Dry massage apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a dry massage apparatus for a dry hydromassage, comprising a base structure (121, 123, 123'); a massage module (21, 21') with a substantially closed container (26) which comprises a wall (27, 262); a flexible diaphragm (27) which forms a part of the wall of the closed container, comprising a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) which is designed to deflect a liquid jet (42) onto the first surface of the flexible diaphragm in the interior of the closed container. The massage apparatus has a drive module (24) which is designed to move the massage module (21, 21') in at least one movement direction (x, y) with respect to the base structure.

Description

[0001] DRY MASSAGE DEVICE

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to massage apparatus for hydromassage, in particular dry hydromassage, and to a massage nozzle device for generating a directed jet of liquid.

[0004] Technological background

[0005] Bathtubs with massage functions and similar devices for so-called hydromassage are well known. These devices involve immersing the user's body in water, and one or more water jets direct a stream of water onto the body, exerting a mechanical force on the corresponding body part upon impact. Such water jet massage devices require a lot of space and energy, and are heavy. Because the user must remain immersed in the water during the massage, using such massage devices is laborious. In addition, they require extensive maintenance, particularly for hygiene reasons.

[0006] Also well known are massage tables and massage chairs, which can massage a user automatically using mechanical massage elements. In such massage devices, electrically driven mechanical actuators exert locally limited force on the user's body. The mechanical actuators are installed, for example, in a lying surface or backrest. To achieve a massage effect in different parts of the body, several actuators are necessary. Mechanical actuators are complex to manufacture and maintain. They are prone to wear and tear due to the moving mechanical components. The generally hard massage heads, due to the resulting force, regularly lead to an unpleasant massage sensation in certain points or areas, or even to the perception of pain.

[0007] CN 203280724 U shows a device for "dry" massage using water jets, also called dry hydromassage. A plurality of upwardly directed water jets are fixedly arranged in a water-filled tub. The tub is sealed watertight on top with a flexible membrane. The user being massaged lies on the membrane. The water jets each emit a directed water jet that strikes the underside of the membrane at a predetermined point. A force is thus exerted on the user's body via the flexible membrane to achieve the desired massage effect. The multitude of water jets makes such a massage jet device expensive to manufacture and operate.

[0008] EP 0880958 A1 describes another device for dry water jet massage. A user lies in a water-filled tub, sealed at one end with a flexible, waterproof membrane, as if on a waterbed. At the bottom of the tub, one or two longitudinally movable jet carriages are arranged. Two massage jets are arranged on the jet carriages, the distance between which can be adjusted transversely. A pump pumps water through the jets, creating a directed water jet toward the flexible membrane. Similar devices are also known from EP 1666017 A1 and EP 2327386 A1.

[0009] From US 2022 / 0323287 A1 by the applicant, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated into the description in its entirety by reference, another device for dry massage using water jets is known. Shown is a device for dry water jet massage comprising a tub filled with water and a foil material that simultaneously serves as a lying surface for a person to be treated and enables pressure pulse transmission. This material serves as a cover that seals the tub watertight on top. Arranged in the tub is a carriage with at least two water jets, each of which serves to eject a water jet against the underside of the foil material. The water jets are fed by a pump. A first drive is used to move the carriage forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the tub.A second drive moves the water jets on the carriage across the tub. The water jets can be pivoted from a rest position to an operating position using a lever mechanism.

[0010] Massage devices of the aforementioned type require a lot of floor space, as they are designed for use while lying down. Furthermore, a lying position during a massage is often perceived as uncomfortable by users, especially in public spaces, which can impair the relaxing effect of the massage.

[0011] JP H6 / 205811 discloses a massage chair for dry water jet massage. A flexible, waterproof membrane serves as the seat of the S-shaped chair. A guide rail is arranged beneath the seat at a constant distance from the membrane. A nozzle carriage is mounted on the guide rail, on which a water nozzle is arranged, at a constant distance from the membrane and with an axis of action that is always perpendicular to the membrane. The water nozzle creates a water jet that moves through the air and, at the point of impact with the membrane, generates a vertically outward-acting force, which causes the massage. The flexible membrane forms a watertight housing beneath the massage chair, allowing the water from the massage jets to remain within the apparatus, collect at the bottom, and be pumped out for reuse.

[0012] US 2009 / 0312680 A1 shows a massage chair for dry water jet massage, in which several water jets are arranged horizontally on a carriage movable along the length of the backrest. Deflecting elements form the water jets generated by the water jets into concentrated jets directed at specific points on the flexible membrane. The water from the massage jets that bounces off the membrane is collected at the floor and pumped out for reuse.

[0013] US 5827206 shows a massage chair for dry water jet massage, with a flexible membrane as the backrest. Several water jets are fixedly arranged behind the backrest and generate water jets that exert a force on the flexible backrest to achieve the massage effect. The water rebounding off the flexible backrest is collected in a pump sump located below the seat and pumped back to the water jets in a circuit. US 2009 / 0312680 A1 shows such a massage chair in which several water jets are arranged horizontally on a carriage movable in the longitudinal direction of the backrest. Deflecting elements form the water jets generated by the water jets into concentrated jets directed at specific points on the flexible membrane.

[0014] Massage devices of the aforementioned type are noisy because the water jet is atomized upon impact with the backrest. The pump sump requires a large amount of space beneath the seat.

[0015] US 6036663 describes a water-jet massage chair in which a water-filled bladder made of a flexible membrane is arranged on a slope, thus forming the backrest. Fixed water jets generate directed water jets that are directed at the outer side of the membrane bladder, creating a massage effect there. Crossbars hold the bladder in shape, as otherwise the water pressure would cause the bladder to bulge in the lower area. Accordingly, the backrest is divided into individual sections. KR 20110129315 shows a similar device in which the water jets are movably arranged on a sliding jet carriage. There is a general need for improvements in this field.

[0016] Description of the invention

[0017] The object of the invention is to provide a massage apparatus of the type mentioned at the outset which counteracts at least one of the above-mentioned and other disadvantages.

[0018] A massage device according to the invention is intended to combine the advantages of dry and wet massage. In particular, the massage device according to the invention is intended to achieve a massage effect similar to that of a conventional massage with a water jet, while maintaining the size and user-friendliness of a mechanical massage device.

[0019] In particular, a massage apparatus according to the invention should make it possible to massage a sitting position.

[0020] Such a massage device according to the invention should be able to be operated in an energy-saving manner.

[0021] A massage device according to the invention should be reliable in operation. It should be cost-effective to manufacture and maintain. The required volume and footprint of the massage device should be as small as possible.

[0022] A further object of the invention is to provide an advantageous massage jet device. Such an advantageous massage jet device should be able to be used in particular in a massage apparatus according to the invention.

[0023] A massage jet device according to the invention should, in particular, be inexpensive to manufacture. It should be flexible in use, durable, and cost-effective to maintain.

[0024] These and other objects are achieved by a massage apparatus and a massage nozzle device according to the invention according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0025] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and, unless otherwise stated, can be combined with one another. These embodiments and the associated advantages are discussed below.

[0026] A first aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus for dry hydromassage.

[0027] A massage device according to the invention comprises a base structure and a massage module with a substantially closed container having a wall; a flexible membrane forming part of the wall of the container, with a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device configured to direct a fluid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane within the closed container. The massage device further comprises a drive module configured to move the massage module in at least one direction of movement.

[0028] The flexible membrane is advantageously impermeable to liquids.

[0029] With such a massage device according to the invention, at the point where the fluid jet from the massage jet device hits the flexible membrane, a force can be transferred from the fluid jet to the membrane, and from there directly or indirectly to the body tissue of a user being massaged, which is in contact with the membrane. Since the user is separated from the massage jet device by the membrane, the user does not come into contact with the fluid. Such a massage device according to the invention can thus be used like a mechanical massage device, with the massage effect of a wet massage with water jets. The jet intensity has a balanced effect that the user perceives as pleasant.

[0030] Since the massage module can be moved, it is possible to make the dimensions of the massage module, especially the flexible membrane of the container, smaller than the actual effective area of ​​the massage device according to the invention. If a location outside the massage area of ​​the massage module is to be massaged, the drive module can be used to move the massage module to the corresponding location. This reduces the weight of the massage device. In massage devices with an inclined effective area, problems with bulging of the flexible membrane can be avoided by varying hydrostatic pressure.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the massage module can act directly on the body of the user to be massaged.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment of a 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 layer is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure of the massage device.

[0033] This flexible layer can be designed, in particular, as part of a chair or a couch of a massage device. For example, this flexible layer can form the backrest of a chair of the massage device.

[0034] The flexible layer can be designed, for example, as a membrane or film, a textile surface, a foam layer, or a mesh structure. It must be sufficiently flexible to deform in a similar manner under the force of the flexible membrane of the massage module, which is pushed outwards by the fluid jet of the massage module, and thus transfer a force to the user's body. The flexible layer must also be sufficiently stable to withstand the user's weight. 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 a suitable choice of materials, by coating the flexible membrane and / or the flexible layers, or by using suitable lubricants.

[0035] The massage jet device can be a simple nozzle with a nozzle tube that can form liquid into a concentrated, directed jet of liquid that can bridge a certain distance in the liquid in the container of the massage device in order to reach the membrane.

[0036] The massage jet device can also be a massage jet device according to the invention, as will be discussed below.

[0037] The closed container of the massage module is advantageously filled with a liquid or can be filled with a liquid.

[0038] It is advantageous to fill the container with liquid during operation, so that a jet of liquid generated by the massage jet device moves within the container. This can reduce noise.

[0039] The container can also be filled with liquid only partially or not at all. In such an embodiment, a jet of liquid generated by the massage jet device moves through the air or a gaseous phase within the container. Liquid rebounding from the flexible membrane collects at the bottom of the container and is returned to the pump circuit.

[0040] Water is the preferred fluid. If necessary, additional components can be added, such as compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria or algae. Another advantageous type of fluid is silicone oil, as these are non-toxic and non-flammable.

[0041] In a massage apparatus according to the invention, a second surface of the membrane facing away from the first surface of the membrane can also be in contact with liquid.

[0042] For example, a massage device according to the invention can be combined with a bathtub or a similar device, wherein the massage device is installed in the bathtub in such a way that the membrane forms part of the bathtub wall, and the massage jet devices of the massage device are located outside the bathtub.

[0043] In such an embodiment, the bath water in the bathtub can also be used as the liquid in the massage device.

[0044] However, the two systems are advantageously separated, as this prevents contaminants from the bath water from entering the massage device's fluid system. This allows the massage device's fluid to be optimized for its intended use.

[0045] In a massage apparatus according to the invention, the flexible membrane and a rigid cover advantageously together form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a pump module for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device of the massage module with pressurized liquid.

[0047] The pump module may comprise a pump and a drain line fluidly connecting the container of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0048] In another advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a control module which is configured to control the drive module and / or the massage module.

[0049] Such a control module is advantageously designed to control a pump module, if present.

[0050] The jet intensity of the massage jet device can be advantageously adjusted, for example, by controlling the massage jet device and / or by controlling the pumping power of the pump module. By controlling the jet intensity, the massage effect can be either kept constant or adjusted based on the specific body region.

[0051] Advantageously, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the position and / or orientation of the at least one massage nozzle device can be changed such that the directed liquid jet can be directed to different points on the first surface of the flexible membrane.

[0052] In a further advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to move the massage module in a plane.

[0053] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is configured to move the massage module along a curved path in space.

[0054] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is configured to rotate the massage module about an axis in space.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, the flexible membrane of the massage module has at least one structuring feature which is designed to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

[0056] In such an embodiment, the at least one structuring element is advantageously molded or glued onto the flexible membrane of the massage module, so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a device is provided with which the temperature of the liquid, in particular the liquid in the container, can be adjusted and / or changed.

[0058] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a heating device is provided with which the temperature of a contact surface of the massage apparatus can be adjusted.

[0059] Such a heating device allows the user lying on the massager to experience a pleasant feeling of warmth. Such a heating device also has the advantage of eliminating the need to heat the fluid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption. The heating device is advantageously equipped with multiple heating zones, which can be individually selected by the user, for example, to set the desired temperature of the heating zone.

[0060] Such a heating device can be realized, for example, with electrical heating wires or with inserted thin heating hoses.

[0061] Such a heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer located 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 tamper with the heating device's connections.

[0062] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane or connected to the support mat.

[0063] This is particularly advantageous because the body of the user being massaged is in heat-conducting contact with the membrane and thus with the fluid of the massage device. By raising the fluid temperature above room temperature, for example, to body temperature or higher, the user's well-being can be increased and the physiologically positive effects of the massage can be enhanced. Alternatively, a temperature below room temperature can also be used, for example, for therapeutic reasons.

[0064] A second aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus for dry hydromassage.

[0065] A massage device according to the invention comprises a massage module with a substantially closed container having a wall; a flexible membrane forming part of the wall of the container, with a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device configured to direct a fluid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane within the closed container. The flexible membrane of the massage module has at least one structuring feature configured to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

[0066] Such a modification of the structural properties of the flexible membrane makes it possible, for example, to adjust the mechanical deformation of the flexible membrane due to the force acting on it from the liquid jet.

[0067] Advantageously, the at least one structuring element is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane of the massage module, so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened. In an advantageous embodiment, a massage device according to the invention comprises a base structure and a drive module configured to move the massage module relative to the base structure in at least one direction of movement.

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

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

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

[0071] The pump module may comprise a pump and a drain line fluidly connecting the container of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0072] In another advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a control module which is configured to control the massage module.

[0073] Such a control module is advantageously designed to control a drive module and / or pump module that may be present.

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

[0075] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is configured to move the massage module along a curved path in space.

[0076] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is configured to rotate the massage module about an axis in space.

[0077] A third aspect of the invention relates to a massage device for dry hydromassage. A massage device according to the invention comprises a massage module with a substantially closed container having a wall; a flexible membrane forming part of the wall of the container, with a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device configured to direct a fluid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane within the closed container. The flexible membrane and a rigid cover together form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0078] In such a massage device according to the invention, the pump module advantageously comprises a pump and a drain line. The drain line fluidly connects the container of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump. An inlet opening of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0079] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a massage nozzle device for generating a directed liquid jet.

[0080] A massage nozzle device according to the invention comprises a nozzle element with a nozzle tube for generating a directed liquid jet, wherein the nozzle tube has 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, which is configured to cause a displacement of the nozzle element along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0081] Such a massage nozzle device according to the invention allows the nozzle tube to be variably positioned along a longitudinal axis, whereby this movement of the nozzle tube in one direction is carried out hydraulically.

[0082] The extension length of the nozzle element of a massage jet 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 being massaged during operation. The extension length of the nozzle element can be between 5 cm and 10 cm, for example, 6 cm.

[0083] Water is advantageously used as the fluid for operating a massage jet device according to the invention. If necessary, additional components can be added, for example, compounds that prevent the growth of bacteria or algae. Another advantageous type of fluid is silicone oil, as these are non-toxic and non-flammable. The components of a massage jet device according to the invention are advantageously made of materials that can withstand the pressures and forces during operation, even over extended periods. Furthermore, the materials should be insensitive, particularly corrosion-resistant, to the components of the fluid used. The components are advantageously made of suitable plastic materials. Such materials can be processed efficiently, for example, by injection molding.

[0084] A displacement of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube from the extended position to the retracted position can be passively caused by the weight force of the nozzle element.

[0085] In special embodiments of the invention, this displacement of the nozzle element can also be replaced by a geometric change of the nozzle tube itself, by providing it with an expandable (and recontractable or length-adjustable) tube design. This can be achieved, for example, by a longitudinal expansion of the outer tube wall. This can advantageously also be provided only in the end region of the tube outlet.

[0086] In an advantageous embodiment, a return element can 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, for example a weight element or a return spring element.

[0087] Such a design variant has the advantage that when the nozzle element is moved towards the extended position, the hydraulic actuator simultaneously charges the return element with the necessary potential energy, which can later move the nozzle element towards the retracted position.

[0088] In another advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the hydraulic actuator is configured to cause a displacement of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0089] Advantageously, such a massage nozzle device according to the invention has a feed line for supplying the nozzle element with pressurized liquid for generating the directed liquid jet, wherein the feed line is also designed to supply the hydraulic actuator with pressurized liquid for operating the hydraulic actuator

[0090] Such a variant 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 hydraulic actuator of the massage nozzle device can be supplied with pressurized fluid via a common system. Alternatively or additionally, an advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention comprises a hydraulic actuator with a first hollow cylinder and a first piston head, which is arranged in the first hollow cylinder and is 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 way that a displacement of the first piston head along the longitudinal axis causes a displacement of the nozzle tube along the longitudinal axis.The first hollow cylinder has an opening at one longitudinal end through which the nozzle tube of the nozzle element runs.

[0091] Such a massage jet device according to the invention allows the jet tube to be variably positioned along a longitudinal axis, with this movement of the jet tube being effected hydraulically in one direction. If the first hollow cylinder on one side of the piston head is subjected to pressure, the pressure difference between the two sides of the piston head creates a hydraulic force along the longitudinal vector.

[0092] In a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the first hollow cylinder is advantageously designed as a circular cylinder.

[0093] The circular design of the first hollow cylinder allows for a simple construction of the massage jet device and ensures reliable operation. The first piston head, shaped to match the inner cross-section of the first hollow cylinder, is circular in this case, allowing for a high degree of precision fit without significant manufacturing effort.

[0094] Other cross-sectional shapes of the first hollow cylinder are also possible, such as elliptical cross-sections or rectangular cross-sections with rounded edges. However, such designs require more complex manufacturing tolerances and are more susceptible to mechanical defects, particularly the tilting of the piston head in the hollow cylinder.

[0095] The inlet opening of the nozzle tube of such a massage nozzle device according to the invention is advantageously arranged in the first piston head.

[0096] This makes it possible to draw the pressurized fluid required to generate the directed fluid jet with the nozzle tube from the hollow element of the hydraulic actuator. The supply line for the hydraulic fluid thus also serves as the supply line for the nozzle element. A separate supply line for the nozzle element is unnecessary, allowing a simple design of the massage nozzle device. Particularly advantageous is the inlet opening of the nozzle tube being located centrally in the first piston head. This allows for the most energy-efficient, turbulence-free flow of fluid through the massage nozzle device to the outlet of the nozzle tube. Alternatively, the inlet opening can be positioned differently, and / or multiple inlet openings can be provided.In any case, it is advantageous to design the inlet opening in such a way that force vectors perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle tube, which arise from deflecting the fluid flows, are canceled out. Lateral forces that could cause the first piston head to jam in the first hollow cylinder are thus avoided.

[0097] In an advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the hydraulic actuator advantageously has a first return element which applies a force along the longitudinal axis to the first piston head in the direction of the retracted position in the first hollow cylinder.

[0098] Such a return element supports or causes the nozzle tube to return to its original position when the hydraulic force is lost due to a drop in the operating pressure of the fluid.

[0099] Such a return element can be designed, for example, as a weight element that is attached to the nozzle element or to the first piston. If the longitudinal axis is oriented parallel to the vertical, the additional weight of the weight element creates a weight force along the longitudinal axis. Since the partial vector of gravity decreases along the longitudinal axis with a cosine function as the angle between the longitudinal axis and the vertical increases, and the partial vector of gravity acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis promotes tilting of the piston head in the hollow element, such a return element is only effective for massage nozzle devices with a substantially vertically oriented longitudinal axis.

[0100] Such a return element can also be designed as a spring element, for example in the form of a gas spring or a coil compression spring. Such a spring element is tensioned when the nozzle element extends from the first hollow cylinder, so that the first piston head is subjected to a spring force that counteracts the hydraulic force.

[0101] Since the restoring force is independent of the orientation of the massage jet device in space, such a variant of a massage jet device can be used more widely.

[0102] Particularly advantageously, the return element is implemented as a spiral compression spring. Spiral compression springs are cost-effective and require little repair. They are compact and can be easily integrated into a massage jet device according to the invention. Advantageously, in a massage jet device according to the invention, the nozzle tube is connected to the first piston head or molded onto it.

[0103] Such a design allows a direct transmission of the hydraulic force acting on the piston head to the nozzle tube of the nozzle element to be moved, and a simple and space-saving design of the hydraulic actuator.

[0104] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle tube is designed in two parts, with a first part which is connected to the first piston head or integrally formed thereon, and with a second part which is 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 a second piston head or integrally formed thereon. The first part of the nozzle tube has a second hollow cylinder in which the second piston head of the second part of the nozzle tube is arranged and can be displaced back and forth along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position. This second hollow cylinder has an opening at a longitudinal end opposite the first piston head, through which opening the second part of the nozzle tube extends.

[0105] Such a two-part nozzle tube design allows for telescopic extension of the nozzle element. Accordingly, the height of the massage nozzle device can be reduced relative to the maximum travel of the nozzle tube. The height of the fluid reservoir, and thus the overall volume, can be reduced.

[0106] Analogously, the nozzle tube can also be constructed from three or more parts, with hollow cylinders arranged telescopically inside each other.

[0107] The second hollow cylinder of the first part of the nozzle tube is preferably a circular cylinder. The statements regarding the first hollow cylinder apply analogously to the second hollow cylinder.

[0108] Particularly advantageously, in such a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element has a second return element which applies a force to 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.

[0109] The statements regarding the first reset element apply analogously to the second reset element.

[0110] In an advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element has two or more outlet openings. Advantageously, in a massage nozzle device according to the invention, the nozzle element has a headpiece at the second longitudinal end of the nozzle tube, on which an outlet opening of the nozzle element is arranged.

[0111] It is particularly advantageous if the headpiece projects transversely to the longitudinal axis over the nozzle tube at the second longitudinal end of the nozzle tube.

[0112] The headpiece of the nozzle element of such a massage nozzle device according to the invention is advantageously mounted so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The headpiece has one or more outlet openings designed such that the fluid jets emerging from the outlet openings exert a rotational force on the headpiece, causing it to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0113] Such an embodiment of a massage jet device allows the at least one directed fluid jet to rotate around its longitudinal axis, which can optimize the fluid jet's extent, strength, and / or direction, or create an oscillating massage effect. Depending on the orientation of the directed fluid jet, a larger-area massage effect can be achieved, or the same massage effect can be achieved with a lower fluid flow rate and increased pump pressure, which is more energy-efficient.

[0114] A massage nozzle device according to the invention can advantageously be used in a massage apparatus according to the invention as discussed above.

[0115] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus for hydromassage, in particular for dry hydromassage.

[0116] A massage apparatus according to the invention comprises a container which is filled or can be filled with a liquid; a flexible membrane, wherein a first surface of the membrane is in contact with the liquid when said container is filled with the liquid; at least one massage nozzle device which is configured to direct a liquid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane; a pump device which is configured to supply liquid under pressure to the at least one massage nozzle device; and a control unit which is configured to control the pump device and / or this specific massage nozzle device in order to adjust the strength of a directed liquid jet to a specific massage nozzle device.

[0117] With such a massage device according to the invention, at the point where the fluid jet of the massage jet device strikes the flexible membrane, a force can be transferred from the fluid jet to the membrane, and from there to the body tissue of a user to be massaged, which is in contact with the membrane. Since the user is separated from the massage jet device by the membrane, the user does not come into contact with the fluid. Such a massage device according to the invention can thus be used like a mechanical massage device, with the massage effect of a wet massage using water jets. The jet intensity has a balanced effect that is perceived by the user as pleasant, whereby the massage effect can be controlled either constantly or according to the specific body region by means of a jet intensity controlled according to the invention.

[0118] The jet intensity of a massage jet device is preferably set to a desired value by being directly controlled by a control unit in order to influence the liquid jet.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, a second surface of the membrane facing away from the first surface of the membrane can also be in contact with liquid.

[0120] For example, a massage device according to the invention can be combined with a bathtub or a similar device, wherein the massage device is installed in the bathtub in such a way that the membrane forms part of the bathtub wall, and the massage jet devices of the massage device are located outside the bathtub.

[0121] In such an embodiment, the bath water in the bathtub can also be used as the liquid in the massage device.

[0122] However, the two systems are advantageously separated, as this prevents contaminants from the bath water from entering the massage device's fluid system. This allows the massage device's fluid to be optimized for its intended use.

[0123] Water is advantageously used as the fluid in the massage jet device according to the invention. If necessary, additional components can be added, such as compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria or algae. Another advantageous type of fluid is silicone oil, as these are non-toxic and non-flammable.

[0124] The massage jet device can be a simple nozzle with a nozzle tube that can form liquid into a concentrated, directed jet of liquid that can bridge a certain distance in the liquid in the container of the massage device in order to reach the membrane.

[0125] It was found that the pressure difference at the massage point, namely the point where the directed fluid jet hits the membrane, decreases linearly compared to other points on the membrane with increasing distance between the membrane and the nozzle outlet. For example, in a certain configuration of a fixed massage nozzle device, with constant pump pressure, the pressure difference at a distance of 35 mm is 6.5 bar, and at a distance of 95 mm, the pressure difference is still 4.0 bar. Accordingly, to achieve an identical pressure difference at the massage point at a distance of 95 mm, the pump pressure must be increased, which results in a significantly higher energy consumption for the pump of 30-50%.

[0126] Advantageously, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the at least one massage nozzle device corresponds to a massage nozzle device according to the invention as above.

[0127] The use of massage jet devices according to the invention in a massage apparatus according to the invention has, among other advantages, that the position of the nozzle outlet of the nozzle element is always optimally close to the flexible membrane. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the operating pressure to generate the same massage force if the distance between the nozzle outlet and the membrane is too great.

[0128] Advantageously, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the container and the flexible membrane form a substantially closed internal volume, wherein the at least one massage nozzle device is arranged in the closed internal volume of the container.

[0129] Advantageously, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the position and / or orientation of the at least one massage nozzle device can be changed such that the directed liquid jet can be directed to different points on the first surface of the flexible membrane.

[0130] In such an embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a larger area of ​​the membrane can be treated, particularly with the same number of massage jet devices. For example, a massage jet device can be arranged on a linearly displaceable carriage.

[0131] In a further advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a device is provided with which the temperature of the liquid in the liquid container can be adjusted and / or changed.

[0132] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a massage device according to the invention, a heating device is provided with which the temperature of a contact surface of the massage device can be adjusted. Such a heating device allows the user lying on the massage device to be provided with a pleasant feeling of warmth. Such a heating device also has the advantage that it eliminates the need to heat the fluid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption.

[0133] 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 the desired temperature of the heating zone.

[0134] Such a heating device can be realized, for example, with electrical heating wires or with inserted thin heating hoses.

[0135] Such a heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer located 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 tamper with the heating device's connections.

[0136] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane or connected to the support mat

[0137] This is particularly advantageous because the body of the user being massaged is in heat-conducting contact with the membrane and thus with the fluid of the massage device. By raising the fluid temperature above room temperature, for example, to body temperature or higher, the user's well-being can be increased and the physiologically positive effects of the massage can be enhanced. Alternatively, a temperature below room temperature can also be used, for example, for therapeutic reasons.

[0138] Advantageously, massage nozzles according to the invention are used for massage apparatuses according to the invention.

[0139] Further aspects of the present invention will also become apparent from the following description.

[0140] Short description of the drawings

[0141] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. The same or similar reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent parts in the following figures and the associated description.

[0142] Figure 1 shows schematically a possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention.

[0143] Figure 2 shows schematically a massage apparatus according to the invention with a flexible layer between the massage module and the user's body.

[0144] Figure 3 shows a possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, at two different displacement positions.

[0145] Figure 4 shows the massage apparatus according to the invention from Figure 3 in combination with a pivoting chair-shaped lounger.

[0146] Figure 5 shows schematically in a side view a further possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention with a curved movement path of the massage module along the (a) longitudinal contour and (b) the transverse contour of a chair of the massage apparatus.

[0147] Figure 6 shows schematically a possible embodiment of a massage module for a massage apparatus according to the invention, with a massage nozzle device that can be moved within the container of the massage module.

[0148] Figure 7 schematically shows another possible embodiment of a massage module for a massage apparatus according to the invention, with several selectively controllable massage nozzle devices.

[0149] Figure 8 schematically shows another possible embodiment of a massage module for a massage apparatus according to the invention, with a cushion element with a recess for the effective area.

[0150] Figure 9 shows schematically in plan view various possibilities (a)-(d) of adjusting the behavior of a flexible membrane of a massage module by structuring elements.

[0151] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, in a perspective view.

[0152] Figure 11 shows the massage apparatus of Figure 10, in a longitudinal section.

[0153] Figure 12 schematically shows a massage nozzle device according to the invention in a massage apparatus according to the invention. Figure 13 shows a possible embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention, with the nozzle element partially extended.

[0154] Figure 14 shows a longitudinal section through the massage nozzle device according to the invention from Figure 13, (a) with the nozzle element fully retracted, and (b) with the nozzle element fully retracted.

[0155] Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a return element, (a) with the nozzle element fully retracted, and (b) with the nozzle element fully retracted.

[0156] Figure 16 shows schematically a massage apparatus according to the invention, with another embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention at different positions along a transverse displacement path.

[0157] Figure 17 shows a longitudinal section through a further embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a three-part telescopic mechanism, (a) with the nozzle element fully retracted, and (b) with the nozzle element fully extended.

[0158] Figure 18 shows a longitudinal section through an embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a three-part telescopic mechanism and return elements, (a) with the nozzle element fully retracted, and (b) with the nozzle element fully extended.

[0159] Figure 19 shows a plan view of the headpiece of another embodiment of a massage nozzle device according to the invention with a rotating headpiece.

[0160] Ways to implement the invention

[0161] The examples given below serve to better illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein.

[0162] A possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention is shown schematically in Figure 1. The illustrated massage apparatus 10 has a massage module 21, a drive module 24, a pump module 22, and a control module 23. The massage module 21, which is shown in Figure 1 in a schematic longitudinal section, comprises a substantially tightly sealed container 26, consisting of a rigid wall 262 in the form of a tub, which is closed with a flexible membrane 27. The container 26 is filled with a liquid 40, for example water or silicone oil. On a wall of the container opposite the membrane 27, a massage nozzle device 51 is arranged, which is directed against the membrane 27.

[0163] The massage nozzle device 51 can advantageously be implemented as a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention, as also disclosed in Figures 11 to 19. However, a conventional nozzle device can also be used.

[0164] The pump module 22 comprises a pump 221, which draws relaxed fluid 40 from the container 26 of the massage module 21 via a drain line 223 and conveys it in a circuit under pressure via a supply line 222 back to the massage module 21. In the massage module 21, the line 222 opens into the massage nozzle device 51.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, the pump module 22 further comprises an optional fluid reservoir 224. For example, the pump 221 can also draw fluid 40 from this reservoir 224 to increase the amount of fluid in the container 26. Conversely, fluid can also be pumped into the reservoir 224 to decrease the amount of fluid in the container.

[0166] The massage jet device 51 generates a liquid jet 42, which moves through the stagnant liquid 40 in the container 26 until it strikes the inner surface 271 of the flexible membrane 27 in a massage effective area 217. Due to the momentum and kinetic energy of the impinging liquid, the flexible membrane 217 is pushed outward in this effective area 217 before the liquid of the jet 42 dissipates into the stagnant liquid 40. If the force of the liquid jet encounters resistance, for example, the body tissue of a user to be massaged, a force F acts in the effective area 217. mon the body tissue. The massage effect is analogous to a hydromassage, as the fluid jet exerts a force, but unlike a mechanical actuator, this force is perceived as less "hard" or "uncomfortable." The massage effect is more comparable to a hand massage, because the fluid jet is not rigid like a mechanical actuator, but rather yields when encountering greater resistance, for example, in the area of ​​bones close to the body's surface.

[0167] The drive module 24 is configured to move the massage module 21 together with the container in space, for example, along an x-axis. In this way, the effective area 217 of the massage module 21 can also be shifted, so that a user's body can be massaged at different points. The drive module 24 can achieve the aforementioned movement of the massage module 21, for example, using suitable actuators or conveying means.

[0168] The control module 23 is configured 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 via control lines to the other modules 21, 22, 24 of the massage device 10 to be controlled.

[0169] The control module can, for example, be configured to control the massage nozzle device 51, for example by switching the massage nozzle device on and off by means of a valve in the supply line 222. Depending on the structure and functionality of the massage nozzle device 51, the thickness and scattering angle of the liquid jet 42 can also be controlled, for example.

[0170] The control module can also be configured, for example, to control the actuators, etc., of the drive module. Alternatively, the control module 23 can also specify a target position for the massage module 21 to the drive module 24, which the drive module 24 then moves to using its own internal control system.

[0171] Finally, the control module can be configured, for example, to control the operating pressure or the delivery rate of the pump module 21 such that the liquid jet 42 has the desired properties (e.g., speed, flow rate). This can be achieved, in particular, by controlling the pumping power of the pump 221.

[0172] The ability to move the massage module 21, and thus the massage action area 217, allows the volume of the container to be smaller than known from the prior art. Accordingly, the weight of the entire massage apparatus 10 can be reduced, since, in particular, the amount of fluid can be reduced. Furthermore, with an inclined, non-horizontal arrangement of the container 26 (such as in a massage chair), in which the membrane 27 is exposed to a hydrostatic pressure gradient, this pressure gradient is significantly lower than in the prior art. Accordingly, the negative effects of this pressure difference are less, so that corresponding technical countermeasures can be dispensed with.For example, if the flexible membrane of a fixed, angled massage module from the prior art extends over a vertical distance of 1 m, a hydrostatic pressure of approximately 10 kPa acts on the flexible membrane at the bottom of a water-filled container. If, however, the container of the massage module extends only 0.2 m vertically, with the same potential effective range as is possible with a massage device according to the invention, the hydrostatic pressure is only 2 kPa. A massage device according to the invention can be designed such that the massage module, or more precisely the massage effective range of the flexible membrane, acts directly on the user's body.However, since the massage module is movable according to the invention, in an advantageous embodiment of a massage device according to the invention, the movable massage module is separated from the user's body by a fixed, flexible layer. This allows the massage module to be easily moved, especially when the user is already on the massage device.

[0173] A schematic representation of such a solution is shown in Figure 2. The user to be massaged (not shown) lies on a flexible layer 115, which is designed, for example, as a lying surface or as a backrest of a massage device. On the side of the flexible layer 115 facing away from the user is a massage module 21. The flexible membrane 27 of the massage module rests against the flexible layer. When the massage module is activated, the generated fluid jet pushes the flexible membrane 27 outwards in the effective area 217, upwards in the example shown. The flexible layer 115 is also deformed, so that the massage module 21 can exert a force on the user's body.

[0174] Depending on the desired massage effect, the massage module 21 and / or the drive module (not shown) of the massage device can be controlled. For example, the fluid jet can be alternately adjusted and turned off to achieve an oscillating force effect in the massage area 217 (indicated by the vertical double arrow). If the massage 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 a desired target location. During this movement, the massage module can be inactive and only actively massage again at the new target location. Alternatively, the massage module can remain active during the movement, so that the curved massage area 217 moves together with the massage module 21. Such a movement can also be performed in an oscillating pattern (indicated by the horizontal double arrow).A combination of oscillating massage effect and horizontal displacement is also possible.

[0175] A possible embodiment of a massage device 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 3. The massage device 10 comprises a massage module 21, a pump module 22, a drive module 24, and a control module (not shown).

[0176] The drive module 24 comprises two crossed linear drives, which enable the massage module 21 to be moved along two horizontal axes of movement x, y. Two guide rails 243a are arranged on a first support plate 244a of the drive module 24. A second support plate 244b is mounted on four carriages for rolling movement on the guide rails 243a. A first linear drive in the form of a spindle drive comprises a servomotor 241a and a threaded spindle 242a (for example, a ball screw or trapezoidal thread spindle), which extends through a spindle nut (not visible) mounted below the second support plate 244b. Rotation of the drive spindle 242a by the servomotor 241a is thus converted into a linear movement of the second support plate 244b along the x-axis. On the second support plate 244b, two guide rails 243b are arranged analogously, on which a third support plate 244c with four carriages is arranged in a rolling manner.A second linear drive in the form of a spindle drive comprises a servomotor 241b and a threaded spindle 242b, which extends through a spindle nut (not visible) mounted below the third support plate 244c. Similarly, a rotation of the drive spindle 242b is converted by the servomotor 241b into a linear movement of the third support plate 244c along the y-axis.

[0177] Arranged on the third support plate 244c is a frame on which the pump module 22 and the massage module 21 are mounted. The massage module 21 has a liquid-filled container 26 with a rigid wall 26 in the shape of a tub, which is closed on one upper side by a flexible membrane 27. The flexible membrane is designed as a support mat. In the context of this description, the term support mat refers to a flexible, elastic mat made of an elastomeric polymer material. A support mat can, for example, consist of a natural or synthetic rubber material. The elastomeric polymer material can also be designed as an open-pore or closed-pore foam.

[0178] The wall of the tub is shown partially transparent so that the massage jet device 51 arranged on the bottom of the tub and the inlet opening of the drain line 223 are visible.

[0179] The pump module 22 has a pump 221, which draws fluid from the container 26 via a drain line 223 and delivers it under pressure to the massage jet device 51 via a supply line 222. The fluid exiting at high speed from the massage jet device 51, which is aligned toward the flexible membrane 27, into the container 26 forms a fluid jet, which ultimately strikes the flexible membrane 27. The fluid jet impacting the flexible membrane 27 pushes the flexible membrane 27 outward in the massage action area 217.

[0180] With the drive module 24, the third support plate 244c with the massage module 21 and the pump module 22 can be moved to any desired location within the range of motion. Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the massage module 21 of the massage device 10 at two different positions along the x and y axes of motion. Accordingly, the effective area 217 of the massage module 21 can be positioned within the entire range of motion. Such a massage device thus allows massage in a potential effective area that has the same surface area as is possible with a known massage device in which the container covers the entire massage area and the massage nozzle device is moved within the container.

[0181] The massage apparatus 10 can be arranged horizontally, as shown in the aforementioned Figure 3, for example, as part of a horizontal massage table. Alternatively, the massage apparatus 10 can also be arranged at an angle, for example, as part of a massage chair 11. Such an embodiment of a massage apparatus 10 according to the invention is shown schematically in Figure 4. The massage apparatus 10 has a chair 11 on which the user 91 sits. The chair 11 consists of a backrest 112, a seat 113, and a legrest 114. A headrest 116 is slidably arranged on the backrest 112 so that the massage apparatus can be adjusted to the body size of the user 91.

[0182] The backrest 112 is designed as a flexible layer 115 in a central area, on which the user 91 rests with their back, for example as a flexible yet load-bearing film, or as a fine-meshed, flexible net. The massage module 21, the pump module, and the drive module 24 correspond to those in Figure 3 and are arranged below the backrest 112 of the chair 11. The modules 21, 22, 24 and the chair 11 are mounted on a common frame (not shown). The drive module 24 allows movement of the massage module in the plane of the backrest 112, so that a massage effect area of ​​the massage module 21 can reach all points in the area of ​​the flexible layer 115 of the backrest.

[0183] The chair 11 and the modules 21, 22, 23 are pivotally mounted on a base frame (not shown) and can be pivoted within a specific angular range about a horizontal rotation axis 122. This allows the user 91 to assume a more sitting or more lying position, as needed.

[0184] Advantageously, in such a massage apparatus 10, in addition to the headrest 116, the position and orientation of the seat 113 and the legrest 114 in relation to the backrest 112 can also be changed in order to be able to easily adapt the chair 111 to different body sizes of different users.

[0185] In the aforementioned embodiment, the flexible layer 115, under which the massage module 21 is movably arranged, extends over the backrest 112 of the chair 11 of the massage apparatus 10. In another alternative embodiment, as schematically illustrated in Figure 5(a), the flexible layer extends over the entire length of the chair 11. A rail system of a drive module of the massage apparatus 10, indicated by a dashed line, is arranged beneath the flexible layer. This drive module is configured to move the massage module 21 along the 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 move over the entire area of ​​the chair.

[0186] 11 to perform a massage, as all positions can be reached longitudinally. For example, a user's back can be massaged first, followed by the leg area.

[0187] A drive module for such a massage apparatus 10 can, for example, be realized with parallel guide rails on which a carriage is movably arranged, on which in turn the massage module 21 is mounted.

[0188] In the aforementioned embodiment, a pump module is advantageously not moved together with the massage module, but is fixedly mounted relative to the chair or a support frame (not shown). The pump module (not shown) and the massage module 21 are then connected via flexible lines.

[0189] 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 each other by the drive module. Such a solution allows for parallel massage in different regions of the user's body.

[0190] Alternatively or additionally, in a massage apparatus 10 according to the invention, the massage module 21 can also be displaced transversely to the chair along a curved movement path P, as schematically illustrated in Figure 5(b). In this way, it is possible to design a flexible layer 115 of the chair with a concave cross-section, while still ensuring a constant distance between the massage module 21 and the flexible layer. Such a drive can be realized, for example, by arranging the massage module 21 on a carriage that runs on two guide rails curved according to the movement path P.

[0191] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the massage device, to combine the movement shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the transverse drive shown in Figure 5(b) can be arranged on a carriage, which in turn is arranged to be movable on guide rails similar to Figure 5(a). In this way, every point of the complexly shaped chair surface can be reached with the massage module.

[0192] In the massage devices discussed above, the massage module comprises only one massage nozzle device 51, which is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the container 26. Alternatively, the massage nozzle device can also be designed to be movable, as schematically shown in Figure 6. In such an embodiment, the massage nozzle device 51 of the massage module 21 is movable within the container 26 by means of an actuator (not shown), for example, a linear drive or a pivoting arm. The massage action area 217 on the flexible membrane 27 also moves accordingly. The actuator for moving the massage nozzle device is preferably controlled via the control module 23 of the massage device 10.

[0193] A further advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 7. Several massage jet devices 51 are arranged at regular intervals from one another on the bottom of the container 26 of the massage module 21. A feed pump 221 of the pump module 22 draws fluid from the interior of the container via a drain line 223 and conveys it further via the supply line 222 to the massage jet devices 51. A control module 23 controls the individual massage jet devices 51. For example, electrically controllable valves can be provided in the massage jet devices 51, which switch the fluid supply from the supply line 222 on or off. In this way, the individual massage jet devices 51 can be activated in a targeted manner, so that the fluid jets 42 they generate can generate an outwardly directed force in the effective area of ​​the flexible membrane assigned to them.In the example shown, the first, third and sixth massage jet devices 51 are active, as seen from the left, and accordingly the massage module 21 exerts a force on the user's body (not shown) at the first, third and sixth massage effective areas 217.

[0194] A further advantageous embodiment of a massage module 21 for a massage apparatus according to the invention is shown in Figure 8. A massage nozzle device 51 is arranged in a container 26, which can generate a liquid jet 42 directed against the flexible membrane 27. A cushioning element 215 is arranged inside the container and is connected to the wall 262 and / or the flexible membrane 27. For example, the flexible membrane 27 can be stretched over the cushioning element 251 attached to the wall 262. The rounded outer edge of the cushioning element 251 prevents the massage module 21 from jamming with a flexible layer (not shown) of the massage apparatus arranged above the massage module 21 during a horizontal displacement of the massage module 21. In the center, the cushioning element 251 has an opening 226 through which the liquid jet 42 can reach the inside of the flexible membrane 217.

[0195] A flexible membrane 27 for a massage module can be of a uniform design. Alternatively, its mechanical properties can also be modified by selectively applied structuring elements 253. Figures 9(a)-(d) show various variants of such a modified flexible membrane 27.

[0196] Figure 9(a) shows a section of a flexible membrane 27, in which an annular structuring element 253 is arranged on the membrane. The structuring element 253 can be realized, for example, as a local thickening of the material of the flexible membrane 27, or as a ring that is attached, for example, glued, to the outside and / or inside of the membrane. If a liquid jet is directed against the surface of the flexible membrane 27 facing the container, it is pressed outward in the effective area 217, thus exerting the massage 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. Such a structuring element 253 can also be square, as shown, for example, in Figure 9(b).

[0197] Several structuring elements 253 can also be arranged directly adjacent to one another, as shown in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 9(c). A plurality of hexagonal structuring elements 253 form a honeycomb pattern on the flexible membrane 27. The structuring elements 253 can be implemented, for example, as ribs molded onto or glued to the membrane. The honeycomb pattern defines a plurality of active regions 217, each located within a hexagon.

[0198] Finally, a further advantageous variant of a structuring element 253 for a flexible membrane 27 is shown in Figure 9(d). The structuring element 253 comprises a thin, flexible pressure line that can be filled with liquid or gas and is attached in a loop-like manner to the flexible membrane 27. The pressure line runs from a first fluid connection 254 to a tight closure 255 of the line. If the line 253 is filled with pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air, via the fluid connection 254, the line 253 stiffens. The structuring element 253 is now active and limits the effective area 217 of the flexible membrane 27. If the fluid pressure is then released from the line 253, the line 253 becomes flexible again, and the mobility of the flexible membrane 27 is no longer restricted by the deactivated structuring element 253.Such an embodiment of a flexible membrane thus allows the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane 27 to be modified over time. For example, the structuring element 253 can only be activated when a massage jet device is to be activated in the corresponding active area 217.

[0199] Flexible membranes structured in this way can be used not only in the massage apparatuses with a movable massage module discussed above, but also in massage apparatuses according to the invention with a statically mounted massage module.

[0200] An embodiment of a massage apparatus 10 according to the invention with a statically mounted massage module 21 is shown in Figures 10 and 11. A frame 123, 123' is mounted on a support frame 121, pivotable 122 about a horizontal axis of rotation. A chair 11 is arranged on the frame 123, 123', on which a user 91 of the massage apparatus 10 can sit. The chair 11 comprises a legrest 114, a seating area 113, a backrest 112, and a headrest 111. A thin support mat is placed on the chair 11; this mat is not shown in Figures 10 and 11 to reveal the underlying elements. Also not shown is an outer panel of the massage apparatus 10.

[0201] In a rear part 123' of the frame, below the backrest 112, a massage module 21 and a control module 23 are arranged. The massage module 21 comprises a container 26 with a tub-shaped rigid wall 262, which is closed by a flexible membrane 27 and an adjoining rigid cover 263.

[0202] In the area of ​​the backrest 112, the thin support mat (not shown) rests directly on the flexible membrane 27 of the massage module 21. In this area, this thin support mat thus forms the flexible layer. The support mat and flexible membrane 27 together form the backrest 112. The rigid cover 263 of the container 26 lies below the seat area 113.

[0203] Inside the liquid-filled container 26, two massage jet devices 51 are arranged so as to be movable by means of actuators, so that essentially every point of the flexible membrane 27 in the area of ​​the backrest can be reached by a jet of liquid if required.

[0204] In a front part 123 of the frame, below the leg support 114, a pump 221 of a pump module is arranged, which draws fluid from the container 26 via a drain line 223. A supply line 222 leads from the pump 221 to the container wall 262. Inside the container, the supply lines split into two flexible supply lines 214, which lead to the two movably arranged massage jet devices 51.

[0205] The positioning of the pump 221 below the leg support has the advantage that the weight distribution of the pivotable part of the massage device 10 with respect to the pivot axis 122 is relatively balanced.

[0206] Alternatively, the pump can also be positioned at a different location, for example, on the support frame 121 below the pivoting part. In such a case, the pump is connected to the massage module 21 via flexible hoses 222, 223 instead of rigid lines.

[0207] In the aforementioned massage apparatus 10, the container 26 of the massage module

[0208] 21 be completely filled with liquid. The flexible membrane 27 of the massage module 21 is advantageously provided with structuring elements that can modify the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane as desired. For example, the structuring elements can be designed as a mesh structure, such as a honeycomb mesh, which is attached to a flexible, elastic polymer film 27. The structuring elements thus impart a certain tensile strength to the entire flexible film so that it can withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid inside the container 26. In the gaps in the mesh structure, the membrane is sufficiently flexible and elastic that a water jet from a massage nozzle device 51 can push the membrane outwards, thereby achieving a massage effect.

[0209] The illustrated embodiment of a massage apparatus 10 can alternatively also be operated in a partially filled state. In such a case, the container 26 of the massage module 21 is advantageously filled with liquid up to approximately the height of the transition from the lower end of the flexible membrane 27 to the upper end of the rigid cover 263. The hydrostatic pressure of the liquid thus acts only on the rigid parts 262, 263 of the container 26. Additional structural reinforcement of the flexible membrane 27 is therefore not necessary. In such a case, the liquid jets generated by the massage nozzle devices 51 move through the air until they hit the flexible membrane 27. The rebounding liquid then runs off under gravity and collects in the lower, liquid-filled area of ​​the container, which serves as a pump sump.The inlet opening 225 of the drain line 223 of the pump module 22 is arranged at a lower end of this area so that even at high liquid throughput the pump 221 cannot run dry.

[0210] In an advantageous variant, the volume of the pump sump area of ​​the massage module's container can be modified, for example, by providing a pneumatically inflatable cushion in this area of ​​the container. If the amount of fluid in the container changes, or if the massage device's seat is pivoted, which changes the position of the fluid level in the container, the volume of the inflatable cushion can be reduced or increased. The position of the fluid level in the container changes accordingly, either upwards or downwards. Such a change in volume can also be achieved by moving volume elements, for example, by the adjustable insertion or withdrawal of a piston through the container wall.

[0211] The support mat can be equipped with a heating device to provide the user with a pleasant feeling of warmth. Such a heating device also has the advantage of eliminating the need to heat the fluid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption. The heating device is advantageously equipped with multiple heating zones, which can be individually selected by the user, for example, to set the desired temperature of the heating zone.

[0212] Such a heating device can be realized, for example, with electrical heating wires or with inserted thin heating hoses.

[0213] Such a heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer that 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.

[0214] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into the support mat or connected to the support mat.

[0215] Further advantageous embodiments of a massage apparatus 10' according to the invention with a massage module 2T and a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention are shown schematically in Figure 12.

[0216] The massage module 2T of the massage device 10' comprises a container 26 having a flexible membrane 27 on its upper surface. The container is filled with liquid 40. The massage nozzle device 51a is arranged within the container 26.

[0217] The massage nozzle device 51a comprises a nozzle element 70 and a hydraulic actuator 80. The nozzle element 70 has a nozzle tube 72 and is configured to generate a directed liquid jet 42. The directed liquid jet 42 is directed perpendicularly against the flexible membrane 27 of the massage apparatus 10', where the liquid jet 42 exerts a substantially perpendicularly outward-acting force F at the impact point 274 due to the momentum and kinetic energy of the moving liquid. m on the membrane 27. This leads to a local deformation (not shown) of the membrane 27, which exerts a force on a body of a user (not shown) located on the membrane 27 during the intended operation of the massage apparatus 10', thus achieving the desired massage effect.

[0218] The nozzle element 70 is supplied with pressurized liquid 41 via a feed line 222', where it is formed into a directed liquid jet 42 by the nozzle tube 72.

[0219] The hydraulic actuator 80 is configured to move the nozzle element 70 along a longitudinal axis 511 of the nozzle tube 72 from a retracted position (shown in dashed lines) to an extended position. For example, the nozzle element 70 can simply be attached to an actuator element of the hydraulic actuator 80 that moves along the longitudinal axis 511. The hydraulic actuator 80 can be configured, for example, as a hydraulic piston, in particular as a telescopic cylinder. However, the hydraulic actuator 80 can also be implemented differently, for example, as an inflatable bellows.

[0220] The hydraulic actuator 80 is supplied with pressurized fluid 41 via a feed line 222. A pumping device 221 supplies the feed line 222, 222' with pressurized fluid 41. For this purpose, it draws depressurized fluid 40 from the container 26, either directly or, as shown, via an intermediate reservoir 224a.

[0221] Instead of using separate supply lines 222, 222' for the pressurized fluid 41 as shown, the supply of the pressurized fluid 41 can take place within the massage nozzle device 51a, either from the nozzle element 70 into the hydraulic actuator 80 or from the hydraulic actuator 80 into the nozzle element 70.

[0222] The pumping device 221 can be arranged outside the tank, as shown, which simplifies maintenance. Alternatively, it can also be arranged inside the tank as a submersible pump.

[0223] A control unit 230 is provided to control the pump device 221 and / or the massage nozzle device 51a via control lines 231, 232, 233. For example, the pump pressure or the flow rate can be controlled in the pump device. In the massage device 51a, the control unit 230 can, for example, control the function of the hydraulic actuator 80 and / or the nozzle element 70, for example by switching corresponding valves (not shown).

[0224] Such a control unit 230 can advantageously be integrated into a higher-level control module 23 of the massage apparatus 10', which controls further functions of the massage apparatus 10' or the massage module 2T.

[0225] The various control lines 231, 232, 233 can be implemented as electrical lines or as hydraulic switching lines. Hydraulic lines 232, 233 are particularly advantageous for safety reasons for the elements 70, 80 within the container 26 filled with liquid 40.

[0226] The control unit 230 is configured to achieve a desired force at the impact point 274. For this purpose, the control unit 230 can, for example, adjust the operating pressure of the pump device 221. The control unit 230 can change the distance between the nozzle element 70 and the membrane 27 by controlling the hydraulic unit so that it changes the position of the nozzle element along the longitudinal axis 511 as desired. Furthermore, the control unit 230 can, for example, influence the shape of the liquid jet 42 by making the liquid jet 42 wider or narrower using suitable means in the nozzle element 70, for example, with an orifice in the nozzle tube 72. An advantageous embodiment of a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention is shown in Figures 13 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 supply pipe 60, via which, during operation, liquid, advantageously water or an aqueous solution, is supplied under pressure to the massage nozzle device 51a via a line from a pump (both not shown).

[0227] It is advantageous for at least some of the components to be made of plastic, for example, by injection molding. The choice of material depends, among other things, on the forces and pressures involved. Alternatively, metallic materials can also be used, for example, using powder injection molding.

[0228] When installed in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the massage jet device according to the invention is located within a sealed 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 jet device 51a is oriented such that, during operation, it can direct a directed liquid jet 42 onto the membrane 27. The massage jet device 51a is completely submerged in the liquid. Since the membrane is flexible, the pressure of the liquid 40 within the liquid container essentially corresponds to the pressure on a second surface 272 of the membrane 27 facing away from the liquid container.

[0229] The hydraulic actuator 80 of the illustrated embodiment of a massage nozzle device 51a comprises a hollow element 82 in the form of a hollow cylinder with a diameter of θ3 and a piston head 75, which can be moved back and forth within the hollow cylinder along a longitudinal axis 511 between a first position (see Figure 14(a)) and a second position (see Figure 14(b)). The hollow element has two holding jaws 825 on its outer side, which allow, for example, the hollow element 82 or the massage nozzle device to be held with pliers.

[0230] The piston head 75 is integrally formed at a first longitudinal end 721 onto a nozzle tube 72 of the nozzle element 70. The nozzle tube 72 has an outer diameter cfe and an inner diameter di and is aligned with the longitudinal axis 511. The nozzle tube 72 protrudes at a second longitudinal end 824 of the hollow cylinder 82 from a nozzle-side opening 821 of the hydraulic actuator 80. A head piece 74 is integrally formed at the second longitudinal end 722 of the nozzle tube 72. The tube cavity 77 of the nozzle tube 72 opens into a nozzle outlet 73 in the center of the head piece 74.

[0231] The piston head 75 divides the internal volume of the hollow cylinder 82 into a first half-space 831 toward the first longitudinal end 823 of the hollow cylinder and into a second half-space 832 toward the second longitudinal end 823 of the hollow cylinder. A supply opening 85 is arranged at an upstream first longitudinal end 823 of the hollow cylinder 82, through which the pressurized liquid is conveyed into the first half-space 831 of the hollow cylinder 82. The liquid passes through the interior 77 of the nozzle tube to the pressure-driven nozzle outlet opening 73, where a directed jet 42 is formed, which, due to the momentum of the liquid jet 42, moves further in the identical, but stationary liquid 40 until it finally strikes the first surface 271 of the membrane 27. In the process, the liquid jet is deflected 43, whereby a force F mis exerted on the first surface of the membrane 27. This force pushes and deforms the elastic membrane 27 in a local, limited area 273 in the direction of movement of the beam 42. The membrane 27 can accordingly absorb the force F in the deformed area 273. m transferred to the outside. The liquid jet 42 thus acts as a mechanical actuator, producing the desired massage effect.

[0232] Due to turbulence at the edge zone of the liquid jet 42, kinetic energy is lost as the liquid jet 42 moves through the stationary liquid 40, which is converted into heat energy. The resulting force F mThe pressure that can be transferred to the membrane decreases accordingly. This can be compensated for by increasing the flow velocity of the liquid jet 42 at the nozzle outlet 73 by increasing the pressure in the liquid supply. However, this leads to a significantly increased energy consumption of the pumping device.

[0233] A massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention can avoid this by minimizing the distance D between the nozzle outlet 27 and the membrane 27, and thus the energy loss of the liquid jet 42 moving in the liquid 40.

[0234] 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 fully retracted into the hydraulic actuator 80 due to its own weight. The head piece 74 of the nozzle element 70 lies essentially flush with 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.

[0235] At the beginning of the operative operating state, as shown in Figure 14(a), liquid is pumped into the massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention, namely into the first half-space 831 of the hollow cylinder 82. From there, the liquid flows further through the tube cavity 77 of the nozzle tube 72 to the nozzle outlet 73 due to the differential pressure Ap. Since the total area ncfe 2 of the cross-section of the piston head is larger than the cross-sectional area TTÖI 2of the pipe cavity 77, a hydraulic force Fk results at the same time, which acts along the longitudinal axis 511 in the direction of the second longitudinal end 824 of the hollow cylinder 82 on the piston head 75, and thus on the entire nozzle element 70. With a negligibly small cross section of the pipe cavity 77, with the 2 « dz 2 , the pressure loss due to the liquid flowing through the nozzle tube 72 is minimal, and the hydraulic force is Fk = Ap(cfc 2 - Oil 2 )TT / 4. In practice, however, the actual resulting hydraulic force is somewhat lower, since this is not a static situation.

[0236] 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 located near the diaphragm 27, as shown in Figure 14(b). The force of the liquid jet 42 acting on the diaphragm 27 at a constant operating pressure of the massage nozzle device becomes significantly greater, since the momentum energy losses due to turbulence are reduced due to the significantly shorter path of the liquid jet 42 through the stagnant liquid 40. During extension, the volume in the first half-space 831 of the hollow cylinder increases, and the volume in the second half-space 832 of the hollow cylinder decreases.

[0237] A second, maximum extended position of the nozzle element 70 is defined by a stopper 826 in the form of a projection of the hollow cylinder wall towards the longitudinal axis 511, against which the piston head 75 abuts in the second position.

[0238] However, this second, maximum extended position is only reached if a dynamic equilibrium is not previously achieved, namely between the outwardly acting hydraulic force Fk on the piston head and a counteracting force on the head piece 74 of the nozzle element 70, which is generated by the liquid jet 43 deflected at the diaphragm 27. In Figure 14(b), for example, such a dynamic equilibrium exists, which keeps the nozzle element just before the second, maximum position.

[0239] If the massage jet device 51a is deactivated by shutting off the associated pressure pump, the hydraulic force Fk acting on the piston head drops to zero. The jet element 80 then automatically retracts into the hydraulic actuator 80 until the piston head 75 rests against a stopper 827 at the first position, as shown in Figure 14(a). The return movement is only passively driven by the jet element's own weight. However, this passive return force requires a substantially vertical arrangement of the longitudinal axis 511.

[0240] Since the restoring force is counteracted by the buoyancy of the nozzle element 70 in the liquid 40, it can be advantageous for nozzle elements made of materials with a low specific density, such as plastic, to add an additional weight to the nozzle element. For example, a metal sleeve can be arranged around the nozzle tube, which increases the weight of the nozzle element and thus the restoring force due to gravity. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the head piece 74 of the nozzle element 70 is designed as a flange in the shape of a spherical segment. The shape of the head piece 74 is generally advantageously selected so that, on the one hand, damage to the membrane is avoided in the event of unintentional contact with the nozzle element, and, on the other hand, the outflow of the deflected liquid jet 43 is optimal.

[0241] In the illustrated embodiment, the supply pipe 60 is designed as a bend 61. It has a fastening element 64 with which the supply pipe 60 can be attached to another structure. In this way, the supply pipe 60 also serves as a support platform for the massage jet device 51a according to the invention. The fastening element 64 is formed integrally with the actual supply pipe and comprises a plurality of stiffening elements 642a, 642b, 642c, 642d, 642e, as well as a plurality of fastening points 641 in the form of through-holes.

[0242] The illustrated supply pipe 60 has a hose nozzle 62 at the upstream end, to which a fluid-supplying line in the form of an elastic hose is attached in a fluid-tight manner, for example, by slipping the hose over the hose nozzle 62 and securing it with a hose clamp in a form-fitting and friction-locking manner. At the downstream end, the supply pipe has an externally threaded connector 63, which is screwed into a corresponding internal connection thread 84 of the hydraulic actuator 80.

[0243] Since the massage jet device 26 is completely immersed in the fluid 261 during operation, into which the nozzle element 70 discharges the fluid jet 42, the absolute tightness of the fluidic connection between the supply pipe 60 and the hydraulic actuator 80 of the massage jet device 10' is of only minor importance. However, excessive losses reduce energy efficiency, since the pressure loss due to leaks must be compensated by a corresponding increase in the operating pressure of the pump device. Therefore, it is advantageous to use an additional sealant to ensure the tightest possible connection, such as an O-ring between the connector 63 and the hydraulic actuator 80, or a Teflon tape wrap on the external thread of the connector 63.

[0244] A further advantageous embodiment of a massage jet device 51a according to the invention is shown in Figure 15. The external view of the massage jet device is identical to that of Figure 13. The various components and the basic functionality of the massage jet device 51a largely correspond to the massage jet device of Figure 15. Accordingly, only the additional features will be discussed below.

[0245] The illustrated massage nozzle device 51a has a return element 86 in the form of a spiral compression spring. The return element is arranged within 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 spiral compression spring 86.

[0246] The return element 86 serves to return the nozzle element 70 to the retracted position after the pressure pump is switched off, even without the return force due to the nozzle element's own weight, and thus regardless of the spatial orientation of the massage nozzle device 51a. Furthermore, the return element is intended to support a dynamic movement of the nozzle element when the distance between the hydraulic actuator and the diaphragm changes, which will be discussed below.

[0247] In the fully retracted position of the nozzle element 70, as shown in Figure 15(a), the coil compression spring 86 is essentially relaxed. When the massage nozzle device is activated, the hydraulic force acting on the piston head moves the nozzle element 70 along its longitudinal axis toward the second, extended position. This maximally extended position of the nozzle element is geometrically defined by the maximally compressed coil compression spring. As soon as 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 forces of the deflected liquid jet 43 and the restoring force of the restoring element 86, the nozzle element 70 remains stationary as shown in Figure 15(b).

[0248] The hydraulic force acting on the piston head 75 must overcome the increasing spring force of the compressed coil compression spring 86 when the nozzle element 70 is extended. Advantageously, the coil compression spring 86 is designed such that, even at maximum compression of the coil compression spring, the spring force is not greater than the hydraulic spring force at the intended operating pressure of the massage nozzle device 51a. Particularly advantageously, the coil compression spring 86 has a spring constant that is just high enough to return the nozzle element to the retracted position.

[0249] The nozzle element 70 of the massage nozzle device 51a in Figure 15 can be extended less far than the nozzle element of the massage nozzle device in Figure 14, while maintaining the same height. However, the massage nozzle device can be operated in any position, not just with its longitudinal axis parallel to the vertical. Such an embodiment of a massage nozzle device 51a is therefore particularly suitable for massage devices, for example, in the form of a massage chair.

[0250] Furthermore, the massage jet device according to the invention can also be advantageously used in conjunction with the device shown in WO 2020 / 074046 A1. The functionality and structure of the solution therein can be found in the corresponding description. In this case, the water jets therein are to be replaced by the massage jet devices with their functional elements, and the control system provided here is also to be provided.

[0251] When using a massage jet device according to the invention to massage a user's body tissue, the force acting locally through the membrane onto the body surface is generally varied temporally and / or spatially. A temporal change in the massage force can be achieved, for example, by a temporal change in the pump pressure. A spatial change in the massage point, in turn, can be achieved by changing the position of the massage jet device.

[0252] A massage apparatus 10' according to the invention, in which a massage nozzle device 51a according to the invention is spatially displaced during operation in order to achieve a desired massage effect, is shown schematically in Figure 16

[0253] The massage apparatus 10' comprises a closed liquid container 26, consisting of schematically illustrated walls 262 and a flexible membrane 27. The body 91 of a user to be massaged is arranged 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 a flexible upper surface of the liquid container 26. Similar to a waterbed, the membrane 27 adapts to the general body shape of the user.

[0254] Within the liquid container 261, an embodiment of a massage jet device 51a according to the invention is arranged, which can be displaced horizontally using a suitable actuator device (not shown). Various solutions are known to those skilled in the art with which objects can be moved to different positions in a plane, for example, using crossed-mounted linear drives.

[0255] A pumping device 221 draws fluid 40 from the fluid container 261 via a supply line 223 and delivers it under pressure via a pressure line 222 to the massage jet device 51a. The pressure line 222 is advantageously designed to be flexible, for example, as a reinforced hose or metal hose, in order to be able to follow the moving massage jet device 51a.

[0256] The pump device 221 can draw fluid directly from the fluid container 261 or from a reservoir, which in turn is filled from the fluid container 261. If multiple massage jet devices are present, they can be supplied via a common pump device or via separate pump devices. As in the previous exemplary embodiments, the massage jet device 51a comprises a hydraulic actuator 80 with a hollow cylinder 82 and a piston head 75, onto which the nozzle tube 72 of the nozzle element 70 is integrally formed. A hemispherical head piece 74, into which the nozzle tube 72 opens, is integrally formed at the opposite longitudinal end of the nozzle tube 72. The pressure line 222 (shown only schematically) is connected via a hose nozzle 871 integrally formed on the hollow cylinder 82.

[0257] At position I on the left in Figure 16, the nozzle element 70 is extended to approximately three-quarters. The head piece 74 is located close to the membrane 27. The liquid jet (not shown) directed onto the membrane 27 deforms the membrane 27 locally outwards, towards the body 91 of the user, and exerts local force on the body tissue.

[0258] If the massage jet device 51a is now moved transversely to position II, the jet element 70 follows the contour profile of the membrane 27, which in turn is determined by the user's body shape. The jet tube 72 slides into the hollow cylinder 82 of the hydraulic actuator 2, while the head piece 74 maintains its relative distance from the membrane 27. In position II, the jet element 70 is then almost completely retracted.

[0259] If the massage jet device 51a is now moved further to position III, the jet element 70 again follows the body contour. The jet tube 72 extends from the hydraulic cylinder 82, while the head piece 74 maintains its distance from the membrane 27.

[0260] A similar dynamic adjustment occurs when the shape of the diaphragm changes, for example, when the user moves. In such a case, the nozzle element 70 is pushed into the hydraulic actuator 80, or the nozzle element 70 is extended from the hydraulic actuator 80. Because the escaping fluid jet forms a fluid cushion between the diaphragm 27 and the head piece 74, the diaphragm cannot collide with the nozzle element, even during sudden movements by the user.

[0261] Advantageously, a massage nozzle device according to the invention, taking into account the maximum extended position and the maximum retracted position of the nozzle element, is arranged in a massage apparatus according to the invention in such a way that no collision of the membrane with the massage nozzle device is possible in the retracted position, and at the same time the nozzle element can always reach the maximum proximity to the membrane.

[0262] To achieve a lower overall height of a massage jet device according to the invention, the nozzle element of the massage jet device can be designed in several parts so that it can be extended like a telescope. An example of such a variant of a massage jet device 51a according to the invention is shown in Figure 17, with a nozzle tube 72 consisting of two parts 723, 724. The functionality of the massage jet device corresponds in principle to the embodiments already discussed above.

[0263] The hydraulic actuator 80 comprises a first hollow cylinder 82 with a collar-shaped 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 line for supplying the pressurized fluid.

[0264] A first piston head 75 is arranged in the first hollow cylinder 82, displaceably arranged along the longitudinal axis 511. A first part 723 of the nozzle tube 72, which is designed as a hollow cylinder 78, is formed integrally with the first piston head 75. This second hollow cylinder 78 has a collar-shaped stop element 782 and an opening 781 for the second part of the nozzle tube 72 at the nozzle-side longitudinal end.

[0265] A second piston head 76 is arranged in the second hollow cylinder 78, displaceable along the longitudinal axis 511. The second part 724 of the nozzle tube is integrally formed on this second piston head 76. The head piece 74 of the nozzle element 70 is integrally formed on the opposite longitudinal end of this second part 724 of the nozzle tube, in the form of a flat disc with rounded edges.

[0266] The first piston head 75 has a central inlet opening 751 upstream, through which the flow of pressurized liquid 41 can flow from the first half-space 831 of the first hollow cylinder 82 into the second hollow cylinder 78. Similarly, the second piston head 76 has a central inlet opening 761 upstream, through which the flow of pressurized liquid 41 can flow from the second hollow cylinder 78 into the tube cavity 77 of the second part 724 of the nozzle tube 72, before finally exiting the nozzle outlet 73 as a directed liquid jet 42.

[0267] To reduce energy losses due to turbulence within the massage jet device, the openings 751, 761 of the two piston heads 75, 76 are chamfered. This also ensures accessibility to the hydraulically active piston head surface around the openings 751 and 762, respectively, when the massage jet device 51a is fully retracted, as shown in Figure 17(a).

[0268] The maximum extended positions of the first part 723 and the second part 724 of the nozzle tube 72, as shown in Figure 17(b), are determined by the stop elements 826 and 782, against which the nozzle-side upper end of the first piston head 75 and the second piston head 76 respectively abut. In contrast, the maximum retracted positions of the first part 723 and the second part 724 of the nozzle tube 72, as shown in Figure 17(a), are defined by the abutment of the second stop element 782 on the upper side of the first stop element 826 and by the abutment of the head part 74 on the upper side of the second stop element 782, respectively.

[0269] The return to the fully retracted state of the massage jet device 51a after the supply of the pressurized liquid has been stopped occurs passively, by the weight force of the two parts 723, 724 of the jet tube 72 less the buoyancy force in the liquid.

[0270] To assist in returning the massage jet device to its fully retracted state and ensuring functionality even in an inclined orientation, reset elements can be used. One such embodiment of a massage jet device 51a according to the invention is disclosed in Figure 18. The individual components largely correspond to those of the previous embodiment in Figure 17. These will not be discussed again.

[0271] In the massage nozzle device 51a shown, a first return element 86 in the form of a spiral 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 spiral 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.

[0272] The spring constants of the two coil compression springs 86, 79 can be selected to be similar or identical. Alternatively, coil compression springs of different strengths can be used to control the movements of the individual components 72, 78, 82 during retraction and extension in a precisely defined manner.

[0273] Instead of a single liquid jet directed perpendicular to the membrane, it may be advantageous to generate a plurality of obliquely directed, moving liquid jets with a massage nozzle device according to the invention, so that a rapidly moving force is created in the active massage area of ​​the nozzle element. Such a massage nozzle device according to the invention can be realized, for example, with the head piece 74 of the nozzle element 70 in Figure 19. Instead of a central nozzle outlet opening, the head piece 74 has two nozzle outlet openings 73a, 73b arranged rotationally symmetrically to the longitudinal axis. For this purpose, the tube cavity 77 of the nozzle tube splits into two pipe branches 77a, 77b, which open into the nozzle outlet openings 73a, 73b.The nozzle outlet openings 73a, 73b and pipe branches 77a, 77b are designed in such a way that the liquid flow in the nozzle pipe is separated with as little turbulence as possible and is guided to the outlet openings, where two rotationally symmetrical liquid jets 42a, 42b are created, which are aligned at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle pipe.

[0274] The deflection of the liquid jets in the headpiece 74 creates a rotational force that causes the nozzle tube with the headpiece 74 to rotate around its longitudinal axis. As a result, the two water jets 42a, 42b also move around their longitudinal axes, or two force points on the membrane move along circular paths.

[0275] Instead of designing the entire nozzle tube to be rotatable, the head piece can be mounted on the nozzle tube in a rotatable manner. This avoids sliding friction between the piston head and the hollow cylinder.

[0276] Instead of two outlet openings 73a, 73b, three or more outlet openings may be provided.

[0277] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, various further modifications of the present invention, in addition to the examples disclosed herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying figures, which modifications also fall within the scope of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0278] List of reference symbols

[0279] 10, 10' massage device

[0280] 11 armchairs

[0281] 111 Headrest

[0282] 112 Backrest

[0283] 113 seats

[0284] 114 Legrest

[0285] 115 flexible layer

[0286] 121 Support frame

[0287] 122 axis of rotation

[0288] 123, 123' scaffolding

[0289] 21, 2T massage module

[0290] 214 supply line

[0291] 217 Massage effective area

[0292] 22 Pump module

[0293] 221 Pump

[0294] 222, 222' feed line, pressure line

[0295] 223 Drain line, pump supply line

[0296] 224, 224a liquid reservoir

[0297] 225 Inlet opening of the drain line

[0298] 23 Control module

[0299] 230 control unit

[0300] 231 Control line to the pumping device

[0301] 232 Control line to the hydraulic actuator

[0302] 233 Control line to the nozzle element

[0303] 24 drive module

[0304] 241a first servo motor

[0305] 241 b second servo motor

[0306] 242a first threaded spindle

[0307] 242b second threaded spindle

[0308] 243a first guide rails

[0309] 243b second guide rails

[0310] 244a first support plate

[0311] 244b second support plate

[0312] 244c third support plate

[0313] 251 Upholstery element

[0314] 252 Opening

[0315] 253 Structuring element

[0316] 254 Fluid connections 255 End of the pressure line

[0317] 26 liquid containers

[0318] 261 Interior of the container, closed internal volume

[0319] 262 rigid wall

[0320] 263 rigid cover

[0321] 27 flexible membrane

[0322] 271 first surface of the membrane

[0323] 272 second surface of the membrane

[0324] 273 deformed area of ​​the membrane

[0325] 274 Point of impact

[0326] 40 liquid

[0327] 41 pressurized liquid

[0328] 42, 42a, 42b directed liquid jet

[0329] 43 deflected liquid jet

[0330] 51, 51a Massage jet device

[0331] 511 Longitudinal axis

[0332] 60 feed pipe

[0333] 61 manifold

[0334] 62 hose nozzle

[0335] 63 connecting thread, external thread

[0336] 64 Fastening element

[0337] 641 screw holes

[0338] 642a-642e stiffening elements

[0339] 70 nozzle element

[0340] 72 nozzle tube

[0341] 721 first longitudinal end of the nozzle tube

[0342] 722 second longitudinal end of the nozzle tube

[0343] 723 first part of the nozzle tube

[0344] 724 second part of the nozzle tube

[0345] 73 Nozzle outlet opening

[0346] 73a, 73b nozzle outlet opening

[0347] 74 Nozzle head

[0348] 75 first piston head

[0349] 751 Inlet opening

[0350] 76 second piston head

[0351] 761 Inlet opening

[0352] 77 Pipe cavity

[0353] 77a, 77b Pipe branch

[0354] 78 second hollow cylinder

[0355] 781 nozzle-side opening of the second hollow cylinder

[0356] 782 stop element 79 second return element, compression spring

[0357] 80 hydraulic actuator

[0358] 82 first hollow cylinder

[0359] 821 nozzle-side opening of the hollow cylinder

[0360] 823 first longitudinal end of the hollow cylinder

[0361] 824 second longitudinal end of the hollow cylinder

[0362] 825 holding jaw

[0363] 826 Stop element at the second position of the piston head

[0364] 827 Stop element at the first position of the piston head

[0365] 831 first cylinder half-space

[0366] 832 second cylinder half-space

[0367] 84 connecting thread, internal thread

[0368] 85 Feed opening

[0369] 86 first return element, compression spring

[0370] 871 hose nozzle

[0371] 872 Hose connection with external thread

[0372] 91 User, user's body

[0373] 92 Body surface of the user di Inner diameter of the nozzle tube

[0374] Ö2 Outer diameter of the nozzle tube

[0375] Ö3 Inner diameter of the hollow cylinder

[0376] D Distance between nozzle outlet and membrane

[0377] F mForce effect of the massage area, through membrane outward acting force

[0378] Fk hydraulic force acting on the piston head

[0379] Ap Pressure difference between the pump pressure of the supplied liquid and the static pressure in the liquid container x, y Direction of movement of the massage module

[0380] P Movement path of the massage module

Claims

Patent claims 1. A massage apparatus (10, 10') for dry hydromassage, comprising a base structure (121, 123, 123'); and a massage module (21, 21') with a substantially closed container (26) having a wall (27, 262, 263); a flexible membrane (27) forming part of the wall of the closed container, with a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) configured to direct a fluid jet (42) onto the first surface of the flexible membrane inside the closed container; characterized by a drive module (24) configured to move the massage module (21, 21') relative to the base structure in at least one direction of movement (x, y).

2. Massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein on the side of the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 2T) facing away from the container (26) there is provided a flexible layer (115) which is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage apparatus (10, 10').

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

4. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible membrane (27) and a rigid cover (263) together form a flat wall of the container (26) of the massage module (21, 2T).

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

6. Massage apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) of the massage module with pressurized fluid (41), comprising a pump (221) and a drain line (223) fluidly connecting the container (26) of the massage module (21, 2T) and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening (225) of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover (263).

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

8. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) in a plane (x,y).

9. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) along a curved path (P) in space.

10. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21, 2T) about an axis in space.

11. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') has at least one structuring feature (251, 253) configured to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

12. Massage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one structuring 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 stiffened.

13. Massage apparatus (10, 10') for dry hydromassage, comprising a massage module (21, 21') with a substantially closed container (26) having a wall (27, 262, 263); a flexible membrane (27) forming part of the wall of the closed container, with a first surface facing the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) configured to direct a liquid jet (42) onto the first surface of the flexible membrane inside the closed container; characterized in that the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module has at least one structuring feature (251, 253) configured to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

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

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

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

17. Massage apparatus 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 apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the flexible membrane (27) and a rigid cover (263) together form a flat wall of the container (26) of the massage module (21, 2T).

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

20. Massage apparatus according to claim 18, comprising a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (51, 51a) of the massage module with pressurized fluid (41), comprising a pump (221) and a drain line (223) fluidly connecting the container (26) of the massage module (21, 2T) and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening (225) of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover (263).

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

22. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) in a plane (x,y).

23. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) along a curved path (P) in space.

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

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

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

27. Massage apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the pump module (22) comprises a pump (221) and a drain line (223); the drain line fluidly connects the container (26) of the massage module (21, 2T) and a pump inlet of the pump; and an inlet opening (225) of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container adjacent to the rigid cover (263).

28. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 27, comprising a base structure (121, 123, 123') and a drive module (24) which is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) with respect to the base structure in at least one direction of movement (x, y).

29. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein on the side of the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 2T) facing away from the container (26) a flexible layer (115) is provided which is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage apparatus (10, 10').

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

32. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) in a plane (x,y).

33. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21, 2T) along a curved path (P) in space.

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

35. Massage apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 34, wherein the flexible membrane (27) of the massage module (21, 21') has at least one structuring feature (251, 253) configured to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

36. Massage apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the at least one structuring 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 stiffened.

37. A massage nozzle device (51a) for generating a directed liquid jet, comprising a nozzle element (70) with a nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) for generating a directed liquid jet (42, 42a, 42b), wherein the nozzle tube has an inlet opening (751) at a first longitudinal end (721) and an outlet opening (73, 73a, 73b) at a second longitudinal end (122); and a hydraulic actuator (80) operatively connected to the nozzle element (70) and configured to cause a displacement of the nozzle element along a longitudinal axis (511) of the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) from a retracted position to an extended position.

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

39. Massage nozzle device according to claim 37 or 38, comprising a hydraulic actuator (80) with a first hollow cylinder (82) and a first piston head (75), which is arranged in the first hollow cylinder and is 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) such that a displacement of the first piston head (75) along the longitudinal axis (511) causes a displacement of the nozzle tube along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the first hollow cylinder (82) has an opening (821) at one longitudinal end (824) through which the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724) of the nozzle element (70) extends.

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) has a first return element (86) which applies a force along the longitudinal axis (511) to the first piston head (75) in the direction of the retracted position in the first hollow cylinder (82).

42. Massage nozzle device according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the nozzle tube (72) is connected to or formed on the first piston head (75).

43. Massage nozzle device according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the nozzle tube (72) is designed in two parts, with a first part (723) which is connected to or formed on the first piston head (75), and with a second part (724) which is connected to the first part in a fluid-tight manner and on which the outlet opening (73, 73a, 73b) is arranged; wherein the second part of the nozzle tube is connected to or formed on a second piston head (76); wherein the first part of the nozzle tube has a second hollow cylinder (78) in which the second piston head (76) of the second part of the nozzle tube is arranged and is displaceable back and forth along the longitudinal axis (511) between a retracted position and an extended position; and wherein said second hollow cylinder (78) has an opening (781) at a longitudinal end opposite the first piston head (75) through which the second part (724) of the nozzle tube extends.

44. Massage nozzle device according to claim 43, wherein the nozzle element (70) has a second return 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. Massage nozzle device according to any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein the nozzle element (70) has a head piece (74) at the second longitudinal end (722) of the nozzle tube (72, 723, 724), on which an outlet opening (73, 73a, 73b) of the nozzle element is arranged.

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) projects transversely to the longitudinal axis (511) over the nozzle tube.

47. Massage nozzle device according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the head piece (74) of the nozzle element (70) is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis (511), and wherein the head piece has one or more outlet openings (73a, 73b) which are designed such that liquid jets (42a, 42b) emerging from said outlet openings exert a rotational force on the head piece, which causes a rotation of the head piece (74) about the longitudinal axis.

48. Massage apparatus (10, 10'), comprising a container (26) which is or can be filled with a liquid (40); a flexible membrane (27), a first surface (271) of the membrane being in contact with the liquid when said container is filled with the liquid; at least one massage nozzle device (51a) which is designed to direct a liquid jet (42, 42a, 42b) onto the first surface (271) of the flexible membrane (27); a pump device (221) which is designed to supply liquid (40) under pressure (222) to the at least one massage nozzle device (51a); and a control unit (230) which is configured to control the pump device (221) and / or this specific massage nozzle device (51a) in order to adjust the strength of a directed liquid jet (42, 42a, 42b) of a specific massage nozzle device (51a).

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

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

51. Massage apparatus 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 such that the directed liquid jet (42, 42a, 42b) can be directed to different points on the first surface (271) of the flexible membrane (27).

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

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

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