JP5019438B2 - Massage machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a massage machine, and more particularly to a chair type massage machine provided with a treatment body.

In general, a chair-type massage machine has a seat on which a user sits and a backrest at the back of the seat, and a massage unit with a treatment body can be moved up and down on the backrest. Is provided. The treatment body of the massage unit generally includes a pair of kneading balls, so that the user can receive a massage by the action of the kneading balls and the lifting / lowering of the massage unit while the user is sitting on the chair.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a massage machine in which a massage unit including a pair of kneading balls is provided so as to be movable up and down.

JP 2007-007208 A

A chair type massage machine is usually designed on the assumption that an adult user sits down and receives a massage. However, there may be cases where a child or the like is seated on a massage machine or a child plays with a massage machine without permission.
Then, while the massage unit is descending, a part of another body such as a child's head or limbs may be sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat.
In addition, even when pets or objects are placed on the seat of the massage machine, if the massage unit descends, the pets or objects may be damaged or the massage unit may be damaged. Arise.

  This invention was made in order to solve the said problem, and it aims at providing the massage machine which can avoid that the object containing a part of human body is pinched | interposed with the descending massage unit and the seat part. And

(1) In the present invention, in a chair type massage machine having a seat portion and a backrest portion, and a massage unit having a treatment body attached to the backrest portion so as to be movable up and down, various types including raising and lowering of the massage unit A control means for controlling the operation; and a detection means provided at a lower part of the massage unit for detecting the object sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat portion, the detection means centering on the pivot axis A leaf case that is mounted to be freely pivotable up and down, a leaf spring that is cantilevered and housed at one end along the longitudinal direction of the case on the tip side of the pivot case, and the pivot by the rotation of the case, and a microswitch for detecting an object by being pressed against the other end of the leaf spring, wherein, the detection of an object is made by the detection means When, characterized by stopping the operation of the massage unit.

(2) In the present invention, in a chair type massage machine having a seat portion and a backrest portion, and a massage unit having a treatment body attached to the backrest portion so as to be movable up and down, various types including raising and lowering of the massage unit are included. A control means for controlling the operation; and a detection means provided at a lower part of the massage unit for detecting the object sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat portion, the detection means centering on the pivot axis A pivot case mounted on the pivot case, a coil spring for biasing a substantially central position of the pivot case in a downward direction, and a base end portion of the pivot case attached to the coil spring. A leaf spring formed in a substantially U shape in which the tip end portion of the free end is once extended in the longitudinal direction of the rotating case and folded back, and the coil spring is disposed in proximity to each other. And a micro switch that detects an object by being pressed by a free end of the leaf spring by the rotation of the rotating case, and the control means detects the object by the detecting means. In the case, the operation of the massage unit is stopped.

(3) According to the present invention, in the above (1) or (2), the control means is when the massage unit is in a position below a predetermined position in a predetermined movement region of the backrest and / or rising When an object is detected by the detection means at a time other than the above, the massage unit is once raised and then the operation is stopped.

(4) In any one of the above (1) to (3), the present invention is characterized in that the detection means is disposed below the massage unit.

( 5 ) The present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the above (1) to (4), the pivot is provided behind the microswitch with respect to the seat.

( 6 ) The present invention further includes protrusion detection means for detecting that the object protrudes rearward from the rear end of the seat portion in any one of the above (1) to ( 5 ), and the control means includes: When the protrusion detection unit detects an object, the descent of the massage unit is stopped.

  According to the present invention, a chair-type massage machine having a seat portion and a backrest portion, and a massage unit having a treatment body attached to the backrest portion so as to be vertically movable up and down, during the descent of the massage unit, It is possible to prevent an object from being sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat.

The massage machine according to the present embodiment is a chair-type massage machine having a seat part and a backrest part, and a massage unit having a treatment body attached to the backrest part so as to be movable up and down. Control means for controlling various operations including a detection means, and a detection means provided at the lower part of the massage unit for detecting the object sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat portion. In addition, as a treatment body arrange | positioned at a massage unit, a pair of fir ball is mentioned, for example.
As a characteristic function of this massage machine, the control means stops the operation of the massage unit when an object is detected by the detection means.

  Here, the concept of an object includes a part of a human body. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, while a child is playing with a massage machine, the operation unit is touched and a massage unit is lowered. Even if the child's head, limbs, etc. are protruding from the rear end of the seat, the detection means detects the head, limbs, and the lowering operation of the massage unit is stopped. A situation in which the limbs are sandwiched between the seat and the massage unit can be avoided.

  In order to quickly detect an object, the detection means is preferably disposed below the massage unit.

  In addition, the control means, when the massage unit is in a position below the predetermined position in the predetermined movement region of the backrest portion, and / or when the object is detected by the detection means at a time other than being raised, It is preferable to stop the operation of the massage unit. Here, the operation of the massage unit may include a massage operation.

  Moreover, the time other than during the above-mentioned time includes the time when the massage unit is lowered or stopped. In addition, if the massage unit is raised, if it is in a descending state, the descending operation is temporarily stopped immediately before the massage unit is raised.

  The predetermined position in the predetermined movement area refers to the upper limit of an area where there is a possibility that an object may be sandwiched between the seat and the massage unit, and is usually set between about 10 to 50 cm upward from the seat. Yes. Assuming that the moving area below the predetermined position is a specific area, when the massage unit is located in the specific area and / or when an object is detected by the detecting means at a time other than when the massaging unit is being lifted, The operation is once stopped by a predetermined distance.

Moreover, the said detection means is good to arrange | position so that it may adjoin to the backrest surface of the said backrest part in the said massage unit.
That is, the detection means reliably detects the presence of a child's head, limbs, etc., even if they are not deeply intruded into the backrest, but stops the lowering of the massage unit. Can do.

  Further, the detecting means is a rotating case mounted so as to be rotatable up and down around a pivot, and one end is cantilevered along the longitudinal direction of the rotating case along the longitudinal direction of the rotating case. The plate spring provided and a micro switch that detects an object by being pressed against the other end of the plate spring by the rotation of the rotating case. That is, the detecting means is a rotary switch that rotates the base end portion thereof up and down around the pivot axis.

  With this configuration, since the microswitch is pressed by the other end of the leaf spring whose one end is cantilevered, even if the turning case suddenly turns upward, the microswitch is greatly deformed by the bending of the leaf spring. It is possible to prevent the load from being applied and to prevent the microswitch from being damaged as much as possible.

  Further, as a modification of the detection means as a rotation type switch, a rotation case attached so as to be rotatable up and down around a pivot axis, and a coil spring for biasing a substantially central position of the rotation case downward The mounting base end portion is disposed close to the coil spring and cantilevered, and the free end tip portion is temporarily extended in the longitudinal direction of the rotating case and folded. A leaf spring formed in a U-shape (including a J-shape) and an object is detected by being pressed near the coil spring and pressed at the free end of the leaf spring by the turning of the turning case. It can also be set as the structure provided with the microswitch to perform.

  With such a configuration, the substantially U (J) -shaped leaf spring is less likely to be deformed with time due to its own weight than the elongated leaf spring, so that the responsiveness is maintained well over a long period of time. be able to. Further, by making the leaf spring substantially U-shaped, the degree of flexibility is equal to that of the elongated leaf spring, and the performance of preventing damage to the microswitch as much as possible is kept as it is. Storage space can be reduced. Therefore, since a compact configuration can be achieved, the design flexibility of the chair-type massage machine is not impaired.

  Moreover, since the center part is urged | biased by a coil spring, the rotation case can be smoothly rotated centering on a pivot. In addition, the leaf spring attached to the rotating case with the micro-switch placed close to the coil spring arranged so as to urge the center position of the rotating case and the mounting base end close to the coil spring, Since the micro switch is pressed at the position where the free end, which is the tip, is folded back as close as possible to the coil spring, the action point of the leaf spring on the micro switch is as close as possible to the coil spring. Therefore, the balance between the rotation of the rotating case and the pressing of the microswitch by the leaf spring accompanying the rotating operation is good.

Moreover, when the detection means is a movable switch as described above, the pivot may be provided behind the micro switch with respect to the seat.
That is, even if the head or limbs of a child or the like do not enter deeply into the backrest side, the rotating case can be quickly rotated by the contact and the microswitch can be turned on, so that a quick pinching prevention measure can be realized. .

  By the way, as a structure of the detection means, an object is formed by pressing a push button disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat, an elastic body that urges the push button downward in the massage unit, and a retreat of the push button. It is also possible to use a push-type switch that includes a microswitch that detects the above.

  In this case, the push button may be a rectangular button having a long side in the width direction of the seat portion of the massage machine, and the microswitches may be provided on the left and right ends of the rectangular button. With such a configuration, for example, even when an object protruding rearward from the seat is a thin object (including limbs) and abuts on a position biased to either the left or right side of the button, the on-input of the microswitch is quickly performed. And surely done. Further, this structure is simple and advantageous in terms of cost.

  Further, as described above, in the massage machine provided with the detecting means for detecting the object between the seat and the massage unit, the protrusion detection for detecting that the object protrudes rearward from the rear end of the seat. The control unit may be configured to stop the lowering of the massage unit when the protrusion detection unit detects an object.

For example, it can be set as the structure provided with a pair of optical sensor which detects that a part of human body or another object protrudes back rather than a seat part.
The light sensor may be composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element that are provided in the vicinity of the seat of a predetermined moving area where the massage unit moves up and down, and is opposed to the moving area. Light from the element is not blocked, but when an object protrudes, it is possible to detect that an object has protruded rearward from the rear end of the seat by blocking the light.
Based on the detection result, the control means does not sandwich the object between the seat and the massage unit, such as stopping the descent of the massage unit, slowing the descent speed, or turning up. To prevent it in advance.
Thereby, during the descent of the massage unit, it is possible to more reliably avoid the child's head or limbs being caught by the massage unit and the seat.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the massage machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the massage unit disposed on the backrest portion of the massage machine, and FIG. 4 is a detection according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the detecting means, and FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the massage machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the massage machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a seat portion 12 on which a user is seated, and a base portion 35 that supports the seat portion 12. Furthermore, it has the backrest part 13 which was connected so that it could recline freely on the rear side of the said seat part 12, and attached the side wall part 36 which functions as a body side treatment part on both right and left sides. Furthermore, it has the leg mounting part 31 connected so that rocking | fluctuation to an up-down direction was carried out centering | focusing on the pivotal support part 37 provided in the front side upper part vicinity of the seat part 12. FIG.

  Further, each part except the base part 35 is directly covered with a cover made of synthetic leather or the like as necessary, or a cushion member similarly covered with a cover is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the backrest portion 13 includes left and right vertical frames 38 that extend vertically, and a backrest plate 39 that has a long hole of a predetermined width formed at a substantially central portion on the front side of the vertical frame 38. At the same time, a rear cover body 40 is attached to the rear side, and a unit arrangement space is formed between the rear cover body 40 and the backrest plate 39.

  And in this unit arrangement | positioning space, the left-right paired fir ball 14a, 14b for massaging a user by a press was provided, and this fir ball 14a, 14b was made to go up and down in the state which faced the said long hole. A mechanical massage unit 11 is provided (see FIG. 3). The massage unit 11 will be described in detail later.

  A back airbag (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the left and right upper sides of the back plate 39, and a waist airbag (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the lower left and right sides of the long hole of the back portion 13. ), And an air massage that presses the back and waist with air supplied from an air pump (not shown in FIG. 1) can be performed (see FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the seat portion 12 is provided with armrest portions 34 on the left and right sides thereof. Further, a heel lower part airbag (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the rear side of the seat 12, a thigh airbag (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the front side, and the heel side part is provided on the left and right sides. Each air bag (not shown in FIG. 1) is attached.

  The leg mounting portion 31 includes a main body portion 32 in which left and right leg receiving portions in a semi-cylindrical shape for receiving left and right legs are arranged side by side, and a semi-cylindrical shape that is connected to the tip of the main body portion 32 and receives the left and right soles. It is comprised from the foot support part 33 which arranged the left and right foot support side by side. A pair of leg airbags (not shown in FIG. 1) that are paired on the left and right are attached to the inner side surfaces of the leg receiving portions of the main body portion 32. Further, left and right leg airbags (not shown in FIG. 1) are attached to both inner side surfaces of each foot support of the foot support 33 (see FIG. 6).

  Next, the structure of the massage unit 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A is a front view of the massage unit 11, FIG. 3B is a rear view thereof, and FIG. 3C is a left side view thereof.

  The massage unit 11 accommodates a rice ball drive unit as a treatment body drive unit. The kneading ball drive unit has a striking mechanism that performs a striking operation by swinging a pair of left and right kneading balls 14a, 14b arranged as a treatment body in a striking direction, and eccentrically rotates the kneading balls 14a, 14b. And a kneading mechanism for effecting a kneading operation. The massage unit 11 is configured to be movable back and forth toward the front side of the backrest portion 13, that is, the backrest surface side (the side in contact with the user). Depending on the position of the back and forth movement, the massage unit 11 can be treated by the fir tree balls 14a and 14b. The massage pressure is changed by changing the pressing force.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the massage unit 11 is provided with a lifting motor m1 for moving the massage unit 11 up and down. The lift motor 28 includes a lift shaft 28 that is interlocked with the lift motor m1 and supports the ball drive unit so as to be swingable back and forth, and pinion gears 29 attached to both ends of the lift shaft 28. It meshes with rack teeth formed on a vertical frame 38 disposed on the backrest 13.

  Further, the massage unit 11 is provided with an advancing / retracting motor m2 for moving the kneading ball drive unit forward and backward. By driving the advance / retreat motor m2, the advance / retreat shaft 43 is rotated, and the ball drive unit can be moved forward / backward by moving the pinion 44 attached to the advance / retreat shaft 43 in the front-rear direction on the arc-shaped rack 46. It is said. Reference numeral 49 denotes a bearing for rotatably supporting the advance / retreat shaft 43.

Further, the massage unit 11 is provided with a fir motor m3 which is a main component of the fir mechanism. The kneading motor m3 is linked to the kneading balls 14a and 14b via a kneading rotation shaft (not shown).
Further, a hammering motor m4 is provided in parallel with the fir motor m3. This tapping motor m4 is linked to the balls 14a and 14b via a tapping rotation shaft (not shown).

  By controlling the operation of the kneading motor m3, the distance between the kneading balls 14a, 14b can be increased or decreased. For example, the distance between the kneading balls 14a, 14b can be set to "wide", "normal", "width" It can be set to one of the “narrow” states to perform fir massage and the like.

Next, the configuration of the control unit G (control means) that controls the overall operation of the massage machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.
The control unit G according to the present embodiment is disposed, for example, at a predetermined location in the base unit 35, and stores a CPU, individual massage setting information, course information, and various other programs as shown in FIG. A memory unit G1 as a storage unit and a drive control unit G2 that performs drive control of various motors and the like are provided.

  The CPU is connected to the remote controller R (FIG. 1) and the rotary encoders E1, E3, E4 via the interface G3. The CPU is connected to an elevating motor m1, an advancing / retreating motor m2, a firting motor m3, a knocking motor m4, and an air bag air pump, which are disposed in the massage unit 11 via an interface G4. .

The memory unit G1 stores a plurality of massage programs. Based on command signals from the operation unit provided on the remote controller R, various massage modes are set for the purpose of fatigue recovery, refresh, relaxation, and the like. Several automated courses can be executed.
That is, it is possible to drive the massage unit 11 to execute different massage modes such as acupressure, fumigation, tapping, brushing, vibration, stretching, etc., as well as rolling and air massage. A number of automatic courses are pre-programmed to perform a variety of massages combined as appropriate.

  In addition, as a mechanical massage by the kneading ball drive unit, hitting, shiatsu, fir (combing up / browsing down), raspberry (combination of frying and swirling), deep up / deeping down, and further, It is possible to carry out a special massage of extreme tapping and neck loosening. Especially for the shoulder portion of the user, even if the advancing / retracting motor m2 is driven, the ball driving unit is advanced forward, and the shoulder portion is as if from above. A full-fledged massage like that performed by a chiropractor is possible.

As described above, the control unit G controls the operation of the kneading balls 7 and 7 and the lifting and lowering operation of the massage unit 11 to execute the mechanical massage by the kneading balls 7 and 7 and the air pump related to the expansion and contraction of the airbag. This controls the on / off operation.
Although not shown, the control unit G is connected to a reclining angle detection sensor for detecting the reclining angle of the backrest portion 13 via the interface G3, and also controls the display of the liquid crystal display portion provided in the remote controller R. .

  In the above configuration, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, an object including a part of a human body is detected between the massage unit 11 and the seat 12 below the massage unit 11. The control unit G is configured so that the massaging unit 11 is positioned below the predetermined position in the massaging unit moving area defined by the backrest 13 and the object is detected by the detecting means when the massaging unit 11 is descending. Only when the detection is made, control for stopping the descent of the massage unit 11 is executed.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the massage unit moving area starts from a position that is a predetermined distance downward from the upper end of the backrest 13, and the pinion gear 29 of the massage unit 11 meshes with the rack teeth. This is an area where the massage unit 11 moves along the backrest surface with the lowermost end of the vertical frame 38 as the end point.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the specific region is in a moving region where the massage unit 11 moves up and down, and a predetermined object such as a child's head or limb is located between the seat 12 and the massage unit 11. In this embodiment, it refers to a region from the surface of the seat portion 12 to approximately 200 mm above.

  Here, the structure of the detection means arrange | positioned under the massage unit 11 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 4, the detection means according to the present embodiment is a limit switch having a rotating structure.

FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram in a side sectional view of a limit switch 16 serving as a detection means, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram in a front sectional view.
As shown in the figure, the rotary limit switch 16 according to the present embodiment mainly functions as an upper case 42 attached to the massage unit 11 with screws or the like, and a lower case that rotates in contact with an object. It consists of a case 41.
The upper case 42 has an elongated, substantially box shape that extends in the width direction of the seat 12, and includes a space whose lower end is open. In the upper case 42, the back surface side (the user side) portion of the back portion 13 is formed deep in the height direction to form a switch arrangement space 42a, and the back side portion of the back portion 13 is the height direction. It is formed shallowly. The micro switch 18 is suspended in the switch disposition space 42a. The micro switch 18 includes, for example, a hinge type actuator 22.

On the other hand, as shown in the drawing, the lower case 41 that is a rotating case has an upper end surface that is open and formed in a step-like shape when viewed in cross section, and a leaf spring accommodating space 41a is formed at the front end portion.
In addition, the left and right end portions of the lower case 41 on the longitudinal side are pivotally supported by the pivot 42b in the upper case 42, and are rotatably attached to the pivot 42b. A biasing coil 54 is wound around the pivot 42b. 41 is urged downward.
Further, in the leaf spring storage space 41a of the lower case 41, a strip-like leaf spring 17 is disposed in which one end is cantilevered by a support member 53 protruding upward.

  Further, a step portion 50 bulging inward from the front wall of the upper case 42 is formed in the switch disposing space 42a of the upper case 42, and when the lower case 41 rotates upward, the lower case 41 The upper end portion 41b of the front end side is in contact with the stepped portion 50a and functions as a stopper that restricts the lower case 41 from rotating above the pressing point that presses the microswitch 18.

  In this embodiment, the detection means (limit switch 16) having such a configuration is attached so as to be close to the backrest surface of the backrest portion 13 in the lower part of the massage unit 11, and the lower case 41 is in an object while the massage unit 11 is being lowered. In this case, the lower case 41 is pushed into the upper case 42, and the microswitch 18 is pressed via the leaf spring 17 to be turned on and the object is detected.

  In this way, by placing the limit switch 16 close to the backrest surface of the backrest portion 13, for example, the child's head or limbs do not penetrate deeply into the backrest portion 13 side, Its presence can be reliably detected.

  In addition, at this time, since the micro switch 18 is pressed by the other end portion of the leaf spring 17 whose one end is cantilevered, even if the lower case 41 suddenly rotates upward, the micro switch 18 is bent by the bending of the leaf spring 17. A large load is not applied to 18, and there is no possibility of damaging the microswitch 18.

Here, the pinch avoiding function executed by the control unit G according to the present embodiment based on the detection of the limit switch 16 will be described.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the massage unit 11 is lowered and comes into contact with the child's head between the massage unit 11 and the seat 12, the above-described configuration provided in the lower part of the massage unit 11. The limit switch 16 can immediately detect the presence of the head.

  That is, the lower case 41 of the limit switch provided at the lower part of the massage unit 11 rotates toward the upper case 42, and accordingly, the leaf spring 17 housed in the lower case 41 also rotates upward. . Then, the surface of the leaf spring 17 pushes the hinge type actuator 22 of the micro switch 18. As a result, the micro switch 18 detects the pinching and generates a signal. A signal emitted from the microswitch 18 is transmitted to the control unit G.

  When the control unit G receives the signal from the micro switch 18, the control unit G determines whether or not the kneading balls 14a and 14b of the massage unit 11 are in operation. It is determined whether or not the massage unit 11 is in the specific area, and the descent of the massage unit 11 is stopped only when it is determined that the kneading balls 14a and 14b are not operating and the massage unit 11 is in the specific area. To control.

  Alternatively, the descent of the massage unit 11 is stopped, the massage unit 11 is lifted upward by a predetermined distance, and the head just before being sandwiched between the seat 12 and the massage unit 11 is easily lifted and lowered. Drive control of the motor m1 is performed. As described above, in the massage machine 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid the head portion and the like between the seat portion 12 and the massage unit 11.

  As described above, in the control unit G according to the present embodiment, the descent of the massage unit 11 is stopped except when the kneading balls 14a and 14b serving as the treatment bodies are operating. Whether or not the fir balls 14a and 14b are operating can be detected by signals from the rotary encoders E3 and E4 (FIG. 6) connected to the control unit G.

  Next, the massage unit pinching prevention function described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Here, it is assumed that the massage unit 11 is lowered during the non-massage operation in which the kneading balls 14a and 14b are not operating.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the lifting motor m1 is driven by the control of the control unit G and the massage unit 11 is lowered on the backrest 13 (step S1), the CPU of the control unit G First, it is determined whether or not the massage unit 11 is in a specific area (step S2).
As described above, the specific region is within the moving region in which the massage unit 11 moves up and down, and a predetermined object such as a child's head or limbs can be sandwiched between the seat 12 and the massage unit 11. In this embodiment, it is set in the range from the surface of the seat 12 to approximately 200 mm above.

  Whether or not the massage unit 11 is in the specific area can be detected by the rotary encoder E1 of the massage unit 11 in the control unit G. Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether or not the control unit G is in the specific region by arranging a sensor or the like (not shown) in the specific region and detecting the massage unit 11 by the sensor.

In the step S2, when it is determined that the massage unit 11 is present in the specific area, the CPU moves the process to the next step S3. On the other hand, when it is determined that the massage unit 11 does not exist in the specific area, the process returns to the step S1 and the descent of the massage unit 11 is continued.
In the specific area, for example, when a child's head comes into contact with the limit switch 16, a detection signal is transmitted from the limit switch 16 to the control unit G. That is, the pinch detection is turned on (step S3).

  The CPU of the control unit G receives the detection signal from the limit switch 16 and urgently stops the elevating motor m1 of the massage unit 11, and controls the elevating motor m1 to rotate in the opposite direction so as to temporarily rise ( Step S4). Then, the CPU of the control unit G determines whether or not the massage unit 11 has been lifted by a predetermined distance (for example, several tens of mm) (step S5). The lifting motor m1 is controlled so as to stop (step S6).

  As a result, an appropriate gap is generated between the object and the massage unit 11, so that if the object is a pet head such as a child's head, limbs, or dog or cat, it can be easily pulled out by itself. In addition, if the object is other inorganic material, it can be easily extracted by the person who has found it.

Further, another control flow of the massage unit sandwiching prevention function by the control unit G will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, until the step S3, the control is the same as that described above. However, after the step S3 in which the object is detected by the limit switch 16, the CPU of the control unit G immediately stops the lifting motor m1. Thus, the descent of the massage unit 11 is urgently stopped.
Even in this case, the descent of the massage unit 11 is stopped. For example, if it is a child's head, the pinching can be avoided. In addition, it is possible to prevent the massage unit 11 itself from being damaged by sandwiching a hard object.

  In the example described above, the control for stopping the lowering operation in the case where the massage unit 11 is descending has been described. However, the control unit G is not limited to the lowering operation of the massage unit 11, but also by the rice ball drive unit. You may make it carry out stop control also about massage operation | movement. Further, the massage operation stop timing may be synchronized with the descent operation stop timing or may be shifted back and forth.

  By the way, in this embodiment, although the rotation type limit switch 16 was used as a detection means, it can replace with this and can also use the press type limit switch 21. FIG. Hereinafter, the push-type limit switch 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 that are the same as those of the limit switch 16 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the push-type limit switch 21 includes an upper case 42 that is mainly attached to the massage unit 11 and is formed in an elongated and substantially box-like shape having an open lower surface, an object including a part of a human body, and the like. It is comprised from the press button 19 which touches.
The press button 19 has a substantially flat plate shape, and is disposed so as to be urged below the massage unit 11 in the upper case 42 by two coil springs 45 and 45 connected to both ends thereof. When it comes into contact with an object, it is easily pushed into the upper case 42. That is, the pressing button 19 is attached to the upper case 42 so as to be able to advance and retreat by the coil springs 45 and 45.
On the other hand, in the upper case 42, microswitches 18 and 18 for detecting the pressing by the pressing button 19 are arranged at a predetermined distance from side to side. For example, the microswitch 18 includes a leaf lever actuator 22 as in the limit switch 16 described above.

  In this limit switch 21, the press button 19 has a rectangular shape having a long side in the width direction of the seat 12 of the massage machine 10, and the two micro switches 18 and 18 are both left and right end portions of the rectangular press button 19. For example, when the object protruding rearward from the seat 12 is a thin object (including a limb) and is in contact with a position biased to the left or right of the push button 19, for example, However, the push button 19 is pushed (retracted) in a tilted state, and any one of the micro switches 18 is surely turned on. Therefore, detection of an object is performed quickly and reliably. Moreover, the structure of the limit switch 21 is relatively simpler than that of the limit switch 16 described above, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

Briefly explaining the case of using this pressing type limit switch 21, when the massage unit 11 descends and comes into contact with, for example, the child's head between the seat 12 and the lower part of the massage unit 11, the pressing of the limit switch 21 The button 19 moves backward against the coil spring 45, and the actuator 22 of the micro switch 18 disposed on the upper surface of the push button 19 is pushed.
Thereby, the micro switch 18 detects an object and emits a signal. The detection signal emitted from the micro switch 18 is transmitted to the control unit G, and the descent stop control of the massage unit 11 is performed by the control unit G as in the case of the rotary limit switch 16, and the object pinching avoidance function Is realized.

  Here, a modified example of the rotary limit switch 16 described above will be described. In the rotation type limit switch according to this modification, a coil spring is disposed so as to urge the substantially central position of the rotation case downward, and the mounting base end portion is disposed in the rotation case. The plate spring is disposed in the vicinity of the coil spring to be cantilevered, and a leaf spring which is formed in a substantially U shape by temporarily extending the distal end portion of the free end in the longitudinal direction of the rotating case and then folding it back is provided. The microswitch is also arranged as close as possible to the coil spring so that the microswitch can be pressed at the free end of the spring.

  The substantially U-shape is a concept including a J-shape. Here, the extension and extension of the distal end of the free end is a J-shape that does not reach the attachment base end.

With this configuration, the biasing position of the rotating case by the coil spring and the pressing position of the microswitch by the leaf spring disposed in the rotating case are concentrated at the approximate center of the limit switch 16, and the configuration as the limit switch 16 is achieved. The upper balance is good and the rotation of the rotation case is smooth. And since the leaf | plate spring was formed in J shape, the front end side of a leaf | plate spring deform | transforms with time by the dead weight of a spring, the possibility that the restoring force which returns to an original state may be lost, is prevented for a long term. It is possible to maintain flexibility.
Further, when the above-described leaf spring 17 is used, it is necessary to form an elongated storage space for storing the leaf spring 17, but there is an advantage that the storage space can be reduced here.

  Hereinafter, a limit switch 25 according to a modification of the rotary limit switch will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the limit switch 16 shown in FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the limit switch 25, FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the limit switch 25 in a cross-sectional view on the back surface, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view.

As shown in the figure, the limit switch 25 according to this modification is mainly composed of an upper case 42 attached to the massage unit 11 with screws and the like, and a lower case 41 functioning as a rotating case that rotates in contact with an object. It is configured.
The upper case 42 has an elongated, substantially box shape that extends in the width direction of the seat 12, and includes a space whose lower end is open. The upper case 42 forms a switch disposition space 42a in which the back surface side (the user side) of the back portion 13 is formed deep in the height direction.

  The micro switch 18 disposed on the printed circuit board 61 is provided in the switch disposing space 42a so as to be as close as possible to a biasing coil 54 disposed at the center position of the upper case 42 described later. ing. The micro switch 18 includes, for example, a hinge-type actuator 22, and a detection signal of the micro switch 18 is transmitted to the control unit G via a connector 62 and a harness 63 disposed on the printed circuit board 61. Sent to.

  Further, the left and right end portions of the lower case 41 on the longitudinal side are pivotally supported in the upper case 42 so as to be pivotally supported by a pivot 42b made of a screw far from the user side. An energizing coil storage space 66 is formed at the center of the upper case 42, and an energizing coil 54 made of a coil spring is accommodated in the energizing coil storage space 66. Since the urging coil 54 is disposed so as to urge the substantially center position of the lower case 41 downward, the rotating operation of the lower case 41 becomes extremely smooth.

On the other hand, the lower case 41, which is a rotating case, is formed in a substantially box shape with the upper end surface opened as shown in the figure. Further, a leaf spring storage space 41a is formed in the left half of the lower case 41 as viewed from the back (FIGS. 11 and 12). In the leaf spring storage space 41a, a J-shaped leaf spring 26, which is cantilevered with a base end fixed to a support member 53 protruding in a boss shape with a screw 64, is disposed.
Further, here, the base end of the leaf spring 26 attached to the support member 53 is made as close as possible to the biasing coil 54, and the length from the base end of the attachment to the tip folded back in a J-shape is first set. Since it is substantially the same as the elongated leaf spring 17 provided in the limit switch 16 described, the amount of bending when the microswitch 18 is pressed does not change, and in this case, there is no possibility of damaging the microswitch 18. Moreover, the point of action of the leaf spring 26 on the microswitch 18 is also as close as possible to the biasing coil 54, and the microswitch by the leaf spring 26 accompanying the turning of the lower case 41 and this turning operation. The balance with the pressure of 18 is also very good.

  In addition, a step portion 50a is formed in the switch arrangement space 42a of the upper case 42 in the same manner as the rotary limit switch 16 described above (see FIG. 4). The upper end of the case 41 is in contact with the upper end of the case 41 and functions as a stopper that restricts the lower case 41 from rotating above the pressing point that presses the microswitch 18.

  Thus, since the leaf spring 26 used in the limit switch 25 according to this modification is formed in a J-shape, compared to the elongated leaf spring 17 provided in the limit switch 16 described above, Although the actual length is substantially the same, the linear distance from the mounting base end to the tip is shortened, so that it is possible to prevent the tip side from drooping with time due to its own weight. There is no risk of impairing the on / off responsiveness. Furthermore, the leaf spring 26 can be made smaller by making the leaf spring 26 J-shaped and shortening its overall length. For example, another device is disposed on the opposite side of the leaf spring accommodation space 41a. For example, the design freedom of the chair type massage machine 10 is not impaired.

The massage machine 10 described above may further include an object protrusion detection unit.
This object protrusion detection means detects that a part of the human body or other object protrudes rearward from the seat portion 12, and although not shown, for example, it is assumed that the structure includes a pair of optical sensors. Can do.
An infrared sensor or the like can be used as the optical sensor, and it may be provided in the vicinity of the seat 12 on the lower side in the movement area of the backrest 13 where the massage unit 11 moves up and down. A light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged at positions facing each other across the moving region. Normally, light from the light-emitting element is not blocked, but when an object protrudes, the light is blocked, It is configured to detect that the object protrudes rearward from the rear end of the seat portion 12.
Based on the detection result, the control unit G appropriately controls, for example, stopping the descent of the massage unit 11, slowing the descent speed, or starting to rise, thereby moving the object to the seat 12 and the massage unit. It is prevented in advance that it is pinched between the two.
By providing such an object protrusion detection means, it is possible to more reliably eliminate the possibility that a child's head, limbs, or the like may be sandwiched between the massage unit 11 and the seat portion 12.

  By the way, in embodiment mentioned above, although the specific area | region set in the movement area | region of the massage unit 11 was demonstrated as what was defined in the range of about 200 mm from the upper surface of the seat part 12, as shown, for example in FIG. The range of the specific area may be expanded.

  FIG. 9 shows another example of the specific area defined in the movement area of the massage unit 11. For example, when the child is leaning against the backrest 13 and sleeping for some reason, as shown in FIG. When the massage machine 10 is activated and the massage unit 11 located at the upper part of the backrest 13 is lowered, the child may be caught between the seat 12 and the massage unit 11.

  Therefore, if the specific area is set within a range of about 500 mm from the upper surface of the seat 12, for example, the lowering of the massage unit 11 is stopped by the control described above, and the child's head can be protected. It becomes like this.

  For the setting of the specific area, a default value may be determined at the time of shipment from the factory, and this may be used fixedly. However, for example, the configuration may be appropriately set by the user via the remote controller R or the like. May be.

From the embodiment described above, the following massage machine is realized.
A chair having a seat (12) and a backrest (13), and a massage unit (11) having a treatment body (for example, fir balls 14a, 14b) attached to the backrest (13) so as to be movable up and down. In the massage machine of the type, a control means (for example, control unit G) for controlling the raising / lowering operation of the massage unit (11) and a lower part of the massage unit (11) are provided, and the massage unit (11) and the seat are provided. Detection means (for example, limit switches 16, 21, 25) that detect the object being caught between the parts (12), and the control means (G) includes the detection means (16, 21, 25). ), The massaging machine which stops the operation of the massage unit (11) when the object is detected.

  The control means (for example, the control unit G) is configured so that the massage unit (11) is at a position below a predetermined position in a predetermined movement region of the backrest (12) and / or when the massage unit (11) is not being lifted. The massaging machine which stops the operation after temporarily raising the massaging unit (11) when an object is detected by a detecting means (for example, limit switches 16, 21, 25).

  The said detection means (for example, limit switch 16, 21, 25) is a massage machine arrange | positioned under the said massage unit (11).

  The detection means (for example, the limit switch 16) includes a rotation case (for example, the lower case 41) that is mounted to be pivotable up and down around the pivot (42b), and a distal end side of the rotation case (41). The leaf spring (17) is supported by the leaf spring (17), which is cantilevered at one end along the longitudinal direction of the case (41), and the rotation of the turning case (41). A massage machine comprising a micro switch (18) for detecting an object when pressed by the other end.

  The detection means (for example, the limit switch 25) includes a rotation case (for example, the lower case 41) attached so as to be rotatable up and down around the pivot (42b), and a substantially central position of the rotation case downward. A coil spring for biasing (for example, a biasing coil 54) and a cantilever coil disposed in the rotating case, the base end of the mounting being disposed close to the coil spring and cantilevered, and the tip of the free end A leaf spring (26) formed in a substantially U-shape that is once extended in the longitudinal direction of the rotating case and folded, and a coil spring that is disposed in the vicinity of the coil spring, and by the rotation of the rotating case, the free end of the leaf spring And a microswitch (18) that detects an object by being pressed by a part.

  A massage machine in which the pivot (42b) is provided behind the micro switch (18) with respect to the seat (12).

  The detection means (for example, the limit switch 21) includes a push button (19) disposed so as to be movable forward and backward, and an elastic body (for example, for biasing the push button (19) downward in the massage unit (11)). A massage machine which is a press-type switch including a coil spring 45) and a micro switch (18) which detects an object when pressed by the retreat of the press button (19).

  Protrusion detection means for detecting that the object protrudes rearward from the rear end of the seat (12) is further provided, and the control means (for example, the control unit G) is configured so that the protrusion detection means detects the object. A massage machine for stopping the descent of the massage unit (11).

It is a side view which shows the whole structure of the massage machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a side view explaining the movement area | region and specific area | region of the massage unit of the massage machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the massage unit arrange | positioned by the backrest part of the massage machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detection means which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing by the cross sectional view which shows other embodiment of a detection means. It is a control block diagram of the massage machine concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the descent | fall flow of the massage unit of the massage machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the descent | fall flow of a massage unit different from the flow of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the specific area | region in the movement area | region of a massage unit. It is a perspective view which shows the rotary type limit switch which concerns on the modification of a detection means. It is explanatory drawing by the back sectional view of the limit switch. It is sectional drawing in the AA of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the limit switch.

Explanation of symbols

G Control unit (control means)
10 Massage machine,
11 Massage unit,
12 seats,
13 Backrest parts 14a, 14b Rice balls (treatment body)
16 Rotating limit switch (detection means)
17 leaf spring,
18 micro switch,
19 Press button,
20 coil spring,
21 Push-type limit switch (detection means)
22 Actuator section 25 Press type limit switch (detection means)
41 Lower case (rotating case)
42b pivot 45 elastic body (coil spring)
54 Energizing coil (coil spring)

Claims (6)

In a chair type massage machine having a seat portion and a backrest portion, and a massage unit having a treatment body attached to the backrest portion so as to be vertically movable up and down,
Control means for controlling various operations including raising and lowering of the massage unit;
Provided at a lower portion of the massage unit, and detecting means for detecting the object sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat,
The detection means includes
A rotating case that is mounted to be pivotable up and down around the pivot axis;
A leaf spring that is cantilevered and housed at one end along the longitudinal direction of the case on the tip side of the rotating case,
A micro switch that detects an object by being pressed against the other end of the leaf spring by the rotation of the rotation case;
The said control means stops the operation | movement of the said massage unit, when the detection of an object is made | formed by the said detection means, The massage machine characterized by the above-mentioned. In a chair type massage machine having a seat portion and a backrest portion, and a massage unit having a treatment body attached to the backrest portion so as to be vertically movable up and down,
Control means for controlling various operations including raising and lowering of the massage unit;
Provided at a lower portion of the massage unit, and detecting means for detecting the object sandwiched between the massage unit and the seat,
The detection means includes
A rotating case that is mounted to be pivotable up and down around the pivot axis;
A coil spring that biases the substantially central position of the rotating case downward;
The U is disposed in the rotating case and is mounted in a cantilever manner with the mounting base end disposed close to the coil spring, and the free end tip is temporarily extended in the longitudinal direction of the rotating case and folded. A leaf spring formed in a letter shape;
A micro switch that is disposed in proximity to the coil spring and detects an object by being pressed by a free end of the leaf spring by the rotation of the rotating case;
The said control means stops the operation | movement of the said massage unit, when the detection of an object is made | formed by the said detection means, The massage machine characterized by the above-mentioned. The control means includes
If the object is detected by the detection means when the massage unit is in a position below a predetermined position in a predetermined movement region of the backrest and / or when it is not being raised, the massage unit is temporarily raised. The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the operation is stopped after the operation. The detection means includes
The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the massage machine is disposed below the massage unit. The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pivot is provided rearward of the micro switch with respect to the seat portion. A protrusion detecting means for detecting that the object protrudes backward from the rear end of the seat portion;
The control means includes
The massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein when the protrusion detection unit detects an object, the descent of the massage unit is stopped.

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