Method for applying a spiral spring to a massage movement

Abstract

The application provides a method for applying a spiral spring to a massage movement core, comprising: an assembling step: A1: the spiral spring is locked with a massage head and a linkage end is formed; A2: the spiral spring is sleeved on a driving shaft, and the massage head is threadedly connected on the driving shaft; A3: the spiral spring is embraced on a bottom protruding ring at the bottom of the driving shaft of the massage movement core and an adjusting end is formed; an adjusting step: B1: the massage head is controlled to retract; the driving shaft is driven to rotate reversely to make the spiral spring rotate reversely, the adjusting end of the spiral spring is tightly locked on the bottom protruding ring, the spiral spring exerts a braking effect on the massage head, and the massage head is moved from the top end of the driving shaft to the bottom end of the driving shaft; B2: the massage head is controlled to extend; the driving shaft is driven to rotate forwardly to make the spiral spring rotate forwardly; the adjusting end exerts a braking effect on the massage head to make the massage head move from the bottom end of the driving shaft to the top end of the driving shaft to reset; and the spiral spring rotates forwardly to gradually release the adjusting end from the bottom protruding ring to make the massage head rotate in place synchronously with the driving shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of massage equipment, and in particular to a method for applying a helical spring to a massage mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, their pursuit of life has gradually shifted from material well-being to spiritual well-being. Massage chairs are a relatively common type of home and office furniture. When people use chairs for extended periods, the fixed sitting posture can easily lead to fatigue, soreness, and weakness. The massage function of a massage chair can help relax the body.

[0003] Current massage chairs typically have massage mechanisms with massage heads integrated into the backrest. These mechanisms allow users to relax their backs while reclining. However, a problem with existing massage chairs is that the massage heads protrude from the backrest. Users can feel the massage heads as long as they are leaning against the backrest. While this provides a massage effect, prolonged use can lead to back pain and discomfort, contradicting the design principle of user comfort. Furthermore, the protruding massage heads are visually unappealing. In summary, existing massage chairs retain the massage heads even when not in use, resulting in significant discomfort and rendering the chair unusable as a regular chair; additionally, their structure is aesthetically unappealing.

[0004] Therefore, some existing massage mechanisms are designed with adjustable massage heads, allowing users to selectively extend or retract the massage head according to their needs. For example, utility model CN201921526959.3 discloses a massage head structure and a neck massager, which includes a massage head body, a main shaft, an elastic element, a first gear device, a rotating element, and a driving element. The first gear device includes a first rotating shaft and a first gear fixedly sleeved and connected to the outside of the first rotating shaft. The main shaft is slidably inserted into the first rotating shaft, and its first end is fixedly connected to the massage head body. The elastic element is sleeved on the outside of the main shaft and connected between the main shaft and the massage head body. The rotating element is slidably fitted into the first rotating shaft and connected between the driving element and the second end of the main shaft. Pushing the driving element causes the rotating element to slide within the first rotating shaft, driving the main shaft to slide up and down within the first rotating shaft, thereby extending or retracting the massage head body. While this massage head structure can achieve the effect of extending and retracting the massage head, it requires the cooperation of multiple components and the user to manually adjust the drive to control the extension and retraction of the massage head. Furthermore, the machine must be turned on before the massage head can start working. Undoubtedly, the structure is very complex, the manufacturing cost is high, and the operation is not simple.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a massage mechanism needs to be designed that simplifies its structure and allows for easy adjustment of the massage head's extension and retraction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method for applying a helical spring to a massage mechanism. By sleeved on the drive shaft, the helical spring is positioned between the massage mechanism and the massage head. Utilizing the inherent characteristics of the helical spring's adjusting end—tightening by counter-rotation and relaxing by forward rotation—a selective braking effect on the massage head can be achieved. Furthermore, during adjustment, the extension or retraction of the massage head can be controlled simply by controlling the forward or reverse rotation of the drive shaft. The operation is very convenient and quick, the device is simple and reliable, and the structural design is ingenious.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: A method for applying a helical spring to a massage mechanism includes: Assembly steps: A1: clamping one end of the helical spring to the massage head to form a linkage end; A2: sleeve the helical spring on the drive shaft of the massage mechanism and thread the massage head onto the drive shaft; thus clamping the helical spring between the massage mechanism and the massage head; A3: wrapping the other end of the helical spring around the bottom convex ring of the massage mechanism located at the bottom of the drive shaft to form an adjustment end; Adjustment steps: B1: controlling the massage head to retract; driving the drive shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, the drive shaft driving the massage head to rotate the helical spring in the opposite direction. The adjusting end of the helical spring is held tightly against the bottom convex ring, and the helical spring applies a braking effect to the massage head, causing the massage head to move from the top of the drive shaft to the bottom of the drive shaft; B2: Control the extension of the massage head; drive the drive shaft to rotate clockwise, and the drive shaft drives the massage head to rotate clockwise with the helical spring; the adjusting end continues to apply a braking effect to the massage head so that the massage head moves from the bottom of the drive shaft to the top of the drive shaft to reset; and the clockwise rotation of the helical spring gradually relaxes the gap between the adjusting end and the bottom convex ring to stop braking the massage head, so that after the massage head resets to the top of the drive shaft, it can rotate synchronously with the drive shaft in place.

[0008] Preferably, in step B1, the helical spring is configured such that during its reverse rotation, the adjusting end grips the connecting convex ring and generates a frictional braking force greater than the maximum static friction between the massage head and the drive shaft to brake the massage head. This utilizes the inherent characteristic of the helical spring tightening during its reverse rotation, and the frictional braking force between the adjusting end and the bottom convex ring is greater than the maximum static friction between the massage head and the drive shaft, causing the massage head to rotate relative to the drive shaft.

[0009] Preferably, in step B2, when the massage head is at the top of the drive shaft and the drive shaft is rotating clockwise, the adjusting end of the helical spring is relaxed relative to the bottom convex ring, and the frictional braking force between them is less than the maximum static friction force between the massage head and the drive shaft, so the massage head rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. When the massage head extends, the force it experiences is less than the maximum static friction force between it and the drive shaft, so the massage head will move synchronously with the drive shaft.

[0010] Preferably, in step B1, the massage head retracts to compress the coil spring, with both ends of the coil spring acting on the massage mechanism and the massage head respectively. Subsequently, when the massage head is retracted, the coil spring is compressed, with both ends acting on the massage head and the massage mechanism respectively; this allows the coil spring to apply additional frictional force to the massage head when the drive shaft rotates clockwise to reset it; thus, although the adjusting end gradually loosens from the bottom convex ring, the massage head still experiences a braking force that causes it to rotate relative to the drive shaft.

[0011] Preferably, the massage head has a massage portion and a connecting sleeve; in step A1, the drive shaft passes through the connecting sleeve; the linkage end of the helical spring is sleeved and locked onto the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve facilitates connection with the drive shaft and the helical spring.

[0012] Preferably, the massage part has a massage protrusion extending from its top; when the massage head is extended, the massage protrusion protrudes beyond the top of the drive shaft; when the massage head is retracted, the massage protrusion does not extend beyond the top of the drive shaft. This allows the massage head to rotate with the drive shaft when extended, providing a massage effect to the user; and when the massage head is retracted, the massage protrusion does not extend beyond the top of the drive shaft, so the user does not feel the presence of the massage head.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom convex ring is hollow inside, and its diameter is larger than that of the connecting sleeve. A limiting ring is provided inside the bottom convex ring. When the massage head retracts, the massage head moves until the connecting sleeve passes through the bottom convex ring and abuts against the limiting ring. Thus, the limiting ring can limit the movement of the massage head during retraction.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom protruding ring and the connecting sleeve are made of plastic. Since the helical spring is made of metal, the bottom protruding ring and the connecting sleeve are made of plastic to prevent noise from being generated when the metal and plastic rub against each other.

[0015] Preferably, the drive shaft has an external thread; a through hole extending axially through the connecting sleeve is provided, and an internal thread is provided in the through hole; the drive shaft passes through the bottom end of the connecting sleeve and is threaded into the through hole; a recessed groove corresponding to the through hole is provided at the top end of the massage part; a cap connected to the top end of the drive shaft is provided in the recessed groove, and the cap is configured to prevent the massage head from disengaging from the drive shaft. The cap is further provided to prevent the massage head from disengaging from the drive shaft.

[0016] Preferably, the cap body is detachably connected to the drive shaft using screws; in step A2, after the massage head is connected to the drive shaft, the cap body is embedded in the recess and connected to the top of the drive shaft. Assembly is convenient, as the massage head is pre-connected to the drive shaft, and then the cap body is further connected.

[0017] The design starting point, concept, and beneficial effects of the present invention, which adopts the above technical solution, are as follows: The present invention relates to a method for applying a helical spring to a massage mechanism. A helical spring is placed between the massage head and the bottom convex ring of the massage mechanism. The linkage end of the helical spring is locked in linkage with the massage head, and the adjustment end of the helical spring is wrapped around the bottom convex ring. Utilizing the inherent characteristics of the helical spring's adjustment end—tightening in reverse rotation and relaxing in forward rotation—when the drive shaft rotates in reverse, causing the helical spring to rotate in reverse, its adjustment end will tightly grip the bottom convex ring, providing a frictional braking force greater than the maximum static friction between the massage head and the drive shaft. The helical spring can thus brake the massage head, causing the massage head to move from the top of the drive shaft to the bottom of the drive shaft. During reset, simply rotating the drive shaft clockwise activates the helical spring. A frictional braking force remains between the adjusting end of the helical spring and the bottom convex ring. Because friction doesn't suddenly disappear, the helical spring continues to apply a braking effect to the massage head, allowing it to extend along the drive shaft. During this process, since the helical spring rotates clockwise, the frictional braking force between the adjusting end and the bottom convex ring gradually decreases and becomes less than the maximum static friction between the massage head and the drive shaft. This allows the massage head to rotate synchronously with the drive shaft after resetting to the top. Furthermore, by controlling the drive shaft to rotate in different directions using the helical spring, the extension or retraction of the massage head can be controlled. The operation is very convenient and quick, and the device is simple, reliable, and ingeniously designed. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the massage mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the massage head when it is extended in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection between the massage head, the spiral spring, and the drive shaft in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the massage head and the spiral spring in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation directions of the helical spring in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the massage head retracting in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The attached figures are labeled as follows: massage mechanism 1; drive shaft 2; massage head 3; massage part 3a; connecting sleeve 3b; spiral spring 4; linkage end 4a; adjustment end 4b; external thread 5; through hole 6; internal thread 7; groove 8; cap 9; bottom convex ring 10; massage protrusion 11; limit ring 12. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0021] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] In the description of this invention, the term "at least one" means one or more, unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] The specific embodiments of the present invention are as follows: like Figure 1-6 As shown, this invention provides a method for applying a helical spring to a massage mechanism. The massage mechanism 1 is equipped with a drive shaft 2, which can drive the drive shaft 2 to rotate circumferentially in any direction. A massage head 3 is connected to the drive shaft 2, and the massage head 3 is threadedly connected to the drive shaft 2, allowing the massage head 3 to rotate and move relative to the drive shaft 2. Furthermore, by setting a helical spring 4 between the massage head 3 and the massage mechanism 1, the massage head 3 can be controlled to retract and extend simply by controlling the rotation of the drive shaft 2 under the action of the helical spring 4, thus allowing the massage head 3 to switch between a used state and a concealed state.

[0024] The specific assembly steps are as follows: Figure 1-5As shown, the massage head 3 has a massage portion 3a at the top and a connecting sleeve 3b at the bottom; one end of the helical spring 4 is sleeved on the connecting sleeve 3b and locked to form a linkage end 4a; thus, the helical spring 4 can rotate with the massage head 3. An external thread 5 is provided on the drive shaft 2, and correspondingly, a through hole 6 is provided in the connecting sleeve 3b along its axial direction, with an internal thread 7 in the through hole 6; when the massage head 3 is connected to the drive shaft 2, the helical spring 4 is sleeved on the drive shaft 2, and then the drive shaft 2 passes through the bottom end of the connecting sleeve 3b and is threaded into the through hole 6; a recessed groove 8, which expands outward relative to the through hole 6, is provided at the top of the massage portion 3a, allowing the top end of the drive shaft 2 to pass through the groove 8; a detachable connection to the drive shaft 2 is also provided in the groove 8. The cap 9 at the top is configured to prevent the massage head 3 from disengaging from the drive shaft 2. Specifically, the cap 9 is detachably connected to the drive shaft 2 by screws. After the massage head 3 is threadedly connected to the drive shaft 2, the cap 9 is then embedded in the recess 8 and connected to the top of the drive shaft 2 by screws. The cap 9 can abut against the internal thread 7, thereby preventing the massage head 3 from disengaging from the drive shaft 2. This ensures that the massage head 3 can only move within the length range of the drive shaft 2. The helical spring 4 is also always clamped between the massage mechanism 1 and the massage head 3.

[0025] Furthermore, the massage part 3a has a massage protrusion 11 protruding from its top. When the massage head 3 is extended, this massage protrusion 11 protrudes from the top of the drive shaft 2, allowing it to massage the user. When the massage head is retracted, the massage protrusion 11 does not extend beyond the top of the drive shaft 2, so the user does not feel the presence of the massage head 3. Further, as... Figure 1-4 As shown, a protruding bottom ring 10 is provided at the root of the drive shaft 2 in the massage mechanism 1, and the bottom end of the coil spring 4 wraps around the bottom ring 10 to form an adjustment end 4b. Both the massage head 3 and the bottom ring 10 are made of plastic, while the coil spring 4 is made of metal, so that no noise is generated when the metal and plastic rub against each other.

[0026] like Figure 5As shown, the helical spring 4 has two opposite winding directions: clockwise and counterclockwise. In this invention, the helical spring 4 is configured such that when it rotates counterclockwise relative to the drive shaft 2, the adjusting end 4b of the helical spring 4 gradually tightens against the bottom convex ring 10, gradually increasing the friction between the adjusting end 4b and the bottom convex ring 10. This frictional braking force between the adjusting end 4b and the bottom convex ring 10 can then brake the massage head 3. Conversely, when the helical spring 4 rotates clockwise relative to the drive shaft 2, the adjusting end 4b of the helical spring 4 gradually loosens relative to the bottom convex ring 10, gradually decreasing the friction between them. In this case, the helical spring 4 does not brake the massage head 3. The phenomenon of the adjusting end 4b tightening or loosening relative to the bottom convex ring 10 when the helical spring 4 rotates in different directions is an inherent characteristic of the helical spring 4 and is existing known technology.

[0027] Furthermore, similar to the structural principle of a lead screw and nut, there is a constant maximum static friction force between the massage head 3 and the drive shaft 2. When the massage head 3 is subjected to an external force greater than this maximum static friction force, the massage head 3 will rotate relative to the drive shaft 2 and move along the drive shaft 2; while when the massage head 3 is subjected to an external force less than this maximum static friction force, the massage head 3 will not move relative to the drive shaft 2, and the two move synchronously.

[0028] The adjustment steps for the massage head 3 are as follows: like Figure 2 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, when it is necessary to control the retraction of the massage head 3, the drive shaft 2 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction. The drive shaft 2 will drive the massage head 3 to rotate, thereby causing the spiral spring 4 to rotate in the opposite direction. Then, the adjustment end 4b will hug the bottom convex ring 10, and the spiral spring 4 is configured such that a frictional braking force greater than the above-mentioned maximum static friction force will be generated between its adjustment end 4b and the bottom convex ring 10, thereby applying a braking effect to the massage head 3. This allows the massage head 3 to rotate relative to the drive shaft 2, and then the massage head 3 will move from the top of the drive shaft 2 to the bottom of the drive shaft 2. Furthermore, the bottom convex ring 10 is hollow inside, and the diameter of the bottom convex ring 10 is larger than the diameter of the drive shaft 2 and the diameter of the connecting sleeve 3b, so that the bottom end of the connecting sleeve 3b can pass through the bottom convex ring 10; a limiting ring 12 is also provided inside the bottom convex ring 10. When the massage head 3 moves towards the bottom of the drive shaft 2 to retract, the bottom end of the connecting sleeve 3b will abut against the limiting ring 12, thereby restricting the massage head 3 from moving further; so that the massage head 3 stays at the bottom end of the drive shaft 2 and remains in the retracted hidden state.

[0029] Conversely, when it is necessary to control the massage head 3 to return to its extended state from the retracted state, the drive shaft 2 is driven to rotate clockwise, causing the drive shaft 2 to act on the massage head 3 and drive the spiral spring 4 to rotate clockwise. In the initial stage of this return, there is still a frictional braking force between the adjusting end 4b of the spiral spring 4 and the bottom convex ring 10, because the frictional force will not suddenly disappear, but will only gradually decrease. Then the adjusting end 4b of the spiral spring 4 can continue to apply a braking effect to the massage head 3, thereby allowing the massage head 3 to continue to rotate relative to the drive shaft 2, so that the massage head 3 moves towards the top of the drive shaft 2 to return to its original position. During the reset process, since the helical spring 4 is rotating clockwise, the adjusting end 4b gradually relaxes relative to the bottom convex ring 10, and the friction between them gradually decreases, making the braking effect of the helical spring 4 on the massage head 3 gradually weaker. However, during this process, since the helical spring 4 was previously compressed, both ends of the helical spring 4 exert pressure on the massage mechanism 1 and the massage head 3 respectively. When the drive shaft 2 rotates clockwise to rotate the massage head 3 towards the top for reset, the compressive force of the helical spring 4 can apply additional frictional force to the massage head 3. This means that although the adjusting end 4b will gradually relax relative to the bottom convex ring 10, the massage head 3 can still receive sufficient braking force to rotate relative to the drive shaft 2.

[0030] Until the massage head 3 returns to the top of the drive shaft 2, the friction between the adjusting end 4b and the bottom convex ring 10 when the spiral spring 4 rotates clockwise is very small, much smaller than the maximum static friction mentioned above; so that the adjusting end 4b will no longer brake the massage head 3. Then, when the drive shaft 2 continues to rotate clockwise, the massage head 3 will follow the drive shaft 2 to rotate synchronously in place, so that the massage protrusion 11 can rotate with the massage head 3 to perform massage actions on the user.

[0031] In summary, this invention, by setting a helical spring 4 between the massage head 3 and the bottom convex ring 10 of the massage mechanism 1, utilizes the inherent characteristics of the helical spring 4 to selectively brake the massage head 3 when the drive shaft 2 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. This allows for convenient adjustment of the extension or retraction of the massage head 3 simply by controlling the rotation direction of the drive shaft 2; the operation is extremely convenient and quick; and the device is simple, reliable, and ingeniously designed.

[0032] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for applying a helical spring to a massage mechanism, characterized in that... include: Assembly steps: A1: Secure one end of the spiral spring to the massage head to form a linkage; A2: Fit the helical spring onto the drive shaft of the massage mechanism, and thread the massage head onto the drive shaft; so that the helical spring is clamped between the massage mechanism and the massage head; A3: Wrap the other end of the spiral spring around the bottom convex ring of the massage mechanism to form an adjustment end; Adjustment steps: B1: Control the retraction of the massage head; drive the drive shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, the drive shaft drives the massage head to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the adjusting end of the helical spring is tightly held by the bottom convex ring, the helical spring applies a braking effect to the massage head, so that the massage head moves from the top end of the drive shaft to the bottom end of the drive shaft; B2: Control the extension of the massage head; drive the drive shaft to rotate clockwise, and the drive shaft drives the massage head to rotate clockwise using the spiral spring; the adjusting end continues to apply a braking effect to the massage head so that the massage head moves from the bottom end of the drive shaft to the top end of the drive shaft to reset; and the clockwise rotation of the spiral spring gradually relaxes the gap between the adjusting end and the bottom convex ring to stop braking the massage head, so that the massage head can rotate synchronously with the drive shaft after resetting to the top end of the drive shaft.

2. The method for applying the helical spring to a massage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step B1, the helical spring is configured such that during the reverse rotation, the adjusting end grips the connecting convex ring and generates a frictional braking force greater than the maximum static friction between the massage head and the drive shaft to brake the massage head.

3. The method for applying the helical spring to a massage mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step B2, when the massage head is at the top of the drive shaft and the drive shaft is rotating clockwise, the adjusting end of the helical spring is relaxed relative to the bottom convex ring, and the frictional braking force between the two is less than the maximum static friction force between the massage head and the drive shaft, so the massage head rotates synchronously with the drive shaft.

4. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 1 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: In step B1, the massage head contracts to compress the coil spring, and the two ends of the coil spring exert pressure on the massage mechanism and the massage head, respectively.

5. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 1 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: The massage head has a massage part and a connecting sleeve; in step A1, the drive shaft passes through the connecting sleeve; the linkage end of the helical spring is sleeved and locked onto the connecting sleeve.

6. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 5 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: The massage part has a massage protrusion protruding from the top; and when the massage head is extended, the massage protrusion protrudes from the top of the drive shaft; when the massage head is retracted, the massage protrusion does not extend beyond the top of the drive shaft.

7. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 5 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: The bottom convex ring is hollow inside and its diameter is larger than that of the connecting column sleeve. A limiting ring is provided inside the bottom convex ring. When the massage head retracts, the massage head moves to the connecting column sleeve, which passes through the bottom convex ring and abuts against the limiting ring from above and below.

8. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 5 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: The bottom protruding ring is made of plastic, and the connecting post sleeve is made of plastic.

9. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 5 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: The drive shaft is provided with an external thread; the connecting sleeve is provided with a through hole extending along its axial direction, and the through hole is provided with an internal thread; the drive shaft passes through the bottom end of the connecting sleeve and is threaded into the through hole; the top end of the massage part is provided with a recessed groove that expands outward relative to the through hole; a cap is provided in the recessed groove and connected to the top end of the drive shaft, the cap being configured to prevent the massage head from disengaging from the drive shaft.

10. The method of applying the helical spring according to claim 9 to a massage mechanism, characterized in that: The cap body is detachably connected to the drive shaft using screws; in step A2, after the massage head is connected to the drive shaft, the cap body is embedded in the groove and connected to the top of the drive shaft.

Images