JP2012024334A - Hair washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suitably hold the position of a nozzle link by utilizing a characteristic of a stepping motor.SOLUTION: An upper nozzle link 11 and a lower nozzle link 12 for injecting washing water to the head can be moved through a power transmission mechanism 101 connected to the stepping motor 91. A link holding switch 127 is provided so that when the link holding switch 127 is operated in the non-excited state of the stepping motor 91, an electric current is applied to the stepping motor 91 to hold the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12.

Description

  The present invention relates to a shampoo machine that automatically shampoos a head housed in a sink.

  Conventionally, a nozzle link that injects washing water toward the head is provided inside the sink that houses the head of the person to be washed, and the nozzle link is used to inject washing water onto the head and hair of the person to be washed. There is known an automatic hair washer that can automatically perform hair washing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-236511

In the automatic hair washer as described above, it is assumed that the nozzle link is moved by driving a stepping motor. In this case, considering the characteristics of the stepping motor, the position of the nozzle link is appropriately maintained even when the stepping motor is not energized and the nozzle link is not moved as the motor is driven. There was a need to do.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately maintain the position of the nozzle link using the characteristics of the stepping motor.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a sink for storing the head of a person to be washed, and in a hair washing machine for washing the head stored in the sink, a nozzle link that jets cleaning water to the head, It is configured to be movable via a power transmission mechanism connected to a stepping motor, provided with a link holding switch, and when the link holding switch is operated when the stepping motor is not energized, the stepping motor is energized. The position of the nozzle link is maintained.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that when the link holding switch is operated in a state where the stepping motor is not energized, the stepping motor is energized for a predetermined period to hold the position of the nozzle link. To do.

  In the present invention, when the link holding switch is operated in a state where the stepping motor is energized and the position of the nozzle link is maintained, the energization to the stepping motor is stopped and the nozzle link is stopped. The holding of the position is released.

  In addition, the present invention is configured to be able to temporarily stop the operation related to the hair washing, and to be configured such that the position of the nozzle link is maintained with the suspension of the operation related to the hair washing, When the link holding switch is operated while the position of the nozzle link is held in association with the temporary stop, the energization to the stepping motor is stopped and the holding of the position of the nozzle link is released. It is characterized by.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the link holding switch is arranged on an operation panel provided with a plurality of instruction input switches for a user to input instructions regarding automatic hair washing.

  Further, according to the present invention, the power transmission mechanism includes a gear that rotates in accordance with the driving of the stepping motor, and the nozzle link rotates by using the rotation of the gear accompanying the driving of the stepping motor. In addition, a stopper is provided for preventing the gear from rotating beyond a predetermined range.

  According to the present invention, the position of the nozzle link can be appropriately maintained using the characteristics of the stepping motor.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of an automatic hair washing machine. (A) is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. 1, (B) is a figure for demonstrating a motion of an upper nozzle link and a lower nozzle link. It is a waterway figure which shows the flow of the water used for an automatic hair washing machine. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an automatic hair washing machine. It is a figure which shows an operation panel. (A) is a left side view of the sink with the drive mechanism exposed, and (B) is a front view of the sink. It is a perspective view of a drive mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an automatic hair washing machine. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an automatic hair washing machine.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an automatic hair washer.
This automatic hair washing machine 1 is disposed in front of the sink 2 for accommodating the head of the person to be washed, the sink holding base 3 for holding the sink 2, and the sink holding base 3 for the hair wash person to sit on. A chair 4 and a chair holder 5 for holding the chair 4 are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sink 2 is a bowl-shaped member having an opening on the upper surface thereof. On the front side of the sink 2, a head support net 70 that supports the back of the hair-washed person with the neck of the hair-washed person in a supine posture facing the inside of the sink 2 is disposed. Further, on the front wall portion 2 A of the sink 2, there is a neck base 7 on which a person to be washed can lie on his back while sitting on the chair 4 and can place his / her head on the head support net 70 with his / her head on. Has been placed. The opening on the upper surface of the sink 2 can be covered with the cover 8. The cover 8 is connected at its rear end to the rear end of the sink 2 via the connecting portion 9, and can rotate in the vertical plane around the connecting portion 9. When washing the hair, the head 8 is sinked 2 by closing the cover 8 after the neck of the hair wash person sitting on the chair 4 is placed on the neck base 7 with the cover 8 open. Can be housed inside.

In the sink 2, an upper nozzle link 11 for injecting cleaning water (warm water, warm water mixed with shampoo liquid, warm water mixed with treatment liquid, etc.) toward the head and hair of the person to be washed. A nozzle link 12 is arranged.
The upper nozzle link 11 is a tubular member that is curved in a generally arcuate shape that is convex upward at the illustrated position so as to follow the head of the person to be washed, and has a nozzle at a predetermined interval, and the left end portion thereof rotates. It is supported in a cantilevered manner and sprays wash water toward the head of the person being washed.
The lower nozzle link 12 is a tubular member that is curved in a substantially arch shape convex to the left at the illustrated position so as to surround the hair of the person to be washed, and has nozzles at predetermined intervals. The cantilever is rotatably supported below the link 11. The lower nozzle link 12 cleans the hair (shown by an imaginary line) of the person to be washed that hangs down on the rear side by spraying washing water backward. In the sink 2, a neck nozzle link 80 for spraying cleaning water toward the neck of the hair-washed person in a supine posture is disposed.

  The upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 and the neck nozzle link 80 are each provided with a plurality of nozzles, and are sent into the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 and the neck nozzle link 80 during hair washing. Wash water is sprayed from each nozzle. The upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 rotate, and the neck nozzle link 80 is fixed. By spraying washing water from each nozzle, the head and the entire hair of the person to be washed can be washed. A hand shower 13 is disposed on the upper rear side in the sink 2. An operator (such as a beauty salon employee) can manually wash the hair by turning the cock 14 arranged to the right of the hand shower 13 to adjust the amount of water discharged from the hand shower 13.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the water used in the automatic hair washing machine 1 is supplied into the machine via a mixing valve 15 and a water supply pipe 16 from a water supply facility and a hot water supply facility (not shown) outside the device. Water is supplied to the mixing valve 15 from the water supply facility via the water supply unit 17 and hot water is supplied from the hot water supply facility via the hot water supply unit 18. The mixing valve 15 is for mixing the water and hot water supplied from the water supply unit 17 and the hot water supply unit 18 and sending them to the water supply pipe 16 as hot water. A first thermistor 19 for detecting the temperature of the hot water sent out from the mixing valve 15 is disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 16. When the motor 20 is driven based on the detection result of the first thermistor 19, the mixing valve 15 is opened and closed, the mixing ratio of water and hot water is adjusted, and hot water having a set temperature is generated. The mixing valve 15 is an electric type that is adjusted by the motor 20. The motor 20 is a DC motor or a DC motor, and includes a brush or the like.

  An operation panel 60 (FIG. 2) is provided on the side of the sink 2, and the set temperature is determined by the operator (user) operating the operation panel 60. The water supply pipe 16 branches into a hand shower water supply pipe 21 and a hot water storage water supply pipe 22 from an intermediate part (downstream side of the first thermistor 19). The hand shower water supply pipe 21 communicates with the hand shower 13 through a hand shower valve 23 that can be opened and closed by a cock 14. On the other hand, the hot water storage water supply pipe 22 can supply hot water into the hot water storage tank 25 via a hot water storage valve 24 as a hot water supply valve.

  Inside the hot water storage tank 25, a first water level sensor 26 and a second water level sensor 27 for detecting the water level of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 25 are arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction. . When the hot water in the hot water storage tank 25 is used and the second water level sensor 27 detects that the predetermined water level has been reached, the hot water storage valve 24 is opened and hot water is supplied into the hot water storage tank 25. . Thereafter, when the first water level sensor 26 detects that the hot water in the hot water storage tank 25 has reached a predetermined maximum water level, the hot water storage valve 24 is closed and the supply of hot water is stopped. In this way, hot water exceeding a predetermined water level is always stored in the hot water storage tank 25.

  In the upper part of the hot water storage tank 25 (above the first water level sensor 26), when hot water of a maximum water level or higher is supplied into the hot water storage tank 25 due to a failure of the first water level sensor 26, the excess An overflow port 28 for allowing the hot water to overflow to the outside of the hot water storage tank 25 is formed. The hot water overflowing from the overflow port 28 is received by the overflow tank 29 and discharged outside the machine through the drain pipe 30 communicating with the overflow tank 29. An overflow sensor 31 is disposed in the overflow tank 29. For example, when the overflow sensor 31 detects that the drain pipe 30 is clogged and the water level in the overflow tank 29 has reached the maximum water level, the automatic hair washer 1 Operation is stopped.

  The other end of the suction pipe 33 whose one end is connected to the main pump 32 is connected to the lowermost part of the hot water storage tank 25. The main pump 32 is driven by being supplied with an alternating current from an inverter, and sucks hot water in the hot water storage tank 25 through a suction pipe 33. In the middle of the suction pipe 33, a shampoo supply pipe 35 leading to a shampoo container 34 containing shampoo liquid and a conditioner supply pipe 37 leading to a conditioner container 36 containing conditioner liquid are connected. The conditioner container 36 may contain a treatment liquid. A shampoo pump 38 and a conditioner pump 39 are provided in the middle of the shampoo supply pipe 35 and the conditioner supply pipe 37, respectively, and pass through the suction pipe 33 by the functions of the shampoo pump 38 and the conditioner pump 39. By appropriately adjusting the mixing amount of the shampoo liquid and the conditioner liquid into the hot water, the main pump 32 is pumped with cleaning water to be used at that time.

  The wash water sucked into the main pump 32 from the suction pipe 33 is sent out to the water supply pipe 40 having a plurality of (for example, four) shunts. A filter 41 is provided in the water supply pipe 40, and four valves, an upper nozzle valve 42, a lower nozzle valve 43, a neck nozzle valve 74, and a drain valve 44, are provided at four downstream branches. Is provided. Branch paths 46, 47, 75, and 48 are extended in the four shunts provided with the upper nozzle valve 42, the lower nozzle valve 43, the neck nozzle valve 74, and the drain valve 44, respectively. The end of the branch path 46 extending from the upper nozzle valve 42 is connected to the upper nozzle link 11, and the end of the branch path 47 extending from the lower nozzle valve 43 is connected to the lower nozzle link 12, The terminal end of the branch path 75 extending from the valve 74 is connected to the neck nozzle link 80.

  A discharge port 50 for discharging water into the sink 2 is formed on the bottom surface of the sink 2, and the discharge port 50 is drained through a drain trap 51 for preventing a reverse flow of sewage odor. It communicates with the tube 30. As a result, the water discharged from the discharge port 50 of the sink 2 passes through the drain pipe 30 and is drained outside the machine. A terminal end of a branch path 48 extending from the drain valve 44 is connected to a drain trap 51.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the automatic hair washing machine 1.
The operation of the automatic hair washer 1 is controlled by the microcomputer 92. The microcomputer 92 is connected to the first water level sensor 26, the second water level sensor 27, the overflow sensor 31, and the first thermistor 19, and a detection value is appropriately input from each sensor. In addition, a signal from an operation panel 60 for setting and operating the operation content of the automatic hair washing machine 1 is input to the microcomputer 92. The configuration of the operation panel 60 will be described later.
The microcomputer 92 is controlled by the motor 20, the hot water storage valve 24, the shampoo pump 38, the conditioner pump 39, the upper nozzle valve 42, the lower nozzle valve 43, the neck nozzle valve 74, the drain valve 44, and the like. Connected as a target. The mixing valve 15 is connected to the motor 20, and the microcomputer 92 can adjust the temperature of the hot water sent to the water supply pipe 16 by driving and controlling the motor 20 to open and close the mixing valve 15. .

As shown in FIG. 4, an inverter 64 that controls the discharge pressure of the cleaning water discharged from the main pump 32 by supplying an alternating current to the main pump 32 is connected to the microcomputer 92. As shown in FIG. 3, the wash water discharged from the main pump 32 is ejected from the nozzles of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 through the upper nozzle valve 42 and the lower nozzle valve 43. Therefore, the microcomputer 92 can control the spraying pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the nozzles of the nozzle links by controlling the inverter 64.
In addition, a stepping motor 91 that controls the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is connected to the microcomputer 92. The stepping motor 91 controls the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 via a drive mechanism 89 described later based on the drive signal input from the microcomputer 92. The microcomputer 92 controls the stepping motor 91 to change the moving speed of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 or to temporarily stop the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12. 11 and 12 can be complicatedly moved. Specific operations of the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 during automatic hair washing by the automatic hair washer 1 will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation panel 60.
The operation panel 60 is a panel provided with a plurality of switches for inputting instructions regarding automatic hair washing to the automatic hair washing machine 1, and is provided in a place where user operability and accessibility are good.
Referring to FIG. 5, a power switch 120 disposed at the upper left of the operation panel 60 is a switch for turning on / off the automatic hair washer 1.
A tank temperature adjustment switch 121 arranged on the right side of the power switch 120 is a switch for setting the temperature of water stored in the hot water storage tank 25. The set temperature set by operating the tank temperature adjustment switch 121 is displayed on a liquid crystal display on a set temperature display panel 126 formed between the power switch 120 and the tank temperature adjustment switch 121. The microcomputer 92 controls the motor 20 so that the temperature of the water stored in the hot water storage tank 25 becomes the set temperature, adjusts the open / close state of the mixing valve 15, and adjusts the mixing ratio of water and hot water. In addition, it is good also as a structure which provides a heater in the hot water storage tank 25, and adjusts the temperature of the water stored in the hot water storage tank 25 with this heater.

Below the power switch 120, a hot water supply switch 122 for instructing to store water in the hot water storage tank 25 is disposed, and on the right side of the hot water supply switch 122, the water stored in the hot water storage tank 25 is drained. An instruction tank drain switch 123 is disposed.
A link holding switch 127 is arranged on the right side of the tank drain switch 123. The link holding switch 127 will be described later.
On the right side of the link holding switch 127, a single use switch 124 for instructing to use up the water stored in the hot water storage tank 25 is disposed. Further, below the hot water supply switch 122, an instruction is given to discharge water accumulated in the suction pipe 33 and the branch paths 46, 47, 75, and 48 (that is, water that may be cooled) from each nozzle link. An initial drain switch 125 is arranged.

  A container selection area 128 is formed on the right side of the initial drain switch 125, and a plurality of container selection switches 129 are arranged in the container selection area 128. These container selection switches 129 are used to store chemical solutions contained in a plurality of containers including the shampoo container 34 and the conditioner container 36 in each of the operation steps (described later) included in the course when the course operation described later is executed. This is a switch for instructing whether to use.

A full course switch 130 is arranged at the lower left of the container selection area 128. The full course switch 130 is a switch for selecting a full course that is one of the driving courses as the driving course to be executed.
The driving course is a sequence of predetermined operation processes arranged in a predetermined order. When an instruction to execute one driving course is given, a series of operation processes included in the driving course are executed in order. The
In the operation process, for example, a shampoo process for washing the head of the person to be washed with washing water containing shampoo liquid, a conditioning process for conditioning the head of the person to be washed with washing water containing conditioner liquid, and a chemical solution There is a process of rinsing the head of the person to be washed with the washing water not included.
In this embodiment, a plurality of driving courses (full course, powerful course, scalp care course, hair care course I, hair care course II, etc.) having different contents are prepared.

On the right side of the full course switch 130, a shampoo switch 131, which is a switch for selecting a shampoo stroke for washing the head of the person to be washed with wash water containing shampoo liquid, is arranged as an operation stroke to be executed. On the right side of the shampoo switch 131, a conditioning switch 132 for selecting a conditioning process for conditioning the head of the person to be washed with the washing water containing the conditioner liquid is disposed as an operation process to be executed. . Further, below the shampoo switch 131, as a process to be executed, a rinse switch 133 for selecting a process of rinsing the head of the person to be washed with washing water not containing a chemical solution is arranged.
In the present embodiment, it is possible to instruct execution of only one of the shampooing process, the conditioning process, and the rinsing process.
Further, a powerful course switch 134 for selecting a powerful course, which is one of the driving courses, is arranged on the right side of the rinsing switch 133 as a driving course to be executed.

  A delicate switch 136 is disposed diagonally to the right of the conditioning switch 132. The delicate switch 136 is a switch that is operated when washing a person whose hair is damaged or a person who is easily entangled with hair. When this delicate switch 136 is operated, Hair washing is performed by a washing method corresponding to a person who is easily entangled.

  The scalp care switch 138 is a switch for selecting a scalp care course that is one of the driving courses as the driving course to be executed, and the hair care switch 139 is the hair care course I or the hair care course as the driving course to be executed. This is a switch for selecting II.

  A hair length selection switch 141 is arranged below the scalp care switch 138 and the hair care switch 139. The hair length selection switch 141 is a switch for selecting the hair length of the person to be washed. In this embodiment, the hair length is divided into four stages, and any one of the four stages can be selected. The microcomputer 92 controls the movement of each nozzle link according to the length of the hair, and also controls the spraying pressure of the cleaning water sprayed from the nozzle link.

A remaining time display panel 142 is formed below the hair length selection switch 141, and a remaining time adjustment switch 143 is disposed on the right side of the remaining time display panel 142.
In the remaining time display panel 142, when the driving course is being executed, the remaining time until the execution of the driving course is displayed, and when the execution of one operation process is instructed, the operation is performed. The remaining time until the end of the process is displayed. The remaining time adjustment switch 143 is a switch operated when the remaining time is extended or shortened.
A water pressure adjustment switch 144 is arranged below the remaining time adjustment switch 143. The water pressure adjustment switch 144 is a switch for adjusting the injection pressure of the cleaning water injected from each nozzle link.

A start / stop instruction switch 145 is arranged below the water pressure adjustment switch 144.
The start / stop instruction switch 145 is used to actually execute a driving course when one driving course is selected as the driving course to be executed or when an execution of one operating stroke is instructed as an operating stroke to be executed. This switch is operated when starting the operation or when instructing the start of one operation process. When the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated, the operation related to the driving course or one operation is performed. Execution of the operation related to the process is started. The start / stop instruction switch 145 is a switch that is operated to temporarily stop the operation during the execution of the operation related to the driving course or the operation related to one operation stroke. When the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated during the operation, the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 is temporarily interrupted. When the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated again, the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 Resumes.

Next, the operation of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 will be described in detail.
The upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are both configured to be cantilevered and can be repeatedly moved synchronously.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 2B, the upper nozzle link 11 starts to rotate in the direction of arrow C around the rotation axis A, rotates from the top position T1 shown in FIG. Repetitive movement is possible by reaching T2 and then reversely rotating in the direction of arrow E and returning to the crown position T1. Here, when the upper nozzle link 11 is at the head top position T1, washing water is sprayed from each of the nozzles formed on the upper nozzle link 11 in the direction of the arrow Y1, thereby washing near the top of the head of the person being washed. Since water is jetted, the parietal position T1 is a position corresponding to the parietal part of the head of the person to be washed. In addition, when the upper nozzle link 11 is at the occipital position T2, cleaning water is jetted from each of the nozzles formed on the upper nozzle link 11 in the direction of the arrow Y2. Since it is ejected, the occipital position T2 is a position corresponding to the occipital region of the head of the person being washed.

  On the other hand, the lower nozzle link 12 starts rotating in the arrow D direction around the rotation axis B, rotates from the hair position T3 shown in FIG. 2, reaches the neck position T4, and then reversely rotates in the arrow F direction therefrom. Thus, it is possible to repeatedly move back to the hair position T3. Here, when the lower nozzle link 12 is at the hair position T3, the cleaning water is jetted from the respective nozzles formed on the lower nozzle link 12 in the direction of the arrow Y3, and the washing water is jetted to the hair drooped by the user. Therefore, the hair position T3 is a position corresponding to the hair that hangs down from the head housed in the sink 2. Further, when the lower nozzle link 12 is at the neck position T4, cleaning water is sprayed in the direction of the arrow Y4 from each of the nozzles formed on the lower nozzle link 12, and the cleaning water is sprayed near the neck of the person to be washed. Therefore, the neck position T4 is a position corresponding to the neck of the person to be washed.

In the present embodiment, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are moved synchronously as follows by a drive mechanism 89 (FIGS. 6 and 7) described later.
That is, with reference to FIG. 2 (B), when the upper nozzle link 11 is located at the top position T1, the lower nozzle link 12 is located at the hair position T3. Then, assuming that the upper nozzle link 11 is located at the top position T1 and the lower nozzle link 12 is located at the hair position T3, when the upper nozzle link 11 starts to rotate in the direction of arrow C, the lower nozzle link 12 is also synchronized. Then, rotation starts in the direction of arrow D, and when the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the occipital position T2, the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck position T4 substantially simultaneously. Furthermore, after the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the occipital position T2 and the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck position T4, each of these nozzle links is reversed and moved. That is, assuming that the upper nozzle link 11 is at the occipital position T2 and the lower nozzle link 12 is at the neck position T4, when the upper nozzle link 11 starts rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow C, the lower nozzle link 12 is also synchronized with the arrow. The rotation starts in the direction opposite to D, and when the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the top position T1, the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the hair position T3 at the same time.

Here, for example, the upper nozzle link 11 moves in the same direction as the hair grows while spraying the cleaning water, while the lower nozzle link 12 moves in the opposite direction to the hair grows while spraying the cleaning water, etc. When the movement directions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 with respect to the direction in which the hair grows are different, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 each have their hair washed from different directions with respect to the direction in which the hair grows. The cleaning water will be sprayed on the person's head and hair, which may cause the hair to become tangled.
However, as described above, since the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are configured to move in the same direction synchronously, each of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 with respect to the hair growth direction. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the moving directions always coincide and the hair gets tangled.
Furthermore, during the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12, it is possible to ensure that these nozzle links do not contact.
Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, under the control of the microcomputer 92, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 move at different speeds while being synchronized, or after moving within a certain range. Complex movements such as pausing or repetitive movement within a predetermined range are possible.

  Next, the drive mechanism 89 that realizes the synchronized movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 as described above will be described.

FIG. 6A is a left side view of the sink 2 in a state where the sink holding base 3 is removed and the side surface of the sink 2 is exposed. In this figure, the microcomputer 92 is schematically shown. FIG. 6B is a front view of the sink 2 in this state (a front view showing a substantially left half in a front view).
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drive mechanism 89.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, a stepping motor 91 is provided at the lower portion of the left side surface 90 of the sink 2. The stepping motor 91 is connected to a motor drive circuit (not shown). Under the control of the microcomputer 92, a drive pulse is input from the motor drive circuit, and a predetermined direction is determined in a predetermined direction based on the input drive pulse. Rotate by distance. As is well known, since the momentum of the stepping motor 91 is defined in proportion to the number of drive pulses, accurate positioning control by the microcomputer 92 can be realized.

A power transmission mechanism 101 that transmits the rotational driving force of the stepping motor 91 to the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is connected to the stepping motor 91.
Hereinafter, the power transmission mechanism 101 will be described in detail.

A lower gear 93 is provided above the stepping motor 91. A lower timing belt 94 is wound around the lower gear 93 and a pulley (not shown) attached to the rotor shaft of the stepping motor 91 to transmit the rotational driving force of the stepping motor 91 to the lower gear 93. In response to the rotation of the stepping motor 91, the lower gear 93 is rotated at a predetermined reduction ratio.
The lower nozzle link 12 is connected to the output shaft of the lower gear 93, and the lower nozzle link 12 rotates according to the rotation of the lower gear 93. Specifically, when the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow X direction shown in FIG. 6A, the lower nozzle link 12 rotates in the direction from the hair position T3 to the neck position T4 (the direction indicated by the arrow D). When the lower gear 93 rotates in the direction of arrow Y shown in FIG. 6A, the lower nozzle link 12 rotates in the direction from the neck position T4 to the hair position T3 (direction shown by arrow F). Move. The lower nozzle link 12 is configured to rotate between the hair position T3 and the neck position T4 in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 under the control of the microcomputer 92. This will be described later. To do.

An upper gear 96 that meshes with the lower gear 93 is provided above the lower gear 93. The upper gear 96 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the lower gear 93 according to the rotation of the lower gear 93.
A pulley 97 is provided above the upper gear 96, and an upper timing belt 98 for transmitting the rotational driving force of the upper gear 96 to the pulley 97 is wound around the upper gear 96 and the pulley 97. Thus, the pulley 97 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the upper gear 96.
The upper nozzle link 11 is connected to the output shaft of the pulley 97, and the upper nozzle link 11 rotates according to the rotation of the upper gear 96. Specifically, when the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow Y direction shown in FIG. 6A (at this time, the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow X direction), the upper nozzle link 11 moves from the top position T1. When the upper gear 96 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow C in the direction toward the occipital position T2 and the upper gear 96 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow X shown in FIG. 6A (the lower gear 93 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Y at this time). The upper nozzle link 11 rotates in a direction (a direction indicated by an arrow E) from the occipital position T2 toward the top position T1. The upper nozzle link 11 is configured to rotate between the top position T1 and the back position T2 in synchronization with the lower nozzle link 12 under the control of the microcomputer 92. This will be described later. .

Next, the synchronized movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 accompanying the drive of the drive mechanism 89 will be described in detail.
First, it is assumed that the upper nozzle link 11 is located at the top position T1, and the lower nozzle link 12 is located at the hair position T3. In this case, the microcomputer 92 rotates the stepping motor 91 in the direction of arrow X in FIG. As the stepping motor 91 rotates in the arrow X direction, the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow X direction, and as the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow X direction, the lower nozzle link located at the hair position T3. 12 rotates in the direction of arrow D.
Further, as the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow X direction, the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow Y direction, and as the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow Y direction, the pulley 97 rotates in the arrow Y direction. As the pulley 97 rotates in the arrow Y direction, the upper nozzle link 11 located at the top position T1 rotates in the arrow C direction.
In this way, the lower nozzle link 12 moves from the hair position T3 toward the neck position T4 in synchronization with the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 from the top position T1 toward the occipital position T2.

Further, when the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck position T4 as a result of the rotation of the lower nozzle link 12 in the arrow D direction, the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the occipital position T2 at the same time. That is, in this embodiment, the upper gear 96, the lower gear 93, the pulley 97, and other nozzle links are arranged so that the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the occipital position T2 at the same time that the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck position T4. The member which concerns on rotation of is designed.
Then, when the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck position T4 and the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the occipital position T2 together with this, the stepping motor 91 is shown in FIG. It rotates clockwise (in the direction indicated by arrow Y in FIG. 6A).
As the stepping motor 91 rotates in the arrow Y direction, the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow Y direction, and as the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow Y direction, the lower nozzle located at the neck position T4. The link 12 rotates in the direction of arrow F.
Further, as the lower gear 93 rotates in the arrow Y direction, the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow X direction, and as the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow X direction, the pulley 97 rotates in the arrow X direction. As the pulley 97 rotates in the arrow X direction, the upper nozzle link 11 positioned at the occipital position T2 rotates in the arrow E direction.
In this way, the lower nozzle link 12 moves from the neck position T4 toward the hair position T3 in synchronization with the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 from the occipital position T2 toward the crown position T1.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the upper gear 96 is provided with a gear position detection switch 100. The gear position detection switch 100 is a magnet type sensor for detecting that the upper nozzle link 11 has reached the top position T1 and that the upper nozzle link 11 has reached the back position T2. When the upper gear 96 is positioned at the position where the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the head top position T1, the contact of the gear position detection switch 100 is conducted by a magnet (not shown) provided on the upper gear 96, and the microcomputer 92 A signal to that effect is output to the port. The microcomputer 92 to which the signal is input detects that the upper nozzle link 11 has reached the top position T1. At the same time, the microcomputer 92 detects that the lower nozzle link 12 moving in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 has reached the hair position T3.
Similarly, when the upper gear 96 is positioned at the position where the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the occipital position T2, the contact of the gear position detection switch 100 is conducted by a magnet (not shown) provided on the upper gear 96, and the microcomputer 92 A signal to that effect is output to a predetermined port. The microcomputer 92 to which the signal is input detects that the upper nozzle link 11 has reached the occipital position T2. At the same time, the microcomputer 92 detects that the lower nozzle link 12 moving in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 has reached the neck position T4.

  The microcomputer continuously uses the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 based on the number of rotation steps calculated from the number of drive pulses output to the stepping motor 91 and the detection value of the gear position detection switch 100. These nozzle links are moved while managing the positions of the nozzles.

Further, the upper gear 96 is formed with a notch portion 110 that is cut out in a fan shape. The notch portion 110 is a portion of the upper gear 96 that is surely not engaged with or in contact with the lower gear 93 when the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are rotated within the above-described range. Is provided.
A right stopper 111 and a left stopper 112 are provided at a portion corresponding to the notch portion 110 of the upper gear 96.
The right stopper 111 and the left stopper 112 mechanically restrict the upper nozzle link 11 from rotating in the direction of the arrow E beyond the top position T1, and the upper nozzle link 11 exceeds the back position T2. It is a member for mechanically restricting rotation in the direction of arrow C.
Specifically, when the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow X direction so that the upper nozzle link 11 rotates in the direction of arrow E beyond the top position T1, the left stopper 112 has a notch portion of the upper gear 96. At 110, a surface 114 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the left stopper 112 abuts. As a result, the rotation of the upper gear 96 is restricted, and accordingly, the upper nozzle link 11 is mechanically restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow E beyond the top position T1. At the same time, the lower nozzle link 12 moving in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 is restricted from rotating in the arrow F direction beyond the hair position T3.
Similarly, when the upper gear 96 rotates in the arrow Y direction so that the upper nozzle link 11 rotates in the direction of arrow C beyond the occipital position T2, the right stopper 111 and the notch 110 of the upper gear 96 are A surface 115 (see FIG. 7) corresponding to the right stopper 111 abuts. As a result, the rotation of the upper gear 96 is restricted, and accordingly, the upper nozzle link 11 is mechanically restricted from turning in the arrow C direction beyond the occipital position T2. At the same time, the lower nozzle link 12 moving in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 is restricted from rotating in the direction of arrow D beyond the neck position T4.
Thus, in this embodiment, the rotation is reliably prevented by mechanically restricting the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 from rotating beyond a predetermined range.
In addition, it is good also as a structure which softens the shock when the upper gear 96 contact | abuts to these stoppers by winding the member which has softness | flexibility and buffering properties, such as rubber | gum, to the right stopper 111 and the left stopper 112.

  Next, the link holding switch 127 will be described in detail.

As described above, in this embodiment, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are connected to the stepping motor 91 via the power transmission mechanism 101, and these nozzle links are driven as the stepping motor 91 is driven. Is configured to rotate.
The stepping motor 91 is used as the drive motor in this manner. In the automatic hair washer 1 that performs automatic hair washing, in order to achieve a massage effect and to achieve efficient washing, the upper nozzle link 11 and This is because it is required to cause the lower nozzle link 12 to perform a complicated movement. The stepping motor 91 can realize accurate positioning control. For example, the stepping motor 91 is complicated such that each nozzle link reciprocates within a predetermined range in a short time or each nozzle link is moved while changing the speed. Can be realized.
On the other hand, the stepping motor 91 has a characteristic that the position of the output shaft (= the position of each nozzle link) is not held while it is not energized.
The link holding switch 127 is a switch provided in consideration of the characteristics of the stepping motor 91.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 when the link holding switch 127 is operated in a state where the stepping motor 91 is not energized.
Under the condition that the stepping motor 91 is not energized, the position of each nozzle link is not held by the stepping motor 91, and therefore each nozzle link is in a free state where it is not positioned. In this case, the user can move each nozzle link to a desired position while holding each nozzle link.
As described above, since the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 move in synchronization, when the upper nozzle link 11 is moved to a predetermined position, the lower nozzle link 12 also synchronizes with the predetermined nozzle. Move to a position corresponding to the position of.

Referring to FIG. 8, when link holding switch 127 is operated in a state where current is not supplied to stepping motor 91 (step SA1), microcomputer 92 is supplied with current to maintain the position (step SA2). . As a result, the position of the output shaft of the stepping motor 91 is maintained, and accordingly, the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are maintained.
Next, the microcomputer 92 starts counting down for a predetermined period (step SA3). The predetermined period is a period provided to prevent excessive heat generation of the stepping motor 91 due to continuous execution of energization for maintaining the position of the stepping motor 91.
Next, the microcomputer 92 again monitors whether or not the link holding switch 127 has been operated (step SA4) and monitors whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed (step SA5).
When the predetermined period has elapsed (step SA5: YES), or when the link holding switch 127 has been operated before the predetermined period has elapsed (step SA4: YES), the microcomputer 92 supplies power for position holding. Stop (step SA6). Thereby, the holding of the position of the output shaft of the stepping motor 91 is released, and accordingly, the holding of the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is released, and these nozzle links become free. .
In addition, before the predetermined period elapses (for example, several seconds before), the energization for holding the position is stopped after a while, and the warning that the holding of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is released. You may decide to do. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are suddenly released without being recognized by the user. The warning can be performed, for example, by displaying on a display panel provided on the operation panel 60, or by outputting a voice by a voice output unit (not shown).

  As described above, when the link holding switch 127 is operated in a state where the stepping motor 91 is not energized, the holding of the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is started. When the predetermined period elapses or the link holding switch 127 is operated again, the holding of the position of each nozzle link is released.

The link holding switch 127 is used in the following situation, for example.
For example, when setting the head of the person to be washed with respect to the sink 2, when the hair of the person to be washed is hung in the sink 2, the upper nozzle link is positioned so as not to obstruct the hair that hangs down in the sink 2. 11 and the user wants to temporarily fix the lower nozzle link 12. In this case, the user grasps one of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 and moves the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 to a position that does not interfere with the hanging hair. The link holding switch 127 is operated while maintaining the state where each nozzle link is located at the position.
Then, the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are held using the operation of the link holding switch 127 as a trigger. That is, even if the user releases the grip of the nozzle link, the state where the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are positioned so as not to interfere with the hanging hair is maintained.
After setting each nozzle link in such a state, the user sets his / her head in the sink 2 using his / her both hands. At that time, since the user can use both hands, the head of the person to be washed can be set in the sink 2 very efficiently, and the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 can interfere with the hanging hair. Therefore, the head of the hair-washed person can be set in the sink 2 smoothly.

For example, when removing the head of the person to be washed from the sink 2, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are temporarily placed at a position that does not interfere with the hair that hangs down in the sink 2. Suppose that the user wants to be fixed. In this case, the user grasps one of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 and places the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a position that does not get in the way when pulling out the hanging hair. The link holding switch 127 is operated while maintaining the state where each nozzle link is located at the position.
Then, the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are held using the operation of the link holding switch 127 as a trigger. That is, even if the user releases the grip of the nozzle link, the state where the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are located at positions that do not get in the way when the hanging hair is pulled out is maintained.
After setting each nozzle link in such a state, the user removes the head of the person to be washed from the sink 2 by using both hands. At that time, since the user can use both hands, the head of the person to be washed can be removed from the sink 2 very efficiently, and the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 can hang the hair hanging down. Since the state of being in a position that does not interfere with the drawing is maintained, the head of the person to be washed can be smoothly removed from the sink 2.

  Next, the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 when the link holding switch 127 is operated while the operation related to automatic hair washing by the automatic hair washer 1 is temporarily stopped will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 when the above operation is performed.
As described above, when the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated during the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 (step SB1), the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 is temporarily stopped. In this case, the stepping motor 91 is maintained in an energized state, and the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 when the temporary stop is started are maintained. At that time, the microcomputer 92 stores information indicating the positions of these nozzle links in a storage area such as a RAM.
When the user pauses the automatic hair washer 1, for example, a problem that the automatic hair washer 1 should be paused occurs, or there is a request from the person to be washed, There are cases where it is necessary to pause.
Next, the microcomputer 92 monitors whether the start / stop instruction switch 145 has been operated (step SB2) and whether the link holding switch 127 has been operated (step SB3).

When the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated (step SB2: YES), the microcomputer 92 executes a return operation (step SB4). The returning operation is an operation of moving the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 to the position when the automatic hair washer 1 is temporarily stopped. The microcomputer 92 stores nozzles stored in a storage area such as a RAM. Based on the information indicating the position of the link, the number of rotation steps calculated from the number of drive pulses output to the stepping motor 91, and the detection value of the gear position detection switch 100, the automatic hair washer 1 temporarily stops these nozzle links. Move to the position when it was done.
In this returning operation, the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 may be moved by the user (for example, the position holding of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is released as will be described later). In some cases, these nozzle links may be moved.) Even in such a case, after returning the positions of these nozzle links to the positions at the time of pause, the operation relating to automatic hair washing is resumed. This is an operation performed for the purpose.
Next, the microcomputer 92 resumes operation from the paused state (step SB5).
As described above, in this embodiment, when the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated after the temporary stop, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are returned to the positions at the time of the temporary stop, and then the operation is performed. To resume.

On the other hand, when the link holding switch 127 is operated during the temporary stop (step SB3: YES), the microcomputer 92 stops the energization to the stepping motor 91, whereby the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are The position is not held (step SB6).
Here, when the link holding switch 127 is operated during the temporary stop, there are the following cases. For example, when a problem that should be paused occurs in the automatic hair washer 1 and the head of the person to be washed needs to be removed from the sink 2, the user pauses the operation of the automatic hair washer 1. Thus, after the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is temporarily stopped, the head of the person to be washed is removed from the sink 2, and the link holding switch 127 is operated to change the position of the nozzle link. This is a case where the holding of is released.

After stopping energization of the stepping motor 91 in step SB6, the microcomputer 92 monitors whether the start / stop instruction switch 145 has been operated (step SB7).
When the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated (step SB7: YES), the microcomputer 92 executes a return operation (step SB4) and resumes the operation related to automatic hair washing by the automatic hair washer 1.
Thereby, for example, after the error that has occurred in the automatic hair washer 1 is resolved, it is possible to set the person to be washed again in the sink 2 and restart the operation related to automatic hair washing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the start / stop instruction switch 145 is operated while the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 is temporarily stopped, the operation is resumed, while the link holding switch 127 is operated. Is configured to release the holding of each nozzle link.
Thereby, the user can restart the operation according to the situation after the operation of the automatic hair washer 1 is temporarily stopped, and can also release the holding of the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12. it can.

As described above, in the automatic hair washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 that spray washing water on the head are connected via the power transmission mechanism 101 connected to the stepping motor 91. It is configured to be movable. If the link holding switch 127 is provided on the operation panel 60 and the stepping motor 91 is not energized and the link holding switch 127 is operated, the stepping motor 91 is energized to hold the position of each nozzle link.
According to this, even when the stepping motor 91 is not energized, by operating the link holding switch 127, the position of each nozzle link can be appropriately held using the characteristics of the stepping motor 91.

Further, in the automatic hair washer 1 according to the present embodiment, when the link holding switch 127 is operated in a situation where the stepping motor 91 is not energized, the upper nozzle link is energized to the stepping motor 91 for a predetermined period. 11. Hold the position of the lower nozzle link 12.
According to this, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the stepping motor 91 is energized continuously beyond a predetermined period and the stepping motor 91 generates excessive heat.

Further, in the automatic hair washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the link holding switch 127 is operated in a state where the stepping motor 91 is energized and the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are held, the stepping motor 91 is operated. The energization to the motor 91 is stopped, and the holding of the positions of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 is released.
According to this, it is possible to appropriately release the holding of each nozzle link using the link holding switch 127 provided for starting the holding of each nozzle link. In particular, since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated switch for releasing the holding of each nozzle link, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Moreover, in the automatic hair washing machine 1 which concerns on this embodiment, it becomes the structure which can stop the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 temporarily. When the link holding switch 127 is operated while the movement of each nozzle link is temporarily stopped, the power supply to the stepping motor 91 is stopped and the holding of the position of each nozzle link is released.
According to this, in a situation where it is better to release the holding of the position of each nozzle link after pausing each nozzle link, the position of each nozzle link is held by operating the link holding switch 127. Can be canceled.

In the present embodiment, the link holding switch 127 is arranged on the operation panel 60 provided with a plurality of instruction input switches for the user to input instructions regarding automatic hair washing.
According to this, the link holding switch 127 is provided in a place where the user's operability and accessibility are good, and the user can appropriately operate the link holding switch 127 as necessary. Further, the user can perform an operation such as operating the link holding switch 127 while holding each nozzle link with one hand.

Further, in the automatic hair washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 101 includes an upper gear 96 that rotates according to the driving of the stepping motor 91, and uses the rotation of the upper gear 96 that accompanies the driving of the stepping motor 91, The upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are configured to rotate. A right stopper 111 and a left stopper 112 that prevent the upper gear 96 included in the power transmission mechanism 101 from rotating beyond a predetermined range are provided.
Accordingly, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 can be mechanically restricted from rotating beyond a predetermined range, and the rotation can be reliably prevented.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are provided. However, the shape, movement, number, and the like of the nozzle link are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiment. That is, the present invention can be widely applied to the automatic hair washing machine 1 having a plurality of nozzle links.

1 Automatic Hair Washer 2 Sink 11 Upper Nozzle Link (Nozzle Link)
12 Lower nozzle link (nozzle link)
60 Operation panel 91 Stepping motor 93 Lower gear (gear)
96 Upper gear (gear)
101 Power transmission mechanism 111 Right stopper (stopper)
112 Left stopper (stopper)
127 Link holding switch

Claims (6)

In a hair washing machine that has a sink for storing the head of the person to be washed, and for washing the head stored in the sink,
A nozzle link that sprays cleaning water on the head is configured to be movable via a power transmission mechanism connected to a stepping motor,
Provide a link holding switch,
When the link holding switch is operated in a state where the stepping motor is not energized, the hair washing machine is configured to energize the stepping motor to hold the position of the nozzle link.   2. The position of the nozzle link is maintained by energizing the stepping motor for a predetermined period when the link holding switch is operated in a state where the stepping motor is not energized. Shampoo machine.   When the link holding switch is operated in a state where the stepping motor is energized and the position of the nozzle link is maintained, the energization to the stepping motor is stopped and the nozzle link position is released. The hair washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein With the configuration that can temporarily stop the operation related to hair washing, and the configuration that the position of the nozzle link is held with the temporary stop of the operation related to hair washing,
When the link holding switch is operated while the position of the nozzle link is held along with the suspension of the operation related to hair washing, the energization to the stepping motor is stopped, and the position of the nozzle link is The hair washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding is released.   The hair washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the link holding switch is arranged on an operation panel provided with a plurality of instruction input switches for a user to input instructions regarding automatic hair washing.   The power transmission mechanism includes a gear that rotates in accordance with the driving of the stepping motor, and the nozzle link is rotated by using the rotation of the gear accompanying the driving of the stepping motor. A hair washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a stopper for preventing the rotation beyond the range.

Images