Massage machine

Abstract

To perform treatment on a heel of a person to be treated at an appropriate position.SOLUTION: A massage machine 100 includes a foot massage unit 1. The foot massage unit 1 includes an air bag 32 and rollers 52, 54. The air bag 32 includes an outside air bag. The outside air bag performs treatment on an outside surface at least in a horizontal direction of a heel of a person U to be treated. The rollers 52, 54 include rotation shafts 51, 53. The rotation shafts 51, 53 are arranged in the vicinity of the air bag 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Massage machines capable of treating the heels of a user have been known. For example, a chair-type massage machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 has heel treatment units that include heel treatment air cells for sandwiching and pressing the heels of a user from both the left and right sides.

[0003] As another example of prior art related to the present invention, Patent Document 2 discloses a chair-type massage machine in which an ottoman supporting the legs of a user has a rocking mechanism and a moving mechanism. The rocking mechanism rocks the ottoman left and right relative to the seat. The moving mechanism moves the foot body, which accommodates the user's toes, relative to the ottoman's lower leg support means. The rocking mechanism is driven to provide rocking treatment to the user's legs. At this time, to prevent the user's lower legs from coming into contact with the lower leg support means, the chair-type massage machine pushes the user's feet forward, for example, by inflating an airbag in the moving mechanism. This moves the lower legs out of the lower leg support means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-346273 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The heel of the user may be positioned away from the heel treatment portion. For example, if the user's foot is small, the heel of the user is likely to be positioned away from the heel treatment portion. Also, the heel may be moved away from the heel treatment portion due to rotation of a portion of the massage machine that supports parts other than the user's feet (e.g., an ottoman, a backrest, etc.). In such cases, it is difficult to properly treat the user's heel.

[0006] Furthermore, when the heel is located away from the heel treatment area, even if the foot of the person being treated is pushed forward as in Patent Document 2, the heel cannot be brought closer to the heel treatment area.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a massage to the heel of a user at an appropriate position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a foot massage unit. The foot massage unit has an airbag and a roller. The airbag has an outer airbag. The outer airbag massages at least the outer surface of the heel of the user in the left-right direction. The roller has a rotation axis located near the airbag.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following embodiments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the massage machine of the present invention, the heel of the user can be massaged at an appropriate position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Schematic perspective view of a chair-type massage machine [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the control system that controls the operation of the chair-type massage machine [Figure 3]External view of the foot massage unit [Figure 4] A perspective view of a foot massage unit [Figure 5A] A diagram showing a first example of sensor placement. [Figure 5B] A diagram showing a second example of sensor placement. [Figure 5C] A diagram showing a third example of sensor placement. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first treatment unit; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] 1 is a perspective view of a chair-type massage machine 100. Hereinafter, the chair-type massage machine 100 will be referred to as the "massage machine 100."

[0014] In the following description, the front side (front side) as viewed from the user U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined, which will be described later, is referred to as the "front side," and the rear side (back side) as viewed from the user U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined is referred to as the "rear side." Also, the upper side (head side) as viewed from the user U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined is referred to as the "upper side," and the lower side (leg side) as viewed from the user U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest 102 not reclined is referred to as the "lower side." In addition, the right side as seen from the user U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest portion 102 not reclined is referred to as the "right side," and the left side as seen from the user U seated on the massage machine 100 with the backrest portion 102 not reclined is referred to as the "left side."

[0015] <1. Massager> The massage machine 100 includes a seat portion 101, a backrest portion 102, a pair of left and right base portions 103, a pair of left and right armrest portions 104, an ottoman 105, and a foot massage unit 1.

[0016] The seat portion 101 supports the buttocks and thighs of the person U to be treated.

[0017] The backrest 102 is erected relative to the seat 101 and supports the head, torso (for example, shoulders, hips, and back) of the person U. The backrest 102 is attached to the rear end of the seat 101 so as to be rotatable around a reclining rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction. The backrest 102 can be tilted backward by rotating around the reclining rotation axis. A treatment unit 1021 is disposed on the backrest 102. The treatment unit 1021 can be raised and lowered along the backrest 102 in its longitudinal direction (for example, in the up-down direction) and treats the back of the person U.

[0018] The base portions 103 are provided upright on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 101 and support the armrest portions 104 .

[0019] The armrests 104 support the forearms and hands of the user U. The pair of armrests 104 on the left and right have symmetrical shapes.

[0020] The ottoman 105 is rotatably supported on the front end of the seat 101 and accommodates the lower legs and feet of the user U. The feet refer to the area below the ankles of the user U. The ottoman 105 is rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown) that extends in the left-right direction below the front end of the seat 101. An airbag (not shown) is provided in the ottoman 105. The lower legs of the user U are massaged by the inflation and deflation of the airbag. A foot massage unit 1 is also mounted on the ottoman 105. The foot massage unit 1 will be described later.

[0021] <2, Massager control system> Next, a description will be given of an example of the configuration of the control system of the massage machine 100. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system that controls the operation of the massage machine 100.

[0022] The massage machine 100 includes an operation unit 1061, a storage unit 1062, a control unit 107, an actuator group 1081, an air pump 1082, an electromagnetic valve group 1083, and the treatment unit 1021 described above.

[0023] The operation unit 1061 is an input device that allows the user U to select a treatment pattern, adjust the intensity of the treatment, and adjust the position of the heel, which will be described later. The operation unit 1061 is connected to the control unit 107 via a cord. The operation unit 1061 accepts operation inputs from the user U and the like, and outputs signals based on the operation inputs to the control unit 107. The operation unit 1061 can be attached to and detached from a stand (reference numeral omitted). The stand is fixed to the armrest 104 located on the left side of the seat 101.

[0024] The storage unit 1062 is a non-transitory storage medium that retains stored information even when power supply is stopped. The storage unit 1062 stores, for example, programs and data required for the control unit 107 to control the operation of the massage machine 100.

[0025] The control unit 107 is disposed, for example, below the seat 101, and controls each part of the massage machine 100 based on signals output from the operation unit 1061. For example, the control unit 107 controls the actuator group 1081, the air pump 1082, and the solenoid valve group 1083. Furthermore, the control unit 107 controls the foot massage unit 1 (for example, the second treatment unit 5 described later).

[0026] The actuator group 1081 includes a plurality of actuators, such as a backrest actuator that rotates the backrest 102, an ottoman actuator that rotates the ottoman 105, and the like.

[0027] The solenoid valve group 1083 includes a plurality of solenoid valves. Some of the solenoid valves are provided between the air pump 1082 and an airbag group provided in the massage machine 100, and switch between communication and cut-off between the two. The airbag group includes, for example, airbags (particularly airbags 32 and 41, described below) provided in the ottoman 105. Other of the solenoid valves are provided between the airbag group and the outside, and switch between communication and cut-off between the two. For example, when some of the solenoid valves connect the air pump 1082 and the airbag, air is supplied from the air pump 1082 to the airbag via the solenoid valves, causing the airbag to inflate. On the other hand, when other solenoid valves connect the airbag to the outside, air within the airbag is released to the outside via the solenoid valve. This releases the air within the airbag, causing the airbag to deflate. When the airbag is no longer connected to either the air pump 1082 or the outside due to the operation of each solenoid valve, the amount of air within the airbag is maintained.

[0028] <3. Foot massage unit 1> Next, the foot massage unit 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 is an external view of the foot massage unit 1. Fig. 4 is a see-through perspective view of the foot massage unit 1. In Fig. 4, the housing 2, which will be described later, is made transparent to show the interior of the foot massage unit 1. In addition, in the configuration of the foot massage unit 1, the front-rear direction is defined with the foot massage unit 1 as the reference. For example, in Figs. 3 and 4, the direction in which the first treatment unit 3 moves as the movable unit 4 is driven is defined as the front-rear direction. The direction in which the first treatment unit 3 approaches a first roller 52, which will be described later, of the second treatment unit 5 is defined as the front side, and the direction in which the first treatment unit 3 moves away from the first roller 52 is defined as the rear side.

[0029] The foot massage unit 1 has a housing 2, a first treatment section 3, a movable section 4, a second treatment section 5, and a sensor 6. In other words, the massage machine 100 includes the housing 2, the first treatment section 3, the movable section 4, the second treatment section 5, and the sensor 6.

[0030] <3-1. Cabinet 2> The housing 2 houses the first treatment unit 3, the movable unit 4, the second treatment unit 5, and the sensor 6. The housing 2 has two recesses 21 lined up in the left-right direction and an opening 22. The left recess 21 houses the left foot of the user U. The right recess 21 houses the right foot of the user U. The recesses 21 are recessed downward from the top surface of the housing 2 and recessed rearward from the front surface of the housing 2. Each recess 21 houses the first treatment unit 3 and the movable unit 4, and also has a sensor 6 disposed therein. Furthermore, an opening 22 penetrating in the vertical direction is disposed in the bottom surface facing upward of each recess 21. The second treatment unit 5 disposed inside the housing 2 can treat the foot of the user U through the opening 22.

[0031] <3-2. First Treatment Section 3> The first treatment unit 3 treats the heel of the user U, and at least the left and right sides of the heel. The first treatment unit 3 has a holding unit 31, an airbag 32, and a protrusion 33.

[0032] <3-2-1. Holding part 31> The holding portion 31 holds the airbag 32. The holding portion 31 has two side walls 311L, 311R facing each other in the left-right direction, and a rear wall 312.

[0033] The two side walls 311L, 311R extend in a direction intersecting the left-right direction and are aligned in the left-right direction. The left side wall 311L is positioned to the left of the heel of the user U and has a support surface 3111L facing the left side of the heel. The right side wall 311R is positioned to the right of the heel of the user U and has a support surface 3111R facing the right side of the heel.

[0034] The rear wall portion 312 is disposed behind the heel of the user U and extends in a direction intersecting the front-to-rear direction. The rear wall portion 312 also has a support surface 3121 that faces the back of the heel of the user U in the front-to-rear direction.

[0035] <3-2-2. Airbag 32> The air bag 32 expands and contracts to provide a treatment to the heels of the user U. The air bag 32 expands when air is supplied from the air pump 1082, and contracts when an electromagnetic valve connected to an exhaust port opens.

[0036] The airbag 32 includes two side airbags 321L and 321R and a rear airbag 322.

[0037] The side airbags 321L, 321R are each inflatable and deflated in the left-right direction, and treat the heels of the user U from the left-right sides. The side airbag 321L is disposed on the holding surface 3111L and treats the heels of the user U from the left side. The side airbag 321R is disposed on the holding surface 3111R and treats the heels of the user U from the right side. Note that the example of this embodiment does not exclude a configuration in which one of the two side airbags 321L, 321R is omitted. In other words, it is sufficient for the airbag 32 to have at least one of the side airbags 321L, 321R. In this way, the pressure of the airbag 32 can treat the left-right sides of the heels of the user U.

[0038] The rear airbag 322 is disposed on the holding surface 3121 and is inflatable in the front-to-rear direction, and treats the back of the heel of the user U. The airbag 32 can further treat the back of the heel of the user U by pressing the rear airbag 322. Therefore, the first treatment unit 3 can treat a wide area of ​​the heel of the user U.

[0039] In this embodiment, the two side airbags 321L, 321R and the rear airbag 322 are separate bodies. However, without being limited to this example, some of the two side airbags 321L, 321R and the rear airbag 322 may be integrated with the remaining parts. For example, the two side airbags 321L, 321R and the rear airbag 322 may form a single airbag.

[0040] Note that the example of this embodiment does not exclude a configuration in which the rear airbag 322 is omitted. For example, the airbag 32 may be configured to include only at least one of the two side airbags 321L, 321R.

[0041] <3-2-3. Convex part 33> The protrusion 33 is disposed facing the heel of the user U and can press against the heel of the user U. The protrusion 33 protrudes toward the heel of the user U and can move forward and backward relative to the heel of the user U in response to the treatment by the first treatment section 3. The protrusion 33 can locally press against the heel of the user U. Therefore, a stronger stimulation can be applied to the heel of the user U, similar to pressing acupressure points.

[0042] For example, the protrusion 33 is disposed on the surface of the airbag 32 facing the heel of the user U. The protrusion 33 can move forward and backward in response to the expansion and contraction of the airbag 32, and presses against the heel of the user U in response to the expansion of the airbag 32.

[0043] The protrusions 33 may be disposed on the heel-side surfaces of at least one of the two side airbags 321L, 321R and the rear airbag 322. For example, in this embodiment, the protrusions 33 are disposed on the heel-side surfaces of these airbags.

[0044] <3-3. Movable part 4> The movable unit 4 is disposed on the rear wall of the recess 21 and is capable of moving the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction. By moving the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 is shifted in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U, the shift can be eliminated. Therefore, the first treatment unit 3 can appropriately treat the heel of the user U. Furthermore, regardless of the size of the user U's foot, the first treatment unit 3 can treat the heel at an appropriate position.

[0045] The movable unit 4 includes an airbag 41 that can be inflated and deflated in the front-rear direction. A holding unit 31 is connected to the front end of the airbag 41. The airbag 41 inflates when air is supplied from the air pump 1082, and deflates when an electromagnetic valve connected to an exhaust port opens. When the airbag 41 inflates, the holding unit 31 is pushed forward. This causes the first treatment unit 3 to move forward. When the airbag 41 deflates, the holding unit 31 connected to the front end of the airbag 41 is pulled back rearward. This causes the first treatment unit 3 to move rearward. In this way, the first treatment unit 3 can move in the front-rear direction in response to the inflation and deflation of the airbag 41. Therefore, the movable unit 4 can be configured more simply and at low cost.

[0046] The configuration of the movable unit 4 is not limited to the above example. For example, the movable unit 4 may have an actuator with a rod that can move in the front-rear direction instead of the airbag 41. In this case, the first treatment unit 3 is connected to the rod.

[0047] <3-4. Second Treatment Section 5> The second treatment section 5 treats the soles (in other words, the plantar parts) of the user U. The second treatment section 5 allows the foot massage unit 1 to further treat the soles of the user U's feet (for example, the toes, arches, etc.).

[0048] The second treatment unit 5 includes a first roller 52 , a first shaft 51 , a second roller 54 , a second shaft 53 , a motor 55 , and a transmission unit 56 .

[0049] The first shaft 51 extends in the left-right direction and forms a rotation axis of the first roller 52. The first roller 52 is preferably attached eccentrically to the first shaft 51. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the first roller 52 is not eccentric with respect to the first shaft 51.

[0050] The first roller 52 rotates around the first shaft 51 and massages the toes of the soles of the feet of the user U through the opening 22. The foot massage unit 1 is equipped with two first rollers 52. The two first rollers 52 are aligned in the left-right direction. Of the two first rollers 52, the first roller 52 located on the right side massages the toes of the sole of the right foot of the user U. Of the two first rollers 52, the first roller 52 located on the left side massages the toes of the sole of the left foot of the user U.

[0051] The first roller 52 has a first protrusion 521. The first protrusion 521 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first roller 52 so as to protrude radially outward. The radially outer end of the first protrusion 521 has a rounded shape. The first protrusion 521 extends in the axial direction of the first shaft 51.

[0052] Preferably, the first protrusion 521 extends in a direction inclined circumferentially relative to the axial direction. With this configuration, the five toes of the foot are not treated simultaneously but are treated sequentially, improving the comfort of the user U due to treatment of the toes of the soles of the feet.

[0053] The second shaft 53 is disposed rearward of the first shaft 51. The second shaft 53 extends in the left-right direction and forms the rotation axis of the second roller 54. The second roller 54 is preferably attached eccentrically to the second shaft 53. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the second roller 54 is not eccentric with respect to the second shaft 53.

[0054] The second roller 54 rotates around the second shaft 53 and massages the longitudinal center of the sole of the user U through the opening 22. The longitudinal center of the sole is, for example, the arch of the foot. The foot massage unit 1 is equipped with two second rollers 54. The two second rollers 54 are aligned in the left-right direction. Of the two second rollers 54, the second roller 54 located on the right side massages the longitudinal center of the sole of the user U's right foot. Of the two second rollers 54, the second roller 54 located on the left side massages the longitudinal center of the sole of the user U's left foot.

[0055] The second roller 54 has a second protrusion 541. The second protrusion 541 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second roller 54 so as to protrude radially outward. In this embodiment, there are two second protrusions 541. The two second protrusions 541 may be arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction when viewed from the left and right, or may be arranged at positions that are symmetrical with respect to the center of the second roller 54. The tip of the second protrusion 541 has a rounded shape.

[0056] The motor 55 is a drive source for the second treatment unit 5 and rotates the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 53. The motor 55 is disposed between the first roller 52 and the second roller 54 on the left side and the first roller 52 and the second roller 54 on the right side in the left-right direction.

[0057] The transmission unit 56 transmits the rotational driving force of the motor 55 to the first shaft 51 and the second shaft 53. For example, the rotational driving force of the motor 55 is transmitted to the first shaft 51 via a gear mechanism (not shown) of the transmission unit 56. The rotational driving force of the first shaft 51 is transmitted to the second shaft 53 via a first pulley (not shown), a belt (not shown), and a second pulley (not shown). The first pulley is fixed to the center of the first shaft 51 in the left-right direction. The second pulley is fixed to the center of the second shaft 53 in the left-right direction. The belt is wound around the first pulley and the second pulley. This allows the second treatment unit 5 to treat both the toes and the longitudinal center of the soles of the feet of the user U using the same motor 55 as a driving source. For example, the transmission unit 56 is configured so that when the first shaft 51 rotates once, the second shaft 53 also rotates once.

[0058] <3-5.Sensor 6> Next, the sensor 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a first example of sensor placement. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a second example of sensor placement. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a third example of sensor placement. In FIGS. 5A to 5C, the direction in which the first treatment unit 3 moves as the movable unit 4 is driven is referred to as the front-rear direction. The direction in which the first treatment unit 3 approaches the opening 22 is referred to as the front side, and the direction in which the first treatment unit 3 moves away from the opening 22 is referred to as the rear side. In addition, in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the second treatment unit 5 is omitted from illustration to make the configuration easier to see.

[0059] The sensor 6 detects the position of the foot of the user U in the front-to-back direction and outputs the detection signal to the control unit 107. Under the control of the control unit 107, the movable unit 4 is driven in accordance with the detection result of the sensor 6, causing the first treatment unit 3 to move in the front-to-back direction. The sensor 6 can be a pressure sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a contact sensor, or the like. By detecting the position of the foot in the front-to-back direction with the sensor 6, the control unit 107 can automatically correct any deviation in the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 from the side of the heel of the user U in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, regardless of the size of the foot of the user U, the first treatment unit 3 can be reliably and automatically moved to a position where it can properly treat the heel of the user U.

[0060] For example, the sensor 6 may be a plurality of pressure sensors arranged on the bottom surface of the recess 21 and aligned in the front-to-back direction (see FIG. 5A). The pressure sensors detect pressure caused by contact with the feet of the person being treated U. Alternatively, the sensor 6 may be a plurality of photoelectric sensors arranged on inner surfaces of the recess 21 facing left and right and aligned in the front-to-back direction (see FIG. 5B). The light-emitting element of the photoelectric sensor is arranged on one of the inner surfaces facing left and right of the recess 21. The light-receiving element of the photoelectric sensor is arranged on the other side and faces the light-emitting element in the left-to-right direction.

[0061] When the feet of the user U are accommodated in the recess 21, some of the sensors 6 detect the feet of the user U and output the detection signals to the control unit 107. The control unit 107 detects the front-to-rear position of the feet of the user U (for example, the front and rear ends) based on the positions of the sensors 6 that detected the feet and the positions of the sensors 6 that did not detect the feet. Then, the control unit 107 moves the first treatment unit 3 in the front-to-rear direction using the movable unit 4, thereby adjusting the position of the first treatment unit 3 in the front-to-rear direction to a position where the heels of the user U can be treated appropriately.

[0062] At this time, the control unit 107 may further use the movable unit 4 to move the feet of the user U forward together with the first treatment unit 3. In this way, the position of the feet of the user U in the front-rear direction can be adjusted to a position where the second treatment unit 5 can appropriately treat a predetermined part of the sole of the user U. For example, the control unit 107 adjusts the position of the toes of the soles of the users U in the front-rear direction to a position where the first rollers 52 can appropriately treat them. The control unit 107 also adjusts the position of the longitudinal center of the soles of the users U in the front-rear direction to a position where the second rollers 54 can appropriately treat them.

[0063] Alternatively, the sensor 6 may be a pressure sensor disposed on the surface of the first treatment unit 3 facing the heel (see FIG. 5C). For example, the sensor 6 is disposed on the front surface of the rear airbag 322. When treating the foot, the control unit 107 moves the first treatment unit 3 forward using the movable unit 4 until the sensor 6 detects pressure due to contact with the heel. When the sensor 6 detects pressure, the control unit 107 stops the movement of the first treatment unit 3. In this manner, the position of the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0064] <3-6. Examples of Interlocking Operations with Other Components of the Massage Machine 100> The foot massage unit 1 may operate in conjunction with the operation of other components of the massage machine 100.

[0065] <3-6-1. First operation example> When the ottoman 105 rotates, the feet of the user U tend to move in the front-to-rear direction before and after the rotation relative to the foot massage unit 1. To eliminate the resulting front-to-rear displacement of the feet relative to the foot massage unit 1, the control unit 107 controls the movable unit 4 in accordance with the detection result of the sensor 6, and adjusts the position of the first treatment unit 3 of the foot massage unit 1 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0066] For example, the control unit 107 detects the front-rear position of the foot (e.g., the front end and rear end) relative to the foot massage unit 1 based on the detection result of the sensor 6 after the ottoman 105 is rotated. Then, the control unit 107 moves the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction using the movable unit 4. As a result, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit shifts in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U in response to the rotation of the ottoman 105, the control unit 107 can automatically correct the shift. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the front-rear position of the first treatment unit 3 to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0067] At this time, the control unit 107 may further move the feet of the user U together with the first treatment unit 3 using the movable unit 4. This allows the control unit 107 to automatically correct any deviation in the front-to-back direction of the treatment position of the second treatment unit 5 from a predetermined part of the sole of the user U (such as the toes or arch) in response to the rotation of the ottoman 105. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the front-to-back position of the feet of the user U to a position where the second treatment unit 5 can appropriately treat the predetermined part of the sole of the user U.

[0068] <3-6-2. Second operation example> When the backrest 102 rotates, the feet of the user U tend to move in the front-to-rear direction relative to the foot massage unit 1 before and after the rotation. For example, when the backrest 102 leans backward, the lower back and thighs of the user U move forward, causing the feet to move forward together with the lower legs. To eliminate the resulting front-to-rear displacement of the feet relative to the foot massage unit 1, the control unit 107 controls the movable unit 4 in accordance with the detection result of the sensor 6, and adjusts the position of the first treatment unit 3 of the foot massage unit 1 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0069] For example, the control unit 107 detects the front-rear position of the foot (e.g., the front and rear ends) relative to the foot massage unit 1 based on the detection result of the sensor 6 after the backrest 102 has been rotated. Then, the control unit 107 moves the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction using the movable unit 4. As a result, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 shifts in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U in response to the rotation of the backrest 102, the control unit 107 can automatically correct the shift. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the front-rear position of the first treatment unit 3 to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0070] At this time, the control unit 107 may further move the feet of the user U together with the first treatment unit 3 using the movable unit 4. As a result, even if the treatment position of the second treatment unit 5 shifts in the front-rear direction from a predetermined part of the sole of the user U (the toes, the arch, etc.) in accordance with the rotation of the backrest unit 102, the control unit 107 can automatically correct the shift. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the position of the feet of the user U in the front-rear direction to a position where the second treatment unit 5 can appropriately treat the predetermined part of the sole of the user U.

[0071] <2. Notes> The above describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the above embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and that these modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the foot massage unit 1 is disposed in the chair-type massage machine 100. However, without being limited to this example, the foot massage unit 1 may be mounted on a device such as a foot massager that massages the lower limbs of the user U.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the first treatment unit 3 includes the side airbags 321L, 321R and the rear airbag 322. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and at least one of these may be a treatment element other than an airbag. For example, the first treatment unit 3 may be a roller device in which rollers move in a direction intersecting the up-and-down direction while pressing against the heel. Alternatively, the first treatment unit 3 may be a kneading ball device in which kneading balls press or knead the heel. Alternatively, the first treatment unit 3 may be a vibration device that transmits vibrations to the heel.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the protrusion 33 is disposed on the heel side surface of at least one of the two side airbags 321L, 321R and the rear airbag 322. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the protrusion 33 may be omitted.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the holding unit 31 has two side walls 311L, 311R and a rear wall 312. However, the holding unit 31 is not limited to the examples in the above-described embodiment. For example, the holding unit 31 may be flat and have only the rear wall 312, without the side walls 311L, 311R. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first treatment unit 3. Note that FIG. 6 shows the first treatment unit 3 for the right foot of the user U as viewed from above. The airbag 32 in FIG. 6 has two airbags 322L, 322R. The airbags 322L, 322R are arranged on the holding surface 3121 of the rear wall 312 and are aligned in the left-right direction. The airbag 322L treats the heel of the user U from its left side. The airbag 322R treats the heel of the user U from its right side. In Figure 6, the airbags 322L, 322R in a deflated state are shown by solid lines, and the airbags 322L, 322R in an inflated state are shown by dashed lines. When air is supplied to the airbags 322L, 322R, the left-right sides of the airbags 322L, 322R on the foot side of the user U do not inflate. On the other hand, the left-right sides of the airbags 322L, 322R opposite the feet of the user U do inflate. Therefore, the airbags 322L, 322R can treat the sides of the heels of the user U.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the second treatment section 5 of the foot massage unit 1 may further include a third roller for treating the lower part of the heel of the user U, and a third shaft to which the third roller is eccentrically attached. The third shaft is disposed behind the second shaft 53 and extends in the left-right direction. In this case, the transmission section 56 also transmits the rotational driving force of the motor 55 to the third shaft. The shape of the third roller is not particularly limited, and may be the same as that of the first roller 52 or the second roller 54, for example.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 107 detects the position of the foot in the front-rear direction relative to the foot massage unit 1 based on the detection result of the sensor 6 after the ottoman 105 is rotated, and moves the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction using the movable unit 4. However, this is not limiting, and the control unit 107 may, for example, detect the position of the foot in the front-rear direction relative to the foot massage unit 1 based on the detection result of the sensor 6 while the ottoman 105 is rotating, and move the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction using the movable unit 4. This allows the control unit 107 to automatically and promptly prevent the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 from shifting in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U in response to the rotation of the ottoman 105. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the position of the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 107 detects the position of the foot in the front-rear direction relative to the foot massage unit 1 based on the detection result of the sensor 6 after the backrest 102 is rotated, and moves the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction using the movable unit 4. However, this is not limiting, and the control unit 107 may, for example, detect the position of the foot in the front-rear direction relative to the foot massage unit 1 based on the detection result of the sensor 6 while the backrest 102 is rotating, and move the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction using the movable unit 4. This allows the control unit 107 to automatically and promptly prevent the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 from shifting in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U in response to the rotation of the backrest 102. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the position of the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0079] <3. Summary> The massage machine 100 in one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to include a first treatment unit 3 that treats at least the left-right sides of the heel of the user U, and a movable unit 4 that can move the first treatment unit 3 in the forward and backward directions.

[0080] According to this configuration, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 is shifted in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U, the shift can be eliminated by moving the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the first treatment unit 3 can appropriately treat the heel. Furthermore, regardless of the size of the foot of the user U, the first treatment unit 3 can treat the heel at an appropriate position.

[0081] In the above massage machine 100, the first treatment section 3 may be configured to have holding surfaces 3111L, 3111R that face the sides of the heels of the person being treated U in the left-right direction, and an airbag 32 (first airbag) at least a portion of which is positioned on the holding surfaces 3111L, 3111R and can be inflated and deflated in the left-right direction.

[0082] According to this configuration, the pressure of the airbag 32 allows the treatment to be given to the left and right sides of the heel of the person U.

[0083] Alternatively, in the massage machine 100 described above, the airbag 32 (first airbag) may be arranged behind the heels of the user U and may be configured to be inflatable and deflated in the front-to-back direction. For example, a part of the airbag 32 may be arranged on the holding surfaces 3111L, 3111R and may be inflatable and deflated in the left-to-right direction, and another part of the airbag 32 may be arranged behind the heels of the user U and may be inflatable and deflated in the front-to-back direction.

[0084] According to this configuration, the pressure of the airbag 32 can treat the left and right sides and rear of the heel of the user U. In other words, the first treatment section 3 can treat a wide range of the heel.

[0085] The massage machine 100 may further include a second treatment section 5 that treats the soles of the feet of the user U.

[0086] According to this configuration, the second treatment section 5 can further treat the soles of the feet of the person U (for example, the toes, the arches, etc.).

[0087] In the massage machine 100 described above, the movable part 4 may include an airbag 41 (second airbag) that can expand and contract in the front-to-rear direction, and the first treatment part 3 may be configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction in response to the expansion and contraction of the airbag 41.

[0088] According to this configuration, the inflation and deflation of the airbag 41 can be used as a drive source for the movable part 4. Therefore, the movable part 4 can be configured more simply. Also, compared to a configuration using an actuator or the like, the cost can be reduced.

[0089] In the above massage machine 100, the first treatment unit 3 may further have a convex portion 33 that is positioned facing the heel of the person being treated U and is capable of pressing against the heel of the person being treated U, and the convex portion 33 may be configured to protrude toward the heel of the person being treated U and to be able to move forward and backward relative to the heel in response to the treatment by the first treatment unit 3.

[0090] According to this configuration, the convex portion 33 can locally press the heel of the user U. Therefore, a stronger stimulus can be applied to the heel of the user U, similar to pressing an acupressure point.

[0091] The above massage machine 100 may further include a sensor 6 that detects the position of the feet of the user U in the front-to-back direction, and a control unit 107 that controls the movable unit 4, and the control unit 107 may be configured to control the movable unit 4 according to the detection result of the sensor 6 and move the first treatment unit 3 in the front-to-back direction.

[0092] With this configuration, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 is shifted in the front-to-back direction from the side of the heel of the user U, the shift can be automatically eliminated. Furthermore, regardless of the size of the user U's foot, the first treatment unit 3 can be reliably and automatically moved to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0093] The massage machine 100 further comprises a seat 101 that supports the buttocks of the user U, and an ottoman 105 that is rotatably supported on the front end of the seat 101 and accommodates the lower legs of the user U, the movable part 4, the first treatment part 3, and the sensor 6 are arranged on the ottoman 105, and the control part 107 is configured to adjust the position of the first treatment part 3 in the front-to-back direction according to the detection result of the sensor 6 when the ottoman 105 rotates (for example, during or after rotation).

[0094] With this configuration, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 shifts in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U in response to the rotation of the ottoman 105, the control unit 107 can automatically correct the shift. Therefore, the control unit 107 adjusts the position of the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0095] The above massage machine 100 may further include a backrest portion 102 that is rotatably supported at the rear end of the seat portion 101 and supports the torso of the person being treated U, and the control portion 107 may be configured to adjust the position of the first treatment portion 3 in the front-to-rear direction according to the detection result of the sensor 6 when the backrest portion 102 rotates (for example, during or after rotation).

[0096] With this configuration, even if the treatment position of the first treatment unit 3 shifts in the front-rear direction from the side of the heel of the user U in response to the rotation of the backrest unit 102, the control unit 107 can automatically correct the shift. Therefore, the control unit 107 can adjust the position of the first treatment unit 3 in the front-rear direction to a position where the heel of the user U can be appropriately treated.

[0097] According to the chair-type massage machine 100 of another aspect of the above-described embodiment, A foot massage unit 1 is provided. The foot massage unit 1 includes: an airbag 32 having outer airbags (a side airbag 321R of the right airbag 32 and a side airbag 321L of the left airbag 32) for treating at least the outer surface of the heel of the user U in the left-right direction; rollers 52 and 54 having rotation axes 51 and 53 disposed near the airbag 32; The configuration has the above structure (first configuration).

[0098] In the chair-type massage machine 100 of the first configuration, The airbag 32 may be configured (second configuration) to further include inner airbags (side airbag 321L of the right airbag 32, side airbag 321R of the left airbag 32) that treat at least the inner surface of the heel of the user U in the left-right direction.

[0099] In the chair-type massage machine 100 having the first or second configuration, Further, a control unit for controlling the foot massage unit 1 is provided. The foot massage unit 1 includes: a sensor 6 for detecting the position of the foot of the user U in the front-rear direction; a movable portion 4 that can move the airbag 32 in the front-rear direction; and The control unit 107 may be configured (third configuration) to move the feet of the user U in the forward and backward directions using the movable unit 4 in accordance with the detection results of the sensor 6, thereby adjusting the forward and backward deviation of the feet of the user U relative to the foot massage unit 1.

[0100] In the chair-type massage machine 100 of the third configuration, A seat portion 101 that supports the buttocks of the user U; An ottoman 105 that is rotatably supported on the front end of the seat 101 and accommodates the lower legs of the user U; Furthermore, The foot massage unit 1 is placed on the ottoman 105, The control unit 107 may be configured (fourth configuration) to move the feet of the user U in the forward and backward directions in accordance with the detection result of the sensor 6 when the ottoman 105 rotates, thereby adjusting the forward and backward deviation of the feet of the user U relative to the foot massage unit 1.

[0101] In the chair-type massage machine 100 having the third or fourth configuration, A seat portion 101 that supports the buttocks of the user U; A backrest portion 102 that is rotatably supported at the rear end portion of the seat portion 101 and supports the torso of the person to be treated U; Furthermore, The control unit 107 may be configured (fifth configuration) to move the feet of the user U in the forward / backward direction according to the detection result of the sensor 6 when the backrest portion 102 rotates, thereby adjusting the forward / backward deviation of the feet of the user U relative to the foot massage unit 1.

[0102] In the chair-type massage machine 100 having any one of the third to fifth configurations, The control unit 107 Detecting the position of the foot of the user U in the front-rear direction based on the arrangement positions of the sensors 6 that detected the foot of the user U and the arrangement positions of the sensors 6 that did not detect the foot of the user U; A configuration (sixth configuration) may be adopted in which the position of the airbag 32 in the front-rear direction is adjusted to a position where the heels of the person to be treated U can be treated by moving the airbag 32 in the front-rear direction.

[0103] In the chair-type massage machine 100 having any one of the third to fifth configurations, The foot massage unit 1 may be configured to further include a protrusion 33 disposed on the surface of the airbag 32 facing the heel of the user U (seventh configuration). [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100 (chair type) massage machine 101 Seat area 102 Backrest 1021 Treatment Unit 103 Base 104 Armrest 105 Ottoman 1061 Operation section 1062 Storage section 107 Control Unit 1081 Actuators 1082 Air Pump 1083 Solenoid valve group 1 Foot massage unit 2. Case 21 Recess 22 Opening 3. First Treatment Department 31 Holding part 311L, 311R side wall part 3111L,3111R Holding surface 312 Rear wall 3121 Holding surface 32 Airbag 321L, 321R Side airbags 322 Rear airbag 322L, 322R airbags 33 Convex part 4 Moving parts 41 Airbag 5. Second Treatment Department 51 First Shaft 52 First Roller 521 1st protrusion 53 Second Shaft 54 Second Roller 541 Second protrusion 55 Motor 56 Transmission section 6 sensors U Recipient

Claims

1. Equipped with a foot massage unit, The foot massage unit is an airbag having an outer airbag for treating at least the outer surface of the heel of the user in the left-right direction; a roller having a rotation axis disposed near the airbag; A massage machine having

2. The massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the airbag further includes an inner airbag for massaging at least the inner side of the heel of the user in the left-right direction.

3. A control unit for controlling the foot massage unit is further provided. The foot massage unit is a sensor for detecting the position of the foot of the user in the front-rear direction; a movable portion that can move the airbag in a front-rear direction; and The massage machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the forward / backward displacement of the user's foot relative to the foot massage unit by moving the movable unit in the forward / backward direction in accordance with the detection result of the sensor.

4. A seat portion that supports the buttocks of the person to be treated; An ottoman that is rotatably supported on the front end of the seat and that accommodates the lower legs of the person to be treated; Furthermore, The foot massage unit is disposed on the ottoman, The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the control unit, when the ottoman rotates, moves the feet of the user in a forward and backward direction in accordance with the detection result of the sensor, thereby adjusting the forward and backward deviation of the feet of the user relative to the foot massage unit.

5. A seat portion that supports the buttocks of the person to be treated; A backrest portion rotatably supported on the rear end portion of the seat portion and supporting the torso of the user; Furthermore, The massage machine of claim 3, wherein the control unit moves the feet of the user in a forward / backward direction in accordance with the detection result of the sensor when the backrest portion rotates, thereby adjusting the forward / backward deviation of the user's feet relative to the foot massage unit.

6. The control unit Detecting the position of the foot of the user in the front-to-back direction based on the arrangement positions of the sensors that detect the foot of the user and the arrangement positions of the sensors that do not detect the foot of the user; 6. The massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the position of the airbag in the front-to-rear direction is adjusted to a position where the heel of the user can be treated by moving the airbag in the front-to-rear direction.

7. The massage machine according to claim 1 , wherein the foot massage unit further comprises a protrusion disposed on a surface of the airbag facing the heel of the user.

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