Beauty device

Abstract

To provide a composite-frequency beauty apparatus, while improving usability and convenience, overcoming respective drawbacks of low frequency, medium frequency and high frequency and simultaneously, making the best use of respective advantages.SOLUTION: A beauty apparatus includes a stimulating part 8 consisting of a plurality of electrodes, an electronic board 9, an operation part 2, a strength display part 4, a charging display part 3, a rechargeable battery 10, a control part 11, and a body part 1 including a plurality of connectors. The electrodes are divided into two electrode sets and each electrode set is comprised of one or more electrodes. A low frequency signal is opened between the electrode set, and then, one type or two types of a medium frequency signal and a high frequency signal are opened in an opposite direction of the low frequency signal. Alternatively, a signal off period is provided between the medium frequency signal and the high frequency signal to form an asymmetric hybrid waveform, where it is so controlled that the hybrid waves are repeated for every prescribed time. Further, this configuration can adjust amplitude and pulse width of the low frequency signal, medium frequency signal and high frequency signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beauty device, particularly a beauty device that can be brought into contact with the surface of a user's body and flow an asymmetric hybrid alternating current obtained by synthesizing one or two of a medium-frequency alternating current and a high-frequency alternating current in addition to a low-frequency alternating current on the surface of the user's body. In the present invention, "low frequency" refers to a frequency band of 1000 Hz or less, "medium frequency" refers to a frequency band of 1000 to 10000 Hz, and "high frequency" refers to a frequency band of 10000 Hz or more, and refers to each frequency band commonly used in the fields of beauty devices and biological treatment instruments. In addition, as a device that passes an electric current through the surface of a user's body to give a stimulus, it may be referred to as a "beauty device", a "biological stimulation device", a "treatment instrument", etc., but hereinafter, it will be uniformly referred to as a "beauty device" in the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a means of bringing about beauty effects such as lifting, muscle training, relaxation, fatigue recovery, and wrinkle improvement by stimulating the surface of a user's body, there are various beauty treatments by electrotherapy that apply a voltage, and various beauty devices applying these methods have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 provides a low-frequency beauty device that outputs low-frequency pulses from two electrode terminals. In addition, there is a document for eliminating discomfort to the body caused by a low-frequency alternating current. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a beauty device that passes an electric current through a living body using a group of low-frequency pulses including high-frequency pulses. Patent Document 3 provides a beauty device that superimposes a medium-frequency electric signal on a low-frequency electric signal output in a multi-stage waveform.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0004] However, low, medium, and high frequencies generally each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Low-frequency electrical stimulation has the advantage of strongly stimulating muscle movement and providing a strong sensation, but it also creates strong resistance in the skin, making it easy to feel a strong tingling or pain, and many people cannot tolerate the stimulation. Furthermore, because of the high resistance in the skin, the current only penetrates a few millimeters below the skin, failing to reach the deeper muscles and thus not being able to adequately stimulate them. Increasing the intensity to further enhance the stimulation can cause severe pain in the skin. On the other hand, compared to low frequencies, medium frequencies have shorter wavelengths, lower skin resistance, and therefore less burden on the skin. The current can reach 2-3 centimeters below the skin's surface. However, the perceived sensation of stimulation will be weaker than with low frequencies. Furthermore, high-frequency waves have even shorter wavelengths, resulting in even lower skin resistance than medium-frequency waves. The current can penetrate more than 10 centimeters beneath the skin, reaching vascular tissue, thus dilating blood vessels, promoting blood circulation, and improving stiff shoulders and lower back pain. However, the perceived sensation of stimulation is even weaker than with medium-frequency waves.

[0005] The low-frequency beauty device provided in Patent Document 1 uses a single low frequency, which places a high burden on the user's skin and fails to reach deep muscles. Furthermore, increasing the output to enhance the effect stimulates nociceptors in the skin, causing severe pain. In addition, because the electrical stimulation signal is regular and monotonous, users tend to become accustomed to the stimulation, leading to problems such as a decrease in motivation to use the device. While the beauty device provided in Patent Document 2 above can achieve a gentle feel by changing the duty cycle and thus the intensity of stimulation, it lacks or contains little to no medium-frequency or high-frequency components that stimulate deep muscles. As a result, it fails to reach deep muscles and vascular tissue. Furthermore, because it uses alternating current, it cannot be made into a compact, portable device, and the inconvenience of use remains unresolved. The beauty device disclosed in Patent Document 3 above can alleviate discomfort for the user by increasing the amount of electrical stimulation while reducing the peak current value. However, because the electrical stimulation signal is regular and monotonous, the user becomes accustomed to the stimulation, leading to a decrease in the user's satisfaction and a loss of motivation for continuous long-term use. Furthermore, since it uses alternating current, similar to Patent Document 2 above, it lacks convenience of use. This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a beauty device that uses a combination of frequencies, overcoming the drawbacks of low, medium, and high frequencies while simultaneously utilizing the advantages of each, while improving usability and convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the first invention is a beauty device comprising a stimulating unit consisting of two or more electrodes and a body unit designed to be held in the user's hand, the body unit having an electronic circuit board, an operating unit, an intensity display unit, a charging display unit, a rechargeable battery, a control unit, and multiple connectors built into it, the stimulating unit being brought into contact with the surface of the user's body, and capable of applying an asymmetric hybrid frequency, which is a combination of low frequency and one or two types of medium frequency and high frequency, to the surface of the user's body at predetermined intervals, and is characterized by comprising the following (1) to (4). (1) The stimulation unit and the operation unit are each connected to the control unit, and the operation unit has a power switch and an intensity selection switch. (2) The control unit receives commands input from the operation unit, generates a low-frequency signal, a medium-frequency signal, or a high-frequency signal, and after processing generates an asymmetric hybrid frequency current. (3) The stimulation unit outputs the asymmetric hybrid frequency current at predetermined intervals. The electrodes of the stimulation unit are divided into two pairs of electrode sets, each electrode set consisting of one or more electrodes, and are designed to sequentially activate a low-frequency signal between the two pairs of electrode sets, then sequentially activate one or two types of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal in the opposite direction to the low-frequency signal, or sequentially activate one or two types of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal, then activate the low-frequency signal in the opposite direction to the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal. (4) One or more signal off periods (intervals) are provided during the period when the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal are connected, and the total time of the signal off periods is denoted as signal off period A. By setting the direction of output of the low-frequency signal and the direction of output of the medium-frequency and high-frequency signals to be opposite and by providing signal off period A, an asymmetric hybrid waveform is formed and a hybrid frequency current is generated. The hybrid frequency current is repeatedly controlled at predetermined intervals.

[0007] Furthermore, the second invention provides a configuration in the beauty device of the first invention such that the sum of the opening times of the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal is shorter than the opening time of the low-frequency signal, and the time difference between the sum of the opening times of the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal and the opening time of the low-frequency signal is controlled to be a signal off period A.

[0008] Furthermore, the third invention is that, in the beauty device of the first invention, the intensity display unit is composed of the same number of intensity display lamps as the intensity level, and the charging display unit is composed of one or more LED lamps.

[0009] Furthermore, the fourth invention relates to the beauty apparatus of the first invention, wherein the control unit comprises an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a waveform adjustment unit, and a charging control unit. The MCU incorporates a central processing unit, a memory device, and an input / output device, and performs information processing and input / output based on information pre-recorded in the memory device. The MCU can be replaced by a combination of an MPU or CPU and peripheral devices such as memory. The MCU and the waveform adjustment unit generate an asymmetric hybrid frequency current. The MCU generates PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 based on predetermined frequencies and duty cycles pre-recorded in the memory device, according to operation commands input through the operation unit. Furthermore, according to intensity selection commands input through the operation unit, it generates a PWM signal H whose duty cycle and amplitude can be adjusted based on the voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period pre-recorded in the memory device for each intensity level. The waveform adjustment unit incorporates a voltage control circuit and an H-bridge control circuit. The voltage control circuit receives a PWM signal H generated from the MCU based on a predetermined voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period, generates a predetermined voltage, and controls the intensity of stimulation by adjusting low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals with predetermined amplitudes and pulse widths based on intensity commands input through the operating unit. Furthermore, it generates low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals at preset frequencies according to different intensity commands. The voltage control circuit is connected to the electrodes of the stimulation unit via an H-bridge control circuit. The H-bridge control circuit comprises multiple transistors, the opening and closing of which are controlled by the MCU. The H-bridge control circuit receives commands from the MCU and controls the opening and closing and flow direction of the low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals that are opened between the electrode sets of the stimulation unit for a preset time. Furthermore, it controls the signal output to stop during a preset signal off period A when medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are flowing, thereby providing a pause period (interval) in the stimulation. The H-bridge control circuit utilizes the opening and closing of transistors to output a low-frequency signal and one or two of the medium-frequency and high-frequency signals.It receives PWM signal 1 from the MCU, outputs a low-frequency signal, receives PWM signal 2 from the MCU, outputs one or two of medium-frequency current and high-frequency current, and further controls the opening and closing of the transistor to stop the signal output at a predetermined time during the period when medium-frequency and high-frequency currents flow, forming a rest period of the stimulation, generating an asymmetric hybrid alternating current, and outputting it to the stimulation application unit. The charging control unit incorporates a rechargeable battery and a charging management chip U2. One end of the charging management chip U2 is connected to the rechargeable battery, and the other end is connected to the USB connector to control the charging of the beauty device.

[0010] Furthermore, the fifth invention is the beauty device according to the fourth invention, wherein the MCU and the waveform adjustment unit are configured to adjust the amplitudes and pulse widths of the low-frequency signal, medium-frequency signal, and high-frequency signal.

[0011] Also, the sixth invention is the beauty device according to the first invention, wherein the low frequency is a pulse wave of 1 to 1000 Hz, and the medium frequency and high frequency are each a pulse wave or rectangular wave or triangular wave or sine wave of 1000 to 10000 Hz and 10000 Hz or higher.

[0012] Also, the seventh invention is the beauty device according to the first invention, wherein the signal off period A is provided within the range of 0 < A < 1000 ms.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] The beauty device of the present invention includes a stimulation application unit composed of two or more electrodes. Among the electrodes, they are divided into two pairs of electrodes. A low-frequency signal is output between the two pairs of electrodes. Next, one or two of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal are sequentially output in the direction opposite to the flow of the low-frequency signal, or after one or two of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal are sequentially passed through, a low-frequency signal is output in the opposite direction. Furthermore, an asymmetric hybrid waveform is formed by providing one or more signal-off periods during the period in which medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are output, and the hybrid wave current is controlled to flow repeatedly at predetermined intervals. In addition, the amplitude and pulse width of the low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals can be adjusted. This invention combines low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency elements to overcome the drawbacks of each while leveraging their respective advantages. This minimizes the burden on the skin while enabling electrical current to be delivered to the entire muscle, from the superficial to the deep layers beneath the skin. As a result, it becomes possible to simultaneously train both superficial and deep muscles, leading to improved cosmetic effects. Furthermore, by combining low, medium, and high frequencies, we have achieved a system that provides a change in stimulation rather than a monotonous one, while also mitigating the burden on the skin caused by low frequencies and resolving the problem of medium and high frequencies being difficult to perceive. At the same time, prolonged, regular electrical stimulation signals can easily lead to habituation and a decrease in motivation to use the device. To overcome this, by incorporating off periods between medium-frequency and high-frequency electrical signals, a pulsating sensation similar to a human finger massage is created. Furthermore, by providing varying stimulation rather than a constant one, a superior user experience can be achieved. Furthermore, the present invention is designed to allow adjustment of the amplitude of low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals, as well as the pulse width of the low-frequency signal, enabling users to select the intensity of stimulation according to their own circumstances and purpose of use, thus improving ease of use. Furthermore, by making the direction of flow of medium-frequency and high-frequency currents opposite to that of low-frequency currents and allowing them to flow alternately, this invention, while being a portable beauty device that uses a rechargeable battery, can be given the properties of alternating current. This eliminates the problem that direct currents cause pain by stimulating nociceptors in the skin, thus realizing a compact and highly effective beauty device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]It is an external view of a beauty device according to an embodiment and a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an electric block diagram showing the internal structure of a beauty device according to an embodiment and a first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing the terminal arrangement of the MCU. [Figure 4] It is a circuit diagram of a charging control unit. [Figure 5] It is a circuit diagram showing the electrodes of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a circuit diagram showing the electrodes of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a circuit diagram of an H-bridge control circuit. [Figure 8] It is a circuit diagram of a power switch. [Figure 9] It is a circuit diagram of an intensity display unit. [Figure 10] It is a circuit diagram of a voltage control circuit. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram of an asymmetric hybrid waveform output from a beauty device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is an external view of a beauty device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram of an asymmetric hybrid waveform output from a beauty device according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the beauty device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a body portion 1 designed to be held by a user with one hand and a stimulation application portion 8.

[0016] An electronic substrate 9 is provided inside the body portion 1, and an operation portion 2, a charging display portion 3, an intensity display portion 4, a rechargeable battery 10, a control portion, and a plurality of connectors 15, 16, 19, 20 are provided on the electronic substrate 9.

[0017] The stimulation unit 8 and the operation unit 2 are each connected to the control unit 11. Commands input to the operation unit 2 are processed by the control unit 11 and output as output signals to the stimulation unit 8. The control unit 11 includes an MCU 12, a waveform adjustment unit 13, and a charging control unit 14. The MCU 12 can be replaced by an MPU or CPU and peripheral devices such as memory.

[0018] The stimulation unit 8 repeatedly applies an asymmetric hybrid frequency current to the surface of the user's body at predetermined intervals, which is a combination of a low-frequency current and one or two types of medium-frequency and high-frequency currents that flow in the opposite direction to the low-frequency current.

[0019] The control unit 2 is equipped with a power switch 2a and an intensity selection switch 2b, and these switches can be combined into a single control switch. Alternatively, they may be installed individually. Press the power switch 2a to turn on the beauty device, press the intensity selection switch 2b to select the intensity, and the selected intensity can be confirmed by the intensity display unit 4 located on the body unit 1. The intensity display unit 4 is provided with the same number of intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c corresponding to the number of intensity levels, and each lamp is assigned an intensity level of the current stimulation from the stimulation application unit 8. The intensity levels assigned to these intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c can be arbitrarily assigned according to the required intensity level. In this embodiment, intensity indicator lamps L 4a, M 4b, and H 4c are arranged.

[0020] The charging indicator unit 3 is equipped with one or more charging indicator lamps 3a, which can also function as intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c. Alternatively, they may be installed individually. The charging port 5 consists of a single USB connector 15. After connecting to connector 1 (16), the rechargeable battery 10 splits into two circuits: one is grounded, the other is connected to the VCC pin of the MCU 12 (see Figure 3), and then to the BAT pin of the charge management chip U2 (see Figure 4). After that, it is connected to the USB connector 15 via the VCC pin of the charge management chip U2, and finally to the power adapter 7 via the USB cable 6.

[0021] The stimulation unit 8 is composed of two or more electrodes and outputs the asymmetric hybrid frequency described above at a predetermined time. In the case of the beauty device shown in Figure 1, the stimulation unit 8 is composed of two electrodes, electrode 1 8a and electrode 2 8b, while in the case of the beauty device shown in Figure 12, the stimulation unit 8 is composed of four electrodes, electrode 1 8a, electrode 2 8b, electrode 3 8c, and electrode 4 8d. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the electrodes of the stimulating unit 8 are divided into two paired electrode sets, EMS-A and EMS-B, with each electrode set EMS-A (EMS-B) containing one or more electrodes. Between the pair of electrode sets EMS-A and EMS-B, a low-frequency signal is sequentially activated, and then one or two types of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal are sequentially activated in the opposite direction to the low-frequency signal, or one or two types of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal are sequentially activated, and then the low-frequency signal is activated in the opposite direction to the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal. In this case, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, one or more signal-off periods (intervals) are provided during the period when the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal are activated, and the total time of the signal-off periods is defined as signal-off period A. The sum of the activation times of the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal is shorter than the activation time of the low-frequency signal, and the time difference between the sum of the activation times of the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal and the activation time of the low-frequency signal is controlled to be signal-off period A. In this way, by setting the flow of low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals in opposite directions and providing a signal off period A, an asymmetric hybrid waveform is formed, and the hybrid frequency current is repeatedly passed at predetermined intervals.

[0022] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 includes an MCU 12, a waveform adjustment unit 13, and a charging control unit 14. The control unit 11 receives a command input by the operation unit 2, outputs a low frequency, medium frequency, or high frequency, and generates an asymmetric hybrid alternating current. In the present embodiment, the low frequency is a pulse wave of 1 to 1000 Hz, and the medium frequency and high frequency are each a pulse wave, rectangular wave, triangular wave, or sine wave of 1000 to 10000 Hz and 10000 Hz or higher. During the period when the medium frequency and high frequency are turned on, at least one signal off period (interval) is provided, and the total signal off period A is provided in the range of 0 < A < 1000 ms. Also, the low frequency signal, medium frequency signal, and high frequency signal are designed to be adjustable with a predetermined amplitude and pulse width.

[0023] The MCU 12 incorporates a central processing unit, a storage device, and an input / output device, and processes and inputs / outputs information based on the information pre-recorded in the storage device. The user presses the power switch 2a of the operation unit 2, and the beauty device is turned on. Further, the user presses the intensity selection switch 2b to select the intensity. The MCU 12 generates PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 according to the operation command input through the operation unit 2, based on a predetermined frequency and pulse width pre-recorded in the storage device. Further, according to the intensity selection command input through the operation unit 2, it generates a PWM signal H that can adjust the duty ratio and amplitude based on the voltage, duty ratio, and high-level period pre-recorded in the storage device for each intensity level.

[0024] The waveform adjustment unit 13 incorporates a voltage control circuit 17 and an H-bridge control circuit 18. The voltage control circuit 17 is connected to the MCU 12 and receives a PWM signal H generated from the MCU 12 based on a predetermined voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period, and generates a predetermined voltage. Furthermore, according to the intensity information input by the operation unit 2, it adjusts the low-frequency signal, medium-frequency signal, and high-frequency signal with predetermined amplitude and pulse width to control the strength of the current output from the stimulation unit 8, and generates low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals at preset frequencies according to different intensities. The voltage control circuit 17 is connected to the electrodes of the stimulation unit 8 via the H-bridge control circuit 18. As shown in Figure 7, the H-bridge control circuit 18 includes multiple transistors Q3 to Q8, and the opening and closing of these transistors Q3 to Q8 is controlled by the MCU 12. In other words, the H-bridge control circuit 18 receives commands from the MCU 12 and controls the opening or interruption and flow direction of low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals between the electrode assembly of the stimulation unit 8 for a preset time. Furthermore, during the period when medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are flowing, it stops the output of the signals during a preset signal off period A, thereby providing a pause period (interval) in the stimulation. The H-bridge control circuit 18 utilizes the switching of transistors Q3 to Q8 to output a low-frequency signal, and one or two types of signals: a medium-frequency signal and a high-frequency signal. It receives PWM signal 1 from MCU 12 and outputs a low-frequency signal, and receives PWM signal 2 from MCU 12 and outputs one or two types of signals: a medium-frequency current and a high-frequency current. Furthermore, by controlling the switching of transistors Q3 to Q8, it stops the signal output for a predetermined time A during the period when medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are flowing, creating a pause period for stimulation, generating an asymmetric hybrid frequency current, and outputting it to the stimulation application unit 8. The MCU 12 and waveform adjustment unit 13 adjust the amplitude and pulse width of the low-frequency signal, medium-frequency signal, and high-frequency signal to generate an asymmetric hybrid frequency current.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the charging control unit 14 is equipped with a charging management chip U2, which is connected to the rechargeable battery 10 and the USB connector 15. Specifically, one end of the charging management chip U2 is connected to the rechargeable battery 10, and the other end is connected to the USB connector 15. In this way, the charging control unit 14 controls the charging of the rechargeable battery 10.

[0026] [Example 1] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 also shows the appearance of the beauty device of the first embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, in this embodiment, the stimulation unit 8 is provided with two electrode sets, electrode set EMS-A and electrode set EMS-B. Electrode set EMS-A consists of an electrode 1 8a in the shape of a beauty roller, and electrode set EMS-B consists of an electrode 2 8b in the shape of a beauty roller. Furthermore, this embodiment employs an asymmetric hybrid wave that combines low and medium frequencies (see Figure 11). The frequencies of the low and medium frequencies are set to 100 Hz and 2500 Hz, respectively. When the two beauty rollers (8a, 8b) of the stimulation unit 8 are brought into contact with the user's body surface, the stimulation unit 8 outputs an asymmetric hybrid frequency, which is a combination of low frequency and medium frequency, to the user's body surface for a predetermined time, and the asymmetric hybrid frequency is output repeatedly within the predetermined time. A signal-off period is provided while the medium-frequency signal is active. The total active time of the medium-frequency signal is shorter than the active time of the low-frequency signal, and the time difference between the active time of the medium-frequency signal and the active time of the low-frequency signal becomes the signal-off period.

[0027] In this embodiment, the power switch 2a and the intensity selection switch 2b of the control unit 2 are combined into a single control switch. The power switch 2a (strength selection switch 2b) is connected to connector 2 (19), then to connector 3 (20), and then split into two circuits. One is connected to the P3.2 / INT0 pin of the MCU12 (see Figure 3), then to resistor R26 (see Figure 8), and finally to the D- pin of the USB connector 15 (see Figure 4). The other is directly grounded.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the intensity indicator unit 4 consists of three intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c, and as shown in Figure 9, the intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c use LED lamps. They are labeled LED1, LED2, and LED3, respectively. One end of the intensity indicator lamps LED1, LED2, and LED3 are connected to pins P2.5, P2.4, and P2.3 of the MCU12, respectively, through resistors R18, R19, and R24, while the other end of all three LED lamps is grounded. During the output period of the asymmetric hybrid wave current, the MCU12 controls the opening and closing of the intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c of the intensity indicator unit 4 according to the intensity level. When the intensity level is 1, LED1 is connected and the intensity indicator lamp 1 on the intensity display unit 4 lights up. When the intensity level is 2, LED2 is connected and the intensity indicator lamp 2 on the intensity display unit 4 lights up. When the intensity level is 3, LED3 is connected and the intensity indicator lamp 3 on the intensity display unit 4 lights up. In this embodiment, three strength levels are provided: L, M, and H. As shown in Figure 1, the intensity indicator unit 4 is equipped with three intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c, which are intensity indicator lamp L 4a, intensity indicator lamp M 4b, and intensity indicator lamp H 4c, respectively. In other words, LED1, LED2, and LED3 in Figure 9 correspond to intensity indicator lamps L 4a, M 4b, and H 4c, respectively, in Figure 1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 11 includes an MCU 12, a waveform adjustment unit 13, and a charging control unit 14.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, after the rechargeable battery 10 is connected to connector 1 (16), it splits into two circuits. One is grounded, and the other is connected to the VCC pin (see Figure 3) of the MCU 12 of the control unit 11, and then to the BAT pin of the charge management chip U2. After that, it is connected to the USB connector 15 via the VCC pin of the charge management chip U2, and finally to the power adapter 7 via the USB cable 6 shown in Figure 1.

[0031] The MCU12 shown in Figure 3 incorporates a central processing unit, memory, and input / output devices, and performs information processing and input / output based on information pre-recorded in the memory. Note that the MCU12 can be replaced by a combination of an MPU or CPU and peripheral devices such as memory. The user presses the power switch 2a on the control unit 2, turning the beauty device ON. The user then presses the intensity selection switch 2b to select an intensity level. The MCU 12 generates PWM signals 1 and 2 based on predetermined frequencies and duty cycles pre-recorded in the memory, in accordance with the operation commands input through the control unit 2. Furthermore, in accordance with the intensity selection command input through the control unit 2, it generates a PWM signal H for each intensity level, based on the voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period pre-recorded in the memory, with adjustable duty cycle and amplitude.

[0032] The waveform adjustment unit 13 incorporates a voltage control circuit 17 and an H-bridge control circuit 18. The voltage control circuit 17 is connected to the electrodes of the stimulation unit 8 via the H-bridge control circuit 18. As shown in Figure 10, the voltage control circuit 17 is connected to the MCU 12 and receives a PWM signal H generated from the MCU 12 based on a predetermined voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period. The circuit generates a predetermined voltage and an asymmetric hybrid frequency that combines low, medium, and high frequencies of a predetermined frequency. Furthermore, the low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals are adjusted with predetermined amplitudes and pulse widths to control the intensity of the stimulation. The voltage control circuit 17 is connected to the rechargeable battery 10 via a coil L1 and simultaneously connected in parallel to the VCC pin of the MCU 12. It then branches into two routes; one connects to the collector terminal of transistor Q9. The base terminal of transistor Q9 is connected to the P3.7 / INT3 / CCP2 pins of the MCU 12 via resistor R17, and the emitter terminal of transistor Q9 is grounded. The other circuit is connected to diode D3, then in parallel to two capacitors C5 and C10, and finally connected to the voltage output side EMS-VCC. The voltage control circuit 17 is connected to the voltage input side EMS-VCC of the H-bridge control circuit 18, and is connected to the electrodes of the stimulation unit 8 via the H-bridge control circuit 18.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the H-bridge control circuit 18 is equipped with six transistors: Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, and Q8. Of these, Q3 and Q7 are PNP type transistors, while Q4, Q5, Q6, and Q8 are NPN type transistors. The collector terminals of NPN transistors Q4 and Q6 are connected in parallel to the voltage input side EMS-VCC of the H-bridge control circuit 18. The emitter terminals of NPN transistors Q4 and Q6 are connected to the emitter terminals of PNP transistors Q3 and Q7, and then connected in parallel to resistors R20 and R23, before being connected to electrode assembly EMS-A (electrode 1) and electrode assembly EMS-B (electrode 2), respectively. The base terminals of PNP transistors Q3 and Q7 are connected to resistors R13 and R16, respectively, and the collector terminals of Q3 and Q7 are grounded. The collector terminals of NPN transistors Q5 and Q8 are connected to the voltage input side EMS-VCC of the H-bridge control circuit 18 via resistors R12 and R15, respectively, and their emitter terminals are grounded. The base terminal of Q5 is connected to the P3.5 / CCP0_2 pin of the MCU 12 via resistor R11, and receives PWM signal 1. On the other hand, the base terminal of Q8 is connected to the CCP1 / ADC0 / P1.0 pins via resistor R14 and receives PWM signal 2. PWM signal 1 is a low-frequency signal, and PWM signal 2 is a medium-frequency signal. Transistors Q4 and Q3 are controlled by transistor Q5, and transistors Q6 and Q7 are controlled by transistor Q8.

[0034] The H-bridge control circuit 18 controls the opening, interruption, and flow direction of the frequency current signal sent to the user at a preset time. During the period when medium frequency and high frequency currents are sent, it temporarily stops the output of the stimulation signal for a predetermined time A, thereby creating a pause period (interval) in the stimulation. It then combines the low-frequency current, medium-frequency current, and high-frequency current to generate an asymmetric hybrid frequency, which is output to the stimulation application unit 8. The H-bridge control circuit 18, in accordance with the signals received from the MCU 12 and the voltage control circuit 17, turns on the connection of transistor Q5 and turns off the connection of transistor Q8. At this time, transistors Q3 and Q6 are connected, and transistors Q4 and Q7 are turned off. A low-frequency current is then passed between the two electrode sets of the stimulation unit 8, from electrode set EMS-A (electrode 1 (8a) which is shaped like a beauty roller) to electrode set EMS-B (electrode 2 (8b) which is shaped like a beauty roller). Next, the connection of transistor Q8 is turned ON, and the connection of transistor Q5 is turned OFF. At this time, transistors Q4 and Q7 are connected, and the connection of Q3 and Q6 is turned OFF, and a medium-frequency current is passed from electrode set EMS-B (electrode 2 (8b) which adopts the shape of a beauty roller) to electrode set EMS-A (electrode 1 (8a) which adopts the shape of a beauty roller) of the two electrode sets of the stimulation unit 8. Furthermore, once a predetermined time has passed, the connection of transistor Q8 is disconnected, the medium-frequency current signal is turned OFF, and a signal-off period is created. Next, the connection of transistor Q5 is turned ON again, the connection of transistor Q8 is turned OFF, transistors Q3 and Q6 are connected, and the connection of transistors Q4 and Q7 is turned OFF, and a low-frequency current is passed from electrode assembly EMS-A (electrode 1 (8a) which adopts the shape of a beauty roller) to electrode assembly EMS-B (electrode 2 (8b) which adopts the shape of a beauty roller), and this process is repeated. In this way, asymmetric hybrid frequencies are output from the electrodes of the electrode assembly to the surface of the user's body.

[0035] During the current output period, the MCU12 controls the opening and closing of the intensity indicator lamp of the intensity indicator unit 4 according to the intensity level. In the beauty device of this embodiment, for intensity L, the voltage is set to 20.2V, the low-frequency high-level period is set to LFHTL1, and the duty cycle is set to LFDRL1; for intensity M, the voltage is set to 22V, the low-frequency high-level period is set to LFHTM1, and the duty cycle is set to LFDRM1; for intensity H, the voltage is set to 23.2V, the low-frequency high-level period is set to LFHTH1, and the duty cycle is set to LFDRH1. The duty cycle for medium frequency is set to MHFDR1 for intensity levels L, M, and H, and the output time is set to T1.

[0036] Figure 11 shows the waveform of the asymmetric hybrid wave output from the beauty device of the first embodiment of the present invention, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage. Low-frequency signals are output in the negative direction of the Y axis, and medium-frequency signals are output in the positive direction of the Y axis. The low frequency is set to 100Hz, and the medium frequency is set to 2500Hz. In addition, a pause period (interval) is provided in which the medium frequency signal is not output in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the total duration of the pause period for the medium frequency signal is P1% of the output time of the low frequency signal in the opposite direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the charging control unit 14 incorporates a charging management chip U2 connected to the rechargeable battery 10 and the USB connector 15, and controls the charging of the rechargeable battery 10 of the beauty device. The charging control unit 14 is connected to the MCU 12 and then to the charging display unit 3, and controls the on / off state of the charging indicator lamp 3a. The charge management chip U2 has BAT, GND, CHRG, RPOG, and VCC pins. The GND pin is directly grounded, and the PROG pin is grounded via resistor R1. The BAT pin is connected to the VCC pin of the MCU12, and then connected to the rechargeable battery 10 via connector 1 (16), providing charging current to the rechargeable battery 10. A capacitor C3 is placed between the two terminals of the rechargeable battery 10. The CHRG pin is connected to the P2.0 pin of the MCU12. The MCU12 receives a charging status signal, and if the battery is charging, it opens the connection to the charging indicator lamp LED1, and the charging indicator lamp 3a (LED1) lights up; when charging is complete, it turns off the connection to the charging indicator lamp LED1, and the charging indicator lamp LED1 turns off. Both the BAT and CHRG pins are connected to resistor R2. The VCC pin is split into two circuits: one is connected to the V+ pin of the USB, and the other is connected to ground via capacitor C1. The charging indicator lamp 3a can also be used as the intensity indicator lamps 4a-4c. Alternatively, they can be installed separately. USB connector 15 has V+, D-, D+, ID, and G pins. The V+ pin is connected to the VCC pin of the charging control chip U2, the D- pin is connected to resistor R26 (see Figure 8), the D+ pin is connected to the RXD pin of MCU12, the ID pin is connected to the TXD pin of MCU12 (see Figure 3), and the G pin is directly grounded.

[0038] [Example 2] Finally, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 12 shows the appearance of the beauty device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the beauty device according to the second embodiment consists of a stimulating unit 8 and a body unit 1 designed so that the user can hold it with one hand, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the body section 1 is provided with an operating section 2, a charging port 5, and an intensity indicator section 4 consisting of intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c, as shown in Figure 2. The operating method of the operating section 2 and the installation of the intensity indicator lamps 4a to 4c are also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0039] The difference between the beauty device according to the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, as shown in Figure 12, the stimulation unit 8 is equipped with four electrodes 8a to 8d, and can apply an asymmetric hybrid frequency, which is a combination of low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency currents, to the surface of the user's body. As shown in Figure 6, of the four electrodes mentioned above, electrode 1 (8a) and electrode 2 (8b) form one electrode set EMS-A, and electrode 3 (8c) and electrode 3 (8d) form one electrode set EMS-B. The low frequency is set at 128Hz, the medium frequency at 1786Hz, and the high frequency at 12000Hz. Unlike the first embodiment, in which a low-frequency signal is sequentially activated between the two electrode sets, and then a medium-frequency signal is activated in the opposite direction to the low-frequency signal, in the second embodiment, a low-frequency signal is sequentially activated between the electrode sets, and then the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal are sequentially activated in the opposite direction to the low-frequency signal (see Figure 13).

[0040] In other words, in the H-bridge control circuit 18 shown in Figure 7, the connection of transistor Q5 is turned ON and the connection of transistor Q8 is turned OFF. In this case, as in the first embodiment, a low-frequency current is passed between the two electrode sets of the stimulation unit 8 from electrode set EMS-A (electrodes 1 and 2) to electrode set EMS-B (electrodes 3 and 4). Next, the connection of transistor Q8 is turned ON and the connection of transistor Q5 is turned OFF. At this time, unlike in the first embodiment, two types of currents, a medium-frequency current and a high-frequency current, are passed from electrode set EMS-B (electrodes 3 and 4) to electrode set EMS-A (electrodes 1 and 2) among the two electrode sets of the stimulation unit 8. Furthermore, once a predetermined time has passed, the connection to transistor Q8 is disconnected, the signals for the medium-frequency and high-frequency currents are turned OFF, and a signal-off period is generated. Next, the connection of transistor Q5 is turned ON again, the connection of transistor Q8 is turned OFF, transistors Q3 and Q6 are connected, the connection of transistors Q4 and Q7 is turned OFF, a low-frequency current is passed from electrode assembly EMS-A (electrodes 1 and 2) to electrode assembly EMS-B (electrodes 3 and 4), and the process repeats. In this way, asymmetrical hybrid frequencies are output from the electrodes of the electrode assembly to the surface of the user's body.

[0041] Next, we will explain in detail the state in which two types of currents, medium-frequency and high-frequency, are passed from electrode assembly EMS-B to electrode assembly EMS-A. When PWM signal 2 is set to have two types, medium frequency current and high frequency current, transistor Q8 is turned ON, transistors Q4 and Q7 are turned ON, and transistors Q6 and Q3 are turned OFF. MCU 12 generates a medium frequency PWM signal 2 according to a preset time, frequency and duty cycle. Based on the medium frequency PWM signal 2 received from MCU 12, the voltage control circuit 17 adjusts the duty cycle to generate a voltage for medium frequency, and sends the medium frequency from electrode assembly EMS-B to electrode assembly EMS-A via the H-bridge control circuit 18. After a predetermined time has elapsed for the medium-frequency current to flow, the connection of transistor Q8 is temporarily turned OFF for a set period of time to create a signal-off period. When the next predetermined time is reached, transistor Q8 is turned ON again, and the MCU 12 generates a high-frequency PWM signal 2 according to the predetermined time, frequency, and duty cycle. The voltage control circuit 17 adjusts the duty cycle based on the high-frequency PWM signal 2 received from the MCU 12, generates a voltage for high frequency, and sends the high frequency from electrode assembly EMS-B to electrode assembly EMS-A via the H-bridge control circuit 18. After the predetermined time for applying the medium-frequency current has elapsed, the connection to transistor Q8 is then turned OFF for a predetermined period of time to create a signal-off period.

[0042] In the beauty device of this second embodiment, for intensity L, the voltage is set to 9.8V, the low-frequency high-level period is set to LFHTL2, and the duty cycle is set to LFDRL2; for intensity M, the voltage is set to 11.4V, the low-frequency high-level period is set to LFHTM2, and the duty cycle is set to LFDRM2; for intensity H, the voltage is set to 12.6V, the low-frequency high-level period is set to LFHTH2, and the duty cycle is set to LFDRH2. The duty cycle for medium frequency and high frequency is the same for intensities L, M, and H, MHFDR2, and the output time is set to T2.

[0043] Figure 13 shows an asymmetric hybrid waveform output from a beauty device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing voltage. As shown in Figure 13, in the second embodiment, a low-frequency signal is output in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are output in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The low-frequency is set to 128 Hz, the medium-frequency to 1786 Hz, and the high-frequency to 12000 Hz. Furthermore, a pause period is provided during which no signal is output in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The total pause time for the medium-frequency and high-frequency signals is P2% of the output time for the low-frequency signal in the opposite direction.

[0044] As described above, in the first and second embodiments, low frequencies are output in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and medium and high frequencies are output in the positive direction of the Y-axis. However, if the flow of low frequencies and the flow of medium and high frequencies are in opposite directions, the direction is not limited to the Y-axis, and it is also possible to set the flow of medium and high frequencies in the negative direction of the Y-axis and the flow of low frequencies in the positive direction of the Y-axis. Furthermore, the low, medium, and high frequencies set in the above embodiments are merely examples, and the low frequency can be appropriately set within the range of 1 to 1000 Hz, the medium frequency within the range of 1000 to 10000 Hz, and the high frequency within the range of 10000 Hz or higher, and there is no particular limitation on the frequency within these ranges. In addition, the voltage, high-level period, and duty cycle set according to the intensity in the beauty apparatus of the first and second embodiments of the present invention are examples of the embodiments of the present invention and are not limited thereto. The voltage, high-level period, and duty cycle can be appropriately set as needed. Furthermore, the pause period for the medium-frequency signal in the present invention is not limited to a percentage of the output time of the low-frequency signal in the opposite direction.

[0045] Although embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments and examples described above represent only a part of the scope of the present invention, not the entirety. Based on the above description, various alternatives, modifications, or variations are possible for those skilled in the art, and the present invention encompasses the aforementioned various alternatives, modifications, or variations without departing from its spirit. [Industrial applicability]

[0046] This invention is a beauty device primarily used for cosmetic treatments of the human face and body. It can be widely used for lifting, muscle training, relaxation, fatigue recovery, wrinkle improvement, and more. Furthermore, it can be used in combination with ultrasonic functions, RF, etc., making it extremely practical and useful. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1...Body unit, 2...Operation unit, 2a...Power switch, 2b...Intensity selection switch, 3...Charging indicator unit, 3a...Charging indicator lamp, 4...Intensity indicator unit, 4a,4b,4c...Intensity indicator lamps, 5...Charging port, 6...USB cable, 7...Power adapter, 8...Stimulation unit, 8a,8b,8c,8d...Electrodes, 9...Electronic circuit board, 10...Rechargeable battery, 11...Control unit, 12...MCU, 13...Waveform adjustment unit, 14...Charging control unit, 15...USB connector, 16...Connector 1, 17...Voltage control circuit, 18...H-bridge control circuit, 19...Connector 2, 20...Connector 3.

Claims

1. A beauty device comprising a stimulating unit consisting of two or more electrodes and a body unit designed to be held in the user's hand, the body unit containing an electronic circuit board, an operating unit, an intensity display unit, a charging display unit, a rechargeable battery, a control unit, and multiple connectors, the stimulating unit being brought into contact with the surface of the user's body, and capable of applying an asymmetric hybrid frequency, which is a combination of low frequency and one or two types of medium frequency and high frequency, to the surface of the user's body at predetermined intervals, characterized by comprising the following (1) to (12). (1) The stimulation unit and the operation unit are each connected to the control unit, and the operation unit has a power switch and an intensity selection switch. (2) The control unit receives commands input from the operation unit, generates a low-frequency signal, a medium-frequency signal, or a high-frequency signal, and after processing generates an asymmetric hybrid frequency current. (3) The stimulation unit outputs the asymmetric hybrid frequency current at predetermined intervals. The electrodes of the stimulation unit are divided into two pairs of electrode sets, each electrode set consisting of one or more electrodes, and are designed to sequentially activate a low-frequency signal between the two pairs of electrode sets, then sequentially activate one or two types of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal in the opposite direction to the low-frequency signal, or sequentially activate one or two types of the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal, then activate the low-frequency signal in the opposite direction to the medium-frequency signal and high-frequency signal. (4) One or more signal off periods (intervals) are provided during the period when the medium frequency signal and the high frequency signal are connected, and the total time of the signal off periods is denoted as signal off period A. By setting the direction of output of the low frequency signal and the direction of output of the medium frequency and high frequency signals to be opposite and by providing signal off period A, an asymmetric hybrid waveform is formed and a hybrid frequency current is generated. The hybrid frequency current is repeatedly controlled at predetermined intervals. (5) The control unit comprises an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a waveform adjustment unit, and a charging control unit. (6) The MCU incorporates a central processing unit, a memory device, and an input / output device, and performs information processing and input / output based on information pre-recorded in the memory device. The MCU can be replaced by an MPU or a combination of a CPU and peripheral devices such as memory. (7) The MCU and the waveform adjustment unit generate an asymmetric hybrid frequency current. (8) The MCU generates PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 based on predetermined frequencies and duty cycles pre-recorded in the memory device, in accordance with operation commands input through the operation unit. Furthermore, in accordance with intensity selection commands input through the operation unit, it generates a PWM signal H for each intensity level, based on voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period pre-recorded in the memory device, in which the duty cycle and amplitude can be adjusted. (9) The waveform adjustment unit incorporates a voltage control circuit and an H-bridge control circuit. (10) The voltage control circuit receives a PWM signal H generated from the MCU based on a predetermined voltage, duty cycle, and high-level period, generates a predetermined voltage, and controls the intensity of the stimulation by adjusting the low-frequency signal, medium-frequency signal, and high-frequency signal with predetermined amplitude and pulse width based on the intensity command input through the operation unit. Furthermore, it generates low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency signals at preset frequencies according to different intensity commands. The voltage control circuit is connected to the electrodes of the stimulation unit via an H-bridge control circuit. (11) The H-bridge control circuit comprises a plurality of transistors, and the opening and closing of the transistors is controlled by the MCU. The H-bridge control circuit receives commands from the MCU and controls the opening and closing and flow direction of low-frequency signals, medium-frequency signals, and high-frequency signals that are opened between the electrode sets of the stimulation unit for a preset time, and further controls the signal output to be stopped during a preset signal off period A when medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are flowing, thereby providing a pause period (interval) in the stimulation. The H-bridge control circuit utilizes the switching of transistors to output a low-frequency signal, and one or two types of medium-frequency and high-frequency signals. It receives PWM signal 1 from the MCU and outputs a low-frequency signal, receives PWM signal 2 from the MCU and outputs one or two types of medium-frequency and high-frequency currents, and further controls the switching of transistors to stop the signal output for a predetermined time during the period when medium-frequency and high-frequency signals are flowing, thereby creating a pause period for stimulation, generating an asymmetric hybrid frequency current, and outputting it to the stimulation application unit. (12) The charging control unit has a rechargeable battery and a charging management chip U2 built in. One end of the charging management chip U2 is connected to the rechargeable battery, and the other end is connected to a USB connector to control the charging of the beauty device.

2. The beauty device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum of the opening times of the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal is shorter than the opening time of the low-frequency signal, and the time difference between the sum of the opening times of the medium-frequency signal and the high-frequency signal and the opening time of the low-frequency signal is controlled to be a signal off period A.

3. The beauty device according to claim 1, characterized in that the intensity indicator unit is composed of the same number of intensity indicator lamps as the intensity level, and the charging indicator unit is composed of one or more LED lamps.

4. The beauty apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the MCU and waveform adjustment unit adjust the amplitude and pulse width of the low-frequency signal, medium-frequency signal, and high-frequency signal.

5. The beauty device according to claim 1, characterized in that the low frequency is a pulse wave of 1 to 1000 Hz, and the medium frequency and high frequency are pulse waves, square waves, triangular waves, or sine waves of 1000 to 10000 Hz and 10000 Hz or higher, respectively.

6. The beauty device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal off period A is set in the range of 0 < A < 1000 ms.

Images