Gas type lymph flow promotion device

Abstract

To provide a gas type lymph flow promotion device that can promote a flow of lymph to an intended place.SOLUTION: A gas type lymph flow promotion device comprises a pants-shaped first lymph flow promotion part, and a boot-shaped second lymph flow promotion part to which the first lymph flow promotion part is connected. The first lymph flow promotion part comprises a first gas chamber capable of being expanded and contacted. The first lymph flow promotion part comprises a gas chamber group including a plurality of gas chambers arranged along an extending direction of lower limbs, and capable of being expanded and contacted independently of each other. The first gas chamber comprises a first portion covering at least a portion of the lower abdomen part of a human body, a second portion extending along the gluteal cleft of the human body, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion, and covering the groin of the human body. When the first gas chamber is expanded, at least a portion of a central part of the third portion is depressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gas massagers (air massagers) that use the supply and discharge of compressed air have been known as a type of massager intended for purposes such as fatigue recovery and blood circulation promotion. Patent Document 1 below discloses a pneumatic massager that is worn around the trunk, including the lower back. This pneumatic massager has a pair of pressure-preventing air chambers provided near both left and right edges of the area surrounding the lower back. When the lower back air chambers are inflated and the massager body is pulled backward, the pressure-preventing air chambers support the area surrounding the lower abdomen, preventing the area surrounding the lower abdomen from pressing against the wearer's lower abdomen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-141222 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the massager disclosed in Patent Document 1 is sometimes used to promote the flow of bodily fluids, such as lymphatic fluid, to the torso. However, massagers originally intended to promote blood circulation may sometimes cause bodily fluids to flow to areas other than the intended area (for example, areas other than the torso). In this case, there is a risk that bodily fluids may be promoted to accumulate in unintended areas.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device that can promote the flow of lymph fluid to an intended location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to one aspect of the present invention is a gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device for using high-pressure gas to cause lymphatic fluid in the lower limbs of a human body to flow toward the torso, and comprises a pants-shaped first lymphatic flow promotion unit, a boot-shaped second lymphatic flow promotion unit to which the first lymphatic flow promotion unit is connected, and a gas supply and exhaust system that supplies or exhausts high-pressure gas to each of the first lymphatic flow promotion unit and the second lymphatic flow promotion unit, wherein the first lymphatic flow promotion unit has a first gas chamber that is inflatable and contractible, and the second lymphatic flow promotion unit has a gas chamber group including a plurality of gas chambers that are inflatable and contractible independently of one another, and the first gas chamber has a first portion that covers at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the human body, a second portion that extends along the intergluteal cleft of the human body, and a third portion that is located between the first and second portions and covers the crotch of the human body, and when the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a portion of the center of the third portion is recessed.

[0007] In this gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device, the first gas chamber included in the first lymphatic flow promotion unit has a first portion covering at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the human body, a second portion extending along the intergluteal cleft of the human body, and a third portion located between the first and second portions and covering the crotch of the human body. When the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a portion of the center of the third portion is recessed. This effectively presses both sides of the crotch area with the third portion of the first gas chamber, thereby effectively preventing lymphatic fluid from flowing from the lower limbs toward the torso into the crotch area with the second lymphatic flow promotion unit. Therefore, by using the above-described gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device, it is possible to promote the flow of lymphatic fluid to the intended location.

[0008] When the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a central portion of the third portion that is close to the first portion may be depressed, in which case the third portion can effectively press against the crotch and groin areas when the first gas chamber is inflated.

[0009] When the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a part of the center of the first part may be recessed, in which case the first gas chamber is less likely to press against the genitals of the human body when inflated.

[0010] The first gas chamber may have an inflation suppression portion extending from the center of the first section toward the center of the third section. In this case, when the first gas chamber is inflated, the first gas chamber can more effectively press against the crotch and groin area. The inflation suppression portion may also join the ceiling and bottom of the first gas chamber to each other.

[0011] The first gas chamber may have a pair of pads provided on the ceiling of the first gas chamber, and the central portion of the third section may be located between the pair of pads. In this case, when the first gas chamber is inflated, the pair of pads will more effectively press against both sides of the crotch area.

[0012] The gas chamber group includes a second gas chamber that covers at least a portion of the human foot, and the second gas chamber includes an eleventh portion that covers at least a portion of the sole of the human foot, a twelfth portion that covers at least a portion of the dorsum of the human foot, a thirteenth portion that covers at least a portion of the lateral surface of the human foot, and a second inflation suppression portion that suppresses inflation of the thirteenth portion, and the thirteenth portion may connect the eleventh and twelfth portions. In this case, when the second gas chamber expands, the lateral surface of the human foot is less likely to be compressed. Furthermore, the second inflation suppression portion may join the ceiling and bottom of the second gas chamber to each other.

[0013] The second gas chamber may further include a third expansion suppressing portion that suppresses expansion of a portion of the portion 11. In this case, it is possible to compress only the intended portion of the sole of the human foot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device capable of promoting the flow of lymph fluid to an intended location can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a lymph flow promotion device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first lymph flow promotion part as seen from the front. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first lymph flow promotion portion as seen from behind. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber before expansion as seen from the front, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber before expansion as seen from the bottom. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the gas chamber after expansion, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber after expansion as seen from the side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a schematic diagram showing the gas chamber during use, and FIG. 6(b) is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the gas chamber during use. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the second lymph flow promotion portion as seen from the front. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram showing the location of lymphatic vessel groups in the lower leg of the human body, as viewed from the front right side; Figure 8(b) is a schematic diagram showing the location of lymphatic vessel groups in the lower leg of the human body, as viewed from the left side; and Figure 8(c) is a schematic diagram showing the location of lymphatic vessel groups in the lower leg of the human body, as viewed from the back. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic perspective view of the end gas chamber before expansion as seen from the front, and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic perspective view of the end gas chamber before expansion as seen from the bottom. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the end gas chamber after inflation, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic side view showing the end gas chamber during use. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of the gas supply and exhaust system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a lymph flow promotion device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A preferred embodiment of one aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0017] In this specification, a gaseous lymphatic flow promotion device is a device (lymphatic flow promotion device) that uses high-pressure gas to promote the flow of lymph fluid accumulating in the body of a treatment recipient to a desired location. The gaseous lymphatic flow promotion device is used to stimulate the body of a treatment recipient, for example, by "massaging" the body of the treatment recipient, with the aim of improving the physical condition of the treatment recipient, for example, by reducing venous congestion in addition to lymph fluid. Here, in this specification, "high-pressure gas" refers to a gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, the gas is air for convenience. However, the gas is not particularly limited and may be an inert gas such as He (helium) or N2 (nitrogen), or a gas such as O2 (oxygen).

[0018] As used herein, "axial direction" refers to the direction in which the lower limbs of a human body to which a gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device is attached extend from the torso, "circumferential direction" refers to the direction circumferential around the axial direction, and "radial direction" refers to the direction intersecting the axial direction (more specifically, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction). As used herein, "proximal" and similar expressions refer to the direction toward the heart of the human body unless otherwise specified, and "distal" and similar expressions refer to the direction away from the heart of the human body (the opposite direction to "proximal") unless otherwise specified. As used herein, "upper" and similar expressions refer to the direction from the toes to the head in the human body, and "lower" and similar expressions refer to the direction from the head to the toes in the human body (the opposite direction to "up"). As used herein, "front" and similar expressions refer to the direction in which the abdomen of the human body faces, and "rear" and similar expressions refer to the direction in which the buttocks of the human body face (the opposite direction to "front"). In this specification, "right" and similar expressions refer to the left direction when the human body is viewed from the front, and "left" and similar expressions refer to the right direction when the human body is viewed from the front (the opposite direction of "right"). In this specification, "inside" and similar expressions refer to the direction in which the left and right legs face each other, and "outside" and similar expressions refer to the direction in which the left and right legs move apart (the opposite direction of "inside").

[0019] In this specification, "lower limb" and "leg" refer to the region from the crotch to the toes (the entire region distal from the torso), and "foot" refers to the region from the ankle to the toes (the entire region distal from the ankle). Furthermore, "connection" in this specification is not limited to a mere physical connection. For example, when a fluid such as gas or liquid flows between two devices via an intermediate member such as a hose, tube, or tank, the two devices are considered to be connected to each other (fluidly connected). In this specification, a "gas chamber group" refers to a gas chamber or a group of gas chambers located at a position corresponding to a specific region of the human body Z, and the number of gas chambers included in a gas chamber group may be one or more.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a lymph flow promotion device according to this embodiment. The lymph flow promotion device 1 (gas-type lymph flow promotion device) stimulates the body Z of the person being treated to improve lymphatic fluid retention in the person being treated, but is not limited to this. For example, the lymph flow promotion device may stimulate the body Z of the person being treated to improve retention of other bodily fluids, such as blood, in the person being treated. As shown in FIG. 1, the lymph flow promotion device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that uses high-pressure gas to cause lymphatic fluid in the lower limbs of the person to flow toward the torso, and includes a main device 2 and a gas supply and exhaust system 3.

[0021] The main device 2 is an instrument worn on the body to stimulate the person receiving treatment. As shown in FIG. 1, the main device 2 is fluidly connected to a gas supply and exhaust system 3 via a hose 2h. The main device 2 receives high-pressure gas from the gas supply and exhaust system 3 to expand, and then contracts when the high-pressure gas is discharged through the gas supply and exhaust system 3. The main device 2 compresses the human body Z by expanding and releases the compression from the human body Z by contracting. The main device 2 causes lymphatic fluid in the human body Z to flow by repeatedly compressing and releasing the compression from the human body Z. The main device 2 is worn along the axial direction Q1 so as to surround at least a portion of the lower limb of the human body Z in the circumferential direction Q2.

[0022] 1, the main device 2 has a pants-like first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a and a boot-like second lymphatic flow promotion unit 2b connected to the first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a. The first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a and the second lymphatic flow promotion unit 2b are, for example, separate units. In this case, the first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a and the second lymphatic flow promotion unit 2b can be attached to the human body Z separately.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a human body to which the first lymph flow promotion unit is attached, as seen from the front. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a human body to which the first lymph flow promotion unit is attached, as seen from the rear. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the human body Z inserted into the main device 2 is depicted by solid lines. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first lymph flow promotion unit 2a is a member that surrounds the crotch area of ​​the human body Z in the circumferential direction Q2. The shape of the first lymph flow promotion unit 2a is not particularly limited as long as it can be worn above the crotch of the human body Z, but may be, for example, a shorts shape. The first lymph flow promotion unit 2a has two openings O1 and O2 located at one end in the axial direction Q1 and through which both legs of the human body Z can be inserted, and one opening O3 located at the other end in the axial direction Q1 and through which the waist of the human body Z can be inserted. In addition, the first lymph flow promotion unit 2a includes a gas chamber group 20a, a first cover 21a that surrounds the gas chamber group 20a in the circumferential direction Q2, and a first fastener 22a that fastens the ends of the first cover 21a in the circumferential direction Q2 together.

[0024] The gas chamber group 20a is a collection of gas chambers arranged at positions corresponding to specific parts of the human body Z. The gas chambers are members that can expand and contract independently of one another by receiving and discharging high-pressure gas. The gas chamber group 20a has a plurality of gas chambers 100-104 that can expand and contract independently of one another. Each of the gas chambers 100-104 is a bag-like member formed, for example, by welding and sealing the edges of a pair of pre-formed resin films. In one example, one of the pair of resin films that form the gas chamber 100 functions as the ceiling portion of the gas chamber 100, and the other functions as the bottom portion of the gas chamber 100.

[0025] The gas chamber 100 (first gas chamber) is located in the left-right center and extends across the front and back of the human body Z. Specifically, the gas chamber 100 is formed in a curved band shape spanning the front and back to correspond to the branching portions corresponding to the openings O1 and O2. The gas chambers 101 and 102 are located on the left side of the human body Z, and the gas chambers 103 and 104 are located on the right side of the human body Z. The gas chamber 101 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the opening O1, and the gas chamber 103 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the opening O2. The gas chambers 102 and 104 are formed in a single cylindrical shape to correspond to the opening O3. Each of the gas chambers 100 to 104 may have, for example, multiple sub-gas chambers that can expand and contract independently of each other. The positional relationship of the gas chambers 100 to 104 in the circumferential direction Q2 is not particularly limited. For example, the ends of the gas chambers 100, 103, 104 in the circumferential direction Q2 may overlap each other.

[0026] The positional relationship between the gas chamber group 20a and the human body Z is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the first lymph flow promotion unit 2a is attached to the human body Z so that the gas chamber 100 contacts the crotch of the human body Z, thereby positioning the gas chamber group 20a relative to the crotch in the axial direction Q1 and the circumferential direction Q2. In one example, the gas chamber 100 is arranged in a position on the human body Z that extends from the center of the lower abdomen through the crotch and along the intergluteal cleft. The gas chambers 101 and 103 are arranged in positions on the human body Z that correspond to the upper thighs (near the groin) of the right and left legs, respectively. The gas chambers 102 and 104 are arranged in positions on the human body Z that extend from the lower abdomen through the left and right flanks and correspond to the buttocks and lower back, respectively.

[0027] The gas chamber 100 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4(a) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber 100 before inflation, as seen from the front, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber 100 before inflation, as seen from the bottom. FIG. 5(a) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber 100 after inflation, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic perspective view of the gas chamber 100 after inflation, as seen from the side. FIG. 6(a) is a schematic view of the gas chamber 100 during use, and FIG. 6(b) is a schematic view of the main parts of the gas chamber 100 during use. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and (b), the gas chamber 100 is a bag-shaped member capable of accommodating gas, and is formed by a ceiling portion 100a and a bottom portion 100b, which are resin films formed into a predetermined shape. The ceiling portion 100a is the portion of the gas chamber 100 that comes into contact with the human body Z. For example, in the gas chamber 100, the edge 100e of the gas chamber 100 is formed by welding the edge of the ceiling portion 100a and the edge of the bottom portion 100b to each other. The gas chamber 100 has a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130 aligned along the longitudinal direction of the gas chamber 100, an expansion suppression portion 140, a pair of pads 151 and 152, and an air supply / exhaust port 160. The internal spaces of the first portion 110, the second portion 120, and the third portion 130 are in communication with each other.

[0028] The first portion 110 covers at least a portion of the lower abdominal region of the human body Z and is located in front of the first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a. Before the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the first portion 110 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. From the perspective of reducing discomfort, the corners of the first portion 110 are rounded. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, at least a portion of the central portion 110a of the first portion 110 is recessed (details will be described later).

[0029] The second portion 120 extends along the intergluteal cleft of the human body Z and is located posterior to the first lymph flow promotion portion 2a. The second portion 120 has a main inflation portion 121 that covers at least a portion of the buttocks of the human body Z, and a sub-inflatable portion 122 that extends from the main inflation portion 121 and covers a portion of the waist of the human body Z. The main inflation portion 121 is inflated by supplying gas to the gas chamber 100 and is smaller than the first portion 110. This prevents the second portion 120 from applying excessive pressure to the buttocks. Before the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the second portion 120 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. To reduce discomfort, each corner of the second portion 120 is rounded. The sub-inflatable portion 122 extends to the opposite side of the first portion 110 via the main inflation portion 121. The sub-inflating portion 122 has, for example, a substantially trapezoidal or triangular shape.

[0030] The third portion 130 is a portion that covers the crotch of the human body Z, and is located between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 in the gas chamber 100. As shown in FIG. 5(a), when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, at least a portion of the central portion 130a of the third portion 130 (in this embodiment, at least the portion of the central portion 130a of the third portion 130 that is close to the first portion 110) is recessed. The third portion 130 has a main portion 131, a first connecting portion 132, and a second connecting portion 133.

[0031] The main portion 131 is a portion that presses against the crotch of the human body Z when the gas chamber 100 is inflated. Before the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the main portion 131 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape. In terms of the position where the main portion 131 is disposed, the width of the main portion 131 is smaller than the width of the first portion 110 and the width of the main inflatable portion 121 of the second portion 120. The first connecting portion 132 is a portion that connects the main portion 131 and the first portion 110. Before the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the first connecting portion 132 has, for example, a substantially trapezoidal shape. When the gas chamber 100 is inflated, at least one of the boundary between the main portion 131 and the first connecting portion 132 and the boundary between the first portion 110 and the first connecting portion 132 can function as a fold. The width of the first connecting portion 132 narrows as it approaches the main portion 131. The second connecting portion 133 is a portion that connects the main portion 131 and the second portion 120. Before the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the second connecting portion 133 has, for example, a generally trapezoidal shape. When the gas chamber 100 is inflated, at least one of the boundary between the main portion 131 and the second connecting portion 133 and the boundary between the second portion 120 and the second connecting portion 133 can function as a fold. The width of the second connecting portion 133 becomes narrower as it approaches the main portion 131.

[0032] The expansion suppressing portion 140 suppresses expansion of a predetermined portion of the gas chamber 100 and extends from the central portion 110a of the first portion 110 toward the central portion 130a of the third portion 130. When the gas chamber 100 expands, the portion where the expansion suppressing portion 140 is provided and its surrounding area are recessed. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the gas chamber 100 expands, a portion of the central portion 110a of the first portion 110 and a portion of the central portion 130a of the third portion 130 are recessed. As a result, the outer peripheral portion 110b surrounding the central portion 110a of the first portion 110 and the outer peripheral portion 130b surrounding the central portion 130a of the third portion 130 each expand more preferentially than the central portions 110a and 130a. The expansion suppressing portion 140 is a linear portion extending along the longitudinal direction from the central portion 110a of the first portion 110, through the first connecting portion 132, to the main portion 131. The expansion suppressing portion 140 is spaced apart from the edge 100e of the gas chamber 100. This prevents unintended expansion suppression in each of the first portion 110 and the third portion 130. The expansion suppressing portion 140 joins the ceiling portion 100a and the bottom portion 100b of the gas chamber 100 to each other. In this embodiment, the expansion suppressing portion 140 is formed by welding a portion of the ceiling portion 100a and a portion of the bottom portion 100b of the gas chamber 100 to each other. In this embodiment, the expansion suppressing portion 140 extends linearly, but is not limited thereto. For example, the expansion suppressing portion 140 may extend in a dashed or dotted line.

[0033] The pair of pads 151, 152, which facilitate the gas chamber 100 pressing against the crotch of the human body Z, are provided on the ceiling 100a of the gas chamber 100. The pair of pads 151, 152 are arranged to sandwich the central portion 130a of the third section 130. In other words, the central portion 130a of the third section 130 is located between the pair of pads 151, 152. Therefore, the inflation suppression section 140 is also located between the pair of pads 151, 152. Each of the pair of pads 151, 152 has a substantially rectangular shape, but this is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the pad 151 presses against the right crotch of the human body Z, and the pad 152 presses against the left crotch of the human body Z. Each of the pair of pads 151, 152 simply needs to be a portion that is raised higher than the ceiling 100a. In this embodiment, each of the pair of pads 151, 152 is welded to the ceiling portion 100a, but this is not limited thereto. Each of the pair of pads 151, 152 may be a protruding portion provided in advance on the ceiling portion 100a. The material of the pair of pads 151, 152 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sponge covered with a resin film. In this case, the resin film is welded to the ceiling portion 100a.

[0034] The air intake and exhaust port 160 is an opening connected to the hose 2h, and is provided in the bottom 100b of the gas chamber 100. Gas is supplied into the gas chamber 100 or gas is exhausted from the gas chamber 100 via the air intake and exhaust port 160. The air intake and exhaust port 160 is provided in the first section 110, but is not limited to this. For example, the air intake and exhaust port 160 may be provided in the second section 120.

[0035] Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first cover 21a is a sheet-like member that covers the gas chamber group 20a. The size of the first cover 21a may be any size that can cover the gas chamber group 20a when the first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a is attached to the human body Z. The first cover 21a is deformable according to the shape of the waist and other parts of the human body Z. This prevents damage to the first cover 21a due to the expansion of the gas chambers 100 to 104, for example. The first cover 21a is formed of, for example, synthetic fiber.

[0036] The first fasteners 22a are members provided to fasten together the ends of the first cover 21a in the circumferential direction Q2. The first fasteners 22a are a pair of members provided along the axial direction Q1 on the front right and front left sides of the first cover 21a. The first fasteners 22a fasten together both ends of the front center portion of the first cover 21a in the circumferential direction Q2 and the ends of the front right and front left sides in the circumferential direction Q2 in front of the human body Z. For example, the first fasteners 22a fasten together the ends of the first cover 21a so that the ends of the gas chambers 100, 103 in the circumferential direction Q2 overlap and so that the ends of the gas chambers 100, 104 in the circumferential direction Q2 overlap.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the second lymph flow promotion unit as seen from the front. In FIG. 7, the human body Z inserted into the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is depicted by a solid line. As shown in FIG. 7, the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is attached along the axial direction Q1 so as to surround the leg of the human body Z in the circumferential direction Q2. The shape of the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is not particularly limited as long as it can be attached to the leg of the human body Z. In this embodiment, the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b has a boot shape, and one end in the axial direction Q1 is bent with respect to the axial direction Q1 so as to follow the toe at the end of the leg of the human body Z. In this case, the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is appropriately positioned on the human body Z when attached to the leg so that the bent portion follows the toe. Therefore, the gas chamber included in the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b can be positioned at a desired part of the human body. In this embodiment, the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is attached to the right leg of the human body Z, but this is not limited to this. The second lymph flow promotion unit 2b may be attachable to both the right leg and the left leg of the human body Z. In this case, one main device 2 can promote the flow of lymph in both the left and right halves of the lower limbs of the human body Z.

[0038] The second lymph flow promotion section 2b includes gas chamber groups 20b, 20c arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction Q1, a second cover 21b surrounding the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c in the circumferential direction Q2, and a second fastener 22b fastening the ends of the second cover 21b together in the circumferential direction Q2.

[0039] Each of the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c has at least two gas chambers lined up along the circumferential direction Q2. By each of the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c having at least two gas chambers, the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b can be inflated only at a position where it is desired to compress the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b in the circumferential direction Q2, while avoiding a specific part of the human body Z. In this embodiment, the gas chamber group 20b has gas chambers 211 to 213 lined up along the circumferential direction Q2. The gas chamber group 20c has gas chambers 221 to 223 lined up along the circumferential direction Q2. However, each of the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c may have four or more gas chambers lined up along the circumferential direction Q2.

[0040] From the viewpoint of promoting lymphatic flow, each of the gas chambers 211-213 and 221-223 may have a plurality of sub-gas chambers that can be inflated and deflated independently of one another. In this embodiment, the gas chamber 211 is divided into a first distal gas chamber 2111 and a first proximal gas chamber 2112. The gas chamber 212 is divided into a second distal gas chamber 2121 and a second proximal gas chamber 2122. The gas chamber 213 is divided into a third distal gas chamber 2131 and a third proximal gas chamber 2132. Similarly, the gas chamber 221 is divided into a first distal gas chamber 2211 and a first proximal gas chamber 2212. The gas chamber 222 is divided into a second distal gas chamber 2221 and a second proximal gas chamber 2222. The gas chamber 223 may remain a single gas chamber without being divided in the axial direction Q1, or may be divided into multiple sub-gas chambers. The number of divisions into the gas chambers 211-213, 221, and 222 is not particularly limited. At least one of the gas chamber groups 20b and 20c may have a single gas chamber provided in the circumferential direction Q2 at any position in the axial direction Q1, in addition to the above-mentioned gas chamber. In this embodiment, the gas chamber group 20b has an end gas chamber 214 (second gas chamber) that is adjacent to the gas chambers 211-213 and extends along approximately the entire circumference in the circumferential direction Q2. The gas chamber group 20c may also have a gas chamber extending along approximately the entire circumference in the circumferential direction Q2.

[0041] The positional relationship between the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c and the human body Z is not particularly limited as long as the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c are each positioned in at least one region of the lower limbs of the human body Z. In one example, the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is attached to the human body Z so that the bent portion of the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b corresponds to the foot of the human body Z. As a result, the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c are positioned relative to the lower leg and upper leg of the human body Z in the axial direction Q1 and the circumferential direction Q2. In this case, the gas chamber 211 is positioned at a position corresponding to the outside of the lower leg of the human body Z (outer leg), the gas chamber 212 is positioned at a position corresponding to the inside of the lower leg of the human body Z (inner leg), the gas chamber 221 is positioned at a position corresponding to the outside of the upper leg of the human body Z (outer thigh), and the gas chamber 222 is positioned at a position corresponding to the inside of the upper leg of the human body Z (inner thigh (near the groin)). Furthermore, gas chamber 213 is arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the lower leg (rear of the lower leg) of human body Z, and gas chamber 223 is arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the upper leg (rear of the thigh) of human body Z. Furthermore, end gas chamber 214 is arranged at a position corresponding to the foot of human body Z so as to cover at least a part of the foot. Note that in this embodiment, end gas chamber 214 determines the position of second lymph flow promotion unit 2b relative to human body Z, but this is not limiting. For example, second lymph flow promotion unit 2b may be positioned on the leg of human body Z by connecting it to first lymph flow promotion unit 2a with a fastener such as a button.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gas chambers 211, 221 are provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction Q1. The gas chambers 212, 222 are provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction Q1. The gas chambers 213, 223 are provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction Q1. In this case, the gas chambers of the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c are roughly aligned along the axial direction Q1, which makes it easier to position the gas chambers of the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c in the human body Z so as to correspond to the extension direction of the lymphatic vessel groups inside the human body Z (see lymphatic vessel groups Z1 to Z4 shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c)). Therefore, by expanding and contracting the gas chambers of the second lymphatic flow promotion unit 2b along the extension direction of the lymphatic vessel groups, lymph can flow more easily to the torso of the human body Z.

[0043] The relative positions of the gas chambers 211-213 included in the gas chamber group 20b and the relative positions of the gas chambers 221-223 included in the gas chamber group 20c in the circumferential direction Q2 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the ends of the gas chambers 211 and 212, the ends of the gas chambers 212 and 213, and the ends of the gas chambers 211 and 213 overlap with each other in the circumferential direction Q2. In this case, the gas chambers 211-213 are arranged without any gaps in the circumferential direction Q2. Therefore, when all of the gas chambers 211-213 are inflated, the human body Z can be compressed without leakage in the circumferential direction Q2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ends of the gas chambers 221 and 222, the ends of the gas chambers 222 and 223, and the ends of the gas chambers 221 and 223 overlap with each other in the circumferential direction Q2.

[0044] The end gas chamber 214 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) and 10(a) and 10(b). FIG. 9(a) is a schematic perspective view of the end gas chamber 214 before inflation, as seen from the front, and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic perspective view of the end gas chamber 214 before inflation, as seen from the bottom. FIG. 10(a) is a schematic perspective view of the end gas chamber 214 after inflation, and FIG. 10(b) is a schematic side view of the end gas chamber 214 during use. As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the end gas chamber 214 is a bag-shaped member formed by welding and sealing the edges of a pair of pre-formed resin films. The end gas chamber 214 is a bag-shaped member capable of containing gas, and is formed by a ceiling portion 214a and a bottom portion 214b, which are resin films formed into a predetermined shape. The ceiling portion 214a comes into contact with the feet of the human body Z when the end gas chamber 214 surrounds the feet. For example, in the end gas chamber 214, the edge of the ceiling portion 214a and the edge of the bottom portion 214b are welded to each other to form the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214. The end gas chamber 214 has an eleventh portion 310, a pair of twelfth portions 320, 330, a pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350, expansion suppression portions 361-366, and an air intake / exhaust port 370. The internal space of the eleventh portion 310, the internal spaces of the twelfth portions 320, 330, and the internal spaces of the thirteenth portions 340, 350 are in communication with each other.

[0045] The eleventh portion 310 covers at least a portion of the sole of the human body Z, and is located between the pair of twelfth portions 320, 330 and between the pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350. Before the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, the eleventh portion 310 has a substantially pentagonal shape, but is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 10(a), when the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, at least a portion of the eleventh portion 310 is recessed (details will be described later).

[0046] Each of the pair of twelfth portions 320, 330 covers at least a portion of the dorsum of the foot of the human body Z and is arranged to sandwich the eleventh portion 310. The twelfth portion 320 constitutes one end of the end gas chamber 214 and has a generally rectangular shape before the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, but is not limited to this. The twelfth portion 330 constitutes the other end of the end gas chamber 214 and has a generally rectangular shape before the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, but is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 10(b), when the end gas chamber 214 inflates and compresses the foot of the human body Z, a portion of the twelfth portion 320 and a portion of the twelfth portion 330 overlap each other. At this time, the twelfth portion 320 is positioned above the twelfth portion 330, but is not limited to this.

[0047] Each of the pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350 covers at least a portion of the side surface of the foot of the human body Z. The thirteenth portion 340 connects the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 320 and is located between the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 320. The thirteenth portion 340 has a substantially rectangular shape before the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, but is not limited to this. The thirteenth portion 350 connects the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 330 and is located between the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 330. The thirteenth portion 350 has a substantially rectangular shape before the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, but is not limited to this. The width of each of the pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350 is smaller than the width of the eleventh portion 310 and the width of each of the pair of twelfth portions 320, 330.

[0048] Each of the expansion suppressing portions 361-366 suppresses expansion of a predetermined portion of the end gas chamber 214. As shown in FIG. 10(a), when the end gas chamber 214 expands, the portion where the expansion suppressing portions 361-366 are provided and the surrounding area are recessed. Each of the expansion suppressing portions 361, 362 suppresses expansion of a portion of the eleventh portion 310 (third expansion portion). Each of the expansion suppressing portions 363-366 suppresses expansion of one of the pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350 (second expansion suppressing portion). The expansion suppressing portions 363, 364 suppress expansion of the thirteenth portion 350. The expansion suppressing portions 365, 366 suppress expansion of the thirteenth portion 350.

[0049] The expansion suppressing portions 361, 362 extend in the direction in which the twelfth portions 320, 330 are aligned and are spaced apart from each other. In one example, the expansion suppressing portion 361 is located in the center of the eleventh portion 310. In this case, the expansion suppressing portion 362 is located closer to the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214 and closer to the toes of the human body Z than the expansion suppressing portion 361. Each of the expansion suppressing portions 361, 362 is spaced apart from the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214. This prevents unintended expansion suppression of portions of the eleventh portion 310. In each of the expansion suppressing portions 361, 362, the ceiling portion 214a and the bottom portion 214b of the end gas chamber 214 are joined to each other. In this embodiment, the expansion suppression portions 361, 362 are formed by welding a portion of the ceiling portion 214a and a portion of the bottom portion 214b of the end gas chamber 214 to each other. Considering the strength of the expansion suppression portions 361, 362, each of the expansion suppression portions 361, 362 has, for example, a generally figure-eight shape, but is not limited to this. In one example, when the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, the expansion suppression portion 361 overlaps the plantar arch (arch) of the human body Z, and the expansion suppression portion 362 overlaps the toes of the human body Z. This reduces the pressure on the plantar arch and toes of the human body Z when the end gas chamber 214 is inflated, thereby reducing discomfort to the human body Z. Depending on the size of the human body Z's feet, the bases of the toes of the human body Z may overlap the expansion suppression portion 361 or the expansion suppression portion 362.

[0050] The expansion suppressing portions 363, 364 extend in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the twelfth portions 320, 330 and are spaced apart from each other. The expansion suppressing portion 363 is a linear portion that extends to separate the eleventh portion 310 and the thirteenth portion 340. The expansion suppressing portion 364 is a linear portion that extends to separate the twelfth portion 320 and the thirteenth portion 340. One end 363a of the expansion suppressing portion 363 and one end 364a of the expansion suppressing portion 364 are each connected to the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214. As a result, the expansion suppressing portions 363, 364 extend close to the expansion suppressing portions 361, 362 and make it difficult for gas to be supplied to the thirteenth portion 340. Meanwhile, the other end 363b of the expansion suppression portion 363 and the other end 364b of the expansion suppression portion 364 are each spaced apart from the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214. This ensures communication between the internal space of the eleventh section 310 and the internal space of the twelfth section 320. In each of the expansion suppression portions 363 and 364, the ceiling portion 214a and the bottom portion 214b of the end gas chamber 214 are joined to each other. In this embodiment, each of the expansion suppression portions 363 and 364 is formed by welding a portion of the ceiling portion 214a and a portion of the bottom portion 214b of the end gas chamber 214 to each other. From the standpoint of the strength of the expansion suppression portion 363, the width of the other end 363b of the expansion suppression portion 363 is greater than the width of a portion of the expansion suppression portion 363 that is different from the other end 363b. Similarly, the width of the other end 364b of the expansion suppression portion 364 is greater than the width of a portion of the expansion suppression portion 364 different from the other end 364b. Therefore, the gap between the other ends 363b, 364b included in the region communicating with the eleventh portion 310 and the like in the internal space of the thirteenth portion 340 is narrowed. As a result, gas is less likely to be supplied to the thirteenth portion 340, and the thirteenth portion 340 is less likely to expand than the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 320. From the perspective of suppressing the expansion of the thirteenth portion 340, each of the expansion suppression portions 363, 364 extends linearly.

[0051] The expansion suppressing portions 365, 366 extend in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the twelfth portions 320, 330 and are spaced apart from each other. The expansion suppressing portion 365 is a linear portion that extends to separate the eleventh portion 310 and the thirteenth portion 350. The expansion suppressing portion 366 is a linear portion that extends to separate the twelfth portion 330 and the thirteenth portion 350. One end 365a of the expansion suppressing portion 365 and one end 366a of the expansion suppressing portion 366 are each connected to the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214. As a result, the expansion suppressing portions 365, 366 extend close to the expansion suppressing portions 361, 362 and make it difficult for gas to be supplied to the thirteenth portion 350. Meanwhile, the other end 365b of the expansion suppression portion 365 and the other end 366b of the expansion suppression portion 366 are each spaced apart from the edge 214e of the end gas chamber 214. This ensures communication between the internal space of the eleventh section 310 and the internal space of the twelfth section 330. In each of the expansion suppression portions 365, 366, the ceiling portion 214a and the bottom portion 214b of the end gas chamber 214 are joined to each other. In this embodiment, each of the expansion suppression portions 365, 366 is formed by welding a portion of the ceiling portion 214a and a portion of the bottom portion 214b of the end gas chamber 214 to each other. From the standpoint of the strength of the expansion suppression portion 365, the width of the other end 365b of the expansion suppression portion 365 is greater than the width of a portion of the expansion suppression portion 365 other than the other end 365b. Similarly, the width of the other end 366b of the expansion suppression portion 366 is greater than the width of a portion of the expansion suppression portion 366 different from the other end 366b. Therefore, the gap between the other ends 365b, 366b included in the region communicating with the eleventh portion 310 and the like in the internal space of the thirteenth portion 350 is narrowed. As a result, gas is less likely to be supplied to the thirteenth portion 350, and the thirteenth portion 350 is less likely to expand than the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 330. From the perspective of suppressing the expansion of the thirteenth portion 350, each of the expansion suppression portions 365, 366 extends linearly.

[0052] The air intake and exhaust port 370 is an opening connected to the hose 2h, and is provided in the bottom 214b of the end gas chamber 214. Gas is supplied into the end gas chamber 214 or gas is exhausted from the end gas chamber 214 via the air intake and exhaust port 370. The air intake and exhaust port 370 is provided in the twelfth section 320, but is not limited to this. For example, the air intake and exhaust port 370 may be provided in the twelfth section 330.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 7, the second cover 21b has a sheet-like shape, similar to the first cover 21a. The size of the second cover 21b is sufficient if it can cover the gas chamber groups 20b, 20c when the second lymphatic flow promotion unit 2b is attached to the human body Z. The second cover 21b is deformable according to the shape of the legs of the human body Z, etc. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the second cover 21b due to the expansion of the gas chambers 211-213, 221-223, etc. The second cover 21b is formed, for example, from synthetic fiber.

[0054] The second fasteners 22b are provided to fasten the ends of the second cover 21b together in the circumferential direction Q2. Fastening the ends of the second cover 21b with the second fasteners 22b allows the deployed second lymph flow promotion unit 2b to be closed in a generally boot-like shape. This makes it easier to attach the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b to the legs of the human body Z. In this embodiment, the second fasteners 22b are provided along the axial direction Q1 at both ends of the second cover 21b in the circumferential direction Q2. For example, one end and the other end of the second cover 21b in the circumferential direction Q2 are fastened to the front of the legs of the human body Z. In this case, with the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b in an deployed state, the legs of the human body Z are placed in the center of the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b, and then the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b can be attached so as to surround the legs of the human body Z. In this embodiment, the second fastener 22b is provided on the second cover 21b so that the gas chamber 211 and the gas chamber 212 extend outward from both ends of the second cover 21b in the circumferential direction Q2 when the second lymph flow promotion unit 2b is deployed. This allows the second fastener 22b to fasten the ends of the second cover 21b together so that the ends of the gas chamber 211 and the gas chamber 212 in the circumferential direction Q2 overlap. Note that the second fastener 22b is a wire fastener, but is not limited to this. For example, the second fastener 22b may be a plurality of buttons arranged side by side along the axial direction Q1.

[0055] Returning to Fig. 1, the gas supply and exhaust system 3 is a system that supplies or exhausts high-pressure gas to each of the first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a and the second lymphatic flow promotion unit 2b included in the main device 2. The gas supply and exhaust system 3 is detachably fluidly connected to the main device 2 (specifically, the hose 2h of the main device 2) via a connector 3a.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a gas supply and exhaust system. As shown in FIG. 11, the gas supply and exhaust system 3 includes a gas supply device 31 that supplies high-pressure gas, a flow path switching device 32 that switches the flow path of the high-pressure gas, a control device 33 that controls the gas supply device 31 and the flow path switching device 32, and an operation unit 34 for operating the gas supply and exhaust system 3. Specifically, the gas supply and exhaust system 3 supplies high-pressure gas to and exhausts high-pressure gas from the main device 2 by controlling the operation of the gas supply device 31 and the flow path switching device 32 based on input from the user of the main device 2 to the operation unit 34. The specific configurations of the gas supply device 31, the flow path switching device 32, the control device 33, and the operation unit 34 are not particularly limited as long as they can perform the above-described functions. For example, a known air pump can be used as the gas supply device 31. For example, a known compressed air distributor combining a branch pipe and an electromagnetic valve can be used as the flow path switching device 32. The control device 33 may be, for example, a controller in which a control program for a kneading step for providing a massage, which will be described later, is recorded. The controller can control the operations of the gas supply device 31 and the flow path switching device 32 based on a control program written to inflate and deflate the gas chambers in the main device 2 in a desired order. The operation unit 34 may be, for example, a touch panel display device.

[0057] Based on the control program, the gas supply and exhaust system 3 can supply high-pressure gas to the main device 2 or exhaust high-pressure gas from the main device 2 in various orders. For example, to promote the flow of bodily fluids from the lower limbs of the human body Z toward the torso, the gas supply and exhaust system 3 supplies high-pressure gas to the gas chamber group 20b and then to the gas chamber group 20c. In this embodiment, the lymph flow promotion device 1 is intended to use to promote the flow of lymph fluid from the lower limbs of the human body Z toward the torso in order to alleviate symptoms of lymphedema in the lower limbs of the human body Z. As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), the lymphatic vessel groups Z1 to Z4 in the lower limbs of the human body Z are divided into lymphatic vessel group Z1 on the anterior lateral side of the leg, lymphatic vessel group Z2 on the anterior medial side of the leg, lymphatic vessel group Z3 on the posterior lateral side of the leg, and lymphatic vessel group Z4 on the posterior medial side of the leg. In the case of lymphedema of the lower limbs, in the early stages of the disease, it is often the case that either the anterior lateral lymphatic vessel group Z1 or the anterior medial lymphatic vessel group Z2 of the leg is damaged. In this case, even if the area of ​​the human body Z where the damaged lymphatic vessel groups Z1 and Z2 are located is simply compressed by the main device 2, lymph does not easily flow from the lymphatic vessel groups Z1 and Z2 toward the torso.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, the order in which high-pressure gas is supplied to the gas chamber groups 20b and 20c in the circumferential direction Q2 is appropriately changed to cause lymph fluid accumulated in the lower limbs of the human body Z to flow toward the torso. A method for causing lymph fluid to flow toward the torso includes, for example, implementing a supply order of high-pressure gas to the gas chambers and a discharge order of high-pressure gas from the gas chambers (also referred to as a "massage step") using a control program disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7289557 or Japanese Patent No. 7356770. In the following description, a state in which blood vessels such as lymphatic vessels are damaged may be simply referred to as "abnormal," and a state in which blood vessels such as lymphatic vessels are normal or have minimal damage may be simply referred to as "normal."

[0059] By performing the kneading step using the lymph flow promotion device 1 according to this embodiment, the main device 2 can be expanded only at the position of the human body Z that is to be compressed, while avoiding specific parts of the human body Z. This makes it easier for lymph fluid that has accumulated in the lower limbs of the human body Z to flow toward the torso of the human body Z through blood vessel groups such as normal lymphatic vessel groups Z1 to Z4 of the human body Z. In other words, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those disclosed in Patent No. 7289557 or Patent No. 7356770.

[0060] Here, Patent Nos. 7289557 and 7356770 disclose that, in order to suppress the inflow of lymph fluid from the legs via the groin to the groin area during the kneading step, high-pressure gas is supplied to a first gas chamber positioned in the groin area of ​​human body Z before supplying high-pressure air to all gas chambers of the massage device covering the legs. However, neither Patent No. 7289557 nor Patent No. 7356770 discloses the specific shape of the first gas chamber. Typically, the expansion rate of a bag containing a fluid such as gas is greater the closer it is to the center. Therefore, the first gas chamber also expands most at the center of the crotch, resulting in insufficient compression of the groin area by the first gas chamber. Therefore, in the past, even if high-pressure gas was supplied to the first gas chamber positioned in the crotch of human body Z before high-pressure air was supplied to all gas chambers of the massage device covering the human body's legs, it was not possible to sufficiently prevent lymph fluid from flowing into the crotch and ultimately into the genitals.

[0061] In contrast, in the lymphatic flow promotion device 1 according to this embodiment, the gas chamber 100 included in the first lymphatic flow promotion unit 2a has a first portion 110 that covers at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the human body Z, a second portion 120 that extends along the intergluteal cleft of the human body Z, and a third portion 130 that is located between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 and covers the crotch of the human body Z. Here, when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, at least a portion of a central portion 130a of the third portion 130 is recessed. This allows the third portion 130 of the gas chamber 100 to effectively press against both sides of the crotch. Therefore, for example, by expanding gas chamber 100 before gas is supplied to all of gas chambers 211-213, 221-223 and gas chambers 211-213 included in second lymph flow promotion unit 2b, second lymph flow promotion unit 2b can effectively prevent lymph fluid traveling from one lower limb of human body Z toward the trunk (particularly the axilla) from flowing into the groin, pubic area, and lower limb on the opposite side. Therefore, by using lymph flow promotion device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to promote the flow of lymph fluid to intended locations.

[0062] In one example, the gas chamber 100 may be inflated before gas is supplied to the gas chamber group 20c. In this case, gas may be supplied to all of the gas chambers 211-213 and the end gas chamber 214 included in the gas chamber group 20b, or gas may be supplied to at least one of the gas chambers 211-213 and the end gas chamber 214. Alternatively, the gas chamber 100 may be inflated before gas is supplied to the gas chamber groups 20b and 20c. In another example, the gas chamber 100 may be inflated before gas is supplied to all of the gas chambers 221-223 included in the gas chamber group 20c. In either case, the above-described effects can be effectively achieved.

[0063] In one example, when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, at least a portion of the central portion 130a of the third portion 130 that is close to the first portion 110 is depressed. Therefore, when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the first portion 110 can effectively press against the groin and groin area. This can effectively prevent lymphatic fluid traveling from one leg of the human body Z toward the trunk from flowing into the groin, pubic area, and the opposite leg.

[0064] In one example, when the gas chamber 100 is expanded, at least a part of the central portion 110a of the first portion 110 is recessed. In addition, when the gas chamber 100 is expanded, the genitals of the human body Z are less likely to be pressed by the gas chamber 100. This reduces the discomfort that the lymph flow promotion device 1 causes to the human body Z.

[0065] In one example, the gas chamber 100 has an inflation suppression portion 140 that extends from the central portion 110a of the first portion 110 toward the central portion 130a of the third portion 130. This allows the gas chamber 100 to better press against the crotch and groin areas when inflated.

[0066] In one example, the gas chamber 100 has a pair of pads 151, 152 provided on the ceiling portion 100a, and the central portion 130a of the third section 130 is located between the pair of pads 151, 152. Therefore, when the gas chamber 100 is inflated, the pair of pads 151, 152 more effectively press against both sides of the crotch. This more effectively prevents lymph fluid from flowing from one lower limb of the human body Z toward the trunk from flowing into the groin, pubic region, and the lower limb on the opposite side.

[0067] In one example, the gas chamber group 20b has an end gas chamber 214 that covers at least a portion of the foot of the human body Z, and the end gas chamber 214 has an eleventh portion 310 that covers at least a portion of the sole of the foot of the human body Z, a pair of twelfth portions 320, 330 that cover at least a portion of the dorsum of the foot of the human body Z, a pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350 that cover at least a portion of the lateral side of the foot of the human body Z, and expansion suppressing portions 363-366 that suppress expansion of the pair of thirteenth portions 340, 350, wherein the thirteenth portion 340 connects the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 320, and the thirteenth portion 350 connects the eleventh portion 310 and the twelfth portion 330. Therefore, when the end gas chamber 214 expands, the lateral side of the foot of the human body Z is less likely to be compressed.

[0068] In one example, the end gas chamber 214 has expansion restraining portions 361, 362 that restrain expansion of a portion of the eleventh portion 310. This allows compression of only the intended portion of the sole of the human body Z.

[0069] A gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to one aspect of the present invention is as described in the following [1] to [9], for example, and has been described in detail based on the above embodiment. [1] A gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device for using high-pressure gas to cause lymphatic fluid in the lower limbs of a human body to flow toward the trunk, A pants-shaped first lymph flow promotion part, a boot-shaped second lymph flow promotion unit to which the first lymph flow promotion unit is connected; a gas supply and exhaust system that supplies or exhausts high-pressure gas to each of the first lymph flow promotion unit and the second lymph flow promotion unit; Equipped with the first lymph flow promotion unit has a first gas chamber that is expandable and contractible, the second lymph flow promotion unit has a gas chamber group including a plurality of gas chambers that are inflatable and deflatable independently of each other, the first gas chamber has a first portion covering at least a part of the lower abdomen of the human body, a second portion extending along the intergluteal cleft of the human body, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion and covering the groin of the human body; When the first gas chamber is expanded, at least a part of the central portion of the third portion is recessed. Gas lymphatic flow promotion device. [2] The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to [1], wherein when the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a portion of the central part of the third part that is close to the first part is depressed. [3] The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to [1] or [2], wherein when the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a part of the central portion of the first portion is recessed. [4] The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first gas chamber has an expansion suppression portion extending from the center of the first portion toward the center of the third portion. [5] The gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to [4], wherein the ceiling and bottom of the first gas chamber are joined to each other in the expansion suppression section. [6] the first gas chamber has a pair of pads provided on a ceiling portion of the first gas chamber; The pneumatic lymphatic flow promotion device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the central part of the third section is located between the pair of pads. [7] The gas chamber group includes a second gas chamber that covers at least a part of the foot of the human body, the second gas chamber has an eleventh portion covering at least a portion of the sole of the human body, a twelfth portion covering at least a portion of the dorsum of the human body, a thirteenth portion covering at least a portion of the lateral surface of the human body's foot, and a second inflation suppressing portion suppressing inflation of the thirteenth portion; The pneumatic lymphatic flow promotion device according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the thirteenth section connects the eleventh section and the twelfth section. [8] The gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to [7], wherein the ceiling and bottom of the second gas chamber are joined to each other in the second expansion suppression section. [9] The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to [7] or [8], wherein the second gas chamber further has a third expansion suppressing portion that suppresses expansion of a part of the eleventh portion.

[0070] However, the gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and may be modified within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the claims.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a lymph flow promotion device according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 12, the main device 2A of the lymph flow promotion device 1A includes a first lymph flow promotion unit 2a and two second lymph flow promotion units 2b, 2b. In this case, the main device 2A can be attached to both legs of the human body Z at the same time, so that the massaging step can be performed on both legs of the human body Z at the same time. Even when using such a main device 2A, when lymph is flowing from the lower limbs of the human body Z to the torso, the inflow of lymph into the groin area of ​​the human body Z can be effectively prevented. In other words, this modified example also achieves the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0072] In the above embodiment and the above modification, the end gas chamber has a pair of 12 portions and a pair of 13 portions, but is not limited to this. For example, the end gas chamber may be used to wrap around a part of the human foot and have an 11 portion, one 12 portion, and one 13 portion. In this case, the one 13 portion is located on the side of the foot. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above embodiment and the above modification can be achieved.

[0073] In the above embodiment and the above modification, the main device covers only the lower half of the human body, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the main device may have the shape of a full-body suit that is integrated to fit along both legs, the waist, and the upper body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...lymphatic flow promotion device, 2, 2A...main device, 2a...first lymphatic flow promotion section, 2b...second lymphatic flow promotion section, 2h...hose, 3...gas supply and exhaust system, 20a, 20b, 20c...gas chamber group, 21a...first cover, 21b...second cover, 22a...first fastener, 22b...second fastener, 100...gas chamber (first gas chamber), 100a...ceiling section, 100b...bottom section, 100e...edge, 101-104...gas chamber, 110...first section, 110a...central section, 110b...peripheral section, 120...second section, 121...main expansion section, 122...sub-expansion section, 130...third section, 130a...central section, 130b...outer Circumferential portion, 131...main portion, 132...first connecting portion, 133...second connecting portion, 140...expansion suppression portion, 151...pad, 152...pad, 160...air intake / exhaust port, 211-213...gas chamber, 214...end gas chamber (second gas chamber), 214a...ceiling portion, 214b...bottom, 214e...edge, 221-223...gas chamber, 310...eleventh portion, 320...twelfth portion, 330...twelfth portion, 340...thirteenth portion, 350...thirteenth portion, 361, 362...expansion suppression portion (third expansion suppression portion), 363-366...expansion suppression portion (second expansion suppression portion), 370...air intake / exhaust port, Z...human body, Z1-Z4...lymphatic vessel group.

Claims

1. A gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device for using high-pressure gas to cause lymphatic fluid in the lower limbs of a human body to flow toward the trunk, A pants-shaped first lymph flow promotion part; a boot-shaped second lymph flow promotion unit to which the first lymph flow promotion unit is connected; a gas supply and exhaust system that supplies or exhausts high-pressure gas to and from each of the first lymph flow promotion unit and the second lymph flow promotion unit; Equipped with the first lymph flow promotion unit has a first gas chamber that is expandable and contractible, the second lymph flow promotion unit has a gas chamber group including a plurality of gas chambers that are inflatable and deflatable independently of each other, the first gas chamber has a first portion covering at least a part of the lower abdomen of the human body, a second portion extending along the intergluteal cleft of the human body, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion and covering the groin of the human body; When the first gas chamber is expanded, at least a part of the central portion of the third portion is recessed. Gas lymphatic flow promotion device.

2. 2. The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to claim 1, wherein when the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a portion of the central part of the third part that is close to the first part is recessed.

3. 3. The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to claim 1, wherein when the first gas chamber is inflated, at least a part of the central portion of the first portion is recessed.

4. 3. The gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to claim 1, wherein the first gas chamber has an expansion suppressing portion extending from a central portion of the first portion toward the central portion of the third portion.

5. The gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to claim 4 , wherein the ceiling and bottom of the first gas chamber are joined together in the expansion suppressing section.

6. The first gas chamber has a pair of pads provided on a ceiling portion of the first gas chamber, The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central portion of the third portion is located between the pair of pads.

7. The gas chamber group includes a second gas chamber that covers at least a part of the foot of the human body, the second gas chamber has an eleventh portion covering at least a portion of the sole of the human body, a twelfth portion covering at least a portion of the dorsum of the human body, a thirteenth portion covering at least a portion of the lateral surface of the human body's foot, and a second inflation suppression portion suppressing inflation of the thirteenth portion; The gas-type lymphatic flow promotion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thirteenth portion connects the eleventh portion and the twelfth portion.

8. The gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to claim 7 , wherein the ceiling and bottom of the second gas chamber are joined together in the second expansion suppressing section.

9. 8. The gas-type lymphatic flow promoting device according to claim 7, wherein the second gas chamber further includes a third expansion suppressing portion that suppresses expansion of a part of the eleventh portion.

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