member 26 to the repulsive force P1 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2.
Therefore, as can be seen from this, it is possible to change the stagnation force of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in multiple stages, and at least three stages with different increase / decrease rates of the stagnation force with respect to the change amount, for example, By simply placing the waist on the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2, it is possible to perform massages with different itchiness.
[0059]
Further, since the elastic member 43 and the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are separated from each other, the front and rear end portions of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be freely deformed in the left-right direction. That is, when the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 and the elastic member 43 are separated from each other, for example, the front end of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 is deformed inward in the left-right direction and the rear end part of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 is used. The affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be twisted in the left-right direction, such as deforming the outer side in the left-right direction. Therefore, for example, even in a portion having a different width and shape such as a waist and a neck, the affected part can be fitted to the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in accordance with the shape of the affected part.
[0060]
13 to 14 show a fifth embodiment of the massage device according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 14, the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 are formed so that the massage part is divided into two forks in the front-rear direction. That is, the side surface plate portion 61 and the peripheral surface plate portion 62 of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 have a shape in which the front and rear center portions are recessed downward, and have a circular shape in which both front and rear sides protrude upward.
The backup member 26 is formed in a rectangular plate shape as in the first embodiment, and its front-rear width is slightly smaller than the front-rear width of the flexible arm 60 of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. An elastic member 43 is fitted on the distal end portion of the backup member 26, and the shape of the elastic member 43 in a side view is substantially the same as the shape of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in a side view.
[0061]
That is, the elastic member 43 has a shape that is bifurcated in the front-rear direction and protrudes upward from the fitting portion 70 that is fitted to the backup member 26, and the side plate portion 61 of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. It has substantially the same shape.
Therefore, when the front and rear end portions 71F and 71R of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 are deformed outward in the left and right direction, the front and rear projecting parts 72F and 72R of the elastic member 43 support the front and rear end parts 71F and 71R of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2. can do. For example, even when only the front end 71F that is a part of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is deformed outward in the left-right direction when the affected part is placed on the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2, the front projecting part 72F of the elastic member 43 The front end portion 71F of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 can be supported, so that even if only a part of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 is deformed in the left-right direction, massage can be performed while changing the squeezing force. Can be applied.
[0062]
In the above description, the shape of the elastic member 43 in a side view is substantially the same as the shape of the affected part pressing bodies 2 and 2 in a side view. You may make it become a shape substantially the same as the shape of 2 side view.
Further, as shown in FIG. 15, only the backup member 26 is provided so as to face the side plate 61 of the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2 and to be separated from the affected part pressing bodies 2, 2. You may make it change itchiness.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
[0063]
For example, the massage unit 4 may be built in the back of the massage chair so that a wide range from the shoulder to the waist can be massaged.
Further, the moving means 18 is provided with a connecting member 19 slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the base 17, extends the connecting member 19 to the outside of the casing 28, and slides back and forth with both ends thereof by hand. You may make it make it.
Further, the engaging member 13 has a rod-like shape and is formed with a slide groove 16 into which the control members 15 and 15 are fitted. That is, the sliding groove 16 is formed on the peripheral surface 12 of the boss portion 10, and the engaging member 13 may protrude from the control members 15, 15. The engaging member 13 is directly provided on the base 17, The control members 15 and 15 may be used.
[0064]
Further, the sliding groove 16 does not need to penetrate the control members 15, 15, and may be a groove having a concave cross section, and recesses are formed in the tracks 11 of the rotating bodies 6, 6 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. There is no problem even if a rolling ball is accommodated in each recess and the massage members 3, 3 slide on the track 11 via the rolling ball.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, effective massages, such as squeaking up and squeezing down, can be given and / or it can respond to a several affected part. Massage equipment Can be provided. In addition, it is possible to perform massages with different itchiness by changing the itchiness in multiple stages by the itchiness changing means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a massage device.
FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the same.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the same.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the same plane.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing a use state of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing a use state of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view of a second embodiment of the massage device.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of a massage device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in stagnation force.
FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the massage device.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the same plane.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change in the stagnation force.
FIG. 13 is a front sectional view of the vicinity of a massage member according to a fifth embodiment of the massage device.
FIG. 14 is a side view of the massage member.
FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of the vicinity of a massage member of another embodiment of the massage device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Massage device
2 affected body pressing body
3 Massage material
5 Rotating shaft
6 Rotating body
7 Swelling motion mechanism
8 Attitude control mechanism
9 Position change mechanism
11 orbit
13 Engagement member
15 Control member
16 Sliding groove
17 base
18 Moving means
19 Connecting member (connecting rod)
20 Control body
26 Backup member (support)
43 Elastic member
45 resistors

Claims

A pair of left and right rotating bodies fixed to the rotating shaft, a pair of left and right massage members that are relatively rotatably fitted to the rotating body and have an affected part pressing body, and the rotation of the massage member with respect to the rotating body are restricted. while the oscillating motion mechanism for the rotation of the rotating body rocking operation of the massaging member, the massaging member is rotated in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft of the affected part pressing member by setting the angle of the massaging member with respect to the rotational axis And a position changing mechanism for changing the height ,
The rocking mechanism is provided with a substantially circular track having an axis center inclined with respect to the rotation axis on which the massage member is fitted so as to be relatively rotatable, and an engagement member is provided on the massage member. A control member having a sliding groove with which the engaging member engages slidably in the left-right direction so as to restrict co-rotation of the massaging member with respect to the rotating body is provided on the base side supporting the rotating shaft,
The position changing mechanism includes moving means for moving the control member in the front-rear direction from the front side to the rear side of the rotation shaft so as to set the angle of the massage member with respect to the rotation shaft. And massage device.

The moving means includes a connecting member that connects the left and right control members, and an operating body that sets the angle of the massage member with respect to the rotation shaft by operating the connecting member in the front-rear direction by operating from the outside of the apparatus. massage apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that there.

It has a posture control mechanism for reciprocating the massage member within a certain range in the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft, and the posture control mechanism is provided with an engagement member on the massage member so as to regulate the joint rotation of the massage member with respect to the rotating body. A control member having a sliding groove with which the engaging member is slidably engaged in the left-right direction is provided on the base side supporting the rotating shaft, and the sliding groove is guided in the front-rear direction while guiding the massage member in the left-right direction. The massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the massage apparatus is formed in an inclined groove that guides the body.

The squeezing force changing means for changing and adjusting the squeezing force of the affected part pressing body by applying a resistance against the deformation to the affected part pressing body that deforms outward in the left-right direction due to an excessive load. 4. The massage apparatus according to any one of 3.

The squeezing force changing means includes a resistor that is fixed to a boss portion of a massage member that is fitted to a rotating body so as to be relatively rotatable, and that can be brought into contact with the outer surface of the affected part pressing body. Item 5. The massage device according to Item 4.

The resistor includes a support that is fixed to the boss portion of the massage member and can be bent in the left-right direction, and an elastic member that is provided on the support and is in contact with the affected part pressing body. The massage apparatus according to claim 5.

The resistor includes a support that is fixed to the boss portion of the massage member and can be bent in the left-right direction, and an elastic member that is provided on the support and contacts when the affected part pressing body is deformed. The massage device according to claim 5.