JP4214012B2 - Air supply / discharge device - Google Patents

Air supply / discharge device Download PDF

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JP4214012B2
JP4214012B2 JP2003200978A JP2003200978A JP4214012B2 JP 4214012 B2 JP4214012 B2 JP 4214012B2 JP 2003200978 A JP2003200978 A JP 2003200978A JP 2003200978 A JP2003200978 A JP 2003200978A JP 4214012 B2 JP4214012 B2 JP 4214012B2
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air
solenoid valve
supply
air supply
discharge device
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JP2005065707A (en
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晃一 久保
実 高橋
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Kyushu Hitachi Maxell Ltd
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Kyushu Hitachi Maxell Ltd
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、空気供給対象物に対し、必要に応じて空気を分配供給すると共に、空気供給対象物から空気を排出させる空気供給排出装置に関し、特に、複数の供給路をまとめて形成してユニット化し、このユニットを複数設けた空気供給排出装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の空気供給排出装置としては、特開２００１−３１４４６４号公報に開示されるのものがあり以下図１３及び図１４に基づいて説明する。
従来の空気供給排出装置は、ポンプ２０と、供給口３１及び分配口３２並びに排出口３３をそれぞれ有する電磁弁３０と、制御部４０と、筐体５０とを備え、前記電磁弁３０が、ソレノイドにより駆動される弁体３６の移動方向を前記筐体５０の天地方向に一致させ、且つ各分配口３２を前記筐体５０の所定側面側に向けた状態で、筐体５０の前記所定側面に沿って配設される構成を有するものである。
【０００３】
この従来の空気供給排出装置によれば、電磁弁３０をその弁体３６移動方向を上下方向とする向きで筐体５０内に配設し、上下方向に所定寸法を有するポンプ２０と並置すると共に、筐体５０の所定側面に接続コネクタ５２を配設し、電磁弁３０の分配口３２を筐体５０側部に近接配置して接続コネクタ５２と直結させることから、筐体５０内の上下方向の空間を有効利用すると共に、筐体５０内で電磁弁３０の占める平面領域を小さくでき、筐体５０の上下寸法の増大を抑えつつ筐体５０横方向の寸法を抑えて大幅なコンパクト化が図れる上、筐体５０内の構造も大幅に簡略化できる。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−３１４４６４号公報
【０００５】
【特許文献２】
特開平１１−１９１４５号公報
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記従来の空気供給排出装置は以上のように構成されていたことから、電磁弁をその弁体移動方向を上下方向とする向きで筐体内に配設することで筐体内の上下方向の空間を有効利用ができると共に、上下方向に所定寸法を有するポンプと並置することで筐体内で電磁弁の占める平面領域を小さくできることとなるが、通常空気供給対象物であるエアセルに給気するための供給路である外部ホースを装置の接続コネクタに容易に着けることができるように、また、小型に形成することができるように電磁弁は密接に接合し若しくは一体形に形成されており、この状態でポンプが動作して空気を生成すると生成時に生じる振動が電磁弁に伝わり外部ホース等にも伝わって振動が生じるだけでなく異音が生じ、イス式マッサージ機等のマッサージ機に使用した場合に産業機器と異なりリラックスして動作すべきマッサージ機においてかかる異音は商品価値の低減に繋がり、また、産業機器等であっても異音は安全上及び仕事効率上出来る得る限り排除すべきものであり、さらに、異音が生じているということはある部品とある部品が衝突を繰り返していることに他ならず故障の原因になりかねないという課題を有する。特に、電磁弁の数を増加させる場合、空気の流出量を増加させる場合等に従来ポンプより大型のポンプを用いられ、この場合に振動が大きくなり、また、異音も生じやすくなるので、高機能なイス式マッサージ機のようなエアセルを多数配設したもの等にあっては、これらの振動及び異音を防止することは非常に重要なことである。また、装置全体の小型化を目指すにあたっても電磁弁を単に密接に接合し若しくは一体形に形成しても、一定横方向に延出した長方形の形状となっていくら総体積が小さくすることを実現したところで一定方向に長く延出した形状であって持ち運びに不便であり置き場所を確保することも困難となって、さらにイス式マッサージ機等のマッサージ機に内臓させて使用する場合にはマッサージ機自体の形状を歪な形状とせざる得ないという課題を有する。
【０００７】
また、従来の空気供給排出装置は、図１５に示すように、前記ポンプの空気送出口２１から電磁弁３０の供給口３１までの空気供給路上に空気圧の変動を抑制する空気室２３があり、全ての電磁弁３０を一まとめにし前記空気室２３から各電磁弁３０の供給口３１までの空気供給路上に空気室２３から供給される空気をそれぞれの供給口３１へ分岐させる空気だまりをマニホールド部３７により設けている。この従来の空気供給排出装置は４個の電磁弁３０を設けているが、４個以上の電磁弁３０を設けた空気供給排出装置を従来の空気供給排出装置に基づいて作成すると、例えば、８個の電磁弁３０が一まとめにされた空気供給排出装置が容易に想到される。しかし、この想到された空気供給排出装置は、８個もの電磁弁３０が一まとめにされているために前記空気だまりが大きくなって空気の洩れを考慮した空気だまりを形成することが難しく、また空気だまりが大きくなることによって一まとめにした電磁弁が組み付けが難しく、さらには、８個もの電磁弁３０が一まとめになっているため一の電磁弁の開閉による振動が他の電磁弁に伝わり同時に動作する場合には大きな振動となるという課題を有する。
【０００８】
本発明は前記課題を解決するためになされたものであり、ポンプから生じる振動を電磁弁においても低減しつつ、装置空間の有効活用を図って小型化を容易に可能とし、空気だまりを肥大化することなく組み付けが容易で仕様変更に耐え、電磁弁の開閉による振動を抑制する空気供給排出装置を提供することを目的とする。さらに、一の供給先が膨張時に他の供給先を膨張させることで生じる空気の逆流を防止するために装置内に配設される逆止弁を設けた場合に、できる得る限り少なく逆止弁を設けることで逆止弁が要するスペースを出来る得る限り小さくすると共に、逆止弁を設ける位置に自由度を持たせた空気供給排出装置を提供することも目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明に係る空気供給排出装置は、空気供給対象物に膨張させる空気を所定圧力で送出すポンプと、前記ポンプの空気送出口に連通する供給口、前記空気供給対象物に所定の連通路を介して連通する分配口、及び、前記空気を外部へ逃す排出口をそれぞれ有し、ソレノイドにより駆動される弁体で前記供給口と分配口を連通させ、且つ排出口を閉じる状態と、排出口と分配口を連通させ、且つ供給口を閉じる状態とを切替え自在とする複数の電磁弁と、前記ポンプの空気送出口から電磁弁の供給口までの空気供給路上で空気圧の変動を抑制する空気室と、前記ポンプ及び電磁弁を収納する略箱状の筐体とを少なくとも備える空気供給排出装置において、２以上の前記電磁弁を一体形にし、前記空気室から各電磁弁の供給口までの空気供給路上に空気室から供給される空気をそれぞれの供給口へ分岐させる空気だまりを設けて電磁弁ユニットとし、当該電磁弁ユニットを前記筐体内に複数設け、各電磁弁ユニット同士を離間させて配置し、前記空気室が、ポンプとは別体とされてなり、複数の面に前記空気供給路としての管との接合箇所をそれぞれ設定され、ポンプと管で接続されると共に、前記各電磁弁ユニットとは複数の管で電磁弁ユニット毎に接続され、筐体内におけるポンプといずれかの電磁弁ユニットとの間に挟まれた所定位置に配置されるものである。
このように本発明においては、少なくとも供給口、分配口及び排出口を有する電磁弁を２以上用意し、当該２以上の電磁弁を一体形とした電磁弁ユニットを複数設けた構成であるので、全ての電磁弁を一体形としたものと比べ、ポンプが動作して空気供給中に生じる振動が供給路を伝わって電磁弁ユニットに到達しても複数の電磁弁ユニットに振動が分散し全体として振動を防止することができ、また、全ての電磁弁を一体形とすると一定方向に偏って長く形成され装置自体が大型になるのに対し、複数の電磁弁ユニットからなることで一の面に沿って一の電磁弁ユニットを配置し、他面に沿って他の電磁弁ユニットを配置することで一定方向のみに偏って長く形成されることなく装置自体を小型化することができ、さらにまた、電磁弁毎に配置されているのに比べ小型にでき、且つ、複数の電磁弁からなり組み立て時に容易に組み立て可能であると共に、全ての電磁弁を一体形としたものと比べ仕様変更が生じてもかかる仕様変更に容易に対応することができ、電磁弁ユニットの電磁弁数をある程度に抑制することで空気だまりが肥大化せず設計・組み立てが容易になると共に、電磁弁の開閉による振動が共動して大きくならない。
また、電磁弁ユニットを高さ方向に重ねて配置することで、前記ポンプやトランス等の電磁弁ユニット以外の装置を構成する部品により装置が高く形成された場合に、使用していない装置の上下の空間を有効利用することができる。本発明に係る空気供給排出装置は、エアー式のマッサージ機に好適に用いられるが、実施例に示すイス式のエアーマッサージ機以外にもベッド式マッサージ機にも適用出来る。更には床ずれ防止マットのような空気供給対象物であるエアセルの給排気により人体を移動させる機能を有する機器にも適用される。また、空気の力で物を動かすエアーアクチュエーターの駆動源としても適用可能である。
ここで、本発明は、空気供給対象物があれば適用でき、エアー式のマッサージ機及び床ずれ防止マットに限らず用いることができ、例えば、空気供給対象物をエアーベッドや浮き輪としこれらを膨らませる装置としても使うことができ、幅広い用途を有する。エアーベッドや浮き輪が１つの空気流入口しか有しない場合であっても、前記複数の連通路を１つにする集束具を用いれば、複数の連通路から１つの連通路となってエアーベッドや浮き輪に空気を供給することができる。
また、前記ポンプと電磁弁ユニットとの間に空気室を配設しているので、空気の供給がポンプ、空気室、電磁弁ユニットの順に行われ、すなわち、空気の供給方向に合わせてポンプ、空気室、電磁弁ユニットを配設しており、かかるポンプ、空気室、電磁弁ユニット間に供給方向に沿って空気供給路を形成する管も架設することができ、管が曲折する箇所が少なくて済み、送出圧力が一定となって変動が少なくなり、管で生じる送出音を小さくすることができる。
【００１０】
また、本発明に係る空気供給排出装置は必要に応じて、前記筐体の一の面に沿って一の電磁弁ユニットを配置し、他面に沿って他の電磁弁ユニットを配置し、前記空気室と各電磁弁ユニット間に、電磁弁ユニットへの空気供給方向に沿って前記管を架設するものである。このように本発明においては、電磁弁ユニットの一つが他面に沿って配置され、この電磁弁ユニットの配置に伴って接合する管の接合形態も異なることにより、電磁弁ユニット同士を離間させて共振を抑制することができると共に、電磁弁ユニットに一端を接合し他端を空気室に接合する管が曲折しない形態となり、空気圧の変動がなくなり振動を抑制することができる。
【００１１】
また、本発明に係る空気供給排出装置は必要に応じて、前記電磁弁が、前記分配口を前記弁体の移動方向と略直角をなす向きに形成され、弁体の移動方向を前記筐体の天地方向に一致させ、且つ各分配口を前記筐体の所定側面側に向けて筐体の前記所定側面に沿って配設され、前記分配口と前記連通路が、前記筐体の前記所定側面における分配口の延長線上の所定箇所を貫通するものである。このように本発明においては、電磁弁をその弁体移動方向を上下方向とする向きで筐体内に配設し、上下方向に所定寸法を有するポンプと並置しているので、筐体内の上下方向の空間を有効利用すると共に、筐体内で電磁弁の占める平面領域を小さくできることとなり、筐体の上下寸法の増大を抑えつつ平面寸法をより小さくして大幅にコンパクト化が図れる。また、電磁弁の分配口を横向きの並列状態で筐体側部寄りに配置し、連通路の筐体との連結位置を分配口に最も近い筐体側面とすることにより、筐体内部に複雑な連通路を配設せずに済むこととなり、構造も簡略化させられ、低コスト化が図れる。
【００１２】
また、本発明に係る空気供給排出装置は必要に応じて、電磁弁ユニットに少なくとも一つ以上の逆止弁を設けるものである。このように本発明においては、電磁弁ユニットに一つ以上の逆止弁に設けているので、電磁弁ユニット毎に逆止弁を設けるか否かを決定して設けることができ、逆止弁を設けた電磁弁ユニットと逆止弁を設けない電磁弁を組み合わせることで必要に応じた数及び位置の逆止弁を有する装置を構成することができ、また、逆止弁を設けないで膨張状態の空気供給対象物から一気に空気が流出すると急激な空気圧変化と共に、動作中のポンプの振動と伴い共振となって異音の発生を防止することができる。例えば、逆止弁を設けた電磁弁ユニットと逆止弁を設けない電磁弁ユニットとからは、２つの電磁弁ユニットを並列させた形態の装置の場合において、両方共逆止弁を設けた電磁弁ユニットとする装置、両方共逆止弁を設けない電磁弁ユニットとする装置、一方を逆止弁を設けた電磁弁ユニット及び他方を逆止弁を設けない電磁弁ユニットとする装置、一方を逆止弁を設けない電磁弁ユニット及び他方を逆止弁を設ける電磁弁ユニットとする装置を構成することができ、これらの装置は２種類の金型若しくは組み立て装置から形成されるのに対し、全ての電磁弁を一体形にしている装置の場合には４種類の金型若しくは組み立て装置が必要となって設備費用が大幅にかかり、かかる形成動作において本発明の空気供給排出装置が優れている。
【００１３】
また、本発明に係る空気供給排出装置は必要に応じて、一部の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁のみからなる電磁弁ユニットを有し、当該電磁弁ユニットの空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上に逆止弁を設けたものである。このように本発明においては、一部の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁のみからなる電磁弁ユニットが空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上に逆止弁を設けているので、一部の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張する構成の通常の空気供給排出装置においては少なくともかかる一部の電磁弁毎に逆止弁を設けて他の電磁弁に供給先が膨張状態の一部の電磁弁に係る空気が流入するのを防止しているが、空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上に逆止弁を設けることでこの逆止弁を設けた供給路上の電磁弁ユニットから膨張し始めている供給先に空気を供給している電磁弁を有する電磁弁ユニットに空気が流入することがなく逆止弁の数を減少させることができ、逆止弁の数が減少することで逆止弁を設けた部分が小型化できると共に、空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上であればどの部分に逆止弁を設けることができ設計上の自由度が上がり例えばスペースに余裕がある部分に逆止弁を設けることができる。ここで、電磁弁に係る供給先とは、例えば、エアセルを示し、他にも電磁弁からの空気の流入・排出により膨縮させる対象を意味する。また、空気供給路とあるが、ポンプから電磁弁に係る供給先まではすべて空気供給路となり、空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路というのはその空気供給路の所定の一部分を明示的に示す。
【００１４】
【発明の実施の形態】
（本発明の第１の実施形態）
以下、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置を図１ないし図９に基づいて説明する。図１は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図、図２は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の正面図及び側面方向の断面図、図３は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における電磁弁ユニットの各面図、図４は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における空気室の各面図、図５は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における電磁弁の動作説明図、図６及び図７は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図、図８は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の正面図及び側面方向の断面図、図９は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図である。図３の点線を引いている面図、具体的には、図３（ａ）、（ｂ）及び（ｃ）は、点線から右半分は断面図となっている。
【００１５】
前記各図に示すように、本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置１は、ポンプ２０と、供給口３１及び分配口３２並びに排出口３３をそれぞれ有する電磁弁３０と、制御部４０と、筐体５０とを備え、前記電磁弁３０が、ソレノイド３４ａにより駆動される弁体３６の移動方向を前記筐体５０の天地方向に一致させ、且つ各分配口３２を前記筐体５０の所定側面側に向けた状態で、筐体５０の前記所定側面に沿って配設され、４個の電磁弁を一体形にして電磁弁ユニット８０とし、当該電磁弁ユニット８０を複数設けた構成を有するものである。
【００１６】
本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置１における各構成要素の配置は、図１及び図２から把握されるように、装置後方中央部にポンプ２０を後方面に沿って配置し、このポンプ２０に隣接して空気室２３を振動を吸収するクッション材２３ａを介して配置し、前方に２つの電磁弁ユニット８０を前面に沿って配置し、基板等からなる制御部４０を上部に配置した構成である。ここで、装置全体を小型にするためには装置の構成要素を極力近接させて配置する必要があり、且つ、振動を抑制するためにはポンプ２０とその他の構成要素を離間させる必要があり、また、ポンプ２０で空気を生成し空気室２３に送り、空気室２３で空気の圧力変動を抑えつつ電磁弁ユニット８０に送出しており、電磁弁ユニット８０の各電磁弁３０の分配口３２から接続コネクタ５２を介して外部ホース２０２というポンプ２０からの空気の流れとなるが、この外部ホース２０２まで振動が伝わると、外部ホース２０２の振動を抑制することは本装置の改良で対応することができないため、本装置内で振動を抑えなければならず、特に外部ホース２０２と必然的に近接しなければならない電磁弁ユニット８０までで振動を抑える必要がある。このような必要性に対して本空気供給排出装置１は、ポンプ２０が面する側部に対して最も離れた位置に電磁弁ユニット８０を配置し、空気の供給方向に準じてポンプ２０と電磁弁ユニット８０との間に空気室を配置した態様の一つを示す。特に、供給方向に準じて構成要素の配置をしたことで、供給路の一つであって空気の通路となる内部管６０が曲折する部分が少なくなり空気の圧力変動を極力抑えることができた。さらに、電磁弁ユニット８０として電磁弁３０を一体形にしつつ、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形にすることなく複数の電磁弁ユニット８０に分けているので、一体形として内部管６０を分岐させることなく電磁弁ユニット８０に接合させて内部管６０が必要とするスペースを小さくすると共に製造時の組み立て作業の容易化及び耐故障性の向上を実現し、また、空気供給時にポンプ２０が振動した場合にかかる振動が空気室を伝わって電磁弁ユニット８０に到達したとしても複数の電磁弁ユニット８０からなることで振動が分散してより減衰させることができ全ての電磁弁３０が一体形に形成しているものと比べ著しい効果を発揮する。この振動の分散による減衰は、どの電磁弁３０に空気が送出されているかに拘らず空気室２３と内部管６０で接合している電磁弁ユニット８０で行われる。電磁弁ユニット８０を構成する電磁弁３０の数を減らせば減らす程、装置内の電磁弁ユニット８０の数は増加するため振動の分散による減衰の効果は大きくなるが、前記したように電磁弁ユニット８０を増加させることで内部管６０が必要とするスペースが大きくなるため、この兼ね合いを考慮する必要がある。ところで、電磁弁ユニット８０の数を多くしたとしても、電磁弁ユニット８０間で共振を生じるとせっかく分散させた振動が一体となって大きくなるため、電磁弁ユニット８０相互間で共振を生じないようにするための工夫を施す必要があり、少なくとも電磁弁ユニット８０同士を接合させることは一体形と同じく振動を分散させることにならないので、各電磁弁ユニット８０を筐体５０若しくは基台に接合するために接合部材若しくは支持部材同士を離して配置させたり、接合部材若しくは支持部材自体を耐振性若しくは吸振性のある物質で成形させたりすることが好ましい。また、ポンプ２０及び空気室２３は筐体５０内部で内枠５３で覆われており、この内枠５３がポンプ２０の振動及び振動により生じる音を抑制している。
【００１７】
前記電磁弁ユニット８０は、前記空気室２３から各電磁弁３０の供給口３１までの空気供給路上に空気室２３から供給される空気をそれぞれの供給口３１へ分岐させる空気だまりを設けており、具体的には、マニホールド部３７により空気だまりを形成している。
前記ポンプ２０は、所定のマッサージ器本体２００に複数配設される中空のエアセル２０１を膨張させる空気を外部から取込んで所定圧力で送出する公知の電動空気ポンプであり、空気送出口２１を前記電磁弁３０に面する側部に対して最も離れた他の側部に位置させて筐体５０に防振材５１を介して取付けられる構成である。このポンプ２０と電磁弁ユニット８０との間に空気室２３が配置され、この空気室２３と空気送出口２１とを連通させる可撓性素材製の内部管６０が配設されると共に、空気室２３と電磁弁ユニット８０とを連通させる可撓性素材製の内部管６０が配設される。空気室２３がポンプ２０から送出される空気の圧力変動を抑え、ポンプ２０の送出音を小さくする仕組みとなっている。
【００１８】
前記空気室２３は、図４に示すように構成され、図４（ｂ）を基準とすると、両側面に接合箇所が３つあり下面に接合箇所が１つある。図４（ｂ）においてこの空気室２３は装置内で配置された状態で手前方向にポンプ２０があり、奥方向に電磁弁ユニット８０がある。図４に示されるように、下部側面の接合箇所のみ凸状に突出した形状となっているものを除いて、他の接合箇所では空気室は内部管６０の断面形状と相似形の穴が形成されているだけである。凸状の形状である接合箇所に対しては内部管６０の接合部分は内部管６０の途中断面形状とおなじ断面形状でもよいが、相似形の穴が形成されている接合箇所に対しては内部管６０の接合部分は先端に尖部６０ａと挿止部６０ｂを有する。内部管６０が相似形の穴が形成されている接合箇所に接合するときは、最先端の断面形状が穴の径より小さい尖部６０ａから容易に挿入され、尖部６０ａの最大径で若干抵抗を有するが押し込むことで挿入され、尖部６０ａの最大径より大きな径である挿止部６０ｂによりそれ以上挿入されなくなる。一旦挿入されると、尖部６０ａの最大径部分が抵抗となって容易に外すことができず、ポンプ２０の給気による空圧の変動及び振動によっても外れない。この空気室２３の内部は単なる空間であるが、この空間内に整流板を設けることで円滑に空気の供給を行うこともできる。
【００１９】
前記電磁弁３０は、ソレノイド３４ａの電磁力でプランジャ３４ｂを上方に動かす駆動部３４と、上端及び下端に開口部を有する略筒状体で形成される弁ケース３５と、この弁ケース３５内に駆動部３４による駆動で弁ケース３５の筒軸方向に移動可能に収納される弁体３６とを備える構成である。弁ケース３５は、下端の開口部を供給口３１、上端の開口部を排出口３３とされると共に、下部側部にエアセル２０１に連通する分配口３２を筒軸方向、すなわち、弁体３６の移動方向と直角をなす向きに形成されてなり、この分配口３２を同一方向に向けて四個分を並列状態で一体形とした構成である。
この弁ケース３５の下側には、溝状の中空通路３７ａを有し、この中空通路３７ａを各供給口３１にそれぞれ連通させるマニホールド部３７が一体に取付けられる。このマニホールド部３７からは中空通路３７ａに連通する空気入口３７ｂが突出形成され、この空気入口３７ｂを前記内部管６０と連結させることで、ポンプ２０の空気送出口２１と供給口３１とを連通させている。
【００２０】
前記弁体３６は、一端部に弁ケース３５上端の排出口３３を貫通する所定長さの軸部３６ａを形成される一方、他端部に略鍔状に突出するフランジ部３６ｂを形成されてなる略円柱体で形成される構成である。一端側の軸部３６ａは、外周に軸方向へ所定長さ連続する溝部３６ｃを複数形成されると共に、軸部３６ａの下部周囲にＯリング３６ｄを配設されてなり、連結部３８を介して駆動部３４のプランジャ３４ｂに連結され、弁体３６を弁ケース３５内で移動可能としている。また、他端側のフランジ部３６ｂは、外周の一部に切欠部分を形成され、フランジ部３６ｂで隔てられる弁ケース３５内の二つの空間をこの切欠部分で互いに連通させる仕組みである。さらに、弁ケース３５内における弁ケース３５上部と弁体３６のフランジ部３６ｂとの間には、スプリング３９が配設され、このスプリング３９の付勢力により弁体３６が下方に付勢される仕組みである。
【００２１】
上記した構成の電磁弁３０では、ソレノイド３４ａの電磁力が作動せず、スプリング３９の付勢力で弁体３６が下方に移動した場合、弁体３６他端部が弁ケース３５の下部弁座３５ａに押付けられ、供給口３１が塞がれてマニホールド部３７の中空通路３７ａと弁ケース３５内との連通が遮断される。同時に、一端側のＯリング３６ｄが弁ケース３５上端から離れると共に、溝部３６ｃが弁ケース３５の排出口３３内に位置し、弁ケース３５内と排出口３３、さらに弁ケース３５外部が連通する。こうして排出口３３と分配口３２を連通させ、且つ供給口３１を閉じる状態が得られる（図５参照）。
【００２２】
一方、ソレノイド３４ａで電磁力を発生させてプランジャ３４ｂを動かし、スプリング３９の付勢力に抗して弁体３６を上方へ移動させた場合、弁体３６他端部が弁ケース３５の下部弁座３５ａから離れ、マニホールド部３７の中空通路３７ａと弁ケース３５内とが供給口３１を通じて連通する。同時に、弁体３６一端側のＯリング３６ｄが弁ケース３５内側上端面に密接し、排出口３３を塞いで弁ケース３５内と外部との連通を遮断する。こうして供給口３１と分配口３２を連通させ、且つ排出口３３を閉じる状態が得られる（図５参照）。
【００２３】
前記制御部４０は、ポンプ２０及び各電磁弁３０をそれぞれ制御して各エアセル２０１に対し空気の注入と排出を繰返してそれぞれ膨張・収縮動作を行わせるものである。この制御部４０は使用者によって操作される操作部（図示を省略）を別体として筐体５０外に配設されており、所定の操作で動作開始・終了等を指示される。
前記筐体５０は、略箱状体で形成され、前記所定側面に筐体５０外の連通路としての外部ホース２０２を筐体５０に対し着脱自在とする接続コネクタ５２を配設され、この接続コネクタ５２の筐体内部側に電磁弁３０の分配口３２を直結される構成である。この筐体５０内にはポンプ２０、電磁弁３０、及び制御部４０の他に、電力供給用の電源部７０が配設される。
【００２４】
次に、前記構成に基づく空気供給排出装置の動作について説明する。まず、マッサージ器本体２００から延出する外部ホース２０２を筐体５０側部の接続コネクタ５２に接続し、使用者がマッサージ器本体２００に身体の所定部分を当接させた状態で、操作部（図示を省略）を操作して動作開始を指示すると、ポンプ２０が作動開始して空気を空気送出口２１から送出すると共に、制御部４０が所定の電磁弁３０を制御し、駆動部３４を作動させて弁体３６を上方へ動かし、電磁弁３０の分配口３２と供給口３１とを連通させる状態とする（図５（ａ）参照）。ポンプ２０が作動すると、ポンプ２０から振動も同時に発生するが、筐体５０に対し防振材５０ｂを介して取付けられ、且つ、内部管６０及び空気室２３を介在しており振動を減衰させられ振動を電磁弁ユニット８０側に伝えることを抑制し、ポンプ２０により筐体５０をはじめとする他の部分での振動幅が少ない。ここで、従来の空気供給排出装置と比べ、本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置では、２倍の電磁弁３０を備え、そのため空気の供給量の大きいポンプ２０が必要となり振動もその分大きくなる。例え、ポンプ２０が大きくなって振動も大きくなり電磁弁ユニット８０側に伝わったとしても、電磁弁ユニット８０が複数設けられているため、振動が分散し減衰させることができる。
【００２５】
分配口３２と供給口３１との連通状態では、ポンプ２０からの空気が電磁弁３０及び外部ホース２０２を介してエアセル２０１に加圧注入されてエアセル２０１を膨張させ、このエアセル２０１の膨張による押圧力がマッサージ器本体２００を介して身体接触部分に伝わることとなる。一方、エアセル２０１が膨張して所定時間経過すると、制御部４０は新たに電磁弁３０を制御して駆動部３４を作動停止させ、スプリング３９の付勢力で弁体３６を下方へ動かし、分配口３２を排出口３３に連通させる状態に切り替える（図５（ｂ）参照）。この分配口３２と排出口３３との連通状態では、エアセル２０１から空気が外部ホース２０２及び電磁弁３０を介して排出され、エアセル２０１は収縮して押圧力を減衰させ、身体接触部分に押圧力を与えない状態となる。この後、エアセル２０１が収縮して所定時間経過すると、制御部４０が電磁弁３０における連通状態を切り替え、エアセル２０１にポンプ２０から空気が注入される状態となる。
【００２６】
こうして、前記のエアセル２０１に対する空気の注入並びに排出の各状態が交互に繰返され、エアセル２０１が交互に膨張・収縮することで、マッサージ対象箇所をマッサージ器本体２００のエアセル２０１位置で断続的に押圧刺激し、マッサージ効果を与えられる。さらに、制御部４０により、各電磁弁３０の連通状態切替タイミングを調整し、マッサージ器本体２００の複数のエアセル２０１における膨張・収縮を同期させたり、いずれかのエアセル２０１における膨張時及び収縮時を他のエアセル２０１の収縮時及び膨張時にそれぞれ一致させたりして、各エアセル２０１の押圧の連動で身体の所定部分を伸す効果を与えることもできる。
【００２７】
このように本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置によれば、少なくとも供給口３１、分配口３２及び排出口３３を有する電磁弁３０を２以上用意し、当該２以上の電磁弁３０を一体形とした電磁弁ユニット８０を複数設けた構成であるので、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形としたものと比べ、ポンプ２０が動作して空気供給中に生じる振動が供給路を伝わって電磁弁ユニット８０に到達しても複数の電磁弁ユニット８０に振動が分散し全体として振動を防止することができ、また、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形とすると一定方向に偏って長く形成され装置自体が大型になるのに対し複数の電磁弁ユニット８０からなることで一の面に沿って一の電磁弁ユニット８０を配置し、他面に沿って他の電磁弁ユニット８０を配置することで一定方向のみに偏って長く形成されることなく装置自体を小型化することでき、さらにまた、電磁弁３０毎に配置されているのに比べ複数の電磁弁３０からなり組み立て時に容易に組み立て可能であると共に、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形としたものと比べ仕様変更が生じてもかかる仕様変更に対応することができる。また、電磁弁３０をその弁体３６移動方向を上下方向とする向きで筐体５０内に配設し、上下方向に所定寸法を有するポンプ２０と並置すると共に、筐体５０の所定側面に接続コネクタ５２を配設し、電磁弁３０の分配口３２を筐体５０側部に近接配置して接続コネクタ５２と直結させることから、筐体５０内の上下方向の空間を有効利用すると共に、筐体５０内で電磁弁３０の占める平面領域を小さくでき、筐体５０の上下寸法の増大を抑えつつ筐体５０横方向の寸法を抑えて大幅なコンパクト化が図れる上、筐体５０内の構造も大幅に簡略化できる。また、振動発生源であるポンプ２０の空気送出口２１を電磁弁ユニット８０からできるだけ離して配置し、ポンプ２０と空気室２３とを可撓性を有する内部管６０で連通させ、同様に、空気室２３と電磁弁ユニット８０とを可撓性を有する内部管６０で連通させることから、ポンプ２０からの振動を内部管６０及び空気室２３で減衰させられ、振動が電磁弁３０を介して筐体５０に伝わることもなく、電磁弁３０や筐体５０の振動による悪影響を防止できる。また、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形とすることなく複数の電磁弁ユニット８０からなる空気供給排出装置としたので、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形とするのに比べ各電磁弁ユニット８０の空気だまりを小さくすることができ、通常容積が大きくなった場合に空気洩れの精度を保つことが難しくなるが、空気だまりの容積を所定量に抑えることで空気洩れの精度を容易に保つことができると共に、空気だまりの容積が所定量に抑えられているということは空気だまりが占有しているスペースも限られ容易に設計することができる。
【００２８】
なお、本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置は、前記した各構成要素の配置の説明に従って、図６ないし図８（各図毎に配置態様が異なる）に示した各構成要素の配置とすることもできる。以下、各図の配置態様についてそれぞれ説明する。始めに図６に示す配置態様では、図１に示す配置態様と比べると、電磁弁ユニット８０の一つが他側面に沿って配置されている点が相違し、この電磁弁ユニット８０の配置により接合する内部管６０の接合形態、電源部７０の配置も異なる。既に前記したように、電磁弁ユニット８０同士を離間させることで共振を抑制することができる。また、単に一の電磁弁ユニット８０を他の電磁弁ユニット８０から離間させただけでなく電磁弁ユニット８０に一端を接合し他端を空気室２３に接合する内部管６０が曲折しない形態となっており、このことより空気圧の変動がなくなり振動を抑制することができる。ここで、内部管６０を振動を抑制するために可撓性素材製の内部管６０を冗長に空きスペースに配置することもできる。
【００２９】
次に、図７に示す配置態様では、図１に示す配置態様と比べると、図６に示す配置態様と同様に、電磁弁ユニット８０の一つが他側面に沿って配置されている点が相違なり、この電磁弁ユニット８０の配置により接合する内部管６０の接合形態、電源部７０の配置も異なり、特に、図６に示す配置態様と異なる点は一の電磁弁ユニット８０と他の電磁弁ユニット８０との間に電源部７０が配置していることが異なる。図６の配置態様と同様な部分では、前記したように、電磁弁ユニット８０同士を離間させることで共振を抑制し、内部管６０が曲折しない形態となっており空気圧の変動がなくなり振動を抑制することができる。さらに、図６の配置態様と異なる部分、すなわち、一の電磁弁ユニット８０と他の電磁弁ユニット８０との間に電源部７０が配置していることにより、電源部７０が錘の役目を果たし電磁弁ユニット８０を複数設けて分散させた振動により共振することを抑制する。
【００３０】
次に、図８に示す配置態様では、図１、図６及び図７に示す配置態様のどれとも異なり、前面の同一横位置に上下に電磁弁ユニット８０を配置した構成であり、前方に一の電磁弁ユニット８０、後方に他の電磁弁ユニット８０を配置した構成であって後方の電磁弁ユニット８０を逆様にしたものである。この配置態様では、空いているスペースを出来る得る限り有効に使用したものであり、著しく小型化を実現している。スペースを出来る得る限り使用したために、電磁弁ユニット８０同士が極めて近設しているが、後方の電磁弁ユニット８０が逆様にしており支持板を前方の電磁弁ユニット８０がユニット支持材８０ａを介して接合している基台の部分から離間させることで電磁弁ユニット同士が近接することで生じる共振を抑制することができる。なお、本配置態様では、両電磁弁ユニット８０に接合する内部管６０が曲折した形態であるが、内部管６０の他端に接合する空気室２３の形状を変形させることで内部管６０の曲折部分をなくすことができる。
【００３１】
また、本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置においては、電磁弁ユニット８０を２つ有する構成としたが、図９に示すように３つ電磁弁ユニット８０を有する構成とすることもできる。当然に３以上の電磁弁ユニットを有する構成とすることもでき、電磁弁ユニット８０が有する電磁弁３０の数も４に限らず複数の電磁弁３０であればよい。
【００３２】
また、本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置においては、前面に沿って２つの電磁弁ユニット８０を配置し、それぞれの電磁弁ユニット８０を内部管６０により空気室２３と接続したが、一方の電磁弁ユニット８０のみが内部管６０により空気室２３と接続し、他方の電磁弁ユニット８０が一方の電磁弁ユニット８０と内部管６０と同じような可撓性素材製の内部管で接続する構成とすることもできる。この場合電磁弁ユニット同士が可撓性素材製の内部管で接続されているのであるが、それぞれの電磁弁ユニット８０の電磁弁が開閉動作をすることで生じる振動が内部管で接続していても接続する電磁弁ユニット８０に到達することがあり、この点で本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置が優れている。
【００３３】
以上の図１、図６、図７、図８、図９に表した空気供給排出装置においては、電磁弁ユニット８０が空気室２３に内部管６０を介して直接接続しており、電磁弁ユニット８０の電磁弁３０が開閉することにより生じる振動が接合する外部ホース２０２だけでなく内部管６０を通して空気室２３にも及び、このことより振動が分散することで減衰し、特に、空気室２３自体が複数の内部管６０と接続し、且つ、クッション材２３ａも備えており振動を吸収するようになってかかる電磁弁３０の開閉による振動をも十分に吸収することができ、外部ホース２０２等の振動することが好ましくない部分に対する影響を最小限に抑えることができる。また、接続コネクタ５２は装置の筐体５０若しくは基台に固く固定し、一方、電磁弁ユニット８０をある程度自由度を持たせて振動を吸収させ、さらに、接続コネクタ５２と分配口３２とを可撓性素材製の管を介して接合することでより電磁弁３０の開閉による振動を装置外の部分に及ぼさないようにすることができる。
【００３４】
（本発明の第２の実施形態）
以下、本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置を図１０に基づいて説明する。図１０は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における電磁弁ユニットの各面図である。
本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置１は、前記第１の実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置１と同様に構成され、一方の電磁弁ユニット８０を構成する複数電磁弁３０のうち一の電磁弁３０の供給口３１に逆止弁３１ａを設けることを異にするものである。
【００３５】
前記供給口３１に設けられた逆止弁３１ａは、該当する電磁弁３０の供給口３１を塞ぐように中空通路３７ａの一部に設けられ、ポンプ２０から供給される空気の供給方向のみに空気を流出させ、逆方向の流出を防止する。ここで、中空通路３７ａの一部に逆止弁３１ａを設けられているが、弁体３６と下部弁座３５ａとにより供給口３１が塞がれる面から電磁弁３０に対応する中空通路３７ａまでに供給方向のみに空気を流出させるものを設けることが肝要であり、例えば、下部弁座３５ａに逆止弁３１ａを設けることでも同様な作用を生じる。
【００３６】
次に、前記構成に基づく空気供給排出装置の動作について説明する。まず、マッサージ器本体２００から延出する外部ホース２０２を筐体５０側部の接続コネクタ５２に接続し、使用者がマッサージ器本体２００に身体の所定部分を当接させた状態で、操作部（図示を省略）を操作して動作開始を指示すると、ポンプ２０が作動開始して空気を空気送出口２１から送出すると共に、制御部４０が所定の電磁弁３０を制御し、駆動部３４を作動させて弁体３６を上方へ動かし、電磁弁３０の分配口３２と供給口３１とを連通させる状態とする（図５（ａ）参照）。ポンプ２０が作動すると、ポンプ２０から振動も同時に発生するが、筐体５０に対し防振材５０ｂを介して取付けられ、且つ、内部管６０及び空気室２３を介在しており振動を減衰させられ振動を電磁弁ユニット８０側に伝えることを抑制し、ポンプ２０により筐体５０をはじめとする他の部分での振動幅が少ない。ここで、従来の空気供給排出装置と比べ、本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置では、２倍の電磁弁３０を備え、そのため空気の供給量の大きいポンプ２０が必要となり振動もその分大きくなる。例え、ポンプ２０が大きくなって振動も大きくなり電磁弁ユニット８０側に伝わったとしても、電磁弁ユニット８０が複数設けられているため、振動が分散し減衰させることができる。
【００３７】
分配口３２と供給口３１との連通状態では、供給方向の空気の流れのため逆止弁３１ａが開き、ポンプ２０からの空気が電磁弁３０及び外部ホース２０２を介してエアセル２０１に加圧注入されてエアセル２０１を膨張させ、このエアセル２０１の膨張による押圧力がマッサージ器本体２００を介して身体接触部分に伝わることとなる。一方、エアセル２０１が膨張して所定時間経過すると、制御部４０は新たに電磁弁３０を制御して駆動部３４を作動停止させ、スプリング３９の付勢力で弁体３６を下方へ動かし、分配口３２を排出口３３に連通させる状態に切り替える（図５（ｂ）参照）。この分配口３２と排出口３３との連通状態では、エアセル２０１から空気が外部ホース２０２及び電磁弁３０を介して排出され、エアセル２０１は収縮して押圧力を減衰させ、身体接触部分に押圧力を与えない状態となる。ここで、空気の排出中には逆止弁３１ａは、弁体３６と下部弁座３５ａにより供給口３１が塞がれているため、空気の流れはなく作用していない。この後、エアセル２０１が収縮して所定時間経過すると、制御部４０が電磁弁３０における連通状態を切り替え、エアセル２０１にポンプ２０から空気が注入される状態となる。
【００３８】
こうして、前記のエアセル２０１に対する空気の注入並びに排出の各状態が交互に繰返され、エアセル２０１が交互に膨張・収縮することで、マッサージ対象箇所をマッサージ器本体２００のエアセル２０１位置で断続的に押圧刺激し、マッサージ効果を与えられる。さらに、制御部４０により、各電磁弁３０の連通状態切替タイミングを調整し、マッサージ器本体２００の複数のエアセル２０１における膨張・収縮を同期させたり、いずれかのエアセル２０１における膨張時及び収縮時を他のエアセル２０１の収縮時及び膨張時にそれぞれ一致させたりして、各エアセル２０１の押圧の連動で身体の所定部分を伸す効果を与えることもできる。ここで、いずれかのエアセル２０１における膨張時に他のエアセル２０１を膨張させることがあるが、既に膨張しているエアセル２０１と連通する電磁弁ユニット８０の電磁弁３０に逆止弁３１ａが設けられていた場合に、他のエアセル２０１を膨張されるときは、膨張していないエアセル２０１に中空通路３７ａを介して既に膨張しているエアセル２０１及び連通路にある空気が空気圧により供給方向とは逆方向に流出しようとするが、逆止弁３１ａが閉じて供給方向と逆方向に空気を流出させないようにするため、既に膨張しているエアセル２０１が膨張状態を維持することができる。このような動作を必要とするマッサージとしては、足首に位置するエアセル２０１の膨張状態を維持したまま、ふくらはぎに位置するエアセル２０１を膨張させるものがあり、また、頭に支持するエアセル２０１の膨張状態を維持したまま、他の施療位置に位置するエアセル２０１により施療するものがある。特に、頭を支持するエアセル２０１が他の施療位置を施療に連動して若干収縮することは、被施療者にとって快いものでないことが多い。
【００３９】
このように本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置によれば、電磁弁ユニット８０に一つ以上の逆止弁３１ａに設けているので、電磁弁ユニット８０毎に逆止弁３１ａを設けるか否かを決定して設けることができ、逆止弁を設けた電磁弁ユニット８０と逆止弁３１ａを設けない電磁弁３０を組み合わせることで必要に応じた数及び位置の逆止弁３１ａを有する装置を構成することができ、また、逆止弁３１ａを設けないで膨張状態のエアセル２０１から一気に空気が流出すると急激な空気圧変化と共に、動作中のポンプ２０の振動と伴い共振となって発生する異音を防止することができる。例えば、逆止弁３１ａを設けた電磁弁ユニット８０と逆止弁３１ａを設けない電磁弁ユニット８０とからは、２つの電磁弁ユニット８０を並列させた形態の装置に場合においても両方共逆止弁３１ａを設けた電磁弁ユニット８０とする装置、一方を逆止弁３１ａを設けた電磁弁ユニット８０及び他方を逆止弁３１ａを設けない電磁ユニット８０とする装置、一方を逆止弁３１ａを設けない電磁弁ユニット８０及び他方を逆止弁３１ａを設ける電磁ユニット８０とする装置を構成することができ、これらの装置は２種類の金型若しくは組み立て装置から形成されるのに対し、全ての電磁弁３０を一体形にしている装置の場合には４種類の金型若しくは組み立て装置が必要となって設備費用が大幅にかかり、かかる形成動作において本発明の空気供給排出装置が優れている。
【００４０】
（本発明の第３の実施形態）
以下、本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置を図１１または図１２に基づいて説明する。図１１は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置を模式説明図及び比較例の模式図、図１２は本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置をイス式マッサージ機に用いた場合のイス式マッサージ機の斜視図である。ただし、図１２において外部ホース２０２は省略している。
本実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置１は、前記第１の実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置１と同様に構成され、一部の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張時に他の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁３０のみからなる電磁弁ユニット８０が空気だまりから空気室２３までの空気供給路上の内部管６０に逆止弁を設けたことを異にするものである。
【００４１】
一部の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張時に他の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁３０とは、具体的には、電磁弁ユニット８０中の一部の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張している状態のとき同電磁弁ユニット８０中の他の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し始めない電磁弁３０のことをいい、すなわち、同電磁弁ユニット内の電磁弁３０との関係で逆止弁３１ａを設ける必要がない電磁弁のことをいう。
【００４２】
本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置１の比較例となる空気供給排出装置の模式説明図である図１１（ａ）に示す従来例は、全ての電磁弁３０が一体形に形成されており、Ａの電磁弁３０とＣの電磁弁３０に逆止弁３１ａを設けている。Ａの電磁弁３０とＣの電磁弁３０は、Ｂの電磁弁、Ｄの電磁弁、Ｇの電磁弁、Ｈの電磁弁との関係で逆止弁を設ける必要があることとする。詳細に説明すると、Ａの電磁弁に係るエアセルが膨張時にＢの電磁弁に係るエアセルが膨張し、Ｃの電磁弁に係るエアセルが膨張時にＤの電磁弁に係るエアセルが膨張し、Ａの電磁弁に係るエアセルが膨張時にＧの電磁弁に係るエアセル及びＨの電磁弁に係るエアセルが膨張するため、Ａの電磁弁３０とＣの電磁弁３０に逆止弁３１ａを設けている。
【００４３】
前記比較例に対応する本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置１の模式説明図である図１１（ｂ）に示す空気供給排出装置は、２つの電磁弁ユニット８０からなり、一方の電磁弁ユニット８０に接続する内部管６０ｃ上に逆止弁３１ｂを設けている。一方の電磁弁ユニット８０はＡの電磁弁３０とＣの電磁弁３０とＥの電磁弁３０とＦの電磁弁３０を有し、他方の電磁弁ユニット８０はＢの電磁弁３０とＤの電磁弁３０とＧの電磁弁３０とＨの電磁弁３０を有する。前記従来例では、Ａの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張時にＢの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し、Ｃの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張時にＤの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し、Ａの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張時にＧの電磁弁３０に係るエアセル及びＨの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張するため、Ａの電磁弁３０とＣの電磁弁３０に逆止弁３１ａを設けていたが、図１１（ｂ）に示す空気供給排出装置においても、逆止弁３１ｂによりＡの電磁弁３０とＣの電磁弁３０から他の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張することで空気が流出することはない。個別的には、Ａの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張した状態でＢの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し始めると、空気室２３からＢの電磁弁３０に空気が供給され、空気室２３内の空圧が変化し、Ａの電磁弁３０が属する電磁弁ユニット８０の空気が空気室２３の方に引き込まれるようになるが、内部管６０ｃ上の逆弁３１ｂが閉じ空気が空気室２３に流出することはなく、Ａの電磁弁３０に係るエアセルから空気が流出せず膨張状態を維持することができる。このＡの電磁弁３０とＢの電磁弁３０との動作は、同様に、Ｃの電磁弁３０とＤの電磁弁との動作、及び、Ａの電磁弁３０とＧの電磁弁及びＨの電磁弁との動作にについて同様なことが言える。
【００４４】
より具体的に本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置の説明をすべく、イス式マッサージ機に図１１（ｂ）を示した本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置を用いた場合について図１２に基づいて説明する。この図１２においてイス式マッサージ機は、被施療者の背中を支持する背もたれ部１０１と、この背もたれ部１０１下端と接し被施療者の臀部を支持する座部１０２と、被施療者の肘を支持する肘置き１０３と、座部１０２の先端下側に枢設され被施療者の足が載置されるフットレスト１０４と、背もたれ１０１部の内部にもみ玉及びもみ玉を動作させるもみ玉機構を有するメカユニット１０５と、座部１０２の下位置に本空気供給排出装置１とを備えるものである。イス式マッサージ機には、図１２に示す各部位に、背中用エアセル１０９ａ、腰用エアセル１０９ｂ、臀部用エアセル１０９ｃ、太腿用エアセル１０９ｄ並びに脚用エアセル１１０、１１０ａ、１１０ｂ、１１０ｃ及び１１０ｄ、腕用エアセル１１１ａ、１１１ｂの各種エアセルが配設されており、この各種エアセルが図示しない外部ホースを介して空気供給排出装置１から空気の供給を受ける。
【００４５】
空気供給排出装置において、Ａの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで腰用エアセル１０９ｂと接続し、Ｂの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで背中用エアセル１０９ａと接続し、Ｃの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで太腿用エアセル１０９ｄと接続し、Ｄの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで臀部用エアセル１０９ｃと接続し、Ｅの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで腕用エアセル１１１ａと接続し、Ｆの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで腕用エアセル１１１ａと接続し、Ｇの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで脚用エアセル１１０ａ及び脚用エアセル１１０ｂと接続し、Ｈの電磁弁３０が外部ホースで脚用エアセル１１０ｃ及び脚用エアセル１１０ｄと接続している。
【００４６】
したがって、この接続状態で各種エアセルにより以下のようなマッサージ動作が可能となる。空気供給排出装置１から内部管６０ｃを介して空気がＡの電磁弁３０に供給され腰用エアセル１０９ｂが膨張状態となり、この時、腰用エアセル１０９ｂが膨張状態であるためＡの電磁弁３０は内部管６０ｃと連通状態となっており、空気圧も腰用エアセル１０９ｂ、Ａの電磁弁、内部管６０ｃ及び空気室２３で一定となっている。次に、空気供給排出装置１から内部管６０ｄを介してＢの電磁弁３０に供給され背中用エアセル１０９aが膨張し始め、この時、Ｂの電磁弁３０を開放されることで背中用エアセル１０９aとも連通状態となって一定であった空気室２３の空気圧が一挙に下がり、それに応じて、Ａの電磁弁３０が属する電磁弁ユニット８０の空気が空気室２３の方に引き込まれるようになるが、内部管６０ｃ上の逆止弁３１ｂが閉じ空気が空気室２３に流出することなく、Ａの電磁弁３０に接続する腰用エアセル１０９ｂから空気が流出せず膨張状態を維持することができる。したがって、腰用エアセル１０９ｂの膨張状態を維持したまま、背中用エアセル１０９aを膨張させることができ円滑なマッサージを実現することができる。
【００４７】
同様に、空気供給排出装置１から内部管６０ｃを介して空気がＣの電磁弁３０に供給され太腿用エアセル１０９ｄが膨張状態となり、この時、太腿用エアセル１０９ｄが膨張状態であるためＣの電磁弁３０は内部管６０ｃと連通状態となっており、空気圧も太腿用エアセル１０９ｄ、Ｃの電磁弁、内部管６０ｃ及び空気室２３で一定となっている。次に、空気供給排出装置１から内部管６０ｄを介してＤの電磁弁３０に供給され臀部用エアセル１０９ｃが膨張し始め、この時、Ｄの電磁弁３０を開放されることで臀部用エアセル１０９ｃとも連通状態となって一定であった空気室２３の空気圧が一挙に下がり、それに応じて、Ｃの電磁弁３０が属する電磁弁ユニット８０の空気が空気室２３の方に引き込まれるようになるが、内部管６０ｃ上の逆止弁３１ｂが閉じ空気が空気室２３に流出することなく、Ｃの電磁弁３０に接続する太腿用エアセル１０９ｄから空気が流出せず膨張状態を維持することができる。したがって、太腿用エアセル１０９ｄの膨張状態を維持したまま、臀部用エアセル１０９ｃを膨張させることができ円滑なマッサージを実現することができる。
【００４８】
さらに同様に、空気供給排出装置１から内部管６０ｃを介して空気がＡの電磁弁３０に供給され腰用エアセル１０９ｂが膨張状態となり、この時、腰用エアセル１０９ｂが膨張状態であるためＡの電磁弁３０は内部管６０ｃと連通状態となっており、空気圧も腰用エアセル１０９ｂ、Ａの電磁弁、内部管６０ｃ及び空気室２３で一定となっている。次に、空気供給排出装置１から内部管６０ｄを介してＧの電磁弁３０及びＨの電磁弁３０に供給され脚用エアセル１１０ａ及び脚用エアセル１１０ｂが膨張し始め、この時、Ｇの電磁弁３０及びＨの電磁弁３０を開放されることで脚用エアセル１１０ａ、脚用エアセル１１０ｂ、脚用エアセル１１０ａ及び脚用エアセル１１０ｂと連通状態となって一定であった空気室２３の空気圧が一挙に下がり、それに応じて、Ａの電磁弁３０が属する電磁弁ユニット８０の空気が空気室２３の方に引き込まれるようになるが、内部管６０ｃ上の逆止弁３１ｂが閉じ空気が空気室２３に流出することなく、Ａの電磁弁３０に接続する腰用エアセル１０９ｂから空気が流出せず膨張状態を維持することができる。したがって、腰用エアセル１０９ｂの膨張状態を維持したまま、脚用エアセル１１０ａ、脚用エアセル１１０ｂ、脚用エアセル１１０ａ及び脚用エアセル１１０ｂを膨張させることができ円滑なマッサージを実現することができる。
【００４９】
このように本実施形態に係る空気供給排出装置によれば、一部の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張時に他の電磁弁３０に係るエアセルが膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁３０のみからなる電磁弁ユニット８０が空気だまりから空気室２３までの空気供給路上に逆止弁３１ｂを設けているので、一部の電磁弁３０に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁３０に係る供給先が膨張する構成の通常の空気供給排出装置においては、少なくともかかる一部の電磁弁３０毎に逆止弁３１ｂを設けて、他の電磁弁３０にエアセルが膨張状態の一部の電磁弁３０に係る空気が流入するのを防止しているのとは対照的に、空気だまりから空気室２３までの空気供給路上に逆止弁３１ｂを設けることで、この逆止弁３１ｂを設けた供給路上の電磁弁ユニット８０から、膨張し始めているエアセルに空気を供給している電磁弁３０を有する電磁弁ユニット８０に空気が流入することがなく、逆止弁３１ｂの数を減少させることができ、逆止弁３１ｂの数が減少することで逆止弁３１ｂを設けた部分が小型化できると共に、空気だまりから空気室２３までの空気供給路上であれば、どの部分にも逆止弁３１ｂを設けることができて設計上の自由度が上がり、例えばスペースに余裕がある部分に逆止弁３１ｂを設けることができる。
【００５０】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明においては、少なくとも供給口、分配口及び排出口を有する電磁弁を２以上用意し、当該２以上の電磁弁を一体形とした電磁弁ユニットを複数設けた構成であるので、全ての電磁弁を一体形としたものと比べ、ポンプが動作して空気供給中に生じる振動が供給路を伝わって電磁弁ユニットに到達しても複数の電磁弁ユニットに振動が分散し全体として振動を防止することができる。
【００５１】
また、全ての電磁弁を一体形とすると一定方向に偏って長く形成され装置自体が大型になるのに対し、本発明においては複数の電磁弁ユニットからなることで、一の面に沿って一の電磁弁ユニットを配置し、他面に沿って他の電磁弁ユニットを配置することが可能となり、レイアウトの自由度が向上する。
【００５２】
さらにまた、電磁弁が単独で配置されているのに比べ小型にでき、且つ複数の電磁弁からなるために組み立てが容易であり、一方、全ての電磁弁を一体形としたものと比べると、仕様変更が生じてもかかる仕様変更に容易に対応することができる。
更には、電磁弁ユニットの電磁弁数をある程度に抑制することで共通の空気だまりの肥大化が抑制出来、空気洩れの虞を可及的に低減出来る。
【００５３】
更には、両者の電磁弁は空気だまりを介して連通しているため、一の電磁弁ユニットの電磁弁開閉による空気の衝撃等の影響が他の電磁弁ユニットに直接的に伝達しないという効果を奏する。ここで、各電磁弁ユニットが空気室に内部管等の管を介して直接接続している場合には、電磁弁ユニットの電磁弁が開閉することにより生じる振動が接合する外部ホースだけでなく内部管等の管を通して空気室にも及び、このことより振動が分散することで減衰し、特に、空気室自体が振動を吸収するように形成されておりかかる電磁弁の開閉による振動をも略吸収することで、外部ホース等の振動することが好ましくない部分に対する影響を最小限に抑えることができる。
【００５４】
また、本発明においては、電磁弁をその弁体移動方向を上下方向とする向きで筐体内に配設し、上下方向に所定寸法を有するポンプと並置しているので、筐体内の上下方向の空間を有効利用すると共に、筐体内で電磁弁の占める平面領域を小さくできることとなり、筐体の上下寸法の増大を抑えつつ平面寸法をより小さくして大幅にコンパクト化が図れるという効果を有する。
【００５５】
また、本発明においては、前記ポンプと電磁弁ユニットとの間に空気室を配設しているので、空気の供給がポンプ、空気室、電磁弁ユニットの順に行われ、すなわち、空気の供給方向に合わせてポンプ、空気室、電磁弁ユニットを配設しており、かかるポンプ、空気室、電磁弁ユニット間に供給方向に沿って空気供給路を形成する管も架設することができ、管が曲折する箇所が少なくて済み、送出圧力が一定となって変動が少なくなり、管で生じる送出音が小さくすることができるという効果を有する。
【００５６】
また、本発明においては、電磁弁ユニットに一つ以上の逆止弁に設けているので、電磁弁ユニット毎に逆止弁を設けるか否かを決定して設けることができ、逆止弁を設けた電磁弁ユニットと逆止弁を設けない電磁弁を組み合わせることで必要に応じた数及び位置の逆止弁を有する装置を構成することができ、また、逆止弁を設けないで膨張状態の空気供給対象物であるエアセルから一気に空気が流出すると急激な空気圧変化と共に、動作中のポンプの振動と伴い共振となって異音の発生を防止することができるという効果を有する。
【００５７】
また、本発明においては、一部の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁のみからなる電磁弁ユニットが空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上に逆止弁を設けているので、一部の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張する構成の通常の空気供給排出装置においては少なくともかかる一部の電磁弁毎に逆止弁を設けて他の電磁弁に供給先が膨張状態の一部の電磁弁に係る空気が流入するのを防止しているが、空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上に逆止弁を設けることでこの逆止弁を設けた供給路上の電磁弁ユニットから膨張し始めている供給先に空気を供給している電磁弁を有する電磁弁ユニットに空気が流入することがなく逆止弁の数を減少させることができ、コスト低減が図れ、また逆止弁の数が減少することで逆止弁を設けた部分が小型化できると共に、空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上であればどの部分に逆止弁を設けることができ設計上の自由度が上がり例えばスペースに余裕がある部分に逆止弁を設けることができるという効果を有する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図である。
【図２】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の正面図及び側面方向の断面図である。
【図３】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における電磁弁ユニットの各面図である。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における空気室の各面図である。
【図５】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における電磁弁の動作説明図である。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図である。
【図８】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の正面図及び側面方向の断面図である。
【図９】本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図である。
【図１０】本発明の第２の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置における電磁弁ユニットの各面図である。
【図１１】本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置を模式説明図及び比較例の模式図である。
【図１２】本発明の第３の実施の形態に係る空気供給排出装置をイス式マッサージ機に用いた場合のイス式マッサージ機の斜視図である。
【図１３】従来の空気供給排出装置の筐体内部の平面図である。
【図１４】従来の空気供給排出装置の斜視図である。
【図１５】従来の空気供給排出装置の側面方向の断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 空気供給排出装置
２０ ポンプ
２１ 空気送出口
２２、２３ 空気室
２３ａ クッション材
３０ 電磁弁
３１ 供給口
３１ａ、３１ｂ 逆止弁
３２ 分配口
３３ 排出口
３４ 駆動部
３４ａ ソレノイド
３４ｂ プランジャ
３５ 弁ケース
３５ａ 下部弁座
３６ 弁体
３６ａ 軸部
３６ｂ フランジ部
３６ｃ 溝部
３６ｄ Ｏリング
３７ マニホールド部
３７ａ 中空通路
３７ｂ 空気入口
３８ 連結部
３９ スプリング
４０ 制御部
５０ 筐体
５１ 防振材
５２ 接続コネクタ
５３ 内枠
６０ 内部管
７０ 電源部
８０ 電磁弁ユニット
８０ａ ユニット支持材
１０１ 背もたれ部
１０２ 座部
１０３ 肘置き
１０４ フットレスト
１０５ メカユニット
１０９ａ 背中用エアセル
１０９ｂ 腰用エアセル
１０９ｃ 臀部用エアセル
１０９ｄ 太腿用エアセル
１１０、１１０ａ、１１０ｂ、１１０ｃ、１１０ｄ 脚用エアセル
１１１ａ、１１１ｂ 腕用エアセル
２００ マッサージ器本体
２０１ エアセル
２０２ 外部ホース[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an air supply / discharge device that distributes and supplies air to an air supply object as needed, and discharges air from the air supply object, and in particular, a plurality of supply paths.TheThe present invention relates to an air supply / discharge device in which a plurality of units are formed and formed as a unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional air supply / discharge device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-314464, and will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The conventional air supply / discharge device includes a pump 20, a solenoid valve 30 having a supply port 31, a distribution port 32, and a discharge port 33, a control unit 40, and a housing 50, and the solenoid valve 30 is a solenoid. The direction of movement of the valve body 36 driven by is matched with the top-to-bottom direction of the casing 50, and each distribution port 32 faces the predetermined side surface of the casing 50. It has the structure arrange | positioned along.
[0003]
According to this conventional air supply / discharge device, the electromagnetic valve 30 is disposed in the housing 50 with the moving direction of the valve body 36 in the vertical direction, and is juxtaposed with the pump 20 having a predetermined dimension in the vertical direction. Since the connection connector 52 is disposed on a predetermined side surface of the casing 50 and the distribution port 32 of the electromagnetic valve 30 is disposed close to the side of the casing 50 and directly connected to the connection connector 52, the vertical direction in the casing 50 is determined. The space occupied by the solenoid valve 30 in the housing 50 can be reduced, and the horizontal dimension of the housing 50 can be reduced while suppressing the increase in the vertical dimension of the housing 50. In addition, the structure in the housing 50 can be greatly simplified.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-314464 A
[0005]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-19145
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the conventional air supply / discharge device is configured as described above, the space in the vertical direction in the casing can be obtained by disposing the solenoid valve in the casing with the valve body moving direction in the vertical direction. It can be used effectively, and the plane area occupied by the solenoid valve in the housing can be reduced by juxtaposing it with a pump having a predetermined dimension in the vertical direction. However, supply for supplying air to the air cell, which is a normal air supply object The solenoid valve is closely joined or integrally formed so that the external hose that is the road can be easily attached to the connection connector of the apparatus and can be formed in a small size. When the pump is activated to generate air, the vibration generated at the time of generation is transmitted to the solenoid valve and also to the external hose, etc., and vibrations are generated as well as abnormal noise. When used in a massage machine that should operate relaxed unlike industrial equipment, this noise will lead to a reduction in the value of the product. Furthermore, the occurrence of abnormal noise has the problem that a certain component and a certain component are repeatedly collided, which may cause a failure. In particular, when increasing the number of solenoid valves, when increasing the amount of air outflow, etc., a pump larger than the conventional pump is used. In this case, vibration increases and noise is likely to occur. In a case where a large number of air cells such as a functional chair type massage machine are arranged, it is very important to prevent these vibrations and noises. In addition, when aiming to reduce the size of the entire device, even if the solenoid valve is simply intimately joined or integrally formed, the total volume can be reduced as much as it becomes a rectangular shape extending in a certain lateral direction. However, it is a shape that extends long in a certain direction, it is inconvenient to carry and it is difficult to secure a place to place it, and when it is used by incorporating it in a massage machine such as a chair type massage machine, it is a massage machine There is a problem that the shape of itself must be distorted.
[0007]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the conventional air supply / discharge device has an air chamber 23 that suppresses fluctuations in air pressure on the air supply path from the air delivery port 21 of the pump to the supply port 31 of the electromagnetic valve 30, All the solenoid valves 30 are gathered together, and an air pool for branching the air supplied from the air chamber 23 to each supply port 31 on the air supply path from the air chamber 23 to the supply port 31 of each solenoid valve 30 is a manifold part. 37. This conventional air supply / discharge device is provided with four electromagnetic valves 30, but when an air supply / discharge device provided with four or more electromagnetic valves 30 is created based on the conventional air supply / discharge device, for example, 8 An air supply / discharge device in which the electromagnetic valves 30 are grouped together can be easily conceived. However, the air supply and discharge device thus conceived is difficult to form an air pool in consideration of air leakage due to the increase of the air pool because eight solenoid valves 30 are grouped together. As a result of the increased air pool, the integrated solenoid valve is assembled.DifficultFurthermore, since eight electromagnetic valves 30 are grouped together, there is a problem that vibrations caused by opening and closing of one electromagnetic valve are transmitted to other electromagnetic valves, resulting in large vibrations.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and while reducing vibrations generated from the pump even in the solenoid valve, it is possible to easily reduce the size by effectively utilizing the device space and enlarge the air pocket. An object of the present invention is to provide an air supply / discharge device that is easy to assemble, withstands specification changes, and suppresses vibration caused by opening and closing of a solenoid valve. Further, when a check valve disposed in the apparatus is provided in order to prevent a backflow of air generated by one supply destination expanding another supply destination during expansion, the check valve is as small as possible. It is another object of the present invention to provide an air supply / discharge device in which the space required for the check valve is made as small as possible by providing the check valve and the position where the check valve is provided has a degree of freedom.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An air supply / discharge device according to the present invention includes a pump for sending air to be expanded into an air supply object at a predetermined pressure, a supply port communicating with an air delivery port of the pump, and a predetermined communication path for the air supply object. A state in which the supply port and the distribution port are communicated with each other by a valve body driven by a solenoid, and the discharge port is closed. A plurality of solenoid valves that allow the distribution port to communicate and the supply port to be closed, and an air supply path from the pump air supply port to the solenoid valve supply portsoIn an air supply / discharge device comprising at least an air chamber that suppresses fluctuations in air pressure, and a substantially box-shaped housing that houses the pump and the electromagnetic valve, two or more electromagnetic valves are integrated into the air chamber. On the air supply path to the supply port of the solenoid valve, an air pool for branching the air supplied from the air chamber to each supply port is provided as a solenoid valve unit.In the housingMultipleThe electromagnetic valve units are arranged apart from each other, the air chamber is separated from the pump, and joints with the pipe as the air supply path are respectively set on a plurality of surfaces, and the pump In addition to being connected by a pipe, each solenoid valve unit is connected to each solenoid valve unit by a plurality of pipes, and is disposed at a predetermined position sandwiched between the pump and any one of the solenoid valve units in the housing.Is.
  As described above, in the present invention, since two or more electromagnetic valves having at least a supply port, a distribution port, and a discharge port are prepared and a plurality of electromagnetic valve units in which the two or more electromagnetic valves are integrated are provided, Compared to the one that integrates all solenoid valves, even if the vibration that occurs during the air supply due to the operation of the pump travels along the supply path and reaches the solenoid valve unit, the vibration is distributed to multiple solenoid valve units as a whole. Vibration can be prevented, and if all the solenoid valves are integrated, it is formed long and deviated in a certain direction, and the device itself becomes large, but it consists of a plurality of solenoid valve units on one side. By arranging one solenoid valve unit along the other surface and arranging another solenoid valve unit along the other surface, the device itself can be miniaturized without being formed long in a certain direction.ButIn addition, it can be made smaller than being arranged for each solenoid valve, and it can be easily assembled at the time of assembly with a plurality of solenoid valves. Even if there is a change in the specifications, it is possible to easily cope with such a change in specifications, and by suppressing the number of solenoid valves in the solenoid valve unit to a certain extent, the air pool does not become enlarged and the design and assembly become easy. Vibration caused by opening and closing of the door does not increase.
  In addition, by arranging the solenoid valve units in the height direction, when the device is made high by parts constituting the device other than the solenoid valve unit, such as the pump and transformer, Can be used effectively. The air supply / discharge device according to the present invention is suitably used for an air-type massage machine, but can be applied to a bed-type massage machine in addition to the chair-type air massage machine shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is also applied to a device having a function of moving a human body by air supply / exhaust of an air cell that is an air supply object such as a floor slip prevention mat. It can also be applied as a drive source of an air actuator that moves an object by the force of air.
  Here, the present invention can be applied if there is an air supply object, and can be used without being limited to an air-type massage machine and a bed slip prevention mat. For example, the air supply object is used as an air bed or a floating ring to inflate them. It can also be used as a device that has a wide range of uses. Even if the air bed or the floating ring has only one air inlet, if the bundling tool that combines the plurality of communication paths is used, the air bed becomes one communication path from the plurality of communication paths. Air can be supplied to the floating ring.
  In addition, since an air chamber is disposed between the pump and the solenoid valve unit, air is supplied in the order of the pump, the air chamber, and the solenoid valve unit, that is, the pump according to the air supply direction, An air chamber and a solenoid valve unit are arranged, and a pipe that forms an air supply path along the supply direction can be installed between the pump, the air chamber, and the solenoid valve unit, and there are few places where the pipe bends. As a result, the delivery pressure becomes constant and the fluctuation is reduced, and the delivery sound generated in the pipe can be reduced.
[0010]
  Further, the air supply / discharge device according to the present invention, if necessary, arranges one electromagnetic valve unit along one surface of the housing, and arranges another electromagnetic valve unit along the other surface, The pipe is installed between the air chamber and each solenoid valve unit along the air supply direction to the solenoid valve unit. As described above, in the present invention, one of the solenoid valve units is arranged along the other surface, and the joining form of the pipes to be joined is different according to the placement of the solenoid valve unit, thereby separating the solenoid valve units from each other. Resonance can be suppressed, and the pipe that joins one end to the electromagnetic valve unit and joins the other end to the air chamber does not bend, so that fluctuations in air pressure are eliminated and vibration can be suppressed.
[0011]
  Moreover, the air supply / discharge device according to the present invention isThe electromagnetic valve is formed in a direction in which the distribution port is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the valve body, the moving direction of the valve body is made to coincide with the vertical direction of the housing, and each distributing port is connected to the housing. It is disposed along the predetermined side surface of the housing toward the predetermined side surface, and the distribution port and the communication path penetrate a predetermined location on the extension line of the distribution port on the predetermined side surface of the housing.Is. Thus, in the present invention,The solenoid valve is arranged in the casing in the direction in which the valve body moving direction is the vertical direction, and is juxtaposed with the pump having a predetermined dimension in the vertical direction, so that the vertical space in the casing is effectively used, The planar area occupied by the solenoid valve in the housing can be reduced, and the planar dimension can be further reduced while the increase in the vertical dimension of the housing is suppressed, thereby greatly reducing the size. In addition, by arranging the distribution port of the solenoid valve close to the side of the housing in a side-by-side parallel state and connecting the communication path to the housing on the side of the housing closest to the distribution port, the inside of the housing is complicated. It is not necessary to provide the communication path, the structure is simplified, and the cost can be reduced.
[0012]
  The air supply / discharge device according to the present invention is, ElectricThe magnetic valve unit is provided with at least one check valve. Thus, in the present invention, since one or more check valves are provided in the solenoid valve unit, it is possible to determine whether or not to provide a check valve for each solenoid valve unit. By combining a solenoid valve unit with a check valve and a solenoid valve without a check valve, it is possible to configure a device having check valves in the number and position as needed. In addition, expansion without a check valve is possible. When air flows out from the air supply object in a state at once, a sudden change in air pressure and resonance with the vibration of the pump in operation can be prevented to prevent the generation of abnormal noise. For example, from a solenoid valve unit provided with a check valve and a solenoid valve unit not provided with a check valve, a device in which two solenoid valve units are arranged in parallelofIn some cases,Both are devices that use a solenoid valve unit with a check valve, both devices that use a check valve without a check valve, one that has a check valve and the other that does not have a check valve electromagneticvalveA device with a unit, one solenoid valve unit without a check valve and the other with a check valvevalveThe device can be configured as a unit, and these devices are formed from two types of molds or assembling devices, whereas in the case of a device in which all the solenoid valves are integrated, four types of molds are used. A mold or assembling apparatus is required, which greatly increases the equipment cost, and the air supply / discharge apparatus of the present invention is excellent in this forming operation.
[0013]
  In addition, the air supply and discharge device according to the present invention is only an electromagnetic valve in which the relationship that a supply destination related to some solenoid valves does not start to expand when a supply destination related to some solenoid valves expands when necessary. Solenoid valve unit consisting ofOf the solenoid valve unitA check valve is provided on the air supply path from the air reservoir to the air chamber. As described above, in the present invention, the solenoid valve unit including only the solenoid valves in which the relation that the supply destinations related to some solenoid valves are expanded and the supply destinations related to the other solenoid valves does not start expanding is an air pool. Since a check valve is provided on the air supply path from the air chamber to the air chamber, in a normal air supply / discharge device in which the supply destination related to some solenoid valves expands when the supply destination related to some solenoid valves expands Is provided with check valves for at least some of these solenoid valves to prevent inflow of air related to some solenoid valves whose supply destination is inflated to other solenoid valves. By providing a check valve on the air supply path to the chamber, air is supplied to the solenoid valve unit having a solenoid valve that is supplying air to the supply destination starting to expand from the solenoid valve unit on the supply path provided with the check valve. Of check valve without inflow By reducing the number of check valves, the part where the check valves are provided can be reduced in size, and the check valve can be placed in any part on the air supply path from the air pool to the air chamber. The degree of freedom in design can be increased, and for example, a check valve can be provided in a portion having a sufficient space. Here, the supply destination relating to the electromagnetic valve indicates, for example, an air cell, and also an object to be expanded and contracted by inflow / exhaust of air from the electromagnetic valve. The air supply path is an air supply path from the pump to the supply destination for the solenoid valve, and the air supply path from the air pool to the air chamber explicitly specifies a predetermined part of the air supply path. Show.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, an air supply / discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the inside of a housing of an air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view and a side sectional view of the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of an air chamber in the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment. 6 and 7 are plan views of the inside of the casing of the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a front view and a side view of the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the interior of the housing of the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment. 3A and 3B, specifically, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are cross-sectional views of the right half from the dotted line.
[0015]
As shown in the respective drawings, the air supply / discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pump 20, an electromagnetic valve 30 having a supply port 31, a distribution port 32, and a discharge port 33, a control unit 40, and a housing. Body 50, the solenoid valve 30 matches the moving direction of the valve body 36 driven by the solenoid 34a with the top and bottom direction of the casing 50, and each distribution port 32 is a predetermined side surface side of the casing 50. The electromagnetic valve unit 80 is arranged along the predetermined side surface of the casing 50 in a state of being directed to the electromagnetic valve unit 80 by integrating four electromagnetic valves, and a plurality of the electromagnetic valve units 80 are provided. is there.
[0016]
  The arrangement of each component in the air supply / discharge device 1 according to this embodiment is as follows.,As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, the pump 20 is disposed along the rear surface at the rear central portion of the apparatus, and the air chamber 23 is disposed adjacent to the pump 20 via a cushion material 23a that absorbs vibration. In this configuration, two electromagnetic valve units 80 are arranged along the front surface in the front, and the control unit 40 made of a substrate or the like is arranged in the upper part. Here, in order to reduce the size of the entire device, it is necessary to arrange the components of the device as close as possible, and in order to suppress vibration, it is necessary to separate the pump 20 from other components, In addition, air is generated by the pump 20 and sent to the air chamber 23, and is sent to the electromagnetic valve unit 80 while suppressing fluctuations in air pressure in the air chamber 23, from the distribution ports 32 of the electromagnetic valves 30 of the electromagnetic valve unit 80. An air flow from the pump 20 called the external hose 202 is caused through the connection connector 52, but when vibration is transmitted to the external hose 202.,Suppressing vibration of the external hose 202 can be dealt with by improving this device.Not becauseVibration must be suppressed in the device.,In particular, it is necessary to suppress vibration up to the electromagnetic valve unit 80 that must be in close proximity to the external hose 202. In response to such a need, the present air supply / discharge device 1 arranges the electromagnetic valve unit 80 at a position farthest from the side facing the pump 20, and the pump 20 and the electromagnetic according to the air supply direction. One of the aspects which has arrange | positioned the air chamber between the valve units 80 is shown. In particular, the components are arranged according to the supply direction.WhenTherefore, the portion where the inner pipe 60 which is one of the supply passages and serves as an air passage is bent is reduced, and the pressure fluctuation of the air can be suppressed as much as possible. Further, since the solenoid valve 30 is integrated as the solenoid valve unit 80, all the solenoid valves 30 are divided into a plurality of solenoid valve units 80 without being integrated, so that the inner pipe 60 is branched as an integral type. When the pump 20 vibrates during air supply, the space required for the inner pipe 60 is reduced by joining to the solenoid valve unit 80, the assembly work during manufacturing is facilitated, and the fault tolerance is improved. Even if such vibrations travel through the air chamber and reach the electromagnetic valve unit 80, the plurality of electromagnetic valve units 80 can disperse and further attenuate the vibrations, so that all the electromagnetic valves 30 are integrally formed. It is significantly more effective than what it is. Attenuation due to the dispersion of vibration is performed by the electromagnetic valve unit 80 joined to the air chamber 23 by the internal pipe 60 regardless of which electromagnetic valve 30 is supplied with air. As the number of solenoid valves 30 constituting the solenoid valve unit 80 is reduced, the number of solenoid valve units 80 in the apparatus increases.AccordingAlthough the effect of the damping is increased, the space required for the inner pipe 60 is increased by increasing the number of the electromagnetic valve units 80 as described above, and this balance needs to be taken into consideration. By the way, even if the number of the solenoid valve units 80 is increased, if resonance occurs between the solenoid valve units 80, the vibrations that have been dispersed become larger as a whole, so that resonance does not occur between the solenoid valve units 80.IIt is necessary to devise measures to make it happen, and joining at least the solenoid valve units 80 does not disperse the vibration as with the integrated type.so,In order to join each solenoid valve unit 80 to the housing 50 or the base, the joining members or the supporting members are arranged apart from each other, or the joining members or the supporting members themselves are formed of a material having vibration resistance or vibration absorption. It is preferable. In addition, the pump 20 and the air chamber 23 are covered with an inner frame 53 inside the housing 50, and the inner frame 53 suppresses vibration of the pump 20 and sound generated by the vibration.
[0017]
  The electromagnetic valve unit 80 is provided with an air pool for branching the air supplied from the air chamber 23 to each supply port 31 on the air supply path from the air chamber 23 to the supply port 31 of each electromagnetic valve 30. Specifically, an air pocket is formed by the manifold portion 37.
  The pump 20 is a known electric air pump that takes in air that expands a plurality of hollow air cells 201 arranged in a predetermined massaging device body 200 from the outside and sends the air at a predetermined pressure. It is a structure that is positioned on the other side farthest from the side facing the electromagnetic valve 30 and attached to the housing 50 via a vibration isolator 51. Between the pump 20 and the solenoid valve unit 80In the skyAir chamber 23 is arranged,An inner tube 60 made of a flexible material is provided to communicate the air chamber 23 with the air outlet 21.WithAn internal tube 60 made of a flexible material is provided for communicating the air chamber 23 and the electromagnetic valve unit 80. The air chamber 23 is configured to suppress the pressure fluctuation of the air sent from the pump 20 and reduce the pump 20 sound.
[0018]
The air chamber 23 is configured as shown in FIG. 4, and based on FIG. 4B, there are three joints on both side surfaces and one joint on the lower surface. In FIG. 4B, the air chamber 23 is disposed in the apparatus, the pump 20 is in the front direction, and the electromagnetic valve unit 80 is in the back direction. As shown in FIG. 4, except for the shape where only the joint portion on the lower side surface protrudes in a convex shape, the air chamber is formed with a hole similar to the cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 60 at other joint portions. It has only been done. For joints having a convex shape, the joint part of the inner tube 60 may have the same cross-sectional shape as the intermediate cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 60, but for joints where a similar hole is formed, The joint portion of the tube 60 has a cusp 60a and an insertion portion 60b at the tip. When the inner tube 60 is joined to a joint where a similar hole is formed, the most advanced cross-sectional shape is easily inserted from the tip 60a smaller than the diameter of the hole, and the maximum diameter of the tip 60a is slightly resistant. However, it is inserted by being pushed in, and is no longer inserted by the insertion stopper 60b having a diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the cusp 60a. Once inserted, the maximum diameter portion of the cusp 60a cannot be easily removed due to resistance, and cannot be removed even by fluctuations in air pressure due to the supply of the pump 20 and vibration. The inside of the air chamber 23 is a mere space, but air can be supplied smoothly by providing a rectifying plate in the space.
[0019]
The electromagnetic valve 30 includes a drive unit 34 that moves the plunger 34b upward by the electromagnetic force of the solenoid 34a, a valve case 35 formed of a substantially cylindrical body having openings at the upper and lower ends, and the valve case 35. It is a structure provided with the valve body 36 accommodated by the drive by the drive part 34 so that a movement in the cylinder axial direction of the valve case 35 is possible. The valve case 35 has a lower end opening as a supply port 31 and an upper end opening as a discharge port 33, and a distribution port 32 communicating with the air cell 201 at a lower side portion thereof in the cylinder axis direction, that is, the valve body 36. It is formed in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction, and four distribution ports 32 are directed in the same direction, and four are integrated in a parallel state.
Under the valve case 35, there is a groove-shaped hollow passage 37 a, and a manifold portion 37 that connects the hollow passage 37 a to each supply port 31 is integrally attached. An air inlet 37b communicating with the hollow passage 37a is projected from the manifold portion 37, and the air inlet 21 and the supply port 31 of the pump 20 are communicated with each other by connecting the air inlet 37b to the internal pipe 60. ing.
[0020]
The valve body 36 is formed with a shaft portion 36a of a predetermined length penetrating the discharge port 33 at the upper end of the valve case 35 at one end portion, and formed with a flange portion 36b protruding in a substantially bowl shape at the other end portion. It is the structure formed with the substantially cylindrical body which becomes. The shaft portion 36a on one end side is formed with a plurality of groove portions 36c continuous in a predetermined length in the axial direction on the outer periphery, and an O-ring 36d is disposed around the lower portion of the shaft portion 36a. The valve body 36 is connected to the plunger 34 b of the drive unit 34 and is movable in the valve case 35. Further, the flange portion 36b on the other end side is a mechanism in which a notch portion is formed in a part of the outer periphery, and two spaces in the valve case 35 separated by the flange portion 36b are communicated with each other at the notch portion. Further, a spring 39 is disposed between the upper portion of the valve case 35 and the flange portion 36b of the valve body 36 in the valve case 35, and the valve body 36 is biased downward by the biasing force of the spring 39. It is.
[0021]
  In the electromagnetic valve 30 configured as described above, when the electromagnetic force of the solenoid 34 a does not operate and the valve body 36 moves downward by the biasing force of the spring 39, the other end of the valve body 36 is the lower valve seat 35 a of the valve case 35. , The supply port 31 is closed, and the communication between the hollow passage 37a of the manifold portion 37 and the inside of the valve case 35 is blocked. At the same time, the O-ring 36d on one end side is separated from the upper end of the valve case 35, the groove 36c is located in the discharge port 33 of the valve case 35, and the inside of the valve case 35 communicates with the discharge port 33 and the outside of the valve case 35. Thus, a state is obtained in which the discharge port 33 and the distribution port 32 are communicated and the supply port 31 is closed (see FIG.5reference).
[0022]
On the other hand, when electromagnetic force is generated by the solenoid 34 a to move the plunger 34 b and the valve body 36 is moved upward against the urging force of the spring 39, the other end of the valve body 36 is the lower valve seat of the valve case 35. The hollow passage 37 a of the manifold portion 37 and the inside of the valve case 35 communicate with each other through the supply port 31, away from 35 a. At the same time, the O-ring 36d on one end side of the valve body 36 is in close contact with the inner upper end surface of the valve case 35, and closes the discharge port 33 to block communication between the inside of the valve case 35 and the outside. In this way, the supply port 31 and the distribution port 32 are communicated with each other, and the discharge port 33 is closed (see FIG. 5).
[0023]
The control unit 40 controls the pump 20 and each electromagnetic valve 30 to repeatedly inject and discharge air to each air cell 201 to perform expansion and contraction operations, respectively. The control unit 40 is provided outside the housing 50 as a separate operation unit (not shown) operated by the user, and is instructed to start and end the operation by a predetermined operation.
The casing 50 is formed in a substantially box-like body, and a connection connector 52 that allows an external hose 202 as a communication path outside the casing 50 to be detachable from the casing 50 is disposed on the predetermined side surface. The distribution port 32 of the electromagnetic valve 30 is directly connected to the inside of the housing of the connector 52. In addition to the pump 20, the electromagnetic valve 30, and the control unit 40, a power supply unit 70 for supplying power is disposed in the housing 50.
[0024]
Next, the operation of the air supply / discharge device based on the above configuration will be described. First, the external hose 202 extending from the massage device main body 200 is connected to the connection connector 52 on the side of the housing 50, and the operation unit ( When the operation start is instructed by operating (not shown), the pump 20 starts to operate and sends out air from the air outlet 21, and the control unit 40 controls the predetermined electromagnetic valve 30 and operates the drive unit 34. Then, the valve body 36 is moved upward so that the distribution port 32 and the supply port 31 of the electromagnetic valve 30 are in communication with each other (see FIG. 5A). When the pump 20 is activated, vibration is also generated from the pump 20 at the same time. However, the vibration is attenuated by being attached to the housing 50 via the vibration isolator 50b and interposing the internal pipe 60 and the air chamber 23. The transmission of vibration to the solenoid valve unit 80 side is suppressed, and the vibration width of the pump 20 at other parts including the housing 50 is small. Here, as compared with the conventional air supply / discharge device, the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment includes the electromagnetic valve 30 that is twice as much, so that a pump 20 with a large air supply amount is required, and vibration is increased accordingly. . For example, even if the pump 20 becomes large and the vibration increases and is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve unit 80 side, the vibration can be dispersed and attenuated because a plurality of the electromagnetic valve units 80 are provided.
[0025]
In the communication state between the distribution port 32 and the supply port 31, air from the pump 20 is pressurized and injected into the air cell 201 via the electromagnetic valve 30 and the external hose 202 to expand the air cell 201, and the air cell 201 is pushed by the expansion. The pressure is transmitted to the body contact portion via the massager body 200. On the other hand, when the air cell 201 expands and a predetermined time elapses, the control unit 40 newly controls the electromagnetic valve 30 to stop the operation of the drive unit 34, and moves the valve body 36 downward by the urging force of the spring 39. It switches to the state which makes 32 communicate with the discharge port 33 (refer FIG.5 (b)). In the communication state of the distribution port 32 and the discharge port 33, air is discharged from the air cell 201 through the external hose 202 and the electromagnetic valve 30, and the air cell 201 contracts to attenuate the pressing force, and the pressing force is applied to the body contact portion. Will not be given. Thereafter, when the air cell 201 contracts and a predetermined time elapses, the control unit 40 switches the communication state in the electromagnetic valve 30, and the air cell 201 is in a state where air is injected from the pump 20.
[0026]
Thus, the states of air injection and discharge to the air cell 201 are alternately repeated, and the air cell 201 is alternately expanded and contracted, thereby intermittently pressing the massage target portion at the position of the air cell 201 of the massage device body 200. Stimulates and gives a massage effect. Further, the control unit 40 adjusts the communication state switching timing of each electromagnetic valve 30 to synchronize the expansion / contraction of the plurality of air cells 201 of the massage device main body 200, or the time of expansion and contraction of any of the air cells 201. It is also possible to provide an effect of extending a predetermined part of the body by interlocking with the pressing of each air cell 201 by matching each other when the other air cell 201 contracts and expands.
[0027]
  Thus, according to the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, at least the supply port 31, the distribution port 32, and the discharge port.33Since two or more solenoid valves 30 are prepared and a plurality of solenoid valve units 80 in which the two or more solenoid valves 30 are integrated are provided, the pump is compared with a configuration in which all the solenoid valves 30 are integrated. Even if the vibration generated during the air supply by operating 20 reaches the electromagnetic valve unit 80 through the supply path, the vibration is dispersed to the plurality of electromagnetic valve units 80 and can be prevented as a whole. When the solenoid valve 30 is integrated, the solenoid valve 30 is formed to be long in a certain direction, and the apparatus itself is large, but a plurality of solenoid valve units 80 are arranged so that one solenoid valve unit 80 is arranged along one surface. In addition, by disposing another electromagnetic valve unit 80 along the other surface, the device itself can be miniaturized without being formed long and deviating only in a certain direction. Compared to As well as a possible assembly more easily during assembly an electromagnetic valve 30, it is possible specification changes compared to those with integral all solenoid valves 30 corresponding to the consuming specification change occurs. In addition, the electromagnetic valve 30 is disposed in the casing 50 with the moving direction of the valve body 36 in the vertical direction, and is juxtaposed with the pump 20 having a predetermined dimension in the vertical direction and connected to a predetermined side surface of the casing 50. Since the connector 52 is disposed and the distribution port 32 of the solenoid valve 30 is disposed close to the side of the housing 50 and directly connected to the connection connector 52, the vertical space in the housing 50 is effectively used, and the housing The planar area occupied by the solenoid valve 30 in the body 50 can be reduced, and the size in the lateral direction of the casing 50 can be suppressed while suppressing the increase in the vertical dimension of the casing 50, and the structure in the casing 50 can be greatly reduced. Can be greatly simplified. Further, the air outlet 21 of the pump 20 that is a vibration generation source is arranged as far as possible from the electromagnetic valve unit 80, and the pump 20 and the air chamber 23 are communicated with each other by an internal pipe 60 having flexibility. Since the chamber 23 and the solenoid valve unit 80 are communicated with each other by the flexible inner pipe 60, the vibration from the pump 20 is attenuated by the inner pipe 60 and the air chamber 23, and the vibration is transmitted through the solenoid valve 30. Without being transmitted to the body 50, it is possible to prevent adverse effects due to vibrations of the electromagnetic valve 30 and the casing 50. Further, since the air supply / discharge device is constituted by a plurality of solenoid valve units 80 without integrating all the solenoid valves 30, the air of each solenoid valve unit 80 is compared with the case where all the solenoid valves 30 are integrated. DullTheIt can be reduced, and it is difficult to maintain the accuracy of air leakage when the normal volume increases.ButBy limiting the volume of the air pool to a predetermined amount, the accuracy of air leakage can be easily maintained, and that the volume of the air pool is suppressed to a predetermined amount means that the space occupied by the air pool is also limited. Can be designed easily.
[0028]
In addition, the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment has the arrangement of each component shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 (the arrangement is different for each figure) according to the description of the arrangement of each component described above. You can also. Hereafter, the arrangement | positioning aspect of each figure is each demonstrated. First, the arrangement mode shown in FIG. 6 is different from the arrangement mode shown in FIG. 1 in that one of the electromagnetic valve units 80 is arranged along the other side surface. The joining form of the inner tube 60 and the arrangement of the power supply unit 70 are also different. As described above, the resonance can be suppressed by separating the electromagnetic valve units 80 from each other. Further, not only the one solenoid valve unit 80 is separated from the other solenoid valve unit 80 but also the inner pipe 60 that joins one end to the solenoid valve unit 80 and joins the other end to the air chamber 23 is not bent. As a result, fluctuations in air pressure are eliminated and vibration can be suppressed. Here, in order to suppress vibration of the inner tube 60, the inner tube 60 made of a flexible material can be redundantly arranged in an empty space.
[0029]
Next, the arrangement mode shown in FIG. 7 is different from the arrangement mode shown in FIG. 1 in that one of the electromagnetic valve units 80 is arranged along the other side surface as in the arrangement mode shown in FIG. Therefore, the arrangement of the inner pipe 60 to be joined and the arrangement of the power supply unit 70 are different depending on the arrangement of the electromagnetic valve unit 80. In particular, one electromagnetic valve unit 80 and another electromagnetic valve are different from the arrangement shown in FIG. The difference is that the power supply unit 70 is arranged between the unit 80. 6, as described above, the resonance is suppressed by separating the electromagnetic valve units 80 from each other, and the inner tube 60 is not bent so that there is no fluctuation in air pressure and vibration is suppressed. can do. Further, since the power supply unit 70 is arranged between portions different from the arrangement in FIG. 6, that is, between one electromagnetic valve unit 80 and another electromagnetic valve unit 80, the power supply unit 70 serves as a weight. A plurality of electromagnetic valve units 80 are provided to suppress resonance due to dispersed vibration.
[0030]
Next, the arrangement mode shown in FIG. 8 is different from any of the arrangement modes shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 in that the electromagnetic valve units 80 are arranged vertically at the same lateral position on the front surface. The other solenoid valve unit 80 is arranged behind the other solenoid valve unit 80, and the rear solenoid valve unit 80 is reversed. In this arrangement mode, the vacant space is used as effectively as possible, and the size is remarkably reduced. Since the space is used as much as possible, the solenoid valve units 80 are very close to each other, but the rear solenoid valve unit 80 is reversed and the front solenoid valve unit 80 uses the unit support material 80a as the support plate. Resonance that occurs when the electromagnetic valve units come close to each other can be suppressed by separating from the base part that is joined via the base. In addition, in this arrangement | positioning aspect, although the internal pipe | tube 60 joined to both solenoid valve units 80 is a form which bent, the bending of the internal pipe | tube 60 is carried out by changing the shape of the air chamber 23 joined to the other end of the internal pipe | tube 60. The part can be eliminated.
[0031]
In the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, the configuration includes two electromagnetic valve units 80. However, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the configuration may include three electromagnetic valve units 80. Of course, it can also be set as the structure which has three or more solenoid valve units, and the number of the solenoid valves 30 which the solenoid valve unit 80 has is not restricted to four, and what is necessary is just the some solenoid valve 30.
[0032]
  Further, in the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, two electromagnetic valve units 80 are arranged along the front surface, and each electromagnetic valve unit 80 is connected to the air chamber 23 by the internal tube 60. Only the valve unit 80 is connected to the air chamber 23 by the internal pipe 60, and the other electromagnetic valve unit 80 is connected to the one electromagnetic valve unit 80 and the internal pipe 60 made of a flexible material similar to the internal pipe 60. You can also In this case, the solenoid valve units are connected to each other by an internal pipe made of a flexible material. However, vibrations generated by opening and closing operations of the solenoid valves of the respective solenoid valve units 80 are connected by the internal pipe. The air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment in this respect.ButAre better.
[0033]
  In the air supply / discharge devices shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9, the electromagnetic valve unit 80 is directly connected to the air chamber 23 via the internal pipe 60. The vibration generated by opening and closing the 80 electromagnetic valves 30 reaches not only the external hose 202 to be joined but also the air chamber 23 through the internal pipe 60. This causes the vibration to be attenuated by dispersion, and in particular, the air chamber 23 itself. Is connected to a plurality of internal pipes 60 and also includes a cushioning material 23a, which absorbs vibration and sufficiently absorbs vibration due to opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 30.ButThis can minimize the influence on the portion of the external hose 202 or the like where it is not desirable to vibrate. The connection connector 52 is firmly fixed to the casing 50 or the base of the apparatus, while the electromagnetic valve unit 80 has some degree of freedom to absorb vibration, and the connection connector 52 and the distribution port 32 can be connected. By joining through a tube made of a flexible material, vibration due to opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 30 can be prevented from exerting on a portion outside the apparatus.
[0034]
(Second embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, an air supply / discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a side view of the solenoid valve unit in the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment.
The air supply / discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the air supply / discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment, and is one of the electromagnetic valves 30 constituting one electromagnetic valve unit 80. The difference is that a check valve 31 a is provided at the supply port 31 of the valve 30.
[0035]
The check valve 31 a provided in the supply port 31 is provided in a part of the hollow passage 37 a so as to close the supply port 31 of the corresponding electromagnetic valve 30, and air is supplied only in the supply direction of the air supplied from the pump 20. To prevent reverse flow. Here, the check valve 31a is provided in a part of the hollow passage 37a, but from the surface where the supply port 31 is blocked by the valve body 36 and the lower valve seat 35a, to the hollow passage 37a corresponding to the electromagnetic valve 30. It is important to provide a device that allows air to flow only in the supply direction. For example, the same effect can be obtained by providing the check valve 31a in the lower valve seat 35a.
[0036]
Next, the operation of the air supply / discharge device based on the above configuration will be described. First, the external hose 202 extending from the massage device main body 200 is connected to the connection connector 52 on the side of the housing 50, and the operation unit ( When the operation start is instructed by operating (not shown), the pump 20 starts to operate and sends out air from the air outlet 21, and the control unit 40 controls the predetermined electromagnetic valve 30 and operates the drive unit 34. Then, the valve body 36 is moved upward so that the distribution port 32 and the supply port 31 of the electromagnetic valve 30 are in communication with each other (see FIG. 5A). When the pump 20 is activated, vibration is also generated from the pump 20 at the same time. However, the vibration is attenuated by being attached to the housing 50 via the vibration isolator 50b and interposing the internal pipe 60 and the air chamber 23. The transmission of vibration to the solenoid valve unit 80 side is suppressed, and the vibration width of the pump 20 at other parts including the housing 50 is small. Here, as compared with the conventional air supply / discharge device, the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment includes the electromagnetic valve 30 that is twice as much, so that a pump 20 with a large air supply amount is required, and vibration is increased accordingly. . For example, even if the pump 20 becomes large and the vibration increases and is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve unit 80 side, the vibration can be dispersed and attenuated because a plurality of the electromagnetic valve units 80 are provided.
[0037]
In the communication state between the distribution port 32 and the supply port 31, the check valve 31 a is opened due to the flow of air in the supply direction, and the air from the pump 20 is pressurized and injected into the air cell 201 via the electromagnetic valve 30 and the external hose 202. Then, the air cell 201 is expanded, and the pressing force due to the expansion of the air cell 201 is transmitted to the body contact portion via the massager body 200. On the other hand, when the air cell 201 expands and a predetermined time elapses, the control unit 40 newly controls the electromagnetic valve 30 to stop the operation of the drive unit 34, and moves the valve body 36 downward by the urging force of the spring 39. It switches to the state which makes 32 communicate with the discharge port 33 (refer FIG.5 (b)). In the communication state of the distribution port 32 and the discharge port 33, air is discharged from the air cell 201 through the external hose 202 and the electromagnetic valve 30, and the air cell 201 contracts to attenuate the pressing force, and the pressing force is applied to the body contact portion. Will not be given. Here, during the discharge of air, the check valve 31a is not acting because there is no air flow because the supply port 31 is closed by the valve body 36 and the lower valve seat 35a. Thereafter, when the air cell 201 contracts and a predetermined time elapses, the control unit 40 switches the communication state in the electromagnetic valve 30, and the air cell 201 is in a state where air is injected from the pump 20.
[0038]
Thus, the states of air injection and discharge to the air cell 201 are alternately repeated, and the air cell 201 is alternately expanded and contracted, thereby intermittently pressing the massage target portion at the position of the air cell 201 of the massage device body 200. Stimulates and gives a massage effect. Further, the control unit 40 adjusts the communication state switching timing of each electromagnetic valve 30 to synchronize the expansion / contraction of the plurality of air cells 201 of the massage device main body 200, or the time of expansion and contraction of any of the air cells 201. It is also possible to provide an effect of extending a predetermined part of the body by interlocking with the pressing of each air cell 201 by matching each other when the other air cell 201 contracts and expands. Here, when one of the air cells 201 is expanded, another air cell 201 may be expanded, but the check valve 31a is provided in the solenoid valve 30 of the solenoid valve unit 80 communicating with the already expanded air cell 201. When the other air cell 201 is expanded, the air cell 201 that has already expanded to the non-expanded air cell 201 via the hollow passage 37a and the air in the communication path are in a direction opposite to the supply direction due to air pressure. However, since the check valve 31a is closed to prevent the air from flowing out in the direction opposite to the supply direction, the already expanded air cell 201 can maintain the expanded state. As a massage that requires such an operation, there is one that inflates the air cell 201 positioned in the calf while maintaining the expanded state of the air cell 201 positioned in the ankle, and the expanded state of the air cell 201 supported in the head In some cases, treatment is performed by the air cell 201 located at another treatment position while maintaining the above. In particular, it is often unpleasant for the user that the air cell 201 supporting the head slightly contracts in conjunction with treatment at other treatment positions.
[0039]
Thus, according to the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, since one or more check valves 31a are provided in the solenoid valve unit 80, whether or not the check valve 31a is provided for each solenoid valve unit 80 is determined. A device having the check valves 31a in the number and position as required can be provided by combining the solenoid valve unit 80 provided with the check valve and the solenoid valve 30 not provided with the check valve 31a. In addition, when air flows out of the expanded air cell 201 without providing the check valve 31a, a sudden change in air pressure is generated, and an abnormal noise generated as a resonance with the vibration of the pump 20 during operation. Can be prevented. For example, from the solenoid valve unit 80 provided with the check valve 31a and the solenoid valve unit 80 not provided with the check valve 31a, both of the check valves are used in the case of a device in which two solenoid valve units 80 are arranged in parallel. A device that uses a solenoid valve unit 80 provided with a valve 31a, a device that uses one solenoid valve unit 80 provided with a check valve 31a and a solenoid unit 80 that does not include a check valve 31a, and a device that uses a check valve 31a. An electromagnetic valve unit 80 that is not provided and an electromagnetic unit 80 that is provided with a check valve 31a on the other side can be configured, and these devices are formed from two types of molds or assembly devices, In the case of an apparatus in which the solenoid valve 30 is integrated, four types of molds or assembling apparatuses are required, which greatly increases the equipment cost. A sheet discharge device is excellent.
[0040]
(Third embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, an air supply / discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11 or FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment and a schematic diagram of a comparative example, and FIG. 12 is a chair massage when the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment is used in a chair-type massage machine. It is a perspective view of a machine. However, the external hose 202 is omitted in FIG.
The air supply / discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the air supply / discharge device 1 according to the first embodiment, and the air cells related to some of the solenoid valves 30 are connected to the other solenoid valves 30 during expansion. Unlike the solenoid valve unit 80 consisting only of the solenoid valve 30 in which the relationship that the air cell does not start to expand is provided, a check valve is provided in the internal pipe 60 on the air supply path from the air reservoir to the air chamber 23. To do.
[0041]
  The solenoid valve 30 in which the relationship that the air cells related to the other solenoid valves 30 do not start to expand when the air cells related to some of the solenoid valves 30 is mutually expanded is specifically a part of the solenoid valve unit 80. When the air cell according to the electromagnetic valve 30 is in an expanded state, the air cell according to the other electromagnetic valve 30 in the electromagnetic valve unit 80 does not start to expand, that is, within the electromagnetic valve unit. A check valve 31a is provided in relation to the electromagnetic valve 30necessaryA solenoid valve that does not have any.
[0042]
In the conventional example shown in FIG. 11A, which is a schematic explanatory view of an air supply / discharge device as a comparative example of the air supply / discharge device 1 according to the present embodiment, all the solenoid valves 30 are integrally formed. The A solenoid valve 30 and the C solenoid valve 30 are provided with a check valve 31a. The solenoid valve 30 of A and the solenoid valve 30 of C need to be provided with a check valve in relation to the solenoid valve B, the solenoid valve D, the solenoid valve G, and the solenoid valve H. More specifically, when the air cell related to the A solenoid valve expands, the air cell related to the B solenoid valve expands. When the air cell related to the C solenoid valve expands, the air cell related to the D solenoid valve expands. Since the air cell related to the G solenoid valve and the air cell related to the H solenoid valve expand when the air cell related to the valve expands, the check valve 31a is provided on the A solenoid valve 30 and the C solenoid valve 30.
[0043]
The air supply / discharge device shown in FIG. 11 (b), which is a schematic explanatory view of the air supply / discharge device 1 according to this embodiment corresponding to the comparative example, includes two electromagnetic valve units 80, and one electromagnetic valve unit 80. A check valve 31b is provided on the internal pipe 60c connected to the. One solenoid valve unit 80 includes the A solenoid valve 30, the C solenoid valve 30, the E solenoid valve 30, and the F solenoid valve 30, and the other solenoid valve unit 80 includes the B solenoid valve 30 and the D solenoid valve. It has a valve 30, a G solenoid valve 30 and a H solenoid valve 30. In the conventional example, when the air cell related to the electromagnetic valve 30 of A expands, the air cell related to the electromagnetic valve 30 of B expands, and when the air cell related to the electromagnetic valve 30 of C expands, the air cell related to the electromagnetic valve 30 of D expands. When the air cell related to the A solenoid valve 30 expands, the air cell related to the G solenoid valve 30 and the air cell related to the H solenoid valve 30 expand, so that the check valve 31a is added to the A solenoid valve 30 and the C solenoid valve 30. In the air supply / discharge device shown in FIG. 11 (b), the check valve 31b causes the air cell related to the other solenoid valve 30 to expand from the solenoid valve 30 of A and the solenoid valve 30 of C. Air does not escape. Individually, when the air cell related to the B solenoid valve 30 starts to expand while the air cell related to the A solenoid valve 30 expands, air is supplied from the air chamber 23 to the B solenoid valve 30, and the air chamber 23. The air pressure in the interior changes, and the air of the solenoid valve unit 80 to which the solenoid valve 30 of A belongs is drawn toward the air chamber 23, but the reverse valve 31b on the inner pipe 60c is closed and the air is in the air chamber 23. The air does not flow out from the air cell related to the electromagnetic valve 30 of A, and the expanded state can be maintained. The operation of the solenoid valve 30 of A and the solenoid valve 30 of B is similarly performed by the operation of the solenoid valve 30 of C and the solenoid valve of D, the solenoid valve 30 of A, the solenoid valve of G, and the solenoid of H. The same is true for the operation with the valve.
[0044]
  In order to describe the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment more specifically, a case where the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. I will explain. In FIG. 12, the chair-type massage machine supports a backrest 101 that supports the back of the user, a seat 102 that contacts the lower end of the backrest 101 and supports the buttocks of the user, and supports the elbow of the user. The elbow rest 103, the footrest 104 pivotally mounted on the lower side of the front end of the seat 102 and the user's foot placed thereon, and the backrest 101 part.JadeBimomiBallA mechanical unit 105 having a kneading ball mechanism to be operated, and the air supply / discharge device 1 at a lower position of the seat portion 102 are provided. The chair-type massage machine includes a back air cell 109a, a waist air cell 109b, a buttocks air cell 109c, a thigh air cell 109d, and leg air cells 110, 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d, and arms, as shown in FIG. Air cells 111a and 111b are provided with various air cells, and these various air cells receive the supply of air from the air supply / discharge device 1 via an external hose (not shown).
[0045]
In the air supply / discharge device, the A solenoid valve 30 is connected to the waist air cell 109b by an external hose, the B solenoid valve 30 is connected to the back air cell 109a by an external hose, and the C solenoid valve 30 is thick by an external hose. Connected to the thigh air cell 109d, the D solenoid valve 30 is connected to the buttocks air cell 109c by an external hose, the E solenoid valve 30 is connected to the arm air cell 111a by an external hose, and the F solenoid valve 30 is connected to the external hose. To the arm air cell 111a, the G electromagnetic valve 30 is connected to the leg air cell 110a and the leg air cell 110b by an external hose, and the H electromagnetic valve 30 is connected to the leg air cell 110c and the leg air cell 110d by an external hose. Connected.
[0046]
Therefore, the following massage operations can be performed by various air cells in this connected state. Air is supplied from the air supply / discharge device 1 to the A solenoid valve 30 via the inner pipe 60c, and the lumbar air cell 109b is in an expanded state. At this time, the lumbar air cell 109b is in an expanded state. The air pipe is in communication with the inner pipe 60 c, and the air pressure is constant in the waist air cell 109 b, the electromagnetic valve of A, the inner pipe 60 c and the air chamber 23. Next, the back air cell 109a is supplied from the air supply / discharge device 1 to the B solenoid valve 30 through the internal pipe 60d and starts to expand. At this time, the B solenoid valve 30 is opened to open the back air cell 109a. However, the air pressure of the air chamber 23 which has been in a constant communication state decreases at a stroke, and accordingly, the air of the electromagnetic valve unit 80 to which the solenoid valve 30 of A belongs belongs to the air chamber 23. The check valve 31b on the inner pipe 60c is closed, and the air does not flow out to the air chamber 23, so that air does not flow out from the waist air cell 109b connected to the electromagnetic valve 30 of A, and the expanded state can be maintained. Accordingly, the back air cell 109a can be inflated while maintaining the expanded state of the waist air cell 109b, and a smooth massage can be realized.
[0047]
Similarly, air is supplied from the air supply / discharge device 1 to the C solenoid valve 30 via the inner pipe 60c, and the thigh air cell 109d is in an inflated state. At this time, the thigh air cell 109d is in an inflated state. The solenoid valve 30 is in communication with the inner tube 60 c, and the air pressure is constant in the thigh air cell 109 d, the solenoid valve C of the thigh, the inner tube 60 c and the air chamber 23. Next, the collar air cell 109c is supplied from the air supply / discharge device 1 to the D solenoid valve 30 via the internal pipe 60d and starts to expand. At this time, the collar solenoid valve 30 is opened to open the collar air cell 109c. However, the air pressure of the air chamber 23 that has been in a constant communication state decreases at a stroke, and accordingly, the air of the solenoid valve unit 80 to which the C solenoid valve 30 belongs is drawn into the air chamber 23. The check valve 31b on the inner pipe 60c is closed, and the air does not flow out to the air chamber 23, so that air does not flow out from the thigh air cell 109d connected to the C solenoid valve 30, and the expanded state can be maintained. . Therefore, while maintaining the expanded state of the thigh air cell 109d, the buttocks air cell 109c can be expanded and a smooth massage can be realized.
[0048]
Further, similarly, air is supplied from the air supply / discharge device 1 to the A solenoid valve 30 via the inner tube 60c, and the waist air cell 109b is in an expanded state. At this time, the waist air cell 109b is in an expanded state. The electromagnetic valve 30 is in communication with the inner pipe 60 c, and the air pressure is constant in the waist air cell 109 b, the electromagnetic valve of the A, the inner pipe 60 c and the air chamber 23. Next, the leg air cell 110a and the leg air cell 110b are supplied to the G solenoid valve 30 and the H solenoid valve 30 through the internal pipe 60d from the air supply / discharge device 1, and the G solenoid valve starts to expand. By opening the 30 and H solenoid valves 30, the air pressure in the air chamber 23 is kept constant by communicating with the leg air cell 110 a, the leg air cell 110 b, the leg air cell 110 a, and the leg air cell 110 b. Accordingly, the air of the solenoid valve unit 80 to which the solenoid valve 30 of A belongs is drawn toward the air chamber 23, but the check valve 31b on the inner pipe 60c is closed and the air enters the air chamber 23. Without flowing out, air does not flow out from the lumbar air cell 109b connected to the A solenoid valve 30, and the expanded state can be maintained. Accordingly, the leg air cell 110a, the leg air cell 110b, the leg air cell 110a, and the leg air cell 110b can be inflated while maintaining the inflated state of the waist air cell 109b, and a smooth massage can be realized.
[0049]
  As described above, according to the air supply / discharge device according to the present embodiment, when the air cells related to some of the solenoid valves 30 are expanded, the relationship that the air cells related to the other solenoid valves 30 do not start to expand is mutually established. Since the solenoid valve unit 80 including only the check valve 31b is provided on the air supply path from the air reservoir to the air chamber 23, a supply destination related to a part of the solenoid valves 30 is related to the other solenoid valves 30 during expansion. In a normal air supply / discharge device with a configuration where the supply destination expands,Provide a check valve 31b for at least some of the solenoid valves 30,The air of the part of the solenoid valve 30 in the expanded state of the air cell is prevented from flowing into the other solenoid valve 30.As opposed toBy providing a check valve 31b on the air supply path from the air pool to the air chamber 23,,From the solenoid valve unit 80 on the supply path provided with the check valve 31b,Air does not flow into the solenoid valve unit 80 having the solenoid valve 30 that supplies air to the air cell that is starting to expand.,The number of check valves 31b can be reduced, and by reducing the number of check valves 31b, the portion provided with the check valves 31b can be reduced in size, and the air supply path from the air reservoir to the air chamber 23 can be reduced. if there is,In which partAlsoA check valve 31b can be providedTheIncreased design freedom,For example, the check valve 31b can be provided in a portion having a sufficient space.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, two or more solenoid valves having at least a supply port, a distribution port, and a discharge port are prepared, and a plurality of solenoid valve units in which the two or more solenoid valves are integrated are provided. Compared with the one with all the solenoid valves integrated, even if the vibration that occurs during the air supply due to the pump operation is transmitted through the supply path and reaches the solenoid valve unit, the vibration is distributed to multiple solenoid valve units as a whole As a vibration can be prevented.
[0051]
In addition, when all the solenoid valves are integrated, they are formed long in a certain direction and the device itself is large, but in the present invention, it is composed of a plurality of solenoid valve units, so It is possible to arrange the other solenoid valve unit and arrange another solenoid valve unit along the other surface, thereby improving the degree of freedom of layout.
[0052]
Furthermore, since the solenoid valve can be made smaller than a single solenoid valve and is composed of a plurality of solenoid valves, it is easy to assemble. Even if a specification change occurs, the specification change can be easily handled.
Furthermore, by restricting the number of solenoid valves of the solenoid valve unit to some extent, enlargement of a common air pool can be suppressed, and the risk of air leakage can be reduced as much as possible.
[0053]
Furthermore, since both solenoid valves communicate with each other through an air reservoir, the effect of impact of air, etc. due to the opening and closing of the solenoid valve of one solenoid valve unit is not directly transmitted to other solenoid valve units. Play. Here, when each solenoid valve unit is directly connected to the air chamber via a pipe such as an internal pipe, not only the external hose to which vibration generated by opening and closing of the solenoid valve of the solenoid valve unit is joined, but also the internal It extends to the air chamber through a pipe such as a pipe and is attenuated by the dispersion of the vibration. In particular, the air chamber itself is formed so as to absorb the vibration, and substantially absorbs the vibration caused by opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve. By doing so, it is possible to minimize the influence on a portion where vibration such as an external hose is not preferable.
[0054]
Further, in the present invention, the electromagnetic valve is disposed in the casing with the valve body moving direction in the vertical direction, and is juxtaposed with the pump having a predetermined dimension in the vertical direction. In addition to effectively utilizing the space, the plane area occupied by the solenoid valve in the casing can be reduced, and the planar dimension can be further reduced while the increase in the vertical dimension of the casing is suppressed, and the size can be greatly reduced.
[0055]
In the present invention, since the air chamber is disposed between the pump and the solenoid valve unit, the air is supplied in the order of the pump, the air chamber, and the solenoid valve unit, that is, the air supply direction. A pump, an air chamber, and a solenoid valve unit are arranged according to the pipe, and a pipe that forms an air supply path along the supply direction can be installed between the pump, the air chamber, and the solenoid valve unit. It is possible to reduce the number of bending points, the delivery pressure is constant, the fluctuation is reduced, and the delivery sound generated in the pipe can be reduced.
[0056]
In the present invention, since one or more check valves are provided in the solenoid valve unit, it is possible to determine whether or not to provide a check valve for each solenoid valve unit. By combining the provided solenoid valve unit and the solenoid valve without the check valve, it is possible to configure a device having the check valve in the number and position as required, and without expanding the check valve. When air flows out from the air cell, which is an air supply target, the air pressure suddenly changes and resonance is accompanied by vibration of the pump in operation, thereby preventing the generation of abnormal noise.
[0057]
Further, in the present invention, the solenoid valve unit consisting only of solenoid valves in which the relation that the supply destinations of some solenoid valves are expanded and the supply destinations of other solenoid valves do not start expanding at the time of expansion is from an air pool. Since a check valve is provided on the air supply path to the air chamber, in a normal air supply / discharge device in which the supply destination related to some solenoid valves expands when the supply destination related to some solenoid valves expands. A check valve is provided at least for some of these solenoid valves to prevent inflow of air related to some solenoid valves whose supply destination is in an expanded state to other solenoid valves. By providing a check valve on the air supply path until the air is supplied to the solenoid valve unit having the solenoid valve supplying air to the supply destination starting to expand from the solenoid valve unit on the supply path provided with the check valve The number of check valves without inflow The number of check valves can be reduced by reducing the number of check valves, and the part provided with the check valves can be reduced in size, and any part on the air supply path from the air reservoir to the air chamber can be reduced. The check valve can be provided, and the degree of freedom in design is increased. For example, the check valve can be provided in a portion having a sufficient space.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the inside of a housing of an air supply / discharge device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view and a side sectional view of the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the electromagnetic valve unit in the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of an air chamber in the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view of a solenoid valve in the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the inside of the housing of the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the inside of the housing of the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are a front view and a side sectional view of the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of the inside of the housing of the air supply / discharge device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view of an electromagnetic valve unit in an air supply / discharge device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory view of an air supply / discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention and a schematic view of a comparative example.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a chair-type massage machine when an air supply / discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is used in a chair-type massage machine.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the inside of a housing of a conventional air supply / discharge device.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a conventional air supply / discharge device.
FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a conventional air supply / discharge device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1  Air supply / discharge device
20  pump
21 Air outlet
22, 23 Air chamber
23a Cushion material
30  solenoid valve
31  Supply port
31a, 31b Check valve
32  Distribution port
33  Vent
34 Drive unit
34a  solenoid
34b Plunger
35 Valve case
35a Lower valve seat
36  Disc
36a Shaft
36b Flange
36c groove
36d O-ring
37 Manifold part
37a Hollow passage
37b Air inlet
38 connecting part
39 Spring
40  Control unit
50  Enclosure
51 Anti-vibration material
52 Connector
53 Inner frame
60 inner pipe
70 Power supply
80 Solenoid valve unit
80a Unit support material
101 Backrest
102 seat
103 Elbow rest
104 Footrest
105 Mechanical unit
109a Back Air Cell
109b Air cell for waist
109c Air cell for buttocks
109d thigh air cell
110, 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d Air cell for legs
111a, 111b Arm air cell
200 Massage body
201 air cell
202 External hose

Claims (5)

空気供給対象物に空気を所定圧力で送出するポンプと、前記ポンプの空気送出口に連通する供給口、空気供給対象物に所定の連通路を介して連通する分配口、及び、前記空気を外部へ逃す排出口をそれぞれ有し、ソレノイドにより駆動される弁体で前記供給口と分配口を連通させ、且つ排出口を閉じる状態と、排出口と分配口を連通させ、且つ供給口を閉じる状態とを切替え自在とする複数の電磁弁と、前記ポンプの空気送出口から電磁弁の供給口までの空気供給路上で空気圧の変動を抑制する空気室と、前記ポンプ及び電磁弁を収納する略箱状の筐体とを少なくとも備える空気供給排出装置において、
２以上の前記電磁弁を一体形にし、前記空気室から各電磁弁の供給口までの空気供給路上に空気室から供給される空気をそれぞれの供給口へ分岐させる空気だまりを設けて電磁弁ユニットとし、
当該電磁弁ユニットを前記筐体内に複数設け、各電磁弁ユニット同士を離間させて配置し、
前記空気室が、ポンプとは別体とされてなり、複数の面に前記空気供給路としての管との接合箇所をそれぞれ設定され、ポンプと管で接続されると共に、前記各電磁弁ユニットとは複数の管で電磁弁ユニット毎に接続され、筐体内におけるポンプといずれかの電磁弁ユニットとの間に挟まれた所定位置に配置されることを
特徴とする空気供給排出装置。A pump for sending air to the air supply object at a predetermined pressure; a supply port communicating with the air delivery port of the pump; a distribution port communicating with the air supply object via a predetermined communication path; and the air externally A state in which the supply port and the distribution port are communicated by a valve body driven by a solenoid, the discharge port is closed, and the discharge port and the distribution port are communicated, and the supply port is closed. substantially box for accommodating a plurality of electromagnetic valves, and suppressing the air chamber the variation of the air pressure in the air supply path to the supply port of the solenoid valve from the air outlet of the pump, the pump and solenoid valve for freely switching the door In an air supply / discharge device comprising at least a shaped housing,
An electromagnetic valve unit in which two or more electromagnetic valves are integrated, and an air pool for branching air supplied from the air chamber to each supply port is provided on an air supply path from the air chamber to the supply port of each solenoid valve. age,
A plurality of the solenoid valve units are provided in the housing , and the solenoid valve units are arranged apart from each other,
The air chamber is a separate body from the pump, and joints with the pipe as the air supply path are set on a plurality of surfaces, respectively, and connected to the pump and the pipe, and each electromagnetic valve unit Is connected to each electromagnetic valve unit by a plurality of pipes, and is arranged at a predetermined position sandwiched between the pump and any one of the electromagnetic valve units in the housing . 前記請求項１に記載の空気供給排出装置において、
前記筐体の一の面に沿って一の電磁弁ユニットを配置し、筐体の他面に沿って他の電磁弁ユニットを配置し、
前記空気室と各電磁弁ユニット間に、電磁弁ユニットへの空気供給方向に沿って前記管を架設することを
特徴とする空気供給排出装置。The air supply / discharge device according to claim 1,
One electromagnetic valve unit is arranged along one surface of the housing, and another electromagnetic valve unit is arranged along the other surface of the housing,
The air supply / discharge device, wherein the pipe is installed between the air chamber and each solenoid valve unit along an air supply direction to the solenoid valve unit . 前記請求項１又は２に記載の空気供給排出装置において、
前記電磁弁が、前記分配口を前記弁体の移動方向と略直角をなす向きに形成され、弁体の移動方向を前記筐体の天地方向に一致させ、且つ各分配口を前記筐体の所定側面側に向けて筐体の前記所定側面に沿って配設され、前記分配口と前記連通路が、前記筐体の前記所定側面における分配口の延長線上の所定箇所を貫通することを
特徴とする空気供給排出装置。In the air supply and discharge device according to claim 1 or 2,
The electromagnetic valve is formed in a direction in which the distribution port is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the valve body, the moving direction of the valve body is made to coincide with the vertical direction of the housing, and each distributing port is connected to the housing. It is arranged along the predetermined side surface of the housing toward the predetermined side surface, and the distribution port and the communication path penetrate a predetermined portion on an extension line of the distribution port on the predetermined side surface of the housing. Air supply and discharge device. 前記請求項１ないし３のいずれかに記載の空気供給排出装置において、
前記電磁弁ユニットに少なくとも一つ以上の逆止弁を設けることを
特徴とする空気供給排出装置。The air supply / discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An air supply / discharge device, wherein the solenoid valve unit is provided with at least one check valve. 前記請求項１ないし３のいずれかに記載の空気供給排出装置において、
一部の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張時に他の電磁弁に係る供給先が膨張し始めないという関係が相互に成り立つ電磁弁のみからなる電磁弁ユニットを有し、当該電磁弁ユニットの空気だまりから空気室までの空気供給路上に逆止弁を設けたことを
特徴とする空気供給排出装置。The air supply / discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
There is an electromagnetic valve unit consisting only of electromagnetic valves in which the relationship that the supply destination related to some solenoid valves does not start expanding when the supply destination related to other solenoid valves expands, and the air reservoir of the solenoid valve unit An air supply / discharge device characterized in that a check valve is provided on the air supply path from the air chamber to the air chamber.
JP2003200978A 2003-06-27 2003-07-24 Air supply / discharge device Expired - Fee Related JP4214012B2 (en)

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JP5009823B2 (en) * 2008-01-28 2012-08-22 パナソニック株式会社 Air massage machine
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