Haptic massaging device

Abstract

A massage device (10) comprising a handle (12), a massage head (14) and a drive mechanism for driving the massage head (14) to vibrate relative to the handle (12), the drive mechanism being configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and vibration frequency of the massage head (14) independently of each other. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Haptic massaging device Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of cosmetics, care and well-being, and more particularly relates to a haptic massaging device. Such a massaging device can find its application for example in the care of the skin or keratin materials, for example on the face. Prior art

[0002] Patent application FR 2 943 548 describes a cosmetic or dermatological treatment device, comprising in particular a massage dome which is set into vibration by a disc motor driving an eccentric weight. Although such a device already provides an aesthetic improvement when the massage dome is used to massage the skin, there are still possibilities for improvement to improve the aesthetic rendering resulting from the use of such a device. Statement of the invention

[0003] To this end, the present disclosure relates to a massaging device comprising a handle, a massage head and a drive mechanism for driving the massage head to vibrate relative to the handle, the drive mechanism being configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and the vibration frequency of the massage head independently of each other.

[0004] The handle may form a gripping member at the same time as a body of the massaging device relative to which the massage head is movable. It is understood that the massaging device is generally portable: it can be held, lifted and moved by a user.

[0005] The massage head, or more simply head, may be mounted on an actuator of the drive mechanism. The actuator may be configured to transmit a vibration to the massage head. The massage head may comprise a massage surface configured to come into contact with the user's skin and transmit a vibration to the user's skin. Hereinafter and unless otherwise stated, for the sake of brevity, reference will only be made to the user's skin without loss of generality, it being understood that this applies mutatis mutandis to the user's keratin materials. Similarly, although the present description refers to a user generically, the person manipulating the massaging device may be the same as the person being massaged (device used by the user on himself) or another person (device used by the user on a third party).

[0006] The drive mechanism is configured to modulate each of the amplitude of vibration and vibration frequency independently of each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, modulate means vary between two non-zero values, for example continuously, piecewise continuous or discontinuously. Thus, the drive mechanism can modulate the vibration amplitude according to at least two values ​​and, independently, modulate the vibration frequency according to at least two values. This results in finer and better controlled vibration control than in the prior art in which vibration frequency and amplitude are linked to each other. As a result, this control offers improvements in aesthetic terms, for example better smoothing of fine lines, improvement of blood microcirculation, reduction of the volume of bags under the eyes or even an opening of the gaze.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism comprises at least one electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor. The electromagnetic actuator may be oscillating. An electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor, or VCM, is a motor comprising a coil mounted coaxially to a magnet, the coil and the magnet being movable relative to each other and the current flowing through the coil causing a relative displacement of the coil relative to the magnet along their axis. This operation makes it possible, here, thanks to the intensity and the frequency of variation of the current, to control both the displacement frequency of the actuator and its amplitude, independently of each other. The electromagnetic actuator, or even the linear resonant motor, may form the aforementioned actuator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the massaging device further comprises electronic control means for the drive mechanism. The control means may comprise a processor (including a microprocessor) configured to send a control signal to the actuator. The electronic control of the drive mechanism may comprise electronic control of the amplitude and / or frequency modulation of vibration. Thanks to these features, the control of the drive mechanism can be precise and rapid, which further improves the control of the vibration of the massage head.

[0009] Furthermore, the electronic control means may be configured to issue notifications to the user, for example audio, visual or haptic notifications. Thus, the user may interact with the massaging device appropriately.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electronic control means comprise a memory configured to store at least one vibration sequence of the massage head. A memory may be any entity or system capable of storing a vibration sequence, for example of the ROM type, memory storage means ma magnetic or magneto-optical, solid state storage, flash memory, etc. A vibration sequence is a program defining the vibration of the massage head over time, particularly in terms of frequency and / or amplitude.

[0011] Thanks to these characteristics, the massage head can be set into vibration according to one or more sequences which can be pre-programmed and recorded in the memory. The massage head can thus follow a more or less complex vibration sequence, which can be optimized depending on the desired effect.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electronic control means comprise a vibration sequence selector. Thus, the user can choose a sequence according to his needs. For example, the selector may be at least partly accessible from the handle. Alternatively or in addition, the selector may be operated remotely, for example via a wireless signal received from a user terminal such as a remote control or a smartphone.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electronic control means comprise means for updating said memory. Thus, new sequences can be loaded to better match the user's needs. The updating means can use a wired or wireless connection.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electronic control means are configured to modulate the amplitude or frequency of vibration of the massage head as a function of the position of the massage device, the orientation of the massage device and / or a contact force exerted on the massage head. The massage device may comprise a sensor for position, orientation and / or said contact force, respectively; such sensors, for example a gyroscope or an accelerometer, are known as such. Thanks to these arrangements, the vibration of the massage head can adapt in real time to the gestures implemented by the user, which increases the effectiveness of the massage device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the massage head is configured to vibrate transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to a massage surface intended to contact the user. As previously indicated, the massage surface is a portion of the massage head that may be configured to contact the skin. The massage surface may be planar or non-planar, continuous or discontinuous. When the massage surface is not planar, the transverse (respectively the perpendicular) to the massage surface is defined as the transverse (respectively the perpendicular) to a plane tangent to the most projecting portions of the massage surface.

[0016] In these embodiments, the massage head performs tapping movements on the user's skin. Such a movement is perceived as more effective than a massage. manual, in particular to promote the penetration of a cosmetic or care product.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the vibration amplitude is characterized by a peak-to-peak acceleration of a moving part of the actuator of between 0.5 g and 2 g, preferably between 0.75 g and 1.25 g, where g denotes the acceleration of gravity (g = 9.81 m.s2). Indeed, at a given vibration frequency and in the absence of an end-of-travel stop, the amplitude of the moving part depends on the acceleration to which it is subjected, the amplitude increasing with the acceleration. Typically, the vibration amplitude may be between 1 micrometer (pm) and 1 millimeter (mm), preferably between 3 micrometer (pm) and 100 micrometer (pm), preferably between 5 micrometer (pm) and 10 micrometer (pm). In one example, the vibration amplitude may be greater than or less than 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vibration frequency is between 10 and 1000 Hertz (Hz), preferably between 50 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0019] In some embodiments, the massage head is mounted removably relative to the handle. The fact that the massage head is removable not only facilitates maintenance of the head but also allows one head to be replaced with another head having different characteristics, for example in terms of shape, size, material, surface condition, capacity for absorbing a cosmetic formula, etc.

[0020] For example, shapes envisaged for the massage head, or more particularly for the massage surface, may be a drop shape, a conical shape, a spherical shape, a pyramidal shape, a polyhedral shape (hexagonal, octagonal and other), etc. Furthermore, the massage surface may be planar, piecewise planar or non-planar. According to one example, the massage surface may be convex, for example by being formed of several planes intersecting with each other so as to define a convex volume. A convex massage surface improves the accessibility of the different areas of the face by one or other part of the massage surface.

[0021] Furthermore, the massaging device may be used in combination with the application of a cosmetic product (e.g., liquid or pasty) to a user's skin to promote penetration of said product. The cosmetic product may be applied to the skin and then the skin massaged with the massaging device, or the cosmetic product may be applied to the massage head and then the skin massaged with the massaging device coated with the cosmetic product. Optionally, the massage head may be configured to retain cosmetic product, for example, by having an absorbent massage surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the handle includes a vibration damper, such as a weight. Thus, gripping the handle remains comfortable for the user.

[0023] In some embodiments, the handle includes a battery. The device The massager can therefore be used without a wired power supply, making it more convenient. The battery can be single-use or rechargeable, in which case the handle can include a charging connector.

[0024] The present disclosure also relates to a massage method, comprising providing a massage device as previously described and causing the massage head to vibrate in contact with a user, typically with the skin of a user. The massage device may have all or some of the aforementioned characteristics. Thanks to the massage device, the massage action on the user is particularly effective.

[0025] In some embodiments, the massage head is brought into contact with one or more areas of the user's body among the face (including the eye contour, the oval of the face - i.e. the edge of the face along the jaw -, the nasolabial folds, the forehead, the contour of the mouth and / or the chin), the neck, the décolleté, the scalp. The vibration parameters of the massage head, for example the vibration sequence, can be manually or automatically selected in accordance with the area being massaged.

[0026] In some embodiments, the massaging device is manipulated by the user according to one or more maneuvers while the massage head is vibrated, each maneuver being optionally repeated before moving on to the next maneuver. A maneuver is repeated if it is followed by a maneuver of the same type, that is to say in which the massaging device follows a similar trajectory in a forward or reverse direction, and this from the same initial position or from an offset initial position. Two successive maneuvers can be separated by a transition indication intended for the user, in order to maintain synchronization between a given gesture and a vibration sequence.

[0027] In some embodiments, the massaging device is manipulated by the user according to at least one of the following maneuvers, while the massage head is vibrated: A. The massage head is positioned at the start of the dark circle at the level of the lacrimal bone and moved under the eye, up to the temple. B. The massage head is positioned on or above the eyebrow head and moved outward from the face following the direction of the eyebrow. C. The massage head is positioned below the dark circle and moved towards the eye following a translation coupled with a rotation of the handle towards the outside of the face. The translation can follow a generally comma-shaped trajectory. The rotation angle can be between 45° and 135°.

[0028] Each maneuver, among the AC maneuvers presented above or other maneuvers (typically for areas other than the eye contour), can be performed one or more times, in a row or not, in a forward direction and / or in a reverse direction. reverse, and in the same position or by shifting the massage head. Each maneuver can be performed relatively slowly or quickly compared to the other maneuvers.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method comprises, prior to vibration, applying a cosmetic product to the massage head and / or to a surface of the user to be massaged. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the subject of the present disclosure will emerge from the following description of embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures.

[0031] [Fig.l] is a schematic side view of a massaging device according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.2] is a frequency-amplitude diagram illustrating operating points of the massaging device according to one embodiment.

[0033] [Fig. 3] is a functional diagram of a massaging device according to one embodiment.

[0034] [Fig.4] illustrates maneuvers that may be performed during a massage process according to one embodiment. Detailed description

[0035] A massaging device 10 according to one embodiment is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. [Fig.l] is a side view of the massaging device 10.

[0036] As indicated previously, the massaging device 10 comprises a handle 12 and a massage head 14. The handle 12 is intended to be held by the hand of a user. For this purpose, the handle 12 may comprise a main part 12a swollen so as to fit well in the closed palm of a user, as well as a neck 12b, thinner than the main part 12a, on which the thumb and index finger of the user can close. Opposite the main part 12a, the neck may open onto a head support 12c on which the massage head 14 can be mounted. Thus, the handle 12 is particularly ergonomic.

[0037] The massage head 14 is movable relative to the handle 12, and more particularly, can be driven to vibrate relative to the handle by a drive mechanism which will be described later. As will be described later, the drive mechanism can be housed in the handle 12.

[0038] The massage head 14 (or head 14) may comprise a massage surface 14a intended to come into contact with the user. The massage surface 14a, and more generally the head 14, may have any shape adapted to the type of massage desired for the user. In particular when several shapes are desired to perform several different types of massages, or massage different parts of the body or face, the head 14 can be mounted removable from the handle 12. The removable nature of the head 14 can be ensured by a reversible connection system. Such systems are known in themselves, for example friction, interlocking (for example bayonet) or snap-on type systems.

[0039] In [Fig.l], a hemispherical head 14 is shown, however other shapes are envisaged, as detailed previously.

[0040] Furthermore, the massage head 14 may be configured to vibrate transversely to the massage surface 14a. The vibration direction 16 is shown in [Fig.l], the head 14 being configured to perform a reciprocating movement along the vibration direction 16.

[0041] As previously indicated, the drive mechanism is configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude and the vibration frequency of the massage head independently of each other. This is illustrated in [Fig. 2], which represents operating points 18 of the drive mechanism in a frequency (f)-amplitude (A) diagram. The vibration frequency refers to the frequency at which the head 14 passes through the same position in the same direction again, while the vibration amplitude refers to the distance separating two extreme positions of the head 14.

[0042] The operating points 18 represent pairs of non-zero frequency and amplitude values ​​at which the drive mechanism can vibrate the head 14. For the sake of readability, [Fig. 2] illustrates only four operating points 18, but the drive mechanism can be configured to modulate the frequency and amplitude according to more than four pairs of non-zero values.

[0043] More specifically, the drive mechanism may be configured to vibrate the head 14, at a fixed amplitude, according to at least two frequency values, or even at least three frequency values, and at a fixed frequency, according to at least two amplitude values, or even at least three amplitude values. The set of operating points 18 in the frequency-amplitude diagram defines a two-dimensional set (i.e. having non-zero components according to the two dimensions of frequency and amplitude), as opposed to conventional mechanisms in which the frequency and the amplitude are linked by a one-dimensional relationship and the operating points are located on a single line (rectilinear or not). The two-dimensional set, shown diagrammatically by dotted lines in [Fig. 2], may be a continuous set or meshed regularly by intermediate operating points 18.

[0044] Thus, the amplitude can be modulated progressively (continuously or in steps) from one value to another without influence on the frequency. Similarly, the frequency can be modulated progressively (continuously or in steps) from one value to another without influence on the amplitude.

[0045] For example, the vibration amplitude may be characterized by a peak-to-peak acceleration of a moving portion of the actuators of approximately 1 g. Furthermore, the vibration frequency may be between 50 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0046] With reference to [Fig. 3], components of the massaging device 10 will now be described in more detail.

[0047] As indicated previously, the handle 12 can house the drive mechanism of the head 14. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism comprises electronic control means 20 and an actuator 30. The actuator 30 comprises a movable part which carries the head 14 and a fixed part connected to the handle 12. The actuator 30 is controlled by the electronic control means 20.

[0048] According to one example, the actuator 30 may be an electromagnetic actuator such as a linear resonant motor or VCM.

[0049] The electronic control means 20 are configured to vary the intensity of the current and / or the frequency of the current supplying the actuator 30, here the VCM, in order to modulate the amplitude and the frequency of vibration, respectively. The electronic control means 20 may here have the hardware architecture of a computer, typically comprising a processor 22, one or more memories 24 and / or one or more acquisition devices or sensors 26, all or part of these components being able to be arranged on one or more electronic cards. Optionally, communication means may be provided to receive information from the user, for example wireless information defining the desired type of vibration, or to transmit information to the user, for example notifications.

[0050] The memory 24 can be configured to store at least one vibration sequence of the massage head 14. This sequence defines a succession of amplitude and frequency values ​​at which the actuator 30, on command from the processor 22, must vibrate the head 14. The amplitude and frequency values ​​can be associated with a triggering time and / or a vibration duration. Optionally, the aforementioned communication means can be used to update the memory 24, for example to add, modify or delete one or more vibration sequences.

[0051] Although the user can select the desired vibration type via a wireless terminal, alternatively or in addition, it is possible to provide that a vibration sequence selector 28 is accessible from the handle 12, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. The selector 28 can take any suitable form, for example a slider, a wheel, navigation buttons, a touch button, touch screen, optical reader, microphone for voice control, etc.

[0052] The sensor(s) 26 may be configured to detect one or more quantities such as a position of the massaging device 10, an orientation of the massaging device 10, or a contact force exerted on the massage head 14. To overcome the vibration of the head 14, said contact force may be approximated by the distance between the massaging device 10 and the user's skin. The data from the sensors 26 may be used by the electronic control means 20, in particular the processor 22, to dynamically modify the vibration of the head 14. According to examples: the vibration may be cut off when the massaging device 10 has not been moved for a duration greater than a threshold; the amplitude may be reduced when the skin exerts a significant force on the massage head 14; the frequency may be increased when the massaging device 10 is moved quickly.Alternatively or in addition, these effects may be achieved by manual user selection, for example using the aforementioned selector 28 or another element.

[0053] The massaging device may comprise a battery 32, in particular housed in the handle 12, to power the actuator 30 and / or the electronic control means 20.

[0054] To increase the comfort of use, the handle 12 may comprise a vibration damper, such as a ballast 34. The ballast 34 may take the form of a weight fixed to the handle 12, to increase the inertia of the handle 12 without damping the movement of the head 14 as such. Another example of a vibration damper is an insulating seal, for example made of elastomer, positioned between the handle 12 and the head 14, so as to reduce the transmission of vibrations imparted to the head 14 towards the handle 12.

[0055] The use of the massaging device 10 can be done according to a massage method comprising the provision of said massaging device and the vibration of the head 14, the head 14 then being brought into contact with a user, typically the skin or keratinous materials such as the eyebrows or the hair. The user who manipulates the massaging device 10 can perform the massage on himself or on another person, for example a client of a beauty salon. A care product, for example a cosmetic formula, can be applied to the massage surface 14a and / or to the skin before performing all or part of the maneuvers.

[0056] With regard to facial care, the massaging device 10, once set into vibration, can be manipulated according to several maneuvers, examples of which are described below with reference to [Fig.4]. Each maneuver can be carried out one or more times, in the direction described and / or in the opposite direction.

[0057] According to a maneuver A, the head 14 can be positioned at the start of the ring at level of the lacrimal bone and moved under the eye, up to the temple. For this maneuver A, the head 14 can be vibrated according to a randomly amplitude-modulated sine or quasi-sine signal. Such a signal can be obtained by means of white noise filtered by a relatively fine band-pass filter, for example fine enough so that the resulting signal is of the sine or quasi-sine type. According to another example, maneuver A can be implemented by vibrating the head according to a rising chirp signal (swept frequency sine), for example linear, of decreasing amplitude, for example logarithmically decreasing.

[0058] According to a maneuver B, the massage head 14 can be positioned on the head of the eyebrow (B1 in [Fig.4]) or above (B2 in [Fig.4]), for example approximately 1 centimeter above the eyebrow, and moved towards the outside of the face following the direction of the eyebrow. For this maneuver B, the head 14 can be vibrated according to a signal comprising one or more (for example two) Ricker wavelet type pulses followed by a rising chirp signal, for example linear, of constant amplitude. Said signal can be repeated, for example two or three times, or more generally as long as the massaging device 10 is in motion.

[0059] For example, a possible sequence may include performing maneuver A three times, then maneuver B1 once, then maneuver B2 once. The maneuvers may be performed in the forward direction only, and on each side of the face (around one eye then around the other eye). Alternatively, the maneuvers may be performed in the reverse direction only, or in both the forward and reverse directions.

[0060] According to a maneuver C, the massage head 14 is positioned below the dark circle and moved towards the eye by following a translation coupled with a rotation of the handle towards the outside of the face. The maneuver C can be initiated inside the face and repeated by gradually shifting the initial position towards the outside of the face. The number of repetitions can be adapted to the morphology of the face, for example between 5 and 10. For this maneuver C, the head 14 can be made to vibrate according to one of the signals described previously, for example a chirp signal (swept frequency sine) rising, for example linear, of decreasing amplitude, for example logarithmically decreasing.

[0061] Each maneuver may or may not be repeated before moving on to a next maneuver. When a vibration sequence corresponds to several maneuvers to be performed for the user, the massaging device 10 may be configured to indicate to the user the transition to the next maneuver. The transition indication may be given by a visual, haptic or audible signal, for example a vibration stop time, a different vibration or a light indicator.

[0062] Although the present description refers to specific exemplary embodiments, Modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention. Typically, although maneuvers have been described for the eye area, other maneuvers may of course be employed, whether for the eye area or other areas of the face or even the body. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Claims

1. A massaging device (10) comprising a handle (12), a massage head (14) and a drive mechanism for driving the massage head (14) to vibrate relative to the handle (12), the drive mechanism being configured to modulate each of the vibration amplitude (A) and the vibration frequency (f) of the massage head (14) independently of each other.

2. A massaging device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises at least one electromagnetic actuator (30) such as a linear resonant motor.

3. A massaging device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising electronic control means (20) for the drive mechanism.

4. Massaging device according to claim 3, wherein the electronic control means (20) comprise a memory (24) configured to store at least one vibration sequence of the massage head (14), and optionally a vibration sequence selector (28) and / or means for updating said memory (24).

5. A massaging device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the electronic control means (20) are configured to modulate the amplitude or frequency of vibration of the massaging head (14) as a function of the position of the massaging device (10), the orientation of the massaging device (10) and / or a contact force exerted on the massaging head (14).

6. A massaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the massage head (14) is configured to vibrate transversely to a massage surface (14a) intended to come into contact with the user.

7. Massaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vibration amplitude is between 1 pm and 1 mm and / or wherein the vibration frequency is between 10 and 1000 Hz, preferably between 50 Hz and 200 Hz.

8. A massaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the massage head (14) is mounted removably relative to the handle (12).

9. A massaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the handle (12) comprises a vibration damper, such than a ballast (34).

10. A method of massaging, comprising providing a massaging device (10) according to any preceding claim and vibrating the massage head (14) in contact with a user.

11. A massage method according to claim 10, wherein the massage head is placed in contact with one or more areas of the user's body, including the face (including the eye contour, the oval of the face, the nasolabial folds, the forehead, the mouth contour and / or the chin), the neck, the décolleté, the scalp.

12. A massage method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the massaging device (10) is manipulated by the user in one or more maneuvers while the massage head (14) is vibrated, each maneuver being optionally repeated before moving on to the next maneuver.

13. A massage method according to claim 12, wherein said one or more maneuvers comprise at least one of the following maneuvers: A. the massage head is positioned at the start of the dark circle at the level of the lacrimal bone and moved under the eye, up to the temple. B. the massage head is positioned on the head of the eyebrow or above and moved outward from the face following the direction of the eyebrow. C. the massage head is positioned below the dark circle and moved towards the eye following a translation coupled with a rotation of the handle outward from the face.

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