air bag

Abstract

To provide an air bag that can quickly inflate two air chambers when supplying air. [Solution] The air bag 30 comprises a bag portion 40 having two air chambers 51, 52 that expand when air is supplied and contract when air is exhausted, a branching channel 55 that connects the two air chambers 51, 52, and a connecting channel 56 that is connected to the branching channel 55, and a fastener 72 and a retaining ring 73 that clamp the portion of the branching channel 55 excluding the boundary portion in the middle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airbag.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a seat device including a seat back and a pneumatic system. The pneumatic system includes an airbag built into the seat back, a pump for pumping air, a flow path connecting the airbag and the pump, and a valve device provided in the flow path. The pneumatic system expands the airbag by supplying air to the airbag or contracts the airbag by discharging air from the airbag. Thus, the seat device massages the body of a user sitting on the seat device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the seat device as described above, the airbag has two air chambers connected by a flow path portion. An air tube for air supply and exhaust is connected to one of the two air chambers. When air is supplied to the airbag, one air chamber expands as air is supplied from the air tube, and the other air chamber expands as air is supplied from the one air chamber. In such an airbag, it is preferable that the two air chambers expand promptly when air is supplied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An air bag that solves the above problems comprises a bag portion having two air chambers that expand when air is supplied and contract when air is exhausted, a branched channel connecting the two air chambers, and a connecting channel connected to the branched channel, wherein when a portion of the longitudinal direction of the branched channel is made into a channel portion, the connecting channel is connected to the channel portion and further comprises a clamping portion that sandwiches the portion of the channel portion of the branched channel excluding the boundary portion to which the connecting channel is connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The air bladder can quickly inflate its two air chambers when air is supplied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat equipped with a pneumatic system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the air bladder of the pneumatic system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the bag portion of the air bag shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the air bladder shown in Figure 2, and is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the height direction of the ottoman. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the air bladder in Figure 2 in a deflated state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air bladder in Figure 2 when it is inflated. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the support configuration of the air bag in the modified example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view showing the support configuration of the air bag in the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes one embodiment of a pneumatic system equipped with an air bladder. <Configuration of this embodiment> As shown in Figure 1, the seat 10 is a vehicle seat, for example, used in the driver's seat, passenger seat, and rear seats of a vehicle. In other embodiments, the seat 10 may be a massage seat used in facilities, etc.

[0009] The seat 10 comprises a seat cushion 11, a seat back 12, an ottoman 13, and a pneumatic system 20. The seat cushion 11 supports the buttocks and thighs of the user sitting on the seat 10. The seat back 12 supports the lower back and back of the user sitting on the seat 10. The ottoman 13 supports the lower legs of the user sitting on the seat 10.

[0010] The ottoman 13 is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The width direction of the ottoman 13 is the width direction of the seat 10. The width direction of the ottoman 13 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the ottoman 13. In the following explanation, the direction perpendicular to both the width direction and the thickness direction of the ottoman 13 will be referred to as the height direction of the ottoman 13. Also, the width direction, thickness direction, and height direction of the ottoman 13 will simply be referred to as the width direction, thickness direction, and height direction.

[0011] The upper end of the ottoman 13 is rotatably supported around an axis extending in the width direction of the seat 10, relative to the front end of the seat cushion 11. In this way, the ottoman 13 rotates between the retracted position shown by the solid line in Figure 1 and the extended position shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. When the ottoman 13 rotates from the extended position to the retracted position, the lower end of the ottoman 13 moves forward and upward in an arc.

[0012] <Pneumatic System 20> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pneumatic system 20 includes a plurality of air bags 30, a support pad 80, a pump 91, a valve device 92, and a pipe 93. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view when focusing on one air bag 30. In the present embodiment, the total number of air bags 30 is "4". The four air bags 30 are arranged side by side in the width direction and the height direction. Specifically, two air bags 30 are arranged side by side in the width direction, and two air bags 30 are arranged side by side in the height direction. Further, the plurality of air bags 30 are mounted on the ottoman 13 in a manner of being built in the ottoman 13 of the seat 10.

[0013] <Air bag 30> As shown in FIG. 2, the air bag 30 includes two bag portions 40 (41, 42), two connecting tubes 71, a fixture 72, and a retaining ring 73. In the present embodiment, the two bag portions 40 have the same configuration. Hereinafter, the description will be made using the direction when the air bag 30 is mounted on the ottoman 13.

[0014] <Bag portion 40> As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the bag portion 40 (41, 42) is formed by joining two laminated sheet materials 43, 44. The materials of the two sheet materials 43, 44 are, for example, thermoplastic resins. In the present embodiment, the shapes of the two sheet materials 43, 44 are different, but in other embodiments, the shapes of the two sheet materials 43, 44 may be the same. The lamination direction of the two sheet materials 43, 44 coincides with the thickness direction of the two sheet materials 43, 44. In the following description, the lamination direction of the two sheet materials 43, 44 will be simply referred to as the lamination direction.

[0015] The bag portion 40 has two air chambers 51, 52, two extension portions 53, 54, a branch flow path 55, a connection flow path 56, two first joining portions 61, 62, a second joining portion 63, a third joining portion 64, and a central joining portion 65. Such a configuration of the bag portion 40 is formed by joining two sheet materials 43, 44.

[0016] The two air chambers 51 and 52 are polygonal when viewed from the stacking direction. The two air chambers 51 and 52 may be circular when viewed from the stacking direction. The two air chambers 51 and 52 expand by air supply and contract by air exhaust. The two air chambers 51 and 52 are arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction. The two air chambers 51 and 52 have a position relationship that is line-symmetric with respect to a straight line extending in the height direction. In this regard, the arrangement direction in which the two air chambers 51 and 52 are arranged coincides with the width direction. The two air chambers 51 and 52 are connected by a branch flow path 55.

[0017] The first joint portion 61 joins two sheet materials 43 and 44 so as to partition the air chamber 51. Similarly, the first joint portion 62 joins two sheet materials 43 and 44 so as to partition the air chamber 52. In this regard, the two first joint portions 61 and 62 are polygonal like the two air chambers 51 and 52. Also, at the portion where the two air chambers 51 and 52 and the branch flow path 55 are connected, the two sheet materials 43 and 44 are not joined. That is, at the portion where the air chamber 51 and the branch flow path 55 are connected, the first joint portion 61 is interrupted, and at the portion where the air chamber 52 and the branch flow path 55 are connected, the first joint portion 62 is interrupted.

[0018] The two extended portions 53 and 54 extend from the two air chambers 51 and 52 respectively. The extending directions of the two extended portions 53 and 54 coincide with the width direction. That is, the extending directions of the two extended portions 53 and 54 intersect the thickness direction of the two sheet materials 43 and 44. The extended portion 53 extends from the first joint portion 61 that partitions the air chamber 51, and the extended portion 54 extends from the first joint portion 62 that partitions the air chamber 52. Also, the extending direction of the extended portion 53 is the reverse direction of the extending direction of the extended portion 54.

[0019] The extension portion 53 has a locking piece 53a. The locking piece 53a constitutes the tip of the extension portion 53 in the direction of extension. The width of the locking piece 53a gradually increases from the tip to the base of the extension portion 53, and then suddenly decreases. The extension portion 54 has a locking hole 54a. The locking hole 54a is slit-shaped. The direction of extension of the locking hole 54a is the height direction.

[0020] In this embodiment, the two extensions 53 and 54 are made from one of the two sheet materials 43 and 44. In other embodiments, the two extensions 53 and 54 may be made from two sheet materials 43 and 44. In this case, the portions of the two sheet materials 43 and 44 that make up the two extensions 53 and 54 may be joined together.

[0021] The branch channel 55 connects two air chambers 51 and 52. The branch channel 55 extends in a straight line. The longitudinal direction of the branch channel 55 is the width direction. In the longitudinal direction of the branch channel 55, the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate section 55a is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sections 55b and 55c at both ends. More specifically, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the branch channel 55, the width of the intermediate section 55a is longer than the width of the sections 55b and 55c at both ends. In this embodiment, the width of the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 gradually changes with respect to the longitudinal direction of the branch channel 55. Therefore, when viewed from the stacking direction, the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 has a circular or elliptical shape. Note that the intermediate section 55a is a part of the branch channel 55 in the longitudinal direction. The second joint 63 joins two sheet materials 43 and 44 so as to demarcate the branch channel 55.

[0022] The connecting channel 56 is connected to the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55. In this respect, the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 corresponds to the "channel portion". In the following description, the portion of the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 to which the connecting channel 56 is connected will be referred to as the boundary section 55d. The connecting channel 56 extends in a straight line. The longitudinal direction of the connecting channel 56 is the height direction. In the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel 56, a connecting tube 71 having appropriate elasticity is connected to the end opposite to the end connected to the branch channel 55. The third joint 64 joins two sheet materials 43 and 44 so as to demarcate the connecting channel 56. The third joint 64 is also joined to the connecting tube 71. In this way, the connecting channel 56 and the connecting tube 71 are joined in a way that prevents air leakage.

[0023] The central joint 65 joins the central portions of the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55, which are two sheet materials 43 and 44. The central joint 65 is circular in shape when viewed from the stacking direction. Preferably, the central joint 65 is of a size that does not obstruct the airflow in the connecting channel 56. The central joint 65 is located in the center of the intermediate section 55a in the width direction. In this respect, when viewed from the stacking direction, the central joint 65 is located on a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel 56, with the center of the connecting channel 56. The central joint 65 has a through hole 65a that penetrates the central joint 65 in the stacking direction. The through hole 65a is a circular hole. The direction of penetration of the through hole 65a is the stacking direction. The outer diameter of the through hole 65a is smaller than the outer diameter of the central joint 65. The through hole 65a is not connected to the connecting channel 56. In other words, the joining allowance, which is the difference between the outer diameter of the through-hole 65a and the outer diameter of the central joint 65, is set to a length that prevents air from leaking from the branched channel 55 into the through-hole 65a. In this respect, the central joint 65 corresponds to a "partition" that separates the through-hole 65a from the intermediate section 55a of the branched channel 55. Furthermore, it can be said that the through-hole 65a is located in the intermediate section 55a of the branched channel 55.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first joints 61, 62, the second joint 63, the third joint 64, and the central joint 65 are formed by high-frequency welding of two sheet materials 43, 44. In other embodiments, the first joints 61, 62, the second joint 63, the third joint 64, and the central joint 65 may be formed by heat welding or laser welding of two sheet materials 43, 44. Alternatively, the first joints 61, 62, the second joint 63, the third joint 64, and the central joint 65 may be formed by bonding two sheet materials 43, 44 with an adhesive or the like.

[0025] <Fixing device 72 and retaining ring 73> As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the fastener 72 has a head portion 72a and a shaft portion 72b. The head portion 72a is disc-shaped. The shaft portion 72b is cylindrical. The shaft portion 72b extends from the head portion 72a. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 72b is smaller than the outer diameter of the head portion 72a. The shaft portion 72b has an annular groove 72c. The annular groove 72c is located closer to the tip than to the base end of the shaft portion 72b. The outer diameter of the retaining ring 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72. The shape of the retaining ring 73 corresponds to the shape of the annular groove 72c of the shaft portion 72b.

[0026] <Support pad 80> As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the support pad 80 is rectangular in shape. The thickness of the support pad 80 is thinner than the cushion pad of the ottoman 13. The support pad 80 is made of a cushioning material such as urethane.

[0027] The two bag sections 40 and the support pad 80 are stacked in the stacking direction. At this time, bag section 41 is stacked on the support pad 80, and bag section 42 is stacked on bag section 41. In the following description, bag section 41 stacked on the support pad 80 will be referred to as the "first bag section 41," and bag section 42 stacked on the first bag section 41 will be referred to as the "second bag section 42."

[0028] The air chamber 51 of the first bag section 41 overlaps with the air chamber 52 of the second bag section 42. The air chamber 52 of the first bag section 41 overlaps with the air chamber 51 of the second bag section 42. Also, the branched channel 55 of the first bag section 41 overlaps with the branched channel 55 of the second bag section 42. As a result, the through hole 65a of the first bag section 41 overlaps with the through hole 65a of the second bag section 42. On the other hand, the connecting channel 56 of the first bag section 41 does not overlap with the connecting channel 56 of the second bag section 42. More specifically, in the first bag section 41, the direction in which the connecting channel 56 extends from the branched channel 55 is the opposite direction to the direction in which the connecting channel 56 extends from the branched channel 55 in the second bag section 42.

[0029] The extension portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 overlaps with the extension portion 54 of the second bag portion 42. The locking piece 53a of the extension portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 is locked in the locking hole 54a of the extension portion 54 of the second bag portion 42 in a state in which it is inserted into the said locking hole 54a. In other words, the tip of the extension portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 is connected to the tip of the extension portion 54 of the second bag portion 42. Similarly, the extension portion 54 of the first bag portion 41 overlaps with the extension portion 53 of the second bag portion 42. The locking piece 53a of the extension portion 53 of the second bag portion 42 is locked in the locking hole 54a of the extension portion 54 of the first bag portion 41 in a state in which it is inserted into the said locking hole 54a. In other words, the tip of the extension 54 of the first bag section 41 is connected to the tip of the extension 53 of the second bag section 42.

[0030] Furthermore, the shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72 is inserted into the through hole 65a of the central joint portion 65 of the first bag portion 41 and the through hole 65a of the central joint portion 65 of the second bag portion 42. At this time, the head portion 72a of the fastener 72 is in contact with the sheet material 44 that constitutes the branch channel 55 of the second bag portion 42. The shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72 passes through the support pad 80. A retaining ring 73 is fitted into the annular groove 72c of the shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72. At this time, the retaining ring 73 is in contact with the support pad 80. In this way, the two bag portions 40 are fixed to the support pad 80 by the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73.

[0031] Furthermore, the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 sandwich a portion of the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 of the two bag sections 40 in the stacking direction. In other words, the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 sandwich the portion of the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 of the two bag sections 40, excluding the boundary portion 55d, in the stacking direction. Moreover, the head 72a of the fastener 72 is located on the first end side in the axial direction of the shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72, and the retaining ring 73 is located on the second end side in the axial direction of the shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72. In this respect, the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 correspond to "clamping portions", the head 72a of the fastener 72 corresponds to a "first pressing portion", and the retaining ring 73 corresponds to a "second pressing portion".

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, when viewed from the stacking direction, the outer shape of the head 72a of the fastener 72 is larger than the outer shape of the central joint 65 of the bag portion 40. In other words, the outer diameter of the head 72a of the fastener 72 is larger than the outer diameter of the central joint 65 of the bag portion 40. Similarly, when viewed from the stacking direction, the outer shape of the retaining ring 73 is larger than the outer shape of the central joint 65 of the bag portion 40. In other words, the outer diameter of the retaining ring 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the central joint 65 of the bag portion 40. Therefore, it can be said that the head 72a of the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 are in contact with the portion of the sheet material 44 of the second bag portion 42 that constitutes the periphery of the central joint 65.

[0033] In this embodiment, the sheet materials 43 and 44 constituting the first bag portion 41 correspond to the "first sheet material," and the sheet materials 43 and 44 constituting the second bag portion 42 correspond to the "second sheet material." Furthermore, the air chambers 51 and 52, extension portions 53 and 54, branched channel 55, and connecting channel 56 of the first bag portion 41 correspond to the "first air chamber," "first extension portion," "first branched channel," and "first branched channel," respectively. Similarly, the air chambers 51 and 52, extension portions 53 and 54, branched channel 55, and connecting channel 56 of the second bag portion 42 correspond to the "second air chamber," "second extension portion," "second branched channel," and "second branched channel," respectively.

[0034] <Other components of the pneumatic system 20> As shown in Figure 1, the pump 91 can be an electric pump driven by an electric motor. The pump 91 is located at the upstream end of the piping 93. When operating, the pump 91 pressurizes and pumps air downstream of the piping 93. The valve device 92 is configured, for example, to include a plurality of solenoid valves. The valve device 92 is located at the downstream end of the piping 93. In Figure 1, the illustration is simplified, but the valve device 92 is connected to a plurality of connecting tubes 71 of a plurality of air bags 30. The valve device 92 switches individually or collectively between an air supply state, which supplies air to the plurality of air bags 30, and an exhaust state, which discharges air from the plurality of air bags 30. The piping 93 may be a rigid pipe or an elastic tube.

[0035] <Operation of this embodiment> The operation of the pneumatic system 20 will be explained with reference to Figures 1, 5 to 7. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the cushion pad 13a and the surface 13b of the ottoman 13.

[0036] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 1, when the pneumatic system 20 massages the user's legs, the ottoman 13 is positioned in the deployed position. As a result, the user's legs, while seated on the seat 10, make contact with the surface 13b of the ottoman 13 due to their own weight. Subsequently, the pump 91 and valve device 92 are driven to change the air supply mode to the multiple air bladders 30. More specifically, when the pump 91 is driven, the state of the valve device 92 is switched, switching between an air supply state where air is supplied to the multiple air bladders 30 and an exhaust state where air is discharged from the multiple air bladders 30. In the following explanation, for ease of understanding, we will focus on one air bladder 30.

[0037] In the air supply state, the air supplied from the piping 93 to the first bag section 41 flows sequentially through the connecting tube 71, the connecting channel 56, and the branch channel 55. The air that reaches the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 from the connecting channel 56 branches off toward the two air chambers 51 and 52. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 is sandwiched in the stacking direction by the fixing device 72 and the retaining ring 73. For this reason, the intermediate section 55a of the branch channel 55 is restricted from expanding significantly in the stacking direction. In this respect, at the beginning when air starts to flow from the connecting channel 56 to the branch channel 55, the air is more likely to flow toward the two air chambers 51 and 52 in the branch channel 55. In this way, the two air chambers 51 and 52 expand, and the pressure in the two air chambers 51 and 52 increases. On the other hand, in the exhaust state, when the connecting tube 71 connected to the two air chambers 51 and 52 is opened to the outside air, air is discharged from the two air chambers 51 and 52 via the branching channel 55, the connecting channel 56, and the connecting tube 71. In this way, the two air chambers 51 and 52 contract, and the pressure in the two air chambers 51 and 52 decreases. The same applies to the expansion and contraction modes of the second bag section 42 which is stacked on the first bag section 41.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the two bag sections 40, the intermediate portion 55a of the branching channel 55 connecting the two air chambers 51 and 52 is fixed to the support pad 80. Therefore, when the two bag sections 40 expand and contract, the portion of the two air chambers 51 and 52 closer to the branching channel 55 is less likely to be displaced in the width direction relative to the stacking direction. On the other hand, when the two bag sections 40 expand and contract, the portion of the two air chambers 51 and 52 further from the branching channel 55 is more likely to be displaced in the width direction relative to the stacking direction. As a result, when switching from an exhaust state to an air supply state, the two bag sections 40 are displaced so as to sandwich the user's legs in the width direction. On the other hand, when in an exhaust state, the two bag sections 40 are displaced so as to move away from the user's legs in the width direction. In this way, as the air supply and exhaust states are repeated, the air bag 30 massages the user's legs through the surface 13b of the ottoman 13.

[0039] The two bag sections 40 are connected on both sides in the width direction. Specifically, the extended portion 53 of the first bag section 41 is connected to the extended portion 54 of the second bag section 42, and the extended portion 54 of the first bag section 41 is connected to the extended portion 53 of the second bag section 42. Therefore, even when the two bag sections 40 repeatedly expand and contract, one of the two bag sections 40 is less likely to shift position relative to the other.

[0040] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) In the air bag 30, the two air chambers 51, 52 of the first bag section 41 and the two air chambers 51, 52 of the second bag section 42 are stacked. Therefore, when air is supplied to the first bag section 41 and the second bag section 42, the air bag 30 expands significantly in the stacking direction. In this way, the air bag 30 can increase the pressing force, which is the force that pushes against the user's legs. In addition, the two air chambers 51, 52 of the first bag section 41 and the two air chambers 51, 52 of the second bag section 42 are connected via the two extensions 53, 54 of the first bag section 41 and the two extensions 53, 54 of the second bag section 42. In this respect, when the first bag section 41 and the second bag section 42 expand and contract, the two air chambers 51, 52 of the first bag section 41 are less likely to shift position relative to the two air chambers 51, 52 of the second bag section 42. Therefore, the air bag 30 can suppress the decrease in pressing force due to misalignment of the two air chambers 51 and 52 of the first bag section 41 and the two air chambers 51 and 52 of the second bag section 42.

[0041] (2) The first bag section 41 and the second bag section 42 have two air chambers 51 and 52 aligned in the width direction. As a result, the air bag 30 can press against the user's legs over a wide area. (3) The first bag section 41 has two extensions 53 and 54 that extend outward in the width direction from the two air chambers 51 and 52, respectively. Similarly, the second bag section 42 has two extensions 53 and 54 that extend outward in the width direction from the two air chambers 51 and 52, respectively. The two extensions 53 and 54 of the first bag section 41 and the two extensions 53 and 54 of the second bag section 42 are connected to each other. As a result, the air bag 30 can efficiently suppress displacement of the two air chambers 51 and 52 of the first bag section 41 and the two air chambers 51 and 52 of the second bag section 42 with a small number of extensions 53 and 54.

[0042] (4) In the air bag 30, the two extensions 53 and 54 of the first bag section 41 are made of sheet material 43. Similarly, the two extensions 53 and 54 of the second bag section 42 are made of sheet material 43. In this respect, the air bag 30 does not require any new members to provide the two extensions 53 and 54 of the first bag section 41 and the two extensions 53 and 54 of the second bag section 42.

[0043] (5) In the two bag sections 40, the connecting channel 56 supplies air to the two air chambers 51 and 52 and discharges air from the two air chambers 51 and 52. The connecting channel 56 is also connected to a branch channel 55 fixed to the support pad 80. In other words, the connecting channel 56 is connected to a branch channel 55 whose displacement is restricted. Therefore, even when the two air chambers 51 and 52 repeatedly expand and contract, the connecting channel 56 is less likely to be displaced in response to the expansion and contraction of the two air chambers 51 and 52. In this way, the air bag 30 can suppress the movement of the connecting channel 56 inside the ottoman 13 when the first bag section 41 and the second bag section 42 expand and contract.

[0044] (6) In the air bag 30, the extended portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 and the extended portion 54 of the second bag portion 42 are connected via a locking piece 53a and a locking hole 54a. Similarly, the extended portion 53 of the second bag portion 42 and the extended portion 54 of the first bag portion 41 are connected via a locking piece 53a and a locking hole 54a. In this way, the air bag 30 can connect the two extended portions 53 and 54 of the first bag portion 41 and the two extended portions 53 and 54 of the second bag portion 42 with a simple configuration.

[0045] (7) In the air bag 30, the first bag portion 41 and the second bag portion 42 have the same shape. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the first bag portion 41 and the second bag portion 42 using the same manufacturing method. For example, it is possible to manufacture the first bag portion 41 and the second bag portion 42 using the same mold.

[0046] (8) In the two bag sections 40, the connecting channel 56 is connected to the intermediate section 55a of the branching channel 55. Therefore, when air is supplied to the two air chambers 51 and 52 in the two bag sections 40 via the connecting channel 56, the air flowing from the connecting channel 56 into the branching channel 55 branches off towards the two air chambers 51 and 52 at the intermediate section 55a of the branching channel 55. Here, the air bag 30 is equipped with a fixing device 72 and a retaining ring 73 that sandwich the intermediate section 55a of the branching channel 55 of the two bag sections 40 in the stacking direction. Therefore, the branching channel 55 does not easily inflate when air flows into it. In this respect, the air flowing from the connecting channel 56 into the branching channel 55 flows easily towards the two air chambers 51 and 52. In this way, the air bag 30 can quickly inflate the two air chambers 51 and 52 of the two bag sections 40 when supplying air.

[0047] (9) The fastener 72 has a shaft portion 72b that is inserted into the through hole 65a of the central joint portion 65 of the two bag portions 40. In other words, the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 can sandwich the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 in the stacking direction in a manner that penetrates the central joint portion 65. As a result, the position in which the air bag 30 is sandwiched by the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 in the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 of the two bag portions 40 can be suppressed.

[0048] (10) In the air bag 30, the head 72a and retaining ring 73 of the fastener 72 can clamp the portion of the sheet material 43 constituting the branch channel 55 that constitutes the area around the central joint 65 in the stacking direction. As a result, when air flows into the branch channel 55, the branch channel 55 becomes less likely to inflate. Consequently, the air bag 30 can inflate the two air chambers 51 and 52 more quickly when supplying air.

[0049] (11) In the air bag 30, the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 sandwich the central part in the width direction of the intermediate section 55a of the branched channel 55. Therefore, the air bag 30 makes it easier to direct the air flowing from the connecting channel 56 into the branched channel 55 toward the two air chambers 51 and 52 compared to the comparative example in which the fastener 72 and the retaining ring 73 sandwich the central part in the width direction of the intermediate section 55a of the branched channel 55.

[0050] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0051] The manner in which the air bag 30 is fixed to the support pad 80 can be changed as appropriate. Figures 8 and 9 show examples of modified air bags 30 and support pads 80A. As shown in Figure 8, the support pad 80A has four slits 81-84. The longitudinal direction of the four slits 81-84 coincides with the width direction. The four slits 81-84 are arranged in parallel with a gap between them in the height direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the first bag portion 41 is laminated on the support pad 80A. At this time, the portion of the first bag portion 41 that constitutes the connecting channel 56 and the connecting tube 71 are inserted into the slits 81 and 82 of the support pad 80A. For this reason, the portion of the first bag portion 41 that constitutes the connecting channel 56 that is close to the branch channel 55 is located on the back side of the support pad 80A. On the other hand, the portion of the first bag portion 41 that constitutes the connecting channel 56 that is far from the branch channel 55 is located on the front side of the support pad 80A. In this way, the first bag portion 41 is supported by the support pad 80A.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the second bag portion 42 is stacked on the first bag portion 41. More specifically, the second bag portion 42 is stacked on the first bag portion 41 such that the directions in which the connecting channels 56 extend are opposite in the two bag portions 40. At this time, the portion of the second bag portion 42 that constitutes the connecting channel 56 and the connecting tube 71 are inserted into the slits 83 and 84 of the support pad 80A. For this reason, the portion of the first bag portion 41 that constitutes the connecting channel 56 that is close to the branch channel 55 is located on the back side of the support pad 80A. On the other hand, the portion of the second bag portion 42 that constitutes the connecting channel 56 that is far from the branch channel 55 is located on the front side of the support pad 80A. In this way, the second bag portion 42 is supported by the support pad 80A.

[0054] Furthermore, the extended portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 and the extended portion 54 of the second bag portion 42 are connected via a locking piece 53a and a locking hole 54a. Similarly, the extended portion 53 of the second bag portion 42 and the extended portion 54 of the first bag portion 41 are connected via a locking piece 53a and a locking hole 54a.

[0055] As described above, the first bag portion 41 and the second bag portion 42 supported by the support pad 80A have their movement in the width direction restricted by the slits 81 to 84. Furthermore, since the first bag portion 41 and the second bag portion 42 are connected, their movement in the height direction is restricted. Thus, the modified support pad 80A can support the two bag portions 40 with a simple configuration.

[0056] The connection configuration of the extension portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 and the extension portion 54 of the second bag portion 42 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the extension portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 and the extension portion 54 of the second bag portion 42 may be inseparably connected by welding or adhesive. Alternatively, the extension portion 53 of the first bag portion 41 and the extension portion 54 of the second bag portion 42 may be connected by a separate member such as a clip. The same applies to the connection configuration of the extension portion 54 of the first bag portion 41 and the extension portion 53 of the second bag portion 42.

[0057] In the first bag section 41, the two extensions 53 and 54 do not necessarily have to be made of at least one of the two sheet materials 43 and 44. For example, the first bag section 41 may be made by joining two separate extensions 53 and 54 to two sheet materials 43 and 44 that constitute the two air chambers 51 and 52. The same applies to the second bag section 42.

[0058] In the first bag section 41, the direction in which the extensions 53 and 54 extend can be changed as appropriate. Also, in the first bag section 41, the number of extensions 53 and 54 can be changed as appropriate. The same applies to the second bag section 42.

[0059] The first bag portion 41 may be configured to have only one of the two air chambers 51, 52. For example, if the first bag portion 41 has only the air chamber 51, then the first bag portion 41 only needs to have the extension portion 53 corresponding to the air chamber 51. The same applies to the second bag portion 42.

[0060] The first bag portion 41 does not necessarily have a central joint portion 65. In this case, it is preferable that the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 of the first bag portion 41 is held in place by a fastener 72. Therefore, it is preferable that the fastener 72 in this case is configured to hold the first bag portion 41 and the support pad 80 in the stacking direction, such as a clamp and a clip. The same applies to the second bag portion 42.

[0061] In the first bag section 41, the connecting channel 56 may be connected to a position offset from the center in the longitudinal direction of the branch channel 55. In this case, the portion of the branch channel 55 to which the connecting channel 56 is connected corresponds to the "channel portion".

[0062] When viewed from the stacking direction, the head 72a of the fastener 72 may be about the same size as the central joint 65 of the bag portion 40, or it may be smaller than the central joint 65 of the bag portion 40. The fasteners 72 and retaining rings 73 only need to be able to clamp the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 of the two bag portions 40 in the stacking direction. For this reason, the position of the retaining ring 73 may be located between the first bag portion 41 and the support pad 80. In this case, it is preferable that the air bag 30 is fixed to the support pad 80 via the tip of the shaft portion 72b of the fastener 72.

[0063] The fasteners 72 and retaining rings 73 corresponding to the "clamping portion" can be replaced with other fastening members. For example, the "clamping portion" may be a bolt and nut, a rivet, or another configuration.

[0064] The state in which the "clamping part" clamps the intermediate part 55a of the branched channel 55 of the bag part 40 in the stacking direction means that when air is supplied to the air bag 30, the "clamping part" restricts the expansion of the intermediate part 55a of the branched channel 55 to even a small extent. In other words, when air is exhausted from the air bag 30, a gap may be created between the "clamping part" and the first bag part 41 and the second bag part 42 in the stacking direction.

[0065] The air bag 30 does not need to be equipped with a fastener 72. In this case, when air is supplied to the first bag portion 41, the central joint portion 65 suppresses the expansion of the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 in the thickness direction. In other words, the central joint portion 65 can be said to be sandwiching the intermediate portion 55a of the branched channel 55 between the two sheet materials 43 and 44 in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the air bag 30 does not have a fastener 72, the central joint portion 65 can be said to correspond to a "clamping portion". In this modified example, the first bag portion 41 may be supported by the support pad 80 via the central joint portion 65, or it may be supported by the support pad 80 via other parts.

[0066] The air bladder 30 may be built into the seat cushion 11, the seat back 12, or the part of the seat 10 that supports the user's arms. In other words, the air bladder 30 can be used to massage the user's body parts other than the user's legs, such as the user's back, neck, buttocks, and arms. In this case, the air bladder 30 may be built into the seat 10 so as to be able to hold the user's body, as in the above embodiment, or it may be built into the seat 10 so as to be able to press the user's body in a certain direction, unlike in the above embodiment.

[0067] The air chambers 51 and 52 of the first bag section 41 may be constructed in a bag shape using a single material, rather than being formed by joining two sheet materials 43 and 44 together. The same applies to the second bag section 42.

[0068] <Summary of this embodiment> The air bag comprises a bag portion having two air chambers that expand when air is supplied and contract when air is exhausted, a branched channel connecting the two air chambers, and a connecting channel connected to the branched channel. When a portion of the longitudinal direction of the branched channel is designated as a channel portion, the connecting channel is connected to the channel portion and further comprises a clamping portion that sandwiches the portion of the channel portion of the branched channel excluding the boundary portion to which the connecting channel is connected.

[0069] In the air bag, the connecting channel is connected to the channel portion of the branching channel. Therefore, when supplying air to two air chambers via the connecting channel, the air flowing from the connecting channel into the branching channel branches out toward the two air chambers at the channel portion of the branching channel. Here, the air bag with the above configuration is equipped with a clamping portion that holds the channel portion of the branching channel. Therefore, the branching channel does not easily inflate when air flows into it. In this respect, the air flowing from the connecting channel into the branching channel flows easily toward the two air chambers. In this way, the air bag can quickly inflate the two air chambers when supplying air.

[0070] In an air bag, it is preferable that the channel portion of the branched channel is provided with a through hole that penetrates the channel portion, the bag portion has a partition portion that separates the through hole from the channel portion, and the clamping portion has a shaft portion that is inserted into the through hole.

[0071] In the air bag, the clamping portion has a shaft portion that is inserted into a through-hole partitioned by a partition portion. In other words, the clamping portion can clamp the flow channel portion of the branched channel in the stacking direction in a manner that penetrates the through-hole. Therefore, the position in which the air bag is clamped by the clamping portion of the flow channel portion of the branched channel can be suppressed.

[0072] In the air bag, the clamping portion has a first pressing portion located on one end of the shaft portion in the axial direction and a second pressing portion located on the other end of the shaft portion in the axial direction, and when viewed from the direction of penetration of the through hole, the outer shape of at least one of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion of the clamping portion is larger than the outer shape of the partition portion of the branched flow path.

[0073] In an air bag, at least one of the clamping portions can clamp the portion of the sheet material constituting the branched channel that forms the periphery of the partition. As a result, when air flows into the branched channel, the branched channel becomes less likely to inflate. Consequently, the air bag can inflate its two air chambers more quickly when air is supplied.

[0074] In the air bag, it is preferable that the clamping portion clamps the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the channel portion of the branch channel. Compared to a comparative example in which the clamping portion of the air bag clamps a position offset from the center in the longitudinal direction of the flow path portion of the branched flow path, the air bag makes it easier to direct the air flowing from the connecting flow path to the branched flow path toward the two air chambers.

[0075] The air bag is a bag portion formed by joining two sheet materials, and comprises a bag portion having two air chambers that expand when air is supplied and contract when air is exhausted, a branched channel connecting the two air chambers, and a connecting channel connected to the branched channel, the connecting channel being connected to the intermediate portion of the branched channel in the longitudinal direction, and further comprising a clamping portion that sandwiches the intermediate portion of the branched channel in the stacking direction of the two sheet materials.

[0076] In an air bag, the bag portion preferably has a central joint that joins the portions of the two sheet materials that constitute the center of the channel portion of the branch channel, the central joint portion includes a through hole that penetrates the central joint portion in the stacking direction, and the clamping portion preferably has a shaft portion that is inserted into the through hole of the central joint portion of the branch channel.

[0077] In the air bag, the clamping portion has a first pressing portion located on one end of the shaft portion in the axial direction, and a second pressing portion located on the other end of the shaft portion in the axial direction, which together with the first pressing portion clamps the flow path portion of the branched flow path in the stacking direction, and when the branched flow path is viewed from the stacking direction, the outer shape of at least one of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion of the clamping portion is larger than the outer shape of the central joint portion of the branched flow path. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 10...Sheet, 13...Ottoman, 20...Pneumatic system, 30...Air bag, 40...Bag section, 41...First bag section, 42...Second bag section, 43,44...Sheet material, 51...Air chamber, 52...Air chamber, 53...Extended section, 53a...Locking piece, 54...Extended section, 54a...Locking hole, 55...Branching channel, 55a...Intermediate section (channel section), 55d...Boundary section, 56...Connecting channel, 65...Central joint section (partition section), 65a...Through hole, 72...Fixing device (clamping section), 72a...Head (first pressing section), 72b...Shaft section, 73...Retaining ring (clamping section, second pressing section), 80,80A...Support pad

Claims

1. The bag portion comprises two air chambers that expand upon air intake and contract upon exhaust, a branched channel connecting the two air chambers, and a connecting channel connected to the branched channel. When a portion of the longitudinal direction of the branch channel is designated as the channel portion, the connecting channel is connected to the channel portion. The branch channel further comprises a clamping portion that sandwiches the portion of the channel that excludes the boundary portion to which the connecting channel is connected. Air bladder.

2. The channel portion of the branch channel is provided with a through hole that penetrates the channel portion. The bag portion has a partition portion that separates the through-hole from the flow path portion, The clamping portion has a shaft portion that is inserted into the through hole. The air bag according to claim 1.

3. The clamping portion has a first pressing portion located on one end of the shaft portion in the axial direction, and a second pressing portion located on the other end of the shaft portion in the axial direction. When viewed from the direction of penetration of the through hole, the outer shape of at least one of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion of the clamping portion is larger than the outer shape of the partition portion of the branched flow path. The air bag according to claim 2.

4. The clamping portion clamps the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the channel portion of the branch channel. An air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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