FR3117772A1 - MASSAGE HEAD WITH OPTIMIZED DRIVE FOR MASSAGE APPLIANCE AND MASSAGE APPLIANCE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HEAD - Google Patents

Abstract

Massage head with optimized drive for massage device and massage device equipped with such a head.The invention relates to a massage head (1) for a massage device (2) comprising a motor (14) and a means transmission (16) at the head of a rotational movement of the motor (14) which comprises an output shaft (17) rotatable about an output axis (D-D'), the head comprisingfirst and second massage rollers (8, 9) which extend along a first axis (B-B') and a second axis (C-C'), and a system for driving (13) the massage rollers in counter-rotating rotation along the first and second axes, comprising a bevel gear device for transforming the rotation of the output shaft into a rotation of the massage rollers, the first and second axes being inscribed in a plane (P1) intersecting with said output axis.Figure for the abstract: Fig 9.

Description

MASSAGE HEAD WITH OPTIMIZED DRIVE FOR MASSAGE APPLIANCE AND MASSAGE APPLIANCE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HEAD

The present invention relates to the general technical field of massage heads for skin massage devices, in particular for domestic use, and massage devices equipped with such massage heads.

The present invention relates more particularly to a massage head for a massage device comprising a motor and a transmission means for transmitting to the massage head a rotational movement of the motor. The present invention also relates to a massage device comprising a massage head, a motor and a transmission means for transmitting rotational movement from a shaft of the motor to the massage head.

Skin massagers intended to be held in the hand are already known, and which generally consist of a body fitted with a motor and a massage head which comprises massage rollers rotated by the motor, through a transmission mechanism. Typically, the massage head of these devices includes a pair of massage rollers, the application of which on the skin allows, when they are rotated, to massage the latter. In particular, in the case of massage devices intended to allow the realization of a massage of the skin according to a technique known as "palpating-rolling" for example, the massage head of these devices is designed to ensure a rotation of the massage rollers in the opposite direction. While such known massage heads and devices are generally satisfactory, they are nonetheless perfectible. First of all, their implementation often turns out to be complex and not very ergonomic, in particular by a person without specific professional skills in the field of skin massage. Furthermore, the known massage heads and devices sometimes encounter problems of mechanical reliability, with a risk of breakage, in the event of application of significant forces against the rollers during the massage. In addition, the known massage heads and devices do not always make it possible to perform a mechanical massage of the skin that is as effective as desired. In addition, the massage carried out using these known massage heads and devices can sometimes prove to be unpleasant or even painful, in particular in the case of treatment of an area of skin of the face. Finally, the known massage heads and devices are often of relatively complex design, which tends to make them expensive to manufacture and to negatively impact their reliability and robustness in use.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to propose a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, the use of which is particularly practical, ergonomic and intuitive, in particular for use by a person without special professional skills in skin massage.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which allow the realization of an effective and pleasant massage of the skin.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which are particularly reliable and robust.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, the design of which is particularly simple.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which have a particularly well-controlled size.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, which are relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a new massage head for a massage device, as well as a new massage device, the use of which is particularly safe.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved with the aid of a massage head for a massage device comprising a motor and a transmission means for transmitting to the massage head a rotational movement of the motor, said transmission means comprising an output shaft mounted for rotation about an output axis, said massage head comprising
- a first massage roller and a second massage roller, which are intended to come into contact with the skin of a user and extend respectively longitudinally along a first axis and a second axis, and
- a drive system for simultaneously driving said first and second massage rollers in rotation in a counter-rotating manner respectively along said first axis and said second axis, said drive system comprising a bevel gear device for transforming the rotational movement of the output shaft along the output axis in a rotational movement of the first and second massage rollers respectively along said first and second axes, said first and second axes being inscribed in a secant plane to said output axis.

The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved with the aid of a massage device comprising a massage head in accordance with the invention, said device comprising a motor and a transmission means for transmitting a rotational movement from the motor to the massage head, said transmission means comprising an output shaft rotatably mounted along an output axis.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings, given solely by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, among which:

illustrates schematically, and according to a perspective view, a preferred embodiment of a massage head according to the invention, the massage rollers being arranged in a position of minimal separation;

illustrates schematically, and according to an exploded top view, the massage head of Figure 1. The half-shells of the housing forming the frame of the massage head and the second support means of the second massage roller are shown offset laterally so as to highlight part of the system for driving the massage rollers in rotation;

schematically illustrates, and according to an exploded front view, the massage head of Figures 1 and 2. The half-shells of the housing are moved laterally and the second support means is offset vertically, so as to highlight a part the system for driving the massage rollers in rotation;

illustrates schematically, and according to a sectional view in a median plane identified by arrows at the , the massage head of FIG. 1. An example of an internal casing element is shown very schematically;

schematically illustrates, and according to a top view, the massage head of the , the massage rollers being this time arranged in a position of maximum separation;

illustrates schematically, and in a side view, the massage head of Figure 5. A half-shell of the housing and the second support means of the second massage roller have been omitted;

illustrates schematically, and in a perspective side view, the massage head of Figure 5, the half-shells of the housing and the second support means of the second massage roller having been omitted;

schematically illustrates, and in a side view, the massage head of Figure 1, removably attached to a working end of a main body forming a handle. There illustrates, as such, a preferred embodiment of a massage device according to the invention;

schematically illustrates, and according to a view in longitudinal median section, the massage head and the massage device of the ;

schematically illustrates, and according to a side view, the massage head and the massage device of the , the massage rollers being arranged in a position of maximum separation, as in FIGS. 5 to 7.

The invention relates, on the one hand, to a massage head 1 for a massage device 2, a preferred non-limiting embodiment of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10. The invention relates, on the other hand, to a device massager 2 comprising such a massage head 1, and an embodiment of which is illustrated for example in Figures 8 to 10. In the following, the massage head 1 and the massage device 2 according to the invention will be described in parallel for the sake of simplicity. Within the meaning of the invention, it is head 1 and apparatus 2 for skin massage, intended to mechanically manipulate the skin, preferably of the face, preferably of a user or human user. Preferably, the head 1 and the device 2 for massage according to the invention are intended for use in a domestic setting by a person (or user) without particular professional skills in personal care and more specifically in skin massage. Their use is not particularly limited in terms of areas of the body likely to be treated, although the massage head 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, as well as the massage device 2 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, are more preferably intended for massaging an area of facial skin. Massage head 1 and device 2 are particularly intended for use on oneself, i.e. the user of massage head 1 and device 2 is the recipient of the skin massage.

Advantageously, the massage device 2 concerned by the invention is a portable, manual device, that is to say intended to be held and used by hand, preferably by a person using the massage device 2 to massage his own skin. However, it is not excluded that the head 1 and the massage device 2 according to the invention can be implemented by a person to mechanically manipulate the skin of a third person, without departing from the scope of the invention. . As illustrated by example in Figures 8 to 10, the massage device 2 preferably comprises a main body 3 forming a handle 4 (or handle) for manual gripping. The main body 3 preferably extends along an average direction of longitudinal extension A-A'. Advantageously elongated, the main body 3 thus extends mainly in a single direction of space, corresponding to the average direction of longitudinal extension A-A'. In this way, the handle 4 preferably has a slender, slender shape, so that it can be grasped with the whole hand by an adult user. Preferably, the main body 3 extends longitudinally, in said mean direction of longitudinal extension A-A', between a first end 5, called the working end, at which the massage head 1 is fixed, arranged, or at the very least is intended to be fixed, and a second opposite end 6. Thus, when the massage head 1 is attached to the main body 3 of the massage device 2, the massage head 1 advantageously extends the main body 3 beyond the working end 5 of the latter. Preferably, the distance separating said first and second ends 5, 6, corresponding to the length of said main body 3, is sufficient to allow all the fingers of one hand of a user to close on the handle 4. The body main 3 is for example of generally tubular shape (with for example a circular or elliptical mid-section, constant or not), and is shaped and sized to ensure a good grip by the user. Said main body 3 can, for example, be formed of two half-shells 7A, 7B assembled together, preferably in a watertight manner, so as to define on the one hand an outer surface forming a zone for gripping the massage device 2 by the user and, on the other hand, an internal space within which can be housed various functional elements necessary for the proper functioning of the massage device 2 and, in particular, to that of the massage head 1. If such an elongated conformation of the main body 3 of the massage device 2 and such an arrangement of the massage head 1 at a working end 5 of said main body 3 promotes grip easy of the massage device 2 by a user, the invention is however not limited to these preferred conformation and arrangement and other conformation and arrangement can of course be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

The massage head 1 according to the invention comprises a first massage roller 8 and a second massage roller 9, which are intended to come into contact with the skin of a user in order to provide a mechanical massage of the skin. The first and second massage rollers 8, 9 extend respectively longitudinally along a first axis (or first direction) B-B' and a second axis (or second direction) C-C', the first axis B-B' forming an axis along which the first massage roller 8 is rotatably mounted, the second axis C-C' respectively forming an axis along which the second massage roller 9 is rotatably mounted. Preferably, as in the embodiments of the massage head 1 and apparatus 2 illustrated in the figures, the first axis B-B' of extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 is substantially parallel to the second axis C-C' extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, each of the massage rollers 8, 9 is of substantially cylindrical general shape with a circular base so that the first and second axes B- B', C-C' being advantageously parallel, the space which separates the respective surfaces of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is constant along the first and second axes B-B', C-C'. However, it could turn out to be advantageous, depending on the intended applications, for one and/or the other of said first and second massage rollers 8, 9 to have a different general shape, for example a convex or concave shape. . Depending on the targeted applications and skin areas to be treated, the surface (or outer part) of the first and/or second massage rollers 8, 9 can have a substantially smooth appearance or, on the contrary, have different shapes or structures, such as, for example , streaks, beads, hooks, barbs, paddles or the like, in particular to promote grip of the skin by at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9. Furthermore, the first and/or second rollers 8, 9 (or at least the part of the latter which defines its surface or external part) can be made of a material that is substantially hard and devoid of elasticity, or on the contrary in a material that has a certain elasticity (for example elastomer) to promote grip of the skin by at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9 and improve the comfort of use.

The massage head 1 advantageously comprises a frame 10 (or chassis), which preferably forms a casing 11, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures. Such a casing 11 can then advantageously define at least part of the visible outer envelope of the massage head 1. As illustrated in the figures, the casing 11 can for example be formed of two half-shells 12A, 12B (for example, plastic for reasons of cost and weight) assembled together by screwing, or by any other suitable means (for example, by gluing, welding, snap-fastening, etc.). Alternatively, the housing 11 could be formed from a single, monolithic shell. The frame 10 thus advantageously defines a fixed frame of reference for the massage head 1, with respect to which the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are therefore rotatable along their first and second axes B-B', C-C' of respective rotation. The massage head 1 also comprises a drive system 13 for simultaneously rotating the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 respectively along said first axis B-B' and said second axis C-C' of extension and spin. The drive system 13 is thus designed to actively transmit the rotational movement of a motor 14 simultaneously to the two massage rollers 4, 5 (thus forming an active drive system). In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the drive system 13 is housed within the housing 11 which here advantageously forms the frame 10. The massage head 1 advantageously comprises an application surface 15 intended to be positioned facing (and preferably in contact with) the user's skin surface, the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 protruding at least partially outside of (i.e. beyond) said application surface 15.

The massage device 2 concerned by the invention comprises a motor 14 (or means of motorization), advantageously on board, and preferably housed within said main body 3 (FIG. 9), and therefore outside the massage head 1 Preferably, it is an electric motor (for example, a DC motor, preferably servo-controlled). However, it could be a means of motorization of the pneumatic type (for example, an air turbine) or other. The massage device 2 also comprises a transmission means 16 for transmitting to the massage head 1 a rotational movement of the motor 14, or more exactly of a rotor of the motor 14 (FIG. 9). In other words, said transmission means 16 is designed and configured to cooperate with the drive system 13 in rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, so that the rotation of the motor 14 causes a in corresponding rotation of said first and second massage rollers 8, 9. Advantageously housed at least partly inside the main body 3, the transmission means 16 notably comprises an output shaft 17, which is outlet D-D' and via which the transmission means 16 is mechanically connected (or is at least capable of being connected) to the drive system 13 of the first and second rollers 8, 9 for massaging the head massage 1 to ensure the rotation of the latter (Figure 9). Optionally, the transmission means 16 may include a geared motor to adapt the speed of rotation of the output shaft 17 to the need for use. The massage device 2 can also optionally comprise a control unit (electromechanical or electronic) for the general operation of the massage device 2 via which the user can start / stop the massage device. 2, adjust the general mode of operation or even adjust certain specific parameters (for example, the speed of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9, the direction of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9, etc.). As illustrated in Figures 8 and 10, the control unit can advantageously be arranged in the main body 3 of the massage device 2 and be accessible to the user via a control panel 18. The massage device 2 can also optionally include an electric power supply unit 19. The latter may, for example, include a replaceable or rechargeable electric accumulator battery arranged within the main body 3 of the massage device 2 to allow autonomous, nomadic, of the latter, or include an electrical transformer, onboard or not, and intended to be connected to a conventional electrical outlet via an external power cord (not shown).

In the preferential case where the main body 3 of the massage device 2 extends along said mean direction of longitudinal extension A-A', between said working end 5 at which the massage head 1 is fixed or intended to be fixed and said second end 6 opposite, the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 is then advantageously arranged so that the average direction of longitudinal extension A-A' of the main body 3 of the massage device 2 is parallel to, or coincides with, said output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 (FIGS. 8 to 10). This makes it possible in particular to simplify the design of the massage device 2 and to control its size.

According to a variant (so-called "irremovable" variant, not shown), the main body 3 and the massage head 1 of the massage device 2 are fixed to each other, so that the massage head 1 does not cannot, in normal use, be separated from said main body 3 by the user. According to another more advantageous variant (so-called "removable" variant), retained in the embodiments illustrated as an example in the figures, the massage head 1 is removable, detachable from the main body 3. The massage device 2 then comprises at this title of the removable attachment means (or coupling means) of the massage head 1 to said main body 3, for example by interlocking complementary reliefs respectively carried by the massage head 1 and the main body 3, or even by screwing, by force fitting or by any other suitable known fixing technique. Advantageously comprising first fixing means 20 (for example hooks provided in the housing 11) intended to cooperate in a reversible manner with corresponding second fixing means 21 (for example pivoting bead levers, spring-mounted and controlled by buttons projecting from the main body 3) with which the main body 3 is respectively provided, the massage head 1 is then removable, and can thus be temporarily assembled to the main body 3, then subsequently separated from the main body 3 by the user, for example for purposes of maintenance and/or replacement of the massage head 1. Advantageously, the massage device 2 can thus constitute a device 2 with an interchangeable massage head 1 . Preferably, the main body 3 of the massage device 2 defines a housing 22 shaped and configured to receive the massage head 1 removably, and thus fix the latter to the main body 3 in a reversible, temporary manner. As in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, said housing 22 is advantageously defined at the level of the working end 5 of the main body 3, so that the massage head 2 can thus be assembled, fixed, to the main body 3 in the vicinity of said working end 5 of the latter. Said housing 22 is thus advantageously delimited by a side wall 23 which defines a free space within which at least one fixing portion 24 of the massage head 1 can be received.

Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the massage head 1 (or at the very least the frame 10/housing 11 of the latter) extends in the mean direction of extension E-E' between a proximal end 25, at the level of which the massage head 1 is fixed (non-removable variant) or is intended to be fixed (removable variant) to the main body 3 of the massage device 2, and a distal end 26 opposite, at the level of, or beyond which is positioned the application surface 15 of the massage head 1 against the skin. Thus, when the massage head 1 is attached to the main body 3 of the massage device 2 and the latter is held in the hand by the user, the proximal end 25 of the massage head 1 is the closest of the user's hand and furthest from the area of skin to be massaged by the latter, while the distal end 26 is farthest from the user's hand and closest to the area of skin to be massaged. massage of the latter. Advantageously, when the massage head 1 is fixed to the main body 3 of the massage device 2, at the working end 5 of said main body 3, the mean direction of extension E-E' of the massage head 1 is parallel to, or coincides with, the mean direction of longitudinal extension A-A' of the main body 3 (FIGS. 8 to 10). Even more advantageously, as illustrated by example in the figures, when the massage head 1 is fixed (permanently or temporarily) to the main body 3 of the massage device 2, at the working end 5 of said main body 3, the direction average extension E-E' of the massage head 1 is parallel to, or coincides with, on the one hand the average direction of longitudinal extension A-A' of the main body 3 and, on the other hand, the axis of output D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 of the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 (FIGS. 8 to 10).

The drive system 13 of the massage head 1 is more specifically designed to simultaneously drive the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 in rotation in a counter-rotating manner. In other words, the drive system 13 is provided to ensure the simultaneous rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, respectively along the first axis B-B' of rotation and the second axis C-C' of rotation, in opposite directions of rotation, that is to say reversed, advantageously at the same speed of rotation. The drive system 13 advantageously prohibits said first and second rollers 8, 9 from any rotation in the same direction, as well as any free rotation along their axis B-B', C-C' of extension and respective rotation. According to a first variant, the drive system 13 is designed to drive the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 in rotation so that, in a plan view perpendicular to the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation with the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 arranged at the top, the part of the massage roller located on the left which protrudes from the application surface 15 rotates in the anti-trigonometric direction (or clockwise direction), while the part of the massage roller located on the right which protrudes from the application surface 15 rotates counterclockwise (or counterclockwise). In this way, in use of the massage head 1, when the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are positioned in contact with the skin, their rotational movement causes a wrinkling effect of the skin between the first and second rollers. massagers 8, 9. The massage head 1 can then advantageously be used to implement the so-called " palpate-roll " massage technique which notably allows the activation of venous and lymphatic circulation and the softening of the skin, by stimulating fibroblasts and accelerating the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, by kneading the skin. According to a second variant, the drive system 13 is designed to drive said first and second massage rollers 8, 9 in rotation so that, in a plan view perpendicular to the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation with the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 arranged at the top, the part of the massage roller located on the left which protrudes from the application surface 15 rotates counterclockwise (or counterclockwise), while the part of the massage roller located on the right which protrudes from the application surface 15 rotates in the anti-trigonometric direction (or clockwise). In this way, in use of the massage head 1, when the massage rollers 8, 9 are positioned in contact with the skin, their rotational movement causes a stretching effect (“ stretching ”) of the skin. It is also possible that, according to a third variant, the drive system 13 is designed to drive said first and second massage rollers 8, 9 in rotation alternately according to the first (folding) and the second (stretching) variants above. , according to the choice of the user (for example, by action of the latter on the control panel 18). Advantageously, whatever the direction of counter-rotating rotation envisaged, the drive system 13 of the massage rollers 8, 9 is designed and configured to drive the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 in rotation, respectively according to the first and the second axis B-B', C-C' of rotation, at identical rotation speeds.

According to the invention, the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are inscribed in a plane P ₁ which is secant to the exit axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 of the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the massage head 1, when the massage head 1 is fixed (either definitively or temporarily) to the main body 3 to form the massage device 2 (FIGS. 8 to 10). The drive system 13 in rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 comprises, in return, a bevel gear device to transform the rotational movement of the output shaft 17 along the output axis D-D 'in a rotational movement of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 respectively along the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation. In other words, the drive system 13 is therefore designed and configured to transform, by means of said bevel gear device, an input rotational movement of the massage head 1, according to an input rotation axis which is secant to the plane P ₁ in which the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are inscribed, in a movement of rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 respectively along the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation. When the massage head 1 is fixed to the main body 3 of the massage appliance 2, either permanently by construction (“irremovable” variant) or temporary (“removable” variant), said axis of rotation at the entrance of the massage head 1 advantageously coincides, co-linear, with the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the means for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the massage head 1. Advantageously, said axis of rotation at the input of the massage head 1 is then parallel to, or coincides with, the mean direction of extension E-E' of the massage head 1 between its proximal 25 and distal 26 ends (FIGS. 8 to 10). Thanks to such a combination of characteristics, the massage head 1 and the massage device 2 equipped with it are particularly simple, ergonomic and intuitive to use for the user. In particular in the case where the main body 3, forming the handle 4 of the massage device 2, extends along said mean direction of longitudinal extension AA' between said working end 5 at which the massage head 1 is fixed and said second end 6 opposite, the output axis D-D 'of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 being parallel to, or coinciding with, said mean direction of longitudinal extension A-A' of the main body 3 , the massage head 1 can then define a plane P ₂ of application (or plane of contact) of the massage rollers 8, 9 against the skin which is ideally oriented with respect to the general conformation of the massage device 2 and in its handling. Taking hold of the handle 4 of the massage device 2 with one hand, the user can in fact thus maintain in a simple, intuitive and ergonomic manner the massage rollers 8, 9 against the area of his skin to be massaged, the wrist of the hand holding the handle remaining naturally aligned in the extension of the corresponding arm.

In order to further improve the ergonomics and practicality of use of the massage head 1 and of the massage device 2 which is equipped with it, it is advantageous to further provide that the first axis B-B' d 'extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 being parallel to the second axis C-C' of extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9, the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 of the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 is orthogonal to said first and second axes B-B', C-C' of extension and rotation. In other words, the massage head 1 is in this case on the one hand advantageously designed and configured, as envisaged above, so that the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are parallel to each other and, on the other hand, advantageously designed and configured so that, the massage head 1 being fixed (permanently or temporarily) to the main body 3 of the massage device 2 , the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 is then orthogonal to the first and second axes B-B'-C-C' of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 .

Preferably, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the massage head 1 further comprises an adjustment system for adjusting a relative spacing of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, that is to say for modify their relative position, in response to an external force exerted against at least one of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 by the skin of the user during the rotation of said roller(s) massage 8, 9 (against which / which is therefore exerted said force), between a minimum distance E _min (Figures 1 to 4, 8 and 9) and a maximum distance E _max (Figures 5 to 7 and 10) of said first and second massage rollers 8, 9. By “ spacing ” is meant here the space, the distance, separating the respective surfaces of the massage rollers 8, 9. In other words, when the massage head 1 is in operation , and that the first and second rollers 8, 9 are driven in counter-rotation by the system of ent groove 13 of the massage head 1 and are brought into contact with the skin of the user, the system for adjusting the relative spacing (that is to say the relative position) of the first and second rollers of massager 8, 9 is therefore capable of modifying the spacing of the latter relative to each other as a function of the intensity of the external force exerted against at least one of the rollers of massage 8, 9 by the skin of the user, which effort generally tends to spread, move away, the massage rollers 8, 9 from each other. In this case, this force results in particular from the reaction of the skin to the force of application of the massage head 1 to the skin by the user. The distance between the massage rollers 8, 9 can thus increase depending on the intensity of the force exerted by the skin. This results in the definition of a variable working area of the skin, the extent of which is defined by the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9 as a function of the external force exerted against at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9 by the skin of the user. Such an adjustment thus allows a perfect adaptation of the massage head 1 to the area of skin of the user being treated, thus ensuring a massage that is both effective and pleasant (by limiting the risk of local pain linked to the action of massage rollers 8, 9) of the skin. In particular, the risk of pinching of the skin between the first and second rollers 8, 9, which could possibly be encountered with the massage heads of the prior art, is remarkably limited (not to say eliminated) thanks to said system of adjustment of the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9.

The massage head 1 advantageously comprising, as already considered above, a frame 10 with respect to which the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are rotatably mounted respectively along said first and second axes B-B', C-C' d extension and rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9, such an adjustment system can optionally be designed and configured to allow movement (simultaneous or not) of each of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 relative to the frame 10, in response to an external force exerted against them. In this case, the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 may possibly be designed and configured to allow a displacement of the first axis B-B' of rotation of the first massage roller 8 and a displacement of the second axis CC' of rotation of the second massage roller 9, therefore in response to an external force exerted against at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9, between
- a first relative position of the first and second axes B-B', C-C' defining said minimum spacing E _min between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9,
- and a second relative position of the first and second axes B-B', CC defining said maximum spacing E _max between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9.

It is, however, more advantageous for said adjustment system to be designed and configured to, on the contrary, allow movement of only one of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 relative to said frame 10, in response to an external force exerted on against the massage roller 8, 9 concerned. Indeed, this advantageously makes it possible to simplify the design of the massage head 1 and to improve its compactness, robustness, reliability and ease of use, and this without however harming the effectiveness of the massage provided and the comfort of use of the massage head 1. On the contrary, the fact of thus authorizing the displacement of only one of the massage rollers 8, 9 even makes it possible to avoid an unpleasant and jerky massage that one could possibly be observed in certain situations in the case where the two massage rollers 8, 9 are capable of moving relative to the frame 10 of the massage head 1. As such, and as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 can be advantageously designed and configured to keep the first axis A-A' of the first massage roller 8 fixed (that is to say immobile in translation) relative to the frame 10 of the head massager 1, while allowing movement of the second axis CC' of the second massage roller 9, therefore in response to an external force exerted against at least the second massage roller 9, between
- a first position defining said minimum spacing E _min between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 (FIGS. 1 to 4, 8 and 9),
- And a second position defining said maximum spacing E _max between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 (FIGS. 5 to 7 and 10).

Advantageously, said minimum E _min and maximum E _max spacings are defined, by design of the adjustment system and according to the proper sizing (and in particular, the diameter) of the massage rollers 4, 5, so that
- when the second axis C-C' occupies its first position, the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are separated from each other by a minimum distance d _min of between approximately 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably still between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more preferably still equal to 6 mm,
- when the second axis C-C' occupies its second position, the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are separated from each other by a maximum distance d _max of between 8 mm and 20 mm, more preferably still between 10 mm and 12 mm, and more preferably still equal to 10 mm.

These minimum distances d _min and maximum d _max are to be considered here as corresponding to the minimum and maximum distances which separate two given points on the respective surface of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 positioned facing each other, in a plane containing the axes B-B', C-C' of the massage rollers 8, 9 (plane P ₁ ), respectively when the second massage roller 9 occupies its first position and when it occupies its second position. The minimum d _min and maximum d _max distances may advantageously be chosen differently depending in particular on the area of skin of the body to be treated, in order to optimize the effectiveness of the massage and the comfort of use. Thus, for use of the massage head 1 for the treatment of an area of skin of the face, and in particular in the case where the direction of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 is in accordance with the first variant envisaged above ( ie for the implementation of the so-called " feel-roll " technique, the minimum distance E _min will advantageously be defined so that the minimum distance d _min between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is preferably equal to 6 mm approximately, while the maximum spacing E _min will advantageously be defined so that the maximum distance d _max between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is preferably equal to approximately 10 mm. For use of the massage head 1 for the treatment of a skin area of the thigh or buttock, and in particular in the case where the direction of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 is in accordance with the first variant previously considered ( ie for the implementation of the so-called “ palpate-roll ” technique), the minimum distance E _min may advantageously be defined so that the minimum distance d _min between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is preferably equal to approximately 10 mm, while the maximum spacing E _min may advantageously be defined so that the maximum distance d _max between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is preferably equal to approximately 15 mm. For use of the massage head 1 for the treatment of an area of skin on the arm, and in particular in the case where the direction of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 is in accordance with the first variant envisaged previously ( ie for implementation of the so-called “ palpate-roll ” technique), the minimum distance E _min may advantageously be defined so that the minimum distance d _min between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is preferably equal to 5 mm approximately, while the maximum spacing E _min may advantageously be defined so that the maximum distance d _max between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is preferably equal to approximately 10 mm.

It will be noted here that a design of the adjustment system making it possible to obtain such minimum d _min and maximum d _max distances between the massage rollers 8, 9 could be symmetrically retained mutatis mutandis in the case envisaged previously, less advantageous however, where the adjustment system is designed and configured to allow movement (simultaneous or not) of each of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 with respect to the frame 10. As such, the reference to the first/second position of the second axis C-C' of the second massage roller 9, in the foregoing, could be transposed symmetrically into a reference to the first/second relative position of the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation of the first and second rollers of massaging 8, 9.

Preferably, the system for adjusting the relative spacing of said first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is moreover designed and configured to maintain the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 initially separated from one another. another in the absence of any external force exerted by at least one of said first and second rollers 8, 9 (and in particular against at least the second massage roller 9 in the case where only the latter is capable to move). In other words, the adjustment system is then provided to ensure an initial spacing E _ini (non-zero) of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 even though the latter are not in contact with the skin of the user and that the massage head is at rest, or even at a complete stop. The existence of such an initial spacing between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 advantageously promotes an immediate and toned massage (by pleating or stretching, depending on the direction of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9) of the skin. from the application against the latter of the massage head 1. In the case where the massage head 1 is intended for the treatment of an area of skin according to the so-called " palpate-rolling " technique, (i.e. say with the massage rollers 8, 9 rotating in the direction corresponding to the first drive variant described above), this initial spacing E _ini also advantageously makes it possible to facilitate the insertion of the skin within the work area as soon as the user applies the massage rollers 8, 9 in contact with his skin. This insertion is carried out remarkably without pain, without effort and even without particular manipulation on the part of the user. The ease of use and the ergonomics of the massage head 1 are therefore improved. For example, in the case where the massage head 1 is intended for the treatment of an area of the face according to the so-called " palpate-roll " technique, the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 can thus be advantageously kept initially separated from each other by an initial distance of at least 2 mm to 8 mm, and more preferably of at least 5 mm (or even 6 mm).

Even more advantageously, provision may be made for the adjustment system to be designed to maintain the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 according to an initial spacing E _ini identical to the minimum spacing E _min described above. In other words, even in the absence of force exerted by the skin against at least the second massage roller 9, in the preferential case described above where only the latter is able to move, the adjustment system then maintains the second axis C-C' of rotation of the second massage roller 9 in its first position. Said second position of the second axis CC' is therefore a rest position. This contributes to further simplifying the design of the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9, and more generally of the massage head 1. Preferably, as is the case in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 is designed and configured in such a way that the displacement of the second axis C-C' of the second massage roller 9 between said first and second positions (or, symmetrically, the displacement of the first and second axes B-B', C-C' between their first and second relative positions) follows a path in the form of an arc(s) of a circle, with a center of curvature advantageously positioned towards the inside of the frame 10. Such a configuration advantageously facilitates the adjustment of the relative spacing of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 under the effect of the pressure exerted by the user, according to the topography of the skin area to be treated. Indeed, such an arcuate trajectory proves to be well suited to allow the massage head 1 to follow the contours of the user's skin, insofar as since most of the zones likely to be treated with using the massage head 1 have a relatively rounded shape (face, leg, arm, buttock, etc.). In addition, such a configuration advantageously contributes to the simplicity of design and to a small size of the massage head 1.

As such, the adjustment system preferably comprises a first support means 27 (or first support arm) for the first massage roller 8, and a second support means 28 (or first support arm) for the second massage roller. massage 9, distinct from said first support means 27. The first and second support means 27, 28 are respectively designed and configured to support the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 rotating along the first and second axes B-B' , C-C' of rotation, for example via a first rigid axis 29 and a second rigid axis 30 which pass axially respectively through the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, and thus advantageously form axes rigid 29, 30 for rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9. In the preferred case, mentioned above and retained in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, where the adjustment system is provided to only allow of the second roll of massa ge 9 and the second axis C-C 'of rotation of the latter, the first support means 27 of the first massage roller 8 is then immobile relative to the frame 10, while the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9 is for its part pivotally mounted with respect to the frame 10 along a pivot axis F-F' which is parallel to said second axis C-C' (and also parallel to said first axis B-B' in the hypothesis, retained at the figures, where the first and second axes B-B', C-C' are advantageously parallel to each other). As illustrated in the figures, the pivot axis F-F' is advantageously positioned under the application surface 15, so that the center of curvature of the arcuate trajectory of the second axis C-C' is thus positioned towards inside frame 10 and housing 11.

Advantageously, the first support means 27 can be integral with all or part of the frame 10 or the box 11. For example, in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, in which the frame 10 forms the box 11, itself formed by two half-shells 12A, 12B, the first support means 11 is advantageously formed by two complementary support elements 31A, 31B each forming a single, monolithic part, with one of the two half-shells 12A, 12B. Advantageously, the second support means 28 can be formed from a single, monolithic piece, mounted on the one hand to pivot relative to the frame 10 via a rigid pivot axis 32 which extends longitudinally along the pivot axis F-F', and connected on the other hand to the second massage roller 9 via said second rigid axis 30. The manufacture and assembly of the massage head 1 is thus facilitated, while guaranteeing the mobility of the second support means 28, and therefore of the second massage roller 9. As illustrated in the figures, the first and second support means 27, 28 advantageously define the application surface 15 of the massage head 1 mentioned previously. The application surface 15 also constitutes a support surface, a sort of guide, allowing the user not to push the massage rollers 8, 9 too far into the skin, so as to optimize the ergonomics and safety of use of the massage head 1. Preferably, the first and second support means 27, 28 are shaped so as to advantageously limit the risks of pinching the skin or the fingers of the user between the frame 10 and the first and second massage rollers 8, 9.

Advantageously, the massage head 1 comprises a return member 33 configured and arranged to exert a force tending to automatically bring said first and second massage rollers 8, 9 towards their minimum distance E _min . In the preferential case where the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9 is provided to only allow movement of the second massage roller 9 and of the second axis C-C' of the latter, the return member 33 is therefore then configured and arranged to exert a force tending to return the second axis C-C' of extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9 towards said first position when it occupies said second position. Symmetrically, the return member 33 can be configured and arranged to exert a force tending to return the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 towards said first relative position when they occupy said second relative position. The return member 33 thus has the effect of bringing the massage rollers 8, 9 closer together when the latter are moved away from each other under the effect, in particular of an external force exerted against at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9 by the skin of the user. The implementation of such a return member 33 makes it possible to advantageously confer on the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9 a dynamic character, in particular promoting permanent contact between the massage rollers 8, 9 and the skin during the massage of the latter. Such a return member 33 also advantageously allows the adjustment system to adjust the spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9 until a balance of the forces exerted directly and/or indirectly on the latter is reached. Indeed, the force exerted by the skin against at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9, when it is greater than the force exerted by the return member 33, makes it possible to counter the return effect of the return member 33 and to separate the massage rollers 8, 9 by moving the second massage roller 9 in the direction of its second position (or, symmetrically, by moving the massage rollers 8, 9 towards their second relative position). On the contrary, if the force exerted by the skin is less than the force exerted respectively by the return member 33, the latter automatically returns the second massage roller 9 to its first position (or, symmetrically, automatically returns the rollers massage 8, 9 in the direction of their first relative position), which thus brings the massage rollers 8, 9, until reaching a position of equilibrium. Obtaining such a balance advantageously makes it possible to control and limit the forces exerted by the massage head 1 on the skin (and in particular the forces of wrinkling the skin in the case of operation according to the " palpate- rolling ”), in order to limit pain in particular by automatically adapting to the characteristics of the skin of the area to be treated (thickness, elasticity, etc.). Thus, the implementation of the return member 33 makes it possible to choose, by design, the maximum admissible effort within the work zone, that is to say between the massage rollers 8, 9, and therefore not to leave the assessment of this effort (which results in particular from the pressure applied to the skin) to the user, as could be the case with the massage heads of the prior art. This thus considerably reinforces the safety and ease of use of the head 1 and of the device 2 for massage, in particular allowing their use by a user lacking special skills or knowledge in the field of massage.

The return member 33 may be of any suitable known type, and may for example comprise one or more helical traction or compression springs (" coil " springs), one or more helical torsion springs, one or more blade(s), or a combination thereof. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures (and in particular in Figures 4, 6 and 9), the return member 33 comprises a single helical torsion spring, one of the legs of which is positioned in abutment against a surface of the frame 10 and the other of the legs is positioned bearing against a surface of the second support means 28 of the second roller 9, and whose turns are wound around the rigid pivot axis 32 which connects the second support means 28 to pivot with respect to the frame 10. Of course, other arrangements and configurations of the return member 33 could be adopted to obtain the desired return effect. Advantageously, the tare of the return member 33, and in particular its return force, is chosen, according to the intended application and the skin area to be treated, as a function of the resistance threshold of the skin. Thus, below the resistance threshold of the skin, when using the massage head 1, the massage rollers 8, 9 are moved closer to each other under the action of the body of return 33. Beyond this threshold, the return force of the return member 33 is on the contrary less than the force of resistance of the skin, so that the massage rollers 8, 9 tend to move apart one of the other. This improves both the effectiveness and the comfort of the massage of the skin by the massage head 1, while guaranteeing the safety of use of the massage head 1 by a non-specifically qualified user. Preferably, the return member 33 is calibrated to exert a return force of between 2 N and 20 N, and more preferably between 4 N and 10 N. For example, in the case where the return member 33 comprises a single helical torsion spring, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the torsional moment of this helical torsion spring may advantageously be between 10 Nmm and 50 Nmm, even more advantageously between 20 Nmm and 40 Nmm. Such a calibration is in fact particularly well suited for the treatment, using the massage head 1, of an area of skin of the face according to the so-called “ palpate-roll ” technique mentioned above.

Advantageously, the first and second positions of the second axis C-C' of extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9 (or, symmetrically, the first and second relative positions of the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9) are abutment positions, so as to mechanically limit, in a reliable and repeatable manner, the range of relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9. According to a variant, particularly simple design, said first and second positions (or, symmetrically, said relative first and second positions) are defined by fixed mechanical stops, defined once and for all during the design of the massage head 1. No particular adjustment is is thus required from the user. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the second position of the second axis C-C' of the second massage roller 9 is defined by two fixed lateral stops 34 arranged at the level of the second support means 28, and which bear against an external surface of the casing 11, which advantageously forms the frame 10 of the massage head 1, when the second axis C-C' of rotation occupies its second position ( ). A single fixed stop could alternatively be envisaged. Advantageously, the stops 34 are designed and dimensioned to ensure that the surface of the second massage roller 9 is maintained at a distance from the frame 10, so as to avoid any contact between the latter when the second axis CC′ of rotation of the second massage roller 9 occupies its second position (Figure 10). The first position of the second axis C-C' of rotation can itself be defined, for example, by at least one fixed stop (and preferably two, not visible in the figures) arranged at the level of the second support means 28, and which bears against a surface of the first support means 27 of the first massage roller 8 when the second axis C-C' of rotation occupies its first position. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, this fixed stop also advantageously makes it possible to avoid any interaction between the second support means 28 and the drive system 13 housed within the housing 11. According to another variant (not illustrated) , said first and second positions could on the contrary be one and/or the other defined by adjustable mechanical stops (for example, screw), so that the user can define and adjust the value of the gaps himself desired minimum Emin and maximum Emax, that is to say of said minimum dmin and maximum dmax distances.

Preferably, and as illustrated by example in the figures, the massage head 1 is advantageously designed and configured so that the plane P ₂ of contact of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 with the skin is oriented secantly and not orthogonal to the mean direction of extension E-E' of the massage head 1, and this again preferably regardless of the (first or second) position occupied by the second axis C-C' of extension and rotation of the second roller massager 9 (respectively, regardless of the first or second relative position occupied by the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9). Preferably, the contact plane P ₂ of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 with the skin is secant and not orthogonal to said mean direction of extension E-E' of the massage head 1 according to a minimum contact angle α _min of at least 15°, when the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are in their minimum spacing E _min (FIGS. 8 and 9), and according to a maximum contact angle α _max of 110° at most when the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are in their maximum distance E _max (FIG. 10). Such an inclination of the contact plane P ₂ of the massage rollers 8, 9 with the skin contributes to excellent ergonomics of the head 1 and of the massage device 2, further facilitating their grip and their use whatever the area of skin to be treated. Even more preferentially, and in particular in the case where the massage head 1 is intended for the treatment of an area of facial skin, the minimum contact angle α _min may advantageously be chosen equal to 72.5°, while that the maximum contact angle α _max may advantageously be chosen equal to 91.5°. Advantageously, as in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the pivot axis F-F' of the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9 with respect to the frame 10 of the massage head 1 may be included in a plane containing the average direction of extension E-E' of the massage head 1, which contributes to the simplicity of design and the compactness of the massage head 1. In this case, the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the rollers massager 8, 9 can advantageously be designed and configured so as to define between, on the one hand a plane P ₃ comprising the first axis B-B' of rotation and the pivot axis F-F' and, on the other hand a plane P ₄ comprising the second axis C-C' of rotation and the pivot axis F-F', a minimum opening angle β _min of between 95° and 110° (and preferably equal to 105°) when the massage rollers 8 , 9 are in their minimum relative spacing E _min (FIGS. 8 and 9), and an opening angle ma ximale β _max between 135° and 150° (and preferably equal to 143°) when the massage rollers 8, 9 are in their maximum relative spacing E _max (FIG. 10).

Preferably, the drive system 13 in rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 comprises a first set of gear(s) 35A and a second set of gear(s) 35B, separate from each other, and which are respectively provided to drive the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 in rotation. Each of the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 35B comprises at least one driving toothed wheel 36A, 36B and a driven toothed wheel 37A, 37B secured (axially) to one of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 and driven (directly or indirectly) in rotation by the driving toothed wheel 35A, 35B. In other words, the driven toothed wheel 37A, 37B of each of the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 35B is rotatably mounted integrally with one of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 according to the first or second axis B-B', C-C' of rotation of the latter, so that the rotation of the driven toothed wheel 37A, 7B along the first or second axis B-B', C-C' of rotation causes the joint rotation of the first or second massage roller 8, 9 corresponding. Said drive gears 36A, 36B and driven gears 37A, 37B are preferably spur gears.

According to a preferred variant, retained in the embodiments of the massage head 1 and device 2 illustrated in the figures, the bevel gear device is advantageously formed of a double gear with intersecting axes (gear whose axes of rotation are secant) or orthogonal (gear whose axes of rotation are inscribed in planes orthogonal to each other) comprising a (single) input toothed wheel 38 and two output toothed wheels 39A, 39B meshed at the input toothed wheel 38. Each output toothed wheel 39A, 39B is respectively connected to the corresponding driving toothed wheel 36A, 36B of the first set of gear(s) 35A and of the second set of gear(s) 35B, for drive said drive gear 36A, 36B in rotation. In other words, the angle transmission device therefore comprises two gears with concurrent or orthogonal axes which share the same input toothed wheel 38 and respectively drive the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 35B by via two separate output toothed wheels 39A, 39B. Such a drive system 13 proves to be particularly robust and reliable while being of relatively simple and efficient design. Its various components can thus advantageously be made of a rigid plastic material, which advantageously makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the weight of the massage head 1. Preferably, each output toothed wheel 39A, 39B forms a single piece, monolithic, with the corresponding driving toothed wheel 36A, 36B, so that the output toothed wheel 39A, 39B and the corresponding driving toothed wheel 36A, 36B are therefore interconnected by continuity of material. In particular, this makes it possible to simplify and make the design of the drive system 13 even more reliable, by limiting the number of parts.

Still in order to simplify the design of the drive system 13 in rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9, the bevel gear device is more preferably formed of a double gear with concurrent axes, as envisaged above, which is a double bevel gear. In other words, the input gear wheel 38 of the bevel gear device is a bevel gear, and the output gear wheels 39A, 39B of the bevel gear device are both also bevel gears. conical. Advantageously, the angle transmission device is designed and configured to ensure a 90° angle transmission. In other words, the input toothed wheel 38 and the output toothed wheels 39A, 39B of the angle transmission device are therefore configured and arranged so that the axis of rotation G-G' of the output toothed wheels 39A, 39B is concurrent and orthogonal to the axis of rotation H-H' of the input toothed wheel 38 (FIGS. 3 and 7). This makes it possible in particular to ensure in a simple and effective manner a rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 in the advantageous case where the first and second axes B-B ', C-C' of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 are parallel to each other and where the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 is orthogonal to said first and second axes B-B', C-C'. As emerges from the figures, the axis of rotation H-H' of the input toothed wheel 38 is advantageously parallel to, or coincides with, the direction E-E' of extension of the massage head 1 of a hand, and advantageously parallel to, or coincident with, the output axis D-D 'of the output shaft 17 (when the massage head 1 is fixed to the main body 3) on the other hand.

Advantageously, the massage head 1 further comprises a coupling member, preferably temporary, for coupling the input toothed wheel 38 of the angle transmission device to a distal end of the output shaft 17 of the means of transmission 16 of the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the massage head 1, and thus allow the transmission of the rotational movement of the output shaft 17 to the drive system 13 of the massage rollers 8, 9. For example, the coupling member can form a female coupling member 40 which cooperates, or is at least intended to cooperate, by form complementarity with a male coupling member 41 secured to the distal end of the shaft of outlet 17. Conversely, but in a less advantageous manner in terms of bulk of the massage head 1, the coupling member of the massage head 1 could form a male coupling member which cooperates, or is at all month intended to cooperate, by complementarity of e form with a female coupling member secured to the distal end of the output shaft 17. As illustrated by example in the figures, the male coupling member 41 can advantageously have a generally conical shape and include fins whose the free edges define said generally conical shape. The female coupling member 40 can then define in return an imprint, an inner side wall of which has a generally conical or frustoconical shape, shaped and configured to receive and cooperate with the fins of the male coupling member 41 by complementarity of form. Advantageously rotatably mounted in a coupling bearing 42 which is secured to the frame 10 of the massage head 1, the input toothed wheel 38 of the bevel gear device preferably forms a single, monolithic piece with said control member. coupling, which simplifies the design of the massage head 1. Such a configuration is particularly interesting in the case where the massage head 1 is intended to be fixed to the main body 3 of the massage device 2 in a removable manner, as in the embodiments illustrated in the figures. As in the example illustrated in Figure 9, the male coupling member 41 secured to the distal end of the output shaft 37 can advantageously project from the bottom of the housing 22 intended to receive the massage head 1 of removable manner, as previously described. Thus, when the massage head 1 is inserted and fixed in the housing 22 of the main body 3 of the massage device 2, the input toothed wheel 28 of the angle transmission device is thus coupled, by complementarity of the male 41 and female 40 coupling members, at the distal end of the output shaft 17 of the means 16 for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 (FIG. 9).

According to another variant (not shown), the bevel gear device is identical to that described above, except that it has no input toothed wheel, the latter being directly attached to the distal end of the output shaft of the means for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor to the massage head. Such a variant proves to be more particularly interesting, because in particular simpler and less expensive to implement, in particular in the case where the massage head is fixed to the main body of the massage device in an irremovable manner. In this case, the angle transmission device of the massage head therefore constitutes, as such, only part of an angle transmission mechanism.

Preferably, the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 35B each comprise an intermediate gear wheel 43A, 43B which is arranged between the driving gear wheel 36A, 36B and the driven gear wheel 37A, 37B, and with which the driven gear 37A, 37B is (directly) meshed. Advantageously, the intermediate toothed wheels 43A, 43B have straight teeth. More preferably still, the intermediate toothed wheel 43A, 43B of each of the first and second sets of gears 35A, 35B is meshed (preferably (directly) with the driving toothed wheel 36A, 36B of the sets of gears 35A, 35B corresponding, and has a diameter which is greater on the one hand than a respective diameter of said driving toothed wheel 36A, 36B, and on the other hand, to a respective diameter of said driven toothed wheel 37A, 37B. 43A, 43B thus advantageously constitute toothed wheels for reducing the speed of rotation, which make it possible to reduce the speed of rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 with regard to the speed of rotation of the motor 14. This makes it possible in particular to be able to choose a motor 14 of small size and high rotation speed, space-saving and inexpensive, and while ensuring that the massage rollers 8, 9 can be rotated at a speed which is not too high and with a couple that is on the other hand strong enough in accordance with the type of massage targeted. In a complementary or alternative manner, the intermediate toothed wheel 43B of the second set of gears 35B is rotatably mounted along an axis of rotation I-I' which coincides with the pivot axis F-F' of the second support means 28 of the second roller of massage 9 with respect to the frame 10. This makes it possible in particular to confer on the displacement of the second axis C-C' of rotation of the second massage roller 9, between its first and second positions which respectively define the minimum spacing E _min and the maximum spacing E _max between the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, an arcuate trajectory as previously envisaged, and this while guaranteeing continuity of drive in rotation of the second massage roller 9 by the drive system 13 while along the displacement of the second axis C-C' of rotation. Indeed, when the second axis C-C' of rotation moves between said first and second positions, the driven toothed wheel 37B of the second set of gear(s) 35B therefore rotates advantageously, on the one hand along the second axis C-C' of rotation of the second massage roller 9 and, on the other hand, around the axis of rotation I-I' of the intermediate toothed wheel 43B, with which the driven toothed wheel 37B therefore remains permanently meshed.

As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first set of gear(s) 35A and the second set of gear(s) 35B are preferably identical to one another. In other words, the driving sprockets 36A, 36B of the drive system 13 are identical to each other (dimensions, number of teeth, etc.), the driven sprockets 37A, 37B are identical to each other and, likewise manner, the intermediate toothed wheels 43A, 43B are, where appropriate, identical to each other. Advantageously, the output toothed wheels 39A, 39B of the bevel gear device are also identical to one another. The design of the drive system 13 in rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 is thus greatly simplified, and its manufacturing cost reduced. In the event that the massage rollers 8, 9 are of identical diameters, this also advantageously makes it possible to simply and effectively ensure rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9 at identical speeds, as envisaged previously.

Advantageously, the output toothed wheels 39A, 39B of the bevel gear device and the driving toothed wheels 36A, 36B of the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 35B are mounted to rotate around one and the same rigid axis 44, and therefore along the same axis of rotation J-J'. Advantageously, this common axis of rotation J-J' then coincides with the axis of rotation G-G' of each of the output toothed wheels 39A, 39B. Conversely, the intermediate toothed wheels 43A, 43B are, if necessary, mounted for rotation around one and the same rigid axis 45, and therefore along the same axis of rotation K-K' as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures. Advantageously, this rigid axis 45 coincides with (that is to say formed by) the rigid pivot axis 32, and said axis of rotation K-K' coincides with the pivot axis F-F' of the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9 and with the axis of rotation I-I' of each of the intermediate toothed wheels 43A, 43B. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of parts comprised by the drive system 13 in rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9, and therefore to simplify the design of the massage head 1, to limit its bulk and to reduce the manufacturing cost. Advantageously, said rigid axes 44, 45/32 are connected to the frame 10 of the massage head 1 in order to ensure good absorption of the forces in operation of the massage head 1, and in particular in order to counter rotational forces according to axis of rotation H-H' of the input toothed wheel 38, and thus guarantee great robustness of the drive system 13. For example, the rigid axes 44, 45 can be fitted into an internal wall of the housing 11 by between their ends. As illustrated for example by the arrows in FIG. 7, when the input toothed wheel 38 of the bevel transmission device is rotated along its axis of rotation H-H', the output toothed wheels 39A, 39B of the angle transmission device thus rotate counter-rotating around their common rigid axis 44, and the intermediate toothed wheels 43A, 43B also rotate counter-rotating around their common rigid axis 45. The rotational movement of the motor 14 is thus ultimately transmitted to the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, via the driven toothed wheels 37A, 37B, to which the first and second massage rollers 37A, 37B are respectively secured, and which rotate counter-rotating respectively along the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of rotation. Advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, the toothed wheels 36A, 37A, 43A of the first set of gear(s) 35A (as well as, preferably, the corresponding output toothed wheel 39A) extend substantially in a first plane which is parallel to a second plane in which the toothed wheels 36B, 37B, 43B of the second set of gear(s) 35B extend substantially respectively (as well as, preferably, the corresponding output toothed wheel 39B), these first and second planes being, even more advantageously, arranged opposite each other at an equidistant distance from the axis of rotation H-H' of the input toothed wheel 38 of the bevel gear device. This contributes in particular to an excellent dimensional and weight balance of the massage head 1 and to its good mechanical stability in operation.

Preferably, all or part of the toothed wheels 36A, 37A, 43A, 36B, 37B, 43B of the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 36B is rotatably mounted with a non-zero movement along the axis of rotation of said sprockets 36A, 37A, 43A, 36B, 37B, 43B. In other words, all or only some of the driving cogwheels 36A, 36B, the driven cogwheels 37A, 37B and, possibly, the intermediate cogwheels 43A, 43B are mounted on the one hand for rotation along their respective axis of rotation, and on the other hand in translation along their respective axis of rotation, so that the toothed wheels concerned can thus translate axially, typically over a distance (or deflection, that is to say on either side of the position illustrated) between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, and more preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm. Such a possibility, for the toothed wheels concerned, to move in translation along their own axis of rotation advantageously makes it possible to compensate for possible vibrations/movement of the massage rollers 8, 9 during use, and to reduce thus the mechanical stresses within the massage head 1. It is however preferable that the driven toothed wheels 37A, 37B are connected to their respective massage rollers 8, 9 with zero movement (that is to say without movement allowed) along their own axes of rotation, that is to say along the first and second axes B-B', C-C' of the first and second massage rollers 8, 9, and that only the driven toothed wheels 36A , 36B and, possibly, the intermediate toothed wheels 43A, 43B, are mounted for rotation with such a non-zero clearance along their own axis of rotation. This avoids in particular a potential risk of pinching or jamming of the skin, for example, between a given massage roller 8, 9 and the corresponding driven toothed wheel 37A, 37B.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to such an advantageous design of the drive system 13 in rotation of the massage rollers 8, 9. Although in a less preferred manner, the drive system 13 may thus comprise other known and suitable mechanisms (gears, pulleys, belts, etc.), instead of the first and second sets of gear(s) 35A, 35B described above, for transmitting a rotational movement at the output of the bevel gear to each of the massage rollers 8, 9.

Advantageously, the massage head 1 comprises a casing (or protective casing) designed and configured to isolate, at least in part and preferably in major part, the drive system 13 from the first and second massage rollers 8, 9 from the environment outside the massage head 1. Such a protective casing advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, to limit the risk of clogging of the drive system 13 (for example by debris of dead skin, make-up, hair, etc.) and therefore to make the operation of the latter more reliable. The presence of the casing makes it possible, on the other hand, to limit the risk of pinching or jamming of the skin, of a finger, or even of the user's hair in the drive system 13, which makes the use of the particularly safe massage head 1. More generally, the casing makes it possible to protect the drive system 13 of the massage rollers 8, 9 against the introduction of external elements or objects likely to deteriorate its operation. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the casing can advantageously comprise an outer casing element 46, which typically defines at least part of an outer casing of the massage head 1, and which is for example formed at least in part by the casing 11 of the massage head 1. As in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, said outer casing element 46 can also advantageously be formed by the support means 27, 28 of the massage rollers 8, 9 that advantageously comprises the system for adjusting the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9. Furthermore, the casing can advantageously comprise an internal casing element 47, arranged within the massage head 1 itself, under the rollers of massager 8, 9, the latter thus being arranged between the skin of the user and the internal casing element 47, as illustrated very schematically as an example at . The internal casing element 47 thus advantageously overlaps at least part of the drive system 13 for the massage rollers 8, 9, without however interfering with the rotation of the latter. For example made of a plastic material, the internal casing element 47 can advantageously have a curvature which follows the contour of the surfaces of the massage rollers 8, 9, as illustrated by example in . In the preferential case where, as described above, the massage head 1 comprises a system for adjusting the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9, the internal casing element 47 may advantageously be formed by an elastically deformable material, so that the internal casing element 47 performs its protective role regardless of the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9.

Claims (17)

Massage head (1), for a massage device (2) comprising a motor (14) and transmission means (16) for transmitting to the massage head (1) a rotational movement of the motor (14), said transmission means (16) comprising an output shaft (17) rotatably mounted along an output axis (D-D'), said massage head (1) comprising

• a first massage roller (8) and a second massage roller (9), which are intended to come into contact with the skin of a user and extend respectively longitudinally along a first axis (B-B') and a second axis (C-C'), and
• a drive system (13) for simultaneously rotating said first and second massage rollers (8, 9) in a counter-rotating manner respectively along said first axis (B-B') and said second axis (C-C'), said drive system (13) comprising a bevel gear device (38, 39A, 39B) for transforming the rotational movement of the output shaft (17) along the output axis (D-D') in a rotational movement of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9) respectively along said first and second axes (B-B', C-C'), said first and second axes (B-B', C-C ') being inscribed in a plane (P ₁ ) secant to said output axis (D-D').

Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said first axis (B-B') of extension and rotation of the first massage roller (8) is parallel to said second axis (C-C') of extension and rotation of the second massage roller (9), said output axis (D-D') preferably being orthogonal to said first and second axes (B-B', C-C') of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9). Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises an adjustment system for adjusting a relative spacing of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9), in response to an external force exerted on the against at least one of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9) by the skin of the user during the rotation of said massage roller (8, 9), between a minimum spacing (E _min ) and a maximum separation (E _max ) of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9). Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a frame (10) with respect to which said first and second massage rollers (8, 9) are rotatably mounted respectively along said first and second axes (B-B', C-C'), said system for adjusting the relative spacing of said first and second massage rollers (8, 9) being designed and configured to maintain said first axis (B-B') fixed with respect to said frame (3 ), while allowing said second axis (C-C') to move between a first position defining said minimum distance (E _min ) between said first and second massage rollers (8, 9) and a second position defining said maximum distance ( E _max ) between said first and second massage rollers (8, 9). Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said adjustment system is designed and configured in such a way that the displacement of said second axis (C-C') between said first and second positions follows an arcuate trajectory, said adjustment system preferably comprising a first support means (27) of the first massage roller (8), which first support means (27) is stationary with respect to the frame (3), and a second support means ( 28) of the second massage roller (9), which second support means (28) is pivotally mounted relative to the frame (3) along a pivot axis (F-F') parallel to the second axis (C-C' ) extension and rotation of the second massage roller (9). Massage head (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which said adjustment system is designed to maintain said first and second massage rollers (8, 9) initially spaced from each other in the absence of any external force exerted against at least one of said first and second massage rollers (8, 9). Massage head (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, which comprises a return member (33) configured and arranged to exert a force tending to automatically bring said first and second massage rollers (8, 9) towards their minimum spacing (E _min ). A massage head (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the drive system (13) comprises a first set of gear(s) (35A) and a second set of gear(s) (35B ) respectively provided to drive the first massage roller (8) and the second massage roller (9) in rotation, each of said first and second sets of gear(s) (35A, 35B) comprising at least one wheel driving toothed wheel (36A, 36B) and a driven toothed wheel (37A, 37B) secured to one of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9), the angle transmission device (38, 39A, 39B) being formed of a double gear with concurrent or orthogonal axes comprising an input toothed wheel (38) and two output toothed wheels (39A, 39B) meshed with the input toothed wheel (38), each output toothed wheel ( 39A, 39B) being respectively connected to the drive gear (36A, 36B) of the first set of gear(s) (35A) and of the second set of gear(s) (35B) to drive st said drive gear (36A, 36B) in rotation. Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first and second sets of gear(s) (35A, 35B) each comprise an intermediate toothed wheel (43A, 43B), arranged between the driving toothed wheel (36A, 36B) and the driven gear (37A, 37B), and with which the driven gear (37A, 37B) is meshed. Massage head (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the intermediate toothed wheel (43A, 43B) is meshed with the driving toothed wheel (36A, 36B) and has a diameter greater than a respective diameter of the driving toothed wheel (36A , 36B) and a respective diameter of the driven gear wheel (37A, 37B). Massage head (1) according to Claim 5 and any one of Claims 9 and 10, in which the intermediate toothed wheel (43B) of the second set of gears (35B) is rotatably mounted along an axis of rotation (I -I ') which coincides with the pivot axis (F-F') of the second support means (28) relative to the frame (10). A massage head (1) according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first set of gear(s) (35A) and the second set of gear(s) (35B) are identical. Massage head (1) according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, in which all or part of the toothed wheels (36A, 37A, 43A, 36B, 33B, 43B) of the first and second sets of gear(s) ( 35A, 35B) is rotatably mounted with a non-zero clearance along an axis of rotation of said toothed wheels. A massage head (1) according to any preceding claim, which comprises a housing (46, 47) designed and configured to isolate the drive system (13) of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9) from the environment outside the massage head (1). A massage device (2) comprising a massage head (1) according to any preceding claim, said massage device (2) comprising a motor (14) and transmission means for transmitting rotational motion of the motor ( 14) to the massage head (1), said transmission means comprising an output shaft (17) rotatably mounted along an output axis (D-D'). Massage appliance (2) according to the preceding claim, which comprises a main body (3) forming a handle (4) for manual gripping, which preferably extends in a direction of longitudinal extension (A-A'), between a first end (5) at which the massage head (2) is fixed and a second end (6) opposite, said direction of longitudinal extension (A-A') being preferentially parallel to, or coinciding with, said output axis (D-D') of the output shaft (17) of the transmission means (16). Massage device (2) according to the preceding claim, which comprises means for removable attachment of the massage head (1) to said main body (3).