Massage head with drive optimized for massage devices and massage device with such a head

Abstract

The present invention relates to a massage head (1) for a massage device (2) comprising a motor (14) and means (16) for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor (14) to the head, the means (16) for transmitting the rotational movement to the head comprising an output shaft (17) rotating around an output axis (D-D'), the head comprising first and second massage rollers (8, 9) extending along a first axis (B-B') and a second axis (C-C'), a system (13) for counter-rotating the massage rollers around the first and second axes, and comprising a bevel gear device for converting the rotation of the output shaft into a rotation of the massage rollers, the first and second axes being inscribed in a plane (P1) intersecting the output axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin massage device, particularly to a massage head for household use, and to the general technical field of massage devices equipped with such a massage head.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a massage head for a massage device comprising a motor and transmission means for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor to the massage head. The present invention also relates to a massage device comprising a massage head, a motor, and transmission means for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor shaft to the massage head.

Background Art

[0003] Handheld skin massage devices are generally known to consist of a main body with a motor and a massage head with massage rollers that are rotationally driven by the motor via a transmission mechanism. Typically, the massage head of these devices has a pair of massage rollers, and when rotated, the massage rollers are applied to the skin, allowing for skin massage. In particular, in the case of massage devices for performing skin massage according to the so-called "palpation roll" technique, for example, the massage head of these devices is designed to ensure rotational drive of the massage rollers in the opposite direction. However, even if such known massage heads and devices generally provide satisfaction, there is still room for improvement. Firstly, their implementation is often complex and not very ergonomic, especially for people without professional skin massage skills. Furthermore, known massage heads and devices sometimes have mechanical reliability issues, with a risk of breakage if excessive force is applied to the rollers during massage. Moreover, known massage heads and devices do not always provide the desired effective mechanical massage of the skin. Furthermore, massages performed using these known massage heads and devices can sometimes be uncomfortable or even painful, especially when treating facial skin areas. Finally, known massage heads and devices often have relatively complex designs, which increases manufacturing costs and tends to negatively impact reliability and robustness during use. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Therefore, the object assigned to the present invention is to provide a new massage head for a massage device, and a new massage device that is particularly practical, ergonomic, and intuitive to use, especially for use by people who do not have professional skin massage skills.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to propose a novel massage head and a novel massage device for massage devices that enable effective and comfortable massage on the skin.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to propose a novel massage head and a novel massage device for reliable and robust massage devices.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to propose a novel massage head and a novel massage device for massage devices that are particularly simple in design.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to propose a novel massage head and a novel massage device, particularly for massage devices having a well-controlled volume.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a novel massage head and a novel massage device that can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a novel massage head and a novel massage device for use in massage devices that are particularly safe to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The object assigned to the present invention is a massage head for a massage device comprising a motor and a transmission means for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor to a massage head, wherein the transmission means comprises an output shaft mounted to rotate around an output shaft, and the massage head A first massage roller and a second massage roller, intended to come into contact with the user's skin and extending longitudinally along a first axis and a second axis, respectively, This is achieved by a massage head comprising a drive system for simultaneously rotating a first massage roller and a second massage roller in opposite directions around a first axis and a second axis, respectively, the drive system comprising an angle transmission device for converting the rotational motion of an output shaft about an output axis into rotational motion of the first massage roller and the second massage roller about the first axis and the second axis, respectively, and the drive system being inscribed in a plane where the first axis and the second axis intersect with the output axis.

[0012] Furthermore, an object assigned to the present invention is a massage device comprising a massage head according to the present invention, the device comprising a motor and a transmission means for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor to the massage head, wherein the transmission means comprises an output shaft mounted to rotate around an output shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, but these are shown merely as illustrative and non-limiting examples.

[0014] [Figure 1] A preferred embodiment of the massage head according to the present invention is schematically shown in a perspective view, in which the massage rollers are positioned at the minimum possible intervals. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded top view of the massage head. The half-shell of the housing forming the massage head frame and the second support means of the second massage roller are shown offset laterally from each other to show part of the system for rotating the massage roller. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic exploded front view of the massage head. To illustrate part of the system for rotating the massage rollers, the half-shell of the housing is offset laterally, and the second support means is offset vertically. [Figure 4] The massage head in Figure 1 is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view in the median plane indicated by the arrow in Figure 2. An example of the internal casing elements is shown in a very simplified manner. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of the massage head, in which the massage rollers are positioned at their maximum spacing. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the massage head. The housing half-shell and the second support means for the second massage roller are omitted. [Figure 7] Figure 5 schematically shows a side perspective view of the massage head, with the housing half-shell and the second support means for the second massage roller omitted. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the massage head, which is detachably attached to the working end of the main body forming the handle, illustrating a preferred embodiment of the massage device according to the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the massage head and massage device in a longitudinal central cross-sectional view. [Figure 10] Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of the massage head and massage device, in which the massage rollers are positioned at the maximum spacing, similar to Figures 5 to 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention relates, on the one hand, to a massage head 1 for a massage device 2, with non-limiting preferred embodiments thereof shown in Figures 1 to 10. On the other hand, the present invention relates to a massage device 2 equipped with such a massage head 1, with embodiments thereof illustrated in Figures 8 to 10. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the massage head 1 and massage device 2 of the present invention will be described in parallel. Within the scope of the meaning of the present invention, these are skin massage heads 1 and devices 2 intended for mechanical manipulation of skin, preferably the face, preferably the skin of a human user (male or female). Preferably, the massage heads 1 and devices 2 according to the present invention are intended for personal care, in particular for in-home use by a person (or user) who does not have special expertise in skin massage. The massage heads 1 according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 10 are not particularly limited in terms of the area to be treated. Similarly, the massage devices 2 shown in Figures 8 to 10 are more preferably intended for massage of the skin area of ​​the face. The massage heads 1 and devices 2 are particularly intended for self-use, i.e., the user of the massage heads 1 and devices 2 will receive a skin massage.

[0016] Advantageously, the massage device 2 according to the present invention is a handheld manual device, that is, preferably intended to be held and used by a person who massages their own skin using the massage device 2. However, this does not preclude the possibility that a person may implement the massage head 1 and device 2 according to the present invention to mechanically manipulate the skin of another person without departing from the framework of the present invention. As an example, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the massage device 2 preferably comprises a body 3 that forms a handle 4 (or grip) for manual gripping. The body 3 preferably extends in an average longitudinal extension direction A–A'. Advantageously, the body 3 is elongated and, advantageously, mainly extends along a single direction in space corresponding to the average longitudinal extension direction A–A'. Thus, the handle 4 preferably has a slender and elongated shape so that an adult user can grip it with both hands. Preferably, the body 3 extends longitudinally along the average longitudinal extension direction A–A' between a first end 5, called the working end, to which the massage head 1 is attached, positioned, or at least intended to be attached, and a second opposite end 6. Thus, when the massage head 1 is attached to the body 3 of the massage device 2, the massage head 1 favorably extends the body 3 beyond the working end 5 of the body 3. Preferably, the distance between the first end 5 and the second end 6, corresponding to the length of the body 3, is sufficient for all the fingers of the user's hand to be able to close on the handle 4. The body 3 is, for example, substantially tubular in shape (e.g., with an average cross-section of circular or elliptical, whether constant or not) and has a shape and size that allows the user to grip it well. The main body 3 can preferably be formed from two watertightly assembled half-shells 7A and 7B, in such a way that it defines, for example, an outer surface on the one hand that forms an area for the user to grip the massage device 2, and an inner space on the other hand that contains various functional elements necessary for the proper operation of the massage device 2 and is capable of housing a specific part of the massage head 1.Even if such a long shape of the main body 3 of the massage device 2 and such placement of the massage head 1 on the working end 5 of the main body 3 facilitate the user's handling of the massage device 2, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to these preferred shapes and arrangements, and other shapes and arrangements can be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] The massage head 1 according to the present invention comprises a first massage roller 8 and a second massage roller 9, which are intended to come into contact with the user's skin to ensure mechanical massage of the skin. The first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 each extend longitudinally along a first axis (or first direction) B–B' and a second axis (or second direction) C–C', respectively, where the first axis B–B' forms the axis of rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second axis C–C' forms the axis of rotation of the second massage roller 9. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiments of the massage head 1 and device 2, the first axis B–B' of the extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 is substantially parallel to the second axis C–C' of the extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the massage rollers 8 and 9 has a substantially cylindrical shape, with the first axis B–B' and the second axis C–C' being advantageously parallel, and the space separating the respective surfaces of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 being constant along the first axis B–B' and the second axis C–C'. However, depending on the intended application, it may be interesting that the substantially different shapes of one and / or the other of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are, for example, convex or concave. Depending on the intended application and the area of ​​skin to be treated, the surface (or external portion) of the first massage roller 8 and / or the second massage roller 9 may be substantially smooth in appearance, or conversely, may have different shapes or structures, such as bumps, beads, hooks, studs, palettes, etc., in particular to facilitate skin grip by at least one of the massage rollers 8 and 9. Furthermore, the first roller 8 and / or the second roller 9 (or at least a portion of the first roller 8 and / or the second roller 9 defining its surface or external portion) can be made of a substantially hard and inelastic material, or conversely, of a material with some elasticity (e.g., an elastomer) to promote skin grip by at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9 and improve the user experience.

[0018] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is advantageous for the massage head 1 to preferably include a frame 10 (or chassis) forming a housing 11. Next, such a housing 11 can advantageously define at least a part of the visible outer envelope of the massage head 1. As shown in the figure, the housing 11 can be formed, for example, by two half-shells 12A, 12B (made of a plastic material for reasons of cost and weight) assembled together by screwing or other suitable means (such as adhesion, welding, snap-fit, etc.). Alternatively, it is also possible to form the housing 11 as a single monolithic shell. Thus, the frame 10 advantageously defines a fixed reference system for the massage head 1, with respect to which the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are rotatable about their respective first rotation axes B - B and second rotation axes C - C'. Also, the massage head 1 includes a drive system 13 for simultaneously rotating the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 about the first axis B - B' and the second axis C - C' of extension and rotation, respectively. Thus, the drive system 13 is designed to actively transmit the rotational movement of the motor 14 to the two massage rollers 8, 9 simultaneously (thus forming an active drive system). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive system 13 is here housed within a housing 11 advantageously formed by the frame 10. The massage head 1 advantageously includes an application surface 15 intended to be placed (preferably in contact) on the opposite side of the surface of the user's skin, and the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 that at least partially project outside (i.e., beyond) the application surface 15.

[0019] The massage device 2 relating to the present invention comprises a motor 14 (or motorized means) that is advantageously integrated and preferably housed within the main body 3 (Figure 9), for example, outside the massage head 1. Preferably, it is an electric motor 14 (e.g., a DC motor, preferably a servo-controlled motor). However, it may also be a pneumatic type motorized means (e.g., an air turbine) or otherwise. The massage device 2 further comprises a transmission means 16 for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor 14, more precisely the rotational motion of the motor 14, to the massage head 1 (Figure 9). In other words, the transmission means 16 is designed and configured to cooperate with a drive system 13 for rotating the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 such that the rotation of the motor 14 causes the corresponding rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9. Advantageously, housed at least partially within the main body 3, the transmission means 16 comprises, in particular, an output shaft 17 mounted to rotate around output shafts D-D', and is mechanically connected (or at least mechanically connectable) via the transmission means 16 to the drive system 13 for the first massage roller 8 and second massage roller 9 of the massage head 1, thereby rotating these massage rollers (Figure 9). Optionally, the transmission means 16 may include a gear motor to adapt the rotational speed of the output shaft 17 to the requirements of use. The massage device 2 may further comprise a control unit (electromechanical or electronic) for controlling the general operation of the massage device 2, which the user can use to switch the massage device 2 on and off, set general operating modes, or set specific parameters (e.g., rotational speed of the massage rollers 8 and 9, rotational direction of the massage rollers 8 and 9, etc.). As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the control unit may be advantageously located within the main body 3 of the massage device 2 and accessible to the user via a control panel 18. Furthermore, the massage device 2 may also be equipped with a power supply unit 19.The power supply unit 19 may be provided with a replaceable or rechargeable battery of an accumulator disposed within the main body 3 of the massage device 2, or may be provided with a transformer intended to be connected to a conventional electrical socket via an external power cord (not shown), whether integrated or not, for example, to enable autonomous, nomadic use of the massage device 2.

[0020] In a preferred case where the main body 3 of the massage device 2 extends along the average longitudinal extension direction A - A' between the working end 5 to which the massage head 1 is or is to be attached and the second working end 6 on the opposite side, the output shaft D - D' of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 is parallel to the average longitudinal extension direction A - A' of the main body 3 of the massage device 2, or this axis coincides with the output shaft D - D' of the output shaft 17 (Figs. 8 - 10). Thereby, in particular, the design of the massage device 2 can be simplified and its volume can be controlled.

[0021] In a modified version (referred to as the “fixed” modification, not shown), the body 3 and massage head 1 of the massage device 2 are integrated with each other so that, under normal use, the massage head 1 cannot be separated from the body 3 by the user. In another more advantageous modification (referred to as the “removable” modification), maintained in the embodiment shown as an example in the figure, the massage head 1 is removable and detachable from the body 3. The massage device 2 then includes mounting means (or coupling means) for removing the massage head 1 from the body 3, for example by connecting complementary embossed portions that the massage head 1 and the body 3 each support, or by screwing, press-fitting, or by other suitable known mounting techniques. Advantageously, if the massage head 1 is provided with a first mounting means 20 (e.g., a recess formed in the housing 11) intended to reversibly cooperate with a corresponding second mounting means 21 (e.g., a lever with a rotating bead that is spring-loaded and controlled by a button protruding from the body 3), each provided on the body 3, the massage head 1 is removable and therefore can be temporarily assembled to the body 3 and then substantially separated from the body 3 by the user, for example, for the purpose of maintenance and / or replacement of the massage head 1. Advantageously, the massage device 2 can then form a device 2 with a replaceable massage head 1. Preferably, the body 3 of the massage device 2 defines a housing 22 that is adapted and configured to reversibly receive the massage head 1 and to attach the massage head 1 to the body 3 in a temporary and reversible manner. As in the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 10, the housing 22 is advantageously defined at the operating end 5 of the body 3 so that the massage device 2 can be assembled and attached to the body 3 near the operating end 5 of the body 3. Therefore, the housing section 22 is advantageously demarcated by side walls 23 that define a free space capable of receiving at least one mounting portion 24 of the massage head 1.

[0022] Advantageously, as shown in the figures, the massage head 1 (or at least the frame 10 / housing 11 of the massage head 1) extends along the mean extending direction E–E' between the proximal end 25 to which the massage head 1 is attached (fixed variant) or intended to be attached (removable variant) to the body 3 of the massage device 2, and the opposite distal end 26 positioned toward or beyond the application surface 15 of the massage head 1 toward the skin. Thus, when the massage head 1 is attached to the body 3 of the massage device 2 and the user holds the massage device 2 in their hand, the proximal end 25 of the massage head 1 is closest to the user's hand and furthest from the area of ​​the user's skin to be massaged, while the distal end 26 is furthest from the user's hand and closest to the area of ​​the user's skin to be massaged. Advantageously, when the massage head 1 is attached to the body 3 of the massage device 2, at the working end 5 of the body 3, the mean extending direction E–E' of the massage head 1 is parallel to or coincides with the mean longitudinal extending direction A–A' of the body 3 (Figures 8–10). Furthermore, advantageously, as illustrated in the figures, when the massage head 1 is attached (permanently or temporarily) to the body 3 of the massage device 2, the average extending direction E–E' of the massage head 1 at the working end 5 of the body 3 is parallel to or coincides with, on the one hand, the average longitudinal extending direction A–A' of the body 3, and on the other hand, with the output axis D–D' of the output shaft 17 of the means 16 that transmits the rotational motion of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 (Figures 8–10).

[0023] The drive system 13 of the massage head 1 is more specifically designed to rotate the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 in opposite directions simultaneously. In other words, the drive system 13 is provided to ensure that the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 rotate simultaneously around the first axis of rotation B-B' and the second axis of rotation C-C', respectively, in opposite directions, and advantageously at the same rotational speed. The drive system 13 advantageously prevents the first roller 8 and the second roller 9 from rotating in the same direction and from rotating freely around their respective extension and axis of rotation B-B' and C-C'. According to the first modification, the drive system 13 is designed to rotate the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 in a plan view perpendicular to the first rotation axis B-B' and the second rotation axis C-C', with the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 facing upwards, the portion of the left massage roller protruding from the application surface 15 rotates in the anti-trigonometric direction (clockwise), while the portion of the right massage roller protruding from the application surface 15 rotates in the trigonometric direction (or counterclockwise). Thus, when the massage head 1 is used, and the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are in contact with and positioned against the skin, their rotational movement causes wrinkles to form in the skin between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9. Subsequently, the massage head 1 can be advantageously used to perform a so-called "palpation roll" massage technique, which, by kneading the skin, stimulates fibroblasts and promotes the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, thereby enabling activation of venous and lymphatic circulation and softening of the skin.According to the second modification, the drive system 13 is designed to rotate the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 in a plan view perpendicular to the first rotation axis B-B' and the second rotation axis C-C', with the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 facing upwards, the portion of the left massage roller protruding from the application surface 15 rotates in the direction of trigonometry (or counterclockwise), while the portion of the right massage roller protruding from the application surface 15 rotates in the direction of anti-trigonometry (or clockwise). Thus, when the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are in contact with and positioned against the skin during use of the massage head 1, their rotational movement causes "stretching" of the skin. Furthermore, according to a third modification, the drive system 13 may be designed to rotate the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 alternately according to the first (wrinkling) and second (stretching) modifications described above, according to the user's selection (for example, by the user's actions on the control panel 18). Advantageously, regardless of the direction of reverse rotation, the drive system 13 for the massage rollers 8 and 9 is designed and configured to rotate the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 at the same rotational speed around the first rotation axis B–B' and the second rotation axis C–C', respectively.

[0024] According to the present invention, when the massage head 1 is attached (permanently or temporarily) to the main body 3 to form a massage device 2, the first axes B-B' and second axes C-C' of the extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are inscribed in a plane P1 that intersects with the output axes D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the means 16 that transmits the rotational motion of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 (Figures 8 to 10). The drive system 13 that rotates the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 also includes an angle transmission device for converting the rotational motion of the output shaft 17 around the output axes D-D' into rotational motion of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 around the first rotation axes B-B' and the second rotation axes C-C', respectively. In other words, the drive system 13 is designed and configured to convert the rotational motion at the input of the massage head 1 around an input rotation axis that intersects a plane P1 in which the rotational motion of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 around the first rotation axis B-B' and second rotation axis C-C' is inscribed, via an angle transmission device. When the massage head 1 is structurally permanently (a variation of “fixed”) or temporarily (a variation of “removable”) attached to the body 3 of the massage device 2, the rotation axis at the input of the massage head 1 is advantageously coincidental and collinear with the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the means for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor 14 to the massage head 1. Advantageously, the axis of rotation at the input of the massage head 1 is parallel to or coincides with the mean extension direction E–E' of the massage head 1 between the proximal end 25 and the distal end 26 of the massage head 1 (Figures 8–10). Thanks to this combination of features, the massage head 1 and the massage device 2 attached thereto are particularly simple, ergonomic, and intuitive to use.In particular, if the body 3 forming the handle 4 of the massage device 2 extends along the average longitudinal extension direction A–A' between the working end 5 to which the massage head 1 is attached and the second opposing end 6, the output axis D–D' of the output shaft 17 of the transmission means 16 is parallel to or coincides with the average longitudinal extension direction A–A' of the body 3. In this case, the massage head 1 can define an application surface (or contact surface) P2 of the massage rollers 8, 9 to the skin that is ideally oriented with respect to the overall shape of the massage device 2 and its handling. By holding the handle 4 of the massage device 2 with one hand, the user can, in fact, naturally align the wrist of the hand holding the handle with the extension of the corresponding arm, and hold the massage rollers 8, 9 to the area of ​​skin to be massaged in a simple, intuitive, and ergonomic way.

[0025] To further improve the ergonomics and ease of use of the massage head 1 and the massage device 2 attached thereto, it is advantageous to further specify that the first axis B-B' of extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 is parallel to the second axis C-C' of extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9, and that the output axis D-D' of the output shaft 17 of the means 16 for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 is perpendicular to the first extension and rotation axis B-B' and the second extension and rotation axis C-C'. In other words, in this case, the massage head 1 is advantageously designed and configured such that, on the one hand, the first axes B-B' and the second axes C-C' of the extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are parallel to each other, as discussed above; and on the other hand, the massage head 1 is (permanently or temporarily) attached to the body 3 of the massage device 2, and the output shaft D-D' of the output shaft 17 is advantageously designed and configured such that it is perpendicular to the first axes B-B' and the second axes C-C' of the extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9.

[0026] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the massage head 1 further comprises an adjustment system for adjusting the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, i.e., in response to an external force applied (and thus counteracting the applied force) by the user's skin to at least one of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 during the rotation of the massage rollers 8 and 9, correcting the relative position between the minimum distance Emin (Figures 1-4, 8, 9) and the maximum distance Emax (Figures 5-7, 10) of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9. Here, “distance” means the distance between each surface of the massage rollers 8 and 9. In other words, when the massage head 1 is in operation and the first roller 8 and the second roller 9 are driven in opposite directions by the drive system 13 of the massage head 1 and are in contact with the user's skin, a system for adjusting the relative distance (i.e., relative position) between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 can thus modify the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 as a function of the strength of the external force applied to at least one of the massage rollers 8 and 9 by the user's skin, which generally tends to move the massage rollers 8 and 9 apart from each other. Here, this force arises, in particular, from the skin's response to the force applied to the massage head 1 by the user's skin. Thus, the distance between the massage rollers 8 and 9 can increase depending on the strength of the force applied by the skin. This results in the definition of a variable skin working area, the range of which is defined by the relative distance between the massage rollers 8 and 9 as a function of the external force applied to at least one of the massage rollers 8 and 9 by the user's skin. Therefore, such adjustments allow the massage head 1 to be perfectly fitted to the skin area of ​​the user being treated, and thus ensure an effective and comfortable skin massage (by limiting the risk of localized pain associated with the operation of the massage rollers 8 and 9).In particular, the risk of pinching the skin between the first roller 8 and the second roller 9, which can occur with conventional massage heads, is significantly reduced (though not eliminated) thanks to a system for adjusting the relative distance between the first roller 8 and the second roller 9.

[0027] As described above, the massage head 1 is advantageous to include a frame 10, to which the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are mounted so as to rotate around the extension and rotation axes B-B' and C-C' of the first and second massage rollers 8 and 9, respectively, and such an adjustment system may be designed and configured to allow the movement (simultaneous or non-simultaneous) of the first and second massage rollers 8 and 9 relative to the frame 10 in response to external forces applied to them. In this case, a system for adjusting the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 in response to an external force applied to at least one of the massage rollers 8 and 9 may be designed and configured to allow movement of the first rotation axis B-B' of the first massage roller 8 and the second rotation axis C-C' of the second massage roller 9, between a first relative position of the first axis B-B' and the second axis C-C' that defines the minimum distance Emin between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, and a second relative position of the first axis B-B' and the second axis C-C' that defines the maximum distance Emax between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9.

[0028] However, conversely, it is more advantageous for the adjustment system to be designed and configured so that only one of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 can move relative to the frame 10 in accordance with the external force applied to each massage roller 8, 9. In fact, this has the advantage of simplifying the design of the massage head 1, making it compact, robust, reliable, and easy to use, without compromising the efficiency of the massage provided or the comfort of using the massage head 1. Conversely, the fact that only one of the massage rollers 8, 9 can move in this way makes it possible to avoid the unpleasant and jerky massage that may be observed depending on the situation if both massage rollers 8, 9 are adapted to move relative to the frame 10 of the massage head 1. Therefore, in this regard, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a system for adjusting the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 in response to an external force applied to at least the second massage roller 9, between a first position defining the minimum distance Emin between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 (Figures 1-4, 8 and 9) and a second position defining the maximum distance Emax between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 (Figures 5-7 and 10), is advantageous if the massage head 1 can be designed and configured such that the first axis A-A' of the first massage roller 8 is fixed (i.e., unable to move translationally) to the frame 10 of the massage head 1, while allowing movement of the second axis C-C' of the second massage roller 9.

[0029] Advantageously, the minimum Emin and maximum Emax spacings are defined by the concept of the adjustment system, according to the appropriate size (particularly the diameter) of the massage rollers 8 and 9, as follows: When the second axis C–C' occupies the first position, the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are spaced apart by a minimum distance dmin equal to about 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, and even more preferably between 6 mm. When the second axis C–C' occupies the second position, the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are spaced apart by a maximum distance dmax equal to 8 mm to 20 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 12 mm, and even more preferably between 10 mm.

[0030] Here, these minimum dmin and maximum dmax distances are considered to correspond to the minimum and maximum distances separating two data points on the respective surfaces of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, which are positioned opposite each other in a plane (plane P1) containing the axes B–B' and C–C' of the massage rollers 8 and 9, respectively, when the second massage roller 9 occupies its first position and when the second massage roller 9 occupies its second position. It is advantageous for the minimum dmin and maximum dmax distances to be selected differently, in particular, depending on the skin area of ​​the body being treated, in order to optimize massage efficiency and comfort of use. Therefore, when using the massage head 1 to treat a facial skin area, in particular when the rotation direction of the massage rollers 8, 9 conforms to the first modification considered above (i.e., the implementation of the so-called "palpation roll" technique), it is advantageous that the minimum spacing Emin be defined such that the minimum distance dmin between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is preferably equal to about 6 mm, while the maximum spacing Emax be defined such that the maximum distance dmax between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is preferably equal to about 10 mm. When the massage head 1 is used to treat skin areas of the thighs and buttocks, in particular when the rotation direction of the massage rollers 8 and 9 conforms to the first modification considered above (i.e., the implementation of the so-called "palpation roll" technique), it is advantageous that the minimum spacing Emin is defined such that the minimum distance dmin between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is preferably equal to about 10 mm, while the maximum spacing Emax is defined such that the maximum distance dmax between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is preferably equal to about 15 mm.When the massage head 1 is used to treat a skin area of ​​the arm, in particular when the rotation direction of the massage rollers 8 and 9 conforms to the first modification considered above (i.e., the implementation of the so-called "palpation roll" technique), it is advantageous that the minimum spacing Emin is defined such that the minimum distance dmin between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is preferably equal to about 5 mm, while the maximum spacing Emax is defined such that the maximum distance dmax between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is preferably equal to about 10 mm.

[0031] It should be noted that while designing an adjustment system that allows for obtaining such minimum dmin and maximum dmax distances between massage rollers 8 and 9 is not advantageous, it can be maintained symmetrically by making the necessary modifications as considered above. This adjustment system is designed and configured to allow the movement (simultaneous or non-simultaneous) of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 relative to the frame 10. In this regard, the reference for the first / second position of the second axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9 described above can be symmetrically replaced with the reference for the first / second relative position of the first axis B–B' and second axis C–C' of the rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9.

[0032] Preferably, the system for adjusting the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is further designed and configured to hold the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 initially separated when no external force is applied to at least one of the first roller 8 and the second roller 9 (in particular, at least to the second massage roller 9 if it is adapted to move only the second massage roller 9). In other words, the adjustment system is provided to ensure an initial distance Eini (non-zero) between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, while these massage rollers 8, 9 are not in contact with the user's skin, and the massage head may be stationary or completely stopped. The presence of such an initial distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 favorably facilitates an immediate and invigorating massage of the skin as soon as the massage head 1 is applied to the skin (by wrinkling and stretching according to the rotational direction of the massage rollers 8, 9). If the massage head 1 is intended to treat a skin area according to the so-called "palpation roll" technique (i.e., using massage rollers 8, 9 that rotate in a direction corresponding to the first drive alternative described above), this initial spacing also has the advantage of facilitating the insertion of the skin into the working area immediately after the user brings the massage rollers 8, 9 into contact with the skin. This insertion can be performed easily and painlessly by the user without any special manipulation. Thus, the ease of use and ergonomics of the massage head 1 are improved. For example, if the massage head 1 is intended to treat a facial area according to the so-called "palpation roll" technique, the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 can be initially separated by an initial distance of, for example, advantageously at least 2mm to 8mm, more preferably at least 5mm (or 6mm).

[0033] Even more advantageously, the adjustment system can be designed to hold the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 at the same initial distance Eini as the minimum distance Emin mentioned above. In other words, in the preferred case described above, where only the second massage roller 9 can move when no force is being applied from the skin to the second massage roller 9, the adjustment system then holds the second axis of rotation C–C' of the second massage roller 9 in the first position. Thus, the second position of the second axis C–C' is the stationary position. This contributes to further simplifying the design of the system for adjusting the relative distance between the massage rollers 8 and 9, and more generally, the design of the massage head 1. Preferably, as in the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the system for adjusting the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 is designed and configured such that the second axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9 moves (or symmetrically) between a first position and a second position, and the movement of the first axis B–B' and the second axis C–C' between the first and second relative positions follows an arc trajectory, with the center of curvature favorably positioned toward the inside of the frame 10. Such a configuration has the advantage that it is possible to easily adjust the relative distance between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 under the influence of pressure applied by the user, depending on the topography of the skin area to be treated. In fact, such an arc trajectory is well suited to causing the massage head 1 to follow the contours of the user's skin, as long as most of the areas that may be treated with the massage head 1 have a relatively round shape (face, legs, arms, buttocks, etc.). Furthermore, such a configuration favorably contributes to design simplification and miniaturization of the massage head 1.

[0034] In this regard, the adjustment system preferably comprises a first support means 27 (or first support arm) for the first massage roller 8 and a second support means 28 (or first support arm) for the second massage roller 9, separate from the first support means 27. The first support means 27 and the second support means 28 are designed and configured to support the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 for rotation around a first rotation axis B-B' and a second rotation axis C-C', respectively, for example, by supporting the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 via a first rigid axis 29 and a second rigid axis 30 passing through them axially, respectively. Thus, the rigid axes 29 and 30 for the rotation of the massage rollers 8 and 9 are advantageously formed. In the advantageous case maintained in the above-described and illustrated embodiment, the first support means 27 of the first massage roller 8 does not move relative to the frame 10 if the adjustment system is provided to allow only movement of the second massage roller 9 and the second rotation axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9. On the other hand, the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9 is mounted to pivot relative to the frame 10 about a pivot axis F–F' parallel to the second axis C–C' (and, hypothetically, also parallel to the first axis B–B', and as illustrated, the first axis B–B' and the second axis C–C' are advantageously parallel to each other). As shown in the figure, the pivot axis F–F' is advantageously positioned below the application surface 15 such that the center of curvature of the arc trajectory of the second axis C–C' is positioned toward the inside of the frame 10 and housing 11.

[0035] Advantageously, the first support means 27 can be integrated with all or part of the frame 10 or housing 11. For example, in the preferred embodiment shown, where the frame 10 forms the housing 11 and is itself formed by two half-shells 12A, 12B, the first support means 11 is advantageously formed by two complementary support elements 31A, 31B, each forming a single monolithic component with one of the two half-shells 12A, 12B. Advantageously, the second support means 28 can be formed as a single monolithic component, mounted on the one hand to pivot relative to the frame 10 via a rigid swivel shaft 32 extending longitudinally along the swivel axis F–F', and on the other hand connected to the second massage roller 9 via a second rigid shaft 30. Thus, the manufacturing and assembly of the massage head 1 are facilitated while ensuring the mobility of the second support means 28 and, consequently, the second massage roller 9. As shown in the figure, the first support means 27 and the second support means 28 advantageously define the above-mentioned application surface 15 of the massage head 1. The application surface 15 also constitutes a seat, a kind of guide, optimizing ergonomics and the safety of using the massage head 1 by preventing the user from pressing the massage rollers 8 and 9 too hard against their skin. Preferably, the first support means 27 and the second support means 28 are shaped in such a way that they advantageously limit the risk of the user's skin or fingers getting caught between the frame 10 and the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9.

[0036] Advantageously, the massage head 1 includes a return member 33 configured and positioned to exert a force that tends to automatically bring the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 closer together to their minimum distance Emin. If the system for adjusting the relative distance between the massage rollers 8 and 9 is preferred to be provided to allow only movement of the second massage roller 9 and the second axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9, the return member 33 is thus configured and positioned to exert a force that tends to return the second axis C–C' of the extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9 to the first position when the second massage roller 9 is in the second position. Symmetrically, the return member 33 can be configured and positioned to exert a force that tends to return the first axis B–B' and the second axis C–C' of the extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 to the first relative position when they occupy the second relative position. Therefore, the return member 33 has the effect of bringing the massage rollers 8, 9 closer together when they are separated by the user's skin, particularly by the effect of an external force applied to at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9. Implementing such a return member 33 makes it advantageous to provide a system for adjusting the relative distance between the massage rollers 8, 9, which has dynamic properties, and in particular, facilitates permanent contact between the massage rollers 8, 9 and the skin during skin massage. Such a return member 33 also has the further advantage that the adjustment system can adjust the distance between them until a balance is reached between the forces directly and / or indirectly exerted on the massage rollers 8, 9. In fact, when the force applied by the skin to at least one of the massage rollers 8, 9 is greater than the force applied by the return member 33, it is possible to counteract the return effect of the return member 33 and separate the massage rollers 8, 9 by moving the second massage roller 9 toward its second position (or, symmetrically, by moving the massage rollers 8, 9 toward their second relative positions).Conversely, if the force applied by the skin is less than the force applied by the return member 33, the force applied by the return member 33 automatically returns the second massage roller 9 to its first position (or, symmetrically, automatically returns the massage rollers 8 and 9 to their first relative positions), thereby bringing the massage rollers 8 and 9 closer to each other and reaching a balance position. Achieving such balance is advantageous in that it is possible to control and limit the force applied to the skin by the massage head 1 (especially the force that wrinkles the skin in the case of operation using the "palpation roll" technique) in order to limit pain by automatically adapting to the characteristics of the skin in the treatment area (thickness, elasticity, etc.). Therefore, the implementation of the return member 33 allows for the selection of the maximum allowable force within the working area, i.e., between the massage rollers 8 and 9, and thus makes it possible to avoid informing the user of the prediction of this force (especially caused by the pressure applied to the skin), as in the case of conventional massage heads. Therefore, this significantly improves the safety and ease of use of the massage head 1 and device 2, making them usable, in particular, by users who do not have special skills or knowledge in the field of massage.

[0037] The return member 33 can be any suitable known type, for example, one or more helical tension or compression springs ("coil" springs), one or more helical torsion springs, one or more leaf springs, or a combination thereof. In the embodiments shown in the figures (in particular, Figures 4, 6, and 9), the return member 33 comprises a single helical torsion spring, with one leg positioned against the surface of the frame 10 and the other leg positioned against the surface of the second support means 28 of the second roller 9, and its coil wound around a rigid pivot axis 32 connecting the second support means 28 to pivot relative to the frame 10. Obviously, other arrangements and configurations of the return member 33 may be retained to obtain the desired return effect. Advantageously, the calibration of the return member 33, in particular its return force, is selected as a function of the skin resistance threshold, depending on the intended application and the skin area being treated. Thus, below the skin resistance threshold, the action of the return member 33 brings the massage rollers 8, 9 closer to each other during use of the massage head 1. Beyond this threshold, the return force of the return member 33 becomes less than the skin resistance, causing the massage rollers 8 and 9 to move away from each other. This improves both the efficiency and comfort of skin massage by the massage head 1, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of use by users without special qualifications. Preferably, the return member 33 is calibrated to exert a return force between 2N and 20N, more preferably between 4N and 10N. For example, if the return member 33 comprises a single torsion coil spring, as in the illustrated embodiment, the torsion torque of this torsion coil spring is preferably between 10Nmm and 50Nmm, and more preferably between 20Nmm and 40Nmm. Such calibration is certainly well suited to the treatment of facial skin areas using the so-called "palpation roll" technique described above with the massage head 1.

[0038] Advantageously, the first and second positions of the second axis C–C' of the extension and rotation of the second massage roller 9 (or, symmetrically, the first and second relative positions of the first axis B–B' and second axis C–C' of the rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9) are stopping positions that mechanically limit the range of relative spacing between the massage rollers 8 and 9 in a reliable and repeatable manner. In particular, according to a simple design modification, the first and second positions (or, symmetrically, the first and second relative positions) are defined only once when the massage head 1 is designed and are defined by fixed mechanical stoppers. Therefore, no special settings by the user are required. For example, as shown in the figure, the second position of the second axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9 is defined by two fixed lateral stoppers 34 positioned on the second support means 28 and in contact with the outer surface of the housing 11, which are advantageously formed by the frame 10 of the massage head 1 when the second rotation axis C–C' occupies the second position (Figure 10). Alternatively, a single fixed stopper can be considered. Advantageously, when the second rotation axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9 occupies the second position (Figure 10), the stopper 34 is designed and dimensionally set to ensure that the surface of the second massage roller 9 is held away from the frame 10, thus avoiding contact between them. The first position of the second rotation axis C–C' can be defined, for example, by at least one fixing member (preferably two fixing members, not shown in the figure) located on the second support means 28, and when the second rotation axis C–C' occupies the first position, the fixing member abuts against the surface of the first support means 27 of the first massage roller 8. In the illustrated embodiment, this fixing member can further advantageously avoid interaction between the second support means 28 and the drive system 13 housed in the housing 11.In another modification (not shown), the first and / or second positions can be defined by an adjustable mechanical stopper (e.g., screw-adjustable) so that the user can define and adjust the desired minimum Emin and maximum Emax interval values, i.e., the minimum dmin and maximum dmax distances.

[0039] Preferably, as shown in the figure as an example, it is advantageous that the massage head 1 is designed and configured such that the contact surfaces P2 between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 and the skin intersect non-perpendicular to the mean extending direction E–E' of the massage head 1, and more preferably, the (first or second) position occupied by the second axis C–C' of the extending and rotating motion of the second massage roller 9 may be either (the first relative position or the second relative position occupied by the first axis B–B' and the second axis C–C' of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, respectively may be either). Preferably, when the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are at their minimum distance Emin, the contact surfaces P2 between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 and the skin intersect non-perpendicular to the mean extending direction E-E' of the massage head 1 with a minimum contact angle αmin of at least 15° (Figures 8 and 9), and when the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are at their maximum distance Emax, the maximum contact angle αmax is up to 110° (Figure 10). Such inclination of the skin contact surfaces P2 of the massage rollers 8 and 9 contributes to the superior ergonomics of the massage head 1 and device 2, making them more manageable and easier to use, whatever skin area is being treated. Even more advantageously, especially if the massage head 1 is intended to treat facial skin areas, it is advantageous for the minimum contact angle αmin to be selected to be equal to 72.5°, while the maximum contact angle αmax is advantageously selected to be equal to 91.5°. Advantageously, as in the illustrated preferred embodiment, the pivot axis F-F' of the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9 relative to the frame 10 of the massage head 1 may be contained within a plane including the mean extending direction E-E' of the massage head 1, which contributes to the simplification and compactness of the design of the massage head 1.In this case, the system for adjusting the relative spacing between the massage rollers 8 and 9 may be designed and configured such that, when the massage rollers 8 and 9 are at their minimum relative spacing Emin, the minimum opening angle βmin of the plane P4 containing the second rotation axis C-C' and the pivot axis F-F' is between 95° and 110° (preferably equal to 105°) (Figures 8 and 9), and when the massage rollers 8 and 9 are at their maximum relative spacing Emax, it may be advantageously designed and configured to define the space between the plane P3 containing the first rotation axis B-B', and on the other hand, the maximum opening angle βmax may be designed and configured such that it is between 135° and 150° (preferably equal to 143°) (Figure 10).

[0040] Preferably, the drive system 13 for rotating the massage rollers 8 and 9 comprises a first gear set 35A and a second gear set 35B, which are distinct from each other and are provided to ensure rotational drive of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, respectively. Each of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B comprises at least one drive gear 36A, 36B and one driven gear 37A, 37B fixed (axially) to one of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, and is rotationally driven (directly or indirectly) by the drive gears 35A, 35B. In other words, the driven gears 37A and 37B of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B are mounted to rotate integrally with one of the first massage rollers 8 and 9 around the first axis B-B' or the second axis C-C' of rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, and the rotation of the driven gears 37A and 37B around the first axis B-B' or the second axis C-C' causes the corresponding joint rotation of the first massage roller 8 or the second massage roller 9. The driving gears 36A and 36B and the driven gears 37A and 37B are preferably of the straight-tooth type.

[0041] According to the advantageous modifications maintained in the illustrated embodiments of massage head 1 and device 2, the angle transmission device is advantageously formed by a double gear having intersecting axes (gears whose axis of rotation is a secant) or orthogonal axes (gears whose axis of rotation is inscribed in planes perpendicular to each other) with a (single) input gear 38, and two output gears 39A, 39B meshing with the input gear 38. To rotationally drive the drive gears 36A, 36B, each output gear 39A, 39B is connected to the corresponding drive gears 36A, 36B of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B, respectively. In other words, the angle transmission device comprises two gears having intersecting or orthogonal axes that share the same input gear 38 and drive the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B, respectively, via two separate output gears 39A, 39B. Such a drive system 13 is a relatively simple and efficient design, and at the same time, is particularly robust and reliable. Therefore, it becomes advantageous to manufacture its various components from rigid plastic materials, thereby advantageously reducing the manufacturing cost and weight of the massage head 1. Preferably, each output gear 39A, 39B forms a single monolithic part together with the corresponding drive gears 36A, 36B such that the output gears 39A, 39B and the corresponding drive gears 36A, 36B are connected to each other by the continuity of material. This makes it possible to simplify the design of the drive system 13 and further increase its reliability, in particular by limiting the number of parts of the drive system 13.

[0042] Furthermore, to simplify the design of the drive system 13 for rotating the massage rollers 8 and 9, the angle transmission device is more preferably formed of a double bevel gear, which is a double gear having intersecting axes, as discussed above. In other words, the input gear 38 of the angle transmission device is a bevel gear, and the output gears 39A and 39B of the angle transmission device are also both bevel gears. Advantageously, the angle transmission device is designed and configured to ensure 90° angle transmission. In other words, the input gear 38 and output gears 39A and 39B of the angle transmission device are configured and arranged such that the rotation axes G-G' of the output gears 39A and 39B intersect and are perpendicular to the rotation axis H-H' of the input gear 38 (Figures 3 and 7). This is advantageous when the first axes B–B' and second axes C–C' of the extension and rotation of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 are parallel to each other, and the output axis D–D' of the output shaft 17 is perpendicular to the first axis B–B' and second axis C–C'. In particular, the massage rollers 8 and 9 can be rotated in a simple and efficient manner. As is clear from the figure, the axis of rotation H–H' of the input gear 38 is advantageously parallel or coincident with the extension direction E–E' of the massage head 1 on the one hand, and advantageously parallel or coincident with the output axis D–D' of the output shaft 17 (when the massage head 1 is attached to the body 3) on the other hand.

[0043] Advantageously, the massage head 1 further comprises a coupling member for preferably temporarily coupling the input gear 38 of the angle transmission device to the distal end of the output shaft 17 of the means 16 for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor 14 to the massage head 1, thereby transmitting the rotational motion of the output shaft 17 to the drive system 13 of the massage rollers 8, 9. For example, the coupling member can form a female coupling member 40 that cooperates, or at least is intended to cooperate, with a male coupling member 41 fixed to the distal end of the output shaft 17 by means of complementarity in shape. Conversely, although less advantageous in terms of the size of the massage head 1, the coupling member of the massage head 1 can form a male coupling member that cooperates, or at least is intended to cooperate, with a female coupling member fixed to the distal end of the output shaft 17 by means of complementarity in shape. As shown in the drawings as an example, the male coupling member 41 may preferably have a substantially conical shape, and its free end may include a fin defining the substantially conical shape. Next, the female coupling member 40 is capable of defining a recess, and its inner sidewall has a substantially conical or frustoconical shape, and is shaped and configured to receive and cooperate with the fins of the male coupling member 41 by complementary shapes. The input gear 38 of the angle transmission device is preferably mounted to rotate within a coupling bearing 42 fixed to the frame 10 of the massage head 1, and together with the coupling member, preferably a single, monolithic component, thereby simplifying the design of the massage head 1. Such a configuration is particularly interesting when the massage head 1 is intended to be removablely attached to the body 3 of the massage device 2, as in the illustrated embodiment. As in the example shown in Figure 9, the male coupling member 41 fixed to the distal end of the output shaft 37 can be advantageously projected from the bottom of the housing 22, which is intended to removablely receive the massage head 1, as described above. Therefore, when the massage head 1 is inserted and mounted into the housing 22 of the main body 3 of the massage device 2, the input gear 28 of the angle transmission device is coupled to the distal end of the output shaft 17 of the means 16 for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor 14 to the massage head 1 by the complementarity of the male coupling member 41 and the female coupling member 40 (Figure 9).

[0044] In another modification (not shown), the angle transmission device is identical to the one described above, except that there is no input gear, and the input gear is directly fixed to the distal end of the output shaft of the means for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor to the massage head. Such modifications are particularly interesting because they are simpler and less expensive to implement, especially when the massage head is immovably mounted to the body of the massage device. In this case, the angle transmission device of the massage head constitutes only a part of the angle transmission mechanism itself.

[0045] Preferably, the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B each include intermediate gears 43A and 43B positioned between the drive gears 36A and 36B and the driven gears 37A and 37B, respectively, with the driven gears 37A and 37B (directly) meshing. Advantageously, the intermediate gears 43A and 43B are of the straight-tooth type. Even more advantageously, the intermediate gears 43A and 43B of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B each mesh (preferably directly) with the drive gears 36A and 36B of the corresponding gear sets 35A and 35B, and have a diameter larger than the respective diameters of the drive gears 36A and 36B on the one hand, and larger than the respective diameters of the driven gears 37A and 37B on the other hand. Thus, the intermediate gears 43A and 43B advantageously constitute rotational speed reduction gears that can reduce the rotational speed of the massage rollers 8 and 9 compared to the rotational speed of the motor 14. This makes it possible to select a small, fast, compact, and inexpensive electric motor 14, while ensuring that the massage rollers 8 and 9 can rotate at a speed that is not too fast, and at the same time, with a sufficiently high torque depending on the type of massage intended. As a supplement or alternative, the intermediate gear 43B of the second gear set 35B is mounted to rotate around a rotation axis I–I' that coincides with the pivot axis F–F' of the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9 relative to the frame 10. This makes it possible to provide movement of the second rotation axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9 between the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, in particular, between first and second positions that define the minimum distance Emin and maximum distance Emax, respectively, in an arc trajectory as discussed above, and ensures that the second massage roller 9 rotates continuously by the drive system 13 along the entire movement of the second rotation axis C–C'. In fact, as the second rotation axis C–C' moves between the first and second positions, the driven gear 37B of the second gear set 35B rotates favorably on the one hand around the second rotation axis C–C' of the second massage roller 9, and on the other hand, the driven gear 37B remains permanently meshed around the rotation axis I–I' of the intermediate gear 43B.

[0046] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, it is preferable that the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B are identical to each other. In other words, the drive gears 36A and 36B of the drive system 13 are identical to each other (size, number of teeth, etc.), the driven gears 37A and 37B are identical to each other, and similarly, the intermediate gears 43A and 43B are also identical to each other in some cases. Advantageously, the output gears 39A and 39B of the angle transmission device are also identical to each other. Thus, the design of the drive system 13 for rotating the massage rollers 8 and 9 is greatly simplified, and its manufacturing cost is reduced. Assuming that the massage rollers 8 and 9 have the same diameter, this provides the further advantage of ensuring that the massage rollers 8 and 9 rotate at the same speed in a simple and efficient manner, as described above.

[0047] Advantageously, the output gears 39A and 39B of the angle transmission device and the drive gears 36A and 36B of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B are mounted to rotate around a single, identical rigid axis 44, for example, around the same rotation axis J–J'. It is advantageous that this common rotation axis J–J' coincides with the respective rotation axes G–G' of the output gears 39A and 39B. Mutually, the intermediate gears 43A and 43B are mounted, as may be, to rotate around a single, identical rigid axis 45, for example, around the same rotation axis K–K', as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Advantageously, this rigid axis 45 coincides with (i.e., formed by) the rigid pivot axis 32, and the rotation axis K–K' coincides with the pivot axis F–F' of the second support means 28 of the second massage roller 9, and coincides with the respective rotation axes I–I' of the intermediate gears 43A and 43B. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of parts included in the drive system 13 that rotates the massage rollers 8 and 9, and thus simplify the design, miniaturize the massage head 1, and reduce manufacturing costs. Advantageously, the rigid shafts 44, 45 / 32 are connected to the frame 10 of the massage head 1 to ensure good transmission of the working force of the massage head 1, in particular to counteract the rotational force around the rotation axis H-H' of the input gear 38, thus ensuring the excellent robustness of the drive system 13. For example, the rigid shafts 44 and 45 can be fitted through their ends into the inner wall of the housing 11. As an example, as shown by the arrows in Figure 7, when the input gear 38 of the angle transmission device rotates around its rotation axis H-H', for example, the output gears 39A and 39B of the angle transmission device rotate in the opposite direction around their common rigid axis 44, and the intermediate gears 43A and 43B also rotate in the opposite direction around their common rigid axis 45. Therefore, the rotational motion of the motor 14 is ultimately transmitted to the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9 via driven gears 37A and 37B to which the first massage roller 37A and the second massage roller 37B are fixed, respectively, and these rotate in opposite directions around the first rotation axis B-B' and the second rotation axis C-C', respectively.Advantageously, as shown in the figure, the gears 36A, 37A, and 43A of the first gear set 35A (and similarly, preferably the corresponding output gear 39A) extend substantially within a first plane parallel to a second plane into which the gears 36B, 37B, and 43B of the second gear set 35B (and similarly, preferably the corresponding output gear 39B) each substantially extend, and these first and second planes are positioned opposite each other at equidistant from the rotation axis H-H' of the input gear 38 of the angle transmission device. This contributes, in particular, to the excellent size and weight balance of the massage head 1 and to good mechanical stability during operation.

[0048] Preferably, all or some of the gears 36A, 37A, 43A, 36B, 37B, and 43B of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 36B are mounted to rotate with no zero movement along the axis of rotation of the gears 36A, 37A, 43A, 36B, 37B, and 43B. In other words, on the one hand, only all or some of the drive gears 36A, 36B, the driven gears 37A, 37B, and optionally the intermediate gears 43A, 43B are mounted to rotate about their respective axes of rotation, while on the other hand, they are mounted to translate along their respective axes of rotation, so that each gear can translate axially, for example, typically over a distance between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, more preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm (or, i.e., to move on both sides of the illustrated position). The possibility of each gear translating along its own axis of rotation has the advantage of compensating for any vibration / movement of the massage rollers 8, 9 that may occur during use, thereby reducing mechanical stress within the massage head 1. However, it is preferable that the driven gears 37A, 37B are connected to each massage roller 8, 9 with zero movement (i.e., no authorized movement) along their respective axes of rotation, i.e., along the first axis B-B' and the second axis C-C' of the first massage roller 8 and the second massage roller 9, and that only the driven gears 36A, 36B and, optionally, the intermediate gears 43A, 43B are mounted to rotate with non-zero movement along their own axes of rotation. In particular, the potential risk of skin being pinched or trapped between a given massage roller 8, 9 and the corresponding driven gears 37A, 37B is thus avoided.

[0049] Clearly, the present invention is not limited to such advantageous designs of the drive system 13 for rotating the massage rollers 8, 9. Less preferably, the drive system 13 may also include other known suitable mechanisms (gears, pulleys, belts, etc.) instead of the first gear set 35A and the second gear set 35B described above to transmit rotational motion at the output of the angle transmission device to each of the massage rollers 8, 9.

[0050] Advantageously, the massage head 1 includes a casing (or protective envelope) designed and configured to isolate the drive systems 13 of the first massage rollers 8 and the second massage rollers 9 from the external environment of the massage head 1, at least partially, preferably mostly. Such a protective casing has the advantage, on the one hand, of limiting the risk of the drive systems 13 becoming clogged (e.g., by dead skin fragments, cosmetics, hair, etc.), and thus increasing the reliability of the operation of the drive systems 13. On the other hand, the presence of the casing makes it possible to limit the risk of the user's skin, fingers, or hair getting caught or trapped in the drive systems 13, making the massage head 1 particularly safe to use. More generally, the casing protects the drive systems 13 of the massage rollers 8, 9 from the introduction of external elements or objects that could impair their operation. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the casing can advantageously comprise an external casing element 46 that typically defines at least a portion of the external envelope of the massage head 1, for example, at least partially formed by the housing 11 of the massage head 1. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the external casing element 46 can further advantageously comprise support means 27, 28 for the massage rollers 8, 9 that are advantageously included in a system for adjusting the relative spacing of the massage rollers 8, 9. Furthermore, the casing can advantageously comprise an internal casing element 47 positioned beneath the massage rollers 8, 9 within the massage head 1, for example, these massage rollers 8, 9 are positioned between the user's skin and the internal casing element 47, as very schematically shown in the example of Figure 4. Thus, the internal casing element 47 advantageously overlaps with at least a portion of the drive system 13 for the massage rollers 8, 9 without hindering the rotational drive of the massage rollers 8, 9. For example, the internal casing element 47 made of plastic material can advantageously have a curvature that follows the surface contour of the massage rollers 8, 9, as shown as an example in Figure 4.As described above, if the massage head 1 preferably includes a system for adjusting the relative distance between the massage rollers 8 and 9, it may be advantageous for the internal casing element 47 to be formed of an elastically deformable material so that the internal casing element 47 performs its protective function regardless of the relative distance between the massage rollers 8 and 9. [Industrial applicability]

[0051] The present invention is particularly applicable to the design and manufacture of massage heads for home-use skin massage devices, and massage devices equipped with such massage heads.

Claims

1. A massage head (1) for a massage device (2) comprising a motor (14) and a transmission means (16) for transmitting the rotational movement of the motor (14) to a massage head (1), the transmission means (16) comprising an output shaft (17) mounted for rotation about an output axis (D-D'), the massage head (1) being: a first massage roller (8) and a second massage roller (9) intended to be in contact with the skin of a user and extending longitudinally along a first axis (B-B') and a second axis (C-C'), respectively; A drive system (13) for simultaneously rotating the first massage roller (8, 9) around the first axis (B-B') and the second axis (C-C'), respectively, in counter-rotations, the drive system (13) comprising an angular transmission device (38, 39A, 39B) for converting the rotational movement of the output shaft (17) around the output axis (D-D') into the rotational movement of the first massage roller (8) and the second massage roller (9) around the first axis (B-B', C-C'), respectively, and an angular transmission device (38, 39A, 39B) for converting the rotational movement of the output shaft (17) around the output axis (D-D') into the rotational movement of the first massage roller (8) and the second massage roller (9), respectively, ... for ensuring the rotational drive of the first massage roller (8) and the second massage roller (9), respectively, around the first axis (B-B', C-C'), respectively, and the drive system (13) comprising a first gear set (35A) and a second gear set (35B) each comprising at least one drive gear (36A, 36B) and one driven gear (37A, 37B) fixed to one of the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9); the angular transmission device (38, 39A, 39B) formed of a double gear with crossed or orthogonal axes comprising an input gear (38) and two output gears (39A, 39B) meshing with the input gear (38); and each output gear (39A, 39B) connected to the drive gears (36A, 36B) of the first gear set (35A) and the second gear set (35B), respectively, to drive the rotation of the drive gear (36A, 36B); The massage head (1) comprises:

2. 2. The massage head (1) of claim 1, wherein the first axis (B-B') of extension and rotation of the first massage roller (8) is parallel to the second axis (C-C') of extension and rotation of the second massage roller (9), and the output axis (D-D') is preferably perpendicular to the first and second axes (B-B', C-C') of extension and rotation of the first and second massage rollers (8, 9).

3. 3. The massage head (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an adjustment system for adjusting the relative spacing between the first massage roller (8, 9) and the second massage roller (8, 9) between a minimum spacing (Emin) and a maximum spacing (Emax) between the first massage roller (8, 9) and the second massage roller (8, 9) depending on an external force applied by a user's skin to at least one of the first massage roller (8, 9) during rotation of the massage rollers (8, 9).

4. 4. The massage head (1) of claim 3, wherein the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) comprise a frame (10) on which they are mounted for rotation about the first and second axes (B-B', C-C'), respectively, and the adjustment system for adjusting the relative spacing between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) is designed and configured to hold the first axis (B-B') fixed with respect to the frame (10) and to allow movement of the second axis (C-C') between a first position defining the minimum spacing (Emin) between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9), while a second position defines the maximum spacing (Emax) between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9).

5. 5. The massage head (1) of claim 4, wherein the adjustment system is designed and constructed such that the movement of the second axis (C-C') between the first position and the second position follows an arcuate trajectory, the adjustment system preferably comprising a first support means (27) for the first massage roller (8), the first support means (27) being fixed relative to the frame (10), and a second support means (28) for the second massage roller (9) being mounted so as to pivot relative to the frame (10) about a pivot axis (F-F') that is parallel to the second axis (C-C') of extension and rotation of the second massage roller (9).

6. A massage head (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the adjustment system is designed to initially hold the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) spaced apart when no external force is applied to at least one of the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9).

7. 7. The massage head (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a return member (33) constructed and arranged to exert a force tending to automatically bring the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) closer to their minimum spacing (Emin).

8. The massage head (1) of claim 1, wherein the first gear set and the second gear set (35A, 35B) each include an intermediate gear (43A, 43B) arranged between the drive gear (36A, 36B) and the driven gear (37A, 37B), with which the driven gear (37A, 37B) meshes.

9. The massage head (1) of claim 8, wherein the intermediate gears (43A, 43B) mesh with the drive gears (36A, 36B) and have a diameter larger than the respective diameters of the drive gears (36A, 36B) and the respective diameters of the driven gears (37A, 37B).

10. An adjustment system for adjusting the relative spacing between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) between a minimum spacing (Emin) and a maximum spacing (Emax) between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) in response to an external force applied by a user's skin to at least one of the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) during rotation of the massage rollers (8, 9), the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) comprise a frame (10) on which they are mounted for rotation about the first axis and the second axis (B-B', C-C'), respectively, and the adjustment system for adjusting the relative spacing between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) is designed and configured to hold the first axis (B-B') fixed with respect to the frame (10) and to allow movement of the second axis (C-C') between a first position defining the minimum spacing (Emin) between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9), while a second position defines the maximum spacing (Emax) between the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9), said adjustment system is designed and constructed such that the movement of said second axis (C-C') between said first position and said second position follows an arcuate trajectory, said adjustment system preferably comprising first support means (27) for a first massage roller (8), said first support means (27) being fixed with respect to said frame (10) and second support means (28) for said second massage roller (9) being mounted to pivot with respect to said frame (10) about a pivot axis (F-F') which is parallel to said second axis (C-C') of extension and rotation of the second massage roller (9); A massage head (1) as described in any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the intermediate gear (43B) of the second gear set (35B) is mounted to rotate about a rotation axis (I-I') coinciding with the pivot axis (F-F') of the second support means (28) relative to the frame (10).

11. Massage head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gear set (35A) and the second gear set (35B) are identical.

12. A massage head (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein all or some of the gears (36A, 37A, 43A, 36B, 33B, 43B) of the first gear set and the second gear set (35A, 35B) are mounted to rotate with non-zero movement along the rotation axis of the gears.

13. A massage head (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a casing (46, 47) designed and configured to isolate the drive system (13) of the first massage roller and the second massage roller (8, 9) from the environment outside the massage head (1).

14. A massage device (2) having a massage head (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the massage device (2) comprises a motor (14) and a transmission means for transmitting the rotational motion of the motor (14) to the massage head (1), the transmission means comprising an output shaft (17) mounted to rotate around the output axis (D-D').

15. A massage device (2) as described in claim 14, comprising a body (3) forming a handle (4) for manual gripping, preferably extending along a longitudinal extension direction (A-A') between a first end (5) to which the massage head (1) is attached and an opposite second end (6), said longitudinal extension direction (A-A') preferably being parallel to or coinciding with the output axis (D-D') of the output shaft (17) of the transmission means (16).

16. 16. The massage device (2) according to claim 15, comprising means for removably attaching the massage head (1) to the body (3).

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