WO2021198063A1

WO2021198063A1 - Massage apparatus equipped with interchangeable and identifiable massage heads

Info

Publication number: WO2021198063A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/057908
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yohan DASSONVILLE; Ambroise DE LA CHAPELLE
Original assignee: Seb S.A.
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2021-03-26
Publication date: 2021-10-07
Also published as: CN115361931A; EP4125770A1; FR3108498A1

Abstract

This massage apparatus (1) comprises a body (9) which has an electric motor (13); several massage heads (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) of different types; assembly means (12) configured to detachably connect each of the massage heads to the body (9); identification means configured for identifying the type of massage head connected to the body (9); a transmission mechanism configured to transmit a movement of the electric motor (13) to at least one massage element (M) of the massage head connected to the body (9); and a control unit (16) configured to control the functioning of the massage apparatus (1) depending on the type of massage head connected to the body (9). The control unit (16) is configured to monitor a variation, over time, of a parameter that is representative of the functioning of the electric motor (13) and to act on the electric motor (13) when the parameter reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Description

MASSAGE DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH INTERCHANGEABLE AND RECOGNIZABLE MASSAGE HEADS

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of skin treatment devices, in particular that of the face. The massage device according to the invention allows, at the very least, the massage of the skin in order to give it tone. The massage device according to the invention will find its application in particular in households composed of people wishing to take care of their aestheticism by reshaping, firming and rejuvenating their skin, in particular that of the face.

State of the art

Skin massage devices generally consist of a body provided with motorization means and a massage head which comprises massage elements configured to be activated under the action of the motorization means, by the through a transmission mechanism.

[0003] Among the existing prior art, patent EP2735296 is notably known which, in addition to the aforementioned characteristics, discloses:

- assembly means which are configured to removably assemble a massage head on the body, and which allow the massage head to be easily replaced by a new massage head or by a different massage head,

- recognition means which are configured to recognize the type of massage head assembled on the body, and

- a control unit which is configured to control the operation of the massage device, and more particularly the motorization means, depending on the type of massage head assembled on the body.

[0004] Thus, the massage device described in document EP2735296 makes it possible to detect the type of head assembled on the body and adapts according to the type of massage head, for example by adapting the speed of rotation of the motorization means, in order to ultimately control the movement of the massage elements of the massage head assembled on the body. This has the advantage of being able to adapt massage heads having very different operating characteristics from one another.

However, when using such a massage device, objects, skin or hair can come between the massage elements of the massage device and block the movement of the massage elements , and therefore induce a rotational blockage of the electric motor provided in the body of the massage device. Such blockage in rotation of the electric motor can affect the integrity of the electric motor and / or the transmission mechanism in the long term, and thus reduce the life of the massager.

[0006] In addition, in the event of inappropriate use of the massage device, or in the event of use of the massage device by a non-competent user (a child for example), the massage elements may cause a pinching of the skin of a user or of his fingers, which can also harm the integrity of the electric motor and / or the transmission mechanism, or even cause pain or injury to the user.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

The object of the present invention is to design a skin massager which allows different types of massage head to be accommodated on the body of the massager, while giving the massager a increased safety and service life.

Another object of the invention is to design a massage device comprising a massage device equipped with different interchangeable massage heads, while giving the massage device a safety of use and an increased lifespan. To this end, the present invention relates to a massage device comprising:

- a body which comprises an electric motor, the body being designed to receive several massage heads of different types, each of the massage heads comprising at least one massage element configured to exert a mechanical action on the skin of a user,

- assembly means which are configured to removably assemble each of the massage heads on the body,

- recognition means which are configured to recognize the type of a massage head assembled on the body,

- a transmission mechanism which is mechanically connected to the electric motor and which is configured to transmit a movement of the electric motor to the at least one massage element of the massage head assembled on the body, so as to drive the at least a massage element, and

- a control unit which is configured to control the operation of the massage apparatus according to the type of the massage head assembled on the body, characterized in that the control unit is configured to monitor a variation depending on the time of a parameter which is representative of the operation of the electric motor, and for example of the speed of rotation of the electric motor, and for acting on the electric motor when the parameter reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Such a configuration of the control unit of the massage device according to the present invention allows on the one hand to protect a user against pinching and jamming of elements (such as objects, fingers, hair, skin, etc.) in particular between the massage elements of a massage head, and on the other hand to protect the internal technical elements of the massage device, and in particular the electric motor and the transmission, and therefore to give an increased lifespan to the massage device according to the present invention. In other words, the safety of use of the massage apparatus, both for the mechanical components of the apparatus and for the user, is greatly improved.

[0012] In addition, such a configuration of the control unit makes it possible to improve the safety of use of the massage device without modifying the internal structure of the massage device, and in particular without adding any element. additional in the massager. This results in a simple and inexpensive integration of the present technical solution into an existing massage device.

[0013] In addition, such monitoring of the parameter representative of the operation of the electric motor induces low power consumption and therefore does not interfere with the operation and / or the autonomy of the massage device. In other words, said monitoring is transparent to the user of the massager.

Advantageously, the monitoring of the parameter makes it possible to detect a blockage in rotation of the electric motor. Indeed, such a blockage is generally representative of the presence of an obstacle at the level of said at least one massage element, hindering the proper functioning of the latter.

[0015] The massage device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the operation of the electric motor and to modify the operation of the electric motor depending on the type of the massage head assembled on the body. For example, the control unit can be configured to control the rotational speed of the electric motor and / or the runtime of the electric motor and / or the direction of rotation of the electric motor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the threshold value predetermined is variable and depends on the type of the massage head assembled on the body, the control unit being configured to automatically change the predetermined threshold value according to the type of the massage head assembled on the body. Such a configuration of the massage apparatus according to the present invention makes it possible to automatically adjust the safety level of the massage apparatus according to each massage head assembled on the body. In particular, the operation of the different massage heads being different and involving a different control of the electric motor, it is advantageous to adapt the predetermined threshold value as a function of the massage head assembled on the body in order to best adapt the operation of the device to each of the massage heads that will be used. Further, in the absence of such an adjustment of the predetermined threshold value, it will be necessary to set a predetermined threshold value corresponding to a maximum threshold value to ensure normal operation of all massage heads, which would have the drawback of not satisfactorily protecting the massage device and / or the user when using massage heads involving, for example, low power consumption or a control with a low control signal modulated in width d pulse (PWM).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to act on the electric motor when the parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold value for a predetermined exceeding period. Such a configuration of the massage device according to the present invention makes it possible to improve the comfort of use of the massage device according to the invention, since the control unit will not modify the operation of the electric motor if the parameter exceeds the predetermined threshold value only for a short time. This therefore avoids any action on the massage device while neither the user nor the internal elements of the massage device are exposed to any risk (of pinching or deterioration) given the short duration of appearance. the phenomenon causing the threshold value to be exceeded. Thus, any untimely action on the electric motor is avoided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined timeout is between 0.2 and 10 seconds, for example between 0.2 and 5 seconds, and advantageously between 1 and 3 s. According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined exceeding duration is variable and depends on the type of the massage head assembled on the body, the control unit being configured to automatically modify the predetermined exceeding duration in depending on the type of massage head assembled on the body. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to deliver a pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal, and to control the electric motor using the control signal modulated in pulse width, so as to control the rotational speed of the electric motor. [0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the parameter, the variation of which as a function of time is monitored by the control unit, is the control signal modulated in pulse width.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the parameter, the variation of which as a function of time is monitored by the control unit, is the current consumed by the electric motor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control a stopping of the electric motor when the parameter reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold value, and for example when the parameter exceeds the threshold value predetermined during the predetermined overrun time.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to reverse a direction of rotation of the electric motor, advantageously for a predefined operating time, from an instant when the parameter has reached or exceeded the predetermined threshold value, and for example from an instant when the parameter has exceeded the predetermined threshold value during the predetermined exceeding time. Advantageously, the control unit is further configured to control a stopping of the electric motor after the expiration of the predefined operating time.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the recognition means comprise mechanical, magnetic, contactless or optical sensors which are configured to transmit information to the control unit depending on the type of the massage head assembled on the body. Said sensors are thus arranged on each of the massage heads and the body.

[0027] Mechanical sensors cover any mechanical sensor including electrical contactors that would come into contact with each other when the massage head is assembled on the massage device. Magnetic sensors cover any type of magnetic sensor such as the ILS combination with magnet (or electromagnet, Hall effect sensor). Contactless sensors cover any technology well known to those skilled in the art making it possible to identify two elements close to (or in contact with) one another, such as, for example, radio-identification technology (RFID) or else. near field communication (NFC). Optical sensors cover all types of optical sensors such as photo-sensors and optical, translucent, transparent, reflective surfaces. The optical sensors can for example be arranged at the bottom of a cavity provided on the body of the massage device or on the sides of said body.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit comprises a microcontroller.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to prevent the electric motor from being put into operation if no massage head is correctly assembled on the body and recognized by the recognition means. The invention also relates to a massage device comprising a massage device as defined above and at least one massage head, advantageously a plurality of interchangeable massage heads.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one massage head or each of the massage heads comprises a bearing surface configured to bear against the skin of a user, the at least one element massage being configured to protrude from the bearing surface and to exert a mechanical action on the skin of a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said at least one massage head or each of the massage heads comprises a plurality of massage elements configured to protrude from the bearing surface and to exert a mechanical action on the skin of a user.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to act on the electric motor so as to control a rotational drive of each of the massage elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to act on the electric motor so as to control at least one of the following parameters of said massage elements: the speed of rotation, the direction of rotation, frequency of oscillation, duration of operation of the electric motor. The command can be done on one or more parameters at the same time. Several types of massage are therefore available to the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the massage elements are chosen from the set consisting of: massage tip, massage finger, massage roller, working head, massage ball. According to one embodiment of the invention, all of these massage elements are made of rigid material (metal, steel, plastic, etc.). According to one embodiment of the invention, all of these massage elements can be covered with a flexible material, such as silicone, to better grip the skin if necessary. All these elements are advantageously configured so that the user feels a sensation on the skin. support and targeted massage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the massage device comprises a massage head whose massage elements comprise two massage rollers which extend along two parallel extension axes and which are respectively mounted movably in rotation around their extension axes, the two massage rollers being spaced apart from each other and protruding from the respective bearing surface, the transmission mechanism being configured to drive in rotation, in a synchronized and inverted manner , the two massage rollers respectively around their extension axes. Such a massage head makes it possible to fold the skin, for example using the “palpate-roll” technique.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the massage device comprises a massage head, the massage elements of which comprise a first massage roller and a second massage roller which extend along two parallel extension axes and which are respectively mounted to be movable in rotation about their axes of extension, the first and second massage rollers projecting from the respective bearing surface and being separated by a working zone, the first massage roller comprising at least one pallet which extends radially projecting from a peripheral surface of the first massage roller, and the second massage roller having a peripheral surface which is substantially smooth, the transmission mechanism being configured to rotate the first and second massage rollers. massage respectively around their axes of extension and in the same direction of rotation, the first massage roller being configured to rotate by outside the work area to the inside of the work area, and the second massage roller being configured to rotate from the inside of the work area to the outside of the work area, viewed from the outside of the massage head. Such a massage head makes it possible to automate the manual gesture of aesthetics professionals called the "Jacquet pinch". [0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the massage device includes a massage head comprising:

- a support element which is intended to bear against the face of a user and which defines the respective support surface,

- two massage elements comprising two massage fingers each comprising a working head intended to come into contact with the face of a user and each being movable between a retracted position in which the respective working head is set back from the surface bearing towards the inside of the massage head and an extended position in which the respective working head is located beyond the bearing surface towards the outside of the massage head,

- maneuvering means configured to be linked to the transmission mechanism and to move each of the massage fingers between its extension and retraction positions alternately.

[0039] Such a massage head makes it possible to automate the manual gesture of beauty professionals called tapping.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the massage device comprises a massage head comprising:

- a support element which is intended to rest against the face of a user and which defines the respective support surface which is part of a support plane,

- at least two massage elements each comprising a working head which has a working surface projecting from the support plane, and

- Maneuvering means configured to be linked to the transmission mechanism and to move the work heads in rotation along an axis of rotation which is offset from the center of each work surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing element forms a bearing ring, the bearing ring defining the respective bearing surface which fits into the bearing plane and delimiting a work zone located inside the support ring, the at least two massage elements being located inside the support ring and in a work zone delimited by the support ring.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, each working head comprises at least one massage ball, preferably at least 2 massage balls.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the massage device comprises a manual control interface arranged on the body and advantageously comprising a display screen. The display screen is for example configured to display at least one of the following data: the duration of a treatment (total, elapsed, remaining), the phases of the treatment, the name of the recognized massage head.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual control interface comprises at least one control button (for example provided directly on the display screen or formed by an actuator provided on the body) configured to allow a user to adjust and choose one of the proposed programs, so as to adjust the care to be carried out according to the user's wishes (within the limits defined by the automatic recognition). These provisions make it possible to adjust the care to be carried out through settings.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual control interface is configured to semi-automatically control a change of massage head on the massage device. For example, a program may start with a first massage phase using a first massage head and, at the end of the first massage phase, the manual control interface instructs the user to replace it to begin a process. second phase of massage. Thus, the designation of the massage head is automatic via the control unit and the change of massage head is made by the user, or even then checked by the massage device before starting the second massage phase. The control unit can for example include a time delay to perform such control. Brief description of the figures

[0046] In any event, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings showing, by way of non-limiting examples, several embodiments of this massage device.

[Fig 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a massage device according to the invention which can accommodate different designs of massage heads;

[Fig 2] Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the massage device according to the invention equipped with a first massage head; [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first massage head of Figure 2;

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the first massage head of Figure 2;

[Fig 5] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the massage device according to the invention equipped with a second massage head;

[Fig 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second massage head of Figure 2;

[Fig 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third massage head of the massage apparatus according to the invention; [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a first removable assembly system between a massage head and the body;

[Fig 9] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a second removable assembly system between a massage head and the body;

[Fig 10] Figure 10 is a schematic view showing the recognition of different massage heads during their assembly on the body;

[Fig 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the variation as a function of time of an operating parameter of an electric motor of the massage device according to the invention. detailed description

Figure 1 shows a massage device according to the present invention comprising a massage device 1 comprising a drive housing 2, and a plurality of massage heads 3 to 8, of different types which are each configured to be mounted removably on the drive unit 2. Each of the massage heads more particularly comprises massage elements M configured to exert a mechanical action on the skin of a user, and more particularly on the skin of the face of a user. . As shown more particularly in Figure 2, the drive housing 2 comprises a body 9 which is elongated and which may for example be generally cylindrical in shape. The body 9 comprises, at one of its ends, a mounting part 11, such as a mounting sleeve, in which each of the mounting heads is able to be removably mounted.

The massage device 1 advantageously comprises assembly means 12 which are configured so that each massage head can be removably mounted on the body 9. The assembly means 12 can for example be implemented by means of a removable fixing system between each massage head and the body 9.

As shown in Figure 8, the assembly means 12 may for example comprise assembly notches 122 provided on the body 9 and assembly notches 123 provided on each massage head. The assembly notches 123 are movable between a retracted position in which the assembly notches 123 allow assembly and disassembly of the respective massage head, and a deployed position in which the assembly notches 123 are able to cooperate with the assembly notches 122 provided on the body 9 in order to removably fix said massage head on the body 9. Advantageously, each massage head comprises biasing means 124, such as biasing springs, configured to resiliently bias the respective assembly notches 123 in the deployed position.

According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9, the removable fixing system could include a ball stop system comprising a ball 125 mounted on a spring 126 provided on the body 9, the ball 125 being configured to s' engage in a groove 127 provided on each of the massage heads. According to another variant embodiment not shown in the figures, the removable fixing system could be a bayonet system, a valve and spring system allowing the locking of a part secured to each of the massage heads, or even a locking system. blocking with notch and release latch which would be able to block or unlock a part secured to each of the massage heads.

The massage device 1 further comprises an electric motor 13 which is housed inside the body 9, and a transmission mechanism 14 configured to transmit the movement of the electric motor 13 to the massage elements M of the head massage assembly assembled on the body 9, so as to drive the massage elements M. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the transmission mechanism 14 comprises a reduction gear (not shown in the figures) which drives a shaft in rotation. outlet 15 accessible from the mounting part of the drive unit 2.

The electric motor 13 is driven by a control unit 16 electrically powered, for example by an internal electrical source B, of the rechargeable battery or disposable battery type, arranged inside the body 9. Of course, the electrical supply of the control unit 16 could also be carried out directly from the electrical network via an electrical outlet and a transformer. The control unit 16 comprises in particular a microcontroller arranged in the body 9.

The control unit 16 is further connected to a manual control interface 17, also called the man-machine interface, accessible from outside the body 9. The manual control interface 17 may for example comprise an on-off switch and / or means for manual selection of operating programs. The manual control interface 17 can also include a display screen in order in particular to display at least one of the following data: the duration of the treatment (total, elapsed, remaining), the phases of the treatment, the name of the head assembled on the body 9. The manual control interface 17 also makes it possible to be able to semi-automatically control the change of massage head on the massage device 1. For example, a program can begin with a first massage phase using a massage head and at the end of the first massage phase, the manual control interface 17 indicates to the user to replace the latter with another massage head in order to start a second massage phase.

According to the present invention, the control unit 16 is configured to detect a blockage in rotation of the electric motor 13, and to act on the electric motor 13 when a blockage in rotation of the electric motor 13 is detected by the control unit 16. Such a blockage in rotation of the electric motor 13 may be due in particular to a pinching of the skin of a user or to a wedging of an object, a finger or hair between the massage elements M .

The control unit 16 can for example be configured to control a stop of the electric motor 13 as soon as a blockage in rotation of the electric motor 13 is detected by the control unit 16. After having ordered the stopping of the electric motor following a detection of a blockage in rotation of the electric motor, the control unit 16 could also be configured to put the massager 1 in error mode and switch it off, possibly after having alerted the user, for example by an audible and / or visual signal on the display screen.

The control unit 16 could however be configured to reverse the direction of rotation of the electric motor 13 for a period of predetermined operation from the detection of a blockage in rotation of the electric motor 13, for example to allow the unsticking of an object or hair between the massage elements M or the release of the previously pinched skin, and to order a stop of the electric motor 13 after the expiration of the predetermined operating time or after the expiration of the predetermined operating time and an additional predetermined time.

Advantageously, the control unit 16 is configured to monitor a variation as a function of time of a parameter Pa which is representative of the operation of the electric motor 13, and for example of the speed of rotation of the electric motor 13 , and to act on the electric motor 13 when the parameter Pa exceeds a predetermined threshold value V for a predetermined exceeding period. Such a configuration indeed allows the control unit 16 to detect a blockage in rotation of the motor. The expression "monitoring a variation over time of a parameter representative of the operation of the electric motor" is advantageously interpreted, within the meaning of the invention, as a continuous and / or regular monitoring of said parameter. For example, the parameter can be monitored by the control unit 16 in real time, continuously and / or discontinuously but regularly (eg several times per second). In all cases, this variation tracking is advantageously configured so that the control unit 16 can have a reliable representation in real time or almost, of the operation of the electric motor 13, and in particular can detect an abnormal operation of the latter. , in particular an unexpected blockage in rotation. Such monitoring improves operational safety, both for the mechanical and / or internal components of the device and for the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the parameter Pa, the variation of which as a function of time is monitored by the control unit 16, is a control signal modulated in pulse width (PWM) by which the control unit 16 controls the electric motor 13 so as to control the electric motor rotation speed 13.

[0060] FIG. 11 shows in particular the variation as a function of time of a control signal modulated in pulse width (PWM). The predetermined threshold value V is shown in Fig. 11, and the parts of the curve which are located above the predetermined threshold value V correspond to time periods during which the electric motor 13 has exceeded the predetermined threshold value. . The control unit 16 monitors the temporal evolution of the pulse-width modulated control signal and, as soon as this signal exceeds the predetermined threshold value V, the control unit 16 measures the time period during which this signal remains greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value V. If the measured time duration remains less than the predetermined time exceeded, then the control unit 16 does not modify the control of the electric motor 13. However, if the measured time duration exceeds the predetermined exceeding time, then the control unit 16 acts on the electric motor 13, for example by controlling the stopping of the latter.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the parameter Pa, the variation of which as a function of time is monitored by the control unit 16, could be the current consumed by the electric motor 13 and / or directly the speed of rotation of the electric motor 13 which would for example be measured using a speed sensor (for example of the Hall effect or optical type) provided in the body 9, and / or the voltage measured at the terminals of a calibrated resistor, such as a shunt resistor.

A combination of these two embodiments is also possible, for example in order to further refine the monitoring of the operation and the detection of a possible blockage in rotation of the motor.

The massage device 1 further comprises recognition means 18 which are connected to the control unit 16 and which are configured to recognize the type of the massage head assembled on the body 9. The control unit command 16 is advantageously configured for control the operation of the massage device 1 as a function of the massage head as recognized by the recognition means 18, and in particular to control the operation of the electric motor 13 and to modify the operation of the electric motor 13 as a function of the massage head assembled on the body 9. The control of the operation of the massage device 1 can in particular consist of determining the speed of rotation of the electric motor 13 so that it is adapted to the massage to be performed by the elements massage head M fitted to the massage head assembled on the body 9.

Advantageously, the aforementioned predetermined threshold value V and the aforementioned predetermined overrun time are variable and depend on the type of the massage head assembled on the body 9, and the control unit 16 is configured to automatically modify the predetermined threshold value V and the predetermined overrun time depending on the type of the massage head assembled on the body 9.

Advantageously, the control unit 16 is also configured to prevent an operation of the electric motor 13 if no massage head is correctly assembled on the body 9 and / or recognized by the recognition means 18 .

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the recognition means 18 are configured to read identification means 19 carried by each of the massage heads. The identification means 19 carried by each massage head could, for example, consist of an RFID chip, and the recognition means 18 would then be configured to read such an RFID chip.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10, the recognition means 18 comprise a first circular groove 181 and a second circular groove 182, preferably coaxial, provided on the body 9, and two mechanical contactors 183, 184 arranged respectively in the first and second circular grooves 181, 182. A first head of massage T1 can include a protuberance 185, for example circular, configured to actuate a mechanical switch 183 provided in the first circular groove 181, a second massage head T2 can include two protuberances 186, 187, for example circular, configured to actuate the two mechanical contactors 183, 184 provided respectively in the first and second circular grooves 181, 182, a third massage head T3 may include a protuberance 188, for example circular, configured to actuate a mechanical contactor 184 provided in the second circular groove 183, and a fourth massage head T4 may for example include no protuberance.

Thus, during the assembly of these massage heads on the body 9, they actuate one and / or the other, or neither, of the two mechanical contactors 183, 184, which allows their recognition according to the binary coding programmed on the control unit 16.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the protuberances 185 to 188 of the recognition means 18 could be arranged on the body 9, and the mechanical contactors 183, 184 could be arranged in grooves provided on the heads of massage. According to another variant embodiment not shown in the figures, the mechanical contactors could be replaced by magnetic contactors or sensors, implementing for example permanent magnets and flexible reed switches (ILS) also called reed switches.

According to yet another variant embodiment not shown in the figures, the recognition means 18 could include a light emitting diode provided on each massage head, and an optical sensor provided on the body 9 and configured to detect the light emitted by the luminescent diode provided on the massage head assembled on the body 9. Other variants for producing the recognition means 18 can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to yet another variant embodiment not shown in the figures, the recognition means 18 could include a voltage divider bridge system provided on each of the massage heads, and two contactors arranged on the body 9 and able to cooperate electrically with two contactors belonging to the voltage divider bridge system provided on a massage head when the latter is assembled on the body 9. In particular, a measurement of the voltage across a resistor belonging to the voltage divider bridge system provided on the massage head assembled on the body 9 allows the control unit to identify what type of massage head is assembled on the body 9.

Different massage heads suitable for equipping the massage device 1 according to the present invention will now be described in more detail.

The massage head 3, shown in Figures 2 to 4, is designed to perform a tapping massage. To this end, the massage head 3 comprises a support element 20 which is intended to bear against the face of a user to define a working distance. Thus, the support element 20 defines a support surface S which forms a reference surface. According to the example illustrated, the bearing surface S is smooth and has a concave shape which allows it to conform to the shape of the cheekbones when the massage is performed under the eyes or around the eyes.

The massage head 3 comprises, above the bearing surface S and opposite the drive unit 2 with respect to said bearing surface S, the massage elements M which comprise at least two massage fingers 21 which each comprise a working head 22 intended to come into contact with the face. The two massage fingers 21 are each movable between, on the one hand, a retraction position R corresponding to the position of the massage finger located in the foreground in FIG. 2 and, on the other hand, an extension position E corresponding to the position of the massage finger 21 located in the background in FIG. 2.

In the retraction position R, the working head 22 of each massage finger 21 is set back from the bearing surface S towards the inside of the head massage 3, while in the extended position E, the working head 22 of each massage finger 21 is located beyond the bearing surface S towards the outside of the massage head 3. In position extension E, each working head 22 may for example project with respect to the bearing surface S by a distance d of between 2 mm and 10 mm.

The massage head 3 also comprises operating means 25 adapted to alternately move each of the massage fingers 21 between its positions of extension E and retraction R. The operating means 25 are then adapted to cooperate with the mechanism transmission 14, and more particularly with the output shaft 15 so as to transmit and transform the rotational movement of the electric motor 13 into a reciprocating movement of the massage fingers 21.

According to the example illustrated, each massage finger 21 is carried by an articulation axis 26 which is located in the lower part of the respective massage finger 21 and which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drive unit 2, while the upper part of said massage finger 21 carries the respective working head 22. The maneuvering means 25 can for example comprise a cam 27 movable in rotation on itself in a direction perpendicular to the articulation axis 26 and coaxial with the output shaft 15. The cam 27 notably comprises a cam track. peripheral 28, the development of which has a substantially sinusoidal shape, and each massage finger 21 carries, at a distance from the articulation axis 26, a lug 29 engaged in the peripheral cam path 28 so that the rotation of the cam 27 on itself induces a reciprocating movement of each lug 29. Taking into account the conformation of the massage fingers 21, the reciprocating movement of each lug 29 induces an alternating oscillation of the massage fingers 21 in rotation around the articulation axis 26.

It should be noted that, according to the example illustrated, the operating means 25 are configured to coordinate the movement of the massage fingers 21 such that, when one of the massage fingers 21 is in extension position E, the other massage finger 21 is in the retraction position R and vice versa.

According to the example illustrated and in order to best simulate a massage gesture which would be carried out by means of two fingers, for example the index and middle fingers alternately tapping the skin of the face, in particular that located around the eyes, each work head 22 comprises a work surface T of convex shape and in this case of spherical and rigid shape. The massage performed by means of the massage device 1 according to the invention equipped with the massage head 3 provides a stimulating effect, a smoothing effect, a relaxing effect and makes it possible in particular to reduce dark circles or bags under the eyes, and to fill fine lines and wrinkles.

The massage head 3 is more particularly recommended for the eye area for on the one hand to stimulate microcirculation and thus reduce bags / dark circles, and on the other hand to activate the metabolism in the furrows to restart the production of elements. skin structure and fill in fine lines and wrinkles.

In order to optimize this treatment, the massage device 1 may comprise means for dispensing cosmetic product 40. According to the example illustrated, the means for dispensing cosmetic product 40 comprise a reservoir 41 located in the housing d 'drive 2 and connected, via a sampling system 42, for example a sampling pump, to a dispensing nozzle 43 located in the support element 20. The sampling pump is controlled by the control unit 16 of so as to ensure the distribution of cosmetic product during operation of the massage device 1.

Furthermore, still according to the example illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the massage device 1 also comprises application means 45 configured to apply an electric current to the skin of a user. The application means 45 comprise a generation unit 46 configured to generate an electric current and / or voltage. The generation unit 46 is driven by the control unit 16, and is connected to an electrode 47 carried by a working head 22. When using the massager 1, the control unit 16 controls the operation of the generating unit 46 so that when the electrode 47 is in contact with the skin, an electrophoresis phenomenon is induced which promotes the assimilation of the active principles of the cosmetic product.

The massage head 4, shown in Figures 5 and 6, is designed to perform a massage by moving several working heads 22 against the skin, the working heads 22 remaining in permanent contact with the skin. It should be noted that in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants have the same references.

The massage head 4 comprises a bearing element 20 which is intended to come against the face and which defines a bearing surface S forming part of a bearing plane P, said bearing surface S being designed to be able to completely conform to the skin if the user so wishes. According to the example illustrated, the support element 20 is hollow and rigid while the support surface S is formed by an elastically deformable material such as an elastomer (for example silicone or EPDM). Thus, the bearing surface S can be deformed by a few millimeters, preferably less than two, in order to match the shape of the region of the face against which it is applied.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support element 20 has a generally annular shape and forms a support ring 23.

The support element 20 delimits a work zone Z within which there are at least, according to the example illustrated, three work heads 22 which each have a work surface T extending in projection of the support plane P. According to the example illustrated, each working head 22 comprises a ball 24 so that the corresponding working surface T has a convex and more particularly spherical shape. Each work surface T extends, permanently, projecting from the support plane P by a height H, measured between the top of the work surface T and the support plane P, preferably equal to or greater to the radius of curvature R of said ball 24. According to the example illustrated, each ball 24 belonging to a working head 22 is made of a rigid material, such as metal. Thus, each working surface T is rigid as opposed to the flexible or elastically deformable nature of the bearing surface S. In addition, according to this example, the surface of each ball 24 is smooth.

According to the invention, the massage head 4 also comprises operating means 25 configured to move each working head 22 in rotation along an axis of rotation D offset from the center of each corresponding working surface T. The maneuvering means 25 are configured to cooperate with the transmission mechanism 14, and more particularly with the output shaft 15 so as to transmit and transform the rotational movement of the electric motor 13 into a rotational movement of the working heads 22 .

According to the example illustrated and as emerges from Figures 5 and 6, the operating means 25 are adapted to ensure a planetary movement to the three balls 24, that is to say a main rotational movement of the three balls 24 around the axis of rotation D associated with a secondary rotational movement of each of the balls 24 around a secondary axis of rotation which moves in rotation around the axis of rotation D during the operation of the device. massage 1 according to the invention. To this end, each working head 22 comprises a disc 221 which is centered with respect to the respective secondary axis of rotation and which carries on its upper face the respective ball 24 rigidly linked to said disc 221. Each working head 22 further comprises a planetary gear 222 which is rigidly connected to the underside of the respective disc 221 and which is coaxial with the respective secondary axis of rotation. The operating means 25 then comprise an operating shaft 251 which comprises, on an inner face, a receiving housing 252 receiving the output shaft 15 and which bears on an upper face, three pins 253 each engaged in an axial bore. a planetary pinion 222. The maneuvering means 25 further comprise a fixed peripheral ring 254 rigidly linked to a housing 70 constituting the massage head 4. Each of the planetary pinions 222 meshes with the fixed peripheral ring 254 so that the rotation of the operating shaft 251 drives the planetary movement of the balls 24 described above.

The massage performed by means of the massage device 1 according to the invention equipped with the massage head 4 makes it possible in particular to knead the skin of the face in depth and thus reduce wrinkles by stimulating blood circulation and reviving the production of the building blocks of the skin. The massage head 4 is more particularly recommended for large areas for deep kneading, stimulating fibroblasts and microcirculation.

The massage head 5, shown in Figure 7, is designed to perform a pinch massage, and more particularly a Jacquet pinch type facial massage. It should be noted that in FIG. 7, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants have the same references.

The massage head 5 comprises, as massage elements M, a first massage roller 31 and a second massage roller 32 which are movable in rotation on themselves along two axes of rotation which are parallel between them and which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the drive unit 2. The first and second massage rollers 31, 32 are distant from each other being separated by a work zone Z. According to the illustrated example, the distance between the axes of rotation of the first and second massage rollers 31, 32 is constant. According to the example illustrated, the first and second massage rollers 31, 32 are arranged within the massage head 5 so that a plane tangent to the first and second massage rollers 31, 32 and located outwardly the massage head 5 forms, with the longitudinal axis L of the drive unit 2, an angle a that is not zero and different from the right angle.

According to the example illustrated, a first roller 31 comprises at least one pallet 33, and in the present case shown by way of example four pallets 33, which extend radially projecting from the peripheral surface of the first roller 31 The peripheral surface of the first roller 31 is set back of the bearing surface S. The pallets 33 have sufficient radial extension to be located projecting from the bearing surface S as the first roller 31 rotates. The pallets 33 are also distributed regularly at the periphery of the first roller 31 and are, in this case, placed at 90 ° to each other. Advantageously, the pallets 33 are different from each other. However, the pallets 33 could be identical.

The second roller 32 has a peripheral surface which is substantially smooth, and which protrudes from the bearing surface S or which extends to the side of the bearing surface S.

The massage head 5 also comprises maneuvering means 25 configured to drive the first and second rollers 31, 32 simultaneously in the same direction, going from the outside of the work zone Z towards the interior of the working zone Z for the first roller 31, and from the inside to the outside of the working zone Z for the second roller 32, seen from the outside of the massage head 5 and as indicated by the arrows F1 and F2. The maneuvering means 25 are configured to cooperate with the transmission mechanism 14, and more particularly with the output shaft 15 so as to transmit and transform the rotational movement of the electric motor 13 along the longitudinal axis L of the housing. drive 2 in rotational movements along the axes of rotation of the first and second rollers 31, 32 which have a direction orthogonal to that of the longitudinal axis L of the drive unit 2. The operating means 25 are advantageously configured to ensure a speed of rotation of the first roller 31 greater than that of the second roller 32, for example double that of the second roller.

When the massage head 5 is assembled on the massage device 1 according to the invention and the bearing surface S is positioned against the skin of a user, a rotation of the second roller 32 induces the displacement of the massage head 5 on the skin while the paddles 33 of the first roller 31 reproduce the pinching effect of the skin, the spacing between the paddles 33 allowing the skin to be released successively and as the massage head 5 advances. The massage head 5 is more particularly recommended for stimulate the furrows in order to fill in the wrinkles.

According to the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the massage head 5 further comprises light diffusing means 50 configured to diffuse light in the direction of the face. In the present case, the light scattering means 50 are arranged in the massage head 5, and more particularly in the bearing surface S. The light scattering means 50 comprise, as light source, two electroluminescent diodes. 51 controlled by the control unit 16 and arranged on either side of the work zone Z. These light-emitting diodes 51 are then each associated with an optical system 52 formed by a transparent block which forms a light guide and which comprises a light exit face located at the level of the bearing surface S and therefore intended to be oriented towards the face of the user of the massage device 1 according to the invention.

The massage head 6, shown schematically in Figure 1, is designed to perform a massage by pleating the skin, and is more particularly recommended for deep massage to reshape facial features.

The massage head 6 comprises, as massage elements M, two massage rollers which extend along two parallel extension axes and which are respectively mounted to be movable in rotation about their extension axes. The two massage rollers are spaced apart and protrude from a supporting surface. The transmission mechanism 14 is more particularly configured to drive in rotation, in a synchronized and inverted manner, the two massage rollers respectively around their extension axes. Such a massage head makes it possible to fold the skin.

The massage head 7, shown schematically in Figure 1, comprises two massage tips 61, 62 which are driven in rotation or in oscillation around an axis X9 by means of the electric motor 3 and the transmission mechanism 14.

[0100] The massage head 8, shown schematically in Figure 1, comprises three massage tips 63 which are uniformly distributed and identical. Each massage tip 63 has an outer portion which extends perpendicularly to the bearing surface S, outwardly thereof, and which is intended to come into contact with the skin of the user. Each massage tip 63 is advantageously configured to perform at least one translational movement along the respective arrow shown in Figure 1, and in particular to move away from and approach the center of the massage head 8.

[0101] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which are given only by way of examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Massager (1) comprising:

- a body (9) which comprises an electric motor (13), the body (9) being designed to receive several massage heads (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) of different types, each of the massage heads comprising at least one massage element (M) configured to exert a mechanical action on the skin of a user,

- assembly means (12) which are configured to removably assemble each of the massage heads on the body (9), - recognition means (18) which are configured to recognize the type of a massage head assembled on the body (9),

- a transmission mechanism (14) which is mechanically connected to the electric motor (13) and which is configured to transmit a movement of the electric motor (13) to the at least one massage element (M) of the assembled massage head on the body (9), so as to drive the at least one massage element (M), and

- a control unit (16) which is configured to control the operation of the massage device (1) depending on the type of the massage head assembled on the body (9), characterized in that the control unit (16) is configured to monitor a variation over time of a parameter (Pa) which is representative of the operation of the electric motor (13), and to act on the electric motor (13) when the parameter (Pa) reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold value (V).

2. Massage apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold value (V) is variable and depends on the type of the massage head assembled on the body (9), the control unit (16). being configured to automatically change the predetermined threshold value (V) depending on the type of the massage head assembled on the body (9).

3. Massager (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (16) is configured to act on the electric motor (13) when the parameter (Pa) exceeds the predetermined threshold value (V ) for a predetermined time limit.

Massage apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined overrun time is variable and depends on the type of the massage head assembled on the body (9), the control unit (16) being configured to. automatically modifying the predetermined overrun time according to the type of the massage head assembled on the body (9).

5. Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to

4, wherein the control unit (16) is configured to output a pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal, and to control the electric motor (13) using the width modulated control signal pulse, so as to control the rotational speed of the electric motor (13).

6. A massage device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the parameter (Pa), the variation of which as a function of time is monitored by the control unit (16), is the control signal modulated in width. pulse (PWM).

7. Massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to

5, in which the parameter (Pa), the variation of which over time is monitored by the control unit (16), is the current consumed by the electric motor (13).

8. A massage apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit (16) is configured to control a shutdown. of the electric motor (13) when the parameter (Pa) reaches or exceeds the predetermined threshold value (V).

9. A massage apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recognition means (18) comprise mechanical, magnetic, contactless or optical sensors which are configured to transmit information to the unit. control (16) depending on the type of massage head assembled on the body (9).

10. A massage device comprising a massage device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and at least one massage head comprising a bearing surface (S) configured to bear against the skin of a user and at least one massage element (M) which is configured to protrude from the bearing surface (S) and to exert a mechanical action on the skin of a user.

11. A massage device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one massage head comprises a plurality of massage elements (M) configured to project from the bearing surface (S) and to exert a mechanical action. on the skin of a user.

12. A massage device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (16) is configured to act on the electric motor (13) so as to control a rotational drive of each of the massage elements (M).

13. A massage device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a massage head (3) comprising:

- a bearing element (20) which is intended to bear against the face of a user and which defines the respective bearing surface (S), - two massage elements (M) comprising two massage fingers (21) each comprising a working head (22) intended to come into contact with the face of a user and each being movable between a retraction position in which the head of respective work (22) is set back from the bearing surface (S) towards the inside of the massage head (3) and an extended position in which the respective work head (22) is located at- beyond the support surface

(S) towards the outside of the massage head (3),

- maneuvering means (25) configured to be linked to the transmission mechanism (14) and to move each of the massage fingers (21) between its extension and retraction positions alternately.

14. Massage device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising a massage head (4) comprising:

- a support element (20) which is intended to come to rest against the face of a user and which defines the respective support surface (S) which is part of a support plane (P),

- at least two massage elements (M) each comprising a working head (22) which has a working surface (T) projecting from the support plane (P), and - maneuvering means (25 ) configured to be linked to the transmission mechanism (14) and to rotatably move the work heads (22) along an axis of rotation which is offset from the center of each work surface

(T).