Shock absorption mechanism of the massager actuator

Abstract

This provides a shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager. [Solution] The device is provided with a base, to which a swing arm is rotatably mounted, a massage member is provided at the distal end of the swing arm, a support member is provided below the swing arm that is slidable relative to the base, a link is hinged to the support member, the other end of the link is hinged to the center of the swing arm, a thrust mechanism is provided on one side of the support member comprising a stopper that abuts against the support member and a drive member that drives the stopper to move along the sliding direction of the support member, an elastic member is provided between the base and the support member that biases the support member to abut against the stopper, and the support member can slide against the resistance of the elastic member so that when the massage member is compressed by an external force, the massage member moves toward the base. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that when a vehicle collides, the massage member can quickly retract from its protruding state, which has the advantage of good safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automotive seats, and more specifically, to a shock absorption mechanism for a massage actuator.

Background Art

[0002] For passengers who drive or ride for a long time, it is easy to cause physical fatigue and muscle stiffness due to maintaining the same posture for a long time. In order to solve the fatigue problem caused by long - time driving or riding, automotive seats equipped with a massage function have emerged.

[0003] Conventionally, the massage mechanism for the lumbar and dorsal regions in automotive seats often adopts an air - bag type massage. In the case of an air - bag type massage, the force is low, the massage effect is poor, and it is difficult to relax the user's body comprehensively and deeply. In order to overcome the above - mentioned drawbacks, the applicant of the present application has developed a mechanical massage device and has the idea of achieving a better massage effect by using a mechanical motion method to massage the passenger's back. However, during the operation of the mechanical massage device, generally, a protruding massage member needs to directly hit the passenger's back or waist. When an unexpected accident such as a vehicle collision occurs, the protruding massage member may cause great damage to the passenger's body, posing a certain safety risk.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the use safety of the mechanical massage device is a technical problem that needs to be solved currently.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides a shock absorption mechanism for a massage actuator that can quickly retract the massage actuator from a protruding state when the vehicle collides, thereby ensuring the safety of the massage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the technical method of the present invention is as follows.

[0007] An impact absorption mechanism for a massager actuator, comprising a base, a swing arm rotatably mounted on the base, a massage member provided at the distal end of the swing arm, a support member slidable relative to the base provided below the swing arm, a link hinged to the support member, the other end of the link hinged to the center of the swing arm, the support member sliding, rotating the swing arm via the link, and moving the massage member in a direction away from or towards the base. A thrust mechanism is provided on one side of the support member, comprising a stopper that abuts against the support member and a drive member that drives the stopper to move along the sliding direction of the support member; an elastic member is provided between the base and the support member that biases the support member to abut against the stopper; and the support member is capable of sliding against the resistance of the elastic member so that when the massage member is compressed by an external force, the massage member moves toward the base. This is a shock absorption mechanism for an actuator of a massager.

[0008] According to the above structure, when the massage member is not in use, the massage member and swing arm are housed within the backrest. When the user needs to use the massage member to perform a massage, the drive member drives the stopper away from the support member. In this process, the elastic member biases the support member to keep it in contact with the stopper, allowing the support member to move synchronously with the stopper. Under the interlocking action of the link, the swing arm rotates outward, pushing the massage member at the distal end of the swing arm forward to the backrest A and acting on the occupant's lower back. After the massage is finished, the drive member drives the stopper closer to the support member. At this time, the stopper slides the support member against the resistance of the elastic member, rotating the swing arm inward under the interlocking action of the link, and retracting the massage member towards the base.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic member is a compression spring that abuts between the support member and the end of the base, and when the stopper moves in a direction approaching the compression spring, it can store energy in the compression spring via the support member, and when the stopper moves in a direction away from the support member, it can release the elastic potential energy of the compression spring, and the thrust from the compression spring allows the support member to move in sync with the stopper.

[0010] Preferably, a sliding rod extending along its height direction is fixed to the base, the elastic member, support member and stopper are fitted sequentially onto the sliding rod along its height direction, and the support member and stopper are slidable up and down relative to the sliding rod.

[0011] Preferably, the sliding rod is fixedly mounted to the base via a mounting seat, and the elastic member is supported at one end by the mounting seat and in contact with the support member at the other end.

[0012] Preferably, the drive member comprises a motor fixed to the base and a screw that is rotationally driven by the motor, and one end of the stopper is screwed onto the screw.

[0013] Preferably, there are two sets of swing arms and links, the two sets of swing arms are arranged symmetrically along the width direction of the base, there are two sets of sliding rods, both ends of the support member and both ends of the stopper are slidably fitted onto the two sets of sliding rods, and the screw is located between the two sets of sliding rods.

[0014] Preferably, the central part of the support member is provided with a recessed relief groove that accommodates the screw and is recessed downwards.

[0015] Preferably, a roller that slides against the base is provided on the lower side of the support member.

[0016] Preferably, a synchronous shaft is rotatably connected to the support member, the synchronous shaft is arranged along the width direction of the base, adapters are provided at both ends of the synchronous shaft, and one end of each of the two sets of links is hinged to two adapters.

[0017] Preferably, the two sets of swing arms are rotatably mounted to the base via a pivot axis, away from one end of the massage member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] Compared to the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] 1. According to the shock absorption mechanism of the massager actuator of the present invention, the drive member drives the stopper to move away from the support member, and in this process, the elastic member biases the support member to keep it in contact with the stopper, so that the support member can move synchronously with the stopper, and under the interlocking action of the link, the swing arm is rotated outward, pushing the massage member at the distal end of the swing arm to the front of the backrest and acting on the occupant's lower back. The drive member drives the stopper to move closer to the support member, and at this time the stopper slides the support member against the resistance of the elastic member, and under the interlocking action of the link, the swing arm is rotated inward, and the massage member is retracted toward the base. In the operation state of the massage member, if a sudden situation such as a collision occurs in the vehicle and the massage member is compressed by an external force, the support member can slide over the resistance of the elastic member, and the massage member can be quickly retracted toward the base, effectively avoiding injury to the human body by the massager and having the advantage of good safety. When the external force disappears, the elastic member returns to its original position, allowing the swing arm and massage member to automatically return to their original positions.

[0020] 2. According to the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager according to the present invention, not only is it realized that the massage member is stored inside the backrest in the non-operating state, but it protrudes from the backrest so as not to give discomfort to the user's waist, ensuring a normal riding comfort. Also, when massage is required, the elastic member and the thrust mechanism cooperate to smoothly deploy the massage member to a state protruding from the backrest, realizing the massage function. In addition, in the event of a collision accident, a recoverable crash of the massage member can be realized, improving the safety of the massage. After the crash, the cost can be saved without damaging the massage member, and the trouble of replacing parts can be saved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic structural view of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager in a state where the massage member 2a has retreated. [Figure 2] It is a schematic structural view of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager in a state where the massage member 2a is operating. [Figure 3] It is another schematic structural view of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager in a state where the massage member 2a has retreated. [Figure 4] It is another schematic structural view of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager in a state where the massage member 2a is operating. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager in a state where the massage member 2a has retreated. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager in a state where the massage member 2a is operating. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the support member 3, the thrust mechanism 5, and the elastic member 6. [Figure 8] It is a partially enlarged view (parts of non-displayed parts) showing the positional relationship between the support member 3 and the screw 52. [Figure 9]It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support member 3. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stopper 5a. [Figure 11] It is a reference diagram of the usage state of the shock absorption mechanism of the actuator of the massager mounted on the backrest A of the automobile seat. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft 9.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further described with reference to embodiments and drawings.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, a shock absorption mechanism of an actuator of a massager provided with a base 1, wherein a swing arm 2 is rotatably attached to the base 1, a massage member 2a is provided at the distal end of the swing arm 2, and a support member 3 slidable with respect to the base 1 is provided below the swing arm 2. A link 4 is provided between the support member 3 and the swing arm 2. One end of the link 4 is hinged to the support member 3, and the other end is hinged to the central portion of the swing arm 2. The support member 3 slides so as to rotate the swing arm 2 via the link 4 so as to move in a direction of separating from or approaching the base. On one side of the support member 3, a thrust mechanism 5 including a stopper 5a abutting against the support member 3 and a drive member 5b for driving the stopper 5a to move along the sliding direction of the support member 3 is provided. An elastic member 6 for urging a force to continuously press the support member 3 against the stopper 5a is provided between the base 1 and the support member 3. When the massage member 2a is compressed by an external force, due to the cooperative transmission action of the swing arm 2 and the link 4, the support member 3 can slide against the resistance of the elastic member 6 so that the massage member 2a moves toward the base 1.

[0024] As shown in Figure 11, when the shock absorption mechanism of the massager actuator is applied to an automobile seat, the base 1 is a plate-like structure and is either attached to the backrest A of the seat or is directly part of the backrest frame. In this embodiment, the description of the orientation of this mechanism refers to the automobile seat, that is, the height direction of the base 1 corresponds to the height direction of the automobile seat, and the width direction of the base 1 corresponds to the width direction of the automobile seat.

[0025] Based on the above structural design, after the shock absorption mechanism of the massager actuator is mounted on the seat backrest, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, when the massage member 2a is not in use, the massage member 2a and the swing arm 2 are housed within the backrest, meaning the massage member 2a is housed closer to the base 1. When the user needs to perform a massage using the massage member 2a, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the drive member 5b drives the stopper 5a to move away from the support member 3. In this process, the elastic member 6 biases the support member 3 to keep in contact with the stopper 5a, so that the support member 3 can move synchronously with the stopper 5a, and the interlocking action of the link 4 rotates the swing arm 2 outward, pushing the massage member 2a at the distal end of the swing arm 2 to the front of the backrest A (see Figure 11), allowing it to act on the occupant's lower back. When the massage is finished, the drive member 5b drives the stopper 5a toward the support member 3. At this time, the stopper 5a causes the support member 3 to slide against the resistance of the elastic member 6, thereby rotating the swing arm 2 inward under the interlocking action of the link 4, and retracting the massage member 2a toward the base 1. Therefore, with this structural design, the massage member 2a is stored inside the backrest when not in operation, preventing it from protruding from the backrest and causing discomfort to the user's lower back, thus ensuring a normal riding experience. Furthermore, when a massage is needed, the cooperative action of the elastic member 6 and the thrust mechanism 5 allows the massage member 2a to be smoothly deployed to a position protruding from the backrest, thereby realizing the massage function.

[0026] In addition, based on this mounting method, the massage member 2a has a passive shock absorption function when in operation. Specifically, when the massage member 2a is in operation, if a sudden situation such as a collision with a vehicle occurs and the massage member 2a is compressed by an external force, the support member 3 can slide against the resistance of the elastic member 6, and the interlocking action of the link 4 allows the massage member 2a to quickly retract toward the base 1, effectively preventing the massager from injuring the human body and improving the safety of the massage. When the external force disappears, the elastic member 6 returns to its original position, causing the support member 3 to slide, and thereby automatically returning the swing arm 2 and the massage member 2a to the operating position. This design protects the massage member 2a from damage, saves costs, reduces the hassle of replacing parts, and offers excellent practical advantages.

[0027] Furthermore, the elastic member 6 may be a compression spring, tension spring, torsion spring, leaf spring, elastic piece, etc., and in this embodiment, the elastic member 6 is a compression spring. As shown in Figure 6, this compression spring abuts between the support member 3 and the lower end of the base 1, and when the stopper 5a moves downward along the height direction of the base 1, that is, in a direction approaching the compression spring, it presses the support member 3 to compress the compression spring downward, thereby storing energy in the compression spring. When the support member 3 moves downward, it can rotate the swing arm 2 toward the base 1 via the link 4 (see Figure 5). When the stopper 5a moves away from the support member 3, that is, upward, the elastic potential energy of the compression spring can be released, and the thrust from the compression spring can move the support member 3 in sync with the stopper 5a, and the swing arm 2 can be rotated outward via the link 4. In this state, when the massage member 2a is compressed by an external force, the support member 3 can press the compression spring downwards, and further, via the link 4, can quickly retract the swing arm 2 toward the base 1. When the external force disappears, the compression spring releases its energy, pushing the support member 3 upward until it contacts the stopper 5a. At this time, the swing arm 2 returns to its operating position, and the massage member 2a is not destroyed by the external force.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, a sliding rod 7 extending along its height is fixed to the base 1, and the elastic member 6, support member 3, and stopper 5a are fitted onto the sliding rod 7 in order from top to bottom, allowing the support member 3 and stopper 5a to slide up and down relative to the sliding rod 7. This design ensures the reliability of the attachment and movement of the elastic member 6, support member 3, and stopper 5a.

[0029] As can be seen in Figure 7, the sliding rod 7 is fixedly attached to the base 1 via the mounting seat 8, and the elastic member 6 is supported at one end by the mounting seat 8 and in contact with the support member 3 at the other end. This arrangement makes installation easier.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the drive member 5b comprises a motor 51 fixed to the base 1 and a screw 52 extending in the height direction of the base 1 and rotated by the motor 51, with one end of the stopper 5a screwed onto the screw 52. The motor 51 rotates the screw 52, ​​that is, it can move the stopper 5a up and down along the screw 52.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, two sets of massage members 2a are provided so that the meridians on both sides of the spine can be massaged simultaneously, and two sets of corresponding swing arms 2 and links 4 are also provided. The two sets of swing arms 2 are arranged symmetrically along the width direction of the base 1, and in this embodiment, one end of each set of swing arms 2 that is separated from the massage members 2a is rotatably mounted on the base 1 via a rotating shaft 9. There are two sets of sliding rods 7 and elastic members 6, corresponding one-to-one with the two sets of swing arms 2. Both ends of the support member 3 and both ends of the stopper 5a are slidably fitted onto the two sets of sliding rods 7, the two links 4 are provided symmetrically on the sides of the two sets of swing arms 2, and the screw 52 is provided between the two sets of sliding rods 7. The motor 51 drives the stopper 5a downward, simultaneously pressing the two sets of elastic members 6 against the support member 3, and also simultaneously retracting the two sets of swing arms 2 inward. This ensures the synchronization of the movement of the two sets of swing arms 2, and this arrangement improves the overall compactness of the structure, making it easier to mount this mechanism on the backrest of an automobile seat.

[0032] As shown in Figures 7 and 10, the stopper 5a has first connecting holes 5a1 at both ends, and the two first connecting holes 5a1 are slidably fitted onto two sets of sliding rods 7. A second connecting hole 5a2 is provided in the center of the stopper 5a, and the second connecting hole 5a2 is screwed into the screw 52.

[0033] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the support member 3 has socket portions 3c at both ends, which are slidably mounted on two sets of sliding rods 7, and one end of the compression spring is in contact with the corresponding socket portion 3c. The central part of the support member 3 is provided with a downwardly recessed relief groove 3b, and the screw 52 is located above the relief groove 3b, further improving the compactness of the structure.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, a roller 3a is provided on the lower side of the support member 3 that slides against the base 1. This roller 3a improves the smoothness of the sliding of the support member 3 on the base 1, and in the event of a collision, the support member 3 can smoothly press the compression spring downward so that the swing arm 2 can be quickly retracted.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a synchronous shaft 3c, which is positioned along the width direction of the base 1, is rotatably connected to the support member 3. Adapters 3d are provided at both ends of the synchronous shaft 3c, and two sets of links 4 are hinged at one end to the two adapters 3d, and at the other end to the central part of the corresponding swing arm 2. This design makes installation easier.

[0036] In actual use, the massage member 2a may be an independent massage device or a massage actuator driven by the swing arm 2. As shown in Figures 1, 11 and 12, taking the example where the massage member 2a is a massage actuator, the rotating shaft 9 is provided with two sets of annular grooves 91 symmetrically, one end of each of the two swing arms 2 spaced apart from the massage member 2a is rotatably fitted into the two annular grooves 91, the side walls of each annular groove 91 are inclined with respect to the center line of the rotating shaft 9, and the base 1 is provided with a drive mechanism that drives the rotation of the rotating shaft 9. When using the massage function, the drive member 5b drives the stopper 5a to move away from the support member 3, and the support member 3 can move synchronously with the stopper 5a, and under the interlocking action of the link 4, the two sets of swing arms 2 are rotated outward, pushing the massage member 2a at the distal end of the swing arm 2 to the front of the backrest A and acting on the user's back. Subsequently, the drive mechanism rotates the rotating shaft 9, and under the transmission by the inclined side walls of the annular groove 91 and the restraining action of the link 4, the swing arm 2 is reciprocated in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 9, causing the massage member 2a at the distal end to form a kneading massage on the user's back through reciprocating motion.

[0037] Finally, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can, under the teachings of the present invention, make many similar expressions without departing from the spirit and claims of the invention, and all such modifications fall within the scope of the protection of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] A Backrest 1 Base 2 Swingarm 2a Massage member 3. Support member 3a Laura 3b Relief groove 3c synchronous axis 3D adapter 4 links 5. Thrust Mechanism 5a Stopper 5a1 First connection hole 5a2 Second connection hole 5b Drive Member 6 Elastic members 7. Sliding rod 8 Mounting base 9 Rotation axis 51 Motor 52 Screw 91 Annular groove

Claims

1. The device comprises a base (1), a swing arm (2) rotatably mounted on the base (1), a massage member (2a) provided at the distal end of the swing arm (2), a support member (3) slidable relative to the base (1) provided below the swing arm (2), a link (4) hinged to the support member (3), the other end of the link (4) hinged to the center of the swing arm (2), the support member (3) slides, the swing arm (2) rotates via the link (4), and the massage member (2a) can be moved in a direction away from or closer to the base (1). An impact absorption mechanism for a massager actuator is characterized in that, when the massage member (2a) is compressed by an external force, the support member (3) is compressed by an external force, and the support member (3

2. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic member (6) is a compression spring, the spring abuts between the support member (3) and the end of the base (1), when the stopper (5a) moves toward the compression spring it can store energy in the compression spring via the support member (3), when the stopper (5a) moves toward away from the support member (3) it can release the elastic potential energy of the compression spring, and the thrust from the compression spring allows the support member (3) to move in sync with the stopper (5a).

3. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 2, characterized in that a sliding rod (7) extending in the height direction is fixed to the base (1), the elastic member (6), the support member (3) and the stopper (5a) are sequentially fitted onto the sliding rod (7) in the height direction, and the support member (3) and the stopper (5a) are slidable up and down relative to the sliding rod (7).

4. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 3, characterized in that the sliding rod (7) is fixedly mounted to the base (1) via a mounting seat (8), and one end of the elastic member (6) is supported by the mounting seat (8) and the other end abuts against the support member (3).

5. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive member (5b) comprises a motor (51) fixed to the base (1) and a screw (52) rotationally driven by the motor (51), and one end of the stopper (5a) is screwed onto the screw (52).

6. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 5, characterized in that two sets of the swing arms (2) and links (4) are provided, the two sets of the swing arms (2) are arranged symmetrically in the width direction of the base (1), there are two sets of the sliding rods (7), both ends of the support member (3) and both ends of the stopper (5a) are slidably fitted onto the two sets of sliding rods (7), and the screw (52) is located between the two sets of sliding rods (7).

7. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 6, characterized in that the central part of the support member (3) is provided with a relief groove (3b) that houses the screw (52) and is recessed downward.

8. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 6, characterized in that a roller (3a) that slides against the base (1) is provided on the lower side of the support member (3).

9. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 6, characterized in that a synchronous shaft (3c) is rotatably connected to the support member (3), the synchronous shaft (3c) is arranged along the width direction of the base (1), adapters (3d) are provided at both ends of the synchronous shaft (3c), and one end of each of the two sets of links (4) is hinged to two adapters (3d).

10. The shock absorption mechanism for the actuator of a massager according to claim 6, characterized in that one end of each of the two sets of swing arms (2) that is spaced apart from the massage member (2a) is rotatably mounted on the base (1) via a rotating shaft (9).

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