Gas supply device

Abstract

An air supply device (20) is provided with: a pump (30) for delivering air; a connection flow path (50) that connects the pump (30) and the air bag (41); and a decompression joint (70) for decompressing the air supplied from the pump (30) to the air bag (41). The decompression joint (70) has: an internal flow path (71) that constitutes a part of the connection flow path (50); and an exhaust flow path (72) that constantly connects the internal flow path (71) to the atmosphere and exhausts a part of the air flowing through the internal flow path (71) to the atmosphere.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a gas supply device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat capable of adjusting a user's sitting posture is known. For example, the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1 includes: a compressor that delivers air, an air bag that supports the user's waist, an air supply line connecting the compressor and the air bag, an electromagnetic valve provided in the air supply line, and a sensor that obtains information about the user's sitting posture. The vehicle seat opens and closes the electromagnetic valve while driving the compressor based on a control amount corresponding to a sensor value. In this way, the vehicle seat supplies air to the air bag.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-49993

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] The vehicle seat described above adjusts the amount of air supplied to the air bag by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve. The vehicle seat still has room for improvement in terms of simplifying the structure of the device. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a supply device is provided, which supplies air to an air bag. The air supply device includes: a pump that delivers air; a connecting flow path that connects the pump to the air bag; and a decompression joint that decompresses the air supplied from the pump to the air bag. The decompression joint has an internal flow path and an exhaust flow path, the internal flow path constituting a part of the connecting flow path, the exhaust flow path always connecting the internal flow path to the atmosphere, and exhausting a part of the air flowing in the internal flow path to the atmosphere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat equipped with an air supply device.

[0011] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the schematic structure of the air supply device.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a pressure reducing connector for an air supply device.

[0013] Figure 4yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of a pressure reducing connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, a vehicle seat including an air supply device will be described.

[0015] <Structure of this embodiment>

[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle seat 10 includes a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, a headrest 13, an air supply device 20, an operation unit 100, and a control unit 110. The vehicle seat 10 corresponds to, for example, a driver's seat, a passenger seat, and a rear seat of a vehicle.

[0017] <Seat cushion 11, seat back 12 and headrest 13>

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat cushion 11 is a part that supports the user's buttocks. The seat back 12 is a part that supports the user's back. The headrest 13 is a part that supports the user's head. Although not shown in the figure, the seat cushion 11 and the seat back 12 each include a seat frame constituting a skeleton, a buffer spring supported by the seat frame, a buffer pad mounted on the buffer spring, and a skin covering the buffer pad. The headrest 13 includes a rod-shaped rod, a buffer pad mounted on the rod, and a skin covering the buffer pad.

[0019] <Air supply device 20>

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air supply device 20 includes a pump 30, a first air bag 41, a plurality of second air bags 42, a connecting flow path 50, a switching valve 61, an auxiliary valve 62, a plurality of regulating valves 63, a check valve 64, and a pressure reducing joint 70. In addition, Figure 2 One of the plurality of second air bags 42 and one of the plurality of regulating valves 63 are illustrated.

[0021] <Pump 30>

[0022] The pump 30 may be an electric pump using an electric motor as a driving source. The pump 30 delivers air by driving the electric motor based on the power supplied from the battery. The pump 30 is preferably housed in the seat cushion 11 or the seat back 12, for example.

[0023] <Air Bag>

[0024] The first air bag 41 is an air bag for supporting the user's waist. Therefore, the size of the first air bag 41 is preferably a size corresponding to the user's waist. The first air bag 41 is accommodated in a position corresponding to the user's waist in the seat back 12.

[0025] The second air bag 42 is an air bag for refreshing the user to massage the part of the user that contacts the seat cushion 11 and the seat back 12. In the present embodiment, the size of the second air bag 42 is smaller than the size of the first air bag 41. The plurality of second air bags 42 are arranged in a row over the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 11. In other words, the plurality of second air bags 42 are accommodated in the seat back 12 at a position corresponding to the user's back and in the seat cushion 11 at a position corresponding to the user's buttocks. Figure 1 The arrangement of the plurality of second air bags 42 shown is only an example.

[0026] The plurality of second air bags 42 are located closer to the surface of the seat back 12 than the first air bags 41 in the thickness direction of the seat back 12. Therefore, a portion of the second air bags 42 is located between the surface of the seat back 12 and the first air bags 41.

[0027] <Connection Flow Path 50>

[0028] The connecting flow path 50 is, for example, a flow path provided in a tube made of an elastic resin. The connecting flow path 50 may also be a flow path provided inside a resin molded product. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting flow path 50 includes a supply flow path 51 , a first flow path 52 , and a second flow path 53 .

[0029] The supply flow path 51 connects the pump 30 with the switching valve 61. The first flow path 52 connects the switching valve 61 with the first air bag 41. The first flow path 52 includes a first upstream flow path 52U connecting the switching valve 61 with the auxiliary valve 62 and a first downstream flow path 52D connecting the auxiliary valve 62 with the first air bag 41. The second flow path 53 connects the switching valve 61 with the plurality of second air bags 42. The second flow path 53 includes a second upstream flow path 53U connecting the switching valve 61 with the plurality of regulating valves 63 and a second downstream flow path 53D connecting the plurality of regulating valves 63 with the plurality of second air bags 42, respectively.

[0030] In other words, the upstream end of the supply flow path 51 is connected to the pump 30, and the downstream end of the supply flow path 51 is connected to the switching valve 61. The upstream end of the first flow path 52 is connected to the switching valve 61, and the downstream end of the first flow path 52 is connected to the first air bag 41. The upstream end of the second flow path 53 is connected to the switching valve 61, and the downstream end of the second flow path 53 is connected to the air supply target different from the first air bag 41, that is, the plurality of second air bags 42.

[0031] <Valve>

[0032] The switching valve 61, the auxiliary valve 62, and the plurality of regulating valves 63 are electromagnetic valves including springs and electromagnets. When the electromagnetic valve is not energized, the elastic deformation of the spring is small, and when the electromagnetic valve is energized, the elastic deformation of the spring is large.

[0033] The switching valve 61 switches the connection state of the supply flow path 51 between a state in which the supply flow path 51 is connected to the first upstream flow path 52U and a state in which the supply flow path 51 is connected to the second flow path 53. That is, the switching valve 61 switches the connection destination of the supply flow path 51 to the first flow path 52 or the second flow path 53. The switching valve 61 connects the supply flow path 51 to the second flow path 53 when the power is not supplied. The switching valve 61 connects the supply flow path 51 to the first upstream flow path 52U when the power is supplied.

[0034] The auxiliary valve 62 switches the connection state of the first downstream flow path 52D between a state in which the first downstream flow path 52D is connected to the first upstream flow path 52U and a state in which the first downstream flow path 52D is connected to the atmosphere. The auxiliary valve 62 connects the first downstream flow path 52D to the first upstream flow path 52U when not energized. The auxiliary valve 62 connects the first downstream flow path 52D to the atmosphere when energized.

[0035] The number of the regulating valves 63 is the same as the number of the second air bags 42. Each regulating valve 63 switches the connection state of the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D between the state in which the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D is connected to the second upstream flow path 53U and the state in which the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D is connected to the atmosphere. The regulating valve 63 connects the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D to the atmosphere when the power is not supplied. The regulating valve 63 connects the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D to the second upstream flow path 53U when the power is supplied.

[0036] The check valve 64 is provided in the first upstream flow path 52U between the decompression joint 70 and the auxiliary valve 62. The check valve 64 allows the flow of air from the decompression joint 70 toward the first air bag 41, but restricts the flow of air from the first air bag 41 toward the decompression joint 70.

[0037] <Pressure Reducing Connector 70>

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the pressure reducing joint 70 is provided between the switching valve 61 and the check valve 64 in the first flow path 52 .

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressure reducing joint 70 is made of, for example, a resin material. The pressure reducing joint 70 has a symmetrical shape. The pressure reducing joint 70 has an internal flow path 71 and an exhaust flow path 72. In addition, the pressure reducing joint 70 has a main body 73, a first base 74, a second base 75, a first connecting portion 76, and a second connecting portion 77.

[0040] The internal flow path 71 constitutes a part of the first flow path 52. The internal flow path 71 penetrates the pressure reducing joint 70 in one direction. In the following description, the extending direction of the internal flow path 71 is referred to as the axial direction. The cross-sectional shape of the internal flow path 71 is circular. The exhaust flow path 72 connects the internal flow path 71 to the atmosphere. The cross-sectional shape of the exhaust flow path 72 is circular. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path 71.

[0041] The main body 73 is located at the center of the pressure reducing joint 70 in the axial direction. The main body 73 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The internal flow path 71 passes through the main body 73 in the axial direction, and the exhaust flow path 72 passes through the main body 73 in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction. That is, the exhaust flow path 72 extends in a direction intersecting the internal flow path 71. The opening edge 721 on the atmosphere side of the exhaust flow path 72 is in the shape of a circular arc. The opening edge 721 is, for example, in the shape of a circular arc in cross section. Therefore, near the opening on the atmosphere side, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72 gradually increases as it approaches the opening edge 721. In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressure reducing joint 70 is a resin molded product, so although the opening edge 721 is formed in the shape of a circular arc, this is not because chamfering is performed after molding. In addition, in the point that the cross-sectional shape of the exhaust flow path 72 is circular, the shape of the opening on the atmosphere side of the exhaust flow path 72 is also circular. In the main body 73, the portion where the exhaust flow path 71 is opened is referred to as the exhaust flow path opening portion.

[0042] The first base 74 and the second base 75 are in the shape of rectangular plates. The first base 74 and the second base 75 have a predetermined thickness in the axial direction. The internal flow path 71 passes through the first base 74 and the second base 75 in the axial direction. The first base 74 is connected to the first end of the main body 73 in the axial direction, and the second base 75 is connected to the second end of the main body 73 in the axial direction.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the thickness T1 of the wall portion of the main body portion 73 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the wall portion of the first base portion 74 and the second base portion 75. Therefore, the exhaust flow path opening portion of the main body portion 73 is recessed toward the internal flow path 71 compared to the first base portion 74 and the second base portion 75 adjacent to the exhaust flow path opening portion in the axial direction. Although not shown in the figure, in the main body portion 73, the thickness of the wall portion where the exhaust flow path 72 is not opened is also thinner than the thickness of the wall portion of the first base portion 74 and the second base portion 75. In this regard, it can be said that the main body portion 73 as a whole is recessed toward the internal flow path 71 compared to the first base portion 74 and the second base portion 75.

[0044] The first connection part 76 and the second connection part 77 are cylindrical. The internal flow path 71 passes through the first connection part 76 and the second connection part 77. The first connection part 76 extends axially from the first base part 74. The second connection part 77 extends axially from the second base part 75. The first upstream flow path 52U is connected to the first connection part 76 and the second connection part 77. In fact, the tube constituting the first upstream flow path 52U is connected to the first connection part 76 and the second connection part 77. At this time, it is preferred that the tube is inserted into the first connection part 76 until it contacts the first base part 74. In addition, it is preferred that a barb is provided on the first connection part 76 so that it is difficult for the tube to come out of the first connection part 76. The same is true for the second connection part 77.

[0045] <Operation Unit 100>

[0046] The operation unit 100 is operated by the user to operate the air supply device 20. The operation unit 100 may be a remote controller or may be provided on the instrument panel of the vehicle. The operation unit 100 includes an air supply button for inflating the first air bag 41, an air exhaust button for deflated the first air bag 41, and a start / end button for starting or ending massage using the second air bag 42.

[0047] <Control Unit 110>

[0048] The control unit 110 is composed of a processing circuit including a computer and a memory. The control unit 110 controls the pump 30, the switching valve 61, the auxiliary valve 62, and the plurality of regulating valves 63 based on the program stored in the memory and the operation signal output according to the operation content of the operation unit 100. In detail, when the air supply button is operated, the control unit 110 not only drives the pump 30, but also energizes the switching valve 61. When the exhaust button is operated, the control unit 110 energizes the auxiliary valve 62. When the start / end button is operated, the control unit 110 starts the massage action. In detail, during the massage action, the control unit 110 not only drives the pump 30, but also periodically switches the plurality of regulating valves 63 between the energized state and the non-energized state. When the start / end button is operated during the massage action, the control unit 110 ends the massage action. In detail, the control unit 110 not only stops driving the pump 30, but also stops energizing the plurality of regulating valves 63.

[0049] <Function of this embodiment>

[0050] The operation of the air supply device 20 will be described.

[0051] First, the operation when adjusting the user's sitting posture with respect to the vehicle seat 10 in a state where the first air bag 41 is deflated will be described.

[0052] When adjusting the user's sitting posture relative to the vehicle seat 10, the user operates the air supply button of the operation unit 100. Then, the pump 30 is driven and the switching valve 61 is energized. At this time, the switching valve 61 connects the supply flow path 51 with the first upstream flow path 52U, and the auxiliary valve 62 connects the first downstream flow path 52D with the first upstream flow path 52U. Therefore, the air sent from the pump 30 is supplied to the first air bag 41 through the supply flow path 51 and the first flow path 52. As a result, the first air bag 41 gradually expands.

[0053] Here, when air is supplied from the pump 30 toward the first air bag 41, the air flows through the internal flow path 71 of the pressure reducing joint 70. The internal flow path 71 is connected to the exhaust flow path 72, so a part of the air flowing through the internal flow path 71 is discharged to the atmosphere via the exhaust flow path 72. As a result, in the pressure reducing joint 70, the outflow of air is less than the inflow of air. In this way, the pressure reducing joint 70 reduces the pressure of the air supplied from the pump 30 toward the first air bag 41. Therefore, even if the user continues to press the air supply button, the internal pressure of the first air bag 41 does not continue to increase. When the maximum value of the internal pressure of the first air bag 41 at this time is used as the set pressure, the set pressure changes according to the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72 of the pressure reducing joint 70. Therefore, the specification of the pressure reducing joint 70 can be determined according to the pressure resistance of the first air bag 41, etc.

[0054] Afterwards, when the user stops operating the air supply button of the operating unit 100, the driving of the pump 30 stops, and the switching valve 61 is no longer energized. After the user stops operating the air supply button of the operating unit 100, the internal pressure of the first upstream flow path 52U located on the upstream side of the check valve 64 is higher than the atmospheric pressure. At this time, the force acting on the valve core of the switching valve 61 according to the internal pressure of the first upstream flow path 52U is likely to be greater than the force acting on the valve core of the switching valve 61 according to the deformation amount of the spring of the switching valve 61. Therefore, it is difficult for the state of the switching valve 61 to return to the state before the power is turned on. However, the first upstream flow path 52U is connected to the atmosphere via the exhaust flow path 72 of the pressure reducing joint 70. Therefore, as time passes, the internal pressure of the first upstream flow path 52U located on the upstream side of the check valve 64 gradually decreases until it reaches the atmospheric pressure. In this way, after a short time from the moment when the user stops operating the air supply button of the operating unit 100, the state of the switching valve 61 returns to the state before the power is turned on. That is, the switching valve 61 connects the supply flow path 51 to the second flow path 53. On the other hand, in the first upstream flow path 52U, the pressure on the downstream side of the check valve 64 is higher than the pressure on the upstream side. Therefore, the check valve 64 restricts the flow of air from the auxiliary valve 62 to the pressure reducing joint 70.

[0055] When the user operates the air supply button of the operating unit 100 for too long, the first air bag 41 may sometimes over-inflate. In this case, the user operates the air exhaust button of the operating unit 100. Then, the auxiliary valve 62 connects the first downstream flow path 52D to the atmosphere. Therefore, air flows out from the first air bag 41 toward the atmosphere. When the expansion of the first air bag 41 becomes appropriate, the user stops operating the air exhaust button of the operating unit 100. Then, the auxiliary valve 62 connects the first downstream flow path 52D to the first upstream flow path 52U. That is, air no longer flows into the first air bag 41 or air no longer flows out of the first air bag 41. In addition, when the first air bag 41 is over-contracted, the user only needs to operate the air supply button of the operating unit 100.

[0056] Next, the operation of the air supply device 20 when massaging the user's body will be described.

[0057] The user starts the massage action by operating the start / end button of the operation unit 100. That is, the pump 30 is driven and the plurality of regulating valves 63 are periodically energized. The energized regulating valve 63 connects the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D with the second upstream flow path 53U. Thus, the air sent from the pump 30 is supplied to the corresponding second air bag 42 through the supply flow path 51 and the second flow path 53. As a result, the second air bag 42 gradually expands. The non-energized regulating valve 63 connects the corresponding second downstream flow path 53D with the atmosphere. Thus, air flows out from the corresponding second air bag 42 to the atmosphere, and the corresponding second air bag 42 gradually contracts. In this way, during the massage action, the plurality of second air bags 42 repeatedly expand and contract, thereby massaging the user's body.

[0058] The user ends the massage operation by again operating the start / end button of the operation unit 100. That is, the driving of the pump 30 is stopped, and the plurality of regulating valves 63 are no longer energized.

[0059] <Effects of the present embodiment>

[0060] (1) The air supply device 20 delivers air to the first air bag 41 through the pump 30, thereby enabling the first air bag 41 to be inflated. The first flow path 52 connecting the pump 30 and the first air bag 41 is connected to the exhaust flow path 72 of the pressure reducing joint 70. Therefore, at the point where the air is discharged from the exhaust flow path 72, the flow rate of the air from the pump 30 to the first air bag 41 is adjusted. Thus, the air supply device 20 can adjust the air supply amount to the first air bag 41 with a simple structure. In addition, in the pressure reducing joint 70, the exhaust flow path 72 always connects the internal flow path 71 to the outside air. Therefore, compared with a pressure reducing valve or the like, the structure of the pressure reducing joint 70 is simple.

[0061] (2) In the air supply device 20, when the air supply from the pump 30 to the first air bag 41 is completed, the internal pressure of the first upstream flow path 52U located on the upstream side of the check valve 64 is higher than the atmospheric pressure. If this state continues, there is a possibility that a load is applied to the pipe constituting the first upstream flow path 52U, or a load is applied to the switching valve 61. In this regard, in the air supply device 20, the first upstream flow path 52U is connected to the exhaust flow path 72 of the pressure reducing joint 70. As a result, the internal pressure of the first upstream flow path 52U located on the upstream side of the check valve 64 is gradually reduced. In this way, the air supply device 20 can suppress the load applied to the pipe constituting the first upstream flow path 52U, or the load applied to the switching valve 61.

[0062] (3) In the decompression joint 70, the opening edge 721 of the exhaust flow path 72 on the atmosphere side is arc-shaped. Therefore, the air supply device 20 can suppress the sound generated by the air exhausted from the exhaust flow path 72, compared with the case where the opening edge 721 of the exhaust flow path 72 on the atmosphere side is sharp.

[0063] (4) When the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path 71, most of the air delivered by the pump 30 is discharged from the exhaust flow path 72 of the pressure reducing joint 70. In this regard, in the air supply device 20, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path 71. Therefore, the air supply device 20 can suppress the amount of air flowing into the first air bag 41 from being too small.

[0064] (5) In the pressure reducing joint 70, the main body 73 having the exhaust flow path 72 is recessed toward the internal flow path 71, compared to the first base 74 and the second base 75 adjacent to the main body 73 in the axial direction. Therefore, in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the thickness T1 of the wall portion constituting the main body 73 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the wall portion constituting the first base 74 and the second base 75. Thus, in the air supply device 20, the length of the exhaust flow path 72 is shortened in that the thickness T1 of the wall portion opening the exhaust flow path 72 in the main body 73 can be made thinner. Therefore, the air supply device 20 can efficiently exhaust air through the exhaust flow path 72 of the pressure reducing joint 70.

[0065] <Change example>

[0066] This embodiment can be implemented with modifications as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0067] The shape of the pressure reducing joint 70 can be changed appropriately. For example, the main body 73 can also be cylindrical with the axial direction as the height direction. Similarly, in the pressure reducing joint 70, the first base 74 and the second base 75 can also be disc-shaped with the axial direction as the height direction.

[0068] The main body 73 may be recessed toward the internal flow path 71 relative to the first base 74 and the second base 75 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the pressure reducing joint 70. In this case, the exhaust flow path 72 may open at the first base 74 or the second base 75.

[0069] In the pressure reducing joint 70, the cross-sectional shapes of the internal flow path 71 and the exhaust flow path 72 may not be circular. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the internal flow path 71 and the exhaust flow path 72 may be rectangular.

[0070] In the decompression joint 70, the opening of the exhaust flow path 72 may not be in an arc shape. For example, the opening edge 721 of the exhaust flow path 72 may be sharp.

[0071] In the pressure reducing joint 70, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path 71 may be less than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72. In this case, the pressure reducing joint 70 can greatly reduce the pressure of the air flowing from the pump 30 toward the first air bag 41. Such a pressure reducing joint 70 is suitable for the case where it is desired to pressurize the first air bag 41 weakly and pressurize the second air bag 42 strongly.

[0072] The air supply device 20 may not include the structure related to the second air bag 42. That is, the air supply device 20 may be configured to include only the structure related to the first air bag 41.

[0073] The air supply device 20 can also be applied to a massage chair installed in a house or facility.

[0074] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0075] This embodiment has at least the following structures.

[0076] The air supply device 20 of this embodiment supplies air to the air bag 41. The air supply device 20 includes: a pump 30 that delivers air; a connecting flow path 50 that connects the pump 30 to the air bag 41; and a decompression joint 70 that decompresses the air supplied from the pump 30 to the air bag 41. The decompression joint 70 includes an internal flow path 71 and an exhaust flow path 72. The internal flow path 71 constitutes a part of the connecting flow path 50. The exhaust flow path 72 always connects the internal flow path 71 to the atmosphere and discharges a part of the air flowing in the internal flow path 71 to the atmosphere.

[0077] The air supply device sends air to the air bag through the pump, thereby expanding the air bag. The connecting flow path connecting the pump and the air bag is connected to the exhaust flow path of the pressure reducing joint. Therefore, at the point where the air is discharged from the exhaust flow path, the flow rate of the air from the pump to the air bag is adjusted. Thus, the air supply device can adjust the air supply amount to the air bag with a simple structure.

[0078] In this embodiment, preferably, the connecting flow path 50 has: a supply flow path 51, which has an upstream end connected to the pump 30; a first flow path 52, which includes the internal flow path 71 and has a downstream end connected to the air bag 41; and a second flow path 53, which has a downstream end connected to an air supply object 42 different from the air bag 41. Preferably, the air supply device 20 further comprises: a switching valve 61, which is connected to the downstream end of the supply flow path 51, the upstream end of the first flow path 52 and the upstream end of the second flow path 53, and switches the connection target of the supply flow path 51 to one of the first flow path 52 and the second flow path 53; and a check valve 64, which is arranged between the pressure reducing joint 70 in the first flow path 52 and the air bag 41, allowing the flow of air from the pressure reducing joint 7) toward the air bag 41, but restricting the flow of air from the air bag 41 toward the pressure reducing joint 70.

[0079] In the air supply device, when the air supply from the pump to the air bag is completed, the internal pressure of the first flow path located on the upstream side of the check valve is higher than the atmospheric pressure. If this state continues, a load may be applied to the components of the first flow path, or a load may be applied to the switching valve. In this regard, in the air supply device of the above structure, the first flow path is connected to the exhaust flow path of the pressure reducing joint. As a result, the internal pressure of the first flow path located on the upstream side of the check valve gradually decreases. In this way, the air supply device can suppress the load applied to the components of the first flow path, or the load applied to the switching valve.

[0080] In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the opening edge 721 of the exhaust flow path 72 on the atmosphere side is in an arc shape.

[0081] Compared with a case where the opening edge of the exhaust flow path on the atmosphere side is sharp, the air supply device can suppress the sound generated by the air exhausted from the exhaust flow path.

[0082] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path 72 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path 71 .

[0083] When the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path, most of the pumped air is discharged from the exhaust flow path of the pressure reducing joint. In this regard, in the air supply device, the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path. Therefore, the air supply device can suppress the amount of air flowing into the air bag from being too small.

[0084] In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the direction in which the internal flow path 71 extends may be the axial direction of the pressure reducing joint 70. The pressure reducing joint 70 includes a main body 73, a first base 74, and a second base 75. The main body 73 includes the exhaust flow path 72. The first base 74 and the second base 75 are located on both sides of the main body 73 in the axial direction. It is preferred that the internal flow path 71 penetrates the main body 73, the first base 74, and the second base 75. The exhaust flow path 72 may extend in a direction intersecting the internal flow path 71. The main body 73 includes an exhaust flow path opening portion where the exhaust flow path 72 opens, and the exhaust flow path opening portion is recessed toward the internal flow path 71 compared to the first base 74 and the second base 75 adjacent to the exhaust flow path opening portion in the axial direction.

[0085] In the air supply device, the thickness of the exhaust flow path opening portion in the main body can be reduced, and the length of the exhaust flow path is shortened. Therefore, the air supply device can efficiently exhaust air through the exhaust flow path of the decompression joint.

[0086] Explanation of symbols

[0087] 10…vehicle seat, 20…air supply device, 30…pump, 41…first air bag, 42…second air bag, 50…connecting flow path, 51…supply flow path, 52…first flow path, 52D…first downstream flow path, 52U…first upstream flow path, 53…second flow path, 53D…second downstream flow path, 53U…second upstream flow path, 61…switching valve, 62…auxiliary valve, 63…regulating valve, 64…check valve, 70…pressure reducing joint, 71…internal flow path, 72…exhaust flow path, 721…opening edge, 73…main body, 74…first base, 75…second base.

Claims

1. An air supply device for supplying air to an air bag, wherein: have: a pump that delivers air; a connecting flow path connecting the pump with the air bag; and a pressure reducing joint for reducing the pressure of air supplied from the pump to the air bag, The pressure reducing joint includes an internal flow path constituting a part of the connecting flow path and an exhaust flow path which always connects the internal flow path to the atmosphere and exhausts a part of the air flowing in the internal flow path to the atmosphere.

2. The gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting flow path has: a supply flow path having an upstream end connected to the pump; a first flow path including the inner flow path and having a downstream end connected to the air bag; as well as a second flow path having a downstream end connected to an air supply destination other than the air bag, The gas supply device also has: a switching valve connected to a downstream end of the supply flow path, an upstream end of the first flow path, and an upstream end of the second flow path, and switching a connection destination of the supply flow path to one of the first flow path and the second flow path; as well as A check valve is provided between the decompression joint and the air bag in the first flow path, allowing the flow of air from the decompression joint toward the air bag but restricting the flow of air from the air bag toward the decompression joint.

3. The gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The opening edge of the exhaust flow path on the atmosphere side is in an arc shape.

4. The gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the internal flow path.

5. The gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The direction in which the internal flow path extends is the axial direction of the pressure reducing joint. The pressure reducing joint comprises a main body, a first base and a second base, the main body having the exhaust flow path, the first base and the second base being located on both sides of the main body in the axial direction, The internal flow path passes through the main body, the first base, and the second base. The exhaust flow path extends in a direction intersecting the internal flow path, The main body has an exhaust flow path opening portion where the exhaust flow path opens. The exhaust flow path opening portion is recessed toward the inner flow path more than the first base portion and the second base portion adjacent to the exhaust flow path opening portion in the axial direction.

Images