JP7246772B1 - Air supply and exhaust system for gas massage machine and gas massage machine provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine and a gas massage machine having the same, which can realize a simplified structure even when a plurality of flow paths are provided. A supply and exhaust system includes a gas supply device, a distribution valve unit, and a main valve unit. The distribution valve unit includes a first portion having a first chamber, a first free port, a first connection port, a second connection port, a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, a second chamber and a second free port. a port, a third connection port, a fourth connection port, a third solenoid valve, and a second part having a fourth solenoid valve. The main valve unit comprises a plurality of solenoid valve units having a third part containing a third chamber and a fourth part containing a fourth chamber, the first part being connected to the third part and the second part being , is connected to the fourth part. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine and a gas massage machine having the same.

BACKGROUND ART A gas type massage machine (air massage machine) that utilizes the supply and discharge of compressed air is known as a type of massage machine for the purpose of recovering from fatigue, promoting blood circulation, and the like. US Pat. No. 5,900,001 discloses a compression system for use with a compression garment that includes an inflatable bladder. In US Pat. No. 5,400,001, both the inlet port of the two-way valve that controls the opening and closing of each inflatable bladder and the inlet port of the vent valve are connected to the same manifold.

One of the operations of the massager includes supplying gas to a predetermined region of the massager and simultaneously discharging gas from a region other than the predetermined region. In this case, it is necessary to provide a plurality of flow paths. Patent Literature 2 listed below discloses a gas massage machine provided with two electromagnetic valve units forming different flow paths. In Patent Document 2 below, each electromagnetic valve unit included in the gas supply/exhaust system has an air supply port and an air exhaust port in addition to a plurality of connection ports connected to the gas chambers of the massage tool.

Japanese Patent No. 6785224 Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-082607

Each solenoid valve unit in Patent Document 2 includes a plurality of solenoid valves that control opening and closing of each connection port, an air supply solenoid valve that controls opening and closing of the air supply port, and an exhaust valve that controls opening and closing of the exhaust port. It is necessary to have a solenoid valve for Therefore, the gas supply/exhaust system (particularly, the structure of each solenoid valve unit) in the gas massage machine tends to be complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine and a gas massage machine having the same, which can realize a simplified structure even when a plurality of flow paths are provided.

A supply and exhaust system for a gas massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a gas supply device, a distribution valve unit connected to the gas supply device, and a main valve unit connected to the distribution valve unit. . The distribution valve unit includes a first chamber, a first free port connected to the first chamber, a first connection port connecting the first chamber and the gas supply device, a second connection port connecting the first chamber and the outside, A first part having a first solenoid valve that controls opening and closing of the first connection port and a second solenoid valve that controls opening and closing of the second connection port; a second chamber independent of the first chamber; A second free port connected to the chamber, a third connection port connecting the second chamber and the gas supply device, a fourth connection port connecting the second chamber and the outside, and a third electromagnetic for controlling opening and closing of the third connection port. a second part having a valve and a fourth solenoid valve for controlling opening and closing of the fourth connection port, the main valve unit comprising a third part comprising a third chamber and at least one fifth solenoid valve; a plurality of solenoid valve units having a fourth chamber independent of the third chamber and a fourth portion including at least one sixth solenoid valve, wherein the first portion is included in each of the plurality of solenoid valve units It is connected to the third portion, and the second portion is connected to the fourth portion included in each of the plurality of solenoid valve units.

According to this gas massager air supply/exhaust system, the first and second chambers included in the distribution valve unit are independent of each other, and the third and fourth chambers of the solenoid valve unit included in the main valve unit are independent of each other. are independent of each other. Also, the first portion of the dispensing valve unit including the first chamber is connected to the third portion of the solenoid valve unit including the third chamber, and the second portion of the dispensing valve unit including the second chamber is connected to the fourth It is connected to the fourth part of the solenoid valve unit containing the chamber. For this reason, the air supply/exhaust system is provided with two flow paths, so that, for example, while supplying gas to the third chamber through the first portion, the gas in the fourth chamber is supplied through the second portion. Ejection becomes possible. In addition, since the main valve unit and the distribution valve unit are separated from each other, the configuration of each valve unit can be simplified.

Each of the first to sixth solenoid valves may be a two-way valve. In this case, the structure of each valve unit can be simplified.

The distribution valve unit and each of the plurality of solenoid valve units may have the same configuration. In this case, since the number of common parts in the air supply/exhaust system increases, it is possible to reduce costs and improve maintainability.

A gas massage machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes the air supply/exhaust system described above, and a massage tool having a plurality of gas chambers to which gas is supplied from a gas supply device, wherein the plurality of gas chambers includes a third portion and a second gas chamber connected to the fourth portion. According to this gas massage machine, by controlling the air supply/exhaust system, for example, gas can be discharged from the second gas chamber while gas is being supplied to the first gas chamber.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine and a gas massage machine including the same, which can achieve structural simplification even when a plurality of flow paths are provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a gas massage machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a massage tool. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of the air supply/exhaust system. FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view showing a distribution valve unit, and FIG. 4(b) is a front view showing the distribution valve unit. 5(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view along line Va-Va in FIG. 4(b), and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view along line Vb-Vb in FIG. 4(b). be. FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of a distribution valve unit. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of part of the massager, the air pump, the dispensing valve unit and one solenoid valve unit. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a kneading pattern using a massage tool. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a kneading pattern using a massage tool.

Preferred embodiments of one aspect of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same functions, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

The gas massage machine of this embodiment is a device that uses high-pressure gas to massage the body of the person being treated. The pneumatic massage machine is used to "massage" the body of the subject for the purpose of improving the subject's physical condition, for example, by improving the stagnation of the subject's veins and lymph nodes and promoting their flow. Used to stimulate the practitioner's body. As used herein, "high-pressure gas" refers to a gas having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, the gas is air for convenience. However, the gas is not particularly limited, and may be inert gases such as He (helium) and N ₂ (nitrogen), and other gases such as O ₂ (oxygen).

The gas massage machine 1 includes a massage tool 2 and an air supply/exhaust system 3 connected to the massage tool 2, as shown in FIG. A "connection" in this embodiment is not limited to a mere physical connection. For example, two devices are considered to be connected (fluidly connected) to each other when a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, flows between them through an intermediate member such as a hose, tube, tank, or the like.

The massage tool 2 is a tool that is worn on the body of the person to be treated in order to massage the body. The massaging device 2 is connected to an air supply/exhaust system 3 (an air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine) via a hose H and a connector C, as shown in FIG. The massaging device 2 is supplied with high-pressure gas from the supply/exhaust system 3 to expand, and is contracted by discharging the high-pressure gas through the supply/exhaust system 3 . The massage tool 2 presses the body by expanding and releases the pressure on the body by contracting. The massage tool 2 massages the body of the person to be treated by repeatedly compressing and releasing the body. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the massage tool 2 is attached so as to surround the body B of the person to be treated, presses the body B from the periphery of the body B, and then releases the pressure. configured to More specifically, the massager 2 includes a first massager 21 that surrounds the right leg and a second massager 22 that surrounds the left leg.

The first and second massage tools 21, 22 are connected to the air supply and exhaust system 3 via first and second hoses H1, H2 and first and second connectors C1, C2, respectively. However, as long as the massager 2 has a shape corresponding to the body B to be massaged, it is not limited to the two-part boot shape shown in the figure. For example, only one of the left and right sides may have a boot shape, or the left and right legs may have a trouser shape integrated to massage the entire lower body of the body B. It may have the shape of shorts for massaging around the waist of B, or it may have the shape of a shirt for massaging the entire upper half of body B.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the massage tool 2 has gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 which receive high pressure gas to expand and discharge high pressure gas to contract. The massage tool 2 is fluidly connected to the air supply/exhaust system 3 by fluidly connecting the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 to the air supply/exhaust system 3 . The massaging device 2 is configured to expand and contract as the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 expand and contract. The massage tool 2 has a plurality (16 in the illustrated example) of gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 in this embodiment. The massage tool 2 is provided with gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228, so that it can be inflated and contracted for each corresponding location. However, the massage device 2 may be configured to expand to compress the body B and contract to release the compression of the body B. For that purpose, it has at least one gas chamber. All you have to do is

As shown in FIG. 2, the gas chambers 211-218 and 221-228 are provided corresponding to respective parts of the body B to be massaged. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the massage tool 2 includes gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 that are continuously provided for the first massage tool 21 and the second massage tool 22, respectively. ing. The gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 are arranged in order from the gas chambers 211 and 221 provided in the regions corresponding to the toes toward the gas chambers 218 and 228 provided in the regions corresponding to the upper thighs. It is The massager 2 can appropriately set the arrangement and number of gas chambers according to the part of the body B to be massaged and according to the control mode of the massage to be performed.

Each of the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 is formed as a substantially cylindrical bag body so as to surround the part of the body B to be massaged. Each of the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 is sized so that it can be inflated to press the corresponding part of the body B and contracted to release the pressure on the corresponding part of the body B. As shown in FIG. The shape and size of the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 can be appropriately determined according to the part of the body B on which they are worn. Moreover, the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 are not particularly limited as long as they have airtightness to store high pressure gas and can be deformed by receiving and discharging the high pressure gas, and are made of, for example, a resin material. The resin member may have elasticity, for example.

The supply/exhaust system 3 supplies high-pressure gas to at least one gas chamber 211-218, 221-228 and discharges high-pressure gas from at least one gas chamber 211-218, 221-228. As shown in FIG. 1, the supply/exhaust system 3 includes a gas supply device 4, a distribution valve unit 5 connected to the gas supply device 4, a main valve unit 6 connected to the distribution valve unit 5, It has a control device 7 for controlling the gas supply device 4 , the distribution valve unit 5 , and the main valve unit 6 . The main valve unit 6 is connected to the first massager 21 and the second massager 22 . The air supply/exhaust system 3 may be provided with, for example, a display unit that displays an operation mode (such as a kneading pattern to be described later).

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of the air supply/exhaust system. As shown in FIG. 3 , the gas supply device 4 , distribution valve unit 5 and main valve unit 6 are mounted on a housing 30 . The housing 30 functions as a box that protects the inside of the air supply/exhaust system 3 by being combined with a lid (not shown).

The gas supply device 4 is a device that supplies high-pressure gas to the distribution valve unit 5 . The gas supply device 4 can include, for example, a pump that delivers high-pressure gas, a cylinder that ejects high-pressure gas when a valve is opened, and the like. In plan view, the gas supply device 4 is aligned with the main valve unit 6 along the direction X, and is aligned with the distribution valve unit 5 along the direction Y orthogonal to the direction X. As shown in FIG. In the following, the direction X is also referred to as the front-rear direction and the direction Y is also referred to as the left-right direction. In addition, the direction Z, orthogonal to the directions X and Y, is also referred to as the up-down direction.

The gas supply device 4 includes a main body 4a, a supply port 4b (see FIG. 7) for supplying gas from the main body 4a to the outside, and a suction port 4c (see FIG. 7). The supply port 4 b is connected to the distribution valve unit 5 . For example, the gas supply device 4 supplies gas to the main valve unit 6 via the supply port 4 b and the distribution valve unit 5 . At this time, the gas supply device 4 sucks the gas from the outside through the suction port 4c.

FIG. 4(a) is a perspective view showing a distribution valve unit, and FIG. 4(b) is a front view showing the distribution valve unit. 5(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view along line Va-Va in FIG. 4(b), and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view along line Vb-Vb in FIG. 4(b). be. FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram of a distribution valve unit. 3, 4(a), 4(b), 5(a), 5(b) and 6, the distribution valve unit 5 supplies high pressure gas to the main valve unit 6 and 6 is a device that controls gas intake. The distribution valve unit 5 is, for example, a device that switches a channel between the gas supply device 4 and the main valve unit 6 to a channel for supplying gas from the gas supply device 4 to the main valve unit 6 . The distribution valve unit 5 is located downstream of the gas supply device 4 and upstream of the main valve unit 6 .

The distribution valve unit 5 includes a body portion 50, a first free port FP1, a second free port FP2, a first connection port P1, a second connection port P2, a third connection port P3, a fourth connection port P4, a first It has an opening/closing mechanism 51 and a second opening/closing mechanism 52 .

The body portion 50 has a first member 50a, a second member 50b, and a seal member 50c positioned between the first member 50a and the second member 50b. The first member 50a is a main part of the main body 50, and is provided with a first free port FP1, a second free port FP2, a first opening/closing mechanism 51, and a second opening/closing mechanism 52. As shown in FIG. Although not shown, a depression is provided in a portion of the first member 50a facing the second member 50b, and the depression communicates with the first free port FP1 and the second free port FP2. The second member 50b is a lid portion of the body portion 50, and is provided with a first connection port P1, a second connection port P2, a third connection port P3, and a fourth connection port P4. The seal member 50c is a member that provides airtightness between the first member 50a and the second member 50b.

The first member 50a, the second member 50b, and the sealing member 50c are fixed to each other, for example, by known fixing means (fitting, screwing, etc.) not shown. The first member 50a and the second member 50b only need to have such rigidity that deformation can be suppressed against the pressing force due to the high-pressure gas and the pressing force due to the opening and closing of the port by the electromagnetic valve. Each of the first member 50a and the second member 50b is made of, for example, a resin material, a ceramic material, a metal material, or the like. The seal member 50c is, for example, an annular resin member.

The distribution valve unit 5 has a first portion 5a and a second portion 5b aligned along the Y direction. The first portion 5a and the second portion 5b are independent of each other. That is, the internal space of the first portion 5a and the internal space of the second portion 5b are separated from each other. Therefore, the gas flowing into the first portion 5a does not directly flow into the second portion 5b. In other words, in the distribution valve unit 5 the gas in the first portion 5a and the gas in the second portion 5b are not mixed with each other.

The first portion 5a includes a chamber CA1 (first chamber), a first free port FP1 connected to the chamber CA1 and the main valve unit 6, a first connection port P1 connected to the supply port 4b of the gas supply device 4, an external and a first opening/closing mechanism 51 for controlling opening/closing of the first connection port P1 and opening/closing of the second connection port P2. The second portion 5b includes a chamber CA2 (second chamber) different from the chamber CA1, a second free port FP2 connected to the chamber CA2 and the main valve unit 6, and a third port FP2 connected to the supply port 4b of the gas supply device 4. It has a connection port P3, a fourth connection port P4 connected to the outside, and a second opening/closing mechanism 52 that controls opening/closing of the third connection port P3 and opening/closing of the fourth connection port P4. The outside of the distribution valve unit 5 is, for example, the outside air of the supply/exhaust system 3 .

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the chamber CA1 is an internal space provided in the first portion 5a and communicates with the first free port FP1, the first connection port P1, and the second connection port P2. The gas flowing into the chamber CA1 is supplied from the gas supply device 4 through the first connection port P1 and supplied to the main valve unit 6 through the first free port FP1. Alternatively, the gas is discharged to the outside through the second connection port P2.

The first free port FP1 is a port extending toward the rear side of the air supply/exhaust system 3 in the direction X and is connected to the chamber CA1. The first free port FP1 is connected to the main valve unit 6 via, for example, a tube, a tank, or the like. Each of the first connection port P1 and the second connection port P2 is a port extending in direction Z toward the bottom side of the air supply and exhaust system 3 . The first connection port P1 is a portion that connects the chamber CA1 and the gas supply device 4, and the second connection port P2 is a portion that connects the chamber CA1 and the outside.

The chamber CA2 shown in FIG. 5(b) is an internal space provided in the second portion 5b and communicates with the second free port FP2, the third connection port P3, and the fourth connection port P4. Chamber CA2 is independent of chamber CA1 and has substantially the same shape as chamber CA1. The gas flowing into the chamber CA2 is supplied from the gas supply device 4 through the third connection port P3 and supplied to the main valve unit 6 through the second free port FP2. Alternatively, the gas is discharged to the outside through the fourth connection port P4.

The second free port FP2 is a port extending toward the rear side of the air supply/exhaust system 3 in the direction X and is connected to the chamber CA2. The second free port FP2 is connected to the main valve unit 6 via, for example, a tube, a tank, or the like. Each of the third connection port P3 and the fourth connection port P4 is a port extending toward the bottom side of the air supply and exhaust system 3 in the direction Z. The third connection port P3 is a portion that connects the chamber CA2 and the gas supply device 4, and the fourth connection port P4 is a portion that connects the chamber CA2 and the outside.

The first opening/closing mechanism 51 is a mechanism for switching the flow path of the gas flowing into the chamber CA1 of the first portion 5a. and a second electromagnetic valve V2 for opening and closing the . The first solenoid valve V1 is a two-way valve that opens and closes the first connection port P1 by being electrically driven. The second solenoid valve V2 is a two-way valve that opens and closes the second connection port P2 by being electrically driven. In this embodiment, the first solenoid valve V1 and the second solenoid valve V2 have the same structure.

The second opening/closing mechanism 52 is a mechanism for switching the flow path of the gas flowing into the chamber CA2 of the second portion 5b. As shown in FIG. 6, the second opening/closing mechanism 52 has a third solenoid valve V3 for opening and closing the third connection port P3 and a fourth solenoid valve V4 for opening and closing the fourth connection port P4. . In this embodiment, each of the third solenoid valve V3 and the fourth solenoid valve V4 is a two-way valve having the same structure as the first solenoid valve V1. Therefore, the structure of the first solenoid valve V1 will be described below, and the description of the second solenoid valve V2, the third solenoid valve V3, and the fourth solenoid valve V4 will be omitted.

The first solenoid valve V1 has a valve seat Va, a valve body Vb, an electromagnet Vc, and a biasing body Vd. The valve seat Va is adjacent to the first connection port P1 to be opened and closed, and is a portion provided so that the valve body Vb can come into contact therewith. The valve seat Va is formed such that the first connection port P1 is closed when the valve body Vb is brought into contact therewith. The valve seat Va has, for example, a substantially cylindrical truncated shape extending toward the valve body Vb.

The valve body Vb is a portion that opens and closes the first connection port P1 in cooperation with the valve seat Va, and is a rod-shaped portion that extends along the direction Z. As shown in FIG. The valve body Vb moves, for example, between a position in contact with the valve seat Va and a position in which the valve seat Va is exposed. The valve body Vb is movable along the direction Z by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet Vc and the biasing force of the biasing body Vd. The valve body Vb contains a magnetic material such as iron so as to be driven by the electromagnetic force of the electromagnet Vc. The tip of the valve body Vb that contacts the valve seat Va may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this case, when the tip of the valve body Vb comes into contact with the valve seat Va, the tip of the valve body Vb can deform to follow the shape of the valve seat Va. As a result, the valve seat Va and the valve body Vb are brought into close contact with each other.

The electromagnet Vc applies an electromagnetic force to the valve body Vb by being supplied with electric power. In this embodiment, the electromagnet Vc is configured to apply an electromagnetic force to the valve body Vb to urge the valve body Vb in a direction away from the valve seat Va when power is supplied. However, the electromagnet Vc may be configured to apply an electromagnetic force to the valve body Vb to urge the valve body Vb toward the valve seat Va when power is supplied. The electromagnet Vc is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of structural simplicity, a cylindrical solenoid coil that accommodates the valve body Vb inside can be adopted.

The biasing body Vd biases the valve body Vb in a predetermined direction to maintain the open state or closed state of the first connection port P1. The biasing body Vd biases the valve body Vb toward the valve seat Va, for example, to maintain the closed state. In this case, the first electromagnetic valve V1 is a normally closed valve that remains closed when power is not supplied. The biasing body Vd may bias the valve body Vb in the direction away from the valve seat Va in order to maintain the open state. In this case, the first solenoid valve V1 is a normally open valve that is kept open when power is not supplied. The biasing body Vd is not particularly limited as long as it can bias the valve body Vb in a predetermined direction, and a known spring or the like may be used.

Returning to FIG. 3, the main valve unit 6 interlocks with the distribution valve unit 5 to supply high-pressure gas to the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 of the massage tool 2, respectively. 218, 221 to 228, respectively. In this embodiment, the main valve unit 6 has four solenoid valve units 61-64. The solenoid valve units 61 to 64 are devices arranged in order along the direction Y and have at least one solenoid valve.

In this embodiment, each of the solenoid valve units 61 to 64 has the same structure as the distributing valve unit 5 . For this reason, each of the solenoid valve units 61 to 64 includes two chambers (third and fourth chambers), two free ports, four connection ports, and four solenoid valves (fifth and fourth solenoid valves). 6 solenoid valve). In each of the solenoid valve units 61 to 64, each free port is a port extending toward the bottom side of the housing 30 in the direction Z, and each connection port is a port extending toward the front side of the housing 30 in the direction X. It is a port that Therefore, in the direction X, each connection port and the first free port FP1 and the second free port FP2 of the distribution valve unit 5 extend opposite to each other.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of part of the massage tool, the gas supply device, the distribution valve unit and one solenoid valve unit. As shown in FIG. 7, the distribution valve unit 5 is provided with flow paths R1 and R2 different from each other. The connection between the flow path R1 and the gas supply device 4 is controlled by opening and closing the first solenoid valve V1, and the connection between the flow path R2 and the gas supply device 4 is controlled by opening and closing the third solenoid valve V3. Therefore, by controlling the first solenoid valve V1 and the third solenoid valve V3, the flow paths R1 and R2 can be independent of each other. For example, by closing the third electromagnetic valve V3 while opening the first electromagnetic valve V1, the gas supply device 4 can supply the gas only to the flow path R1. At this time, by opening the fourth solenoid valve V4, the gas in the flow path R2 can be discharged to the outside through the fourth connection port P4 while supplying the gas to the flow path R1. Further, by closing the first electromagnetic valve V1 while opening the third electromagnetic valve V3, the gas supply device 4 can supply the gas only to the flow path R2. At this time, by opening the second electromagnetic valve V2, the gas in the flow path R1 can be discharged to the outside through the second connection port P2 while supplying the gas to the flow path R2. A barometer or the like may be provided in each of the flow paths R1 and R2.

A solenoid valve unit 61 included in the main valve unit 6 includes a portion 61a (second and a portion 61b (fourth portion) including the other chamber (fourth chamber), free port FP4, connection ports P13 and P14, and solenoid valves V13 and V14 (sixth solenoid valve). Each of the portions 61a and 61b is provided with a chamber, which is an internal space.

The first portion 5a of the distribution valve unit 5 is connected to the portion 61a of the solenoid valve unit 61, and the second portion 5b of the distribution valve unit 5 is connected to the portion 61b of the solenoid valve unit 61. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the free port FP3 is connected to the first free port FP1 of the valve unit 5 for distribution, and the free port FP4 is connected to the second free port FP2 of the valve unit 5 for distribution. Therefore, it can be said that the portion 61a constitutes a part of the flow path R1 and the portion 61b constitutes a part of the flow path R2. In this embodiment, each portion of the solenoid valve units 62 to 64 corresponding to the portion 61a of the solenoid valve unit 61 is connected to the first portion 5a, and the portions of the solenoid valve units 62 to 64 corresponding to the portion 61b of the solenoid valve unit 61 are connected to the first portion 5a. Each part is connected to the second part 5b.

In this embodiment, the solenoid valve unit 61 is connected to both the first massager 21 and the second massager 22 . As shown in FIG. 7, in the electromagnetic valve unit 61, connection ports P11 and P12 are connected to gas chambers 211 and 221 (first gas chambers), respectively, and connection ports P13 and P14 are connected to gas chambers 213 and 223 (second gas chambers). gas chamber). Gas supply to gas chambers 211 and 221 or gas discharge from gas chambers 211 and 221 is controlled by solenoid valves V11 and V12, respectively. Gas supply to gas chambers 213, 223 or gas discharge from gas chambers 213, 223 is controlled by solenoid valves V13, V14, respectively.

In this embodiment, each of the solenoid valve units 62 to 64 is connected to both the first massage tool 21 and the second massage tool 22, like the solenoid valve unit 61. For example, the connection ports P15-P18 (see FIG. 3) included in the electromagnetic valve unit 62 are connected to the gas chambers 212, 222, 214 and 224, respectively. Similarly, the connection ports P21 to P24 (see FIG. 3) included in the solenoid valve unit 63 are connected to the gas chambers 215, 225, 217 and 227 respectively, and the connection ports P25 to P28 included in the solenoid valve unit 64 ( 3) are connected to gas chambers 216, 226, 218 and 228, respectively. The opening/closing of each of the connection ports P11-18 and P21-28 is controlled by corresponding electromagnetic valves (not shown). The connection ports P15, P16, P21, P22, P25 and P26 are connected to the flow path R1, and the connection ports P17, P18, P23, P24, P27 and P28 are connected to the flow path R2.

The massaging tool 2, the gas supply device 4, the distribution valve unit 5, and the main valve unit 6 have the above-described circuit configuration, so that gas can be supplied to at least one of the gas chambers 211 and 221 via the flow path R1, for example. At the same time, the gas can be discharged from at least one of the gas chambers 213 and 223 through the flow path R2. Alternatively, gas can be discharged from at least one of the gas chambers 211 and 221 via the flow path R1 while supplying the gas to at least one of the gas chambers 213 and 223 via the flow path R2.

An example of gas supply to the gas chambers 211, 213, 221, and 223 by the air supply/exhaust system 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. First, gas is selectively supplied to the flow path R1 by opening the first solenoid valve V1 and closing the second solenoid valve V2 and the third solenoid valve V3 while the gas supply device 4 is supplying gas. At this time, the gas is selectively supplied to the gas chamber 211 by opening the solenoid valve V11 and closing the solenoid valve V12. Subsequently, the gas is selectively supplied to the gas chamber 221 by opening the solenoid valve V12 and closing the solenoid valve V11. Subsequently, gas is selectively supplied to the flow path R2 by opening the third solenoid valve V3 and closing the first solenoid valve V1 and the fourth solenoid valve V4. At this time, the gas is selectively supplied to the gas chamber 213 by opening the solenoid valve V13 and closing the solenoid valve V14. Subsequently, the gas is selectively supplied to the gas chamber 223 by opening the solenoid valve V14 and closing the solenoid valve V13.

When the gas is supplied to the flow path R1, the gas is simultaneously supplied to both the gas chambers 211 and 221 by opening both the solenoid valves V11 and V12. Also, as described above, the connection ports P15, P16, P21, P22, P25, and P26 are connected to the flow path R1. Therefore, for example, gas is supplied to the gas chamber 212 by opening an electromagnetic valve that controls opening and closing of the connection port P15 during gas supply to the flow path R1. Further, gas is supplied to both the gas chambers 211 and 212 by opening the solenoid valve for controlling opening and closing of the connection port P15 in addition to the solenoid valve V11 during gas supply to the flow path R1. The same applies to the flow path R2.

An example of evacuation from the gas chambers 211, 213, 221, and 223 will be described below with reference to FIG. First, by closing the first solenoid valve V1 and opening the second solenoid valve V2, the chamber CA1 of the distribution valve unit 5 is connected to the outside. At this time, the gas chamber 211 is selectively exhausted by opening the solenoid valve V11 and closing the solenoid valve V12. Subsequently, the gas chamber 221 is selectively evacuated by opening the solenoid valve V11 and closing the solenoid valve V12. Subsequently, by closing the third solenoid valve V3 and opening the fourth solenoid valve V4, the chamber CA2 of the distribution valve unit 5 is connected to the outside. At this time, the gas chamber 213 is selectively exhausted by opening the solenoid valve V13 and closing the solenoid valve V14. Subsequently, the gas chamber 223 is selectively evacuated by opening the solenoid valve V14 and closing the solenoid valve V13.

When the chamber CA1 of the distribution valve unit 5 is connected to the outside, both the gas chambers 211 and 221 are simultaneously evacuated by opening both the solenoid valves V11 and V12. Also, as described above, the connection ports P15, P16, P21, P22, P25, and P26 are connected to the flow path R1. For this reason, for example, when the chamber CA1 of the distribution valve unit 5 is connected to the outside, not only the solenoid valves V11 and V12 but also the solenoid valves for controlling the opening/closing of the connection ports P15, P16, P21, P22, P25 and P26 are provided. By opening, the gas chambers 211, 212, 215, 216, 221, 222, 225, 226 are evacuated simultaneously. Gas chambers 213, 214, 217, 218, 223, 224, 227 and 228 can also be evacuated in the same manner.

In the following, the gas chambers 211 to 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, 218, and A specific example of gas supply and gas discharge for 221-228 will be described. First, in a state in which all of the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 are contracted, gas is supplied by the gas supply device 4 so that the gas is selectively supplied to the flow path R1. That is, after opening only the first electromagnetic valve V1 in the distribution valve unit 5, the gas supply device 4 performs gas supply. Subsequently, among the solenoid valves V11, V12, V15, V16, V21, V22, V25 and V26, only the solenoid valves V11 and V12 are opened. Thereby, the gas is supplied to the gas chambers 211 and 221 and the gas chambers 211 and 221 are expanded. Subsequently, the solenoid valves V11 and V12 are closed to maintain the expanded state of the gas chambers 211 and 221, and the solenoid valves V15 and V16 are opened. Thereby, the gas is supplied to the gas chambers 212 and 222 and the gas chambers 212 and 222 are expanded.

Subsequently, while the solenoid valves V15 and V16 are closed to maintain the expanded state of the gas chambers 212 and 222, the gas supply device 4 performs gas supply so that the gas is selectively supplied to the flow path R2. . That is, the first solenoid valve V1 is closed and the third solenoid valve V3 is opened. Subsequently, only the solenoid valves V13 and V14 among the solenoid valves V13, V14, V17, V18, V23, V24, V27 and V28 are opened. Thereby, the gas is supplied to the gas chambers 213 and 223 and the gas chambers 213 and 223 are expanded. Here, gas is discharged from the gas chambers 211 and 221 by opening the second solenoid valve V2 and the solenoid valves V11 and V12. Therefore, the gas is discharged from the gas chambers 211 and 221 while supplying the gas to the gas chambers 213 and 223 . Subsequently, the solenoid valves V13 and V14 are closed to maintain the expanded state of the gas chambers 213 and 223, and the solenoid valves V17 and V18 are opened. Thereby, the gas is supplied to the gas chambers 214 and 224 and the gas chambers 212 and 222 are expanded. Here, the gas is discharged from the gas chambers 212 and 222 by also opening the electromagnetic valves V13 and V14. Therefore, the gas is discharged from the gas chambers 212 and 222 while supplying the gas to the gas chambers 214 and 224 . At this time, depending on the case, the gas is continuously discharged from the gas chambers 211 and 221 as well.

In addition to the above operation, by operating the solenoid valves V21 to V28 in the same manner as the solenoid valves V11 to V18, for example, while supplying gas to the gas chambers 215 and 225 connected to the flow path R1, the flow path R2 Gas is discharged from gas chambers 213 and 223 connected to . By performing such operations, each of the gas chambers 211 to 218 and the gas chambers 221 to 228 can repeat expansion and contraction in order.

Returning to FIG. 3 , the control device 7 provided in the air supply/exhaust system 3 is a device that controls the operations of the gas supply device 4 , the distribution valve unit 5 and the main valve unit 6 . The control device 7 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read-Only Memory). The control device 7 is configured, for example, to be able to execute a control program stored in a ROM. The control program is written to operate the gas supply device 4, the distribution valve unit 5, and the main valve unit 6, for example, based on the desired order of expansion and contraction of the gas chambers 211-218, 221-228. there is The control device 7 may be provided inside the housing 30 of the air supply/exhaust system 3 or may be provided outside the housing 30 .

Next, the operation of the gas massage machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of kneading patterns using a massage tool. In this specification, by supplying high-pressure gas to the gas chambers 211-218, 221-228 of the massage tool 2 or discharging high-pressure gas from the gas chambers 211-218, 221-228, the gas chambers 211-218, The order of expansion or contraction of 221-228 is called a "kneading pattern". It should be noted that the operation of the gas massage machine 1 described below is merely an example.

When massaging the body to improve blood and/or lymph flow, the body may be compressed in order from the extremities to the torso. As a kneading pattern by the massage tool 2 corresponding to this, as shown in FIGS. After maintaining the inflated state of the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 (after once holding the pressure in the inflated gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228), the gas chambers 211 to 218 and 221 to 228 are inflated in order. A kneading pattern that causes contraction can be considered. The mode of the kneading pattern shown in FIG. 8 and similar kneading pattern modes are referred to herein as "wave-modes." Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the gas chambers 211, 221 to 218, 228 are sequentially inflated, and until the gas chambers 218, 228 are completely inflated, A kneading pattern that keeps the gas chambers 211-217 and 221-227 inflated is conceivable. The mode of the kneading pattern shown in FIG. 9 and similar kneading patterns are referred to herein as "squeeze-modes."

A specific example of the operation of the air supply/exhaust system 3 in the wave mode and a specific example of the operation of the air supply/exhaust system 3 in the squeeze mode are described, for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-082607. The control device 7 can implement various kneading patterns by controlling the distribution valve unit 5 and the main valve unit 6 in addition to the wave mode and squeeze mode described above.

According to the gas massage machine 1 having the air supply/exhaust system 3 according to the present embodiment described above, the chambers CA1 and CA2 included in the distribution valve unit 5 are independent of each other and included in the main valve unit 6. The two chambers of solenoid valve unit 61 are independent of each other. Also, the first portion 5a of the distribution valve unit 5 including the chamber CA1 is connected to the portion 61a of the solenoid valve unit 61 including one chamber, and the second portion 5b of the distribution valve unit 5 including the chamber CA2 is connected to It is connected to the part 61b of the solenoid valve unit 61 containing the other chamber. For this reason, the air supply/exhaust system 3 is provided with two flow paths R1 and R2, so that, for example, gas is supplied to one of the chambers through the first portion 5a while gas is supplied through the second portion 5b. Evacuation of the other chamber is enabled. In addition, since the main valve unit 6 and the distribution valve unit 5 are separated from each other, the configuration of each valve unit can be simplified. As a result, the size of the main valve unit 6 can be reduced, so that, for example, the housing 30 can be made smaller, and as a result, the size of the air supply/exhaust system 3 can also be reduced.

In this embodiment, each of the first to fourth solenoid valves V1 to V4 and the solenoid valves V11 and V12 is a two-way valve. Therefore, the structures of the distribution valve unit 5 and the main valve unit 6 can be simplified.

In this embodiment, the distribution valve unit 5 and each of the solenoid valve units 61 to 64 have the same configuration. As a result, the number of common parts in the air supply/exhaust system 3 is increased, so that cost reduction can be realized and maintainability can be improved.

The air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine and the gas massage machine provided with the same according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, the main valve unit has four solenoid valve units, but it is not limited to this. The number of solenoid valve units may be determined by the number of gas chambers included in the massage tool.

In the above embodiment, the distribution valve unit and the electromagnetic valve unit have the same shape, but this is not the only option.

In the above embodiment, each of the plurality of solenoid valve units is connected to both the first massager and the second massager, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, some electromagnetic valve units may be connected only to the first massager, and other electromagnetic valve units may be connected only to the second massager. Alternatively, some electromagnetic valve units are connected only to the first massager, some electromagnetic valve units are connected only to the second massager, and yet another electromagnetic valve unit is connected to the first massager and the second massager. It may be connected to both the massage tool.

In the above embodiments, each connection port of each solenoid valve unit is connected to one corresponding gas chamber, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each connection port may be connected to two or more gas chambers. In this case, one connection port may be provided in both one air chamber of the first massager and one air chamber of the second massager. Even in this case, the same operation as in the above embodiment is possible.

In the above embodiment, in each of the plurality of solenoid valve units, one of the two connection ports included in one portion is connected to the first massager, and the other connection port is connected to the second massager. Connected, but not limited to. For example, one portion may be connected to one of the first massage device and the second massage device, and the other portion may be connected to the other of the first massage device and the second massage device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Gas type massage machine, 2... Massage tool, 3... Air supply/exhaust system (air supply/exhaust system for gas type massage machine), 4... Gas supply device, 4b... Supply port, 4c... Inhalation port, 5... Distribution valve unit , 5a... first part, 5b... second part, 6... main valve unit, 7... control device, 21... first massage tool, 22... second massage tool, 30... housing, 51... first opening/closing mechanism, 52... Second opening/closing mechanism 61-64... Solenoid valve unit 61a... Part (third part) 61b... Part (second part) 211-218, 221-228... Gas chamber CA1... Chamber (first chamber), CA2... chamber (second chamber), FP1... first free port, FP2... second free port, FP3, FP4... free port, P1... first connection port, P2... second connection port, P3... second 3 connection ports, P4... fourth connection port, V1... first solenoid valve, V2... second solenoid valve, V3... third solenoid valve, V4... fourth solenoid valve, V11, V12... solenoid valve (fifth solenoid valve ), V13, V14... Solenoid valve (sixth solenoid valve).

Claims (5)

a gas supply device;
a distribution valve unit connected to the gas supply device;
a main valve unit connected to the distribution valve unit;
with
The distribution valve unit is
a first chamber, a first free port connected to the first chamber, a first connection port connecting the first chamber and the gas supply device, a second connection port connecting the first chamber and the outside, the second a first portion having a first solenoid valve for controlling opening/closing of one connection port and a second solenoid valve for controlling opening/closing of the second connection port;
a second chamber independent of the first chamber, a second free port connected to the second chamber, a third connection port connecting the second chamber and the gas supply device, and connecting the second chamber and the outside a connecting fourth connection port, a third solenoid valve for controlling opening and closing of the third connection port, and a second portion having a fourth solenoid valve for controlling opening and closing of the fourth connection port,
The main valve unit includes a third portion including a third chamber , a third free port connected to the third chamber, and at least one fifth solenoid valve, and a fourth chamber independent of the third chamber. , a fourth free port connected to the fourth chamber, and a fourth portion including at least one sixth solenoid valve;
the first free port of the first portion is connected to the third free port of the third portion included in each of the plurality of solenoid valve units;
The second free port of the second portion is connected to the fourth free port of the fourth portion included in each of the plurality of solenoid valve units,
Air supply and exhaust system for gas massage machine. 2. The air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine according to claim 1, wherein each of said first to sixth electromagnetic valves is a two-way valve. 3. The air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine according to claim 1, wherein said first portion and said second portion have the same structure. 4. The air supply/exhaust system for a gas massage machine according to claim 1, wherein said distribution valve unit and each of said plurality of electromagnetic valve units have the same configuration. The air supply and exhaust system for a gas massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
a massage tool having a plurality of gas chambers to which gas is supplied from the gas supply device;
with
The third portion has a connection port whose opening and closing is controlled by the fifth solenoid valve and is connected to the third chamber,
The fourth part has a connection port whose opening and closing is controlled by the sixth solenoid valve and is connected to the fourth chamber,
The plurality of gas chambers have a first gas chamber connected to the connection port of the third portion and a second gas chamber connected to the connection port of the fourth portion,
gas massager.

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