EP3614990A1

EP3614990A1 - Massage head and massage equipment employing such a head

Info

Publication number: EP3614990A1
Application number: EP18719134.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arnaud Fuster
Original assignee: LPG Systems SA
Current assignee: LPG Systems SA
Priority date: 2017-04-26
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-19
Also published as: PT3614990T; ES2898752T3; RU2019133613A3; HUE056823T2; RU2019133613A; RU2762635C2; FR3065639A1; CN110545778A; JP7216663B2; JP2020517362A; WO2018197317A1; KR102502501B1; KR20190140008A; HRP20211837T1; US11491075B2; FR3065639B1; CA3060126A1; EP3614990B1; PL3614990T3; US20210196556A1

Abstract

This massage head comprises a housing, from the lower part of which there emerge two active members, of which the free lower edge, the opposite edge from the housing, is intended to be in contact with the skin of the patient. At least one of the said active members is made up of a flap (3, 4), articulated within the housing and capable of being given a pivoting movement so as to cause the free lower edge of the said active members to move closer together and further apart, the relative movement of the said at least one flap being brought about by means of a rotary cam formed within the housing, the axis of rotation of the cam being oriented substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the said at least one flap (3, 4). The cam comprises at least one camway formed on its periphery and intended to collaborate with the flap support(s) (9, 10), one of the ends of which is articulated in the housing.

Description

MASSAGE HEAD AND MASSAGE APPARATUS IMPLEMENTING SUCH HEAD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a massage head for the mobilization of cutaneous tissue. It also relates to a massage apparatus implementing such a head.

The objective of the invention lies in the simple and effective way of performing massage operations, both in humans and animals.

PRIOR STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Different massage techniques are known, generally depending on the treatments to be performed. In general, they are intended to exert on the patient stresses using phenomena of pressure and / or displacement and / or pinching including skin tissue.

In order to facilitate the action of the massager, a large number of devices have been proposed. Among these, it was first proposed the implementation of devices using a simple mechanical action, for example by means of assemblies comprising balls or balls mounted on a support housing, allowing the case where appropriate. distribute or apply concomitantly a treatment product of the cream or gel type, as for example described in document FR A 1 225 094.

It has also been proposed to associate with this mechanical treatment, a suction treatment of the skin of the patient. For this purpose, the massage devices in question implement a treatment head connected to a suction circuit, said treatment head being constituted by a housing defining an internal chamber inside which opens the suction circuit. . When the massage head is applied against the body of the patient, and because of the suction generated by the suction circuit, a skin fold is formed inside the internal chamber, a skin fold that leans against the peripheral edge of said inner chamber. The mechanical action, meanwhile, can be exerted by rollers, or balls that can simultaneously exercise suction on the body of the patient, a pressure action and / or displacement and / or friction, especially by vibration. The solutions proposed in this context lead to complex sets that are difficult to implement and which are not entirely satisfactory in terms of results.

It has also been proposed massage devices that can easily reproduce massage type palpate / roll, that is to say, to exercise on the patient a continuous action, causing not only pinching localized skin tissue, but also a progressive movement of the pinched zone so as to cause rolling said skin fold, and while exerting pressure (see for example EP A 224 422).

Such devices comprise a manually operable housing, inside which are mounted two parallel rollers, mounted free to rotate or positively rotated within the housing. These rollers can be mounted on the fixed-spaced housing, or on the contrary are capable of being able to move away and approach each other automatically during the massage operation, said housing being itself connected to suction means for creating a depression between said rollers when the head provided with these different elements is applied against the body of the patient, so as to form a skin fold bearing against the surface of the rollers.

In EP 0 917 452, it has been proposed to replace the rollers in question by two partitions attached to the inside of the housing, articulated within the latter so as to be able to be driven by a pivoting movement, said housing being, again, connected to a source of suction. Under the action of the suction, it creates a skin fold being inserted between the two partitions inside the housing. Due to the progression in one direction or the other of the massage head provided with such a device against the skin of the patient, the skin fold thus formed undergoes a jerky pinch.

This device can be improved by the implementation of a solenoid valve at the suction circuit, which provides an "all or nothing" operation, but which also allows to define a controlled flow rate of the air flow between two determined values with a possibility of adjustment between said values. Such a solenoid valve mounted on the suction circuit thus makes it possible to obtain a sequential operation of pulsation, of rhythm such that, during the massage operation, the aspiration rate varies cyclically, thus causing a cooling effect. vibration, variation of the suction force and skin grip, thus improving the effectiveness of the treatment and further facilitating its implementation.

In the absence of stress, the two partitions are held apart from each other for example by means of springs or magnets, the pivoting of said partitions and thus the approximation of one with respect to the other resulting the effect of vacuum and / or depression generated inside the housing.

In order to further improve the device described above, it has been proposed in document FR 2 934 775 a massage head of the type in question, equipped with two valves that can be pivoted in such a way as to inducing the approximation and removal of their lower edge when in contact with the skinfold, the relative movement of the valves being provided by means of a motorized rotary cam, axially oriented relative to the massage head and whose cam path which it is provided cooperates with said valves, so as to induce the pivoting movement of the latter.

This massage head thus allows, first of all, to be able to overcome any source of suction. The cutaneous fold thus results from the mechanical action generated by the free lower edge of the valves. If undoubtedly, this massage head can improve the technique of massage / pinch, because of the motorization mode of the valves, it is necessary in order to have a greater amplitude of the action of the valves, to increase the diameter of the cam, and therefore corollary the congestion generated by the head, affecting, on the one hand, its implementation, and secondly, its ergonomics.

The objective sought by the present invention is, first of all, to optimize the operation of the device described in the preceding document, in particular in terms of range of movement of the valves, and of their action exerted on the skin of the body. patient, and on the other hand, to reduce its bulk. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore aims a massage head comprising a housing, the lower part of which emerge two active organs, whose free bottom edge, opposite the housing, is intended to be in contact with the skin of a patient, one at least one of said active members being constituted by a valve hinged within the housing and capable of being driven by a pivoting movement so as to induce the approaching and moving away from each other of the lower free edges said active members in a direction of movement. The relative displacement of the at least one valve relative to the housing is provided by means of a motorized rotary cam formed within the housing.

According to the invention:

- The axis of rotation of the cam is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the valve.

the cam comprises at least one cam path formed on its periphery.

- Said valve is mounted on a support, one end of which is articulated in the housing, said support being provided with a member adapted to cooperate with the cam path.

By active organ is meant any organ intended to come into contact with the skin of the patient, in particular to generate a skin fold. Thus, and according to one version of the invention, the active organs are respectively constituted by a fixed wall and a valve, the skinfold resulting from the sole mobilization of the valve. In an advantageous version of the invention, the active organs both consist of a valve, the relative displacement of which with respect to the other will also induce the formation of the skin fold and its pinching, or more generally, a mobilization of the cutaneous tissue. In other words, the invention consists in providing within the housing a cam, to modify the orientation of the cam and more specifically of the cam track (s) with which it is provided, as well as that of its axis of articulation. and, secondly, to modify the cooperation between this cam and the valve or valves. As will be developed hereinafter, this structural change makes it possible to obtain in a simple manner a significant increase in the clearance of the free bottom edge of the valve (s), as well as to play on the torque, and consequently the effort exerted by said free bottom edges on the skin of the patient. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the cam paths are each constituted by a continuous recess formed at the periphery of the cam, and the member of the support or the valves cooperating with said cam path consists of at least one lug received in said recess.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cam paths each consist of a continuous protrusion, emerging protruding from the periphery of the cam, and the support member of the valve or valves cooperating with the cam path. consists of at least one fork whose teeth are positioned on either side of said protuberance.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the end of the active organs, intended to come into contact with the skin of the patient, consists of a removable tip fixed reversibly on the valve support or on the fixed wall. These tips can adopt different configurations and shapes, and also be made of a flexible material and / or abrasive or likely to excite scented odors or generate an icicle effect.

Furthermore, at least one of these end pieces may consist of a freely rotating roller whose axis of rotation is oriented parallel to the axis of articulation of the valve support within the housing, or perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam.

According to the invention, the rotation of the cam is ensured by means of a geared motor mounted fixed inside the cam, and whose gearbox rotational shaft causes the rotation of a peripheral sleeve which is provided with the cam , and on which are formed the cam track or paths.

According to another alternative, the rotation of the cam is ensured by a toothed wheel meshing in a pinion integral with the cam, said toothed wheel being powered by a motor external to the housing or by a geared motor mounted within the housing, and whose motor shaft rotates said gear wheel.

The invention also relates to a massage device implementing such a massage head, and having a source of electrical energy to supply the electric motor itself operating the gear or the motor ensuring the rotation of the cam. This device is also likely to include a source of vacuum or depression associated with the massage head, and opening therein, said housing then defining an internal chamber within which the skin fold is formed when it is applied to the skin of a patient, this chamber being defined by two fixed side walls, and two transverse walls constituted by the valves and the valve supports.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the casing of the massage head is reversibly secured to the massage head by means of elastic members or clips or equivalent systems, the electric motor and the power supply being confined to the of the only head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective of a first embodiment of the massage head according to the invention, free of any suction or vacuum system.

Figures 2 and 3 are partial and simplified schematic views of the massage head of the invention, both provided with a suction system and depression with variant at one of the valves.

Figures 4 and 5 are schematic representations in perspective of the means ensuring the pivoting of the valves, respectively with the cam oriented at 0 ° and 90 ° relative to its rotation.

FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic representation of means described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Figures 7 and 8 are schematic representations illustrating two variants of cooperation of the support of the valves with the cam.

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective representation of an embodiment of the cam.

FIG. 10 represents the cam of FIG. 9 in two different orientations, respectively at 0 ° and at 90 ° with respect to its rotation.

Figures 11 and 12 schematically illustrate the effects generated by the cooperation of the lugs the valve supports with the cam.

Figures 13, 14 and 15 illustrate variants of the cam paths.

Figure 16 is a schematic perspective representation of another embodiment of the cam path, implementing either a recess but a protruding protrusion. Figures 17 and 18 schematically illustrate two modes of driving in rotation of the cam.

Figures 19, 20 and 21 illustrate a massage head with removable housing according to another version of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In connection with FIG. 1, a massage head according to the invention has been described in its most simplistic form. This massage head (1) comprises a housing (2), inside which are integrated the elements necessary for the operation of the massage head, and more specifically the displacement of valves (3 and 4) with respect to said head of massage. massage (1). These valves constitute the active organs within the meaning of the invention. In this simplistic embodiment, the massage head operates mechanically limitatively, that is to say in the absence of any source of suction or depression, the skinfold being achieved only by the actuation of the valves (3 and 4) and in particular by the approximation and the removal of their respective free lower edge. Figures 2 and 3 are views similar to Figure 1, except that the head described therein incorporates a tip (6) connected to a source of depression or suction.

In other words, the massage head according to the invention is able to operate with or without a source of depression or suction.

As indicated in the preamble, the invention is more particularly directed towards the means ensuring the displacement of the valves (3 and 4).

For this purpose, and as can best be seen in Figures 4 to 8, the displacement of the valves (3 and 4) is provided by means of a rotary cam (8) which, in this particular embodiment , has a cylindrical envelope. This rotary cam (8) is received in a support (7) itself secured to the housing (2).

The axis of rotation of the rotary cam (8) is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the valves (3 and 4). More specifically, the valves (3 and 4) consist of valve supports (9 and 10). One of the ends (20, 21) of these supports is articulated on the support (7), said ends (20, 21) being pierced with through orifices cooperating with a screw / nut system (11, 12, 18, 19 ) adapted to ensure their attachment to said support, while allowing their rotation relative to the axis of articulation thus defined.

The other free end (22, 23) of the supports (9 and 10) receives the ends (14 and 15) of the valves (3 and 4), that is to say the active areas of the valves intended to come into contact with each other. with the patient's skin.

These tips can be of different types and can be clipped on said ends (22, 23), the latter having lugs (24) with elastic effect, adapted to cooperate with recesses or complementary members (not shown) formed within said end pieces. .

Thus, these tips can be made of different materials, including a flexible material and / or abrasive, or even scent incense or generate an icicle effect. They may in particular be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, elastomer or stainless steel.

The free lower edge of the tips (14 and 15) can adopt a convex shape to promote contact with the skin of the patient.

Moreover, one of the endpieces (14 and 15) can be replaced by a roller (5) mounted free to rotate. The axis of rotation of this roller is parallel to the axis of articulation of the valve supports within the housing, and further perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary cam (8).

As shown in FIG. 6 in particular, the periphery (26) of the rotary cam (8) has two continuous recesses or grooves (13) presenting corrugations and symmetrical to one another with respect to a median plane of the cam (8). These recesses (13) are intended to cooperate with one or two lugs (25), emerging from the valve supports (9 and 10) as can be seen in particular in the figures In a first configuration, the supports (9 and 10) comprise two substantially median lugs (25), cooperating with the cam paths (13) along a diameter of said cam (FIG. 7). According to another configuration shown in FIG. 8, said supports (9 and 10) comprise only one lug (25), cooperating with the cam path only in the lower zone of the cam.

The choice of the implementation of one or two lugs results, for example, the desire to have more torque, so the force exerted by the lower free edge of the valves, and therefore the intensity of the pinch .

FIGS. 13 to 15 show various variants of the cam path. In FIG. 13, the amplitude of the ripple of the cam paths (13), represented by the distance a, is small.

In Figure 14, this ripple is more important. The consequences of this modification will be indicated below. In Figures 13 and 14, the cam path has only two corrugations per revolution. In Figure 15, the cam path has four ripples per revolution. The increase in the number of corrugations per turn obviously results in the increase in the number of pivoting of the valves per revolution of rotation of the cam, and therefore for a given rotation speed of the cam, by a multiplication of the pivoting of the cams. valves.

FIGS. 11 to 12 show the consequences of the respective positioning of these different elements on the action exerted by the valves on the skin of the patient. Thus, the amplitude of the undulation referred to above defines the spacing E1, respectively E2 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the free lower edge of the valves. In other words, the higher this ripple amplitude, the greater the race E1-E2 of the free lower edge of the valve will be important. The combination of the lengths L1 (length between the articulation axis (11, 12) of the valve support and the lug (25)), L2 (length between the lug (25) and the free lower edge of the valve tip) and L3 (distance separating the two axes of articulation of the valve supports) defines the spacings E1 and E2 as well as the clamping force. It follows from these elements that the manufacturer can play on these different parameters to define the desired clamping force, and the positions of the open and closed flaps. Another embodiment of the invention is shown in connection with FIG. In this, the cam paths formed at the periphery (26) of the cam (8) are no longer constituted by recesses or grooves, but by protuberances (13 ') projecting from said periphery. In this case, the means (25) formed inside the valve supports (9 and 10), and intended to cooperate with the cam path, are no longer constituted by lugs, but are replaced by a fork, of which the two branches are positioned on either side protruding protrusions (13 '). The result obtained in terms of displacement of the valves is identical with respect to the previous embodiment. The rotation of the cam (8) can be obtained by various means. Thus, and according to a first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 17, the rotation of the cam (8) is obtained by means of a gearbox (27) actuated by an electric motor (28), the motor assembly and gearbox (27, 28) being fixed and housed inside the cylindrical cam (8). The output shaft of the gearbox is provided with a pinion (29), which cooperates with one end (31) of the cam, having a shape (30) complementary to the pinion (29) of the output shaft reducer. In this case, the cam is hollow to allow the gearmotor (27, 28) to be received, and the rotation of the end (31) of the cam generates the rotation of a peripheral sleeve in which the cam paths are arranged. (13, 13 '). Thus, and in this configuration, the pinion (29) is located in the axis of rotation of the cam.

The power supply of the motor, not shown, terminates at the side walls of the support (7) in the traditional manner. This particular embodiment of the invention makes it possible to very significantly reduce the bulk of the massage head.

According to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 18, the rotation of the cam is obtained again by a motor / gearbox torque (27, 28), outside the cam, by means of a toothed wheel ( 33) mounted on the motor shaft of the gearbox (27). This gear meshes with a pinion (32) integral with the cam, and whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the cam. It is conceivable that this embodiment generates a larger congestion of the massage head. In this configuration, the toothed motor pinion (33) is thus offset relative to the axis of rotation of the cam (8).

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, for example shown in relation with FIGS. 19 to 21, the rotation of the cam (8) is obtained again by the principle of the gearing of a driving gear ( 41) cooperating directly or indirectly with the pinion (32) of the cam. However, in this configuration, the motorization is no longer integrated in the body (35) of the housing, but in the massage head itself (36), said head being detachable from the housing incorporating the means ensuring the displacement of the valves. This notion of uncoupling appears in FIG. 24, since it is possible to distinguish in this case the assembly (43) integrating the rotary cam and the valves, on the one hand, and the head (36), integrating the motor and the reducer. rotating the gear wheel (41) on the other hand. At this head (36) leads the power supply (38) necessary for the operation of the motor, and, where appropriate, the pipe (39) connected to a source of suction or vacuum, housed in a recess (40). ) provided for this purpose for ergonomic purposes. The fastening of the assembly (43) on the head (36) is effected by means of resilient tongues or clips (37) received in housings (42) formed on two opposite walls of the assembly (43); to say of the case.

In this particular embodiment, there is also represented by the reference (34) a treatment chamber, advantageously removable, in which, on the one hand, the valves (3 and 4) can rotate, and secondly , leads the source of suction or depression. The free bottom edge of the treatment chamber is intended to come into contact with the skin of the patient, so as to allow, when the head is connected to a source of suction or depression, to optimize the effect resulting from this aspiration.

In this particular embodiment, it is observed that the assembly (43) has no electrical component. Thus the assembly (43), which as already said is detachable from the head (36), can be easily cleaned and sterilized. For this purpose, its various constituents are made of materials resistant to disinfectants and sterilization, such as for example polyamide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), thermoplastic polyurethane, stainless steel. In addition, the air sucked into the treatment chamber (34) does not contaminate the motorization system nor the control means, integrated into the head itself (and not shown). The whole of the interest of the invention is conceivable because of the numerous advantages that it provides.

First, we will understand the simplification of the motorization system and pivot valves, in addition to reducing the congestion generated by this system. Similarly, we understand the possibility of being able to play, by construction, the effects resulting from the action of the valves, in particular in terms of slewing speed and pinch force. In addition, it is also conceivable that in a version to separate the purely mechanical aspect of the electrical aspect, the maintenance, sterilization and cleaning of the massage head are greatly facilitated and optimized in terms of quality .

Claims

A massage head comprising a housing, from the lower part of which emerge two active members whose free bottom edge, opposite the housing, is intended to be in contact with the skin of a patient, at least one of said active organs being consisting of a valve (3, 4) hinged within the housing and capable of being driven by a pivoting movement so as to induce the approaching and moving away from each other of the free lower edges of said active members in a direction of movement, the relative displacement of the at least one valve relative to the housing being provided by means of a rotary cam (8) formed within the housing, characterized:

- in that the axis of rotation of the cam (8) is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of movement of said at least one valve (3, 4);

in that the cam (8) comprises at least one cam path (13, 13 ') formed on the periphery (26) of said cam;

- and in that said at least one valve (3, 4) is mounted on a support (9, 10), one end of which is articulated in the housing, said support being provided with a suitable member (25) to cooperate with the cam path (13, 13 ').

Massage head according to claim 1, characterized in that the active members consist respectively of a fixed wall and a valve (3, 4), only said valve being animated with a pivoting movement.

Massage head according to claim 1, characterized in that the active members each consist of a valve (3, 4) articulated within the housing by means of a support (9, 10), each of said support cooperating with a cam path (13, 13 ') formed at the periphery of the rotary cam (8)

Massage head according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

In that the one or more cam paths (13) each consist of a continuous recess formed at the periphery (26) of the cam (8), and

• in that the member (25) of the support (9, 10) of the valve or valves (3, 4) cooperating with said cam path consists of at least one lug (25) received in said recess. Massage head according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

In that the cam track (s) (13 ') each consist of a continuous protrusion, emerging projecting from the periphery (26) of the cam (8), and

• in that the support member (9, 10) of the valve or valves (3, 4) cooperating with the cam track (s) consists of at least one fork whose teeth are positioned on either side of said outgrowth.

Massage head according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the free end of the active organs, intended to come into contact with the patient's skin, consists of a removable tip (14, 15) fixed reversibly on the valve support (9, 10) or on the fixed wall.

Massage head according to claim 6, characterized in that the end pieces (14, 15) adopt different configurations and shapes.

Massage head according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the tips (14, 15) are made of a flexible material and / or abrasive, and may excite scented odors or generate an icicle effect.

Massage head according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the end pieces (14, 15) consists of a roller (5) which is free to rotate and whose axis of rotation is oriented parallel to the axis of articulation of the supports (9, 10) of the valve within the housing or perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam (8).

Massage head according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotation of the cam (8) is ensured by means of a motor torque (28) / reducer (27) mounted fixed inside the cam (8), and whose gearbox rotation shaft causes the rotation of a peripheral sleeve which is provided with the cam, and on which are formed the cam or paths (13, 13 ').

11. Massage head according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotation of the cam (8) is provided by means of a motor torque (28) / gearbox (27) mounted within the housing, but external to the cam, the drive shaft of the gearbox being provided with a toothed wheel (33) meshing with a pinion (32) integral with the cam, and whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the cam.

12. Massage head according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing incorporating the means ensuring the displacement of the valves is detachable from the massage head, and in that the rotation of the cam (8) is provided by means of a motor actuating in rotation a toothed wheel (41) meshing directly or indirectly with a pinion (32) integral with the cam and whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the cam, said motor being integrated in the massage head itself (36), externally to said housing.

13. Massage head according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening / detachment of the head on the housing is performed by means of resilient tongues or clips (37) received in housings (42) formed on two opposite walls of the housing .

14. Massage head according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the housing incorporates a treatment chamber (34), preferably removable, within which the or valves (3 and 4) are likely to pivot, the free bottom edge of the treatment chamber being intended to come into contact with the skin of the patient.

15. Massage device implementing a massage head according to one of claims 1 to 14, and comprising a source of electrical energy to supply the electric motor itself operating the gearbox or the motor ensuring the rotation of the cam.

16. Massage device according to claim 15, further comprising a source of vacuum or depression associated with the massage head, and opening therein.