JP4693889B2 - Foot massage machine. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a foot massage machine for massaging a leg of a user.

  2. Description of the Related Art A foot massage machine that massages a toe and a calf of a user is known.

  For example, a foot massage machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a foot unit for inserting a toe of a user and a calf unit for inserting a calf of the user. The foot unit and the calf unit are each provided with a massage means such as an airbag for applying massage to the user.

  The foot massage machine of Patent Document 1 is connected to the foot unit placed on the floor so that the calf unit can tilt forward and backward, and the foot is placed on the foot unit. Then, when the calf is tilted backward, the calf unit tilts backward according to the angle of the calf.

By setting it as the said structure, even if a user lies down, it can receive a massage.
JP 2005-245803 A

  The foot massage unit is massaged by inserting a foot tip into the foot unit and a calf into the calf unit, and the massage that can be received is also limited.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a foot massage machine that can perform a variety of massages on the legs of a user.

In order to solve the above problems, the foot massage machine of the present invention is
A recess for inserting the legs of the user;
An acupressure element that is arranged on the bottom surface of the recess and presses the legs of the user who can move in and out of a long hole that is long in the front-rear direction on the bottom surface of the recess ;
A drive mechanism for reciprocating the acupressure element in the longitudinal direction along the elongated hole of the recess;
Air bags that are deployed on the left and right side walls of the recess and can be individually inflated and deflated,
Control means for controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbag and the drive mechanism;
In the foot massage machine with
Control means, at the same time is moved longitudinally along the Shiatsuko to the long hole of the recess by the drive mechanism, to inflate the airbag deployed in the left and right side walls at each alone, and, of the Shiatsuko By changing the moving speed in the longitudinal direction, the movement trajectory of the acupressure element with respect to the user's leg is changed to a desired trajectory.

  Place the toes that are legs on the bottom of the recess and move the acupressure element in the longitudinal direction along the bottom of the recess, and simultaneously or independently inflate the airbags deployed on the left and right side walls of the recess. Thus, the movement trajectory of the acupressure element can be changed to an arbitrary trajectory in addition to linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion, and a variety of massages can be applied to the toes.

  Hereinafter, the foot massage machine (10) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foot massage machine (10) according to the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front, FIG. 2 is a perspective view as viewed from diagonally rear, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view as viewed from the bottom side. 4 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the reclining movable part (50) is removed from the base part (20), and FIG. 6 is a reclining movable part. It is the perspective view which looked at (50) from the lower part. Further, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 1 and shows a state in which the reclining movable part (50) stands up. FIG. 8 shows the reclining movable part (50) tilted backward. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line ZZ in FIG. 1 and shows a state in which the reclining movable part (50) stands up. FIG. 10 shows the reclining movable part (50). It is sectional drawing which shows the state which inclined backward. 7 to 10 show the shapes of the rail portions (30) and (60) in an easily understandable manner, and the internal structure and the like are omitted or simplified.

  As shown in the figure, the foot massage machine (10) is composed of a base part (20) placed on the floor and a reclining movable part (50) supported swingably on the base part (20). Composed. As will be described later, the reclining movable portion (50) includes a first recess (70) for receiving the foot or calf of the user and a second recess (74) for storing the foot or calf of the user. Are formed, and a plurality of massage means are provided on the side and / or bottom of the first recess (70) and the second recess (74). Examples of massage means include air bags (80) (81) (82) (83) and acupressure elements (85) (see FIGS. 9 and 11), as will be described later.

  The base part (20) is formed from an internal hollow resin casing (21). Inside the base part (20), an air pump (12) for supplying compressed air to the airbag (80) (81) (82) (83) provided as a massage means in the reclining movable part (50), control A substrate and a power supply unit (not shown) are accommodated.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pair of left and right rail portions (hereinafter referred to as “first rail portions (30) and (30)”) extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the left and right upper portions of the base portion (20). Yes. The first rail portions (30) and (30) each have a rectangular cross section curved downward, and a narrow slit (31) is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center of the upper surface. A roller portion (hereinafter referred to as “second roller portion (64) (64)”) of a reclining movable portion, which will be described later, fits on the first rail portion (30) (30) so as to be able to roll.

  The first rail portions (30) and (30) may be in a curved shape, and as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the front has an arc shape and can be exemplified as a shape that becomes linear as it approaches the rear. By adopting such a shape, when the reclining movable part (50) swings, the reclining movable part (50) is not oscillating around the fixed fulcrum (virtual fulcrum), but the swing center is in front. It is possible to realize a movement without burden on the legs of the user by tilting while sliding. The first rail portion (30) may be arcuate.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, a pair of left and right brackets (32) and (32) project upward from the rear end of the base portion (20), and upper ends of the brackets (32) and (32). Includes a roller part (hereinafter referred to as “first roller part (34) (34)”) that fits in a rail part (hereinafter referred to as “second rail part (60) (60)”) of the reclining movable part (50) described later. ) Is pivotally supported. The first roller portions (34) and (34) can be formed of rubber or resin material, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, two recesses (22) and (22) are formed on the lower surface of the base portion (20), and each recess (22) and (22) includes a wheel (40). (40) is pivotally supported, and the foot massage machine (10) can be moved back and forth along the floor surface.

  The reclining movable part (50) is formed from an internal hollow resin casing (51). The casing (51) has a lower side protruding forward and a rear end side protruding upward. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and the like, the casing (51) has a pair of left and right first recesses (70) and (70) for inserting the feet or calves of the user, and each first recess (70). (70) The 2nd recessed part (74) (74) which continues from the rear end and inserts a toe or a calf of a user is recessed. A central wall (78) is erected between the first recesses (70) and (70) and between the second recesses (74) and (74). As will be described later, massage means is provided in the first recesses (70) and (70) and the second recesses (74) and (74).

  On the left and right of the rear end of the reclining movable part (50), as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, etc., the second rail on which the first roller parts (34) and (34) of the base part (20) are fitted. Portions (60) and (60) are formed. The second rail portion (60) has a rectangular cross-sectional shape curved in a direction in which it swells rearward, and a narrow slit (61) along the longitudinal direction is formed on the rear surface side.

  The second rail portions (60) and (60) may have any curved shape, and in the illustrated embodiment, the second rail portions (60) and (60) have an arc shape. In the case of an arc shape, the arc angle is preferably about 90 to 120 °. Further, the base portion (20) may have the same curved shape as the first rail portions (30) and (30), or may be formed by changing the curvature, length, arc angle, and the like.

  Further, on the left and right of the center in the front-rear direction of the reclining movable part (50), second roller parts (64) and (64) fitted to the first rail part (30) of the base part (20) are rotatable. It is pivotally supported. The second roller portions (64) and (64) can be formed from rubber or a resin material, respectively.

  Massage means are provided on the side and bottom surfaces of the first recesses (70) and (70) and the second recesses (74) and (74). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, as massage means, the side surfaces of the acupressure elements (85) (85) and the first recesses (70) (70) are formed on the bottom surfaces of the first recesses (70) (70). Air bags (80), (81) and (82) are arranged on the side and bottom surfaces of the second recesses (74) and (74). Note that the airbags (80), (81), and (82) as massage means are shown only in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the acupressure element (85) can be projected and retracted from a long hole (72) formed long in the front-rear direction on the bottom surface of the first recess (70) and along the long hole (72). It is deployed so that it can move back and forth. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 19, the acupressure element (85) has a lower end connected to an airbag (83) housed in the case (86), and the left and right first recesses (70). ) (70) are accommodated in the left and right cases (86) corresponding to the acupressure elements (85) and (85) to constitute a massage unit (86a). The left and right massage units (86a) are connected by a connection plate (87) and connected to the drive mechanism so that the massage unit (86a) can reciprocate back and forth along the first recess (70). .

  The drive mechanism is mainly composed of a motor (89). A screw cylinder (not shown) provided on the connection plate (87) is connected to a screw shaft (88) supported in parallel along the bottom surface of the first recess (70). ) Is connected to a motor (89) (see FIG. 9) via a speed reduction mechanism (89a). When the screw shaft (88) rotates, the connection plate (87) moves back and forth, and the acupressure element (85) moves along the elongated hole (72). 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 show the state where the acupressure element (85) has moved most forward and backward.

  Airbag (83) for inflating and retracting airbags (80), (81), (82) and shiatsu depressors (85) disposed in the first concave portions (70), (70) and the second concave portions (74), (74) on the left and right Are respectively connected to the pipes and enter the casing (51) of the reclining movable part (50). A solenoid valve (not shown) is connected to each pipe. The pipe extending from the solenoid valve extends to the base portion (20) and is connected to the air pump (12). It should be noted that it is desirable to connect one or several pipes upstream of the solenoid valve to the air pump (12). Thereby, the number of piping which connects a reclining movable part (50) and a base part (20) can be reduced.

  Direction detecting means (100) for detecting the insertion direction of the legs of the user is disposed on the bottom surface of the first recess (70) (70) and / or the second recess (74) (74). The direction detection means (100) can be exemplified by a pressure sensor as shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, for example. The pressure sensor is provided at a position where the sole of the user touches, detects that the sole touches, and transmits it to the control means (90) described later. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pressure sensor detects that the sole touches when the leg is inserted so that the sole touches the first recess (70). When changed, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, it is provided at a position where the leg of the user, that is, the calf or ankle does not hit. Details of the leg insertion direction detection will be described later.

The direction detection means (100) is not limited to the pressure sensor, and may be a contact type switch by a spring biasing that is turned on or off when the sole touches. Moreover, you may make it detect the insertion direction of a leg by monitoring or sampling the change of the load of a massage means.

  All control of the foot massage machine (10) of the present invention is performed by the control means (90). As shown in FIG. 14, the control means (90) includes massage means, in this embodiment, an air pump (12) and a solenoid valve (13) for inflating the airbag (80) (81) (82) (83), A motor (89) for adjusting the position of the massage unit (86a) on which the acupressure element (85) and the air bag (83) are mounted, a pressure sensor as the direction detecting means (100), an operation unit (91), various programs A RAM (96) storing a massage course (described later), a flash memory (97) and the like are connected.

  In addition to the various operation switches, the operation unit (91) includes a touch panel type display unit (92) for displaying a massage course that can be selected after determining the leg insertion direction, as shown in FIG. .

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the user inserts the first recess (70) so that the toes of the leg L of the user hit (hereinafter referred to as “first insertion direction”), As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, massage can be performed by inserting the second recess (74) so that the toes of the leg L of the user are in contact (hereinafter referred to as “second insertion direction”).

  The following can be illustrated as an example of the first insertion direction. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the user is inserted in such a manner that his / her foot touches the first recess (70) while sitting on a chair, and the calf is in contact with the second recess (74). Yes. FIG. 10 shows that, for example, in a state where the user lies down, the reclining movable part (50) is rotated backward, and the toe is in the first recess (70) and the calf is in the second recess (74). This is an example in which a leg L is inserted so as to hit.

  The following can be illustrated as an example of the second insertion direction. FIG. 12 shows that, for example, when the user sits on a chair, the reclining movable part (50) is rotated backward so that the second recess (74) has a foot tip and the first recess (70) has a calf. This is an example in which a leg L is inserted so as to contact. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the leg L is inserted so that the toe is in contact with the second recess (74) and the calf is in contact with the first recess (70) in a state where the user lies down.

  9, 10, 12, and 13, the reclining movable portion (50) shows either the most upright state or the inclined state, but the leg L is inserted in an intermediate state between them. Of course, you can receive a massage.

The direction detection means (100) detects whether the insertion direction of the leg L of the user is the first insertion direction or the second insertion direction, and transmits it to the control means (90).

  Hereinafter, a method of detecting the insertion direction of the leg L when the user inserts the leg L into the foot massage machine (10) will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 13, the insertion direction of the leg L is detected in the first recess (70) and / or the second recess (74) of the foot massage machine (10). Direction detecting means (100) is provided. In the figure, the direction detecting means (100) is attached to both the first recess (70) and the second recess (74).

When a pressure sensor is used as the direction detection means (100), as described above, it is a position that receives pressure on the sole of the user depending on the insertion direction of the leg L, and receives pressure from the calf and ankle. Deploy in no position.

  Thus, as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 15, when the pressure sensor on the first recess (70) side detects pressure and the pressure sensor on the second recess (74) side hardly detects pressure (step 1) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is detected that the insertion direction of the leg L is the first insertion direction (step 2).

  Conversely, the pressure sensor on the first recess (70) side hardly detects pressure, but if the pressure sensor on the second recess (74) side detects pressure (step 3), FIG. 12 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, it is detected that the insertion direction of the leg L is the second insertion direction (step 4).

  As described above, the direction of the leg L inserted by the user into the foot massage machine (10) can be detected, and a massage course corresponding to the insertion direction of the leg L can be executed as will be described later.

  In addition, hardness differs in the sole and calf of a user. Accordingly, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, with the acupressure element (85) protruding by a predetermined amount, it is moved along the longitudinal direction of the first recess (70) (step 1), and the airbag (83) By detecting the air pressure, the pressure data of the airbag (83) is sampled (steps 2 and 3), and by comparing with the data acquired in advance, the insertion direction of the leg L can also be detected. (Step 4).

  Next, changing the course of massage to be performed will be described depending on the insertion direction of the leg L of the user.

  The massage course can be stored in the RAM (96). In the RAM (96), in addition to a general massage course, a massage course shown in the following flowchart in FIG. 17 is stored.

The massage course 1 is a massage course when the direction detection means (100) determines that the insertion direction of the leg L is the first insertion direction, and the acupressure element of the massage unit (86a) disposed in the first recess (70). For example, the massage that focuses on the sole massage according to (85) can be exemplified. It is desirable that the massage course 1 is a massage in which the amount of protrusion of the acupressure element (85) is particularly large at the arch portion, and the massage unit (86a) is reciprocally moved mainly at the arch portion.

The massage course 2 is a massage course when the direction detecting means (100) determines that the insertion direction of the leg L is the second insertion direction, and the acupressure element of the massage unit (86a) disposed in the first recess (70). The massage which gives priority to the massage of the calf by can be illustrated. In massage course 2, the massage unit (86a) is moved so that a large amount of calf can be massaged by reducing the protruding amount of the acupressure element (85) in order to give the calf a stimulus that is not too strong. Desirable massage.

When massage is started, first, the direction detection means (100) detects the insertion direction of the leg L (step 1). The detection of the insertion direction can be performed as described above.

If the detected insertion direction is the first insertion direction, massage course 1 (step 2) is read. If the insertion direction is the second insertion direction, massage course 2 (step 3) is read from RAM (96).
After determining the insertion direction, according to the selected massage course, massage means, specifically, the airbag (80) (81) (82) (83) and the drive mechanism are controlled to massage the leg L of the user. (Step 4). When a massage stop command is transmitted by a user's operation, a timer, or the like, the massage course is terminated (step 5).

  According to the above, it is possible to receive an effective massage according to the insertion direction of the leg L. Therefore, for example, when the protruding amount of the acupressure element (85) is too large or too small, there is no feeling of pain, discomfort, or unsatisfactory.

  In the above description, when the insertion direction of the leg L of the user is detected, the massage course is automatically selected, but as shown in FIG. 18, the display unit (91) of the operation unit (91) In 92), selectable massage courses can be displayed so that the user can select a desired massage course.

FIG. 18 shows a touch panel type display unit (92). The display unit (92) includes direction detection means (100).
The displayed pattern and the selectable massage course are changed according to the insertion direction of the leg L detected by. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, when the insertion direction of the leg L is determined (step 1), a display screen corresponding to the insertion direction is displayed on the display unit (92) ( Step 2 and Step 3).

  In FIG. 18, the display unit (92) shown on the upper side is an example of the display at the time of determining the first insertion direction (step 2), and a simple design is displayed so that the insertion direction can be visually recognized. A massage course according to the insertion direction can be selected. Examples of the massage course include a stiffness improvement course that gives an optimum strong massage in the first insertion direction, a comfort course that gives a gentle massage, and an arch course that focuses on the arch. The user may operate a desired massage course button according to the degree of stiffness (step 4).

  Similarly, the display unit (92) shown in the lower side in FIG. 18 is an example of display at the time of determining the second insertion direction (step 3), and an optimal massage course according to the insertion direction of the leg L (for example, “Calf Rabbit” course) can be selected, and a desired massage course button may be operated according to the degree of stiffness (step 4).

  Thus, since the user can select a selectable massage course simply by inserting the leg L into the foot massage machine (10), the user can receive an optimal massage as desired. In addition, the display screen is switched according to the insertion direction, and different courses can be selected with one massage course button, so that it is not necessary to increase the number of course buttons and the operability is improved.

  When a massage stop command is transmitted by a user's operation, a timer, or the like, the massage course is terminated (step 5).

  Next, massage by the foot massage machine (10) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment, as a variation of the massage course when it is determined that the insertion direction of the leg L is the first insertion direction, the massage trajectory by the acupressure element (85) is not an operation in a linear uniaxial direction. A massage course capable of performing shiatsu massage is set so as to have a movement trajectory. As shown in FIG. 20, by changing the degree of expansion and contraction of the airbag (80) (80) disposed on the left and right side walls of the first recess (70), Change the trajectory.

  Specifically, by controlling the airbag A on the left side and the airbag B on the right side to inflate and contract at the same time, the locus of the acupressure element (85) can be set to (a) in FIG. Yes, you can massage the center of the sole. Further, if only the airbag A on the left side in the figure is inflated, the sole will move to the airbag B side, so the relative trajectory of the acupressure element (85) may be (a) in FIG. Yes, you can massage the thumb side of the sole. Further, when only the airbag B on the right side in the figure is inflated, the sole moves to the airbag A side, so the relative trajectory of the acupressure element (85) may be (c) in FIG. Yes, you can massage the little toe side of the sole.

  By changing the rotational speed of the motor (89) of the drive mechanism that reciprocates the massage unit (86a) on which the acupressure element (85) is mounted in accordance with the above, not only linear moving massage but also any movement A moving massage along the trajectory can be performed.

  Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 21, after step 1 for selecting the locus of the acupressure element (85), the pressures of the airbags A and B are changed according to the selected course (step 2). When the expansion and contraction speeds of A and B are set, the rotation speed of the motor (89) for moving the acupressure element (85) is changed (step 3), and massage is started (step 4). Thereby, the acupressure element (85) can be moved at a desired locus and speed.

  When a massage stop command is transmitted by a user's operation, a timer, or the like, the massage course is terminated (step 5).

  It is also possible to perform a moving acupressure massage with a constant trajectory regardless of the foot size of the user. That is, when the airbag (80) is inflated at the same speed due to the difference in foot size, if the movement speed of the acupressure element (85) is the same, the locus of the acupressure element (85) should be constant. I can't. Therefore, as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 22, the foot size of the user is detected by the amount of protrusion of the finger depressor (85) and foot size detecting means such as various sensors (step 1), and the finger depressor (85) When the foot size is large, the rotation speed of the motor (89) for moving the foot is increased compared to the case where the foot size is small (step 2), and massage is started (step 3). Thereby, the massage of the same locus | trajectory can be performed with respect to a sole regardless of the size of a foot | leg.

  When a massage stop command is transmitted by a user's operation or a timer, the massage course is terminated (step 4).

  The above-mentioned foot massage machine (10) can be used alone as a foot-only massage machine, or a seat portion on which the user sits, and a back end of the seat portion that hits the back of the user It can also be mounted on the leg of a chair-type massage machine that includes a backrest and a leg that is provided at the front end of the seat and massages the calf and toes of the user.

It is the perspective view which looked at the massage machine for legs of the present invention from diagonally forward. It is the perspective view which looked at the massage machine for legs from diagonally back. It is the perspective view which looked at the massage machine for legs from the bottom face side. It is sectional drawing which follows the line XX of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the reclining movable part from the base part. It is the perspective view which looked at the reclining movable part from the downward direction. It is sectional drawing which follows the line YY of FIG. 1, Comprising: The reclining movable part has shown the state stood up. It is sectional drawing which follows the line YY of FIG. 1, Comprising: The reclining movable part has shown the state inclined backward. It is sectional drawing which follows the line ZZ of FIG. 1, Comprising: The state which inserted the leg in the reclining movable part of the standing state in the 1st insertion direction is shown. It is sectional drawing which follows the line ZZ of FIG. 1, Comprising: The state which inserted the leg in the 1st insertion direction in the reclining movable part of the state inclined backward is shown. It is sectional drawing which follows the line ZZ of FIG. 1, Comprising: It is a figure which cuts and shows the internal mechanism of a massage unit. It is sectional drawing which follows the line ZZ of FIG. 1, Comprising: The state which inserted the leg in the 2nd insertion direction in the reclining movable part of the state inclined backward is shown. It is sectional drawing which follows the line ZZ of FIG. 1, Comprising: The state which inserted the leg in the 2nd insertion direction in the reclining movable part of the standing state is shown. It is a block diagram of a control means. It is a flowchart figure which determines the insertion direction of a leg. It is a flowchart figure which shows the different Example which determines the insertion direction of a leg. It is a flowchart figure which performs a different massage according to the insertion direction of a leg. It is explanatory drawing of a display part. It is a flowchart figure which massages by changing the display screen of a display part according to the insertion direction of a leg. It is explanatory drawing which shows the locus | trajectory of an acupressure element. It is a flowchart figure which changes the locus | trajectory of an acupressure element. It is a flowchart figure which makes the locus | trajectory of an acupressure element constant irrespective of foot size.

Explanation of symbols

(70) First recess
(74) Second recess
(85) Acupressure
(89) Motor (drive mechanism)
(80) Airbag
(90) Control means
(10) Foot massage machine

Claims (2)

A recess for inserting the legs of the user;
An acupressure element that is arranged on the bottom surface of the recess and presses the legs of the user who can move in and out of a long hole that is long in the front-rear direction on the bottom surface of the recess ;
A drive mechanism for reciprocating the acupressure element in the longitudinal direction along the elongated hole of the recess;
Air bags that are deployed on the left and right side walls of the recess and can be individually inflated and deflated,
Control means for controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbag and the drive mechanism;
In the foot massage machine with
Control means, at the same time is moved longitudinally along the Shiatsuko to the long hole of the recess by the drive mechanism, to inflate the airbag deployed in the left and right side walls at each alone, and, of the Shiatsuko A foot massage machine characterized by changing the movement trajectory of the acupressure element with respect to the user's leg to a desired trajectory by changing the moving speed in the longitudinal direction. The seat on which the user sits, the backrest that is deployed at the back end of the seat and the back of the user, and the legs that are deployed at the front end of the seat and massage the calf and toes of the user In a chair-type massage machine with
  The said leg part is a massage machine for legs of Claim 1, The chair type massage machine characterized by the above-mentioned.

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