Lounge chair type massager

Abstract

To provide a chair type massage machine capable of stopping a footrest part at an appropriate position when moving the footrest part in a vertical direction to adjust its position to a length of the lower extremity in a state that a user is seated on a seat part, and capable of stopping the movement of the footrest part safely and immediately when a situation hindering the movement of the footrest part occurs.SOLUTION: A chair type massage machine 1 includes: a seat part 2 on which a user is seated; a backrest part 3 provided at a back of the seat part 2; a footrest part 4 provided at a front part of the seat part 2, into which the lower extremity L of the user can be inserted; a vertical moving mechanism 11 for moving the footrest part 4 in a vertical direction; and a leg part lifting / lowering mechanism 79 for changing an inclination angle of the footrest 4. The footrest part 4 includes a safety mechanism 21 for stopping the vertical moving mechanism 11 when a situation hindering the movement of the footrest part 4 occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair-type massage machine provided with a footrest portion for storing a lower limb massage mechanism on the front side of a seat portion.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some chair-type massage machines are provided with a lower limb massage mechanism for massaging the lower limbs on the front side of the seat portion. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a chair-type massage machine capable of massaging a user's back to buttocks by a first massage portion movable from a position corresponding to a backrest portion to a position corresponding to a seat portion, and massaging a user's feet to buttocks by a second massage portion movable from a position corresponding to a footrest to a position corresponding to a seat portion. Patent Document 2 discloses a chair-type massage machine in which a leg rest portion provided with a lower limb massage mechanism is divided into a shin insertion portion and a foot insertion portion, the shin insertion portion is movable in the longitudinal direction of the leg with respect to the seat portion by a first moving mechanism, and the foot insertion portion is movable in the longitudinal direction of the leg with respect to the seat portion by a second moving mechanism. Patent Document 3 discloses a massage machine capable of adjusting the angle or the angle or position of a footrest portion so as to fit the body shape of a person to be treated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the backrest, seat portion, and footrest are integrated, and there is a risk that it may not be suitable especially for tall people (such as the legs (toes, etc.) not fitting in the footrest or not being able to massage the legs (toes, etc.)). In Patent Document 2, the leg rest portion (footrest portion) is provided separately from the seat portion, etc., and is configured to be divided into a shin insertion portion and a foot insertion portion. That is, the shin insertion portion and the foot insertion portion are movable in the longitudinal direction of the leg. However, if the footrest portion (especially the foot insertion portion) automatically moves in the vertical direction, when moving upward, it may continue to operate even if it hits the user's leg (sole), causing discomfort or pain to the user. Therefore, Patent Document 3 is adjustable according to the user's body type.

[0005] However, when the footrest portion (foot insertion portion) automatically moves downward, if there are obstacles on the floor, etc., there is a risk that the bottom lower surface of the footrest portion (foot insertion portion) may hit the obstacle and continue to drive, damaging the obstacle. There is also a risk of damaging the vertical drive mechanism that drives the footrest portion, etc. Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a chair - type massage machine that stops at an appropriate position when moving the footrest portion in the vertical direction to adjust the position according to the length of the lower limbs while the user is seated on the seat portion, and can safely and immediately stop the movement of the footrest portion when a situation occurs where the movement of the footrest portion is obstructed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention has taken the following technical means. A chair - type massage machine according to the present invention includes a seat portion on which a user sits, a backrest portion provided at the rear of the seat portion, a footrest portion provided at the front of the seat portion and into which the lower limbs of the user can be inserted, a vertical movement mechanism for moving the footrest portion in the vertical direction, and section a leg lifting mechanism for changing the inclination angle of the footrest, in a chair - type massage machine. The footrest part has a safety mechanism for stopping the vertical movement mechanism when a situation occurs where the movement of the footrest part is obstructed. and the safety mechanism includes a detection unit that detects a situation where the movement of the footrest section is obstructed, a control unit that stops the vertical movement mechanism based on the detection result of the detection unit, and a link mechanism The detection unit includes a first detection unit that detects an upward force application situation in which an upward force is applied to the footrest section, and a second detection unit that detects a downward force application situation in which a downward force is applied to the footrest section unit The control unit stops the downward movement of the footrest section according to the detection signal of the first detection unit and stops the upward movement of the footrest section according to the detection signal of the second detection unit The link mechanism includes a first link portion connected to the vertical movement mechanism, a second link portion fixed to the bottom of the footrest section, a support shaft that rotatably connects the first link portion and the second link portion, and a first spring member that is assembled to the support shaft and creates a neutral state of the footrest section The first detection unit has a limit switch and is attached to one side of the first link portion, and the second detection unit has a limit switch and is attached to the other side of the first link portion facing the first detection unit It is characterized by this.

[0009] Preferably, the first detection part detects the upward force application situation when the horizontal frame part constituting the frame member arranged in the footrest part moves and contacts the first stopper part, and the second detection part detects the downward force application situation when the horizontal frame part moves and contacts the second stopper part. Preferably, the link mechanism includes a third link part that rotatably connects the first link part and the second link part, and a second spring member that is assembled to the support shaft and creates a neutral state of the footrest part. The first link part and the second link part are rotatably connected by the support shaft via the third link part. The second stopper part is provided at the upper part of the second link part, and the first stopper part is provided at the lower part of the third link part. The contact of the limit switch constituting the first detection part is provided at the lower part of the limit switch, and the contact of the limit switch constituting the second detection part is provided at the upper part of the limit switch. The upward force application situation is detected when the first stopper part contacts the contact of the limit switch constituting the first detection part, and the downward force application situation is detected when the second stopper part contacts the contact of the limit switch constituting the second detection part.

[0010] Preferably, the upward force application situation is caused by contact between the lower part of the footrest portion and an obstacle existing outside, and the downward force application situation may be caused by pinching between the upper part of the footrest portion and the seat portion, or contact between the lower part of the footrest portion and the foot of the user inserted into the footrest portion. Preferably, the footrest portion may be a lower limb massager that massages the lower limbs of the user.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the chair-type massager of the present invention, when the user is seated on the seat portion and moves the footrest portion in the vertical direction to adjust the position according to the length of the lower limbs and stops at an appropriate position, and when a situation occurs where the movement of the footrest portion is obstructed, the movement of the footrest portion can be safely and immediately stopped.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] An embodiment of the chair-type massager 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 and the like. Note that the embodiments described below are examples that embody the present invention, and do not limit the configuration of the present invention with these specific examples. Also, regarding FIGS. 1 to 9 and the like, some parts are drawn with omissions for easy viewing. In the present embodiment, the part from the calf C to the foot F will be referred to as the lower limb L or the leg L. Also, in this specification, among the lower limbs L of a human (user), the part below the knee and above the ankle (ankle) will be referred to as the "calf C", and the part below the ankle and from the heel to the toe will be referred to as the "foot F".

[0014] Also, the directions in the following description are appropriately shown in the drawings. This is consistent with the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction as seen from a user sitting on the seat portion 2 and using the chair-type massager 1. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment can perform massage on the user's buttocks and the like by a massage mechanism provided in the seat portion 2, and can also perform massage on the user's back and the like by a massage mechanism provided in the backrest portion 3. Further, the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment can perform massage on various parts (treatment parts) of the user's leg L (lower limb L) by changing the massage position of the lower limb massager 5 provided in the front.

[0015] First, an overview of the chair-type massager 1 will be described. The chair-type massage machine 1 of this embodiment has an appearance in the shape of a chair so that a user can sit on it. The chair-type massage machine 1 has a seat part 2 on which the user can sit and a backrest part 3 against which the user sitting on the seat part 2 can lean. The chair-type massage machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with a footrest part 4 on the front side of the seat part 2 into which the user's leg part L (lower limb L) can be inserted. Further, the footrest part 4 of this embodiment is a lower limb massage machine 5 that massages the user's leg part L.

[0016] The seat part 2 is flat along the horizontal direction (front-back direction and left-right direction), and a cushioning material is provided on the upper part. Further, inside the seat part 2, a hip massage mechanism (not shown) for massaging (treating) treatment parts such as the buttocks is incorporated. The hip massage mechanism is movable in the front-back direction. The seat part 2 is supported from below at a certain height by a support frame 6. The support frame 6 is formed by combining steel square bars (bars) in a lattice shape (frame shape).

[0017] The backrest part 3 is a member disposed on the rear side of the seat part 2, and the side facing the user (front side) is formed of a cushioning material similar to that of the seat part 2. Further, inside the backrest part 3, a back massage mechanism (not shown) for massaging (treating) treatment parts such as the shoulders, back, and waist of the person sitting is incorporated. The back massage mechanism is movable in the up-down direction. The backrest part 3 is reclinable around an axis facing the left-right direction with the lower end (base end) as the center.

[0018] The footrest portion 4 is supported by a structure that can approach and separate from the seat portion 2. The footrest portion 4 of the present embodiment incorporates a lower limb massager 5 that can massage the user's legs L. The footrest portion 4 (lower limb massager 5) can have the inclination angle of the footrest 4 changed by a leg lifting mechanism 79. The footrest portion 4 has an upper case body 7 that protrudes forward and a lower case body 8 disposed below the upper case body 7. In the present embodiment, the case body of the footrest portion 4 is a divided body.

[0019] In the upper case body 7, a pair of left and right first treatment recesses 9 into which the user's both left and right calves C or thighs can be inserted are arranged side by side with a space therebetween. Inside this first treatment recess 9, an inner lining material (not shown) having elasticity, flexibility, and appropriate breathability is provided. Further, the upper case body 7 incorporates an upper massage mechanism 51 (details will be described later) that constitutes the lower limb massager 5. The upper case body 7 is enabled to swing around an axis facing the left - right direction by the support of a swing drive mechanism 66 (details will be described later).

[0020] The lower case body 8 is formed in a dome shape (convex shape). In the lower case body 8, a pair of left and right second treatment recesses 10 into which the user's both left and right feet F can be inserted are arranged side by side with a space therebetween. Inside this second treatment recess 10, an inner lining material (not shown) having elasticity, flexibility, and appropriate breathability is provided. Further, inside the lower case body 8, a lower massage mechanism 50 that constitutes the lower limb massager 5 and a drive mechanism 49 (both will be described later) for driving the lower massage mechanism 50 and the upper massage mechanism 51 are incorporated.

[0021] In addition, the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment can store the footrest portion 4 inside the lower part of the seat portion 2 (inside the support frame 6) by a storage mechanism 73 (details will be described later) when not in use. Further, the chair-type massager 1 can change the posture of the footrest portion 4 and switch to a ottoman on which the calf C to the foot F can be extended and placed.

[0022] The footrest portion 4 is configured to slide in the vertical direction by a vertical movement mechanism 11 (move along the length direction (height direction) of the leg portion L of the user seated on the seat portion 2). As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 and the like, the vertical movement mechanism 11 includes a lifting drive unit 12 (slide drive unit 12) that generates a driving force for moving the footrest portion 4 in the vertical direction, and a slide member 13 that guides the footrest portion 4 in the vertical direction.

[0023] The lifting drive unit 12 is disposed on the back side inside the footrest portion 4. In the present embodiment, the lifting drive unit 12 employs a linear motion mechanism (actuator) and performs a linear motion in the vertical direction along the rear wall surface of the footrest portion 4. However, as for the configuration of the lifting drive unit 12, a device that manually performs a linear motion (for example, an air cylinder or the like) may be employed. The actuator 12 includes a motor 14 that generates a driving force, a rod 15 that rotates by the driving force, and a slider 16 that slides along the longitudinal direction of the rod 15. The rod 15 is disposed with its axial direction facing the vertical direction. The slider 16 slides in the vertical direction on the rod 15.

[0024] The slide member 13 is disposed on the back wall surface of the footrest portion 4. The slide member 13 moves in the vertical direction on a guide member 17 provided on the back wall surface of the footrest portion 4. The guide member 17 is a member that constitutes a frame member 18 disposed inside the footrest portion 4. The frame member 18 has a vertical frame portion 19 provided with a guide member 17, and a horizontal frame portion 20 provided so as to protrude forward from the lower end (base end) of the vertical frame portion 19. The frame member 18 is a member formed in an L shape in a side view by combining steel square bars (bars) in a lattice shape. The frame member 18 is built into the footrest portion 4.

[0025] A slider 16 constituting the actuator 12 is attached to the slide member 13. The slide member 13 moves in the vertical direction by the linear motion of the actuator 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 9 and the like, in the present embodiment, the footrest portion 4 is characterized by having a safety mechanism 21 that immediately stops the vertical movement mechanism 11 when a situation occurs in which the movement of the footrest portion 4 (particularly, the vertical movement) is obstructed.

[0026] Examples of the situation where the movement of the footrest portion 4 is obstructed include a situation where an obstacle O existing outside, such as on the floor surface, contacts the lower surface of the bottom portion 4a of the footrest portion 4 (the lower surface of the bottom portion 8a of the lower case body 8), and a situation where the sole S (foot portion F) of the user inserted into the footrest portion 4 (inside the second treatment recess 10) contacts the upper surface of the bottom portion of the footrest portion 4 (the footrest portion 10a inside the second treatment recess 10).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the like, the safety mechanism 21 includes a first link portion 22 connected to the vertical movement mechanism 11, a second link portion 23 fixed to the bottom portion (bottom portion 8a of the lower case body 8) of the case body (footrest portion 4), a support shaft 24 (axis A) that rotatably connects the first link portion 22 and the second link portion 23, and a first spring member 24a that is assembled to the support shaft 24 and creates a neutral state of the footrest portion 4. The safety mechanism 21 has a link mechanism composed of these. Further, the safety mechanism 21 constitutes the link mechanism and has a third link portion 25 that rotatably connects the first link portion 22 and the second link portion 23 via the support shaft 24, and a second spring member 24b that is assembled to the support shaft 24 and creates a neutral state of the footrest portion 4.

[0028] That is, the safety mechanism 21 of the present invention is first composed of four components: a first link portion 22, a second link portion 23, a support shaft 24, and a first spring member 24a. The safety mechanism 21 composed of these four components is a safety device that immediately stops operating when the footrest portion 4 sandwiches an obstacle O existing on the floor surface. That is, the safety mechanism 21 ensures safety against loads from the upper side (one direction) of the floor surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the safety mechanism 21 of the present invention takes into account safety against loads from the user's leg L side. That is, the safety mechanism 21 is provided with two components, a third link portion 25 and a second spring member 24b, against loads from the leg L side, thereby creating a neutral state of the footrest portion 4 and realizing safety against loads in both the floor surface side and the leg L side directions. When a situation occurs where the up-and-down movement of the footrest portion 4 is hindered, the link mechanism of the safety mechanism 21 releases the load due to the hindrance through the movement of the link, preventing damage to the up-and-down drive mechanism 11.

[0030] The first link portion 22 is formed by bending a steel plate member and is arranged such that the front-rear direction and the downward direction are open. That is, the first link portion 22 is a member formed in a U shape. Specifically, the first link portion 22 has a left side wall surface 22a that is long in the front-rear direction, a right side wall surface 22b that is long in the front-rear direction, and a top wall surface 22c that is provided so as to span and connect the left and right side wall surfaces 22a and 22b. The left side wall surface 22a and the right side wall surface 22b are arranged at a certain interval.

[0031] A left protruding piece 26a is formed at the rear part of the left side wall surface 22a. This left protruding piece 26a is formed to protrude obliquely downward. A left through hole 27a penetrating in the left-right direction is provided in the left protruding piece 26a (the rear part of the left side wall surface 22a). A left through hole 28a penetrating in the left-right direction is provided at the lower front part of the left side wall surface 22a. The left through hole 28a is arranged above the left through hole 27a.

[0032] On the upper front portion of the left side wall surface 22a, a long left groove portion 29a extending in the front-rear direction is formed. In the long left groove portion 29a, a shaft member 30 (shaft center B) is disposed. At the front end of the left side wall surface 22a, a long notch portion 31a extending in the vertical direction is formed. The left notch portion 31a has a left bulging piece 32a, and the left bulging piece 32a is formed on the upper front portion of the left side wall surface 22a. In the left notch portion 31a, a shaft member 33 (shaft center C) is disposed.

[0033] At the rear portion of the right side wall surface 22b, a right protruding piece 26b is formed. This right protruding piece 26b has the same shape as the left protruding piece 26a and is formed to protrude obliquely downward. In the right protruding piece 26b (the rear portion of the right side wall surface 22b), a right through hole 27b penetrating in the left-right direction is provided. The right through hole 27b is a hole portion having the same diameter and the same axis as the left through hole 27a. A pivot shaft 34 is inserted into these left and right through holes 27a, 27b.

[0034] On the lower front portion of the right side wall surface 22b, a right through hole 28b penetrating in the left-right direction is provided. The right through hole 28b is a hole portion having the same diameter and the same axis as the left through hole 28a. The right through hole 28b is disposed above the right through hole 27b. On the upper front portion of the right side wall surface 22b, a long right groove portion 29b extending in the front-rear direction is formed. The long right groove portion 29b has the same shape as the long left groove portion 29a and is provided at a corresponding position. In the long right groove portion 29b, a shaft member 30 (shaft center B) is disposed.

[0035] At the front end of the right side wall surface 22b, a long right notch portion 31b extending in the vertical direction is formed. The right notch portion 31b has a right bulging piece 32b, and the right bulging piece 32b is formed on the upper front portion of the right side wall surface 22b. The right notch portion 31b has the same shape as the left notch portion 31a and is provided at a corresponding position. Similarly, the right bulging piece 32b has the same shape as the left bulging piece 32a and is provided at a corresponding position. In the right notch portion 31b, a shaft member 33 (shaft center C) is disposed.

[0036] The first link portion 22 is rotatably connected to the lower end (base end) of the actuator 12 that constitutes the vertical movement mechanism 11. Specifically, it is arranged between the left protruding piece 26a and the right protruding piece 26b so as to sandwich the lower end (base end) side of the actuator 12, and a pivot shaft 34 that rotatably supports the lower end (base end) of the actuator 12 is inserted into the left through hole 27a and the right through hole 27b. Thereby, the lower end of the first link portion 22 and the actuator 12 are rotatably connected.

[0037] A support shaft 24 (axis A) that is rotatably connected to the second link portion 23 via the third link portion 25 is inserted into the left through hole 28a and the right through hole 28b of the first link portion 22. Note that a first spring member 24a and a second spring member 24b are assembled to the support shaft 24. By providing these first spring member 24a and second spring member 24b, a vertical safety switch structure (safety mechanism 21) is established.

[0038] Also, a shaft member 30 (axis B) is disposed in the left and right long groove portions 29a, 29b provided in the first link portion 22. A shaft member 33 (axis C) is disposed in the left and right notch portions 31a, 31b (left and right bulging pieces 32a, 32b) provided in the first link portion 22. The second link portion 23 is fixed to the bottom portion 8a of the case body (lower case body 8). The second link portion 23 is formed by bending a steel plate member and is arranged such that the front-rear direction and the upward direction are open. That is, the second link portion 23 is a member formed in a U shape. Specifically, the second link portion 23 has a left side wall surface 23a that is long in the vertical direction, a right side wall surface 23b that is long in the vertical direction, and a bottom wall surface 23c that connects the left and right side wall surfaces 23a, 23b.

[0039] The left side wall surface 23a and the right side wall surface 23b are arranged at an interval wider than the interval between the left side wall surface 22a and the right side wall surface 22b of the first link portion 22. That is, the second link portion 23 is formed wide so that the first link portion 22 can be inserted between the left side wall surface 23a and the right side wall surface 23b. In the middle part in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the left side wall surface 23a, a left through hole 35a penetrating in the left - right direction is provided. Further, in the upper part (tip side) of the left side wall surface 23a, a left through hole 36a penetrating in the left - right direction is provided. The left through hole 36a is arranged above the left through hole 35a.

[0040] At the rear end of the left side wall surface 23a, a vertically long left notch part 37a is formed. The left notch part 37a has a left bulging piece 38a, and the left bulging piece 38a is formed on the lower side of the rear end of the left side wall surface 23a. On the upper part of this left notch part 37a (the left side wall surface 23a of the second link part 23), a second stopper part 40 (details will be described later) used for detection by the second detection part 47b is provided.

[0041] In the middle part in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the right side wall surface 23b, a right through hole 35b penetrating in the left - right direction is provided. The right through hole 35b is a hole part having the same diameter and the same axis as the left through hole 35a. Further, in the upper part (tip side) of the right side wall surface 23b, a right through hole 36b penetrating in the left - right direction is provided. The right through hole 36b is a hole part having the same diameter and the same axis as the left through hole 36a. The right through hole 36b is arranged above the right through hole 35b.

[0042] At the rear end of the right side wall surface 23b, a vertically long right notch part 37b is formed. The right notch part 37b has a right bulging piece 38b, and the right bulging piece 38b is formed on the lower side of the rear end of the right side wall surface 23b. The right notch part 37b has the same shape as the left notch part 37a and is provided at a position opposite to it. Similarly, the right bulging piece 38b has the same shape as the left bulging piece 38a and is provided at a position opposite to it.

[0043] Regarding the second stopper part 40, instead of the upper part of the left notch part 37a, it may be provided on the upper part of the right notch part 37b. Further, on the bottom wall surface 23c, a protruding piece protruding forward is provided, and a plurality of through holes 41 penetrating in the vertical direction are provided in the protruding piece. The through holes 41 are hole parts into which fasteners (bolts) for fixing the second link part 23 to the bottom 8a of the case body (lower case body 8) are inserted.

[0044] The second link portion 23 is rotatably connected to the first link portion 22. Specifically, it is arranged so as to sandwich the first link portion 22 between the left side wall surface 23a and the right side wall surface 23b of the second link portion 23. A support shaft 24 (axis A) is inserted into the left through hole 35a of the left side wall surface 23a and the right through hole 35b of the right side wall surface 23b. Thereby, the second link portion 23 is rotatably connected to the first link portion 22 via the support shaft 24.

[0045] Further, a shaft member 30 (axis B) is inserted into the left through hole 36a and the right through hole 36b of the second link portion 23. The shaft member 30 is arranged in the left and right long groove portions 29a, 29b provided in the first link portion 22 and moves in the front - rear direction within the left and right long groove portions 29a, 29b. The third link portion 25 is disposed between the first link portion 22 and the second link portion 23. The third link portion 25 is formed by bending a steel plate member and is arranged such that the front - rear direction and the upward direction are open. That is, the third link portion 25 is a member formed in a U - shape. Specifically, the third link portion 25 has a left side wall surface 25a that is long in the vertical direction, a right side wall surface 25b that is long in the vertical direction, and a bottom wall surface 25c that connects the left and right side wall surfaces 25a, 25b.

[0046] The left side wall surface 25a and the right side wall surface 25b are arranged at an interval wider than the interval between the left side wall surface 22a and the right side wall surface 22b and at an interval narrower than the interval between the left side wall surface 23a and the right side wall surface 23b. That is, the third link portion 25 is formed such that the first link portion 22 can be inserted between the left side wall surface 25a and the right side wall surface 25b. Also, the third link portion 25 is formed such that it can be inserted between the left side wall surface 23a and the right side wall surface 23b of the second link portion 23.

[0047] The first link portion 22 is arranged to be inserted into the third link portion 25, and the third link portion 25 is arranged to be inserted into the second link portion 23. That is, the width of the link portion becomes wider in the order of the first link portion 22, the third link portion 25, and the second link portion 23. In the middle of the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the left side wall surface 25a, a left through hole 42a penetrating in the left-right direction is provided. Further, on the upper front edge side of the left side wall surface 25a, a protruding piece 43a protruding forward is provided, and a left through hole 44a penetrating in the left-right direction is provided in the protruding piece 43a. The left through hole 44a is arranged above the left through hole 42a. Further, on the upper part (tip side) of the left side wall surface 25a, a protruding piece 45a protruding upward is provided, and the protruding piece 45a constitutes a long groove portion 29a.

[0048] In the middle of the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the right side wall surface 25b, a right through hole 42b penetrating in the left-right direction is provided. The right through hole 42b is a hole portion having the same diameter and the same axis as the left through hole 42a. Further, on the upper front edge side of the left side wall surface 25b, a protruding piece 43b protruding forward is provided, and a right through hole 44b penetrating in the left-right direction is provided in the protruding piece 43b. The right through hole 44b is a hole portion having the same diameter and the same axis as the left through hole 44a. The right through hole 44b is arranged above the right through hole 42b. Further, on the upper part (tip side) of the right side wall surface 25b, a protruding piece 45b protruding upward is provided, and the protruding piece 45b constitutes a long groove portion 29b.

[0049] On the bottom wall surface 25c, a protruding piece 46 protruding forward is provided, and on the right edge side of the protruding piece 46 (the lower part of the third link portion 25), a first stopper portion 39 (details will be described later) used for detection by the first detection portion 47a is provided. Regarding the first stopper portion 39, it may be provided on the left edge side of the protruding piece 46 instead of the right edge side of the protruding piece 46.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 and the like, the safety mechanism 21 includes a detection portion 47 that detects a situation where the movement of the footrest portion 4 is obstructed, and a control portion that immediately stops the vertical movement mechanism 11 based on the detection result of the detection portion 47. The detection portion 47 includes a first detection portion 47a and a second detection portion 47b. As shown in FIG. 5, the first detection unit 47a is configured to detect a situation where the movement of the footrest unit 4 is obstructed, for example, contact between the lower surface (horizontal frame portion 20) of the bottom portion 8a of the lower case body 8 constituting the footrest unit 4 and an obstacle O existing outside.

[0051] The first detection unit 47a includes a first limit switch 47a. The first limit switch 47a is attached to one side of the first link portion 22. In the present embodiment, the first limit switch 47a is attached to the right side wall surface 22b of the first link portion 22. The first limit switch 47a is provided such that the first contact 48a is positioned on the lower side. The first contact 48a is disposed at a position facing the first stopper portion 39. Note that the distance between the first contact 48a and the first stopper portion 39 is short.

[0052] The first detection unit 47a detects contact between the first contact 48a and the first stopper portion 39 as the first link portion 22 moves around the pivot shaft 34, thereby detecting contact between the footrest unit 4 and the obstacle O. Specifically, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7, when the first link portion 22 swings upward around the pivot shaft 34, the front portion of the first link portion 22 rises, and the first contact 48a moves downward. The first contact 48a contacts the first stopper portion 39, and the first detection unit 47a detects contact between the footrest unit 4 and the obstacle O.

[0053] When a load is applied to the horizontal frame portion 20 from below, the first detection unit 47a recognizes contact with the obstacle O and transmits a detection signal for stopping the vertical movement mechanism 11. That is, the first detection unit 47a (first limit switch 47a) detects a situation where the movement of the footrest unit 4 is obstructed by contact between the lower surface of the bottom portion 4a of the footrest unit 4 (the lower surface of the bottom portion 8a of the lower case body 8) and an obstacle O existing outside during downward movement of the footrest unit 4.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in the right figure of Fig. 7, when the first link portion 22 swings downward around the pivot shaft 34, the front portion of the first link portion 22 descends, and the first contact 48a moves upward. The first contact 48a separates from the first stopper portion 39 and becomes non-contact. As shown in Fig. 5, the second detection unit 47b is configured to detect a situation where the movement of the footrest portion 4 is obstructed, for example, contact between the upper surface of the bottom of the footrest portion 4 (the footrest portion 10a within the second treatment recess 10) and the sole S (foot portion F) of the user inserted into the footrest portion 4 (within the second treatment recess 10).

[0055] The second detection unit 47b includes a second limit switch 47b. The second limit switch 47b is attached to the other side of the first link portion 22 facing the first limit switch 47a. In the present embodiment, the second limit switch 47b is attached to the left side wall surface 22a of the first link portion 22. The second limit switch 47b is provided such that the second contact 48b is positioned on the upper side. The second contact 48b is disposed at a position facing the second stopper portion 40. Note that the distance between the second contact 48b and the second stopper portion 40 is relatively close.

[0056] The second detection unit 47b detects contact between the footrest portion 4 and the sole S (foot portion F) of the user when the second contact 48b contacts the second stopper portion 40 as the first link portion 22 moves around the pivot shaft 34. Specifically, as shown in the right figure of Fig. 9, when the first link portion 22 swings downward around the pivot shaft 34, the front portion of the first link portion 22 descends, and the second contact 48b moves forward. The second contact 48b contacts the second stopper portion 40, and the second detection unit 47b detects contact between the footrest portion 4 and the sole S of the user.

[0057] When a load is applied to the horizontal frame portion 20 from above, the second detection unit 47b recognizes contact with the sole S (foot portion F) of the user and transmits a detection signal for stopping the vertical movement mechanism 11. That is, the second detection unit 47b (the second limit switch 47b) detects a situation where the upward movement of the footrest unit 4 is hindered, for example, by the contact between the upper surface of the bottom of the footrest unit 4 (the footrest portion 10a within the second treatment recess 10) and the sole S (foot portion F) of the user inserted into the footrest unit 4. The movement of the footrest unit 4 is detected when it is hindered.

[0058] On the other hand, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 9, when the first link portion 22 swings upward around the pivot shaft 34, the front portion of the first link portion 22 rises, and the second contact 48b moves backward. The second contact 48b separates from the second stopper portion 40 and becomes non-contact. The control unit (stop unit) safely and immediately stops the vertical movement mechanism 11 based on the signal regarding the contact of the footrest unit 4 detected by the detection unit 47.

[0059] That is, the control unit recognizes, based on the detection signal of the first detection unit 47a, that a situation has occurred where the movement of the footrest unit 4 is hindered (for example, the footrest unit 4 has contacted an obstacle O), and safely and immediately stops the downward movement of the footrest unit 4. Also, the control unit recognizes, based on the detection signal of the second detection unit 47b, that a situation has occurred where the movement of the footrest unit 4 is hindered (for example, the footrest unit 4 has contacted the sole S (foot portion F) of the user), and safely and immediately stops the upward movement of the footrest unit 4. [Detection operation] When using the chair-type massager 1, the user sits down on the seat portion 2 and leans against the backrest portion 3. The leg portion L is inserted into the footrest unit 4. That is, the calf C is inserted into the first treatment recess 9 of the upper case body 7, and the foot portion F is inserted into the second treatment recess 10 of the lower case body 8. The operation unit (switch) provided on the chair-type massager 1 is operated to adjust the position of the footrest unit 4. (Obstacle detection) For example, when the user wants to lower the position of the footrest unit 4, the user operates the operation unit of the chair-type massager 1 to lower the footrest unit 4.

[0060] At this time, there may be a situation where the movement of the footrest part 4 is hindered. For example, the movement of the footrest part 4 may be hindered by an obstacle O existing on the floor surface. Therefore, the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a safety mechanism 21. Here, the first detection unit 47a detects contact between the footrest part 4 and the obstacle O. As shown in FIG. 5, when the footrest part 4 is lowered and the lower surface of the bottom part 8a of the lower case body 8 comes into contact with the obstacle O, the horizontal frame part 20 in the lower case body 8 moves upward.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 and the like, due to the load of the obstacle O, the second link part 23 fixed to the lower surface of the bottom part 8a of the lower case body 8 is pushed upward, and the front part of the first link part 22 rises via the support shaft 24 (axis A). That is, the first link part 22 swings upward around the pivot shaft 34. The shaft member 30 (axis B) moves within the left and right long groove parts 29a, 29b provided on the first link part 22. Further, the left and right bulging pieces 32a, 32b (left and right notch parts 31a, 31b) provided on the first link part 22 slide around the shaft member 33 (axis C).

[0062] As shown in the left figure of FIG. 7, the first limit switch 47a attached to the right side wall surface 22b of the first link part 22 has its front side rising as the first link part 22 rises. The first contact 48a arranged facing downward moves downward. Then, the first contact 48a contacts the first stopper part 39 provided on the right edge side of the lower part (the protruding piece 46 of the bottom wall surface 25c) of the third link part 25, and the first detection unit 47a detects the contact between the footrest part 4 and the obstacle O. That is, when a load is applied from below to the lower surface of the bottom part 8a of the lower case body 8, the first detection unit 47a recognizes the contact with the obstacle O and transmits a detection signal for stopping the vertical movement mechanism 11. Based on the command of the control unit, the vertical movement mechanism 11 is stopped safely and immediately. In this way, the position of the footrest part 4 in the downward direction is adjusted.

[0063] Note that, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 9, for the second detection unit 47b (second limit switch), the second contact 48b has moved rearward and is separated from and out of contact with the second stopper portion 40 provided on the upper portion of the second link portion 23. (Foot detection) For example, when the user wants to raise the position of the footrest portion 4, the user operates the operation portion of the chair-type massager 1 to raise the footrest portion 4. At this time, a situation may occur where the movement of the footrest portion 4 is obstructed. For example, the movement of the footrest portion 4 may be obstructed by the user's foot F (sole S) inserted into the footrest portion 4 (inside the second treatment recess 10). Therefore, the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a safety mechanism 21.

[0064] Here, the second detection unit 47b detects the contact between the footrest portion 4 and the sole S of the user. As shown in FIG. 5, when the footrest portion 4 is raised and the footrest portion 10a in the second treatment recess 10 comes into contact with the sole S of the user, the horizontal frame portion 20 in the lower case body 8 moves downward.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 and the like, due to the load of the user's foot F, the second link portion 23 fixed to the lower surface of the bottom portion 8a of the lower case body 8 is pushed down, and the front portion of the first link portion 22 descends via the support shaft 24 (axis A). That is, the first link portion 22 swings downward around the pivot shaft 34. Note that the shaft member 30 (axis B) moves within the long groove portions 29a and 29b of the first link portion 22. Further, the bulging pieces 32a and 32b (notch portions 31a and 31b) of the first link portion 22 slide around the shaft member 33 (axis C).

[0066] As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 9, the second limit switch 47b attached to the left side wall surface 22a of the first link portion 22 descends on the front side as the first link portion 22 descends. The second contact 48b disposed facing forward moves forward. Then, the second contact 48b contacts the second stopper portion 40 provided at the upper portion of the left side wall surface 23a of the second link portion 23, and the second detection portion 47b detects the contact between the footrest portion 4 and the sole S of the user. That is, when a load is applied from above to the footrest portion 10a in the second treatment recess 10, the second detection portion 47b recognizes the contact with the sole S of the user and transmits a detection signal for stopping the vertical movement mechanism 11. Based on the command of the control unit, the vertical movement mechanism 11 is stopped safely and immediately. In this way, the position of the footrest portion 4 in the upward direction (the position of the footrest portion 4 corresponding to the leg portion L) is adjusted.

[0067] As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 7, with respect to the first detection portion 47a (first limit switch), the first contact 48a has moved upward and is separated from and out of contact with the first stopper portion 39 provided at the lower portion of the third link portion 25. As described above, according to the chair-type massager 1 of the present invention, by providing the safety mechanism 21 in the footrest portion 4, when the user is seated on the seat portion 2, the footrest portion 4 is moved in the vertical direction and stopped at an appropriate position when adjusting the position according to the length of the leg portion L (lower limb L), and when a situation occurs where the movement of the footrest portion 4 is obstructed, the movement of the footrest portion 4 can be stopped safely and immediately.

[0068] That is, by immediately stopping the movement of the footrest portion 4 by the safety mechanism 21, damage to the footrest portion 4 and the obstacle O can be prevented. Also, damage to the vertical drive mechanism 11 that drives the footrest portion 4 and the like can be prevented. Thus, with the configuration of the safety mechanism 21 according to the present invention, the footrest portion 4 can be arranged at an appropriate position even in various situations such as when the lengths of the user's leg portions L are different (differences in height), and a safe and effective massage operation can be imparted to the treatment portion such as the leg portion L. Also, with the configuration of the safety mechanism 21 according to the present invention, even if the footrest portion 4 contacts another member such as the obstacle O, the movement of the footrest portion 4 can be stopped safely and immediately.

[0069] Here, the positions (postures) realized in the safety mechanism 21 are summarized. Regarding the state of the safety mechanism 21 that controls the vertical movement of the footrest part 4, three positions are possible. Specifically, the state in which the first limit switch 47a is detected (pinch detection on the floor surface) is defined as the "first position". The state in which the second limit switch 47b is detected (leg part L detection) is defined as the "second position". The neutral state in which neither the first limit switch 47a nor the second limit switch 47b is detected is defined as the "third position".

[0070] First, in the safety mechanism 21, the third position (neutral state) is the reference. When a load in either the upward or downward direction (floor surface side or leg part L side) is applied to the footrest part 4 from this reference, the safety mechanism 21 will move to the first position or the second position depending on the direction of the applied load. For example, if there is no reference third position (neutral state), when an obstacle O on the floor surface is removed after being pinched by the obstacle O on the floor surface and the first limit switch 47a is detected, it will shift to the second position where the sole of the foot (leg part L) is detected. Also, when the load on the sole of the foot is removed after the second limit switch 47b pressed by the sole of the foot (leg part L) is detected, it will shift to the first position where being pinched by the obstacle O on the floor surface is detected.

[0071] As described above, the safety mechanism 21 of the present invention has only two positions, the first position and the second position, and the operation switches simply when the direction of the load changes. Therefore, in order to control the vertical movement of the footrest part 4, it is provided with a third position (neutral). In order to maintain this third position, the second link part 23 and the third link part 25 are respectively provided. That is, the safety mechanism 21 of the present invention has a configuration of three link parts (the first link part 22, the second link part 23, and the third link part 25) in order to create three positions from the first to the third positions.

[0072] The structure of the safety mechanism 21 will be described. The third link portion 25 is disposed outside the first link portion 22, and the second link portion 23 is disposed outside the third link portion 25. The support shaft 24 (axis A) that is rotatably connected is inserted into the left and right through holes 28a, 28b, 35a, 35b, 42a, 42b that are communicated. Three link portions (the first link portion 22, the second link portion 23, and the third link portion 25) and two spring members (the first spring member 24a and the second spring member 24b) are incorporated in the support shaft 24.

[0073] One end of the first spring member 24a is engaged with the shaft member 30 (axis B) through the support shaft 24 (axis A) at the central portion in a coil shape, and the other end on the opposite side is engaged with the first stopper portion 39 of the third link portion 25. Thereby, the third link portion 25 is in a state of being pressed against the first link portion 22 by the reaction force of the first spring member 24a. One end of the second spring member 24b is engaged with the top wall surface 22c of the first link portion 22 through the support shaft 24 (axis A) at the central portion in a coil shape, and the other end on the opposite side is engaged with the first stopper portion 39 of the third link portion 25. Thereby, the first link portion 22 is in a state of opening with respect to the third link portion 25 by the reaction force of the second spring member 24b.

[0074] By arranging in this way, the first link portion 22 and the second link portion 23 are in an opening direction via the third link portion 25 and the two spring members 24a, 24b. Regarding the third position in the neutral state, when there is no load from the floor surface and no load from the leg portion L, the third link portion 25 is in the initial state and maintains the state of being pressed by the second link portion 23. Also, the first link portion 22 is in the initial state and maintains the state of being open with respect to the third link portion 25.

[0075] Regarding the first position for detecting the floor-like obstacle O, due to the load from the floor surface, the third link portion 25 is in an initial state with respect to the first link portion 22 and is in a pressed state. The first link portion 22 rotates about the support shaft 24, and as the pivot shaft 34 descends, the first stopper portion 39 detects the first limit switch 47a. At this time, the second spring member 24b is in a compressed state.

[0076] Regarding the second position for detecting the leg portion L, due to the load from the leg portion L, both the third link portion 25 and the first link portion 22 rotate about the support shaft 24 and ascend, so that the second stopper portion 40 detects the second limit switch 47b. At this time, the first spring member 24a is in a compressed state. It should be noted that the third link portion 25 and the first link portion 22 rotate together because the hook-shaped bulging pieces 32a and 32b provided on the first link portion 22 are engaged with the shaft member 33 (axis C) provided on the third link portion 25.

[0077] Now, returning to FIG. 2, a drive mechanism 49 is stored in the footrest portion 4. The drive mechanism 49 is stored in the lower case body 8 and drives the lower limb massager 5. The drive mechanism 49 simultaneously drives a lower massage mechanism 50 that performs a sandwich massage on the user's foot F and an upper massage mechanism 51 that performs a sandwich massage on the user's calf C.

[0078] The drive mechanism 49 includes a drive motor 52 that outputs a rotational driving force, a transmission shaft 53 that transmits the rotational driving force output from the drive motor 52, a first gear case 54 into which the transmitted rotational driving force is input, and a second gear case 55 into which the transmitted rotational driving force is input. The transmission shaft 53 is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction. The transmission shaft 53 is an integral shaft body having a lower transmission shaft 53a that inputs the rotational driving force output from the drive motor 52 to the lower massage mechanism 50 and an upper transmission shaft 53b that inputs the rotational driving force output from the drive motor 52 to the upper massage mechanism 51. The lower transmission shaft 53a is arranged with its axis facing downward. Also, the upper transmission shaft 53b is arranged with its axis facing upward.

[0079] The drive mechanism 49 outputs a rotational driving force from the drive motor 52 and transmits the rotational driving force to the transmission shaft 53. The transmission shaft 53 distributes the rotational driving force to the lower transmission shaft 53a and the upper transmission shaft 53b. The lower transmission shaft 53a inputs the rotational driving force to the lower first gear case 54. In the first gear case 54, it is transmitted to the first rotating shaft 56 that constitutes the lower massage mechanism 50. At the same time, the upper transmission shaft 53b inputs the rotational driving force to the upper second gear case 55. In the second gear case 55, it is transmitted to the second rotating shaft 62 that constitutes the upper massage mechanism 51.

[0080] Thereby, with a single drive motor 52, the lower massage mechanism 50 and the upper massage mechanism 51 are driven simultaneously to perform a sandwich massage on the user's foot F, calf C, etc. Note that a plurality of drive motors 52 may be prepared, and one drive motor may be used to drive the lower massage mechanism 50 and another drive motor may be used to drive the upper massage mechanism 51. As shown in FIG. 2 etc., the lower massage mechanism 50 of the present embodiment is attached to the lower case body 8. The lower massage mechanism 50 has a first rotating shaft 56, a first massage member 57, and a first conversion unit 58.

[0081] The first rotating shaft 56 is arranged with its axis facing horizontally. The first rotating shaft 56 penetrates and is arranged across the base end side (first conversion unit 58) of the first massage member 57 in the left - right direction. The first rotating shaft 56 rotates by the rotational driving force from the lower transmission shaft 53a that constitutes the drive mechanism 49. The first massage member 57 is a long plate-shaped member, and a pair of them are arranged spaced apart from each other left and right. The first massage member 57 performs a sandwiching (pressing) massage on a treatment part including at least the foot part F from the toe to the heel.

[0082] The first conversion part 58 has a first boss part 58a, a first annular fitting part 58b, and a first restricting part 58c. The first boss part 58a is attached to the first rotating shaft 56 and rotates together. The first annular fitting part 58b is provided on the proximal end side of the first massage member 57 and fits externally around the first rotating shaft 56. The first restricting part 58c is arranged on the proximal end side of the first annular fitting part 58b. The first restricting part 58c restricts the first annular fitting part 58b from rotating around the first boss part 58a. The first conversion part 58 converts the rotational driving force of the first rotating shaft 56 into a swinging motion to cause the pair of left and right first massage members 57 to move closer to and away from each other.

[0083] Furthermore, the lower massage mechanism 50 has a sole massage roller 59 that applies a pressing massage operation to the longitudinal center (arch) of the sole S. In addition, the lower massage mechanism 50 is provided with a vibration massage member 60. By the swinging motion of the pair of left and right first massage members 57 moving closer to and away from each other, an effective sandwiching massage is applied to the foot part F from the toe to the heel. Also, by the rotational motion of the sole massage roller 59, an effective pressing massage is applied to the arch of the sole S. Further, the vibrating sole massage member 60 applies a vibration massage to the front and back of the sole S.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the upper massage mechanism 51 of the present embodiment is housed in the upper case body 7. Specifically, the upper massage mechanism 51 is arranged on a base body 61 that is floating above the lower case body 8, and is attached to the inside of the upper case body 7 via the base body 61. Also, the upper massage mechanism 51 is supported by a swing drive mechanism 66 so as to be swingable around an axis facing the left and right directions.

[0085] The upper massage mechanism 51 includes a second rotating shaft 62, a second massage member 63, and a second conversion unit 64. The second rotating shaft 62 is arranged with its axis facing the horizontal direction. The second rotating shaft 62 penetrates and is arranged across the proximal end side (the second conversion unit 64) of the second massage member 63 in the left - right direction. The second rotating shaft 62 rotates by the rotational driving force from the upper transmission shaft 53b that constitutes the drive mechanism 49.

[0086] The second massage member 63 is a long plate - shaped member, and a pair of them are arranged spaced apart from each other left and right. The second massage member 63 performs a pinching (pressing) massage on the upper treatment part such as the calf C or the leg. The second conversion unit 64 is provided on the proximal end side of the second massage member 63 and fits externally onto the second rotating shaft 62. The second conversion unit 64 converts the rotational driving force of the second rotating shaft 62 into a swinging motion, causing the pair of left - and - right second massage members 63 to move closer and farther apart.

[0087] The base body 61 is swingably supported by a swing drive mechanism 66. The base body 61 rotatably supports both ends of the second rotating shaft 62 by a shaft support portion 65. Regarding the lower massage mechanism 50 and the upper massage mechanism 51, an airbag that repeats expansion and contraction may be adopted. In this way, a total of two sets of the second massage members 63 are provided so as to correspond to the left - and - right first treatment recesses 9 of the upper case body 7. By the swinging motion in which the pair of left - and - right second massage members 63 move closer and farther apart, an effective pinching massage is applied to the calf C to the leg.

[0088] The swing drive mechanism 66 electrically and swingably supports the distal end side of the upper massage mechanism 51 via a swing shaft 67 facing the left - right direction so that it can rise. In the present embodiment, the swing axis 67 is configured to be the same axis as the second rotation axis 62. However, the swing axis 67 may be provided as a second shaft body different from the second rotation axis 62.

[0089] The swing drive mechanism 66 is disposed above the drive mechanism 49. The swing drive mechanism 66 includes a drive motor 68 that outputs a rotational driving force, a rotation shaft 69 that rotates by the rotational driving force, a gear 70 that is attached to the rotation shaft 69 and rotates therewith, and a gear 71 that meshes with the gear 70 and is attached to the base body 61. When a rotational driving force is output from the drive motor 68, the rotation shaft 69 rotates by the rotational driving force, and the gear 70 rotates with the rotation of the rotation shaft 69. The rotation of the gear 70 causes the gear 71 to rotate, and the base body 61 rotates around the swing axis 67. As a result, the second massage member 63 swings back and forth around the swing axis 67.

[0090] The upper massage mechanism 51 applies a kneading massage from the calf C to the leg by switching the position of the second massage member 63 (the kneading board) by the swing drive mechanism 66. Note that a mechanism for safely adjusting the bouncing angle of the second massage member 63 to a predetermined angle may be provided. That is, the rotation angle of the swing axis 67 (the second rotation axis 62) may be detected by a rotary encoder or the like, and the second massage member 63 may be safely adjusted to a predetermined position according to a command from the control unit.

[0091] In addition, since there are individual differences in the shape (size) of the leg part L such as the calf C and the leg being large in the upper massage mechanism 51, a width adjustment mechanism 72 that can arbitrarily and automatically adjust the width of the pair of second massage members 63 may be provided. Note that since there are also individual differences in the shape (size) of the foot part F, the lower massage mechanism 50 may be provided with the width adjustment mechanism 72 so that the width of the pair of left and right first massage members 57 is variable.

[0092] The footrest portion 4 (lower limb massager 5) of the present embodiment is configured to be electrically driven by a storage mechanism 73 (rotation mechanism) and to be retractable and extendable forward from inside the seat portion 2. The storage mechanism 73 includes a swingable arm member 74 attached to the front side of the seat portion 2 (support frame 6), a link arm member 75 rotatably connected to the arm member 74, and a drive unit 76 that moves the link arm member 75 in the front-rear direction.

[0093] One end side of the arm member 74 is rotatably attached to a protruding support member 77 provided at the upper front side of the support frame 6. Regarding the drive unit 76, in the present embodiment, an actuator (linear motion mechanism) is adopted, which performs a linear motion along the front-rear direction of the seat portion 2. However, the configuration of the drive unit 76 is not limited to the actuator.

[0094] By driving the actuator 76, the link arm member 75 is pushed forward, and the arm member 74 rotates forward around the support shaft 78. The footrest portion 4 will extend out from the support frame 6 to the outside. At this time, the footrest portion 4 will rotate upward without contacting the floor surface. In addition, the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment can be switched to a ottoman on which the posture of the footrest portion 4 is changed and the calf C to the foot F can be extended and placed.

[0095] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, in the embodiments disclosed this time, matters not explicitly stated, such as operating conditions, operation conditions, dimensions and weights of components, do not deviate from the scope normally implemented by those skilled in the art, and those skilled in the art can easily assume such matters and have adopted them.

[0096] For example, the lower limb massager 5 may be provided with a blower pump and a heating device for heating the air from the blower pump. That is, by blowing the warm air heated by the heating device into the interior of the lower limb massager 5, the vicinity of the first massage member 57 and the second massage member 63 is warmed, and a configuration may be provided for performing a thermothermal massage on the treatment parts such as the foot F, calf C, and thigh.

[0097] Regarding the chair-type massager 1 of the present embodiment, it is advisable to refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-053634. Regarding the lower limb massager 5 of the present embodiment, it is advisable to refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-090645. Regarding the width adjustment mechanism 72, the mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6412517 is most preferable. One embodiment of the present invention has been described above. From a broader perspective, the detection unit of the present invention detects the "upward force application situation" in which an upward force is applied to the footrest part 4, or the "downward force application situation" in which a downward force is applied to the footrest part 4, and based on the result detected by the detection unit, the control unit has a function of stopping the vertical movement mechanism 11.

[0098] The first detection unit 47a detects the upward force application situation of the footrest part 4, and the second detection unit 47b detects the downward force application situation of the footrest part 4. The control unit is configured to stop the downward movement of the footrest part 4 based on the detection signal of the first detection unit 47a and stop the upward movement of the footrest part 4 based on the detection signal of the second detection unit 47b. It is assumed that the upward force application situation is manifested by the contact between the lower part of the footrest part 4 and an obstacle O existing outside, and the downward force application situation is manifested by the pinching between the upper part of the footrest part 4 and the seat part 2, or the contact between the lower part of the footrest part 4 and the foot F (especially the sole) of the user inserted into the footrest part.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1 Chair-type massager 2 Seat part 3 Backrest part 4 Footrest part 5 Lower limb massager 6 Support frame 7 Upper case body 8 Lower case body 9 First treatment recess 10 Second treatment recess 10a Footrest area 11 Vertical movement mechanism 12 Lifting drive part 13 Slide member 14 Motor 15 Rod 16 Slider 17 Guide member 18 Frame member 19 Vertical frame part 20 Horizontal frame part 21 Safety mechanism 22 First link part 22a Left side wall surface 22b Right side wall surface 22c Top wall surface 23 Second link part 23a Left side wall surface 23b Right side wall surface 23c Bottom wall surface 24 Support shaft (axis A) 24a First spring member 24b Second spring member 25 Third link part 25a Left side wall surface 25b Right side wall surface 25c Bottom wall surface 26a Left protruding piece (rear part of the first link part) 26b Right protruding piece (rear part of the first link part) 27a Left through hole (left protruding piece) 27b Right through hole (right protruding piece) 28a Left through hole (front part of the first link part) 28b Right through hole (front part of the first link part) 29a Long groove part (left side of the first link part) 29b Long groove part (right side of the first link part) 30 Shaft member (axis B) 31a Notch (left front end of the first link portion) 31b Notch (right front end of the first link portion) 32a Bulging piece (left front end of the first link portion) 32b Bulging piece (right front end of the first link portion) 33 Shaft member (axis C) 34 Pivot shaft 35a Left through hole (mid - portion of the second link portion) 35b Right through hole (mid - portion of the second link portion) 36a Left through hole (upper portion of the second link portion) 36b Right through hole (upper portion of the second link portion) 37a Notch (left side of the second link portion) 37b Notch (right side of the second link portion) 38a Bulging piece (left side of the second link portion) 38b Bulging piece (right side of the second link portion) 39 First stopper portion 40 Second stopper portion 41 Through hole (second link portion) 42a Left through hole (left side of the third link portion) 42b Right through hole (right side of the third link portion) 43a Left protruding piece (front edge side of the third link portion) 43b Right protruding piece (front edge side of the third link portion) 44a Left through hole (front edge side of the third link portion) 44b Right through hole (front edge side of the third link portion) 45a Left protruding piece (upper end side of the third link portion) 45b Right protruding piece (upper end side of the third link portion) 46 Protruding piece (bottom wall surface of the third link portion) 47 Detection portion 47a First detection portion (first limit switch) 47b Second detection portion (second limit switch) 48a First contact (first detection portion) 48b Second contact (second detection portion) 49 Driving mechanism 50 Lower massage mechanism 51 Upper massage mechanism 52 Drive motor 53 Transmission shaft 53a Lower transmission shaft 53b Upper transmission shaft 54 First gear case 55 Second gear case 56 First rotating shaft 57 First massage member 58 First conversion part 58a First boss part 58b First annular fitting part 58c First regulating part 59 Sole massage roller 60 Vibration massage member 61 Base body 62 Second rotating shaft 63 Second massage member 64 Second conversion part 65 Shaft support part 66 Rocking drive mechanism 67 Rocking shaft 68 Drive motor 69 Rotating shaft 70 Gear 71 Gear 72 Width adjustment mechanism 73 Storage mechanism 74 Arm member 75 Link arm member 76 Drive part 77 Support member 78 Support shaft 79 Leg lifting and lowering mechanism L Leg (lower limb) F Foot C Calf S Sole O Obstacle

Claims

1. In a chair-type massage machine comprising a seat portion on which a user sits, a backrest portion provided at the rear of the seat portion, a footrest portion provided at the front of the seat portion and into which the user's lower limbs can be inserted, a vertical movement mechanism for vertically moving the footrest portion, and a leg lifting mechanism for changing the inclination angle of the footrest portion, the footrest portion has a safety mechanism for stopping the vertical movement mechanism when a situation where the movement of the footrest portion is obstructed occurs, the safety mechanism includes a detection unit for detecting a situation where the movement of the footrest portion is obstructed, a control unit for stopping the vertical movement mechanism based on the detection result of the detection unit, and a link mechanism, the detection unit includes a first detection unit for detecting an upward force application situation in which an upward force is applied to the footrest portion, and a second detection unit for detecting a downward force application situation in which a downward force is applied to the footrest portion, and the control unit stops the downward movement of the footrest portion by the detection signal of the first detection unit and stops the upward movement of the footrest portion by the detection signal of the second detection unit, and the link mechanism includes a first link portion connected to the vertical movement mechanism, a second link portion fixed to the bottom of the footrest portion, a support shaft rotatably connecting the first link portion and the second link portion, and a link mechanism including a first spring member assembled to the support shaft and creating a neutral state of the footrest portion, the first detection unit has a limit switch and is attached to one side of the first link portion, the second detection unit has a limit switch and is attached to the other side of the first link portion facing the first detection unit A chair-type massage machine characterized by the above.

2. The first detection unit detects the upward force application situation when a horizontal frame portion constituting a frame member provided in the footrest portion moves and contacts a first stopper portion, and the second detection unit detects the downward force application situation when the horizontal frame portion moves and contacts a second stopper portion. The chair-type massage machine according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The link mechanism includes a third link portion rotatably connecting the first link portion and the second link portion, and a second spring member assembled to the support shaft and creating a neutral state of the footrest portion. ​ The first link part and the second link part are rotatably connected by the support shaft via the third link part, the second stopper part is provided at the upper part of the second link part, and the first stopper part is provided at the lower part of the third link part, the contact of the limit switch constituting the first detection part is provided at the lower part of the limit switch, and the contact of the limit switch constituting the second detection part is provided at the upper part of the limit switch, the first stopper part contacts the contact of the limit switch constituting the first detection part to detect the upper force application situation, the second stopper part contacts the contact of the limit switch constituting the second detection part to detect the lower force application situation The chair-type massager according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The upper force application situation is manifested by contact between the lower part of the footrest part and an obstacle existing outside, The lower force application situation is manifested by pinching between the upper part of the footrest part and the seat part, or contact between the lower part of the footrest part and the user's foot inserted into the footrest part The chair-type massager according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. The footrest part is a lower limb massager that massages the lower limbs of the user The chair-type massager according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

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