Massage device

Abstract

This massage device comprises a massage ball and an arm. The massage ball is fixed to the arm. The massage ball includes a surface part, and a support shaft fixed to the arm. A heat source heats the surface part. A heat transfer part for transferring the heat of the heat source to the surface part is disposed between the heat source and the support shaft. A sliding part slides in contact with the surface part so as to rotatably support the surface part with respect to the heat transfer part. An elastic body is disposed on a heat transfer path between the heat transfer part and the arm.

Description

massage device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a massage device.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-78670 discloses a massage device comprising a sample element. The sample element comprises first and second case members connected to an arm of a massage device and capable of accommodating a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater and transferring heat from the PTC heater to a user, and a massage ball that presses against the user's body. The first and second case members, each containing a PTC heater, are installed between the arm and the massage ball.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-512876 discloses a thermal therapy device including a thermal ceramic module, a weight detection sensor, and a control unit. The thermal ceramic module includes a body, a first support plate positioned on the upper portion of the body, a second support plate positioned on the upper portion of the first support plate, an elevation drive unit coupled to the lower portion of the first support plate and moving the first support plate up and down relative to the body, and a ceramic member coupled to the second support plate. The weight detection sensor is provided on the lower surface of the second support plate and detects the user's body pressure. The control unit controls the setting and execution of a massage mode of the thermal ceramic module. The control unit controls the driving height of the elevation drive unit according to the user's body pressure detected by the weight detection sensor so that the same pressure is provided to the user by the ceramic member based on a preset target intensity.

[0004] A massage device comprises a massage ball and an arm. The massage ball is fixed to the arm. The massage ball has a surface portion and a support shaft fixed to the arm. A heat source heats the surface portion. A heat transfer portion is disposed between the heat source and the support shaft to transfer heat from the heat source to the surface portion. A sliding portion rotatably supports the surface portion relative to the heat transfer portion by sliding contact with the surface portion. An elastic body is disposed on the heat transfer path between the heat transfer portion and the arm.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line III-III of the massage ball of Fig. 2.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the first action of an elastic body applied to a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the first action of an elastic body applied to a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the second action of an elastic body applied to a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a massage ball applied to one embodiment of the massage device illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0020] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0021] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0022] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0024] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0025] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0026] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0027] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0028] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0029] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0030] The massage balls in conventional home massage devices are made of high-thermal-conductivity metals near the heat source, while the majority of the ball in contact with the body is made of elastic materials like rubber, resulting in low thermal conductivity. Consequently, temperature unevenness can occur on the surface of the massage ball, making it difficult to achieve the full effect of treatments that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is because the emphasis is on reducing surface pressure to minimize pain during the treatment and on replicating the kneading movements of the masseuse's hands, rather than on the heating function.

[0031] In the case of massage balls in medical massage beds, a heat source is placed on the support shaft of the massage ball, which is made of a hard material such as ceramic, and a spring is placed between the massage ball and the support plate to adjust the pressure applied to the human body. With this structure, the surface of the massage ball that touches the human body is made of a uniform material throughout and has high thermal conductivity, making it difficult for temperature unevenness to occur. However, if the movement of the massage ball with respect to the support plate is regulated using a rotational axis, the force acting in the tangential direction to the rotational trajectory of the massage ball can be buffered by the spring, but the force acting in other directions cannot be buffered by the spring. Furthermore, the space required to install the spring and the mechanism that regulates the movement of the massage ball can lead to an increase in the size of the massage device. Furthermore, the support shaft and support plate are generally formed of metal to ensure strength, but heat from the heat source is transmitted not only to the surface of the massage ball, but also to the support shaft and support plate, which can reduce energy efficiency. In order to suppress such unnecessary heat transfer, a method of placing an insulating material in the part where heat transfer is to be suppressed can be considered, but in the case of this method, the strength of the material to which the insulating material is added may be reduced, and the number of parts may increase due to the addition of the insulating material, which may result in an increase in the size of the massage device.

[0032] The present disclosure provides a massage device capable of heating the surface of a massage ball to a uniform temperature. The present disclosure also provides a massage device capable of adjusting the pressure exerted by the massage ball when it touches the human body. However, the technical challenges addressed by the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned technical challenges, and other technical challenges not mentioned herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, based on the description below.

[0033] A massage ball may include a surface portion, a heat transfer portion having a heat source, a support shaft, and a sliding portion that rotatably supports the surface portion with respect to the heat transfer portion. The surface portion and the heat transfer portion are formed of a material having high thermal conductivity. An elastic member is disposed between the heat transfer portion and the support shaft. As a result, the surface portion of the massage ball can be heated to a uniform temperature, and the pressure applied to the human body can be adjusted regardless of the direction. In addition, since there is no need to place a separate member for pressure adjustment on the outside of the massage ball, and the heat transfer portion and the support shaft are thermally insulated by the elastic member, space and energy savings are possible, and a massage device with a reduced number of parts can be implemented. The elastic member may also be disposed between the support shaft and the arm. As a result, the transfer of thermal energy from the heat source to the arm is suppressed, so that more thermal energy can be transferred to the human body through the surface portion.

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the massage device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a massage device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the massage device (1) may include a seat (11), a pair of support frames (12) that support the seat (11), and a backrest (13) that is supported by the pair of support frames (12) and is positioned at the rear side of the seat (11) to support the back of a person receiving the treatment. The massage device (1) includes a massage tool (20) that can massage the affected area of ​​a person receiving the treatment. In the following description, the front-back direction, the left-right direction (width direction), and the up-down direction are directions seen from the perspective of the person receiving the treatment when the person is sitting on the seat (11). In addition, the 'back' collectively refers to the back and neck of the person receiving the treatment.

[0036] The seat (11) is a flat, roughly rectangular member on which a person receiving treatment using a massage device (1) can sit. The seat (11) can be formed to allow the person receiving treatment to sit comfortably, for example, by including a frame and a cushioning material covering the frame.

[0037] The support frame (12) can be formed of a metal plate, resin, or the like. The support frame (12) can be formed so that, when the massage device (1) is installed on a flat floor, for example, the floor, the lower end (12a) of the support frame (12) is approximately horizontal to the floor. Front and rear leg portions (not shown) that are supported on the floor can be installed at the front and rear ends of the lower end (12a) of the support frame (12). Support pieces can be provided at positions having approximately the same height on a pair of support frames (12). The frame of the seat (11) can be fixed to the support pieces. Thereby, the seat (11) can be supported on the pair of support frames (12). Therefore, when the massage device (1) is installed on a flat floor, the upper surface of the seat (11) becomes approximately horizontal to the floor, and the seat (11) can be positioned to be spaced upward from the floor.

[0038] A pair of support frames (12) can extend upwards further than the upper surface of the seat (11). The upper portions of the pair of support frames (12) extending upwards further than the upper surface of the seat (11) can be gently bent to function as armrests. Accordingly, the pair of support frames (12) are armrest frames that support the seat (11) and can function as armrests, and the entire support frame (12) is covered with a cushioning material or the like.

[0039] The backrest (13) is a member having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, against which a person receiving treatment from the massage device (1) can lean. The backrest (13) supports the back of the person receiving treatment. The backrest (13), for example, like the seat (11), may be formed to include a frame and a cushioning material covering the frame, so that the person receiving treatment can lean comfortably. A massage device (20) for massaging the back of the person receiving treatment is installed inside the backrest (13). The massage device (20) can swing a pair of left and right massage balls (30) in the forward and backward directions and left and right directions. The massage device (20) can move a pair of left and right arms (22) for operating a pair of left and right massage balls (30) in the left and right directions.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line III-III of the massage ball (30) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the massage ball (30) may include a surface portion (31), a support shaft (32), a heater (33), a heat transfer portion (34), and a sliding portion (35). The massage ball (30) may further include an elastic body (37). The massage ball (30) may further include a fastening screw (36), a first end guide portion (38), a second end guide portion (39), and a fastening screw (391). The massage ball (30) may further include a short sliding part (351) and a thermistor (382).

[0041] The surface portion (31) is a member forming the surface of the massage ball (30). The surface portion (31) may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity. This allows the entire surface portion (31) to be heated to a uniform temperature. Here, the material having high thermal conductivity may be, for example, aluminum, ceramic (Al2O3), etc. As described below, by arranging a heat source (33) inside the massage ball (30), heat is transferred to the entire surface portion (31).

[0042] The support shaft (32) is a shaft member that is fixed to the arm (22) and supports the massage ball (30). The support shaft (32) can be formed of stainless steel such as JIS SUS303, for example.

[0043] The heat source (33) is a heat-generating member that receives power and generates heat. The heat source (33) may be, for example, a non-flexible rectangular or cylindrical PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. The heat source (33) may be embedded in the heat transfer member (34) without being bent.

[0044] The heat transfer unit (34) is arranged between the surface unit (31) and the support shaft (32). The heat transfer unit (34) can incorporate a heat source (33). In other words, the heat source (33) can be arranged on the inside of the heat transfer unit (34). The heat transfer unit (34) transfers the heat of the heat source (33) to the surface unit (31). A spacer (not shown) that presses the heat source (33) toward the outer surface of the heat transfer unit (34) may be arranged on the inside of the heat transfer unit (34). The heat transfer unit (34) can be formed of an aluminum alloy such as, for example, JIS A5052.

[0045] The sliding member (35) is a member for enabling the surface member (31) to rotate relative to the heat transfer member (34). In one embodiment, the sliding member (35) can be in sliding contact with the surface member (31). For example, the sliding member (35) can be installed over the entire area between the surface member (31) and the heat transfer member (34), for example, over the entire outer circumference of the heat transfer member (34). The sliding member (35) can be implemented by, for example, a metal bush having high thermal conductivity.

[0046] The short sliding portion (351) prevents wear of the heat transfer portion (34) and the surface portion (31) by making axial sliding contact with the surface portion (31). The massage ball (30) can be fastened to the arm (22) by a fastening screw (36).

[0047] The elastic body (37) is arranged between the heat transfer part (34) and the support shaft (32). The elastic body (37) is a member that enables adjustment of the pressure with which the massage ball (30) touches the human body. That is, the elastic body (37) adjusts the pressure so that the hard surface part (31) of the massage ball (30) does not cause discomfort when it touches a bone or the like. For example, the elastic body (37) can be arranged over the entire outer circumferential region of the support shaft (32) from one end of the support shaft (32) to the other end. The elastic body (37) can be formed of an elastically deformable material, for example, a rubber elastic material such as silicone rubber or an elastomer. The hardness of the elastic body (37) can be, for example, 35 to 50 degrees based on Shore A. The elastic body (37) is arranged in a heat transfer path from the heat transfer unit (34) to the support shaft (32) and to the arm (22). In this embodiment, the elastic body (37) can thermally insulate the heat transfer unit (34) and the support shaft (32). Therefore, heat from the heat source (33) can be efficiently transferred to the surface unit (31) with less energy.

[0048] The first end guide part (38) and the second end guide part (39) are installed at both ends of the support shaft (32) to restrain the surface part (31) and the heat transfer part (34) in the axial direction of the support shaft (32). By the first end guide part (38) and the second end guide part (39), the cushioning direction by the elastic body (37) is regulated only in the radial direction of the massage ball (30), and the deterioration of the pressure on the human body due to the tilting of the surface part (31) and the contact between the parts can be suppressed. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the first end guide part (38) is illustrated with a broken line so that the heat source (33), the heat transfer part (34), and the sliding part (35) are visible. For example, the first end guide part (38) can be fastened to the heat transfer part (34) by a fastening screw (381). The second end guide section (39) can be fastened to the support shaft (32) by a fastening screw (391).

[0049] The thermistor (382) detects the temperature inside the heat transfer part (34) to adjust the temperature of the surface part (31) to a predetermined temperature range.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, in a massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surface portion (31), a heat source (33), a heat transfer portion (34), a sliding portion (35), and an elastic body (37) are arranged in a concentric shape with the support shaft (32) as the center. With this structure, fastening members for fixing the massage ball (30) in the radial and tangential directions become unnecessary, and thus the number of parts can be reduced.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the first action of an elastic body (37) applied to a massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates the upper half of the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 5, pressure may be applied to the massage ball (30) as indicated by an arrow (A1) during a procedure. Then, the elastic body (37) may be elastically deformed as indicated by an arrow (B1) to cushion the pressure. In the present embodiment, the elastic body (37) is arranged over the entire circumference of the massage ball (30), i.e., the entire area of ​​the outer circumference of the support shaft (32). Regardless of the direction in which pressure is applied to the massage ball (30), the pressure can be cushioned by the deformation of the elastic body (37). Therefore, unlike a spring mechanism that cannot cushion pressure in a specific direction, the massage ball (30) according to the present embodiment can adjust the pressure applied to the human body regardless of the body type of the person receiving the treatment or the inclination of the backrest (13) during the treatment.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the first action of the elastic body (37) applied to the massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 (a) shows the first action of the elastic body (37) when the arm (22) forms an acute angle with respect to the backrest (13) of the massage device (1). Referring to FIG. 6 (a), even if pressure is applied to the massage ball (30) as indicated by the arrow (A11) during the procedure, the elastic body (37) can be deformed as indicated by the arrow (B11) to buffer the pressure. FIG. 6 (b) shows the first action of the elastic body (37) when the arm (22) is perpendicular to the backrest (13) of the massage device (1). Referring to (b) of Fig. 6, even if pressure is applied to the massage ball (30) in the direction indicated by the arrow (A12) during the procedure, the elastic body (37) can be deformed as if it were stretched out in the direction indicated by the arrow (B12) to cushion the pressure.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the second action of the elastic body (37) applied to the massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates the upper half of the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 7, arrows (C1) and (C2) represent first thermal energy transferred from the heat source (33) to the surface portion (31) and second thermal energy transferred from the heat source (33) to the support shaft (32), respectively. The difference in the amount of the first thermal energy and the second thermal energy is visually expressed by the thickness of the arrows (C1) and (C2). In the massage ball (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the elastic body (37) thermally insulates between the heat source (33) and the support shaft (32), the thermal energy transferred from the heat source (33) to the support shaft (32) is smaller than the thermal energy transferred from the heat source (33) to the massage ball surface portion (31).

[0054] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball (30a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 corresponds to the upper half of the cross-sectional view illustrated in Fig. 3. The massage ball (30a) of this embodiment differs from the massage balls (30) illustrated in Figs. 2 to 7 in the shape and arrangement of the elastic body. Hereinafter, components having the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted, with the differences being primarily described.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 8, the massage ball (30a) according to the present embodiment includes a first elastic body (47a) and a second elastic body (47b). The first elastic body (47a) and the second elastic body (47b) are positioned to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the support shaft (32) with a hollow portion (471) therebetween. The first elastic body (47a) and the second elastic body (47b) may be positioned adjacent to both axial ends of the support shaft (32). For example, the first elastic body (47a) covers a portion adjacent to one end of the support shaft (32), and the second elastic body (47b) covers a portion adjacent to the other end of the support shaft (32). The hollow portion (471) is interposed between the first elastic body (47a) and the second elastic body (47b). By this configuration, the thermal insulation between the heat transfer part (34) and the support shaft (32) can be further improved. In Fig. 8, the first elastic body (47a) is installed at one end of the support shaft (32), and the second elastic body (47b) is installed at the T-side end of the support shaft (32), but this is not limited thereto. The outer peripheral region of the support shaft (32) may have two regions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, for example, a first region (32-1) and a second region (32-2). The first elastic body (47a) may be installed to cover a predetermined region (the first axial region (32-1)) near one end of the support shaft (32), and the second elastic body (47b) may be installed to cover a predetermined region (the second axial region (32-2)) near the other end of the support shaft (32). In addition, the hollow portion may be provided not only between the first elastic body (47a) and the first elastic body (47b), but also near one end of the first elastic body (47a), for example, near the opposite end of the hollow portion (471) (the left end of the first elastic body (47a) in FIG. 8) and / or near the other end of the second elastic body (47b), for example, near the opposite end of the hollow portion (471) (the right end of the second elastic body (47b) in FIG. 8). In other words, the arrangement may be hollow portion-first elastic body (47a)-hollow portion (471)-second elastic body (47b)-hollow portion.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball (30b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 corresponds to the upper half of the cross-sectional view illustrated in Fig. 3. The massage ball (30b) of Fig. 9 differs from the massage ball (30a) illustrated in Fig. 8 in that a heat transfer portion (44) and a sliding portion (45) are employed instead of a heat transfer portion (34) and a sliding portion (35). Hereinafter, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted, with the differences being mainly described.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 9, the heat transfer portion (44) has a convex portion (441). The convex portion (441) protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the heat transfer portion (44). The sliding portion (45) has an axial length shorter than the surface portion (31). In the present embodiment, the sliding portion (45) has a first sliding portion (45a) and a second sliding portion (45b) that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The convex portion (441) of the heat transfer portion (44) is inserted between the first sliding portion (45a) and the second sliding portion (45b) and protrudes convexly toward the surface portion (31). In other words, the outer peripheral region of the heat transfer unit (44) may include a first region (44-1) provided with a convex-shaped region (441) and a second region (44-2) not provided with a convex-shaped region (441). The first region (44-1) and the second region (44-2) are arranged in the axial direction. The sliding region (45) may be provided in the second region (44-2) among the outer peripheral regions of the heat transfer unit (44). In the present embodiment, the first region (44-1) is provided between a pair of second regions (44-2), and the first and second sliding members (45a) (45b) are installed in a pair of second regions (44-2).

[0058] According to this configuration, even if the sliding portion (45) is formed of a material with low thermal conductivity, the heat of the heat source (33) can be effectively transferred to the surface portion (31) because the convex-shaped portion (441) of the heat transfer portion (44) with high thermal conductivity is positioned close to the surface portion (31).

[0059] In Fig. 9, the first sliding part (45a) is installed at one end of the heat transfer part (44) and the second sliding part (45b) is installed at the other end of the heat transfer part (44), but this is not limited thereto. The sliding part (45) may also be installed in some axial region of the outer peripheral region of the heat transfer part (44). In this case, the convex-shaped part (441) of the heat transfer part (44) may be installed in a region of the outer peripheral region of the heat transfer part (44) where the sliding part (45) is not installed.

[0060] Although not shown in the drawing, the heat transfer part (44) and sliding part (45) shown in Fig. 9 can also be applied to the massage ball (30) shown in Figs. 2 to 7.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball (30c) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 corresponds to the upper half of the cross-sectional view illustrated in Fig. 3. The massage ball (30c) illustrated in Fig. 10 differs from the massage ball (30a) illustrated in Fig. 8 in that it employs a sliding portion (55) having a spray coating (551). Hereinafter, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted, with the differences being mainly described.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 10, the sliding portion (55) has a spray coating (551). The spray coating (551) is interposed between the surface portion (31) and the heat transfer portion (34). The spray coating (551) can be formed on at least one of the inner surface of the surface portion (31) and the outer surface of the heat transfer portion (34). The spray coating (551) functions as a sliding portion (55) that enables the surface portion (31) to rotate relative to the heat transfer portion (34).

[0063] Although not shown in the drawing, the sliding part (35) of the massage ball (30) shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 and the sliding part (45) shown in FIG. 9 can be replaced with a sliding part (55) having a squeegee film (551) shown in FIG. 9.

[0064] Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball (30d) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 (a) shows a cross-section perpendicular to the support axis (32) of the massage ball (30) illustrated in Fig. 2, and Fig. 11 (b) shows a cross-section perpendicular to the support axis (32) of the massage ball (30d) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The shape of the heat source (43) of the massage ball (30d) of the present embodiment is different from the shape of the heat source (33) of the massage ball (30). Hereinafter, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted, and the differences are mainly described.

[0065] Referring to (a) of Fig. 11, in the case of the massage ball (30), a non-flexible rectangular heat source (33) is arranged in a non-curved state within the heat transfer portion (34). A receiving portion (341) for accommodating the heat source (33) is provided in the heat transfer portion (34). The receiving portion (341) may have the same cross-sectional shape as the heat source (33), for example, a rectangular shape. Although three receiving portions (341) and three heat sources (33) arranged therein are illustrated in (a) of Fig. 11, the present invention is not limited thereto. In contrast, according to the massage ball (30d) of the present embodiment, as illustrated in (b) of Fig. 11, a flexible film-shaped heat source (43) is arranged in a curved, arc-shaped shape within the heat transfer portion (54). For example, the heat transfer portion (54) has an arc-shaped receiving portion (541). The film-shaped heat source (43) is curved into an arc shape and accommodated in the accommodation portion (541). With this configuration, the contact area between the heat transfer portion (54) and the heat source (43) increases, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency from the heat source (43) to the surface portion (31), thereby reducing the number of heat sources (43) and miniaturizing the massage ball (30d). The heat source (43) and the heat transfer portion (44) illustrated in (b) of Fig. 11 can also be applied to the massage balls (30a), (30b), and (30c) illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, and 10.

[0066] Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis of the support shaft (32) of the massage ball (30) illustrated in Figs. 2 to 7, and Fig. 12 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis of the support shaft (52) of the massage ball (30e) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The massage ball (30e) of the present embodiment differs from the massage ball (30) illustrated in Fig. 2 in terms of the coupling structure with the arm (22). Hereinafter, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted, with the differences being mainly described.

[0067] Referring to (a) of Fig. 12, the massage ball (30) is fixed to the arm (22) by fastening one end of the support shaft (32) to the end end (221) of the arm (22) using a body screw (36). An elastic body (37) is arranged over the entire outer circumference of the support shaft (32). In contrast, referring to (b) of Fig. 12, the massage ball (30e) of the present embodiment is fixed to the arm (22) by fastening both ends of the support shaft (52), i.e., the first end (52-1) and the second end (52-2), to a pair of end ends (222) of the arm (22), i.e., the first and second end ends (222a) (222b), using a pair of fastening screws (56), i.e., first and second fastening screws (56a) (56b). Elastic bodies (57), i.e., a first elastic body (57a) and a second elastic body (578b), may be respectively disposed between the first end (222a) of the arm (22) and the first end (52-1) of the support shaft (52) and between the second end (222b) of the arm (22) and the second end (52-2) of the support shaft (52). For example, the first elastic body (57a) may be disposed within a massage ball fastening screw (56a) interposed between the first end (222a) of the arm (22) and the support shaft (52), and the second elastic body (57b) may be disposed within a fastening screw (56b) interposed between the second end (222b) of the arm (22) and the support shaft (52). In addition, an arm guide portion (223) is arranged at the second end (222b) of the arm (22) to control the movement of the massage ball (30e) only in the radial direction by sliding contact with the first end guide portion (38) and the second end guide portion (39). That is, the arm guide portion (223) controls the movement of the first end guide portion (38) and the second end guide portion (39) in the axial direction. In Fig. 12 (b), the first end guide portion (38) is not shown. With this configuration, even if the support shaft (52) is miniaturized or made of resin and has low strength, it can withstand the pressure applied to the massage ball (30e). In addition, the elastic body (57) is arranged in a heat transfer path from the heat transfer portion (34) to the arm (22) via the support shaft (52).Accordingly, the elastic body (57) thermally insulates between the support shaft (52) and the arm (22) to suppress the transfer of thermal energy. Accordingly, heat from the heat source (33) can be efficiently transferred to the surface portion (31) with less energy.

[0068] In the massage ball (30e) illustrated in (b) of FIG. 12, the elastic body (37) is not arranged on the outer periphery of the support shaft (52), but is not limited thereto. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the massage ball (30e) may further include an elastic body (37) arranged on the outer periphery of the support shaft (52). In this case, the elastic body (37) and the elastic body (57) are arranged on the heat transfer path from the heat transfer portion (34) to the arm (22). Therefore, the heat of the heat source (33) can be efficiently transferred to the surface portion (31) with less energy. The coupling structure of the massage ball (30e) and the arm (22) illustrated in FIG. 12 can also be applied to the massage balls (30a), (30b), (30c), and (30d) illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0069] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a massage ball (30f) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 (a) shows a cross-section perpendicular to the support axis (32) of the massage ball (30) illustrated in Fig. 2, and Fig. 13 (b) shows a cross-section perpendicular to the support axis (32) of the massage ball (30f) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The massage ball (30f) of this embodiment differs from the embodiments of the massage balls described above in that it employs a spring as an elastic body (67). Hereinafter, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted, and the differences are mainly described.

[0070] Referring to (a) of Fig. 13, the massage ball (30) is formed of an elastic body (37) made of a material that can be elastically deformed due to rubber properties, and is disposed between the heat transfer portion (34) and the support shaft (32). In contrast, referring to (b) of Fig. 13, the massage ball (30f) of the present embodiment employs a plurality of metal springs (67a) as the elastic body (67). The plurality of metal springs (67a) are disposed between the heat transfer portion (34) and the support shaft (32). With this configuration, a buffering function equivalent to that of the elastic body (37) having rubber properties can be realized even with the metal springs (67a) having a relatively small contact area and cross-sectional area. The metal springs (67a) of the massage ball (30f) illustrated in Fig. 13 can also be applied to the massage balls (30a), (30b), (30c), (30d), and (30e) illustrated in Figs. 8 to 12.

[0071] Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a massage device (2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 14, the massage device (2) includes a seat (11), a pair of support frames (12) that support the seat (11), and a backrest (13) supported by the pair of support frames (12) at the rear of the seat (11). The massage device (2) includes a massage tool (70) that can massage the affected area of ​​a subject receiving a treatment. As described above, the front-back direction, the left-right direction (width direction), and the up-down direction are directions seen from the perspective of the subject when the subject is seated on the seat (11). The seat (11), the support frame (12), and the backrest (13) are the same as those of the massage device (1) of Fig. 1, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] A massage device (70) for massaging the neck of the subject is installed inside the backrest (13). The massage device (70) is equipped with one massage ball (80) for massaging the neck and one arm (72) for operating the massage ball (80). In other words, the massage device (70) can realize a massage function with minimal cost by excluding massage functions other than those for the neck and narrowing its function to activation of the parasympathetic nerves of the neck.

[0073] Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a massage ball (80) applied to one embodiment of the massage device (2) illustrated in Fig. 14. Fig. 15 is illustrated so that the upper part of the drawing is the front of the massage device (2).

[0074] Referring to Fig. 15, the massage ball (80) has a surface portion (81). The shape of the surface portion (81) of the massage ball (80) is not limited to a roughly circular arc shape like the surface portion (31) illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4. For example, the surface portion (81) may have a gourd shape in which the central portion is concave compared to the two ends, as illustrated in Fig. 15. With such a configuration, the suboccipital muscles and multifidus muscles on the back of the neck, which are affected by the activation of the parasympathetic nerves, can be effectively massaged.

[0075] The structure of the massage ball (80) may be the same as the structure of the massage ball (30) illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. For example, the structure for adjusting the pressure when the massage ball (30) touches the human body by heating the surface portion (31) applied to the massage device (1) may also be applied to the massage ball (80) of the massage device (2).

[0076] As described above, by arranging a heat source inside the massage ball and forming the entire surface of the massage ball with a material having high thermal conductivity, the temperature of the surface of the massage ball can be uniform. In addition, according to a structure in which an elastic body is arranged inside the massage ball to form cushioning and thermal insulation, and / or a structure in which an elastic body is arranged between the massage ball and an arm to form cushioning and thermal insulation, the pressure applied when the hard massage ball comes into contact with the human body can be adjusted, thereby improving the energy efficiency when heating the surface of the massage ball.

[0077] A massage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a massage ball and an arm to which the massage ball is fixed. The massage ball comprises: a surface portion; a support shaft fixed to the arm; a heat source for heating the surface portion; a heat transfer portion disposed between the surface portion and the support shaft and transferring heat from the heat source to the surface portion; a sliding portion that rotatably supports the surface portion with respect to the heat transfer portion by sliding contact with the surface portion; and an elastic body disposed on a heat transfer path between the heat transfer portion and the arm.

[0078] As an example, the elastic body may be disposed between the heat transfer portion and the support shaft.

[0079] As an example, the elastic body may cover the entire outer periphery of the support shaft.

[0080] As an example, the outer peripheral region of the support shaft may include a first region and a second region spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The elastic body may include a first elastic body and a second elastic body covering the first region and the second region, respectively.

[0081] As an example, the elastic body may be formed of a rubber elastic material.

[0082] As an example, the elastic body may include a plurality of metal springs.

[0083] As an example, the surface portion, the sliding portion, the heat transfer portion, and the elastic body may be arranged in a concentric shape with the support axis as the center.

[0084] As one embodiment, the support shaft may have a first end fixed to a first end of the arm, and a second end fixed to a second end of the arm. The elastic body may include a first elastic body disposed between the first end of the support shaft and the first end of the arm, and a second elastic body disposed between the second end of the support shaft and the second end of the arm.

[0085] As an example, the sliding member may be arranged over the entire outer periphery of the heat transfer member.

[0086] As an example, the sliding portion may include a first sliding portion and a second sliding portion that are axially spaced apart from each other. The heat transfer portion may be positioned between the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion and may include a convex portion protruding toward the surface portion.

[0087] As an example, the sliding portion may include a spray film formed on at least one of the inner surface of the surface portion and the outer surface of the heat-conducting portion.

[0088] As an example, the heat source may be positioned within the heat transfer member without being curved.

[0089] As an example, the heat source may be in the form of a flexible film.

[0090] As an example, the heat transfer unit has a receiving unit having an arc shape, and the heat source can be placed in the receiving unit in a state of being curved in an arc shape.

[0091] As an example, the massage ball may have a gourd shape with a central portion concave compared to the two ends.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiments, the surface of the massage ball can be heated to a uniform temperature, and the pressure exerted when the massage ball touches the human body can be adjusted regardless of the direction of pressure applied to the massage ball. In addition, the transfer of thermal energy to the support shaft and arm can be suppressed.

[0093] The technical effects to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical effects mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of this document.

[0094] As described above, although the massage device of the present disclosure has been described through limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not depart from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A massage device (1) having a massage ball (30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 80) and an arm (22) to which the massage ball is fixed. The above massage ball is, Surface area (31); A support shaft (32, 52) fixed to the above arm; A heat source (33, 43) for heating the above surface portion; A heat transfer unit (34, 44, 54) arranged between the surface portion and the support shaft to transfer heat from the heat source to the surface portion; A sliding portion (35, 45, 55) that rotatably supports the surface portion relative to the heat transfer portion by making sliding contact with the surface portion; A massage device including an elastic body (37, 47, 57, 67) arranged on a heat transfer path between the heat transfer portion and the arm.

2. In paragraph 1, A massage device in which the elastic body (37, 47, 67) is placed between the heat transfer part and the support shaft.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above elastic body (37) is a massage device that covers the entire outer circumference of the above support shaft.

4. In paragraph 1 or 2, The outer peripheral region of the above support shaft (37) has a first region (32-1) and a second region (32-2) spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The above elastic body (47) is a massage device including a first elastic body (47a) and a second elastic body (47b) covering the first area and the second area, respectively.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above elastic body (37, 47, 57) is a massage device formed of a rubber elastic material.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above elastic body (67) is a massage device including a plurality of metal springs (67a).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A massage device in which the surface portion, the sliding portion, the heat transfer portion, and the elastic body are arranged concentrically with the support axis as the center.

8. In paragraph 1, The above support shaft (52) has a first end (52-1) fixed to the first end (222a) of the arm, and a second end (52-2) fixed to the second end (222b) of the arm. A massage device in which the elastic body (57) includes a first elastic body (57a) arranged between the first end of the support shaft and the first end of the arm, and a second elastic body (57b) arranged between the second end of the support shaft and the second end of the arm.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A massage device in which the above sliding part (35, 55) is placed over the entire outer circumferential area of ​​the above heat transfer part.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above sliding part (45) has a first sliding part (45a) and a second sliding part (45b) spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. A massage device in which the heat transfer part (45) is positioned between the first sliding part and the second sliding part and has a convex-shaped part (441) protruding toward the surface part.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A massage device in which the sliding part (55) includes a spray film (551) formed on at least one of the inner surface of the surface part and the outer surface of the heat-conducting part.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A massage device in which the heat source (33) is positioned within the heat transfer unit (33) without being bent.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above heat source (43) is a massage device in the form of a film having availability.

14. In paragraph 13, The above heat transfer unit (54) has an arc-shaped receiving unit (541), A massage device in which the above heat source (43) is placed in the receiving portion (541) in a curved arc shape.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14. The above massage ball (80) is a massage device having a gourd shape with the central part being concave compared to the two ends.

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