Fluid supply device, massage device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a fluid supply device that, by itself, enables the use of multiple massage bags; and to provide a massage device and a control method.SOLUTION: A fluid supply device 12 includes a valve control part 50 for controlling on-off valves 22 provided respectively at multiple passages 20 branched from a main passage 18, a pressure sensor 24 provided at the main passage 18, and determination part 52 for opening only a set on-off valve 23 which is an on-off valve 22 set beforehand, and determining the kind of a massage bag 14 based on a rise rate of pressure when a fluid is flowing through the main passage 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid supply device, a massage device, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] The following patent document discloses a massage device. This massage device includes a pair of massage bags (boots) and a fluid supply device (controller) that supplies fluid (air) to each massage bag. One of the pair of massage bags is used for the right lower limb of the human body and has a plurality of fluid chambers (air bags). The other of the pair of massage bags is used for the left lower limb of the human body and has a plurality of fluid chambers (air bags).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, a plurality of types of massage bags have been developed according to massage parts of the human body, etc., and it has been demanded to handle a plurality of types of massage bags with one fluid supply device (controller). However, the fluid supply device cannot recognize which type of massage bag among the plurality of types of massage bags is connected. For this reason, a plurality of massage bags cannot be used with one fluid supply device.

[0005] The present invention proposes a fluid supply device, a massage device, and a control method that can use a plurality of massage bags with one fluid supply device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a fluid supply device for supplying fluid to a massage bag, comprising: a plurality of flow paths branching from a main flow path to which the fluid is supplied and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber of the massage bag; on-off valves provided in each of the plurality of flow paths; a valve control unit for controlling each of the on-off valves; a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path; and a determination unit for determining the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor when only a preset on-off valve (hereinafter referred to as the set on-off valve) among the on-off valves is opened by the valve control unit and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a massage device comprising the above-described fluid supply device and one or a plurality of the massage bags.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a control method for controlling a fluid supply device for supplying fluid to a massage bag, the method including: a valve control step of opening only a preset on-off valve (hereinafter referred to as the set on-off valve) among on-off valves provided in each of a plurality of flow paths branching from a main flow path and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber of the massage bag; and a determination step of determining the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path when the set on-off valve is opened and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to identify which type of massage bag among a plurality of types of massage bags connectable to a fluid supply device is connected. As a result, a plurality of massage bags can be used with a single fluid supply device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] 〔Embodiment〕 (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a massage device 10 according to the first embodiment. The massage device 10 includes a fluid supply device 12 and a pair of massage bags 14.

[0012] The fluid supply device 12 supplies fluid to the massage bag 14 connected to the fluid supply device 12. The fluid may be a gas such as air or a liquid such as water. Further, the fluid may be compressed. In the present embodiment, the fluid is air.

[0013] Each of the pair of massage bags 14 is detachable from the fluid supply device 12. Each of the massage bags 14 has a fluid chamber 141, a fitting connector 142, and a guide path 143. The fluid chamber 141 is configured in a bag shape that can be inflated by the fluid supplied from the fluid supply device 12. The fitting connector 142 is a member for connecting the massage bag 14 to the fluid supply device 12. The guide path 143 is a member for guiding the fluid supplied from the fluid supply device 12 to the fluid chamber 141. One end of the guide path 143 is connected to the fitting connector 142, and the other end of the guide path 143 is connected to the fluid chamber 141.

[0014] The massage bag 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12 has a plurality of types with different numbers of fluid chambers 141. Two of the plurality of types of massage bags 14 can be connected to the fluid supply device 12. In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which a massage bag 14 having one fluid chamber 141 and a massage bag 14 having four fluid chambers 141 are connected to the fluid supply device 12. Hereinafter, the massage bag 14 having one fluid chamber 141 may be referred to as a single-chamber bag 14. Further, the massage bag 14 having four fluid chambers 141 may be referred to as a four-chamber bag 14.

[0015] In the single-chamber bag 14, the number of guide paths 143 is one, and in the four-chamber bag 14, the number of guide paths 143 is four. That is, in the present embodiment, the number of guide paths 143 matches the number of fluid chambers 141.

[0016] The single-chamber bag 14 and the four-chamber bag 14 are configured to be wearable on a part of the human body. The part of the human body may be one location or a plurality of locations. Specific locations include, for example, the sole of the foot, the lower leg, the thigh, etc. In the present embodiment, the single-chamber bag 14 is configured to be wearable on the sole of the human foot, and the four-chamber bag 14 is configured to be wearable on the sole of the human foot and the lower leg.

[0017] The fluid supply device 12 includes a fluid supply source 16, a main flow path 18, a plurality of flow paths 20, a plurality of on-off valves 22, a pressure sensor 24, a pair of connectors 26, and a controller 28.

[0018] The fluid supply source 16 outputs fluid. Examples of the fluid supply source 16 include a compressor. The main flow path 18 is connected to the fluid supply source 16. Examples of the main flow path 18 include a tube.

[0019] Each of the plurality of flow paths 20 branches from the main flow path 18. The cross-sectional area of the flow path 20 may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional area of the main flow path 18. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 20 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the main flow path 18.

[0020] Each of the plurality of flow paths 20 is connected to the connector 26L or the connector 26R. The connector 26L is one of the pair of connectors 26, and the connector 26R is the other of the pair of connectors 26. Also, the flow path 20 connected to the connector 26L is the flow path 20L, and the flow path 20 connected to the connector 26R is the flow path 20R.

[0021] The number of the flow paths 20L matches the number of the fluid chambers 141 that the most numerous type among the plurality of types of massage bags 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12 has. In FIG. 1, the single-chamber bag 14 is connected to the connector 26L, but a four-chamber bag 14 can be connected instead of the single-chamber bag 14. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of types of massage bags 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12, the massage bag 14 having the most fluid chambers 141 is the four-chamber bag 14. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of the flow paths 20L is four. Similarly, the number of the flow paths 20R matches the number of the fluid chambers 141 that the most numerous type among the plurality of types of massage bags 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12 has. In the present embodiment, the number of the flow paths 20R is four.

[0022] Each of the plurality of on-off valves 22 is provided in the corresponding flow path 20. That is, an on-off valve 22 is provided in each of the plurality of flow paths 20. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of on-off valves 22 is a three-way valve. In this case, a discharge path 21 is connected to each of the on-off valves 22. The on-off valve 22 provided in the flow path 20L is the on-off valve 22L, and the on-off valve 22 provided in the flow path 20R is the on-off valve 22R. Also, the discharge path 21 connected to the on-off valve 22L is the discharge path 21L, and the discharge path 21 connected to the on-off valve 22R is the discharge path 21R.

[0023] When the on-off valve 22L opens the flow path 20L and closes the discharge path 21L, fluid is supplied to the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14 through the flow path 20L. Conversely, when the on-off valve 22L closes the flow path 20L and opens the discharge path 21L, the fluid in the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14 is discharged from a discharge port (not shown) through the discharge path 21L.

[0024] That is, the on-off valve 22L switches the connection destination to the flow path 20L or the discharge path 21L, which is connected to the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14 connected to the fluid supply device 12. Similarly, the on-off valve 22R switches the connection destination to the flow path 20R or the discharge path 21R, which is connected to the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14 connected to the fluid supply device 12.

[0025] The pressure sensor 24 is a sensor that detects the pressure of the fluid flowing through the main flow path 18. The pressure sensor 24 is provided in the main flow path 18. The pressure sensor 24 outputs a detection signal to the controller 28.

[0026] A fitting connector 142 can be connected to the connector 26L and the connector 26R. When the fitting connector 142 of the single-chamber bag 14 is connected to the connector 26L, among the plurality of flow paths 20L, the flow path 20L corresponding to the guide path 143 communicates with the guide path 143, and the remaining flow paths 20L are blocked. Therefore, the fluid chamber 141 of the single-chamber bag 14 is connected to the corresponding one of the flow paths 20L via the guide path 143.

[0027] On the other hand, when the four-chamber bag 14 is connected to the connector 26L instead of the single-chamber bag 14 (see FIG. 2), all the flow paths 20L corresponding to the guide path 143 communicate with the corresponding guide path 143. Therefore, each of the four fluid chambers 141 of the four-chamber bag 14 is connected to the corresponding flow path 20L via the guide path 143.

[0028] In this way, the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142 and the flow path 20L of the fluid supply device 12 that supplies fluid to the massage bag 14 are connected one-to-one. Similarly, the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26R via the fitting connector 142 and the flow path 20R of the fluid supply device 12 that supplies fluid to the massage bag 14 are connected one-to-one.

[0029] The controller 28 is composed of processors such as a CPU and a GPU. The fluid supply source 16, each on-off valve 22, and the pressure sensor 24 are connected to the controller 28. Further, a storage unit 30, an input unit 32, a display unit 34, a speaker 36, a light-emitting unit 38, a communication unit 40, a thermometer 42, a battery 44, and a power supply unit 46 are connected to the controller 28.

[0030] The storage unit 30 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, a flash memory, and a hard disk. At least a part of the storage unit 30 may be provided in the processor. The input unit 32 outputs information such as a position and a command according to the user's operation to the controller 28. The display unit 34 displays information such as characters and graphics. The speaker 36 outputs sound. The light-emitting unit 38 has one or a plurality of light-emitting elements and lights or blinks the light-emitting elements. The communication unit 40 performs wired communication or wireless communication based on a predetermined communication method. The thermometer 42 measures temperature. The battery 44 stores driving power for driving the fluid supply device 12. The power supply unit 46 generates driving power for driving the fluid supply device 12 based on AC power supplied from a commercial power supply.

[0031] The controller 28 has a fluid control unit 48, a valve control unit 50, and a determination unit 52. The fluid control unit 48, the valve control unit 50, and the determination unit 52 may be realized by the processor processing a program stored in the storage unit 30. Further, at least one of the fluid control unit 48, the valve control unit 50, and the determination unit 52 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Further, at least one of the fluid control unit 48, the valve control unit 50, and the determination unit 52 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0032] The fluid control unit 48 controls the fluid supply source 16 to drive the fluid supply source 16 and output fluid from the fluid supply source 16. Further, the fluid control unit 48 controls the fluid supply source 16 to stop the fluid supply source 16.

[0033] The valve control unit 50 controls each of the plurality of on-off valves 22. The valve control unit 50 executes the same valve control process for each of the plurality of on-off valves 22 capable of supplying fluid to one massage bag 14. In the present embodiment, the valve control process of the valve control unit 50 that controls the plurality of on-off valves 22L is the same as the valve control process of the valve control unit 50 that controls the plurality of on-off valves 22R. Here, only the valve control process of the valve control unit 50 that controls the plurality of on-off valves 22L will be described.

[0034] The valve control process includes a first valve control process executed to determine the type of the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L, and a second valve control process executed to perform massage using the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L.

[0035] When executing the first valve control process, the valve control unit 50 opens the set on-off valve 23, which is a preset on-off valve 22L among the plurality of on-off valves 22L, and closes the remaining on-off valves 22L. That is, the valve control unit 50 opens only the set on-off valve 23 among the plurality of on-off valves 22L. The set on-off valve 23 is an on-off valve 22L provided in a flow path 20L other than the flow path 20L commonly used for the plurality of types of massage bags 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12.

[0036] In the present embodiment, as described above, the four-chamber bag 14 and the one-chamber bag 14 can be connected to the fluid supply device 12. In the four-chamber bag 14, all four flow paths 20L are used (see FIG. 2), and in the one-chamber bag 14, one of the four flow paths 20L is used (see FIG. 1). For this reason, the on-off valve 22L provided in at least one of the three flow paths 20L not used for the one-chamber bag 14 is set as the set on-off valve 23. That is, the set on-off valve 23 may be one, or may be two or more. In FIGS. 1 and 2, an example in which the set on-off valve 23 is one is shown.

[0037] As will be described later, fluid is sent for a test during the execution of the first valve control process. The controller 28 performs a mounting determination based on the test air supply. The mounting determination is a process of determining whether the massage bag 14 is connected to the fluid supply device 12, and when the massage bag 14 is connected, determining the type of the massage bag 14. The mounting determination is performed by the determination unit 52.

[0038] When the valve control unit 50 executes the second valve control process, based on the table stored in the storage unit 30, it controls the on-off valve 22L corresponding to the type of the massage bag 14 determined by the determination unit 52. The table associates the type of the massage bag 14 with the on-off valve 22 that supplies fluid to the fluid chamber 141 of the massage bag 14. That is, the table indicates the on-off valve 22 to be controlled when each of the plurality of types of massage bags 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12 is connected.

[0039] For example, when the type of the massage bag 14 determined by the determination unit 52 is the single-chamber bag 14 (see FIG. 1), the on-off valve 22L on the flow path 20L for supplying fluid to the fluid chamber 141 of the single-chamber bag 14 is controlled. In this case, the valve control unit 50 controls one on-off valve 22L corresponding to the single-chamber bag 14, and repeatedly executes a fluid supply operation and a fluid discharge operation for the on-off valve 22L.

[0040] Also, when the type of the massage bag 14 determined by the determination unit 52 is the four-chamber bag 14 (see FIG. 2), the on-off valves 22L on the four flow paths 20L for supplying fluid to each of the four fluid chambers 141 of the four-chamber bag 14 are controlled. In this case, the valve control unit 50 controls the four on-off valves 22L corresponding to the four-chamber bag 14, and repeatedly executes a fluid supply operation and a fluid discharge operation for the on-off valves 22L in a predetermined order.

[0041] The fluid supply operation is an operation of opening the flow path 20L and closing the discharge path 21L until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 reaches a predetermined massage pressure. The fluid discharge operation is an operation of closing the flow path 20L and opening the discharge path 21L until the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 reaches a predetermined lower limit pressure. When the fluid supply operation is executed, fluid is supplied to the fluid chamber 141, and when the fluid discharge operation is executed, fluid is discharged from inside the fluid chamber 141.

[0042] The determination unit 52 performs a wearing determination. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 52 performs a wearing determination (first determination) for one of the connectors 26L and 26R and a wearing determination (second determination) for the other of the connectors 26L and 26R. The first determination and the second determination are the same. Here, only the wearing determination for the connector 26L will be described.

[0043] The determination unit 52 acquires the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 when air is being sent for testing to the connector 26L. In the state where air is being sent for testing, only the on-off valve 23 is opened by the first valve control process of the valve control unit 50, and fluid is flowing through the main flow path 18. Here, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 does not exceed a predetermined pressure threshold, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 is not connected. Conversely, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold, the determination unit 52 determines the type of the massage bag 14 based on the rate of increase of the pressure.

[0044] When the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142 is a single-chamber bag 14 (see Fig. 1), the flow path 20L provided with the set on-off valve 23 is blocked by the fitting connector 142. On the other hand, when the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142 is a four-chamber bag 14 (see Fig. 2), the flow path 20L provided with the set on-off valve 23 is connected to the fluid chamber 141 via the corresponding guide path 143. Therefore, the rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 when only the set on-off valve 23 is open is different between the case where the single-chamber bag 14 is connected and the case where the four-chamber bag 14 is connected. Specifically, the rate of increase in pressure when the single-chamber bag 14 is connected is higher than the rate of increase in pressure when the four-chamber bag 14 is connected. That is, when the single-chamber bag 14 is connected, a rapid increase in pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 24.

[0045] When the rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 is equal to or less than a predetermined rate-of-increase threshold value, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L is a four-chamber bag 14. Conversely, when the rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 exceeds the predetermined rate-of-increase threshold value, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L is a single-chamber bag 14.

[0046] Next, a control method for controlling the fluid supply device 12 will be described.

[0047] The fluid supply device 12 makes a first determination regarding the connector 26L based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 in a state where the fluid is test-fed to the connector 26L. Thereafter, the fluid supply device 12 makes a second determination regarding the connector 26R based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 in a state where the fluid is test-fed to the connector 26R. Note that the fluid supply device 12 may make the first determination after making the second determination.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing in which the controller 28 according to the first embodiment executes the attachment determination. In FIG. 3, the flow of control processing of the controller 28 in the case of performing the first determination regarding the connector 26L is shown based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 in a state where the fluid is tested and supplied to the connector 26L.

[0049] The control processing of the controller 28 starts in a predetermined case such as when the fluid supply device 12 is activated or when the controller 28 receives an execution command of the control processing from the input unit 32.

[0050] In step S1, the controller 28 performs a test air supply of the fluid to the connector 26L. That is, the fluid control unit 48 controls the fluid supply source 16 to output the fluid from the fluid supply source 16. The valve control unit 50 executes a first valve control process of opening only the set on-off valve 23 among the on-off valves 22L provided in each of the plurality of flow paths 20L. In this case, the valve control unit 50 closes all the on-off valves 22R including the set on-off valve 23 provided in each of the plurality of flow paths 20R. As a result, the fluid output from the fluid supply source 16 to the main flow path 18 is tested and supplied to the connector 26L through one flow path 20L. When the test air supply of the fluid to the connector 26L is executed, the control processing proceeds to step S2.

[0051] When the controller 28 performs a test air supply of the fluid to the connector 26R, the processing of the valve control unit 50 is different from the above. That is, the valve control unit 50 executes a first valve control process of opening only the set on-off valve 23 among the on-off valves 22R provided in each of the plurality of flow paths 20R and closing the rest. In this case, the valve control unit 50 closes all the on-off valves 22 provided in each of the plurality of flow paths 20L.

[0052] In step S2, the determination unit 52 compares the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 provided in the main flow path 18 with a predetermined pressure threshold value. Here, when the pressure is equal to or lower than the pressure threshold value, the control processing proceeds to step S3. Conversely, when the pressure exceeds the pressure threshold value, the control processing proceeds to step S4.

[0053] In step S3, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 is not connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142. In this case, the valve control unit 50 sets all of the on-off valves 22L provided in each of the plurality of flow paths 20L so as not to be control valves for massage. When the setting is completed, the controller 28 ends the control process.

[0054] In step S4, the determination unit 52 compares the rate of increase in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 with a predetermined rate-of-increase threshold value. Here, when the rate of increase in the pressure exceeds the rate-of-increase threshold value, the control process proceeds to step S5. Conversely, when the rate of increase in the pressure is equal to or less than the rate-of-increase threshold value, the control process proceeds to step S6.

[0055] In step S5, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142 is the single-chamber bag 14, and the wearing determination is completed. In this case, the valve control unit 50 recognizes the on-off valve 22L corresponding to the single-chamber bag 14 based on the table stored in the storage unit 30, and sets the on-off valve 22L as a control valve for massage. When the setting is completed, the controller 28 ends the control process.

[0056] In step S6, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142 is the four-chamber bag 14, and the wearing determination is completed. In this case, the valve control unit 50 recognizes the on-off valve 22L corresponding to the four-chamber bag 14 based on the table stored in the storage unit 30, and sets the on-off valve 22L as a control valve for massage. When the setting is completed, the controller 28 ends the control process.

[0057] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the massage device 10 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to the components equivalent to those described in the first embodiment. Also, in FIG. 4, the connector 26R, the flow path 20R, the discharge path 21R, and the on-off valve 22R are omitted. In this embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

[0058] The massage bag 14 connectable to the fluid supply device 12 has two types with the same number of fluid chambers 141. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the number of fluid chambers 141 of the two types of massage bags 14 is one.

[0059] One of the two types of massage bags 14 has a fluid chamber 141, a fitting connector 142, and a guide path 143, similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the number of guide paths 143 is one, the same as the number of fluid chambers 141. The fluid chamber 141 is connected to the fitting connector 142 via the guide path 143. In this embodiment, one of the two types of massage bags 14 may be hereinafter referred to as a one-chamber one-path bag 14.

[0060] The other of the two types of massage bags 14 has, in addition to the above-described fluid chamber 141 and guide path 143, a branch guide path 144 and a fitting connector 145. The branch guide path 144 is a member for guiding the fluid supplied from the fluid supply device 12 to the guide path 143. One end of the branch guide path 144 is connected to the fitting connector 145, and the other end of the branch guide path 144 is connected between both ends of the guide path 143. The number of branch guide paths 144 may be one or plural. In this embodiment, the number of branch guide paths 144 is one. The fluid chamber 141 is connected to the fitting connector 145 via the guide path 143 and the branch guide path 144. In this embodiment, the other of the two types of massage bags 14 may be hereinafter referred to as a one-chamber two-path bag 14.

[0061] The fitting connector 145 has a configuration different from that of the fitting connector 142 of the first embodiment. When the fitting connector 145 is connected to the connector 26L, among the plurality of flow paths 20L, the flow paths 20L other than the flow path 20L corresponding to the guide path 143 and the flow path 20L corresponding to the branch guide path 144 are blocked. In the present embodiment, the flow path 20L corresponding to the guide path 143 is referred to as the first flow path 20-1. Further, the flow path 20L corresponding to the branch guide path 144 is referred to as the second flow path 20-2.

[0062] When the one-chamber two-path bag 14 is connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 145, the fluid chamber 141 of the one-chamber two-path bag 14 is connected to the first flow path 20-1 and the second flow path 20-2. On the other hand, when the one-chamber one-path bag 14 is connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142, the fluid chamber 141 of the one-chamber one-path bag 14 is connected only to the first flow path 20-1.

[0063] In the first valve control process of the valve control unit 50 executed to determine whether the type of the massage bag 14 connected to the fluid supply device 12 is the one-chamber one-path bag 14 or the one-chamber two-path bag 14, the set on-off valve 23 is the second flow path 20-2. The set on-off valve 23 may be the same as or different from the on-off valve 22 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the set on-off valve 23 is different from the on-off valve 22 of the first embodiment.

[0064] The determination unit 52 determines the type of the massage bag 14 based on the rate of increase in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 when the test air supply is being performed. In the state where the test air supply is being performed, only the set on-off valve 23 is opened and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path 18. Here, similar to the first embodiment, only the case of determining the type of the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L will be described.

[0065] When the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 142 is a one-chamber one-path bag 14, the second flow path 20-2 where the setting on-off valve 23 is provided is blocked by the fitting connector 142. On the other hand, when the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L via the fitting connector 145 is a one-chamber two-path bag 14, the second flow path 20-2 where the setting on-off valve 23 is provided is connected to the fluid chamber 141 via the corresponding branch guide path 144. Therefore, the rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 when only the setting on-off valve 23 is opened is different between the case where the one-chamber one-path bag 14 is connected and the case where the one-chamber two-path bag 14 is connected. Specifically, the rate of increase in pressure when the one-chamber one-path bag 14 is connected is higher than the rate of increase in pressure when the one-chamber two-path bag 14 is connected. That is, when the one-chamber one-path bag 14 is connected, a rapid increase in pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 24.

[0066] When the rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 is equal to or less than a predetermined rate-of-increase threshold value, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L is a one-chamber two-path bag 14. Conversely, when the rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor 24 exceeds the predetermined rate-of-increase threshold value, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 connected to the connector 26L is a one-chamber one-path bag 14.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing executed by the controller 28 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, steps equivalent to the steps described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that, in this embodiment, descriptions overlapping with those of the first embodiment are omitted.

[0068] In FIG. 5, step S50 is included instead of step S5 of the first embodiment, and step S60 is included instead of step S6 of the first embodiment.

[0069] When the rate of pressure increase exceeds the rate-of-increase threshold value in step S4, the control process proceeds to step S50. Conversely, when the rate of pressure increase is less than or equal to the rate-of-increase threshold value in step S4, the control process proceeds to step S60.

[0070] In step S50, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 is a one-chamber one-path bag 14, and the wearing determination is completed. In this case, based on the table stored in the storage unit 30, the valve control unit 50 recognizes one on-off valve 22L corresponding to the one-chamber one-path bag 14 and sets the on-off valve 22L as a control valve for massage. When the setting is completed, the controller 28 ends the control process. When performing massage, the valve control unit 50 executes a second valve control process for controlling one on-off valve 22L set as a control valve for massage. In this case, the fluid control unit 48 repeatedly executes a fluid supply operation and a fluid discharge operation on the on-off valve 22L.

[0071] In step S60, the determination unit 52 determines that the massage bag 14 is a one-chamber two-path bag 14, and the wearing determination is completed. In this case, based on the table stored in the storage unit 30, the valve control unit 50 recognizes two on-off valves 22L corresponding to the one-chamber two-path bag 14 and sets the on-off valves 22L as control valves for massage. When the setting is completed, the controller 28 ends the control process. When performing massage, the valve control unit 50 executes a second valve control process for simultaneously controlling two on-off valves 22L set as control valves for massage. In this case, the fluid control unit 48 repeatedly executes a fluid supply operation and a fluid discharge operation on the two on-off valves 22L at the same timing. Thereby, compared with the case where a fluid supply operation and a fluid discharge operation are repeatedly executed on one on-off valve 22L, the difference between the pressure in the fluid chamber 141 and the pressure in the main flow path 18 can be reduced. As a result, the pressure in the fluid chamber 141 of the one-chamber two-path bag 14 can be accurately adjusted using the pressure sensor 24 provided in the main flow path 18.

[0072] The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0073] (Modification Example 1) The on-off valve 22 may be a two-way valve. In this case, in the massage bag 14, a discharge guide path for discharging the fluid in the fluid chamber 141 is provided separately from the guide path 143, and the discharge guide path is connected to the discharge path 121 of the fluid supply device 12. (Modification Example 2) Although there are two connectors 26 provided in the fluid supply device 12, there may be one, or there may be three or more.

[0074] (Modification Example 3) The above-described first embodiment and second embodiment may be combined.

[0075] As inventions that can be grasped from the embodiments, the first invention, the second invention, and the thirty-second invention are described below.

[0076] (First Invention) The first invention is a fluid supply device (12) that supplies fluid to a massage bag (14), and includes a plurality of flow paths (20) that branch from a main flow path (18) to which the fluid is supplied and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber (141) of the massage bag, on-off valves (22) provided in each of the plurality of flow paths, a valve control unit (50) that controls each of the on-off valves, a pressure sensor (24) provided in the main flow path, and a determination unit (52) that determines the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor when only a preset on-off valve (23) among the on-off valves is opened and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path.

[0077] Thereby, it is possible to identify which type of massage bag among a plurality of types of massage bags connectable to the fluid supply device is connected. As a result, a plurality of massage bags can be used with one fluid supply device.

[0078] The massage bag has a plurality of types with different numbers of the fluid chambers, and the setting on-off valve may be an on-off valve provided in a flow path other than the flow paths commonly used for the plurality of types of massage bags among the plurality of flow paths. Thereby, each of the plurality of types of massage bags with different numbers of fluid chambers can be specified.

[0079] The massage bag has two types with the same number of the fluid chambers. The fluid chamber of one type of the two types of massage bags is connected to a first flow path (20-1) among the plurality of flow paths, and the fluid chamber of the other type of the two types of massage bags is connected to the first flow path and a second flow path (20-2) different from the first flow path among the plurality of flow paths. The setting on-off valve may be an on-off valve provided in the second flow path. Thereby, each of the two types of massage bags with the same number of fluid chambers can be specified.

[0080] When it is determined by the determination unit that it is the other type of the two types of massage bags, the valve control unit may open each of the on-off valves provided in the first flow path and the second flow path, and supply the fluid to the fluid chamber. Thereby, compared with the case where one on-off valve is opened to supply the fluid to the fluid chamber, the difference between the pressure in the fluid chamber and the pressure in the main flow path can be reduced. As a result, the pressure in the fluid chamber can be accurately adjusted using the pressure sensor provided in the main flow path.

[0081] The fluid supply device includes a storage unit (30) that stores a table associating the type of the massage bag with the on-off valve that supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber of the massage bag. The valve control unit may open the on-off valve corresponding to the type of the massage bag determined by the determination unit, and supply the fluid to the fluid chamber. Thereby, no matter which of the plurality of types of massage bags is connected to the fluid supply device, the massage can be appropriately performed by supplying the fluid.

[0082] The plurality of flow paths are connected to a connector (26), the connector can be connected to a plurality of types of the massage bags, and the determination unit may determine the type of the massage bag connected to the connector. Thereby, massage bags of different types can be exchanged.

[0083] The fluid may be air. Thereby, massage can be performed by supplying or discharging air to / from the fluid chamber.

[0084] (Second Invention) The second invention is a massage device (10) including the above-described fluid supply device and one or a plurality of the massage bags. In the present invention, since the above-described fluid supply device is provided, it is possible to specify which type of massage bag among a plurality of types of massage bags connectable to the fluid supply device is connected. As a result, a plurality of massage bags can be used with one fluid supply device.

[0085] (Third Invention) The third invention is a control method for controlling a fluid supply device that supplies fluid to a massage bag, including: a valve control step (S1) of opening only a preset on-off valve among on-off valves provided in each of a plurality of flow paths that branch from a main flow path and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber of the massage bag; and a determination step (S4) of determining the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path when the preset on-off valve is opened and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path.

[0086] Thereby, it is possible to specify which type of massage bag among a plurality of types of massage bags connectable to the fluid supply device is connected. As a result, a plurality of massage bags can be used with one fluid supply device.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 10…Massage device 12…Fluid supply device 14…Massage bag 18…Main flow path 20…Flow path 20-1…First flow path 20-2…Second flow path 22…On-off valve 23…Set on-off valve 24…Pressure sensor 26…Connector 28…Controller 30…Memory unit 48…Fluid control unit 50…Valve control unit 52…Judgment unit 141…Fluid chamber 142, 145…Fitting connector 143…Guide path 144…Branch guide path

Claims

1. A fluid supply device for supplying fluid to a massage bag, comprising: a plurality of flow paths branching from a main flow path to which the fluid is supplied and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber of the massage bag; on-off valves provided in each of the plurality of flow paths; a valve control unit for controlling each of the on-off valves; a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path; a determination unit that determines the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor when only a preset on-off valve (set on-off valve) among the on-off valves is opened by the valve control unit and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path; and the massage bag has a plurality of types with different numbers of the fluid chambers; wherein the set on-off valve is an on-off valve provided in a flow path other than a flow path commonly used for a plurality of types of the massage bags among the plurality of flow paths, the fluid supply device.

2. A fluid supply device for supplying fluid to a massage bag, comprising: a plurality of flow paths branching from a main flow path to which the fluid is supplied and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber of the massage bag; on-off valves provided in each of the plurality of flow paths; a valve control unit for controlling each of the on-off valves; a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path; a determination unit that determines the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by the pressure sensor when only a preset on-off valve (set on-off valve) among the on-off valves is opened by the valve control unit and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path; and the massage bag has two types with the same number of the fluid chambers; a fluid chamber of one type of the two types of the massage bags is connected to a first flow path among the plurality of flow paths, and a fluid chamber of the other type of the two types of the massage bags is connected to the first flow path and a second flow path different from the first flow path among the plurality of flow paths; wherein the set on-off valve is an on-off valve provided in the second flow path, the fluid supply device.

3. A fluid supply device for supplying fluid to a massage bag, comprising: a plurality of flow paths branching from a main flow path to which the fluid is supplied and at least one of which is connected to a fluid chamber of the massage bag; on-off valves provided in each of the plurality of flow paths; a valve control unit for controlling each of the on-off valves; a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path; Only the preset on-off valve, i.e., the set on-off valve, is opened by the valve control unit, and when the fluid is flowing through the main flow path, a determination unit determines the type of the massage bag based on the rate of increase in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. It comprises: It comprises a storage unit that stores a table associating the type of the massage bag with the on-off valve that supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber of the massage bag. The valve control unit is a fluid supply device that opens the on-off valve corresponding to the type of the massage bag determined by the determination unit and supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber.

4. The fluid supply device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the massage bag has a plurality of types with different numbers of the fluid chambers, and the set on-off valve is an on-off valve provided in a flow path other than the flow path commonly used for a plurality of types of the massage bags among the plurality of flow paths.

5. The fluid supply device according to any one of claim 1, claim 3, and claim 4 dependent on claim 3, wherein the massage bag has two types with the same number of the fluid chambers, the fluid chamber of one type of the two types of the massage bags is connected to a first flow path among the plurality of flow paths, and the fluid chamber of the other type of the two types of the massage bags is connected to the first flow path and a second flow path different from the first flow path among the plurality of flow paths, and the set on-off valve is an on-off valve provided in the second flow path.

6. The fluid supply device according to claim 5, wherein when it is determined by the determination unit that it is the other type of the two types of the massage bags, the valve control unit opens each of the on-off valves provided in the first flow path and the second flow path and supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber.

7. The fluid supply device according to any one of claim 1, claim 2, claim 4 dependent on claim 2, claim 5 dependent on claim 1, and claim 6 dependent on claim 5 that cites claim 1, comprising a storage unit that stores a table associating the type of the massage bag with the on-off valve that supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber of the massage bag. The valve control unit is a fluid supply device that opens the on-off valve corresponding to the type of the massage bag determined by the determination unit and supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber.

8. A fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of flow paths are connected to a connector, the connector is connectable to a plurality of types of the massage bags, and the determination unit determines the type of the massage bag connected to the connector.

9. A fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fluid is air.

10. A massage device comprising the fluid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and one or more of the massage bags.

11. A control method for controlling a fluid supply device that supplies fluid to a massage bag, a valve control step of opening only a preset on-off valve among the on-off valves provided in each of the plurality of flow paths that branch from the main flow path and at least one of which is connected to the fluid chamber of the massage bag; a determination step of determining the type of the massage bag based on a rate of increase in pressure detected by a pressure sensor provided in the main flow path when the preset on-off valve is opened and the fluid is flowing in the main flow path; including a table associating the type of the massage bag with the on-off valve that supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber of the massage bag is stored in a storage unit, and opening the on-off valve corresponding to the type of the massage bag determined in the determination step to supply the fluid to the fluid chamber.

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