CH720621A1 - DRY MASSAGE DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A massage apparatus according to the invention for dry hydromassage comprises a base structure and a massage module (21) with a substantially closed container (210) with a wall (211, 212); a flexible membrane (211) which forms part of the wall of the closed container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device (213) which is designed to direct a liquid jet (216) onto the first surface of the flexible membrane in the interior of the closed container. The massage apparatus has a drive module (24) which is designed to move the massage module (21) in relation to the base structure in at least one direction of movement.

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a massage apparatus for dry hydromassage according to the preamble of the independent patent claim.

Technological background

[0002] Bathtubs with a massage function and similar devices for so-called hydromassage are known, in which the user's body is in the water and one or more water nozzles direct a jet of water onto the body, which exerts a mechanical force on the corresponding part of the body when it hits it. Such water jet massage devices require a lot of space and energy and are heavy. Since the user has to be in the water during the massage, using such massage devices is complex. In addition, there are complex maintenance requirements, particularly for hygiene reasons.

[0003] Massage tables and massage chairs are also known, which can massage a user automatically using mechanical massage elements. In such massage devices, electrically driven mechanical actuators apply localized force to the user's body. The mechanical actuators are installed, for example, in a lying surface or backrest. In order to achieve a massage effect in different places on the body, a number of actuators are necessary. Mechanical actuators are complex to manufacture and maintain. They are susceptible to wear and tear due to the moving mechanical components. The massage heads, which are usually hard, regularly lead to an unpleasant massage sensation in certain places or areas or even to the perception of pain due to the resulting force.

[0004] CN 203280724 U shows a device for "dry" massage using water jets, also called dry hydromassage, in which a large number of upwardly directed water jets are fixed in a tub filled with water. The tub is sealed watertight on the top with a flexible membrane. The user to be massaged lies on the membrane. The water jets each emit a directed water jet that hits the underside of the membrane at a predetermined point. A force is thus exerted on the user's body via the flexible membrane in order to achieve the desired massage effect. The large number of water jets makes such a massage jet device expensive to manufacture and operate.

[0005] EP 0880958 A1 describes another apparatus for dry water jet massage. A user lies in a tub filled with water, which is closed at one end with a flexible, waterproof membrane, as if on a water bed. One or two jet slides that can be moved lengthways are arranged on the bottom of the tub. Two massage jets are arranged on the jet slides, the distance between which can be changed in the transverse direction. A pump pumps water through the jets so that a directed jet of water is generated in the direction of the flexible membrane. Similar devices are also known from EP 1666017 A1 and EP 2327386 A1.

[0006] From US 2022/0323287 A1 of the applicant, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into the description, another device for dry massage using water jets is known. Shown is a device for dry water jet massage with a tub filled with water and a foil material that also serves as a lying surface for a person to be treated and enables pressure pulse transmission. This serves as a cover that seals the tub on the top in a watertight manner. A carriage with at least two water jet nozzles is arranged in the tub, whereby the water nozzles each serve to eject a water jet against the underside of the foil material. The water jet nozzles are fed by a pump. A first drive is used to move the carriage forwards and backwards in the longitudinal direction of the tub. A second drive moves the water jet nozzles on the carriage in the transverse direction of the tub. The water jets can be swiveled from a resting position to an operating position using a lever mechanism. Massage devices of the aforementioned type require a lot of floor space, as they are only intended for use while lying down. In addition, users often find a lying position during the massage, especially in public spaces, uncomfortable, which can impair the relaxing effect of the massage.

[0007] JP H6/205811 discloses a massage chair for dry water jet massage. A flexible, waterproof membrane is provided as the seat of the S-shaped chair. A guide rail is arranged below the seat at a constant distance from the membrane. A nozzle carriage is arranged on the guide rail, on which a water nozzle is arranged, at a constant distance from the membrane and with an axis of action that is always perpendicular to the membrane. The water nozzle generates a water jet that moves through the air and generates a force acting vertically outwards at the point of impact with the membrane, which causes the massage. The flexible membrane seals a housing under the massage chair in a watertight manner, so that the water from the massage nozzles remains inside the apparatus and can be collected on the floor and pumped out for reuse.

[0008] US 5827206 shows a massage chair for dry water jet massage, with a flexible membrane as a backrest. Several water nozzles are arranged behind the backrest and generate water jets that exert a force on the flexible backrest in order to achieve the massage effect. The water bouncing off the flexible backrest is collected in a pump sump located below the seat and pumped back to the water nozzles in a circuit. US 2009/0312680 A1 shows such a massage chair in which several water nozzles are arranged horizontally on a carriage that can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the backrest. Deflection elements form the water jets generated by the water nozzles into collected jets that are directed at specific points on the flexible membrane.

[0009] Massage devices of the aforementioned type are noisy because the water jet is atomized when it hits the backrest. The necessary pump sump requires a lot of volume beneath the seat.

[0010] US 6036663 describes a water jet massage chair in which a water-filled bladder made of a flexible membrane is arranged on a slope and thus forms the backrest. Fixed water nozzles generate directed water jets that are directed at the outer side of the membrane bladder and create a massage effect there. Crossbars keep the bladder in shape, otherwise the bladder would bulge in the lower area due to the water pressure. The backrest is divided into individual sections accordingly. KR 20110129315 shows a similar device in which the water jet nozzles are arranged movably on a sliding nozzle carriage.

[0011] There is a general need for improvements in this area.

representation of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a massage apparatus of the type mentioned at the outset, which counteracts at least one of the above-mentioned and other disadvantages.

[0013] A massage device according to the invention should combine the advantages of dry and wet massage. In particular, a massage device according to the invention should be able to achieve a massage effect similar to that of a conventional massage with a water jet, while at the same time having the size and user-friendliness of a mechanical massage device.

[0014] In particular, a massage apparatus according to the invention should make it possible to massage a sitting position.

[0015] A massage apparatus according to the invention should be reliable in operation. It should be inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. The required volume of space and the footprint of the massage apparatus should be as small as possible.

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by a massage apparatus according to the invention according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0017] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by various embodiments, each of which is advantageous in itself and, unless stated otherwise, can be combined with one another. These embodiments and the advantages associated with them are discussed below.

[0018] A first aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus for dry hydromassage.

[0019] A massage apparatus according to the invention comprises a basic structure and a massage module with a substantially closed container with a wall; a flexible membrane which forms part of the wall of the container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device which is designed to direct a liquid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane in the interior of the closed container. The massage apparatus further comprises a drive module which is designed to move the massage module in at least one direction of movement.

[0020] The flexible membrane is advantageously impermeable to liquids.

[0021] With such a massage device according to the invention, a force can be transferred from the liquid jet to the membrane at the point where the liquid jet from the massage nozzle device hits the flexible membrane, and from there directly or indirectly to the body tissue of a body of a user to be massaged that is resting against the membrane. Since the user is separated from the massage nozzle device by the membrane, the user does not come into contact with the liquid. Such a massage device according to the invention can thus be used like a mechanical massage device, with the massage effect of a wet massage with water jets. The jet strength has a balanced effect that is perceived by the user as pleasant.

[0022] Since the massage module can be moved, it is possible to make the dimensions of the massage module, in particular the flexible membrane of the container, smaller than the actual effective area of the massage device according to the invention. If a location outside the massage area of the massage module is to be massaged, the massage module can be moved to the corresponding location by the drive module. This reduces the weight of the massage device. In massage devices with an inclined effective area, problems with bulges in the flexible membrane can be avoided by using different hydrostatic pressure.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the massage module can act directly on the body of the user to be massaged.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a flexible layer is provided on the side of the flexible membrane of the massage module facing away from the container, which layer is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure of the massage apparatus.

[0025] This flexible layer can be designed in particular as part of an armchair or a couch of a massage device. For example, this flexible layer can form the backrest of an armchair of the massage device.

[0026] The flexible layer can be designed, for example, as a membrane or film, as a textile surface, as a foam layer or as a mesh structure. It must be sufficiently flexible to deform in a similar way under the force of the flexible membrane of the massage module, which is pushed outwards by the liquid jet of the massage module, and thus to transfer a force to the body of a user. The flexible layer must also be sufficiently stable to withstand the weight of the user. The static friction between the flexible membrane of the massage module and the flexible layer is advantageously as low as possible in order to reduce material wear. This can be achieved, for example, by a suitable choice of materials, by coating the flexible membrane and/or the flexible layers, or by using suitable lubricants.

[0027] The massage jet device can be a simple nozzle with a nozzle tube which can form liquid into a concentrated, directed jet of liquid which can bridge a certain distance in the liquid in the container of the massage device in order to reach the membrane.

[0028] The massage jet device can also be a massage jet device as shown in the applicant's Swiss patent application "MASSAGE NOZZLE DEVICE", which was filed on the same day as this application. The disclosure content of said application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into the description.

[0029] The closed container of the massage module is advantageously filled with a liquid or can be filled with a liquid.

[0030] Advantageously, the container is filled with liquid during operation, so that a jet of liquid generated by the massage nozzle device moves within the liquid in the container. This can reduce the noise generation.

[0031] The container can also be completely unfilled or only partially filled with liquid. In such an embodiment, a jet of liquid generated by the massage jet device moves through air or a gaseous phase in the container. Liquid bouncing off the flexible membrane collects at the bottom of the container and is returned to the pump circuit.

[0032] Water is advantageously used as the liquid. If necessary, other components can be added, for example compounds that prevent the growth of bacteria or algae. Another advantageous type of liquid is silicone oils, as these are non-toxic and non-flammable.

[0033] In a massage apparatus according to the invention, a second surface of the membrane facing away from the first surface of the membrane can also be in contact with liquid.

[0034] For example, a massage apparatus according to the invention can be combined with a bathtub or a similar device, wherein the massage apparatus is installed in the bathtub in such a way that the membrane forms part of the bathtub wall and the massage jet devices of the massage apparatus are located outside the bathtub.

[0035] In such an embodiment, the bath water in the bathtub can also be used as the liquid in the massage apparatus.

[0036] However, it is advantageous for the two systems to be separate, as this prevents any contamination from the bath water from entering the fluid system of the massage device. The fluid of the massage device can thus be selected to be optimized for the intended use.

[0037] In a massage apparatus according to the invention, the flexible membrane and a rigid cover together advantageously form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a pump module for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device of the massage module with pressurized liquid.

[0039] The pump module may comprise a pump and a drain line which fluidically connects the container of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container which is adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a control module which is configured to control the drive module and/or the massage module.

[0041] Such a control module is advantageously designed to control a pump module, if present.

[0042] Advantageously, the jet intensity of the massage jet device is adjustable, for example by controlling the massage jet device and/or by controlling the pumping power of the pump module.

[0043] By controlling the jet intensity, the massage effect can either be kept constant or controlled according to the body region.

[0044] Advantageously, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the position and/or orientation of the at least one massage nozzle device can be changed such that the directed liquid jet can be directed to different points on the first surface of the flexible membrane.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to move the massage module in a plane.

[0046] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to move the massage module along a curved path in space.

[0047] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to rotate the massage module about an axis in space.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, the flexible membrane of the massage module has at least one structuring feature which is designed to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

[0049] Advantageously, in such an embodiment, the at least one structuring element is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane of the massage module, so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened.

[0050] In a further advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a device is provided with which the temperature of the liquid, in particular the liquid in the container, can be adjusted and/or changed.

[0051] In yet another advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, a heating device is provided with which the temperature of a support surface of the massage apparatus can be adjusted.

[0052] Such a heating device makes it possible to give the user lying on the massage device a pleasant feeling of warmth. Such a heating device also has the advantage that it is not necessary to heat the liquid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption.

[0053] Advantageously, the heating device is provided with a plurality of heating zones, which can be individually selected by the user, for example, in order to set the desired temperature of the heating zone.

[0054] Such a heating device can be realized, for example, with electrical heating wires or with inserted thin heating hoses.

[0055] Such a heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer which is arranged between the flexible membrane and a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane. This has the particular advantage that the support mat can be removed more easily for cleaning without having to manipulate the connections of the heating device.

[0056] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into a support mat arranged on the flexible membrane or connected to the support mat.

[0057] This is particularly advantageous because the body of the user to be massaged is in heat-conducting contact with the membrane and thus with the liquid of the massage device. By increasing the temperature of the liquid above room temperature, for example to body temperature or above, the user's well-being can be increased and the physiologically positive effect of the massage can be enhanced. Alternatively, a temperature below room temperature can also be used, for example for therapeutic reasons.

[0058] A second aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus for dry hydromassage.

[0059] A massage apparatus according to the invention comprises a massage module with a substantially closed container with a wall; a flexible membrane, which forms part of the wall of the container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device, which is designed to direct a liquid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane in the interior of the closed container. The flexible membrane of the massage module has at least one structuring feature, which is designed to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane.

[0060] Such a modification of the structural properties of the flexible membrane makes it possible, for example, to adjust the mechanical deformation of the flexible membrane due to the force acting on it from the liquid jet.

[0061] Advantageously, the at least one structuring element is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane of the massage module, so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a basic structure and a drive module which is designed to move the massage module in relation to the basic structure in at least one direction of movement.

[0063] The closed container of the massage module is advantageously filled with a liquid or can be filled with a liquid.

[0064] In a massage apparatus according to the invention, the flexible membrane and a rigid cover advantageously together form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a pump module for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device of the massage module with pressurized liquid.

[0066] The pump module may comprise a pump and a drain line which fluidically connects the container of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container which is adjacent to the rigid cover.

[0067] In another advantageous embodiment, a massage apparatus according to the invention has a control module which is configured to control the massage module.

[0068] Such a control module is advantageously designed to control a drive module and/or pump module that may be present.

[0069] In a further advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to move the massage module in a plane.

[0070] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to move the massage module along a curved path in space.

[0071] In yet another advantageous embodiment, in a massage apparatus according to the invention, the drive module is designed to rotate the massage module about an axis in space.

[0072] A third aspect of the invention relates to a massage apparatus for dry hydromassage.

[0073] A massage apparatus according to the invention comprises a massage module with a substantially closed container with a wall; a flexible membrane which forms part of the wall of the container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and at least one massage nozzle device which is designed to direct a liquid jet onto the first surface of the flexible membrane in the interior of the closed container. The flexible membrane and a rigid cover together form a flat wall of the container of the massage module.

[0074] In such a massage apparatus according to the invention, the pump module advantageously comprises a pump and a drain line. The drain line fluidically connects the container of the massage module and a pump inlet of the pump. An inlet opening of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container which adjoins the rigid cover.

[0075] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description

Short description of the drawings

[0076] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made below to the drawings. These show only embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. For identical or identically acting parts, identical or similar reference numerals are used in the following figures and the associated description. Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention schematically. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention with a flexible layer between the massage module and the user's body. Figure 3 shows a possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, in two different displacement positions. Figure 4 shows the massage apparatus according to the invention from Figure 3 in combination with a pivoting armchair-shaped lounger. Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of another possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention with a curved movement path of the massage module along the (a) longitudinal contour and (b) the transverse contour of an armchair of the massage apparatus. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a possible embodiment of a massage module for a massage apparatus according to the invention, with a massage nozzle device that can be moved within the container of the massage module. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of another possible embodiment of a massage module for a massage apparatus according to the invention, with several selectively controllable massage nozzle devices. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of another possible embodiment of a massage module for a massage apparatus according to the invention, with a cushion element with a recess for the effective area. Figure 9 shows a schematic view of various possibilities (a)-(d) for adjusting the behavior of a flexible membrane of a massage module using structuring elements. Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention, in a perspective view. Figure 11 shows the massage apparatus of Figure 10, in a longitudinal section.

Ways to carry out the invention

[0077] The examples given below serve to better illustrate the invention, but are not intended to limit the invention to the features disclosed herein.

[0078] In the following description, identical or equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0079] A possible embodiment of a massage apparatus according to the invention is shown schematically in Figure 1. The massage apparatus 1 shown has a massage module 21, a drive module 24, a pump module 22 and a control module 23.

[0080] The massage module 21, which is shown in the figure in a schematic longitudinal section, comprises a substantially sealed container 210, consisting of a rigid wall 212 in the form of a tub, which is closed with a flexible membrane 211. The container 210 is filled with a liquid 218, for example water or silicone oil. A massage nozzle device 213 is arranged on a wall of the container opposite the membrane 221 and is directed against the membrane 211.

[0081] The pump module 22 comprises a pump 221, which draws relaxed liquid 218 from the container 210 of the massage module 21 via a drain line 223 and conveys it in a circuit under pressure via a supply line 222 back to the massage module 21. In the massage module 21, the line 222 opens into the massage nozzle device 213.

[0082] In the embodiment shown, the pump module 22 further comprises an optional liquid reservoir 224. For example, the pump 221 can also draw liquid 218 from this reservoir 224 in order to increase the amount of liquid in the container 210. Conversely, liquid can also be pumped into the reservoir 224 in order to reduce the amount of liquid in the container.

[0083] The massage nozzle device 213 generates a liquid jet 216, which moves through the standing liquid 218 in the container 210 until it hits the inner surface of the flexible membrane 211 in a massage effective area 217. The impulse and the kinetic energy of the impinging liquid push the flexible membrane 217 outwards in this effective area 217 before the liquid of the jet 216 dissipates into the standing liquid 218. If the force of the liquid jet is opposed by a resistance, for example the body tissue of a user to be massaged, a force Fm acts on the body tissue in the effective area 217. The massage effect is analogous to a hydromassage, since the liquid jet exerts a force, but in contrast to a mechanical actuator, this is perceived as less "hard" or "uncomfortable". The massage effect is more comparable to a hand massage because the fluid jet is not rigid like a mechanical actuator, but is flexible when there is greater resistance, for example in the area of bones close to the body surface.

[0084] The drive module 24 is designed to move the massage module 21 together with the container in space, for example along an axis x. In this way, the effective area 217 of the massage module 21 can also be moved so that a user's body can be massaged at different points. The drive module 24 can achieve the aforementioned movement of the massage module 21, for example, using suitable actuators or conveying means.

[0085] The control module 23 is designed to control the massage module 21, the drive module 24, and/or the pump module 22 as required. For this purpose, the control module 23 is connected via control lines to the other modules 21, 22, 24 of the massage apparatus 1 to be controlled.

[0086] The control module can, for example, be configured to control the massage nozzle device 213, for example by switching the massage nozzle device on and off by means of a valve in the supply line 222. Depending on the structure and functionality of the massage nozzle device 213, the thickness and the scattering angle of the liquid jet 216 can also be controlled, for example.

[0087] The control module can also be set up, for example, to control the actuators etc. of the drive module. Alternatively, the control module 23 can also specify a target position of the massage module 21 to the drive module 24, which the drive module 24 then moves to using its own internal control.

[0088] Finally, the control module can be configured, for example, to control the operating pressure or the delivery rate of the pump module 21 so that the liquid jet 216 has the desired properties (for example, speed, flow rate). This can be achieved in particular by controlling the pumping power of the pump 221.

[0089] The ability to move the massage module 21, and thus the massage area 217, allows the volume of the container to be smaller than known from the prior art. The weight of the entire massage apparatus 1 can be reduced accordingly, since in particular the amount of liquid can be reduced. In the case of an inclined, non-horizontal arrangement of the container 210 (such as in a massage chair), in which the membrane 211 is exposed to a hydrostatic pressure gradient, this pressure gradient is also significantly lower than in the prior art. The negative effects of this pressure difference are correspondingly smaller, so that corresponding technical countermeasures can be dispensed with. If, for example, in a permanently mounted, inclined massage module from the prior art, the flexible membrane extends over a vertical distance of 1 m, then in a container filled with water, a hydrostatic pressure of approximately 10 kPa acts on the flexible membrane at the lower end of the container. If, on the other hand, the container of the massage module extends only over 0.2 m in the vertical direction, with the same potential effective range as is possible with a massage device according to the invention, the hydrostatic pressure is only 2 kPa.

[0090] A massage device according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the massage module, or more precisely the massage area of the flexible membrane, acts directly on the user's body. However, since the massage module is movable according to the invention, in an advantageous embodiment of a massage device according to the invention the movable massage module is separated from the user's body by a fixed flexible layer. This allows the massage module to be moved without any problem when the user is already on the massage device.

[0091] A schematic representation of such a solution is shown schematically in Figure 2. The user to be massaged (not shown) is located on a flexible layer 115, which is designed, for example, as a lying surface or as a backrest of a massage device. On the side of the flexible layer 115 facing away from the user there is a massage module 21. The flexible membrane 211 of the massage module lies against the flexible layer. If the massage module is activated, the liquid jet generated pushes the flexible membrane 211 outwards in the effective area 217, upwards in the example shown. The flexible layer 115 is also deformed so that the massage module 21 can exert a force on the user's body.

[0092] Depending on the desired massage effect, the massage module 21 and/or the drive module (not shown) of the massage device can be controlled. For example, the liquid jet can be alternately set and turned off in order to achieve an oscillating force effect in the massage area 217 (indicated by the vertical double arrow). If the massage area is to be moved to another part of the body, the drive module moves the massage module 21 parallel to the flexible layer 115 to a desired destination. During this displacement, the massage module can be inactive in order to massage again at the new destination. Alternatively, the massage module can also remain active during the displacement, so that the curved massage area 217 moves together with the massage module 21. Such a displacement can also be carried out in an oscillating pattern (indicated by the horizontal double arrow). A combination of oscillating massage effect and horizontal displacement is also possible.

[0093] A possible embodiment of a massage apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown in Figure 3. The massage apparatus 1 comprises a massage module 21, a pump module 22, a drive module 24 and a control module (not shown).

[0094] The drive module 24 comprises two crossed linear drives, which enable the massage module 21 to be moved along two horizontal axes of movement x, y. Two guide rails 243a are arranged on a first support plate 244a of the drive module 24. A second support plate 244b is mounted on the guide rails 243a with four carriages so that they can roll and move. A first linear drive in the form of a spindle drive comprises a servo motor 241a and a threaded spindle 242a (for example a ball screw or trapezoidal thread spindle), which runs through a spindle nut (not visible) mounted below the second support plate 244b. A rotation of the drive spindle 242a by the servo motor 241a is thus converted into a linear movement of the second support plate 244b along the axis x. Similarly, two guide rails 243b are arranged on the second support plate 244b, on which a third support plate 244c with four carriages is arranged so that it can roll and move. A second linear drive in the form of a spindle drive comprises a servo motor 241b and a threaded spindle 242b, which runs through a spindle nut (not visible) mounted below the third support plate 244c. Similarly, a rotation of the drive spindle 242b by the servo motor 241b is converted into a linear movement of the third support plate 244c along the y axis.

[0095] A frame is arranged on the third support plate 244c, on which the pump module 22 and the massage module 21 are mounted. The massage module 21 has a container 210 filled with liquid, with a rigid wall 210 in the form of a tub, which is closed on one side at the top by a flexible membrane 211. The flexible membrane is designed as a support mat. In the context of this description, the term support mat is understood to mean a flexible, elastic mat made of an elastomeric polymer material. A support mat can consist of a natural or artificial rubber material, for example. The elastomeric polymer material can also be designed as an open-pore or closed-pore foam.

[0096] The wall of the tub is shown partially transparent so that the massage jet device 213 arranged on the bottom of the tub and the inlet opening of the drain line 223 are visible.

[0097] The pump module 22 has a pump 221, which draws liquid from the container 210 via a drain line 223 and conveys it under pressure to the massage nozzle device 213 via a supply line 222. The liquid exiting at high speed from the massage nozzle device 213, which is aligned in the direction of the flexible membrane 211, into the container 210 forms a liquid jet, which ultimately hits the flexible membrane 211. The liquid jet impacting the flexible membrane 211 pushes the flexible membrane 211 outwards in the massage area 217.

[0098] With the drive module 24, the third support plate 244c with the massage module 21 and the pump module 22 can be moved to any location within the range of motion. Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the massage module 21 of the massage device 1 at two different positions of the axes of motion x and y. Accordingly, the effective area 217 of the massage module 21 can be positioned within the entire range of motion. Such a massage device thus allows massage in a potential effective area that has the same area as is possible with a known massage device in which the container covers the entire massage area and the massage nozzle device is moved within the container.

[0099] The massage apparatus 1 can be arranged horizontally as shown in the aforementioned Figure 3, for example as part of a horizontal massage table. Alternatively, the massage apparatus 1 can also be arranged at an angle, for example as part of a massage chair 11. Such an embodiment of a massage apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in Figure 4. The massage apparatus 1 has a chair 11 on which the user 91 sits. The chair 11 consists of a backrest 112, a seat 113 and a legrest 114. A headrest 116 is arranged displaceably on the backrest 112 so that the massage apparatus can be adjusted to the body size of the user 91.

[0100] The backrest 112 is designed as a flexible layer 115 in a central area on which the user 91 rests with his back, for example as a flexible but still load-bearing film, or as a fine-meshed, flexible net. The massage module 21, the pump module and the drive module 24 correspond to those from Figure 3 and are arranged below the backrest 112 of the chair 11. The modules 21, 22, 24 and the chair 11 are mounted on a common frame (not shown). The drive module 24 allows the massage module to move in the plane of the backrest 112, so that a massage area of the massage module 21 can reach all points in the area of the flexible layer 115 of the backrest.

[0101] The chair 11 and the modules 21, 22, 23 are pivotally mounted on a base frame (not shown) and can be pivoted within a certain angular range about a horizontal axis of rotation 122. This allows the user 91 to assume a more sitting or more lying position as required.

[0102] Advantageously, in such a massage apparatus 1, in addition to the headrest 116, the position and orientation of the seat 113 and the legrest 114 in relation to the backrest 112 can also be changed in order to be able to easily adapt the chair 111 to different body sizes of different users.

[0103] In the aforementioned embodiment, the flexible layer 115, under which the massage module 21 is slidably arranged, extends over the backrest 112 of the chair 11 of the massage apparatus 1. In another alternative embodiment, as shown schematically in Figure 5(a), the flexible layer extends over the entire length of the chair 11. A rail system of a drive module of the massage apparatus 1, indicated by a dashed line, is arranged beneath the flexible layer. This drive module is designed to move the massage module 21 along the movement path P at a constant distance from the flexible layer 115. The massage module 21 always remains aligned perpendicular to the flexible layer 115. This allows the massage module 21 to be able to carry out a massage over the entire area of the chair 11, since all positions can be reached in the longitudinal direction. For example, a user's back can be massaged first, and then the leg area.

[0104] A drive module for such a massage apparatus 1 can be realized, for example, with parallel guide rails on which a carriage is slidably arranged, on which in turn the massage module 21 is mounted.

[0105] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a pump module is advantageously not moved together with the massage module, but is fixedly mounted in relation to the chair or a support frame (not shown). The connection of the pump module (not shown) and the massage module 21 is then made via flexible lines.

[0106] As in the example shown, two massage modules 21 can also be arranged along the movement path P. These can advantageously be moved independently of each other by the drive module. Such a solution allows a parallel massage in different regions of the user's body.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, in a massage apparatus 1 according to the invention, it can also be provided that the massage module 21 is displaced transversely to the chair on a curved movement path P, as shown schematically in Figure 5(b). In this way, it is possible to design a flexible layer 115 of the chair to be concave in cross-section, and yet still ensure a constant distance between the massage module 21 and the flexible layer. Such a drive can be realized, for example, by arranging the massage module 21 on a carriage which runs on two guide rails curved in accordance with the movement path P.

[0108] In order to combine the movement from Figures 5(a) and (b) in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the massage apparatus, the transverse drive from Figure 5(b) can be arranged on a carriage, which in turn is arranged to be displaceable on guide rails analogous to Figure 5(a). In this way, every point of the complicatedly shaped chair surface can be reached with the massage module.

[0109] In the massage devices discussed above, the massage module comprises only one massage nozzle device 213, which is mounted in a fixed position on the bottom of the container 210. Alternatively, the massage nozzle device can also be designed to be movable, as shown schematically in Figure 6. In such an embodiment, the massage nozzle device 213 of the massage module 21 can be moved within the container 210 by means of an actuator (not shown), for example a linear drive or a swivel arm. The massage effective area 217 on the flexible membrane 211 also moves accordingly. The actuator for moving the massage nozzle device is preferably controlled via the control module 23 of the massage device 1.

[0110] Figure 7 shows a further advantageous embodiment of a massage apparatus 1 according to the invention. Several massage nozzle devices 213 are arranged at regular intervals from one another on the bottom of the container 210 of the massage module 21. A feed pump 221 of the pump module 22 draws liquid from the interior of the container via a drain line 223 and conveys it further via the supply line 222 to the massage nozzle devices 213. A control module 23 controls the individual massage nozzle devices 213. For example, electrically controllable valves can be provided in the massage nozzle devices 213, which switch the liquid supply from the supply line 222 on or off. In this way, the individual massage nozzle devices 213 can be activated in a targeted manner, so that the liquid jets 216 generated by them can generate an outward-directed force in the effective area of the flexible membrane assigned to them. In the example shown, the first, third and sixth massage nozzle devices 213 are active when viewed from the left, and accordingly the massage module 21 exerts a force on the user's body (not shown) at the first, third and sixth massage effective areas 217.

[0111] Another advantageous embodiment of a massage module 21 for a massage apparatus according to the invention is shown in Figure 8. A massage nozzle device 213 is arranged in a container 210, which can generate a liquid jet 216 directed against the flexible membrane 211. A cushion element 215 is arranged in the interior of the container, which is connected to the wall 212 and/or the flexible membrane 211. For example, the flexible membrane 211 can be stretched over the cushion element 251 attached to the wall 212. The rounded outer edge of the cushion element 251 prevents the massage module 21 from jamming with a flexible layer (not shown) of the massage apparatus arranged above the massage module 21 when the massage module 21 is displaced horizontally. In the center, the cushion element 251 has an opening 252 through which the liquid jet 216 can reach the inside of the flexible membrane 217.

[0112] A flexible membrane 211 for a massage module can be designed uniformly. Alternatively, its mechanical properties can also be modified by specifically attached structuring elements 253. Figures 9(a)-(d) show different variants of such a modified flexible membrane 211.

[0113] Figure 9(a) shows a section of a flexible membrane 211, in which an annular structuring element 253 is arranged on the membrane. The structuring element 215 can be implemented, for example, as a local thickening of the material of the flexible membrane 211, or as a ring that is attached, for example glued, to the outside and/or inside of the membrane. If a jet of liquid is now directed against the surface of the flexible membrane 211 facing the container, it is pressed outwards in the effective area 217, thus exerting the massage force. The structuring element 253 limits the deformation of the membrane to the inside of the annular structuring element 253 due to the additional strength of the flexible membrane 211 in this area. Such a structuring element 253 can also be designed square, as shown, for example, in Figure 9(b).

[0114] Several structuring elements 253 can also be arranged directly next to one another, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 9(c). A plurality of hexagonal structuring elements 253 form a honeycomb pattern on the flexible membrane 211. The structuring elements 253 can be implemented, for example, as ribs molded onto or glued to the membrane. The honeycomb pattern defines a plurality of active areas 217, each of which is located within a hexagon.

[0115] Finally, a further advantageous variant of a structuring element 253 for a flexible membrane 211 is shown in Figure 9(d). The structuring element 253 comprises a thin flexible pressure line that can be filled with liquid or gas and is attached to the flexible membrane 211 in a loop-like manner. The pressure line runs from a first fluid connection 254 to a tight closure 255 of the line. If the line 253 is filled with pressurized fluid, in particular compressed air, via the fluid connection 254, the line 253 stiffens. The structuring element 253 is now active and limits the effective range 217 of the flexible membrane 211. If the fluid pressure is then released from the line 253, the line 253 becomes flexible again and the mobility of the flexible membrane 211 is no longer restricted by the deactivated structuring element 253. Such an embodiment of a flexible membrane thus allows the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane 211 to be modified in a time-variable manner. For example, the structuring element 253 can only be activated when a massage jet device is to be activated in the corresponding effective area 217.

[0116] Flexible membranes structured in this way can be used not only in the massage apparatuses with a movable massage module discussed above, but also in massage apparatuses according to the invention with a statically mounted massage module.

[0117] An embodiment of a massage apparatus 1 according to the invention with a statically mounted massage module 21 is shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0118] A frame 123, 123' is mounted on a support frame 121 so as to be pivotable 122 about a horizontal axis of rotation. A chair 11 is arranged on the frame 123, 123', on which a user 91 of the massage apparatus 1 can sit. The chair 11 comprises a legrest 114, a seating area 113, a backrest 112 and a headrest 111. A thin support mat is placed on the chair 11, which is not shown in Figures 10 and 11 in order to make the elements underneath visible. Also not shown is an outer panel of the massage apparatus 1.

[0119] In a rear part 123' of the frame, a massage module 21 and a control module 23 are arranged below the backrest 112. The massage module 21 comprises a container 210 with a tub-shaped rigid wall 212, which is closed with a flexible membrane 211 and an adjoining rigid cover 219.

[0120] In the area of the backrest 112, the thin support mat (not shown) lies directly on the flexible membrane 211 of the massage module 21. In this area, this thin support mat thus forms the flexible layer. The support mat and flexible membrane 211 together form the backrest 112. The rigid cover 219 of the container 210 lies below the seat area 113.

[0121] Inside the container 210 filled with liquid, two massage jet devices 213 are arranged to be movable by means of actuators, so that essentially every point of the flexible membrane 211 in the area of the backrest can be reached by a jet of liquid if required.

[0122] In a front part 123 of the frame, below the leg support 114, a pump 221 of a pump module is arranged, which draws liquid from the container 210 via a drain line 223. A supply line 222 leads from the pump 221 to the container wall 212. Inside the container, the supply lines split into two flexible supply lines 214, which lead to the two movably arranged massage nozzle devices 213.

[0123] The positioning of the pump 221 below the leg support has the advantage that the weight distribution of the pivotable part of the massage apparatus 1 with respect to the pivot axis 122 is relatively balanced.

[0124] Alternatively, the pump can be positioned at another location, for example on the support frame 121 below the pivotable part. In such a case, the pump is connected to the massage module 21 via flexible hoses 222, 223 instead of rigid lines.

[0125] In the aforementioned massage apparatus 1, the container 210 of the massage module 21 can be completely filled with liquid. The flexible membrane 211 of the massage module 21 is advantageously provided with structuring elements which can modify the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane in the desired manner. For example, the structuring elements can be designed as a mesh structure, for example as a honeycomb mesh, which is attached to a flexible, elastic polymer film 211. The structuring elements thus give the entire flexible film a certain tensile strength so that it can withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid inside the container 210. In the gaps in the mesh structure, the membrane is sufficiently flexible and elastic that a water jet from a massage nozzle device 213 can push the membrane outwards so that a massage effect is achieved.

[0126] The embodiment of a massage device 1 shown can alternatively also be operated in a partially filled state. In such a case, the container 210 of the massage module 21 is advantageously filled with liquid up to approximately the height of the transition from the lower end of the flexible membrane 211 to the upper end of the rigid cover 219. The hydrostatic pressure of the liquid thus only acts on the rigid parts 212, 219 of the container 210. Additional structural reinforcement of the flexible membrane 211 is therefore not necessary. In such a case, the liquid jets generated by the massage nozzle devices 213 move through the air until they hit the flexible membrane 211. The rebounding liquid then runs off under gravity and collects in the lower, liquid-filled area of the container, which serves as a pump sump. The inlet opening 225 of the drain line 223 of the pump module 22 is arranged at a lower end of this area so that the pump 221 cannot run dry even at high liquid throughput.

[0127] In an advantageous variant, the volume of the pump sump area of the container of the massage module can be modified, for example by providing a pneumatically inflatable cushion in this area in the container. If the amount of liquid in the container changes, or if the chair of the massage device is swiveled, which changes the position of the liquid level in the container, the volume of the inflatable cushion can be reduced or increased. The position of the liquid level in the container changes accordingly, up or down. Such a change in volume can also be achieved by moving volume elements, for example by adjustably pushing in or pulling out a piston through the container wall.

[0128] The support mat can be equipped with a heating device to give the user a pleasant feeling of warmth. Such a heating device also has the advantage that it is not necessary to heat the liquid in the massage module, which reduces energy consumption.

[0129] Advantageously, the heating device is provided with a plurality of heating zones, which can be individually selected by the user, for example, in order to set the desired temperature of the heating zone.

[0130] Such a heating device can be realized, for example, with electrical heating wires or with inserted thin heating hoses.

[0131] Such a heating device is advantageously provided as a separate layer that can be arranged between the flexible membrane 211 and the support mat. This has the particular advantage that the support mat can be removed more easily for cleaning without having to manipulate the connections of the heating device.

[0132] Alternatively, the heating device can also be integrated into the support mat or connected to the support mat.

[0133] The present invention is not limited in its scope to the specific embodiments described here. Rather, in addition to the examples disclosed here, various further modifications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the associated figures, which also fall within the scope of the claims. In addition, various references are cited in the description, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into the description.

list of reference symbols

[0134] 1 massage apparatus 11 armchair 111 headrest 112 backrest 113 seat 114 legrest 115 flexible layer 121 support frame 122 axis of rotation 123, 123' frame 21 massage module 210 container 211 flexible membrane 212 rigid wall 213 massage nozzle device 214 supply line 215 liquid reservoir 216 liquid jet 217 massage area 218 liquid 219 rigid cover 22 pump module 221 pump 222 supply line 223 drain line 224 liquid reservoir 225 inlet opening of the drain line 23 control module 24 drive module 241a first servo motor 241b second servo motor 242a first threaded spindle 242b second threaded spindle 243a first guide rails 243b second guide rails 244a first support plate 244b second support plate 244c third support plate 251 cushion element 252 opening 253 structuring element 254 fluid connections 255 end of the pressure line. 91 User FmForce effect of the massage area x, y Direction of movement of the massage module P Movement path of the massage module

Claims (36)

1. Massage apparatus (1) for dry hydromassage, comprising a base structure (121, 123, 123'); and a massage module (21) with - a substantially closed container (210) with a wall (211, 212, 219); - a flexible membrane (211) which forms part of the wall of the closed container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and - at least one massage nozzle device (213) which is designed to direct a liquid jet (216) onto the first surface of the flexible membrane in the interior of the closed container; characterized bya drive module (24) which is designed to move the massage module (21) in relation to the base structure in at least one direction of movement (x, y). 2. Massage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a flexible layer (115) is provided on the side of the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21) facing away from the container (210), which layer is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage apparatus (1). 3. Massage apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closed container (210) of the massage module (21) is filled or can be filled with a liquid (218). 4. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (211) and a rigid cover (219) together form a flat wall of the container (210) of the massage module (21). 5. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, with a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (213) of the massage module with pressurized liquid. 6. Massage apparatus according to claim 4, with a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (213) of the massage module with pressurized liquid (218), comprising a pump (221) and a drain line (223) which fluidically connects the container (210) of the massage module (21) and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening (225) of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container which adjoins the rigid cover (219). 7. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, with a control module (23) which is configured to control the drive module (24) and/or the massage module (21). 8. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21) in a plane (x,y). 9. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21) along a curved path (P) in space. 10. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21) about an axis in space. 11. Massage apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21) has at least one structuring feature (251, 253) which is configured to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane. 12. Massage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one structuring element (251, 253) is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21), so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened. 13. Massage apparatus (1) for dry hydromassage, comprising a massage module (21) with - a substantially closed container (210) with a wall (211, 212, 219); - a flexible membrane (211) which forms part of the wall of the closed container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and - at least one massage nozzle device (213) which is designed to direct a liquid jet (216) onto the first surface of the flexible membrane in the interior of the closed container; characterized in that the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module has at least one structuring feature (251, 253) which is designed to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane. 14. Massage apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one structuring element (251, 253) is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane (211) so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened. 15. Massage apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, with a base structure (121, 123, 123') and with a drive module (24) which is configured to move the massage module (21) with respect to the base structure in at least one direction of movement (x, y). 16. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein a flexible layer (115) is provided on the side of the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21) facing away from the container (210), which is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage apparatus (1). 17. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the closed container (210) of the massage module (21) is filled or can be filled with a liquid (218). 18. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the flexible membrane (211) and a rigid cover (219) together form a flat wall of the container (210) of the massage module (21). 19. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 18, with a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (213) of the massage module with pressurized liquid. 20. Massage apparatus according to claim 18, with a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (213) of the massage module with pressurized liquid (218), comprising a pump (221) and a drain line (223) which fluidically connects the container (210) of the massage module (21) and a pump inlet of the pump; wherein an inlet opening (225) of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container which adjoins the rigid cover (219). 21. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 20, with a control module (23) which is configured to control the drive module (24) and/or the massage module (21). 22. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21) in a plane (x,y). 23. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21) along a curved path (P) in space. 24. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21) about an axis in space. 25. Massage apparatus (1) for dry hydromassage, comprising a massage module (21) with - a substantially closed container (210) with a wall (211, 212, 219); - a flexible membrane (211) which forms part of the wall of the closed container, with a first surface towards the interior of the closed container; and - at least one massage nozzle device (213) which is designed to direct a liquid jet (216) onto the first surface of the flexible membrane inside the closed container; characterized in that the flexible membrane (211) and a rigid cover (219) together form a flat wall of the container (210) of the massage module (21). 26. Massage apparatus according to claim 25, with a pump module (22) for supplying the at least one massage nozzle device (213) of the massage module with pressurized liquid. 27. Massage apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the pump module (22) comprises a pump (221) and a drain line (223); the drain line fluidically connects the container (210) of the massage module (21) and a pump inlet of the pump; and an inlet opening (225) of the drain line is arranged in a wall of the container which adjoins the rigid cover (219). 28. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 27, with a base structure (121, 123, 123') and with a drive module (24) which is designed to move the massage module (21) with respect to the base structure in at least one direction of movement (x, y). 29. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 28, wherein a flexible layer (115) is provided on the side of the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21) facing away from the container (210), which is fixedly mounted with respect to the basic structure (121, 123, 123') of the massage apparatus (1). 30. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the closed container (210) of the massage module (21) is filled or can be filled with a liquid (218). 31. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 30, with a control module (23) which is configured to control the drive module (24) and/or the massage module (21). 32. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21) in a plane (x,y). 33. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to move the massage module (21) along a curved path (P) in space. 34. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the drive module (24) is arranged to rotate the massage module (21) about an axis in space. 35. Massage apparatus according to one of claims 25 to 34, wherein the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21) has at least one structuring feature (251, 253) which is configured to adjust the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane. 36. Massage apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the at least one structuring element (251, 253) is molded or glued onto the flexible membrane (211) of the massage module (21), so that the flexible membrane is locally stiffened.