EP3629424B1 - Plug element for remote controllable massage device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a plug-in element for connecting a massage device for massaging body parts, in particular the genitals, with an energy source.

Massage devices of the type mentioned are also known as vibrators, which are available in different shapes and sizes. These include battery-operated vibrators with direct control or control by cable and vibrators with remote control, e.g. B. via the Bluetooth protocol. From the WO 02/38100 A2 For example, a massage device for intimate stimulation is known in which a cable or cord is provided at one end of the massage body, which serves as an antenna and / or charging cable. However, one disadvantage of the known massage device is that the socket at the free end of the retrieval cord is not liquid-proof. Liquid can penetrate into the opening of the socket, which can lead to corrosion and thus to malfunction of the device. In addition, the design of the charging cable as an antenna is limited to certain radio frequencies and antenna types by the dimensions of the cable. In particular, it is not possible to use current standards of mobile data communication, such as. B. Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 (WLAN), GSM, UMTS and the like for wireless data transmission between a remote control device, such as. B. a smartphone, and the massage device to use. From the EP 3 299 005 A1 a massage device is known which is connected by cables to a plug, the plug having charging electrodes for charging an energy storage device of the massage device and a circuit board antenna for data communication.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and to enable a reliable, liquid-resistant function, a simple structure and a robust and inexpensive design of massage devices.

This object is achieved by the subject matter with the features of claims 1 and 11, respectively. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent subclaims.

According to the invention, a plug element is provided for connecting a massage device to an energy source, the plug element comprising a housing which has two charging electrodes for connection to an energy source and which has a control device, a wireless data communication device and a printed circuit board antenna for sending and receiving radio signals from the wireless data communication device records. The plug element further comprises a cable which emerges from the housing for connecting the plug element to the massage device, the plug element being provided at a first end of the cable and an opposite second end of the cable being set up for connection to a massage device. The housing, the cable and the connection between the housing and the cable are liquid-proof.

In this way it is achieved, on the one hand, that the penetration of liquid into the plug-in element and thus into the area of sensitive electrical components of the massage device is avoided. The components accommodated in the housing of the plug-in element are protected from liquid and their reliable function is guaranteed. The arrangement of the printed circuit board antenna in the plug-in element ensures reliable communication between the wireless data communication device and a remote (operating) device, since the plug-in element is always located outside the body when a massage device is used properly. Due to the common arrangement of the wireless data communication device and the circuit board antenna in the housing, a malfunction of the massage device due to interference with the received signals during the transmission of the signals between the circuit board antenna and the data communication device can also be prevented. In particular, the high-frequency antenna signal is exposed to as few interference signals as possible and the influence of the current flow due to the USB charging voltage source (direct voltage) is as small as possible. Furthermore, circuit board antennas are suitable for sending and receiving signals based on current data transmission standards. In addition, all the components of the massage device that are relevant for the control are arranged in the plug-in element, which enables a compact and simple structure on the one hand, but also inexpensive manufacture. In particular, the structure of a massage part or vibrating body of the massage device can be considerably simplified, since it only has to have a vibration generating device and an energy store, while other electrical components, in particular the sensitive electronic components Components in which the plug-in element can be swapped out. Due to the independence of the plug-in element from the vibration body, the plug-in element can be used for a large number of differently designed vibration bodies, whereby the production costs can be reduced further. Finally, not only is a vibrating body of the massage device that is inserted into a body opening sufficient, but also the cable and the plug-in element due to the liquid-resistant design, the hygiene regulations that apply to such devices, eg. B. EP67 (DIN EN 60528). The cable and the plug-in element can thus also be cleaned with simple means and do not offer any openings into which liquid could penetrate in such a way that the function of the massage device is impaired.

The plug-in element is particularly advantageously flat and the charging electrodes are designed to be USB-compatible. With the USB technology, a very widespread method can be used for charging the energy storage device of the massage device or for data transmission. The flat plug element has a configuration similar to that of a USB-A plug that can be inserted into a corresponding USB socket. Such connection sockets are available on a variety of devices, for example on PCs, laptops, notebooks, tablet computers, power supply units and the like, and provide a sufficient charging current according to the USB standard (up to 500 mA at 5 V according to USB 2.0). In addition, the plug element can be made very small in comparison to conventional power supply plugs. Due to the low power consumption and the low voltage, the handling of the USB-compatible plug element is safe for the operator in contrast to a conventional 220 V mains plug.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing has a length, a width and a height, the length being greater than the width, and the ratio of length to height less than 10: 1, preferably less than 8: 1 and more preferably less than or equal to is equal to 6: 1, and wherein the ratio of length to width is less than 10: 1, preferably less than 7: 1 and more preferably less than or equal to 3: 1. The housing preferably has a size of a maximum of 50 mm × 30 mm × 20 mm, more preferably of a maximum of 40 mm × 20 mm × 10 mm and even more preferably of a maximum of 35 mm × 15 mm × 6 mm. The plug element is made relatively small as a result, so that it is not perceived as annoying when using the associated massage device and the handling of the Massage device not adversely affected. At the same time, it is easy to grasp and ergonomic to use.

In one embodiment, the plug element furthermore comprises an actuating element which is formed in a surface of the plug element. The actuating element serves for the direct actuation of the massage device by means of the control device in addition to the remote operation and thereby enables the massage device to be used even without a remote operating device. The operating element can, for example, be designed as a pressure element on the surface of the housing of the plug-in element and is thus easily and easily accessible and operated even when the massage device is used.

Preferably, the housing of the plug element also has a grip area on its surface. The grip area is formed near the end of the plug element at which the cable is connected to the plug element. This enables simple insertion and removal in and out of a charging socket. The grip area can be formed by a corrugation or a bulge on the surface of the plug element. Other useful configurations that do not affect the function of the plug-in element and the antenna element are also possible. In particular, the operating element can also be designed as a grip area in order to ensure good haptics and operability. Alternatively, the grip area can also be arranged on a side surface opposite the actuation element or on a surface arranged laterally to the actuation element in order to avoid undesired actuation of the massage device.

The charging electrodes, the circuit board antenna, the wireless data communication device and the control device are particularly preferably arranged on a common circuit board. The circuit board antenna, also called a printed antenna, is designed, for example, in such a way that it can be applied in a suitable form inexpensively as a metal layer, in particular a copper layer, on a conventional circuit board. As a result, a compact component can be achieved, whereby space and costs can be saved. In addition, all of the electronic components of the massage device that require a printed circuit board are then arranged together on a printed circuit board in the plug-in element, which reduces the production effort, the production costs and the complexity of the total massage device by reducing the number of individual parts. Additional circuit board-connected components in the massage device are not required.

A particularly simple structure results when the charging electrodes, the circuit board antenna, the data communication device and the control device are arranged on one side of the circuit board. In particular, this also allows the height of the structure to be reduced. Alternatively, the charging electrodes, the circuit board antenna, the data communication device and the control device can be distributed in any combination on two opposite sides of the circuit board. Although this increases the height of the structure, it reduces the area required for the circuit board. By cleverly arranging the components on the circuit board, an efficient and space-saving structure can be achieved. It is also possible to arrange the charging electrodes on both sides of the circuit board or printed circuit board so that the plug-in element can be plugged into a USB socket or other corresponding charging socket in a user-friendly manner in all (both) orientations. For this purpose, a logic in the control device is then required that recognizes the positive pole and negative pole accordingly.

Another advantage is the PCB antenna for sending and receiving radio signals according to Bluetooth (according to IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee (according to IEEE 802.15.4), ANT, NFC (Near Field Communication), WLAN (according to IEEE 802.11), GSM, UTMS, LTE, 5G or another mobile data transmission standard. In particular, this enables radio signals to be sent and received from a large number of different remote operating devices, in particular from smartphones and computers, with the required reliability and speed.

It is further preferred that the cable has two strands. The cable connects the plug element to a vibrating body of the massage device and consequently serves to transmit power while the massage device is being charged and to transmit signals for controlling or actuating the massage device. It is preferred that the two strands are designed separately from one another and are each waterproof. This ensures that the transmitted signals are not undesirably influenced or disturbed and each of the lines is reliably protected from the ingress of a liquid.

It is further preferred that one of the strands comprises at least one electrical line for connecting the charging electrodes to an energy store of the massage device and that the other strand comprises a signal line for connecting the control device to a vibration generating device of the massage device.

The housing is preferably formed from a biocompatible plastic or has a casing made from a biocompatible plastic. Likewise, the cable preferably has a sheath made of a biocompatible plastic. As a result, the components such as circuit board, circuit board antenna, data communication device and control device as well as the connection points to the cable strands z. B. protected from corrosion. In addition, it is ensured that the plug-in element is suitable for use with a massage device on and in the human body.

It is particularly preferred if the housing is manufactured by means of injection molding or if the biocompatible plastic casing is applied by means of injection molding. This creates an integrally formed plug-in element that offers as little surface area as possible for interference or machining from the outside.

The material of the plastic or the plastic casing is preferably a thermoplastic material, such as. B. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) or a comparable plastic with similar properties. These thermoplastics are insensitive to commercially available lubricants and cleaning agents, and are tasteless and odorless.

The charging contacts of the plug element advantageously have a coating with a metal or a metal alloy, e.g. B. in the form of gilding with gold or a gold alloy or in the form of a refinement with another metal or a metal alloy. In particular, corrosion of the charging contacts must be avoided and reliable power transmission must be ensured.

According to the invention, a remotely controllable massage device suitable for massaging body parts, in particular the genitals, comprises a plug-in element, as described above, and a vibrating body which has a vibration generating device and comprises an energy store, the vibrating body being connected to the plug element only by means of the cable.

In this way, a massage device is provided which is particularly easy to handle and inexpensive to manufacture. In particular, only the vibration generating device and the energy storage device are to be provided in the vibration body, which have a relatively high space requirement, while other electronic components are relocated to the plug-in element. The vibrating body itself is therefore easier and easier to handle. Due to the lower number of components to be accommodated in the vibrating body, the external shape, in particular the size and contour of the vibrating body, is less predetermined by the components to be accommodated, but can be adapted more flexibly to different needs and areas of application. Since the plug-in element can be used in a large number of different massage devices, the lower manufacturing costs due to the higher number of pieces that can be achieved have an advantageous effect on the costs of the massage device.

The vibration body is preferably formed from silicone, TPE or another suitable thermoplastic material. These materials are not critical from a hygienic point of view and have a feel that is pleasant and therefore particularly suitable for use on or in the body. The material of the massage device is preferably UV-resistant, odorless and tasteless, and different colors can also be used.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the vibration body is designed as a shock wave vibrator or as a vibration vibrator. In principle, the plug element according to the invention can be used with all common types of vibrators.

The vibrating body is preferably designed free of printed circuit boards. This ensures that all components connected to the printed circuit board are relocated into the plug-in element, which results in a simpler and more cost-effective structure.

In particular, it can be achieved that the entire control system of the massage device is arranged in the plug-in element.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Steckelements;

Fig. 2a

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Leiterplatte des Steckelements nach Fig. 1 von einer Unterseite;

Fig. 2b

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Leiterplatte nach Fig. 2a von einer Oberseite;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Gehäuses des Steckelements nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Betätigungselements des Steckelements nach Fig. 1.

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Massagevorrichtung.

Further features and advantages of the present invention emerge from the following description with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the plug element according to the invention;

Fig. 2a

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the circuit board of the plug element according to Fig. 1 from a bottom;

Figure 2b

a perspective view of the circuit board according to Fig. 2a from a top;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the housing of the plug element according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the actuating element of the plug element according to Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the massage device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of the plug element 1 according to the invention for connecting a massage device, in particular a vibrator with an energy source, such as. B. a USB socket.

The plug element 1 is designed as a flat plug and comprises a housing 2 and a cable 4. The cable 4 emerges from the housing 2 and connects the plug element 1 to a vibrating body (not shown), as will be seen below Fig. 5 results. On an upper side in the longitudinal direction of the plug element 1, the plug element 1 has charging electrodes 6 which are arranged parallel to one another and are designed to be compatible with a USB-A connection. In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the plug-in element 1, this further comprises an actuating element 8 for actuating the massage device. Instead of the actuating element 8 or in addition to the actuating element, a grip area can be provided on a surface of the housing 2, which z. B. as a bulge is shaped. The grip area serves to be able to handle the plug-in element 1 better when it is inserted into a corresponding USB socket or when it is removed from it. The grip area is designed in such a way that the plug-in element 1 can be easily gripped on it and has a good feel. For this purpose, the grip area can for example be corrugated or have a projection on which the user can easily grip. The grip area can optionally also extend onto the side surfaces including the edges or edges of the housing.

As in Fig. 1 As can also be seen, the cable 4 in the preferred embodiment comprises two strands 10, which run separately from one another between the plug element 1 and the vibrating body. It is conceivable that each of the two strands 10 emerges from an opening in the housing 2 or that the cable 4 has only one strand in the area of the housing 2, which divides into two strands 10 after exiting the housing 2. In this case, the effort required to seal the connection between the cable 4 and the housing 2 is reduced. It is of course also possible for the cable 4 to consist of a single strand that encases all the lines between the plug element 1 and the vibrating body records.

The individual components of the plug element 1 according to the invention are described below with reference to FIG Figures 2 to 4 described in more detail.

The plug element 1 according to the invention comprises a control device, a wireless data communication device and a circuit board antenna for sending and receiving radio signals from the wireless data communication device, which are received in the housing 2 and preferably arranged on a common circuit board.

Fig. 2a shows in a perspective representation schematically a circuit board 12 on which various components are applied and connected to one another. In Fig. 2a the bottom of the circuit board 12 can be seen. The two charging electrodes 6 are applied parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction on the printed circuit board 12. The dimensions, ie in particular the distance and the length of the two charging electrodes 6, are dimensioned such that the plug element 1 can be plugged into a corresponding USB socket for charging the massage device. The (in the Fig. 2a and 2 B Not shown) contacting the charging electrodes 6 with the connections of the two cable strands 10 takes place in a known manner and way, preferably in corresponding recesses of the circuit board 12. In the preferred embodiment, in which the cable 4 is formed in two strands 10, the first strand is a simple cable with a stranded wire, the end of which is connected to the positive charging electrode. The second strand 10 of the cable 4 is designed as a coaxial cable, the outer conductor being connected to the charging electrode 6 defined as a ground pole.

On the underside of the printed circuit board 12, an actuating switch 14 is also arranged, which in the assembled state of the plug element 1 according to Fig. 1 adjoins an actuating section of the actuating element 8. Pressing the operating element 8 by the user operates the operating switch 14.

Figure 2b shows the upper side of the circuit board 12 schematically in a perspective view, the circuit board antenna 16 being applied to the circuit board 12 as a conductive layer in a known technique. Such a circuit board antenna 16 is characterized by a compact design. In the invention, it is advantageous that the circuit board antenna 16 is located in the plug-in element 1 away from the printed circuit and the components of the wireless data communication device, since secondary excitations and thus interference due to the high-frequency properties of the circuit board antenna 16 are reduced.

The shape of the printed antenna track (s) of the printed circuit board antenna 16 is optimized for good radiation characteristics, a high degree of efficiency in receiving and transmitting and for a sufficient bandwidth. It will be understood that the circuit board antenna 16 in Figure 2b is only indicated schematically and, in adaptation to the given requirements, can be arranged or printed on the printed circuit board 12 in any manner known to the person skilled in the art.

The data communication device 18 and the control device 20 are also arranged on the printed circuit board 12 and are contacted in a known manner with conductor tracks printed on the printed circuit board 12. The data communication device 18 converts the signals received from the circuit board antenna 16 and provides them to the control device 20. The control device 20 in turn controls the vibration generating device of the massage device in accordance with the commands received. The control device 20 and the wireless data communication device 18 are from an energy store of the massage device is supplied with power and supplied with suitable radio signals for control from a remote operating device, for example a smartphone, a PC or a similar mobile operating platform.

The control device 20 can additionally have a data storage device for storing program sequences, which makes it possible to program the massage device with internally or externally created vibration sequences, to store the vibration sequences and to control the massage device accordingly. In this case the control signals are supplied from the data storage device. Direct control via the remote operating device is also possible. An additional, direct control via the actuating element 8 is also possible.

Correspondingly, the control device 20 is connected to both the actuating switch 14 and to the data communication device 18 by conductor paths printed on the circuit board 12. A control signal output by the control device 20 is transmitted to one of the strands 10 and to a vibration generating device of the massage device by means of a conductor track printed on the circuit board 12. The data communication device 18 is connected at least to the printed circuit board antenna 16 via printed conductor tracks. In the embodiment described above, the control device 20 is electrically connected to the coaxial strand, for example to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, also called the core. It is also possible to produce the electrical connections described herein by gluing or by another suitable contacting technique.

The structure of the printed circuit board 12 with the components arranged thereon makes it possible to use commercially available standard components manufactured in large numbers, whereby costs can be saved. The concentration of the components usually arranged on circuit boards in the plug-in element 1 also eliminates the need for further circuit boards in the vibrating body.

Fig. 3 shows the housing 2 in a perspective view. The housing 2 is preferably produced by injection molding and ideally injected directly onto the circuit board 12. The housing 2 has a flat section 22, on the upper side of which an opening is provided which at least exposes the charging electrodes 6 on the circuit board 12 to such an extent that contact with an energy source is possible. The flat section 22 of the housing 2 including the printed circuit board 12 contained therein is designed in such a way that it can be inserted into conventional USB sockets. In order to provide sufficient installation space for the other components arranged on the printed circuit board 12, the housing 2 can have larger dimensions adjacent to the flat section 22.

The housing 2 is preferably made on the circuit board 12 by injection molding and consists of a thermoplastic material, for example acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Alternatively, the housing 2 can also be encapsulated with a corresponding covering made of thermoplastic material. Both variants make it possible to provide a housing that is as closed as possible and thus liquid-tight, which securely accommodates the electronic components, with only the charging electrodes 6 being exposed and, moreover, creating an adequate seal.

The housing 2 has a length L, a width B and a height H, the length being greater than the width. The ratio of length to height is preferably less than 10: 1, preferably less than 8: 1 and more preferably less than or equal to 6: 1. It is further preferred that the ratio of length to width is less than 10: 1, preferably less than 7: 1 and more preferably less than or equal to 3: 1. For example, the housing has a size of a maximum of 50 mm × 30 mm × 20 mm, more preferably of a maximum of 40 mm × 20 mm × 10 mm and even more preferably of a maximum of 35 mm × 15 mm × 6 mm.

On an upper side 24 of the housing 2, a further opening 26 can be provided which receives a contact area which the actuating element 8 receives. The actuator 8 is with reference to FIG Fig. 4 described in more detail and preferably arranged on the circuit board 12 before the enclosing housing 2 is attached.

The actuator 8 according to Fig. 4 consists preferably at least partially of a flexible plastic. The actuating element 8 has a contact area 28 which stands out from a body 30 of the actuating element 8. One surface of the body 30 is preferably in a form-fitting manner on the inside of the housing 2 and the contact area 28 extends into the opening 26 on the top 24 of the housing 2. The contact area 28 is preferably flush with the top 26 of the housing 2. However, it can also be desired that the contact area 28 of the actuating element extends beyond the top 26 of the housing 2 to lift off therefrom. Reliable actuation is thereby made possible, even if the plug element 1 cannot be seen by the user. The contact surface 28 can, however, also comprise means, in particular highlights, as in FIG Fig. 4 is indicated by the circular section on the contact surface 28 in order to haptically signal to the user the optimal pressure point for actuating the actuating element 8. On an underside of the contact surface 28, the actuation element 8 is designed such that it actuates the actuation switch 14 on the circuit board 12 when pressure is exerted on the contact surface 28. For this purpose, a projection can be provided on the actuating element 8, for example. Furthermore, the actuating element 8 is designed to be reliably received in the housing 2 and comprises, for example, openings 32 or latching elements 34 for connection to the printed circuit board 12 and the housing 2.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the massage device 40 according to the invention. The massage device 40 has a massage part or a vibrating body 42, which with reference to FIG Figs. 1 to 4 described plug element 1 is connected. The cable 4 extends between the housing 2 of the plug element 1 and the vibrating body 42, the exit of the cable 4 from the housing 2 or from the vibrating body 42 being liquid-proof in each case. This can be done by appropriate seals or by the fact that the cable 4 has a common covering with the respectively adjoining areas of the housing 2 or of the vibrating body 42. The ends of the cable 4 can also be glued to the housing 2 and the vibrating body 42, the adhesive providing the sealing effect in the exit areas of the cable 4.

The vibration body 42 has a vibration generating device and an energy store, which are functionally coupled or electrically connected to one another, as is generally known to the person skilled in the art. The vibration generating device and the energy store can be firmly contained in the vibration body 42, for. B. encapsulated by the vibrating body 42 or poured into it. The vibration generating device and the energy store can, however, also be designed to be removable from the vibration body 42. For this purpose, they are to be stored in a receptacle which can be pushed into and removed from a corresponding opening in the vibration body 42. A suitable seal between the receptacle and the vibrating body 42 must be ensured. The vibrations generated by the vibration generating device are transmitted to the receptacle and from this to the vibrating body.

The oscillation generating device comprises, for example, an electric motor with an imbalance which is seated eccentrically on a shaft and which sets the vibrating body 42 in oscillation and vibrates in response to signals from the control device 20. The energy store is preferably a rechargeable energy store, such as an accumulator.

In the embodiment according to the invention, it is now sufficient if the vibration body 42 only receives the vibration generating device and the energy store. The remaining components, namely the control device 20, the data communication device 18, the printed circuit board antenna 12 and the charging electrodes 6 are arranged in the plug element 1. Since fewer components have to be arranged in the vibrating body 42, its shape can be designed more freely and flexibly and can be adapted to the needs of the user. In addition, more cost-effective production results from the fact that the components to be arranged on a printed circuit board are arranged on a common printed circuit board 12, which is received in a protected manner in the housing 2.

It goes without saying that the Fig. 5 shows the massage device 40 purely by way of example and the size ratio between vibrating body 42 and plug element 1 is not necessarily true to scale. The length of the cable 4 can be made shorter or longer depending on the design of the vibrating body, which in particular depends on whether the vibrating body 42 is completely received in the user's body during use or not.

The shape of the vibrating body 42 can be designed quite differently in order to be able to respond as diverse as possible to the wishes of the customers for sex toys. Examples of such shapes are conventional female vibrator shapes in various lengths and thicknesses, with or without a clitoral stimulator attached to the side, smaller vibration attachments, ring-like attachments, couple vibrators, male vibrators, penis ring attachments, anal attachments, love balls and the like. The vibrating body can also be designed as a shock wave vibrator. In principle, the plug element 1 can be used with any type of vibrator.

The subject matter according to the invention provides a plug-in element for a remotely controllable massage device and such a massage device, which enable inexpensive manufacture, a reliably liquid-proof function, simple charging of the energy storage device and flexible control using current wireless data transmission technologies.

Claims (14)

1. Plug element (1) for connecting a massage device (40) to an energy source, wherein the plug element (1) comprises:

   a housing (2) which has two charging electrodes (6) for connecting to an energy source, and which houses one conductor plate antenna (16) for sending and receiving radio signals from a wireless data communications device (18);

   and

   a cable (4) which emerges from the housing (2) for connecting the plug element (1) to the massage device (40), wherein the plug element (1) is provided at a first end of the cable (4) whilst the opposite second end of the cable (4) is configured for connection to the massage device (40);

   wherein the housing (2), the cable (4) as well as the connection between the housing (2) and cable (4) are of fluid-tight design,

   characterised in that the housing (2) furthermore houses a control device (20) and the wireless data communications device (18).
2. Plug element (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that the plug element (1) is flat and that the charging electrodes (6) are of a USB-compatible design.
3. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the housing (2) has a length (L), a width (B) and a height (H) wherein the length (L) is greater than the width (B), and the ratio of length (L) to height (H) is less than 10:1, preferably less than 8:1 and more preferred less than or equal to 6:1 and wherein the ratio of length (L) to width (B) is less than 10:1, preferably less than 7:1 and more preferred less than or equal to 3:1.
4. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the housing (2) has dimensions of maximum 50 mm x 30 mm x 20 mm (L x B x H), preferably of maximum 40 mm x 20 mm x 10 mm (L xB x H) and more preferred maximum of 35 mm x 15 mm x 6 mm (L x B x H).
5. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the plug element (1) furthermore comprises an actuating element (8) which is formed in a surface (24) of the plug element (1).
6. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the charging electrodes (6), the conductor plate antenna (16), the wireless data communications device (18) and the control device (20) are arranged on a conductor plate (12).
7. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the charging electrodes (6), the conductor plate antenna (16), the data communications device (18) and the control device (20) are arranged on one side of the conductor plate (12) or alternatively are spread in any combination on two opposite sides of the conductor plate (12).
8. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the cable (4) has two strands (10) which are preferably separated from one another and are each watertight.
9. Plug element (1) according to claim 8 characterised in that one of the strands (10) comprises at least one electric lead for connecting the charging electrodes (6) to an energy accumulator of the massage device (40), and that the other strand (10) comprises a signal lead for connecting the control device (20) to a vibration generating device of the massage device (40).
10. Plug element (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the housing (2) is made from a biocompatible plastic material or has a covering of biocompatible plastic material.
11. Remote controllable massage device (40) suitable for massaging parts of the body, comprising:

    a plug element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10; and

    a vibration body (42) which comprises a vibration generating device and an energy accumulator, wherein the vibration body (42) is connected to the plug element (1) only by means of the cable (4).
12. Massage device (40) according to claim 11 charactered in that the vibration body (42) is a shock wave vibrator or an oscillation vibrator.
13. Massage device (40) according to claim 11 or 12 characterised in that the vibration body (42) is formed free of conductor plates.
14. Massage device (40) according to one of claims 11 to 13 characterised in that the entire control system of the massage device (40) is arranged in the plug element (1).

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