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 Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to alleviate acute or chronic pain occurring in muscles and nerve tissues of the spine caused by continuing to work in an inappropriate posture for a long time or having such a posture become habitual, improve blood circulation in the body, or eliminate instantaneous muscle stiffness, spinal thermal massage devices that improve blood flow by applying thermal stimulation to a pain-occurring site while moving along a body part have been widely used.

[0003] Such a spinal thermal massage device is provided with a heat-generable massage ball that applies thermal stimulation while applying pressure to a user. A PTC heater that generates heat when an electric current is applied is provided at the center of the massage ball.

[0004] However, the PTC heater is non-rotatably fixed to the center of the massage ball for power connection. With this configuration, a fine gap is formed between the non-rotatably fixed PTC heater and the rotatably disposed massage ball to allow relative rotation therebetween, which causes a problem that the thermal massage effect is reduced.

[0005] At this time, the PTC heater and the massage ball can be arranged in contact with each other so that heat is transferred between the PTC heater and the massage ball by conduction. However, with this configuration, noise due to friction may occur during rotation of the massage ball, and wear between the PTC heater and the massage ball may cause a problem of reduced durability.

[0006] Accordingly, there is currently a need for the development of technology that can solve such problems.

Summary of the Invention

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

[0008] The problems that the present invention will address are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person ordinary to the art in 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 while applying pressure to the user, wherein the massage ball includes a heating element, a rotating element rotatably inserted into the heating element, and an external cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating element.

[0010] In this case, the heating element may include a heater and a heater cover that is arranged to surround the heater and has a heat-conducting surface on its outer surface.

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

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

[0013] In this case, the heating element may be provided with a slot into which the rotating element is inserted, and an outer opening may be provided on the radially outer side of the slot so that a part of the rotating element is exposed in the radial direction.

[0014] In this case, the rotating member may be provided with an exposed contact portion that is exposed radially outward through the outer opening.

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

[0016] In this case, the slot includes a first slot extending from one side in the axial direction to the other, and a second slot extending from the other side in the axial direction to the one side, and the first slot and the second slot 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, which is a first side plate positioned on one side in the axial direction and a second side plate positioned on the other side in the axial direction.

[0018] In this case, the heater cover may be provided with an opening hole that extends along the axial direction.

[0019] At this time, the inner surface of the outer cover may be provided with a first insert.

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

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

[0022] At this time, a first insert may be provided on an inner surface of the outer cover, and a second insert may be provided in a central axial portion of the outer cover.

[0023] At this time, 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] At this time, the rotating member may be inserted and disposed 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 while pressing a user, the massage ball comprising: a heat generating member; an outer cover rotatably disposed on an outer surface of the heat generating member; and a rotating member rotatably inserted and disposed in the outer cover.

[0026] At this time, the heat generating member may include a heater and a heater cover disposed to surround the heater, the heater cover having a heat transfer surface provided on an outer surface thereof.

[0027] At this time, the heater cover includes a first cover disposed on one radial side and a second cover disposed on the other radial side and couplable to the first cover, and the heater may be disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

[0028] At this time, the rotating member may be provided with a rotating pin inserted into the outer cover along the axial direction.

[0029] At this time, the outer cover may be provided with a cover slot into which the rotating member is inserted, and a cover opening may be provided radially inside the cover slot such that a portion of the rotating member is exposed in the radial direction.

[0030] In this case, the rotating member may be provided with 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 the following: a first cover slot extending from one side in the axial direction to the other, and a second cover slot extending from the other side in the axial direction to the one side.

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

[0033] The massage ball may further include at least one of the following side plates: a first side plate positioned on one side in the axial direction and a second side plate positioned on the other side in the axial direction.

[0034] In this case, the heater cover may be provided with an opening hole that extends along the axial direction.

[0035] The inner surface of the outer cover may be provided with a first insert.

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

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

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

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

[0040] With the above configuration, the massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to the embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a rotating member rotatably inserted and disposed in a heating element, and an outer cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member. As a result, not only is the thermal massage effect improved by heat being transferred via conduction through the rotating member, but the outer cover can also rotate smoothly via the rotating member, so 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 those described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention as described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the assembled state of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the outer cover removed. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a heat-generating component related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing a heat-generating component according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged front view showing a slot provided in a heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged front view showing a rotating pin inserted into a slot provided in a rotating member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]This is a perspective view showing a rotating pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a rotating pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a rotating pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a rotating pin according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a massage ball (equipped with a first insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (equipped with a first insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (equipped with a second insert) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (equipped with a first insert and a second insert) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This 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 heating member and the outer cover). [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to another embodiment of the present invention (a rotating member is simultaneously positioned on the heating member and the outer cover). [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (rotating member arranged in an external cover) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This 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]This is a cross-sectional view of part II in Figure 19, showing a first modified example of the cover slot. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of part II in Figure 19, showing a second modified example of the cover slot. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of part II in Figure 19, showing a third modified example of the cover slot. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (equipped with a first insert and a second insert) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing a thermal massage device including a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. The present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. For the sake of clarity in illustrating the present invention, parts of the drawings that are not relevant to the description have been omitted, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0044] The words and terms used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted restrictively in their usual or dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may define terms and concepts in order to best describe their invention.

[0045] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings constitute a preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention; thus, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these configurations at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0046] In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “have” are intended to describe the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

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

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the massage ball 100 with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention is a massage ball 100 that provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user, and such a massage ball 100 further includes a heating element 120, a rotating element 130 rotatably inserted into the heating element 120, and an external cover 140 rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating element 130.

[0049] In other words, the device is equipped with a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted into the heating element 120 and an outer cover 140 rotatably positioned on the outer surface of the rotating member 130. As a result, the thermal massage effect is improved by conductive heat transfer via the rotating member 130, and the outer cover 140 can rotate smoothly via the rotating member 130, thus preventing noise generation during use and eliminating the problem of reduced durability due to wear. Such an outer cover 140 may be made of an elastic material so as to reduce pain caused by pressure when the massage ball 100 pressurizes the user during thermal massage. For example, the outer cover 140 may be made of silicone material.

[0050] In this case, the massage ball 100 may include at least one of the following side plates: a first side plate 110 positioned on one side of the axial direction a, and a second side plate 150 positioned on the other side of the axial direction a. In this case, the first side plate 110 may be fixedly coupled to a support arm 21. Such a support arm 21 may be positioned on a receiving portion 20 provided in a thermal massage device described later, and may be configured to rotate at a certain angle during the thermal massage process. Since the first side plate 110 is fixedly coupled to the support arm 21, and the heating element 120 is fixedly coupled to the first side plate 110, the massage ball 100 can not only stably support the user's body during the user's pressurization process, but a stable current can also be supplied to the heating element 120.

[0051] In other words, with the first side plate 110 and the heating element 120 fixedly coupled to the support arm 21, the rotating member 130 is rotatably inserted into the heating element 120, and the outer cover 140 is rotatably positioned on the outer surface of this rotating member 130.

[0052] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a front view showing a heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the heating element 120 may include a heater 121 and a heater cover 122 arranged to surround the heater 121, with a heat transfer surface hs on its outer surface.

[0054] In other words, when the heater 121 is supplied with current, it generates heat, and this heat is then transmitted through the heater cover 122 and then to the rotating member 130 via the heat conduction surface hs. In this way, the thermal massage effect is improved by the conduction method of heat transfer. At this time, the heater 121 may be a PTC heater, but is not necessarily limited to this, and may be other configurations such as heating wires as long as they are 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 positioned on one side in the radial direction b and a second cover 122b positioned on the other side in the radial direction b and capable of coupling with the first cover 122a, and the heater 121 may be positioned between the first cover 122a and the second cover 122b.

[0057] In other words, by configuring the first cover 122a and the second cover 122b to be connectable, the heater 121 and the heater cover 122 can be easily connected, improving manufacturability. In this case, the first cover 122a may be provided with a connecting projection that protrudes toward the second cover 122b, and the second cover 122b may be provided with a connecting groove into which the connecting projection is inserted, and the connecting projection and the connecting groove may be configured to be connected in an interlocking manner. Alternatively, the second cover 122b may be provided with a connecting projection and the first cover 122a may be provided with a connecting groove, and the connecting projection and the connecting groove may be configured to be connected in an interlocking manner.

[0058] As shown in Figure 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 rotating pin 131 inserted into the heater cover 122 may be configured to rotate relative to the heater cover 122. In other words, by configuring the rotating pin 131 to rotate relative to the heater cover 122 while it is inserted into the heater cover 122, the rotation of the outer cover 140 can be made even smoother.

[0060] Furthermore, as the external cover 140 rotates, heat can be transmitted via the rotating pin 131 by conduction, thus improving the thermal massage effect.

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

[0062] Figure 5 is an enlarged front view showing a slot provided in a heating element according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is an enlarged front view showing a state in which a rotating pin is inserted into a slot provided in a rotating element according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0064] In other words, the rotating pin 131 may be exposed radially outward from the slot 122c through the outer opening 122d, and the portion exposed radially outward in this way conducts heat while in contact with the outer cover 140.

[0065] At this time, as mentioned above, the outer surface of the heater cover 122 may be provided with a sliding surface, which allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly via the sliding surface even if the outer cover 140 is distorted while in the process of the massage ball 100 pressurizing the user and comes into contact with the heater cover 122.

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

[0067] In other words, the exposed contact portion 131a, which is exposed to the outside in the radial direction b, transmits heat by conduction while in contact with the outer cover 140.

[0068] At this time, as mentioned above, the outer surface of the heater cover 122 may be provided with a sliding surface, which allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly via the sliding surface even if the outer cover 140 is distorted while in the process of the massage ball 100 pressurizing the user and comes into contact with the heater cover 122.

[0069] Figures 7 to 10 are perspective views showing rotating pins according to various embodiments of the present invention.

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

[0071] As an example, as shown in Figure 7, the slot 122c may include a first slot extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a. In this case, the other side of the slot 122c in the axial direction a may be provided with a detachment prevention surface to prevent the rotating pin 131 from coming loose. With this configuration, assembly can be easily performed by an operator inserting the rotating pin 131 from one side to the other in the axial direction a, thus improving ease of assembly.

[0072] As another example, as shown in Figure 8, slot 122c may include a second slot extending from the other side in the axial direction a to the other side. In this case, one side of slot 122c in the axial direction a may be provided with a retaining surface to prevent the rotating pin 131 from coming loose. With this configuration, assembly is improved because the worker can easily assemble the device by inserting the rotating pin 131 from the other side in the axial direction a to the other side.

[0073] In this case, the slot 122c includes a first slot extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second slot extending from the other side to the 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] As an example, as shown in Figure 9, the slot 122c includes a first slot extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second slot extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction a, and the first and second slots may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction c. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the first slot, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the second slot, thereby enabling smooth rotation of the outer cover 140.

[0075] As another example, as shown in Figure 10, the slot 122c may include a first slot extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second slot extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction a, wherein the first and second slots are arranged along the axial direction a. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the first slot, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the second slot, thereby enabling smooth rotation of the outer cover 140.

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

[0077] As shown in Figure 11, the massage ball 100 may further include a second side plate 150 positioned opposite the first side plate 110. The inclusion of the second side plate 150 prevents the rotating member 130 and the outer cover 140 from arbitrarily separating in the axial direction a during relative rotation with respect to the heating member 120.

[0078] In this case, the second side plate 150 may be configured to be positioned inside the radial direction b of the outer cover 140. This configuration minimizes the feeling of foreign body sensation that the user may feel from the second side plate 150 during the process of the massage ball 100 applying pressure to the user.

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

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

[0081] At this time, as shown in Figures 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 heat transfer properties, so that the heat transmitted through the rotating member 130 can be smoothly transferred to the outer cover 140, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and any material with high heat transfer properties can be used. Such a first insert 141 may be integrally provided by an insert injection method during the injection molding process of the outer cover 140.

[0082] Furthermore, the first insert 141 may be formed to extend from one end to the other in 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 allows for easy assembly of the outer cover 140 during the manufacturing process of the massage ball 100, but also enables stable load support even when a user's load 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 transmission projection 141a that protrudes outward in the radial direction b, and multiple such first transmission projections 141a may be provided along the circumferential direction c of the first insert 141. This allows the heat transferred to the first insert 141 to be smoothly transferred to the outer cover 140. As an example, the first transmission projection 141a can be formed in a convex curve, but is not necessarily limited to this, and any shape that can transfer heat by conduction is possible.

[0085] Furthermore, the first insert 141 may be provided with a first fixing projection 141b that protrudes outward in the radial direction b. Such a first fixing projection 141b may have a bent surface, thereby preventing the first insert 141 from being easily separated from the outer cover 140 and improving structural safety.

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

[0087] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (equipped with a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to the present invention and other embodiments.

[0088] Such a second insert 142 may be provided in the central part of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a. That is, the central part of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is formed to be thicker in order to provide the user with sufficient cushioning, and the warmth provided to the user will inevitably be relatively reduced by the thickness of such an outer cover 140. Therefore, when a second insert 142 is provided inside the outer cover 140, the heat that would be 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 via the heater 121 is interrupted for a certain period of time, it becomes possible to provide the user with a sustained feeling of warmth through the second insert 142.

[0090] In this case, with respect to the second insert 142, the first cushion layer 140a may be provided on the inside of the radial direction b of the outer cover 140, and the second cushion layer 140b may be provided on the outside of the radial direction b. When the first cushion layer 140a and the second cushion layer 140b are provided in this way, the feeling of foreign matter that the user may feel due to the second insert 142 can be minimized, and sufficient cushioning can be provided to the user.

[0091] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (equipped with a first insert and a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to the present invention and other embodiments.

[0092] As shown in Figure 15, the inner surface of the outer cover 140 is provided with a first insert 141, and the central portion of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a may be provided with a second insert 142. 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 way, the structural safety of the outer cover 140 is improved.

[0094] Furthermore, in this configuration, 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 radial side b of the outer cover 140. By providing the first cushion layer 140a and the second cushion layer 140b in this way, the feeling of foreign matter that the user may feel due to the first insert 141 and the second insert 142 can be minimized, and sufficient cushioning can be provided to the user.

[0095] In this case, the first insert 141 may be provided with a first transmission projection 141a that protrudes outward in the radial direction b, and multiple such first transmission projections 141a may be provided along the circumferential direction c of the first insert 141. This allows the heat transferred to the first insert 141 to be smoothly transferred to the outer cover 140. As an example, the first transmission projection 141a can be formed in a convex curve, but is not necessarily limited to this, and any shape that can transfer heat by conduction is possible.

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

[0097] Such a first transmission projection 141a may be formed integrally when manufacturing the first insert 141, or it may be configured in a way in which a separately separated first transmission projection 141a is attached to the first insert 141. Similarly, the second fixing projection 142a may be formed integrally when manufacturing the second insert 142, or it may be configured in a way in which a separately separated second fixing projection 142a is attached to the second insert 142.

[0098] Figure 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 heating member and the outer cover), and Figure 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 heating member and the outer cover).

[0099] In this case, the rotating member 130 may be inserted into the heating element 120 and the outer cover 140. That is, as shown in Figure 16, the rotating member 130 may be alternately arranged in the heating element 120 and the outer cover 140 along the circumferential direction c. The rotating member 130 inserted into the heating element 120 will be partially exposed outward in the radial direction b toward the outer cover 140 while making contact with the outer cover 140, and the rotating member 130 inserted into the outer cover 140 will be partially exposed inward in the radial direction b toward the heating element 120 while making contact with the heating element 120. With this configuration, the heat generated from the heating element 120 can be transmitted via the rotating member 130 by conduction, thereby improving the thermal massage effect and allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0100] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the rotating member 130 may be positioned simultaneously on the heating element 120 and the outer cover 140. That is, a portion of the rotating member 130 may be inserted into the heating element 120, and the remaining portion of the rotating member 130 may be inserted into the outer cover 140. With this configuration, the heat generated from the heating element 120 can be transmitted via the rotating member 130 by conduction, thereby improving the thermal massage effect. In this case, the rotating member 130 may be partially exposed between the heating element 120 and the outer cover 140. With this configuration, the heating element 120 and the outer cover 140 are spaced apart from each other, allowing the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0101] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance (rotating member arranged in an external cover) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0103] As shown in Figure 18, the heating element 120 may include a heater 121 and a heater cover 122 arranged to surround the heater 121, with a heat transfer surface hs on its outer surface. Such a heater 121 and heater cover 122 may have the same configuration as described above.

[0104] As shown in Figure 18, the heater cover 122 includes a first cover 122a positioned on one side in the radial direction b, and a second cover 122b positioned on the other side in the radial direction b and connectable to the first cover 122a, and the heater 121 may be positioned between the first cover and the second cover. The first cover 122a and the second cover 122b in such a configuration may be the same as the configuration described above.

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

[0106] At this time, the rotating pin 131 inserted into the outer cover 140 may be configured to rotate relative to the outer cover 140. In other words, by configuring the rotating pin 131 to rotate relative to the outer cover 140 while it is inserted into the outer cover 140, the rotation of the outer cover 140 can be made even smoother.

[0107] Furthermore, as the external cover 140 rotates, heat can be transmitted via the rotating pin 131 by conduction, thus improving the thermal massage effect.

[0108] At this time, the inner surface of the outer cover 140 may be provided with a sliding surface. Even if the outer cover 140 becomes distorted and comes into contact with the heater cover 122 during the process in which the massage ball 100 pressurizes the user, the presence of a sliding surface allows the outer cover 140 to rotate smoothly.

[0109] As shown in Figure 18, the outer cover 140 is provided with a cover slot 143 into which the rotating member 130 is inserted, and a cover opening 144 may be provided inside the cover slot 143 in the radial direction b, such that a part of the rotating member 130 is exposed in the radial direction b.

[0110] In other words, 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 this way will have heat transferred to it by conduction while in contact with the heater cover 122.

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

[0112] In other words, the exposed contact portion 131a, which is exposed to the outside in the radial direction b, will conduct heat while in contact with the outer cover 140.

[0113] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing only the outer cover of a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one or 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 the following cover slots: a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction a.

[0115] As an example, as shown in Figure 20, the cover slot 143 may include a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a. In this case, the other side of the first cover slot 143a in the axial direction a may be provided with a detachment prevention surface to prevent the rotating pin 131 from coming loose. With this configuration, assembly can be easily performed by an operator inserting the rotating pin 131 from one side to the other in the axial direction a, thereby improving ease of assembly.

[0116] As another example, as shown in Figure 21, the cover slot 143 may include a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side in the axial direction a to the other side. In this case, the second cover slot 143b may be provided with a retaining surface on one side in the axial direction a to prevent the rotating pin 131 from coming loose. With this configuration, assembly is improved because the worker can easily assemble the device by inserting the rotating pin 131 from the other side in the axial direction a to the other side.

[0117] In this case, the cover slot 143 includes a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction a. 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 slot 143 includes a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side to the 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. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the first cover slot 143a, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the second cover slot 143b, thereby enabling smooth rotation of the outer cover 140.

[0119] As another example, as shown in Figure 22, the cover slot 143 may include a first cover slot 143a extending from one side to the other in the axial direction a, and a second cover slot 143b extending from the other side to the one side in the axial direction a, wherein the first cover slot 143a and the second cover slot 143b are arranged along the axial direction a. With this configuration, one side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the first cover slot 143a, and the other side of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a is supported by a rotating pin 131 inserted into the second cover slot 143b, thereby enabling smooth rotation of the outer cover 140.

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

[0121] As shown in Figure 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 described above.

[0122] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a massage ball (equipped with a first insert and a second insert) with improved heat transfer performance according to the present invention and other embodiments.

[0123] As shown in Figure 23, a first insert 141 may be provided on the inner surface of such an 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 placed. Furthermore, a second insert 142 may be provided in the central part of the outer cover 140 in the axial direction a. Such a first insert 141 and second insert 142 may have the same configuration as described above.

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

[0125] As shown in Figure 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 transfer unit 10 for moving the massage ball 100 that pressurizes the user in the longitudinal direction, a receiving unit 20 equipped with a support arm 21 to which the massage ball 100 is fixedly coupled, a lifting / lowering unit 30 for raising or lowering the receiving unit 20 in the height direction, and a power supply unit 40 for supplying 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 on the main body that supports the user's upper body, and auxiliary parts that support 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 their buttocks, and the auxiliary parts may be configured to support only the user's feet.

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

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

[0130] Such leg members may be manufactured in an approximately rectangular strip shape. That is, they may include a side frame corresponding to the side of the main body, a lower frame supported by the ground, and a connecting frame that connects the side frame and the lower frame. The above-mentioned frames may be manufactured as a single unit, or they may be manufactured separately and then joined together. Here, the side frame may be manufactured in a plate shape, and the lower frame may be manufactured in a rod shape.

[0131] The main body portion may have guide grooves formed in it, and the auxiliary portion may have guide projections that are inserted into these guide grooves, thereby configuring the auxiliary portion to be slidable. Alternatively, guide grooves may be formed in the auxiliary portion and guide projections may be formed in the main body portion, thereby configuring the auxiliary portion to be slidable.

[0132] The massage balls 100 may be positioned on both sides in the short direction (bilateral direction with the user's spine as the center), thereby providing a massage effect while applying pressure to acupoints located on both sides along the user's spine (for example, acupoints along the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang).

[0133] In this case, the transport unit 10 may be equipped with a plate-shaped transport plate member on which a receiving portion 20 and a lifting / lowering portion 30 are arranged, and base sleeves may be provided at both ends of the transport plate member in the short direction. Support rollers may be provided on the base sleeves, and such support rollers may be arranged to be movable along guide rails arranged along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the transport unit 10 may be equipped with a transport drive member that provides driving force to move the support rollers along the guide rails.

[0134] Furthermore, the support arm 21 may be positioned on the receiving portion 20 so as to be rotatable at a certain angle. The lifting and lowering portion 30 may be equipped with a rack gear-shaped lifting and lowering member and a pinion gear-shaped lifting and lowering drive member, and a separate drive motor may be connected to the lifting and lowering drive member so that the lifting and lowering member rises or falls in response to rotation in one direction or the other.

[0135] In addition, a power supply unit 40 that supplies current to the massage ball 100 may be provided, and when current is supplied to the heating element 120, the heating element 120 becomes capable of generating heat.

[0136] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the massage ball 100 is a massage ball that provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user, and such a massage ball 100 includes a first side plate 110 fixedly coupled to a support arm 21, a heating element 120 fixedly coupled to the first side plate 110, a rotating element 130 rotatably inserted into the outer surface of the heating element 120, and an outer cover 140 rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating element 130. The specific configuration of such a massage ball 100 is the same as the configuration described above, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0137] As discussed above, the massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to one embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a rotating member 130 rotatably inserted into the heating element 120 and an external cover 140 rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member 130. As a result, not only is the thermal massage effect improved by the conduction of heat through the rotating member 130, but the external cover 140 can also rotate smoothly through the rotating member 130, so that no noise is generated during use and problems of reduced durability due to wear are eliminated.

[0138] In the case of the above-described embodiment, other embodiments, and massage balls with improved heat transfer performance according to other embodiments, each embodiment has been described separately, but the features of each embodiment can also be combined and implemented.

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

Claims

1. In a massage ball that provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user, The aforementioned massage ball is Heat-generating component, A rotating member rotatably disposed on the aforementioned heating element, The rotating member includes an external cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the rotating member, The aforementioned heating element is A heater and The system includes a heater cover arranged to surround the heater and having a heat-conducting surface on its outer surface, The aforementioned rotating member is equipped with a rotating pin that is inserted into the heater cover along the axial direction, resulting in a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance.

2. The heater cover includes a first cover positioned on one radial side and a second cover positioned on the other radial side and connectable to the first cover. The heater is disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and the massage ball has improved heat transfer performance as described in claim 1.

3. The heating element is provided with a slot into which the rotating element is inserted. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1, wherein an outer opening is provided on the radially outer side of the slot so that a part of the rotating member is exposed in the radial direction.

4. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 3, wherein the rotating member is provided with an exposed contact portion that is exposed radially outward through the outer opening.

5. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 3, wherein the slots include at least one of a first slot extending from one side in the axial direction to the other, and a second slot extending from the other side in the axial direction to the one side.

6. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 3, wherein the slots include a first slot extending from one side in the axial direction to the other, and a second slot extending from the other side in the axial direction to the one side, and the first slots and the second slots are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction or along the axial direction.

7. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1, further comprising at least one side plate, which is a first side plate arranged on one side in the axial direction and a second side plate arranged on the other side in the axial direction.

8. The heat transfer performance of the massage ball according to claim 1, wherein the heater cover is provided with an opening hole extending along the axial direction.

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

10. A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 1, wherein a second insert is provided in the axial central portion of the outer cover.

11. A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 10, wherein, with reference to the second insert, a first cushion layer is provided on the radially inner side of the outer cover, and a second cushion layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

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

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

14. The rotating member is inserted and positioned between the heating member and the outer cover, as described in claim 1, resulting in a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance.

15. In a massage ball that provides a thermal massage effect while applying pressure to the user, The aforementioned massage ball is Heat-generating component, An external cover rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the heating element, The rotating member includes a rotating member that is rotatably inserted into the outer cover, The aforementioned heating element is A heater and The system includes a heater cover arranged to surround the heater and having a heat-conducting surface on its outer surface, The aforementioned rotating member is provided with a rotating pin that is inserted into the outer cover along the axial direction, resulting in a massage ball with improved heat transfer performance.

16. The heater cover includes a first cover positioned on one radial side and a second cover positioned on the other radial side and connectable to the first cover. The heater is disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and the massage ball has improved heat transfer performance as described in claim 15.

17. The outer cover is provided with a cover slot into which the rotating member is inserted. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 15, wherein a cover opening is provided on the radially inner side of the cover slot so that a part of the rotating member is exposed in the radial direction.

18. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein the rotating member is provided with an exposed contact portion that is exposed radially inward through the cover opening.

19. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein the cover slot includes at least one of a first cover slot extending from one side in the axial direction to the other, and a second cover slot extending from the other side in the axial direction to the one side.

20. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 17, wherein the cover slots include a first cover slot extending from one side in the axial direction to the other, and a second cover slot extending from the other side in the axial direction to the one side, and the first cover slots and the second cover slots are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction or along the axial direction.

21. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 15, further comprising at least one side plate, which is a first side plate arranged on one side in the axial direction and a second side plate arranged on the other side in the axial direction.

22. The heat transfer performance of the massage ball according to claim 15, wherein the heater cover is provided with an opening hole extending along the axial direction.

23. The massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 15, wherein the inner surface of the outer cover is provided with a first insert.

24. A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 15, wherein a second insert is provided in the axial central portion of the outer cover.

25. A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 24, wherein, with reference to the second insert, a first cushion layer is provided on the radially inner side of the outer cover, and a second cushion layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

26. The inner surface of the outer cover is provided with a first insert. A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 15, wherein a second insert is provided in the axial central portion of the outer cover.

27. A first cushion layer is provided between the first insert and the second insert. A massage ball with improved heat transfer performance according to claim 26, wherein a second cushioning layer is provided on the radially outer side of the outer cover.

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