Air massage device, control method, and program

Abstract

Maintain consistent massage pressure and rhythm. [Solution] The air massage device is an air massage device that massages the user's legs. The air massage device comprises an airbag, an air supply device, and an air hose. The airbag inflates and deflates by the supply and exhaust of air. The airbag is cylindrical. The air supply device supplies and exhausts air to the airbag. The air hose connects the air supply device and the airbag. The air supply device performs a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the air supply device measures the execution time and the pressure of the airbag, and performs the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbag reaches a predetermined pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an air massage device, a control method, and a program, and more particularly to an air massage device that massages a user's legs, a control method for the air massage device, and a program for the air massage device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a lower limb massage device. This lower limb massage device includes a plurality of lower limb air bags that compress or release the lower limbs of the subject, an air pump that supplies air to each of the plurality of lower limb air bags, a flow valve provided on an air pipe between the plurality of lower limb air bags and the air pump to control the flow or blockage of air to the lower limb air bags, and a control device that controls the operation of the air pump and the flow valve to inflate or deflate each of the plurality of lower limb air bags.

[0003] The control device of Patent Document 1 controls the operation of the air pump and the flow valve to supply air to the plurality of lower limb air bags so that the pressure of the plurality of lower limb air bags reaches a predetermined pressure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a lower limb massage device (air massage device) as described in Patent Document 1, the time until the air bag reaches a predetermined pressure varies depending on the shape of the user's leg, so the massage rhythm differs for each shape of the user's leg.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned reasons and aims to provide an air massage device, control method, and program that can maintain massage pressure and rhythm. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An air massage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an air massage device for massaging a user's legs. The air massage device comprises an airbag, an air supply device, and an air hose. The airbag expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air. The airbag is cylindrical. The air supply device supplies and exhausts air to the airbag. The air hose connects the air supply device and the airbag. The air supply device performs a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the air supply device measures the execution time and the pressure of the airbag, and performs the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbag reaches a predetermined pressure.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method performed in an air massage device. The air massage device has a cylindrical airbag that expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air, and massages the user's legs. The control method has a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the execution time and the pressure of the airbag are measured, and the process proceeds to the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbag reaches a predetermined pressure.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to maintain the massage pressure and rhythm regardless of the user's leg size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the user's legs inserted into the air massage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the air massage device described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the air hoses in the air massage device described above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the air supply device for the air massage device described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the layout of the control panel of the air massage device described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the control panel of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view of the main body of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a rear view of the main body of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a rear view of the fixing member of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a rear view of the main body of the air massage device (excluding the air hose and fixing members). [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a rear view of the main body of the air massage device (excluding the air hose, fixing member, and cushion member). [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a rear view of the branching member of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the branching member of the air massage device shown above. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the airbag of the air massage device described above. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the nozzle of the air massage device described above. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic view for explaining the main part of the airbag of the air massage device described above. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the outer member of the air massage device described above. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a first insertion example of the leg into the air massage device described above. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a second insertion example of the leg into the air massage device described above. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a third insertion example of the leg into the air massage device described above. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a fourth insertion example of the leg into the air massage device described above. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic view for explaining the operation of the air massage device described above. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is another schematic view for explaining the operation of the air massage device described above. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the massage time and pressure when using time control. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the massage time and pressure when using pressure control. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the massage time and pressure by the air massage device described above. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a graph showing a control example of the air massage device described above. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air massage device described above.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Common elements in the embodiments described below are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of common elements may be omitted. The embodiments and modifications described below represent only a portion of the various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. It is also possible to combine the configurations of the embodiments and modifications as appropriate.

[0013] The figures described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the arrows indicating directions in the drawings are examples only and are not intended to specify the direction in which the air massage device 1 is used. Also, the arrows indicating directions in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual objects.

[0014] (1) Overview First, an overview of the air massage device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 25 to 27.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment is an air massage device that massages the user's legs L0.

[0016] The air massage device 1 comprises a first airbag 3 (airbag) and a second airbag 4 (airbag), an air supply device 20, and an air hose 6 (see Figure 3).

[0017] The first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 inflate and deflate by the supply and exhaust of air. The first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0018] The air hose 6 connects the air supply device 20 to the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4.

[0019] The air supply device 20 supplies and exhausts air to the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4.

[0020] The air supply device 20 performs a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the air supply device 20 measures the execution time and the pressure of the first airbag 3 (or second airbag 4), and performs the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the first airbag 3 reaches a predetermined pressure.

[0021] In other words, in the first supply and exhaust step of the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, which is one of several supply and exhaust steps for massaging the user's legs L0, the device determines whether or not to proceed to the next second supply and exhaust step based on both the execution time and the pressure of the first airbag 3 (or second airbag 4). In this embodiment, the first supply and exhaust step is exemplified as a pressurizing step (i.e., an air supply step) that pressurizes the first airbag 2 (or second airbag 4).

[0022] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between massage time and pressure when time control is used. Here, Figure 25(a) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a massage is performed on a user with relatively thick legs. Figure 25(b) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a massage is performed on a user with average leg thickness. Figure 25(c) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a massage is performed on a user with relatively thin legs.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 25, the air massage device performs time control, executing the next step after the pressurizing step only when the duration of the pressurizing step reaches a preset time. With time control, as shown in Figures 25(a) to (c), the massage duration remains constant regardless of the user's leg size. In other words, time control allows the massage rhythm to be maintained regardless of the user's leg size. However, with time control, the massage pressure changes significantly depending on the user's leg size.

[0024] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between massage time and pressure when pressure control is used. Here, Figure 26(a) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a massage is performed on a user with relatively thick legs. Figure 26(b) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a massage is performed on a user with average leg thickness. Figure 26(c) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a massage is performed on a user with relatively thin legs.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 26, the air massage device performs pressure control, which executes the next step in the pressurization step only when the airbag pressure reaches a preset pressure. With pressure control, as shown in Figures 26(a) to (c), the massage pressure remains constant regardless of the user's leg size. However, with pressure control, the massage time varies greatly depending on the user's leg size. In other words, pressure control cannot maintain a consistent massage rhythm regardless of the user's leg size.

[0026] Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between massage time and pressure by the air massage device 1 of this embodiment. Here, Figure 27(a) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a user with relatively thick legs L0 is massaged. Figure 27(b) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a user with average leg L0 thickness is massaged. Figure 27(c) shows the relationship between massage time and pressure when a user with relatively thin legs L0 is massaged.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 27, the air massage device 1 performs pressure control to execute the next step of the pressurizing step, provided that the pressure of the airbag (first airbag 3 or second airbag 4) reaches a preset pressure, or that the execution time of the pressurizing step reaches a preset time. In the control of the air massage device 1, as shown in Figures 27(a) to (c), the massage pressure and time differ depending on the thickness of the user's leg L0. However, in the control of the air massage device 1, the change in massage time due to the thickness of the leg L0 is smaller than in pressure control, and the change in massage pressure due to the thickness of the leg L0 is smaller than in time control.

[0028] In other words, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment changes the combination of the massage (airbag) pressure and the massage execution time in the first supply and exhaust step according to the shape of the user's leg L0. Compared to conventional time control and pressure control, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment can maintain the massage pressure and rhythm. That is, by controlling the massage operation while monitoring both pressure and time, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment can provide an optimal massage with rhythmic and effective strength, regardless of the user's body shape.

[0029] (2)Details The detailed configuration of the air massage device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 22.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment massages the user's right leg L1 and left leg L2, which are inserted into a pair of insertion ports 521. In the following description, when the right leg L1 and left leg L2 are not distinguished, they may each be simply referred to as "leg L0". Leg L0 includes the foot L01, lower leg L02, and thigh L03. In this embodiment, the foot L01 and lower leg L02 are continuous. The lower leg L02 and thigh L03 are continuous via the knee. The foot L01, lower leg L02, and thigh L03 move away from the torso in the order of foot L01, lower leg L02, and thigh L03. In this embodiment, the foot L01 is the part from the toes to the ankle. That is, the foot L01 in this embodiment includes the toes and the ankle. In this embodiment, the lower leg portion L02 is the area between the ankle and the knee. In this embodiment, the thigh portion L03 is the area between the knee and the base of the leg L0.

[0031] The user of the air massage device 1 inserts their legs L0 into the air massage device 1 along the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction) which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 (see Figure 8). In other words, the second direction D2 (see Figure 8) in this embodiment is aligned with the direction of leg insertion L0. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the legs L0 is exemplified as being aligned with the floor, the main surface of bedding such as a futon or bed, or the seat surface of a cushion. In this embodiment, the third direction D3 (see Figure 6), which is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, is defined as the height direction of the air massage device 1.

[0032] In this disclosure, "orthogonal (perpendicular)" means not only a state where the angle between two objects is exactly 90 degrees, but also a state where the two objects intersect within a certain range of difference. In other words, the angle between two orthogonal objects falls within a certain range of difference from 90 degrees (for example, 10 degrees or less).

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment comprises a main body 10, an outer casing member 5 (see Figure 1), an operation panel 24, and an AC adapter 100.

[0034] The AC adapter 100 converts, for example, the AC voltage supplied from a commercial power source into a DC voltage and supplies the converted DC voltage to the main unit 10. In this embodiment, the case in which the air massage device 1 is equipped with the AC adapter 100 is illustrated, but the air massage device 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the AC adapter 100.

[0035] (2.1) Control Panel As shown in Figure 3, the control panel 24 has an operation unit 24A and a display unit 24B.

[0036] The control unit 24A is provided to receive user input regarding massage performed using the air massage device 1. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 24A has buttons B1, B2, B3, and B4. Button B1 is a button to switch the power of the air massage device 1 on / off. Button B2 is a button to select one of several massage courses. The courses include, for example, a "squeezing course," a "flowing kneading course," a "deep kneading course," and a "stretching course." Button B3 is a button to set the massage intensity. Button B4 is a button to end the massage. The number and purpose of the buttons on the control unit 24A can be changed as appropriate.

[0037] The display unit 24B has a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The control unit 26 controls the lighting, extinguishing, and color of the plurality of light-emitting diodes to display the operating status of the air massage device 1. The display unit 24B may have a display device such as a liquid crystal display instead of or in addition to the plurality of light-emitting diodes. The display unit 24B in this embodiment has a display area R1 and a display area R2. Display area R1 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes for notifying the massage course selected by the user. Display area R2 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes for notifying the massage intensity selected by the user.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the operation panel 24 is located on the surface of the outer casing member 5. More specifically, the operation panel 24 is located at the insertion end 523 of the leg L0 of the outer casing member 5 in the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction) which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 (one direction). In the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, since the operation panel 24 is located in the part of the air massage device 1 that is close to the user's upper body, the user's hands can easily reach the operation panel 24 and the user can easily operate the operation panel 24.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the operation panel 24 of this embodiment is positioned at the apex 501 of the outer casing member 5 when the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are inflated. The apex 501 is the part of the air massage device 1 that has the maximum height when the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are inflated. For example, the apex 501 corresponds to the apex of the thigh L03 (see Figure 1) of the user's leg L0. Here, the "apex" in this disclosure does not need to be the exact maximum in height (width in the third direction D3), and may include, for example, the area surrounding the exact apex. The area surrounding the exact apex is the part adjacent to the exact apex, and for example, is the part whose height is 90% or more when the height of the exact apex is taken as 100%.

[0040] In this embodiment of the air massage device 1, the control panel 24 is positioned at the top 501 of the air massage device 1, making it easier for the user's hands to reach and operate the control panel 24. Furthermore, when the air massage device 1 is in use, the top 501 is positioned above the user's legs L0. As a result, in this embodiment of the air massage device 1, when the user operates the control panel 24, a reaction force is received from the legs L0, making it easier for the user to operate the control panel 24.

[0041] In this embodiment, the control panel 24 is positioned above the first airbag 3 corresponding to the user's right leg L1, but it may also be positioned above the second airbag 4 corresponding to the user's left leg L2.

[0042] (2.2) Main body As shown in Figure 3, the main body 10 includes a first airbag 3 and an air supply device 20. Although not shown in Figure 3, the main body 10 also includes a second airbag 4 (see Figure 1).

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the main body 10 of this embodiment includes a plurality of air hoses 6A to 6E (five in the example of Figure 4), a branching member 900, and a plurality of branching members 9 (four in the example of Figure 4).

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the main body 10 of this embodiment includes a fixing member 7 and a pair of cushioning members 8.

[0045] (2.2.1) Air supply device As shown in Figure 4, the shape of the air supply device 20 in this embodiment is a long, box-like shape. The air supply device 20 is positioned so that its longitudinal direction aligns with the first direction D1 (direction 1). In the air massage device 1, since the longitudinal direction of the air supply device 20 is positioned along the first direction D1 which aligns with the fold line 76 (see Figure 9), the air massage device 1 is easy to fold and can be made more compact when not in use or when stored.

[0046] Furthermore, the air supply device 20 is located at the end 701 (see Figure 9) of the fixing member 7 in the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction). In the air massage device 1, since the air supply device 20 is located at the end 701 of the fixing member 7 in the second direction D2 which is orthogonal to the first direction D1, the air massage device 1 is easy to fold and can be made more compact when not in use or when stored.

[0047] Furthermore, in the air massage device 1, the air supply device 20, the first airbag 3, and the second airbag 4 are arranged so that they are generally symmetrical in the first direction D1. This makes it less likely for the center of gravity to be uneven when the user folds and holds the air massage device 1.

[0048] Furthermore, in the air massage device 1, the end 701 of the fixed member 7 on which the air supply device 20 is located is the end opposite to the side where the leg L0 is inserted into the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4. This prevents the air supply device 20 from interfering with the insertion of the leg L0 when the user inserts the leg L0 into the air massage device 1. Also, because the air supply device 20 is located on the foot side away from the user's head, the operating noise of the air pump 25 and solenoid valve 23 during massage can be made less noticeable to the user. Moreover, the air supply device 20 in this embodiment can be used as a positioning member for the foot L01 when the user inserts the leg L0 into the air massage device 1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the air supply device 20 includes a power supply circuit 27, a control unit 26, an air pump 25, a pressure sensor 28, and multiple (five in the example in Figure 3) solenoid valves 23. Figure 5 shows the air supply device 20 with its cover removed. In reality, the air supply device 20 houses the power supply circuit 27, the control unit 26, the air pump 25, the pressure sensor 28, and multiple solenoid valves 23, etc.

[0050] In this embodiment, the power supply circuit 27 is provided on the circuit board 101. The power supply circuit 27 receives power from, for example, an AC adapter 100 and supplies power to the air pump 25, solenoid valve 23, and control unit 26, etc. In addition, the air supply device 20 in this embodiment is wired to the operation panel 24, and the power supply circuit 27 also supplies power to the operation panel 24. By supplying power to the air pump 25, solenoid valve 23, control unit 26, and operation panel 24, etc., the air massage device 1 becomes operational.

[0051] The air pump 25 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. The air pump 25 transports air by reciprocating a diaphragm with a motor in response to a control signal from the control unit 26. As shown in Figure 4, the air pump 25 supplies air to the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4. More specifically, the air pump 25 supplies air to a plurality of air chambers 31 (five in the example in Figure 4) of the first airbag 3, and a plurality of air chambers 41 (five in the example in Figure 4) of the second airbag 4, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the plurality of air chambers 31 include the first air chamber 31A, the second air chamber 31B, the third air chamber 31C, the fourth air chamber 31D, and the fifth air chamber 31E. Similarly, the plurality of air chambers 41 include the first air chamber 41A, the second air chamber 41B, the third air chamber 41C, the fourth air chamber 41D, and the fifth air chamber 41E.

[0052] The solenoid valve 23 is a three-way solenoid valve. The plurality of solenoid valves 23 in this embodiment include the first solenoid valves 23A to the fifth solenoid valves 23E corresponding to the first air chambers 31A to the fifth air chambers 31E of the first airbag 3 and the first air chambers 41A to the fifth air chambers 41E of the second airbag 4. The solenoid valve 23 has a first port, a second port, and a third port (none of which are shown). The first port is connected to the air pump 25 via piping 102 (see Figure 5). The second port is connected to the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4. The third port is open to the atmosphere. The solenoid valve 23 inflates or deflates each of the plurality of air chambers 31 and each of the plurality of air chambers 41 by connecting each of the plurality of air chambers 31 and each of the plurality of air chambers 41 to the air pump 25 or exhaust port in response to a control signal from the control unit 26.

[0053] In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 28 is provided on the circuit board 101. The pressure sensor 28 is connected to the piping 102 via the air hose 103. In other words, the pressure sensor 28 is connected to the air pump 25 and the first solenoid valve 23A to the fifth solenoid valve 23E via the air hose 103 and the piping 102.

[0054] The pressure sensor 28 is, for example, a pressure sensor using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology. The pressure sensor 28 outputs an electrical signal (or pressure information) corresponding to the air pressure in the piping 102 to the control unit 26.

[0055] The control unit 26 primarily consists of, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and memory. The functions of the control unit 26 are realized when the processor of the computer system executes a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. In this embodiment, the control unit 26 is provided on the circuit board 101. The program may be recorded in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0056] The control unit 26 controls the operation of the air pump 25 and the solenoid valve 23 based on operation information input from the operation section 24A of the operation panel 24 in response to user operations, thereby inflating or deflating the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 to perform a massage. Here, the operation information includes information on the massage course selected by the user and information on the massage intensity selected by the user.

[0057] Furthermore, the control unit 26 of this embodiment controls the operation of the air pump 25 and the solenoid valve 23 based on the operation information, the electrical signal output from the pressure sensor 28, and the massage execution time, thereby inflating or deflating the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 to perform a massage. The specific operation of the massage will be explained in section (3) Operation of the air massage device.

[0058] (2.2.2) Air hose Multiple air hoses 6 are formed of silicone resin. As shown in Figure 3, the multiple air hoses 6 include a first air hose 6A, a second air hose 6B, a third air hose 6C, a fourth air hose 6D, and a fifth air hose 6E. The first air hose 6A corresponds to the first air chambers 31A and 41A. The second air hose 6B corresponds to the second air chambers 31B and 41B. The third air hose 6C corresponds to the third air chambers 31C and 41C. The fourth air hose 6D corresponds to the fourth air chambers 31D and 41D. The fifth air hose 6E corresponds to the fifth air chambers 31E and 41E.

[0059] In the following explanation, when the first air hose 6A, second air hose 6B, third air hose 6C, fourth air hose 6D, and fifth air hose 6E are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as "air hose 6".

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, each of the multiple air hoses 6 connects the second port of the solenoid valve 23 of the air supply device 20 to the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4. Each of the multiple air hoses 6 is positioned along the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction) between the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4. This prevents the arrangement of the multiple air hoses 6 from becoming complicated. In addition, the wiring length of the air hose 6 between the air supply device 20 and the first airbag 3 can be made approximately the same as the wiring length of the air hose 6 between the air supply device 20 and the second airbag 4.

[0061] In the multiple air chambers 31 and 41 of this embodiment, the air supply device 20 is closest to the first air chamber 31A and first air chamber 41A, the second air chamber 31B and second air chamber 41B, the third air chamber 31C and third air chamber 41C, the fourth air chamber 31D and fourth air chamber 41D, and the fifth air chamber 31E and fifth air chamber 41E, in that order. Therefore, the multiple air hoses 6 are shortest in the order of first air hose 6A, second air hose 6B, third air hose 6C, fourth air hose 6D, and fifth air hose 6E.

[0062] The first air hose 6A connects the first solenoid valve 23A to the first air chamber 31A and the first air chamber 41A. The first air hose 6A has a first section 61, a second section 61A, and a third section 61B. The first section 61 is the section connected to the first solenoid valve 23A (i.e., the air supply device 20). The second section 61A and the third section 61B branch off from the first section 61 via a branching member 900. The second section 61A connects the first section 61 to the first air chamber 31A (i.e., the first airbag 3). The third section 61B connects the first section 61 to the first air chamber 41A (i.e., the second airbag 4).

[0063] The second air hose 6B connects the second solenoid valve 23B to the second air chamber 31B and the second air chamber 41B. The second air hose 6B has a first section 62, a second section 62A, and a third section 62B. The first section 62 is the section connected to the second solenoid valve 23B (i.e., the air supply device 20). The second section 62A and the third section 62B branch off from the first section 62 via a branch section 91 (see Figure 13), which will be described later, of the branching member 9. The second section 62A connects the first section 62 to the second air chamber 31B (i.e., the first airbag 3). The third section 62B connects the first section 62 to the second air chamber 41B (i.e., the second airbag 4).

[0064] The third air hose 6C connects the third solenoid valve 23C to the third air chamber 31C and the third air chamber 41C. The third air hose 6C has a first section 63, a second section 63A, and a third section 63B. The first section 63 is the section connected to the third solenoid valve 23C. The second section 63A and the third section 63B branch off from the first section 63 via a branch section 91 of the branching member 9, which will be described later. The second section 63A connects the first section 63 to the third air chamber 31C. The third section 63B connects the first section 63 to the third air chamber 41C.

[0065] The fourth air hose 6D connects the fourth solenoid valve 23D to the fourth air chamber 31D and the fourth air chamber 41D. The fourth air hose 6D has a first section 64, a second section 64A, and a third section 64B. The first section 64 is the section connected to the fourth solenoid valve 23D. The second section 64A and the third section 64B branch off from the first section 64 via a branch section 91 of the branching member 9, which will be described later. The second section 64A connects the first section 64 to the fourth air chamber 31D. The third section 64B connects the first section 64 to the fourth air chamber 41D.

[0066] The fifth air hose 6E connects the fifth solenoid valve 23E to the fifth air chamber 31E and the fifth air chamber 41E. The fifth air hose 6E has a first section 65, a second section 65A, and a third section 65B. The first section 65 is the section connected to the fifth solenoid valve 23E. The second section 65A and the third section 65B branch off from the first section 65 via a branch section 91 of the branching member 9, which will be described later. The second section 65A connects the first section 65 to the fifth air chamber 31E. The third section 65B connects the first section 65 to the fifth air chamber 41E.

[0067] (2.2.3) Branching member As shown in Figure 4, the branching member 900 (first branching member) branches the first portion 61 of the first air hose 6A into a second portion 61A and a third portion 61B. In this embodiment, the branching member 900 branches the first portion 61 into the second portion 61A and the third portion 61B such that the first portion 61 and the second portion 61A and the third portion 61B form a T-shape.

[0068] The multiple branch members 9 include branch member 9A (second branch member), branch member 9B (third branch member), branch member 9C (fourth branch member), and branch member 9D (fifth branch member). Branch members 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D have the same shape. In the following description, when branch members 9A to 9D are not distinguished from each other, each of them may simply be referred to as "branch member 9".

[0069] The branching member 9A branches the first portion 62 of the second air hose 6B into a second portion 62A and a third portion 62B. In this embodiment, the branching member 9A branches the first portion 62 into the second portion 62A and the third portion 62B such that the first portion 62 and the second portion 62A and the third portion 62B form a Y shape. By branching the first portion 62 and the second portion 62A and the third portion 62B to form a Y shape, it is possible to prevent the air hose 6 from bending and becoming unable to pass air if, for example, the position of the first airbag 3 or the second airbag 4 is shifted due to the user moving their leg L0.

[0070] The branching member 9B branches the first portion 63 of the third air hose 6C into a second portion 63A and a third portion 63B. In this embodiment, the branching member 9B branches the first portion 63 into a second portion 63A and a third portion 63B such that the first portion 63 and the second portion 63A and the third portion 63B form a Y shape.

[0071] The branching member 9C branches the first portion 64 of the fourth air hose 6D into a second portion 64A and a third portion 64B. In this embodiment, the branching member 9C branches the first portion 64 into a second portion 64A and a third portion 64B such that the first portion 64 and the second portion 64A and the third portion 64B form a Y shape.

[0072] The branching member 9D branches the first portion 65 of the fifth air hose 6E into a second portion 65A and a third portion 65B. In this embodiment, the branching member 9D branches the first portion 65 into a second portion 65A and a third portion 65B such that the first portion 65 and the second portion 65A and the third portion 65B form a Y shape.

[0073] The branching member 9 is made of POM (polyacetal) resin. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the branching member 9 has a branching portion 91 and a holding portion 92. In the following description, the branching member 9A corresponding to the second air hose 6B will be described as an example. Note that branching members 9B to 9D have the same configuration as branching member 9A.

[0074] The branching section 91 branches the first portion 62 of the second air hose 6B into a Y-shape, into a second portion 62A and a third portion 62B. The branching section 91 has a base 910, a first pipe section 911, a second pipe section 912, and a third pipe section 913. Each of the first pipe section 911, the second pipe section 912, and the third pipe section 913 is formed in a tubular (or cylindrical) shape. The first pipe section 911, the second pipe section 912, and the third pipe section 913 are connected inside the base 910. The first pipe section 911, the second pipe section 912, and the third pipe section 913 protrude from the base 910 such that they form a Y-shape. The first pipe section 911 is connected to the first section 62 of the air hose 6 (for example, the second air hose 6B). The second pipe section 912 is connected to the second section 62A of the air hose 6 (for example, the second air hose 6B). The third pipe section 913 is connected to the third section 62B of the air hose 6 (for example, the second air hose 6B).

[0075] The holding portion 92 holds air hoses 6 (e.g., third air hose 6C to fifth air hose 6E) that are different from the air hose 6 branched by the branching portion 91 (e.g., second air hose 6B) among the multiple air hoses 6 (in this embodiment, second air hose 6B to fifth air hose 6E). This makes it possible to branch one air hose 6 and hold air hoses 6 different from the one air hose 6 using a single branching member 9, and allows for a compact arrangement of multiple air hoses 6 and multiple branching members 9.

[0076] The retaining portion 92 has a base portion 920 and a plurality of retaining holes 921 (three in the example of Figure 14). The base portion 920 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Each of the plurality of retaining holes 921 is a through hole that penetrates the base portion 920 along the second direction D2. The plurality of retaining holes 921 are arranged along the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of retaining holes 921 is a through hole configured to hold the air hose 6.

[0077] (2.2.4) Airbags As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are configured to allow the user's leg L0 to be inserted. More specifically, the first airbag 3 is configured to allow the user's right leg L1 to be inserted, and the second airbag 4 is configured to allow the user's left leg L2 to be inserted.

[0078] The first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are configured to allow insertion from at least a portion of the foot L01 to at least a portion of the thigh L03 of the user's leg L0. In other words, the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 can simultaneously massage at least a portion of the foot L01, the lower leg L02, and at least a portion of the thigh L03 of the user's leg L0. For example, when a user with relatively short legs L0 uses the air massage device 1, the user can adjust the position of their heel, allowing the air massage device 1 to simultaneously massage from the toes of the user's foot L01 to a portion of the thigh L03. Also, for example, when a user with relatively long legs L0 uses the air massage device 1, the user can adjust the position of their heel, allowing the air massage device 1 to simultaneously massage from the heel of the user's foot L01 to a portion of the thigh L03. According to the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, a relatively wide area of ​​the user's leg L0 can be massaged.

[0079] As described above, the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are aligned in the first direction D1. In the first direction D1, the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 are generally symmetrical.

[0080] The shape of the first airbag 3 is formed as a cylinder along the second direction D2. An insertion opening 32 for the right leg L1 is formed at the end 301 of the first airbag 3 in the second direction D2. In other words, end 301 is the end on which the right leg L1 is inserted. In addition, an opening 33 is formed at end 302 of the first airbag 3, through which the toes of the right leg L1 can pass.

[0081] The shape of the second airbag 4 is formed as a cylinder along the second direction D2. An insertion opening 42 for the left leg L2 is formed at the end 401 of the second airbag 4 in the second direction D2. In other words, end 401 is the end on which the left leg L2 is inserted. In addition, an opening 43 is formed at end 402 of the second airbag 4, through which the toes of the left leg L2 can pass.

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, the first airbag 3 has a plurality of nozzles 34 (five in the example in Figure 12) and a plurality of seat members 35 (five in the example in Figure 12). In other words, the air massage device 1 comprises a plurality of seat members 35.

[0083] As shown in Figure 16, the nozzle 34 is connected to the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 31. An air hose 6 is connected to the nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 has a base 341, a pipe section 342, and a protruding section 343. The pipe section 342 protrudes from the base 341, and the air hose 6 is connected to the pipe section 342. The base 341 is configured to connect the pipe section 342 to the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 31. The protruding section 343 protrudes in a direction away from the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 31 along the third direction D3. A through hole 344 is formed in the protruding section 343. The nozzle 34 and the fixing member 7 are fixed by passing a snap pin 104 through the through hole 344 of the protruding section 343.

[0084] The sheet member 35 is located on the surface of the main body of the first airbag 3 and is provided to cover the area around the through-hole leading to the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 31. In other words, the sheet member 35 is provided to be interposed between the first airbag 3 and the air hose 6. The sheet member 35 has a rectangular sheet shape. The sheet member 35 is made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). The sheet member 35 has a lower coefficient of friction than the air hose 6. This prevents excessive tension from being applied to the air hose 6, for example, when a user grasps the air hose 6 through the first airbag 3.

[0085] As shown in Figure 12, the second airbag 4 has a plurality of nozzles 44 (five in the example in Figure 12) and a plurality of seat members 45 (five in the example in Figure 12). In other words, the air massage device 1 comprises a plurality of seat members 45.

[0086] As shown in Figure 16, the nozzle 44 is connected to the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 41. An air hose 6 is connected to the nozzle 44. The nozzle 44 has a base 441, a pipe section 442, and a projection 443. The pipe section 442 protrudes from the base 441, and the air hose 6 is connected to the pipe section 442. The base 441 is configured to connect the pipe section 442 to the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 41. The projection 443 protrudes in a direction away from the internal space SP1 of the air chamber 41 along the third direction D3. A through hole 444 is formed in the projection 443. The nozzle 44 and the fixing member 7 are fixed by passing a snap pin 104 through the through hole 344 of the projection 443.

[0087] As shown in Figure 15, the first airbag 3 has an inner member 3A and an outer member 3B. The inner member 3A is formed in a cylindrical shape and expands and contracts with the supply and exhaust of air. The outer member 3B is a cylindrical member that covers the inner member 3A. The second airbag 4 has an inner member 4A and an outer member 4B. The inner member 4A is formed in a cylindrical shape and expands and contracts with the supply and exhaust of air. The outer member 4B is a cylindrical member that covers the inner member 4A. Note that the outer casing member 5 is not shown in Figure 15.

[0088] Here, the inner members 3A and 4A are made of TPU, while the outer members 3B and 4B are made of nylon. The outer members 3B and 4B are less elastic than the inner members 3A and 4A. This prevents pressure from escaping outside the inner members 3A and 4A when they are expanded, allowing for more reliable pressure application to the user's leg L0.

[0089] As shown in Figure 4, the internal member 3A has a plurality of air chambers 31 (five in the example of Figure 4). Each air chamber 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The plurality of air chambers 31 include a first air chamber 31A, a second air chamber 31B, a third air chamber 31C, a fourth air chamber 31D, and a fifth air chamber 31E. The first air chamber 31A, the second air chamber 31B, the third air chamber 31C, the fourth air chamber 31D, and the fifth air chamber 31E are aligned in the insertion direction of the leg L0 (second direction D2). The first air chamber 31A, the second air chamber 31B, the third air chamber 31C, the fourth air chamber 31D, and the fifth air chamber 31E are arranged in the order of the first air chamber 31A, the second air chamber 31B, the third air chamber 31C, the fourth air chamber 31D, and the fifth air chamber 31E, so that they are closer to the air supply device 20. In this embodiment, the air supply device 20 is located at the end 302 on the leg tip side in the leg insertion direction. That is, the first air chamber 31A is located at the end 302 on the leg tip side in the leg insertion direction. The second air chamber 31B is located adjacent to the first air chamber 31A.

[0090] The internal member 4A has a plurality of air chambers 41 (five in the example of Figure 4). Each air chamber 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The plurality of air chambers 41 include a first air chamber 41A, a second air chamber 41B, a third air chamber 41C, a fourth air chamber 41D, and a fifth air chamber 41E. The first air chamber 41A, the second air chamber 41B, the third air chamber 41C, the fourth air chamber 41D, and the fifth air chamber 41E are aligned in the direction of insertion of the leg L0 (second direction D2). The first air chamber 41A, the second air chamber 41B, the third air chamber 41C, the fourth air chamber 41D, and the fifth air chamber 41E are arranged in the order of first air chamber 41A, the second air chamber 41B, the third air chamber 41C, the fourth air chamber 41D, and the fifth air chamber 41E, so as to be closer to the air supply device 20. In this embodiment, the air supply device 20 is located at the end 402 on the leg tip side in the leg insertion direction. That is, the first air chamber 41A is located at the end 402 on the leg tip side in the leg insertion direction. The second air chamber 41B is located adjacent to the first air chamber 41A.

[0091] Next, the structure of the multiple air chambers 31 will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Note that the multiple air chambers 31 of the first airbag 3 and the multiple air chambers 41 of the second airbag 4 have a symmetrical structure in the first direction D1, and are identical except for their symmetry, so the explanation of the structure of the multiple air chambers 41 will be omitted.

[0092] In this embodiment, the internal material 3A is folded along the center line C1, and the first end 30A and the second end 30B of the internal material 3A are joined by welding or the like, thereby forming each of the multiple air chambers 31 into a cylindrical shape.

[0093] The internal member 3A has a front portion 3AA corresponding to the front side of the user's leg L0 and a back portion 3AB corresponding to the back side of the user's leg L0. Here, the front side of the leg L0 is, for example, the shin side of the lower leg L02. The back side of the leg L0 is, for example, the calf side of the lower leg L02.

[0094] The first air chamber 31A has a front portion 31AA and a back portion 31AB. The second air chamber 31B has a front portion 31BA and a back portion 31BB. The third air chamber 31C has a front portion 31CA and a back portion 31CB. The fourth air chamber 31D has a front portion 31DA and a back portion 31DB. The fifth air chamber 31E has a front portion 31EA and a back portion 31EB.

[0095] In the third air chamber 31C, the front portion 31CA and the back portion 31CB are misaligned in the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction). Also, the volume of the internal space SP1 differs between the front portion 31CA and the back portion 31CB. According to the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, by misaligning the positions of the front portion 3AA and the back portion 3AB in the second direction D2, and by making the area of ​​the internal space SP1 different, it is possible to perform a massage according to the size of the muscles in each part of the user's leg L0.

[0096] Furthermore, in the third air chamber 31C, the volume of the internal space SP1 of the back portion 31CB is larger than the volume of the internal space SP1 of the front portion 31CA. In the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, the third air chamber 31C often corresponds to the position of the lower leg L02 of the user's leg L0. According to the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, by making the volume of the internal space SP1 of the back portion 31CB larger than the volume of the internal space SP1 of the front portion 31CA, it is possible to perform a massage that is more suitable for relatively large muscles such as the calf muscle or soleus muscle.

[0097] In the fourth air chamber 31D, the front portion 31DA and the back portion 31DB are misaligned in the second direction D2.

[0098] In the fifth air chamber 31E, the front portion 31EA and the back portion 31EB are misaligned in the second direction D2. Also, the volume of the internal space SP1 differs between the front portion 31EA and the back portion 31EB. More specifically, in the fifth air chamber 31E, the volume of the internal space SP1 in the front portion 31EA is larger than the volume of the internal space SP1 in the back portion 31EB.

[0099] In this embodiment, the air massage device 1 has a configuration in which, for at least one of the multiple air chambers 31, the volume of the front portion 3AA is larger than the volume of the back portion 3AB. However, the volumes of the front portion 3AA and the back portion 3AB of each air chamber 31 can be changed as appropriate. The multiple air chambers 31 may include air chambers 31 in which the volume of the back portion 3AB is larger than the volume of the front portion 3AA, or they may include air chambers 31 in which the volume of the front portion 3AA and the volume of the back portion 3AB are equal.

[0100] (2.2.5) Cushioning material As shown in Figure 11, the cushion member 8 has a base portion 80 and a plurality of (five in the example in Figure 11) through holes 81. The shape of the base portion 80 is formed in the shape of a long plate. The cushion member 8 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the base portion 80 is along the second direction D2. The base portion 80 is a sponge made of, for example, urethane.

[0101] One of the pair of cushion members 8 is positioned on the back surface of the first airbag 3, and multiple nozzles 34 pass through multiple through holes 81. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the multiple through holes 81 and the multiple nozzles 34.

[0102] The other of the pair of cushion members 8 is positioned on the back surface of the second airbag 4, and multiple nozzles 44 pass through multiple through holes 81. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the multiple through holes 81 and the multiple nozzles 44.

[0103] As shown in Figure 16, the cushion member 8 covers the nozzle 34 or nozzle 44. In particular, the cushion member 8 covers the tubular portion 342 of the nozzle 34 or the tubular portion 442 of the nozzle 44 via the air hose 6. According to the air massage device 1 of this embodiment, by having the cushion member 8 cover the nozzle 34 or nozzle 44, the step difference between the seat member 35 and the fixing member 7 caused by the nozzle 34 or nozzle 44 is eliminated, and discomfort caused by the nozzle 34 or nozzle 44 coming into contact with the user's leg L0 can be reduced.

[0104] (2.2.6) Fixing members Next, the configuration of the fixing member 7 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0105] As described above, the fixing member 7 fixes the air supply device 20, the first airbag 3, and the second airbag 4. The fixing member 7 is made of, for example, HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene). The fixing member 7 is formed in the shape of a plate.

[0106] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the fixing member 7 has a mounting portion 70, a base portion 71, a pair of first protrusions 72 (three pairs in the example of Figure 9), a pair of second protrusions 73, a number of through holes 74 (ten in the example of Figure 9), a number of pairs of recesses 75 (four pairs in the example of Figure 9), a number of folds 76 (five in the example of Figure 9), and a number of protective sheets 700 (ten in the example of Figure 9).

[0107] The mounting portion 70 is formed in a long rectangular shape in the first direction D1. The air supply device 20 is fixed to the end portion 701 of the mounting portion 70 in the second direction D2. The end portion 701 is the end portion on the leg tip side in the insertion direction of the leg L0.

[0108] The base portion 71 is formed in a long rectangular shape in the second direction D2. It protrudes from the center of the mounting portion 70 in the first direction D1, along the second direction D2, away from the air supply device 20. The width of the base portion 71 in the first direction D1 is about one-third of the total width of the fixing member 7 in the first direction D1.

[0109] The pair of first projections 72 protrude from both ends of the base 71 in the first direction D1, moving away from each other along the first direction D1. Furthermore, the pair of first projections 72 protrude diagonally, moving away from the base 71 in the first direction D1 and away from the mounting portion 70 in the second direction D2. The three pairs of first projections 72 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D2.

[0110] The pair of second protrusions 73 project outwards from the end of the base 71 in the second direction D2, moving away from each other along the first direction D1. Furthermore, the pair of second protrusions 73 project outwards diagonally, moving away from the base 71 in the first direction D1, and away from the mounting portion 70 in the second direction D2.

[0111] The multiple through-holes 74 are through-holes through which the multiple (5) nozzles 34 of the first airbag 3 and the multiple (5) nozzles 44 of the second airbag 4 pass. The multiple through-holes 74 correspond one-to-one with the multiple nozzles 34 of the first airbag 3 and the multiple nozzles 44 of the second airbag 4. In other words, the multiple through-holes 74 are positioned to correspond to the multiple nozzles 34 of the first airbag 3 and the multiple nozzles 44 of the second airbag 4. Of the 10 through-holes 74 in this embodiment, 2 through-holes 74 are formed in the mounting portion 70. Of the 10 through-holes 74, 6 through-holes 74 are formed in each of the three pairs of first protrusions 72. Of the 10 through-holes 74, 2 through-holes 74 are formed in the pair of second protrusions 73.

[0112] The pairs of recesses 75 are aligned along a first direction D1 and are recessed along the first direction D1. Four sets of pairs of recesses 75 include a pair of recesses 75A, a pair of recesses 75B, a pair of recesses 75C, and a pair of recesses 75D.

[0113] The pair of recesses 75A, 75B, 75C, and 75D are arranged in the order of 75A, 75B, 75C, and 75D in the second direction D2. The pair of recesses 75D is furthest from the mounting portion 70. The pair of recesses 75A is formed by a base portion 71, a pair of first projections 72, and a mounting portion 70. Each of the pair of recesses 75B and 75C is formed by a base portion 71 and two pairs of first projections 72. The pair of recesses 75D is formed by a base portion 71, a pair of first projections 72, and a pair of second projections 73.

[0114] The multiple folds 76 are aligned along the first direction D1. The multiple folds 76 are pre-formed on the base 71 when the air massage device 1 is shipped. The pre-formed multiple folds 76 make the air massage device 1 easier to fold and allow for greater miniaturization when not in use or when stored.

[0115] The five folds 76 in this embodiment include folds 76A, 76B, 76C, 76D, and 76E. In the second direction D2, folds 76A, 76B, 76C, 76D, and 76E are arranged in the order of folds 76A, 76D, 76B, 76C, and 76E. Fold 76E is furthest from the mounting portion 70.

[0116] Folds 76A, 76B, and 76C are formed at equal intervals in the second direction D2. Fold 76B is formed approximately in the center of the fixing member 7 in the second direction D2. As a result, the air massage device 1 of this embodiment can be easily folded in half or into thirds. For example, by folding the air massage device 1 at folds 76A and 76C, the air massage device 1 can be folded into thirds. Also, by folding the air massage device 1 at fold 76B, the air massage device 1 can be folded in half.

[0117] Furthermore, the fixing member 7 of this embodiment has folds 76D and 76E formed on it. This makes it easier for the fixing member 7 to bend when it is folded along one or more of the folds 76A, 76B, and 76C, allowing the air massage device 1 to be folded more easily. The user can also fold the air massage device 1 using at least one of the folds 76D and 76E as the fold.

[0118] In this embodiment, the folds 76A, 76B, 76C, and 76E correspond one-to-one with four pairs of recesses 75. Each of the folds 76A, 76B, 76C, and 76E is formed between the corresponding pairs of recesses 75. In other words, the fixing member 7 is configured to be foldable along the folds 76 in the first direction D1 (one direction) between the pairs of recesses 75. In this embodiment, fold 76A corresponds to a pair of recesses 75A, fold 76B corresponds to a pair of recesses 75B, fold 76C corresponds to a pair of recesses 75C, and fold 76E corresponds to a pair of recesses 75D.

[0119] Since only the base 71 exists between the pair of recesses 75, the width in the first direction D1 between the pair of recesses 75 is smaller than the maximum width of the fixing member 7 in the first direction D1. This makes the air massage device 1 easier to fold and easier to make smaller when not in use or when stored.

[0120] Multiple protective sheets 700 correspond one-to-one with multiple through holes 74. The protective sheets 700 are attached to the fixing member 7 so as to cover the nozzles 34 or nozzles 44 that pass through the through holes 74. The protective sheets 700 are rectangular sheets. The protective sheets 700 are made of EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) sponge. By covering the nozzles 34 or nozzles 44 that pass through the through holes 74 with the protective sheets 700, it is possible to prevent the nozzles 34, nozzles 44, or snap pins 104 from getting caught on the outer casing member 5.

[0121] (2.3) Outer members Next, the configuration of the outer casing member 5 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 18.

[0122] The outer casing member 5 is a bag-shaped member that encloses the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4, and into which the leg L0 can be inserted.

[0123] As shown in Figure 18, the outer casing member 5 has an outer bag 51, a pair of leg covers 52, and a pair of cushion members 53.

[0124] A pair of leg covers 52 protrude from the first end 54 of the outer bag 51 along the insertion direction of the leg L0. The pair of leg covers 52 includes leg cover 52A and leg cover 52B. Leg cover 52A is the leg cover 52 corresponding to the user's right leg L1 and the first airbag 3. Leg cover 52B is the leg cover 52 corresponding to the user's left leg L2 and the second airbag 4. When the air massage device 1 is shipped, leg cover 52A is inserted into the first airbag 3 and leg cover 52B is inserted into the second airbag 4. An insertion opening 521 is formed at the end 523, which is the first end of the leg cover 52 in the insertion direction of the leg L0. An opening 522 is formed at the end 524, which is the second end of the leg cover 52 in the insertion direction of the leg L0. End 523 is the end on the side into which the user's leg L0 is inserted.

[0125] The outer bag 51 is formed in a cylindrical bag shape. The outer bag 51 encloses the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4 by turning the outer bag 51 inside out at the first end 54 and covering the pair of leg covers 52 inserted into the first airbag 3 and the second airbag 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the outer bag 51 encloses the pair of leg covers 52, the first end 54 of the outer bag 51 becomes the end on the insertion side of the leg L0, and the second end 511 of the outer bag 51 becomes the end on the leg tip side of the leg L0.

[0126] The pair of leg covers 52 in this embodiment have a pair of cushion members 53. In other words, the air massage device 1 is equipped with a pair of cushion members 53. More specifically, leg cover 52A has a first cushion member 53A, and leg cover 52B has a second cushion member 53B. The first cushion member 53A and the second cushion member 53B are made of EVA sponge. The shape of the first cushion member 53A and the second cushion member 53B is cylindrical along the first direction D1.

[0127] The first cushion member 53A is positioned to contact the underside of the user's right leg L1 when the user's right leg L1 is inserted into the first airbag 3. Furthermore, in the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction) which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 (one direction), the first cushion member 53A is positioned between the end 302 (see Figure 2) of the first airbag 3 on the side opposite to the insertion side of the right leg L1 and the center 303 (see Figure 2).

[0128] The second cushion member 53B is positioned to contact the underside of the left leg L2 when the user's left leg L2 is inserted into the second airbag 4. In the second direction D2 (orthogonal direction), the second cushion member 53B is positioned between the end 402 (see Figure 2) of the second airbag 4 opposite to the side into which the left leg L2 is inserted and the center 403 (see Figure 2).

[0129] The pair of cushion members 53 are used, for example, to position the leg L0 when the user inserts the leg L0 into the air massage device 1. In other words, the cushion members 53 function as leg positioning members (first positioning members).

[0130] Furthermore, the air supply device 20 of this embodiment is also used, for example, to position the leg L0 when the user inserts the leg L0 into the air massage device 1. In other words, the air supply device 20 functions as a positioning member (second positioning member) for the leg L0.

[0131] The user can determine the position of leg L0 according to the length of leg L0 or their preference, for example, as shown in Figures 19 to 22.

[0132] (3) Operation of the air massage device Next, the operation of the air massage device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24.

[0133] In this embodiment, the control unit 26 (i.e., the air supply device 20) supplies air to the first air chamber 31A and the first air chamber 41A before the second air chamber 31B and the second air chamber 41B during the massage operation (see Figure 23).

[0134] Next, the control unit 26 supplies air to the second air chamber 31B and the second air chamber 41B. As a result, as shown in Figure 24, the first air chamber 31A and the first air chamber 41A, which inflated first, are pushed towards the toes by the second air chamber 31B and the second air chamber 41B, which inflated later. As the first air chamber 31A and the first air chamber 41A are pushed towards the toes, they stretch the ankle so that the toes of the leg L0 tilt forward. This allows for a more effective ankle stretch.

[0135] As described above, the control unit 26 (i.e., the air supply device 20) of this embodiment performs a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the air supply device 20 measures the execution time and the pressure of the first airbag 3 (or second airbag 4), and executes the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the first airbag 3 reaches a predetermined pressure. For example, the control unit 26 measures the time and pressure at regular intervals (e.g., every 0.2 seconds) and determines whether the pressure has reached a predetermined pressure and whether the execution time has reached a predetermined time. That is, the control unit 26 measures both the execution time from the start of operation and the pressure of the first airbag 3 (or second airbag 4), and terminates the operation of the first supply and exhaust step when at least one of the execution time and pressure reaches a predetermined value.

[0136] Each of the multiple massage courses is implemented by the control unit 26 executing multiple intake and exhaust steps, including a first intake and exhaust step and a second intake and exhaust step. The memory of the computer system of the air massage device 1 of this embodiment stores the multiple massage courses, the settings for the massage intensity, and control information for the multiple intake and exhaust steps in association with each other. Here, the control information includes information on the order of each step included in the multiple intake and exhaust steps, information on the completion conditions for each step, and so on.

[0137] Tables 1 to 3 below show examples of control information associated with a particular massage course.

[0138] [Table 1]

[0139] [Table 2]

[0140] [Table 3]

[0141] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the massage pressure and duration change according to the massage intensity setting selected by the user. In Tables 1 to 3, the supply and exhaust steps "1" and "3" to "6" are pressurization steps (supply steps), and are the first supply and exhaust steps in this embodiment. In other words, the supply and exhaust steps "2" and "4" to "7", which follow supply and exhaust steps "1" and "3" to "6", are the second supply and exhaust steps in this embodiment. In this embodiment, pressure control and time control are performed in the first supply and exhaust step, and only time control is performed in the second supply and exhaust step. In the supply and exhaust step that is both the first and second supply and exhaust step, pressure control and time control are performed.

[0142] Next, specific examples of the multiple supply and exhaust steps performed by the control unit 26 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 28.

[0143] The graph in Figure 28 shows the relationship between the air pressure (pressure) inside the piping 102 detected by the pressure sensor 28 when the massage intensity is set to "5", and the duration of the massage.

[0144] Period T11 is the period during which the intake / exhaust step "1" is executed. Since intake / exhaust step "1" is the first intake / exhaust step, pressure control and time control are performed during intake / exhaust step "1". The set time for intake / exhaust step "1" is 25 seconds, but since the set pressure of 32 kPa is reached before the set time is reached (22 seconds), period T11 is 22 seconds.

[0145] Period T12 is the period during which the supply and exhaust step "2" is executed. Since supply and exhaust step "2" is the second supply and exhaust step, pressure control is not performed during supply and exhaust step "2", only time control is performed. The set time for supply and exhaust step "2" is 5 seconds, so period T12 is 5 seconds. Note that supply and exhaust step "2" is a pressure-holding step that stops the operation of the air pump 25 without opening the solenoid valve 23 to the atmosphere.

[0146] Period T13 is the period during which the supply and exhaust step "3" is being executed. Since the supply and exhaust step "3" is the first supply and exhaust step, pressure control and time control are performed during this step. The set pressure for the supply and exhaust step "3" is 28 kPa, but since the set time of 30 seconds is reached before the set pressure is reached, period T13 is 30 seconds. The reason why the pressure temporarily drops after the start of the supply and exhaust step "3" is that the second solenoid valve 23B corresponding to the second air chambers 31B and 41B, which have not been supplied with air until now, are turned on.

[0147] Period T14 is the period during which intake / exhaust step "4" is performed. Since intake / exhaust step "4" is the first intake / exhaust step, pressure control and time control are performed during intake / exhaust step "4". The set pressure for intake / exhaust step "4" is 28 kPa, but since the set time of 32 seconds is reached before the set pressure is reached, period T14 is 32 seconds.

[0148] Period T15 is the period during which the intake / exhaust step "5" is executed. Since intake / exhaust step "5" is the first intake / exhaust step, pressure control and time control are performed during intake / exhaust step "5". The set pressure for intake / exhaust step "5" is 28 kPa, but since the set time of 40 seconds is reached before the set pressure is reached, period T15 is 40 seconds.

[0149] Period T16 is the period during which the intake / exhaust step "6" is executed. Since intake / exhaust step "6" is the first intake / exhaust step, pressure control and time control are performed during intake / exhaust step "6". The set time for intake / exhaust step "6" is 32 seconds, but since the set pressure of 32 kPa is reached before the set time is reached (29 seconds), period T16 is 29 seconds.

[0150] Period T17 is the period during which the intake / exhaust step "7" is being executed. Since intake / exhaust step "7" is the second intake / exhaust step, pressure control is not performed during intake / exhaust step "7", only time control is performed. The set time for intake / exhaust step "7" is 7 seconds, so period T17 is 7 seconds. Note that intake / exhaust step "7" is a pressure holding step.

[0151] Period T18 is the period during which intake / exhaust step "8" is being executed. Intake / exhaust step "8" is the third intake / exhaust step, not the first or second intake / exhaust step. Pressure control is not performed in intake / exhaust step "8," which is the third intake / exhaust step; only time control is performed. Since the set time for intake / exhaust step "8" is 10 seconds, period T18 is 10 seconds. Intake / exhaust step "10" is a depressurization step (i.e., an exhaust step).

[0152] Next, the operation of the air massage device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 29. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air massage device 1.

[0153] First, the user presses button B1 on the control panel 24, turning on the power to the air massage device 1 (step S1), which initiates the series of processes shown in Figure 29.

[0154] The air massage device 1 receives user input to the control panel 24 and determines the selected massage course and massage intensity (step S2).

[0155] The air massage device 1 reads control information corresponding to the selected course and intensity from memory, sets the operation (step S3), and starts the massage operation (step S4). Once the air massage device 1 starts operation, it measures the operation time and pressure (step S5).

[0156] Next, the air massage device 1 determines whether the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 28 has reached the set pressure (step S6). If the air massage device 1 determines that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 28 has reached the set pressure (step S6: Yes), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0157] On the other hand, if the air massage device 1 does not determine that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 28 has reached the set pressure (step S6: No), or if the air supply and exhaust step being performed is not the first air supply and exhaust step, the air massage device 1 determines whether the execution time of the air supply and exhaust step being performed has reached the set time (step S7). If the air massage device 1 determines that the execution time of the air supply and exhaust step being performed has not reached the set time (step S7: No), the process returns to step S5. On the other hand, if the air massage device 1 determines that the execution time of the air supply and exhaust step being performed has reached the set time (step S7: Yes), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0158] In step S8, the air massage device 1 determines whether all of the multiple supply and exhaust steps corresponding to the course selected by the user have been completed (step S8). If the air massage device 1 determines that not all of the multiple supply and exhaust steps have been completed, that is, that there are unexecuted supply and exhaust steps (step S8: No), it starts the operation of the next supply and exhaust step (step S4). On the other hand, if the air massage device 1 determines that all of the multiple supply and exhaust steps have been completed (step S8: Yes), the air massage device 1 terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 29.

[0159] Note that the flowchart shown in Figure 29 is merely an example, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, or processes may be added or deleted as appropriate. For example, the order of steps S6 and S7 may be reversed.

[0160] (4) Variations The following lists some modifications of the above embodiment. Functions equivalent to those of the air massage device 1 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a control method, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is stored. One embodiment of the control method is a control method executed by the air massage device 1. The air massage device 1 has cylindrical airbags (first airbag 3 and second airbag 4) that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air, and massages the user's legs L0. The control method has a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the execution time and the pressure of the airbags are measured, and the process moves to the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbags reaches a predetermined pressure. One embodiment of the program is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above control method.

[0161] The implementing entity of the air massage device 1 or control method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The function of the implementing entity of the air massage device 1 or control method in this disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of LSIs, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within LSIs, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0162] The above embodiment illustrates a case where the air supply device 20 and the control panel 24 are connected by a wire. However, it is not essential that the air supply device 20 and the control panel 24 are connected by a wire. The control panel 24 may be powered by, for example, a battery, and the air supply device 20 and the control panel 24 may be configured to communicate wirelessly. Alternatively, the air supply device 20 may have an control panel 24.

[0163] The air massage device 1 may be equipped with a speaker or the like to notify the operating status of the air massage device 1 by sound or the like.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the first intake / exhaust step is exemplified as a pressurizing step (intake step). However, the first intake / exhaust step may also be a pressure holding step or a pressure reducing step (exhaust step).

[0165] (Aspect) As is clear from the embodiments and modifications described above, the air massage device (1) according to the first embodiment is an air massage device (1) that massages the user's legs (L0). The air massage device (1) comprises airbags (first airbag 3; second airbag 4), an air supply device (20), and an air hose (6). The airbags inflate and deflate by the supply and exhaust of air. The airbags are cylindrical. The air supply device (20) supplies and exhausts air to the airbags. The air hose (6) connects the air supply device (20) and the airbags. The air supply device (20) performs a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the air supply device (20) measures the execution time and the pressure of the airbags, and performs the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbags reaches a predetermined pressure.

[0166] According to this embodiment, it is possible to maintain the pressure and rhythm of the massage.

[0167] In the air massage device (1) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the first supply and exhaust step is an air supply step in which an air supply device (20) supplies air to the airbags (first airbag 3; second airbag 4).

[0168] The control method relating to the third embodiment is a control method performed in an air massage device (1). The air massage device (1) has cylindrical airbags (first airbag 3; second airbag 4) that expand and contract by supplying and exhausting air, and massages the user's legs (L0). The control method has a plurality of supply and exhaust steps, including at least a first supply and exhaust step and a second supply and exhaust step. In the first supply and exhaust step, the execution time and the pressure of the airbags are measured, and the process moves to the second supply and exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbags reaches a predetermined pressure.

[0169] According to this embodiment, it is possible to maintain the pressure and rhythm of the massage.

[0170] The program according to the fourth embodiment is a program that causes one or more processors to execute the control method according to the third embodiment.

[0171] According to this embodiment, it is possible to maintain the pressure and rhythm of the massage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1. Air massage device 20 Air supply device 3. First airbag (airbag) 4. Second airbag (airbag) 6. Air hose L0 leg

Claims

1. An air massage device that massages the user's legs, A cylindrical airbag that expands and contracts by the intake and exhaust of air, An air supply device that supplies and exhausts air to the aforementioned airbag, An air hose connecting the air supply device and the airbag, Equipped with, The aforementioned air supply device is Perform a plurality of intake and exhaust steps, including at least a first intake and exhaust step and a second intake and exhaust step. In the first intake and exhaust step, the execution time and the pressure of the airbag are measured, and the second intake and exhaust step is executed when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbag reaches a predetermined pressure. Air massage device.

2. The first intake and exhaust step is an air supply step in which the air supply device supplies air to the airbag. The air massage device according to claim 1.

3. A control method performed in an air massage device that has a cylindrical airbag that expands and contracts by the intake and exhaust of air and massages the user's legs, Having a plurality of intake and exhaust steps, including at least a first intake and exhaust step and a second intake and exhaust step, In the first intake / exhaust step, the execution time and the pressure of the airbag are measured, and the process proceeds to the second intake / exhaust step when the execution time reaches a predetermined time or when the pressure of the airbag reaches a predetermined pressure. Control method.

4. To cause one or more processors to execute the control method described in claim 3, program.

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