JP2001204790A - Massage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a noiseless, small and inexpensive massage device concerning the massage device in which a massage operation is given by intermittent air supply/exhaust to air cells. SOLUTION: This device is provided with an air pump 27 having an intake port 25 and a discharge port 26, a pump case 24 having an air communicating part 36 at the outer side of the air pump 27, a change-over valve 31 connected from the discharge port 26 of the pump 27 by way of an air supply pipe 30, an air supply/exhaust pipe 32 connecting the valve 31 to the air cells 21 and a return exhaust pipe 33 for returning exhaust air from the valve 31 to the pump case 24. Then exhaust air from the air cells 21 is returned to the pump case 24, an exhaust noise is shielded by the pump case 24, an extra control valve except the change-over valve 31 is not required since the pump case 24 is provided with the air communicating part 36, the number of parts is reduced and piping is easily connected. Then the objective quiet, small and inexpensive massage device is realized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a massage device in which a massage action is provided by intermittent supply and exhaust of air cells.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of massage apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-148216 and Patent No. 263090.
There was one as described in No. 9. In this apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a rocking plate 3 is mounted on air cells A1 to A4 which expand and contract by the supply and discharge of air, and the rocking plate 3 is provided at an upper position of each air cell. An operating unit 1 to which the acupressure elements B1 to B4 are fixed, an air pump 4, electromagnetic valves F1 to F4, and supply / exhaust pipes C1 to C4.
The air circuit composed of the air cells A1 to A4 and the like is a closed circuit, and is provided with an air supply solenoid valve 11 and an exhaust solenoid valve 12 for increasing or decreasing the total amount of air in the air circuit. By making the circuit a closed circuit, there was no exhaust sound to the atmosphere and a quiet massage could be performed.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional massage device, the air pump 4 and the solenoid valve F1
To F4, supply / exhaust pipes C1 to C4 and air cells A1 to A4
When the air temperature in the closed circuit is low, the air in the closed circuit contracts and the average air pressure becomes a negative pressure, so that the air cells A1 to A4 can be sufficiently expanded. On the contrary, when the air temperature in the closed circuit is low, the air in the closed circuit expands, the average air pressure becomes positive, and the air cells A1 to A4 cannot be sufficiently contracted. In order to cover this problem, a solenoid valve F1 for switching the air cells A1 to A4 is used.
Apart from F4, there is still another disadvantage that an additional air supply electromagnetic valve 11 and an exhaust electromagnetic valve 12 for increasing or decreasing the total air amount in the air circuit are required. That is, in addition to the switching solenoid valves F1 to F4, it is necessary to additionally provide the air supply solenoid valve 11 and the exhaust solenoid valve 12, which not only increases the number of parts but also complicates the piping and increases the size. However, there have been problems in that the components are difficult to assemble, that the assembly becomes difficult, and that the cost of parts and the cost of assembly are increased.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a massaging apparatus in which a massaging action is provided by intermittent supply and exhaust to and from an air cell, an air pump having a suction port and a discharge port, A pump case having an atmosphere communicating portion outside the air pump, and a switching valve connected from a discharge port of the air pump via an air supply pipe, and the switching valve and the air cell are connected by a supply / exhaust pipe and the switching valve And a return exhaust pipe returning from the pump case to the pump case.

According to the above invention, since the pump case having the air communication portion outside the air pump and the return exhaust pipe returning from the switching valve to the pump case are provided, the exhaust from the air cell returns to the pump case. The exhaust noise is isolated by the pump case and is quiet. In addition, since the pump case has an atmosphere communicating portion, it is necessary to additionally provide an air supply electromagnetic valve 11 and an exhaust electromagnetic valve 12 in addition to the switching electromagnetic valves F1 to F4 as in the conventional example. There are no defects, the number of parts is small, and the piping connection is simple.
As a result, a quiet, small and inexpensive massage device can be realized.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A massage device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a massage device in which a massage action is provided by intermittent supply and exhaust to an air cell, wherein the air pump having a suction port and a discharge port; A pump case having an atmosphere communicating portion outside the air pump, and a discharge valve of the air pump connected to a switching valve via an air supply pipe, and the switching valve and the air cell are connected with a supply / exhaust pipe, and the switching valve is Since a return exhaust pipe for returning to the pump case is provided, exhaust from the air cell returns to the pump case,
Since the pumping sound acts to be blocked by the pump case and the pump case has an atmosphere communicating portion, the pumping electromagnetic valve 1 other than the switching electromagnetic valves F1 to F4 as in the conventional example is used.
There is no such a problem that an extra solenoid valve 12 and an exhaust valve 12 must be provided, the number of parts is small, and the piping connection is simplified. As a result, a quiet, small and inexpensive massage device can be realized.

In the massage device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the air communication portion of the pump case is configured as a small hole or a gap, and the operating sound and the exhaust sound of the air pump in the pump case are out of the pump case. The leaked volume acts as a small hole or gap in the air communication part, and acts to suppress it very slightly.To increase or decrease the total amount of air in the air circuit, the air supply solenoid valve or exhaust valve is used. Therefore, it is possible to realize a quiet massage device that does not have the disadvantage that the electromagnetic valve or the like must be provided separately from the switching valve.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the massage device, the return exhaust pipe is connected to the pump case at a position where an air flow is generated at least outside the air pump by the return exhaust. The surrounding heat acts so as to be diffused by the airflow, and it is possible to prevent the temperature from excessively rising due to the self-heating caused by the operation of the air pump.

A massage device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of return exhaust pipes are provided, and a connection position of the return exhaust pipe to a pump case is provided at a plurality of positions. It acts to cool, enhances the cooling effect of the air pump over a wider range, and prevents an excessive rise in temperature over a wider range.

In the massage device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is provided at a position where the return exhaust directly hits an electromagnetic coil exterior part such as a motor or a solenoid for driving an air pump. Depending on the configuration
The part where the air pump generates the most heat can be cooled more effectively, and the temperature rise of the air pump can be suppressed lower. Therefore, even if the massage device is used continuously for a long time, it is possible to realize a massage device that has a small temperature rise and can be used quietly and continuously for a long time.

In the massage device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is such that the return exhaust turns the air flow outside the electromagnetic coil such as a motor or a solenoid for driving the air pump. With this configuration, the airflow can be cooled over a wide range while the airflow is swirling outside the electromagnetic coil where the air pump generates the most heat, and the temperature rise unevenness of the air pump can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, even if the massage device is used continuously for a long time, it is possible to realize a massage device that has less temperature rise unevenness and can be used quietly and continuously for a long time.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the massage device, the suction port of the air pump is provided facing the inside of the pump case and is provided with a foam material or a mesh filter. Even if noise from other moving parts comes out through the suction port, it faces the inside of the pump case, so it works so that it is blocked by the pump case,
Can be quiet. Further, since the suction port is provided with a foam or mesh filter, the filter functions both to attenuate noise and to prevent foreign substances from entering the air pump. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the noise by the double sound insulation effect of the sound insulation by the pump case and the sound insulation by the filter, and to further enhance the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering the air pump by the pump case and the filter.

The massage device according to claim 8 of the present invention has a structure in which a housing case is further provided outside the pump case, so that the operation sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are first provided outside the air pump. Sound insulation by the case. The sound leaked from the pump case acts so as to be blocked by a housing case provided further outside the pump case. As described above, since the sound is double-insulated by the pump case and the housing case, an extremely quiet massage device can be realized.

The massage device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is configured such that the housing case outside the pump case has a small hole or a gap communicating with the atmosphere, so that the operating sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are reduced. And the housing case maintain the quietness of the double sound insulation, while at the same time ensuring that the air communication function with the air pump inlet is ensured.As a result, the total air volume in the air circuit is increased / decreased while being extremely quiet. In order to achieve this, it is possible to realize a massage device that does not have the drawback that a solenoid valve for supplying air, a solenoid valve for discharging, and the like must be provided separately from the switching valve.

In a massage device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an air cell driven by an air pump and a switching valve is mounted on a housing case, and a massager that moves in accordance with the operation of the air cell and the housing case. Due to the configuration having the sliding gap, there is no need to particularly provide a small hole for communicating with the atmosphere in the housing case outside the pump case, and the sliding gap between the treatment element and the housing case has a function of communicating with the atmosphere. Acts as a double. As a result, the operating noise of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are maintained without the need for any special work or work. It is possible to provide an inexpensive and highly practical quiet massage device with a small number of parts.

The massage device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention has a structure in which at least an air pump, a switching valve, a pump case, an air supply pipe, a supply / exhaust pipe, and a return exhaust pipe are built in a housing case, so that the noise of the air pump is reduced. In addition, the operating noise of the switching valve and the noise leaking from the surfaces of the air supply pipe, the supply / exhaust pipe, and the return exhaust pipe act so as to be insulated by the housing case. As a result, not only the operation sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell but also the sound from the switching valve and the supply / exhaust pipe can be provided, so that a more quiet and comfortable massage device can be provided.

A massage device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention has a configuration in which a controller for controlling the driving of an air pump, a switching valve, and an air cell is incorporated in a housing case. All are integrated into the housing case and can provide a compact and quiet massage device.

[0018] The massage device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is configured such that an elastic material is provided on the outer surface of the housing case, so that the operating sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are reduced by the pump case and the housing case. The sound is heavily sound-insulated, and further acts so as to be sound-insulated by an elastic material provided on the outer surface of the housing case, resulting in what is called triple sound insulation. In addition to sound insulation, when the user leans the body against the housing case, the elastic material resilience matches the comfort and the elastic material absorbs the unpleasant vibrations, resulting in unpleasant noise and vibration. Both can provide a less comfortable massage device.

The massage device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is configured such that an elastic material is provided on the entire outside of the housing case.
The operating noise of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell
The pump case, the housing case, and the elastic material on the outside of the housing case function so as to perform triple sound insulation, and also function to absorb unpleasant vibrations by the elastic material. As a result, it is possible to provide a massage device with less unpleasant noise and vibration in any direction of the housing case.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a massage apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are partially enlarged sectional views of the massage apparatus.

1 to 4, a housing case 2 of a massage device 22 for applying a massage action by intermittent supply and exhaust to and from an air cell 21 made of bellows.
A pump case 24 is provided inside 3.

The inside of the pump case 24 has an inlet 2
An air pump 27 having a discharge port 5 and a discharge port 26 is supported and provided by an elastic body 28 made of a spring.

The suction port 25 of the air pump 27 is provided facing the inside of the pump case 24 and includes a filter 29 made of a foam material or a net.

The discharge port 26 of the air pump 27 is connected to a switching valve 31 via an air supply pipe 30. The switching valve 31 and the air cell 21 are connected by a supply / exhaust pipe 32, and further, a return exhaust pipe 33 returning from the switching valve 31 to the pump case 24 is connected.

A gap 35 is provided between the outer diameter of the air supply pipe 30 from the discharge port 26 of the air pump 27 and the inner diameter of the small hole 34 of the pump case 24. It becomes 36.

The return exhaust pipe 3 to the pump case 24
The connection position 3 is provided at a position where an airflow is generated outside the air pump 27 by return exhaust. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of return exhaust pipes 33 are provided,
The connection position of the return exhaust pipe 33 is also provided at a plurality of positions. Also, the return exhaust pipe 33 to the pump case 24
Is provided at a position where the return exhaust directly hits the electromagnetic coil exterior portion 47 such as a motor for driving the air pump 27 or a solenoid. Also, the connection position of the return exhaust pipe 33 to the pump case 24
It is provided at a position where the airflow of an electromagnetic coil exterior part 47 such as a motor or a solenoid for driving the air is swirled.

The housing case 23 is molded of a resin such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (commonly called ABS resin) or polypropylene (commonly called PP) having an antibacterial material, and has, for example, an antibacterial material on the outer surface of the housing case 23. A soft elastic material 37 made of foamed polyethylene resin is mounted.

Further, a plurality of treatment elements 38 movable by the air pump 27 and the air cell 21 are mounted on the housing case 23. The air cell 21 is a bellows molded of a resin such as polyethylene (commonly called PE) or polypropylene (commonly known as PP) or a rubber-based resin (commonly called EVA or elastomer), and pressurized air from an air pump 27 is put in the bellows. The expansion and contraction operation is performed by being supplied and discharged through the switching valve 31, and the treatment element 3
8 is driven. The treatment element 38 is screwed to the tip of a bellows 21 which is an air cell. The other end of the bellows 21 is screwed to a fixed joint 39.

The treatment element 38 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (commonly called ABS resin), polyacetal (commonly called POM), polyethylene,
The elastic member 41 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene, has a substantially cannonball shape, and has a rounded distal end portion 40. The elastic member 41 is attached to a portion that comes into contact with the body further outside the rounded distal end portion 40. The outer peripheral portion 42 of the treatment element 38 is configured to be guided and slid by the guide hole 43 of the housing case 23. However, the controller 44 (not shown) uses the air pump 2
When the bellows 21 and the treatment element 38 expand and contract by operating the switching valve 7 and the switching valve 31, the inner diameter of the treatment element 38 and the bellows 21 are adjusted so that the bellows 21 and the treatment element 38 do not slide.
There is a sufficient gap between the outer diameter and the outer diameter.

When the treatment element 38 is operated by expansion and contraction of the bellows 21 as an air cell, the movable stroke range is restricted as shown in FIGS. That is, the flange 45 of the treatment element 38 comes into contact with the fixed joint 39 or the housing case 23 to restrict the movable stroke, and the bellows 21 is not excessively contracted or extended further. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the bellows 21 are extended and the flange 45 of the treatment element 38 is in contact with the housing case 23, and the projecting position of the treatment element 38 is regulated. Are in contact with the fixed joint 39, and the retracted position of the treatment element 38 is restricted. That is, the bellows 21 is not extended from the state shown in FIG. 3 nor is it contracted from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a state where no force or pressure is applied to both the bellows 21 and the treatment element 38 when not in use.

The housing case 23 has a configuration having small holes or gaps communicating with the atmosphere, that is, FIG.
Then, the outer peripheral portion 42 of the treatment element 38 and the housing case 23
A sliding gap 46 is provided between the housing case 23 and the guide hole 43 to communicate the inside and outside of the housing case 23 with the atmosphere.

Next, the operation and operation will be described. When the body or a part thereof is pressed against the housing case 23, the elastic material 37 on the surface of the housing case 23 comfortably supports the body or a part thereof with its elasticity. When a desired massage menu is designated by the operation switch 48 (not shown), the air pump 27 is operated.
And the switching valve 31 is activated, and each air cell (bellows)
The internal pressure of 21 is adjusted according to the massage menu, and each treatment element 38 operates so as to press the body part. At this time, the air communication portion 36 is provided outside the air pump 27.
, And a return exhaust pipe 33 returning from the switching valve 31 to the pump case 24, so that the exhaust from the air cell 21 returns to the pump case 24, so that the exhaust sound is blocked by the pump case 24 and quiet. It is.

Further, the pump case 24 is connected to the atmosphere communicating portion 36.
, The switching solenoid valves F1 to F
In addition to the above, there is no problem that an electromagnetic valve 11 for air supply and an electromagnetic valve 12 for exhaust must be provided in addition to 4,
The number of parts is small and piping connection is easy. As a result, a quiet, small and inexpensive massage device can be realized.

The air communication portion 36 of the pump case 24
Is a configuration having small holes or gaps.
The operation sound and exhaust sound of the air pump 27 in the pump case 2
The volume leaking out of the air channel 4 is slightly suppressed by making the air communication portion 36 a small hole or a gap, so that the volume of air supplied to the air supply is increased or decreased in order to increase or decrease the total amount of air in the air circuit. It is possible to realize a quiet massage device that does not have such a problem that an electromagnetic valve, an exhaust electromagnetic valve, and the like must be provided separately from the switching valve 31.

The return exhaust pipe 3 to the pump case 24
The connection position of 3 is provided at a position where an airflow is generated outside the air pump 27 by return exhaust, and acts so that heat around the air pump 27 is diffused by the airflow. It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising too much due to self-heating.

Further, a plurality of return exhaust pipes 33 are provided, and the return exhaust pipe 33 is connected to the pump case 24 at a plurality of positions, so that the heat generated by the air pump 27 is cooled from a plurality of locations. Thus, the cooling effect of the air pump 27 can be enhanced over a wider range, and an excessive temperature rise can be prevented over a wider range.

The return exhaust pipe 3 to the pump case 24
The connection position of 3 is provided at a position where the return exhaust directly hits the electromagnetic coil exterior portion 47 such as a motor or a solenoid for driving the air pump 27, so that the portion where the air pump 27 generates the most heat is more effectively cooled. The temperature rise of the air pump can be suppressed lower. Therefore, even if the massage device 22 is used continuously for a long time, it is possible to realize a massage device that has a small rise in temperature and can be used quietly and continuously for a long time.

The return exhaust pipe 3 to the pump case 24
The connection position of 3 is provided at a position where the return exhaust swirls the airflow outside the electromagnetic coil such as a motor or a solenoid that drives the air pump 27, so that the outside of the electromagnetic coil exterior part 47 where the air pump 27 generates the most heat is provided. The airflow can be cooled over a wide range while turning, and the temperature rise unevenness of the air pump can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, even if the massage device 22 is used continuously for a long time, it is possible to realize a massage device that has little unevenness in temperature rise and can be used quietly and continuously for a long time.

The suction port 25 of the air pump 27 is provided facing the inside of the pump case 24 and is provided with a foam material or a mesh filter 29, so that a check valve and other movable parts in the air pump 24 are provided. Even if noise comes out through the suction port 25, since the noise faces the inside of the pump case 24, the noise acts so as to be shielded by the pump case 24, so that the noise can be reduced. Further, since the suction port 25 is provided with a foam or mesh filter 29, the filter 29 functions both to attenuate noise and to prevent foreign substances from entering the air pump 27. As a result, the sound insulation by the pump case 24 and the sound insulation by the filter 29 can be made more quiet, and the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering the air pump 27 can be further enhanced by the pump case 24 and the filter 29. be able to.

The air pump 2 is provided with a housing case 23 provided outside the pump case 24.
The operation sound of 7 and the exhaust sound from the air cell 21 are first blocked by a pump case 24 provided outside the air pump 27. The sound leaking from the pump case 24 acts so as to be blocked by the housing case 23 provided further outside the pump case 24. Thus, the pump case 24 and the housing case 2
Since the sound is double-insulated by 3, the result is an extremely quiet massage device.

Since the housing case 23 outside the pump case 24 has small holes or gaps 35 and 46 communicating with the atmosphere, the operating sound of the air pump 27 and the exhaust sound from the air cell 21 are reduced by the pump case 24 and the housing case 23. , While maintaining the quietness of the double sound insulation, and also ensuring the air communication function to the suction port 25 of the air pump 27. As a result, the total air amount in the air circuit is increased or decreased while being extremely quiet. For this reason, it is possible to realize a massage device that does not have such a problem that a solenoid valve for supplying air and a solenoid valve for discharging must be provided separately from the switching valve.

An air cell 21 driven by an air pump 27 and a switching valve 31 is mounted on a housing case 23, and the treatment element 3 that moves with the operation of the air cell 21.
With the configuration having the sliding gap 46 between the housing case 23 and the housing case 23, there is no need to particularly provide a small hole for communicating with the atmosphere in the housing case 23 outside the pump case 24. And housing case 23
The sliding gap 46 between them acts so as to also have the function of communicating with the atmosphere. As a result, the air pump 27 can be used without any special labor and work.
The operating sound of the air cell 21 and the exhaust sound from the air cell 21 maintain the quietness of the double sound insulation by the pump case 24 and the housing case 23, as well as the function of communicating with the air to the suction port 25 of the air pump 27. It is possible to provide a quiet massage device with high practicality.

In the housing case 23, at least the air pump 27, the switching valve 31, the pump case 24, the air supply pipe 30, the supply / exhaust pipe 32, and the return exhaust pipe 33 are built in. The operating noise of the valve 31 and the noise leaking from the surfaces of the air supply pipe 30, the supply / exhaust pipe 32, and the return exhaust pipe 33 also act so as to be insulated by the housing case 23. As a result, not only the operation sound of the air pump 27 and the exhaust sound from the air cell 21 but also the sound from the switching valve 31 and the supply / exhaust pipe 32 are isolated, so that a more quiet and comfortable massage device can be provided.

In the housing case 23, the air pump 2
7, a controller 44 (not shown) for controlling the operation of the switching valve 31 and the air cell 21 is built in, and all of the housing including the controller 44 except the remote controller (not shown) and the power cord (not shown) is provided. It is possible to provide a compact and quiet massage device that is integrally built in the case 23.

With the construction in which the elastic material 37 is provided on the outer surface of the housing case 23, the operating sound of the air pump 27 and the exhaust sound from the air cell are double-insulated by the pump case 24 and the housing case 23. Elastic material 37 provided on the outer surface of
And acts as a so-called triple sound insulation.
In addition to sound insulation, when the user leans against the housing case 23, the elastic material resilience is combined with the comfort, so that the elastic material acts to absorb the unpleasant vibration, resulting in unpleasant noise and vibration. Both can provide a less comfortable massage device.

The construction in which the elastic material 37 is provided on the entire outside of the housing case 23 makes it possible to prevent the operation sound of the air pump 27 and the exhaust sound from the air cell 21 from being transmitted to the pump case 24 in any direction of the housing case 23. And the housing case 23 and the elastic material 37 on the outside of the housing case 23 act so as to be triple-insulated,
The elastic material 37 acts to absorb the unpleasant vibration.
As a result, it is possible to provide a massage device with less unpleasant noise and vibration in any direction of the housing case.

The treatment element 38 has a projection made of an elastic member 41 at a portion in contact with the body.
The driving force is concentrated on the protruding portion formed of the elastic member 41 and acts on the body part, so that a massage effect such as acupressure with a resilient finger can be realized with a small pressing energy.

The treatment element 38 is formed of a resin material having a rounded distal end portion 40, and an elastic member 41 having a projection 49 at a portion outside the rounded distal end portion 40 and in contact with the body is provided in a space. The space 50 between the distal end portion 40 of the treatment element 38 and the elastic member 41 further enhances the cushioning property when the elastic member 41 is pressed against the body, and provides more elasticity. A rich and comfortable massage feeling can be realized.

The reason is that when the treatment element 38 is pressed against the body, the projection 49 made of the elastic member 41 first hits the body part, the elastic member 41 bends and compresses the space 50, and then the elastic member 41 The elastic member 41 acts on the rounded distal end portion 40 of the treatment element 38 and presses the body part as it is. When the treatment element 38 operates once, the elasticity of the elastic member 41 and the elasticity of the cushion of the space 50 are exerted. This is because a unique push massage can be realized as if it were pushed twice by the so-called double cushion effect of the action.

The air cell for driving the treatment element 38 is composed of the bellows 21, and the bellows 21 is an air cell.
In addition, the movable stroke range of the treatment element 38 is regulated, and the movable stroke range is regulated so that fluid pressure acts on the pleat tip 51 on the inner surface of the bellows 21 when the bellows 21 is most compressed. Therefore, even when the bellows 21 is most compressed, the effective pressure receiving diameter of the bellows 21 on which the fluid pressure acts does not decrease, and a sufficient driving force necessary for massage can be secured.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, FIG.
When not in use, the elastic member 4 of the treatment element 38 is not used.
The first protrusion 49 is formed of the elastic material 37 of the housing case 23.
Of the housing case 23
When leaning, the body part pushes the treatment element 38, and FIG.
The bellows 21, which is an air cell, is compressed as shown in FIG. Therefore, the treatment element 38 can push the body part with a large stroke from the position shown in FIG. 4 which is shorter than the free length of the bellows 21 to the position shown in FIG. 3 which is longer than the free length.

Therefore, the treatment element 38 and the fixed joint 39 shown in FIG.
When the bellows 21 is in the most contracted state and the air is pumped from the air pump 27 to expand and contract the bellows 21, the bellows 21 21
If the folds are closely adhered to each other, the pressure receiving diameter of the pneumatic action effective for pushing and stretching the bellows 21 is reduced to the valley diameter of the bellows 21 fold, and the force for pushing and stretching the bellows 21 is reduced by half. However, as shown in FIG. 4 of the present embodiment, even when the bellows 21 is in the most contracted state, the folds 5 of the inner surface of the bellows 21 are kept in close contact with the folds of the bellows 21.
By maintaining the state where the air pressure acts to one point, the air pressure can be fully and effectively utilized as a massage force without any reduction in the force for pushing and stretching the bellows 21.

In other words, with the structure in which the movable stroke range is regulated so that fluid pressure acts on the fold tip 51 on the inner surface of the bellows 21 when the bellows 21 is most compressed, the bellows 21 is in the most compressed state. Also, a sufficient driving force required for massage can be secured without reducing the effective pressure receiving diameter of the bellows 21 on which the fluid pressure acts.

The air cell 2 for driving the treatment element 38
Reference numeral 1 denotes a bellows, and a treatment element 3
8, the bellows 21 is configured not to frictionally slide when it moves. Therefore, when the bellows 21 which is a movable member is expanded and contracted, the treatment element 3 mounted outside the bellows 21 is extended.
8 presses the body part. At this time, the treatment element 38 slides in contact with a guide portion such as the guide hole 43 of the housing case 23, but the bellows 21 does not slide. A massage device with excellent durability can be realized without worrying about rubbing.

Further, since the treatment element 38 is screwed to the bellows 21 having an air cell, the bellows 21 can be easily assembled and disassembled, and even if the bellows 21 breaks down or is damaged, replacement maintenance of the bellows 21 can be performed. Easy to do.

When not in use as shown in FIG. 2,
The protrusion 49 of the elastic member 41 of the treatment element 38 is configured to protrude from the surface of the elastic material 37 of the housing case 23, so that when the body leans on the housing case 23, the body part pushes the treatment element 38. The air cell 21 such as a bellows is compressed as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the air cell 21 such as bellose is used.
4 from the position shown in FIG. 4 which is shorter than the free length to the position shown in FIG. 3 which is longer than the free length.
Can push body parts. At this time, the restricted position of the movable stroke range of the bellows 21 and the treatment element 38, which are the air cells, is configured such that the amount of contraction is larger than that of the bellows 21 from the molding dimensions and shape, so that the bellows 21 is added to the bellows 21. Bellows 2 by supplying pressurized fluid
1 is driven in the extending direction, and when the treatment element 38 performs the massage operation of pressing the body part, the extension deformation of the bellows 21 may be less than half of the entire stroke, and when the entire stroke is extended to the bellows 21 for the entire stroke. Compared to,
Less than half the stress load.

As a result, a large massage stroke can be obtained without forcibly extending the bellows 21, which is an air cell, so that the durable life of the air cell 21 such as bellows can be extended.

The fact that the deformation stress of the bellows 21 can be reduced to half or less means that not only can the life of the bellows 21 be prolonged, but also the force required for the bellows 21 to extend itself can be reduced, and the air for supplying the pressurized fluid can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the size of the pressurizing source such as the pump 27 and to reduce the power consumption,
And it saves energy.

Moreover, since the amount of extending the bellows 21 may be small while securing the necessary massage stroke, a massage device having excellent durability can be realized.

Further, since the deformation stress of the bellows 21 can be reduced to half or less, the length of the bellows 21 required for obtaining a required stroke, that is, the so-called free length can be reduced, so that the housing case 23 can be made thinner. is there.

As described above, the bellows 2 which is an air cell
1 and the restricting position of the movable stroke range of the treatment element 38 are configured such that the amount of contraction is larger than the amount of extension from the molded size and shape of the bellows 21, so that the pressurized fluid is supplied into the bellows 21 and the bellows is supplied. When the massager 38 performs a massage operation of pressing the body part by driving in the direction in which the bellows 21 extends, the force required for the bellows 21 itself to extend can be reduced, and a pressurizing source such as the air pump 27 that supplies a pressurized fluid. Can be reduced in size and capacity, and energy can be saved.
In addition, the amount of extending the bellows 21 may be small while securing the necessary massage stroke, so that there is an effect that a massage device with excellent durability can be realized.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the bellows 21 are extended and the flange 28 of the treatment element 38 is in contact with the housing case 23, and the projecting position of the treatment element 38 is regulated. This shows a state in which the flange 28 is in contact with the fixed joint 39 and the retracted position of the treatment element 38 is regulated. That is, the bellows 21 is not extended from the state shown in FIG. 3 nor is it contracted from the state shown in FIG. With the configuration in which the movable stroke range of the air cell 21 and the treatment element 38 is regulated as described above, the air cell 21 is regulated when the treatment element 38 is operated whether or not the body is pressed against the housing case 23. It operates within the range specified above, and cannot be stretched or shrunk too much. Therefore, an unreasonable stress or the like is prevented from acting on the air cell 21 and excellent durability can be secured.

Since the treatment element 38 has an antibacterial material, the bacteria of the treatment element 38 can be suppressed and the treatment element 38 can be kept hygienic. Can be relieved.
Therefore, massage without clothes is also possible, and a high massage effect can be obtained with a small force and energy saving is excellent.

Further, since the elastic material 37 and the elastic member 41 are configured to have an antibacterial material, the elastic material 37
Therefore, the user can press the bare skin against the elastic material 37 and the elastic member 41 to massage without any resistance. Therefore, massage without clothes is also possible, and a high massage effect can be obtained with a small force.

Since the housing case 23 is made of a resin material, the shape along the body, the guide hole 43 of the treatment element 38, and the like can be easily formed by resin molding, and the weight and antibacterial properties can be reduced. Also, when used in the bathtub 29, the resin housing case 23 is light, so that it can be easily carried. The antibacterial agent is easily added to the resin material of the housing case 23, and the antibacterial agent is easily added. It can be controlled and sanitary.

Therefore, it can be used by placing it on a chair or floor. In addition, the massage device can be used to lie down on the back and massage the waist area from the back with the treatment element 38.

The massage device is quiet and light and can be used anywhere. For example, even if the massage device is laid down and massaged while watching the television, there is no problem that the sound of the television is difficult to hear.

In the above embodiment, the case where the air cell 21 is a bellows has been described as an example. However, other than the bellows, for example, an air bag or the like can be used, and the invention is not limited to the bellows.

[0071]

As is clear from the above description, the following effects can be obtained according to the massage device of the present invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a massage apparatus wherein a massage action is provided by intermittent supply and exhaust to and from an air cell, wherein an air pump having a suction port and a discharge port is communicated with the atmosphere outside the air pump. A pump case having a section and a discharge valve of an air pump connected to a switching valve via an air supply pipe, the switching valve and the air cell are connected by a supply / exhaust pipe, and return exhaust gas is returned from the switching valve to the pump case. Since the pipe is provided, the exhaust from the air cell returns to the pump case, and the exhaust noise acts to be blocked by the pump case. There is no problem that an electromagnetic valve 11 for air supply and an electromagnetic valve 12 for exhaust must be provided in addition to the valves F1 to F4, and the number of parts is small. Less pipe connection is also simplified. As a result, a quiet, small and inexpensive massage device can be realized.

Further, the massage device according to claim 2 is
The air communication part of the pump case is configured as small holes or gaps, and the volume of the air pump operating sound and exhaust sound leaking out of the pump case inside the pump case can be reduced by using a small hole or gap in the air communication part. By doing so, it acts to suppress it very slightly, and a solenoid valve for air supply and a solenoid valve for exhaust must be provided separately from the switching valve in order to increase or decrease the total amount of air in the air circuit It is possible to realize a quiet massage device without such troubles.

The massage device according to claim 3 is
The connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is provided at a position where an air flow is generated at least outside the air pump by the return exhaust, and acts so that heat around the air pump is diffused by the air flow, and the air It is possible to prevent the temperature from rising excessively due to self-heating caused by the operation of the pump.

The massage device according to claim 4 is
A plurality of return exhaust pipes are provided, and the connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is also provided at a plurality of positions. The function is to cool the heat of the air pump from a plurality of locations, and the cooling effect of the air pump can be broadened. , And an excessive temperature rise can be prevented over a wider range.

The massage device according to claim 5 is
The connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is located at a position where the return exhaust directly hits the electromagnetic coil exterior such as the motor or solenoid that drives the air pump, so that the part where the air pump generates the most heat is more effective. The temperature rise of the air pump can be suppressed lower. Therefore, even if the massage device is used continuously for a long time, it is possible to realize a massage device that has a small temperature rise and can be used quietly and continuously for a long time.

The massage device according to claim 6 is
The connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is provided at a position where the return exhaust turns the airflow outside the electromagnetic coil such as a motor or solenoid that drives the air pump.
The air flow can cool the entire area outside the electromagnetic coil, where the air pump generates the most heat, while turning, and the temperature rise unevenness of the air pump can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, even if the massage device is used continuously for a long time, it is possible to realize a massage device that has less temperature rise unevenness and can be used quietly and continuously for a long time.

The massage device according to claim 7 is
The suction port of the air pump is provided facing the inside of the pump case and is provided with a foam material or a mesh filter, so that even if noise of a check valve and other movable parts in the air pump comes out through the suction port, Because it faces inside the pump case,
It works quietly with the pump case, so it can be quiet. Further, since the suction port is provided with a foam or mesh filter, the filter functions both to attenuate noise and to prevent foreign substances from entering the air pump. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the noise by the double sound insulation effect of the sound insulation by the pump case and the sound insulation by the filter, and to further enhance the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering the air pump by the pump case and the filter.

Further, a massage device according to claim 8 is
With the configuration in which the housing case is further provided outside the pump case, the operating sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are firstly shielded by the pump case provided outside the air pump. The sound leaked from the pump case acts so as to be blocked by a housing case provided further outside the pump case. As described above, since the sound is double-insulated by the pump case and the housing case, an extremely quiet massage device can be realized.

The massage device according to claim 9 is
The housing case outside the pump case has a small hole or gap that communicates with the atmosphere, so that the operating sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell maintain the quietness of the double sound insulation by the pump case and the housing case, The solenoid valve for air supply and the solenoid valve for exhaust are used to increase or decrease the total amount of air in the air circuit, while being extremely quiet, because it acts to ensure the atmosphere communication function to the suction port of the air pump. It is possible to realize a massage device that does not have such a problem that it has to be provided separately from the switching valve.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the massage device, an air pump driven by an air pump and a switching valve is mounted on a housing case, and a sliding member is moved between the treatment element that moves in accordance with the operation of the air cell and the housing case. With the configuration having the dynamic gap, it is not necessary to particularly provide a small hole for communicating with the atmosphere in the housing case outside the pump case, and the sliding gap between the treatment element and the housing case has an atmosphere communicating function. It acts to double. As a result, the operating noise of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are maintained without the need for any special work or work. It is possible to provide an inexpensive and highly practical quiet massage device with a small number of parts.

The massage device according to the eleventh aspect has a structure in which at least the air pump, the switching valve, the pump case, the air supply pipe, the supply / exhaust pipe, and the return exhaust pipe are built in the housing case, so that only the noise of the air pump is reduced. In addition, the operating noise of the switching valve and the noise leaking from the surfaces of the supply pipe, the supply / exhaust pipe, and the return exhaust pipe also act so as to be insulated by the housing case. As a result, not only the operation sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell but also the sound from the switching valve and the supply / exhaust pipe can be provided, so that a more quiet and comfortable massage device can be provided.

Further, the massage device according to the twelfth aspect has a configuration in which a controller for controlling the driving of the air pump, the switching valve and the air cell is built in the housing case. It is possible to provide a compact and quiet massage device that is integrated into the housing case.

In the massage device according to the thirteenth aspect, since the outer surface of the housing case is provided with an elastic material, the operating sound of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell are duplicated by the pump case and the housing case. It is sound-insulated and acts so as to be sound-insulated by an elastic material provided on the outer surface of the housing case, so-called triple sound insulation. In addition to sound insulation, when the user leans the body against the housing case, the elastic material resilience matches the comfort and the elastic material absorbs the unpleasant vibrations, resulting in unpleasant noise and vibration. Both can provide a less comfortable massage device.

Further, the massage device according to the fourteenth aspect has a structure in which an elastic material is provided on the entire outside of the housing case, so that the massage device can be provided in any direction of the housing case.
The operating noise of the air pump and the exhaust sound from the air cell
The pump case, the housing case, and the elastic material on the outside of the housing case function so as to perform triple sound insulation, and also function to absorb unpleasant vibrations by the elastic material. As a result, it is possible to provide a massage device with less unpleasant noise and vibration in any direction of the housing case.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a massage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the massage device when an air cell is not operated.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state where an air cell of the massage device is extended.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an air cell of the massage device is contracted.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the massage device.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state where the massage device is used.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a conventional massage device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 21 air cell (bellows) 22 massage device 23 housing case 24 pump case 25 suction port 26 discharge port 27 air pump 28 elastic body 29 filter 30 air supply pipe 31 switching valve 32 supply / exhaust pipe 33 return exhaust pipe 34 small hole 35 gap 36 air communication Part 37 elastic material 38 treatment element 39 fixed joint 40 tip part 41 elastic member 42 outer peripheral part 43 guide hole 44 controller 45 flange part 46 sliding gap 47 electromagnetic coil exterior part 48 operation part 49 protrusion 50 space 51 fold tip

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Norio Tao 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Inside Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Inventor Koji Oka 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture F-term in Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 4C100 BB05 BC12 CA02 CA06 CA07 DA05 DA06 EA10 4C101 BA01 BB05 BB06 BC09 BC22 BC23 BD02 BE09

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A massaging apparatus in which a massaging action is provided by intermittent supply and exhaust to and from an air cell, an air pump having a suction port and a discharge port, a pump case having an atmosphere communication part outside the air pump, A massage device comprising: a switching valve connected from the discharge port via an air supply pipe; a supply / exhaust pipe connecting the switching valve to the air cell; and a return exhaust pipe returning from the switching valve to the pump case. 2. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the air communication portion of the pump case is a small hole or a gap. 3. The massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the return exhaust pipe is connected to the pump case at a position where an air flow is generated at least outside the air pump by the return exhaust. 4. The massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of return exhaust pipes are provided, and the return exhaust pipe is connected to a pump case at a plurality of positions. 5. The connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is provided at a position where the return exhaust gas directly hits an electromagnetic coil exterior part such as a motor or a solenoid for driving an air pump. The massage device according to the item. 6. A connection position of the return exhaust pipe to the pump case is provided at a position where the return exhaust turns the airflow of an electromagnetic coil exterior part such as a motor for driving an air pump or a solenoid. The massage device according to claim 1. 7. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the suction port of the air pump is provided facing the inside of the pump case and is provided with a foam material or a mesh filter. 8. The massage device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing case outside the pump case. 9. The massage device according to claim 8, wherein the housing case has small holes or gaps communicating with the atmosphere. 10. An air cell driven by an air pump and a switching valve is mounted on a housing case, and a sliding gap is provided between the treatment element that moves with the operation of the air cell and the housing case. 9. The massage device according to 9. 11. The massage device according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein at least an air pump, a switching valve, a pump case, an air supply pipe, a supply / exhaust pipe, and a return exhaust pipe are built in the housing case. 12. The massage device according to claim 11, wherein a controller for controlling driving of the air pump, the switching valve, and the air cell is built in the housing case. 13. The massage device according to claim 8, wherein an elastic material is provided on an outer surface of the housing case. 14. The massage device according to claim 8, wherein an elastic material is provided on the entire outside of the housing case.