Lower limb massager

Abstract

Provided is a lower limb massager comprising a vertical massage mechanism for applying a massage operation to the calf and the shin, which are treatment parts, by being moved in a vertical direction, wherein: the vertical massage mechanism includes an outer treatment member for pressing the shin, a rear treatment member for pressing a rear side of the calf, and a pressing mechanism for performing pressing massage on the treatment parts by making a position of the outer treatment member and / or the rear treatment member variable; and the lower limb massager has a rising prevention mechanism for preventing the treatment parts from rising up when the vertical massage mechanism moves upward.

Description

Lower limb massager

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lower leg massager suitable for massaging the lower legs. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2024-024932, filed February 21, 2024, and incorporates the entire content of said Japanese application by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, lower leg massage machines capable of massaging the lower legs (particularly the region from below the knee to the calf and foot) have been commercially available. For example, the lower leg massage machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a vertical massage mechanism that massages the treatment region from below the knee to the calf and ankle, a horizontal massage mechanism that massages the treatment region from the ankle to the foot, and a sole massage mechanism that massages the treatment region of the sole and arch of the foot.

[0003] Patent No. 5912548

[0004] A lower leg massage machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a vertical massage mechanism that moves up and down to provide a massage action to the treatment areas, namely the calves and shins, and the vertical massage mechanism has an outer treatment member that presses against the shins, a rear treatment member that presses against the rear of the calves, and a pressing mechanism that performs a pressure massage on the treatment areas by varying the position of the outer treatment member and / or the rear treatment member, and the lower leg massage machine has a floating prevention mechanism that prevents the treatment areas from floating up when the vertical massage mechanism moves upward.

[0005] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an outline of a lower leg massage machine according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower leg massage machine according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower leg massage machine according to an embodiment, as viewed from the rear; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lower leg massage machine according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of outer treatment heads, outer treatment members, and a right-side first airbag; FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a vertical massage mechanism; and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a rear treatment member and a second airbag.

[0006] <Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure> By using the lower leg massager disclosed in Patent Document 1, a high massage effect can be obtained.

[0007] However, in recent years, there have been requests from users for lower leg massage machines to provide the same massage sensation as when they are receiving treatment from a masseuse, for example, to relieve swelling in the calves (promoting blood flow and lymph flow to promote recovery from fatigue), or to receive a massage that feels more like acupressure on the feet and soles, etc. In other words, there has been a demand for lower leg massage machines to provide an even greater massage effect on the treatment areas of the lower legs, such as the calves, feet, and soles.

[0008] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned demands, the lower limb massage machine of Patent Document 1 has a pair of treatment members consisting of a back-pressing treatment member that presses against the back of the calf located between the knee and the foot, and a front-pressing treatment member that is positioned opposite the back-pressing treatment member, a clamping mechanism that clamps and presses the calf with the pair of treatment members, and a moving mechanism that moves the pair of treatment members along the longitudinal direction of the calf while maintaining the clamping state of the pair of treatment members by the clamping mechanism.

[0009] However, it has been pointed out that when the pair of treatment members are moved upward by the moving mechanism that moves the pair of treatment members along the longitudinal direction of the calf, there is a possibility that inconveniences may occur, such as the user's lower limbs floating up (slipping out).

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a lower limb massage machine that is equipped with a mechanism that enables the movement of the massage treatment member that performs the massage when massaging the treatment area of ​​the lower limb, thereby allowing the treatment element attached to the treatment member to be pressed firmly against the treatment area, thereby achieving a more effective massage effect on the treatment area, and in addition, prevents the user's lower limb (particularly the treatment area) from floating up as the massage treatment member moves.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, by providing a mechanism that enables movement of the massage treatment member that performs the massage when massaging the treatment area of ​​the lower limb, the massage elements provided on the massage member can be pressed firmly against the treatment area, thereby achieving a more effective massage effect on the treatment area. In addition, the movement of the massage treatment member can prevent the user's lower limb (particularly the treatment area) from lifting up, making it possible to provide a reliable massage.

[0012] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions.

[0014] (1) The lower leg massage machine according to the present disclosure includes a vertical massage mechanism that moves up and down to provide a massage action to the treatment areas, namely the calves and shins. The vertical massage mechanism includes an outer treatment member that presses against the shins, a rear treatment member that presses against the rear of the calves, and a pressing mechanism that performs a pressure massage on the treatment areas by varying the position of the outer treatment member and / or the rear treatment member. The lower leg massage machine includes a floating prevention mechanism that prevents the treatment areas from floating upward when the vertical massage mechanism moves upward.

[0015] (2) In the above (1), the pressing mechanism may have a first pressing mechanism, and the first pressing mechanism may have a first airbag that repeatedly expands and contracts, and the lower leg massage machine may be configured to inflate the first airbag to move the outer treatment member inward and perform a massage that presses against the outside of the shin.

[0016] (3) In the above (1), the pressing mechanism may have a second pressing mechanism, and the second pressing mechanism may have a second airbag that repeatedly expands and contracts, and the lower leg massage machine may be configured to inflate the second airbag to move the rear treatment member forward and perform a massage that presses against the rear of the calf.

[0017] (4) In the above (2), the anti-floating mechanism may be configured to exhaust compressed air from the first airbag while the vertical massage mechanism is rising, and then supply compressed air into the first airbag.

[0018] (5) In the above (3), the anti-floating mechanism may be configured to exhaust compressed air from the first airbag and the second airbag while the vertical massage mechanism is rising, and then supply compressed air to at least the first airbag.

[0019] (6) In (4) above, the lower leg massage machine is equipped with a horizontal massage mechanism that applies a massage action to the foot located below the calf, and the horizontal massage mechanism is configured to perform a kneading massage on the foot by swinging a pair of left and right horizontal massage members arranged along the heel to the toes in the left and right direction, and the anti-floating mechanism may cause the pair of left and right horizontal massage members to move apart in conjunction with the exhaust of compressed air from the first airbag.

[0020] (7) In (5) above, the lower leg massage machine is equipped with a horizontal massage mechanism that applies a massage action to the foot located below the calf, and the horizontal massage mechanism is configured to perform a kneading massage on the foot by swinging a pair of left and right horizontal massage members arranged along the heel to the toes in the left and right direction, and the anti-floating mechanism may cause the pair of left and right horizontal massage members to move apart in conjunction with the exhaust of compressed air from the first airbag and the second airbag.

[0021] <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.

[0022] The embodiment described below is an example of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, some components are omitted or drawn using virtual lines, etc., for clarity.

[0023] The directions of the lower leg massage machine 1 of the embodiment, such as front-back and left-right directions, are as shown in the drawings. These directions correspond to the directions seen from a user seated on a chair or the like with their lower leg L inserted into the lower leg massage machine 1. In the following description, the directions shown in the drawings will be the directions when describing the lower leg massage machine 1 of the embodiment.

[0024] In this specification, the part of a person's lower leg L, from below the knee to above the ankle K (keep), mainly the back side (back side) will be referred to as the "calf C." Furthermore, the part of the part of the person's lower leg L, from below the knee to above the ankle K (keep), mainly the front side (front side) will be referred to as the "shin S." Furthermore, the part from the ankle K to the toes will be referred to as the "foot F." Other parts of the lower leg L will be described as appropriate.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the lower leg massager 1 of this embodiment has a case body 2 that is substantially square when viewed from the front and boot-shaped when viewed from the side.

[0026] The case body 2 has a pair of treatment recesses 3 on the left and right formed on its front surface, into which the lower limbs L can be fitted. That is, the treatment recesses 3 are arranged side by side, spaced apart from each other on the left and right. The left lower limb L is fitted into the left treatment recess 3, and the right lower limb L is fitted into the right treatment recess 3.

[0027] The treatment recess 3 has an upper treatment recess 3a formed in approximately the upper half thereof so as to be open toward the front and upward, and a lower treatment recess 3b formed in approximately the lower half thereof so as to be open toward the top and front. The upper treatment recess 3a and the lower treatment recess 3b are configured to be connected vertically. A calf C can be fitted into the upper treatment recess 3a, and at the same time, a foot F can be fitted into the lower treatment recess 3b.

[0028] The upper treatment recess 3a and the lower treatment recess 3b are provided with cushioning materials (not shown) such as sponge or urethane, and the openings (surfaces) of the upper treatment recess 3a and the lower treatment recess 3b are lined with stretchy and moderately breathable lining materials (not shown) such as cloth or leather.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lower leg massage machine 1 according to the embodiment has a vertical massage mechanism 4 that applies pressure massage to the left and right calves C from the rear (back side) and applies pressure massage to the left and right shins S from the outside, a horizontal massage mechanism 5 that applies kneading massage to the left and right feet F from both the left and right sides and applies pressure massage to the soles U from below, and an up-and-down movement mechanism 6 that moves the vertical massage mechanism 4 up and down.

[0030] The vertical massage mechanism 4 is provided inside the left and right upper treatment recesses 3a, and uses a first pressing mechanism 11 (first airbag 11a) described below to move the outer treatment member 7 to massage the treatment area (the outside of the shin S), and a second pressing mechanism 12 (second airbag 12a) to move the rear treatment member 8 to massage the treatment area (the rear of the calf C).

[0031] The horizontal massage mechanism 5 is provided inside the left and right lower treatment recesses 3b, and performs a kneading massage on the treatment area (foot F) by swinging horizontal massage members 36, 37 described later in the left and right direction, pushes up sole protrusions 39, 40 with a third pressing mechanism 41 (third airbag 41a) described later to massage the treatment area (front and rear of the sole U), and massages the treatment area (arch T) with a sole massage roller 45.

[0032] Although it is preferable to provide the third pressing mechanism 41, a sufficient massage effect can be achieved even without the third pressing mechanism 41. In this embodiment, an embodiment in which the third pressing mechanism 41 is provided will be described.

[0033] The vertical movement mechanism 6 moves the vertical massage mechanism 4 in the vertical direction, thereby performing massage on the outside of the shin S and the back of the calf C from top to bottom.

[0034] First, the vertical massage mechanism 4 will be described in detail.

[0035] The vertical massage mechanism 4 of this embodiment has an outer treatment member 7 (first roller 13) that is formed to cover the outside of the shin S and presses against the outside of the shin S, a rear treatment member 8 (second roller 19) that is arranged inside the outer treatment member 7 so as to be on the rear side of the calf C and presses against the rear side of the calf C, and an inner treatment member 9 (third roller 26) that is arranged in a position opposite the outer treatment member 7 and presses against the inside of the calf C.

[0036] Furthermore, the vertical massage mechanism 4 of this embodiment has a pressing mechanism 10 that performs a pressure massage on the treatment area (shin S, calf C, etc.) by changing the position of any one of the outer treatment member 7, rear treatment member 8, and inner treatment member 9.

[0037] The pressing mechanism 10 has a first pressing mechanism 11 that presses the outer treatment member 7 more firmly against the side of the shin (shin) S, and a second pressing mechanism 12 that presses the rear treatment member 8 more firmly against the rear side (back side) of the calf C.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the outer treatment member 7 presses against and massages the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles on the outside of the tibia of the shin S (muscles that extend from the rear calf C around the outside and are on the side of the shin S).

[0039] The outer treatment member 7 has an outer treatment element 13 (first roller 13) that presses against the side of the shin S to massage it, and an arm member 14 that rotatably supports the first roller 13 at its tip.

[0040] The arm member 14 is curved inward in the left-right direction from its midpoint to its front (tip) portion. A support shaft 15 that protrudes forward is provided at the front portion of the arm member 14. A first roller 13 is rotatably attached to the support shaft 15. In this embodiment, the first roller 13 is a disk-shaped roller, and two first rollers 13 are provided spaced apart.

[0041] The first roller 13 is disposed diagonally forward and laterally outward in a plan view so as to avoid the tibia of the shin S and to abut the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles, etc. With this arrangement, the first roller 13 presses against the sides of the shin S (tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles, etc.) to massage them in a manner similar to finger pressure.

[0042] The first roller 13 may be made of a material having elasticity, such as soft or hard resin or rubber.

[0043] The arm member 14 is bifurcated from its midpoint to its rear. The bifurcated part is the base end, from which plate pieces 14a, 14b branch out to the left and right (inner and outer sides). The base end of the plate piece 14a that branches inward is provided with a hole that penetrates in the vertical direction. A swing shaft 16 is inserted into the hole.

[0044] The swing shaft 16 is inserted into a hole 31c provided in a vertical movement slider 31 (described in detail later) that constitutes the up-down movement mechanism 6. In other words, the arm member 14 is connected to the vertical movement slider 31 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction.

[0045] A coil spring 17 is attached below the inner plate piece 14a so as to surround the outside of the swing shaft 16. This coil spring 17 moves the outer treatment member 7 outward in the left-right direction, maintaining the outer treatment member 7 in an open state (separated state) from the rear treatment member 8. In other words, by providing the coil spring 17, a large space is created between the outer treatment member 7 (first roller 13) and the rear treatment member 8 (second roller 19), allowing the calf C and shin S to be inserted.

[0046] The coil spring 17 has a coil body around which wire is wound and legs that protrude radially outward from the coil body. The coil body is disposed so as to wrap around the outer periphery of the swing shaft 16. The legs protrude from the upper and lower ends of the coil body. The upper leg is engaged with the base end of the arm member 14. The lower leg is engaged with the vertically moving slider 31. This engaged state maintains the outer treatment member 7 in an open state (spaced state) relative to the rear treatment member 8. This spaced state is the standard state.

[0047] The plate piece 14b branching outward from the base end of the arm member 14 is a flat plate member having a predetermined width and extending upright in the vertical direction. When the first airbag 11a of the first pressing mechanism 11 inflates, the plate piece 14b is pushed outward in the left-right direction by the first airbag 11a.

[0048] On the other hand, when the first airbag 11a contracts, the plate piece 14b moves inward in the left-right direction due to the reaction force of the coil spring 17 and comes into contact with the outer wall surface 31b of the vertically moving slider 31 with the first airbag 11a sandwiched therebetween.

[0049] 5, the movement of plate piece 14b allows arm member 14 to swing freely in the left-right direction around swing shaft 16. In other words, arm member 14 swings like a seesaw around swing shaft 16 at the base end.

[0050] 5 and 6, the first pressing mechanism 11 changes the position of the outer treatment member 7 in the left-right direction, so that the first roller 13 presses the outside of the shin S. The first pressing mechanism 11 can be said to be a pressing force increasing mechanism that increases the pressing force by moving the first pressing mechanism 11 closer to the outside of the shin C.

[0051] The first pressing mechanism 11 of this embodiment includes a first airbag 11a that repeatedly inflates and deflates, and a coil spring 17 that generates a force that returns the arm member 14 to the outside.

[0052] The first airbag 11a is attached to an outer wall surface 31b of a vertically moving slider 31 (details of which will be described later) that constitutes the vertical movement mechanism 6. This outer wall surface 31b is provided facing diagonally outward and rearward.

[0053] As shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 2 to 5, the first airbag 11a inflates obliquely rearward and outward.

[0054] The first airbag 11a is inflated by compressed air supplied by an air pump 18 provided in the center of the interior of the case body 2, in front of the vertical massage mechanism 4 and above the horizontal massage mechanism 5. The air pump 18 also exhausts air from the first airbag 11a to deflate it.

[0055] When compressed air is supplied to the first airbag 11a by the air pump 18 and the first airbag 11a inflates in a direction diagonally outward and rearward, the outer treatment member 7 moves toward the inner treatment member 9. Specifically, the inflation of the first airbag 11a pushes the plate piece 14b (lift arm 14b) of the arm member 14 outward in the left-right direction. The arm member 14 swings left-right around the swing shaft 16, and the plate piece 14a moves inward in the left-right direction. The first roller 13 approaches the second roller 19.

[0056] In other words, by activating the first airbag 11a (pressure enhancing mechanism), the outer treatment member 7 is brought into a clamping position close to the rear treatment member 8, tightly clamping the outside of the shin S, and the first roller 13 can press the outside of the shin S with even greater force.

[0057] That is, when the first airbag 11a is inflated, the first roller 13 of the outer treatment member 7 is tilted inward, so that the first roller 13 restrains the outer side of the shin S and performs a pressing massage.

[0058] The coil spring 17 returns the arm member 14 to the outside, maintaining the separation between the outer treatment member 7 and the rear treatment member 8. When the air pump 18 exhausts air from the first airbag 11a and the first airbag 11a contracts, the outer treatment member 7 moves away from the inner treatment member 9. Specifically, when the first airbag 11a contracts, the reaction force of the coil spring 17 acts, causing the plate piece 14b of the arm member 14 to move inward in the left-right direction. The arm member 14 swings left-right around the swing shaft 16, causing the plate piece 14a to move outward in the left-right direction. The first roller 13 moves away from the second roller 19.

[0059] In other words, when the first airbag 11a is deflated, the first roller 13 of the outer treatment member 7 returns to the outside in the left-right direction due to the reaction force of the coil spring 17, and returns to its normal state. This releases the shin S from the first roller 13.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the rear treatment member 8 is positioned opposite the outer treatment member 7 with the calf C in between, and presses against the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf C to massage them.

[0061] The rear treatment member 8 has a rear treatment element 19 (second roller 19) that massages the calf C by pressing against it from the rear, a guide arm member 20 that rotatably supports the second roller 19, and a support shaft 21 that rotatably supports the guide arm member 20.

[0062] The second roller 19 is a cylindrical member with a through-hole formed in the center in the axial direction. A pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the through-hole. In other words, the second roller 19 is rotatable around the pivot shaft 22. The second roller 19 is disposed in a sideways position with the pivot shaft 22 horizontal and facing in the left-right direction.

[0063] The second roller 19 has a wide surface (outer circumferential surface) that comes into contact with the calf C so that it can be pressed against the calf C from behind. The second roller 19 can be made of an elastic material such as soft or hard resin or rubber.

[0064] The guide arm members 20 are long members extending in the front-rear direction, and are provided in a pair on the left and right sides with the second roller 19 between them. The guide arm members 20 support both ends of a pivot shaft 22 that pivotally supports the second roller 19 so that it can rotate freely.

[0065] A hole into which the pivot shaft 22 is fitted is formed at the tip of the guide arm member 20. A through hole into which the support shaft 21 is inserted is formed at the base end of the guide arm member 20. The guide arm member 20 rotates together with the rotation of the support shaft 21. When the support shaft 21 rotates forward, the guide arm member 20 rotates forward.

[0066] The support shaft 21 is disposed below the vertical massage mechanism 4 so as to span horizontally in the left-right direction. The support shaft 21 is a long shaft that supports the rear treatment members 8 (second rollers 19) that are disposed at an interval (approximately the width of the left and right lower legs L (calves C)). The support shaft 21 also supports the second pressing mechanism 12 at the longitudinal center of the shaft between the pair of rear treatment members 8. The support shaft 21 is supported by a support member 31d provided in front of a vertical movement slider 31 (details of which will be described later) that constitutes the up-down movement mechanism 6.

[0067] That is, the rear treatment member 8 has a second roller 19 rotatably supported by a pair of left and right guide arm members 20, and the guide arm members 20 are supported by a support shaft 21 and rotate around the axis thereof. With this configuration, the second roller 19 is movable in the front-rear direction.

[0068] 7, the second pressing mechanism 12 changes the position of the rear treatment member 8 in the front-to-rear direction, so that the second roller 19 presses the rear side of the calf C. The second pressing mechanism 12 can be considered a pressing force increasing mechanism that increases the pressing force by moving closer to the rear side (back side) of the calf C.

[0069] The second pressing mechanism 12 of this embodiment includes a second airbag 12a that repeatedly inflates and contracts, an airbag holder 23 that fixes the second airbag 12a, a lift arm member 24 (push member 24) that moves forward when the second airbag 12a inflates, and a coil spring 25 that generates a force that returns the lift arm member 24 to the rear.

[0070] The second airbag 12a is attached to an airbag holder 23. The second airbag 12a is inflated by compressed air supplied by an air pump 18 provided in the center of the interior of the case body 2. The air pump 18 also exhausts air from the second airbag 12a to deflate it.

[0071] When compressed air is supplied to the second airbag 12a by the air pump 18 and the second airbag 12a inflates forward, the rear treatment member 8 moves forward. Specifically, the inflation of the second airbag 12a pushes the lift arm member 24 forward. The lift arm member 24 swings forward around the support shaft 21. As the support shaft 21 rotates, the guide arm member 20 rotates, and the second roller 19 moves forward. The second roller 19 approaches the first roller 13. In other words, the rear treatment member 8 moves forward to massage the rear of the calf C.

[0072] The airbag holder 23 is a flat plate material and is provided at the center of the front of a vertically moving slider 31 (described in detail later) that constitutes the up-and-down movement mechanism 6. The second airbag 12a is attached to the front side of the airbag holder 23.

[0073] As shown by the dashed lines in Figures 2, 4, 6, 7, etc., the second airbag 12a inflates forward.

[0074] The lift arm member 24 (air lift arm 24) is a flat plate material, and is disposed with its tip facing upward. A through-hole with a horizontal axis facing the left-right direction is formed at the base end of the lift arm member 24. The support shaft 21 is inserted into this through-hole. The lift arm member 24 rotates together with the support shaft 21. When the support shaft 21 rotates forward, the lift arm member 24 also rotates forward. In other words, the lift arm member 24 swings forward and backward around the support shaft 21.

[0075] The coil spring 25 is provided at the base end of the lift arm member 24. The coil spring 25 has a coil body around which wire material is wound and legs that protrude radially outward from the coil body. The coil body is disposed so as to wrap around the outer periphery of the support shaft 21. The legs protrude from the left and right ends of the coil body. The left leg is engaged with the base end of the lift arm member 24. The right leg is engaged with the vertically moving slider 31. This engaged state holds the lift arm member 24 in a closed state (close state) relative to the airbag holder 23 (second airbag 12a). This spaced state is the standard state.

[0076] In other words, by activating the second airbag 12a (pressure enhancing mechanism), the rear treatment member 8 is placed in a clamping position close to the outer treatment member 7, tightly clamping the rear side of the calf C, and the second roller 19 can press the rear side of the calf C with even greater force.

[0077] That is, when the second airbag 12a is inflated, the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8 falls forward, whereby the second roller 19 restrains the rear side of the calf C and performs a pressure massage.

[0078] The coil spring 25 returns the lift arm member 24 to the rear side, maintaining the proximity of the lift arm member 24 to the airbag holder 23. When the air pump 18 exhausts air from the second airbag 12a and the second airbag 12a contracts, the force of the coil spring 25 returns the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8 to the rear.

[0079] Specifically, when the second airbag 12a is compressed, the reaction force of the coil spring 25 acts, and the lift arm member 24 moves rearward around the support shaft 21. The lift arm member 24 approaches the airbag holder 23. The second roller 19 moves away from the first roller 13.

[0080] That is, when the second airbag 12a is deflated, the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8 returns to the rear side by the reaction force of the coil spring 25, and returns to the normal state. This releases the calf C from the second roller 19.

[0081] The first roller 13 of the outer treatment member 7 and the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8 move up and down together as a unit due to the up and down movement of the vertical movement slider 31 of the up and down movement mechanism 6, and as the first airbag 11a expands and contracts, the first roller 13 repeatedly performs a pressure massage that effectively applies acupressure to the outside of the shin S (such as the tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles), and as the second airbag 12a expands and contracts, the second roller 19 repeatedly performs a pressure massage that effectively applies acupressure to the back of the calf C (such as the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles).

[0082] The inner treatment member 9 is disposed opposite the outer treatment member 7 with the calf C sandwiched therebetween, and presses against the inside of the calf C to massage it.

[0083] The inner treatment member 9 has an inner treatment element 26 (third roller 26) that presses against the inside of the calf C to massage it, and an arm member 27 that rotatably supports the third roller 26 at its tip.

[0084] The arm member 27 is a cylindrical rod member and is provided at the front center of the vertical movement slider 31. The arm member 27 is disposed so as to protrude forward and is disposed at a position adjacent to the airbag holder 23.

[0085] A third roller 26 is rotatably attached to the front portion of the arm member 27. In this embodiment, the third roller 26 is a disc-shaped roller, and two third rollers 26 are provided.

[0086] The third roller 26 is disposed on the inner side in the left-right direction (at the center of the case body 2) so as to abut against the inside of the calf C. With this arrangement, the third roller 26 massages the gastrocnemius muscle (inner leg side) of the calf C by pressing in a manner similar to finger pressure.

[0087] The third roller 26 may be made of a material having elasticity, such as soft or hard resin or rubber.

[0088] The arrangement of the treatment elements, from top to bottom when viewed from the front, is the third roller 26, the first roller 13, and the second roller 19. In addition, from the front to bottom when viewed from above, the arrangement is the first roller 13, the third roller 26, and the second roller 19.

[0089] Furthermore, as described above, since the third roller 26 is fixed to the vertical movement slider 31, the vertical movement mechanism 6 can move the third roller 26 at the same speed and in the same direction in conjunction with the vertical movement of the first roller 13 and the second roller 19.

[0090] In this way, by providing the first roller 13 (outer treatment member 7), the first airbag 11a (first pressing mechanism 11), the second roller 19 (rear treatment member 8), the second airbag 12a (second pressing mechanism 12), the third roller 26 (inner treatment member 9), etc., it is possible to increase the clamping pressure on the outer side of the shin S and the inner and rear sides of the calf C, and to increase the number of pressing points and thereby increase the massage area. This allows for repeated pressure massages that effectively apply acupressure to the outer side of the shin S (tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles, etc.) and the rear side of the calf C (gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, etc.), thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of the massage.

[0091] In addition, the vertical massage mechanism 4 of this embodiment has an up-and-down movement mechanism 6 that moves the outer treatment member 7 equipped with the first roller 13, the rear treatment member 8 equipped with the second roller 19, the inner treatment member 9 equipped with the third roller 26, etc. in the up-and-down direction.

[0092] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vertical movement mechanism 6 has a drive unit 28 that generates a drive force, a screw shaft 29 that rotates by the drive force, a slider piece 30 that moves on the screw shaft 29, a vertical movement slider 31 that moves up and down by the slider piece 30, and a pair of left and right vertical rails 32.

[0093] The drive unit 28 has a drive motor 33 that generates a drive force and a gear case 34 that reduces the speed to a predetermined value. The drive motor 33 is disposed in front of the screw shaft 29 and at the bottom of the case body 2.

[0094] The gear case 34 is disposed below the drive motor 33 and attached to the bottom of the case body 2. The output shaft of the drive motor 33 and the lower end of the screw shaft 29 are inserted into the gear case 34. A plurality of gears are stored inside the gear case 34, and reduce the speed to a predetermined level.

[0095] The screw shaft 29 is a long shaft member that is disposed so that its axis faces the vertical direction. The slider piece 30 moves vertically on the screw shaft 29. The slider piece 30 is attached to the center of a vertically moving slider 31.

[0096] The vertically moving slider 31 is a member that is long in the left-right direction and moves vertically in accordance with the up-and-down movement of the slider piece 30. An airbag holder 23 is provided in the center of the front of the vertically moving slider 31, with the second airbag 12a attached to the front side thereof.

[0097] The vertical movement slider 31 has both ends projecting forward, and holes 31c are provided at the tips of the projections. The swing shaft 16 that allows the arm member 14 to swing left and right is inserted into the holes 31c.

[0098] A pair of vertical rails 32 are provided on the left and right sides of the screw shaft 29. The vertical rails 32 are attached to the front surface of the rear wall of the case body 2, and have a vertically long rail groove 32a on the front surface. A slider portion 31a provided on the vertically moving slider 31 runs along the long rail groove 32a.

[0099] The outer treatment member 7 having the first roller 13 and the first pressing mechanism 11 having the first airbag 11a are provided at both ends of the vertically moving slider 31. In other words, the outer treatment member 7 and the first pressing mechanism 11 are provided in pairs on the left and right.

[0100] The vertically moving slider 31 has outer wall surfaces 31b facing diagonally outward and rearward at both ends thereof. The first airbag 11a is attached to the outer wall surfaces 31b. The vertically moving slider 31 also has holes 31c at both ends thereof into which the swing shaft 16 is inserted. A support member 31d for supporting the support shaft 21 is provided at the lower center of the front of the vertically moving slider 31.

[0101] A position detector 35 is provided on the rear side of the left vertical rail 32 to detect the vertical position of the vertical massage mechanism 4, which is moved up and down by the vertical movement mechanism 6. In this embodiment, a limit switch is used as the position detector 35.

[0102] The lower leg massage machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with a horizontal massage mechanism 5 that applies a massage action to the foot F below the ankle K. The horizontal massage mechanism 5 will now be described.

[0103] The horizontal massage mechanism 5 has horizontal massage members 36, 37 that perform a kneading massage on the foot F of one leg, and a kneading drive mechanism 38 that generates a driving force for these horizontal massage members 36, 37 to perform a kneading massage operation on the foot F.

[0104] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the horizontal massage mechanism 5 of this embodiment further has protruding sole treatment members 39, 40 (sole protrusions 39, 40) that are arranged below the foot F and press against the back surface U of the foot F.

[0105] A sole treatment member 39 (sole protrusion 39) that massages the front side of the sole U is arranged in front of the sole massage roller 45 (described later) at a position corresponding to the front side (toe side) of the arch T of the sole U. The sole protrusion 39 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the horizontal massage members 36, 37. The sole protrusion 39 is arranged on a foot support member (not shown) that supports the front part of the sole U (sole of the toes) of the foot F. The sole protrusion 39 has multiple protrusions that provide a pressure massage to the front part of the sole U.

[0106] Additionally, a sole treatment member 40 (sole protrusion 40) that massages the rear side of the sole U is arranged behind the sole massage roller 45 (described later) at a position corresponding to the rear side (heel side) of the arch T of the sole U. The sole protrusion 40 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the horizontal massage members 36, 37. The sole protrusion 40 is arranged on a foot support member (not shown) that supports the rear part of the sole U (sole of the heel) of the foot F. The sole protrusion 40 has multiple protrusions that provide a pressure massage to the rear part of the sole U.

[0107] The arrangement, protruding height, material, number, etc. of the sole protrusions 39, 40 can be selected appropriately depending on the positions of the acupressure points on the soles of the feet.

[0108] The pressing mechanism 10 has a third pressing mechanism 41 that presses the sole protrusions 39, 40 even more firmly against the sole U. The third pressing mechanism 41 presses the sole U of the foot F by lifting the sole protrusions 39, 40 upward. The third pressing mechanism 41 can be said to be a pressing force increasing mechanism that increases the pressing force by bringing the sole protrusions 39, 40 closer to the sole U of the foot F.

[0109] The third pressing mechanism 41 of this embodiment has a third airbag 41a that repeatedly inflates and deflates.

[0110] The third airbag 41a is disposed on a foot support member (not shown) that supports the front portion (toe side) of the sole U of the foot F and below the sole protrusion 39. In other words, the third airbag 41a is disposed between the foot support member and the sole protrusion 39.

[0111] Although it is highly preferable to have the third airbag 41a, there is no problem if it is not provided. Also, a thermal heater (e.g., a PTC heater) can be provided instead of the sole protrusions 39. In this embodiment, an embodiment in which the third airbag 41a and the sole protrusions 39 are present will be described.

[0112] The third airbag 41a is disposed on a foot support member (not shown) that supports the rear portion (heel side) of the sole U of the foot F and below the sole protrusion 40. In other words, the third airbag 41a is disposed between the foot support member and the sole protrusion 40.

[0113] The third airbag 41a is inflated upward by compressed air supplied by the air pump 18 provided in the center of the interior of the case body 2. When the air pump 18 is stopped, the third airbag 41a is deflated by venting the air under the weight of the feet F.

[0114] When compressed air is supplied to the front third air bag 41a by an air pump 18 and the third air bag 41a expands upward, the sole projections 40 move so as to be pushed upward by the expansion, thereby performing a pressing massage on the front back surface U of the foot F.

[0115] In addition, compressed air is supplied to the rear third air bag 41a by the air pump 18, and when the third air bag 41a expands upward, the sole projections 40 move so as to be pushed upward, thereby performing a pressing massage on the rear back surface U of the foot F.

[0116] That is, when the third airbag 41a (pressure intensifying mechanism) is activated, the sole protrusions 39, 40 come close to and into contact with the sole U of the foot F, and by strongly pressing the protrusions against the sole U, the sole protrusions 39, 40 can apply even stronger pressure to the front and rear of the sole U. In this way, the sole protrusions 39, 40 perform a pressure massage on the sole U similar to finger pressure.

[0117] 2 and 3, the kneading drive mechanism 38 has a drive motor 33 that generates a drive force and a gear case 42 that reduces the speed to a predetermined speed. The drive motor 33 is a drive source that can rotate forward and backward, and is shared with the up-and-down movement mechanism 6. That is, in this embodiment, one drive motor 33 drives the horizontal massage mechanism 5 and the up-and-down movement mechanism 6.

[0118] A gear case 42 is provided in front of the drive motor 33. The gear case 42 houses a plurality of gears and reduces the speed to a predetermined value. The drive motor 33 and the gear case 42 are connected via a transmission shaft 43.

[0119] A rotary drive shaft 44 passes through the gear case 42 and is rotatably supported. The rotary drive shaft 44 is disposed at the bottom of the case body 2 with its axis facing the left-right direction. The rotary drive shaft 44 is a long shaft member that passes through the horizontal massage members 36, 37 from left to right. The rotational speed of the rotary drive shaft 44 is reduced to a predetermined speed by the gear case 42, and the driving force of the drive motor 33 is transmitted to the rotary drive shaft 44.

[0120] A sole massage roller 42 is provided skewer-like through the rotary drive shaft 44. The sole massage roller 45 is disposed between the horizontal massage members 36 and 37. The sole massage roller 45 supports the arch T of the foot F in a surface-contact manner.

[0121] The sole massage roller 45 has an outer circumferential surface that is concentric or slightly eccentric with the rotary drive shaft 44. A plurality of protrusions are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the sole massage roller 45. The sole massage roller 45 rotates together with the rotary drive shaft 44, and therefore rotates in conjunction with the swinging of the horizontal massage members 36, 37.

[0122] The horizontal massage members 36 and 37 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction so that the foot F of one leg can be fitted therein.

[0123] The inner horizontal massage member 36 is a plate-like member that is long in the front-rear direction and is formed in a shape that fits the inner shape of the foot F. The outer horizontal massage member 37 is a plate-like member that is long in the front-rear direction and is formed in a shape that fits the outer shape of the foot F. In other words, the horizontal massage members 36, 37 are configured as a pair and are provided to correspond to the foot F.

[0124] The horizontal massage members 36, 37 may be formed of elastic materials such as soft or hard resin or rubber, and it is preferable that the inner surfaces are provided with cushioning material or covering material to reduce the sensation of contact with the foot F.

[0125] A conversion section 46 is provided at the base end (midway in the front-rear direction) of the horizontal massage members 36, 37. The conversion section 46 converts the rotational driving force of the rotational driving shaft 41 that penetrates the base end of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 into a swinging motion and transmits it to the horizontal massage members 36, 37 as a kneading massage motion.

[0126] The conversion portion 46 comprises a rotation boss portion 47 attached so as to rotate integrally with the rotation drive shaft 44, an annular fitting portion 48 provided at the base end of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 and fitted onto the rotation boss portion 47, and a regulating portion 49 which regulates the rotation of the annular fitting portion 48 relative to the rotation boss portion 47.

[0127] The rotary boss 47 is a disk-shaped member inclined relative to the rotary drive shaft 44, and a bearing is attached to its outer periphery. The inclination (cam surface) of the rotary boss 47 is in the opposite direction relative to the horizontal massage members 36, 37 (approximately V-shaped or inverted V-shaped due to swing). The rotary boss 47 may be an inclined rotary boss or an eccentric rotary boss. The rotary boss may also be an inclined eccentric rotary boss.

[0128] The annular fitting portion 48 is provided at the base end (the midpoint in the front-to-rear direction corresponding to the arch T) of the horizontal massage members 36, 37. The annular fitting portion 48 externally fits onto the rotation boss portion 47 via a bearing in a relatively rotatable state.

[0129] The restricting portion 49 has an engagement pin that protrudes downward from the annular fitting portion 48 and a restricting groove into which the engagement pin fits. The restricting groove is provided on the bottom of the case body 2, and the engagement pin slides in the left-right direction. The restricting portion 49 restricts the co-rotation of the annular fitting portion 48, allowing the horizontal massage members 36, 37 to swing back and forth and left and right within a predetermined swing range.

[0130] Due to the inclination of the rotation boss portions 47 in the opposite directions relative to each other, the horizontal massage members 36, 37 oscillate in a generally V-shape or inverted V-shape when viewed from the front. That is, as the rotation drive shaft 41 rotates, the front sides of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 move away from each other, while the rear sides of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 move closer to each other. Subsequently, the front sides of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 move closer to each other, while the rear sides move away from each other. The horizontal massage members 36, 37 repeat this cyclical movement.

[0131] Now, when the first airbag 11a that pushes the first roller 13 and the second airbag 12a that pushes the second roller 19 are inflated, and the vertical massage mechanism 4 is rolled (moved upward) by the up-and-down movement mechanism 6, the lower limb L (particularly the treatment part) is pulled upward, and it is conceivable that the lower limb L will float up or slip out of the lower insertion recess 3b (the lower limb massage machine 1 main body).

[0132] To prevent this, the lower leg massage machine of this embodiment is provided with a lift-up prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the lower leg L from lifting up by cooperatively operating the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a when the vertical massage mechanism 4 is moved upward. The operation of this lift-up prevention mechanism 50 will be described later.

[0133] The lower leg massage machine 1 also includes a control unit 51 that controls the vertical massage mechanism 4 and the horizontal massage mechanism 5 .

[0134] The control unit 51 controls driving so as to be able to switch between supplying compressed air to the third airbag 41a and supplying compressed air to the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a.

[0135] For example, if the second airbag 12a that presses the second roller 19 is inflated first, the calf C and shin S may come out of the upper insertion recess 3a to the front. In this case, the control unit 51 may perform control to inflate the first airbag 11a that presses the first roller 13 first, and then inflate the second airbag 12a that presses the second roller 19.

[0136] In addition, the control unit 51 may inflate the second airbag 12a, which presses the second roller 19, before the first airbag 11a, which presses the first roller 13, to adjust the contact position in the front-to-back direction of the rear treatment member 8 equipped with the second roller 19 (the front-to-back position where the second roller 19 contacts the rear side of the calf C).

[0137] The lower leg massage machine 1 is also provided with a pressure detection unit (not shown) that detects the pressure of each of the first airbag 11a to the third airbag 41a.

[0138] The control unit 51 grasps the pressure of the first airbag 11a to the third airbag 41a using a pressure detection unit (pressure sensor), and adjusts the pressure of the first airbag 11a to the third airbag 41a based on control items including, for example, setting the pressure strength and adjusting the pressure to ensure safety.

[0139] The lower leg massager 1 of the embodiment is also preferably configured as follows.

[0140] Regarding the configuration of the lower leg massage machine 1, the first airbag 11a that presses the first roller 13 and the second airbag 12a that presses the second roller 19 may be driven by the same air pump 18 and solenoid valve. Also, the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a may each be provided with an individual air pump or the like and driven.

[0141] Furthermore, the third airbag 41a that presses into the sole projections 39, 40 may be configured to be driven separately from the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a. In other words, it is desirable to configure the three airbags 11a, 12a, 41a so that they are not connected to each other when driven.

[0142] For example, an air pump may be provided for each of the three airbags 11 a, 12 a, and 41 a. Alternatively, a holding solenoid valve may be provided on the air hose connecting the three airbags 11 a, 12 a, and 41 a. Naturally, the control unit 51 may perform the above-described control using a configuration in which the same air pump and solenoid valve are used to drive the airbags.

[0143] The reason for this is that if the third airbag 41a for the sole projections 39, 40 is inflated while the first airbag 11a pressing the first roller 13 and the second airbag 12a pressing the second roller 19 are inflated, the air in the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a will temporarily flow into the third airbag 41a pressing the sole projections 39, 40, momentarily weakening the pressure on the shins S and calves C. This will prevent an effective massage.

[0144] Furthermore, the control unit 51 may supply compressed air from the air pump 18 to the first airbag 11a that pushes the first roller 13 and the second airbag 12a that pushes the second roller 19, and control the air pump 18 to exhaust the air, thereby performing a kneading massage action similar to finger pressure on the shin S or calf C, etc.

[0145] When the vertical movement mechanism 6 is driven to roll (move) the vertical massage mechanism 4 up and down, the pressure strength of the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 may be adjusted by controlling the intake air volume of the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a.

[0146] The vertical massage mechanism 4 may be rolled (moved) up and down while the first airbag 11 a and the second airbag 12 a are inflated. The vertical massage mechanism 4 may be rolled up and down while performing a kneading massage on the shin S or the calf C.

[0147] [Operational Mode] Next, the operational mode of the lower leg massage machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0148] When the power switch or the operation switch is in the OFF position, the outer treatment members 7 and the rear treatment members 8 of the vertical massage mechanism 4 are separated. The user fits the shins S and calves C into the upper treatment recesses 3a and inserts them into the space surrounded by the outer treatment members 7, the rear treatment members 8, and the inner treatment members 9.

[0149] The horizontal massage members 36, 37 of the horizontal massage mechanism 5 are separated from each other. The user fits the foot F into the lower treatment recess 3b and inserts it between the horizontal massage members 36, 37.

[0150] When the power switch is turned on and an arbitrary massage course is selected with the operation switch, the vertical massage mechanism 4, horizontal massage mechanism 5, up-down movement mechanism 6, and pressing mechanism 10 are activated.

[0151] First, in the horizontal massage mechanism 5, the kneading drive mechanism 38 causes the horizontal massage members 36, 37 to swing left and right and front and rear, thereby performing a kneading massage on the foot F. Furthermore, the rotation of the rotary drive shaft 44 rotates the sole massage roller 45, which performs a pressure massage on the arch T of the sole U.

[0152] On the other hand, in the vertical massage mechanism 4, compressed air is supplied from the air pump 18 to the first airbag 11a of the first pressing mechanism 11, causing the first airbag 11a to inflate. Also, compressed air is supplied from the air pump 18 to the second airbag 12a of the second pressing mechanism 12, causing the second airbag 12a to inflate.

[0153] When the first airbag 11a is inflated, the outer treatment member 7 moves inward, and the first roller 13 moves closer to the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8. When the second airbag 12a is inflated, the rear treatment member 8 moves inward, and the second roller 19 moves closer to the first roller 13.

[0154] The first roller 13 massages the outside of the shin S (tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles, etc.) by pressing with even greater force, while the second roller 19 massages the back of the calf C (gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, etc.) by pressing with even greater force. At this time, the third roller 26 of the inner treatment member 9 supports the inside of the calf C and presses in to massage with acupressure.

[0155] The first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a may be repeatedly inflated and deflated by the air pump 18, or may remain inflated. Also, the airbags 11a and 12a may be alternately inflated and deflated.

[0156] The vertical massage mechanism 4 is moved up and down by the vertical movement mechanism 6, so that the first roller 13 of the outer treatment member 7, the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8, and the third roller 26 of the inner treatment member 9 move up and down integrally with each other, and as the first airbag 11a expands and contracts, the first roller 13 repeatedly applies a pressure massage to the outside of the shin S with even stronger and more effective finger pressure, and as the second airbag 12a expands and contracts, the second roller 19 repeatedly applies a pressure massage to the back of the calf C with even stronger and more effective finger pressure, and the third roller 26 repeatedly applies a pressure massage to the inside of the calf C with effective finger pressure.

[0157] At this time, in order to prevent the lower leg L from floating up, the vertical massage mechanism 4 is caused to perform the following operation on the first airbag 11a of the first pressing mechanism 11 and the second airbag 12a of the second pressing mechanism 12 via the control unit 51. That is, the floating prevention mechanism 50 is activated.

[0158] In the vertical massage mechanism 4, compressed air is supplied from the air pump 18 to the first airbag 11a of the first pressing mechanism 11, causing the first airbag 11a to inflate. Also, compressed air is supplied from the air pump 18 to the second airbag 12a of the second pressing mechanism 12, causing the second airbag 12a to inflate.

[0159] When the first airbag 11a is inflated, the outer treatment member 7 moves inward, and the first roller 13 moves closer to the second roller 19 of the rear treatment member 8. When the second airbag 12a is inflated, the rear treatment member 8 moves inward, and the second roller 19 moves closer to the first roller 13.

[0160] The first roller 13 massages the outside of the shin S by pressing in, and the second roller 19 massages the back of the calf C ...

[0161] While maintaining this position, the vertical massage mechanism 4 is moved upward by the up-and-down movement mechanism 6 from the lower part of the calf (directly above the ankle K) to approximately the lower third of the calf. During this movement, the lower leg L, sandwiched between the first roller 13 and the second roller 19, is lifted up. Therefore, when the first roller 13 reaches approximately the lower third of the calf, the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a are deflated to move the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 away from the shin and calf. At the same time, the horizontal massage members 36 and 37 are configured to move away from each other. This operation mode temporarily releases the user's lower leg L within the treatment recess 3, and then moves downward, with the sole U in contact with the roller (returning to the initial position).

[0162] Thereafter, air supply to the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a begins again, and the up-down movement mechanism 6 moves the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 to about two-thirds of the way down the calf. The first roller 13 and the second roller 19 again approach the shin and calf, and move upward, providing a pressure massage to the calf. In this case, air may be supplied only to the first airbag 11a.

[0163] After this state has passed, the lower legs L are likely to be lifted up again, so the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a are vented to move the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 away from the lower legs L. At the same time, the horizontal massage members 36, 37 are set to move away from each other. This operation mode temporarily releases the lower legs L, causing them to move downward, with the soles U in contact with the rollers (returning to the initial state).

[0164] Then, while air supply to the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a begins again, the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 are moved by the up-and-down movement mechanism 6 from the position two-thirds of the way down the calf to the knee area. The first roller 13 and the second roller 19 again approach the thigh and move upward, providing a pressure massage to the calf C. In this case, too, air may be supplied only to the first airbag 11a. Note that, in the case of a massage up to the knee area, it is highly preferable to supply air to the first airbag 11a and the second airbag 12a, fully inflate both airbags 11a and 12a, and then move the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 to the knee area while keeping them firmly pressed against the shin and calf.

[0165] As described above, by operating the anti-floating mechanism 50, it is possible to prevent the lower leg L from floating up while ensuring a reliable massage (massage of the shins and calves).

[0166] In the above explanation, both the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 are controlled (repeated air supply and exhaust), but there is no problem if only the first airbag is controlled while the vertical massage mechanism is rising, the compressed air is exhausted from the first airbag, and then the compressed air is again supplied into the first airbag, thereby preventing the lifting of the lower leg L. Also, although the example has been given in which the air supply and exhaust of the first roller 13 and the second roller 19 is performed three times in the longitudinal direction of the calf, the lifting of the lower leg L can also be reliably prevented even if the air supply and exhaust are performed multiple times, for example, two or four times.

[0167] As described above, according to the embodiment of the lower limb massage machine 1, when massaging the treatment area of ​​the lower limb L (calf C, shin S, etc.), the device is provided with a pressing mechanism 10 (first airbag 11a (first pressing mechanism 11), second airbag 12a (second pressing mechanism 12)) that enables movement of the outer treatment member 7 and rear treatment member 8 that perform the massage, so that the first roller 13 (outer treatment element 13) provided on the outer treatment member 7 and the second roller 19 (inner treatment element 19) provided on the rear treatment member 8 can be pressed firmly against the treatment area (calf C, shin S, etc.), thereby achieving a more effective massage effect on the treatment area.

[0168] 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.

[0169] For example, the shape and length of the arm member 14, or the range of movement in the left-right direction, of the outer treatment member 7, and the size and degree of inflation (pressing pressure) of the first airbag 11a of the first pressing mechanism 11 can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range.

[0170] Furthermore, with regard to the rear treatment member 8, the forward advance range of the second roller 19, and with regard to the second pressing mechanism 12, the size and degree of inflation (pressing pressure) of the second airbag 12a can be changed as appropriate in consideration of the treatment range.

[0171] Although not described in this embodiment, the pressing mechanism 10 may be provided with a mechanism for performing a pressure massage on the inside of the calf C by varying the position of the inner treatment member 9. For example, an airbag (pressing mechanism 10) may be provided on the side of the inner treatment member 9. The airbag may be inflated to move the inner treatment member 9 toward the outer treatment member 7, causing the inner treatment member 9 (third roller 26) to press and massage the inside of the calf C.

[0172] The length of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 provided on the lower limb massage machine 1, the inclination angle of the horizontal massage members 36, 37 relative to the rotation drive shaft 44, and the distance between the horizontal massage members 36, 37 on the left and right can be changed as appropriate taking into account the treatment range.

[0173] Furthermore, the lower leg massage machine 1 of the embodiment may be used in an upright position or in a lying position on the back, whichever is selected arbitrarily.

[0174] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Lower limb massage machine 2 Case body 3 Treatment recess 3a Upper treatment recess 3b Lower treatment recess 4 Vertical massage mechanism 5 Horizontal massage mechanism 6 Up / down movement mechanism 7 Outer treatment member 8 Rear treatment member 9 Inner treatment member 10 Pressing mechanism 11 First pressing mechanism 11a First airbag 12 Second pressing mechanism 12a Second airbag 13 Outer treatment element (first roller) 14 Arm member 16 Swing shaft 17 Coil spring 18 Air pump 19 Rear treatment element (second roller) 20 Guide arm member 21 Support shaft 23 Airbag holder 24 Lift arm member (push-out member) 25 Coil spring 26 Inner treatment element (third roller) 27 Arm member 28 Drive unit 29 Screw shaft 30 Slider piece 31 Vertical movement slider 32 Vertical rail 33 Drive motor 34 Gear case 35 Position detection unit 36 ​​Horizontal massage member (inner side) 37 Horizontal massage member (outer side) 38 Kneading drive mechanism 39 Sole treatment member (sole protrusion, front side) 40 Sole treatment member (sole protrusion, rear side) 41 Third pressing mechanism 41a Third airbag 45 Sole massage roller 46 Conversion unit 50 Floating prevention mechanism 51 Control unit L Lower leg C Calf (calf) S Shin (shin) F Foot T Arch U Sole

Claims

1. A lower leg massage machine comprising a vertical massage mechanism that moves up and down to provide a massage action to the treatment areas, namely the calves and shins, wherein the vertical massage mechanism has: an outer treatment member that presses against the shins; a rear treatment member that presses against the rear of the calves; and a pressing mechanism that performs a pressure massage on the treatment areas by varying the position of the outer treatment member and / or the rear treatment member, and the lower leg massage machine has a floating prevention mechanism that prevents the treatment areas from floating up when the vertical massage mechanism moves upward.

2. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressing mechanism has a first pressing mechanism, the first pressing mechanism has a first airbag that repeatedly expands and contracts, and the lower limb massage machine is configured to inflate the first airbag to move the outer treatment member inward and perform a massage that presses against the outside of the shin.

3. The lower leg massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressing mechanism has a second pressing mechanism, the second pressing mechanism has a second airbag that repeatedly expands and contracts, and the lower leg massage machine is configured to inflate the second airbag to move the rear treatment member forward and perform a massage that presses against the rear of the calf.

4. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 2, wherein the anti-floating mechanism is configured to exhaust compressed air from the first airbag while the vertical massage mechanism is rising, and then supply compressed air into the first airbag.

5. The lower limb massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the anti-floating mechanism is configured to exhaust compressed air from the first airbag and the second airbag while the vertical massage mechanism is rising, and then supply compressed air into at least the first airbag.

6. The lower leg massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the lower leg massage machine is provided with a horizontal massage mechanism that applies a massage action to the foot located below the calf, the horizontal massage mechanism being configured to perform a kneading massage on the foot by swinging a pair of left and right horizontal massage members arranged along the heel to the toes in the left and right direction, and the anti-floating mechanism causes the pair of left and right horizontal massage members to move apart in conjunction with the exhaust of compressed air from inside the first airbag.

7. The lower leg massage machine according to claim 5, further comprising a horizontal massage mechanism that applies a massage action to the foot located below the calf, the horizontal massage mechanism being configured to perform a kneading massage on the foot by swinging a pair of left and right horizontal massage members arranged along the heel to the toes in the left and right direction, and the anti-floating mechanism moving the pair of left and right horizontal massage members away from each other in conjunction with the exhaustion of compressed air from the first airbag and the second airbag.

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