One-handed low-frequency stimulator

Abstract

A one-handed low-frequency stimulator is provided. The one-handed low-frequency stimulator according to some embodiments of the present invention comprises: a housing formed in a radial shape and having grip grooves formed on a side surface thereof to secure a user's fingers; a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the housing and contacting a portion of the user's palm; a second electrode disposed on the first surface of the housing and contacting another portion of the user's palm; and a control unit disposed inside the housing and connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to control application of an electrical current to the user's body.

Description

One-hand grip type low-frequency stimulator

[0001] The present invention relates to a one-hand gripping type low-frequency stimulator, and more specifically, to a one-hand gripping type low-frequency stimulator capable of stimulating muscles by applying low frequency to one hand.

[0002]

[0003] Recently, as interest in physical appearance has increased and the number of people managing their bodies through personal training and the like has grown, the market for home training equipment—so-called home training devices—is expanding, and consequently, the development of related technologies is also actively underway.

[0004] In particular, there is increasing demand for compact exercise and massage devices that allow for exercise and massage regardless of time and place, and such devices are being released in various sizes and applicable to different body parts.

[0005] Among them, EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation), which maximizes exercise effects by generating muscle contraction and relaxation through the delivery of electrical stimulation to the user's body, is being used by many people.

[0006] EMS is a device that stimulates muscles with low-frequency microcurrents to produce massage and exercise effects, and allows the user to select several frequency bands using a control box or randomly generate microcurrents of various frequency bands to stimulate the muscles.

[0007] Accordingly, various low-frequency stimulators are currently being proposed, and two-hand gripping low-frequency stimulators, which involve gripping the electrodes with both hands to massage the body, are widely used.

[0008] However, dual-hand gripping low-frequency stimulators have a problem in that it is difficult to perform other tasks simultaneously during use, and prolonged use increases hand fatigue, making it difficult to maintain a consistent gripping force and resulting in uneven stimulation delivery.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to develop a low-frequency stimulator that can perform other tasks even while in use and can deliver stimulation uniformly.

[0010]

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to develop a one-hand gripping type low-frequency stimulator that allows the low-frequency stimulator to be stably held with one hand.

[0012] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0013]

[0014] The above-mentioned objective is achieved by a one-hand gripping type low-frequency stimulator comprising, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a housing formed radially and having a gripping groove formed on the side for fixing a user's finger, a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the housing and in contact with a part of the user's palm, a second electrode disposed on a first surface of the housing and in contact with another part of the user's palm, and a control unit provided inside the housing and connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to control the application of current to the user's body.

[0015] Additionally, the housing may have a plurality of radially expanding protrusions, and a gripping groove may be formed between two adjacent protrusions.

[0016] Additionally, it may further include a power button and an intensity control button positioned on a second surface facing the first surface in the housing.

[0017] Additionally, the intensity control button includes a first intensity control button for increasing intensity and a second intensity control button for decreasing intensity, and the power button, the first intensity control button, and the second intensity control button may be arranged so that each button is adjacent to the others.

[0018] Additionally, the control unit further includes a display provided on the outer side of the housing that displays at least one of low frequency intensity and operating mode, and a power button and an intensity adjustment button may be arranged along the perimeter of the display.

[0019]

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator has the effect of massaging the user's palm and wrist or strengthening the forearm muscles by having the user grip the low-frequency stimulator with one hand and receive a low-frequency current.

[0021]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]

[0029] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0030] Identical reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

[0031] The terms used herein are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or / or restrict the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., as used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0033] Hereinafter, a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator (10) has the effect of a massager or exercise device through low-frequency stimulation. The one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator (10) includes a housing (100), an electrode member (200), and a control unit (300).

[0036]

[0037] The housing (100) is formed in a size that can be held with one hand. The housing (100) has an internal space (S) formed to accommodate the control unit (300). The housing (100) may have a protrusion (102) that extends in a lateral direction. The protrusion (102) may be formed in multiple numbers. The multiple protrusions (102) may be formed radially. The multiple protrusions (102) may be formed at equal intervals. A gripping groove (104) may be formed between two adjacent protrusions (102) among the multiple protrusions (102).

[0038] The gripping groove (104) is formed so that when a user grips the housing (100), the user's finger is inserted into the gripping groove (104), thereby enabling the user to grip the housing (100). Multiple fingers may be inserted into a single gripping groove (104), but this is not limited thereto, and it is understood that a single finger may be inserted into a single gripping groove (104). Accordingly, it is preferable that at least five protrusions (102) and gripping grooves (104) are formed. That is, the user can grip the housing (100) by gripping with each finger corresponding to a single gripping groove (104).

[0039] The housing (100) includes a first housing (120) and a second housing (140).

[0040] The first housing (120) may be formed radially. For example, the first housing (120) has a first surface (122) that contacts the user's palm. Additionally, the first housing (120) has a plurality of protrusions (102) formed radially on its sides and a plurality of gripping grooves (104) formed between the protrusions (102). The first housing (120) may be formed of a non-conductive material. For example, the first housing (120) may be formed of a synthetic resin material.

[0041] The second housing (140) is combined with the first housing (120) to seal the internal space (S). The second housing (140) is formed to face the first housing (120). The second housing (140) has a second surface (142) that is contacted by a user's finger. The second surface (142) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the first surface (122). Additionally, the side of the second housing is formed such that the opening of the second housing (140) corresponds to the opening of the first housing (120). The second housing (140) may be formed from the same material as the first housing (120). As shown in FIG. 5, the second housing (140) may have an inwardly concave indentation groove (144) formed on the second surface (142). For example, the inlet groove (144) may be formed in the center of the second surface (142). However, the location where the inlet groove (144) is formed is not limited and it will be understood that it can be formed within a range where the user's thumb can make contact while holding the housing (100).

[0042]

[0043] The electrode member (200) receives electricity from the control unit (300) described later and applies a low-frequency current to the user. The electrode member (200) is configured to be connectable to either the first housing (120) or the second housing (140). For example, the electrode member (200) may be configured on the first surface (122) of the first housing (120).

[0044] The electrode member (200) may have a curved surface on the side that comes into contact with the body. The electrode member (200) may be formed to be in contact with the user's palm. The electrode member (200) is formed of a conductive material. For example, the surface of the electrode member (200) that comes into contact with the body may be formed of silver plating.

[0045] The electrode member (200) includes a first electrode (220) and a second electrode (240).

[0046] The first electrode (220) may be placed in either the first housing (120) or the second housing (140). The second electrode (240) may be placed in the housing where the first electrode (220) is placed. The second electrode (240) may be placed spaced apart from the first electrode (220). For example, the first electrode (220) is provided as a positive electrode (+) and the second electrode (240) is provided as a negative electrode (-), so that when the user's palm comes into contact with both the first electrode (220) and the second electrode (240), current flows, thereby generating low-frequency stimulation.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode member (200) may further include a first sub-electrode (222) and a second sub-electrode (242). The first sub-electrode (222) and the second sub-electrode (242) may be provided to assist in maintaining the current state when the user's palm makes poor contact with the first electrode (220) and the second electrode (240).

[0048] The first sub-electrode (222) is connected to the first electrode (220), and the second sub-electrode (242) is connected to the second electrode (240). The first sub-electrode (222) and the second sub-electrode may be provided on the side of the housing (100). For example, the first sub-electrode (222) and the second sub-electrode (242) may be placed in the gripping groove (104). The first sub-electrode (222) and the second sub-electrode (242) may be provided in multiple numbers. In this case, only one of the first sub-electrode (222) and the second sub-electrode (242) may be placed in a single gripping groove (104). A plurality of first sub-electrodes (222) and second sub-electrodes (242) may be arranged alternately in each gripping groove (104).

[0049] In the example described above, it was explained that one sub-electrode is provided in one gripping groove (104), but according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-electrode (222) and the second sub-electrode (242) may be arranged adjacent to one gripping groove (104).

[0050] The control unit (300) may further include a processor and memory for the operation of the low-frequency stimulator (10). For example, the control unit (300) may include a receiving circuit for receiving user input. The control unit (300) may receive user input and adjust the frequency, intensity, or application time of the current applied to the low-frequency stimulator (10).

[0051] Meanwhile, the control unit (300) is electrically connected to a user terminal and can be controlled through the user terminal. For example, an application may be installed on the user terminal, and the user can control the control unit (300) through actions such as touching the screen via the application.

[0052] The control unit (300) may include a PCB (Printed Circuit Board, 310), a power button (320), an intensity control button (340), and a display (360). The control unit (300) can control each component in an integrated manner.

[0053] A PCB (310) is provided in the internal space (S) of a housing (100). The PCB (310) is electrically connected to an electrode member (200), a power button (320), an intensity control button (340), and a display (360). The PCB (310) supplies power to the electrode member (200). The PCB (310) may be provided to be rechargeable from the outside.

[0054] The power button (320) can turn the power of the one-hand grip type low-frequency stimulator (10) ON / OFF. The power button (320) can change the low-frequency mode of the one-hand grip type low-frequency stimulator (10). The power button (320) may be provided on the outside of the housing (100). The power button (320) may be placed on either the first surface (122) or the second surface (142) of the housing (100). For example, the power button (320) may be placed on the surface of the first housing (120) and the second housing (140) where the electrode member (200) is not provided. That is, when the electrode member (200) is placed in the first housing (120), the power button (320) may be provided in the second housing (140). For example, the power button (320) and the intensity control button (340) may be provided as push buttons.

[0055] The intensity control button (340) can change the intensity of the low frequency applied to the body. The intensity control button (340) can adjust the low frequency intensity by increasing or decreasing the amount of current applied to the body. Each low frequency mode may have a different minimum intensity and maximum intensity that can be adjusted by the intensity control button (340).

[0056] An intensity control button (340) may be provided on the outside of the housing (100). The intensity control button (340) may be placed on either the first surface (122) or the second surface (142) of the housing (100). For example, the intensity control button (340) may be placed on the same surface of the housing (100) as the power button (320). The intensity control button (340) includes a first intensity control button (342) and a second intensity control button (344). The first intensity control button (342) is provided as a button that increases low-frequency intensity. The second intensity control button (344) is provided as a button that decreases low-frequency intensity.

[0057] A display (360) may be provided on the second surface (142) of the second housing (140). The display (360) may display any one of the remaining battery amount, low frequency intensity, and operating mode.

[0058] The power button (320), the first intensity control button (342), and the second intensity control button (344) are formed inside the inlet groove (144) and may be arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the power button (320), the first intensity control button (342), and the second intensity control button (344) may be arranged so that their respective sides are in contact. The power button (320), the first intensity control button (342), and the second intensity control button (344) may be formed to overlap with the electrode member (200).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the display (360) can be positioned in the center of the power button (320), the first intensity control button (342), and the second intensity control button (344). That is, the power button (320), the first intensity control button (342), and the second intensity control button (344) can be positioned in a manner that surrounds the display (360).

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user can contact the first electrode (220) and the second electrode (240) with their palm, insert their fingers into a plurality of gripping grooves (104), and operate the power button (320) and the intensity control button (340) using their thumb.

[0061]

[0062] To explain how the control unit (300) is operated through the power button (320) and the intensity control button (340) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power button (320) can turn the low-frequency stimulator (10) ON / OFF or change the operating mode. Depending on the time of pressurization, the power button (320) can select and perform the power ON / OFF and operating mode change of the low-frequency stimulator (10).

[0063] Specifically, the low-frequency stimulator (10) can be turned ON / OFF by pressing the power button (320) for a preset time or longer. Additionally, the operating mode of the low-frequency stimulator (10) can be changed by pressing the power button (320) for a preset time or shorter. At this time, the pressing time and the corresponding operation of the low-frequency stimulator (10) can be changed as needed.

[0064] The power button (320) can change the operating mode of the low-frequency stimulator (10) as it is pressed for less than or equal to a preset time. The operating mode includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

[0065] The first operating mode can perform the function of massaging the palm or wrist area of ​​the user. In the first operating mode, a low frequency having a massage function is applied to the user's body. For example, in the first operating mode, the user's body can be massaged using a frequency in the 10Hz to 30Hz band.

[0066] The first operating mode may provide a first-1 frequency signal to a first-n frequency signal. The first-1 frequency signal to the first-n frequency signal may operate at different low frequencies, and may apply low frequencies for different periods of time.

[0067] For example, the first operating mode may apply a first-1 frequency signal to a first-3 frequency signal applied at intervals of 10 Hz. That is, the first-1 frequency signal may massage the body at a frequency in the 10 Hz range, the first-2 frequency signal at a frequency in the 20 Hz range, and the first-3 frequency signal at a frequency in the 30 Hz range. However, this is exemplary, and two different frequency signals or more frequency signals may be provided, and accordingly, the frequency interval may be changed.

[0068] In addition, although the above example describes a single frequency signal using only one frequency, the first-1 frequency signal according to another embodiment of the present invention can massage the body by selectively using at least two of 10 Hz, 20 Hz, and 30 Hz. As an example, the first-1 frequency signal can massage the body by operating at 10 Hz for a first period and then operating at 20 Hz for a second period.

[0069] The second operating mode can perform the function of strengthening the user's muscles. In the second operating mode, a low-frequency signal is applied to the body to stimulate the user's forearm muscles and improve muscle strength. In the second operating mode, the user's muscles can be stimulated using a frequency in the 40Hz to 80Hz band.

[0070] The second operating mode may provide a second-1 frequency signal to a second-n frequency signal. The second-1 frequency signal to the second-n frequency signal may operate at different low frequencies, and may apply low frequencies for different periods of time.

[0071] For example, the second operating mode may apply a second-1 frequency signal to a second-5 frequency signal applied at intervals of 10 Hz. That is, the second-1 frequency signal may stimulate the muscle at a frequency in the 40 Hz range, the second-2 frequency signal at a frequency in the 50 Hz range, ..., and the second-5 frequency signal at a frequency in the 80 Hz range. However, this is exemplary, and two different frequency signals or more frequency signals may be provided, and accordingly, the frequency interval may be changed.

[0072] In addition, although the above example describes a single frequency signal using only one frequency, the 2-1 frequency signal according to another embodiment of the present invention can stimulate the muscle by selectively using at least two of 40Hz to 80Hz. As an example, the 2-1 frequency signal can stimulate the muscle by operating at 40Hz for a third time and then operating at 50Hz for a fourth time.

[0073]

[0074] According to the example described above, the user can hold the one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator (10) with one hand, and the power button (320) and intensity adjustment button (340) are placed in the insertion groove (144) to improve gripping stability.

[0075] In addition, a sub-electrode is provided in the gripping groove (104) of the housing (100), which has the effect of improving the contact force between the user and the one-hand gripping low-frequency stimulator (10).

[0076]

[0077] In the foregoing, although all components constituting an embodiment of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all such components may be selectively combined in one or more ways to operate. Furthermore, terms such as "include," "constitute," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; thus, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and, unless explicitly defined in the present invention, should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0078] Furthermore, the foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing formed radially with a gripping groove formed on the side to secure the user's finger; A first electrode disposed on the first surface of the housing and in contact with a portion of the user's palm; A second electrode disposed on the first surface of the housing and in contact with the other part of the user's palm; and A one-hand gripping low-frequency exercise device comprising a control unit provided inside the housing and connected to the first electrode and the second electrode to control the application of current to the user's body.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, Multiple protrusions that expand radially are formed, and The above gripping groove is, A one-hand gripping low-frequency exercise device formed between two adjacent protrusions.

3. In Paragraph 1, A one-hand grip type low-frequency exercise device further comprising a power button and an intensity control button disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface in the above housing.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above intensity adjustment button is, A first intensity control button for increasing intensity; and It includes a second intensity control button that reduces intensity, and The power button, the first intensity adjustment button, and the second intensity adjustment button are, A one-hand grip type low-frequency exercise device in which each button is arranged adjacently.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, It further includes a display provided on the outer side of the above housing that displays at least one of a low frequency intensity and an operating mode, and The power button and the intensity adjustment button mentioned above are, A one-hand gripping low-frequency exercise device positioned along the perimeter of the above display.

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