Pressure massage mechanism and massage machine provided with pressure massage mechanism

Abstract

Provided is a pressure massage mechanism that is included in a massage machine and performs pressure massage on a first treatment site. The pressure massage mechanism comprises: a massage rod body having, at a tip end thereof, a treatment element for pressing the first treatment site; a pivot shaft provided at a base end of the massage rod body and pivotally supporting the tip end of the massage rod body in a swingable manner; and a swing mechanism for swinging the massage rod body between one direction and the opposite direction around the pivot shaft.

Description

Pressure massage mechanism and massage machine equipped with pressure massage mechanism

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressure massage mechanism that is provided in a massage machine and is suitable for applying pressure massage to the soles of the feet. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2024-006247, filed January 18, 2024, and incorporates the entire contents of said Japanese application by reference.

[0002] There are conventional massage machines that can provide effective massage to treatment areas such as the soles of the feet. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a massage machine that has a first massage means that rotates the treatment elements to provide a kneading massage to the treatment area, and a second massage means that slides the treatment elements to provide an elongating massage to the treatment area, and that can massage the treatment area (such as the soles of the feet) of a user.

[0003] Patent No. 6642374

[0004] A pressure massage mechanism according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a massage machine and performs a pressure massage on a first treatment section, and includes a massage rod body having a treatment element at its tip that presses the first treatment section, a pivot shaft provided at the base end of the massage rod body that pivots and supports the tip of the massage rod body so that it can swing, and a swinging mechanism that swings the massage rod body between one direction and the other direction around the pivot shaft.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a lower limb massage machine equipped with a pressure massage mechanism of a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing an outline of the pressure massage mechanism of the first embodiment, showing an outline when the massage rod body is tilted rearward. FIG. 3 is a view showing an outline of the pressure massage mechanism of the first embodiment, showing an outline when the massage rod body is tilted forward. FIG. 4 is a view showing an outline of the pressure massage mechanism of the first embodiment, showing an outline when the right massage rod body is tilted rearward. FIG. 5 is a view showing the configuration of the right pressure massage mechanism of the first embodiment, showing a side cross-sectional view showing the swinging state of the right massage rod body, where (a) shows the rearward tilted state of the right massage rod body, (b) shows the upright state of the right massage rod body, and (c) shows the forward tilted state of the right massage rod body. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a pressure massage mechanism of a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a piping system of an airbag mounted in the pressure massage mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0006] <Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure> In conventional massage machines, a massage member equipped with treatment elements slides back and forth or left and right to massage the treatment area (e.g., the sole of the foot) by rubbing or stretching it.

[0007] While rubbing the treatment area is a very effective and beneficial massage, users have expressed a desire to be able to perform a stronger pressure massage, similar to the acupressure massage performed by a therapist.

[0008] On the other hand, with conventional massage machines, the weight of the feet (lower limbs) places a load on the massage members that press against the soles of the feet, which can cause the massage members to stop and become pressed down during treatment, making it impossible to perform a smooth pressure massage.

[0009] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a pressure massage mechanism provided in a massage machine that can perform effective pressure massage by providing a pressure massage mechanism with a simple configuration that can provide a strong pressure massage against the treatment area such as the sole of the foot.

[0010] <Effects of the Present Disclosure> According to the pressure massage mechanism provided in the massage machine of the present disclosure, the pressure massage mechanism has a simple configuration and is configured to be able to massage by pressing strongly against the treatment area, thereby making it possible to perform an effective pressure massage.

[0011] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions.

[0013] (1) The pressure massage mechanism according to the present disclosure is provided in a massage machine and performs a pressure massage on a first treatment section. The pressure massage mechanism includes a massage rod having a treatment element at its tip that presses the first treatment section, a pivot shaft provided at the base end of the massage rod and pivotally supporting the tip of the massage rod so that it can swing, and a swinging mechanism that swings the massage rod around the pivot shaft between one direction and the other.

[0014] (2) In the above (1), the rocking mechanism may have a protruding portion protruding from the massage rod body and a tilting means for tilting the massage rod body via the protruding portion, and the massage rod body may be configured as a seesaw mechanism that rocks around the pivot axis as a fulcrum by the operation of the tilting means attached to the protruding portion.

[0015] (3) In (2) above, the protruding portion may have one protruding portion protruding from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the massage bar body in one direction, and another protruding portion protruding from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the massage bar body in the other direction, and the tilting means may be composed of one tilting means arranged in a position facing the one protruding portion, and the other tilting means arranged in a position facing the other protruding portion.

[0016] (4) In the above (3), the tilting means may be an airbag that can be inflated and deflated, and the airbags may be one airbag deployed in a position facing one of the protruding portions and the other airbag deployed in a position facing the other protruding portion.

[0017] (5) In the above (4), the seesaw mechanism may be configured such that one of the airbags inflates and pushes against one of the protruding portions, thereby tilting the massage rod body in the other direction or one direction, and the other airbag inflates and pushes against the other protruding portion, thereby tilting the massage rod body in the one direction or the other direction.

[0018] (6) In the above (1), the treatment element may be a roller that rolls on the first treatment portion to perform a pressure massage.

[0019] (7) In (1) above, the base on which the massage rod body is placed has a receiving surface that can support the first treatment section, and the receiving surface has an opening that is wide enough to allow the massage rod body to protrude outward and swing, and a protrusion is provided on the periphery of the opening, and the height of the protrusion is set to be higher when the massage rod body is tilted and lower when the massage rod body is upright.

[0020] (8) In the above (1), the pressure massage mechanism may have a pair of clamping massage members that clamp the second treatment section located on the sides of the first treatment section from the sides to perform a massage, and the massage rod body is arranged between the pair of clamping massage members, and the pressure massage mechanism may be configured to oscillate the massage rod body while the second treatment section is clamped between the pair of clamping massage members to perform a pressure massage on the first treatment section.

[0021] (9) In the above (1), the pressure massage mechanism may have a pushing massage member that performs a massage by pressing the second treatment section, which is located opposite the first treatment section, toward the first treatment section, and the massage rod body is arranged in a position opposite the pushing massage member, and the pressure massage mechanism may be configured to perform a pressure massage on the first treatment section by oscillating the massage rod body while pressing the second treatment section with the pushing massage member.

[0022] (10) In the above (8), the massage member that treats the second treatment portion may be a second airbag, which is connected to the same piping system as the airbag that constitutes the tilting means, and the pressure massage mechanism may be configured to inflate the airbag that constitutes the tilting means after inflating the second airbag.

[0023] (11) In the above (9), the massage member that treats the second treatment portion may be a second airbag, which is connected to the same piping system as the airbag that constitutes the tilting means, and the pressure massage mechanism may be configured to inflate the airbag that constitutes the tilting means after inflating the second airbag.

[0024] (12) In any one of the above (4) to (10), an auxiliary airbag may be connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means, and the pressure massage mechanism may be configured to inflate the airbag constituting the tilting means after inflating the auxiliary airbag.

[0025] (13) The massage machine according to the present disclosure is provided with a pair of pressure massage mechanisms, each of which is one of (1) to (12) above, corresponding to the first treatment section located on the left and right sides of the user, and the pair of massage rod bodies are connected by a connecting body extending in a direction along the pivot axis.

[0026] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0027] In the embodiment of the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the present disclosure described below, the pressure massage mechanism 6 is disposed at the bottom of the lower leg massage machine 1, and a pressure massage similar to acupressure is performed on the sole U (arch A) of the user's foot. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, and the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to this specific example.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the lower leg is defined as the region from the foot F to the calf, and the lower leg massage machine 1 massages the region from the foot F to the calf. The foot F refers to the region of the lower leg below the ankle, from the heel to the sole U to the toes. The calf refers to the region below the knee and above the ankle.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the sole U of the user's foot is the first treatment area, and the foot F of the user is the second treatment area.

[0030] The front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the lower leg massage machine 1 are as shown in Figures 1 to 5. These directions correspond to the directions seen by a user seated on a chair or the like with their lower legs inserted into the lower leg massage machine 1. In the following description, the directions shown in Figures 1 to 5 will be the directions when describing the lower leg massage machine 1. For ease of viewing, some of the components in the drawings have been omitted or drawn using virtual lines.

[0031] The pressure massage mechanism 6 of the present disclosure may also treat other parts of the body. For example, the pressure massage mechanism 6 may be disposed behind the calves to provide a pressure massage similar to finger pressure on the calves. The pressure massage mechanism 6 of the present disclosure may also be disposed behind the shoulders of the user to provide a pressure massage similar to finger pressure on the shoulders. The pressure massage mechanism 6 may also be disposed behind the shoulders of the user to provide a pressure massage similar to finger pressure on the shoulders, or the palms (back and palms) may be used as treatment areas.

[0032] The pressure massage mechanism 6 of the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated lower limb massage machine 1 and can be installed in various massage machines, and is configured to be able to perform pressure massage on a variety of treatment areas.

[0033] [First embodiment] As shown in Figure 1, the lower limb massage machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to massage both the left and right lower limbs of the user as the massage target (treatment area), and to simultaneously massage the lower limbs by squeezing and kneading the area from the calf to the foot F, and to perform a pressure massage similar to acupressure on the sole U (arch A).

[0034] The lower limb massage machine 1 of the first embodiment has a case body 3 with treatment recesses 2L, 2R into which the user's left and right lower limbs (calf to foot F) can be fitted, massage means 4 (foot airbags, calf airbags) that apply a kneading massage to the user's left and right feet or calves, and a pressure massage mechanism 6 that applies a pressure massage to the soles U of the feet.

[0035] 1, the case body 3 has a horizontally or vertically long rectangular or square shape when viewed from the front, and a boot-shaped housing when viewed from the side. The case body 3 has a bottom plate member 3a on which the pressure massage mechanism 6 is disposed, and an upper cover body 3b disposed on top of the bottom plate member 3a.

[0036] The upper cover body 3b (case body 3) has treatment recesses 2L, 2R that are open upward and forward and are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other on the left and right. In the first embodiment, the left and right feet can be moved from front to rear and fitted into the left and right treatment recesses 2L, 2R. In addition, lining material (not shown) is provided inside the treatment recesses 2L, 2R.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1, massage means 4a for massaging the left and right feet from the sides are provided at the bottom of each of the left and right treatment recesses 2L, 2R. In the first embodiment, foot airbags 4a are used as the massage means 4a.

[0038] A pair of foot airbags 4a are provided on the left and right sides to sandwich the feet from the left and right sides. The foot airbags 4a are inflated by pressurized air from a compressor and deflated by releasing the air, thereby repeatedly pressing against and massaging the feet. The massaging means 4a may be plate-shaped massaging members that sandwich the feet from the left and right sides to massage them.

[0039] Additionally, massage means 4b for massaging the left and right calves from the sides are provided above each of the left and right treatment recesses 2L, 2R. In the first embodiment, calf airbags 4b are used as the massage means 4b.

[0040] A pair of calf airbags 4b are provided, one on each side. These calf airbags 4b are shaped to wrap around from the sides to the rear, sandwiching the calves from the left and right sides and the rear. The calf airbags 4b are inflated with pressurized air from a compressor and then deflated as the air is released, repeatedly compressing and massaging the calves. The massaging means 4b may also be plate-shaped massaging members that sandwich and massage the calves from the left and right.

[0041] Furthermore, a plate-shaped base 5 is provided at the bottom of the left and right treatment recesses 2L, 2R. The base 5 is provided with a pressure massage mechanism 6 on each side for applying pressure massage to the soles U of the feet.

[0042] 1 to 5, the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the first embodiment is provided in the lower leg massage machine 1 and performs a pressure massage on the first treatment area (the sole of the foot U). The pressure massage mechanism 6 of the first embodiment has enough rigidity to withstand the load applied from the foot F.

[0043] The pressure massage mechanisms 6 are provided in pairs on the left and right sides on a base 5 arranged on the bottom plate member 3a of the case body 3 (inside the massage machine 1) to perform pressure massage on the soles U of the left and right feet (in other words, the arches A of the feet).

[0044] [Right Pressure Massage Mechanism] The following description will be focused on the pressure massage mechanism 6R disposed on the right side of the base 5.

[0045] The pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure pressing section 6R) of the first embodiment has a massage rod 7R that can swing between one side and the other, a treatment element 8R that is provided at the tip of the massage rod 7R and performs a pressure massage on the sole U (first treatment section), a pivot shaft 9R whose axis is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the swinging direction of the massage rod 7R and pivots the base end of the massage rod 7R so that it can swing freely, a support member 10R that is provided on the base 5 and supports the pivot shaft 9R, and a swing mechanism 11R that swings the massage rod 7R between one direction and the other direction.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the "one direction" is the forward direction, and the "other direction" is the backward direction. The "swinging direction" of the massage bar 7 in the first embodiment is the front-to-back direction. The axial direction of the pivot shaft 9 in the first embodiment, the "direction perpendicular to the swinging direction," is horizontal and in the left-to-right direction.

[0047] 2 to 5, the right massage rod 7R in the first embodiment is a vertically long massage member that can swing back and forth. The right massage rod 7R swings back and forth in the same manner as the left massage rod 7L, which will be described later.

[0048] A through-hole is provided at the base end (lower end) of the right massage rod 7R, with the axis of the through-hole being horizontal and facing the left-right direction, and the right pivot shaft 9R is disposed to pass through the through-hole.

[0049] On the other hand, a right treatment element 8R is provided at the tip (upper end) of the right massage rod 7R, which applies pressure massage to the sole U. The right massage rod 7R is disposed so as to protrude upward from an opening 27R (described later) toward the sole U. The right massage rod 7R has sufficient rigidity to withstand the load applied from the foot.

[0050] The right treatment element 8R is used to apply pressure to the sole U in a finger-like massage. Therefore, the right treatment element 8R in the first embodiment has a predetermined thickness and a rounded tip (thumb-like shape). The right treatment element 8R may also have small protrusions on the outer periphery.

[0051] The right pivot shaft 9R in the first embodiment is arranged with its axis horizontal and facing in the left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the swing direction of the right massage rod body 7). The right pivot shaft 9R is longer than the width of the right massage rod body 7R. The right pivot shaft 9R is inserted into a through-hole provided at the base end (lower end) of the right massage rod body 7R. The right pivot shaft 9R pivots the right massage rod body 7R so that it can swing in the front-rear direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the right support member 10R is a plate-shaped member that is provided upright on the base 5. A pair of support members 10R are provided on the left and right sides at a predetermined interval. The interval between the pair of left and right support members 10R is longer than the width of the right massage rod body 7R but does not exceed the length of the right pivot shaft 9R.

[0053] A through-hole is provided in the upper part of the support member 10R. The through-hole has a horizontal axis facing the left-right direction, and the right pivot shaft 9R passes through the through-hole. The support member 10R supports the right pivot shaft 9R, which pivotally supports the right massage bar body 7R so that it can swing.

[0054] The right massage rod 7R is disposed between the pair of left and right support members 10R. Also, on the base 5, on the outer side of the pair of left and right support members 10R, there are formed screw holes (not shown) for fixing the right tilting means 13R, which will be described later.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the right massage rod body 7R of the first embodiment, which will be described in detail later, is a seesaw mechanism that swings back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R by the operation of the right tilting means 13R attached to the right protrusion 12R that constitutes the right swinging mechanism 11R.

[0056] The right-side rocking mechanism 11R in the first embodiment has a right protruding portion 12R provided in a protruding shape on the massage rod body 7R, and a tilting means 13R that tilts the massage rod body 7R via the right protruding portion 12R.

[0057] The right protrusion 12R (right engagement portion 12R) in the first embodiment is provided in a pair in the front-rear direction. The right protrusion 12R in the first embodiment has a shape that protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions from the right massage bar 7R in order to receive the force when the right front airbag 13R, which will be described later, is inflated.

[0058] Specifically, the right protrusion 12R consists of one protrusion 14R (sometimes called the right front protrusion 14R) that protrudes in one direction (forward) from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body 7R, and the other protrusion 15R (sometimes called the right rear protrusion 15R) that protrudes in the other direction (rear) from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body 7R and is positioned opposite the one protrusion 14R across the massage rod body 7R.

[0059] The right front protruding portion 14R (one of the protruding portions 14R) is provided on the right massage bar 7R so as to protrude horizontally forward. The right front protruding portion 14R (right front engagement piece 14R) is provided so as to protrude horizontally and forward a long distance from the front wall surface of the right massage bar 7R.

[0060] The right front protrusion 14R in the first embodiment protrudes widely to the left and right. This right front protrusion 14R has a certain width to withstand the force exerted when the right front airbag 16R (details of which will be described later) is inflated. In other words, the right front protrusion 14R has a long eave-like shape that protrudes horizontally forward from the right massage bar 7R.

[0061] The right front protrusion 14R is pushed up by the force generated when the right front airbag 16R inflates, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt rearward. The right rear airbag 17R (described in detail later) also deflates.

[0062] The right rear protrusion 15R (the other protrusion 15R) is provided on the right massage bar 7R so as to protrude horizontally rearward. The right rear protrusion 15R (right rear engagement piece 15R) is provided so as to protrude horizontally rearward from the rear wall surface of the right massage bar 7R.

[0063] The right rear protrusion 15R in the first embodiment protrudes widely to the left and right. This right rear protrusion 15R has a certain width to withstand the force exerted when the right rear airbag 17R is inflated. In other words, the right rear protrusion 15R has a long eave-like shape that protrudes horizontally and rearward from the right massage bar 7R.

[0064] The right rear protrusion 15R is pushed up by the force generated when the right rear airbag 17R inflates, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt forward. Meanwhile, the right front airbag 16R contracts.

[0065] That is, the right front protruding portion 14R and the right rear protruding portion 15R have the same shape as mirror images of each other, and are provided at positions facing each other with the right massage bar body 7R in between.

[0066] The right tilting means 13R is provided in a pair in the front-to-rear direction. In the first embodiment, the right tilting means 13R is made up of a right front tilting means 16R (one tilting means 16R) provided in a position facing the right front overhang 14R, and a right rear tilting means 17R (the other tilting means 17R) provided in a position facing the right rear overhang 15R.

[0067] The right front tilting means 16R is provided on a base 5 arranged on the bottom plate member 3a of the case body 3, and pushes the right front protrusion 14R upward and obliquely rearward, thereby tilting the right massage rod body 7R rearward.

[0068] The right rear tilting means 17R is provided on a base 5 arranged on the bottom plate member 3a of the case body 3, and pushes the right rear protrusion 15R upward and diagonally forward, thereby tilting the right massage rod body 7R forward.

[0069] 2 to 5, the tilting means 13R of the first embodiment employs an airbag 13R that can be inflated and deflated. The right airbag 13R repeatedly inflates with pressurized air from a compressor and then deflates as the air is released.

[0070] The right airbag 13R in the first embodiment is arranged as a pair in the front-rear direction, and is arranged below the right protruding portion 12R that protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions from the massage bar body 7R like an eave.

[0071] Specifically, the right-side airbag 13R consists of one airbag 16R (right front airbag 16R) that is deployed on the base 5 in a position facing one of the protrusions 14R (right front protrusion 14R), and the other airbag 17R (right rear airbag 17R) that is deployed on the base 5 in a position facing the other protrusion 15R (right rear protrusion 15R).

[0072] The right front airbag 16R pushes the right front protruding portion 14R upward and diagonally rearward, tilting the right massage bar 7R rearward. The right front airbag 16R repeatedly inflates and deflates in synchronization with the left front airbag 16L, which will be described later.

[0073] The right front airbag 16R is disposed between the right front protrusion 14R and the base 5 in the up-down direction. The right front airbag 16R in the first embodiment is a member that is longer in the left-right direction than the right front protrusion 14R.

[0074] The right front airbag 16R in the first embodiment is a two-layer airbag, as will be described in detail later. The right front airbag 16R is an integrated structure with a communication port 18R provided between the lower and upper small airbags. Pressurized air supplied by a compressor (not shown) can pass through the communication port 18R.

[0075] An air outlet 19R for introducing and discharging pressurized air is provided on the upper surface of the right front airbag 16R (on the side located at the center of the lower leg massage machine 1). An air hose 20 is attached to the air outlet 19R. The air hose 20 is connected to a compressor that pressurizes and supplies air to inflate the right front airbag 16R.

[0076] The right rear airbag 17R pushes the right rear protrusion 15R upward and diagonally forward, tilting the right massage bar 7R forward. The right rear airbag 17R repeatedly inflates and deflates in synchronization with the left rear airbag 17L, which will be described later.

[0077] The right rear airbag 17R is disposed between the right rear overhang 15R and the base 5 in the up-down direction. The right rear airbag 17R in the first embodiment is a member that is longer in the left-right direction than the right rear overhang 15R.

[0078] The right rear airbag 17R of the first embodiment is a two-layer airbag, similar to the right front airbag 16R. The right rear airbag 17R is an integrated structure with a communication port 21R provided between the lower and upper small airbags. Pressurized air supplied by a compressor (not shown) can pass through the communication port 21R.

[0079] An air outlet 22R for introducing and discharging pressurized air is provided on the upper surface of the right rear airbag 17R (on the side located at the center of the lower leg massage machine 1). An air hose 23 is attached to the air outlet 22R. The air hose 23 is connected to a compressor that pressurizes and supplies air to inflate the right rear airbag 17R.

[0080] That is, the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R have the same shape but are mirror images of each other, and are provided at positions facing each other in the front and rear so as to sandwich the right massage bar body 7R therebetween.

[0081] Furthermore, the configuration of the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R and the positions at which they are fixed to the base 5 will be specifically described.

[0082] The airbags 16R and 17R of this embodiment are configured so that two small airbags are stacked on top of each other and are in communication with each other. This configuration allows the airbags to inflate quickly and increase the height when inflated, and the right massage rod body 7R swings back and forth quickly.

[0083] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, two small airbags are stacked on top of each other in the right front and rear airbags 16R and 17R of the first embodiment. The airbag 16R located on the right front side and the airbag 17R located on the right rear side are quickly inflated alternately, causing the right massage bar 7R to swing back and forth quickly.

[0084] Specifically, in the first embodiment, one small airbag is made by overlapping two pieces of fabric and welding their edges together, and then two of these small airbags are overlapped, a hole is made in the center of each of the two facing pieces of fabric, and the edges of the hole are welded together to form a communication opening 18R, thereby connecting the two small airbags together to make the right front airbag 16R.

[0085] Similarly, two small airbags are stacked on top of each other, a hole is made in the center of each of the two facing fabric bodies, and the periphery of the hole is joined by welding to form a communication opening 21R, so that the two small airbags are in a communication state, thereby creating a right rear airbag 17R.

[0086] In the right front airbag 16R employing a two-layer structure in which two small airbags are stacked, pressurized air is supplied and passes through a communication port 18R, and the upper and lower small airbags can increase the height when inflated, and the right front protruding portion 14R can be quickly pushed up.

[0087] Similarly, in the right rear airbag 17R, which has a two-layer structure in which two small airbags are stacked, pressurized air is supplied and passes through the communication port 21R, and the upper and lower small airbags can increase the height when inflated, thereby quickly pushing up the right rear protruding portion 15R.

[0088] The rapid alternating inflation of the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R causes the right massage bar 7R to swing back and forth quickly.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, when two small airbags are stacked to form the right front airbag 16R, a wide excess is left on both ends of one of the edges of the lower small airbag, and a mounting hole 24R is formed in the wide excess portion.

[0090] Similarly, when two small airbags are stacked to form the right rear airbag 17R, both ends of one of the edges of the lower small airbag are left wide and the mounting holes 25R are formed in the wide portions. The mounting holes 25R are formed so that they can overlap the mounting holes 24R.

[0091] That is, two mounting holes 24R are formed at a distance from each other on one side of the lower small airbag, on the rear edge in the case of the right front airbag 16R, and two mounting holes 25R are formed at a distance from each other on the front edge in the case of the right rear airbag 17R.

[0092] The two right-side airbags 16R, 17R are fixed to the base 5 using screws (not shown) by overlapping the two mounting holes 24R provided in the right front airbag 16R with the two mounting holes 25R provided in the right rear airbag 17R and aligning them with the screw fastening holes in the base 5.

[0093] Regarding the mounting positions of the two right airbags 16R, 17R using screws, in the first embodiment, the screw holes for fixing the two right airbags 16R, 17R are formed on the outside of a pair of support members 10R provided on the base 5 (approximately at the center of the base 5).

[0094] The mounting holes 24R of the right front airbag 16R and the mounting holes 25R of the right rear airbag 17R are provided at positions that match the screw holes of the base 5.

[0095] Only one small airbag, which is located below each of the two right airbags 16R, 17R, is fixed to the base 5 by aligning the screw holes in the base 5 with the mounting holes 24R, 25R with screws. These two right airbags 16R, 17R are attached to the base 5 below the right massage rod 7R.

[0096] As described above, when only the small airbag below the right massage rod 7R is fixed to the base 5, the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R inflate faster and larger. The right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R inflate alternately faster and larger, which also increases the speed at which the right massage rod 7R swings back and forth.

[0097] The right front and rear airbags 16R and 17R may be a single airbag that can inflate to the same extent as the two small airbags stacked on top of each other. The right tilting means 13R may be a mechanical type (e.g., a cam and spring) that swings the right massage rod 7R.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the right pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure point pressing section 6R) allows the right massage rod body 7R to swing back and forth, so that the right treatment element 8R rubs (stretches) the entire right sole U (first treatment section) while pressing upward at the center of the right sole U (arch A), providing a pressure massage similar to strong acupressure.

[0099] In addition, the right-side pressure massage mechanism 6R of the first embodiment can control the strength of inflation of the front and rear right-side airbags 16R, 17R, and the strength of pressure on the right sole U can be changed to suit the user's preference, thereby enhancing the feeling (effect) of pressure massage similar to finger pressure on the right sole U.

[0100] 1, 4, and 5, a receiving surface 26R (placing surface 26R) capable of supporting the sole U (first treatment unit) is provided above the pressure massage mechanism 6R. In other words, the bottom surface of the right treatment recess 2R serves as the receiving surface 26R on which the sole U is placed. An opening 27R is provided on the receiving surface 26R, which opens upward.

[0101] The opening 27R is long in the front-to-rear direction. The right massage rod 7R passes through the opening 27R. More specifically, the upper side of the right protruding portion 12R of the right massage rod 7R (the side of the treatment element 8R) protrudes upward from the opening 27R toward the sole U. The opening 27R is wide enough to allow the right massage rod 7R to protrude and swing.

[0102] A plurality of protrusions 28R to 30R are provided around the periphery of the opening 27R, which can apply pressure and massage to the sole U. In the first embodiment, a feature is the height of the rear protrusion 28R.

[0103] Conventionally, the weight of the feet (lower limbs) places a load on the right massage rod 7R, which may cause the right massage rod 7R to be pressed down and stopped during treatment, making it difficult to perform a smooth pressure massage.

[0104] In the first embodiment, a larger load is applied to the heel side of the lower leg, pressing down on the right massage rod body 7R, so the height of the rear protrusion 28R on the rear edge side of the opening 27R (rear part of the receiving surface 26R) is set higher than when the right massage rod body 7R is inclined (tilted backward).

[0105] More specifically, a plurality of rear projections 28R are provided on the rear edge side of the opening 27R (rear part of the receiving surface 26R). In the first embodiment, the height of the rear projections 28R is set to be higher than when the right massage bar body 7R is tilted and lower than when the right massage bar body 7R is upright (see (i) and (ii) in FIG. 5).

[0106] Furthermore, a plurality of middle protrusions 29R are provided on the left and right edges of the opening 27R (the center of the receiving surface 26R), and a plurality of front protrusions 30R are provided on the front edge of the opening 27R (the front part of the receiving surface 26R). That is, at least two or more of the rear protrusions 28R to 30R are provided on the receiving surface 26R. These middle protrusions 29R and front protrusions 30R are lower than when the right massage bar 7R is upright.

[0107] The periphery of opening 27R may be formed in a shape that is connected to surround it, such as a sawtooth wall with an uneven shape, i.e., protrusions 28R to 30R are connected in series. Also, the heights of middle protrusion 29R and front protrusion 30R may be the same as the height of rear protrusion 28R.

[0108] As described above, the rear projections 28R (which may include the middle projections 29R and front projections 30R) having a predetermined height position the right massage bar 7R below the rear projections 28R when it is tilted, thereby guarding against pressure (overload) from the treatment area (foot F) onto the right massage bar 7R and preventing the swing (rising) of the right massage bar 7R from being stopped. In other words, by providing the projections (rear projections 28R, middle projections 29R, front projections 30R) around the right massage bar 7R, a portion of the first treatment area is supported by the projections, which can prevent, as much as possible, the inconvenience of the right massage bar 7R being inhibited from moving due to the load (pressing force) from the treatment area. This also applies to the left massage bar 7L described later.

[0109] The lower limb massage machine 1 of the first embodiment has a pair of sandwiching massage members 4a (foot airbags 4a in the first embodiment) that sandwich and massage the foot F (second treatment unit) from the left and right. A pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure pressing unit 6R) is provided between the pair of sandwiching massage members 4a (foot airbags 4a).

[0110] The pressure massage mechanism 6R of the first embodiment is configured such that the second treatment part (foot F) is clamped between a pair of left and right clamping massage members 4a (foot airbags 4a), and the right massage rod body 7R is swung back and forth to perform a pressure massage by applying acupressure to the sole U (first treatment part) with the right treatment element 8R.

[0111] By configuring the pressure massage mechanism 6R as described above, the right foot F is pressed and fixed, and while the right treatment element 8R of the right massage rod body 7R rubs the entire sole U, it is possible to press upward at the center of the right sole U (arch A) and perform a pressure massage similar to strong finger pressure more effectively.

[0112] Furthermore, by inflating a pair of left and right airbags 4a and then inflating the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R to drive the right massage rod body 7R, smooth back and forth swinging of the right massage rod body 7R can be achieved, and inconveniences such as the movement of the right massage rod body 7R being hindered by the load from the first treatment section can be avoided as much as possible.

[0113] The reason for this is as follows. As shown in FIG. 7, air supplied from the air pump 36 passes through the solenoid valve 38, inflating the pair of left and right airbags 4a and filling them with high-pressure air. Then, by opening the solenoid valve 37a, the air pump 36 sends air to the right front airbag 16R constituting the tilting means 13R. At the same time, because the solenoid valve 38 is also open, the high-pressure air in the pair of left and right airbags 4a flows into the right front airbag 16R via the solenoid valve 37a, causing the right front airbag 16R to inflate in a short time. Therefore, the right massage rod 7R immediately begins to move rearward, achieving smooth movement relative to the soles of the feet. Then, the solenoid valve 37a is set to the exhaust state, and air is sent to the right rear airbag 17R via the solenoid valve 37b. At the same time, the solenoid valve 38 is also open, so that the high-pressure air in the pair of left and right airbags 4a flows into the right rear airbag 17R through the solenoid valve 37b, causing the right rear airbag 17R to inflate in a short time. As a result, the right massage rod 7R immediately starts moving forward, achieving smooth movement relative to the soles of the feet.

[0114] To ensure this operation, it is preferable to provide an additional airbag (auxiliary airbag 39) in the piping system connecting the air pump 36, the pair of left and right airbags 4a, the right front airbag 16R, and the right rear airbag 17R. Specifically, the auxiliary airbag 39 should be provided in the piping connecting the air pump 36 and the solenoid valves 37a and 37b (in other words, in the upstream stage of the solenoid valves 37a and 37b). This auxiliary airbag 39 is not an airbag used for treatment, and can therefore be considered a buffer airbag.

[0115] The air supplied from the air pump 36 inflates the pair of left and right airbags 4a via the open solenoid valve 38 and also inflates the auxiliary airbag 39, filling the pair of left and right airbags 4a and the auxiliary airbag 39 with high-pressure air. Thereafter, the solenoid valve 37a is opened to send air to the right front airbag 16R, and at the same time, the high-pressure air in the auxiliary airbag 39 also flows into the right front airbag 16R, causing the right front airbag 16R to inflate in a short period of time. Conversely, the solenoid valve 37b is opened to allow the high-pressure air in the auxiliary airbag 39 to flow into the right rear airbag 17R, causing the right rear airbag 17R to inflate in a short period of time.

[0116] In this way, the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R can be inflated alternately without weakening the pressing force of the pair of left and right airbags 4a that sandwich the feet, and the right massage rod body 7R can be moved immediately against the load from the treatment part.

[0117] The above also applies to the left front airbag 16L and the left rear airbag 17L, and is substantially the same when the massage rod body 7 is swung back and forth in the configuration described below, i.e., in the configuration using a pressing massage member (airbag 35 that presses against the instep of the foot).

[0118] It is also preferable to provide only auxiliary airbags upstream of the solenoid valves 37a and 37b in the piping system connecting the air pump to the right front airbag 16R and the right rear airbag 17R, thereby achieving the above-mentioned effects.

[0119] [Operational Mode] Next, the operational mode of the pressure massage mechanism 6R (sole acupressure pressing section 6R) provided in the lower leg massage machine 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c).

[0120] As shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c), the right massage rod body 7R swings back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R like a seesaw by repeatedly tilting alternately between the forward and backward directions.

[0121] First, as shown in Figure 5(a), the right front airbag 16R, which is inflated by the pressurized air sent thereto, pushes the right front protrusion 14R, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt rearward. At this time, the right rear airbag 17R is deflated by venting air.

[0122] Specifically, when pressurized air is supplied from the compressor to the right front airbag 16R, causing it to inflate upward, and air is discharged to cause the right rear airbag 17R to contract, the right front airbag 16R pushes the right front overhang 14R upward and diagonally rearward. After the right front overhang 14R passes through the state shown in Figure 5(b), the right massage rod 7R rotates around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R and tilts rearward.

[0123] When the pressurized air is supplied to the right front airbag 16R, it passes through the communication port 18R, causing the first and second small airbags to inflate almost simultaneously. In this way, the right front airbag 16R to which the pressurized air is supplied quickly inflates vertically. This inflation of the right front airbag 16R pushes up the right front protrusion 14R, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt rearward.

[0124] On the other hand, the right rear airbag 17R is pressed down as the air pressure is released and the right rear protrusion 15R tries to move downward, causing the air to escape and the air to deflate. Note that the right rear airbag 17R may also be deflated by forcibly venting the air inside the airbag.

[0125] Thereafter, pressurized air is sent into the right rear airbag 17R to inflate the right rear airbag 17R, which then inflates and pushes up the right rear protrusion 15R, as shown in Figure 5(b).

[0126] At the same time, the air pressure in the right front airbag 16R is released, and the right front protrusion 14R moves downward, releasing the air in the right front airbag 16R and causing the right front airbag 16R to deflate. Note that the air in the right front airbag 16R may also be forcibly discharged to cause the air to deflate.

[0127] As pressurized air continues to be sent to the right rear airbag 17R, the inflated right rear airbag 17R presses the right rear overhang 15R, causing the right rear airbag 17R to continue to expand, and the right massage bar 7R tilts forward as shown in Figure 5(c). At this time, the right front airbag 16R is no longer pressurized and the right front overhang 14R moves downward, causing air to be discharged and the air to deflate.

[0128] Thereafter, pressurized air is supplied to the right front airbag 16R again, and the right front airbag 16R is inflated, so that the right front airbag 16R pushes the right front protruding portion 14R upward and obliquely rearward.

[0129] Then, after passing through the state shown in Figure 5(b), the right front protrusion 14R moves rearward again, causing the right massage rod body 7R to rotate around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R and tilt rearward, as shown in Figure 5(a).

[0130] As described above, the right massage rod body 7R alternately tilts between forward and backward directions, swinging back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R like a seesaw, and the right treatment element 8R presses upward against the sole U (arch A) of the right foot F, rubbing the entire area and providing an effective pressure massage with strong acupressure.

[0131] That is, the pressure massage mechanism 6R of the first embodiment functions as a seesaw mechanism in which the right front airbag 16R pushes out the right front overhang 14R and the right rear airbag 17R pushes out the right rear overhang 15R, causing the right massage rod 7R equipped with the right treatment element 8R to tilt back and forth around the axis of the right pivot shaft 9R. In this seesaw structure, the right massage rod 7R is rapidly oscillated back and forth due to the rapid alternating inflation of the right front and rear airbags 16R, 17R (see the thick and thin arrows in FIG. 5).

[0132] Alternatively, the right rear airbag 17R and the right front airbag 16R may be inflated simultaneously, and the right massage rod 7R may be stopped in the upright position as shown in Fig. 5(b). By stopping the right massage rod 7R in the upright position in this way, an effective pressure massage can be given to the sole U of the right foot F.

[0133] It is also possible to provide the right rear airbag 17R and the right front airbag 16R on the upper surfaces of the right rear overhang 15R and the right front overhang 14R. In this case, when the right rear airbag 17R is inflated, it pushes down the right rear overhang 15R, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt rearward. When the right front airbag 16R is inflated, it pushes down the right front overhang 14R, causing the right massage bar 7R to tilt forward.

[0134] [Left-side pressure massage mechanism] Next, we will explain the pressure massage mechanism 6L (sole acupressure pressing unit 6L) arranged on the left side of the base 5. Since the left and right feet (lower limbs) are line-symmetrical, the left-side pressure massage mechanism 6L has the same configuration (mirror-inverted configuration) as the right-side pressure massage mechanism 6R. We will explain only the main points of the configuration of the left-side sole acupressure pressing unit 6L.

[0135] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pressure massage mechanism 6L of the first embodiment includes a massage rod body 7L that can swing back and forth, a treatment head 8L provided at the tip of the massage rod body 7L, a pivot shaft 9L whose axis faces left and right and pivots the base end of the massage rod body 7L so that it can swing freely, a support member 10L provided on the base 5 and supporting the pivot shaft 9L, and a swinging mechanism 11L that swings the massage rod body 7L back and forth.

[0136] The left massage rod 7L in the first embodiment, like the right massage rod 7R, is a seesaw mechanism that swings back and forth around the axis of the left pivot shaft 9L. The massage rod 7L swings back and forth in unison with the massage rod 7R. A left treatment element 8L that applies pressure to the sole of the foot is provided at the tip (upper end) of the left massage rod 7L. The left massage rod 7L has sufficient rigidity to withstand the load applied from the foot.

[0137] The left pivot shaft 9L in the first embodiment is arranged with its axis horizontally facing the left-right direction and is arranged to pass through the base end of the left massage rod body 7L. The left pivot shaft 9L pivotally supports the left massage rod body 7L so that it can swing back and forth. A pair of left support members 10L are provided on the left and right of the base 5 and support the left pivot shafts 9L that pivotally support the left massage rod body 7L so that it can swing.

[0138] 2 and 3, the left swing mechanism 11L of the first embodiment has a left protruding portion 12L provided in a protruding shape on the massage rod 7L, and a left tilting means 13L that tilts the massage rod 7L via the left protruding portion 12L. The left tilting means 13L of the first embodiment employs an inflatable and deflated airbag 13L.

[0139] The left protrusion 12L (left engagement portion 12L) in the first embodiment consists of a left front protrusion 14L (left front engagement piece 14L) that protrudes forward from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the left massage rod body 7L, and a left rear protrusion 15L that protrudes rearward from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the left massage rod body 7L and is positioned opposite the left front protrusion 14L across the left massage rod body 7L.

[0140] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the left airbag 13L in the first embodiment comprises a left front airbag 16L that is disposed on the base 5 in a position facing the left front protrusion 14L, and a left rear airbag 17L that is disposed on the base 5 in a position facing the left rear protrusion 15L.

[0141] The left front airbag 16L of the first embodiment is an airbag with a two-layer structure like the right front airbag 16R, and a communication port 18L is provided between the lower and upper layers to allow pressurized air to pass through. One edge (rear edge) of the left front airbag 16L is formed with a mounting hole 24L for fixing the left front airbag 16R to the base 5. An air outlet 19L is provided on the top surface of the left front airbag 16L, and an air hose 20 is attached to the air outlet 19L.

[0142] The left rear airbag 17L of the first embodiment is an airbag with a two-layer structure, like the right rear airbag 17R, and a communication port 21L is provided between the lower and upper layers to allow pressurized air to pass through. One edge (front edge) of the left rear airbag 17L is formed with a mounting hole 25L for fixing the rear airbag 17R to the base 5. An air outlet 22L is provided on the top surface of the left rear airbag 17L, and an air hose 23 is attached to the air outlet 22L.

[0143] In the first embodiment, the left pressure massage mechanism 6L (sole acupressure point pressing section 6L) allows the left massage rod body 7L to swing back and forth, so that the left treatment element 8L rubs the entire left sole (first treatment section) while pressing upward at the center of the left sole (arch), providing a pressure massage similar to strong acupressure.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 1, the opening 27L, rear protrusion 28L, middle protrusion 29L, front protrusion 30L, etc. provided on the left receiving surface 26L (bottom surface of the left treatment recess 2L) have the same shape and arrangement as the opening 27R, rear protrusion 28R, middle protrusion 29R, front protrusion 30R provided on the right receiving surface 26R.

[0145] The left pressure massage mechanism 6L in the first embodiment is configured to sandwich the second treatment portion (foot) between the pair of left and right sandwiching massage members 4a (foot airbags 4a), and swing the left massage rod 7L back and forth to perform a pressure massage by applying acupressure to the sole (first treatment portion) with the left treatment element 8L. This allows for more effective pressure massage on the sole.

[0146] Second Embodiment FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of a second embodiment of pressure massage mechanisms 6L and 6R according to the present disclosure.

[0147] The left and right pressure massage mechanisms 6L, 6R of the second embodiment are almost the same as those of the first embodiment, but differ in that they are configured to simultaneously swing the left and right massage rod bodies 7L, 7R in the forward and backward directions using swing mechanisms 11L, 11R, i.e., they are equipped with a connecting body 31 that connects the left and right massage rod bodies 7L, 7R and swings them synchronously.

[0148] In the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the second embodiment, detailed description of the same components as those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0149] As shown in Figure 6, the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, has a massage rod body 7 with a treatment head 8 at its tip and capable of swinging back and forth, a pivot shaft 9 that pivots the massage rod body 7 so that it can swing freely, and a swinging mechanism 11 that swings the massage rod body 7 back and forth.

[0150] The swing mechanism 11 of the second embodiment has a protruding portion 12 provided in a protruding shape on the massage bar body 7 and an airbag 13 that tilts the massage bar body 7 via the protruding portion 12.

[0151] The protruding portion 12 (engaging portion 12) of the second embodiment consists of a front protruding portion 14 (front engaging piece 14) that protrudes forward from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body 7, and a rear protruding portion 15 that protrudes rearward from the middle of the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body 7 and is positioned opposite the front protruding portion 14 across the massage rod body 7.

[0152] The airbag 13 of the second embodiment comprises a front airbag 16 arranged in a position facing the front protrusion 14 and a rear airbag 17 arranged in a position facing the rear protrusion 15 .

[0153] As shown in FIG. 6, in the second embodiment, a pair of pressure massage mechanisms 6L, 6R are provided on the left and right at positions corresponding to the first treatment areas (soles) on the left and right of the user, and are connected by a connector 31.

[0154] Specifically, the massage rods 7L, 7R arranged on the left and right are connected by a connecting body 31 extending in the direction along the pivot shafts 9L, 9R. The connecting body 31 is a long rod arranged with its axis horizontal and facing the left-right direction. The connecting body 31 in the second embodiment is a round bar (solid round bar). However, the connecting body 31 may also be a hollow round bar. The connecting body 31 may also be a square bar (such as a square pipe or a solid square bar).

[0155] The thickness of the connector 31 is selected to withstand twisting and other deformations caused by the load applied from the foot, that is, to provide rigidity, and the material is selected accordingly.

[0156] The right side of the connector 31 in the second embodiment is connected to the portion where the base end of the right front overhang 14R of the right massage rod 7R and the base end of the right rear overhang 15R meet. More specifically, a right through-hole 32R is formed in the portion where the base end of the right front overhang 14R and the base end of the right rear overhang 15R meet (above the right pivot shaft 9R). The right end of the connector 31 is inserted into the right through-hole 32R and screwed in place. The connector 31 is located above and substantially parallel to the right pivot shaft 9R.

[0157] The left side of the connector 31 is connected to the portion where the base end of the left front overhang 14L of the left massage rod 7L and the base end of the left rear overhang 15L meet. More specifically, a left through-hole 32L is formed in the portion where the base end of the left front overhang 14L and the base end of the left rear overhang 15L meet (above the left pivot shaft 9L). The left end of the connector 31 is inserted into the left through-hole 32L and screwed in place. The connector 31 is located above and substantially parallel to the left pivot shaft 9L.

[0158] The right massage rod 7R and the left massage rod 7L reliably swing back and forth in sync with each other thanks to the connecting member 31. The right massage element 8R applies pressure to the sole of the right foot, and the left massage element 8L applies pressure to the sole of the left foot.

[0159] More specifically, when pressurized air passing through the air hose 20 is supplied from below to the left and right front airbags 16L, 16R, the left and right front airbags 16L, 16R inflate, pushing up the left and right front protrusions 14L, 14R.

[0160] Meanwhile, the left and right rear airbags 17L, 17R are released from the air pressure and the left and right rear projections 15L, 15R descend, causing the air to be discharged and the airbags to deflate. This action causes the left and right massage rods 7L, 7R connected by the connector 31 to stand up and then simultaneously swing rearward.

[0161] Next, when the pressurized air that has passed through the air hose 23 is supplied from below to the left and right rear airbags 17L, 17R, the left and right rear airbags 17L, 17R inflate, pushing up the left and right rear projections 15L, 15R.

[0162] Meanwhile, the left and right front airbags 16L, 16R are no longer pressurized with air, and the left and right front protrusions 14L, 14R descend, releasing air and causing the air to deflate. This action causes the left and right massage rods 7L, 7R connected by the connector 31 to rise and then simultaneously swing forward.

[0163] This allows pressure massage to be effectively performed on the soles of the user's feet at the same time on both the left and right sides.

[0164] The treatment element 8 described in the first embodiment may be a roller that can rotate along the sole of the foot. Specifically, the roller may be a cylindrical or disc-shaped body. The roller may also be polygonal with rounded corners. The roller (treatment element 8) may also have small protrusions on its outer periphery.

[0165] As shown in Figure 6, in the second embodiment, the treatment elements 8 are disk-shaped rollers that can rotate along the soles of the feet. The treatment elements 8 in the second embodiment are flat disk-shaped with a relatively thin thickness (width in the left-right direction) and are provided so that the outer periphery protrudes upward. The treatment elements 8 are preferably shaped so that they can perform a pressure massage similar to acupressure on the soles of the feet while rotating.

[0166] This roller body is attached to the tip of the right support part 34R by a right support shaft 33R that coincides with the rotation axis of the right treatment element 8R, with the rotation axis of the right treatment element 8R being horizontal. Specifically, the right massage rod body 7R of the second embodiment is formed in a bifurcated shape, and the right treatment element 8R is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the forks at the tip, and is rotatable by the right support shaft 33R. The right treatment element 8R is provided so that its outer periphery protrudes upward from the right support part 34R.

[0167] The left treatment element 8L of the roller body (disc body) also has a similar configuration, and is held by being sandwiched between the tip end of the forked portion (left support portion 34L) and is rotatable around the axis of the left support shaft 33L. The outer periphery of the left treatment element 8L is arranged to protrude upward beyond the left support portion 34L.

[0168] In this way, by arranging the rotation axes (axes of the left and right support shafts 33L, 33R) of the left and right treatment members 8L, 8R, which are roller bodies, so that they are approximately parallel to the pivot shafts 9L, 9R in the vertical direction, when the massage rod bodies 7L, 7R oscillate in the front-to-back direction, the treatment members 8L, 8R, which are roller bodies, rotate.

[0169] This allows the left and right treatment members 8L, 8R, which are roller bodies, to move smoothly without getting caught on the soles of the feet, and to provide an effective pressure massage while rolling over the soles of the feet. In other words, by making the left and right treatment members 8L, 8R roller bodies, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the inconvenience of the right massage rod member 7R being inhibited from moving due to the load from the treatment unit.

[0170] The left and right treatment elements 8L, 8R are not limited to the shapes exemplified in the first and second embodiments (such as a thumb-like shape with a rounded tip or a roller body (disk body)), but may have any shape that allows for effective pressure massage (acupressure massage). For example, the left and right treatment elements 8L, 8R may be formed into a spherical shape.

[0171] [Modifications] Below, we will show modifications of the pressure massage mechanism 6 of the present disclosure. Note that the following modifications are merely examples, and the arrangement of the pressure massage mechanism 6 and its positional relationship with other massage members can be changed as appropriate depending on the area to be treated.

[0172] As a variant of the pressure massage mechanism 6, a structure can be considered in which a pressure massage member (e.g., airbag 35) is provided that massages the second treatment area (top of the foot) located opposite the first treatment area (sole) by pressing it toward the sole, and a massage rod body 7 is provided in a position opposite the pressure massage member.

[0173] It is preferable to configure the massage rod body 7 to oscillate while this pressing massage member is pressing against the second treatment area (top of the foot) (for example, pressing against the top of the foot from above), thereby performing a pressure massage on the first treatment area (sole of the foot).

[0174] This allows the instep of the foot to be pressed into the pressure massage member, enabling the sole of the foot (first treatment area) to be massaged more effectively.The instep of the foot (second treatment area) can also be massaged from above.

[0175] The swinging direction of the massage rods 7 of the pressure massage mechanism 6 can also be changed as appropriate. For example, "one direction" of the direction of the pressure massage mechanism 6 is the upward direction, and "the other direction" is the downward direction. In this case, the "direction perpendicular to the swinging direction" is the left-right direction. In other words, the axial direction of the pivot shaft 9 is horizontal and left-right. In other words, the pressure massage mechanism 6 may be configured so that the "swinging direction" of the massage rods 7 is the up-down direction.

[0176] In another arrangement, "one direction" of the pressure massage mechanism 6 is the right direction and "the other direction" is the left direction. In this case, the "direction perpendicular to the swinging direction" is the up-down direction (vertical direction). In other words, the axial direction of the pivot shaft 9 is the up-down direction (vertical direction). In other words, the pressure massage mechanism 6 may be configured so that the "swinging direction" of the massage rod body 7 is the left-right direction.

[0177] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In particular, in the embodiments disclosed herein, matters not explicitly stated, such as operating conditions or control conditions, dimensions and weights of components, etc., do not deviate from the scope of ordinary practice of a person skilled in the art, and are matters that can be easily assumed by a person skilled in the art.

[0178] For example, the length of the massage rod bodies 7L, 7R provided on the left and right pressure massage mechanisms 6L, 6R, the swing angle of the massage rod bodies 7L, 7R relative to the pivot axes 9L, 9R, the shape and size of the treatment members 8L, 8R, the shape and size of the protrusions 12L, 12R, the configuration used as the tilting means 13L, 13R, the structure of the airbags 13L, 13R such as the size and speed of inflation, the shape and height of the protrusions 28L, 28R to 30L, 30R, and the distance between the left and right pressure massage mechanisms 6L, 6R can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range.

[0179] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lower leg massage machine 5 Base 6 Pressure massage mechanism 7 Massage rod body 8 Treatment element 9 Pivot shaft 10 Support member 11 Swing mechanism 12 Extension portion 13 Airbag (tilting means) 14R Right front extension portion 14L Left front extension portion 15R Right rear extension portion 15L Left rear extension portion 16R Right front airbag 16L Left front airbag 17R Right rear airbag 17L Left rear airbag 18R Communication port 21R Communication port 24R Mounting hole portion 25R Mounting hole portion 26R Receiving surface 27R Opening portion 28R Rear protrusion 31 Connecting body U Sole (first treatment portion) F Foot portion (second treatment portion) A Arch

Claims

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

2. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the swing mechanism includes a projecting portion provided in a projecting shape from the massage rod body, and a tilting means for tilting the massage rod body via the projecting portion, and the massage rod body is a seesaw mechanism that swings around the pivot shaft by the operation of the tilting means applied to the projecting portion.

3. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the projecting portion includes one projecting portion provided to project from a middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body toward the one direction, and the other projecting portion provided to project from the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the massage rod body toward the other direction, and the tilting means includes one tilting means disposed at a position facing the one projecting portion, and the other tilting means disposed at a position facing the other projecting portion.

4. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the tilting means is an airbag capable of expanding and contracting, and the airbag includes one airbag disposed at a position facing the one projecting portion, and the other airbag disposed at a position facing the other projecting portion.

5. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the seesaw mechanism is configured such that when the one airbag expands and presses the one projecting portion, the massage rod body is tilted in the other direction or the one direction, and when the other airbag expands and presses the other projecting portion, the massage rod body is tilted in the one direction or the other direction.

6. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the treatment element is a roller body that rolls on the first treatment part to perform pressing massage.

7. On the base on which the massage rod body is provided, a receiving surface capable of taking charge of the first treatment part is formed. An opening is provided on the receiving surface, which is opened to an extent where the massage rod body protrudes outward and can swing. Protrusions are provided on the periphery of the opening. The height of the protrusions is set higher than when the massage rod body is inclined and lower than when the massage rod body is upright. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 1.

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

9. The pressing massage mechanism has a pushing-in massage member that performs a massage for pressing a second treatment part facing the first treatment part toward the first treatment part side. The massage rod body is provided at a position facing the pushing-in massage member. The pressing massage mechanism is configured to swing the massage rod body in a state where the second treatment part is pressed by the pushing-in massage member to perform a pressing massage on the first treatment part. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 1.

10. The massage member for treating the second treatment part is a second airbag, and it is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means. The pressing massage mechanism is configured to inflate the airbag constituting the tilting means after inflating the second airbag. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 8.

11. The massage member for treating the second treatment part is a second airbag, and it is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means. The pressing massage mechanism is configured to inflate the airbag constituting the tilting means after inflating the second airbag. The pressing massage mechanism according to claim 9.

12. The auxiliary airbag is connected to the same piping system as the airbag constituting the tilting means, and the pressing massage mechanism is configured to inflate the airbag constituting the tilting means after inflating the auxiliary airbag. The pressing massage mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

13. The pressing massage mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is provided in a pair so as to correspond to the first treatment parts respectively existing on the left and right of the user, and the pair of massage rod bodies are connected by a connecting body extending in the direction along the pivot shaft. Massage machine.

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