Massage ball with improved heat transfer performance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a massage ball, and more particularly to a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one aspect of the present invention provides a thermal massage effect by applying pressure to a user, and the massage ball includes a heat-generating member, a rotating member rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the heat-generating member, and an outer cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage ball, and more particularly to a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, spinal thermal massage devices have been widely used to alleviate acute or chronic pain in the muscles and nerve tissues of the spine caused by working for long periods in an inappropriate posture or by habitually maintaining such posture, improve blood circulation in the body, or relieve momentary muscle stiffness, by moving along the body part and applying thermal stimulation to the painful area to improve blood flow.

[0003] Such a spinal thermal massage device includes a heat-generating massage ball that applies pressure to the user and stimulates the user with heat, and a PTC heater that heats up when an electric current is applied to the center of the massage ball.

[0004] However, the PTC heater is fixed in a non-rotating state in the center of the massage ball in order to connect to a power source. In this configuration, a small gap is formed between the PTC heater fixed in a non-rotating state and the massage ball arranged rotatably, allowing relative rotation between them, which reduces the thermal massage effect.

[0005] At this time, the PTC heater and the massage balls can be placed in contact with each other so that heat is transferred between them by conduction. However, this configuration may cause noise due to friction when the massage balls rotate, and wear may occur between them, resulting in reduced durability.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can solve these problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance that can transfer heat sufficiently to a user and enable smooth rotation of the massage ball, and a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance including the same.

[0008] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one aspect of the present invention provides a thermal massage effect by applying pressure to a user, and the massage ball includes a heat-generating member, a rotating member rotatably inserted into the heat-generating member, and an outer cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member.

[0010] In this case, the heat generating member may include a heater and a heater cover that is disposed to surround the heater and has a heat transfer surface on its outer surface.

[0011] In this case, the heater cover may include a first cover disposed on one radial side and a second cover disposed on the other radial side and connectable to the first cover, and the heater may be disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

[0012] In this case, the rotating member may include a rotating pin that is inserted into the heater cover along the axial direction.

[0013] In this case, the heat generating member may have a slot into which the rotating member is inserted, and an outer opening may be formed radially outward of the slot so that a portion of the rotating member is exposed in the radial direction.

[0014] In this case, the rotary member may have an exposed contact portion exposed radially outward through the outer opening.

[0015] In this case, the slots may include at least one of a first slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and a second slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction.

[0016] In this case, the slots may include first slots extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and second slots extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction, and the first slots and the second slots may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction or along the axial direction.

[0017] In this case, the massage ball may further include at least one side plate selected from a first side plate disposed on one side in the axial direction and a second side plate disposed on the other side in the axial direction.

[0018] At this time, the heater cover may have an opening hole extending along the axial direction.

[0019] In this case, a first insert may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover.

[0020] In this case, a second insert may be provided in the axial center portion of the outer cover.

[0021] In this case, a first cushion layer may be provided on the radially inner side of the outer cover relative to the second insert, and a second cushion layer may be provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

[0022] In this case, a first insert may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover, and a second insert may be provided in the axial center portion of the outer cover.

[0023] In this case, a first cushion layer may be provided between the first insert and the second insert, and a second cushion layer may be provided radially outside the outer cover.

[0024] In this case, the rotating member may be inserted between the heat generating member and the outer cover.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance provides a thermal massage effect by applying pressure to a user, and the massage ball includes a heat-generating member, an outer cover rotatably disposed on an outer surface of the heat-generating member, and a rotating member rotatably inserted into the outer cover.

[0026] In this case, the heat generating member may include a heater and a heater cover that is disposed to surround the heater and has a heat transfer surface on its outer surface.

[0027] In this case, the heater cover may include a first cover disposed on one radial side and a second cover disposed on the other radial side and connectable to the first cover, and the heater may be disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

[0028] In this case, the rotation member may include a rotation pin that is inserted into the outer cover along an axial direction.

[0029] In this case, the outer cover may have a cover slot into which the rotating member is inserted, and a cover opening may be formed radially inside the cover slot so that a portion of the rotating member is exposed radially.

[0030] In this case, the rotary member may have an exposed contact portion that is exposed radially inward through the cover opening.

[0031] In this case, the cover slot may include at least one of a first cover slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and a second cover slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction.

[0032] In this case, the cover slots may include a first cover slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and a second cover slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction, and the first cover slots and the second cover slots may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction or along the axial direction.

[0033] The massage ball may further include at least one side plate selected from a first side plate disposed on one side in the axial direction and a second side plate disposed on the other side in the axial direction.

[0034] At this time, the heater cover may have an opening hole extending along the axial direction.

[0035] The inner surface of the outer cover may include a first insert.

[0036] In this case, a second insert may be provided in the axial center portion of the outer cover.

[0037] In this case, a first cushion layer may be provided on the radially inner side of the outer cover relative to the second insert, and a second cushion layer may be provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

[0038] In this case, a first insert may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover, and a second insert may be provided in the axial center portion of the outer cover.

[0039] In this case, a first cushion layer may be provided between the first insert and the second insert, and a second cushion layer may be provided radially outside the outer cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to the above-described configuration, the massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating member rotatably inserted into a heat-generating member and an outer cover rotatably arranged on the outer surface of the rotating member. As a result, heat is transferred by conduction through the rotating member, improving the thermal massage effect. Furthermore, as the outer cover can rotate smoothly through the rotating member, no noise is generated during use, and there is no problem of reduced durability due to wear.

[0041] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to an embodiment of the present invention with an outer cover removed; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a heat generating member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the heat generating member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is an enlarged front view showing a slot provided in the heat generating member according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is an enlarged front view showing a state in which a rotation pin is inserted into a slot provided in a rotation member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7]1A-1C are perspective views of a rotation pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1A-1C are perspective views of a rotation pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1A-1C are perspective views of a rotation pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1A-1C are perspective views of a rotation pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view showing a massage ball (having a first insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a first insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a first insert and a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (rotating members are alternately arranged on the heat generating member and the outer cover) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (wherein a rotating member is disposed on both the heat generating member and the outer cover) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (wherein a rotating member is disposed on an outer cover) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing only an outer cover of a massage ball having improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion II in FIG. 19, showing a first modified example of a cover slot. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion II in FIG. 19, showing a second modified example of the cover slot. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a portion II in FIG. 19, showing a third modified example of the cover slot. [Figure 23] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a first insert and a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 1 is a structural view showing a thermal massage device including a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0044] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept that is consistent with the technical idea of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can define the terms and concepts in order to best describe his or her invention.

[0045] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of the present invention, and therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that replace the relevant configurations at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0046] In this specification, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to describe the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0047] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an outer cover of the massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention has been removed, where direction a is the axial direction, direction b is the radial direction, and direction c is the circumferential direction.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a massage ball 100 with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a thermal massage effect by applying pressure to a user, and further includes a heat-generating member 120, a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted into the heat-generating member 120, and an outer cover 140 rotatably arranged on the outer surface of the rotating member 130.

[0049] That is, the device includes a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted into the heat-generating member 120 and an outer cover 140 rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member 130. This not only improves the thermal massage effect by transferring heat through the rotating member 130 by conduction, but also prevents noise during use and reduced durability due to wear, as the outer cover 140 can rotate smoothly through the rotating member 130. The outer cover 140 may be made of an elastic material to reduce pain caused by pressure when the massage ball 100 applies pressure to the user during a thermal massage. For example, the outer cover 140 may be made of a silicone material.

[0050] In this case, the massage ball 100 may include at least one of a first side plate 110 disposed on one side in the axial direction a and a second side plate 150 disposed on the other side in the axial direction a. In this case, the first side plate 110 may be fixedly coupled to a support arm 21. The support arm 21 may be disposed on a receiving part 20 provided in a thermal massage device (to be described later) and configured to be rotatable at a certain angle during the thermal massage process. The first side plate 110 is fixedly coupled to the support arm 21, and the heat-generating member 120 is fixedly coupled to the first side plate 110. This allows the massage ball 100 to stably support the user's body during the user's pressure application process, and also allows a stable current supply to the heat-generating member 120.

[0051] That is, with the first side plate 110 and the heat-generating member 120 fixedly connected to the support arm 21, the rotating member 130 is rotatably inserted into the heat-generating member 120, and the external cover 140 is rotatably arranged on the outer surface of the rotating member 130.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a heat generating member according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view showing a heat generating member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat generating member 120 may include a heater 121 and a heater cover 122 that is disposed to surround the heater 121 and has a heat transfer surface hs on its outer surface.

[0054] That is, when an electric current is supplied to the heater 121, the heater 121 generates heat, and the heat is transferred through the heater cover 122 and then transferred to the rotating member 130 via the heat transfer surface hs. In this manner, the heat is transferred by conduction, thereby improving the thermal massage effect. In this case, the heater 121 may be a PTC heater, but is not limited to this, and may be other configurations such as a hot wire as long as it is capable of generating heat.

[0055] Such a heater cover 122 may be fixed to the first side plate 110 described above.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the heater cover 122 includes a first cover 122a arranged on one side of the radial direction b and a second cover 122b arranged on the other side of the radial direction b and capable of being coupled to the first cover 122a, and the heater 121 may be arranged between the first cover 122a and the second cover 122b.

[0057] That is, since the first cover 122a and the second cover 122b are configured to be connectable, the heater 121 and the heater cover 122 can be easily connected and manufacturability is improved. In this case, the first cover 122a may have a connecting protrusion protruding toward the second cover 122b, and the second cover 122b may have a connecting groove into which the connecting protrusion is inserted, and the connecting protrusion and the connecting groove may be configured to be connected by an interference fit. Alternatively, the second cover 122b may have a connecting protrusion, and the first cover 122a may have a connecting groove, and the connecting protrusion and the connecting groove may be configured to be connected by an interference fit.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating member 130 may be provided with a rotating pin 131 that is inserted into the heater cover 122 along the axial direction a.

[0059] At this time, the rotation pin 131 inserted into the heater cover 122 may be configured to rotate relative to the heater cover 122. That is, since the rotation pin 131 is configured to rotate relative to the heater cover 122 while inserted into the heater cover 122, the rotation of the outer cover 140 can be performed more smoothly.

[0060] In addition, as the outer cover 140 rotates, heat can be transferred by conduction through the rotating pin 131, improving the thermal massage effect.

[0061] In this case, a sliding surface may be provided on the outer surface of the heater cover 122. Even if the outer cover 140 is distorted and comes into contact with the heater cover 122 while the massage ball 100 is applying pressure to the user, the provision of the sliding surface allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0062] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a slot provided in a heat generating member according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a rotating member according to one embodiment of the present invention with a rotating pin inserted into a slot provided in the rotating member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the heat generating member 120 may be provided with a slot 122c into which the rotating member 130 is inserted, and an outer opening 122d may be provided on the outer side of the slot 122c in the radial direction b so that a portion of the rotating member 130 is exposed in the radial direction b.

[0064] That is, the rotation pin 131 can be exposed outward in the radial direction b from the slot 122c through the outer opening 122d, and the portion exposed outward in the radial direction b contacts the outer cover 140 and transfers heat in a conductive manner.

[0065] At this time, as described above, the outer surface of the heater cover 122 may be provided with a sliding surface, so that even if the outer cover 140 is distorted and comes into contact with the heater cover 122 while the massage ball 100 is applying pressure to the user, the sliding surface allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rotating member 130 may be provided with an exposed contact portion 131a that is exposed outward in the radial direction b through the outer opening 122d.

[0067] That is, the exposed contact portion 131a exposed to the outside in the radial direction b contacts the outer cover 140 and transfers heat by conduction.

[0068] At this time, as described above, the outer surface of the heater cover 122 may be provided with a sliding surface, so that even if the outer cover 140 is distorted and comes into contact with the heater cover 122 while the massage ball 100 is applying pressure to the user, the sliding surface allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0069] 7-10 are perspective views of rotation pins according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] In this case, the slots 122c may include at least one of a first slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction a and a second slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction a.

[0071] 7, the slot 122c may include a first slot extending from one side in the axial direction a to the other side. In this case, a separation prevention surface that prevents separation of the rotation pin 131 may be provided on the other side in the axial direction a of the slot 122c. This configuration allows an operator to easily assemble the rotation pin 131 by inserting it from one side in the axial direction a to the other side, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0072] 8, the slot 122c may include a second slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction a. In this case, a separation prevention surface that prevents the rotation pin 131 from separating may be provided on one side of the slot 122c in the axial direction a. This configuration allows an operator to easily assemble the rotation pin 131 by inserting it from the other side to one side in the axial direction a, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0073] In this case, the slot 122c includes a first slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction a and a second slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction, and the first slot and the second slot may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction c or along the axial direction a.

[0074] 9, the slots 122c may include a first slot extending from one side in the axial direction a to the other side and a second slot extending from the other side in the axial direction a to one side, and the first slots and the second slots may be alternately arranged along the circumferential direction c. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the first slot, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the second slot, allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0075] 10, the slots 122c may include a first slot extending from one side in the axial direction a to the other side and a second slot extending from the other side in the axial direction a to one side, and the first slot and the second slot may be arranged along the axial direction a. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the first slot, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the second slot, allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] 11, the massage ball 100 may further include a second side plate 150 disposed opposite the first side plate 110. When the second side plate 150 is provided, the rotation member 130 and the outer cover 140 can be prevented from accidentally separating in the axial direction a during the relative rotation of the rotation member 130 and the outer cover 140 with the heat-generating member 120.

[0078] In this case, the second side plate 150 may be configured to be disposed inside the outer cover 140 in the radial direction b. In this configuration, it is possible to minimize the foreign body sensation that may be felt by the second side plate 150 while the massage ball 100 is applying pressure to the user.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a massage ball (having a first insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a first insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the heater cover 122 may have openings 122e extending along the axial direction a. Heat generated by the heater 121 is transferred by conduction through the heater cover 122. When the openings 122e are provided in the heater cover 122, an air layer is formed at the position of the openings 122e, so that the heat transferred by conduction is transferred only to the remaining portion where the openings 122e are not formed. This is because heat flows in the direction where there is less resistance. With this configuration, the outer cover 140 can be heated quickly via the rotating member 130.

[0081] 12 and 13, a first insert 141 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 140. The first insert 141 may be made of aluminum, which has high thermal conductivity, so that heat transferred through the rotating member 130 can be smoothly transferred to the outer cover 140. However, the first insert 141 is not limited to this and any material having high thermal conductivity may be used. The first insert 141 may be provided integrally with the outer cover 140 by an insert injection method during the process of injecting the outer cover 140.

[0082] In addition, the first insert 141 may be formed to extend from one end to the other end of the axial direction a of the outer cover 140 so as to support the inner surface of the outer cover 140 while ensuring structural safety. This not only makes it easier to assemble the outer cover 140 during the manufacturing process of the massage ball 100, but also enables stable load support even when the user's weight is applied to the massage ball 100 during the thermal massage process.

[0083] Additionally, the inner surface of the first insert 141 may be provided with a sliding surface, which allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0084] In this case, the first insert 141 may be provided with a first transfer protrusion 141a protruding outward in the radial direction b, and a plurality of such first transfer protrusions 141a may be provided along the circumferential direction c of the first insert 141. This allows heat transferred to the first insert 141 to be smoothly transferred to the outer cover 140. As an example, the first transfer protrusion 141a may be formed in a convex curve, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape as long as it is a shape that can transfer heat by conduction.

[0085] In addition, the first insert 141 may be provided with a first fixing protrusion 141b that protrudes outward in the radial direction b, and such first fixing protrusion 141b has a curved surface that prevents the first insert 141 from being easily separated from the outer cover 140, thereby improving structural safety.

[0086] Such first transmission protrusion 141a and first fixing protrusion 141b may be formed integrally when manufacturing the first insert 141, or they may be configured in a manner in which the first transmission protrusion 141a and first fixing protrusion 141b are separately attached to the first insert 141.

[0087] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Such a second insert 142 may be provided in a central portion of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a. That is, the central portion of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is formed thick to provide a sufficient cushioning feeling to the user, and the warmth feeling provided to the user is relatively reduced due to the thickness of the outer cover 140. Therefore, when the second insert 142 is provided inside the outer cover 140, heat transferred to the inner surface of the outer cover 140 can be smoothly transferred to the outer surface of the outer cover 140 via the second insert 142.

[0089] Furthermore, once the second insert 142 reaches a thermal saturation state, even if the heat supply through the heater 121 is interrupted for a certain period of time, the second insert 142 can provide the user with a continuous warmth.

[0090] In this case, the first cushion layer 140a may be provided on the inner side of the outer cover 140 in the radial direction b based on the second insert 142, and the second cushion layer 140b may be provided on the outer side of the outer cover 140 in the radial direction b. When the first cushion layer 140a and the second cushion layer 140b are provided in this manner, the foreign body sensation felt by the second insert 142 can be minimized, and a sufficient cushioning feeling can be provided to the user.

[0091] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a first insert and a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] 15, a first insert 141 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 140, and a second insert 142 may be provided in the central portion of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a. The specific configurations of the first insert 141 and the second insert 142 are as described above.

[0093] However, the first insert 141 and the second insert 142 may be interconnected in the radial direction b. When the first insert 141 and the second insert 142 are interconnected in the radial direction b in this manner, the structural safety of the outer cover 140 is improved.

[0094] In addition, with the first insert 141 and the second insert 142 interconnected in the radial direction b, a first cushion layer 140a may be provided between the first insert 141 and the second insert 142, and a second cushion layer 140b may be provided on the outer side of the outer cover 140 in the radial direction b. When the first cushion layer 140a and the second cushion layer 140b are provided in this manner, it is possible to minimize the foreign body sensation that the user may feel due to the first insert 141 and the second insert 142, and to provide the user with a sufficient cushioning feeling.

[0095] In this case, the first insert 141 may be provided with a first transfer protrusion 141a protruding outward in the radial direction b, and a plurality of such first transfer protrusions 141a may be provided along the circumferential direction c of the first insert 141. This allows heat transferred to the first insert 141 to be smoothly transferred to the outer cover 140. As an example, the first transfer protrusion 141a may be formed in a convex curve, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape as long as it is a shape that can transfer heat by conduction.

[0096] In addition, the second insert 142 may be provided with a second fixing protrusion 142a that protrudes inward in the radial direction b, and such second fixing protrusion 142a is connected to the first insert 141, preventing the first insert 141 and the second insert 142 from being easily separated from the outer cover 140, thereby improving structural safety.

[0097] The first transmission protrusion 141a may be integrally formed when the first insert 141 is manufactured, or may be configured by attaching a separately separated first transmission protrusion 141a to the first insert 141. The second fixing protrusion 142a may also be integrally formed when the second insert 142 is manufactured, or may be configured by attaching a separately separated second fixing protrusion 142a to the second insert 142.

[0098] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention (rotating members are alternately arranged on the heat-generating member and the outer cover), and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention (rotating members are simultaneously arranged on the heat-generating member and the outer cover).

[0099] In this case, the rotating member 130 may be inserted between the heat-generating member 120 and the outer cover 140. That is, as shown in Fig. 16, the rotating members 130 may be alternately arranged between the heat-generating member 120 and the outer cover 140 along the circumferential direction c. The rotating member 130 inserted between the heat-generating member 120 is partially exposed outward in the radial direction b toward the outer cover 140 and comes into contact with the outer cover 140, while the rotating member 130 inserted between the outer cover 140 is partially exposed inward in the radial direction b toward the heat-generating member 120 and comes into contact with the heat-generating member 120. With this configuration, the heat generated from the heat-generating member 120 is transferred by conduction through the rotating member 130, thereby improving the thermal massage effect and allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0100] 17, the rotating member 130 may be disposed simultaneously on the heat-generating member 120 and the outer cover 140. That is, a portion of the rotating member 130 is inserted into the heat-generating member 120, and the remaining portion of the rotating member 130 is inserted into the outer cover 140. With this configuration, the heat generated from the heat-generating member 120 is transferred by conduction through the rotating member 130, thereby improving the thermal massage effect. In this case, the rotating member 130 may be configured so that a portion of the rotating member 130 is exposed between the heat-generating member 120 and the outer cover 140. With this configuration, the heat-generating member 120 and the outer cover 140 are spaced apart from each other, allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0101] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (with a rotating member disposed on an outer cover) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] 18, a massage ball 100 with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user, and includes a heat-generating member 120, an outer cover 140 rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the heat-generating member 120, and a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted into the outer cover 140. That is, the rotating member 130 inserted into the outer cover 140 is partially exposed inward in the radial direction b toward the heat-generating member 120 and comes into contact with the heat-generating member 120. With this configuration, heat generated from the heat-generating member 120 is transferred by conduction through the rotating member 130, thereby improving the thermal massage effect and allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0103] 18, the heat generating member 120 may include a heater 121 and a heater cover 122 that is disposed to surround the heater 121 and has a heat transfer surface hs on its outer surface. The heater 121 and heater cover 122 may have the same configuration as those described above.

[0104] 18, the heater cover 122 may include a first cover 122a disposed on one side in the radial direction b and a second cover 122b disposed on the other side in the radial direction b and connectable to the first cover 122a, and the heater 121 may be disposed between the first cover and the second cover. The first cover 122a and the second cover 122b may have the same configuration as described above.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 18, the rotation member 130 may be provided with a rotation pin 131 that is inserted into the outer cover 140 along the axial direction a.

[0106] At this time, the rotation pin 131 inserted into the outer cover 140 may be configured to rotate relative to the outer cover 140. That is, since the rotation pin 131 is configured to rotate relative to the outer cover 140 while inserted into the outer cover 140, the rotation of the outer cover 140 can be performed more smoothly.

[0107] In addition, as the outer cover 140 rotates, heat can be transferred by conduction through the rotating pin 131, improving the thermal massage effect.

[0108] In this case, a sliding surface may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 140. Even if the outer cover 140 is distorted and comes into contact with the heater cover 122 while the massage ball 100 is applying pressure to the user, the provision of the sliding surface allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 18, the outer cover 140 may be provided with a cover slot 143 into which the rotating member 130 is inserted, and a cover opening 144 may be provided on the radially inner side of the cover slot 143 in the radial direction b so that a portion of the rotating member 130 is exposed in the radial direction b.

[0110] That is, the rotating member 130 may be exposed radially inward from the cover slot 143 through the cover opening 144, and the portion exposed radially inward in the radial direction b is in contact with the heater cover 122 and transfers heat by conduction.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 18, the rotating member 130 may be provided with an exposed contact portion 131a that is exposed inward in the radial direction b through the cover opening 144.

[0112] That is, the exposed contact portion 131a exposed to the outside in the radial direction b contacts the outer cover 140 and transfers heat by conduction.

[0113] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing only the outer cover of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of part II of Figure 19, showing a first modified example of the cover slot, Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of part II of Figure 19, showing a second modified example of the cover slot, and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of part II of Figure 19, showing a third modified example of the cover slot.

[0114] As shown in Figures 19 to 22, the cover slot 143 may include at least one of a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction a and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction a.

[0115] 20, the cover slot 143 may include a first cover slot 143a extending from one side in the axial direction a to the other side. In this case, a separation prevention surface that prevents separation of the rotation pin 131 may be provided on the other side in the axial direction a of the first cover slot 143a. With this configuration, an operator can easily assemble the rotation pin 131 by inserting it from one side in the axial direction a to the other side, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0116] 21, the cover slot 143 may include a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side in the axial direction a to one side. In this case, a separation prevention surface that prevents separation of the rotation pin 131 may be provided on one side in the axial direction a of the second cover slot 143b. With this configuration, an operator can easily assemble the rotation pin 131 by inserting it from the other side in the axial direction a to one side, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0117] In this case, the cover slot 143 includes a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction a and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction a, and the first cover slot 143a and the second cover slot 143b may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction c or along the axial direction a.

[0118] For example, the cover slots 143 may include a first cover slot 143a extending from one side in the axial direction a to the other side and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side in the axial direction a to one side, and the first cover slots 143a and the second cover slots 143b may be alternately arranged along the circumferential direction c. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the first cover slot 143a, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the second cover slot 143b, allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0119] 22, the cover slots 143 may include a first cover slot 143a extending from one side in the axial direction a to the other side and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side in the axial direction a to one side, and the first cover slot 143a and the second cover slot 143b may be arranged along the axial direction a. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the first cover slot 143a, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by the rotation pin 131 inserted in the second cover slot 143b, allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0120] In this case, the massage ball 100 may further include at least one of a first side plate 110 disposed on one side in the axial direction a and a second side plate 150 disposed on the other side in the axial direction a. The first side plate 110 and the second side plate 150 may have the same configuration as described above.

[0121] 18, the heater cover 122 may be provided with an opening hole 122e extending along the axial direction a. Such a heater cover 122 may have the same configuration as that described above.

[0122] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (having a first insert and a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] 23, a first insert 141 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 140. In this case, the first insert 141 may be provided with a cover slot 143 in which the rotating member 130 is disposed. Also, a second insert 142 may be provided in the central portion of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a. The first insert 141 and the second insert 142 may have the same configuration as described above.

[0124] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of a thermal massage device including a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 24, a thermal massage device including a massage ball 100 with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a transport unit 10 that moves the massage ball 100 in a longitudinal direction to apply pressure to the user, a receiving unit 20 having a support arm 21 to which the massage ball 100 is fixedly attached, a lifting / lowering unit 30 that raises or lowers the receiving unit 20 in a vertical direction, and a power supply unit 40 that supplies current to the massage ball 100.

[0126] Such a thermal massage device may be inserted into a pad that supports the user's body, and while inserted into such a pad, the thermal massage device applies pressure to the user's body while moving along the longitudinal direction (the same direction as the user's spinal alignment).

[0127] Such pads may be provided in a main body that supports the user's upper body, and an auxiliary part that supports the user's lower body may be connected to the main body. In this case, the main body may be configured to support not only the user's upper body but also the buttocks, and the auxiliary part may be configured to support only the user's feet.

[0128] In this case, the pad may also be provided in the auxiliary part that supports the lower body of the user, or it is possible to configure the device so that the pad is provided in both the main part and the auxiliary part.

[0129] The main body provided with the pad may be provided with separate leg members so that the upper surface of the pad is spaced apart from the ground, thereby allowing the user to receive the massage in a comfortable position.

[0130] The leg members may be manufactured in a roughly rectangular band shape. That is, they may include side frames corresponding to the sides of the main body, a lower frame supported on the ground, and a connecting frame connecting the side frames and the lower frame. The above frames may be manufactured as a single unit or may be manufactured separately and then joined together. Here, the side frames may be manufactured in a plate shape, and the lower frame may be manufactured in a rod shape.

[0131] The main body may have a guide groove formed therein, and the auxiliary part may have a guide protrusion formed therein to be inserted into the guide groove, allowing the auxiliary part to slide. Alternatively, the auxiliary part may have a guide groove formed therein, and the main body may have a guide protrusion formed therein to allow the auxiliary part to slide.

[0132] The massage balls 100 may be placed on both sides of the short side (on both sides of the user's spine), thereby providing a massage effect while applying pressure to acupoints located on both sides of the user's spine (for example, acupoints along the foot bladder meridian).

[0133] In this case, the transfer unit 10 may include a plate-shaped transfer plate member on which the receiving unit 20 and the lifting unit 30 are arranged, and base sleeves may be provided at both ends of the transfer plate member in the shorter direction. The base sleeve may include support rollers, which may be arranged to be movable along guide rails arranged along the longer direction. The transfer unit 10 may also include a transfer driving member that provides a driving force for the support rollers to move along the guide rails.

[0134] In addition, the support arm 21 described above may be disposed on the receiving part 20 so as to be rotatable at a certain angle. The lifting part 30 may be provided with a rack gear-shaped lifting member and a pinion gear-shaped lifting drive member, and a separate drive motor may be connected to the lifting drive member so that the lifting member rises or falls according to rotation in one direction or the other.

[0135] Additionally, a power supply unit 40 may be provided to supply current to the massage ball 100, so that when current is supplied to the heat generating member 120, the heat generating member 120 can generate heat.

[0136] 1 and 2, the massage ball 100 provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user, and includes a first side plate 110 fixedly coupled to a support arm 21, a heat generating member 120 fixedly coupled to the first side plate 110, a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted and disposed on the outer surface of the heat generating member 120, and an outer cover 140 rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member 130. The specific configuration of the massage ball 100 is the same as that described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0137] As discussed above, the massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted into a heat-generating member 120, and an outer cover 140 rotatably arranged on the outer surface of the rotating member 130. Therefore, heat is transferred by conduction through the rotating member 130, thereby improving the thermal massage effect. Furthermore, since the outer cover 140 can rotate smoothly through the rotating member 130, no noise is generated during use, and the problem of reduced durability due to wear does not occur.

[0138] Although the above-described embodiment of the present invention, other embodiments, and massage balls with improved heat transfer performance according to other embodiments have been described separately, the features of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0139] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment presented in this specification, and a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention can easily propose other embodiments by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components within the scope of the same concept, which can also be said to fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. A massage ball that provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user. The massage ball is A heat-generating member; a rotating member rotatably inserted into the heat generating member; and an outer cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotary member.

2. The heat generating member is A heater and 2. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1, further comprising: a heater cover disposed to surround the heater and having a heat transfer surface on an outer surface thereof.

3. the heater cover includes a first cover disposed on one radial side and a second cover disposed on the other radial side and connectable to the first cover, The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 2 , wherein the heater is disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

4. 3. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 2, wherein the rotating member includes a rotating pin that is inserted into the heater cover along an axial direction.

5. the heat generating member is provided with a slot into which the rotating member is inserted; 2. The massage ball according to claim 1, wherein an outer opening is formed radially outward of the slot so that a portion of the rotating member is exposed radially.

6. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 5 , wherein the rotating member has an exposed contact portion that is exposed radially outward through the outer opening.

7. 6. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 5, wherein the slots include at least one of a first slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and a second slot extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction.

8. 6. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 5, wherein the slots include first slots extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and second slots extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction, and the first slots and the second slots are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction or arranged in the axial direction.

9. 2. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1, further comprising at least one side plate selected from a first side plate disposed on one side in an axial direction and a second side plate disposed on the other side in an axial direction.

10. 3. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 2, wherein the heater cover has opening holes extending along the axial direction.

11. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1 , wherein a first insert is provided on the inner surface of the outer cover.

12. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1 , wherein a second insert is provided in an axially central portion of the outer cover.

13. 13. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 12, wherein a first cushion layer is provided on the radially inner side of the outer cover relative to the second insert, and a second cushion layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

14. The inner surface of the outer cover is provided with a first insert; The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1 , wherein a second insert is provided in an axially central portion of the outer cover.

15. a first cushion layer is provided between the first insert and the second insert; The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 14, wherein a second cushion layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

16. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating member is inserted between the heat generating member and the outer cover.

17. A massage ball that provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user. The massage ball is A heat-generating member; an outer cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the heat generating member; a rotating member rotatably inserted into the outer cover,

18. The heat generating member is A heater and 18. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, further comprising: a heater cover disposed to surround the heater and having a heat transfer surface on its outer surface.

19. the heater cover includes a first cover disposed on one radial side and a second cover disposed on the other radial side and connectable to the first cover, 19. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 18, wherein the heater is disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

20. 20. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 18, wherein the rotating member includes a rotating pin that is inserted into the outer cover along an axial direction.

21. the outer cover is provided with a cover slot into which the rotating member is inserted; 18. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein a cover opening is formed on a radially inner side of the cover slot so that a portion of the rotating member is exposed in the radial direction.

22. 22. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 21, wherein the rotating member has an exposed contact portion exposed radially inward through the cover opening.

23. 22. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 21, wherein the cover slots include at least one of a first cover slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and a second cover slot extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction.

24. 22. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 21, wherein the cover slots include a first cover slot extending from one side to the other side in the axial direction and a second cover slot extending from the other side to one side in the axial direction, and the first cover slots and the second cover slots are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction or along the axial direction.

25. 18. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, further comprising at least one side plate selected from a first side plate disposed on one side in an axial direction and a second side plate disposed on the other side in an axial direction.

26. 20. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 18, wherein the heater cover has opening holes extending along the axial direction.

27. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein a first insert is provided on the inner surface of the outer cover.

28. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein a second insert is provided in an axially central portion of the outer cover.

29. 29. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 28, wherein a first cushion layer is provided on the radially inner side of the outer cover relative to the second insert, and a second cushion layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

30. The inner surface of the outer cover is provided with a first insert; The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein a second insert is provided in an axially central portion of the outer cover.

31. a first cushion layer is provided between the first insert and the second insert; The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 30, wherein a second cushion layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

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