Lower limb massage machine

Abstract

To provide a lower limb massage machine that allows the treatment components to be moved with simple control. [Solution] The device comprises a treatment member 37, 38 for massaging the lower limbs, and a moving mechanism 23 connected to the treatment members 37, 38 for moving the treatment members 37, 38 in the longitudinal direction of the lower limbs. The moving mechanism 23 comprises a rotating shaft 35, a drive unit 36 ​​for rotating the rotating shaft 35, a support frame 22 for supporting the rotating shaft 35 so that it can move in the longitudinal direction of the lower limbs, and a link mechanism 66 connecting the rotating shaft 35 and the support frame 22, which extends and retracts as the rotating shaft 35 rotates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lower limb massager.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a lower limb massager that can massage the lower limbs of the human body, specifically from below the knee to near the ankle. This lower limb massager has a massage mechanism that performs acupressure massage with the calf of the lower limb sandwiched. The massage mechanism includes a treatment member that presses the calf and a moving mechanism that moves the treatment member up and down along the calf. By these, it is possible to perform acupressure massage on a wide range in the vertical direction with respect to the calf.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=X]] The lower limb massager described in Patent Document 1 includes a moving mechanism having a vertically moving slider to which a treatment member is attached, a feed screw shaft screwed to the vertically moving slider and arranged along the vertical direction, and a motor that rotates the feed screw shaft forward and backward. Then, the moving mechanism raises the treatment member by rotating the feed screw shaft in the forward direction by driving the motor, lowers the treatment member by rotating the feed screw shaft in the reverse direction, and reciprocates the treatment member up and down by repeating this forward and reverse rotation. Therefore, the lower limb massager described in Patent Document X needs to frequently rotate the motor forward and backward while monitoring the vertical position of the treatment member by a sensor or the like, and there is a possibility that the structure and control become complicated.

[0005] It should be noted that there seems to be an error in the original text where "Patent Document X" is mentioned in ID=35 instead of "Patent Document 1". This has been corrected in the translation for clarity. If this is not an error, please provide additional context for a more accurate translation.The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a lower limb massage machine that allows the treatment member to be moved with simple control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The lower limb massage machine disclosed herein comprises a treatment member for massaging the lower limb, and a moving mechanism connected to the treatment member for moving the treatment member in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb. The moving mechanism comprises a rotating shaft, a drive unit for rotating the rotating shaft, a support frame that supports the rotating shaft so that it can move in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, and a link mechanism that connects the rotating shaft and the support frame and extends and retracts as the rotating shaft rotates.

[0007] (2) In the above (1), preferably the link mechanism includes a first link member fixed to the rotation shaft and rotating together with the rotation shaft, and a second link member one end of which is pivotably connected to the first link member and the other end of which is pivotably connected to the support frame.

[0008] (3) In (1) or (2) above, preferably the treatment member is attached to the rotating shaft.

[0009] (4) In the above (3), preferably, the lower limb massage machine is provided with a position adjustment mechanism between the treatment member and the rotating shaft, which adjusts the position of the treatment member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft by forward and reverse rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0010] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, preferably, the moving mechanism comprises a movable frame that is movably supported on the support frame along the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, and the rotation axis is supported on the movable frame.

[0011] (6) In the above (5), preferably the drive unit is attached to the movable frame.

[0012] (7) In the above (6), preferably, the rotating shaft, the movable frame, and the drive unit are arranged in positions that overlap in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb.

[0013] (8) In any one of (1) to (7) above, preferably, a plurality of the treatment members are provided corresponding to each of the left and right lower limbs, and the drive unit is arranged between the left and right treatment members.

[0014] (9) In any one of the above (1) to (8), preferably, a plurality of the treatment members are provided corresponding to each of the left and right lower limbs, and the rotation axis extends in the left-right direction across the left and right treatment members.

[0015] (10) In any one of the above (1) to (9), preferably the link mechanism is located at the left-right end of the moving mechanism.

[0016] (11) In (2) above, preferably, the first link member and the second link member are formed in a plate shape and arranged with their plate surfaces facing left and right.

[0017] (12) In any one of the above (1) to (11), preferably the lower limb massage machine further comprises a biasing member that biases the treatment member in a direction approaching the lower limb.

[0018] (13) In any one of (1) to (12) above, preferably, the treatment member includes a first treatment member positioned on the left-right side of the lower limb and a second treatment member positioned on the rear of the lower limb.

[0019] (14) In any one of the above (1) to (13), preferably the lower limb massager further comprises an airbag positioned opposite the treatment member with the lower limb in between, which inflates by the supply of air, and a second drive unit that drives the airbag.

[0020] (15) In the above (14), preferably, the lower limb massager includes a control unit that controls the drive unit and the second drive unit, the drive unit includes an electric motor that generates rotational power of the rotating shaft, and a current sensor that detects a current value of the electric motor, and when the current value of the electric motor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit discharges air from the airbag.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the lower limb massager of the present disclosure, the treatment member can be moved with simple control.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a lower limb massage machine according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the lower limb massager 10 is a device that massages both the left and right lower limbs of the user. The lower limb massager 10 has an upper massage device 11 that massages the calf L which makes up the lower limb, and a lower massage device 12 that massages the foot F of the lower limb. In this embodiment, the lower limb massager 10 massages the calf L in an up-and-down position.

[0024] In this specification, "calf L" refers to the part of the human lower limb below the knee and above the ankle. "Foot F" refers to the part below the ankle. In this embodiment, the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 1 is the left-right direction (width direction), the direction indicated by arrow Y is the front-back direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Z is the up-down direction. These directions coincide with the direction as seen from the user who has inserted their lower limb into the lower limb massage device. The lower limb massage machine 10 of this embodiment performs massage with the calf L facing approximately up and down.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the lower limb massager 10 has a casing 13. The casing 13 is formed in a roughly rectangular or roughly square shape when viewed from the front and rear. When viewed from the left and right sides, the casing 13 is formed in a roughly L-shape, with the lower side being longer in the front-to-back direction and the upper side being longer in the up-to-down direction. On the upper front side of the casing 13, there is a pair of upper recesses 14 on the left and right sides that open forward and upward. On the lower front side of the casing 13, there is a pair of lower recesses 15 on the left and right sides that open upward. The upper recess 14 and lower recess 15 on the left side are continuous with each other, and the upper recess 14 and lower recess 15 on the right side are continuous with each other. Lining material 16 is provided inside the left and right upper recesses 14 and lower recesses 15, respectively. The user's left and right calves L can be inserted into the left and right upper recesses 14, respectively, and the user's left and right feet F can be inserted into the left and right lower recesses 15, respectively.

[0026] Inside the casing 13, an upper massage device 11 is positioned near the upper recess 14, and a lower massage device 12 is positioned near the lower recess 15. The lower massage device 12 employs a known configuration that can massage both the left and right sides or the back of the foot F. The lower massage device can be omitted.

[0027] (Configuration of the upper massage device) Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the upper massage device of a lower limb massage machine. As shown in Figure 2, the upper massage device 11 has a case 21 and a plurality of treatment members 37, 38, and 39.

[0028] The case 21 has a base 26 and a plurality of wall portions 27, 28. The base 26 is located on the rear side of the case 21 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the rear. The wall portions 27, 28 protrude forward from the base 26. The wall portions 27, 28 include left and right wall portions 27 located on the left and right sides of the front of the case 21, and a central wall portion 28 located in the left and right center of the front of the case 21. The base 26 protrudes downward from the left and right wall portions 27 and the central wall portion 28.

[0029] Recesses 29 are formed between the left wall 27 and the central wall 28 of case 21, and between the right wall 27 and the central wall 28, respectively, and are open in the forward and vertical directions. These recesses 29 are positioned to correspond to the left and right upper recesses 14 provided in the casing 13 of the lower limb massage machine 10, and the calf L inserted into the upper recesses 14 is also inserted into the recesses 29 of case 21. Multiple treatment members 37, 38, and 39 are arranged inside the recesses 29.

[0030] The case 21 has a rear cover 21a that forms the back surface of the base 26 and a front cover 21b that forms the front surface of the base 26 and a plurality of wall portions 27, 28, and these are connected by fasteners such as screws.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the upper massage device with the front cover removed. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the inside of the upper massage device. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the outer treatment member, the rear treatment member, and part of the moving mechanism.

[0032] (Configuration of the moving mechanism) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the case 21 is equipped with a moving mechanism 23 that moves some of the treatment members 37 and 38 up and down along the longitudinal direction of the calf L. The moving mechanism 23 includes a support frame 22, a movable frame 34, a rotating shaft 35, a first drive unit 36, and a link mechanism 66.

[0033] The support frame 22 is fixed inside the case 21. The support frame 22 is fixed to the rear cover 21a of the case 21. The support frame 22 is attached to both ends of the rear cover 21a in the left-right direction. The support frame 22 includes a support plate 31 made of a plate material bent into a roughly L-shape when viewed from above, and a guide rail 32 attached to this support plate 31. The guide rail 32 is made of a rod material consisting of a round or square bar extending in the vertical direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the movable frame 34 is an elongated member formed to be long in the left-right direction. The movable frame 34 has a length that extends substantially throughout the left-right direction within the case 21. Both ends of the movable frame 34 in the left-right direction are movably supported by the guide rails 32 of the support frame 22. Specifically, through holes 34a that penetrate in the vertical direction are formed at both ends of the movable frame 34, and the guide rails 32 slide freely through these through holes 34a. Therefore, the movable frame 34 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the guide rails 32, in other words, along the longitudinal direction of the calf L inserted into the recess 29.

[0035] The rotating shaft 35 is located on the front side of the movable frame 34. The rotating shaft 35 is positioned at a height that overlaps with the movable frame 34 in the vertical direction. The rotating shaft 35 is positioned with its axis horizontal. Specifically, the rotating shaft 35 is positioned with its axis oriented in the left-right direction. Both ends of the rotating shaft 35 in the left-right direction are supported by the movable frame 34. Bearings 42 are provided protruding forward from both ends of the movable frame 34, and both ends of the rotating shaft 35 in the left-right direction are rotatably supported by these bearings 42. Therefore, the rotating shaft 35 is supported together with the movable frame 34 by the guide rail 32 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0036] The first drive unit 36 ​​rotates the rotating shaft 35. As shown in Figure 4, the first drive unit 36 ​​is housed in a housing member 43 provided on the movable frame 34. The housing member 43 protrudes forward from the center of the movable frame 34 in the left-right direction. The housing member 43 is located inside the central wall portion 28 of the case 21.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the first drive unit 36 ​​includes an electric motor 45 and a transmission unit 46 that transmits the output of the electric motor 45 to the rotating shaft 35. The electric motor 45 outputs rotational power from the output shaft 45a. The electric motor 45 rotates the output shaft 45a in both forward and reverse directions. The electric motor 45 is positioned with the output shaft 45a facing left and right. The electric motor 45 is positioned in front of the rotating shaft 35. The electric motor 45 is positioned (height) in the vertical direction that overlaps with the movable frame 34 and the rotating shaft 35. Therefore, the movable frame 34, the rotating shaft 35, and the electric motor 45 are configured compactly in the vertical direction, and the range of movement in the vertical direction can be expanded.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the transmission unit 46 has a plurality of speed change gears 46a. The transmission unit 46 reduces the output of the electric motor 45 and transmits it to the rotating shaft 35. As shown in Figure 4, the electric motor 45 and the transmission unit 46 are housed and supported in the housing member 43, and are therefore located inside the central wall portion 28 of the case 21, similar to the housing member 43.

[0039] The link mechanism 66 constitutes a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the movable frame 34, the rotating shaft 35, and the first drive unit 36. The link mechanism 66 connects the rotating shaft 35 and the support frame 22, and extends and retracts between them. Details of this link mechanism 66 will be described later.

[0040] (Composition of treatment components) As shown in Figure 2, the multiple treatment members 37, 38, and 39 massage the two calves L inserted into the two recesses 29 of the case 21. The multiple treatment members 37, 38, and 39 include an outer treatment member 37 positioned on the outside of each calf L in the left-right direction, a rear treatment member 38 positioned on the rear of each calf L, and an inner treatment member 39 positioned on the inside of each calf L in the left-right direction.

[0041] (Configuration of external treatment components) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outer treatment member 37 is attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 35 in the left-right direction. The outer treatment member 37 is positioned inward in the left-right direction from the support frame 22. The outer treatment member 37 has an arm 51 attached to the rotating shaft 35 and a treatment element 52 attached to this arm 51. The arm 51 is attached to the rotating shaft 35 so as to be able to swing left-right via a mounting shaft 53 that is oriented in the vertical direction. Two treatment elements 52 are provided side by side vertically at the front end of the arm 51, in front of the mounting shaft 53.

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the external treatment component. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper and lower treatment members 52 each have a shaft portion 52a and a plurality of roller portions 52b rotatably attached to the shaft portion 52a. The shaft portion 52a is positioned approximately horizontally and extends forward from the front end of the arm 51. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the shaft portion 52a extends forward while being slightly inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction, with the front end being positioned further inward in the left-to-right direction (towards the calf L). The shaft portions 52a of the upper and lower treatment members 52 are positioned approximately parallel to each other.

[0043] Multiple roller sections 52b (three in the illustrated example) are provided, arranged axially with respect to each shaft section 52a. The outer surface of each roller section 52b is formed in the shape of an arc-shaped disc or a flattened sphere. The roller section 52b provides acupressure massage to the calf L by contacting it (here, contact via the lining material 16 (see Figure 1)). Since the shaft section 52a is located inward in the left-right direction towards the front, the therapist 52 provides acupressure massage from slightly in front of the calf L (in other words, from the shin area of ​​the foot) towards the rear at an oblique angle. However, the therapist 52 may also be configured to provide acupressure massage to the left and right sides of the calf L from directly to the side.

[0044] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the external treatment member and the post-treatment member. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the rear end 51a of the arm 51 is biased outward in the left-right direction by a biasing member 55. Specifically, the movable frame 34 has an opening 34b that penetrates vertically, and the rear end 51a of the arm 51 is inserted into this opening 34b. A biasing member 55, made of a compression coil spring and expanding and contracting in the left-right direction, is housed in the opening 34b, and this biasing member 55 biases the rear end 51a of the arm 51 outward in the left-right direction. Since the middle part of the arm 51 in the front-rear direction is attached to the rotation shaft 35 so as to be swingable via a vertical mounting shaft 53, the front end of the arm 51 is biased inward in the left-right direction by the biasing member 55. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, the treatment element 52 attached to the front end of the arm 51 is also biased inward in the left-right direction, that is, toward the calf L. As a result, the treatment element 52 is pressed against the calf L, allowing for proper acupressure massage.

[0045] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, a position adjustment mechanism 61 (width adjustment mechanism 61) is provided between the rotating shaft 35 and the outer treatment member 37 to adjust the left-right position of the outer treatment member 37 along the axis of the rotating shaft 35. The position adjustment mechanism 61 has a male screw member 62 attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 35 and a nut member 63 screwed onto the male screw member 62. The male screw member 62 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 35. When the male screw member 62 rotates forward together with the rotating shaft 35, the nut member 63 screwed onto the male screw member 62 moves to one side in the left-right direction (for example, inward). When the male screw member 62 rotates backward together with the rotating shaft 35, the nut member 63 moves to the other side in the left-right direction (for example, outward). On both the left and right sides of the male screw member 62, the rotating shaft 35 is provided with a pair of left and right stoppers 64 to restrict the left-right movement of the nut member 63. The nut member 63 can move in the left-right direction within the range between the left and right stoppers 64.

[0046] A mounting member 65 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the nut member 63. The mounting member 65 is slidably mounted around the axis of the nut member 63. Mounting shafts 53 protrude from the upper and lower ends of the mounting member 65, and the arm 51 of the outer treatment member 37 is pivotably attached to these mounting shafts 53. Therefore, by rotating the rotating shaft 35 and the male screw member 62 in forward and reverse directions as described above, and moving the nut member 63 in the left-right direction, the outer treatment member 37 can also be moved in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to adjust the left-right position (width) of the outer treatment member 37 according to the thickness of the calf L.

[0047] When the nut member 63's movement in the left-right direction is restricted by the left and right stoppers 64, it rotates integrally with the male screw member 62. Since the mounting member 65 is slidable on the outer circumferential surface of the nut member 63, the rotation of the nut member 63 is not hindered by the mounting member 65, nor is the rotation of the rotating shaft 35 and the male screw member 62 hindered. Therefore, after adjusting the left-right position of the outer treatment member 37 by the forward or reverse rotation of the rotating shaft 35, the outer treatment member 37 and the post-treatment member 38 can be moved up and down by the rotation of the rotating shaft 35, as will be described later.

[0048] (Composition of post-treatment components) As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the post-treatment member 38 has a roller-shaped treatment element 57 that is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft 35. The treatment element 57 has an outer surface that is formed in the shape of an arc-shaped disc or a flattened sphere. The treatment element 57 of the post-treatment member 38 performs acupressure massage by contacting the back of the calf L (in this case, contact via the lining material 16). The movable frame 34 is partially curved to the rear to avoid interference with the post-treatment member 38.

[0049] (Composition of the internal treatment component) As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the inner treatment member 39 is attached to both the left and right sides of the central wall portion 28 of the case 21 of the upper massage device 11. The inner treatment member 39 is positioned opposite the outer treatment member 37 in the left-right direction. Therefore, together with the outer treatment member 37, the inner treatment member 39 sandwiches the calf L inserted into the recess 29 from both sides in the left-right direction. The inner treatment member 39 in this embodiment is made of an airbag. The airbag inflates when air is supplied. Therefore, the inner treatment member 39 can perform acupressure massage on the inside of the calf L inserted into the recess 29 of the case 21 in the left-right direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9A to 9B, the inner treatment member 39 has a vertical length L1 that overlaps with, or encompasses, the range of motion of the outer treatment member 37, which moves up and down (details will be described later). Therefore, acupressure massage can be performed on the calf L while it is sandwiched between the outer treatment member 37 and the inner treatment member 39.

[0051] Inside the central wall 28 of case 21 is a second drive unit 41 that drives the inner treatment member 39. The second drive unit 41 is positioned in front of the first drive unit 36 ​​that rotates the rotating shaft 35. The second drive unit 41 includes a pump 73 for compressing air and a control valve 74 that controls the supply of compressed air to the inner treatment member 39. The control valve 74 consists of a solenoid valve, a flow control valve, etc. The control valve 74 is positioned in front of the first drive unit 36, and the pump 73 is positioned below the control valve 74. The inner treatment member (airbag) 39, the control valve 74, and the pump 73 are each connected by air hoses (not shown).

[0052] (Link mechanism configuration) The link mechanism 66 of the moving mechanism 23 will be described below. Figures 9A to 9C are side views of the movement mechanism. Specifically, Figure 9A shows the treatment member moved to the upper limit position, Figure 9B shows the treatment member moved to an intermediate position in the vertical direction, and Figure 9C shows the treatment member moved to the lower limit position.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 9A to 9C, the link mechanism 66 is provided between the rotating shaft 35 and the support frame 22, connecting the two. The link mechanism 66 extends and retracts between the rotating shaft 35 and the support frame 22. The link mechanism 66 is provided at two locations: both ends of the rotating shaft 35 and between the left and right support frames 22. The link mechanism 66 in this embodiment substantially constitutes a crank mechanism.

[0054] The link mechanism 66 includes a first link member 67 and a second link member 68. The first link member 67 is fixed to the end of the rotating shaft 35. Therefore, the first link member 67 rotates together with the rotating shaft 35. One end of the second link member 68 is connected to the first link member 67, and the other end is connected to the support frame 22.

[0055] The first and second link members 67 and 68 are both formed from plate material. The first and second link members 67 and 68 are arranged with their plate surfaces facing left and right. The first link member 67 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the left and right sides. The side shape of the first link member 67 is not a perfect circle, but is formed in a circular shape by combining arcs of different radii of curvature.

[0056] The first link member 67 is fixed to the rotation shaft 35 at a position offset from its center. By forming the first link member 67 in a circular shape, the gap between the first link member 67 and the support frame 22 can be reduced, and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the gap. The first link member 67 may be formed in a perfectly circular shape, or it may be formed in a strip shape, similar to the second link member 68 which will be described next.

[0057] The second link member 68 is formed in the shape of a long strip. One end of the second link member 68 is pivotably connected to the first link member 67 by the first connecting shaft 69. The other end of the second link member 68 is pivotably connected to the lower part of the support plate 31 of the support frame 22 by the second connecting shaft 70.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the support plate 31 is formed in a substantially L-shape in plan view and has a first piece 31a positioned at the rear with its surface facing the front-rear direction, and a second piece 31b that bends forward from the left-right outer end of the first piece 31a with its surface facing the left-right direction. The second link member 68 is connected to the lower front end of the second piece 31b by a second connecting shaft 70. As shown in Figures 9A to 9C, the second connecting shaft 70 is positioned below the rotation shaft 35. The second connecting shaft 70 is positioned to overlap with the rotation shaft 35 in the front-rear direction. The second connecting shaft 70 is fixed in a fixed position.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second piece 31b of the support plate 31 and the first link member 67 are positioned in overlapping locations in the left-right direction. The second link member 68 is positioned outside the second piece 31b and the first link member 67 in the left-right direction. In this way, the second piece 31b and the first link member 67, which are positioned outside the support plate 31 in the left-right direction, are positioned in overlapping locations in the left-right direction, which makes the moving mechanism 23 more compact in the left-right direction. Furthermore, since the first link member 67 and the second link member 68 of the link mechanism 66 are made of plate material with the plate surface oriented in the left-right direction, the left-right dimensions of the link mechanism 66 can be reduced, making the moving mechanism 23 more compact in the left-right direction.

[0060] (Operation of the moving mechanism) The lifting and lowering operation by the moving mechanism 23 will be explained below with reference to Figures 9A to 9C. As the rotating shaft 35 is rotated, the distance between the rotating shaft 35 and the second connecting shaft 70 changes, as shown in Figures 9A to 9C. Since the rotating shaft 35 is supported by a movable frame 34 whose vertical movement is guided by the guide rail 32 of the support frame 22, the rotating shaft 35 also moves up and down along the guide rail 32.

[0061] Figure 9A shows the state when the rotation axis 35 has moved to the upper limit position. At this time, the rotation axis 35 is furthest from the second connecting shaft 70. Figure 9B shows the state when the rotation axis 35 has moved to the intermediate position in the vertical direction. The rotation axis 35 is located at approximately the same height as the first connecting shaft 69. Figure 9C shows the state when the rotation axis 35 has moved to the lower limit position. At this time, the rotation axis 35 is closest to the second connecting shaft 70. Therefore, when the rotation axis 35 is rotated, the distance L2 between the rotation axis 35 and the second connecting shaft 70 changes, causing the link mechanism 66 to expand and contract vertically, and the rotation axis 35 to move vertically.

[0062] Since both the external treatment member 37 and the post-treatment member 38 are attached to the rotating shaft 35, they move up and down together with the rotating shaft 35. As a result, the external treatment member 37 and the post-treatment member 38 move up and down along the calf L, allowing for acupressure massage over a wide area in the longitudinal direction of the calf L.

[0063] Since the rotating shaft 35 is rotatably supported by the movable frame 34, the movable frame 34 also moves vertically as the rotating shaft 35 moves up and down. The movable frame 34 also supports the first drive unit 36 ​​that drives the rotating shaft 35, so this first drive unit 36 ​​also moves up and down together with the rotating shaft 35.

[0064] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the upper massage device. The upper massage device 11 includes an electric motor 45, which is the first drive unit 36, and a control unit 75 that controls the operation of the pump 73 and control valve 74, which are the second drive unit 41. The upper massage device 11 also includes a current sensor 76 that detects the current value of the electric motor 45. The value detected by the current sensor 76 is input to the control unit 75.

[0065] The control unit 75 includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores programs for controlling the electric motor 45, pump 73, and control valve 74, as well as data used for control. The control unit 75 controls the operation of the electric motor 45, pump 73, and control valve 74 by having the processor execute a pre-set program, for example. The control unit 75 also controls the electric motor 45 according to the detected value (current value) of the current sensor 76. For example, the control unit 75 monitors the current value of the electric motor 45 and controls the operation of the electric motor 45 so that the current value stays within a predetermined range. The control unit 75 may be used to control only the upper massage device 11, or it may be used to control the entire lower limb massage machine 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, the control unit 75 monitors the value detected by the current sensor 76, and if the detected value exceeds a predetermined threshold, it determines that the electric motor 45 is being overloaded and executes control to reduce the load. Specifically, when the electric motor 45 is driven to move the outer treatment member 37 and the rear treatment member 38 up and down, if the force pressing on the calf L becomes excessive, for example, when the outer treatment member 37 and the rear treatment member 38 press on the thicker part of the calf L, the electric motor 45 is overloaded. In such cases, in this embodiment, the control unit 75 controls the second drive unit 41 to expel air from the airbag, which is the inner treatment member 39. This suppresses the application of an overload to the electric motor 45 and prevents overheating and damage to the electric motor 45. In addition, it prevents excessively high pressing force from being applied to the user's lower limb.

[0067] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The lower limb massage machine 10 of this embodiment includes a treatment member (lateral treatment member 37, rear treatment member 38) that massages the lower limb (calf L), and a moving mechanism 23 connected to the treatment members 37 and 38 that moves the treatment members 37 and 38 in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb. The moving mechanism 23 includes a rotating shaft 35, a first drive unit 36 ​​that rotates the rotating shaft 35, a support frame 22 that supports the rotating shaft 35 so that it can move in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb L, and a link mechanism 66 that connects the rotating shaft 35 and the support frame 22 and extends and retracts by the rotation of the rotating shaft 35. With this configuration, by rotating the rotating shaft 35 in one direction, the rotating shaft 35 and the treatment members 37 and 38 can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the lower limb L. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complexity of controlling the drive unit 36.

[0068] (2) In this embodiment, the link mechanism 66 includes a first link member 67 fixed to the rotating shaft 35 and rotating together with the rotating shaft 35, and a second link member 68 whose one end is pivotably connected to the first link member 67 and whose other end is pivotably connected to the support frame 22. With this configuration, rotating the rotating shaft 35 in one direction rotates the first link member 67 together with it, and the rotating shaft 35 can be moved up and down relative to the connection between the second link member 68 and the support frame 22 (second connecting shaft 70). Therefore, the rotating shaft 35 and the treatment members 37 and 38 can be moved back and forth with a simple configuration and control.

[0069] (3) In this embodiment, the treatment members 37 and 38 are attached to the rotating shaft 35. Therefore, the treatment members 37 and 38 can be moved directly together with the rotating shaft 35 by the rotation of the rotating shaft 35.

[0070] (4) In this embodiment, the lower limb massage machine 10 is equipped with a position adjustment mechanism 61 between the treatment members 37, 38 and the rotating shaft 35, which adjusts the position of the treatment members (outer treatment members) 37 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 35 by the forward and reverse rotation of the rotating shaft 35. With this configuration, by rotating the rotating shaft 35, not only can the rotating shaft 35 and the treatment members 37 be moved in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, but the position or width of the treatment members 37 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 35 can also be adjusted.

[0071] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the treatment member is raised by rotating the lead screw (rotating shaft) in the forward direction, and the treatment member is lowered by rotating the lead screw in the reverse direction. In other words, both forward and reverse rotation of the lead screw (or, to put it another way, both forward and reverse rotation of the electric motor) are required to move the treatment member in both the up and down directions. In contrast, the lower limb massage machine 10 of this embodiment can move the treatment member 37 in both the up and down directions by simply rotating the rotating shaft 35 in one direction, either forward or reverse, and the remaining rotation in the other direction can be used to adjust the position or width of the treatment member 37 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 35.

[0072] (5) In this embodiment, the movement mechanism 23 includes a movable frame 34 that is movably supported on the support frame 22 along the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, and a rotating shaft 35 is supported on the movable frame 34. With this configuration, the rotating shaft 35 can be movably supported in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb by the support frame 22 via the movable frame 34.

[0073] (6) In this embodiment, the drive unit (first drive unit) 36 is attached to the movable frame 34. Therefore, the drive unit 36 ​​(electric motor 45, transmission unit 46) can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the lower limb together with the rotating shaft 35, eliminating the need to fix the drive unit 36 ​​in a fixed position. This eliminates the need to secure space for fixing, contributing to the compactness of the lower limb massage machine.

[0074] (7) In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 35, the movable frame 34, and the drive unit 36 ​​(especially the electric motor 45) are arranged in overlapping positions in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb. Therefore, the rotating shaft 35, the movable frame 34, and the drive unit 36 ​​can be compactly configured in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, and the range of motion in that direction can be expanded.

[0075] (8) In this embodiment, multiple treatment members 37 and 38 are provided corresponding to the left and right lower limbs, and a drive unit 36 ​​is arranged between the left and right treatment members 37 and 38. With this configuration, the space between the left and right lower limbs can be effectively utilized to arrange the drive unit 36, making the lower limb massage machine 10 more compact. In addition, in this embodiment, a second drive unit 41 (pump 73, control valve 74) is also arranged between the left and right treatment members 37 and 38, which further contributes to the compactness of the lower limb massage machine 10.

[0076] (9) In this embodiment, multiple treatment members 37 and 38 are provided corresponding to the left and right lower limbs (calves L), and the rotation axis 35 extends in the left-right direction across the left and right treatment members 37 and 38. With this configuration, both the left and right treatment members 37 and 38 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the lower limbs L by rotating a single rotation axis 35. In addition, the left and right treatment members 37 and 38 can be attached to a single rotation axis 35.

[0077] (10) In this embodiment, the link mechanism 66 is located at the left and right ends of the moving mechanism 23. This configuration prevents the massage device 11 from becoming larger in the front-to-back or up-and-down direction. The rotating shaft 35 extends in the left-to-right direction across the left and right treatment members 37 and 38, and the link mechanisms 66 are located at both left and right ends of the rotating shaft 35. This configuration allows the link mechanisms 66 on both the left and right sides to be operated by a single rotating shaft 35, thereby moving the rotating shaft 35 and the left and right treatment members 37 and 38 in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb L.

[0078] (11) In this embodiment, the first link member 67 and the second link member 68 of the link mechanism 66 are formed in a plate shape and arranged with their plate surfaces facing left and right. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the width of the link mechanism 66 in the left and right direction, and even when the link mechanism 66 is arranged on the left and right sides of the moving mechanism 23, it is possible to suppress the massage device 11 from becoming larger in the left and right direction.

[0079] (12) In this embodiment, the lower limb massage machine 10 further includes a biasing member 55 that biases the treatment member (outer treatment member) 37 in a direction approaching the lower limb. With this configuration, since the thickness of the lower limb differs depending on the position in the longitudinal direction, there is a risk that the treatment member 37 will separate from the lower limb when the treatment member 37 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb. However, in this embodiment, since the treatment member 37 is biased by the biasing member 55, it can be reliably brought into contact with the lower limb. In addition, the biasing of the biasing member 55 presses the treatment member 37 against the lower limb L, enabling effective acupressure massage.

[0080] (13) In this embodiment, the treatment members 37 and 38 include a first treatment member (lateral treatment member) 37 positioned on the left-right side of the lower limb and a second treatment member (rear treatment member) 38 positioned on the rear of the lower limb. With this configuration, massage can be performed on both the left-right side and the rear of the lower limb.

[0081] (14) In this embodiment, the lower limb massage machine 10 further comprises an airbag (internal treatment member) 39 positioned opposite the treatment member (external treatment member) 37, sandwiching the lower limb, and which inflates by the supply of air, and a second drive unit 41 that drives the airbag 39. With this configuration, the lower limb can be massaged while being sandwiched from both sides by the treatment member 37 and the airbag 39. Since the airbag 39 can be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, it is possible to massage a wide area in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb without moving it up and down like the treatment member 37.

[0082] (15) In this embodiment, the lower limb massager 10 includes a control unit 75 that controls a drive unit 36 ​​and a second drive unit 41. The drive unit 36 ​​includes an electric motor 45 that generates rotational power for the rotating shaft 35 and a current sensor 76 that detects the current value of the electric motor 45. When the current value of the electric motor 45 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 75 discharges air from the airbag 39. With this configuration, for example, if the load on the electric motor 45 becomes excessive due to the treatment member 37 strongly pressing on the lower limb, the current value flowing through the electric motor 45 increases. Therefore, by discharging air from the airbag 39, the control unit 75 can alleviate the force with which the treatment member 37 presses on the lower limb, thereby reducing the load on the electric motor 45. Furthermore, since the current sensor 76 is provided for the control of the electric motor 45, the load on the electric motor 45 can be reduced without separately providing, for example, a load sensor that detects the load applied to the treatment elements 52, 57 or a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the rotating shaft. However, the lower limb massager 10 of this embodiment may be equipped with the above-mentioned weight sensor and rotation sensor.

[0083] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. For example, in the above embodiment, the link mechanism 66 was composed of two link members, a first link member 67 and a second link member 68, but it may also include further link members.

[0084] The lower limb massage machine 10 was designed to be used with the lower limbs facing upwards, but it may also be used in other directions, for example, with the lower limbs facing forwards and backwards. In this case, the lateral treatment member 37 and the rear treatment member 38 will move in the forwards and backwards direction along the longitudinal direction of the lower limb. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 10: Lower limb massage machine 11: Upper massage device 22: Support frame 23: Movement mechanism 34: Movable frame 35: Rotation axis 36: First drive unit 37:Outer treatment member 38: Post-treatment component 39: Internal treatment component (airbag) 41: Second drive unit 45: Electric motor 55: Biasing member 61:Position adjustment mechanism 66: Linkage mechanism 67: First link member 68: Second link member 75: Control Unit 76: Current Sensor L: Calf (lower limb)

Claims

1. A treatment device for massaging the lower limbs, The device comprises a moving mechanism connected to the treatment member, which moves the treatment member in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, The aforementioned moving mechanism The axis of rotation and A drive unit that rotates the aforementioned rotating shaft, A support frame that supports the aforementioned rotation axis so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, A lower limb massage machine comprising a link mechanism that connects the rotating shaft and the support frame and extends and retracts as the rotating shaft rotates.

2. The aforementioned link mechanism is A first link member fixed to the aforementioned rotating shaft and rotating together with the aforementioned rotating shaft, A lower limb massager according to claim 1, comprising a second link member having one end pivotably connected to the first link member and the other end pivotably connected to the support frame.

3. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment member is attached to the rotating shaft.

4. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 3, further comprising a position adjustment mechanism between the treatment member and the rotating shaft, which adjusts the position of the treatment member in the axial direction of the rotating shaft by the forward and reverse rotation of the rotating shaft.

5. The aforementioned movement mechanism includes a movable frame that is movably supported on the support frame along the longitudinal direction of the lower limb, The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotating shaft is supported on the movable frame.

6. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 5, wherein the drive unit is attached to the movable frame.

7. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 6, wherein the rotating shaft, the movable frame, and the drive unit are arranged in overlapping positions in the longitudinal direction of the lower limb.

8. Multiple treatment members are provided, corresponding to each of the left and right lower limbs. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive unit is positioned between the left and right treatment members.

9. Multiple treatment members are provided, corresponding to each of the left and right lower limbs. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the rotation axis extends in the left-right direction across the left and right treatment members.

10. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the link mechanism is located at the left-right end of the moving mechanism.

11. The lower limb massager according to claim 2, wherein the first link member and the second link member are formed in a plate shape and arranged with their plate surfaces facing left and right.

12. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a biasing member that biases the treatment member in a direction approaching the lower limb.

13. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the treatment member includes a first treatment member positioned on the left-right side of the lower limb and a second treatment member positioned on the rear of the lower limb.

14. An airbag is positioned opposite the treatment member, sandwiching the lower limb, and inflates by the supply of air. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second drive unit for driving the airbag.

15. The system includes a control unit that controls the drive unit and the second drive unit, The drive unit includes an electric motor that generates rotational power for the rotating shaft and a current sensor that detects the current value of the electric motor. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 14, wherein the control unit discharges air from the airbag when the current value of the electric motor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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