Chair type massage machine and massage method

Abstract

The invention provides a chair-type massage machine and a massage method, which can adjust the position of a part contacted with the calf of a treated person and the position of a part contacted with the sole of the treated person, and has a compact structure and a large adjustment range of the positions. A chair-type massage machine is provided with: a base frame positioned below a seat; and a leg cushioning member which is rotatably mounted on the base frame and accommodates the shank of a person to be treated. The leg cushioning member includes: a fixed frame rotatably attached to the base frame; an intermediate frame that is slidably attached to the fixed frame; the ankle frame is installed on the middle frame in a sliding mode; a first drive unit that slides the intermediate frame; and a second drive unit that causes the ankle frame to slide.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 6, 2021, with application number 202111041150.3 and invention title "Chair-type Massager". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a chair-type massager with a leg support component and a massage method. Background Technology

[0003] In the past, various chair-type massagers with leg supports have been developed. For example, the chair-type massager disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-25628 has a structure that allows the foot support and leg support to be adjusted to any position of the user without causing discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] The aforementioned chair-type massage mechanism comprises: a first frame with a leg support portion; a second frame with a foot support portion; and a third frame supporting the first and second frames.

[0006] The chair-style massager described above has a structure in which the first and second frames are supported by the third frame. Therefore, if the adjustment range of the leg support and foot support is large in order to fully accommodate larger patients, the third frame will be too large.

[0007] The increased size of the third frame leads to higher costs and increased weight for components such as the leg pads. Furthermore, the increased weight of the leg pads also increases the cost of the drive mechanism used to rotate them.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention aims to provide a chair-type massager that can adjust the position of the part in contact with the calf and the part in contact with the sole of the foot of the person being treated, and adopts a compact structure with a large range of position adjustment.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The chair-type massager disclosed in this specification has the following structure (first structure): a seat supporting the buttocks and thighs of the user; a base frame located below the seat; and a leg support component rotatably mounted to the base frame and accommodating the user's lower leg. The leg support component includes: a fixed frame rotatably mounted to the base frame; a middle frame slidably mounted to the fixed frame; an ankle frame slidably mounted to the middle frame; a first drive unit that causes the middle frame to slide relative to the fixed frame along a direction from the user's knee toward the ankle and the opposite direction; and a second drive unit that causes the ankle frame to slide relative to the middle frame along a direction from the user's knee toward the ankle and the opposite direction.

[0011] For the chair-type massager with the first structure described above, it can be the following structure (second structure), wherein the leg pad component further includes: a calf contact portion, which is installed on the intermediate frame and contacts the calf of the patient when the leg pad component receives the patient's lower leg; and a foot contact portion, which is installed on the ankle frame and contacts the foot of the patient when the leg pad component receives the patient's lower leg.

[0012] For the chair-type massager with the second structure described above, it can be a third structure in which the sliding length of the intermediate frame relative to the fixed frame is longer than the sliding length of the ankle frame relative to the intermediate frame in the direction from the knee of the person being treated toward the ankle and in the opposite direction.

[0013] For the chair-type massager with the second or third structure described above, the following structure (fourth structure) can be used, wherein the leg pad component further includes: a calf inhibition part that inhibits the movement of the calf of the person being treated relative to the calf contact part along the direction from the knee of the person being treated toward the ankle; and a foot inhibition part that inhibits the movement of the sole of the person being treated relative to the foot contact part along the direction away from the foot contact part. In the state where the calf inhibition part inhibits the movement of the calf of the person being treated and the foot inhibition part inhibits the movement of the sole of the person being treated, the second drive part causes the ankle frame to slide along the direction away from the intermediate frame.

[0014] For the chair-type massager with the second or third structure described above, it can be the following structure (fifth structure): the leg pad component further includes a foot-inhibiting part, which inhibits the movement of the sole of the user's foot relative to the foot-inhibiting part in a direction away from the foot-inhibiting part; the chair-type massager also includes a thigh-inhibiting part, which inhibits the movement of the user's thigh relative to the seat in a direction from the root of the thigh towards the knee; in the state where the thigh-inhibiting part inhibits the movement of the user's thigh and the foot-inhibiting part inhibits the movement of the sole of the user's foot, the second drive unit causes the ankle frame to slide in a direction away from the intermediate frame.

[0015] For the chair-type massager with the second or third structure described above, it can be the following structure (sixth structure), wherein the leg pad component further includes a foot-inhibiting part, which inhibits the movement of the sole of the subject's foot relative to the foot-contacting part in a direction away from the foot-contacting part. When the position of the leg pad component relative to the base frame is adjusted so that the direction from the thigh root of the subject's thigh toward the knee intersects with the direction from the knee of the subject toward the ankle, and the foot-inhibiting part inhibits the movement of the sole of the subject's foot, the second drive unit causes the ankle frame to slide in a direction away from the intermediate frame.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] The chair-type massager disclosed in this specification can adjust the position of the part that contacts the calf and the part that contacts the sole of the foot of the person being treated, and its compact structure allows for a wide range of adjustments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the chair-type massager according to this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the frame and other components of the leg support.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the frame, etc., of the leg support components.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of the leg pad component.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic front view showing the seat and arm treatment area.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 1. Calf Inhibition Area

[0025] 2. Foot Inhibition Area

[0026] 3. Thigh Inhibition Area

[0027] 100 Chair-style Massager

[0028] 200 seats

[0029] 900 Leg Pad Components

[0030] F0 base frame

[0031] F1 Fixed Frame

[0032] F2 intermediate frame

[0033] F3 Ankle Frame

[0034] D1, D2 First drive unit, Second drive unit. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the chair-type massager 100 according to this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 1 Although the first airbag A1 and a portion of the third airbag described later are not obscured by other components, illustrations of the first airbag A1 and the third airbag are omitted. In the following description, the front side (front view) as observed from the user seated in the chair-type massage machine 100 is referred to as the "front side," and the rear side (back view) as observed from the user seated in the chair-type massage machine 100 is referred to as the "rear side." Furthermore, the upper side (head side) as observed from the user seated in the chair-type massage machine 100 is referred to as the "upper side," and the lower side (leg side) as observed from the user seated in the chair-type massage machine 100 is referred to as the "lower side." Additionally, the right side as observed from the user seated in the chair-type massage machine 100 is referred to as the "right side," and the left side as observed from the user seated in the chair-type massage machine 100 is referred to as the "left side."

[0037] The chair-type massager 100 includes a seat 200, a backrest 300, a base 400, an arm treatment section 500, an operating section 600, a cable 700, a support 800, and a leg pad component 900.

[0038] The seat 200mm supports the buttocks and thighs of the patient. The base frame ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram) is located below the seat 200.

[0039] The backrest 300 supports the shoulders, waist, and back of the patient. The backrest 300 is mounted at the rear end of the seat 200 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a reclining axis extending laterally. The backrest 300 has built-in guide rails 300B and 300C extending along the surface 300A that contacts the patient's shoulders and waist. A back massage unit (not shown) is guided by the guide rails 300B and 300C and moves up and down within the backrest 300. It should be noted that the guide rails 300B and 300C can also be extended to the rear of the seat 200, thereby allowing the back massage unit to move up and down within the seat 200 and the backrest 300. The back massage unit includes: a back massage element that moves up and down along the patient's back; a kneading drive mechanism that causes the back massage element to perform kneading actions; and a tapping drive mechanism that causes the back massage element to perform tapping actions.

[0040] The base portion 400 is erected on the left and right sides of the base portion 200 and below the base portion 200.

[0041] The arm treatment unit 500 is erected on the left and right sides of the base 200 and above the base 200. The arm treatment unit 500 has a built-in expandable and contractible bag, which supports the patient's arm while the treatment is performed.

[0042] The operation unit 600 is an input device for the user to select the treatment mode and adjust the intensity of the treatment. The operation unit 600 is connected via a cable 700 to a control unit (not shown) located below the seat 200. The control unit (not shown) controls various parts of the chair massager 100 based on signals output from the operation unit 600.

[0043] The support 800 is fixed to the arm treatment unit 500 located on the left side of the seat 200. The operating unit 600 can be installed and detached from the support 800.

[0044] The leg support component 900 accommodates the lower leg of the person receiving treatment. The leg support component 900 is rotatably mounted to the base frame. Figure 1 (Not shown in the figure). More specifically, the leg pad component 900 is capable of rotating about an axis AX extending in the left-right direction (see Figure 1). Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is mounted on the base frame by rotation. Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). The leg support component 900 is located on the base frame ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) in front.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the frame, etc., of the leg support component 900. Figure 3 This is a front view showing the frame, etc., of the leg support component 900. It should be noted that... Figure 2In the figure, the upper end face of the mounting pad leg component 900 of the base frame F0 is shown in dashed line.

[0046] The leg support component 900 includes a fixed frame F1, a middle frame F2, and an ankle frame F3.

[0047] The fixed frame F1 is rotatably mounted on the base frame F0. More specifically, the fixed frame F1 is rotatably mounted on the base frame F0 about a rotation axis AX extending in the left-right direction.

[0048] The intermediate frame F2 is mounted to the fixed frame F1 in a sliding manner. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows the state where the middle frame F2 is closest to the fixed frame F1, or in other words, the state where the middle frame F2 is retracted to the maximum extent towards the fixed frame F1.

[0049] The ankle frame F3 is mounted on the middle frame F2 in a sliding manner. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows the state where the ankle frame F3 is closest to the middle frame F2, or in other words, the state where the ankle frame F3 is retracted to the maximum extent towards the middle frame F2.

[0050] The ankle frame F3 is equipped with two rollers R1 that apply treatment to the central portion of the sole of the patient's foot along its length. The two rollers R1 are arranged in a left-right direction. The roller R1 on the right side applies treatment to the central portion of the sole of the patient's right foot along its length. The roller R1 on the left side applies treatment to the central portion of the sole of the patient's left foot along its length. It should be noted that the central portion of the sole along its length is also referred to as the arch of the foot. Each roller R1 has a protrusion that extends radially outward.

[0051] The ankle frame F3 also features a shaft S1 for eccentrically mounting the roller R1. Shaft S1 extends in the left-right direction.

[0052] The ankle frame F3 is also equipped with a rotary drive mechanism that rotates the shaft S1. This rotary drive mechanism includes a motor M3 and transmits the rotational driving force of the motor M3 to the shaft S1.

[0053] The leg support component 900 also includes a first drive unit D1 and a second drive unit D2.

[0054] The first drive unit D1 causes the intermediate frame F2 to slide relative to the fixed frame F1 in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle and in the opposite direction. The structure of the first drive unit D1 is not particularly limited; in this embodiment, it is an electric linear motion mechanism including a motor M1.

[0055] The second drive unit D2 causes the ankle frame F3 to slide relative to the intermediate frame F2 along the direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle and in the opposite direction. The structure of the second drive unit D2 is not particularly limited; in this embodiment, it is an electric linear motion mechanism including a motor M2. It should be noted that the structure of the second drive unit D2 may be the same as or different from the structure of the first drive unit D1.

[0056] The leg pad component 900 also includes a calf contact portion C1 (see reference). Figure 1 ) and the foot contact part C2 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0057] The calf contact portion C1 contacts the calf of the patient when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. In this embodiment, the calf contact portion C1 is part of an outer cover, such as synthetic leather or natural leather, and is fixed to the intermediate frame F2. The calf contact portion C1 is mounted on the intermediate frame F2. Therefore, by sliding the intermediate frame F2 relative to the fixed frame F1, the position of the portion that contacts the patient's calf, i.e., the calf contact portion C1, can be adjusted. Thus, regardless of whether the patient is large or small, the calf contact portion C1 can be adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0058] The foot contact portion C2 contacts the sole of the patient's foot when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. In this embodiment, the foot contact portion C2 is part of an outer cover, such as synthetic leather or natural leather, and is fixed to the ankle frame F3. The foot contact portion C2 is mounted on the ankle frame F3. Therefore, by sliding the ankle frame F3 relative to the adjusted intermediate frame F2, the position of the part that contacts the sole of the patient's foot, i.e., the foot contact portion C2, can be adjusted. Thus, regardless of whether the patient is large or small, the foot contact portion C2 can be adjusted to an appropriate position.

[0059] The leg support component 900 has the following structure: the fixed frame F1 does not support the ankle frame F3; the fixed frame F1 supports the intermediate frame F2; and the intermediate frame F2 supports the ankle frame F3. Therefore, even without significantly increasing the size of the fixed frame F1 (by not lengthening its sliding direction), both the positional adjustment range of the calf contact portion C1 and the positional adjustment range of the foot contact portion C2 are large. In other words, the leg support component 900 achieves a large positional adjustment range for both the calf contact portion C1 and the foot contact portion C2 through its compact structure.

[0060] The position adjustment of the calf contact part C1 and the foot contact part C2 can be performed, for example, by placing a sensor (such as a contact sensor, piezoelectric sensor, etc.) that detects the contact between the patient's foot and the foot contact part C2 on the foot contact part C2, and adjusting the position by the following steps.

[0061] First, the first drive unit D1 moves the intermediate frame F2 to a position maximally away from the fixed frame F1 (away from the seat 200), and the second drive unit D2 moves the ankle frame F3 to a position maximally away from the intermediate frame F2 (away from the seat 200). Next, with the intermediate frame F2 maximally away from the fixed frame F1, the second drive unit D2 moves the ankle frame F3 in a direction approaching the intermediate frame F2 (approaching the seat 200). When the sensor detects that the sole of the patient's foot is in contact with the sole contact part C2, the second drive unit D2 stops the movement of the ankle frame F3 relative to the intermediate frame F2.

[0062] Subsequently, the first drive unit D1 moves the intermediate frame F2 toward the fixed frame F1 (towards the seat 200). At this time, while the amount of movement of the intermediate frame F2 relative to the fixed frame F1 is the same as the amount of movement of the ankle frame F3 relative to the intermediate frame F2, the second drive unit D2 moves the ankle frame F3 away from the intermediate frame F2. Thus, the position of the ankle frame F3 relative to the fixed frame F1 remains unchanged.

[0063] Finally, based on user operations performed on the operation unit 600 indicating that the calf contact part C1 is in the appropriate position, the first drive unit D1 stops the movement of the intermediate frame F2 relative to the fixed frame F1, and the second drive unit D2 stops the movement of the ankle frame F3 relative to the intermediate frame F2.

[0064] In the direction from the knee towards the ankle and vice versa, it is preferable that the sliding length of the intermediate frame F2 relative to the fixed frame F1 is longer than the sliding length of the ankle frame F3 relative to the intermediate frame F2. That is, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the linear motion stroke length of the electric linear motion mechanism including the motor M1 is longer than the linear motion stroke length of the electric linear motion mechanism including the motor M2. This is because, if the intermediate frame F2 is adjusted to an appropriate position according to the patient's physique, the appropriate position of the ankle frame F3 relative to the intermediate frame F2 does not change much according to the patient's physique.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control unit (not shown) controls the first drive unit D1 and the second drive unit D2. The control unit (not shown) can also associate the patient's identification information (e.g., name, nickname, etc.) with the sliding position information of the intermediate frame F2 relative to the fixed frame F1 and the sliding position information of the ankle frame F3 relative to the intermediate frame F2, rather than storing it volatilely. By adjusting the calf contact part C1 and the foot contact part C2 to the appropriate position and storing information indicating the adjustment content along with the patient's identification information in the control unit (not shown), the calf contact part C1 and the foot contact part C2 can be easily moved to the appropriate position based on the information stored in the control unit (not shown) in the future.

[0066] The chair-type massager 100 can perform stretching therapy on the patient's ankle (plantar flexion of the patient's ankle). The following is a specific example of stretching therapy on the patient's ankle.

[0067] The leg pad component 900 also includes a calf inhibition part 1, which inhibits the movement of the patient's calf relative to the calf contact part C1 in the direction from the patient's knee toward the ankle.

[0068] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the calf inhibition section 1 includes first to fourth airbags A1 to A4. The first to fourth airbags A1 to A4, as well as the fifth to tenth airbags (described later), can also be used as a treatment section for administering treatment to the recipient. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The first to fourth airbags A1 to A4 are illustrated in their contracted state. Airbag A1 is positioned to the right of the right calf of the patient when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. Airbag A2 is positioned to the left of the right calf of the patient when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. Airbag A3 is positioned to the right of the left calf of the patient when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. Airbag A4 is positioned to the left of the left calf of the patient when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg.

[0069] When the first airbag A1 and the second airbag A2 are inflated, they clamp the right calf of the patient from both sides, preventing the right calf from moving relative to the calf contact point C1 in the direction from the knee towards the ankle. It should be noted that the leg support component 900 is provided with a partition wall W1 to separate the first receiving space for the patient's left lower leg from the second receiving space for the patient's right lower leg. Therefore, even without the structure containing either the first airbag A1 or the second airbag A2, movement of the patient's right calf relative to the calf contact point C1 in the direction from the knee towards the ankle can be prevented.

[0070] When the third airbag A3 and the fourth airbag A4 are inflated, they clamp the patient's left calf from both sides, preventing the left calf from moving relative to the calf contact point C1 in the direction from the knee towards the ankle. It should be noted that the leg support component 900 is provided with a partition wall W1 separating the first receiving space for the patient's left lower leg from the second receiving space for the patient's right lower leg. Therefore, even without the structure of either the third airbag A3 or the fourth airbag A4, it is possible to prevent the left calf from moving relative to the calf contact point C1 in the direction from the knee towards the ankle.

[0071] The leg pad component 900 also includes a foot inhibition part 2, which inhibits the movement of the patient's foot relative to the foot contact part C2 in a direction away from the foot contact part C2.

[0072] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the foot-inhibiting part 2 includes fifth to eighth airbags A5 to A8. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The fifth to eighth airbags A5 to A8 are shown in their contracted state. Airbag A5 is positioned to the right of the patient's right ankle when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. Airbag A6 is positioned to the left of the patient's right ankle when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. Airbag A7 is positioned to the right of the patient's left ankle when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg. Airbag A8 is positioned to the left of the patient's left ankle when the leg support component 900 accommodates the patient's lower leg.

[0073] When the fifth airbag A5 and the sixth airbag A6 are inflated, they press against the instep of the recipient's right foot, inhibiting movement of the recipient's right foot relative to the foot contact point C2 in a direction away from C2. It should be noted that even without either the fifth airbag A5 or the sixth airbag A6, movement of the recipient's right foot relative to the foot contact point C2 in a direction away from C2 can still be inhibited.

[0074] When the seventh airbag A7 and the eighth airbag A8 are inflated, they press against the instep of the patient's left foot, inhibiting movement of the patient's left foot relative to the foot contact point C2 in a direction away from C2. It should be noted that even without either the seventh airbag A7 or the eighth airbag A8, movement of the patient's left foot relative to the foot contact point C2 in a direction away from C2 can still be inhibited.

[0075] The chair-type massager 100 also includes a thigh inhibition part 3, which inhibits the movement of the patient's thigh relative to the seat 200 in the direction from the root of the thigh toward the knee.

[0076] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the thigh inhibition section 3 includes a ninth airbag and a tenth airbag 10. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The ninth airbag A9 and the tenth airbag A10 are shown in their contracted state. The ninth airbag A9 is positioned on the right side of the right thigh of the patient when the patient is seated in the seat 200. The tenth airbag A10 is positioned on the left side of the left thigh of the patient when the patient is seated in the seat 200.

[0077] When the ninth airbag A9 and the tenth airbag A10 are inflated, the ninth airbag A9 and the tenth airbag A10 clamp the right and left thighs of the patient from the left and right sides, inhibiting the right and left thighs of the patient from moving relative to the seat 200 in the direction from the root of the thigh towards the knee.

[0078] In a first specific example of stretching therapy for the patient's ankle, with the calf inhibition part 1 inhibiting the movement of the patient's calf and the foot inhibition part 2 inhibiting the movement of the patient's foot, the second drive part D2 causes the ankle frame F3 to slide in a direction away from the intermediate frame F2.

[0079] In a second specific example of stretching therapy on the ankle of the patient, in a state where the thigh inhibition part 3 inhibits the movement of the patient's thigh and the foot inhibition part 2 inhibits the movement of the patient's foot, the second drive part D2 causes the ankle frame F3 to slide in a direction away from the intermediate frame F2.

[0080] In a third example of ankle stretching therapy, with the position of the leg support member 900 relative to the base frame F0 adjusted so that the direction from the thigh root towards the knee intersects with the direction from the knee towards the ankle, and the foot inhibition part 2 inhibits the movement of the foot, the second drive part D2 slides the ankle frame F3 away from the intermediate frame F2. In this third example, the position of the leg support member 900 relative to the base frame F0 is adjusted so that the knee of the patient is bent. Therefore, when the second drive part D2 slides the ankle frame F3 away from the intermediate frame F2, the seat part 200 inhibits the extension of the patient's knee. Thus, the patient's ankle can be stretched while the knee is bent.

[0081] (How to use the ankle and calf stretching mode)

[0082] The chair-type massager 100 has a touch panel and other features on its control unit 600 that allow for the execution of prescribed treatment programs. By selecting a program, one can perform programs such as sliding the calf (middle frame F2) back and forth or sliding the ankle (ankle frame F3) back and forth.

[0083] By selecting the option described above that causes the calf (middle frame F2) to slide forward, the calf (middle frame F2) slides forward while the leg support component 900 is rotated to a horizontal position. After a predetermined time, when the limit sensor, which identifies the limit value of the forward sliding position of the calf (middle frame F2), detects the forward sliding limit of the calf (middle frame F2), the ankle (ankle frame F3) then slides forward.

[0084] By selecting the option described above that causes the calf (middle frame F2) to slide backward, the calf (middle frame F2) slides backward while the leg support component 900 is rotated to a horizontal position. After a predetermined time, when the limit sensor, which identifies the limit value of the backward sliding position of the calf (middle frame F2), detects the backward sliding limit of the calf (middle frame F2), the ankle (ankle frame F3) then slides backward. It should be noted that when the calf (middle frame F2) slides backward, after the limit sensor detects the backward sliding limit, if the recipient kicks out the recipient's ankle and applies a force in the opposite direction to the ankle (ankle frame F3), the ankle (ankle frame F3) also slides backward to perform a retraction action.

[0085] By selecting the option described above that allows the ankle (ankle frame F3) to slide forward, the ankle (ankle frame F3) slides forward while the leg support component 900 is rotated to a horizontal position. After a predetermined time, when the limit sensor, which identifies the limit value of the position where the ankle (ankle frame F3) slides forward, detects the forward sliding limit of the ankle (ankle frame F3), the calf (middle frame F2) then slides forward.

[0086] By selecting the option described above that causes the ankle (ankle frame F3) to slide backward, the ankle (ankle frame F3) slides backward while the leg support component 900 is rotated to a horizontal position. After a predetermined time, when the limit sensor, which identifies the limit value of the position where the ankle (ankle frame F3) slides backward, detects the backward sliding limit of the ankle (ankle frame F3), the calf (middle frame F2) then slides backward.

[0087] Additionally, when selecting the automatic calf treatment or a separate calf stretching program, with the leg support component rotated 900 degrees to a horizontal position, the calf (middle frame F2) and ankle (ankle frame F3) are extended (forward sliding). After the extended (forward sliding) stretch, the ankle (ankle frame F3) and calf (middle frame F2) are contracted (backward sliding) in that order. During this contracted (backward sliding) stretch, when the ankle (ankle frame F3) slides backward, if the sensor detects pressure and load related to the sole of the patient's foot, the backward sliding of the ankle (ankle frame F3) stops from the detection position of the sole and the foot position is fixed, while the backward sliding of the calf (middle frame F2) continues.

[0088] It should be considered that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects, not restrictive. It should be understood that the technical scope of the present invention is not indicated by the description of the above embodiments, but by the claims, and includes all modifications that have the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0089] For example, although the leg pad component 900 has a structure that includes a treatment part (roller R1, first to tenth airbags A1 to A10, etc.) for treating the lower leg of the patient, the leg pad component 900 can also be modified to have a structure without a treatment part.

[0090] Furthermore, it can enhance the plantar flexion and dorsiflexion extension of the ankle by adding the function of ankle rotation starting from the heel.

[0091] (other)

[0092] The chair-type massager 100 may also be equipped with an ankle extension drive unit (not shown). This ankle extension drive unit allows for treatment that extends the patient's ankle in the direction normal to the calf contact area C1, which is approximately flat. A specific example of ankle extension treatment for a patient will be described below.

[0093] In the first specific example of ankle extension therapy for the recipient, with the calf inhibition part 1 inhibiting the movement of the recipient's calf, the ankle extension drive part (not shown) causes the ankle frame F3 to slide relative to the intermediate frame F2 in the normal direction of the calf contact part C1. That is, the direction of pressing the calf from the back of the knee. This direction is forward when the leg support member 900 is in the initial position, and approximately upward when the leg support member 900 is rotated to the horizontal position. It should be noted that at this time, the foot inhibition part 2 can be in a state of inhibiting the movement of the recipient's foot, or it can be in a state of not inhibiting the movement of the recipient's foot.

[0094] In a second specific example of ankle extension therapy for the recipient, with the thigh inhibition part 3 inhibiting the movement of the recipient's thigh, the ankle extension drive part (not shown) causes the ankle frame F3 to slide relative to the intermediate frame F2 in the normal direction of the calf contact part C1. That is, in the direction of pressing the calf from the back of the knee. This direction is forward when the leg support member 900 is in the initial position, and approximately upward when the leg support member 900 is rotated to the horizontal position. It should be noted that at this time, the foot inhibition part 2 can be in a state of inhibiting the movement of the recipient's foot, or it can be in a state of not inhibiting the movement of the recipient's foot.

[0095] Additionally, the chair-type massager 100 may also include a calf stretching drive unit (not shown). This calf stretching drive unit allows for calf stretching therapy by pressing the patient's calves towards the shin. The following is a specific example of a first calf stretching therapy involving pressing the patient's calves towards the shin.

[0096] In a first specific example of calf extension therapy, which involves pressing the calf of the patient towards the shin, the thigh inhibition part 3 inhibits the movement of the patient's thigh, and the calf inhibition part 1 inhibits the movement of the patient's calf. In this state, the calf extension drive part (not shown) causes the intermediate frame F2 to slide relative to the fixed frame F1 in the normal direction of the calf contact part C1 and from the patient's calf towards the shin.

[0097] In a second example of a first calf extension treatment involving pressing the calf towards the shin, the position of the leg pad component 900 relative to the base frame F0 is adjusted so that the direction from the groin of the thigh towards the knee intersects with the direction from the knee towards the ankle. Then, with the calf inhibition part 1 inhibiting the movement of the calf, the calf extension drive part (not shown) slides the intermediate frame F2 relative to the fixed frame F1 in the normal direction of the calf contact part C1 and in the direction from the calf towards the shin. In this second example, the position of the leg pad component 900 relative to the base frame F0 is adjusted so that the knee of the patient is bent. For this purpose, when the calf extension drive part (not shown) slides the intermediate frame F2 in the normal direction of the calf contact part C1 and in the direction from the calf towards the shin, the seat part 200 inhibits the extension of the patient's knee. Therefore, it is possible to press on the calf of the patient while keeping the patient's knees bent, towards the shin.

[0098] Additionally, a second calf stretching treatment can be performed by pulling the patient's calf along the direction from the shin towards the calf using the calf stretching drive (not shown). A specific example of this second calf stretching treatment, in which the patient's calf is pulled along the direction from the shin towards the calf, will be described below.

[0099] In a first specific example of second calf extension therapy, in which the calf of the patient is pulled along a direction from the shin towards the calf, the thigh inhibition part 3 inhibits the movement of the patient's thigh, and the calf inhibition part 1 inhibits the movement of the patient's calf. In this state, the calf extension drive part (not shown) causes the intermediate frame F2 to slide relative to the fixed frame F1 in the normal direction of the calf contact part C1 and in a direction from the patient's shin towards the calf.

Claims

1. A chair-type massager, characterized in that, have: Base frame; and The leg support component is rotatably mounted to the base frame and accommodates the patient's lower leg. The leg pad component includes: A fixed frame, which is rotatably mounted to the base frame; A middle frame is mounted to the fixed frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the fixed frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; An ankle frame, which is mounted on the intermediate frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the intermediate frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; as well as A drive unit that moves the ankle frame relative to the intermediate frame along a direction from the patient's knee toward the ankle and in the opposite direction. When the intermediate frame moves to the specified moving position, the drive unit causes the ankle frame to move in the same direction as the moving direction of the intermediate frame.

2. A chair-type massager, characterized in that, have: Base frame; and The leg support component is rotatably mounted to the base frame and accommodates the patient's lower leg. The leg pad component includes: A fixed frame, which is rotatably mounted to the base frame; A middle frame is mounted to the fixed frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the fixed frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; An ankle frame, which is mounted on the intermediate frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the intermediate frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; as well as A drive unit that moves the intermediate frame relative to the fixed frame along a direction from the patient's knee toward the ankle and in the opposite direction. When the ankle frame moves to a predetermined position, the drive unit causes the intermediate frame to move in the same direction as the ankle frame.

3. A chair-type massager, characterized in that, have: Base frame; and The leg support component is rotatably mounted to the base frame and accommodates the patient's lower leg. The leg pad component includes: A fixed frame, which is rotatably mounted to the base frame; A middle frame is mounted to the fixed frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the fixed frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; An ankle frame, which is mounted on the intermediate frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the intermediate frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; A first drive unit that moves the intermediate frame relative to the fixed frame along a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle and in the opposite direction; as well as The second drive unit moves the ankle frame relative to the intermediate frame along a direction from the knee toward the ankle and in the opposite direction. When the intermediate frame moves to the first predetermined moving position, the ankle frame moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the intermediate frame; and / or When the ankle frame moves to the second predetermined moving position, the intermediate frame moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the ankle frame.

4. The chair-type massager according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle and in the opposite direction, the movable length of the intermediate frame relative to the fixed frame is longer than the movable length of the ankle frame relative to the intermediate frame.

5. The chair-type massager according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The leg support component also includes: A calf contact portion, which is mounted on the intermediate frame, and contacts the calf of the patient when the leg pad component receives the patient's lower leg; as well as The foot contact portion is mounted on the ankle frame and contacts the sole of the patient's foot when the leg pad assembly accommodates the patient's lower leg.

6. The chair-type massager according to claim 5, wherein, The leg pad component further includes a calf inhibition portion that inhibits movement of the patient's calf relative to the calf contact portion along a direction from the patient's knee toward the ankle. While the calf inhibition section inhibits the movement of the patient's calf, the ankle frame is moved.

7. The chair-type massager according to claim 6, wherein, The leg pad component further includes a foot-inhibiting portion that inhibits movement of the patient's foot relative to the foot-contact portion in a direction away from the foot-contact portion. While the foot-inhibiting part inhibits the movement of the patient's foot, the ankle frame is moved.

8. The chair-type massager according to claim 6, wherein, The chair-type massager also includes a thigh inhibition unit that inhibits the movement of the patient's thigh relative to the seat portion located above the base frame along the direction from the root of the thigh towards the knee. While the thigh inhibition part inhibits the movement of the patient's thigh, at least one of the ankle frame and the intermediate frame is moved in a direction from the knee toward the ankle.

9. The chair-type massager according to claim 7, wherein, With the position of the leg support component relative to the base frame adjusted so that the direction from the thigh root of the patient toward the knee intersects with the direction from the knee toward the ankle, at least one of the ankle frame and the intermediate frame is moved.

10. The chair-type massager according to claim 7, wherein, With the leg pad component in a horizontal position, at least one of the ankle frame and the intermediate frame is moved.

11. A massage method performed by a chair-type massage machine, the chair-type massage machine having a base frame and a leg pad component rotatably mounted to the base frame and accommodating the lower leg of a person receiving the massage. The leg pad component includes: A fixed frame, which is rotatably mounted to the base frame; A middle frame is mounted to the fixed frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the fixed frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; An ankle frame, which is mounted on the intermediate frame in a manner that allows it to move relative to the intermediate frame in a direction from the knee of the patient toward the ankle or in the opposite direction thereof; as well as A drive unit that moves the ankle frame relative to the intermediate frame along a direction from the patient's knee toward the ankle and in the opposite direction. The massage method comprises the following steps: The position of the foot pad component relative to the base frame is adjusted by rotating the foot pad component; The intermediate frame is moved to a predetermined moving position; and The ankle frame moves in the same direction as the movement of the intermediate frame.

12. The massage method according to claim 11, wherein, The massage method comprises the following steps: The leg pad component is rotated while the movement of the patient's thigh relative to the seat above the base frame is suppressed in the direction from the root of the thigh toward the knee.

13. The massage method according to claim 11, wherein, The leg support component also includes: A calf contact portion, which is mounted on the intermediate frame, and contacts the calf of the patient when the leg pad component receives the patient's lower leg; as well as The foot contact portion, which is mounted on the ankle frame, contacts the sole of the patient's foot when the leg pad assembly accommodates the patient's lower leg. The massage method comprises the following steps: With the movement of the sole of the patient's foot relative to the sole contact portion in a direction away from the sole contact portion inhibited, the ankle frame moves in a direction from the patient's knee toward the ankle; and / or With the movement of the calf relative to the calf contact portion of the recipient inhibited in the direction from the knee toward the ankle, the intermediate frame moves in the direction from the knee toward the ankle.

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