Massage mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a massage mechanism which comprises a massage head and further comprises a memory alloy spring set, a telescopic rod, a shell, a mounting base and a reset spring. The memory alloy spring group comprises two memory alloy springs which are connected in series; the telescopic rod is a hollow regular column, the memory alloy spring sets are installed in the inner space of the telescopic rod in a limited mode, one end abuts against the inner wall of the head end of the telescopic rod, and the other end abuts against the installation base. The shell is arranged outside the telescopic rod and limits the telescopic rod in the radial direction. The shell and the tail end of the telescopic rod define an annular space provided with a reset spring. After the memory alloy spring is electrified and heated, the rigidity is increased, the extended memory form is recovered, and the compression elastic force of the reset spring is overcome to eject the telescopic rod; the rigidity of the memory alloy spring is reduced after power failure and temperature drop, the compression state is rapidly completed under the action of the reset spring, and the telescopic rod is driven to retract in place; the massage head is mounted at the head end of the telescopic rod and is ejected or retracted along with the telescopic rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a massage mechanism that can control the extension and retraction of the massage head according to the requirements of a car seat massage system, thereby achieving a massage function that meets the requirements of the human body, and belongs to the technical field of massage devices. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive seating industry, the massage function of car massage seats relies on the inflation and deflation of airbags. This is achieved through a combination module consisting of multiple electromagnetic or shape memory alloy air valves. A single electromagnetic valve controls the inflation and deflation of one airbag, or a group of electromagnetic valves controls the inflation, pressure maintenance, and deflation of one airbag. Multiple electromagnetic valves combined together form a control module, thereby controlling the multiple airbags of the car massage seat and thus completing the seat massage function.

[0003] The existing system that uses an electromagnetic air valve to control the air supply to inflate and deflate an air bag to achieve massage is the most common type of system used in vehicle seat massage systems. However, it has the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1) Massage airbags require an air source and pneumatic control system, which means that seats equipped with multi-point massage need to be equipped with multiple solenoid valves. This results in a large size and weight of the entire system, complex control, and is not conducive to vehicle energy conservation and cost control.

[0005] 2) Gas noise is generated during the inflation and deflation of the air bag.

[0006] 3) Because the force on the moving iron core of the solenoid valve increases exponentially as the distance of the electromagnetic air gap shortens, the solenoid valve generates relatively severe impact noise when it is energized, which leads to user complaints about the noise. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to provide a massage mechanism that utilizes multiple sets of shape memory alloy springs to achieve the functions of extension and retraction. This changes the current practice of controlling the air supply through pneumatic control valves to inflate and deflate each air bag, achieving a simple mechanical massage. While ensuring massage effectiveness, it simplifies the massage system and reduces control requirements; it also solves the noise problem associated with air bag inflation and deflation. Furthermore, compared to the limitations of traditional valve control systems for air bag inflation and deflation, this invention offers greater freedom in the arrangement of massage points, fully meeting customer needs for the number of massage points on a chair.

[0008] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A massage mechanism includes a massage head 1, a memory alloy spring assembly 4, a telescopic rod 3, a housing 6, a mounting base 8, and a return spring 5. The memory alloy spring assembly 4 includes two memory alloy springs connected in series. The telescopic rod 3 is a hollow, regular columnar body. Several sets of memory alloy spring assemblies 4 are installed within the internal space of the telescopic rod 3, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the head end of the telescopic rod 3 and the other end abutting against the mounting base 8. The housing 6 is disposed outside the telescopic rod 3 and radially limits it. The housing 6 and the tail end of the telescopic rod 3 form an annular space in which the return spring 5 is arranged. When the memory alloy spring is energized and its temperature rises, its stiffness increases, restoring its elongated memory shape and overcoming the compressive force of the return spring 5 to push the telescopic rod 3 out. When the memory alloy spring is de-energized and its temperature drops, its stiffness decreases, and under the action of the return spring 5, it quickly completes its compression shape, causing the telescopic rod 3 to retract into place. The massage head 1 is installed at the head end of the telescopic rod 3 and extends or retracts with the telescopic rod 3.

[0010] Preferably, the two memory alloy springs of the memory alloy spring assembly 4 are symmetrically distributed around the central axis of the telescopic rod 3; the memory alloy spring assembly 4 is arranged in multiple combinations.

[0011] Preferably, each of the memory alloy spring assemblies 4 is electrically connected in parallel and is connected to the same potential difference.

[0012] Preferably, each of the memory alloy spring assemblies 4 is connected in series.

[0013] Preferably, the return spring 5 is a spring or a group of springs centered on the central axis of the housing 6.

[0014] Preferably, both the telescopic rod 3 and the housing 6 are cylindrical in shape.

[0015] Preferably, the device further includes a spring seat 7 and a spring bracket 2. The spring bracket 2 is located within the telescopic rod 3 and is arranged in an array with multiple spring sleeves 201 corresponding one-to-one with the shape memory alloy springs. A channel is provided between the spring sleeves 201 spaced 180° apart for the connecting screw 401 of the shape memory alloy spring assembly to pass through. The connecting screws 401 of each shape memory alloy spring assembly do not contact each other. The spring bracket and spring seat are made of insulating, high-temperature resistant material.

[0016] Furthermore, a high-low groove 202 is provided at the inner top of the central shaft of the spring bracket 2, and the connecting screws 401 of each shape memory alloy spring assembly are separated by the high-low groove 202.

[0017] Furthermore, the shape memory alloy spring assembly 4 is provided in two sets, which are distributed at 90° intervals. Correspondingly, the spring sleeve 201 is also provided in two pairs, which are distributed at 90° intervals.

[0018] Preferably, the massage head 1 is made of rubber or an inflatable airbag.

[0019] In one control method of the above-mentioned massage mechanism, the shape memory alloy spring group 4 heats up when energized, restoring the spring length of austenitic high-temperature memory, at which point the stiffness is high and the massage head extends; when the shape memory alloy spring is de-energized, the temperature decreases, the shape memory spring atoms rearrange to form martensite, and under the elastic force of the return spring 5, the shape memory alloy spring group 4 quickly retracts into place; multiple shape memory alloy spring groups 4 are connected in parallel or in series, and are simultaneously energized and de-energized. Under the change of energization and de-energization, the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod 3 are realized, thereby realizing the extension and retraction of the massage head 1.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] 1) This changes the current situation where the air source is controlled by a pneumatic control valve to inflate and deflate each air bag, achieving a simple mechanical massage. While ensuring the massage effect, the massage system is simplified and the control requirements are reduced.

[0022] 2) Saves installation space, meeting the space requirements of car seats;

[0023] 3) Compared with the noise of inflating and deflating airbags, this effectively solves the noise problem.

[0024] 4) Compared with the limitations of the number of valve control system modules for airbag inflation and deflation, it can fully meet the user's needs for the number of massage points on the seat. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the massage mechanism in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a massage mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic pole in its extended state.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view at the top.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic pole in its retracted state.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a set of shape memory alloy springs.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of two sets of shape memory alloy springs.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of two sets of shape memory alloy springs.

[0033] In the diagram, 1. Massage head, 2. Spring bracket, 3. Telescopic rod, 4. Memory alloy spring assembly, 5. Return spring, 6. Housing, 7. Spring seat, 8. Mounting base, 201. Spring sleeve, 202. High and low groove, 401. Connecting screw. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] See Figure 1 The significant feature of the product described in this embodiment is that it uses a combination of multiple pairs of memory alloy springs to achieve the operation of a massage mechanism with extension and retraction functions, thereby realizing the massage function of the seat.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown in the exploded view, the shape memory alloy spring assembly is installed between the spring bracket 2 and the spring seat 7, and a sliding telescopic rod 3 is fitted between the housing 6 and the mounting base 8. The massage head 1 is installed on the telescopic rod 3.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the extended state is achieved by the shape memory alloy spring assembly being energized and overcoming the force of the return spring to push out the telescopic rod 3.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, after the power is cut off, the telescopic rod 3 drives the massage head 1 to retract under the action of the reset spring 5.

[0039] Figure 6 The image shows a set of shape memory alloy springs, which are made by winding a single shape memory alloy wire. Multiple sets of shape memory alloy springs are stacked alternately to avoid short circuits.

[0040] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of two sets of shape memory alloy springs. With this structure, the extension and retraction of each massage head can be controlled by switching the power on and off of multiple massage mechanisms, ultimately achieving the massage function of the seat.

[0041] The following is a more detailed explanation:

[0042] See Figure 1 A massage mechanism, comprising a massage head 1, a spring bracket 2, a telescopic rod 3, a memory alloy spring assembly 4, a return spring 5, a housing 6, a spring seat 7, and a mounting base 8.

[0043] See Figure 6 The shape memory alloy spring assembly 4 includes two shape memory alloy springs connected in series;

[0044] Combination Figure 1-2The telescopic rod 3 is a hollow, regular columnar body. Several sets of memory alloy spring groups 4 are installed in the internal space of the telescopic rod 3. One end of the spring is held against the inner wall of the head end of the telescopic rod 3 by the spring bracket 2, and the other end is held against the mounting base 8 by the spring seat 7.

[0045] The housing 6 is disposed outside the telescopic rod 3 and radially limits its movement. The housing 6 and the tail end of the telescopic rod 3 form an annular space in which a return spring 5 is arranged. Figure 2 As shown;

[0046] When the shape memory alloy spring is energized and its temperature rises, its stiffness increases, and it recovers its elongated shape, overcoming the compression force of the return spring 5 to push the telescopic rod 3 out. When the shape memory alloy spring is de-energized and its temperature drops, its stiffness decreases, and it quickly completes its compression shape under the action of the return spring 5, causing the telescopic rod 3 to retract into place. The massage head 1 is installed at the head end of the telescopic rod 3 and is pushed out or retracted along with the telescopic rod 3.

[0047] In this embodiment, see Figure 5 The two memory alloy springs of the memory alloy spring assembly 4 are symmetrically distributed with the central axis of the telescopic rod 3 as the center;

[0048] In this embodiment, the shape memory alloy spring assembly 4 can have multiple assemblies or only a single assembly. Figure 1-8 In the same example shown, the shape memory alloy spring group 4 is configured as two groups. This embodiment does not show the case of a single group.

[0049] In one embodiment, each of the memory alloy spring assemblies 4 is electrically connected in parallel (not shown in the figures) and is connected to the same potential difference; parallel connection can achieve individual control.

[0050] In another embodiment, each of the memory alloy spring assemblies 4 is connected in series, which ensures the uniformity of the current.

[0051] like Figure 2 and 5 As shown, as an optional solution, the reset spring 5 is a single spring centered on the central axis of the housing 6.

[0052] like Figure 1-2 As shown, both the telescopic rod 3 and the housing 6 are cylindrical in shape.

[0053] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 2 , 38. The spring bracket 2 is located within the telescopic rod 3 and is arranged in an array with multiple spring sleeves 201 corresponding to the shape memory alloy springs. The spring sleeves 201 spaced 180° apart have a channel through which the connecting screw 401 in the middle of the shape memory alloy spring group passes. The connecting screws 401 of each shape memory alloy spring group do not contact each other.

[0054] See Figure 4 The inner top of the central shaft of the spring bracket 2 is provided with a high-low groove 202, and the connecting screws 401 of each shape memory alloy spring assembly are separated by the high-low groove 202.

[0055] See Figure 5-8 The shape memory alloy spring group 4 is provided in two groups, which are distributed at 90° intersections. Correspondingly, the spring sleeve 201 is also provided in two groups, which are distributed at 90° intersections.

[0056] The massage head 1 is made of rubber or an inflatable airbag.

[0057] The massage mechanism is used in car seats.

[0058] The above-mentioned control method for the massage mechanism involves the following steps: When the memory alloy spring assembly 4 is energized, its temperature rises, restoring the spring length to its austenitic high-temperature memory state. At this point, the spring has high stiffness, causing the massage head to extend. When the memory alloy spring is de-energized, its temperature decreases, and the memory spring atoms rearrange to form martensite. Under the elastic force of the return spring 5, the memory alloy spring assembly 4 quickly retracts into place. Multiple sets of memory alloy spring assemblies 4 are connected in parallel or series, and are simultaneously energized and de-energized. Under the changing action of energizing and de-energizing, the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod 3 are achieved, thereby realizing the extension and retraction of the massage head 1.

[0059] This invention employs multiple sets of shape memory alloy springs arranged in an alternating, stacked manner. The change in force exerted by the shape memory alloy springs when energized is switched on and off enables the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod, thereby achieving the extension and retraction of the massage head. The massage mechanism is controlled by switching the energized shape memory alloy springs on and off, resulting in simple and reliable control. The number of shape memory alloy spring sets can be configured according to the massage intensity. Each set of shape memory alloy springs is formed by two pairs of shape memory alloy wires wound together. The product has a small footprint and reliable installation.

[0060] A specific embodiment (including parameter design):

[0061] To provide sufficient massage intensity, the net output force of the massage device is set to 30N.

[0062] A single shape memory alloy spring is insufficient to meet the 30N output force. Based on the design concept of this invention, three sets of shape memory alloy springs are arranged.

[0063] One possible solution is to configure three sets of shape memory alloy springs connected in series. The three sets of springs are evenly spaced at 60-degree intervals around the center point (not shown in the attached diagram).

[0064] The specifications for the shape memory alloy spring wire are set as follows: wire diameter 0.4mm, outer diameter 2.6mm, and approximately 25 ± 2 coils. The free length of the spring is 20mm, and the elongation after shaping is 40mm (length of the shape memory alloy spring after heating above the phase transition point).

[0065] The selected return spring stiffness is 0.5 N / mm, and the spring preload in the extended state is greater than 5 N, thereby ensuring a return force of more than 12 N under a 15 mm compression condition;

[0066] To ensure that the device responds quickly enough, the instantaneous excitation current needs to be increased to more than 3A in the first stage of driving to ensure sufficient responsiveness of the massage action.

[0067] To ensure that the shape memory alloy spring does not overheat and burn out during operation, the current is set to PWM output form in the second stage of driving. The temperature of the shape memory alloy spring is kept at a dynamic equilibrium point by finely adjusting the duty cycle of the current.

[0068] When the massage device needs to retract, the power to the memory alloy spring is cut off. As the temperature of the memory alloy spring drops rapidly below the phase transition point temperature, it quickly retracts under the 12N return spring force.

[0069] The above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or improvements based on these embodiments. Without departing from the overall concept of the present invention, such modifications or improvements should fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A massage mechanism, comprising a massage head (1), characterized in that: It also includes a shape memory alloy spring assembly (4), a telescopic rod (3), a housing (6), a mounting base (8), and a return spring (5); The shape memory alloy spring assembly (4) comprises two shape memory alloy springs connected in series; The telescopic rod (3) is a hollow, regular columnar body. Several sets of memory alloy springs (4) are installed in the internal space of the telescopic rod (3), with one end abutting against the inner wall of the head end of the telescopic rod (3) and the other end abutting against the mounting base (8). The housing (6) is set outside the telescopic rod (3) and radially limits it. The housing (6) and the tail end of the telescopic rod (3) form an annular space with a return spring (5) arranged thereon. The stiffness of the memory alloy spring increases after being energized and its temperature rises, restoring its elongated memory shape and overcoming the compressive force of the reset spring (5) to push the telescopic rod (3) out. The stiffness of the memory alloy spring decreases after the power is cut off and the temperature drops. Under the action of the reset spring (5), it quickly completes the compression state and drives the telescopic rod (3) to retract into place. The massage head (1) is installed at the head end of the telescopic rod (3) and extends or retracts with the telescopic rod (3).

2. The massage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The two memory alloy springs of the memory alloy spring group (4) are symmetrically distributed with the central axis of the telescopic rod (3) as the center; the memory alloy spring group (4) is arranged in multiple combinations.

3. The massage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the memory alloy spring assemblies (4) is electrically connected in parallel and is connected to the same potential difference.

4. The massage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the memory alloy spring assemblies (4) is connected in series.

5. The massage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The reset spring (5) is a spring or spring group centered on the central axis of the housing (6).

6. The massage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a spring seat (7) and a spring bracket (2). The spring bracket (2) is located within the telescopic rod (3) and is arranged in an array with multiple spring sleeves (201) corresponding to the shape memory alloy springs one by one. The spring sleeves (201) spaced 180° apart have a channel in the middle for the connecting screw (401) in the middle of the shape memory alloy spring group to pass through. The connecting screws (401) of each shape memory alloy spring group do not contact each other. The spring bracket (2) and the spring seat (7) are made of insulating and high temperature resistant materials.

7. The massage mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The inner top of the central shaft of the spring bracket (2) is provided with a high-low groove (202), and the connecting screws (401) of each memory alloy spring group are separated by the high-low groove (202).

8. The massage mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The shape memory alloy spring assembly (4) has two sets, which are distributed at 90°. Correspondingly, the spring sleeve (201) also has two pairs, which are distributed at 90°.

9. The massage mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The massage head (1) is made of rubber or an inflatable airbag.

10. A control method for a massage mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: When the shape memory alloy spring assembly (4) is energized, its temperature rises and it recovers the spring length of the austenitic high temperature memory. At this time, the stiffness is high and the massage head extends. When the power is turned off, the temperature of the memory alloy spring decreases, and the atoms of the memory spring rearrange to form martensite. Under the elastic force of the reset spring (5), the memory metal spring assembly (4) quickly contracts into place. Multiple memory alloy spring groups (4) are connected in parallel or in series, and are simultaneously energized and de-energized. Under the change of energization and de-energization, the extension and retraction of the telescopic rod (3) are realized, thereby realizing the extension and retraction of the massage head (1).

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