Pressing massage mechanism and massage machine including pressing massage mechanism

Abstract

To provide a pressing massage mechanism included in a massage machine capable of performing effective pressing massage by obtaining the pressing massage mechanism with a simple configuration and also obtaining a configuration for enabling strongly pushing massage with respect to a treated part.SOLUTION: A pressing massage mechanism 6 included in a massage machine 1 so as to perform pressing massage with respect to a first treatment part includes: a massage rod body 7 having a treatment element 8 for pressing the first treatment part at a distal end; a pivot shaft 9 provided at a proximal end of the massage rod body 7 so as to pivot the distal end of the massage rod body 7 by rocking; and a rocking mechanism 11 for rocking the massage rod body 7 between one direction and the other direction around the pivot shaft 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is provided in a massage machine and relates to a pressing massage mechanism suitable for performing pressing massage on the sole of the foot.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a massage machine capable of imparting an effective massage to a treatment area such as the sole of the foot. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a first massage means for causing a treatment element to perform a rotational movement to impart a kneading massage operation to a treatment area, and a second massage means for causing the treatment element to perform a sliding movement to impart an elongation massage operation to the treatment area, and is capable of massaging a user's treatment area (such as the sole of the foot).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional massage machines, there are some in which a massage member provided with a treatment element performs a massage of rubbing or stretching against a treatment area (for example, the sole of the foot) by sliding in the front-rear or left-right direction.

[0005] Although the massage of rubbing the treatment area in this way is very effective and good, there has also been a demand from users for a strong pressing massage like acupressure massage by a therapist.

[0006] On the other hand, in a conventional massager, the weight of the foot (lower limb) places a load on the massage member against the sole of the foot, and during treatment, the massage member is pressed down and stops, and there was no denying the possibility that the operation of the pressing massage could not be performed smoothly.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a pressing massage mechanism provided in a massager that can perform an effective pressing massage by making the mechanism of the pressing massage have a simple configuration and be capable of performing a massage that strongly presses against a treatment part such as the sole of the foot.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has taken the following technical means.

[0009] The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massager according to the present invention is a pressing massage mechanism provided in the massager for performing a pressing massage on a first treatment part, and includes a massage rod body having a treatment element for pressing the first treatment part at its tip, a pivot shaft provided at the base end of the massage rod body for pivotally supporting the tip of the massage rod body so as to be swingable, and a swing mechanism for swinging the massage rod body between one direction and the other direction around the pivot shaft.

[0010] Preferably, the swing mechanism includes a protruding portion provided to protrude from the massage rod body, and a tilting means for tilting the massage rod body via the protruding portion, and the massage rod body is a seesaw mechanism that swings around the pivot shaft by the operation of the tilting means added to the protruding portion.

[0011] Preferably, the protruding portion includes one protruding portion provided to protrude from a middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body toward the one direction, and the other protruding portion provided to protrude from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body toward the other direction, and the tilting means may include one tilting means disposed at a position facing the one protruding portion and the other tilting means disposed at a position facing the other protruding portion.

[0012] Preferably, the tilting means is an airbag capable of expanding and contracting, and the airbag may include one airbag disposed at a position facing the one protruding portion and the other airbag disposed at a position facing the other protruding portion.

[0013] Preferably, the seesaw mechanism is configured such that when the one airbag expands and presses the one protruding portion, the massage rod body is tilted in the other direction or the one direction, and when the other airbag expands and presses the other protruding portion, the massage rod body is tilted in the one direction or the other direction.

[0014] Preferably, the treatment element is a roller body that rolls against the first treatment portion to perform a pressing massage.

[0015] Preferably, a receiving surface capable of holding the first treatment portion is formed on the base on which the massage rod body is disposed, and an opening is provided in the receiving surface that is opened to an extent that the massage rod body protrudes outward and is swingable. Protrusions are provided at the periphery of the opening, and the height of the protrusions is set higher than when the massage rod body is tilted and lower than when the massage rod body is upright.

[0016] Preferably, it has a pair of sandwiching massage members that perform a massage for sandwiching a second treatment part located on the side of the first treatment part from the side, and between the pair of sandwiching massage members, the massage rod body is provided. In a state where the second treatment part is sandwiched by the pair of sandwiching massage members, the massage rod body is swung to perform a pressing massage on the first treatment part.

[0017] Preferably, it has a pushing-in massage member that performs a massage for pressing a second treatment part located facing the first treatment part toward the first treatment part side. At a position facing the pushing-in massage member, the massage rod body is provided. In a state where the second treatment part is pressed by the pushing-in massage member, the massage rod body is swung to perform a pressing massage on the first treatment part.

[0018] Preferably, the massage member for treating the second treatment part is a second airbag, which is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means. After inflating the second airbag, the airbag constituting the tilting means is configured to be inflated.

[0019] Preferably, the auxiliary airbag is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means. After inflating the auxiliary airbag, the airbag constituting the tilting means is configured to be inflated.

[0020] The massage machine according to the present invention includes the above-described pressing massage mechanism, and the pressing massage mechanism is provided in a pair so as to correspond to the first treatment parts respectively existing on the left and right of the user. The pair of massage rod bodies are connected by a connecting body extending in a direction along the pivot shaft.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine of the present invention, by configuring the pressing massage mechanism in a simple structure and enabling a massage that strongly presses against the treatment part, an effective pressing massage can be performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] In the embodiment of the pressing massage mechanism 6 of the present invention described below, the pressing massage mechanism 6 is arranged below in the lower limb massage machine 1, and a mechanism that performs pressing massage to acupressure the sole U (arch A) of the user's foot will be described as an example. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of embodying the present invention, and does not limit the configuration of the present invention with its specific examples.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the lower limb is defined as the part from the foot F to the shin, and the lower limb massage machine 1 massages from the foot F to the shin. The foot F refers to the part of the lower limb that is below the ankle and extends from the heel to the sole U to the toes. Also, the shin refers to the part below the knee and above the ankle.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the sole U of the user is regarded as the first treatment part, and the foot F of the user is regarded as the second treatment part.

[0027] Also, regarding the front-back, left-right, and other directions of the lower limb massage machine 1, it is as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. This is consistent with the direction seen from a user sitting on a chair or the like with the lower limb inserted into the lower limb massage machine 1. In the following description, the directions shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be used as the directions when explaining the lower limb massage machine 1. Also, regarding the drawings, for clarity, some of the components are omitted or drawn using phantom lines or the like.

[0028] Note that the pressing massage mechanism 6 of the present invention may also target other parts. For example, the pressing massage mechanism 6 can be arranged behind the shin and be a mechanism that performs pressing massage to acupressure the shin. Also, the pressing massage mechanism 6 of the present invention can be, for example, arranged behind the user's shoulder and be a mechanism that performs pressing massage to acupressure the shoulder. It is also possible to arrange the pressing massage mechanism 6 behind the user's shoulder and be a mechanism that performs pressing massage to acupressure the shoulder, or the palm (back of the hand and palm) can be used as the treatment part.

[0029] The pressing massage mechanism 6 of the present invention can be installed not only in the exemplary lower limb massage machine 1 but also in various massage machines, and is configured to be able to perform pressing massage on various treatment parts. [First Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower limb massage machine 1 of the first embodiment uses the left and right lower limbs of the user as the objects (treatment parts) of massage, and is configured to be able to simultaneously perform a massage in which the lower leg to the foot F constituting the lower limb is sandwiched and kneaded, and a pressing massage such as acupressure on the sole U (arch A).

[0030] The lower limb massage machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a case body 3 having treatment recesses 2L and 2R into which the left and right lower limbs (lower leg to foot F) of the user can be inserted, massage means 4 (foot air bags and lower leg air bags) for applying a kneading massage to the left and right feet and lower legs of the user, and a pressing massage mechanism 6 for applying a pressing massage to the sole U.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the case body 3 is a horizontally long, vertically long rectangle or square when viewed from the front, and is a boot-shaped housing when viewed from the side. The case body 3 has a bottom plate member 3a in which the pressing massage mechanism 6 is arranged, and an upper cover body 3b arranged above the bottom plate member 3a.

[0032] In the upper cover body 3b (case body 3), treatment recesses 2L and 2R that are open upward and forward are arranged side by side with a space therebetween. In the first embodiment, the left and right feet can be moved from the front to the back and inserted into the left and right treatment recesses 2L and 2R. Further, an inner lining material (not shown) is provided inside the treatment recesses 2L and 2R.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, massage means 4a for massaging the left and right feet from the side is provided at the lower part of each of the left and right treatment recesses 2L and 2R. In the first embodiment, a foot air bag 4a is adopted as the massage means 4a.

[0034] The foot air bags 4a are arranged in a pair on the left and right so as to sandwich the feet from the left and right sides. The foot air bags 4a are inflated by pressurized air from a compressor and repeatedly contract by releasing the air, thereby performing a massage of pressing and kneading on the feet. Note that the massage means 4a may be a plate-shaped massage member that performs a massage of sandwiching and kneading the feet from the left and right.

[0035] In addition, massage means 4b for massaging the left and right shins from the side are provided above each of the left and right treatment recesses 2L and 2R. In the first embodiment, shin air bags 4b are employed as the massage means 4b.

[0036] The shin air bags 4b are arranged in a pair on the left and right. The shin air bags 4b are shaped to wrap around from the side to the rear and sandwich the shins from the left and right sides and the rear. The shin air bags 4b are inflated by pressurized air from a compressor and repeatedly contract by releasing the air, thereby performing a massage of pressing and kneading on the shins. Note that the massage means 4b may be a plate-shaped massage member that performs a massage of sandwiching and kneading the shins from the left and right.

[0037] Furthermore, plate-shaped bases 5 are provided at the bottoms of the left and right treatment recesses 2L and 2R. Pressing massage mechanisms 6 for performing a pressing massage on the soles U of the feet are provided on the bases 5 on the left and right respectively.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the pressing massage mechanism 6 of the first embodiment is provided in the lower limb massage machine 1 and performs a pressing massage on the first treatment part (sole U of the foot). Note that the pressing massage mechanism 6 of the first embodiment has a rigidity that can withstand the load applied from the feet F.

[0039] The pressing massage mechanisms 6 are provided in a pair on the left and right on the base 5 arranged on the bottom plate member 3a (inside the massage machine 1) of the case body 3 in order to perform a pressing massage on the left and right soles U of the feet (in other words, the insteps A). [Right side pressure massage mechanism] In the following description, attention will be focused on the pressure massage mechanism 6R disposed on the right side of the base 5.

[0040] The pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure pressing section 6R) of the first embodiment has a massage rod body 7R that can swing between one side and the other, a treatment element 8R that is provided at the tip of the massage rod body 7R and performs a pressure massage on the sole U (first treatment section), a pivot shaft 9R whose axis is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the swinging direction of the massage rod body 7R and pivots the base end of the massage rod body 7R so that it can swing freely, a support member 10R that is provided on the base 5 and supports the pivot shaft 9R, and a swing mechanism 11R that swings the massage rod body 7R between one direction and the other direction.

[0041] In the first embodiment, "one direction" is the forward direction, and "the other direction" is the backward direction. In addition, the "swinging direction" of the massage bar body 7 in the first embodiment is the front-to-back direction. In addition, the axial direction of the pivot shaft 9 in the first embodiment, "the direction perpendicular to the swinging direction," is horizontal and in the left-to-right direction.

[0042] 2 to 5, the right massage rod 7R in the first embodiment is a vertically long massage member that can swing back and forth. The right massage rod 7R swings back and forth in the same manner as the left massage rod 7L, which will be described later.

[0043] A through-hole is provided at the base end (lower end) of the right massage rod 7R, with the axis of the through-hole being horizontal and facing the left-right direction, and the right pivot shaft 9R is disposed passing through the through-hole.

[0044] On the other hand, a right treatment element 8R is provided at the tip (upper end) of the right massage rod 7R, which applies pressure massage to the sole U. The right massage rod 7R is disposed so as to protrude upward from an opening 27R (described later) toward the sole U. The right massage rod 7R has sufficient rigidity to withstand the load applied from the foot.

[0045] The right treatment element 8R performs a pressing massage so as to apply acupressure to the sole U. Therefore, the right treatment element 8R of the first embodiment has a predetermined thickness and a round tip (a shape like a thumb). Note that the right treatment element 8R may be provided with small protrusions on the outer peripheral side.

[0046] The right pivot shaft 9R of the first embodiment is arranged with its axis horizontal and facing the left - right direction (a direction orthogonal to the swinging direction of the right massage rod body 7). The right pivot shaft 9R is longer than the width of the right massage rod body 7R. The right pivot shaft 9R is inserted into a through - hole provided at the proximal end (lower end) of the right massage rod body 7R. The right pivot shaft 9R pivotally supports the right massage rod body 7R so as to be swingable in the front - rear direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the right support member 10R is a plate - shaped member and is provided upright on the base 5. A pair of right and left support members 10R are provided at a predetermined interval. The interval between the pair of right and left support members 10R is longer than the width of the right massage rod body 7R and does not exceed the length of the right pivot shaft 9R.

[0048] A through - hole is provided in the upper part of the support member 10R. The through - hole is provided with its axis horizontal and facing the left - right direction, and the right pivot shaft 9R passes through and is arranged. The support member 10R supports the right pivot shaft 9R that pivotally supports the right massage rod body 7R so as to be swingable.

[0049] The right massage rod body 7R is arranged between the pair of right and left support members 10R. Also, on the base 5 and outside the pair of right and left support members 10R, a screw - fixing hole portion (not shown) for fixing the right tilting means 13R described later is formed.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, although details will be described later, the right massage rod body 7R of the first embodiment is a seesaw mechanism that swings in the front - rear direction around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R by the operation of the right tilting means 13R added to the right projecting portion 12R that constitutes the right swinging mechanism 11R.

[0051] The swing mechanism 11R on the right side of the first embodiment includes a right protruding portion 12R provided in a protruding manner on the massage rod body 7R, and a tilting means 13R for tilting the massage rod body 7R via the right protruding portion 12R.

[0052] The right protruding portion 12R (right engaging portion 12R) on the right side of the first embodiment is arranged in pairs in the front-rear direction. The right protruding portion 12R of the first embodiment has a shape that protrudes like an eaves from the right massage rod body 7R in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction in order to receive the force when the right front airbag 13R described later expands.

[0053] Specifically, the right protruding portion 12R includes one protruding portion 14R (sometimes referred to as the right front protruding portion 14R) that protrudes from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body 7R toward one direction (front direction), and the other protruding portion 15R (sometimes referred to as the right rear protruding portion 15R) that protrudes from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body 7R toward the other direction (rear direction) and is provided at a position facing the one protruding portion 14R with the massage rod body 7R interposed therebetween.

[0054] The right front protruding portion 14R (one protruding portion 14R) is provided on the right massage rod body 7R so as to protrude horizontally forward. The right front protruding portion 14R (right front engaging piece 14R) is provided to protrude long horizontally and forward from the front wall surface of the right massage rod body 7R.

[0055] In addition, the right front protruding portion 14R of the first embodiment protrudes wide left and right. This right front protruding portion 14R has a certain width in order to receive the force when the right front airbag 16R (details will be described later) expands. That is, the right front protruding portion 14R has a shape like an eaves that protrudes long horizontally and forward from the right massage rod body 7R.

[0056] The right massage rod 7R tilts rearward as the eave-shaped right front overhang 14R is pushed up by the force generated when the right front airbag 16R inflates. The right rear airbag 17R (details of which will be described later) contracts.

[0057] The right rear protrusion 15R (the other protrusion 15R) is provided on the right massage rod body 7R so as to protrude horizontally toward the rear. The right rear protrusion 15R (right rear engagement piece 15R) is provided so as to protrude horizontally and rearward for a long distance from the rear wall surface of the right massage rod body 7R.

[0058] In addition, the right rear protruding portion 15R in the first embodiment protrudes widely to the left and right. This right rear protrusion 15R has a certain width to receive the force when the right rear airbag 17R is inflated. In other words, the right rear protrusion 15R has an eave-like shape that protrudes horizontally and rearward from the right massage bar body 7R.

[0059] The right rear protrusion 15R in the shape of a canopy is pushed up by the force generated when the right rear airbag 17R inflates, causing the right massage rod 7R to tilt forward. Meanwhile, the right front airbag 16R contracts.

[0060] That is, the right front protruding portion 14R and the right rear protruding portion 15R have the same shape as a mirror image of each other, and are provided at positions facing each other with the right massage bar body 7R in between.

[0061] The right tilting means 13R is provided in a pair in the front-to-rear direction. In the first embodiment, the right tilting means 13R is made up of a right front tilting means 16R (one tilting means 16R) provided at a position facing the right front overhang 14R, and a right rear tilting means 17R (the other tilting means 17R) provided at a position facing the right rear overhang 15R.

[0062] The right front tilting means 16R is provided on a base 5 arranged on the bottom plate member 3a of the case body 3, and pushes the right front protruding portion 14R upward and obliquely rearward, thereby tilting the right massage rod body 7R rearward.

[0063] The right rear tilting means 17R is provided on a base 5 arranged on the bottom plate member 3a of the case body 3, and pushes the right rear protrusion 15R upward and obliquely forward, thereby tilting the right massage rod body 7R forward.

[0064] 2 to 5, the tilting means 13R of the first embodiment employs an airbag 13R that can be inflated and deflated. The right airbag 13R repeatedly inflates with pressurized air from a compressor and then deflates as the air is released.

[0065] The right airbag 13R in the first embodiment is arranged in a pair in the front-rear direction, and is arranged below the right protruding portion 12R, which protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions from the massage bar body 7R like an eave.

[0066] Specifically, the right-side airbag 13R consists of one airbag 16R (right front airbag 16R) that is arranged on the base 5 and in a position facing one of the protrusions 14R (right front protrusion 14R), and the other airbag 17R (right rear airbag 17R) that is arranged on the base 5 and in a position facing the other protrusion 15R (right rear protrusion 15R).

[0067] The right front airbag 16R pushes the right front protruding portion 14R upward and diagonally rearward, tilting the right massage bar 7R rearward. The right front airbag 16R repeatedly inflates and deflates in synchronization with the left front airbag 16L, which will be described later.

[0068] The right front airbag 16R is disposed between the right front protruding portion 14R and the base 5 in the vertical direction. The right front airbag 16R of the first embodiment is a member that is longer in the left-right direction than the right front protruding portion 14R.

[0069] Also, the right front airbag 16R of the first embodiment is an airbag having a two-layer structure, although details will be described later. The right front airbag 16R has an integrated structure by a communication port 18R provided between the small airbag on the lower layer side and the small airbag on the upper layer side. The communication port 18R allows the pressurized air supplied from a compressor (not shown) to pass through.

[0070] On the upper surface of the right front airbag 16R (the side located at the center within the lower limb massager 1), an air vent 19R for introducing and discharging pressurized air is provided. An air hose 20 is attached to the air vent 19R. The air hose 20 is connected to a compressor that pressurizes and supplies air in order to inflate the right front airbag 16R.

[0071] The right rear airbag 17R pushes out the right rear protruding portion 15R upward and obliquely forward, causing the right massage rod body 7R to tilt forward. The right rear airbag 17R repeats inflation and contraction in synchronization with the left rear airbag 17L described later.

[0072] The right rear airbag 17R is disposed between the right rear protruding portion 15R and the base 5 in the vertical direction. The right rear airbag 17R of the first embodiment is a member that is longer in the left-right direction than the right rear protruding portion 15R.

[0073] Also, the right rear airbag 17R of the first embodiment is an airbag having a two-layer structure, similar to the right front airbag 16R. The right rear airbag 17R has an integrated structure by a communication port 21R provided between the small airbag on the lower layer side and the small airbag on the upper layer side. The communication port 21R allows the pressurized air supplied from a compressor (not shown) to pass through.

[0074] An air outlet 22R for introducing and discharging pressurized air is provided on the upper surface of the right rear airbag 17R (the side located at the center of the lower leg massage machine 1). An air hose 23 is attached to the air outlet 22R. The air hose 23 is connected to a compressor that pressurizes and supplies air to inflate the right rear airbag 17R.

[0075] That is, the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R have the same shape but are mirror images of each other, and are provided at positions facing each other in the front and rear so as to sandwich the right massage bar body 7R therebetween.

[0076] Furthermore, the configuration of the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R and the positions where they are fixed to the base 5 will be specifically described.

[0077] The airbags 16R and 17R of this embodiment are configured as two small airbags stacked on top of each other and connected to each other. This configuration allows them to inflate quickly and increase the height when inflated, allowing the right massage rod body 7R to swing back and forth more quickly.

[0078] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, a configuration in which two small airbags are stacked on top of each other is adopted for the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R in the first embodiment. The airbag 16R located on the right front side and the airbag 17R located on the right rear side are quickly alternately inflated, causing the right massage rod body 7R to swing back and forth quickly.

[0079] Specifically, in the first embodiment, one small airbag is made by overlapping two pieces of fabric and welding their edges together, and then two of these small airbags are overlapped, a hole is made in the center of each of the two facing pieces of fabric, and the edges of the hole are welded together to form a communication opening 18R, so that the two small airbags are in a communication state, thereby making the right front airbag 16R.

[0080] Similarly, two small airbags are stacked on top of each other, a hole is made in the center of each of the two opposing fabric bodies, and the edges of the hole are welded together to form a communication opening 21R, connecting the two small airbags to create the right rear airbag 17R.

[0081] In the right front airbag 16R, which has a two-layer structure with two overlapping small airbags, pressurized air is supplied and passes through the communication port 18R, and the upper and lower small airbags can increase the height when inflated, and can quickly push up the right front protruding portion 14R.

[0082] Similarly, in the right rear airbag 17R, which has a two-layer structure with two small airbags stacked on top of each other, pressurized air is supplied and passes through the communication port 21R, and the upper and lower small airbags are able to increase the height when inflated, thereby quickly pushing up the right rear protrusion 15R.

[0083] The rapid alternating inflation of the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R causes the right massage rod 7R to rapidly swing back and forth.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, when two small airbags are stacked to form the right front airbag 16R, a wide excess is left on both ends of one of the edges of the lower small airbag, and a mounting hole 24R is formed in the wide excess portion.

[0085] Similarly, when two small airbags are stacked to form the right rear airbag 17R, both ends of one of the edges of the lower small airbag are left wide and the mounting holes 25R are formed in the wide portions. The mounting holes 25R are formed so that they can overlap the mounting holes 24R.

[0086] That is, two mounting holes 24R are formed at a distance from each other on one side of the lower small airbag, on the rear edge in the case of the right front airbag 16R, and two mounting holes 25R are formed at a distance from each other on the front edge in the case of the right rear airbag 17R.

[0087] The two right-side airbags 16R, 17R are fixed to the base 5 using screws (not shown) by overlapping the two mounting holes 24R provided in the right front airbag 16R with the two mounting holes 25R provided in the right rear airbag 17R and aligning them with the screw holes in the base 5.

[0088] Regarding the mounting positions of the two right airbags 16R and 17R by screws, in the first embodiment, the screw holes for fixing the two right airbags 16R and 17R are provided on the base 5. The support members 10R are formed on the outer sides (approximately at the center of the base 5) of a pair of support members 10R provided on the base 5.

[0089] The mounting holes 24R of the right front airbag 16R and the mounting holes 25R of the right rear airbag 17R are provided at positions that match the screw holes of the base 5.

[0090] Only one small airbag, which is located below each of the two right airbags 16R, 17R, is fixed to the base 5 by aligning the screw holes in the base 5 with the mounting holes 24R, 25R with screws. These two right airbags 16R, 17R are attached to the base 5 below the right massage rod 7R.

[0091] As described above, by fixing only the small airbag below the right massage rod 7R to the base 5, the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R inflate faster and larger. The right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R inflate alternately faster and larger, which also increases the speed at which the right massage rod 7R swings back and forth.

[0092] The right front and rear airbags 16R and 17R may be a single airbag that can inflate to the same extent as the two small airbags stacked on top of each other. The right tilting means 13R may be a mechanical type (for example, a cam and spring) that swings the right massage rod 7R.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the right-side pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure section 6R) allows the right massage rod body 7R to swing back and forth, so that the right treatment element 8R rubs (stretches) the entire right sole U (first treatment section) and presses upward at the center (arch A) of the right sole U, providing a pressure massage similar to strong acupressure.

[0094] In addition, the right-side pressure massage mechanism 6R of the first embodiment is capable of controlling the strength of inflation of the front and rear right-side airbags 16R, 17R, and the strength of pressure on the right sole U can be changed to suit the user's preference, thereby enhancing the feeling (effect) of pressure massage similar to finger pressure on the right sole U.

[0095] 1, 4, and 5, a receiving surface 26R (placing surface 26R) capable of supporting the sole U (first treatment unit) is provided above the pressure massage mechanism 6R. In other words, the bottom surface of the right treatment recess 2R serves as the receiving surface 26R on which the sole U is placed. An opening 27R that opens upward is provided on the receiving surface 26R.

[0096] The opening 27R is long in the front-to-rear direction. The right massage rod 7R passes through the opening 27R. More specifically, the upper side (the treatment element 8R side) of the right massage rod 7R above the right protruding portion 12R protrudes upward from the opening 27R toward the sole U. The opening 27R is opened wide enough to allow the right massage rod 7R to protrude and swing.

[0097] A plurality of protrusions 28R to 30R are provided on the periphery of the opening 27R, which can perform a pressure massage on the sole U. The first embodiment is characterized by the height of the rear protrusions 28R.

[0098] Conventionally, the weight of the feet (lower limbs) places a load on the right massage rod 7R, which may cause the right massage rod 7R to be pressed down and stopped during treatment, making it difficult to perform a smooth pressure massage.

[0099] In the first embodiment, since a large load is applied to the right massage rod body 7R on the heel side of the lower limb and the right massage rod body 7R is pressed down, the height of the rear protrusion 28R on the rear edge side of the opening 27R (the rear part of the receiving surface 26R) is set higher than when the right massage rod body 7R is inclined (rearward inclined).

[0100] Specifically, a plurality of rear protrusions 28R are provided on the rear edge side of the opening 27R (the rear part of the receiving surface 26R). Also, in the first embodiment, the height of the rear protrusion 28R is set higher than when the right massage rod body 7R is inclined and lower than when the right massage rod body 7R is upright (see (i) and (ii) in Fig. 5).

[0101] In addition, a plurality of middle protrusions 29R are provided on the left and right edge sides of the opening 27R (the center of the receiving surface 26R), and a plurality of front protrusions 30R are provided on the front edge side of the opening 27R (the front part of the receiving surface 26R). That is, at least two or more of the rear protrusion 28R to the protrusion 30R are provided on the receiving surface 26R. These middle protrusions 29R and front protrusions 30R are made lower than when the right massage rod body 7R is upright. are provided.

[0102] Note that the periphery of the opening 27R may have a shape that is connected so as to surround, such as a concavo-convex sawtooth wall, that is, the protrusions 28R to 30R are continuous. Also, the heights of the middle protrusions 29R and the front protrusions 30R may be the same as the height of the rear protrusion 28R.

[0103] When the right massage rod 7R is tilted by the rear projection 28R (which may include the middle projection 29R and the front projection 30R) having a predetermined height as described above, it will be located below the rear projection 28R. Therefore, it is possible to guard against the pushing-in (overload) from the treatment part (foot part F) to the right massage rod 7R and prevent the swinging (rising) of the right massage rod 7R from being stopped. That is, by arranging projections (rear projection 28R, middle projection 29R, front projection 30R) around the right massage rod 7R, a part of the first treatment part is supported by the projections, and it is possible to avoid as much as possible the inconvenience that the movement of the right massage rod 7R is inhibited due to losing to the load (pushing force) from the treatment part. The same applies to the left massage rod 7L described later.

[0104] Now, the lower limb massage machine 1 of the first embodiment has a pair of left and right sandwiching massage members 4a (in the first embodiment, foot air bags 4a) that perform massage by sandwiching the foot part F (the second treatment part) from the left and right. Between the pair of left and right sandwiching massage members 4a (foot air bags 4a), a pressing massage mechanism 6R (sole acupoint pressing part 6R) is arranged.

[0105] The pressing massage mechanism 6R of the first embodiment is configured to perform a pressing massage in which, with the second treatment part (foot part F) sandwiched by the pair of left and right sandwiching massage members 4a (foot air bags 4a), the right massage rod 7R is swung back and forth, and acupressure is performed on the sole U (the first treatment part) with the right treatment element 8R.

[0106] By configuring the pressing massage mechanism 6R as described above, it is possible to hold the right foot part F fixed, and while rubbing the entire sole U of the right foot with the right treatment element 8R of the right massage rod 7R, push it upward at the center (arch A) of the right sole U and perform a pressing massage with strong acupressure more effectively.

[0107] Furthermore, by inflating the pair of left and right airbags 4a and then inflating the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R to drive the right massage rod body 7R, smooth back and forth swinging of the right massage rod body 7R can be achieved, and inconveniences such as the movement of the right massage rod body 7R being hindered by the load from the first treatment section can be avoided as much as possible. The reasons are as follows:

[0108] As shown in FIG. 7, air supplied from the air pump 36 passes through the solenoid valve 38, inflating the pair of left and right airbags 4a and filling them with high-pressure air. Then, by opening the solenoid valve 37a, the air pump 36 sends air to the right front airbag 16R, which constitutes the tilting mechanism 13R. At the same time, the solenoid valve 38 is also open, so that the high-pressure air in the pair of left and right airbags 4a flows into the right front airbag 16R via the solenoid valve 37a, causing the right front airbag 16R to inflate in a short time. Therefore, the right massage rod 7R immediately begins to move rearward, achieving smooth movement relative to the soles of the feet. Then, the solenoid valve 37a is set to the exhaust state, and air is sent to the right rear airbag 17R via the solenoid valve 37b. At the same time, the solenoid valve 38 is also open, so that the high-pressure air in the pair of left and right airbags 4a flows into the right rear airbag 17R through the solenoid valve 37b, causing the right rear airbag 17R to inflate in a short time. As a result, the right massage rod 7R immediately starts moving forward, achieving smooth movement relative to the soles of the feet.

[0109] In order to surely realize such an operation, it is preferable to provide an additional airbag (auxiliary airbag 39) in the piping system connecting the air pump 36, a pair of left and right airbags 4a, the right front airbag 16R, and the right rear airbag 17R. Specifically, the auxiliary airbag 39 may be provided in the pipe connecting the air pump 36 and the solenoid valves 37a and 37b (in other words, the upstream of the solenoid valves 37a and 37b). Since this auxiliary airbag 39 is not an airbag for performing the treatment, it can also be considered as a buffer airbag.

[0110] The air supplied from the air pump 36 inflates the pair of left and right airbags 4a through the open solenoid valve 38 and also inflates the auxiliary airbag 39, filling the pair of left and right airbags 4a and the auxiliary airbag 39 with high-pressure air. Then, by opening the solenoid valve 37a, air is sent to the right front airbag 16R. At the same time, the high-pressure air in the auxiliary airbag 39 also flows into the right front airbag 16R, causing the right front airbag 16R to inflate in a short time. Conversely, by opening the solenoid valve 37b, the high-pressure air in the auxiliary airbag 39 flows into the right rear airbag 17R, causing the right rear airbag 17R to inflate in a short time.

[0111] By doing so, it is possible to alternately inflate the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R without weakening the pressing force of the pair of left and right airbags 4a that sandwich the feet, and it becomes possible to immediately move the right massage rod body 7 against the load from the treatment part.

[0112] The same applies to the left front airbag 16L and the left rear airbag 17L. In the configuration described later, that is, in the configuration using the pressing massage member (the airbag 35 that presses the instep), it is substantially the same when the massage rod body 7 is swung back and forth.

[0113] It is also preferable to provide only auxiliary airbags upstream of the solenoid valves 37a and 37b in the piping system connecting the air pump to the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R, thereby achieving the above-mentioned advantageous effects. [Operation mode] Next, the operation of the pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure point pressing section 6R) provided in the lower leg massage machine 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 5(a) to 5(c).

[0114] As shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c), the right massage rod body 7R swings back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R like a seesaw by repeatedly tilting alternately between the forward and backward directions.

[0115] First, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the right front airbag 16R, which is inflated by the pressurized air sent therein, pushes the right front protrusion 14R, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt rearward. At this time, the right rear airbag 17R is deflated by venting air.

[0116] Specifically, when pressurized air is supplied from the compressor to the right front airbag 16R, causing it to inflate upward, and air is discharged to cause the right rear airbag 17R to contract, the right front airbag 16R pushes the right front protrusion 14R upward and diagonally rearward. After the right front protrusion 14R passes through the state shown in Figure 5(b), the right massage rod 7R rotates around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R and tilts rearward.

[0117] When the pressurized air is supplied to the right front airbag 16R, it passes through the communication port 18R, causing the first and second small airbags to inflate almost simultaneously. In this way, the right front airbag 16R to which the pressurized air is supplied quickly inflates vertically. This inflation of the right front airbag 16R pushes up the right front protrusion 14R, causing the right massage rod 7R to tilt rearward.

[0118] On the other hand, the right rear airbag 17R is pressed down as the air pressure is released and the right rear protrusion 15R tries to move downward, causing the air to escape and the air to deflate. Note that the right rear airbag 17R may also be deflated by forcibly discharging the air inside the airbag.

[0119] Thereafter, pressurized air is sent into the right rear airbag 17R to inflate the right rear airbag 17R, which then inflates and pushes up the right rear protruding portion 15R, as shown in FIG.

[0120] At the same time, the air pressure in the right front airbag 16R is released, the right front protrusion 14R moves downward, and the air in the right front airbag 16R is released, causing the right front airbag 16R to deflate. Note that the air in the right front airbag 16R may also be forcibly discharged to cause the air to deflate.

[0121] As pressurized air continues to be sent to the right rear airbag 17R, the inflated right rear airbag 17R presses the right rear overhang 15R, causing the right rear airbag 17R to inflate and tilt the right massage bar 7R forward, as shown in Figure 5(c). At this time, the right front airbag 16R is no longer pressurized and the right front overhang 14R moves downward, causing air to be discharged and the right front airbag 16R to deflate.

[0122] Thereafter, when pressurized air is supplied to the right front airbag 16R again and the right front airbag 16R is inflated, the right front airbag 16R pushes the right front protruding portion 14R upward and obliquely rearward.

[0123] Then, after passing through the state shown in FIG. 5(b), the right front protruding portion 14R moves rearward again, causing the right massage rod body 7R to rotate around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R and tilt rearward, as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0124] As described above, the right massage rod body 7R rocks back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R like a seesaw by alternately repeating the tilting between the forward direction and the backward direction. The right treatment element 8R applies an effective pressing massage that pushes upward against the sole U (arch A) of the right foot F and strongly applies acupressure while rubbing the whole.

[0125] That is, the pressing massage mechanism 6R of the first embodiment is a seesaw mechanism in which the right front airbag 16R repeats the operation of pushing out the right front protruding portion 14R and the right rear airbag 17R repeats the operation of pushing out the right rear protruding portion 15R, so that the right massage rod body 7R provided with the right treatment element 8R tilts back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R. In this seesaw structure, due to the rapid alternating inflation of the front and rear airbags 16R and 17R on the right side, the right massage rod body 7R swings back and forth quickly (see the thick and thin arrows in FIG. 5).

[0126] Note that the right rear airbag 17R and the right front airbag 16R may be inflated simultaneously, and the right massage rod body 7R may be stopped in the upright state as shown in FIG. 5(b). By stopping the right massage rod body 7R in the upright state in this way, an effective pressing massage can be applied to the sole U of the right foot F.

[0127] Also, the right rear airbag 17R and the right front airbag 16R can be provided on the upper surface side of the right rear protruding portion 15R and the right front protruding portion 14R. In this case, when the right rear airbag 17R is inflated, the right rear protruding portion 15R is pushed downward, and the right massage rod body 7R tilts backward. When the right front airbag 16R is inflated, the right front protruding portion 14R is pushed downward, and the right massage rod body 7R tilts forward. [Left pressing massage mechanism] Next, we will explain the pressure massage mechanism 6L (sole acupressure pressing unit 6L) arranged on the left side of the base 5. Since the left and right feet (lower limbs) are line-symmetrical, the pressure massage mechanism 6L on the left side has the same configuration (mirror-inverted configuration) as the pressure massage mechanism 6R on the right side. We will explain the configuration of the left sole acupressure pressing unit 6L only briefly.

[0128] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pressure massage mechanism 6L of the first embodiment includes a massage rod body 7L that can swing back and forth, a treatment head 8L attached to the tip of the massage rod body 7L, a pivot shaft 9L whose axis faces left and right and pivots the base end of the massage rod body 7L so that it can swing freely, a support member 10L attached to the base 5 and supporting the pivot shaft 9L, and a swinging mechanism 11L that swings the massage rod body 7L back and forth.

[0129] The left massage rod 7L in the first embodiment, like the right massage rod 7R, has a seesaw mechanism that swings back and forth around the axis of the left pivot shaft 9L. The massage rod 7L swings back and forth in unison with the massage rod 7R. A left treatment element 8L that applies pressure to the sole of the foot is provided at the tip (upper end) of the left massage rod 7L. The left massage rod 7L has enough rigidity to withstand the load applied from the foot.

[0130] The left pivot shaft 9L in the first embodiment is arranged with its axis horizontally facing the left-right direction and penetrates the base end of the left massage rod body 7L. The left pivot shaft 9L pivotally supports the left massage rod body 7L so that it can swing in the front-rear direction. A pair of left support members 10L are provided on the left and right of the base 5 and support the left pivot shafts 9L that pivotally support the left massage rod body 7L so that it can swing.

[0131] 2 and 3, the left swing mechanism 11L of the first embodiment has a left protruding part 12L provided on the massage rod body 7L in a protruding shape, and a left tilting means 13L that tilts the massage rod body 7L via the left protruding part 12L. The left tilting means 13L of the first embodiment uses an inflatable and deflated airbag 13L.

[0132] The left overhanging portion 12L (left engaging portion 12L) of the first embodiment is provided so as to protrude forward from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the left massage rod body 7L, and includes a left front overhanging portion 14L (left front engaging piece 14L) and a left rear overhanging portion 15L provided so as to protrude rearward from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the left massage rod body 7L and facing the left front overhanging portion 14L with the left massage rod body 7L interposed therebetween.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, etc., the left airbag 13L on the left side of the first embodiment includes a left front airbag 16L disposed on the base 5 and facing the left front overhanging portion 14L, and a left rear airbag 17L disposed on the base 5 and facing the left rear overhanging portion 15L.

[0134] Further, the left front airbag 16L of the first embodiment is an airbag having the same two-layer structure as the right front airbag 16R, and a communication port 18L through which pressurized air can pass is provided between the lower layer and the upper layer. An attachment hole portion 24L for fixing the left front airbag 16R to the base 5 is formed at one edge (rear edge) of the left front airbag 16L. An air supply port 19L is provided on the upper surface of the left front airbag 16L, and an air hose 20 is attached to the air supply port 19L.

[0135] The left rear airbag 17L of the first embodiment is an airbag having the same two-layer structure as the right rear airbag 17R, and a communication port 21L through which pressurized air can pass is provided between the lower layer and the upper layer. An attachment hole portion 25L for fixing the rear airbag 17R to the base 5 is formed at one edge (front edge) of the left rear airbag 17L. An air supply port 22L is provided on the upper surface of the left rear airbag 17L, and an air hose 23 is attached to the air supply port 22L.

[0136] The left pressing massage mechanism 6L (sole acupoint pressing part 6L) of the first embodiment enables the left massage rod body 7L to swing in the front-rear direction. As a result, the left treatment element 8L can perform a pressing massage that strongly acupresses while rubbing the entire left sole (the first treatment part) and pushing it upward at the center (the instep) of the left sole.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 1, for the opening 27L, rear protrusion 28L, middle protrusion 29L, front protrusion 30L, etc. provided on the left receiving surface 26L (the bottom surface of the left treatment recess 2L), they have the same shape and the same arrangement as the opening 27R, rear protrusion 28R, middle protrusion 29R, front protrusion 30R provided on the right receiving surface 26R.

[0138] The left pressing massage mechanism 6L of the first embodiment is configured to perform a pressing massage in which the left massage rod body 7L is swung in the front-rear direction while the second treatment part (the foot part) is sandwiched by a pair of left and right sandwiching massage members 4a (foot air bags 4a), and acupressure is applied to the sole (the first treatment part) with the left treatment element 8L. As a result, a more effective pressing massage can be performed on the sole. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the second embodiment of the pressing massage mechanisms 6L and 6R of the present invention.

[0139] The left and right pressing massage mechanisms 6L and 6R of the second embodiment are substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, but differ in that they are configured to swing the left and right massage rod bodies 7L and 7R simultaneously in the front-rear direction by swing mechanisms 11L and 11R, that is, they are provided with a connecting body 31 that connects the left and right massage rod bodies 7L and 7R and swings them synchronously.

[0140] In addition, in the pressing massage mechanism 6 of the second embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same parts as the configuration of the first embodiment are omitted.

[0141] As shown in Figure 6, the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, has a massage rod body 7 with a treatment head 8 at its tip and capable of swinging back and forth, a pivot shaft 9 that pivots the massage rod body 7 so that it can swing freely, and a swinging mechanism 11 that swings the massage rod body 7 back and forth.

[0142] The swing mechanism 11 of the second embodiment has a protruding portion 12 provided in a protruding shape on the massage rod body 7 and an airbag 13 that tilts the massage rod body 7 via the protruding portion 12.

[0143] The protruding portion 12 (engaging portion 12) of the second embodiment is a front protruding portion 14 (front engaging piece 14) that protrudes forward from the longitudinal midpoint of the massage rod body 7, and the massager The massage rod 7 has a rear projection 15 projecting rearward from the middle of the massage rod 7 in the longitudinal direction and provided at a position opposite the front projection 14 with the massage rod 7 in between.

[0144] The airbag 13 of the second embodiment comprises a front airbag 16 arranged at a position facing the front protruding portion 14 and a rear airbag 17 arranged at a position facing the rear protruding portion 15.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 6, in the second embodiment, a pair of pressure massage mechanisms 6L, 6R are arranged on the left and right at positions corresponding to the first treatment areas (soles) on the left and right of the user, and are connected by a connecting body 31.

[0146] Specifically, the massage rods 7L, 7R arranged on the left and right are connected by a connecting body 31 extending in the direction along the pivot shafts 9L, 9R. The connecting body 31 is a long rod arranged with its axis horizontal and facing the left-right direction. The connecting body 31 in the second embodiment is made of a round bar (solid round bar). The connecting body 31 may also be made of a hollow round bar. The connecting body 31 may also be made of a square bar (such as a square pipe or a solid square bar).

[0147] The thickness of the connector 31 is selected to withstand twisting and the like caused by the load applied from the foot, that is, the thickness and material are selected to provide rigidity.

[0148] The right side of the connecting body 31 in the second embodiment is connected to the portion where the base end of the right front overhang 14R of the right massage rod body 7R and the base end of the right rear overhang 15R meet. More specifically, a right through-hole 32R is formed in the portion where the base end of the right front overhang 14R and the base end of the right rear overhang 15R meet (above the right pivot shaft 9R). The right end of the connecting body 31 is inserted into the right through-hole 32R and screwed in place. The connecting body 31 is located above the right pivot shaft 9R and is approximately parallel to it.

[0149] The left side of the connector 31 is connected to the portion where the base end of the left front overhang 14L of the left massage rod 7L and the base end of the left rear overhang 15L meet. More specifically, a left through-hole 32L is formed in the portion where the base end of the left front overhang 14L and the base end of the left rear overhang 15L meet (above the left pivot shaft 9L). The left end of the connector 31 is inserted into the left through-hole 32L and screwed in place. The connector 31 is located above and substantially parallel to the left pivot shaft 9L.

[0150] The right massage rod 7R and the left massage rod 7L reliably swing back and forth in sync with each other thanks to the connecting member 31. The right massage element 8R applies pressure massage to the right sole of the foot, and the left massage element 8L applies pressure massage to the left sole of the foot.

[0151] More specifically, when pressurized air passing through the air hose 20 is supplied from below to the left and right front airbags 16L, 16R, the left and right front airbags 16L, 16R inflate, pushing up the left and right front protrusions 14L, 14R.

[0152] Meanwhile, the left and right rear airbags 17L, 17R are released from the air pressure and the left and right rear protrusions 15L, 15R descend, causing the air to be discharged and the airbags to deflate. This action causes the left and right massage rods 7L, 7R connected by the connector 31 to stand up and then simultaneously swing rearward.

[0153] Next, when the pressurized air that has passed through the air hose 23 is supplied from below to the left and right rear airbags 17L, 17R, the left and right rear airbags 17L, 17R inflate, causing the left and right rear protrusions 15L, 15R to be pushed up.

[0154] Meanwhile, the left and right front airbags 16L, 16R are no longer pressurized, and the left and right front protrusions 14L, 14R descend, releasing air and causing the air to be discharged and the airbags to deflate. This action causes the left and right massage rods 7L, 7R connected by the connector 31 to rise and then simultaneously swing forward.

[0155] This allows pressure massage to be effectively performed on the soles of the user's feet at the same time on both the left and right sides.

[0156] The treatment element 8 described in the first embodiment may be a roller that can rotate along the sole of the foot. Specifically, the roller may be a cylindrical or disc-shaped body. The roller may also be polygonal with rounded corners. The roller (treatment element 8) may also have small protrusions on its outer periphery.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 6, in the second embodiment, the treatment elements 8 are disc-shaped rollers that can rotate along the soles of the feet. The treatment elements 8 in the second embodiment are flat disc-shaped with a relatively thin thickness (width in the left-right direction), and are provided so that the outer periphery protrudes upward. The treatment elements 8 are preferably shaped so that they can perform a pressure massage, similar to finger pressure, on the soles of the feet while rotating.

[0158] This roller body is attached to the tip of the right support part 34R by a right support shaft 33R that coincides with the rotation axis of the right treatment element 8R, with the rotation axis of the right treatment element 8R being horizontal. Specifically, the right massage rod body 7R of the second embodiment is formed in a bifurcated shape, and the right treatment element 8R is arranged so that it is sandwiched between the two prongs at the tip and is rotatable by the right support shaft 33R. The right treatment element 8R is provided so that its outer periphery protrudes upward from the right support part 34R.

[0159] The left massaging element 8L of the roller body (disc body) also has a similar configuration, and the left massaging element 8L is held by being sandwiched between the tip end (left support part 34L) of the forked part, and is rotatable around the axis of the left support shaft 33L. The outer periphery of the left massaging element 8L is arranged so as to protrude upward from the left support part 34L.

[0160] In this way, by arranging the rotation axes (axes of the left and right support shafts 33L, 33R) of the left and right roller-shaped treatment members 8L, 8R so that they are approximately parallel to the pivot shafts 9L, 9R in the vertical direction, when the massage rod members 7L, 7R oscillate in the front-to-back direction, the roller-shaped treatment members 8L, 8R rotate.

[0161] This allows the left and right treatment members 8L, 8R, which are roller bodies, to move smoothly without getting caught on the soles of the feet, and allows for effective pressure massage while rolling over the soles. In other words, by making the left and right treatment members 8L, 8R roller bodies, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the inconvenience of the right massage rod member 7R being inhibited from moving due to the load from the treatment unit.

[0162] The left and right treatment elements 8L, 8R are not limited to the shapes exemplified in the first and second embodiments (such as a thumb-like shape with a rounded tip or a roller body (disk body)), but may have any shape that allows effective pressure massage (acupressure massage). For example, the left and right treatment elements 8L, 8R may be formed in a spherical shape. [Variations] The following are modified examples of the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the present invention. Note that the following modifications are merely examples, and the arrangement of the pressure massage mechanism 6 and its positional relationship with other massage members can be changed as appropriate depending on the area to be treated.

[0163] As a variant of the pressure massage mechanism 6, a structure can be considered in which a pressure massage member (e.g., airbag 35) is provided that massages the second treatment area (top of the foot) located opposite the first treatment area (sole) by pressing it toward the sole, and a massage rod body 7 is provided in a position opposite the pressure massage member.

[0164] It is preferable to configure the massage rod body 7 to oscillate while this pressing massage member is pressing against the second treatment area (top of the foot) (for example, pressing against the top of the foot from above), thereby performing a pressure massage on the first treatment area (sole of the foot).

[0165] This allows the top of the foot to be pressed into the pressing massage member, enabling the sole of the foot (first treatment area) to be massaged more effectively.The top of the foot (second treatment area) can also be massaged from above.

[0166] The swinging direction of the massage rods 7 of the pressure massage mechanism 6 can also be changed as appropriate. For example, "one direction" of the direction of the pressure massage mechanism 6 is the upward direction, and "the other direction" is the downward direction. In this case, the "direction perpendicular to the swinging direction" is the left-right direction. In other words, the axial direction of the pivot shaft 9 is horizontal and left-right. In other words, the pressure massage mechanism 6 may be configured so that the "swinging direction" of the massage rods 7 is the up-down direction.

[0167] In another arrangement, the "one direction" of the direction of the pressure massage mechanism 6 is the right direction, and the "other direction" is the left direction. The "swing direction" of the massage rod 7 is the up-down direction (vertical direction). In other words, the axial direction of the pivot shaft 9 is the up-down direction (vertical direction). In other words, the pressure massage mechanism 6 may be configured so that the "swing direction" of the massage rod 7 is the left-right direction.

[0168] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, matters not explicitly stated in the embodiments disclosed herein, such as operating conditions, operation conditions, dimensions and weights of components, etc., do not deviate from the scope of ordinary practice by a person skilled in the art, and are matters that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art.

[0169] For example, the length of the massage rod bodies 7L, 7R provided on the left and right pressing massage mechanisms 6L, 6R, the swing angle of the massage rod bodies 7L, 7R relative to the pivot axes 9L, 9R, the shape and size of the treatment elements 8L, 8R, the shape and size of the protrusions 12L, 12R, the configuration used as the tilting means 13L, 13R, the structure of the airbags 13L, 13R such as the size and speed of inflation, the shape and height of the protrusions 28L, 28R to 30L, 30R, and the distance between the left and right pressing massage mechanisms 6L, 6R can be changed as appropriate taking into account the treatment range. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Lower limb massager 5 Base 6 Pressure massage mechanism 7 Massage stick body 8 Treatment child 9 Pivot 10 Support member 11 Swing mechanism 12 Overhang 13 Airbag (tilting means) 14R Right front overhang 14L Left front extension 15R Right rear overhang 15L Left rear extension 16R Right front airbag 16L left front airbag 17R Right Rear Airbag 17L Left Rear Airbag 18R Communication Port 21R Communication Port 24R Mounting Hole Part 25R Mounting Hole Part 26R Receiving Surface 27R Opening 28R Rear Protrusion 31 Connecting Body U Insole (First Treatment Area) F Foot Part (Second Treatment Area) A Step

Claims

1. A pressing massage mechanism provided in a massage machine for performing pressing massage on a first treatment part, a massage rod having a treatment element at its tip for pressing the first treatment part; a pivot shaft provided at the proximal end of the massage rod for pivotally supporting the tip of the massage rod so as to be swingable; and a swing mechanism for swinging the massage rod between one direction and the other direction around the pivot shaft. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine, characterized in that.

2. The swing mechanism includes a protruding portion provided protruding from the massage rod, and a tilting means for tilting the massage rod via the protruding portion, and the massage rod is a seesaw mechanism that swings around the pivot shaft by the operation of the tilting means applied to the protruding portion. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The protruding portion includes one protruding portion provided to protrude from a middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod toward the one direction, and the other protruding portion provided to protrude from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod toward the other direction, and the tilting means includes one tilting means disposed at a position facing the one protruding portion, and the other tilting means disposed at a position facing the other protruding portion. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The tilting means is an airbag capable of expanding and contracting, and the airbag includes one airbag disposed at a position facing the one protruding portion, and the other airbag disposed at a position facing the other protruding portion. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The seesaw mechanism is configured such that when the one airbag expands and presses the one protruding portion, the massage rod is tilted in the other direction or the one direction, and when the other airbag expands and presses the other protruding portion, the massage rod is tilted in the one direction or the other direction. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to Claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The treatment element is a roller body that rolls and presses against the first treatment part to perform a pressing massage. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. On the base on which the massage rod body is provided, a receiving surface capable of receiving the first treatment part is formed. On the receiving surface, an opening is provided through which the massage rod body protrudes outward and is open to a width that allows it to swing. Protrusions are provided on the periphery of the opening. The height of the protrusion is set higher than when the massage rod body is inclined and lower than when the massage rod body is upright. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. It has a pair of sandwiching massage members that perform a massage for sandwiching a second treatment part located on the side of the first treatment part from the side. Between the pair of sandwiching massage members, the massage rod body is provided. In a state where the second treatment part is sandwiched by the pair of sandwiching massage members, the massage rod body is swung to perform a pressing massage on the first treatment part. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. It has a pushing massage member that performs a massage for pressing a second treatment part located facing the first treatment part toward the first treatment part side. At a position facing the pushing massage member, the massage rod body is provided. In a state where the second treatment part is pressed by the pushing massage member, the massage rod body is swung to perform a pressing massage on the first treatment part. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. The massage member for treating the second treatment part is a second airbag and is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means. After inflating the second airbag, the airbag constituting the tilting means is inflated. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage machine according to claim 8, characterized in that.

11. The massage member for treating the second treatment part is a second airbag and is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means. After inflating the second airbag, it is configured to inflate the airbag that constitutes the tilting means. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage apparatus according to claim 9, characterized by the above.

12. The auxiliary airbag is connected to the same piping system as the airbag that constitutes the tilting means, After inflating the auxiliary airbag, it is configured to inflate the airbag that constitutes the tilting means. The pressing massage mechanism provided in the massage apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized by the above.

13. A pair of the pressing massage mechanisms according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are arranged so as to correspond to the first treatment parts existing on the left and right of the user, The pair of massage rod bodies are connected by a connecting body extending in the direction along the pivot shaft. A massage apparatus, characterized by the above.

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