Skin care device with electroporation and vibration

Abstract

Disclosed is a skin care device comprising: a massage pad including an EP positive-electrode pad disposed at the center thereof and a plurality of EP negative-electrode pads disposed outside the EP positive-electrode pad along a circumferential direction; a head unit including a plurality of vibration generators provided for each of the plurality of EP negative-electrode pads; a cartridge assembly detachably coupled to the rear of the head unit and including a formulation cartridge coupled to a formulation discharge port formed through the EP positive-electrode pad; a printed circuit board assembly including a formulation discharge unit for automatically discharging, by applying pressure, a skin care formulation hermetically accommodated in the formulation cartridge, an EP driving unit for supplying power to the EP positive-electrode pad and the EP negative-electrode pads, and a vibration driving unit for supplying power to the vibration generators; and a control unit for controlling operations of the EP driving unit, the vibration driving unit, and the formulation discharge unit.

Description

Skin beauty device equipped with electric perforation and vibration

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin beauty device equipped with both electric perforation and vibration, and more particularly, to a skin beauty device that improves the penetration efficiency of a skin beauty preparation into the skin by simultaneously applying electric perforation and vibration stimulation.

[0002] For effective skin care, considerable effort is being made to ensure that the beneficial ingredients of skin care products penetrate as deeply as possible into the skin. This is because the cell membrane possesses a phospholipid matrix that prevents indiscriminate penetration of substances from the external environment into the cell interior, making it difficult for skin care product ingredients to be effectively absorbed through the skin's surface. To overcome this limitation, various skin care devices are being introduced.

[0003] For example, a skin care device utilizing the electroporation (EP) effect has been introduced. The phospholipid matrix can be disrupted by a strong external electric field. This strong external electric field increases electrical stimulation conductivity and diffusion permeability, a phenomenon known as electroporation. Therefore, by incorporating the EP effect into a skin care device, it is possible to promote deeper penetration of the active ingredients of skin care products through cell membranes.

[0004] In this way, after applying a certain skin beauty preparation to the skin, the beauty effect has been improved by utilizing the electroporation phenomenon to allow the effective ingredients to more easily penetrate into the skin. However, there was a limit to increasing the penetration efficiency of the skin beauty preparation using electroporation alone.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can overcome the limitations of electroporation-based skin beauty devices.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a skin care device that promotes skin penetration of a skin care preparation through electroporation and vibration effects and enhances user convenience by automatically discharging the skin care preparation during use.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0008] The skin beauty device of the present invention comprises a massage pad including an EP positive electrode pad arranged in the center and a plurality of EP negative electrode pads arranged in a circumferential direction outside the EP positive electrode pad, a head portion having a plurality of vibration generators provided for each of the plurality of EP negative electrode pads, a cartridge assembly including a preparation cartridge that is detachably coupled to the rear of the head portion and coupled to a preparation discharge port formed through the EP positive electrode pad, a preparation discharge portion that pressurizes and automatically discharges a skin beauty preparation sealed in the preparation cartridge, an EP driving portion that supplies power to the EP positive electrode pad and the EP negative electrode pad, and a vibration driving portion that supplies power to the vibration generator, and a control portion that controls the operation of the EP driving portion, the vibration driving portion, and the preparation discharge portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the device includes a ring-shaped tension plate interposed between the plurality of EP negative pads and the plurality of vibration generators, wherein the tension plate may include a plurality of elastic plates on which the vibration generators are closely installed, and a bridge interconnecting adjacent elastic plates.

[0010] The elastic plate amplifies the vibration generated by the vibration generator, and the bridge provides elastic force to the elastic plate, thereby allowing the plurality of EP negative pads to move individually.

[0011] The above control unit can control the strength of the electric field formed between the EP positive pad and the EP negative pad to have multiple stages by performing duty control on the EP driving unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit can control the vibration generator to generate low-frequency vibrations in the range of 50 to 300 Hz.

[0013] The above EP anode pad may be electrically connected to the EP driving unit by being screw-fastened to the printed circuit board assembly, and the above EP cathode pad may be electrically connected to the EP driving unit via a support that is screw-fastened to the tension plate and the printed circuit board assembly.

[0014] The above cartridge assembly may include a cartridge frame having a mounting port on an upper surface, an opening on a lower surface, and a receiving space surrounded by a plurality of walls, and a preparation cartridge having a nozzle protruding out of the cartridge frame, a sealing member that is inserted into the receiving space through the mounting port and is seated over the opening, and has a preparation receiving portion inside, and a sealing member that is movable by an external pressure while sealing the preparation receiving portion is installed on a lower surface accessible through the opening.

[0015] The above formulation dispensing unit may include a pressure block that pressurizes the sealing member through the opening of the cartridge assembly.

[0016] A metal back plate is provided on the bottom surface of the sealing member, a pair of pogo pins is provided on the pressure block, and the back plate and the pair of pogo pins can detect contact of the pressure block with the sealing member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pressurizing block may further include a locking mechanism that enters the rear of the cartridge frame according to the upward and downward movement of the pressurizing block and prevents the cartridge assembly from being dislodged.

[0018] The locking mechanism may include a locking tail extending from the pressurizing block toward the cartridge frame, and a tail insertion hole formed through the cartridge frame to allow the locking tail to enter.

[0019] The upper front surface of the sealing member forms an upper gap with respect to the inner surface of the formulation receiving portion, and the space formed by the upper gap can communicate with the nozzle.

[0020] The cartridge assembly may include a pair of cover hooks that rotate left and right with respect to the cartridge frame, a strap bracket that rotates forward and backward with respect to the cartridge frame and is positioned inside the pair of cover hooks, a strap spring that provides compressive elasticity to the pair of cover hooks and the strap bracket, and a strap lever that has one end coupled to the strap bracket and the other end exposed outside the rear frame.

[0021] The forward and backward rotational motion of the strap bracket by the strap lever is converted into a rotational motion of the pair of cover hooks to open or close in the left and right directions, and accordingly, an outwardly protruding hook at one end of the pair of cover hooks can lock or unlock the cartridge frame with respect to the head portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control unit further includes an impedance measuring unit electrically connected to the EP positive electrode pad and the EP negative electrode pad, and can operate the EP positive electrode pad and the EP negative electrode pad, the vibration generator, and the formulation dispensing unit when it is determined that the EP positive electrode pad and the EP negative electrode pad are in contact with the skin by receiving skin impedance measured by the impedance measuring unit in real time.

[0023] In one embodiment, the formulation outlet is equipped with a protective tip having a hole formed in the center, and the protective tip may be an antibacterial tip.

[0024] And, the protective tip has a plurality of sealing wings at the entrance of the hole, and the sealing wings can block the hole when the cartridge assembly is not mounted.

[0025] The skin beauty device of the present invention having the above configuration promotes skin penetration of a skin beauty preparation by the simultaneous action of electric perforation and vibration, and enhances user convenience by automatically discharging the skin beauty preparation during use.

[0026] In addition, it is safe and hygienic to use by preventing the product cartridge from being unintentionally separated due to carelessness or accident, and it is also economical because the skin care product contained in the product cartridge can be used without any residue.

[0027] However, the technical effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skin beauty device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the inside with the case on the right side of Figure 1 removed.

[0031] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the head assembly.

[0033] Figure 5 is a drawing explaining the operation of the head part.

[0034] Figure 6 is a graph comparing the relative absorption amounts of skin care preparations.

[0035] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings illustrating one embodiment of the assembly structure of a skin beauty device.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a skin beauty device equipped with a cartridge assembly.

[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cartridge assembly.

[0038] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view and an assembled plan view of the formulation dispensing unit.

[0039] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the pressurized block is raised to its maximum.

[0040] Figure 13 is a partial enlarged view of part “A” of Figure 12.

[0041] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly.

[0042] Figure 15 is a drawing showing a cartridge frame equipped with a strap lever.

[0043] Figures 16 and 17 are drawings showing unlocking of the cartridge assembly by operation of the strap lever.

[0044] Fig. 18 is a drawing illustrating one embodiment including an impedance measurement unit.

[0045] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of duty control for adjusting the intensity of electroporation in various stages.

[0046] Figure 20 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a protective tip provided at a formulation discharge port.

[0047] The aforementioned and additional aspects of the invention are embodied through embodiments described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the described embodiments.

[0048] In addition, the components of each embodiment may be combined in various ways within the embodiment or between the embodiments as long as there is no other mention or contradiction between them, and when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or component may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] In addition, throughout the specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0050] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected" but also cases where it is "electrically connected" with other elements in between.

[0051] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly above" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly below" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Furthermore, in the present application, "on" may include cases where it is disposed below as well as above.

[0052] In addition, the flowcharts illustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary sequences for obtaining the most desirable results in carrying out the present invention, and it is obvious that other steps may be added or some steps may be deleted.

[0053] In addition, since the inventor may appropriately define and use the concept of terms to best describe his or her invention, the terms or words used in this specification should not necessarily be interpreted only in their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in the sense and concept that conforms to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0054] Additionally, in this specification, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0055] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0056] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a skin beauty device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside by removing the case on the right side of Fig. 1. The skin beauty device (10) according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, when broadly divided functionally, includes a head portion (100), a cartridge assembly (200), a formulation discharge portion (300), and a main body (400).

[0057] The head unit (100) is the part that comes into direct contact with the user's skin and applies electric perforation and vibration. As it is the part that comes into direct contact with the skin, the surface material of the head assembly (110) located on the front of the head unit (100) is made of a soft and elastic material such as silicone or rubber. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit (100), and the configuration of the head unit (100) will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3.

[0058] The head part (100) includes, broadly speaking, a head assembly (110) and a cartridge mounting part (195). The head assembly (110) includes a rubber body (112), an EP positive electrode pad (122), an EP negative electrode pad (126), a tension plate (150), a guide bracket (162), a vibration generator (170), and a printed circuit board assembly (180) (PBA, Printed Board Assembly). In Fig. 3, a support (160), a screw (192), a tape, etc. for mounting the EP positive electrode pad (122), the EP negative electrode pad (126), the vibration generator (170), etc. are illustrated together, but these fastening accessories are known components, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The rubber body (112) may be in the shape of a rubber disk and forms the body of the head assembly (110). A pattern (114) for precise mounting of the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) may be formed on the front surface of the rubber body (112). Each pattern (114) may be provided with a boss hole (116) through which a boss (130) extending from the rear surface of the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) penetrates.

[0060] An EP positive electrode pad (122) and an EP negative electrode pad (126) are combined to form a single massage pad (120). Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the massage pad (120) includes a central EP positive electrode pad (122) and a plurality of EP negative electrode pads (126) arranged circumferentially outside the EP positive electrode pad (122). The EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) may each be manufactured by processing a conductive material, such as a metal material including one of SUS, Al, Zn, or an alloy thereof, or a plastic plating material, into a thin plate shape. The EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) are conductive, but with respect to the central EP positive electrode pad (122), the plurality of EP negative electrode pads (126) are electrically isolated from each other.

[0061] The massage pad (120) forms the front surface of the head assembly (110) and is a portion that comes into direct contact with the skin. In the illustrated embodiment, five EP negative electrode pads (126) are densely arranged around a central EP positive electrode pad (122). By this arrangement, a strong electric field is formed between the EP negative electrode pads (126) that surround the central EP positive electrode pad (122) at equal intervals, thereby generating an electroporation effect.

[0062] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the head assembly (110). Referring to Fig. 3, a tension plate (150) is installed on the back of the rubber body (112) to support the EP negative electrode pad (126) so that it can move in the direction of pressure. The tension plate (150) is a ring-shaped conductive plate that also serves to electrically connect the EP negative electrode pad (126) and the printed circuit board assembly (180). In this respect, the tension plate (150) corresponds to a metal plate spring conductor.

[0063] The printed circuit board assembly (180) is provided to provide electrical signals to the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126), and is installed in a spaced state on the back surface of the rubber body (112). The printed circuit board assembly (180) may be in the shape of a disk with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the rubber body (112). The printed circuit board assembly (180) may be supported by a guide bracket (162), and the guide bracket (162) may be coupled to the head portion (100) by coupling the printed circuit board assembly (180) to the center of the back surface and coupling the front surface to the rubber body (112).

[0064] The tension plate (150) is arranged on the back surface of the rubber body (112) between the rubber body (112) and the guide bracket (162). The tension plate (150) allows each EP negative electrode pad (126) to move elastically according to the skin's curves to adhere to the skin. The EP negative electrode pad (126) is assembled according to the pattern (114) of the rubber body (112), and the boss (130) provided on the back surface of the EP negative electrode pad (126) penetrates the boss hole (116) on the pattern (114) and protrudes to the back surface of the rubber body (112). The hole (154) of the tension plate (150) is fitted into the boss (130) of the EP negative electrode pad (126) that protrudes in this way.

[0065] And, a vibration generator (170), for example, a motor, is mounted for each EP negative electrode pad (126). In the illustrated embodiment, five EP negative electrode pads (126) are provided, and five vibration generators (170) are installed correspondingly. The vibration generators (170) coupled to the fastening pieces (172) are coupled by fitting the fastening pieces (172) into the bosses (130) of the corresponding EP negative electrode pads (126) and fastening them with screws (192). Referring to FIG. 3, each EP negative electrode pad (126) is provided with two bosses (130), and each fastening piece (172) is provided with two hollow posts. The hollow posts of the fastening pieces (172) are fitted into the bosses (130) of the EP negative electrode pads (126), and thereby the vibration generators (170) are brought into close contact with the tension plate (150).

[0066] In this way, one vibration generator (170) is assigned to each EP negative electrode pad (126), and the vibration generated by the vibration generator (170) is amplified by the tension plate (150). Since the EP negative electrode pads (126) vibrate individually, the vibration of the EP negative electrode pads (126), which move elastically according to the curves of the skin, can effectively act on the skin.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, the tension plate (150) includes an elastic plate (152) fitted to a boss (130) and in contact with a vibration generator (170), a bridge (156) connecting a plurality of elastic plates (152), and a signal connection portion (158) in which a connection portion of some of the bridges (156) and the elastic plates (152) is expanded and a through hole is formed. The tension plate (150) is a conductive plate, and the plurality of elastic plates (152) sequentially connected by the bridges (156) form a structure in which current can flow through each other. The bridges (156) connecting adjacent elastic plates (152) have a curved shape, and the bridges (156) generate an elastic force that allows the elastic plates (152) to flow elastically.

[0068] In a state where the EP positive pad (122), EP negative pad (126), tension plate (150), and vibration generator (170) are all assembled on the rubber body (112), a guide bracket (162) on which a printed circuit board assembly (180) is mounted is coupled to the back of the rubber body (112). The respective bosses (130) of the EP positive pad (122) and EP negative pad (126) are fastened with a plurality of screws (192) that penetrate the printed circuit board assembly (180). In addition, both ends of a support (160) made of a conductive material are fastened to the signal connection portion (158) of the tension plate (150) and the printed circuit board assembly (180) with screws (192), respectively.

[0069] The boss (130) of the EP positive electrode pad (122) and EP negative electrode pad (126) assembled on the front side of the rubber body (112) protrudes to the back side by penetrating the boss hole (116) of the rubber body (112), and a screw (192) penetrating the printed circuit board assembly (180) fixed to the guide bracket (162) is fastened to the protruding boss (130). Accordingly, the head assembly (110) is completed.

[0070] By this fastening structure, the (+) signal and (-) signal of the printed circuit board assembly (180) are respectively connected to the EP positive pad (122) and the EP negative pad (126). Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the head assembly (110). Referring to Fig. 4, the boss (130) of the EP positive pad (122) is fastened to the printed circuit board assembly (180) with a screw (192), thereby connecting the EP positive pad (122) to the (+) signal of the printed circuit board assembly (180). The boss (130) of the EP negative pad (126) penetrates the elastic plate (152) of the tension plate (150) and is fastened with the screw (192) while the fastening piece (172) is fitted therein. Thus, the EP negative pad (126) and the tension plate (150) are electrically connected. In addition, the tension plate (150) is connected to the (-) signal of the printed circuit board assembly (180) by the support (160), and thus the EP cathode pad (126) is connected to the (-) signal of the printed circuit board assembly (180). Meanwhile, each vibration generator (170) is individually electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly (180) by a separate terminal.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a drawing conceptually explaining the operation of the head unit (100). The printed circuit board assembly (180) may be equipped with an EP driving unit (182) and a vibration driving unit (184). The EP driving unit (182) may convert the direct current power stored in the battery (410) into alternating current power of 100 to 150 V and 30 to 45 kHz, and provide the converted alternating current power as a (+) signal and a (-) signal to the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126), respectively. Through this, a strong electric field can be formed between the EP positive electrode pad (122) in the center and the EP negative electrode pads (126) surrounding it at equal intervals, thereby generating an electroporation effect on the skin. The vibration driving unit (184) may generate vibrations of an appropriate frequency suitable for skin care by supplying direct current power to each vibration generator (170) at a certain cycle. In addition to the electroporation effect, the vibration generator (170) serves to promote the penetration and absorption of the active ingredients of the skin beauty preparation deeper into the skin by applying continuous or intermittent vibrations to the skin.

[0072] The printed circuit board assembly (180) includes a control unit (190). The control unit (190) can independently control the EP driving unit (182) and the vibration driving unit (184). Accordingly, the EP driving unit (182) and the vibration driving unit (184) can operate simultaneously, alternately, or only one of them. In other words, when using the skin beauty device (10) of the present invention, the electroporation effect due to the operation of the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) and the vibration effect due to the operation of the vibration generator (170) can operate separately from each other or in combination with each other.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vibration generator (170) can generate vibrations in a wide band ranging from ultrasonic to low frequency. However, since generation of sound waves that are irritating to the ears may cause inconvenience in use, it may be preferable to generate vibrations in the ultrasonic or low frequency band. In particular, the skin care device (10) provided by the present invention may consider controlling the vibration generator (170) to generate low frequency vibrations. For example, the vibration driving unit (184) may drive the vibration generator (170) to generate vibrations in the 50 to 300 Hz band. In this way, driving the vibration generator (170) to generate low frequency vibrations is done in consideration of the following experimental results and clinical trials.

[0074] Figure 6 is a graph comparing the relative absorption amounts of skin care formulations. Note that the units of the graph are arbitrary units for relative comparison. Looking at the absorption amounts of skin care formulations, compared to simple application, the combined use of electroporation and low-frequency vibration resulted in an approximately 270% increase, and the combined use of electroporation and ultrasonic vibration resulted in an approximately 300% increase.

[0075] These results demonstrate that, in terms of penetration depth and absorption of skin care products, the combined use of electroporation and ultrasonic vibration yields the best results, while the combined use of electroporation and low-frequency vibration yields slightly less. However, considering the frequency of the vibration generator (170) alone is not sufficient for a simple comparison of absorption effects.

[0076] The dermis consists of two layers: the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis, which are separated by a vascular plexus. Comparing the skin of young and elderly people, it was found that while the number of reticular fibroblasts decreases with age, the rate of decline is not significant, while the number of papillary fibroblasts decreases more significantly with age. This suggests that activating papillary fibroblasts in the papillary dermis can delay skin aging.

[0077] In human anatomy, the papillary dermis is located at a depth of 0.3 mm from the epidermis, and the reticular dermis is located at a depth of 0.7 mm from the epidermis. Therefore, if a skin beauty device (10) can be used to penetrate a skin beauty preparation to a depth of only 300 to 700 μm (= 0.3 to 0.7 mm), any difference in penetration depth within this level can be considered to have little effect on the actual effect.

[0078] In addition, wave energy is proportional to the product of the square of the amplitude and the square of the frequency. Therefore, when generating waves by consuming the same amount of electrical energy, the higher the frequency, the smaller the amplitude as the inverse of the square. In this respect, it is difficult to implement as a rechargeable portable beauty device the generation of an amplitude that can achieve a massage effect while applying ultrasound to an electric electric skin beauty device (10) due to excessive energy consumption. In addition, various problems may arise, such as heat generation due to high energy consumption and durability design that takes this into consideration.

[0079] In contrast, low-frequency vibration, with a frequency less than a tenth of that of ultrasonic vibration, can achieve both low energy consumption and sufficiently large amplitude vibration. Furthermore, based on realistic energy consumption, ultrasonic vibration is undetectable when in contact with the skin, whereas low-frequency vibration can be physically felt through the skin. Therefore, combining electroporation and low-frequency vibration can provide a higher level of user satisfaction.

[0080] In this way, when comprehensively examining from various perspectives while taking into account the actual usage environment, it can be seen that the skin beauty device (10) of the present invention is very advantageous in using both electroporation and low-frequency vibration. By using both electroporation and low-frequency vibration, the penetration depth and absorption amount can be significantly improved by 3 to 4 times or more compared to simple application of a skin beauty preparation, and further, by maintaining the realistic energy consumption required for a rechargeable portable beauty device while also implementing the effect of a physical vibration massage, the user satisfaction can be further increased.

[0081] Meanwhile, the skin beauty device (10) of the present invention includes a cartridge assembly (200) and a product discharge unit (300) that automatically supply a skin beauty preparation (284) during use. In the past, the skin beauty preparation (284) was applied to the skin and then the skin beauty device (10) was held and used, but the user's convenience was not sufficiently considered, such as having to wipe one's hands after applying the skin beauty preparation (284). Therefore, the present invention proposes a method for using the skin beauty device (10) directly without separately applying the skin beauty preparation (284), and for this purpose, the cartridge assembly (200) and the product discharge unit (300) are provided.

[0082] The skin beauty device (10) of the present invention can be broadly divided into a head portion (100), a cartridge assembly (200), a formulation discharge portion (300), and a main body (400) when functionally divided. However, the assembly structure for commercialization may be somewhat different from the functional division. FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating one embodiment of the assembly structure of the skin beauty device (10).

[0083] The skin beauty device (10) of the present invention can be manufactured with a double case structure. The inner case (20) is formed as a left and right pair, and the head part (100), the formulation discharge part (300), the battery (410), the main PBA (420), the LCD / button assembly (430), etc., described above, are assembled to the inner case (20). These various components can be mounted using known techniques such as screws (192) or fitting. For example, the head part (100) can be assembled in a structure in which the screws (192) are fastened to the protruding legs (164) of the guide bracket (162) in a state in which the formulation discharge part (300) and the battery (410), etc., are assembled inside the left and right inner cases (20).

[0084] When the assembly of the inner case (20) is completed as shown in Fig. 7, the outer case (30) is assembled, thereby completing the appearance of the skin beauty device (10). Fig. 8 illustrates the assembly structure of the outer case (30). The outer case (30) may include a pair of left and right head cases (32) and a cylindrical body case (34). The pair of left and right head cases (32) surround a portion of the head unit (100) and the cartridge mounting portion (195), and the body case (34) surrounds the main body (400). When the outer case (30) is assembled, the cartridge assembly (200) may be mounted from the rear of the head unit (100), and the cartridge assembly (200) is coupled into the cartridge mounting portion (195) of the head unit (100).

[0085] Referring again to FIG. 1, the skin beauty device (10) of the present invention includes a replaceable cartridge. The skin beauty device (10) of the present invention is used by mounting a replaceable, detachable cartridge assembly (200), and the cartridge assembly (200) is inserted and mounted into a cartridge mounting portion (195) provided adjacent to the back surface of the head portion (100). The perspective view of FIG. 2 shows the internal structure with the cartridge assembly (200) mounted.

[0086] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a skin beauty device (10) equipped with a cartridge assembly (200), and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the cartridge assembly (200). The cartridge assembly (200) includes a semi-permanently used cartridge frame (210) and a product cartridge (280) replaceably mounted inside the cartridge frame (210). When the cartridge assembly (200) is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion (195), the product dispensing portion (300) provided inside the main body (400) pressurizes the product cartridge (280) so that the skin beauty product (284) is automatically discharged. Therefore, the user can use the skin beauty device (10) immediately without separately applying the skin beauty product (284). As illustrated in Fig. 1, the cartridge assembly (200) can be detached and mounted in a sliding manner toward the rear of the head portion (100).

[0087] When the cartridge assembly (200) is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion (195), the skin care product (284) contained in the product cartridge (280) is automatically discharged onto the massage pad (120) by the product discharge portion (300) disposed on the main body (400). Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating the head portion (100), a product discharge port (124) is formed at the center of the EP bipolar pad (122) located at the center of the massage pad (120), and all components disposed on the back of the rubber body (112), such as the tension plate (150), the vibration generator (170), the guide bracket (162), and the printed circuit board assembly (180), have an empty central area. Through this empty space, the nozzle (286) of the product cartridge (280) can be coupled to the product discharge port (124).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 10 illustrating a cartridge assembly (200), a cartridge frame (210) is a structure that insertively connects to a cartridge mounting portion (195) adjacent to the rear surface of a head assembly (110) to hold a formulation cartridge (280), and serves as a carrier for placing the formulation cartridge (280) into the cartridge mounting portion (195). The cartridge frame (210) has an open mounting portion (212) on the upper surface and an opening (214) on the lower surface. In addition, it has a receiving space surrounded by a plurality of walls, and a nozzle protrusion portion (216) is cut into the front wall. In addition, a rear frame (230) for finishing the head case (32) is provided at the rear of the cartridge frame (210), and a strap lever (250) that is hinge-operated for convenient attachment and detachment by a user is provided at the rear of the cartridge frame (210).

[0089] The formulation cartridge (280) has a formulation receiving portion (282) containing a skin care formulation (284) therein, and has a nozzle (286) protruding out of the cartridge frame (210) on one side. In addition, a sealing member (290) that can be moved by external pressure while sealing the formulation receiving portion (282) is installed on the bottom surface of the formulation receiving portion (282). The sealing member (290) can be viewed as a type of rubber packing, and the side that comes into contact with the formulation receiving portion (282) can be provided with a curved, uneven structure to improve the sealing function. By means of the formulation discharge unit (300) arranged in the main body (400) described later, the sealing member (290) moves forward into the formulation receiving unit (282), and as the volume is reduced due to the movement of the sealing member (290), the skin care formulation (284) contained in the formulation receiving unit (282) is discharged to the outside through the formulation discharge port (124) coupled to the tip of the nozzle (286).

[0090] The formulation cartridge (280) is inserted into the receiving space and seated through the mounting hole (212) on the upper surface of the cartridge frame (210). The opening (214) on the lower surface of the cartridge frame (210) partially exposes the sealing member (290) of the formulation cartridge (280), and the pressurizing block (320) of the formulation dispensing unit (300) can access the sealing member (290) through the opening (214).

[0091] Fig. 11 is (a) an exploded perspective view and (b) an assembled plan view of a formulation dispensing unit (300). The formulation dispensing unit (300) installed in the main body (400) may be configured with an electric linear actuator (310). The linear actuator (310) includes a motor (312) and a screw shaft (314) fixedly installed on the shaft of the motor (312). The motor (312) can rotate forward and backward depending on the direction of the applied current, and accordingly, the screw shaft (314) rotates forward and backward in place.

[0092] In addition, the linear actuator (310) includes a pressure block (320) screw-connected to a screw shaft (314). The pressure block (320) is designed to move linearly directly below the formulation cartridge (280) without rotating within the main body (400). That is, the pressure block (320) may have a rectangular cross-section, for example, with one opposite surface being semicircular, rather than a circular cross-section, and may be installed in a structure that fits into the inner frame of the inner case (20).

[0093] By the rotation of the screw shaft (314), the pressure block (320) screw-connected to the screw shaft (314) also receives a rotational force, but the rotational movement of the pressure block (320) is restricted. Accordingly, the pressure block (320) moves linearly toward (forward) the preparation cartridge (280) or away from (backward) the preparation cartridge (280).

[0094] Referring to the internal cross-sectional view of Fig. 9, the combined structure of the cartridge assembly (200) coupled to the cartridge mounting portion (195) and the formulation discharge portion (300) provided in the main body (400) can be confirmed, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pressure block (320) is raised to the maximum, and the operation method can be easily understood by referring to these drawings. The pressure block (320) that moves forward contacts the sealing member (290) of the formulation cartridge (280) and moves the sealing member (290) further forward to move it into the formulation receiving portion (282). The skin care formulation (284) contained in the formulation receiving portion (282) is discharged from the nozzle (286) by the amount of volume reduced by the advancement of the sealing member (290). The operation of the formulation discharge portion (300) can also be controlled by the control portion (190).

[0095] The control unit (190) can control the formulation dispensing unit (300) by repeating dispensing and stopping, taking into account the time it takes for the dispensed formulation to be absorbed into the skin. If the formulation in the cartridge is intended for a single use and the single use time is expected to be 10 minutes, the last minute can be set as the time for the final dispensed formulation to be absorbed, and the formulation can be dispensed during the preceding 9 minutes.

[0096] In addition, the control unit (190) needs to control the discharge for an initial period of time and the subsequent discharge by distinguishing between these. This is because, when the skin beauty device is used, the first discharge of the product is in a state where there is no product at all on the skin, and after that, the previously discharged product will already remain on the skin surface or be absorbed into the skin.

[0097] Therefore, the first discharge in the first cycle (one cycle of turning the motor on / off) needs to keep the motor on until the motor rotation speed reaches a significantly higher speed than in other cycles. If the number of times the product passes through one Hall sensor when passing through three Hall sensors during one motor rotation is called an interrupt, then if the product is discharged for five interrupts in all other cycles after the first cycle and the motor is off for the remaining time in the cycle, the product can be maintained for 250 interrupts, which is about 50 times longer than that, in the first cycle. If the number of interrupts in the first cycle is larger than this, too much product may be discharged on the skin surface, which may cause the product to run off before being absorbed into the skin.

[0098] In addition, the initial period of use of the skin beauty device should be categorized as a boost mode, and it is necessary to control the device at a different cycle during this boost mode period than during the subsequent period.

[0099] For example, if the boost mode is set to 5 seconds, the cycle during this 5-second period can be set to be much shorter than the cycle after the boost mode. That is, if the cycle after the boost mode is set to approximately 1.1 seconds, the cycle from the second time in this boost mode can be set to approximately 0.307 seconds. At this time, the first cycle can be set to 1 second to discharge a large amount as described above. Here, the cycle and time are based on the assumption that the skin beauty device is used for 10 minutes at a time and a total of 2.5 g of the product is discharged for 9 minutes.

[0100] Meanwhile, the number of interrupts in the first cycle may vary depending on the remaining amount of the product when the skin beauty device is first used. Since the product in the cartridge is based on a single-use amount, the remaining amount of product will usually be 95% or more when the skin beauty device is used. However, if the use is stopped midway for some reason, the remaining amount of product may be less than 95% at the time of the next use. In this case, when the remaining amount of product is less than 95%, the number of interrupts in the first cycle needs to be set lower than when the remaining amount of product is 95% or more. If the normal case described above is called Boost Mode 1, and the case where the remaining amount of product is less than 95% is called Boost Mode 2, it is recommended to lower the number of interrupts in the first cycle by about 20% compared to Boost Mode 1 in Boost Mode 2. This is because the internal pressure resistance of the cartridge is relatively smaller in Boost Mode 2 than in Boost Mode 1.

[0101] Fig. 13 is a partial enlarged view of part "A" of Fig. 12. The upper front surface of the sealing member (290) forms an upper gap (292) with respect to the inner surface of the formulation receiving portion (282), and the space of this upper gap (292) is in communication with the inlet of the nozzle (286). When the upper gap (292) is formed in the sealing member (290), it functions as a passage through which the skin care formulation (284) can be completely discharged until the sealing member (290) touches the ceiling of the formulation receiving portion (282). This allows the formulation cartridge (280), which is a consumable part, to be used without waste.

[0102] Referring to (a) of Fig. 11, a pressure block (320) of a formulation dispensing unit (300) may be provided with a pair of pogo pins (322) as a type of contact sensor. In addition, referring to Fig. 13, a metal back plate (294) is provided on the bottom surface of the sealing member (290) of the formulation cartridge (280). For example, the metal back plate (294) may be attached to the rubber sealing member (290) with a double-sided adhesive tape, or may be manufactured integrally by inserting it using a method such as insert injection. By attaching a rigid back plate (294) to a flexible sealing member (290), the pressing force of the formulation dispensing unit (300) is effectively applied, and it is advantageous in suppressing distortion of the sealing member (290).

[0103] The pogo pin (322) can detect that the pressure block (320) has contacted the sealing member (290) of the formulation cartridge (280). Since the back plate (294) made of a metallic material has electrical conductivity, it can be determined that a pair of pogo pins (322) have contacted the electrically conductive back plate (294) through a rapid change in electrical resistance or current flow. Therefore, by combining the back plate (294) and the pogo pin (322), the function of a contact sensor can be implemented with a cheap and simple structure.

[0104] As described above, the cartridge assembly (200) is inserted and mounted in a sliding structure with respect to the head portion (100). In this mounting structure, if the user arbitrarily removes the cartridge assembly (200) before the skin care product (284) of the product cartridge (280) is exhausted, there is a risk that the product discharge unit (300) may be damaged. For example, the screw shaft (314), the pressure block (320), or even the motor (312) may be damaged. In addition, if the skin care device (10) is accidentally dropped by the user during use and the cartridge assembly (200) is detached due to the impact, the same problem may occur. In addition, if the cartridge assembly (200) is detached during use, the skin care product (284) of the product cartridge (280) may leak, contaminating the inside of the skin care device (10), which may result in malfunction or other failure.

[0105] In order to solve this problem, the skin beauty device (10) of the present invention includes a locking mechanism (330) that enters the rear of the cartridge frame (210) according to the upward and downward movement of the formulation discharge unit (300) and prevents the cartridge assembly (200) from being detached. This locking mechanism (330) fixes the cartridge frame (210) in a state where the pressure block (320) of the formulation discharge unit (300) advances the sealing member (290) of the formulation cartridge (280), thereby making detachment of the cartridge assembly (200) impossible.

[0106] By comparing Fig. 9 and Fig. 12, the operating structure of the locking mechanism (330) can be clearly understood. Fig. 9 shows a state in which the locking mechanism (330) is released, in which the pressure block (320) of the formulation dispensing unit (300) is provided with a locking tail (332) extending toward the cartridge frame (210), and correspondingly, the cartridge frame (210) is provided with a tail insertion port (218) formed through which the locking tail (332) enters.

[0107] Fig. 12 illustrates a state in which the locking mechanism (330) is in operation. In Fig. 12, the pressure block (320) of the formulation discharge unit (300) has advanced toward the cartridge frame (210), and accordingly, the locking tail (332) provided in the pressure block (320) has also risen. The raised locking tail (332) has entered the tail insertion port (218) at the rear of the cartridge frame (210), and accordingly, a part of the pressure block (320) installed in the main body (400) forms a form that blocks the rear of the cartridge assembly (200) inserted into the cartridge mounting unit (195). Accordingly, in a state in which the pressure block (320) of the formulation discharge unit (300) has advanced toward the formulation cartridge (280), the cartridge assembly (200) cannot be separated.

[0108] In this way, the skin care device (10) of the present invention can solve various problems resulting from the arbitrary separation of the cartridge assembly (200) during use by having a locking mechanism (330). In addition, the locking mechanism (330) of the illustrated embodiment has a simplified structure in which the locking tail (332) is integrally formed with the elevating pressure block (320) of the formulation dispensing unit (300), so there are almost no problems such as increased cost or assembly difficulty resulting from the addition of the locking mechanism (330).

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking tail (332) is extended to form an incline with respect to the lifting direction of the pressure block (320). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the locking tail (332) enters the tail insertion port (218), it may come into contact with the rear wall of the cartridge frame (210) and cause elastic deformation. The elastic deformation of the locking tail (332) applies a force that presses the cartridge frame (210), thereby strengthening the contact between the pressure block (320) and the cartridge frame (210), and making the mounting state of the cartridge assembly (200) solid. In addition, the electrical contact between the pogo pin (322) provided in the pressure block (320) and the preparation cartridge (280) is also improved by the force applied by the locking mechanism (330). In order for the elastic deformation of the locking tail (332) to occur smoothly and sufficient force to be applied, the locking tail (332) may have a slightly bent shape in the middle.

[0110] In the locking mechanism (330), the rigidity and elasticity of the locking tail (332) are important. Considering this, the locking tail (332) may be made of POM (Polyoxymethylene) resin. POM resin is one of the engineering plastics with excellent mechanical properties and rigidity, friction and wear resistance, creep resistance, and long-term durability, and is suitable for application to the locking mechanism (330) of the present invention. In addition, it may be appropriate to make the pressure block (320) also of POM resin in order to minimize rotational friction with the screw shaft (314). Therefore, considering manufacturing cost, assembly, etc., it may be desirable for the pressure block (320) and the locking tail (332) to be manufactured integrally using POM resin.

[0111] The skin care device (10) provided by the present invention promotes skin penetration of a skin care preparation (284) through electroporation and vibration effects, and automatically dispenses the skin care preparation (284) to enhance user convenience. The skin care preparation (284) is contained in a preparation cartridge (280), which is a consumable product. Since the preparation cartridge (280) requires frequent replacement, it is desirable to also consider the convenience of replacing the preparation cartridge (280).

[0112] Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge assembly (200). A cartridge frame (210) on which a formulation cartridge (280) is mounted includes a rear frame (230), and a pair of cover hooks (260), a strap bracket (264), a strap spring (270), and a strap lever (250) are installed inside the rear frame (230). For reference, Fig. 14 illustrates a cartridge cap (296) and a cartridge terminal (222). The cartridge cap (296) is a protective cap fitted to the nozzle (286) of an unused formulation cartridge (280). The cartridge terminal (222) is formed of a conductive metal material and installed around the nozzle protrusion (216), and is provided for the purpose of confirming that the cartridge assembly (200) is mounted by making electrical contact with the printed circuit board assembly (180) of the head portion (100).

[0113] The strap lever (250) is exposed outside the rear frame (230) and serves as a handle for handling the cartridge assembly (200) while also serving as a lever for removing the cartridge assembly (200) coupled to the cartridge mounting portion (195). Fig. 15 is a drawing illustrating a cartridge frame (210) equipped with a strap lever (250).

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a pair of cover hooks (260) and a strap bracket (264) are rotatably connected to a cartridge frame (210), and a strap lever (250) has one end connected to the strap bracket (264) and the other end exposed outside the rear frame (230). In addition, a strap spring (270) is interposed between the rear frame (230) and the pair of cover hooks (260), thereby applying a restoring force to the pair of cover hooks (260) and the strap bracket (264).

[0115] The rear surface of the cartridge frame (210) is provided with a total of three rotational connecting parts (240). The rotational connecting parts (240) are composed of two hook connecting parts (242) and one bracket connecting part (244). Each hook connecting part (242) forms a vertical rotational axis, and one cover hook (260) is coupled to one hook connecting part (242). Accordingly, the pair of cover hooks (260) perform a rotational movement that opens or closes left and right with respect to the cartridge frame (210).

[0116] Each cover hook (260) has a bent shape in the shape of the letter "ㄱ" and is provided with a wedge-shaped hook (262) protruding outward at one end. The cover hooks (260) are rotatably connected to the hook connecting portion (242) so that the other ends without the hooks (262) face each other and are symmetrical, and thus the pair of cover hooks (260) form an overall "ㄷ" shape. In addition, hook holes (220) are cut in each of the side walls of the cartridge frame (210), and the hooks (262) at the ends of each cover hook (260) can be protruded through these hook holes (220).

[0117] The bracket connecting portion (244) forms a left-right rotation axis, and the leg (268) of the strap bracket (264) is connected to the bracket connecting portion (244). Accordingly, the strap bracket (264) rotates forward and backward with respect to the cartridge frame (210). The strap bracket (264) is arranged on the inside of a pair of cover hooks (260). That is, the strap bracket (264) is adjacent to the back of the cartridge frame (210), and a pair of cover hooks (260) are positioned outside the strap bracket (264).

[0118] By arranging the strap bracket (264) and the cover hook (260) in this way, a movement in which a pair of cover hooks (260) rotate left and right is realized in accordance with the forward and backward rotation of the strap bracket (264). That is, the forward and backward rotation of the strap bracket (264) applies force to the other end (the end without a hook) of the pair of cover hooks (260) to move, and the movement of the other end of the cover hook (260) is converted into a rotational movement in which one end of the hook (262) of the cover hook (260) opens or closes left and right through the hook connection portion (242).

[0119] A strap spring (270) is placed between the other end of a pair of cover hooks (260) and the rear frame (230). The strap spring (270) is a compression spring that is compressed when the inner strap bracket (264) rotates rearward and pushes the other end of the cover hook (260), and then returns the strap bracket (264) and the cover hook (260) to their original neutral positions.

[0120] The strap lever (250) has one end coupled to the strap bracket (264) and the other end exposed to the outside of the rear frame (230). In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the strap lever (250) forms a plate-shaped strap coupling portion (252), and the strap coupling portion (252) is configured such that the other end of the strap lever (250) is pulled out through the through-hole (266) of the strap bracket (264) while being coupled to the inside of the strap bracket (264). This is to ensure that the force for pressing the strap lever (250) is reliably transmitted to the strap bracket (264), considering that the action of pressing the strap lever (250) while overcoming the force of the strap spring (270) causes the hook (262) of the cover hook (260) to retract.

[0121] Figures 16 and 17 are drawings showing the unlocking of the cartridge assembly (200) by the operation of the strap lever (250). Figure 16 is a drawing showing a neutral position in which no force is applied to the strap lever (250). In the neutral position, the cover hook (260) and the strap bracket (264) are pressed by the elastic force of the strap spring (270), and accordingly, a pair of hooks (262) protrude from the hook hole (220) of the cartridge frame (210). The inner case (20) is provided with a concave hook engaging portion (22) opposite to the hook hole (220), and the hook (262) protruding from the hook hole (220) is engaged with the hook engaging portion (22). Therefore, in the neutral position of Figure 16, the cartridge assembly (200) is in a locked state that cannot be disengaged.

[0122] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which the cartridge assembly (200) is pulled while the strap lever (250) is pressed. By pressing the strap lever (250) while overcoming the force of the strap spring (270), the strap bracket (264) rotates rearward, and the strap bracket (264) rotating rearward rotates the other end of a pair of cover hooks (260) rearward, and this movement of the cover hooks (260) causes the hooks (262) protruding from the hook holes (220) to fold. Accordingly, the hooks (262) are detached from the hook engaging portion (22) of the inner case (20), and the cartridge assembly (200) is switched to an unlocked state and separated from the cartridge mounting portion (195) by the force pulling the assembly. During the operation of replacing the exhausted preparation cartridge (280) with a new one and inserting it into the cartridge mounting portion (195), the strap lever (250) is pressed, so the cover hook (260) is bent, and there is no problem with the mounting of the cartridge assembly (200). After mounting the cartridge assembly (200), when the hand is released from the strap lever (250), the cartridge assembly (200) is returned to the neutral position of FIG. 16 by the restoring force of the strap spring (270), so that the cartridge assembly (200) is in a locked state.

[0123] Meanwhile, the skin beauty device (10) of the present invention may further include several components to provide a convenient and hygienic usage environment for the user. These will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.

[0124] Fig. 18 is a drawing for explaining an embodiment including an impedance measuring unit (186). The EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) constituting the massage pad (120) can be manufactured by processing a material having conductivity such as a metal material including one of SUS, Al, Zn or an alloy thereof or a plastic plating into a thin plate shape. The EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) are conductive, but under normal circumstances, a plurality of EP negative electrode pads (126) are electrically isolated from each other with respect to the central EP positive electrode pad (122).

[0125] However, when the skin beauty preparation (284) is applied on the massage pad (120) and comes into contact with the skin, a small amount of current flows because not only the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) but also the skin is conductive. This current conduction can be confirmed by measuring impedance. That is, the printed circuit board assembly (180) of the head unit (100) or the main PBA (420) of the main body (400) is equipped with an impedance measuring unit (186), and the control unit (190) can receive the impedance measured by the impedance measuring unit (186) in real time. The control unit (190) can determine that the skin is in contact when the measured impedance exceeds a preset threshold.

[0126] The above impedance measurement unit (186) may include an optocoupler. The optocoupler is connected to the EP anode pad (122) and the EP cathode pad (126) to convert the current flowing upon skin contact into an optical signal, and then converts this back into an electrical signal to output it, thereby enabling the determination of whether or not skin contact has occurred.

[0127] The determination of whether there is skin contact can be used to operate the skin beauty device (10). That is, the control unit (190) can operate the EP positive electrode pad (122), the EP negative electrode pad (126), the vibration generator (170), and the formulation discharge unit (300) when it is determined that there is skin contact based on the real-time impedance measurement result of the impedance measurement unit (186). Even if the main power is turned on, the control unit (190) can not operate the EP positive electrode pad (122), the EP negative electrode pad (126), the vibration generator (170), and the formulation discharge unit (300) when there is no skin contact. In this way, by controlling the operation of the massage pad (120) depending on whether there is skin contact, unnecessary power waste and leakage of the skin beauty formulation (284) can be prevented, and convenience of use is also improved.

[0128] Meanwhile, in the case where the device detects skin contact as described above and operates so as not to operate the product dispensing unit (300) or the like when no contact is detected, even though the user is actually continuing to use the device, depending on the location of the skin, due to its curvature, for example, in a concave area, one of the EP pads may temporarily enter a non-contact state. In this case, if all operations of the skin beauty device, such as vibration, LED lighting, and product dispensing, are stopped, the user will feel that the device's operation is interrupted intermittently even though the device is continuously being used. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between such temporary contact detection and operate accordingly.

[0129] To this end, the control unit can immediately stop dispensing the formulation when skin is not detected, but keep the vibration generator and LED lighting operating for a predetermined period of time.

[0130] Considering the average user's usage pattern, the time was found to be approximately 1 second, with approximately 1.2 seconds being the most desirable.

[0131] That is, if there is no skin contact during use, the product dispensing will immediately stop, and the vibration and LED lighting will be maintained for 1.2 seconds from the point of no contact, and if contact is detected again during that time, all operations of the device, including the product dispensing, will be maintained normally. If the non-contact state continues after 1.2 seconds, the vibration and LED lighting will also be turned off.

[0132] The above problem of temporary false detection of skin contact can be solved by adopting a capacitive sensor or a sensor array capable of measuring the contact area instead of an optocoupler.

[0133] Since the capacitance sensor changes its capacitance value when it approaches human skin and can determine the presence of skin based on this value, it can detect whether the sensor has approached the skin without the physical contact that is absolutely necessary when using an optocoupler, thereby complementing the shortcomings of an optocoupler.

[0134] Additionally, a method can be applied to measure the area of ​​the contact surface using a pressure sensor or light sensor array, and determine that complete contact occurs when the area exceeds a certain level.

[0135] Alternatively, a sensor-based algorithm may be used to determine basic contact with an optocoupler and to determine the presence of skin with a capacitive sensor, and operation may be maintained only if both conditions are met. Even if contact is recognized, if the capacitive sensor determines that there is no skin, the device may immediately stop operation or maintain only some functions and count a predetermined time to determine whether to resume or end operation.

[0136] Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of duty control for adjusting the intensity of electroporation in various stages. The operation of the EP positive electrode pad (122) and the EP negative electrode pad (126) for the electroporation effect can be adjusted in intensity by duty control. Through duty control, the penetration depth and skin pain caused by electroporation can be appropriately adjusted. The intensity 0 (zero) stage corresponds to the weakest intensity used as if there is almost no electroporation, and is exemplified by controlling with a 4% duty (1 ms) at a duty cycle of 25 ms. Stages 1 to 5 of the intensity are stages in which electroporation is felt, and as the stage increases, the penetration depth becomes deeper and skin pain is felt more intensely. It is exemplified that the duty cycle is the same at 50 ms in stage 1 of the century, and increases to 6%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% duty (3 ms, 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, and 30 ms, respectively) as the stage goes up.

[0137] To provide the user with step-by-step information regarding the intensity of the electroporation, the skin care device may include multiple LEDs emitting different colors within the head. The light emitted from the LEDs is emitted to the outside through exposed portions of the rubber body that are not covered by metal, such as between the EP anode and cathode pads on the head surface, and the user can intuitively determine the current intensity level based on the color.

[0138] Fig. 20 is a drawing illustrating one embodiment of a protective tip (140) provided in a formulation discharge port (124). Referring to Fig. 3, the center of the EP bipolar pad (122) at the center of the massage pad (120) is open, and a cylindrical protective tip (140) is coupled thereto. A hole (142) is formed at the center of the protective tip (140), and the tip of the nozzle (286) of the formulation cartridge (280) is tightly inserted into the hole (142) of the protective tip (140). The protective tip (140) may be used semi-permanently, or may be configured to be detachable so that it can be replaced with a new one when necessary.

[0139] The protective tip (140) may be provided as an antibacterial tip to prevent the residual amount of the skin care product (284) automatically discharged when using the skin care device (10) from being contaminated with bacteria or other germs, which may adversely affect the hygiene of the user. The antibacterial tip may be formed by compounding an antibacterial powder into silicone or plastic and then molding it. Here, compounding refers to a process of producing a material by mixing raw materials of a polymer material at an appropriate mixing ratio.

[0140] Antibacterial powders, which impart antibacterial properties to materials like silicone or plastic, contain antibacterial agents. Antibacterial agents can be categorized into organic and inorganic agents, depending on the material. Inorganic antibacterial agents are primarily used, and include metals such as silver, copper, manganese, and zinc.

[0141] Inorganic antimicrobials cause damage to microbial tissues or malfunction when metal ions interact with bacteria. When trace amounts of metal ions reach the microbial cell membrane, the membrane becomes negatively charged and, relying on Coulombic attraction, strongly attracts the two substances. Metal ions penetrate the cell membrane and enter the cell, reacting with intracellular tissues to aggregate and destroy proteins. Furthermore, metal ions can disrupt microbial electron transport, respiratory, and mass transport systems. When cells become inactive, metal ions are released, and the bactericidal action is repeated, allowing for a sustained antibacterial effect.

[0142] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 20, the protective tip (140) may further include a sealing wing (144) while being an antibacterial tip. The sealing wing (144) is a plurality of fan-shaped wings formed at the entrance of the hole (142) (the entrance into which the nozzle is inserted), and may be formed, for example, by a structure in which a thin disc of silicone or plastic formed integrally with the protective tip (140) is cut multiple times along the diameter (+-shaped cuts in the drawing). When the cartridge assembly (200) is not mounted, the sealing wing (144) blocks the hole (142) to prevent foreign substances from penetrating into the skin care device (10), and when the cartridge assembly (200) is mounted, it opens when pushed by the nozzle (286) to open the hole (142). In Fig. 20, the sealing wing (144) that has been pushed by the nozzle (286) and opened is illustrated in a dashed line.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described as above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented in other forms while maintaining the technical spirit and essential features of the present invention.

[0144] The scope of the present invention will be fundamentally determined by the patent claims, but it should be interpreted that not only the configuration directly derived from the description of the patent claims, but also all changes or modified forms derived from equivalent configurations are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A head unit having a massage pad including an EP positive electrode pad arranged in the center and a plurality of EP negative electrode pads arranged in a circumferential direction outside the EP positive electrode pad, and a plurality of vibration generators provided for each of the plurality of EP negative electrode pads; A cartridge assembly including a formulation cartridge that is detachably coupled to the rear of the head portion and coupled to a formulation discharge port formed through the EP bipolar pad; A formulation dispensing unit that automatically dispenses a skin care formulation sealed in the above formulation cartridge by pressurizing the formulation; A printed circuit board assembly including an EP driving unit that supplies power to the EP positive and negative pads and a vibration driving unit that supplies power to the vibration generator; and A control unit that controls the operation of the EP driving unit, the vibration driving unit, and the formulation dispensing unit; A skin beauty device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A ring-shaped tension plate is included between the plurality of EP negative electrode pads and the plurality of vibration generators, The above tension plate, A skin beauty device comprising a plurality of elastic plates in which the vibration generator is installed in close contact with each other and a bridge that interconnects adjacent elastic plates.

3. In paragraph 2, The above elastic plate amplifies the vibration generated by the vibration generator, A skin beauty device wherein the bridge provides elasticity to the elastic plate, and thus the plurality of EP negative electrode pads can each move individually.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A skin beauty device that performs duty control on the EP driving unit so that the strength of the electric field formed between the EP positive electrode pad and the EP negative electrode pad is in multiple stages.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A skin beauty device that controls the above vibration generator to generate low-frequency vibrations in the range of 50 to 300 Hz.

6. In paragraph 1, The above EP anode pad is screw-fastened to the printed circuit board assembly and electrically connected to the EP driving unit, A skin beauty device, wherein the EP cathode pad is electrically connected to the EP driving unit via a support screwed to the tension plate and the printed circuit board assembly.

7. In paragraph 1, The above cartridge assembly, A cartridge frame having a mounting hole on the upper surface, an opening on the lower surface, and a receiving space surrounded by multiple walls; A skin care device comprising a preparation cartridge that is inserted into the receiving space through the mounting hole and is seated over the opening, has a preparation receiving portion inside, has a sealing member that is movable by external pressure while sealing the preparation receiving portion on a bottom surface accessible through the opening, and has a nozzle that protrudes outside the cartridge frame.

8. In paragraph 7, The above formulation dispensing unit is, A skin beauty device comprising a pressure block that pressurizes the sealing member through the opening of the cartridge assembly.

9. In paragraph 8, A metal back plate is provided on the bottom surface of the above sealing member, The above pressurized block is equipped with a pair of pogo pins, A skin beauty device, wherein the back plate and a pair of pogo pins detect contact of the pressure block with the sealing member.

10. In paragraph 8, A skin beauty device further comprising a locking mechanism that enters the rear of the cartridge frame according to the upward and downward movement of the pressurizing block and prevents the cartridge assembly from being detached.

11. In paragraph 10, The above locking mechanism, A locking tail extending from the above pressurized block toward the cartridge frame, A skin beauty device comprising a tail insertion port formed through the cartridge frame so that the locking tail can enter.

12. In paragraph 7, The upper front surface of the above sealing member forms an upper gap with respect to the inner surface of the formulation receiving portion, A skin beauty device in which the space formed by the upper gap communicates with the nozzle.

13. In paragraph 7, The above cartridge assembly, A pair of cover hooks that rotate left and right with respect to the above cartridge frame, A strap bracket that rotates forward and backward with respect to the above cartridge frame and is positioned inside the pair of cover hooks; A strap spring providing compression elasticity to the above pair of cover hooks and strap brackets, A skin care device comprising a strap lever having one end connected to the above strap bracket and the other end exposed outside the rear frame.

14. In paragraph 13, The forward and backward rotational motion of the strap bracket by the strap lever is converted into a rotational motion in which the pair of cover hooks open or close left and right, Accordingly, a skin care device in which an outwardly protruding hook at one end of the pair of cover hooks locks or unlocks the cartridge frame relative to the head portion.

15. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Further comprising an impedance measuring unit electrically connected to the EP positive electrode pad and the EP negative electrode pad, A skin beauty device that receives skin impedance measured in real time by the impedance measuring unit and operates the EP positive and negative pads, the vibration generator, and the formulation dispensing unit when it is determined that the EP positive and negative pads are in contact with the skin.

16. In paragraph 1, The above formulation discharge port is equipped with a protective tip with a hole formed in the center, The above protective tip is an antibacterial tip, a skin care device.

17. In paragraph 16, The above protective tips are, A plurality of sealing wings are provided at the entrance of the above-mentioned hole, A skin beauty device wherein the sealing wing blocks the aperture when the cartridge assembly is not mounted.

18. In paragraph 1, A skin beauty device in which the above control unit distinguishes an initial period of time as a boost mode and controls the operation of the formulation dispensing unit differently thereafter.

19. In paragraph 1, A skin beauty device, wherein the control unit immediately stops the operation of the formulation dispensing unit when skin contact is not detected during use, but continues the operation of the vibration generator for a predetermined period of time, and controls the operation of the formulation dispensing unit to resume when skin contact is detected again within the predetermined period of time.

Images