JP6670604B2 - Massage machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a massager that has an air cell that expands and contracts due to air supply and exhaust, and that performs massage on a massage target portion of a user by pressing due to expansion and deformation of the air cell.

  A chair-type massage machine that performs massage while supporting the user's body, using a treatment means such as massage balls, performs massage mainly on the user's shoulders, back, waist, etc. It has been. In such massage machines, an air bag (air cell) that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air is widely used as a treatment means other than the massage balls.

  In a conventional massage machine using this air cell, an air cell is arranged on a seat or a backrest portion, and a massage that presses a massage target portion such as a buttock or a back by expansion of the air cell is enabled, and an ottoman or the like supporting a leg is provided. There is also a device having a mechanism in which a plurality of air cells are arranged, and a massage in which each air cell is inflated and pressed so as to sandwich a leg is possible.

  In such a conventional massage machine, when adjusting the strength of massage by an air cell, it is common to adjust the discharge capacity of an air pump that supplies air to the air cell. However, when performing a weak massage, in order to avoid the adverse effects caused by simply lowering the discharge capacity, start the air pump once with a large discharge capacity regardless of the strength, and then adjust the air pump according to the strength setting of the massage. Has been proposed to perform control so as to reduce the discharge capability of the ink.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-349138 discloses an example of a conventional massage machine that performs massage while adjusting the discharge capability of air to such an air cell during air supply.

JP 2005-349138 A

  The conventional massage machine is configured as disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, makes the discharge capacity of the pump to the air bag variable, starts the air pump with a large discharge capacity regardless of the strength setting of the massage, and then sets the strength setting Accordingly, the discharge capacity of the air pump is reduced.

  Then, in the massage machine described in the patent document, when performing a strong massage, air supply is performed while maintaining a large discharge capacity at the time of activation, that is, with a constant discharge amount to the air bag (FIG. 15). However, when air is supplied with such a constant discharge amount, the air bag reaches the maximum inflated state in a short time. In addition, as the air bag approaches the maximum inflated state, the internal air volume (volume) and internal volume of the air bag are reduced. Since the pressure change becomes monotonous (see FIG. 16), the user receiving the pressing force from the air cell receives the pressing as a monotonous stimulus with the progress of the inflation, and is sensitive to the pressing stimulus as a massage. And as a result, there is a problem that a massage effect cannot be sufficiently imparted to the user.

  Furthermore, when performing a weak massage, after starting the air pump with a large discharge capacity, the discharge capacity is adjusted according to the massage strength setting, and the air supply is performed by reducing the discharge amount to the air bag, Changes in the amount of internal air and the internal pressure of the air bag as the inflation of the air bag progresses become even slower. Therefore, the user who receives the pressing force from the air cell has a problem that the stimulation by the pressing feels more dull, and the massage effect is inferior accordingly.

  In contrast to the massage performed by the conventional massage machine, the massage performed by a human hand, due to the characteristics of the transmission of the pressing force in the massage operation, the stronger the pressing force, the stronger the pressing force, and the stronger the stimulation. Therefore, it can be said that the massage with the conventional massage machine is different from the massage performed by a human hand in the quality of the stimulus related to the massage. However, it is not easy to shift a person to a relaxed state.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem. By appropriately operating air supply means for an air cell, a favorable pressing stimulus is applied from a expanding air cell to a massage target portion of a body, and an excellent massage effect can be efficiently achieved. An object is to provide a massage machine that can be applied well.

  The massage machine according to the disclosure of the present invention has an air cell that expands and contracts due to supply and discharge of air, and is a massage machine that performs massage to a user's body by pressing with expansion of the air cell, wherein the massage machine is connected to the air cell. Air supply means arranged so as to be able to supply air to the air cell, and a control unit for controlling at least an air supply state of the air cell by the air supply means, the control unit comprising: The operation of the air supply means is controlled so that the air flow rate increases with time.

  Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the air supply to the air cell is performed so that the flow rate of the air increases with time. With this, as the pressure accompanying the expansion of the air cell progresses, the degree of change in the amount of air in the air cell increases, and the degree of change in the pressing force applied to the massage target increases. This makes it easier for the user to sense the pressing force with the increasing change, and the user can reliably catch the pressing force as a stimulus that clearly increases the pressing force from the air cell, giving a clear massage feeling and enhancing the massage effect. In addition, the stimulus generated by pressing the air cell can be felt as being close to the characteristics of the pressing stimulus in massaging by the hand of a person that increases with the progress of the pressing, and the user can smoothly transition to the relaxed state even by massaging with the air cell. Can be

  In addition, the massage machine according to the disclosure of the present invention has an air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air as necessary, and a massage machine that performs massage to the user's body by pressing with expansion of the air cell. An air supply unit connected to the air cell and arranged so as to be able to supply air to the air cell, and a control unit that controls at least an air supply state of the air cell by the air supply unit, the control unit includes: In the process of inflation, activation of the air supply means such that when a predetermined time elapses after the air supply to the air cell is started from the contracted state of the air cell and the air flow per unit time of the air toward the air cell increases over time. Is controlled.

  Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the air supply means is operated to supply air to the air cell, and in the process of inflating the air cell, the control unit changes the operation state of the air supply means after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, the air supply to the air cell is performed so that the flow rate of the air increases with time. Thus, from the state where air is supplied to the air cell to some extent, the degree of change in the amount of air in the air cell increases as the pressure accompanying expansion of the air cell progresses by expanding the air cell while gradually increasing the air supply speed. As a result, the degree of change in the pressing force applied to the massage target area also increases, so that the user receiving the pressing force from the air cell can easily sense the pressing force with the increasing change, and is used as a stimulus that clearly increases the pressing force from the air cell. The person can be surely grasped, a clear massage feeling is given, and the massage effect can be enhanced. In addition, the stimulus generated by pressing the air cell can be felt as being close to the characteristics of the pressing stimulus in massaging by the hand of a person that increases with the progress of the pressing, and the user can smoothly transition to the relaxed state even by massaging with the air cell. Can be

  In addition, the massage machine according to the disclosure of the present invention has an air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air as necessary, and a massage machine that performs massage to the user's body by pressing with expansion of the air cell. An air supply unit connected to the air cell and arranged so as to be able to supply air to the air cell, and a control unit that controls at least an air supply state of the air cell by the air supply unit, the control unit includes: In the process of inflation, when the air supply to the air cell is started from the contracted state of the air cell and a predetermined time has elapsed, the air flow per unit time of the air toward the air cell is reduced, and then the air flow per unit time toward the air cell is reduced. The operation of the air supply means is controlled so as to increase it.

  Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, in the process of inflating the air cell, at the beginning when the air cell starts supplying air from the contracted state, the air supply means operates to maintain the air flow toward the air cell at a predetermined amount. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the air flow toward the air cell is reduced once, and then the air supply means gradually increases the air flow rate at the same time as the air cell starts to press the massage target location, so that the air cell appropriately adjusts the massage target location. In the initial stage where the air cell is not pressed, the air supply means supplies air at a predetermined air flow rate, and the time until the air cell starts pressing the massage target portion is shortened as much as possible, while the predetermined time has elapsed. At the stage where the air cell can sufficiently press the massage target area, the air flow toward the air cell is increased to increase the air flow. Can be secured in minutes, the pressing force of the air cell is greatly increased by the progress of the pressing due to the expansion of the air cell, and the stimulation by the pressing can be strongly given to the user's massage target area, so that the massage can be efficiently performed. It can be performed and further promotes the transition of the user to the relaxed state by the massage.

  In particular, the above effect can be further exhibited when the air flow rate per unit time after the predetermined time elapses toward the air cell is reduced as much as possible as compared with the air flow rate per unit time immediately before.

In addition, the massage machine according to the disclosure of the present invention is provided with an exhaust unit as necessary,
The control unit controls the operation of the air supply unit so that the air flow rate of the air toward the air cell per unit time increases with the passage of time, and then causes the exhaust unit to discharge some of the air in the air cell. Then, the operation of the air supply means is controlled so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell again increases with the passage of time.

  As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, in addition to the above-described effects, the amount of air in the air cell can be reduced by the exhaust unit, and the expansion / contraction operation with a high massage effect can be repeatedly performed.

  Further, in the massage machine according to the disclosure of the present invention, the control unit may need to supply the air amount that can be inflated from the contracted state to the position adjacent to the massage target of the user, for the predetermined time, if necessary. The time is set and the air supply means is operated.

  Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, in the process of inflating the air cell in the contracted state, until the air supply means is operated in the predetermined air supply state until the air cell is adjacent to the massage target location, the air cell moves to the massage target location. When the pressing starts adjacently, the control unit changes the operating state of the air supply means and performs the air supply so that the flow rate of the air gradually increases, so that the air cell appropriately presses the massage target portion. In the situation where there is no air supply state, the air supply state of the air supply means is not changed, the control relating to the operation of the air supply means is simplified and the reliability is improved, and in the situation where the air cell actually presses the massage target portion, the air cell While the pressure accompanying the expansion is progressing, the user can be surely given the stimulus by the pressure while being aware of the increasing change in the pressure, and the pressure gradually increases. It is causing an excellent massage effect in the stimulus.

  Further, in the massage machine according to the disclosure of the present invention, the control unit sets the predetermined time according to the capacity of the air cell, and activates the air supply unit as needed.

  As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, after each air cell having a different capacity has the same degree of inflation, it is possible to perform control for performing air supply so that the flow rate of air is gradually increased. In the situation where the massage target is actually pressed, while the pressure accompanying the expansion of the air cell is progressing, the user can be surely given the stimulus by pressing while conscious of the increasing change of the pressing force, and the pressing stimulus that gradually becomes stronger Excellent massage effect can be produced.

It is a perspective view of the massage machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the massage machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an air supply system diagram in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view of an inflated state of the leg air cell in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a change explanatory view of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a temporal change of an air amount in an air cell in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another change state of the air flow rate per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating still another change state of the air flow rate per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view of an inflated state of a leg air cell in a massage machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view of an inflated state of a back air cell in a massage machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a change explanatory view of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view of a time change of the amount of air in an air cell in a massage machine concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a first change state explanatory diagram of an air flow rate per unit time from an air pump in a massage machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a 2nd change state explanatory view of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning still another embodiment of the present invention. It is a change explanatory drawing of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view with time change of the amount of air in an air cell in a massage machine concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a time change explanatory view of the amount of air in an air cell in a massage machine concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a change state explanatory view of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is a time change explanatory view of the amount of air in an air cell in a massage machine concerning a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is a change explanatory view of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning a 7th embodiment of the present invention. It is a time change explanatory view of the amount of air in an air cell in a massage machine concerning a 7th embodiment of the present invention. It is a change state explanatory view of the air flow per unit time from the air pump in the massage machine concerning an 8th embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view of a time change of the amount of air in an air cell in a massage machine concerning an 8th embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the state with a constant air flow rate from the air pump in the conventional massage machine. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a temporal change of an air amount in an air cell in a conventional massage machine.

(First embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, a massage machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In each of the drawings, the massage machine 1 according to the present embodiment is in the form of a chair that supports a seated user, and more specifically, a base portion that is placed on the floor and stably supports the entire chair. 11, a seat 12 for supporting the buttocks of the user above the base 11, a backrest 13 for supporting the back of the user behind the seat 12, and a user on both left and right sides of the seat 12. Armrest 14 for supporting the elbow or forearm of the user, leg support 15 for supporting the user's leg on the front side of seat 12, operation unit 30 for receiving various operation inputs from the user, and a plurality of treatments installed. And a control unit 40 for controlling the operation related to the massage in the means on the basis of the contents of the operation input, the recording information, and the like.

  The base section 11 integrally supports the seat section 12, the backrest section 13, the armrest section 14, and the leg support section 15, which constitute each section of the chair. The seat 12 is attached to the base 11 so that the tilt angle of the seat can be adjusted, and massages with a built-in treatment unit while supporting the buttocks and thighs of the user with the seat. Things. The treatment means of the seat 12 includes a hip air cell 71 and a thigh air cell 72 which expand and contract by the supply and discharge of air.

Then, an air pump 70 as the air supply means for expanding these air cells by air supply is provided in a space below the seat 12.
The backrest 13 has a surface shape conforming to the shape of the back of a person, and is disposed so that the inclination angle can be adjusted with respect to the base portion 11 and the seat portion 12. It is a configuration provided.

  Inside the backrest portion 13, a mechanical unit 50 in which a pair of left and right rubbing balls 51 as a treatment element for giving a stimulus such as rubbing and hitting to a user and a driving mechanism unit 60 for moving the rubbing balls 51 are integrated. A frame-shaped backrest frame 13a that supports each part of the backrest 13 from the inside while supporting the backrest 13 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a back air cell 73 that expands and contracts when air is supplied and discharged by the air pump 70, and a waist for the waist. The configuration is such that the air cells 74 are provided respectively. Among them, the mechanical unit 50, the back air cell 73, and the waist air cell 74 each constitute a treatment unit for performing massage.

  In addition, a pair of side walls provided with a treatment means such as an air cell on the inner side facing the user are provided on both left and right sides of the backrest 13 so as to protrude from the upper arm and the like of the user. You can also give a massage from the person.

The backrest frame 13a allows the mechanical unit 50 to move up and down in the backrest 13 and supports a plurality of horizontal frames in a horizontal direction between a pair of left and right guide frames 13b that support and restrain movement in the other direction. It is transferred and integrally connected to form a substantially ladder-like frame structure.
The armrests 14 are disposed on both sides of the seat 12 and are formed to stably support the forearm of the user even when the backrest 13 changes the reclining angle or the seat 12 tilts. Configuration. An air cell which expands and contracts by the supply and discharge of air by the air pump 70 may also be provided on the armrest portion 14 so that massage can be performed on the forearm of the user.

The leg support 15 is located on the front side of the seat 12 and is arranged to be tiltable around the front end of the seat 12 to support the user's leg during massage.
Specifically, the leg support portion 15 is formed in a shape in which two grooves 15 a having a size that can accommodate the left and right legs of the user are formed, and the main body portion 16 is attached to the front end of the seat portion 12 in a tiltable manner. A foot support 17 provided at an end of the main body 16, and leg air cells 75, 76 as treatment means provided on the main body 16 and expanded and contracted by supply and discharge of air by the air pump 70. , 77 and 78.

  In the leg support portion 15, an air cell that expands and contracts by the supply and discharge of air by the air pump 70 and presses the foot is disposed on the foot support portion 17, and a roller that presses the leg while moving up and down is used. The treatment means may be provided in the main body 16.

  Each air cell as a treatment means, including the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 of the leg support portion 15, is provided for each air cell via an electromagnetic valve 80a,. 70.

  The solenoid valves 80a,..., 80h each have a first port communicating with the air pump 70, a second port communicating with the air cell, and a third port communicating with the outside. Accordingly, the first port and the second port are communicated, and the third port is closed to supply air from the air pump 70 to the air cell, and the second port is communicated with the third port. And a state in which the first port is closed and the air in the air cell is exhausted to the outside, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are not connected to each other, so that the inside of the air cell is This is a known three-way valve that can switch between three states, that is, a state in which pressure can be maintained, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The air pump 70 and the electromagnetic valves 80a,..., 80h constitute an air supply / exhaust adjusting mechanism for each air cell, and the control unit 40 operates the air pump 70 and establishes a communication state between the electromagnetic valves 80a,. By adjusting and controlling the air supply, air supply, exhaust, or pressure maintenance of a desired air cell is achieved, and the air cell is inflated, contracted, or maintained in a predetermined inflated state. When the air cell is inflated, a pressing force is generated against the air cell contact portion of the body, and when the air cell is contracted, the pressing is released, so that a varied massage effect can be given at each air cell position.

  The air cell provided in each part of the massage machine as a treatment means is made of a flexible material that can be gradually elastically deformed and expanded and contracted in response to a change in the amount of air in the air cell due to supply and discharge of air to and from the air cell. In addition, it is desirable to have an excellent deformation performance that allows the user to feel a small change in the amount of air or pressure in the air cell as a change in the pressing force as it is. Since the air cell can be deformed flexibly and delicately, the quality of the stimulus due to the pressing on the massage target portion is enhanced, and the massage effect is improved. Also, when the air cell is installed as a built-in state, the cover that is provided outside the air cell and covers it to protect it is deformed following the expansion and contraction of the air cell, and the change of the air cell is used as it is. It is preferable to use a flexible and deformable material that can be transmitted to the user as a change in feel.

  The operation unit 30 includes a number of switches and a display unit that receive various operation inputs to the massage machine, is detachably mounted on a stand 31 on the side of the massage machine 1, and transmits an operation input related to massage to the control unit 40. Is what you do. The position of the stand 31 is adjustable so that the positions of the switches and the display unit of the operation unit 30 are optimal for the user.

  The control unit 40 adjusts each of the other movable parts of the treatment unit and the massage machine to a state corresponding to the user based on the detection result obtained by performing the position detection of each part of the body of the user in advance, For the treatment means and other movable parts, control for performing appropriate massage is performed based on the operation of the operation unit, the treatment contents recorded and set in advance, and the information on the detection result.

  The control unit 40 has a hardware configuration as a computer including a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like, and has a mechanism for operating the computer as the control unit 40 by a program stored in the memory or the like. The computer constituting the control unit 40 may be a microcomputer integrally formed with a CPU, a memory, a ROM, and the like.

  The computer unit that forms the control unit 40 is disposed in a predetermined space inside the massage machine 1 such as directly below the seat unit 12 so as to be able to communicate with the operation unit 30 and various motors of the mechanical unit 50 , 80h,..., 80h, which are electrically connected to the actuators for tilting the seat 12, the backrest 13, and the leg support 15, respectively, when detecting the position of each part of the body of the user. The operation of these drive mechanisms is controlled by a control signal output based on a preset position detection program, and by a control signal output based on the set massage data when performing massage.

  In addition, the control unit 40 is also electrically connected to a signal output unit such as an encoder that outputs a displacement amount of the mechanical unit 50 and each actuator, and controls the state of the mechanical unit 50, the seat unit 12, the backrest unit 13, In addition, the operation control of the driving means such as the motor and the actuator is performed while grasping the state such as the inclination of the leg supporting portion 15 and the like.

  In addition, the control unit 40 controls the mechanical unit 50 to detect the position of each part of the body of the user prior to the massage, similar to a known massage machine, and moves the mechanical unit 50 from the initial position in the backrest 13 to the guide frame 13b. In the process of moving the massaging ball 51 along the user, sequentially obtains a change in pressure on the massaging ball 51 from the user side leaning against the backrest portion 13, a change in the inclination of the massaging ball 51, and the like. Based on the information, the user's shoulder position, spine line, and waist position can also be detected.

  Next, the expansion process of the air cell in the massage machine according to the present embodiment will be described. As a premise, the main power of the massage machine 1 is turned on in a state where the user sits down on the massage machine 1 and leans the back on the backrest portion 13 and supports the legs on the leg support portion 15, and the massage machine 1 is turned on. It starts up, and the preparation operation before the start of massage, such as detection of the weight and body shape of the user, the reclining angle adjustment of the backrest portion 13 and the like are completed, and further, the execution instruction of the massage course and the like is input by the user. It is assumed that the control unit 40 is about to perform massage for the user by the air cell.

  First, as a specific example of massage of pressing by an air cell, a state of air supply to the air cell in a case where a leg air cell is inflated and a massage is performed on a predetermined portion inside a lower part of a leg of a leg will be described.

  In this example, of the leg air cells, the air cells 75, 78 outside the legs are inflated in advance to be fixed as a type of wall, and then the air cells 76, 77 inside the legs are inflated, and An operation state of each part such as an air pump in a massage (see FIG. 4) for locally pressing a massage target portion will be described.

  As described above, the control unit 40 sends a control command to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e and 80h in advance to supply air to the leg air cells 75 and 78 located outside the legs. , 78 are inflated, respectively, to cause a state in which the legs are hard to move outward (see FIG. 4A). In a state where the inflated state of the leg air cells 75 and 78 is maintained, the process shifts to the inflation process of the leg air cells 76 and 77 inside the leg for performing massage.

  That is, the control unit 40 sends a control command to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80f, 80g to the contracted air cells 76, 77 located inside the leg and away from the user's massage target location. Then, air is supplied to each of the air cells 76 and 77, and each of the air cells is inflated. Until a predetermined time elapses after the air supply is started from the contracted state of the air cell, the operation of the air pump 70 is controlled so that the air supply per unit time is a constant predetermined amount (see FIG. 5). . Here, the predetermined time at which the air flow rate is constant means that the air cell is expanded from the contracted state to a position to be massaged by the user, in this case, the inner portion of the leg, and the position can be pressed. The time required to supply the required amount of air.

  In addition, even when the air cell is in a contracted state and the hollow portion inside has a predetermined internal volume, and since the air pump and the air cell are connected via a pipe such as a pipe or a hose, even when the air supply of the air pump is started, Immediately after that, a change in the amount of air in the air cell hardly occurs, and a time delay occurs in starting the expansion of the air cell (see FIG. 6).

  After the lapse of the predetermined time from the start of air supply to the leg air cells 76 and 77, in detail, the expanded leg air cells 76 and 77 have reached a state in which the inflatable leg air cells 76 and 77 can press on such locations adjacent to the massage target locations inside the legs. When the control unit 40 grasps this, the control unit 40 sends a new control command to the air pump 70, and switches the state of air supply to the air cells 76 and 77. The detection and grasping of the predetermined time in the control unit 40 is performed based on an event such as an increase in an air pump air supply load in air supply, a change in a detection value of a separately provided pressure sensor or the like, or a measurement value of an air supply amount to an air cell. In addition to determining the passage of time, more simply, time information is set in advance based on actual measurement data such as the event change and detected value change for each air cell collected in advance, and the actual elapsed time from the start of air supply thereto. It may be determined whether or not has arrived.

  Regarding the new air supply state, specifically, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air pump 70 so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cells 76 and 77 is set in advance from the predetermined amount. To a minimum amount. Thereafter, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air pump 70 so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cells 76 and 77 increases from the minimum amount with time (see FIG. 5).

  After a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the start of supplying air to the leg air cells 76 and 77, the air flow toward the air cells 76 and 77 is once reduced to a minimum amount. By gradually increasing the air flow rate from the minimum amount by the air pump 70, at the initial stage where the air cells 76 and 77 are not adjacent to the massage target portion, the air pump 70 operates at a predetermined constant air flow rate that is sufficiently larger than the minimum amount. By supplying air, the time until the air cells 76 and 77 actually start pressing adjacent to the massage target portion can be shortened as much as possible.

  In the stage where the air cells 76 and 77 press the adjacent massage target portions, the air pump 70 is operated so as to increase the air flow rate toward the air cells 76 and 77 over time, so that the air cells 76 and 77 expand. As the accompanying pressing progresses, the degree of change in the amount of air in the air cell increases (see FIG. 6). As a result, the degree of change in which the pressing force of the air cells 76 and 77 becomes strong also increases, and the user receiving the pressing force from the air cells 76 and 77 increases the pressing force to the extent that the pressing force does not become monotonous. In addition, it becomes easier for the user to feel, and the user can reliably catch the pressing force from the air cells 76 and 77 as a stimulus that clearly increases, giving the user a clear massage feeling and enhancing the massage effect.

  In addition, by increasing the air flow rate toward the air cells 76 and 77 from the minimum amount, it is possible to ensure a sufficient increase in the air flow rate and extend the period during which the air amount in the air cell is substantially changed. The pressing force of the air cell is greatly increased by the progress of the pressing due to the expansion of the air cells 76 and 77, and the stimulation by the pressing can be strongly given to the massage target portion of the leg, and the massage is efficiently performed. it can.

  In addition, the stimulus due to the pressing of the air cells 76 and 77 is close to the characteristic of the pressing stimulus in the massage by the finger of the person strengthened as the pressing progresses, so that the user can experience the stimulus. A smooth transition to a relaxed state can be achieved.

  After the leg air cells 76 and 77 reach the maximum inflated state, the control unit 40 sends a control command to stop air supply and maintain pressure to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80f and 80g as necessary, and While the air supply to the air cells 76 and 77 is stopped, the air is not exhausted yet, the inflated state of each air cell is held for a further predetermined time, and the pressed state of the leg to be massaged can be maintained for a while. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 40 sends a control command to stop the operation to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e,..., 80h, and contracts each air cell by exhaustion. The expansion / contraction process ends.

  The control unit 40 expands and contracts the leg air cells 76 and 77 once, and then repeats the same inflation process one or more times at predetermined time intervals so that the air pump 70 and the solenoid valve 80e are repeatedly operated. ,..., 80 g may be activated to repeatedly apply a stimulus by pressing the air cell to the massage target portion of the user.

  As described above, in the massage machine according to the present embodiment, in the process of operating the air pump 70 to supply air to the leg air cells 76 and 77 and inflating the air cells, the air pump 70 is initially supplied with air having a predetermined constant flow rate. On the other hand, the controller 40 operates the air pump 70 to gradually increase the air flow rate so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the leg air cells 76 and 77 increases with time after a predetermined time has elapsed. Since the air supply to the leg air cells 76 and 77 is performed while increasing the size, the degree of change in the pressing force applied to the massage target increases as the pressing due to the expansion of the air cells progresses, As a stimulus that makes it easier for the user who receives the pressure to sense the pressing force with the increasing change, and clearly increases the pressing force from the air cell Use person can catch reliably, given the clear massage feeling is enhanced massage effect.

  In the massage machine according to the embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air pump 70 such that the air flow rate per unit time toward the leg air cells 76 and 77 decreases from a predetermined value to a minimum value. In the meantime, the control unit 40 is configured to perform the operation control so that the change in the air flow rate in the air pump 70 continues from a predetermined predetermined amount to a minimum amount, but the control unit 40 is not limited thereto, and the control unit 40 may be configured as illustrated in FIG. As described above, the air flow rate in the air pump 70 is changed from a state in which the air flow rate is constant to a predetermined amount, and the air flow rate is discontinuously changed to the minimum amount without passing the timing of the intermediate air flow rate. The operation of the air pump 70 may be controlled so that the air flow rate increases at the same time.

  Further, in the massage machine according to the embodiment, the control unit 40 controls the air cell only during the inflation process of the leg air cells 76 and 77 on the inside of the leg for performing the massage until a predetermined time elapses from the start of air supply to the air cell. The air pump 70 as an air supply means is operated so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell is constant, and after the lapse of the predetermined time, the air pump 70 is controlled so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell increases with time. A series of controls for actuation are performed, and the process of inflating the leg air cells 75, 78 outside the legs prior to the expansion of the leg air cells 76, 77 inside the legs is configured as another control. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the series of controls includes a step of keeping the air flow rate constant and a step of increasing the air flow rate in connection with the operation of the air supply means through a series of steps of sequentially expanding a plurality of air cells. May be performed by the control unit.

  For example, in connection with the massage, air is supplied to the leg air cells 75 and 78 located outside the legs, the respective air cells 75 and 78 are inflated, and then the leg air cells 76 and 77 inside the legs are inflated. In a series of steps, the control unit 40 operates the air pump 70 so as to keep the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell constant until a predetermined time elapses after the air supply to the air cell is started. The operation of the air pump 70 can be controlled so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell of the first embodiment increases with time.

  Specifically, the control unit 40 sends a control command to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e and 80h to the air cells 75 and 78 which are located outside the legs and are in a contracted state, and sends the control commands to the air cells 75 and 78. And air cells are inflated. The operation of the air pump 70 is controlled such that the air supply per unit time is a constant predetermined amount until the predetermined time elapses after the air supply is started from the contracted state of the air cell (see FIG. 8).

  After the lapse of the predetermined time from the start of air supply to the leg air cells 75 and 78 on the outside of the legs, in detail, the expanded leg air cells 75 and 78 are adjacent to the outside of the legs and form a kind of wall to make the legs outside. When the control unit 40 recognizes that the time required to supply the required amount of air has elapsed until the state in which movement is difficult to occur, the control unit 40 controls the solenoid valves 80e and 80h to stop supplying air and maintain pressure. By sending a command, the air supply to these leg air cells 75 and 78 is stopped, and the air is not exhausted yet, so that the inflated state of each air cell is maintained. On the other hand, the control unit 40 newly sends a control command to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80f and 80g to supply air to the air cells 76 and 77 and inflate each air cell. In this case, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air pump 70 so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cells 76 and 77 increases with time (see FIG. 8).

  In a series of processes for sequentially inflating a plurality of air cells in this manner, the air pump 70 supplies air to the leg air cells 75 and 78 at a constant flow rate, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, gradually increases the air flow rate to the leg air cells 76 and 77. At the initial stage when the leg air cells 75 and 78 are not adjacent to the outer portions of the legs, the air pump 70 supplies air at a predetermined constant air flow rate. , 78 in a state in which the leg is actually hard to move adjacent to the leg, and the time until the pressure related to the massage of the leg can be started can be shortened as much as possible.

  At the stage of inflating the air cells 76, 77, the air pump 70 is operated so as to increase the flow rate of air toward the air cells 76, 77 over time, so that the pressing of the legs accompanying the expansion of the air cells 76, 77 progresses. The greater the degree of change, the greater the degree of change in the amount of air in the air cell. As a result, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the degree of change in which the pressing force of the air cells 76, 77 is increased is also increased, and the user receiving the pressing force from the air cells 76, 77 can easily sense the pressing force together with the increased change, and Gives a clear massage feeling and enhances the massage effect.

  When ending the series of expansion / contraction processes of the leg air cell relating to the massage, the control unit 40 issues a control stop command to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e,. The air cells are sent out and the exhaust air is contracted.

(Second embodiment of the present invention)
In the massage machine according to the first embodiment, the control unit 40 sets the inside of the lower knee portion of the leg as a massage target, and sets the leg air cells 76 and 77 facing this position to a predetermined inflated state. Although it is configured to control the operation of the like, as another specific example, all the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 are inflated simultaneously, and a predetermined portion below the knee of the leg is pressed from the inside and outside of the leg. The control unit may control the operation of each unit so that the massage that presses the legs can be performed. The configuration itself of the massage machine is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, all the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, and 78, that is, the air cells on the outside and inside of the leg are inflated at the same time, and the massage target portion of the leg below the knee is sandwiched between the air cells. The operation state of each part such as the air pump in the massage (see FIG. 9) for pressing is described.

  The control unit 40 controls the air pump 70 and the solenoid valve 80e for each of the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 that are located inside and outside the legs and are away from the massage target of the user in a contracted state. A control command is sent to the air cells 80h to supply air to the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, and 78, thereby inflating each air cell.

  The operation of the air pump 70 is controlled so that the air supply is performed at a constant predetermined air flow rate per unit time until the predetermined time elapses after the air supply is started from the contracted state of each air cell (see FIG. 5). ). Here, the predetermined time at which the air flow rate is constant, as in the first embodiment, each air cell is in a contracted state from the user's massage target location, in this case adjacent to the inside and outside of the leg below the knee, This corresponds to the time required to supply the required amount of air for inflating these portions until they can be pressed.

  After the elapse of the predetermined time from the start of air supply to the leg air cell, in detail, the inflated leg air cell 75, 76, 77, 78 is adjacent to the massage target site from both inside and outside sides and sandwiches such a portion from both sides. As in the first embodiment, when the control unit 40 grasps from the event such as an increase in the air pump air supply load or a change in the detection value of a pressure sensor or the like, the control unit 40 40 sends a new control command to the air pump 70, and switches the state of air supply to the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78.

Regarding the new air supply state, specifically, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 40 first controls the operation of the air pump 70 to move to the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 per unit time. The air flow rate is reduced from the predetermined amount to a predetermined minimum amount. Thereafter, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air pump 70 so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 increases from the minimum amount with time (FIG. 5).
In this way, at the initial stage when all the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 are not adjacent to the massage target, the air pump 70 supplies air at a predetermined constant air flow rate that is sufficiently larger than the minimum amount, The time until all the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 actually start pressing adjacent to the massage target location can be minimized.

  In the stage where the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, and 78 press so as to sandwich the massage target portion of the adjacent leg from both sides, the air flow toward the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, and 78 is changed over time. By operating the air pump 70 so as to increase the air pressure, the degree of change in the amount of air in the air cell increases as the pressure accompanying the expansion of the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, and 78 increases (see FIG. 6). .

  As a result, the degree of the change in the pressing force applied to the massage target part also increases, and the user who receives the pressing so that the leg is pinched from the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 is pressed by such pressure. Can be easily sensed with the intensifying change, and the user can surely catch the force sandwiched from both sides by the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 as a stimulus that clearly increases, and gives the user a clear massage feeling. Giving the effect of massage can be enhanced.

  In addition, by increasing the air flow toward the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 from the minimum amount, the air flow can be sufficiently increased, and the leg air cells 75, 76, 77 can be secured. , 78, the pressing force of the air cell is greatly increased by the progress of the pressing force, and the stimulation to pinch the leg to be massaged from both sides can be strongly given, so that the massage can be efficiently performed.

  In addition, the stimulus caused by pressing the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 from both sides of the leg is intensified with the progress of the pressing, and is felt by the user as being close to the characteristic of the pressing stimulus in the massage by the finger of the person. Therefore, the user can smoothly transition to the relaxed state even by the massage with the air cell.

  After the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 reach the maximum inflated state, the control unit 40 controls the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e,. A command is sent to stop the air supply to these leg air cells 75, 76, 77, and 78, while the air is not exhausted yet. It is also possible to maintain a pressed state sandwiching the target portion for a while.

  Thereafter, the control unit 40 sends a control command to stop the operation to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e,..., 80h, and contracts each air cell by exhaustion. The expansion / contraction process ends.

  As in the first embodiment, the control unit 40 inflates and contracts the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 once, and then performs the same inflation process one or more times at predetermined time intervals. The air pump 70 and the solenoid valves 80e,..., 80h are operated so as to be repeatedly executed, and stimulation is performed such that the leg is pinched by pressing the leg air cells 75, 76, 77, 78 against the user's massage target location. May be repeatedly given.

(Third embodiment of the present invention)
In the massage machine according to each of the first and second embodiments, when the control unit 40 inflates the air cell at the time of massaging, the air cell is started to supply air from the contracted state until a predetermined time elapses. In the stage from the contracted state in which the leg air cell is away from the massage target portion to the position adjacent to the massage target portion, the air pump 70 and the like are operated so as to keep the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell constant. Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed and the leg air cell can press them adjacent to the massage target location, the control unit 40 operates the air pump 70 or the like to increase the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell. In addition to this, when the air cell is inflated, the control unit is provided for an air cell that is arranged closer to the user side, such as adjacent to a massage target portion of the user even in a contracted state. However, the predetermined time for which the air flow rate is constant is set shorter, that is, from the time immediately after the start of air supply at a constant flow rate to the air cell by the air pump, the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell increases. An air pump or the like may be operated. The configuration itself of the massage machine is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the third embodiment, an air pump or the like is used in a massage (see FIG. 10) in which the back air cell 73 is inflated and a massage target portion on the back supported by the backrest 13 of the seated user is pressed from the rear side. The operation state of each part will be described.

The control unit 40 sends a control command to the air pump 70 and the electromagnetic valve 80c to supply air to the back air cell 73 and inflate the air cell. The operation of the air pump 70 is controlled so that the air supply per unit time is a constant predetermined amount until the predetermined time elapses after the air supply is started from the contracted state of the back air cell 73 (FIG. 11). Here, the predetermined time at which the air flow rate is constant is, as in the first embodiment, the air cell is adjacent to the user's massage target location from the contracted state, in this case, the back, and this location can be pressed. This corresponds to the time required to supply the required amount of air for inflation until: However, since the back air cell 73 is almost adjacent to the user's back via the backrest 13 surface even in the initial contracted state (see FIG. 10A), the air flow rate is actually kept constant. As the predetermined time, an extremely short time is set based on the internal volume of the hollow portion of the air cell and the connection state of the pipes, which is about a time delay from the start of air supply of the air pump to the start of expansion of the air cell (see FIG. 11).
After elapse of the predetermined time from the start of air supply to the back air cell 73, in detail, when the control unit 40 grasps that the back air cell 73 has reached a state where the back that is the massage target portion can actually be pressed. The control unit 40 sends a new control command to the air pump 70, and switches the state of air supply to the back air cell 73.

  Regarding the new air supply state, specifically, the control unit 40 first controls the operation of the air pump 70 so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the back air cell 73 is set in advance from the constant predetermined amount. To a minimum amount. Thereafter, the control unit 40 controls the operation of the air pump 70 so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the back air cell 73 increases from the minimum amount with time (see FIG. 11).

  In this way, the air flow toward the back air cell 73 that presses the back, which is the massage target location, is increased as the time elapses after a short predetermined time after the air supply to the back air cell 73 is started as a constant flow and a short predetermined time elapses. By operating the air pump 70 as described above, the degree of change in the amount of air in the air cell increases as the pressure accompanying the expansion of the back air cell 73 increases (see FIG. 12). As a result, the degree of change in the pressing force applied to the massage target portion also increases, so that the user receiving the pressing force from the back air cell 73 can easily sense the pressing force together with the stronger change, and the user can receive the pressing force from the back air cell 73. As a stimulus that clearly increases the pressing force, the user can surely catch the stimulus from an early stage of the expansion of the air cell, giving the user a clear massage feeling and enhancing the massage effect.

  By increasing the air flow rate toward the back air cell 73 from a new minimum amount state without delay after the start of air supply, it is possible to sufficiently increase the air flow rate and to increase the air flow rate. The period during which the amount of internal air substantially changes can be lengthened, and the pressing force of the air cell is greatly increased by the progress of the pressing due to the expansion of the back air cell 73, so that the stimulus due to the pressing is applied to the back massage target portion. It can be given powerfully and massage can be performed efficiently.

  In addition, the stimulus due to the pressing of the back air cell 73 is close to the characteristic of the pressing stimulus in the massage by the finger of the person that increases with the progress of the pressing, and the user is able to experience the stimulus. A smooth transition to a relaxed state can be achieved.

  After the back air cell 73 has reached the maximum inflated state, the control unit 40 sends a control command for stopping air supply and maintaining pressure to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valve 80c as necessary, and sends the control command to the back air cell 73. While the air supply is stopped, the air is not exhausted yet, the inflated state of the air cell is held for a predetermined time, and the pressed state of the back can be maintained for a while.

  Thereafter, when the control unit 40 sends a control command to stop the operation to the air pump 70 and the solenoid valve 80c to contract the back air cell 73 by exhaustion, a series of expansion and contraction processes of the back air cell 73 related to the massage are performed. Ends.

  Note that, as in the first embodiment, the control unit 40 inflates the back air cell 73 once and then further contracts it, and then repeats the same inflation process one or more times at predetermined time intervals. The air pump 70 and the electromagnetic valve 80c may be operated to repeatedly apply a stimulus by pressing the back air cell 73 to the massage target portion of the user.

  In the massage machine according to each of the first to third embodiments, the control unit 40 increases the air flow rate when controlling the operation of the air pump 70 and the like so as to increase the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell. The ratio is kept constant, that is, the control is performed so that the time change of the air flow rate becomes linear on the graph. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The air pump 70 can be configured to operate such that the air flow rate is increased as the time elapses (see FIG. 13). It is possible to appropriately cope with a situation in which a change is desired to be increased, for example, expansion when the air cell is in a contracted state and adjacent to a massage target location.Further, if the rate of increase of the air flow rate is set to be smaller as time passes (see FIG. 14), a situation in which it is desired to suppress a change in the pressing force as the inflation progresses, for example, when the air cell is in a contracted state, the position from the massage target is It is possible to more appropriately cope with the expansion when the two air cells are separated so as to sandwich the massage target portion.

(Fourth embodiment of the present invention)
FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show the air supply state of still another embodiment, and the parts without any particular instructions have the same configuration as described above. Hereinafter, the air supply state will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit sends out a control command to send out a constant predetermined amount of air flow per unit time, preferably a maximum amount or an amount as close to the maximum amount as possible.
After a lapse of a predetermined time when the air cell enters a semi-inflated state, the state of air supply to the air cell is switched to reduce the air flow rate per unit time to a minimum amount or a predetermined amount. When the air supply rate is gradually increased from the reduced air supply rate to the air cell in the semi-inflated state and inflated, the pressure can be gradually increased while maintaining a comfortable pressure, so that the massage effect on the user is improved. .

Since further expansion becomes difficult when the expansion further proceeds, a part of the air is once exhausted at the timing shown in FIG.
By repeatedly inflating the air cell at the above-described gradually increasing air supply rate, it becomes possible to repeatedly massage from the half-inflated state, and it is possible to clearly give an important massage feeling to the user. "Massage" can be performed continuously multiple times. Note that the semi-inflated state is a state in which the pressing force required for massage by the air cell has not been reached, and there are various degrees depending on the treatment location, the manner of attaching the air cell, and the like.

(Fifth Embodiment of the Present Invention)
FIG. 17 shows still another embodiment. FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B) show a case where a control command is transmitted to make the air flow rate per unit time as constant as a predetermined amount, preferably a maximum amount or a maximum amount. FIG. 17A shows a pattern in which the air flow rate per unit time gradually decreases toward the minimum amount or a predetermined amount after the amount is sent out, and then the speed increases. FIG. This is a pattern in which the speed changes.

(Sixth embodiment of the present invention)
FIGS. 18 and 19 show the air supply state of still another embodiment. The parts without any particular instructions have the same configuration as described above. Hereinafter, the air supply state will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit sends out a control command and appropriately sets and sends out an air flow rate per unit time. In this case as well, it is desirable to send an amount close to the maximum amount within the predetermined time, but there is no particular limitation as long as the air supply speed is appropriate.

  After a lapse of a predetermined time when the air cell enters the semi-expanded state, unlike the previous embodiments, the air supply state to the air cell is switched and the air supply speed is gradually increased from the same air supply speed to expand the air cell.

Also in this embodiment, since the pressure can be gradually increased while keeping the comfortable pressure, the massage effect on the user is improved.
If the expansion further proceeds, further expansion becomes difficult. Therefore, as in the fourth embodiment, a part of the air is discharged at the timing shown in FIG. After the state is expanded, the expansion is started again. Note that the pump may be temporarily stopped or continuously driven while part of the air is being discharged.

(Seventh embodiment of the present invention)
FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 show the air supply state of still another embodiment, and the parts not particularly indicated have the same configuration as described above. Hereinafter, the air supply state will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 20, the control unit sends out a control command, and appropriately sets and sends out an air flow rate per unit time. In this case, control is performed to gradually increase the air supply speed from the beginning without setting the predetermined time.
Also in this embodiment, since the pressure can be gradually increased while keeping the comfortable pressure, the massage effect on the user is improved.

  When the expansion proceeds, further expansion becomes difficult. Therefore, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, a part of the air is discharged at the timing shown in FIG. At the same time, the air supply by the pump is stopped, and the air cell is brought into a semi-inflated state, and then the expansion is started again. In this case, the air supply speed is controlled so as to increase from a predetermined amount. FIG. 20 shows an embodiment in which the predetermined amount is set to zero.

  And, by inflating the air cell again at the above-described gradually increasing air supply rate, it is possible to repeatedly massage from the half-inflated state, and to execute the "massage from the half-inflated state" which is important for the user continuously plural times. I can do it. Note that the semi-inflated state is a state in which the pressing force required for massage by the air cell has not been reached, and there are various degrees depending on the treatment location, the manner of attaching the air cell, and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the time t from the semi-expanded state until the further expansion becomes difficult is the time until the further expansion becomes difficult when the air supply rate is gradually increased from the contracted state. Is set to be shorter than the time t0, so that the next exhaust is performed promptly from the expanded state, and the period during which further expansion is difficult and the air supply speed cannot be gradually increased is reduced as much as possible. The stimulus in which the pressing force is clearly increased can be better sensed.

(Eighth embodiment of the present invention)
FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show the air supply state of still another embodiment, and the parts without any particular instructions have the same configuration as described above. Hereinafter, the air supply state will be described in detail.
The control unit described in the present embodiment performs different control according to the capacity of each air cell when the size of the air cell attached to the massage machine varies depending on the attachment position.

  Specifically, the predetermined time is set short for an air cell having a small capacity, and the predetermined time is set long for an air cell having a large capacity. As shown in FIG. 23, with this setting, regardless of the capacity of the air cells, the air supply is performed so that the air flow rate gradually increases after each air cell has a similar degree of inflation (semi-inflated state). The control can be performed, and the same expansion change can be provided irrespective of the size of the air cell, so that an excellent massage effect can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, different control is performed depending on the capacity of the air cell. However, instead of the capacity of the air cell, the predetermined time may be changed depending on the difference in the amount of inflatable air until the user is adjacent to the massage target.

  In addition, the amount of air that can be inflated until adjacent to the massage target location of the user is, for example, the air cell provided for the purpose of holding the legs and arms, etc. The predetermined time is set to be long because it does not reach the position adjacent to the air cell, and the predetermined time is set to be short for the air cell provided in the backrest or the like for the purpose of massaging by pressing.

  Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the case of the leg air cell is shown in FIG. 4, and the case of the back air cell is shown in FIG. 10. The predetermined time (time required to reach the semi-expanded state) for maximizing the air flow rate per hour (or a predetermined amount close to the maximum) is set at a different value.

  Furthermore, in the case of a leg in particular, the foot air cells 81 to 84 of FIG. 4 are provided to hold the foot from above, and there is initially a space between the leg of the user and the air cell 81 to 84. In order to proceed, the predetermined time for maximizing the air flow rate per unit time (or a predetermined amount close to the maximum) is set long, and the sole air cells 85 and 86 provided on the soles maximize the air flow rate per unit time (or The predetermined time for setting the predetermined amount close to the maximum may be as short as possible.

  In this case, as the control, air supply to the foot air cells 81 to 84 starts first, the air cells are brought into a semi-inflated state, and then air per unit time traveling to the foot air cells 81 to 84 and the sole air cells 85, 86 is returned. The flow rate changes over time.

  Alternatively, control is performed such that the air flow rate per unit time is maximum (or a predetermined amount close to the maximum) per unit time from the beginning to the end for the foot air cells 81 to 84, and the air flow rate for the sole air cells 85 and 86 is from the beginning. Control to supply air may be performed so as to increase gradually.

  In the fourth, sixth, and seventh embodiments of the above-described embodiments, the pressure in the air cell is increased, and the control for increasing the air supply speed as the performance of the pump is not performed. If the exhaust control is executed when the actual air supply speed does not match the actual state, the massage with the stimulus in which the pressing force clearly increases can be felt more strongly.

  In each of the embodiments, when the air flow rate per unit time is executed by, for example, changing the discharge capacity of the air supply unit, the air supply rate may be increased when the pressure in the air cell rises without feedback control or the like. Although the speed cannot be increased, the present invention is included in the present invention if the control unit performs control to vary the discharge capacity of the air supply unit so that the air flow rate per unit time of air toward the air cell increases with time. Shall be

(Appendix)
Matters that are made into a higher concept of the above embodiment are described below.

(Supplementary Note A) In a massage machine having an air cell that expands and contracts due to air supply and exhaust and executes massage to a user's body by pressing accompanying expansion of the air cell, air supply to the air cell connected to the air cell Air supply means arranged as possible, and a control unit for controlling at least an air supply state to the air cell by the air supply means, wherein the control unit has an air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell of the air. A massager that controls the operation of the air supply means so that it changes over time.

  The massage machine according to the supplementary note A has an effect that various massages can be realized.

(Supplementary Note B) In the process of inflating the air cell, the control unit maximizes the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell in a stage from the start of air supply to the air cell from the contracted state of the air cell to the elapse of a predetermined time. When the predetermined time elapses, the control unit controls the operation of the air supply means so that the air flow rate per unit time of the air toward the air cell changes over time. .

  According to the massage machine of the above Appendix B, in the process of operating the air supply means to supply air to the air cell and inflating the air cell, the air supply means is initially operated in the air supply state at the maximum flow rate, while the air supply means is operated for the predetermined time. After the lapse of time, the control unit changes the operation state of the air supply means to supply air to the air cell so that the flow rate of air changes over time. In this way, inflation and contraction are performed in the air cell having a certain size, the pressing force change to the massage target portion becomes quick, and the user who receives the pressing from the air cell becomes easy to sense with the change in the pressing force, and the air cell can receive the pressing force. The user can reliably grasp the pressing force as a stimulus that clearly changes, giving a clear massage feeling and enhancing the massage effect.

(Supplementary Note C) In the process in which the control unit starts the air supply to the air cell from the contracted state of the air cell in the process of inflating the air cell and before a predetermined time elapses, the air flow rate per unit time toward the air cell is set to the maximum amount. When the predetermined time elapses, the control unit temporarily reduces the air flow per unit time toward the air cell to a predetermined set amount or a minimum amount, and then moves to the air cell. A massage machine that controls the operation of air supply means so as to change the air flow rate per unit time.

  According to the massage machine described in the above Appendix C, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, in the process of expanding the air cell, when the air cell starts to supply air from the contracted state, the air supply means reduces the air flow toward the air cell by a predetermined amount. After the predetermined time has elapsed, after reducing the air flow toward the air cell once to a predetermined amount, the air supply means changes the air flow with the start of pressing the massage target portion by the air cell. At the initial stage where the air cell is not properly pressing the massage target portion, the air supply means supplies the maximum amount of air, while the time until the air cell starts pressing the massage target portion is shortened as much as possible, At a stage where the predetermined time has elapsed and the air cell can sufficiently press the massage target portion, the speed of the air flow toward the air cell is reduced. Even if the amount is reduced to a fixed amount, the pressing force of the air cell is greatly increased by the progress of the pressing due to the inflation of the air cell, and the stimulation by the pressing can be strongly applied to the user's massage target area, and the massage can be efficiently performed This further promotes the user's transition to the relaxed state by massage, and the above-described effect can be further exerted particularly when the speed of the decreasing air flow rate is reduced to the minimum.

(Supplementary Note D) A massage machine that controls the operation of the air exhaust unit and the air supply unit of the air cell after the predetermined time has elapsed.

  According to the massage described in Appendix D, in addition to the effects described above, the amount of air in the air cell can be reduced by the exhaust means, and the same expansion / contraction operation of the air cell can be repeatedly performed.

(Supplementary note E) A massage machine in which the predetermined time for maximizing the air flow rate per unit time is set differently depending on the treatment location.

  According to the massage machine of Appendix E, appropriate massage can be performed at a treatment site using an air cell in the massage machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Massager 11 Base part 12 Seat part 13 Backrest part 13a Backrest part frame 13b Guide frame 14 Armrest part 15 Leg support part 15a Groove part 16 Body part 17 Foot support part 30 Operation part 31 Stand 40 Control part 50 Mechanical unit 51 Kneading ball Reference Signs List 60 Drive mechanism unit 70 Air pump 71 Buttocks air cell 72 Thigh air cell 73 Back air cell 74 Waist air cell 75, 76 Leg air cell 77, 78 Leg air cell 80a, 80b Solenoid valve 80c, 80d Solenoid valve 80e, 80f Solenoid valve 80g, 80h Solenoid valve

Claims (1)

In a massage machine that has an air cell that expands and contracts due to the supply and exhaust of air, and performs a massage to the user's body by pressing with the expansion of the air cell,
An air supply unit connected to the air cell and arranged to be able to supply air to the air cell, and a control unit that controls an air supply state to the air cell by at least the air supply unit,
The control unit, in the process of expanding the air cell, in the stage from the start of air supply to the air cell from the contracted state of the air cell to the elapse of a predetermined time, the air flow per unit time toward the air cell to the maximum value Activate the air supply means and after a predetermined time,
The control unit, after once reducing the air flow per unit time of the air going to the air cell to a predetermined set amount or the minimum amount, so that the air flow per unit time of the air going to the air cell increases over time. , While controlling the operation of the air supply means,
The predetermined time for which the air flow rate per unit time is the maximum value is a different set value depending on the treatment location,
Further, among the treatment locations, the sole is configured to perform treatment by an air cell for the foot provided for suppressing the foot from above and an air cell for the sole provided on the sole,
The control unit, in the treatment of the sole,
For the foot air cell, operate the air supply means so as to maximize the air flow rate per unit time without performing the control that increases with time.
The air supply means is operated so that the air flow rate per unit time toward the sole air cell increases with time without performing the control for maximizing the air flow rate per unit time for the sole air cell. Massage machine characterized by controlling

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