Dry type massage equipment

Abstract

A dry water massage device, comprising: a base structure (121, 123, 123 '); and a massage module (21, 21 ') comprising a substantially closed container (26) having a wall (27, 262); a flexible diaphragm (27) forming part of the wall of the closed container, having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle arrangement (51, 51a) arranged to direct a liquid jet (42) onto the first surface of the flexible diaphragm inside the closed container. The massage device has a drive module (24) arranged to move the massage module (21, 21 ') relative to the base structure in at least one movement direction (x, y).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage device for water massage, in particular dry water massage, and to a massage nozzle arrangement for generating directed liquid jets. Background Art

[0002] Bathtubs with massage functions and similar devices for so-called water massage are known. The user's body is immersed in water, and one or more water jets direct water jets onto the body, which exert mechanical forces on corresponding body parts as they strike them. Such water jet massage devices require a large amount of space and energy and are heavy. Because the user must remain in the water during the massage, using such massage equipment is time-consuming. Furthermore, maintenance requirements are complex, particularly for hygiene reasons.

[0003] Massage tables and chairs are also known that use mechanical massage elements to automatically massage a user. In these massage devices, electrically driven mechanical actuators apply limited, localized forces to the user's body. For example, the mechanical actuators are implemented as inclined surfaces or backrests. To achieve a massage effect on different parts of the body, several actuators are required. Mechanical actuators are expensive to manufacture and maintain. They are also prone to wear and tear due to the moving mechanical components. The typically rigid massage heads often result in an unpleasant massage sensation or even pain due to the resulting forces.

[0004] CN 203280724 U discloses a device for "dry" massage using water jets (also known as dry water massage), in which a large number of upwardly directed water jets are permanently arranged in a water-filled tube. The top of the tube is sealed watertight by a flexible membrane. The user to be massaged lies on the membrane. Water nozzles each emit a directed water jet that strikes the underside of the membrane at a predetermined point. Force is applied to the user's body via the flexible membrane to achieve the desired massage effect. The large number of water jets makes this massage nozzle device expensive to manufacture and operate.

[0005] EP 0880958 A1 describes another device for dry water jet massage. The user lies in a water-filled tub, closed at the top by a flexible waterproof membrane, as if on a waterbed. One or two centrally movable nozzle slides are positioned at the bottom of the tub. Two massage nozzles are positioned on the nozzle slides, with the distance between them adjustable in the transverse direction. A pump pumps water through the nozzles, generating a directed water jet in the direction of the flexible membrane. Similar devices are also known from EP 1666017 A1 and EP 2327386 A1.

[0006] A further device for dry massage using water jets is known from the applicant's US2022 / 0323287 A1 (the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). This device for dry water jet massage describes a cylinder filled with water and a foil material, which simultaneously serves as a lying surface for the person to be treated and is capable of transmitting pressure pulses. This acts as a lid to watertightly seal the top of the cylinder. A carriage with at least two water nozzles is arranged in the cylinder, each of which is configured to emit a water jet against the underside of the foil material. The water nozzles are fed by a pump. A first drive is used to move a trolley forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. A second drive moves the water nozzles on the trolley in the transverse direction of the cylinder. The water jets can be rotated from a rest position to an operating position by a lever mechanism.

[0007] The massage device of the above type requires a large amount of floor space, because it is only intended to be used in a lying position. In addition, the lying position (especially in a public space) during massage is usually considered as uncomfortable by the user, which can damage the relaxing effect of massage.

[0008] JP H6 / 205811 discloses a massage chair for dry-type water jet massage. A flexible, waterproof membrane forms the seating surface of the S-shaped chair. A guide rail is positioned below the seating surface at a constant distance from the membrane. A nozzle trolley is positioned on the rail, with water nozzles positioned on the rail at a constant distance from the membrane, with their effective axes always perpendicular to the membrane. The water nozzles generate water jets that are moved through the air and exert a vertical outward force on the membrane at the point of impact, causing a massage. The flexible membrane creates a watertight seal in the housing beneath the massage chair, allowing water from the massage nozzles to remain within the device and collect at the bottom and be pumped out for reuse.

[0009] US2009 / 0312680 A1 discloses a massage chair for dry water jet massage, in which several water nozzles are arranged horizontally on a trolley that can move longitudinally along the backrest. A deflector element shapes the water jets generated by the nozzles into a concentrated jet directed toward a specific point on a flexible diaphragm. Water from the massage nozzles that bounces off the diaphragm is collected at the base and pumped out for reuse.

[0010] US Pat. No. 5,827,206 discloses a massage chair for dry water jet massage, which features a flexible diaphragm as a backrest. Several water jets are fixedly arranged behind the backrest and generate water jets that exert force on the flexible backrest, achieving a massage effect. Water that bounces off the flexible backrest is collected in a pump reservoir positioned below the seating surface and pumped back to the water jets in a circuit. US Pat. No. 2009 / 0312680 A1 discloses a massage chair in which several water nozzles are horizontally arranged on a trolley that can move longitudinally along the backrest. A deflector element shapes the water jets generated by the water nozzles into a concentrated jet directed toward a specific point on the flexible diaphragm.

[0011] Massage devices of the above type are noisy because the water jets are atomised when they hit the backrest. The required pump sump requires a large volume under the seat.

[0012] US Pat. No. 6,036,663 describes a water-jet massage chair in which a water-filled bladder made of a flexible membrane is arranged on an inclined surface to form a backrest. Permanently mounted water nozzles produce directed water jets that are aimed at the outside of the membrane bladder and produce a massage effect therein. A crossbar maintains the proper shape of the bladder, otherwise the water pressure would cause the lower portion of the bladder to bulge. This divides the backrest into individual sections. KR 20110129315 shows a similar device in which the water nozzles are movably arranged on a movable nozzle trolley.

[0013] Improvements are generally needed in this area. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a massage device of the type mentioned at the outset which obviates at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and others.

[0015] A massage device according to the invention should combine the advantages of dry and wet massage. In particular, a massage device according to the invention should be able to achieve a high massage effect similar to a conventional massage with water jets, while having the size and user-friendliness of a mechanical massage device.

[0016] In particular, a sitting position should be massaged using the massage device according to the invention.

[0017] The massage device according to the invention should be able to be operated in an energy-saving manner.

[0018] The massage device according to the invention should be reliable in operation, cheap to manufacture and maintain, and the room volume and floor space required for the massage device should be as small as possible.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an advantageous massage nozzle arrangement. This advantageous massage nozzle arrangement should be particularly usable in a massage device according to the present invention.

[0020] A massage nozzle device according to the invention should be particularly cost-effective to produce. It should be flexible to use, durable and cost-effective to maintain.

[0021] These and other objects are solved by the massage device according to the invention and the massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0022] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and which can be combined with one another unless otherwise stated. These embodiments and the advantages associated therewith are discussed below.

[0023] A first aspect of the invention relates to a massage device for dry water massage.

[0024] A massage device according to the present invention comprises: a base structure and a massage module comprising a substantially closed container having a wall; a flexible membrane forming part of the wall of the container and having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle arrangement arranged to direct a jet of liquid from the interior of the closed container onto the first surface of the flexible membrane. The massage device further comprises a drive module arranged to move the massage module in at least one movement direction.

[0025] Said flexible membrane is advantageously impermeable to liquids.

[0026] Using this massage device according to the present invention, force can be transmitted from the liquid jet of the massage nozzle arrangement to the flexible membrane at the point where the liquid jet encounters the membrane, and from the membrane directly or indirectly to the body tissue of the user to be massaged, adjacent to the membrane. Because the user is separated from the massage nozzle arrangement by the membrane, the user does not come into contact with the liquid. Thus, the massage device according to the present invention can be used like a mechanical massage device, yet achieves the massage effect of a wet massage using water jets. The jet intensity has a balancing effect that is pleasantly perceived by the user.

[0027] Because the massage module is movable, the size of the massage module (specifically, the flexible diaphragm of the container) can be made smaller than the actual effective range of the massage device according to the present invention. If a point outside the massage area of ​​the massage module is to be massaged, the massage module can be moved to the corresponding point via the drive module. This reduces the weight of the massage device. For massage devices with an inclined effective surface, bulging of the flexible diaphragm can be avoided by varying the hydrostatic pressure.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the massage module can act directly on the body of the user to be massaged.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, a flexible layer is provided on the side of the flexible membrane of the massage module facing away from the container, which is fixedly mounted relative to the basic structure of the massage device.

[0030] In particular, this flexible layer can be designed as part of a massage device chair or recliner. For example, this flexible layer can form the backrest of the chair of the massage device.

[0031] For example, the flexible layer can be designed as a membrane or film, a textile surface, a foam layer, or a mesh structure. It must be flexible enough to deform in a similar manner to the force of the flexible membrane of the massage module, which is pressed outward by the fluid jets of the massage module, and thus transmit the force to the user's body. The flexible layer must also be stable enough to bear the weight of the user. The static friction between the flexible membrane of the massage module and the flexible layer is advantageously as low as possible to reduce material wear. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriate material selection, coating the flexible membrane and / or the flexible layer, or using a suitable lubricant.

[0032] The massage nozzle arrangement can be a simple nozzle having a nozzle tube which forms the liquid into a most concentrated and directed liquid jet which can bridge a certain distance of the liquid in the reservoir of the massage device to reach the membrane.

[0033] The massage nozzle arrangement may also be a massage nozzle arrangement according to the present invention, as will be discussed further below.

[0034] The closed container of the massage module is advantageously filled or can be filled with a liquid.

[0035] Advantageously, the container is filled with liquid during operation, so that the liquid jets generated by the massage nozzle device move within the liquid in the container. This can reduce noise generation.

[0036] However, the container can also be not filled with liquid or only partially filled. In this example, the liquid jet generated by the massage nozzle device is moved by the air or gas phase in the container. The liquid rebounding from the flexible membrane collects at the bottom of the container and returns to the pump circuit.

[0037] Water is preferably used as the liquid. Other components may be added as needed, such as compounds that prevent bacterial or algae growth. Another advantageous type of liquid is silicone oil, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable.

[0038] In the massage device according to the invention, the second surface of the membrane facing away from the first surface of the membrane can also be in contact with the liquid.

[0039] For example, the massage device according to the invention may be combined with a bathtub or the like, wherein the massage device is mounted in the bathtub in such a way that the membrane forms part of the bathtub wall and the massage nozzle arrangement of the massage device is positioned outside the bathtub.

[0040] In this embodiment, the bath water in the bathtub can also be used as the liquid in the massage device.

[0041] However, the two systems are advantageously separated, since this prevents contamination from the bath water from entering the fluid system of the massage device.Thus, the fluid in the massage device can be optimized for the intended use.

[0042] In the massage device according to the invention, the flexible membrane and the rigid cover together advantageously form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the massage device according to the invention has a pump module for supplying pressurized liquid to the at least one massage nozzle arrangement of the massage module.

[0044] The pump module may include a pump and a drainage conduit fluidly connecting the reservoir of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein the inlet opening of the drainage conduit is arranged in a wall of the reservoir adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, the massage device according to the invention has a control module which is set up to control the drive module and / or the massage module.

[0046] The control module is advantageously configured to control a pump module which may be present.

[0047] Advantageously, the jet intensity of the massage nozzle device can be adjusted, for example, by controlling the massage nozzle device and / or by controlling the pump output of the pump module.

[0048] The massage effect can be kept constant or controlled according to body area by controlling the jet intensity.

[0049] Advantageously, in the massage device according to the invention, the position and / or orientation of the at least one massage nozzle arrangement can be varied so that the directed liquid jet can be directed to different points on the first surface of the flexible membrane.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the drive module is arranged to move the massage module in a plane.

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the drive module is arranged to move the massage module along a curved path in space.

[0052] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the drive module is arranged to rotate the massage module about an axis in space.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the flexible membrane of the massage module has at least one structural feature arranged to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

[0054] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the at least one structural element is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane of the massage module, so that the flexible membrane is locally reinforced.

[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, a device is provided, with which the temperature of the liquid, in particular of the liquid in the container, can be adjusted and / or varied.

[0056] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, a heating device is provided, with which the temperature of the contact surface of the massage device can be adjusted.

[0057] This heating device makes it possible to give a pleasant warming sensation to the user lying on the massage device.Another advantage of this heating device is that it is not necessary to heat the liquid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption.

[0058] Advantageously, the heating device is provided with a plurality of heating zones, which can be individually selected by the user, for example in order to set a desired temperature of the heating zones.

[0059] For example, this heating device can be realized using an electric heating wire or using an embedded thin heating hose.

[0060] This heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer, which is arranged between the flexible membrane and a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane. This has the particular advantage that the support mat can be more easily removed for cleaning without having to manipulate the connections of the heating device.

[0061] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane or connected to the support mat.

[0062] This is particularly advantageous because the user's body being massaged is in thermal contact with the diaphragm and, therefore, with the fluid in the massage device. By raising the temperature of the fluid above room temperature (e.g., to body temperature or higher), the user's sense of well-being can be increased and the positive physiological effects of the massage can be enhanced. Alternatively, temperatures below room temperature can also be used, for example, for therapeutic reasons.

[0063] A second aspect of the invention relates to a massage device for dry water massage.

[0064] A massage device according to the present invention comprises: a massage module having a substantially closed container with a wall; a flexible membrane forming part of the wall of the container and having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle arrangement arranged to direct a jet of liquid from the interior of the closed container onto the first surface of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane of the massage module has at least one structural feature arranged to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

[0065] Modifying the structural properties of the flexible membrane in this way makes it possible to adjust the mechanical deformation of the flexible membrane, for example based on the force of the liquid jet.

[0066] Advantageously, at least one structural element is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane of the massage module, so that the flexible membrane is locally reinforced.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, a massage device according to the invention has a basic structure and a drive module which is arranged to move the massage module relative to the basic structure in at least one movement direction.

[0068] The closed container of the massage module is advantageously filled or can be filled with a liquid.

[0069] In the massage device according to the invention, the flexible membrane and the rigid cover together advantageously form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment, the massage device according to the invention has a pump module for supplying pressurized liquid to the at least one massage nozzle arrangement of the massage module.

[0071] The pump module may include a pump and a drainage conduit fluidly connecting the reservoir of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein the inlet opening of the drainage conduit is arranged in a wall of the reservoir adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment, the massage device according to the invention has a control module which is set up to control the massage module.

[0073] This control module is advantageously set up to control the drive module and / or a pump module which may be present.

[0074] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the drive module is arranged to move the massage module in a plane.

[0075] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the drive module is arranged to move the massage module along a curved path in space.

[0076] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, the drive module is arranged to rotate the massage module about an axis in space.

[0077] A third aspect of the invention relates to a massage device for dry water massage.

[0078] A massage device according to the present invention comprises a massage module having a substantially closed container with a wall; a flexible membrane forming part of the wall of the container and having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle arrangement arranged to direct a jet of liquid from the interior of the closed container onto the first surface of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane and a rigid cover together form the flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0079] Advantageously, in this massage device according to the invention, the pump module comprises a pump and a drainage conduit. The drainage conduit fluidically connects the reservoir of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump. The inlet opening of the drainage conduit is arranged in the wall of the reservoir adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0080] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a massage nozzle device for generating directed liquid jets.

[0081] The massage nozzle device according to the invention comprises a nozzle element having a nozzle tube for generating a directed liquid jet, the nozzle tube having an inlet opening at a first longitudinal end and an outlet opening at a second longitudinal end; and a hydraulic actuator operatively connected to the nozzle element and arranged to effect a displacement of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0082] This massage nozzle device according to the invention allows the nozzle tube to be variably positioned along the longitudinal axis, whereby this movement of the nozzle tube in one direction occurs hydraulically.

[0083] The extended length of the nozzle element of the massage nozzle device according to the invention (i.e., the distance between the nozzle element in the retracted position and the same nozzle element in the extended position) should be sufficient so that the nozzle element is always as close as possible to the body of the user to be massaged during operation. The extended length of the nozzle element can be between 5 cm and 10 cm, for example, 6 cm.

[0084] Water is advantageously used as the liquid for operating the massage nozzle device according to the invention. Other components may be added as needed, such as compounds that prevent bacterial or algae growth. Another advantageous type of liquid is silicone oil, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable.

[0085] The components of the massage nozzle device according to the present invention are advantageously made of a material capable of withstanding the pressures and forces during operation, even over extended periods. Furthermore, the material should be insensitive to the composition of the liquid used and, in particular, corrosion-resistant. Advantageously, the components are made of a suitable plastic material. Such materials can be efficiently processed, for example, by injection molding.

[0086] The displacement of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube from the extended position to the retracted position may be passively caused by the weight of the nozzle element.

[0087] In certain embodiments of the present invention, this displacement of the nozzle element can also be replaced by a change in the geometry of the nozzle tube itself, as this has an expandable (and retractable or length-controllable) tube design. This can be achieved, for example, by stretching the outer wall of the tube. Advantageously, this can also be provided only in the end region of the pipe outlet.

[0088] In an advantageous embodiment, a return element, such as a weight element or a return spring element, may be provided, which exerts a force on the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0089] This embodiment has the advantage that when the nozzle element is moved in the direction of the extended position, the hydraulic actuator simultaneously charges the restoring element with the required potential energy, which can later move the nozzle element in the direction of the retracted position.

[0090] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the hydraulic actuator is set up such that it can bring about a displacement of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0091] Advantageously, this massage nozzle device according to the invention has a feed duct for supplying the nozzle element with pressurized liquid for generating the directed liquid jet, wherein the feed duct is arranged to also supply the hydraulic actuator with pressurized liquid for operating the hydraulic actuator.

[0092] This embodiment has the advantage that no separate hydraulic system is required for the hydraulic actuator of the massage nozzle device according to the invention. The nozzle element and the hydraulic actuator of the massage nozzle device can be supplied with pressurized fluid via a common system.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, an advantageous embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the present invention comprises a hydraulic actuator having a first hollow cylinder and a first piston head, the first piston head being arranged in the first hollow cylinder and being displaceable along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The nozzle tube is operatively connected to the first piston head in such a manner that displacement of the first piston head along the longitudinal axis causes displacement of the nozzle tube along the longitudinal axis. The first hollow cylinder has an opening at one longitudinal end of the nozzle element, through which the nozzle tube extends.

[0094] The massage nozzle device according to the invention allows the nozzle tube to be variably positioned along the longitudinal axis, wherein this movement of the nozzle tube in one direction occurs hydraulically. If pressure is applied to the first hollow cylinder on the side of the piston head, the pressure difference between the two sides of the piston head causes a hydraulic force along the longitudinal axis.

[0095] Advantageously, in the massage nozzle device according to the present invention, the first hollow cylinder is designed as a round cylinder.

[0096] Designing the first hollow cylinder as a round cylinder allows the design of the massage nozzle device to be simple and ensures reliable operation. In this case, the first piston head, which is shaped to match the inner cross section of the first hollow cylinder, is round, which makes it possible to achieve high fitting accuracy without great manufacturing effort.

[0097] Other cross-sectional shapes of the first hollow cylinder are also possible, such as an oval cross-section or a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. However, such a design body is more complex in terms of manufacturing tolerances and is more susceptible to mechanical failures, in particular, tilting of the piston head in the hollow cylinder.

[0098] The inlet opening of the nozzle tube of this massage nozzle device according to the invention is advantageously arranged in the first piston head.

[0099] This allows the pressurized fluid required to produce the directed fluid jet using the nozzle tube to be drawn from the hollow element of the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic fluid supply conduit thus also serves as the supply conduit for the nozzle element. This eliminates the need for a separate supply conduit for the nozzle element, which allows the massage nozzle device to have a simple design.

[0100] The nozzle tube's inlet opening is particularly advantageously arranged in the center of the first piston head. This allows the liquid to flow through the massage nozzle device to the nozzle tube outlet in the most energy-efficient and turbulent manner. Alternatively, the inlet opening can be positioned differently and / or there can be several inlet openings. In any case, the inlet opening is advantageously designed so as to counteract force vectors transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube caused by deflections of the liquid flow. This avoids transverse forces that could cause the first piston head to tilt within the first hollow cylinder.

[0101] In an advantageous embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the hydraulic actuator advantageously has a first restoring element which exerts a force on the first piston head along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the retracted position in the first hollow cylinder.

[0102] When the hydraulic force is removed due to an operational pressure drop of the fluid, this return element supports or causes the nozzle tube to return to its original position.

[0103] This resetting element can be designed, for example, as a weight element attached to the nozzle element or the first piston. If the longitudinal axis is parallel to the vertical, the additional weight of the weight element induces a gravitational force along the longitudinal axis. Because the gravity vector decreases along the longitudinal axis in a cosine function as the angle between the longitudinal axis and the vertical increases, and because the gravity vector acts transversely to the longitudinal axis, promoting the tilting of the piston head within the hollow element, this resetting element is only effective for massage nozzle devices with a substantially vertically aligned longitudinal axis.

[0104] This restoring element can also be designed as a spring element, for example in the form of a gas pressure spring or a helical pressure spring. This spring element is tightened when the nozzle element is extended from the first hollow cylinder, so that the first piston head is subjected to a spring force that counteracts the hydraulic pressure.

[0105] Since the restoring force is independent of the orientation of the massage nozzle arrangement in the chamber, this variant of the massage nozzle arrangement can be used more widely.

[0106] The restoring element is particularly advantageously in the form of a helical compression spring. Helical compression springs are inexpensive and require little repair. They are small and can be easily integrated into the massage nozzle device according to the invention.

[0107] In the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle tube is advantageously connected to or molded onto the first piston head.

[0108] This design allows the hydraulic force acting on the piston head to be directly transmitted to the nozzle tube of the nozzle element to be moved, and the design of the hydraulic actuator is simple and space-saving.

[0109] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle tube is designed in two parts, comprising a first part connected to or molded onto the first piston head and a second part connected to the first part in a fluid-tight manner and on which the outlet opening is arranged. The second part of the nozzle tube is connected to or molded onto the second piston head. The first part of the nozzle tube comprises a second hollow cylinder of the second piston head, in which the second part of the nozzle tube is arranged, and is movable back and forth along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position. This second hollow cylinder has an opening at the longitudinal end opposite the first piston head, through which the second part of the nozzle tube extends.

[0110] This two-part design of the nozzle tube allows the nozzle element to be extended telescopically. As a result, the overall height of the massage nozzle device can be reduced relative to the maximum stroke of the nozzle tube. The height and therefore the total volume of the liquid container can be reduced.

[0111] Similarly, the nozzle tube may also consist of three or more parts, with hollow cylinders that can be telescoped into one another.

[0112] The second hollow cylinder of the first portion of the nozzle tube is advantageously a round cylinder.The description of the first hollow cylinder applies analogously to the second hollow cylinder.

[0113] Particularly advantageously, in this massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element has a second restoring element which exerts a force on the second piston head of the second part of the nozzle tube along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the retracted position in the second hollow cylinder of the first part of the nozzle tube.

[0114] The description regarding the first restoring element applies analogously to the second restoring element.

[0115] In an advantageous embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element has two or more outlet openings.

[0116] Advantageously, in the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element has a head piece at the second longitudinal end of the nozzle tube, on which the outlet opening of the nozzle element is arranged.

[0117] The head piece particularly advantageously projects beyond the nozzle tube at the second longitudinal end of the nozzle tube transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0118] The head of the nozzle element of the massage nozzle device according to the invention is advantageously mounted so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The head has one or more outlet openings designed so that the liquid jets emerging from the outlet openings exert a rotational force on the head, causing the head to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

[0119] This embodiment of the massage nozzle device allows for the rotation of at least one directed liquid jet about the longitudinal axis, which can result in an optimization of the liquid jet or oscillating massage effect (spread, intensity, and / or direction). Depending on the orientation of the directed liquid jet, a broader massage effect can be achieved, or the same massage effect can be achieved with a lower liquid flow rate and increased pump pressure, which is more energy-efficient.

[0120] The massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention can advantageously be used in a massage device according to the invention, as has already been discussed above.

[0121] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a massage device for water massage, in particular dry water massage.

[0122] The massage device according to the present invention comprises: a container, which is filled or can be filled with a liquid; a flexible diaphragm, a first surface of which comes into contact with the liquid when the container is filled with the liquid; at least one massage nozzle device, which is adapted to direct a jet of liquid onto the first surface of the flexible diaphragm; a pump device, which is adapted to supply liquid under pressure to the at least one massage nozzle device; and a control unit, which is adapted to adjust the intensity of the directed jet of liquid of a specific massage nozzle device; the pump device, which is adapted to supply liquid under pressure to the at least one massage nozzle device; and the control unit for adjusting the intensity of the directed jet of liquid of a specific massage nozzle device, is adapted to control the pump device and / or the at least one massage nozzle device.

[0123] With this massage device according to the present invention, force can be transmitted from the liquid jet of the massage nozzle arrangement to the flexible membrane at the point where the liquid jet encounters the membrane, and from the membrane to the body tissue of the user to be massaged, adjacent to the membrane. Because the user is separated from the massage nozzle arrangement by the membrane, the user does not come into contact with the liquid. Thus, this massage device according to the present invention can be used like a mechanical massage device, achieving the massage effect of a wet massage using water jets. The jet intensity has a balancing effect that is pleasantly perceived by the user, and the massage effect can be controlled either constantly or, according to the present invention, by controlling the jet intensity according to body regions.

[0124] The jet intensity of the massage nozzle arrangement is preferably set to a desired value by direct control from the control unit to influence the liquid jet.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally, in the massage device according to the invention, a second surface of the membrane facing away from the first surface can also be in contact with the liquid.

[0126] For example, the massage device according to the invention can be combined with a bathtub or the like, whereby the massage device is mounted in the bathtub in such a way that the membrane forms part of the bathtub wall and the massage nozzle arrangement of the massage device is positioned outside the bathtub.

[0127] In this embodiment, the bath water in the bathtub can also be used as the liquid in the massage device.

[0128] However, the two systems are advantageously separated, since this prevents contamination from the bath water from entering the fluid system of the massage device.Thus, the fluid in the massage device can be optimized for the intended use.

[0129] Water is advantageously used as the liquid in the massage nozzle device according to the invention. Other elements may be added as needed, such as components that inhibit the growth of bacteria or algae. Another advantageous type of liquid is silicone oil, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable.

[0130] The massage nozzle arrangement can be a simple nozzle having a nozzle tube which forms the liquid into a most concentrated and directed liquid jet which can bridge a certain distance of the liquid in the reservoir of the massage device to reach the membrane.

[0131] We found that the pressure differential at the massage point (i.e., the point where the directed liquid jet strikes the diaphragm) decreases linearly compared to other points on the diaphragm as the distance between the diaphragm and the nozzle outlet opening increases. For example, using a specific configuration of a fixed massage nozzle arrangement, the pressure differential at a distance of 35 mm is 6.5 bar at a constant pump pressure, and at a distance of 95 mm, the pressure differential is still 4.0 bar. Therefore, to achieve the same pressure differential at the massage point at a distance of 95 mm, the pump pressure must be increased, resulting in significantly higher energy consumption of the pump, by 30% to 50%.

[0132] Advantageously, in the massage device according to the invention, the at least one massage nozzle arrangement is the massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention described above.

[0133] One advantage of using the massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention in a massage device according to the invention is that the nozzle outlet of the nozzle element is always positioned optimally close to the flexible membrane. Therefore, if the distance between the nozzle outlet and the membrane is too great, it is not necessary to increase the operating pressure to produce the same massage force.

[0134] Advantageously, in the massage device according to the invention, the container and the flexible membrane form a substantially closed inner volume, wherein the at least one massage nozzle arrangement is arranged in the closed inner volume of the container.

[0135] Advantageously, in the massage device according to the invention, the position and / or orientation of the at least one massage nozzle arrangement can be varied so that the directed liquid jet can be directed to different points on the first surface of the flexible membrane.

[0136] In an embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, a larger area of ​​the membrane can be specifically treated with the same number of massage nozzle devices. For example, the massage nozzle devices can be arranged on a linearly displaceable trolley.

[0137] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, a device is provided, with which the temperature of the liquid in the liquid container can be adjusted and / or varied.

[0138] In a further advantageous embodiment of the massage device according to the invention, a heating device is provided, with which the temperature of the contact surface of the massage device can be adjusted.

[0139] This heating device makes it possible to give a pleasant warming sensation to the user lying on the massage device.Another advantage of this heating device is that it is not necessary to heat the liquid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption.

[0140] Advantageously, the heating device is provided with a plurality of heating zones, which can be individually selected by the user, for example to set a desired temperature of the heating zones.

[0141] For example, this heating device can be realized using an electric heating wire or using an embedded thin heating hose.

[0142] This heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer, which is arranged between the flexible membrane and a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane. This has the particular advantage that the support mat can be more easily removed for cleaning without having to manipulate the connections of the heating device.

[0143] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane or connected to the support mat.

[0144] This is particularly advantageous because the user's body being massaged is in thermal contact with the diaphragm and, therefore, with the fluid in the massage device. By raising the temperature of the fluid above room temperature (e.g., to body temperature or higher), the user's sense of well-being can be increased and the positive physiological effects of the massage can be enhanced. Alternatively, temperatures below room temperature can also be used, for example, for therapeutic reasons.

[0145] The massage nozzle according to the invention is advantageously used in a massage device according to the invention.

[0146] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0147] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings below. These merely illustrate embodiments of the present invention. The same or similar reference symbols are used in the following figures and in the associated description of the same or similar parts.

[0148] Figure 1 A possible embodiment of a massage device according to the invention is schematically shown.

[0149] Figure 2 A massage device according to the invention is schematically shown with a flexible layer between the massage module and the user's body.

[0150] Figure 3 A possible embodiment of the massage device according to the invention is shown in two different displacement positions.

[0151] Figure 4 exhibit Figure 3 The massage device according to the invention is combined with a swivel-mounted armchair-shaped bench.

[0152] Figure 5 Schematic side views of further possible embodiments of a massage device according to the invention are shown with curved movement paths of the massage module along (a) the longitudinal profile and (b) the transverse profile of the chair of the massage device.

[0153] Figure 6 A possible embodiment of a massage module of a massage device according to the invention is schematically shown, which has a massage nozzle arrangement that is displaceable within the container of the massage module.

[0154] Figure 7 A further possible embodiment of a massage module of a massage device according to the invention is schematically shown, which has several selectively controllable massage nozzle arrangements.

[0155] Figure 8 A further possible embodiment of a massage module of a massage device according to the invention is schematically shown, which has a packing element with a recess for the active area.

[0156] Figure 9 Schematic diagrams showing various options (a) to (d) for adjusting the behavior of the flexible membrane of the massage module using structural elements.

[0157] Figure 10 A further embodiment of a massage device according to the invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0158] Figure 11 exhibit Figure 10 Longitudinal section of a massage device.

[0159] Figure 12 The massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention in a massage device according to the invention is schematically illustrated.

[0160] Figure 13 A possible embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the invention is shown, which has a partially extended nozzle element.

[0161] FIG14 (a) shows the nozzle element fully retracted and (b) shows the nozzle element fully retracted through Figure 13 Longitudinal section of the massage nozzle device according to the invention.

[0162] FIG. 15 shows ( a ) a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a resetting element, with the nozzle element fully retracted and (b ) a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of the massage nozzle device according to the invention with a resetting element.

[0163] Figure 16 A massage device according to the invention is schematically shown with a further embodiment of a massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention at various positions along the transverse displacement path.

[0164] Figure 17 A longitudinal section through a further embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a three-part telescopic mechanism is shown (a) with the nozzle element fully retracted and (b) with the nozzle element fully extended.

[0165] Figure 18 A longitudinal section through an embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a three-part telescopic mechanism and a return element is shown (a) with the nozzle element fully retracted and (b) with the nozzle element fully extended.

[0166] Figure 19 A top view of a head piece of another exemplary embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a rotating head piece is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0167] The examples given below serve to better illustrate the invention but are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein.

[0168] A possible embodiment of the massage device according to the invention is Figure 1 The massage device 10 shown has a massage module 21 , a drive module 24 , a pump module 22 and a control module 23 .

[0169] exist Figure 1The massage module 21, shown schematically in longitudinal section, comprises a substantially tightly sealed container 26 comprising a rigid wall 262 in the form of a trough, enclosed by a flexible membrane 27. The container 26 is filled with a liquid 40, such as water or silicone oil. Massage nozzles 51 are arranged on the wall of the container opposite the membrane 27 and are directed towards the latter.

[0170] The massage nozzle device 51 can advantageously be realized as a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention, as also described in Figures 11 to 19 However, conventional nozzle arrangements may also be used.

[0171] The pump module 22 comprises a pump 221 which draws relaxation liquid 40 from the reservoir 26 of the massage module 21 via a drain conduit 223 and conveys it back under pressure in a circuit via a supply conduit 222 to the massage module 21. In the massage module 21, the conduit 222 leads to the massage nozzle arrangement 51.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment, the pump module 22 also has an optional liquid reservoir 224. For example, the pump 221 can also draw liquid 40 from this reservoir 224 to increase the amount of liquid in the container 26. Conversely, liquid can also be pumped into the reservoir 224 to reduce the amount of liquid in the container.

[0173] The massage nozzle device 51 generates a liquid jet 42 which moves through the stagnant liquid 40 in the container 26 until it hits the inner surface 271 of the flexible membrane 27 in the massage action area 217. Due to the impact and kinetic energy of the hitting liquid, the flexible membrane 217 is pressed outward in this active area 217 before the liquid of the jet 42 dissipates into the stagnant liquid 40. If there is a resistance to the force of the liquid jet, such as the body tissue of the user to be massaged, then the force F m The body tissue is acted upon in the active area 217. The massage effect is similar to a water massage, as the liquid jets exert force, but this is not perceived as being too "hard" or "uncomfortable" compared to mechanical actuators. The massage effect is more comparable to a hand massage, as the fluid jets are not as hard as mechanical actuators, but rather soften when there is significant resistance, such as in bony areas close to the body's surface.

[0174] The drive module 24 is configured to move the massage module 21 together with the container in space (e.g., along axis x). This allows the effective range 217 of the massage module 21 to be moved, allowing the user's body to be massaged at different points. This movement of the massage module 21 can be achieved, for example, by the drive module 24 using a suitable actuator or conveyor mechanism.

[0175] The control module 23 is set up to control the massage module 21, the drive module 24 and / or the pump module 22 as required. For this purpose, the control module 23 is connected to the other modules 21, 22, 24 of the massage device 10 to be controlled via control lines.

[0176] For example, the control module may be arranged to control the massage nozzle device 51, for example by switching it on and off via a valve in the supply conduit 222. For example, depending on the structure and function of the massage nozzle device 51, the thickness and scattering angle of the liquid jet 42 may also be controlled.

[0177] For example, the control module may also be set up to control the actuators of the drive module, etc. Alternatively, the control module 23 may also specify the target position of the massage module 21 to the drive module 24, which then moves to the target position by means of its own internal controller.

[0178] Finally, for example, the control module can be configured to control the operating pressure or delivery speed of the pump module 21 so that the liquid jet 42 has desired properties (eg, velocity, flow rate). This can be achieved in particular by controlling the pump output of the pump 221.

[0179] The displaceability of the massage module 21, and therefore the massage action area 217, allows the container to be made smaller than known from the prior art. Consequently, the weight of the entire massage device 10 can be reduced, particularly due to the reduced amount of liquid. Furthermore, using an inclined, non-horizontal arrangement of the container 26 (e.g., in a massage chair) where the diaphragm 27 is exposed to a hydrostatic pressure gradient, this pressure gradient is significantly lower than in the prior art. Consequently, the negative effects of this pressure differential are minimal, making corresponding technical countermeasures unnecessary. For example, if the flexible diaphragm of a permanently installed, tilted massage module from the prior art extends over a vertical distance of more than 1 meter, then when filled with water, a hydrostatic pressure of approximately 10 kPa acts on the flexible diaphragm at the lower end of the container. On the other hand, if the massage module's container extends only 0.2 meters vertically, then, despite the potential effective range being the same as that of the massage device according to the present invention, the hydrostatic pressure is only 2 kPa.

[0180] The massage device according to the present invention can be designed so that the massage module (or more precisely, the massage action area of ​​the flexible membrane) acts directly on the user's body. However, because the massage module is movable according to the present invention, in advantageous embodiments of the massage device according to the present invention, the movable massage module is separated from the user's body by a fixed flexible layer. In particular, this allows the massage module to be easily moved while the user is already on the massage device.

[0181] Figure 2A schematic representation of this solution is shown in Figure 2. A user (not shown) to be massaged is positioned on a flexible layer 115, which is designed, for example, as a lying surface or as a backrest for a massage device. A massage module 21 is positioned on the side of the flexible layer 115 facing away from the user. The flexible membrane 27 of the massage module is in contact with the flexible layer. When the massage module is activated, the generated fluid jet presses the flexible membrane 27 outward (in the example shown, upward) in an active area 217. This also deforms the flexible layer 115, allowing the massage module 21 to exert force on the user's body.

[0182] Depending on the desired massage effect, the massage module 21 and / or the massage device's drive module (not shown) can be controlled. For example, the liquid jet can be alternately adjusted and switched off to achieve an oscillating force effect (indicated by the vertical double arrows) in the massage action area 217. If the massage action area is to be moved to another part of the body, the drive module moves the massage module 21 parallel to the flexible layer 115 to the desired target location. During this displacement, the massage module may be inactive, only to resume active massage at the new target location. Alternatively, the massage module may remain active during the displacement, causing the massage action area 217 to swell and move along with the massage module 21. This displacement can also be performed in an oscillating mode (indicated by the horizontal double arrows). Combinations of oscillating massage action and horizontal displacement are also possible.

[0183] Figure 3 A possible embodiment of the massage device 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. The massage device 10 includes a massage module 21, a pump module 22, a drive module 24 and a control module (not shown).

[0184] The drive module 24 includes two linear actuators arranged in a cross-section, which enable the massage module 21 to move along two horizontal axes of motion, x and y. Two running rails 243a are arranged on a first support plate 244a of the drive module 24. A second support plate 244b, along with four trolleys, is mounted on the running rails 243a, enabling rolling movement. The first linear actuator, in the form of a spindle drive, includes a servo motor 241a and a threaded spindle 242a (e.g., a ball screw or trapezoidal thread spindle), which is driven by a spindle nut (not visible) mounted below the second support plate 244b. Rotation of the drive spindle 242a by the servo motor 241a is thus converted into linear movement of the second support plate 244b along the axis x. Similarly, two running rails 243b are arranged on the second support plate 244b, on which a third support plate 244c with four trolleys is mounted, enabling rolling movement. A second linear actuator in the form of a spindle drive comprises a servo motor 241b and a threaded spindle 242b, which is driven by a spindle nut (not shown) mounted below the third support plate 244c. Similarly, rotation of the drive spindle 242b is converted by the servo motor 241b into linear movement of the third support plate 244c along the axis y.

[0185] The frame is arranged on the third support plate 244c, and the pump module 22 and massage module 21 are mounted on the frame. The massage module 21 has a liquid-filled container 26 with a rigid wall 26 in the form of a trough, enclosed on the top by a flexible membrane 27. The flexible membrane is designed as a support pad. In the context of this description, the term "support pad" should be understood as a flexible, resilient pad made of an elastic polymer material. For example, the support pad can be composed of natural or synthetic rubber material. The elastic polymer material can also be designed as an open-cell or closed-cell foam.

[0186] The wall of the tub is shown partially transparent, so that the massage nozzle arrangement 51 arranged on the bottom of the tub and the inlet opening of the drainage duct 223 are visible.

[0187] The pump module 22 has a pump 221 that draws liquid from the container 26 via a drain conduit 223 and delivers the liquid under pressure via a supply conduit 222 to the massage nozzle device 51. The liquid that flows out of the massage nozzle device 51 at high speed into the container 26, which is aligned in the direction of the flexible diaphragm 27, forms a liquid jet, which eventually strikes the flexible diaphragm 27. The liquid jet that strikes the flexible diaphragm 27 pushes the flexible diaphragm 27 outward in the massage action area 217.

[0188] The driving module 24 can be used to move the third support plate 244c together with the massage module 21 and the pump module 22 to any desired position within the moving range. For example, Figure 33(a) and 3(b) show the massage module 21 of the massage device 10 at two different positions of the movement axes x and y. Thus, the effective range 217 of the massage module 21 can be positioned within the entire range of movement. Thus, this massage device allows massage in a potentially effective area having the same area as that of known massage devices, where the container covers the entire massage area and the massage nozzle arrangement moves within the container.

[0189] The massage device 10 can be as described above Figure 3 The massage device 10 is shown in a horizontal arrangement, for example as part of a horizontal massage table. Alternatively, the massage device 10 can also be arranged tilted, for example as part of a massage chair 11. This embodiment variant of the massage device 10 according to the invention is Figure 4 The massage device 10 includes a chair 11 on which a user 91 sits. The chair 11 includes a backrest 112, a seat 113, and a footrest 114. A headrest 116 is displaceably arranged on the backrest 112 so that the massage device can be adjusted to the body size of the user 91.

[0190] In the central area on which the back of the user 91 rests, the backrest 112 is designed as a flexible layer 115, such as a flexible but load-bearing film or a small-mesh flexible net. The massage module 21, the pump module and the drive module 24 correspond to Figure 3 The massage module, pump module, and drive module are arranged below the backrest 112 of the chair 11. Modules 21, 22, 24 and the chair 11 are mounted on a common frame (not shown). Drive module 24 allows the massage module to move within the plane of the backrest 112, so that the massage action area of ​​massage module 21 can reach all points in the area of ​​the flexible layer 115 of the backrest.

[0191] The chair 11 and modules 21, 22, 23 are pivotally mounted on a base frame (not shown) and can pivot within a specific angular range about a horizontal pivot axis 122. This allows the user 91 to adopt a more seated or more reclined posture as required.

[0192] Advantageously, in addition to the headrest 116, the position and orientation of the seat 113 and the footrest 114 in relation to the backrest 112 can also be changed in this massage device 10 to be able to easily adapt the chair 111 to the different body sizes of different users.

[0193] In the above embodiment example, the flexible layer 115 under which the massage module 21 is displaceably arranged extends beyond the backrest 112 of the chair 11 of the massage device 10. In another alternative embodiment, as Figure 5As schematically shown in (a), the flexible layer extends over the entire length of the chair 11. The rail system (indicated by dashed lines) of the drive module of the massage device 10 is arranged beneath the flexible layer. This drive module is designed to move the massage module 21 along a movement path P at a constant distance from the flexible layer 115. The massage module 21 always remains aligned perpendicular to the flexible layer 115. This allows the massage module 21 to massage the entire area of ​​the chair 11, as all locations can be reached in the longitudinal direction. For example, the user's back can be massaged first, followed by the foot area.

[0194] For example, the drive module of the massage device 10 can be realized by parallel running rails on which a trolley is slidably arranged, and the massage module 21 is mounted on the trolley.

[0195] In the embodiment example described above, the pump module advantageously does not move with the massage module, but is permanently mounted relative to the chair or support frame (not shown).The pump module (not shown) and the massage module 21 are then connected via a flexible conduit.

[0196] As in the example shown, two massage modules 21 can also be arranged along the movement path P. These can advantageously be moved independently of one another by the drive module. This solution allows parallel massage of different areas of the user's body.

[0197] Alternatively or in addition, the massage device 10 according to the invention may also provide a massage module 21 that is displaced transversely to the chair along a curved movement path P, such as Figure 5 (b) shows a schematic representation. In this way, the flexible layer 115 of the chair can be made concave in cross section while still ensuring a constant distance between the massage module 21 and the flexible layer. This drive can be achieved, for example, by the massage module 21 being arranged on a trolley running on two rails that curve according to the movement path P.

[0198] In order to combine the Figure 5 (a) and 5(b) movement, from Figure 5 The transverse drive of (b) may be arranged on a trolley which is arranged to be displaceable on rails, similar to Figure 5 (a). In this way, the massage module can reach every point of the complexly shaped chair surface.

[0199] In the massage device discussed above, the massage module comprises only the massage nozzle device 51, which is mounted in a fixed position on the base of the container 26. Alternatively, the massage nozzle device can also be designed to be displaceable, such as Figure 6. In this embodiment, the massage nozzle arrangement 51 of the massage module 21 can be displaced within the container 26 by an actuator (not shown), such as a linear drive or a rotary arm. The massage action area 217 on the flexible diaphragm 27 is thereby also displaced. The actuator for moving the massage nozzle arrangement is preferably controlled via the control module 23 of the massage device 10.

[0200] Figure 7 A further advantageous embodiment of the massage device 10 according to the present invention is shown. Several massage nozzle devices 51 are arranged at regular intervals on the bottom of the reservoir 26 of the massage module 21. The feed pump 221 of the pump module 22 draws liquid from the interior of the reservoir via a drainage conduit 223 and delivers the liquid to the massage nozzle devices 51 via a feed conduit 222. The control module 23 controls the individual massage nozzle devices 51. For example, electrically controllable valves may be provided in the massage nozzle devices 51 to activate or interrupt the liquid supply from the supply conduit 222. In this way, the individual massage nozzle devices 51 can be activated in a targeted manner so that the fluid jets 42 generated by them generate outward-directing forces within the active areas assigned to their flexible membranes. In the illustrated example, viewed from the left, the first, third, and sixth massage nozzle devices 51 are active, and thus the massage module 21 applies forces to the user's body (not shown) at the first, third, and sixth massage action areas 217.

[0201] Figure 8 A further advantageous embodiment of a massage module 21 of a massage device according to the present invention is shown in FIG. A massage nozzle arrangement 51 is arranged in the container 26, which generates a liquid jet 42 directed toward the flexible diaphragm 27. A filler element 215 is arranged inside the container and connected to the wall 262 and / or the flexible diaphragm 27. For example, the flexible diaphragm 27 can extend beyond the filler element 251 attached to the wall 262. The rounded outer edges of the filler element 251 prevent the massage module 21 from snagging on a flexible layer (not shown) of the massage device arranged above the massage module 21 when the massage module 21 is displaced horizontally. In the center, the filler element 251 has an opening 226 through which the liquid jet 42 reaches the interior of the flexible diaphragm 217.

[0202] The flexible membrane 27 of the massage module can have a uniform shape. Alternatively, its mechanical properties can also be modified by structural elements 253 for a specific application. Figure 9 (a) to (d) show different variations of this modified flexible membrane 27 .

[0203] Figure 9(a) shows a section of a flexible membrane 27, with an annular structuring element 253 arranged on the membrane. For example, the structuring element 215 can be realized as a local thickening of the material of the flexible membrane 27 or as a ring attached to the outside and / or inside of the membrane (for example glued thereto). If the liquid jet is now directed towards the surface of the flexible membrane 27 facing the container, it is pressed outwards in the active area 217, thus applying a massaging force. Due to the additional strength of the flexible membrane 27 in this area, the structuring element 253 limits the deformation of the membrane to the interior of the annular structuring element 253. This structuring element 253 can also have a square design, for example Figure 9 (b) is shown.

[0204] Several structural elements 253 can also be arranged directly adjacent to each other, e.g. Figure 9 (c) shows a plurality of hexagonal structural elements 253 forming a honeycomb pattern on the flexible membrane 27. For example, the structural elements 253 can be implemented as ridges formed or adhered to the membrane. The honeycomb pattern defines a plurality of active areas 217, each of which is located within a hexagon.

[0205] at last, Figure 9 A further advantageous variant of the structural element 253 of the flexible diaphragm 27 is shown in (d). The structural element 253 comprises a thin, flexible pressure conduit, which can be filled with liquid or gas and is attached to the flexible diaphragm 27 in the form of a loop. The pressure conduit extends from a first fluid connection 254 to a sealed end 255 of the conduit. If the conduit 253 is filled with pressurized fluid (specifically, compressed air) via the fluid connection 254, the conduit 253 becomes stiff. The structural element 253 is now active and limits the effective range 217 of the flexible diaphragm 27. If the fluid pressure is subsequently released from the conduit 253, the conduit 253 becomes flexible again, and the mobility of the flexible diaphragm 27 is no longer restricted by deactivating the structural element 253. This embodiment of the flexible diaphragm thus allows the mechanical properties of the flexible diaphragm 27 to be variably modified over time. For example, the structural element 253 can be activated only in each case when the massage nozzle device is to become active in the corresponding effective area 217.

[0206] A flexible membrane structured in this way can be used not only in the massage devices discussed above with a movable massage module, but also in massage devices according to the invention with a stationary mounted massage module.

[0207] Figure 10 and 11 An embodiment of a massage device 10 according to the invention with a stationary mounted massage module 21 is shown in FIG.

[0208] The frames 123, 123' are mounted on the support frame 121 to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis 122. The chair 11 is arranged on the frames 123, 123', and the user 91 of the massage device 10 can sit on the chair 11. The chair 11 includes a footrest 114, a sitting area 113, a backrest 112 and a headrest 111. A thin support cushion is placed on the chair 11. Figure 10 and 11 The thin support pad is not shown in order to make the underlying elements visible. The outer cover of the massage device 10 is also not shown.

[0209] The massage module 21 and the control module 23 are arranged in the rear portion 123 ′ of the frame below the backrest 112 . The massage module 21 comprises a container 26 with a cylinder-shaped rigid wall 262 , closed by a flexible membrane 27 and an adjacent rigid cover 263 .

[0210] In the area of ​​the backrest 112, a thin support cushion (not shown) rests directly on the flexible membrane 27 of the massage module 21. In this area, the thin support cushion forms a flexible layer. Together, the support cushion and the flexible membrane 27 form the backrest 112. The rigid cover 263 of the container 26 is located beneath the seating area 113.

[0211] The interior of the container 26 is filled with liquid, and the two massage nozzle devices 51 are arranged so that they can be moved by actuators so that substantially every point of the flexible membrane 27 in the area of ​​the backrest can be reached by the liquid jets as required.

[0212] The pump module's pump 221 is arranged in the front portion 123 of the frame below the footrest 114. The pump 221 draws liquid from the container 26 via a drain conduit 223. A supply conduit 222 leads from the pump 221 to the container wall 262. Inside the container, the supply conduit splits into two flexible supply conduits 214, which lead to two movably arranged massage nozzle devices 51.

[0213] Positioning the pump 221 below the footrest has the advantage that the weight distribution of the pivotable part of the massage device 10 is relatively balanced relative to the pivot axis 122 .

[0214] Alternatively, the pump can also be positioned at a different location, for example below the pivoting portion on the support frame 121. In this case, the pump is connected to the massage module 21 via flexible hoses 222, 223 instead of rigid pipes.

[0215] In the massage device 10 described above, the reservoir 26 of the massage module 21 can be completely filled with liquid. The flexible membrane 27 of the massage module 21 is advantageously provided with a structural element that can modify the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane in a desired manner. For example, the structural element can be designed as a nut structure, such as a honeycomb nut, attached to the flexible, elastic polymer membrane 27. The structural element thus imparts a specific tensile strength to the entire flexible membrane, enabling it to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid within the reservoir 26. Consequently, within the gaps in the mesh structure, the membrane possesses sufficient flexibility and elasticity to allow the water jets from the massage nozzle device 51 to push the membrane outward, achieving a massaging effect.

[0216] The illustrated embodiment of the massage device 10 can alternatively also be operated in a partially filled state. In this case, the reservoir 26 of the massage module 21 is advantageously filled with liquid up to approximately the transition level from the lower end of the flexible diaphragm 27 to the upper end of the rigid cover 263. In this way, the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid acts only on the rigid portions 262, 263 of the reservoir 26. Therefore, no additional structural reinforcement of the flexible diaphragm 27 is required. In this case, the liquid jet generated by the massage nozzle arrangement 51 is moved through the air until it strikes the flexible diaphragm 27. The rebounding liquid then flows under gravity and accumulates in the lower liquid-filled area of ​​the reservoir, which serves as a pump sump. The inlet opening 225 of the drainage conduit 223 of the pump module 22 is arranged at the lower end of this area, preventing the pump 221 from running dry even at high liquid throughputs.

[0217] In an advantageous variant, the volume of the pump sump area of ​​the massage module's reservoir can be modified, for example by providing a pneumatically inflatable cushion in this area of ​​the reservoir. If the amount of liquid in the reservoir changes or if the massage chair is rotated to change the liquid level in the reservoir, the volume of the inflatable cushion can decrease or increase. Consequently, the liquid level in the reservoir changes upward or downward. This volume change can also be achieved by moving a volume element (for example, by adjustably inserting or withdrawing a piston through the reservoir wall).

[0218] The support cushion can be equipped with a heating device to give the user a pleasant warming sensation. This heating device also has the advantage of not having to heat the liquid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption.

[0219] Advantageously, the heating device is provided with a plurality of heating zones, which can be individually selected by a user, for example in order to set a desired temperature of the heating zones.

[0220] For example, this heating device can be realized using an electric heating wire or using an embedded thin heating hose.

[0221] This heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer, which can be arranged between the flexible membrane 27 and the support mat. This has the particular advantage that the support mat can be more easily removed for cleaning without having to manipulate the connections of the heating device.

[0222] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into the support cushion or connected to the support cushion.

[0223] Figure 12 A further advantageous embodiment of a massage device 10 ′ according to the invention with a massage module 21 ′ and a massage nozzle arrangement 51 a according to the invention is schematically shown in FIG.

[0224] The massage module 21 ′ of the massage device 10 ′ comprises a container 26 which has a flexible membrane 27 on the upper side. The container is filled with a liquid 40. Inside the container 26 a massage nozzle arrangement 51 a is arranged.

[0225] The massage nozzle arrangement 51a comprises a nozzle element 70 and a hydraulic actuator 80. The nozzle element 70 has a nozzle tube 72 and is arranged to generate a directed liquid jet 42. The directed liquid jet 42 is directed perpendicularly toward the flexible diaphragm 27 of the massage device 10', wherein the liquid jet 42 exerts a force F acting substantially perpendicularly outward on the diaphragm 27 at the impact point 274 due to the momentum and kinetic energy of the moving liquid. m This results in a local deformation (not shown) of the diaphragm 27 , which thus exerts a force on the body of a user (not shown) positioned on the diaphragm 27 during desired operation of the massage device 10 ′ and thus achieves the desired massage effect.

[0226] The nozzle element 70 is supplied via a feed conduit 222 ′ with pressurized liquid 41 , which is formed into a directed liquid jet 42 by the nozzle tube 72 .

[0227] The hydraulic actuator 80 is configured to move the nozzle element 70 from a retracted position (shown in dashed lines) to an extended position along the longitudinal axis 511 of the nozzle tube 72. For example, the nozzle element 70 may be attached solely to an actuator element of the hydraulic actuator 80 that moves along the longitudinal axis 511. For example, the hydraulic actuator 80 may be designed as a hydraulic piston, specifically a telescoping cylinder. However, the hydraulic actuator 80 may also be implemented differently, for example as an inflatable bellows.

[0228] The hydraulic actuator 80 is supplied with pressurized fluid 41 via feed conduit 222. The pumping device 221 supplies pressurized fluid 41 to the feed conduits 222, 222' by drawing reduced pressure fluid 40 from the reservoir 26, either directly or, as shown, via an intermediate reservoir 224a.

[0229] Instead of being supplied via separate supply conduits 222 , 222 ′ for the pressurized fluid 41 (as shown), the pressurized fluid 41 may be supplied into the massage nozzle arrangement 51a from the nozzle element 70 into the hydraulic actuator 80 or from the hydraulic actuator 80 into the nozzle element 70 .

[0230] The pumping device 221 can be arranged outside the container as shown, which simplifies maintenance. Alternatively, it can also be arranged as a submersible pump inside the container.

[0231] The control unit 230 is configured to control the pump device 221 and / or the massage nozzle device 51a via control lines 231, 232, and 233. For example, the pump device can control the pump pressure or delivery speed. For example, in the massage device 51a, the control unit 230 can control the functions of the hydraulic actuator 80 and / or the nozzle element 70, for example, by switching corresponding valves (not shown).

[0232] This control unit 230 can advantageously be integrated into a higher-level control module 23 of the massage device 10 ′ which controls further functions of the massage device 10 ′ or of the massage module 21 ′.

[0233] The various control lines 231 , 232 , 233 can be implemented as electrical wires or also as hydraulic switching lines. For safety reasons, the hydraulic lines 232 , 233 are particularly advantageous for the elements 70 , 80 within the container 26 filled with the liquid 40 .

[0234] The control unit 230 is configured in such a way that it can achieve the desired force effect at the impact point 274. For this purpose, for example, the control unit 230 can adjust the operating pressure of the pump device 221. The control unit 230 can change the distance between the nozzle element 70 and the diaphragm 27 by controlling the hydraulic unit, so that it can change the position of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis 511 as required. In addition, for example, the control unit 230 can influence the selectivity of the liquid jet 42 by using suitable components in the nozzle element 70, for example, by making the liquid jet 42 wider or narrower using an orifice in the nozzle tube 72.

[0235] Figure 13 An advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 14. The massage nozzle device 51a comprises a hydraulic actuator 80 and a nozzle element 70 that can be hydraulically extended from the hydraulic actuator 80. The hydraulic actuator 80 is fluidically connected to a feed conduit 60, through which, during operation, a fluid (advantageously water or an aqueous solution) is fed under pressure via a conduit from a pump (both not shown) to the massage nozzle device 51a.

[0236] Advantageously, at least some components are made of plastic, for example by injection molding, whereby the choice of material also depends on the forces and pressures to be applied, etc. Alternatively, metal materials can also be used, which are processed, for example, using powder injection molding.

[0237] In the massage device according to the invention, the massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention is installed inside a closed liquid container (not shown), the interior 261 of which is filled with liquid 40. One wall of the liquid container is designed as a flexible, elastic membrane 27. The massage nozzle arrangement 51a is oriented so that it can direct a directed liquid jet 42 onto the membrane 27 during operation. The massage nozzle arrangement 51a is completely immersed in the liquid. Because the membrane is flexible, the pressure of the liquid 40 in the liquid container substantially corresponds to the pressure on the second surface 272 of the membrane 27, which faces away from the liquid container.

[0238] The hydraulic actuator 80 of the illustrated embodiment example of the massage nozzle device 51a includes a hollow element 82 in the form of a hollow cylinder having a diameter d3 and a piston head 75 that can be pushed back and forth within the hollow cylinder along the longitudinal axis 511 between a first position (see FIG. 14( a) ) and a second position (see FIG. 14( b) ). The hollow element has two retaining jaws 825 on the outside that allow the hollow element 82 or the massage nozzle device to be held using, for example, pliers.

[0239] The piston head 75 is formed on the nozzle tube 72 of the nozzle element 70 at a first longitudinal end 721. The nozzle tube 72 has an outer diameter d2 and an inner diameter d1 and is aligned with the longitudinal axis 511. The nozzle tube 72 protrudes from the nozzle-side opening 821 of the hydraulic actuator 80 at a second longitudinal end 824 of the hollow cylinder 82. The head piece 74 is formed on the second longitudinal end 722 of the nozzle tube 72. The lumen 77 of the nozzle tube 72 opens into the nozzle outlet 73 in the center of the head piece 74.

[0240] The piston head 75 separates the interior volume of the hollow cylinder 82 into a first half-space 831 towards the first longitudinal end 823 of the hollow cylinder and a second half-space 832 towards the second longitudinal end 823 of the hollow cylinder. A feed opening 85 is arranged at the upstream first longitudinal end 823 of the hollow cylinder 82, through which the pressurized liquid is delivered into the first half-space 831 of the hollow cylinder 82. The liquid passes through the interior 77 of the nozzle tube to the pressurized nozzle outlet opening 73, where it forms a directed jet 42 which, due to the momentum of the liquid jet 42, continues to move in the same, but stationary, liquid 40 until it finally impacts the first surface 271 of the diaphragm 27. In the process, the liquid jet is deflected 43, thereby exerting a force F on the first surface of the diaphragm 27. m This force pushes the elastic diaphragm 27 toward the local restricted area 273 along the moving direction of the jet 42 and deforms it. Therefore, the diaphragm 27 can exert the force F in the deformation area 273. m The liquid jet 42 thus acts as a mechanical actuator which produces the desired massage effect.

[0241] Due to the turbulence at the edge regions of the liquid jet 42, kinetic energy is lost as the liquid jet 42 passes through the stagnant liquid 40, which is converted into heat energy. The resulting force F that can be transferred to the diaphragm m This can be compensated by increasing the flow rate of the liquid jet 42 at the nozzle outlet 73 by increasing the pressure in the liquid supply. However, this leads to a significant increase in the energy consumption of the pumping device.

[0242] The massage nozzle device 51 a according to the invention can avoid this and thus avoid energy losses of the liquid jet 42 flowing in the liquid 40 by minimizing the distance D between the nozzle outlet 27 and the diaphragm 27 .

[0243] In the inactive operating state of the massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention (in which no fluid is pumped into the massage nozzle device 51a), the nozzle element 70 is completely retracted due to its own weight into the hydraulic actuator 80. The head 74 of the nozzle element 70 lies essentially flat against the second longitudinal end 824 of the hollow cylinder 82. The piston head 75 is in the first position at the first longitudinal end 233 of the hollow cylinder.

[0244] At the beginning of the operational operating state (as shown in FIG. 14( a )), liquid is pumped into the massage nozzle device 51 a according to the present invention, i.e., into the first half chamber 831 of the hollow cylinder 82. From there, the liquid continues to flow through the lumen 77 of the nozzle tube 72 to the nozzle outlet 73 due to the differential pressure Δp. Since the total cross-sectional area πd3 of the piston head is 2 Greater than the cross-sectional area πd1 of the lumen 77 2 , so this also causes the hydraulic pressure F k , which acts on the piston head 75 and thus on the entire nozzle element 70 along the longitudinal axis 511 in the direction of the second longitudinal end 824 of the hollow cylinder 82. Due to the negligibly small cross section d1 of the lumen 77 2 < <d3 2 , since the pressure loss of the liquid flowing out through the nozzle tube 72 is extremely small, and the liquid pressure is F k =Δp(d3 2 -d1 2 )π / 4. However, in practice, the actual resulting hydraulic pressure is slightly lower since this is not a static situation.

[0245] The hydraulic force acting on the piston head 75 pushes the nozzle element 70 out of the hollow cylinder 82 until the outlet opening 73 is adjacent to the diaphragm 27, as shown in FIG14( b). At the constant operating pressure of the massage nozzle device, the force of the fluid jet 42 acting on the diaphragm 27 becomes significantly greater because the kinetic energy is lost due to turbulence and the fluid jet 42 is reduced due to the significantly shorter path through the stagnant liquid 40. During the extension, the volume of the first half-space 831 of the hollow cylinder increases and the volume of the second half-space 832 of the hollow cylinder decreases.

[0246] The second, maximum extended position of the nozzle element 70 is defined by a stop 826 in the form of a protrusion of the hollow cylinder wall towards the longitudinal axis 511 , against which the piston head 75 abuts in the second position.

[0247] However, this second maximum extended position is only possible if dynamic equilibrium (i.e., the hydraulic force F acting outwardly on the piston head) has not been reached beforehand. k and the reaction force exerted on the head 74 of the nozzle element 70 by the fluid jet 43 deflected at the diaphragm 27. For example, in Figure 14(b), this dynamic equilibrium exists, which keeps the nozzle element just before the second maximum position.

[0248] If the massage nozzle arrangement 51a is switched off by switching off the associated pressure pump, the hydraulic force F acting on the piston head k 827 . The nozzle element 80 now automatically retracts into the hydraulic actuator 80 until the piston head 75 comes to rest against the stop 827 in the first position, as shown in FIG14( a). The restoring movement is passively driven only by the nozzle element's own weight. However, this passive restoring force requires a substantially vertical arrangement of the longitudinal axis 511.

[0249] Because the restoring force is opposed by the buoyancy of the nozzle element 70 in the liquid 40, it may be advantageous to make the nozzle element from a material with a low specific density (e.g., plastic) if the nozzle element is loaded with additional weight. For example, a metal sleeve may be arranged around the nozzle tube, which increases the weight of the nozzle element and thus the restoring force due to gravity.

[0250] In the embodiment example shown, the head 74 of the nozzle element 70 is designed as a flange in the form of a spherical segment. The shape of the head 74 is generally chosen advantageously so as to avoid damage to the diaphragm in the event of unintentional contact with the nozzle element and to deflect the flow of the liquid jet 43 in an optimized manner.

[0251] In the illustrated embodiment, the feed pipe 60 is designed as an elbow 61. It has a fastening element 64, which can be used to fasten the feed pipe 60 to another structure. In this way, the feed pipe 60 also serves as a support platform for the massage nozzle device 51a according to the present invention. The fastening element 64 is formed in one piece with the actual feed pipe and includes a plurality of reinforcing elements 642a, 642b, 642c, 642d, 642e and a plurality of fastening points 641 in the form of through-holes.

[0252] The illustrated feed pipe 60 has a hose fitting 62 at its upstream end, to which a fluid supply conduit in the form of an elastic hose is attached in a liquid-tight manner, for example by placing the hose on the hose connector 62 and tightening it with a hose clamp in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner. At its downstream end, the feed pipe has an externally threaded connection piece 63, which is screwed into a corresponding internal connection thread 84 of the hydraulic actuator 80.

[0253] Because the massage nozzle device 26 is completely positioned within the liquid 261 into which the nozzle element 70 ejects the liquid jet 42 during operation, the absolute tightness of the fluid connection between the feed line 60 and the hydraulic actuator 80 of the massage nozzle device 10' is only of secondary importance. However, excessive losses reduce energy efficiency, since pressure losses due to leakage must be compensated by a corresponding increase in the operating pressure of the pumping device. Therefore, it is advantageous to use an additional sealant (e.g., an O-ring between the connecting piece 63 and the hydraulic actuator 80 or Teflon tape wrapped around the external threads of the connecting piece 63) to ensure the tightest possible connection.

[0254] A further advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention is shown in FIG15. An external view of the massage nozzle device and Figure 13 The various components and most of the basic operating mode of the massage nozzle device 51a correspond to the massage nozzle device of Figure 15. Therefore, only the additional features are discussed below.

[0255] The massage nozzle device 51a shown has a restoring element 86 in the form of a helical compression spring. The restoring element is arranged in the second half space 832 of the hollow cylinder 82 between the stop element 826 and the upper end of the piston head 75. The nozzle tube 72 extends through the helical compression spring 86.

[0256] The restoring element 86 serves to return the nozzle element 70 to the retracted position after the pressure pump has been switched off, even without requiring a restoring force due to the deadweight of the nozzle element 70 and thus independently of the spatial orientation of the massage nozzle arrangement 51a. Furthermore, the restoring element is intended to support the dynamic movement of the nozzle element when the distance between the hydraulic actuator and the diaphragm changes, as will be discussed below.

[0257] In the fully retracted position of the nozzle element 70, shown in FIG15( a ), the helical compression spring 86 is substantially relaxed. When the massage nozzle device is in operation, the hydraulic force acting on the piston head causes the nozzle element 70 to move along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the second, extended position. This maximum extended position of the nozzle element is geometrically defined by the maximum compression of the helical compression spring. Once the nozzle outlet 73 reaches the diaphragm 27 and a stable equilibrium is established between the hydraulic force of the piston head and the opposing force deflecting the liquid jet 43 and the restoring force of the restoring assembly 86, the nozzle element 70 remains stationary, as shown in FIG15( b ).

[0258] When the nozzle element 70 is extended, the hydraulic force acting on the piston head 75 must overcome the increased spring force of the compressed helical compression spring 86. Advantageously, the helical compression spring 86 is designed so that, even when the helical compression spring is compressed to its maximum, the spring force is no greater than the hydraulic spring force at the desired operating pressure of the massage nozzle device 51a. Particularly advantageously, the helical compression spring 86 has a spring constant that is just high enough to return the nozzle element to the retracted position.

[0259] While maintaining the same overall height, the nozzle elements 70 of the massage nozzle arrangement 51a in FIG. 15 can extend less than the nozzle elements of the massage nozzle arrangement in FIG. 14 . However, the massage nozzle arrangement can be operated in any position and not only with a longitudinal axis parallel to the vertical. Therefore, this embodiment of the massage nozzle arrangement 51a is particularly well-suited for massage devices, such as massage chairs.

[0260] Furthermore, the massage nozzle device according to the present invention can also be advantageously used in conjunction with the device presented in WO 2020 / 074046 A1. The mode of operation and structure of this solution can be inferred from the corresponding description. In this case, the water jets in this patent are replaced by the massage nozzle device and its functional elements according to the present invention, and the control provided by the present invention is also implemented.

[0261] When using the massage nozzle device according to the present invention to massage a user's body tissue, the force applied locally to the body surface by the diaphragm typically varies temporally and / or spatially. For example, temporal variation of the massage force can be achieved by varying the pump pressure over time. Spatial variation of the massage point can then be achieved by varying the position of the massage nozzle device.

[0262] Figure 16 A massage device 10 ′ according to the invention is schematically shown in FIG, wherein the massage nozzle arrangement 51 a according to the invention is spatially displaced during operation in order to achieve a desired massage effect.

[0263] The massage device 10 ′ comprises a closed liquid container 26, which is composed of a schematically illustrated wall 262 and a flexible membrane 27. The body 91 of the user to be massaged is placed on the upper outer side of the membrane 27. The schematic example shown can be understood as a massage table, in which the user lies on the flexible upper side of the liquid container 26. Similar to a water bed, the membrane 27 adapts to the general shape of the user's body.

[0264] An embodiment of the massage nozzle device 51a according to the present invention is arranged within the liquid container 261. The massage nozzle device 51a can be horizontally displaced using a suitable actuator device (not shown). Those skilled in the art are aware of various solutions for moving an object to different positions within a plane, such as using linear actuators mounted in a cross pattern.

[0265] The pump device 221 draws liquid 40 from the liquid container 261 via the supply conduit 223 and delivers the liquid 40 under pressure to the massage nozzle device 51a via the pressure conduit 222. The pressure conduit 222 is advantageously designed to be flexible (e.g., as an armored hose or a metal hose) to be able to follow the moving massage nozzle device 51a.

[0266] The pump device 221 can draw liquid directly from the liquid container 261 or from a reservoir which is in turn filled from the liquid container 261. If several massage nozzle devices are present, these can be supplied via a common pump device or also via separate pump devices.

[0267] As in the previous embodiment, the massage nozzle device 51a includes a hydraulic actuator 80 having a hollow cylinder 82 and a piston head 75, on which the nozzle tube 72 of the nozzle element 70 is formed. Hemispherical head pieces 74 are formed on the opposite longitudinal ends of the nozzle tube 72 into which the nozzle tube 72 opens. The pressure conduit 222 (shown only schematically) is connected via a hose connector 871 formed on the hollow cylinder 82.

[0268] exist Figure 16 At position I on the left side in FIG, the nozzle element 70 is extended about ¾ and the head piece 74 is close to the diaphragm 27. A liquid jet (not shown) directed toward the diaphragm 27 deforms the diaphragm 27 locally outwardly toward the user's body 91 and applies a force locally to the body tissue.

[0269] If the massage nozzle arrangement 51a is now moved transversely to position II, the nozzle element 70 follows the contour of the diaphragm 27, which is correspondingly determined by the shape of the user's body. The nozzle tube 72 is pushed into the hollow cylinder 82 of the hydraulic actuator 2, while the head piece 74 remains at a relative distance from the diaphragm 27. Then, in position II, the nozzle element 70 is almost completely retracted.

[0270] If the massage nozzle arrangement 51a is now moved further into position III, the nozzle element 70 again follows the contours of the body. The nozzle tube 72 moves out of the hydraulic cylinder 82, while the head piece 74 maintains its distance from the diaphragm 27.

[0271] Similar dynamic adjustments occur when the shape of the diaphragm changes, such as when the user moves. In this case, the nozzle element 70 is pushed into the hydraulic actuator 80 or the nozzle element 70 extends from the hydraulic actuator 80. Because the gushing fluid jet forms a fluid cushion between the diaphragm 27 and the head piece 74, the diaphragm cannot collide with the nozzle element, even if the user makes jerky movements.

[0272] Advantageously, the massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention is arranged in the massage device according to the invention in such a way that the maximum extended position and the maximum retracted position of the nozzle element are taken into account in such a way that in the retracted position the diaphragm cannot collide with the massage nozzle arrangement and at the same time the nozzle element can always reach maximum proximity to the diaphragm.

[0273] In order to achieve a lower overall height of the massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element of the massage nozzle device can be designed in sections such that it can be extended in a telescopic manner.

[0274] Figure 17 An example of such a variant of a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention is shown in , in which the nozzle pipe 72 comprises two parts 723, 724. The mode of operation of the massage nozzle device corresponds in principle to the embodiment already discussed above.

[0275] The hydraulic actuator 80 comprises a first hollow cylinder 82 with an annular stop element 826 and an opening 821 for the nozzle tube at one longitudinal end and a supply opening at the other longitudinal end. A hose connection 872 with an external thread allows easy connection of a conduit for supplying pressurized fluid.

[0276] The first piston head 75 is arranged in the first hollow cylinder 82 so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis 511. A first portion 723 of the nozzle tube 72, designed as a hollow cylinder 78, is formed on the first piston head 75. This second hollow cylinder 78 has an annular stop element 782 at the nozzle-side longitudinal end and an opening 781 for the second portion of the nozzle tube 72.

[0277] The second piston head 76 is arranged in the second hollow cylinder 78 so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis 511. The second portion 724 of the nozzle tube is formed on this second piston head 76. The head piece 74 of the nozzle element 70 is formed in the form of a flat circular disc with rounded corners on the opposite longitudinal ends of this second portion 724 of the nozzle tube.

[0278] The first piston head 75 has an upstream central inlet opening 751 through which the flow of pressurized fluid 41 can flow from the first half-chamber 831 of the first hollow barrel 82 into the second hollow barrel 78. Similarly, the second piston head 76 has an upstream central inlet opening 761 through which the flow of pressurized fluid 41 can flow from the second hollow barrel 78 into the lumen 77 of the second portion 724 of the nozzle tube 72 before ultimately emerging from the nozzle outlet 73 as a directed liquid jet 42.

[0279] In order to reduce energy loss due to turbulence in the massage nozzle device, the openings 751, 761 of the two piston heads 75, 76 are chamfered. This also ensures that when the massage nozzle device 51a is fully retracted (e.g. Figure 17 (a) shows that the hydraulically active piston head surface around openings 751 and 162 can be accessed.

[0280] The maximum extension position of the first portion 723 and the second portion 724 of the nozzle tube 72 (eg Figure 17 (b) is determined by the stop elements 826 and 782, to which the nozzle-side upper ends of the first piston head 75 and the second piston head 76 abut, respectively.

[0281] On the other hand, Figure 17 As shown in (a), the maximum retracted positions of the first and second portions 723, 724 of the nozzle tube 72 are defined by the second stop member 782 abutting on the upper surface of the first stop member 826 and the head portion 74 abutting on the upper surface of the second stop member 782, respectively.

[0282] The return to the fully retracted state of the massage nozzle arrangement 51a after the supply of pressurized liquid has ceased occurs passively by the weight of the two parts 723, 724 of the nozzle tube 72 minus the buoyancy in the liquid.

[0283] The resetting element can be used to support the return to the fully retracted state of the massage nozzle device and ensure functionality even in an inclined orientation of the massage nozzle device. Figure 18 This embodiment example of the massage nozzle device 51a according to the present invention is disclosed in FIG. The individual components largely correspond to those from Figure 17 Components of the previous embodiment examples in . These will not be discussed again.

[0284] In the massage nozzle device 51a shown, a first return element 86 in the form of a helical compression spring is arranged between the stop element 826 of the first hollow cylinder 82 and the upper side of the first piston head 75. A second return element 79 in the form of a helical compression spring is arranged between the stop element 782 of the second hollow cylinder 78 and the upper side of the second piston head 76.

[0285] The spring constants of the two helical compression springs 86, 79 may be selected to be similar or identical. Alternatively, helical compression springs of different strengths may be used to control the movement of the individual components 72, 78, 82 during retraction and extension in a precisely defined manner.

[0286] Instead of a single liquid jet directed perpendicularly to the membrane, the massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention can advantageously be used to generate a plurality of obliquely directed, moving liquid jets, so that a fast-moving force effect is generated in the active massage area of ​​the nozzle element. This massage nozzle arrangement according to the invention can achieve, for example, Figure 19 The nozzle element 70 in FIG. Instead of a central nozzle outlet opening, the nozzle element 74 has two nozzle outlet openings 73a, 73b arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis. To this end, the tube lumen 77 of the nozzle tube is split into two tube manifolds 77a, 77b leading to the nozzle outlet openings 73a, 73b. The nozzle outlet openings 73a, 73b and the tube manifolds 77a, 77b are designed so that the liquid flow in the nozzle tube is separated with minimal eddies and directed toward the outlet openings, thereby forming two rotationally symmetrical liquid jets 42a, 42b that are aligned at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube.

[0287] The deflection of the liquid jet in the head piece 74 generates a rotational force which causes the nozzle tube and the head piece 74 to rotate about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the two water jets 42a, 42b also move about the longitudinal axis, or the two force points on the diaphragm move along a circular path.

[0288] Instead of making the entire nozzle tube rotatable, the head piece is rotatably mounted on the nozzle tube. This avoids sliding friction between the piston head and the hollow cylinder.

[0289] Instead of two outlet openings 73a, 73b, three or more outlet openings may also be provided.

[0290] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, various further modifications of the present invention that fall within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and accompanying drawings. Furthermore, various references are cited in the description, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the description.

[0291] Explanation of symbols

[0292] 10,10' massage equipment

[0293] 11 Chairs

[0294] 111 Headrest

[0295] 112 Backrest

[0296] 113 Seat

[0297] 114 footrest

[0298] 115 flexible layer

[0299] 121 Support frame

[0300] 122 pivot axis

[0301] 123,123' frame

[0302] 21,21'Massage Module

[0303] 214 Supply catheter

[0304] 217 Massage Action Area

[0305] 22 pump modules

[0306] 221 Pump

[0307] 222,222' Feed tube, pressure tube

[0308] 223 Drain pipe, pump supply pipe

[0309] 224,224a Liquid reservoir

[0310] 225 Inlet opening of drainage conduit

[0311] 23 Control Module

[0312] 230 control unit

[0313] 231 Pumping device control line

[0314] 232 Hydraulic actuator control line

[0315] 233 Control line of nozzle element

[0316] 24 Driver Module

[0317] 241a First servo motor

[0318] 241b Second servo motor

[0319] 242a First thread spindle

[0320] 242b Second thread spindle

[0321] 243a First running rail

[0322] 243b Second running rail

[0323] 244a first support plate

[0324] 244b Second support plate

[0325] 244c Third support plate

[0326] 251 packing element

[0327] 252 Opening

[0328] 253 Structural Elements

[0329] 254 Fluid Connectors

[0330] 255 Pressure tube end

[0331] 26 Liquid Containers

[0332] 261 Internal space of container, closed volume

[0333] 262 Rigid Wall

[0334] 263 Rigid Cover

[0335] 27 Flexible diaphragm

[0336] 271 First surface of the diaphragm

[0337] 272 Second surface of the diaphragm

[0338] 273 Deformation area of ​​diaphragm

[0339] 274 Impact Point

[0340] 40 liquid

[0341] 41 Pressurized liquid

[0342] 42,42a,42b Directed liquid jet

[0343] 43 Deflected Liquid Jet

[0344] 51,51a Massage nozzle device

[0345] 511 longitudinal axis

[0346] 60 Feeding pipe

[0347] 61 elbow

[0348] 62 Hose connector

[0349] 63 connecting thread, male thread

[0350] 64 Fastening elements

[0351] 641 screw hole

[0352] 642a-642e reinforcement elements

[0353] 70 nozzle element

[0354] 72 nozzle tube

[0355] 721 first longitudinal end of the nozzle tube

[0356] 722 second longitudinal end of the nozzle tube

[0357] 723 First section of nozzle tube

[0358] 724 Second part of the nozzle tube

[0359] 73 Nozzle outlet opening

[0360] 73a, 73b nozzle outlet opening

[0361] 74 nozzle head

[0362] 75th piston head

[0363] 751 Inlet opening

[0364] 76 Second piston head

[0365] 761 Inlet opening

[0366] 77 Lumen

[0367] 77a, 77b pipe manifold

[0368] 78 Second hollow tube

[0369] 781 Nozzle side opening of the second hollow cylinder

[0370] 782 Stop element

[0371] 79 Second reset element, compression spring

[0372] 80 hydraulic actuator

[0373] 82 First hollow tube

[0374] 821 Nozzle side opening of hollow cylinder

[0375] 823 first longitudinal end of the hollow tube

[0376] 824 second longitudinal end of the hollow tube

[0377] 825: Holding jaws

[0378] 826 Stop element at the second position of the piston head

[0379] 827 Stop element at first position of piston head

[0380] 831 The First Half-Space

[0381] 832 The Second Half-Space

[0382] 84 Connecting thread, female thread

[0383] 85 Supply Openings

[0384] 86 First reset element, compression spring

[0385] 871 Hose Connector

[0386] 872 Hose connector with external thread

[0387] 91 User, User Body

[0388] 92 User's body surface

[0389] d1 inner diameter of the nozzle tube

[0390] d2 outer diameter of the nozzle tube

[0391] d3 diameter of the hollow cylinder

[0392] D Distance between nozzle outlet and diaphragm

[0393] F M Force effect in the massage area, acting outwards via the diaphragm

[0394] F k The hydraulic pressure acting on the piston head

[0395] Δp is the pressure difference between the pump pressure of the supplied liquid and the static pressure in the liquid container

[0396] x, y The direction of movement of the massage module

[0397] P Movement path of the massage module.

Claims

1. A massage device (10, 10') for dry water massage, comprising: basic structure (121, 123, 123'); and Massage module (21, 21'), which has: a substantially closed container (26) having walls (27, 262, 263); a flexible membrane (27) forming part of the wall of the closed container and having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) configured to direct a jet of liquid (42) from the interior of the closed container onto the first surface of the flexible membrane; The massage device is characterized by a drive module (24) which is set up to move the massage module (21, 21') relative to the base structure in at least one movement direction (x, y).

2. A massage device according to claim 1, wherein a flexible layer (115) is provided on the side of the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') facing away from the container (26), which is flexibly mounted relative to the base structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage device (10, 10').

3. Massage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closed container (26) of the massage module (21, 21') is filled or can be filled with a liquid (40).

4. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible membrane (27) and the rigid cover (263) together form a flat wall of the container (26) of the massage module (21, 21').

5. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a pump module (22) for supplying pressurized liquid to the at least one massage nozzle arrangement (51, 51a) of the massage module.

6. The massage device according to claim 4 , comprising a pump module ( 22 ) for supplying pressurized liquid ( 41 ) to the at least one massage nozzle arrangement ( 51 , 51 a ) of the massage module, the pump module ( 22 ) comprising a pump ( 221 ) and a drainage duct ( 223 ), the drainage duct ( 223 ) fluidically connecting the container ( 26 ) of the massage module ( 21 , 21 ′) and the pump inlet of the pump to each other; wherein the inlet opening ( 225 ) of the drainage duct is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover ( 263 ).

7. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a control module (23) configured to control the drive module (24) and / or the massage modules (21, 21').

8. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') in a plane (x, y).

9. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') along a curved path (P) in space.

10. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21, 21') around an axis in space.

11. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') comprises at least one structured feature (251, 253) arranged to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

12. Massage device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one structural element (251, 253) is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') so that the flexible membrane is locally reinforced.

13. A massage device (10, 10') for dry water massage, comprising: Massage module (21, 21'), which has: a substantially closed container (26) having walls (27, 262, 263); a flexible membrane (27) forming part of the wall of the closed container and having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) configured to direct a jet of liquid (42) from the interior of the closed container onto the first surface of the flexible membrane; The massage device is characterized in that the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module comprises at least one structural feature (251, 253) arranged to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

14. Massage device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one structural element (251, 253) is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane (27) so that the flexible membrane is locally reinforced.

15. Massage device according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a base structure (121, 123, 123') and a drive module (24) which is configured to move the massage module (21, 21') relative to the base structure in at least one movement direction (x, y).

16. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a flexible layer (115) is provided on the side of the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') facing away from the container (26), which is flexibly mounted relative to the base structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage device (10, 10').

17. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the closed container (26) of the massage module (21, 21') is filled or can be filled with a liquid (40).

18. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the flexible membrane (27) and the rigid cover (263) together form a flat wall of the container (26) of the massage module (21, 21').

19. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising a pump module (22) for supplying pressurized liquid to the at least one massage nozzle arrangement (51, 51a) of the massage module.

20. A massage device according to claim 18, comprising a pump module (22) for supplying pressurized liquid (41) to the at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) of the massage module, the pump module (22) comprising a pump (221) and a drainage duct (223), the drainage duct (223) fluidically connecting the container (26) of the massage module (21, 21') and the pump inlet of the pump to each other; wherein the inlet opening (225) of the drainage duct is arranged in the wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover (263).

21. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 20, comprising a control module (23) arranged to control the drive module (24) and / or the massage modules (21, 21').

22. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') in a plane (x, y).

23. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') along a curved path (P) in space.

24. Massage device according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21, 21') around an axis in space.

25. A massage device (10, 10') for dry water massage, comprising: Massage module (21, 21'), which has: a substantially closed container (26) having walls (27, 262, 263); a flexible membrane (27) forming part of the wall of the closed container and having a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) configured to direct a jet of liquid (42) from the interior of the closed container onto the first surface of the flexible membrane; The massage device is characterized in that the flexible membrane (27) and the rigid cover (263) together form a flat wall of the container (26) of the massage module (21, 21').

26. Massage device according to claim 25, comprising a pump module (22) for supplying pressurized liquid to the at least one massage nozzle arrangement (51, 51a) of the massage module.

27. A massage device according to claim 26, wherein the pump module (22) comprises a pump (221) and a drainage duct (223); the drainage duct (223) fluidically connects the container (26) of the massage module (21, 21') and the pump inlet of the pump; and the inlet opening (225) of the drainage duct is arranged in the wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover (263).

28. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, comprising a base structure (121, 123, 123') and a drive module (24), the drive module (24) being arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') relative to the base structure along at least one movement direction (x, y).

29. A massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein a flexible layer (115) is provided on the side of the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') facing away from the container (26), which is flexibly mounted relative to the base structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage device (10, 10').

30. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the closed container (26) of the massage module (21, 21') is filled or can be filled with a liquid (40).

31. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 30, comprising a control module (23) arranged to control the drive module (24) and / or the massage modules (21, 21').

32. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') in a plane (x, y).

33. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 21') along a curved path (P) in space.

34. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21, 21') around an axis in space.

35. Massage device according to any one of claims 25 to 34, wherein the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') comprises at least one structured feature (251, 253) arranged to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

36. Massage device according to claim 35, wherein the at least one structural element (251, 253) is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') so that the flexible membrane is locally reinforced.

37. A massage nozzle device (51a) for generating a directed liquid jet, comprising: a nozzle element (70) having a nozzle tube (72, 734, 724) for generating a directed liquid jet (42, 42a, 42b), the nozzle tube having an inlet opening (751) at a first longitudinal end (721) and an outlet opening (73, 73a, 73b) at a second longitudinal end (722); and A hydraulic actuator (80) is operatively connected to the nozzle element (70) and is set up in such a way that it enables displacement of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis (511) of the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) from a retracted position to an extended position.

38. A massage nozzle device according to claim 37, having a feed conduit (222) for supplying pressurized liquid (41) to the nozzle element (70) for generating the directed liquid jet (42, 42a, 27b), wherein the feed conduit (222) is arranged to also supply pressurized liquid (41) to the hydraulic actuator (80) for operating the hydraulic actuator.

39. The massage nozzle device according to claim 37 or 38, comprising: a hydraulic actuator (80) having a first hollow cylinder (82) and a first piston head (75), the first piston head (75) being arranged in the first hollow cylinder and being displaceable along the longitudinal axis (511) between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) is operatively connected to the first piston head (75) in such a manner that displacement of the first piston head (75) along the longitudinal axis (511) causes displacement of the nozzle tube along the longitudinal axis; and The first hollow cylinder (82) has an opening (821) at a longitudinal end (824), and the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) of the nozzle element (70) extends through the opening (821).

40. Massage nozzle device according to claim 39, wherein the inlet opening (751) of the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) is arranged in the first piston head (75).

41. Massage nozzle device according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the hydraulic actuator (80) comprises a first reset element (86) which applies a force to the first piston head (75) along the longitudinal axis (511) in the direction of the retracted position in the first hollow cylinder (82).

42. The massage nozzle device according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the nozzle tube (72) is connected to or molded onto the first piston head (75).

43. The massage nozzle device according to any one of claims 39 to 42, The nozzle tube (72) is designed as two parts. having a first portion (723) connected to or molded onto the first piston head (75), and having a second part (724) which is connected to the first part in a liquid-tight manner and on which the outlet opening (73, 73a, 73b) is arranged; wherein the second portion of the nozzle tube is connected to or molded onto a second piston head (76); wherein the first portion of the nozzle tube comprises a second hollow cylinder (78), the second piston head (76) of the second portion of the nozzle tube being arranged in the second hollow cylinder (78) and being displaceable forward and backward along the longitudinal axis (511) between a retracted position and an extended position; and The second hollow cylinder (78) has an opening (781) at the longitudinal end opposite to the first piston head (75), and the second portion (724) of the nozzle tube extends through the opening (781).

44. A massage nozzle device according to claim 43, wherein the nozzle element (70) includes a second reset element (79), which applies a force to the second piston head (76) of the second part (724) of the nozzle tube (72) along the longitudinal axis (511) in the direction of the retracted position in the second hollow cylinder (78) of the first part (723) of the nozzle tube (72).

45. A massage nozzle device according to any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein the nozzle element (70) comprises a head piece (74) at the second longitudinal end (722) of the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724), the outlet opening (73, 73a, 73b) of the nozzle element being arranged on the head piece.

46. ​​Massage nozzle device according to claim 45, wherein at the second longitudinal end (722) of the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724), the head piece (74) protrudes above the nozzle tube transversely to the longitudinal axis (511).

47. A massage nozzle device according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the head piece (74) of the nozzle element (70) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis (511), and wherein the head piece has one or more outlet openings (73a, 73b), which are designed so that the liquid jet (42a, 42b) gushing out from the outlet openings applies a rotational force to the head piece, which causes the head piece (74) to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

48. A massage device (10, 10'), comprising: a container (26) filled or capable of being filled with a liquid (40); a flexible membrane (27), a first surface (271) of the membrane being in contact with the liquid when the container is filled with the liquid; at least one massage nozzle device (51a) arranged to direct a jet of liquid (42, 42a, 42b) onto the first surface (271) of the flexible membrane (27); a pumping device (221) arranged to supply (222) liquid (40) under pressure to the at least one massage nozzle device (51a); and A control unit (230) is arranged to control the pump device (221) and / or the specific massage nozzle device (51a) in order to adjust the intensity of the directed liquid jets (42, 42a, 42b) of the specific massage nozzle device (51a).

49. Massage device according to claim 48, wherein a second surface (272) of the membrane (27) facing away from the first surface (271) of the membrane (27) is also in contact with the liquid.

50. Massage device according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the container (26) and the flexible membrane (27) form a substantially closed inner volume (261), and wherein the at least one massage nozzle device (51a) is arranged in the closed inner volume of the container.

51. A massage device according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the position and / or orientation of the at least one massage nozzle device (51a) is variable so that the directed liquid jet (42, 42a, 42b) can be directed to different points of the first surface (271) of the flexible diaphragm (27).

52. Massage device according to any one of claims 48 to 51, comprising means with which the temperature of the liquid (40) in the liquid container (26) can be adjusted and / or varied.

53. Massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 36 or 48 to 51, wherein the at least one massage nozzle arrangement is a massage nozzle arrangement (51a) according to any one of claims 37 to 47.

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