Massage device

Abstract

The present invention provides massage device. The massage device comprises a massage apparatus and a driving apparatus, the massage apparatus comprising a rigid plate, a massage main body, and a folding assembly. A first end and a second end of the folding assembly are hermetically connected to the rigid plate and the massage main body, respectively. The massage apparatus is provided with a cavity, the rigid plate, the massage main body and the foldable assembly forming said cavity, and the cavity extending from the rigid plate to the massage main body. The cavity is provided with an opening formed in the massage main body. The driving apparatus is configured to drive the folding assembly to be unfolded and folded, such that the volume of the cavity can be changed between a minimum volume and a maximum volume.

Description

massage equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of physical therapy technology, and more particularly, to a massage device. Background Art

[0002] Massage is a common and ancient physical therapy method. By applying mechanical kinetic energy, such as vibration, to appropriate parts of the body, massage can increase the temperature of the massaged area, promote blood circulation, relax muscles, relieve local spasms and pain, and prompt the body to produce corresponding stimulation information, thereby stimulating the human nerves and improving the secretion of body fluids. This can achieve the effects of stimulating nerves, enhancing the body's sense of pleasure, eliminating fatigue, and promoting a more positive attitude.

[0003] Most existing massage devices, especially small ones like massage sticks and vibrators, typically apply vibrations to specific areas of the body through direct contact. However, this direct contact massage can cause skin allergies or inflammation due to personal hygiene issues.

[0004] The patent application with publication number WO2015 / 039787 discloses a stimulation device, which has a small area of ​​direct contact with the massage part of the human body and is capable of forming an alternating pressure field between the massage part and the massager, and through the alternating pressure field, a massage effect is formed on the massage part. The stimulation device disclosed in the patent reduces the contact with the human body part, but the chamber of the stimulation device includes a first chamber 3, a second chamber 4 and a connecting channel 5 connecting the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4, resulting in it having obvious defects: first, body fluids in the massage part, moisture in the air, and even dirt can easily enter the first chamber 3 through the second chamber 4 and the connecting channel 5, and the first chamber 3 and the second chamber 4 are connected by the connecting channel 5 with a smaller inner diameter, which brings great difficulties to cleaning and cannot easily remove dirt and bacteria, resulting in bacterial growth and the generation of odor, affecting the user experience. Secondly, the stimulation device provides positive pressure or negative pressure to the second chamber 4 through the connecting channel 5 with a smaller inner diameter, which causes the driving mechanism to consume a large amount of power to achieve the corresponding pressure field change. Not only is the energy consumption high, but the rapid airflow back and forth through the connecting channel 5 with a smaller inner diameter is also prone to generate noise.

[0005] Patent application publication number WO2017174607A1 discloses a pressure wave massage device that uses a driving device to cause the second end 12b of the cavity 12 of the pressure wave massage device to deform, thereby causing the pressure within the cavity 12 to alternately change. Accordingly, the pressure wave massage device disclosed in this patent has a simpler structure, and the single cavity 12 structure also reduces the difficulty of cleaning. However, the pressure wave massage device disclosed in this patent has several drawbacks: First, the pressure change in the cavity 12 of this pressure wave massage device comes from the deformation of the flexible diaphragm (the second end 12b), making it difficult to produce a sufficiently large volume change and a sufficiently large pressure change within the cavity 12. Although the inventor claims that the ratio of the volume change of the cavity 12 to the minimum volume is not less than 1 / 8, or even greater, in actual tests, it is quite difficult to achieve a large volume change in the cavity 12 by deforming the flexible diaphragm, and the motor requires a large amount of energy to drive the repeated deformation of the flexible diaphragm. Secondly, the pressure change in the cavity 12 of the pressure wave massage device comes from the deformation of the flexible diaphragm (the second end 12b). The high-frequency deformation of the flexible diaphragm generates a large amount of noise, which reduces the user experience. Thirdly, the driving device of the pressure wave massage device is directly connected to the flexible diaphragm. The volume of the chamber is changed by pressing and stretching the flexible diaphragm locally to deform the flexible diaphragm. This means that the part where the flexible diaphragm is connected to the driving device will be repeatedly deformed, which can easily cause excessive fatigue of the connection part of the flexible diaphragm, further increasing the noise. Finally, the second end 12b of the cavity 12 of the pressure wave massage device is a flexible diaphragm, which is directly connected to the driving device, so that the second end 12b is difficult to remove and reinstall from the driving device, resulting in the first end 12a connected to the second end 12b being unable to be replaced. This is not conducive to replacing the chamber structure according to the needs of the user, nor is it convenient for the user to disassemble it for thorough cleaning and maintenance.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The main advantage of the present invention is to provide a massage device, wherein the massage device of the present invention can more easily achieve a large volume change of the chamber and generate sufficient pressure changes in the chamber while meeting the requirements of hygiene.

[0008] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the massage device of the present invention having the above advantages includes:

[0009] A massage device comprising a rigid plate, a massage body, and a foldable assembly, wherein a first end and a second end of the foldable assembly are respectively connected to the rigid plate and the massage body in an airtight manner, wherein the massage device has a cavity, wherein the rigid plate, the massage body, and the foldable assembly form the cavity, and the cavity extends from the rigid plate to the massage body, wherein the cavity has an opening formed in the massage body; and

[0010] A driving device is provided, wherein the driving device is configured to drive the foldable assembly to expand and fold, thereby changing the volume of the cavity between a minimum volume and a maximum volume.

[0011] The above and other advantages of the present invention will be fully reflected in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] The above and other advantages and features of the present invention are fully reflected in the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG1 is a perspective view of a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage device is in an initial state.

[0015] FIG2B is a cross-sectional view of the massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage device is in an unfolded state.

[0016] FIG2C is another cross-sectional view of the massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage device according to the present invention is in a folded state.

[0017] FIG3 is a perspective view of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage apparatus of the present invention is in an initial state.

[0019] FIG4B is a cross-sectional view of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage apparatus of the present invention is in an unfolded state.

[0020] FIG4C is another cross-sectional view of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage apparatus of the present invention is in a folded state.

[0021] FIG4D shows an alternative implementation of the foldable component of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage apparatus of the present invention shown in the figure is in an initial state.

[0022] FIG4E shows another optional implementation of the foldable component of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage apparatus of the present invention shown in the figure is in an initial state.

[0023] FIG4F shows another optional implementation of the foldable component of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component of the massage apparatus of the present invention shown in the figure is in an initial state.

[0024] 5A to 5C show another optional implementation of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] 6A to 6D show another optional implementation of the massage device of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the driving device of the massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present invention. Those skilled in the art may conceive of other obvious replacements, modifications, and variations. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0028] Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise specified herein, the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple.

[0029] Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise specified herein, the directions or positions referred to by terms such as "longitudinal," "transverse," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are based on the directions or positions shown in the accompanying drawings and are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present invention. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components involved must have a specific direction or position. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] 1 to 4C of the accompanying drawings in the present invention specification, a massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, which includes at least one massage device 10 and a driving device 20, wherein the massage device 10 includes a rigid plate 11, a massage body 12 and a foldable component 13, wherein a first end 131 and a second end 132 of the foldable component 13 are respectively connected to the rigid plate 11 and the massage body 12 in an airtight manner, wherein the massage device 10 has a cavity 100, wherein the rigid plate 11, the massage body 12 and the foldable component 13 form the cavity 100, and the cavity 100 extends from the rigid plate 11 to the massage body 12, wherein the cavity 100 has an opening 1201 formed in the massage body 12, wherein the driving device 20 is configured to drive the expansion and folding of the foldable component 13, thereby changing the volume of the cavity 100 between a minimum volume and a maximum volume. Preferably, to ensure that the volume change of the cavity 100 is sufficiently large and that a sufficiently large pressure change is generated within the cavity 100, the ratio of the minimum volume to the maximum volume of the cavity 100 is no greater than 4 / 5. Preferably, the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention has a continuous cylindrical structure to enable gas to flow smoothly within the cavity 100. In some embodiments, the rigid plate 11 is made of a material that is not easily deformed by force, such as a hard metal or alloy, high-strength plastic, etc., to facilitate the transmission of driving force to the foldable component 13. In other embodiments, the rigid plate 11 is made of silicone rubber and has a sufficient thickness to provide sufficient rigidity and resist deformation. Preferably, the rigid plate 11 and the foldable component 13 are made of the same material, so that the rigid plate 11 and the foldable component 13 can be integrally molded, thereby reducing the number of manufacturing steps and lowering the manufacturing costs of both the rigid plate 11 and the foldable component 13. For example, the rigid plate 11 and the foldable component 13 are both made of silicone rubber. Furthermore, the rigid plate 11 (and the massage body 12) and the foldable assembly 13 are all made of rubber. Preferably, the rigid plate 11, the foldable assembly 13, and the massage body 12 are configured to be airtight, so that air can only flow into and out of the cavity 100 through the opening 1201 of the cavity 100. Therefore, when the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 is closed, the air pressure within the cavity 100 can change accordingly with changes in the volume of the cavity 100.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a first end 101 and a second end 102. The massage body 12 of the massage device 10 forms the first end 101 of the cavity 100, and the foldable component 13 forms the second end 102 of the cavity 100. In other words, because the foldable component 13 can be folded and unfolded, the volume of the second end 102 formed by the foldable component 13 can vary regularly or irregularly, thereby causing the air pressure within the cavity 100 to vary regularly or irregularly accordingly. Preferably, both the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the present invention are continuous cylindrical structures to allow air to flow smoothly within the cavity 100. Preferably, the inner diameters of the first end 101 and the second end 102 of the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the present invention are substantially the same, and the inner diameters of the first end 101 and the second end 102 are uniform, so that air can flow smoothly within the cavity 100 and is less likely to generate noise. More preferably, the inner diameter of the first end 101 of the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the present invention is larger than the inner diameter of the second end 102. Optionally, the first end 101 of the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the present invention has a trapezoidal cross-section, with the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 forming the terminal end of the larger end of the trapezoidal cross-section. In other words, the first end 101 extends outward from the second end 102, and the inner diameter of the first end 101 gradually increases. However, the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 may also form the end of the smaller end of the trapezoidal cross section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the cavity 100 should not limit the scope of protection of the massage device of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the first end 131 and the second end 132 of the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention are respectively connected to the rigid plate 11 and the massage body 12 in an airtight manner, so that one end of the second end 102 is sealed by the rigid plate 11, and the other end of the second end 102 is connected to the first end 101, thereby forming the cavity 100.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 4C of the accompanying drawings, the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a group of folding units 133, wherein each folding unit 133 forms an air channel 1330, and each folding unit 133 has a first laminate 1331 and a second laminate 1332, wherein the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of each folding unit 133 are airtightly connected together to form a first ridge 1333 protruding outward and a position. A first folded space 1334 is formed between the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332, wherein the first folded space 1334 of each folding unit 133 is connected to the gas channel 1330, wherein each adjacent folding unit 133 is connected end-to-end in an airtight manner to form an inwardly protruding second ridge 1335 and a second folded space 1336 between the two adjacent folding units 133, and the gas channels 1330 of each adjacent folding unit 133 are connected to each other. In other words, the gas channels 1330 of the folding units 133 of the folding assembly 13 and the first folded spaces 1334 connected to the gas channels 1330 respectively form the second end 102 of the cavity 100. Accordingly, the first folding space 1334 of the folding unit 133 of the folding component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention and the second folding space 1336 formed by every two adjacent folding units 133 allow the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention to be unfolded when the rigid plate 11 is driven to move in the direction away from the massage body 12, so as to increase the length of the gas channel 1330 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable component 13, the volume of the first folding space 1334 and make the second end 102 have a larger volume; and to be folded when the rigid plate 11 is driven to move in the direction close to the massage body 12, so as to reduce the length of the gas channel 1330 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable component 13, the volume of the first folding space 1334 and make the second end 102 have a smaller volume. It is understood that the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention can hermetically separate the first folding space 1334 from the second folding space 1335. It is understood that the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention are in sheet form for ease of folding.It is understood that when the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention is unfolded, the volume of the second folded space 1336 formed by two adjacent folding units 133 can also become larger; when the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention is folded, the volume of the second folded space 1336 formed by two adjacent folding units 133 can also become smaller. It is understood that the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention is driven by the driving device 20 of the massage apparatus of the present invention to move back and forth, thereby driving the rigid plate 11 to move back and forth away from the massage body 12 and toward the massage body 12, and causing positive pressure or negative pressure to be alternately generated in the second end portion 102 (especially when the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 is closed). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the massage device of the present invention is used for massage, the massage body 12 of the massage device 10 is pressed against a massaged area of ​​the human body, causing the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 to be at least partially closed or blocked by the massaged area. This allows the air pressure within the cavity 100 to change when the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention is driven to move back and forth. Accordingly, first, the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention folds and unfolds as a whole, allowing the rigid plate 11 of the massage device of the present invention to have a greater travel range and making it easier for the second end portion 102 of the massage device 10 to achieve a large volume change, thereby generating a sufficient air pressure change within the second end portion 102. Secondly, the folding unit 133 of the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention is folded and unfolded as a whole, avoiding the local repeated and high-frequency deformation of the flexible diaphragm of the driving device of the pressure wave massage device with publication number WO2017174607A1, and can make the noise generated when the volume of the cavity 100 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention change less. Thirdly, the folding unit 133 of the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage device of the present invention is folded and unfolded as a whole, and can also enable the massage device of the present invention to avoid the defects of the driving device of the pressure wave massage device with publication number WO2017174607A1 acting on the local position of the flexible diaphragm, locally deforming the flexible diaphragm by pressing and stretching the flexible diaphragm, causing repeated deformation at the connection point between the flexible diaphragm and the driving device, and causing excessive fatigue and rupture of the connection point between the flexible diaphragm and the driving device. Furthermore, the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage equipment of the present invention is unfolded and folded as a whole, and when the second end 102 of the foldable component 13 changes, the connection part between the folding unit 133 of the foldable component 13 and the rigid plate 11 is subjected to less stress, consumes less energy and is easier to implement.This prevents the connection between the foldable component 13 and the rigid plate 11 from undergoing excessive repeated deformation, which could damage the foldable component 13 or even the entire massage device 10. Preferably, the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 are both annular, so that the first folding space 1334 surrounds the gas passage 1330 and the second end portion 102 has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 are both annular, which facilitates folding between the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 and between adjacent folding units 133. However, the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 may also have any other shape that enables the folding and expansion of the foldable component 13. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shapes of the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 should not limit the scope of protection of the massage device of the present invention. Preferably, the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention are integrally formed. More preferably, the rigid plate 11, the foldable assembly 13, and the massage body 12 are made of the same material and are integrally formed. In other words, by increasing the thickness of the rigid plate 11 and the massage body 12 to ensure their respective rigidity, and reducing the thickness of the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the foldable assembly 13 to enable folding, the rigid plate 11, the foldable assembly 13, and the massage body 12 are integrally formed from the same material, thereby significantly simplifying the manufacturing process of the massage device 10 of the present invention and reducing the manufacturing cost of the massage device 10. Such simplification of the manufacturing process of the massage device 10 of the massage equipment of the present invention can further avoid the connection, fixation and sealing problems between the flexible diaphragm and the rigid drive mechanism and the rigid wall, significantly reducing the manufacturing difficulty and improving the product yield.

[0034] It is noteworthy that the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention is made of a material having appropriate tensile strength and hardness. For example, the material of the folding unit 133 may be rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber, silicone polymer, etc. It is understood that the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage apparatus 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention have appropriate thicknesses (the thickness of the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 should not be too thick or too thin: if the laminate 133 is too thick, it will be difficult to fold; if the laminate 133 is too thin, it will be difficult to form). For example, the tensile strength of the material of the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage apparatus 10 of the present invention is no less than 4 MPa. It is understood that the greater the tensile strength of the material used to manufacture the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention, the thinner the thickness of the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 can be; and the thinner the tensile strength of the material used to manufacture the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention, the thicker the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 can be. Therefore, the tensile strength of the material used to manufacture the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention may also be less than 4 MPa. The tensile strength of the material used to manufacture the first and second laminates 1331, 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the hardness of the material used to manufacture the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention is 0-60 Shore A. It is understood that the lower the hardness of the material used to manufacture the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention, the greater the thickness of the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention should be; and the greater the hardness of the material used to manufacture the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention, the smaller the thickness of the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention should be. Considering that materials with higher or lower hardness may also be used to manufacture the first laminate 1331 and the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the present invention, the hardness of the material should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.It can be understood that the rigid plate 11 and the foldable component 13, or even the rigid plate 11, the foldable component 13 and the massage body 12 can be made of the same material as a whole, so that the rigid plate 11, the foldable component 13 and the massage body 12 can be molded at one time, reducing the manufacturing steps of the massage device 10 of the massage equipment of the present invention and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2A to FIG. 4C of the accompanying drawings, preferably, the outer diameter of the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not less than the outer diameter of the foldable component 13 to ensure that the foldable component 13 can be unfolded and folded as a whole.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention optionally further includes at least one first connector 1351, wherein the first connector 1351 is sheet-shaped and extends between the rigid plate 11 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the rigid plate 11. Preferably, the first connector 1351 extends obliquely between the rigid plate 11 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the rigid plate 11. Exemplarily, the first connector 1351 is formed from at least a portion of the second laminate 1332 of the folding unit 133 to ensure smooth folding of the foldable assembly 13. As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the first connector 1351 is preferably airtightly disposed on the outer edge 1101 of the rigid plate 11, such that the first connector 1351 and the rigid plate 11 form an end folding space 1337 therebetween, thereby enabling smooth folding of the foldable assembly 13. It can be understood that the first connecting member 1351 extends from the rigid plate 11 toward the gas passage 1330. As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention optionally further includes at least one second connecting member 1352, wherein the second connecting member 1352 is sheet-shaped and extends between the massage body 12 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the massage body 12. Preferably, the second connecting member 1352 extends obliquely between the massage body 12 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the massage body 12. Optionally, the second connecting member 1352 is formed from at least a portion of the first laminate 1331 of the folding unit 133 to ensure that the foldable component 13 can be smoothly folded. Preferably, the second connector 1352 is airtightly mounted on the inner wall 1202 of the massage body 12, thereby forming a folding space 1338 between the second connector 1352 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the massage body 12, thereby allowing the foldable assembly 13 to fold smoothly. It is understood that the second connector 1352 extends from the inner wall 1202 of the massage body 12 toward the gas passage 1330. As shown in FIG. 4D of the accompanying drawings, in some embodiments, the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 according to the present invention includes only the second connector 1352 extending obliquely between the massage body 12 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the massage body 12. In other embodiments, the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 according to the present invention includes only the first connector 1351 extending obliquely between the rigid plate 11 and the folding unit 133 adjacent to the rigid plate 11.

[0037] FIG4E of the accompanying drawings shows an optional embodiment of the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component 13A forms an air channel 1330A, wherein the foldable component 13A includes a first laminate 1331A and a second laminate 1332A, wherein one end of the first laminate 1331A is airtightly connected to the rigid plate 11, and the first laminate 1331A extends outwardly from the rigid plate 11, and one end of the second laminate 1332A is airtightly connected to the massage The massage body 12 is provided with a second laminate 1332A extending obliquely outward from the massage body 12, wherein the other end of the first laminate 1331A and the other end of the second laminate 1332A are connected in an airtight manner to form an outwardly protruding first ridge 1333A and a first folding space 1334A located between the first laminate 1331A and the second laminate 1332A, wherein the first folding space 1334A is connected to the gas channel 1330A, thereby forming the first end 101 of the cavity 100 of the foldable component 13. In other words, the first stack 1331A extends obliquely between the rigid plate 11 and the second stack 1332A, and the second stack 1332A extends obliquely between the massage body 12 and the first stack 1331A. The first stack 1331A and the second stack 1332A have different extension directions, but extend toward each other, so that the first stack 1331A and the rigid plate 11 form a second folding space 1335A located therebetween, and the second stack 1332A and the massage body 12 form a third folding space 1336A located therebetween, so that the first stack 1331A and the second stack 1332A can be folded and unfolded to reduce and increase the volume of the first folding space 1334A and the gas channel 1330A. It can be understood that the first stack 1331A and the second stack 1332A of the foldable assembly 13A of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention can hermetically separate the first folding space 1334A from the second folding space 1335A and the third folding space 1336A, respectively. It can be understood that the first stack 1331A and the second stack 1332A of the foldable assembly 13A of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention form a folding unit 133A. Preferably, the first stack 1331A and the second stack 1332A are integrally formed. More preferably, the rigid plate 11, the foldable assembly 13, and the massage body 12 are integrally formed. Clearly, the foldable assembly 13A of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention has a simpler structure and is easier to fold.Preferably, the first and second layers 1331A, 1332A of the foldable assembly 13A of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention are both annular, such that the first folding space 1334A surrounds the gas passage 1330A and the second end portion 102 has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The annular shape of the first and second layers 1331A, 1332A of the foldable assembly 13A of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention also facilitates the folding of the first and second layers 1331A, 1332A.

[0038] FIG4F of the accompanying drawings shows an optional implementation of the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the foldable component 13B forms an air channel 1330B, and the foldable component 13B includes a first laminate 1331B and a second laminate 1332B, wherein one end of the first laminate 1331B is airtightly connected to the rigid plate 11, and the first laminate 1331B extends inwardly from the rigid plate 11, and one end of the second laminate 1332B is airtightly connected to the massage body 12, and the second laminate 1332B extends inwardly from the massage body 12, wherein the first laminate 1331 ... The other end is airtightly connected to the other end of the second stack 1332B to form an inwardly protruding first ridge 1333B, a first folding space 1334B located between the first stack 1331B and the rigid plate 11, a second folding space 1335B located between the second stack 1332B and the massage body 12, and a third folding space 1336B located between the first stack 1331B and the second stack 1332B, wherein the first folding space 1334B and the second folding space 1335B are both connected to the gas channel 1330B, thereby forming the first end 101 of the cavity 100 of the foldable component 13. In other words, the first stack 1331B extends obliquely between the rigid plate 11 and the second stack 1332B, and the second stack 1332B extends obliquely between the massage body 12 and the first stack 1331B, and the first stack 1331B and the second stack 1332B have different extension directions, but extend toward each other, so that the first stack 1331B and the rigid plate 11 form a first folding space 1334B located therebetween, and the second stack 1332B and the massage body 12 form a second folding space 1335B located therebetween, so that the first stack 1331B and the second stack 1332B can be folded and unfolded, so that the volumes of the first folding space 1334B, the second folding space 1335B and the gas channel 1330B become smaller and larger. It is understood that the first and second stacks 1331B, 1332B of the foldable assembly 13B of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention are capable of hermetically separating the first and second foldable spaces 1334B, 1335B, from the third foldable space 1336B, respectively. It is understood that the first and second stacks 1331B, 1332B of the foldable assembly 13B of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention form a folding unit 133B. Preferably, the first and second stacks 1331B, 1332B are integrally formed. More preferably, the rigid plate 11, the foldable assembly 13, and the massage body 12 are integrally formed.Obviously, the foldable component 13B of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention has a simpler structure and is easier to fold. Preferably, the first and second layers 1331B, 1332B of the foldable component 13B of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention are both annular, so that the first folding space 1334B surrounds the gas passage 1330B and the second end portion 102 has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The annular shape of the first and second layers 1331B, 1332B of the foldable component 13B of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention also facilitates the folding of the first and second layers 1331B, 1332B.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention optionally further includes at least one first stopper 31, wherein the first stopper 31 is disposed on the massage body 12. The first stopper 31 is made of a rigid material and is positioned opposite the first side 111 of the rigid plate 11 to prevent the rigid plate 11 from moving further toward the massage body 12 and to prevent the foldable component 13 from being excessively folded by the rigid plate 11, thereby preventing excessive air pressure within the cavity 100. Excessive air pressure within the cavity 100 may cause discomfort to the human body. Optionally, the first stopper 31 may be a protrusion or bump extending from the massage body 12, or may be another mechanism capable of preventing the rigid plate 11 from moving further toward the massage body 12. Optionally, the first end 131 of the foldable component 13 is disposed on the first side 111 of the rigid plate 11.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, optionally, the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes at least one second stop member 32, wherein the second stop member 32 is arranged opposite to the second side 112 of the rigid plate 11, wherein the second stop member 32 is made of a rigid material and is positioned to prevent the rigid plate 11 from moving further in a direction away from the massage body 12, so as to prevent the foldable component 13 from being excessively expanded (or stretched) by the rigid plate 11, thereby preventing the air pressure in the cavity 100 from being too low.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the drive unit 20. Preferably, the rigid plate 11 is removably mounted on the drive unit 20. Furthermore, the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention has an appropriate thickness to facilitate its removable mounting on the drive unit 20. The removable mounting of the rigid plate 11 on the drive unit 20 allows users to select different specifications of the massage device 10 according to their needs and allows users to thoroughly clean and maintain the massage device 10 (e.g., apply lubricant) after disassembly. Preferably, the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus of the present invention is removably mounted on the drive unit 20 via a snap-on or screw-on connection. It is understood that the massage device 10 may have different specifications depending on the size and shape of its opening 1201 or the material used to manufacture the massage body 12 of the massage device 10.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, a massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a housing 40 having an ergonomic shape for easy gripping by a user. Furthermore, the housing 40 of the massage device of the present invention has a housing 400 with an installation opening 401. The massage device 10 and the drive device 20 are both disposed within the housing 401 of the housing 40, and the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 of the massage body 12 of the massage device 10 is exposed through the installation opening 401. Preferably, the opening 1201 of the cavity 100 of the massage body 12 coincides with the installation opening 401. Optionally, the massage body 12 extends from the installation opening 401. Preferably, the housing 40 is made of a human-friendly material. Optionally, the second stopper 32 of the massage device of the present invention is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 40.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 7 of the accompanying drawings, the drive device 20 of the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is fixedly disposed within the accommodating cavity 400 of the housing 40. It is understood that the drive device 20 may be any mechanism capable of driving the rigid plate 11 to reciprocate. As shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 7 of the accompanying drawings, the drive device 20 of the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention illustratively includes a motor 21 and a transmission assembly 22, wherein the transmission assembly 22 is connected to the power output of the motor 21 and the rigid plate 11 at its ends, respectively. The transmission assembly 22 is configured to be driven by the motor 21 to drive the rigid plate 11 to reciprocate. It is understood that the drive device 20 of the massage device according to the present invention may also be other mechanisms capable of driving the rigid plate 11 to reciprocate. For example, the drive device 20 may be an electromagnetic drive component that drives the rigid plate 11 to reciprocate through alternating mutual attraction and repulsion between two components with different magnetic properties. The driving device 20 of the massage device of the present invention may also drive the rigid plate 11 to reciprocate by other means, for example, by pneumatic, piezoelectric, or hydraulic means. Therefore, the driving device 20 of the massage device of the present invention does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 7 of the accompanying drawings, for example, the driving device 20 of the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a power supply interface 23, wherein the power supply interface 23 is electrically connected to the motor 21 to supply power to the motor 21 and enable the motor 21 to drive the rigid plate 11 to move back and forth through the transmission assembly 22.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 7 of the accompanying drawings, illustratively, the driving device 20 of the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control module 24, wherein the control module 24 is electrically connected to the motor 21 and is configured to control the driving device 20 to drive the rigid plate 11. For example, the control module 24 controls the alternating frequency of the reciprocating movement of the rigid plate 11 or the travel of the rigid plate 11 to control the frequency of the alternating folding and unfolding of the foldable component 13 and the degree of folding and unfolding of the foldable component 13. Furthermore, the control module 24 is electrically connected to the power supply interface 23 and the motor 21 respectively to control the power supply to the motor 21.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 7 of the accompanying drawings, illustratively, the driving device 20 of the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a battery or battery pack 25, wherein the battery or battery pack 25 is electrically connected to the control module 24, and the control module 24 is configured to control the battery or battery pack 25 to supply power to the motor 21. Preferably, the battery or battery pack 25 is a rechargeable battery or battery pack. Furthermore, the power supply interface 23 is electrically connected to the battery or battery pack 25 directly or through the control module 24 to charge the battery or battery pack 25. Accordingly, the power supply interface 23 may be a power socket or a wireless charging module. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the driving device 20 of the massage device of the present invention may also be powered by an external power supply.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 4C and 7 of the accompanying drawings, the driving device 20 of the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a switch 26, wherein the switch 26 is electrically connected to the control module 24 to control the motor 21 to be turned on or off via the control module 24. Optionally, the switch 26 can also be connected to the battery or battery pack 25 and the motor 21, respectively, to directly control the start and stop of the motor 21. In some embodiments, the switch 26 of the driving device 20 of the massage device according to the present invention can be a traditional contact switch, such as a push button or key switch. In other embodiments, the switch 26 of the driving device 20 of the massage device according to the present invention can be a touch switch, such as a pressure-sensitive switch or a voice-activated switch. In other embodiments, the switch 26 of the driving device 20 of the massage device according to the present invention can be a non-contact switch, such as a wireless control switch or a body-sensing detection switch. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of switch 26 of the driving device 20 of the massage device according to the present invention should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] For example, in some embodiments, the switch 26 of the massage device according to the present invention includes a pressure sensor 26A, and the pressure sensor 26A is electrically connected to the control module 24 and configured to generate a pressure sensing signal based on the amount of force applied to it. The control module 24 is configured to control the output of the motor 21 based on the amount of pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 26A, thereby controlling the alternating frequency of the reciprocating movement of the rigid plate 11 or the length of the travel of the rigid plate 11 based on the amount of pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 26A. Therefore, compared to existing massage devices, the massage device of the present invention allows the user to adjust the massage effect through a simple and easy method. In some embodiments, the switch 26 of the massage device according to the present invention includes multiple pressure sensors 26A, wherein the control module 24 is configured to control the alternating frequency of the reciprocating movement of the rigid plate 11 based on the pressure sensing signal of at least one pressure sensor 26A, and control the length of the travel of the rigid plate 11 based on the pressure sensing signal of at least another pressure sensor 26A.

[0049] As shown in FIG2B and FIG4B of the accompanying drawings, the massage body 12 of the massage device 10 of the massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is placed on the massage part of the human body, so that the opening 1201 of the massage body 12 is closed or substantially closed, the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 is driven away from the massage body 12 by the driving device 20, and the foldable component 13 is unfolded, thereby increasing the volume of the cavity 100 (exemplarily, increasing to the maximum volume) and generating a negative pressure in the cavity 100 (for example, less than the external atmospheric pressure); as shown in FIG2C and FIG4C of the accompanying drawings, the massage body 12 of the massage device 10 of the massage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is placed on the massage part of the human body. When the massage part is massaged, the opening 1201 of the massage body 12 is closed or substantially closed. When the rigid plate 11 of the massage device 10 is driven by the driving device 20 to approach the massage body 12, the foldable component 13 is folded, thereby reducing the volume of the cavity 100 (for example, to a minimum volume) and generating a positive pressure in the cavity 100 (for example, greater than the external atmospheric pressure). As shown in Figures 2A and 4A of the accompanying drawings, when the massage device according to an embodiment of the present invention is disconnected from the power supply and is in standby mode, the foldable component of the massage device of the present invention is in an initial state (or initial working position), and the air pressure in the cavity 100 is neutral (for example, equal to the external atmospheric pressure).

[0050] As shown in Figures 2A to 4C of the accompanying drawings, the second end 132 of the foldable component 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed on the inner wall of the first end 101 of the massage body 12, thereby allowing at least a portion of the first end 101 to serve as a guide, ensuring that the foldable component 13 can be unfolded and folded along a predetermined path. Optionally, both the first stop 31 and the second stop 32 are disposed on the outside of the foldable component 13.

[0051] Figures 5A to 5C illustrate an alternative embodiment of a massage device 10 according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention, wherein the massage device 10C forms a cavity 100C and includes a rigid plate 11, a massage body 12C, and a foldable assembly 13. The massage body 12C includes a main body 121C and a connecting portion 122C. The connecting portion 122C is connected to the main body 121C and the foldable assembly 13, respectively. The first end 131 and the second end 132 of the foldable assembly 13 are airtightly connected to the rigid plate 11 and the connecting portion 122C, respectively. The inner wall of the connecting portion 122C is curved. Preferably, the curved inner wall of the connecting portion 122C has an arc angle of no greater than 90 degrees to reduce the obstruction of the inner wall to the free flow of air. The inner wall of the adapter portion 122C of the massage device 10C of the present invention is curved, thereby forming an angle between the main portion 121C of the massage body 12C and the foldable assembly 13. Notably, the angled arrangement of the main portion 121C of the massage body 12C and the foldable assembly 13 prevents the folding and unfolding directions of the foldable assembly 13 from being aligned with the extension direction of the massage body 12, thereby reducing the lateral dimensions of the head portion of the massage device and promoting miniaturization of the massage device. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the cavity 100C of the massage device 10C of the present invention has a first end 101C and a second end 102. The massage body 12C of the massage device 10C forms the first end 101C, and the foldable assembly 13 forms the second end 102. Accordingly, the difference between the massage device 10C of the massage equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention and the massage device 10 is mainly the structural difference between the massage body 12 and the massage body 12C, and the structures of other structures or elements of the massage device 10C are basically the same as those of the massage device 10.

[0052] Figures 6A to 6D illustrate another alternative embodiment of the foldable assembly 13 of the massage device 10 of the massage apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The first end 131D and the second end 132D of the foldable assembly 13D are adapted to be airtightly connected to the rigid plate 11 and the massage body 12 of the massage device 10, respectively. As shown in Figures 6A to 6D of the accompanying drawings, the foldable assembly 13D of the massage device 10 of the present invention forms the second end 102D of the cavity 100D of the massage device 10. As shown in Figures 6A to 6D of the accompanying drawings, the foldable assembly 13D of the massage device 10 of the present invention comprises a flexible bag 133D and a plurality of support rings 134D. The support rings 134D are supported at intervals on the inner wall of the flexible bag 133D, with the axes of the support rings 134D being perpendicular to the extension direction of the flexible bag 133D, thereby enabling the foldable assembly 13D to be unfolded and folded. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 6B of the accompanying drawings, when the foldable component 13D is unfolded, with the support of the support ring 134D, the flexible bag 133D is stretched or stretched under the action of external force, and the volume of the two end portions 102D of the cavity 100D is increased; as shown in Figure 6C of the accompanying drawings, when the foldable component 13D is folded, with the support of the support ring 134D, the flexible bag 133D is folded under the action of external force, and the volume of the two end portions 102D of the cavity 100D is reduced; as shown in Figure 6A of the accompanying drawings, when the foldable component 13D is in the initial state, with the support of the support ring 134D, the volume of the two end portions 102D of the cavity 100D is maintained at the initial size. It can be understood that the difference between the massage device 10D of the massage equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention and the massage device 10 is mainly the structural difference between the foldable component 13 and the foldable component 13D, and the structures of other structures or elements of the massage device 10D are basically the same as those of the massage device 10.

[0053] It is worth noting that the first and / or second in this article are only used to name different parts (or elements) of the present invention and to distinguish between different parts (or elements) of the present invention, and do not have the meaning of order or number.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. All equivalent implementations, modifications, and improvements within the spirit of the present invention are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A massage device, characterized in that: include: A massage device comprising a rigid plate, a massage body and a foldable component, wherein a first end and a second end of the foldable component are respectively connected to the rigid plate and the massage body in an airtight manner, wherein the massage device has a cavity, wherein the rigid plate, the massage body and the foldable component form the cavity, and the cavity extends from the rigid plate to the massage body, wherein the cavity has an opening formed in the massage body; and A driving device, wherein the driving device is configured to drive the unfolding and folding of the foldable assembly, thereby changing the volume of the cavity between a minimum volume and a maximum volume.

2. The massage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foldable component includes a group of folding units, each of which forms a gas channel, and each of which has a first stack and a second stack, wherein the first stack and the second stack of each folding unit are airtightly connected together to form a first ridge protruding outward and a first folding space located between the first stack and the second stack, wherein the first folding space of each folding unit is connected to the gas channel, wherein every two adjacent folding units are airtightly connected end to end to form a second ridge protruding inward and a second folding space located between the two adjacent folding units and to enable the gas channels of every two adjacent folding units to communicate with each other.

3. The massage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The foldable assembly further includes at least one connecting member, wherein the connecting member is in the form of a sheet, wherein the connecting member extends between the rigid plate and a folding unit adjacent to the rigid plate, and the connecting member is formed from at least a portion of the second stack of the folding unit.

4. The massage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The foldable assembly further includes at least one connecting member, wherein the connecting member is in a sheet shape, wherein the connecting member extends between the massage body and a folding unit adjacent to the massage body, and the second connecting member is formed from at least a portion of the first stack of the folding unit.

5. The massage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foldable component forms a gas channel, and the foldable component includes a first stack and a second stack, wherein one end of the first stack is air-tightly connected to the rigid plate, and the first stack extends outwardly obliquely from the rigid plate, and one end of the second stack is air-tightly connected to the massage body, and the second stack extends outwardly obliquely from the massage body, wherein the other end of the first stack and the other end of the second stack are air-tightly connected to form a first ridge protruding outward and a first folded space located between the first stack and the second stack, wherein the first folded space is connected to the gas channel.

6. The massage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foldable component forms a gas channel, and the foldable component includes a first stack and a second stack, wherein one end of the first stack is air-tightly connected to the rigid plate, and the first stack extends inwardly obliquely from the rigid plate, and one end of the second stack is air-tightly connected to the massage body, and the second stack extends inwardly obliquely from the massage body, wherein the other end of the first stack and the other end of the second stack are air-tightly connected to form a first ridge protruding inward, a first folding space located between the first stack and the rigid plate, a second folding space located between the second stack and the massage body, and a third folding space located between the first stack and the second stack, wherein the first folding space and the second folding space are both connected to the gas channel.

7. The massage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The massage body includes a main body and a transition part, wherein the transition part is respectively connected to the main body and the foldable component, the first end and the second end of the foldable component are respectively connected to the rigid plate and the transition part in an airtight manner, and the inner wall of the transition part is arc-shaped.

8. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first folded spaces are disposed to surround the gas channels respectively.

9. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first laminate and the second laminate are both in sheet form.

10. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the first end of the cavity is greater than the inner diameter of the second end.

11. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the rigid plate is not less than the outer diameter of the foldable component.

12. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The cavity of the massage device forms a first end and a second end, wherein the massage body forms the first end of the cavity, and the foldable component forms the second end of the cavity, wherein both the first end and the second end are continuous cylindrical structures.

13. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The rigid plate, the foldable assembly and the massage body are integrally made of the same material.

14. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The second end of the foldable component is arranged on the inner wall of the first end of the massage body, so that at least a part of the first end is arranged to play a guiding role to ensure that the foldable component can be unfolded and folded along a preset path.

15. The massage device according to claim 1, characterized in that The massage device includes a rigid plate, a massage body and a foldable component, wherein the first end and the second end of the foldable component are respectively connected to the rigid plate and the massage body in an airtight manner, wherein the cavity of the massage device has a first end and a second end, wherein the massage body of the massage device forms the first end, and the foldable component forms the second end, wherein the foldable component includes a flexible bag and a group of support rings, wherein the support rings are supported at intervals on the inner wall of the flexible bag, and the axis of the support rings is perpendicular to the extension direction of the flexible bag, so that the foldable component can be unfolded and folded.

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