Air cell for massage machine and massage machine

Abstract

To provide an air cell for massage in which an air cell is integrally provided with sound deadening means, and to provide a massage machine including the air cell for massage.SOLUTION: An air cell that expands and contracts with air supply and discharge includes: an air inlet for supplying air; and an air outlet for discharging air. A first pipe for supplying air is connected to the air inlet, while a second pipe for discharging air is connected to the air outlet where the first pipe extends toward the inside of the air cell by a predetermined distance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air cell for a massage machine and a massage machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air massage machines have been proposed that include a sound-deadening means between an air supply / exhaust device and an air cell in order to reduce the intake / exhaust noise generated when air is supplied to and exhausted from the air cell (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-308895 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the chair-type electric massage machine described in Patent Document 1, a noise reduction means is provided between the air hose connected to the air supply / exhaust device and the air hose connected to the air cell, which poses a problem that a noise reduction means must be provided separately from the air supply / exhaust device and the air cell. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air cell for a massage machine in which a silencing means is integrally provided in the air cell, and a massage machine equipped with such an air cell for a massage machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is an air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air, the air cell having an air intake port for supplying air and an exhaust port for exhausting air, a first pipe for supplying air connected to the air intake port, a second pipe for exhausting air connected to the exhaust port, and the first pipe extending a predetermined distance toward the inside of the air cell. With this configuration, it is possible to muffle the air supply noise when air is supplied to the air cell.

[0006] An air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air, the air cell having an air intake port for supplying air and an exhaust port for exhausting air, a first pipe for supplying air connected to the air intake port, a second pipe for exhausting air connected to the exhaust port, and the second pipe extending a predetermined distance toward the inside of the air cell. With this configuration, exhaust noise can be silenced when exhausting to the air cell.

[0007] It is also preferable that the air inlet and the air outlet are provided at positions offset from each other so as not to be on the same straight line. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to achieve a noise reduction effect.

[0008] Preferably, the positional deviation is configured so that the first pipe and the second pipe are parallel to each other. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to achieve a noise reduction effect.

[0009] Preferably, the first pipe and / or the second pipe is provided with a sound silencing mechanism for silencing intake noise and / or exhaust noise. With this configuration, the exhaust noise from the air cell can be silenced.

[0010] Preferably, the predetermined distance in the first pipe extends closer to the exhaust port than the center of the air cell. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the noise reduction effect when air is supplied.

[0011] Preferably, the predetermined distance in the second pipe extends closer to the air supply port than the center of the air cell. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to enhance the noise reduction effect during exhaust.

[0012] The air cell is preferably provided with a sound-deadening mechanism for deactivating intake noise and / or exhaust noise. By adopting such a configuration, intake noise and exhaust noise can be silenced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to muffle intake and exhaust noise when air is supplied to and exhausted from the air cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air cell for a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing the piping of an air cell for a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is normal piping, (b) is piping in which a portion of the piping is enlarged to enhance the sound deadening effect, (c) is piping in which a portion of the piping is enlarged and further equipped with a sound deadening wall to enhance the sound deadening effect, (d) is piping in which a portion of the piping is enlarged and further equipped with a sound deadening material to enhance the sound deadening effect, and (e) is piping in which a portion of the piping is enlarged and further equipped with a sound deadening wall and sound deadening material to enhance the sound deadening effect. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing air cells for massage machines according to other embodiments of the present invention, in which (a) is an air cell for massage machines equipped with an expanded portion and sound-absorbing material as a sound-absorbing mechanism, and (b) is an air cell for massage machines equipped with a sound-absorbing wall as a sound-absorbing mechanism. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the piping of an air cell for a massage machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which the air inlet and the exhaust port are provided on the same side of the air cell, (b) shows a state in which the air inlet and the exhaust port are provided on the air cell so as to be opposed at 90°, and (c) shows a state in which the second piping is configured in an L-shape in the state of (b). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a massage machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [Overall configuration of the massager] The overall configuration of a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, a massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is composed of a seat 3 on which a user sits, a backrest 4 on which the user leans, which is provided at the rear of the seat 3, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. On the upper surface of the armrest 2, arm massage units 2L and 2R are provided for massaging the user's arms.

[0016] The massage machine 1 has massage sections M (massage mechanism 11, arm massage section a2, buttocks massage section a3, leg massage section a5) that massage the user, a control section 10 that controls the functions of the massage machine 1, a controller 12 as an operation section for performing various operations on the massage machine 1, and an air supply / exhaust device 16 that supplies air to and exhausts air from the air cells. Each component will be described later.

[0017] [Seat configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is elongated in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) that serves as the base of the massage machine 1. A pair of buttocks massage units a3 (massage units M) are provided on the upper surface of the seat 3, one on each side, for massaging the buttocks of a user seated on the seat 3. The buttocks massage units a3 are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. Preferably, the buttocks massage units a3 are configured so that they can expand and contract independently. The mounting positions and number of buttocks massage units a3 are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, four buttock massage units a3 may be mounted, or the buttock massage units a3 may be mounted on the front side of the seat 3 so as to massage the backs of the user's thighs.

[0018] [Backrest configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the backrest 4 supports the upper body of the user. The backrest 4 is composed of a rectangular member that is long in the height direction. A guide rail 4a is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 11 serving as a massage unit M is provided via the guide rail 4a. The front of the backrest 4 is covered with a cover member (not shown), and the massage mechanism 11 moves up and down along the guide rail 4a, thereby massaging the back of the torso (e.g., shoulders, waist, etc.) of the user seated on the seat 3 via the cover member (not shown). The arrangement of the massage section M is an example and is not limited to this. For example, a lower back massage section may be provided on the backrest section 4.

[0019] [Footrest configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the footrest 5 is provided with a pair of recesses 5b on the left and right into which the user's legs can be inserted. Foot massage sections a5 (massage sections M) for massaging the user's legs are provided on the inner walls on both the left and right sides of the recesses 5b. The foot massage sections a5 are made up of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one foot massage section a5 is provided on each of the left and right inner walls of the right recess 5b, and one foot massage section a5 is provided on each of the left and right inner walls of the left recess 5b. Each foot massage section a5 is preferably configured to be able to expand and contract independently. A sole massage section (not shown) for massaging the soles of the user's feet may also be provided on the bottom surface of each recess 5b.

[0020] [Armrest configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, armrests 2 are attached in pairs to both the left and right sides of the seat 3. Arm massage units 2L, 2R for massaging the user's arms are provided on the upper surfaces of the armrests 2. Arm massage sections a2 (massage sections M) for massaging the user's arms are provided on the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L, 2R, respectively. The arm massage sections a2 are composed of air cells that expand and contract by supplying and discharging air. More specifically, one arm massage section a2 is provided on the top and bottom of the inner walls of the arm massage units 2L, 2R. It is preferable that each arm massage section a2 is configured to be able to expand and contract independently.

[0021] [Controller configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the massage machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the massage machine 1 is provided with a control unit 10 consisting of a microcomputer and the like for controlling the operation of the massage mechanism 11 and the air intake and exhaust device 16. This control unit 10 is provided below the seat 3 and is connected to a controller 12 operated by the user and a memory unit 13 in which massage courses are stored. Various massage operations are performed by the user operating the controller 12.

[0022] [Configuration of the air intake and exhaust system] As shown in Fig. 3, the air supply / exhaust device 16 is composed of a pump 16a for supplying air to the massage sections 2a, 3a, and 5a, each of which is made up of an air cell, and valves 16b and 16c for connecting the massage sections 2a, 3a, and 5a to the pump 16a. By turning the valve 16b on and off, air can be supplied to the air cells or the supply of air can be stopped. By turning the valve 16c on and off, air can be exhausted from the air cells or the exhaust of air can be stopped.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an air cell 20 for a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing pipes 21 and 22 of an air cell 20 for a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows normal pipes 21 and 22, (b) shows pipes 21 and 22 in which a portion of the pipe is enlarged to enhance the sound deadening effect, (c) shows pipes 21 and 22 in which a portion of the pipe is enlarged and further includes a sound deadening wall 24 to enhance the sound deadening effect, (d) shows pipes 21 and 22 in which a portion of the pipe is enlarged and further includes a sound deadening material 25 to enhance the sound deadening effect, and (e) shows pipes 21 and 22 in which a portion of the pipe is enlarged and further includes a sound deadening wall 24 and a sound deadening material 25 to enhance the sound deadening effect.

[0024] [Air cell (air cell for massager) configuration] 3, the air cell 20 for a massage machine (hereinafter referred to as the air cell 20) is a substantially rectangular air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air. The air cell 20 is composed of an expansion / contraction portion 20a, a peripheral portion 20b, a pipe (first pipe) 21 having an air supply port 21a, and a pipe (second pipe) 22 having an air exhaust port 22a.

[0025] In this embodiment, the air cell 20 is made of resin. The outer periphery of the air cell 20 is a heat-welded peripheral edge portion 20b. The peripheral edge portion 20b is a region that does not expand or contract. Due to the presence of the peripheral edge portion 20b, the expansion / contraction portion 20a expands when air is supplied from the piping (first piping) 21 having the air inlet 21a.

[0026] A pipe (first pipe) 21 having an air inlet 21a for supplying air is attached to the lower side of the outer periphery (right side in the left-right direction) of the air cell 20, and a pipe (second pipe) 22 having an exhaust port 22a for exhausting air is attached to the upper side of the outer periphery (left side in the left-right direction). In other words, the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 are attached to the air cell 20 with a vertical offset (positions offset so as not to be on the same straight line). Furthermore, the vertical offset causes them to be parallel to each other. By doing so, it is possible to muffle the sound of air being supplied to the air cell 20 and the sound of air being exhausted from the air cell 20 (it is possible to exert a muffler effect).

[0027] Piping Configuration As shown in Fig. 3, the piping is composed of a first piping 21 for supplying air and a second piping 22 for exhausting air. The first piping 21 and the second piping 22 are made of a flexible material such as rubber. The first piping 21 and the second piping 22 are hollow cylindrical with an air passage.

[0028] One end of the first pipe 21 is connected to the air intake and exhaust device 16 via the air intake valve 16b, and the other end extends to the inside of the air cell 20 (inside the expansion and contraction section 20a). More specifically, it extends a predetermined distance H2 to the left of the center O of the air cell 20 (toward the second pipe 22) (see FIG. 3). By extending the other end of the first pipe 21 to the left of the center O of the air cell 20 (toward the second pipe 22), it is possible to gain time until air is supplied to the air cell 20, and it is possible to muffle (reduce) the air intake sound when air is supplied to the air cell 20 (to improve the muffling effect).

[0029] One end of the second pipe 22 is connected to the air supply / exhaust device 16 via the exhaust valve 16c, and the other end extends to the inside of the air cell 20 (inside the expansion / contraction section 20a). More specifically, the second pipe 22 extends a predetermined distance H1 to the right of the center O of the air cell 20 (toward the first pipe 21) (extending past the center O of the air cell 20 and to the air supply port 21a side of the center O of the air cell 20; see FIG. 3). By extending the other end of the second pipe 22 to the right of the center O of the air cell 20 (toward the first pipe 21), it is possible to gain time until air is exhausted from the air cell 20, and thus it is possible to muffle (reduce) the exhaust sound when air is exhausted from the air cell 20 (to enhance the muffling effect).

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the pipes 21, 22 of an air cell 20 for a massage machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is normal pipes 21, 22, (b) is pipes 21, 22 in which a portion of the pipes 21, 22 is enlarged to enhance the sound deadening effect, (c) is pipes 21, 22 in which a portion of the pipes 21, 22 is enlarged and further equipped with a sound deadening wall 24 to enhance the sound deadening effect, (d) is pipes 21, 22 in which a portion of the pipes 21, 22 is enlarged and further equipped with a sound deadening material 25 to enhance the sound deadening effect, and (e) is pipes in which a portion of the pipes 21, 22 is enlarged and further equipped with a sound deadening wall 24 and a sound deadening material 25 to enhance the sound deadening effect. The sound-absorbing wall 24 and sound-absorbing material 25 are a sound-absorbing mechanism for silencing intake noise and exhaust noise.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4(a), conventionally, the piping used in massage machines 1 has the same diameter from one end to the other, and the diameter of the piping is not changed along the way. Therefore, the intake and exhaust sounds from the intake and exhaust device have not been silenced. In other words, the user of the massage machine 1 can hear the air intake and exhaust sounds, which may disturb the user's relaxation.

[0032] [Configuration of the noise reduction mechanism] In this embodiment, the sound deadening mechanism is the widened portion 23, the sound deadening wall 24, and the sound deadening material 25. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the widened portion 23 is provided midway through the piping (first piping 21, second piping 22). The widened portion 23 may be made of the same material as the piping, or may be made separately from the piping. If the widened portion 23 is made of the same material as the piping, it can be integrally formed when the piping is molded, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. If the widened portion 23 is made separately from the piping, the piping is divided and the divided piping is connected by the widened portion 23. This makes it possible to easily attach a sound-absorbing mechanism to the piping. It should be noted that the noise absorbing mechanism includes not only those that exert a noise absorbing effect but also those that exert a noise reduction effect. Hereinafter, noise absorbing and noise reduction will be collectively referred to as "noise absorbing" or "noise absorbing (noise reduction)".

[0033] The widened portion 23 has a larger diameter than the piping. By making the diameter larger than the piping, the air that previously passed through a small diameter now passes through a larger diameter, increasing the area through which the air passes. The increased area weakens the force of the air flow, and the air spreads more slowly throughout the widened portion 23 than when it passed through the piping. More specifically, the air is released into a space larger than the piping, and the sound generated during air intake and exhaust can be muffled (reduced) by reflection and resonance. That is, the force of the air flow is weakened by the widened portion 23, so that the intake noise and exhaust noise are silenced (reduced).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4(c), the widened portion 23 is provided midway along the piping (first piping 21, second piping 22). The widened portion 23 is provided with sound-absorbing walls 24 for silencing air intake noise and exhaust noise. The sound-absorbing walls 24 are provided alternately on the upper and lower sides of the widened portion 23. More specifically, three sound-absorbing walls 24 are provided on the upper side and four on the lower side. Each sound-absorbing wall 24 provided on the upper side extends downward (toward the lower side) beyond the center of the widened portion 23, and each sound-absorbing wall 24 provided on the lower side extends upward (toward the upper side) beyond the center of the widened portion 23.

[0035] When the air discharged from the air intake and exhaust device 16 reaches the widened portion 23 of the first pipe 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter up until then expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands in the widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. The air flowing into the widened portion 23 first collides with the sound-absorbing wall 24 provided on the lower side. The air that collides with the sound-absorbing wall 24 escapes upward along the sound-absorbing wall 24. The air that escapes upward collides with the sound-absorbing wall 24 provided on the upper side. That is, the air discharged from the air supply / exhaust device 16 passes through the piping while hitting each of the sound-absorbing walls 24. This makes it possible to achieve a sound-absorbing effect.

[0036] Although the first pipe 21 has been described as an example, the same applies to the second pipe 22. More specifically, when the air exhausted from the air cells 20 reaches the widened portion 23 of the second pipe 21, it passes through the pipe while hitting each of the sound-absorbing walls 24. This allows for a sound-absorbing effect. In other words, since the piping is provided with two silencing mechanisms, it is possible to achieve a higher silencing effect than the piping in FIG. 4(b) (first piping 21, second piping 22).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4(b), widening sections 23 are provided midway through the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 as a sound-deadening mechanism. In other words, the pipes (first pipe 21, second pipe 22) are provided with one sound-deadening mechanism. Air discharged from the air supply / exhaust device 16 passes through the first pipe 21 and is supplied to the air cells 20. The air supply noise generated when air is supplied to the air cells 20 is muffled by the sound-deadening mechanism (widening sections 23) provided in the first pipe 21.

[0038] More specifically, the diameter of first pipe 21 is smaller than the diameter of widened portion 23. Therefore, when air discharged from air supply / exhaust device 16 reaches widened portion 23 of first pipe 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands in widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise.

[0039] Although the first pipe 21 has been described as an example, the same applies to the second pipe 22. More specifically, when the air exhausted from the air cell 20 reaches the widened portion 23 of the second pipe 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the expansion of the air in the widened portion 23 silences the exhaust noise. In other words, the piping in Figure 4(b) (first piping 21, second piping 22) is a piping equipped with one sound-absorbing mechanism, and therefore can exhibit a higher sound-absorbing effect than the piping in Figure 4(a) (first piping 21, second piping 22).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4(c), widened sections 23 are provided midway through the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 as sound-absorbing mechanisms, and sound-absorbing walls 24 are provided within the widened sections 23. In other words, the pipes (first pipe 21 and second pipe 22) are provided with two sound-absorbing mechanisms. Air discharged from the air supply and exhaust device 16 passes through the first pipe 21 and is supplied to the air cells 20. The air supply noise generated when air is supplied to the air cells 20 is muffled by the sound-absorbing mechanisms (widened sections 23 and sound-absorbing walls 24) provided in the first pipe 21.

[0041] More specifically, the diameter of first piping 21 is smaller than the diameter of widened portion 23. Therefore, when the air discharged from air intake and exhaust device 16 reaches widened portion 23 of first piping 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands in widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, because widened portion 23 is provided with sound-absorbing wall 24, the air collides with sound-absorbing wall 24, further silencing the intake noise. More specifically, when the air that has expanded within widened portion 23 collides with sound-absorbing wall 24, the intake noise is repeatedly reflected and resonates, thereby silencing (reducing) the intake noise.

[0042] Although the first pipe 21 has been described as an example, the same applies to the second pipe 22. More specifically, when the air exhausted from the air cell 20 reaches the widened portion 23 of the second pipe 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter up until then expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands into the widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, because the widened portion 23 is provided with the sound-absorbing wall 24, the exhaust noise is further silenced when the air collides with the sound-absorbing wall 24. More specifically, when the air that has expanded within the widened portion 23 collides with the sound-absorbing wall 24, the exhaust noise is repeatedly reflected and resonates, thereby silencing (reducing) the exhaust noise. In other words, in the case of the piping in Figure 4(d) (first piping 21, second piping 22), since it is a piping equipped with two sound-absorbing mechanisms, it can achieve the same sound-absorbing effect as in Figure 4(d).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4(d), widened sections 23 are provided midway through the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 as a sound-deadening mechanism, and sound-deadening material 25 is provided within the widened sections 23. In other words, the pipes (first pipe 21 and second pipe 22) are provided with two sound-deadening mechanisms. Air discharged from the air supply / exhaust device 16 is supplied to the air cells 20 through the first pipe 21. The air supply noise generated when air is supplied to the air cells 20 is deadened by the sound-deadening mechanism (widened sections 23, sound-deadening material 25) provided in the first pipe 21. Examples of the sound-deadening material 25 include glass wool and steel wool. Note that any material may be used as long as it can deaden (reduce) sound.

[0044] More specifically, the diameter of first piping 21 is smaller than the diameter of widened portion 23. Therefore, when the air discharged from air intake and exhaust device 16 reaches widened portion 23 of first piping 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands in widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, because widened portion 23 is provided with sound-deadening material 25, the air collides with sound-deadening material 25, thereby further silencing the intake noise. More specifically, the air that has expanded within widened portion 23 collides with sound-deadening material 25, which absorbs the intake noise, thereby silencing (reducing) the intake noise.

[0045] Although the first pipe 21 has been described as an example, the same applies to the second pipe 22. More specifically, when the air exhausted from the air cell 20 reaches the widened portion 23 of the second pipe 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter up until then expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands into the widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, since the widened portion 23 is provided with a sound-deadening material 25, the air collides with the sound-deadening material 25, thereby further silencing the exhaust noise. More specifically, the air that has expanded within the widened portion 23 collides with the sound-deadening material 25, which absorbs the exhaust noise, thereby enabling the exhaust noise to be silencing (reduced). In other words, in the case of the piping in Figure 4(d) (first piping 21, second piping 22), since it is a piping equipped with two sound-absorbing mechanisms, it can achieve the same sound-absorbing effect as that in Figure 4(c).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4(e), widening section 23, sound absorbing wall 24, and sound absorbing material 25 are provided as sound absorbing mechanisms midway through first pipe 21 and second pipe 22. In other words, the pipes (first pipe 21, second pipe 22) are provided with three sound absorbing mechanisms. Air discharged from air supply and exhaust device 16 passes through first pipe 21 and is supplied to air cell 20. Air supply noise generated when air is supplied to air cell 20 is muffled by the sound absorbing mechanisms (widening section 23, sound absorbing wall 24, sound absorbing material 25) provided in first pipe 21.

[0047] More specifically, the diameter of first piping 21 is smaller than the diameter of widened portion 23. Therefore, when the air discharged from air intake and exhaust device 16 reaches widened portion 23 of first piping 21, the air that had been passing through a small diameter expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands into widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, widened portion 23 is provided with sound-deadening material 25, so that the air collides with sound-deadening material 25, thereby further silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, widened portion 23 is also provided with sound-deadening wall 24, so that the air collides with sound-deadening wall 24, thereby further silencing the intake noise.

[0048] Although the first pipe 21 has been described as an example, the same applies to the second pipe 22. More specifically, when the air exhausted from the air cell 20 reaches the widened portion 23 of the second pipe 22, the air that had been passing through a small diameter up until then expands to a larger diameter. In other words, the air expands into the widened portion 23, thereby silencing the intake noise. Furthermore, the widened portion 23 is provided with a sound-deadening material 25, so that the air collides with the sound-deadening material 25, thereby further silencing the exhaust noise. Furthermore, the widened portion 23 is also provided with a sound-deadening wall 24, so that the air collides with the sound-deadening wall 24, thereby further silencing the exhaust noise. In other words, the piping in Figure 4(e) (first piping 21, second piping 22) is equipped with three silencing mechanisms, and therefore can achieve a higher silencing effect than Figures 4(b) to (d).

[0049] [Another embodiment 1] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an air cell 20 for a massage machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is an air cell 20 for a massage machine having an expanded portion 23 and a sound-absorbing material 25 as a sound-absorbing mechanism, and (b) is an air cell 20 for a massage machine having a sound-absorbing wall 24 as a sound-absorbing mechanism.

[0050] The silencing mechanism may be provided in the air cell 20 itself. By providing the silencing mechanism in the air cell 20 itself, the piping (first piping 21, second piping 22) itself can be the same as conventional piping. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), sound-absorbing material 25 may be provided inside widened portion 23 that forms the outer periphery of air cell 20. Widened portion 23 and sound-absorbing material 25 form a sound-absorbing mechanism. When supplied air passes through first pipe 21 and reaches the inside of air cell 20, the air that had previously passed through the small diameter of first pipe 21 is spread throughout air cell 20 by widened portion 23. Furthermore, since sound-absorbing material 25 is provided inside air cell 20, the sound of air being supplied from first pipe 21 is further silenced by sound-absorbing material 25. In other words, the sound absorption mechanism (widening portion 23 and sound absorption material 25) can absorb the sound of air intake and exhaust, thereby reducing the unpleasant sensation felt by the user by the sound of intake and exhaust to and from the air cell 20.

[0051] 5(b), a sound-absorbing wall 24 may be provided inside the widened portion 23 that forms the outer periphery of the air cell 20. The widened portion 23 and the sound-absorbing wall 24 form a sound-absorbing mechanism. When the supplied air passes through the first pipe 21 and reaches the inside of the air cell 20, the air that had previously passed through the small diameter of the first pipe 21 is spread throughout the entire air cell 20 by the widened portion 23. Because the sound-absorbing wall 24 is provided inside the air cell 20, the air that has passed through the first pipe 21 collides with the sound-absorbing wall 24 and is spread over a wide area by the sound-absorbing wall 24, thereby further silencing the sound. In other words, the sound absorption mechanism (widening portion 23 and sound absorption wall 24) functions to absorb the sound of air intake and exhaust, thereby reducing the unpleasant sensation felt by the user by the sound of intake and exhaust to and from the air cell 20.

[0052] [Another embodiment 2] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the piping of an air cell 20 for a massage machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows a state in which the air inlet 21a and the exhaust outlet 22a are provided on the same side (the lower side in the vertical direction) of the air cell 20, (b) shows a state in which the air inlet 21a and the exhaust outlet 22a are provided on the air cell 20 so as to be opposed at 90° (the air inlet 21a is on the right side in the horizontal direction, and the exhaust outlet 22a is on the lower side in the vertical direction), and (c) is a diagram in which the second piping 22 is configured in an L-shape in the state of (b).

[0053] 6(a), air intake port 21a and exhaust port 22a may be provided on the same side (the lower side in the vertical direction) of air cell 20. By providing air intake port 21a and exhaust port 22a on the same side of air cell 20, the time required from air intake to exhaust can be saved compared to when air intake port 21a and exhaust port 22a are provided in a straight line without any misalignment, and intake noise and exhaust noise can be silenced. 6(a), the length of the first pipe 21 (length within the air cell) and the length of the second pipe 22 (length within the air cell) are the same, but this is just an example and is not limited to this. For example, the length of the first pipe 21 (length within the air cell) may be shorter than the second pipe 22, or the length of the second pipe 22 (length within the air cell) may be shorter than the first pipe 21.

[0054] 6(b), air cell 20 may be provided so that air intake port 21a and exhaust port 22a are opposed at 90° (air intake port 21a on the right side in the horizontal direction and exhaust port 22a on the lower side in the vertical direction). By providing air cell 20 so that air intake port 21a and exhaust port 22a are opposed at 90° (air intake port 21a on the right side in the horizontal direction and exhaust port 22a on the lower side in the vertical direction), the time required from air intake to exhaust can be saved compared to when air intake port 21a and exhaust port 22a are provided in a straight line without any misalignment, and intake noise and exhaust noise can be silenced. 6(b) illustrates a case where the air intake port 21a is provided on the right side in the horizontal direction and the air exhaust port 22a is provided on the lower side in the vertical direction, but this is just an example and is not limiting. For example, the air intake port 21a may be provided on the left side in the horizontal direction and the air exhaust port 22a on the upper side in the vertical direction.

[0055] 6(c), the second pipe 22 may be configured in an L-shape. By configuring the pipe extending into the air cell in an L-shape, it is possible to further reduce the time required for exhaust compared to the case of FIG. 6(b). 6(c) illustrates a case where the second pipe 22 is bent into an L shape by 90 degrees toward the air supply port 21a, but this is just an example and is not limiting. For example, the second pipe 22 may be bent in the opposite direction to the air supply port 21a.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a massage machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. It differs from the block diagram of FIG. 2 in that the valve 16c of the air intake / exhaust device 16 is absent and a sound-deadening air cell 26 is attached to the valve 16d. The air intake / exhaust device 16 is composed of a pump 16a and a valve 16d. The valve 16d is preferably configured as a so-called three-way valve. One side of the valve 16d is connected to each of the massage parts (a2, a3, a5) via piping, and the other side is connected to the sound-deadening air cell 26 via piping. The piping connected to each of the massage parts (a2, a3, a5) may have any shape as long as it is one of those shown in FIG. 4. By providing a sound-deadening mechanism in the piping, the sound of air intake generated when air is supplied to each of the massage parts (a2, a3, a5) can be reduced.

[0057] The configuration of the silencing air cell 26 is the same as that of the air cell 20 shown in Figures 3 to 6. That is, the first pipe 21, which is a pipe for supplying air, is connected to the other end of the valve 16d. The second pipe 22 is not connected to the valve 16d. More specifically, the second pipe 22 is not connected to anything. By doing so, when the valve 16d is turned on, the air sent out from the air intake and exhaust device 16 is sent to each of the massage sections (a2, a3, a5). When the valve 16d is turned off, the air supply to each of the massage sections (a2, a3, a5) stops, and the air that had been in each of the massage sections (a2, a3, a5) is sent to the silencing air cell 26 via the valve 16d and is discharged into the atmosphere. By attaching the silencing air cell 26 to the valve 16d, the exhaust noise can be silenced (reduced). [Industrial Applicability]

[0058] The present invention is applicable to an air cell for a massage machine that can muffle intake and exhaust noise when air is supplied to and exhausted from the air cell, and to a massage machine equipped with the air cell for a massage machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] Valve 16c Aircell 20 First Pipe 21 Air supply port 21a Second piping 22 Exhaust port 22a

Claims

1. An air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air, The air cell is an air intake port for supplying air; an exhaust port for exhausting air; a first pipe for supplying air is connected to the air supply port, a second pipe for exhausting air is connected to the exhaust port; The air cell for a massage machine, wherein the first pipe extends a predetermined distance toward the inside of the air cell.

2. An air cell that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air, The air cell is an air intake port for supplying air; an exhaust port for exhausting air; a first pipe for supplying air is connected to the air supply port, a second pipe for exhausting air is connected to the exhaust port; The air cell for a massage machine, wherein the second pipe extends a predetermined distance toward the inside of the air cell.

3. 3. The air cell for a massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are provided at positions offset from each other so as not to be on the same straight line.

4. 4. The air cell for a massage machine according to claim 3, wherein the positional deviation is configured so that the first pipe and the second pipe are parallel to each other.

5. 3. The air cell for a massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe and / or the second pipe is provided with a sound-deadening mechanism for deaminating air intake noise and / or exhaust noise.

6. 5. The air cell for a massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined distance in the first pipe extends from the center of the air cell toward the exhaust port.

7. 5. The air cell for a massage machine according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined distance in the second pipe extends from the center of the air cell toward the air inlet.

8. 3. The air cell for a massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the air cell is provided with a sound-deadening mechanism for deaminating air intake noise and / or exhaust noise.

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