MASSAGE DEVICE FOR AN ARM OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT

Abstract

A massage device for an arm of a vehicle occupant includes a hand resting region having at least one moveable hand massaging element. The massage device also includes at least one forearm resting region with at least one moveable forearm massaging element and two lateral forearm support regions each with at least one moveable forearm massaging element.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A massage device for an arm of a vehicle occupant, the massage device comprising: a hand resting region, which comprises at least one moveable hand massaging element; at least one forearm resting region with at least one moveable forearm massaging element; and two lateral forearm support regions each with at least one moveable forearm massaging element.

12. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the at least one hand massaging element or the at least one forearm massaging element comprises at least one compartment fillable with a fluid.

13. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the at least one moveable hand massaging element or the at least one forearm massaging element comprises at least several compartments that are arranged in several layers and are fillable with a fluid, wherein the at least several compartments are at least controllable level by level.

14. The massage device of claim 12, wherein the at least one compartment is coupled with at least one micropump configured to pump the fluid.

15. The massage device of claim 13, wherein the at least several compartments are coupled with a micropump configured to pump fluid into the at least several compartments.

16. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the at least one moveable hand massaging element or the at least one forearm massaging element comprises at least one motor, pneumatically or hydraulically powered actuator.

17. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the hand resting region, the at least one forearm resting region, or the two lateral forearm support regions comprise a heating element.

18. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the hand resting region, the at least one forearm resting region, or the two lateral forearm support regions comprise a ventilation element configured to generate an airflow in a region of the hand or of a forearm.

19. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the at least one hand massaging element and the at least one forearm massaging element are coupled with a control unit, during a massage and using the at least one hand moveable massaging element and the at least one moveable forearm massaging element, is configured to control forces exerted on the hand and the forearm, a force distribution, a massage duration, a temperature setting, or a ventilation setting.

20. The massage device of claim 11, wherein a distance between the two lateral forearm support regions is variably adjustable.

21. The massage device of claim 11, wherein the hand resting region, the at least one forearm resting region, and the two lateral forearm support regions are arranged on a lateral vehicle armrest or a central vehicle armrest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following, using drawings.

[0025] Here:

[0026] FIG. 1 schematically shows a plan view of a massage device and a section of an arm of a vehicle occupant,

[0027] FIG. 2 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 1 in a first operating state,

[0028] FIG. 3 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 1 in a second operating state,

[0029] FIG. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 1 in a third operating state,

[0030] FIG. 5 schematically shows a plan view of a massage device with several conveyor units,

[0031] FIG. 6 schematically shows a plan view of a massage device with a hand resting region,

[0032] FIG. 7 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 6,

[0033] FIG. 8 schematically shows a plan view of a massage device with a first exemplary embodiment of a forearm massaging element,

[0034] FIG. 9 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 8,

[0035] FIG. 10 schematically shows a plan view of a massage device with a second exemplary embodiment of a forearm massaging element,

[0036] FIG. 11 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 10,

[0037] FIG. 12 schematically shows a plan view of a massage device with two forearm support regions

[0038] FIG. 13 schematically shows a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 12, and

[0039] FIG. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of a box-shaped receptacle of a massage device.

[0040] Components that correspond to each other are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a possible exemplary embodiment of a massage device 1 for an arm A of a vehicle occupant as well as a section of the arm A.

[0042] The massage device 1 comprises a hand resting region 2, which comprises several moveable hand massaging elements 2.1 to 2.n. The massage device 1 moreover comprises a forearm resting region 3 with several moveable forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m and two lateral forearm support regions 4, 5, each with at least one moveable forearm massaging element 4.1, 5.1.

[0043] The massage device 1 offers, for example, several pre-programmed and/or individually adjustable massage programs. The different massage programs result from a combination of an operation of the hand resting region 2, of the forearm resting region 3 and of the forearm support regions 4, 5, as well as their variables.

[0044] The variables can be expressed differently and/or be combined with one another and concern [0045] a region of a body of the vehicle occupant, on which the massage device 1 is acting, for example by geometric adjustability for slim or broad forearms, [0046] a body surface being touched, for example by means of more or less contact between the massage device 1 and the body, [0047] a surface temperature, [0048] a length of time and/or interval switching of a massage being carried out, [0049] the intensity of a massage function being carried out, for example vibration, light taps and/or rubbing in different directions, [0050] a type of massage function, for example vibration, pressure at certain points or in a line or rotational or planar pressure on the body, or a combination of these, and/or [0051] a performance of the massage function, for example as a vibration, pressure at certain points or taps as a circular, linear, sweeping, or rippling motion or as a combination of these.

[0052] Moreover, operation of the massage device 1 can be combined with further vehicle functions, for example other massage functions, temperature functions in vehicle seats, light functions, music functions, air conditioning functions, aroma functions, air quality improvement functions and further vehicle functions.

[0053] A massage carried out by means of the massage device 1 can be achieved by the hand resting region 2, the forearm resting region 3 or the forearm support regions 4, 5, individually or in any combination.

[0054] In a possible embodiment of the massage device 1, the hand massaging elements 2.1 to 2.n, the forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m and moveable forearm massaging elements 4.1, 5.1 are arranged under a surface layer, which is, for example, made of a textile, a foam, a spacer fabric, a synthetic leather, a genuine leather, or other surface materials, so that technical components of the massage device 1 are not directly visible to a vehicle occupant.

[0055] In a further possible embodiment of the massage device 1, the hand resting region 2 and/or the forearm resting region 3 and/or the forearm support regions 4, 5 each comprise a heating element, which is, for example, arranged as panel heating on a rear side of the surface layer, that faces away from the visible side.

[0056] In a further possible embodiment of the massage device 1, the hand resting region 2 and/or the forearm resting region 3 and/or the forearm support regions 4, 5 comprise a ventilation element for generating an airflow in the region of the hand and/or of the forearm of the vehicle occupant.

[0057] A vehicle can comprise several massage devices 1, which are arranged on a lateral vehicle armrest, for example on a vehicle door, and/or on a central vehicle armrest, for example in a front or backseat region of the vehicle.

[0058] Here, the massage devices 1 can be used simultaneously or independently of one another, without restrictions, by several vehicle occupants.

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the massage device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a first operating state, in which the forearm support regions 4, 5 are being actively operated.

[0060] The forearm support regions 4, 5 each comprise a moveable forearm massaging element 4.1, 5.1, wherein the forearm massaging elements 4.1, 5.1 are each designed as compartments that can be filled with a fluid, in particular air. In embodiments that are not shown in more detail, the forearm support regions 4, 5 can each comprise several moveable forearm massaging elements 4.1, 5.1.

[0061] The forearm massaging elements 4.1, 5.1 protrude at least substantially perpendicularly upwards from the forearm resting region 3 and are arranged on the left and right side of this when a forearm is laid on it.

[0062] In a possible embodiment, a distance between the forearm support regions 4, 5 is variably adjustable, to receive differently shaped forearms.

[0063] A specific geometric design of every compartment allows them to be fully partially or completely filled with the medium, from which results a specific geometric transformation of the compartment.

[0064] To fill the compartments with the medium, a conveyor unit 6, 7 that is formed as a micropump and shown in more detail in FIG. 5 is respectively coupled with the compartments, directly or each via at least one pipeline.

[0065] Moreover, a control unit that is not shown in more detail is provided, which controls a fill level and thus the generated pressure of the compartments, carries out a duration- and timing control of the individual compartments, controls a temperature on a surface of the forearm support regions 4, 5, and communicates with other connected control units, for example a massage seat control unit in the vehicle.

[0066] A massage effect on the forearm hereby occurs via an at least partial enclosure of the forearm with the compartments, so that a pressure can be applied to the forearm, by means of a variation of the fill level and thus of the pressure of the individual compartments, by means of a variation of a duration of filling the individual compartments, by means of a time offset of filling the individual compartments and/or by means of a generation of warmth.

[0067] During the massage, the compartments are, in particular, controlled by the control unit in such a way that forces exerted on the forearm and/or force distribution and/or a massage duration and/or a temperature setting and/or a ventilation setting can be or is controlled.

[0068] In FIG. 3, a sectional view of the massage device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a second operating state, in which the forearm resting region 3 is being actively operated, is shown.

[0069] Here, the forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m comprise compartments that are arranged in an upper, first layer, which can, independently of dependent on one another, be filled with a fluid, for example air, and can be controlled by means of the control unit mentioned, or by a separate control unit. Moreover, motor, pneumatically and/or hydraulically powered actuator units can be arranged in the upper, first layer.

[0070] To fill the compartments with the medium, at least one conveyor unit 8 to 10 that is formed as a micropump and shown in more detail in FIG. 5 is coupled with the compartments, directly or each via at least one pipeline.

[0071] A specific geometric design of every compartment allows them to be partially or completely filled with the medium, from which results a specific geometric transformation of the compartment.

[0072] Further forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m that are designed as compartments are arranged in a second layer that is arranged under the first layer, which can, independently of or dependent on one another, be filled with a fluid, for example air, and can be controlled by means of the control unit mentioned, or by a separate control unit. These compartments are, for example, designed as squares and at least partially overlap one another.

[0073] To fill the compartments arranged in the second layer with the medium, at least one conveyor unit 6 to 10 that is formed as a micropump and shown in more detail in FIG. 5 is coupled with the compartments, directly or each via at least one pipeline.

[0074] Vibrations can be applied to the forearm in different places by means of the compartments and/or actuator units arranged in a first layer. The compartments and/or actuator units arranged in the first layer can be raised by means of the compartments arranged in the second layer, wherein a linear rippling motion can be simulated by means of a time offset of filling the individual compartments of the second layer.

[0075] Furthermore, more complex massage movements can also be replicated, by combining filling the compartments of the first and second layers.

[0076] Alternatively, a linearly moveable, cylindrical element can be arranged in the second layer, which lifts and lowers the elements arranged in the first layer in the described rippling motion.

[0077] The at least one control unit controls the fill level and thus the generated pressure of the compartments of both layers, carries out a duration- and timing control of the individual compartments of both layers, controls the temperature on a surface of the forearm support regions 4, 5, controls the actuator units for generating the vibrations, and communicates with other connected control units, for example a massage seat control unit in the vehicle. Moreover, the cylindrical element is also controlled, if necessary.

[0078] A massage effect on the forearm hereby occurs by means of a dead weight of the forearm on the forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m of the forearm resting region 3, so that a pressure can be applied to the forearm, by means of a variation of the fill level and thus of the pressure of the individual compartments, by means of a variation of a duration of filling individual compartments, by means of a time offset of filling the individual compartments, by means of varying the time and intensity and frequency of the vibrations, and/or by means of a generation of warmth.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of the massage device 1 according to FIG. 1 in a third operating state, in which the hand resting region 2 is being actively operated.

[0080] The hand resting region 2 has, in particular, a shape configured according to ergonomic considerations, for example a hemisphere shape, and a surface that is as smooth as possible, that is suitable for transmitting high frequency vibration movements. Moreover, there are, for example, projections on the surface, similar to a massage ball. Additionally, air outlets, out of which flows temperature-controlled air for drying and/or cooling and/or heating the hand, and/or a flat heating of the hand resting region 2, can be provided.

[0081] The hand resting region 2 comprises moveable hand massaging elements 2.1 to 2.n, wherein the forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m comprise compartments arranged in an upper, first layer, which can, independently of or dependent on one another, be filled with a fluid, for example air, and can be controlled by means of the control unit mentioned, or by a separate control unit. Moreover, motor, pneumatically and/or hydraulically powered actuator units can be arranged in the upper, first layer.

[0082] To fill the compartments with the medium, at least one conveyor unit 11 that is formed as a micropump and shown in more detail in FIG. 5 is coupled with the compartments, directly or each via at least one pipeline.

[0083] A specific geometric design of every compartment allows them to be partially or completely filled with the medium, from which results a specific geometric transformation of the compartment.

[0084] Further forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m that are designed as compartments are arranged in a second layer that is arranged under the first layer, which can, independently of or dependent on one another, be filled with a fluid, for example air, and can be controlled by means of the control unit mentioned, or by a separate control unit. These compartments at least partially overlap one another.

[0085] To fill the compartments arranged in the second layer with the medium, at least one conveyor unit 11 that is formed as a micropump and shown in more detail in FIG. 5 is coupled with the compartments, directly or each via at least one pipeline.

[0086] Vibrations can be applied to a palm and/or finger of the hand in different places by means of the compartments and/or actuator units arranged in a first layer. The compartments and/or actuator units arranged in the first layer can be raised by means of the compartments arranged in the second layer, wherein a linear rippling motion can be simulated by means of a time offset of filling the individual compartments of the second layer.

[0087] Furthermore, more complex massage movements can also be replicated, by combining filling the compartments of the first and second layers.

[0088] The at least one control unit controls the fill level and thus the generated pressure of the compartments of both layers, carries out a duration- and timing control of the individual compartments of both layers, controls the temperature on a surface of the hand resting region 2, controls the actuator units for generating the vibrations and communicates with other connected control units, for example a massage seat control unit in the vehicle.

[0089] A massage effect on the hand hereby occurs by means of a variation of the fill level and thus of the pressure of the individual compartments, by means of a variation of a duration of filling individual compartments, by means of a time offset of filling the individual compartments, by means of varying the time and intensity and frequency of the vibrations, and/or by means of a generation of warmth and/or of an airflow.

[0090] In FIG. 5, a plan view of a massage device 1 according to FIG. 1 with several conveyor units 6 to 11 is shown, which are respectively formed as micropumps and are coupled with the compartments, directly or each via at least one pipeline.

[0091] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a massage device 1 with a hand resting region 2 with several hand massaging elements 2.1 to 2.n. In FIG. 7, a sectional view of the massage device 1 according to FIG. 6 is shown.

[0092] The massage device 1 comprises a box-shaped recess 12, in which the hand resting region 2 with the hand massaging elements 2.1 to 2.n is arranged.

[0093] The hand resting region 2 has, in particular, a hemisphere shape configured according to ergonomic considerations and a surface that is as smooth as possible, that is suitable for conveying high frequency vibration movements. Moreover, there are, for example, projections on the surface, similar to a massage ball.

[0094] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a massage device 1 with a forearm resting region 3 with several forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m. In FIG. 9, a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 8 is shown.

[0095] The massage device 1 comprises a box-shaped recess 12, in which the forearm resting region 3 with several forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m is arranged.

[0096] Here, the forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m comprise compartments which can, independently of or dependent on one another, be filled with a fluid, for example air. Moreover, motor, pneumatically and/or hydraulically powered actuator units can be provided. Vibrations can be applied to the forearm in different places by means of the compartments and/or actuator units.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a massage device 1 with a forearm resting region 3 with several forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m. In FIG. 11, a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 10 is shown.

[0098] The massage device 1 comprises a box-shaped recess 12, in which the forearm resting region 3 with several forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m is arranged.

[0099] Here, the forearm massaging elements 3.1 to 3.m comprise compartments which can, independently of or dependent on one another, be filled with a fluid, for example air. These compartments are, for example, designed as squares and at least partially overlap one another. Using the compartments, a linear rippling motion can be simulated by means of a time offset of filling the individual compartments.

[0100] Compartments and/or actuator units arranged above this in a further layer according to FIGS. 8 and 9 can, for example, hereby be lifted and lowered in a linear rippling motion.

[0101] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a massage device 1 with two forearm support regions 4, 5, each with a forearm massaging element 4.1, 5.1. In FIG. 13, a sectional view of the massage device according to FIG. 10 is shown.

[0102] The massage device 1 comprises a box-shaped recess 12, in which the forearm support regions 4, 5 with the forearm massaging elements 4.1, 5.1 are arranged.

[0103] The forearm massaging elements 4.1, 5.1 are each designed as compartments that can be filled with a fluid, in particular air.

[0104] In a possible embodiment, a distance between the forearm support regions 4, 5 is variably adjustable, to receive differently shaped forearms.

[0105] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the examples disclosed, and other variations can be derived from these by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that there is a plurality of possible variations. It is also clear that embodiments stated by way of example are only really examples that are not to be seen as limiting the scope, application possibilities or configuration of the invention in any way. In fact, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete manner, wherein, with the knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, the person skilled in the art is able to undertake various changes, for example, with regard to the functioning or arrangement of individual elements stated in an exemplary embodiment without leaving the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.