JP2022159550A - Massage machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a massage machine capable of improving a sole massage effect without applying originally unnecessary force to the feet of a treated person.

SOLUTION: A massage machine comprises: a shaft to be extended in a lateral direction and to be moved in a front and rear direction; a drive mechanism for moving the shaft in the front and rear direction; a movement part including treatment elements and to be moved in the front and rear direction with the movement of the shaft in the front and rear direction; and grooves to which the lower part of the movement part is fitted.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2G

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a massage machine for massaging the soles of the feet of a user.

The foot massager disclosed in Patent Document 1 cooperates to control the expansion of left and right airbags and the back-and-forth reciprocating movement of an acupressure element that presses the sole of the user's foot. The acupressure element can be passed through a desired portion of the sole of the user.

JP 2008-183277 A

The foot massager disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses the expansion of left and right airbags to forcibly move the soles of the user's feet in the lateral direction. Unnecessary force is applied to the feet of the user, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable.

In view of the above situation, the present invention provides a sole massage machine and a chair type equipped with the same that can enhance the effect of massaging the soles without applying unnecessary force to the feet of the user. The purpose is to provide a massage machine.

The massage machine disclosed in this specification includes a shaft that extends in the left-right direction and moves in the front-rear direction, a drive mechanism that moves the shaft in the front-rear direction, and a treatment element that accompanies the movement of the shaft in the front-rear direction. and a groove into which the lower part of the moving part is fitted, the groove being convexly curved upward and extending in the front-rear direction (first configuration).

In the massage machine having the first configuration, the grooves may be configured to be convexly curved toward the inside of the user's body in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction (second configuration).

According to the sole massage machine disclosed in this specification and the chair-type massage machine equipped with the same, the sole massage effect can be achieved without applying unnecessary force to the user's feet. can increase As a result, the effect of massaging the soles can be enhanced without giving discomfort to the user.

Front perspective view of chair type massage machine Front view of the sole massage machine according to the first embodiment Rear view of the sole massage machine according to the first embodiment 1st side view of the sole massage machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment Second side view of the sole massage machine according to the first embodiment The top view of the sole massage machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment Bottom view of the sole massage machine according to the first embodiment Rear perspective view of the sole massage machine according to the first embodiment Front view of a sole massage machine according to a second embodiment Rear view of the sole massage machine according to the second embodiment The first side view of the sole massage machine according to the second embodiment. The second side view of the sole massage machine according to the second embodiment. Plan view of the sole massage machine according to the second embodiment Bottom view of the sole massage machine according to the second embodiment Front perspective view of a sole massage machine according to a second embodiment Front view of a sole massage machine according to a third embodiment Rear view of the sole massage machine according to the third embodiment The first side view of the sole massage machine according to the third embodiment The second side view of the sole massage machine according to the third embodiment Plan view of a sole massage machine according to a third embodiment Bottom view of the sole massage machine according to the third embodiment Front perspective view of a sole massage machine according to a third embodiment Front view of a sole massage machine according to a fourth embodiment Rear view of the sole massage machine according to the fourth embodiment The first side view of the sole massage machine according to the fourth embodiment The second side view of the sole massage machine according to the fourth embodiment Plan view of a sole massage machine according to a fourth embodiment Bottom view of the sole massage machine according to the fourth embodiment Front perspective view of a sole massage machine according to a fourth embodiment Rear perspective view of a sole massage machine according to a fourth embodiment Partial plan view of a modified example of the sole massage machine according to the second embodiment

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

<1. Configuration of chair-type massage machine>
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a massage machine 100 according to one embodiment. In the following description, the front side (front side) viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "front side", and the rear side (back side) viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "rear side." side. Also, the upper side (head side) as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "upper side", and the lower side (the leg side) as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "lower side". . Also, the right side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "right side", and the left side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 is referred to as the "left side".

The massage machine 100 includes a seat portion 200 , a backrest portion 300 , a base portion 400 , an arm treatment portion 500 , an operation portion 600 , a cord wire 700 , a stand 800 and a legrest portion 900 .

The seat 200 supports the user's buttocks and upper legs.

The backrest 300 supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the user. The backrest portion 300 is attached to the rear end of the seat portion 200 so as to be rotatable about a reclining rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The backrest portion 300 incorporates guide rails 300B and 300C extending along a surface 300A in contact with the shoulders and hips of the user. A back massage unit (not shown) moves up and down within the backrest portion 300 while being guided by the guide rails 300B and 300C. It should be noted that the guide rails 300B and 300C may be extended to the rear portion of the seat portion 200 so that the massage unit for the back may move up and down within the seat portion 200 and the backrest portion 300. FIG. The massage unit for the back surface includes treatment elements for the back surface, a kneading drive mechanism for causing the treatment elements for the back surface to perform a kneading operation, and a tapping drive mechanism for causing the treatment elements for the back surface to perform a tapping operation.

The base portion 400 is provided upright on both left and right sides of the seat portion 200 and below the seat portion 200 . 400 A of control parts are incorporated in the inside of the base part 400 provided in the left side of the seat part 200. As shown in FIG.

The arm treatment units 500 are provided upright on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 200 and above the seat portion 200 . The arm treatment unit 500 incorporates an expandable and contractible bag, and treats the patient's arm while supporting it with the expandable and contractible bag.

The operation unit 600 is an input device for the user to select a treatment pattern and adjust the strength of the treatment. The operation unit 600 is connected to the control unit 400A via the code line 700. FIG. 400 A of control parts control each part of the massage machine 100 based on the signal output from the operation part 600. FIG.

The stand 800 is fixed to the arm treatment section 500 provided on the left side of the seat section 200 . The operating unit 600 is attachable to and detachable from the stand 800 .

The legrest 900 supports the lower leg of the user. The legrest 900 includes a sole massage machine according to one of the embodiments described later. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the leg rest part 900 is not a part of the chair-type massage machine 100, but may be a separate product (a so-called foot massager) for massaging the thighs and soles of the user. good. Also, unlike the present embodiment, the sole massage machine according to any of the embodiments described later may not be a part of the legrest 900 but may be an independent product. Even when the sole massage machine according to any of the embodiments described later is a single product, an exterior cover made of, for example, synthetic leather or natural leather is provided in the same manner as the legrest 900, and the exterior cover is attached to the user. touch the soles of the

<2. Sole Massage Machine According to First Embodiment>
2A to 2G are diagrams showing a sole massage machine 1A (hereinafter referred to as a sole massage machine 1A) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front view of the sole massage machine 1A. FIG. 2B is a rear view of the sole massage machine 1A. FIG. 2C is a first side view of the sole massage machine 1A. The first side is the right side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 2D is a second side view of the sole massage machine 1A. The second side is the left side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 2E is a plan view of the sole massage machine 1A. FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the sole massage machine 1A. FIG. 2G is a rear perspective view of the sole massage machine 1A.

A sole massage machine 1A includes a bottom plate member 2 and side plate members 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. Each of the bottom plate member 2 and the side plate members 3 and 4 has a flat plate shape. The side plate member 3 extends upward from the left end of the bottom plate member 2 . The side plate member 4 extends upward from the right end of the bottom plate member 2 .

The bottom plate member 2 is provided with grooves 5-8. The groove 5 is formed in the center and front area of the bottom plate member 2 in the left-right direction. The groove 6 is formed in the center and rear region of the bottom plate member 2 in the left-right direction. The grooves 5 and 6 each extend substantially parallel in the front-rear direction. The groove 7 is formed in the left region of the bottom plate member 2 and the groove 8 is formed in the right region of the bottom plate member 2 . The grooves 7 and 8 are convexly curved toward the inside of the body of the user in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction. That is, the groove 7 is convexly curved to the right and extends in the longitudinal direction, and the groove 8 is convexly curved to the left and extends in the longitudinal direction.

The side plate member 3 has rails 9 and the side plate member 4 has rails 10 . Each of the rails 9 and 10 is convexly curved upward and extends in the front-rear direction.

The sole massage machine 1A includes shafts 11 and 12, rollers 13 to 16, a left foot moving portion 17, a right foot moving portion (not shown), a motor storage portion 18, pinion gears 19 and 20, and a second A first rack (not shown) and a second rack (not shown) are further provided.

Shafts 11 and 12 each extend in the left-right direction. A roller 13 is provided at the left end of the shaft 11 and a roller 14 is provided at the right end of the shaft 11 . Each of the rollers 13 and 14 may be rotatable around the shaft 11 as a rotation axis, or may be fixed to the shaft 11 . A roller 15 is provided at the left end of the shaft 12 and a roller 16 is provided at the right end of the shaft 12 . Each of the rollers 15 and 16 may be rotatable around the shaft 12 as a rotation axis, or may be fixed to the shaft 12 . Rollers 13 and 15 each move along rail 9, and rollers 14 and 16 each move along rail 10, causing shafts 11 and 12 to move back and forth along rails 9 and 10, respectively.

The left foot moving section 17 includes sole treatment elements 17A to 17C and a guide rod 17D. Each of the sole treatment elements 17A to 17C protrudes upward. The left foot moving section 17 includes sole treatment elements 17A and 17B provided in front of the left foot moving section 17 and a treatment element 17C provided behind the left foot moving section 17. As shown in FIG. In addition, the front of the left foot moving portion 17 means a region of the left foot moving portion 17 in the forward direction from the midpoint in the front-rear direction between the front end and the rear end of the left foot moving portion 17. The rear of the portion 17 means a region of the left foot moving portion 17 in the rearward direction from the middle point in the front-rear direction between the front end and the rear end of the left foot moving portion 17 . The guide rod 17D is a lower portion of the left foot moving portion 17 and protrudes downward. The guide rod 17D fits into the groove 7.

The number and arrangement of the sole treatment elements are not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments described later. For example, only one sole treatment element for treating the sole of the left foot and one sole treatment element for treating the sole of the right foot may be provided.

The left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown) have bilaterally symmetrical shapes. The shaft 11 rotatably passes through the front parts of the left foot transfer section 17 and the right foot transfer section (not shown). The shaft 12 passes through the rear parts of the left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown). When the rollers 15 and 16 are fixed to the shaft 12, the shaft 12 can pass through the rear parts of the left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown) in a rotatable manner.

The left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown) move in the front-rear direction as the shaft 11 moves in the front-rear direction. Then, the shaft 12 moves in the front-rear direction along with the movement in the front-rear direction of the left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown).

The motor housing portion 18 rotatably supports a motor (not shown) interlocked with the shaft 11, a gear mechanism (not shown) provided between the shaft 11 and the motor (not shown), and the shaft 11. and a bearing (not shown). If the shaft 12 is rotatable, the motor housing 18 also includes bearings (not shown) that rotatably support the shaft 12 .

Pinion gears 19 and 20 are each mounted on shaft 11 . The pinion gear 19 is arranged on the right side of the rotor 13 and the pinion gear 20 is arranged on the left side of the rotor 14 . The pinion gear 19 meshes with a first rack (not shown), and the pinion gear 20 meshes with a second rack (not shown). A first rack (not shown) is arranged on the right side of the side plate member 3 , and a second rack (not shown) is arranged on the left side of the side plate member 4 . A first rack (not shown) and a second rack (not shown) are curved upwardly and extend in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the rotation of the shaft 11 causes the shaft 11 to move in the front-rear direction. That is, the motor (not shown), the gear mechanism (not shown), the pinion gears 19 and 20, the first rack (not shown), and the second rack (not shown) are the driving force for moving the shaft 11 in the longitudinal direction. mechanism. When the shaft 11 moves forward, the front lower portion of the motor housing portion 18 fits into the groove 5 . When the shaft 11 moves rearward, the rear lower portion of the motor housing portion 18 fits into the groove 6 . That is, the grooves 5 and 6 prevent the collision between the motor housing portion 18 and the bottom plate member 2 .

In the sole massage machine 1A having the above-described configuration, the left foot moving part 17 moves in a trajectory corresponding to the shape of the groove 7 and the shapes of the rails 9 and 10, and the right foot moving part (not shown) moves in the shape of the groove 8. , and move along trajectories corresponding to the respective shapes of the rails 9 and 10 .

When the left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown) move from the rearmost position to the central position in the front-rear direction, the soles of the sole treatment elements 17A to 17C and the right foot moving part (not shown) While the treatment element gradually moves upward and inward of the body, it treats the heel to the arch of the person to be treated. Also, when the left foot moving part 17 and the right foot moving part (not shown) move from the most forward position to the central position in the front-rear direction, the sole treatment elements 17A to 17C and the right foot moving part (not shown) do not move. Each sole treatment element gradually moves upward and inward of the body to treat the toe to the arch of the person to be treated. As a result, the effect of massaging the sole, especially the arch of the foot, can be enhanced.

Since the sole massage machine 1A having the above-described configuration does not forcefully move the soles of the user, it is possible to prevent unnecessary force from being applied to the user's feet for the sole massage. can.

As described above, the sole treatment elements 17A and 17B are provided in front of the left foot movement section 17, the treatment elements 17C are provided behind the left foot movement section 17, and the rails 9 and 10 are respectively convex upward. It curves and extends in the front-rear direction. The sole treatment elements 17A, 17B, and 17C are arranged so that the heights of the sole treatment elements 17A, 17B, and 17C are substantially the same when the heights of the rollers 13 to 16 are substantially the same. The amount of protrusion is set (see FIGS. 2C and 2D). Therefore, when the left foot moving part 17 moves from the rearmost position to the central position in the front-rear direction, the treatment is changed from the treatment with only the sole treatment elements 17A and 17B to the treatment with the sole treatment elements 17A, 17B, and 17C. It is possible to switch. Further, when the left foot moving part 17 moves from the most forward position to the central position in the front-rear direction, the treatment with only the sole treatment element 17C can be switched to the treatment with the sole treatment elements 17A, 17B, and 17C. It becomes possible.

Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the apex P1 of the curve that curves convexly to the right side of the groove 7 is preferably closer to the rear end P3 than the front end P2 of the groove 7 in the front-rear direction, and curves convexly to the left side of the groove 8. The apex P4 of the curve is preferably closer to the rear end P6 than the front end P5 of the groove 8 in the front-rear direction. More preferably, the ratio of the distance L1 from the front end P2 to the vertex P1 in the front-rear direction to the distance L2 from the vertex P1 to the rear end P3 in the front-rear direction is about 64:about 36, and the distance from the front end P5 to the vertex in the front-rear direction The ratio of the distance L3 to P4 and the distance L4 from the vertex P4 to the rear end P6 in the front-rear direction is approximately 64:36. Since the average ratio of the distance from the foot to the arch and the distance from the arch to the heel in Japanese adults is about 64: about 36, the foot sole treatment device is applied at the position of the person's arch. It becomes easy to reach the inside of the body of the person, and the effect of massaging the arch of the foot is enhanced.

In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the apex P7 of the curve that is upwardly convex on the rail 9 is preferably closer to the rear end P3 than the front end P2 of the groove 7 in the front-rear direction, and the rail 10 is upwardly convex. The apex P8 of the curve is preferably closer to the rear end P6 than the front end P5 of the groove 8 in the front-rear direction. More preferably, the ratio of the distance from the front end P2 of the groove 7 to the apex P7 of the rail 9 in the front-rear direction to the distance from the apex P7 of the rail 9 to the rear end P3 of the groove 7 in the front-rear direction is approximately 64:36. and the ratio of the distance from the front end P5 of the groove 8 to the vertex P8 of the rail 10 in the longitudinal direction to the distance from the vertex P10 of the rail 10 to the rear end P6 of the groove 8 in the longitudinal direction is approximately 64:36. be. Since the average ratio of the distance from the foot to the arch and the distance from the arch to the heel in Japanese adults is about 64: about 36, the foot sole treatment device is applied at the position of the person's arch. It becomes easy to reach the upper part of the person, and the effect of massaging the arch of the foot is enhanced.

<3. Sole Massage Machine According to Second Embodiment>
3A to 3G are diagrams showing a sole massage machine 1B (hereinafter referred to as a sole massage machine 1B) according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3A is a front view of the sole massage machine 1B. FIG. 3B is a rear view of the sole massage machine 1B. FIG. 3C is a first side view of the sole massage machine 1B. The first side is the right side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 3D is a second side view of the sole massage machine 1B. The second side is the left side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 3E is a plan view of the sole massage machine 1B. FIG. 3F is a bottom view of the sole massage machine 1B. FIG. 3G is a front perspective view of the sole massage machine 1B.

The sole massage machine 1B includes a bottom plate member 30 and side plate members 31-34. The side plate member 31 extends upward from the left end of the bottom plate member 30 . The side plate member 34 extends upward from the right end of the bottom plate member 30 . The side plate member 32 extends upward from the left end of the bottom plate member 30 at a predetermined distance in the right direction. The side plate member 33 extends upward from a position leftward from the right end of the bottom plate member 30 by a predetermined distance. The area sandwiched between the side plate members 31 and 32 of the bottom plate member 30 includes a facing surface facing the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 described later and in which a groove 35 described later is formed, and is convexly curved upward. It extends in the front-rear direction. The area sandwiched between the side plate members 33 and 34 of the bottom plate member 30 includes a facing surface facing the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 described later and in which a groove 36 described later is formed, and is convex upward. It curves and extends in the front-rear direction. A region sandwiched between the side plate members 32 and 33 of the bottom plate member 30 has a flat plate shape. Each of the side plate members 31 to 34 has a flat plate shape. In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the region sandwiched between the side plate members 31 and 32 of the bottom plate member 30 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and only the bottom surface of the groove 35 is curved upwardly and extends in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the area sandwiched between the side plate members 33 and 34 of the bottom plate member 30 may be shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped, and only the bottom surface of the groove 36 may be convexly curved upward and extend in the front-rear direction.

Bottom plate member 30 includes grooves 35 and 36 . The groove 35 is provided in a region sandwiched between the side plate members 31 and 32 of the bottom plate member 30 , and the groove 36 is provided in a region sandwiched between the side plate members 33 and 34 of the bottom plate member 30 . The grooves 35 and 36 are convexly curved toward the inside of the body of the user in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction. That is, the groove 35 is convexly curved to the right and extends in the front-rear direction, and the groove 36 is convexly curved to the left and extends in the front-rear direction.

Side plate member 31 has rails 37 and 38 , side plate member 32 has rails 39 and 40 , side plate member 33 has rails 41 and 42 , and side plate member 34 has rails 43 and 44 . Each of the rails 37-44 extends substantially parallel in the front-rear direction. Rail 38 is arranged below rail 37 , rail 40 is arranged below rail 39 , rail 42 is arranged below rail 41 and rail 44 is arranged below rail 43 . Rails 37-44 do not support rollers unlike rails 9 and 10 of the first embodiment. That is, the "rail" in this specification is not limited to a structure that supports rollers, and may be any structure that extends linearly.

The sole massage machine 1B further includes shafts 45-50, connecting members 51 and 52, left foot moving parts 53-55, right foot moving parts 56-58, and a drive mechanism (not shown).

The shafts 45-50 each extend in the left-right direction. Left end portions of the shafts 45 to 50 are connected by a connecting member 51 and right end portions of the shafts 45 to 50 are connected by a connecting member 52 . Shaft 46 is rotatably attached to coupling members 51 and 52 . Shafts 45, 47 and 49 pass through rails 37 and 43 and move forward and backward along rails 37 and 43, respectively. Shafts 46, 48, and 50 pass through rails 38 and 44, respectively, and travel longitudinally along rails 38 and 44. As shown in FIG.

The left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 each include a sole treatment element and a guide rod. Each sole treatment element protrudes upward. Each guide bar is the lower part of each moving part and protrudes downward. The guide rods of the moving parts 53-55 for the left foot are fitted in the groove 35, and the guide rods of the moving parts 56-58 for the right foot are fitted in the groove .

The shafts 45 and 46 pass through a through hole provided in the left foot moving portion 53 and a through hole provided in the right foot moving portion 56 . The shafts 47 and 48 pass through a through hole provided in the left foot moving portion 54 and a through hole provided in the right foot moving portion 57 . The shafts 49 and 50 pass through a through hole provided in the left foot moving portion 55 and a through hole provided in the right foot moving portion 58 . The through holes provided in each of the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 are vertically elongated through holes. Since two vertically aligned shafts pass through the respective through holes, each moving part can move vertically without tilting with respect to the vertical direction.

The left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 move in the front-rear direction as the shaft 46 moves in the front-rear direction.

A drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the shaft 46 in the front-rear direction may be similar to the drive mechanism for moving the shaft 11 in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment, for example. For example, if a motor housing portion is provided between the side plate members 32 and 33, a pinion gear is provided at the right end of the shaft 46, and a rack extending substantially parallel to the front-rear direction and meshing with the pinion gear is fixed to the side plate member 33. good.

In the sole massage machine 1B having the above-described configuration, the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 move along trajectories corresponding to the shape of the groove 35, and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 move along trajectories corresponding to the shape of the groove 36. .

When the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 move from the rearmost position to the central position in the front-rear direction, the soles of the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 While the treatment element gradually moves upward and toward the inside of the body, it treats the heel to the arch of the person to be treated. Further, even when the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 move from the most forward position to the central position in the front-rear direction, the left foot moving parts 53 to 55 and the right foot moving parts 56 to 58 are moved. While the sole treatment element gradually moves upward and toward the inside of the body, it treats the toe to the arch of the person to be treated. As a result, the effect of massaging the sole, especially the arch of the foot, can be enhanced.

Since the sole massage machine 1B having the above-described configuration does not forcibly move the soles of the user, it is possible to prevent the user from applying unnecessary force to the user's feet for the sole massage. can.

The apex P11 of the groove 35 that curves convexly to the right side is closer to the rear end P13 than the front end P12 of the groove 35 in the front-rear direction, and the apex P14 of the groove 36 that curves to the left side is closer to the front end of the groove 36 in the front-rear direction. Closer to rear end P16 than P15. More preferably, the ratio of the distance L11 from the front end P12 to the vertex P11 in the front-rear direction to the distance L12 from the vertex P11 to the rear end P13 in the front-rear direction is approximately 64:36. The ratio of the distance L13 to P14 and the distance L14 from the vertex P14 to the rear end P16 in the front-rear direction is approximately 64:36. Since the average ratio of the distance from the foot to the arch and the distance from the arch to the heel in Japanese adults is about 64: about 36, the foot sole treatment device is applied at the position of the person's arch. It becomes easy to reach the inside of the body of the person, and the effect of massaging the arch of the foot is enhanced.

Preferably, the apex of the upwardly convex curve of the groove 35 coincides with the apex P11, and the apex of the upwardly convex curve of the groove 36 coincides with the apex P14. This makes it easier for the foot sole treatment element to reach above the user at the position of the user's arch, increasing the effect of massaging the user's arch.

<4. Sole Massage Machine According to Third Embodiment>
4A to 4G are diagrams showing a sole massage machine 1C (hereinafter referred to as a sole massage machine 1C) according to the third embodiment. FIG. 4A is a front view of the sole massage machine 1C. FIG. 4B is a rear view of the sole massage machine 1C. FIG. 4C is a first side view of the sole massage machine 1C. The first side is the right side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 4D is a second side view of the sole massage machine 1C. The second side is the left side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 4E is a plan view of the sole massage machine 1C. FIG. 4F is a bottom view of the sole massage machine 1C. FIG. 4G is a front perspective view of the sole massage machine 1C.

This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. Therefore, in FIGS. 4A to 4G, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2A to 2G are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

4A to 4G differ from FIGS. 2A to 2G in that the right foot moving part 21 is illustrated and the left foot moving part is omitted. The right foot moving section 21 includes sole treatment elements 21A to 21C and a guide rod 21D. The guide rod 21D is a lower portion of the right foot moving portion 21 and protrudes downward. The guide rod 21D fits into the groove 7. As shown in FIG.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the arrangement of the longitudinally elongated sole treatment element and the longitudinally elongated sole treatment element of the left foot moving part (not shown) and the arrangement of the longitudinally elongated foot of the right foot moving part 21 The arrangement of the sole treatment element 21A and the laterally elongated foot sole treatment element 21B is a horizontal reversal arrangement with respect to the first embodiment. Also, in FIG. 4F and the like, illustration of the grooves 5 and 6 illustrated in FIG. 2F and the like is omitted.

The sole massage machine 1C has side plate members 22 and 23 . The side plate member 22 extends upward from a position a predetermined distance away from the left end of the bottom plate member 2 in the right direction. The side plate member 23 extends upward from a position leftward from the right end of the bottom plate member 2 by a predetermined distance.

In this embodiment, the side plate members 3 and 4 extend in the front-rear direction from the front end of the bottom plate member 2 to the central portion. On the other hand, the side plate members 22 and 23 extend in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the bottom plate member 2 to the central portion.

In this embodiment, the apex of the upwardly curved rail 9 is the rear end of the rail 9 , and the upwardly curved apex of the rail 10 is the rear end of the rail 10 . Further, the rails 24 and 25 provided on the side plate members 22 and 23 are curved upward and extend in the front-rear direction, and the apex of the upward curve is the front end.

In this embodiment, roller 15 contacts rail 24 and roller 16 contacts rail 25 .

The sole massage machine 1C has the same effect as the sole massage machines 1A and 1B. That is, since the sole massager 1C does not forcibly move the soles of the user, it is possible to prevent the user from applying unnecessary force to the user's feet for the sole massage.

Furthermore, in the sole massage machine 1C, empty spaces can be secured at the rear left and right ends of the sole massage machine. It should be noted that by exchanging the lateral positions of the side plate member 3 and the side plate member 22 and interchanging the lateral positions of the side plate member 4 and the side plate member 23, an empty space can be secured at the front left and right ends of the sole massage machine. can.

<5. Sole Massage Machine According to Fourth Embodiment>
5A to 5G are diagrams showing a sole massage machine 1D (hereinafter referred to as a sole massage machine 1D) according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 5A is a front view of the sole massage machine 1D. FIG. 5B is a rear view of the sole massage machine 1D. FIG. 5C is a first side view of the sole massage machine 1D. The first side is the right side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 5D is a second side view of the sole massage machine 1D. The second side is the left side as viewed from the user seated on the massage machine 100 . FIG. 5E is a plan view of the sole massage machine 1D. FIG. 5F is a bottom view of the sole massage machine 1D. FIG. 5G is a front perspective view of the sole massage machine 1D. FIG. 5H is a rear perspective view of the sole massage machine 1D.

A sole massage machine 1</b>D includes a bottom plate member 70 and side plate members 71 and 72 . Each of the bottom plate member 70 and the side plate members 71 and 72 has a flat plate shape. The side plate member 71 extends upward from the left end of the bottom plate member 70 . The side plate member 72 extends upward from the right end of the bottom plate member 70 .

The sole massage machine 1D further includes a left foot massage unit 73 and a right foot massage unit 74 . The left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 have bilaterally symmetrical shapes. Therefore, the configuration of the left foot massage unit 73 will be described here, and the description of the configuration of the right foot massage unit 74 will be omitted.

The left foot massage unit 73 includes a bottom plate member 75 and side plate members 76 and 77 . The side plate member 76 extends upward from the left end of the bottom plate member 75 . The side plate member 77 extends upward from the right end of the bottom plate member 75 . The bottom plate member 75 includes a facing surface facing a moving portion 88 described later and having a groove 78 described later formed thereon. The side plate members 76 and 77 each have a flat plate shape. Note that unlike the present embodiment, the bottom plate member 75 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and only the bottom surface of the groove 78 may be convexly curved upward and extend in the front-rear direction.

The bottom plate member 75 is provided with grooves 78 . The groove 78 is convexly curved toward the inside of the user's body in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear direction. That is, the groove 78 is convexly curved to the right and extends in the front-rear direction.

Side plate member 76 has rails 79 and 80 and side plate member 77 has rails 81 and 82 . The rails 79 to 82 extend substantially parallel to each other in the front-rear direction. Rail 80 is positioned below rail 79 and rail 82 is positioned below rail 81 .

The left foot massage unit 73 further includes shafts 83 to 85 , connecting members 86 and 87 and a moving portion 88 . The shafts 84 and 85 are shared by the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 .

The shafts 83-85 each extend in the left-right direction. Shafts 83 and 84 are connected by connecting members 86 and 87 . The connecting member 86 is arranged on the left side of the side plate member 76 , and the connecting member 87 is arranged on the right side of the side plate member 77 . Shaft 83 is rotatably attached to connecting members 86 and 87 . Shaft 83 passes through rails 79 and 81 and moves forward and backward along rails 79 and 81 . Shaft 84 passes through rails 80 and 82 and moves forward and backward along rails 80 and 82 . The shaft 84 passes through the rails provided on the side plate members 71 and 72 in addition to the rails provided on the side plate members of the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 . The shaft 85 connects the rear lower portions of the side plate members 71 and 72 , the left foot massage unit 73 , and the right foot massage unit 74 , and supports the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 .

The moving part 88 includes a foot sole treatment element and a guide rod. The sole treatment element protrudes upward. The guide bar is the lower part of the moving part 88 and protrudes downward. A guide rod of the moving part 88 fits into the groove 78 .

The shafts 83 and 84 pass through through holes provided in the moving portion 88 . The through-hole provided in the moving part 88 is a vertically elongated through-hole. Since the two vertically aligned shafts 83 and 84 pass through the through-holes, the moving part 88 can move vertically without tilting with respect to the vertical direction.

The moving portion 88 moves in the front-rear direction as the shaft 84 moves in the front-rear direction.

A drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the shaft 84 in the front-rear direction may be similar to the drive mechanism for moving the shaft 11 in the front-rear direction of the first embodiment, for example. In this embodiment, the motor 90 is provided between the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74, the pinion gear 91 is provided at the right end of the shaft 84, and extends substantially parallel to the front-rear direction and meshes with the pinion gear 84. 92 is fixed to the side plate member 72 .

The sole massage machine 1D further includes a massage unit drive mechanism that moves the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 in the lateral direction with respect to the base member (bottom plate member 70 and side plate members 71 and 72).

In this embodiment, the massage unit drive mechanism includes ball shafts 93 and 94 of the ball screw mechanism, a motor 95 linked to the ball shaft 93, and a motor (not shown) linked to the ball shaft 94. Prepare. The ball shaft 93 passes through the inside of the nut member of the ball screw mechanism provided at the front lower portion of the left foot massage unit 73 . The ball shaft 94 passes through the inside of the nut member of the ball screw mechanism provided in the front lower portion of the right foot massage unit 74 . The left end of the ball shaft 93 is rotatably attached to the side plate member 71 and the right end of the ball shaft 94 is rotatably attached to the side plate member 72 . The rotation of the ball shaft 93 causes the left foot massage unit 73 to move in the horizontal direction, and the rotation of the ball shaft 94 causes the right foot massage unit 74 to move in the horizontal direction.

In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the ball shafts 93 and 94 are formed as one ball shaft, and the screw direction is reversed between the portion corresponding to the ball shaft 93 and the portion corresponding to the ball shaft 94, and the ball shafts are interlocked and connected. A single motor may be used. In this case, the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 move symmetrically.

The sole massage machine 1D has the same effect as the sole massage machines 1A to 1C. That is, since the sole massager 1D does not forcibly move the soles of the user, it is possible to prevent unnecessary force from being applied to the user's feet when massaging the soles.

Further, in the sole massage machine 1D, the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 are each movable in the left-right direction with respect to the base member (bottom plate member 70 and side plate members 71 and 72). Therefore, since each position of the left foot massage unit 73 and the right foot massage unit 74 can be adjusted in the left-right direction, it is possible to cope with individual differences in the sole width of the user.

Note that the structure of the massage unit is not limited to that of the present embodiment, and may be provided with treatment elements for treating the soles of the user's feet. The treatment elements may be movable with respect to the body portion of the massage unit as in this embodiment, or may be immovable with respect to the body portion of the massage unit unlike in this embodiment.

For example, predetermined pressure points on the soles of the feet can be stimulated by reciprocating the massage units in the left-right direction with short strokes relative to the base member. If the treatment element can move in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body of the massage unit (for example, the configuration of this embodiment), the massage unit can move in a short horizontal direction with respect to the base member. At the same time, it is desirable that the treatment elements are reciprocated in the front-rear direction with a short stroke (long enough not to come off from one acupuncture point) with respect to the main body of the massage unit. As a result, the predetermined acupuncture points on the sole can be stimulated more effectively.

<6. Branch groove>
Here, taking the sole massage machine 1B as an example, a modification will be described in which branched grooves branching off from the groove in which the lower part of the moving part including the foot massager is fitted are added. The addition of the branched grooves described below can also be applied to the sole massage machines 1A, 1C, and 1D.

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of a modification of the sole massage machine 1B. In FIG. 6, the same parts as in FIGS. 3A to 3G are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG. 6, illustration of the shafts 46 to 48, the moving parts 53 and 54 for the left foot, and the connecting member 51 is omitted.

The bottom plate member 30 has branched grooves B1 to B3. Branched grooves B1-B3 branch off from groove 35, respectively. Each of the branched grooves B1 to B3 has a curved portion that curves convexly toward the inside of the user's body in the left-right direction, that is, toward the right side.

In the modification shown in FIG. 6, the lower part of the left foot moving part 55 can be fitted not only in the groove 35 but also in the branched grooves B1 to B3, so that the moving area of the left foot moving part 55 is expanded, and the massageable range is increased. expands.

Through holes H1 to H3 vertically penetrating the bottom plate member 30 are provided in the groove 35, and through holes H4 to H6 vertically penetrating the bottom plate member 30 are provided at respective boundaries between the groove 35 and the branched grooves B1 to B3. be provided.

The sole massage machine according to the modification shown in FIG. 6 further includes first to third regulating members (not shown) and a regulating member driving mechanism (not shown). The first restricting member (not shown) protrudes upward from the through hole H<b>1 to prevent the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 from advancing along the groove 35 from the front to the rear. The second restricting member (not shown) protrudes upward from the through hole H2 to prevent the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 from advancing along the groove 35 from the rear to the front. The third restricting member (not shown) protrudes upward from the through hole H3 to prevent the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 from advancing along the groove 35 from the front to the rear. A regulating member driving mechanism (not shown) vertically moves the first to third regulating members (not shown) independently.

The first regulating member (not shown) and the regulating member drive mechanism (not shown) are an example of a guide mechanism that guides the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 to the branched groove B1. The second regulating member (not shown) and the regulating member drive mechanism (not shown) are an example of a guide mechanism that guides the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 to the branched groove B2. A third regulating member (not shown) and a regulating member driving mechanism (not shown) are an example of a guiding mechanism that guides the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 to the branched groove B3.

As another example of the guide mechanism for guiding the lower part of the left foot moving part 55 to the branched grooves B1 to B3, a magnetic body is provided in the lower part of the left foot moving part 55, and the magnetic force of the solenoid causes the lower part of the left foot moving part 55 to be guided. A configuration that leads to the branched grooves B1 to B3 can be mentioned.

The sole massage machine according to the modification shown in FIG. 6 further includes first to third guide members (not shown) and a guide member drive mechanism (not shown). The first guide member (not shown) protrudes upward from the through hole H4 to guide the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 along the groove 35 . The second guide member (not shown) protrudes upward from the through hole H5 to guide the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 along the groove 35 . A third guide member (not shown) protrudes upward from the through hole H6 to guide the lower portion of the left foot moving portion 55 along the groove 35 . A guide member driving mechanism (not shown) vertically moves the first to third guide members (not shown) independently.

When the regulating member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the first regulating member (not shown) upward, the guide member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the first guide member (not shown) downward. On the other hand, when the regulating member driving mechanism (not shown) moves the first regulating member (not shown) downward, the guide member driving mechanism (not shown) moves the first guide member (not shown) upward.

When the regulation member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the second regulation member (not shown) upward, the guide member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the second guide member (not shown) downward. On the other hand, when the regulation member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the second regulation member (not shown) downward, the guide member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the second guide member (not shown) upward.

When the regulating member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the third regulating member (not shown) upward, the guide member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the third guide member (not shown) downward. On the other hand, when the regulating member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the third regulating member (not shown) downward, the guide member drive mechanism (not shown) moves the third guide member (not shown) upward.

The foot massage machine according to the modification shown in FIG. 6 includes first to third regulating members (not shown), a regulating member drive mechanism (not shown), first to third guide members (not shown), and guide members A storage portion (not shown) for storing a drive mechanism (not shown) is provided below the bottom plate member 30 .

<7. Start-up Control>
Here, the sole massage machine 1A will be taken as an example to describe suitable control at the time of startup. Note that the same control as the control described below can also be applied to the sole massage machines 1B to 1D.

When the sole massage machine 1A is activated, the sole treatment element 17A is stopped at the apex P1 of the curve convexly curved to the right side of the groove 7 or at the same position in the front-rear direction as the vicinity thereof. As a result, the user aligns the arch of the user's left foot with the apex P1 of the groove 7 that curves convexly to the right, relying on the feeling of the sole massager 17A stimulating the sole. be able to. Therefore, it becomes easy to align the arch of the left foot of the user with the apex P1 of the groove 7 that curves convexly to the right.

The control at the time of start-up described above is realized, for example, by controlling a motor (not shown) interlockingly connected to the shaft 11 by the control section 400A.

A first example of the above-described start-up control is the following control. When the operation of the foot sole massage machine 1A is stopped, the left foot moving part 1A is positioned so that the foot sole treatment element 17A and the apex P1 of the curve convexly curved to the right side of the groove 7 or its vicinity are at the same position in the front-rear direction. 17 is stopped, the power is turned off. After that, when the operation of instructing to turn on the power is executed and the sole massage machine 1A is activated, the sole massage machine 1A is kept on the left foot for a period from when the operation of instructing to turn on the power is executed until a predetermined time elapses. Control is performed to prohibit the movement of the movement unit 17 .

Further, the second example of the above-described start-up control is the following control. When the operation of the sole massage machine 1A is stopped, the power supply is turned off while the left foot moving part 17 is in an arbitrary position. After that, when an operation for instructing power ON is executed and the sole massage machine 1A is started, the sole massage machine 1A is connected to the sole treatment element 17A and the apex P1 of the curve convexly curved to the right side of the groove 7 or its peak. Control is performed to stop the left foot moving part 17 after moving the left foot moving part 17 to a position (including the case where the amount of movement accidentally becomes zero) to a position where the neighborhood is the same position in the front-rear direction.

The sole massage machine 1A controls the right foot moving part (not shown) as well as the left foot moving part 17 at the time of activation. This facilitates alignment between the arch of the left foot of the user and the apex P4 of the groove 8 that curves convexly to the left.

<8. Others>
The above embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are included.

1A-1D Foot massage machine 7, 8, 35, 36, 78 Groove 9, 10, 24, 25, 37-44, 79-82 Rail 11, 46, 84 Shaft 13, 14 Roller 17, 53-55 For left foot Moving part 21, 56-58 Right foot moving part 73 Left foot massage unit 74 Right foot massage unit 88 Moving part 100 Chair type massage machine B1 Branch groove

Claims (2)

a shaft extending in the left-right direction and moving in the front-rear direction;
a driving mechanism for moving the shaft in the front-rear direction;
a moving part that includes a treatment element and moves in the front-rear direction as the shaft moves in the front-rear direction;
a groove in which the lower part of the moving part fits,
The massage machine, wherein the grooves are convexly curved upward and extend in the front-rear direction. 2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the grooves are convexly curved inwardly of the body of the user in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction.

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