HK1239595B - Hand-held device for electrically powered skin treatment - Google Patents

Description

Hand-worn device for electrically assisted skin treatment

This application is a divisional application of the PCT patent application filed on January 16, 2013, which has entered the Chinese national phase (Chinese national application number is 201380014368.7, international application number is PCT/EP2013/000112, and the name of the invention is "Hand-held device for electrically assisted skin treatment").

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hand-holdable device for electrically assisted skin treatment, comprising:

a first external electrode, which contacts the hand when the device is held in the hand of the user for use; a second external electrode, which can be placed on the skin area to be treated; and an electrical energy source, the pole of which is in electrical connection with the electrode during operation of the device.

Background Art

WO 2005/087308 A1 describes such a device, in which a positive or negative current, depending on the polarity, flows from a cap into the skin area to be treated.

This can be used to increase the effectiveness of a treatment cream or cleansing cream, since the active ingredients of the treatment cream are transported into the skin with the electrical current and, at the opposite polarity, impurities are transported from the skin into the cleansing cream.

The device also features several interchangeable caps, each shaped to suit the skin surface being treated. There's a first cap with a relatively smooth surface, a second cap designed like a comb (especially useful for scalp treatments), and a third cap with a wavy structure, creating a massaging effect. This device achieves excellent results not only in skin cleansing but also in the introduction of active ingredients. However, further improvements are needed.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the effectiveness of the device still further.

To achieve this object, it is proposed to install an electrically operated vibrator in or on the device.

Such a vibrator sets the device in a vibrating motion, so that during operation of the device an enhanced massage effect is produced, thereby enlarging the skin pores and achieving a better removal of impurities from the skin or a transfer of active substances into the skin.

The massage effect is particularly pronounced if the vibrator is mounted close to the second outer electrode, since the area of the device located at the skin area to be treated then vibrates particularly strongly.

The present invention is preferably used in a device having:

a base body, which is designed to be grasped by hand, wherein a first external electrode is located on the base body,

a cap for being releasably plugged onto the base body, which has a second outer electrode that can be placed on the skin area to be treated,

In this case, the electrical energy source is arranged in the base body.

In such devices, the electrically operated vibrator is installed in or on the cap and thus directly in the second outer electrode.

Preferably, the contacts at the cap and at the base, which serve to establish an electrical connection between the second external electrode and the electrical energy source, are constructed and arranged such that when the cap is inserted onto the base, the contacts are brought into contact, wherein the vibrator is in a switchable conductive connection with the electrical energy source in the base.

The energy source can be a battery or also a storage battery, which can be placed in a compartment of the base body. If a storage battery is to be provided for the device, it is conceivable to also provide the device with a charging device with which the storage battery in the device can be charged.

Since the energy source is arranged in the base body, but the vibrator and the electrode are arranged in or on the cap, an electrical connection is to be established. The invention provides for a first and a second electrical contact between the base body and the cap, each consisting of a base contact element and a cap contact element, wherein the base contact element is in the base body and the cap contact element is arranged in the cap such that the contacts close when the cap is placed on the base body, wherein the electrical connection between the energy source and the second external electrode is established via the first electrical contact, and wherein the electrical circuit for supplying energy to the vibrator runs through the first and second electrical contacts.

Since the first electrical contact is used both for supplying the second outer electrode and for connecting the vibrator, only two contacts are required, although a total of three connections are established (one to the electrode, two to the driver of the vibrator).

Preferably, the contact element comprises a contact pin, the end sides of which contact each other when the cap is plugged in, wherein the contact elements of the contacts are respectively elastically supported in the axial direction. Here, the cap is held at the base by means of a releasable latch.

When the cap is placed, the pins press their ends against each other, thus creating electrical contact. Simultaneously, the prestressing of the spring exerts a spring force on the cap, so that the cap is elastically pressed away from the base body and can be easily released from the base body as soon as the latches that hold the cap on the base body are released.

Since the second electrical contact is used only for powering the vibrator, the contact element is inserted into the cap in an insulated manner relative to the second external electrode. This is particularly necessary if the cap as a whole or the outer layer of the cap consists of an electrically conductive material, wherein the cap contact element of the first electrical contact is in electrically conductive contact with this material and wherein the cap contact element of the second electrical contact is electrically insulated relative to the electrically conductive material.

To realize the second external electrode, it is provided that the cap as a whole or the outer layer of the cap is composed of a conductive material, the cap contact element of the first electrical contact is in conductive contact with the material, and the cap-shaped contact element of the second electrical contact is electrically insulated from the conductive material.

Since the device is configured so that the polarity of the electrodes can be reversed, as described above, the polarity of the power supply to the vibrator is also reversed. Therefore, the vibrator must have an electric drive that is insensitive to polarity reversals. In the simplest case, the vibrator is an electric motor with an eccentric attached to its shaft. However, exciters are also conceivable in which an electromagnet pulls a mass in one direction and then in the other in rapid succession.

The electric motor (with an eccentric attached to its shaft) can be arranged in various orientations in the cap of the device. The cap has a plug-in area at its lower end that can be plugged onto the base body, while the upper end forms the second outer electrode. To ensure that the electrode oscillates back and forth on the skin and thus massages the appropriate ointment into the skin, the axis of the electric motor and the motor shaft are arranged approximately parallel to an imaginary line between the plug-in area and the second outer electrode.

Alternatively, the axis of the electric motor and the shaft of the electric motor can be arranged approximately transversely to an imaginary line between the plug-on region and the second outer electrode. In this way, an alternating pressure is generated on the skin, whereby the corresponding ointment is pressed into the skin.

The integration of the vibrator into the cap should be achieved as far as possible in such a way that the structural elements of the previously known devices can remain as unchanged as possible. Therefore, the invention provides that a base is inserted into the cap, which has a support for the vibrator at its upper side facing the cap.

According to the invention, the contact pins of the cap are arranged in the base, wherein the two contact pins forming the cap contact elements penetrate the base. The contact pins project both toward the top and toward the bottom of the base, wherein one of the contact pins is in electrically conductive contact with the second external electrode.

Furthermore, the invention provides that a surrounding rubber seal is mounted at the bottom, which seals the bottom relative to the inner wall of the cap, thereby protecting the cavity in the top end of the cap, in which the vibrator is housed, from the ingress of water and moisture.

Furthermore, two tabs extend from the underside of the base, one of which is provided with a slot. The cap with the vibrator is intended to be compatible with basic devices already on the market. It has a latch that engages in a slot in the inner wall of the cap to secure it to the base. Since the cap with the vibrator is elongated and significantly widens in its lower region, tabs are required to secure the cap to the insertion area of the basic device, with the slot acting as a counterpart to the latch on the base.

To establish contact with the second external electrode, a socket is formed in the cap, the inner side of which is in electrically conductive contact with the second external electrode and is oriented such that a contact pin is introduced into the socket when the base is inserted into the cap.

The base with the two contact pins thus only needs to be pressed into the cap. Here, one of the contact pins is inserted into the socket and establishes an electrically conductive connection to the second external electrode. The pin ends protruding toward the underside of the base come into contact with the two basic contact pins on the base body, which establish a switchable connection to the energy source in the base body.

In order to power the electric drive of the vibrator, the upper end of the contact pin is provided with a soldering lug, to which the current supply cable of the electric motor is soldered. Therefore, the invention provides that the soldering lug protruding from the upper side of the base is inserted at the end of the contact pin.

In order to better secure the bottom in the cap and to better transmit the vibrations of the bottom excited by the vibrator to the cap or to the region of the cap forming the electrode, it is provided that the bottom is penetrated by two retaining pins projecting toward the top. A retaining sleeve is provided in the cap, into which the retaining pins are introduced or screwed when the bottom is inserted into the cap.

Preferably, a post is arranged in the cap, protruding from the top end of the cap, wherein the retaining sleeve is formed in the post and its opening opens into the end face of the post.

It is also conceivable to arrange transverse webs in the cap, which connect opposite sections of the cap to one another, and to form the retaining sleeve in the transverse webs.

The cap encloses a space in the top end of the cap, in which the vibrator is accommodated, wherein vibrations of the vibrator are transmitted to the cap through the bracket and the base.

To keep the device structure simple, a switching device, adjustable by the user of the device, is provided in the base body, which establishes an electrical connection between the energy source and the electrodes, and the vibrator is also connected to the electrical energy source via the switching device. This provides a common energy source for the electrodes and the vibrator.

Preferably, the switching device is provided with an electronic memory in which the parameters of the operating state to be selected are stored, which can be selected by the user by means of a button, wherein one of the parameters relates to the polarity of the electrodes and the vibrator is of such a type that it operates independently of the polarity of the applied voltage.

In order to maximize the vibration effect, the present invention further provides that the cap has two laterally projecting tongues at its end remote from the base body, the upper side of which forms a continuous surface that can be brought into contact with the skin to be treated, wherein the vibrator is in direct mechanical contact with at least one of the tongues. Preferably, the upper side of the continuous surface is grooved to intensify the effect on the skin.

The caps provided for operation of the device do not all need to be provided with a vibrator. In some application cases, it is sufficient to only perform the current treatment.

In order to minimize the need to charge the battery, the device's current consumption must be minimized. This is particularly the case if the device includes a vibrator, which causes the second external electrode (which is placed on the skin surface to be treated) to vibrate. To minimize current consumption in such a device, the present invention provides for a device for detecting the current flowing through the second external electrode, a switch in the connection between the vibrator's driver and the battery, and a control unit designed so that the switch is closed only when current is flowing through the second external electrode.

In other words, the vibrator is only switched on when the second external electrode is placed on the skin surface to be treated and current is flowing through the skin. This current is detected and used by the control unit to actuate the switch. This device can be implemented electronically, meaning that the switch is implemented as a transistor.

Furthermore, the device is provided with a rechargeable battery, the poles of which are electrically connected to the electrodes during operation of the device. The battery is housed in a shaft, which is covered by a shell-shaped housing cover, the outer side of which forms a section of the outer surface of the device housing. A charging circuit is also provided. The shaft is covered by a removable shaft cover, the inner side of which faces the battery in the shaft, while the outer side of the shaft cover has at least two-pole sockets arranged thereon, which are connected to the charging circuit. The shaft cover is located within the housing cover.

Preferably, the socket is a socket according to the USB standard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in detail below based on the following embodiments.

1a, b, c show views of a device according to the invention, wherein a rounded structure is provided as a cap,

Figures 2a, b, c show different cap shapes for use with the device according to the invention,

Figure 3 shows a cross section of a hat-shaped device particularly suitable for operation with a vibrator,

Figure 4 shows a motor with an eccentric.

5a, b show the arrangement of contact elements for establishing an electrical contact between the base body and the cap,

FIG6 shows an embodiment of the locking portion,

Figure 7 shows the switching circuit used for the operation of the device.

FIG8 shows another embodiment of the device according to the invention,

Figure 9 shows an alternative vibrator assembly,

FIG10 shows two external views (from the front and from the side) of a device for skin treatment according to the invention, comprising a base to be held in the hand and a cap with platforms forming electrodes for placement on the skin,

FIG11 shows a perspective and transparent illustration of a cap, in the interior of which the base with the vibrator held therein can be discerned,

FIG12 shows a perspective view of a cap with a vibrator,

FIG13 shows a longitudinal section through a cap with a vibrator,

FIG. 14 shows a longitudinal section through the cap with the vibrator and the upper part of the base (perpendicular to the longitudinal section of FIG. 13 ) and

Figure 15 shows a cross section through the battery wellbore of the device and

Figure 16 shows the circuit used to control the vibration motor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First, refer to Figure 1. As shown in these three views, the device 1 according to the present invention is approximately palm-sized and has a rectangular, flat shape. It consists of a base 2 and a cap 3 that is inserted thereon. On the lower, short side of the base 2 is a compartment 4 for accommodating batteries, which in this embodiment serve as the energy source for operating the device 1.

The replaceable cap 3 is inserted onto the opposite, upper, short side of the base body 2 (which is not as wide as the lower side). A key 5 for selecting a treatment program is arranged on the front side of the base body 2, wherein the selected treatment program is displayed on an upper display 6. On the rear side, there is a first, large-area outer electrode 7 and, above it, a button 8 for triggering a latch with which the cap 3 is held on the base body 2.

Different cap shapes are shown in longitudinal section in Figure 2. Figure 2a shows the cap 3 already shown in Figure 1 with a rounded upper closing edge.

The cap 3a according to Figure 2b has a comb-like structure and is therefore particularly suitable for scalp treatment. Figure 2c shows a cap 3b with wavy edges, which can gradually intensify the pressure on the skin, thereby producing a massage effect when the cap 3b is moved back and forth on the skin.

FIG3 shows another cap 9 in cross section, which shows a variant of the cap 3 according to FIG2a. Two tongues 10, 11 are connected to the upper edge of the cap 9, which together form a platform 13 that is inclined relative to the base 12 of the cap 9. The upper side of the platform 13 forms a continuous surface that can be placed on the skin and is provided with ribs 14.

This shape is particularly suitable for connecting to a vibrator 15. The vibrator is preferably installed in the acute angle between the base 12 of the cap 9 and a tongue 11 (dash-dotted line) or in the head of the base 12 of the cap 9 (solid line). It is also conceivable to place it in one of the tongues 10, 11.

In the simplest case according to Figure 4, the vibrator 15 comprises an electric motor 16, on the axis of which an eccentric 17 is mounted. The orientation of the axis with respect to the device is arbitrary. An orientation parallel to the upper edge of the cap 9 can also be provided.

FIG9 shows another possible arrangement of the electric motor 16 of the vibrator 15 . For this purpose, the base 12 of the cap 9 has a cylindrical shaped portion 32 whose axis extends in the direction of the platform 13 . The electric motor 16 is arranged coaxially with the axis of the shaped portion 32 in the shaped portion, with its shaft projecting into the platform 13 with the eccentric 17 . In this configuration, the shaft with the eccentric 17 is perpendicular to the upper edge of the cap 9 and therefore extends between the lower region of the cap 9 (with which the cap 9 is inserted onto the base body 2 ) and the upper region of the cap 9 (which forms the second outer electrode 20 ).

As can be seen from Figures 2a to 2c, two metal contact pins 18, 19 are located within caps 3, 3a, 3b, one contact pin 18 being electrically connected to cap 3, while the other contact pin 19 is insulated from caps 3, 3a, 3b. Caps 3, 3a, 3b are made of an electrically conductive material or have at least one coating of an electrically conductive material that forms second external electrode 20. First contact pin 18 is thus connected to this material, while second contact pin 19 is insulated from it.

The cap 9 according to FIG. 3 (this is not shown in detail) is provided with contact pins in the same way.

As can be seen from FIG5 , two resiliently supported metal dowel pins 21, 22 are attached to the upper edge of the base body 2 and are aligned in the base body 2 with the contact pins 18, 19. The dowel pins 21, 22 are pressed against a stop by springs 23, 24 arranged in the shoulder 25, so that the dowel pins 21, 22 extend slightly beyond the upper edge of the shoulder 25. When the caps 3, 3a, 3b, 9 are inserted onto the shoulder 25 of the base body 2, two closed electrical contacts are produced.

As shown in FIG2 , a slot 26 for a latch is provided in each of caps 3a, 3b, and 3c. Accordingly, cap 9 is constructed according to FIG3 . As shown in FIG6 , such a latch 27 is located at the end of a lever 28 (which is rotatably supported on base body 2 ), while its other end is connected to push button 8 , so that when push button 8 is actuated, latch 27 is pulled out of slot 26 .

5a, 5b, the engagement pins 21, 22 are resiliently supported on the base body so that they exert pressure on the contact pins 18, 19 in the caps 3, 9. If the push button 8 is actuated, the engagement pins 21, 22 press the caps 3, 3a, 3b, 9 slightly away from the base body 2, making them easily removable.

7 shows a schematic circuit diagram. The vibrator drive, ie, in this embodiment, the electric motor 16, is connected between the two contact pins 18, 19 in the caps 3, 9, while the first contact pin 18 is connected only to the second external electrode 20 on the caps 3, 9.

The two dowel pins 21, 22, which are connected to a voltage source 30 (battery) via a switching device in the form of a changeover switch 29, are located on the base body 2. The dowel pin 21, which contacts the insulated contact pin 18 in the cap 3, 9, has a connection to the first external electrode 7 on the base body 2.

If the caps 3, 9 (as shown in FIG. 7 ) are now plugged onto the base body 2 (coding here prevents confusion of the contacts), a first circuit is generated consisting of the voltage source 30 and the electric motor 16 (which extends through the two pin pairs) and a second circuit is generated during operation, which extends through the first electrical contact of the second external electrode 20, through the body of the user to the first external electrode 7 and back to the voltage source 30.

The changeover switch is implemented in the form of a transistor circuit (which is controlled by the control unit 31). The control unit 31 contains an electronic memory in which a plurality of operating modes are stored. The operating mode is determined by parameters (treatment duration, electrode polarization, vibrator activation). The user can select a specific operating mode by operating the button 5, which is displayed on the display 6.

Skin treatment usually includes a first step in which a cleansing paste is first applied and the device is operated in a first polarity, wherein harmful substances are transferred from the skin into the cleansing paste by the electric current. Here, a cap 3 without a vibrator is used because the ointment is not intended to be applied to the skin.

After removing the cleansing cream, in a second step, a treatment cream is applied and the device 1 is operated with the second polarity, allowing the active substance to penetrate the skin from the treatment cream. This method uses a cap 9 with a vibrator 15, so that in addition to the galvanic effect that delivers the active substance to the skin, a massage effect is also present, which massages the active substance into the skin. In addition to the increased efficiency, a pleasant treatment sensation is also produced, as the vibratory massage is perceived as pleasant by the user.

FIG8 shows in cross section a device 40 that is particularly suitable for treating cellulitis over large areas of skin.

On the underside of the flat housing 41, which occupies almost the entire underside, there is a second outer electrode 20, which is placed on the skin surface to be treated. On the top side, there is a display 6 and a key 5 for selecting a treatment program.

A first outer electrode 7 is located around the outer edge of the upper side of the housing 41 and is in contact with the hand holding the device 40. A voltage source 30 in the form of a battery and a vibrator 15 are located within the housing 41 and are formed by an electric motor 16 with an eccentric 17. The vibrator 15 is mounted centrally above the second outer electrode 20 on the lower wall of the housing 41 by means of a base (not shown in detail) and thus sets this wall and the second outer electrode 20 into vibration when the vibrator 15 is in operation.

The connection of the electrodes 7, 20 of the electric motor 16 and the current source 30 corresponds to the circuit shown in FIG7, wherein, however, the pins 18, 19; 21, 22 are replaced by continuous connections. No pins are required because the device 40 in this embodiment does not have a replaceable cap 3, 9 with the second outer electrode 20.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10 . As shown in these two views, the device 1 according to the present invention is approximately palm-sized and has a rectangular, flat shape. It consists of a base body 2 and a cap 3 inserted thereon. On the lower, short side of the base body 2 is a compartment 4 for accommodating batteries, which in this embodiment serve as the energy source for operating the device 1.

The replaceable cap 3 is inserted onto the opposite, upper, short side of the base body 2 (which is not as wide as the lower side). A key 5 for selecting a treatment program is arranged on the front side of the base body 2, wherein the selected treatment program is displayed on a display 6 located above it. A first, large-area outer electrode 7 is located on the rear side, and a button 8 is located above it for triggering a latch with which the cap 3 is held on the base body 2.

Two tongues 10, 11 are connected to the upper edge of the cap 3, which together form a platform 13 that is inclined relative to the base 12 of the cap 3. The upper side of the platform 13 forms a continuous surface that can be placed on the skin and is provided with ribs 14.

In the simplest case, the vibrator 15 is formed according to FIGS. 11 , 3 , 4 and 5 by an electric motor 16 , on the shaft of which an eccentric 17 is mounted.

In the base 12 of the cap 3 there is a cylindrical shaped part 32, the axis of which extends in the direction of the platform 13. In this shaped part, the electric motor 16 is arranged coaxially with the axis of the shaped part 32, wherein its shaft projects into the platform 13 with the eccentric 17. In this embodiment, the shaft with the eccentric 17 is perpendicular to the upper edge of the cap 3 and therefore extends between the lower region of the cap 3, with which the cap 3 is inserted onto the base body 2, and the upper region of the cap 3, which forms the second outer electrode 20.

11 , 12 , 13 , and 14 , two metallic contact pins 18 and 19 are present in cap 3 , one contact pin 18 being electrically connected to cap 3 and the other contact pin 19 being insulated from cap 3 . Cap 3 with platform 13 consists of an electrically conductive material or has at least one coating of an electrically conductive material, so that platform 13 forms a second external electrode 20 .

FIG11 shows a perspective view of the cap 3, shown transparently so that the base 50 inserted into the cap can be seen. The base 50 is located approximately halfway up the cap 3, with its peripheral contour corresponding to the cross-section of the cap 3 at that location. The base 50 surrounds a cavity 51 in the cap's top end below the platform 13. On the upper side of the base 50, facing the platform 13, are two arms 52a and 52b extending perpendicularly from the base 50. These arms 52a and 52b form the profile 32 for the electric motor 16. The electric motor 16 is located between the arms 52a and 52b, with its axial direction with the eccentric 17 oriented toward the platform. On the underside of the base 50 are two tabs 53 and 54, oriented parallel to each other, that surround the insertion area (not shown) on the base on both sides. A slot 26 is located in one tab 54, into which a latch (also not shown) on the base engages to secure the cap 3 to the base.

The base 50 is shown again enlarged in FIG12 . It has a circumferential rubber seal 55 that contacts the inner wall of the cap 3 . The two arms 52 a and 52 b are located in the middle of the base 50 and are at least partially cylindrically curved on their sides facing each other, the envelope of the curvature forming a cylinder that accommodates the cylindrical electric motor 16 .

To the left and right of the two arms 52a, 52b there is a retaining pin 56, which projects vertically from the base 50 and is respectively surrounded by a sealing plate 57. The two sealing plates 57 form a unit with the rubber seal 55.

The first contact pin 18 and the second contact pin 19 are located further outside the base 50, wherein the first contact pin 18 is longer than the second contact pin 19. A soldering lug 58 is attached to each of the contact pins 18 and 19.

The connection of the bottom 50 to the cap 3 can be clearly seen from the cross-sectional view of FIG13 . The base 12 of the cap has a conically widening shape so that the bottom 50 can be pushed into the cap 30 from below until it hits the step 59 . Two columns 60 rise from the top of the cap 3 , each of which has a cylindrical channel 61 . The retaining pin 56 is inserted or screwed into these channels 61 , wherein the end face of the column 60 rests sealingly against the sealing plate 57 . The retaining pin 56 has a head 63 , which is located in a recess 64 on the underside of the bottom 50 . The retaining pin 56 is thus held in a clamped manner in the channel 61 or screwed therein, and the channel forms a retaining sleeve 62 for the retaining pin 56 , so that the bottom 50 is fixed in the cap 3 .

However, the retaining pin 56 not only has the task of retaining the bottom 50 in the cap 3, but also establishes a vibration-transmitting connection to the top end of the cap 3 (where the platform 13 is located). The vibrations excited by the rotating eccentric 17 are therefore directly transmitted to the platform 13.

The contact pins 18 , 19 are inserted into through-holes in the base 50 , wherein the lower ends project toward the underside of the base 50 and there contact counter pins (not shown here) on the base body.

As already explained, the ends of the contact pins 18, 19 are provided with solder lugs 58. The end of the second contact pin 19 ends freely in the cavity 51, while the first contact pin 18 projects into the socket 65 on the inside of the cap 3 and thus establishes an electrically conductive contact with the cap 3. This is in turn provided that the cap 3 itself is made entirely of metal or of plastic with a metal coating that extends into the socket 65.

The cap 3 for a skin treatment device shown thus consists of a base body 2 and a cap 3, into which a vibrator 15 is inserted and fixed to a base 50. The base 50 is inserted into the cap 3 and held therein by retaining pins 56. Contact pins 18, 19 establish an electrical connection to the second outer electrode 20 on the cap 3 and supply power to the vibrator's electric motor 16. The two tabs 53, 54 also ensure that already known base bodies can also be plugged onto the cap and are compatible with the cap.

FIG14 shows a longitudinal section through the cap 3 placed on the base body 2. The receiving area of the base body 2, formed by the shoulder 25, extends between the two tabs 53 and 54, whereby the two tabs 53, 54 rest in a wedge-shaped manner against the inner wall of the cap 3. A latch 27 is located in the receiving area, which projects into a slot 26 in the tab 54. The latch is actuated by a lever 28, which is actuated by the button 8.

As can be seen from FIG. 15 , the housing of device 1 consists of two half-shells 70, 71, which are joined to form a closed housing. The bottom area of the housing is formed approximately by the edge section of one of the half-shells 70. This edge provides access to a shaft 72, into which a rechargeable battery 73 is inserted. Shaft 72 is formed by a circumferential bridge 74 on the edge section of half-shell 70. The batteries 73 are located side by side in antiparallel fashion in shaft 72.

A half-shell-shaped housing cover 75 covers the shaft 72. To this end, it also has a circumferential mating bridge 76 on its inner side, which is inserted onto the bridge 74 on the half-shell 70. The outer contour of the housing cover 75 is shaped so that a smooth transition to the outer contour of the half-shells 70, 71 is formed.

Furthermore, a shaft cover 77 is provided in the shaft 72 itself, which rests on the battery 73 and has a groove-shaped recess 78 on its inner side and a shaped portion on its outer side, which forms a plug housing 79. The plug housing 79 rests against the inner side of the housing cover 75, so that a holding force is exerted on the battery 73 when the housing cover 75 is plugged onto the surrounding bridge 74 with its mating bridge 76.

The plug housing 79 is hollow and open toward the underside of the shaft cover 77. A housing opening is provided on the wall of the plug housing 79. A plug circuit board (not shown here) with a USB socket is inserted into the plug housing 79 so that the plug hole is located in front of the housing opening 80.

As can be seen from FIG. 16 , the vibrator driver 90 is connected in series with the collector/emitter/line of a transistor 91. A control voltage is applied to the base 92 of transistor 91. If the control voltage is present, the transistor switches on, allowing current to flow through the motor. If no voltage is present at the base 92, transistor 91 switches off, disconnecting the driver 90.

The switching voltage at the base is provided by a control circuit which determines with the aid of a detector whether a current is flowing to the second outer electrode.

List of Reference Numerals

1 Equipment

2 Matrix

3 caps

3a cap

3b cap

4 grids

5 buttons

6 Display

7 First outer electrode

8 buttons

9 caps

10 tongue

11 Tongue

12 Base of the cap

13 Platform

14 ribs

15 Vibrator

16 Electric Motor

17 Eccentric wheel

18 contact pins

19 contact pins

20 second outer electrode

21 Docking pin

22 Docking pin

23 Spring

24 Spring

25 shoulder

26 slots

27 Card lock

28 Leverage

29 Changeover switch

30 Voltage Source

31 Control device

32 Forming Department

40 devices

41 Cover

50 bottom

51 cavity

52a Arm

52b Arm

53 splices

54 splices

55 rubber seal

56 Retaining pin

57 Sealing plate

58 solder tabs

59 steps

60 columns

61 channels

62 retaining sleeve

63 Head

64 recess

65 socket

70 Half Shell

71 Half Shell

72 shaft

73 Batteries

74 bridge

75 housing cover

76 Matching bridge

77 Manhole cover

78 recess

79 plug housing

80 Cover opening

90 Drive

91 transistors

92 base.

Claims (29)

1. A hand-held device for electrically assisted skin treatment, comprising: The matrix (2) is constructed to be grasped by hand. The first external electrode (7) is in contact with the hand when the device is held in the hand for use, and the first external electrode (7) is provided on the base (2). The second external electrode (20) can be placed on the skin area to be treated, and An electrical energy source, the electrode of which is electrically connected to the first external electrode (7) and the second external electrode (20) during operation of the device, wherein the electrical energy source is arranged in the substrate (2), and Caps (3,9) that can be releasably inserted into the base (2), The cap has a second external electrode (20) that can be placed on the skin area to be treated. Its features are, An electrically operated vibrator (15) is installed in or at the cap (3,9), the vibrator being adapted to vibrate a portion of the device located at the area of skin to be treated, so that during operation the device produces an enhanced massage effect on the skin to be treated, thereby enlarging the skin pores; and The contacts at the cap and at the base for establishing an electrical connection between the second external electrode and the electrical energy source are constructed and arranged such that when the cap is placed on the base, the contacts are brought into contact, and the vibrator (15) is in switchable conductive contact with the electrical energy source in the base (2). 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator (15) is installed near the second external electrode (20). 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact exist between the base (2) and the cap (3,9), the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact being respectively composed of a base contact element and a cap contact element, wherein the base contact element is in the base (2) and the cap contact element is arranged in the cap (3) such that the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are closed when the cap (3) is placed on the base (2), wherein an electrical connection between the electrical energy source and the second external electrode (20) is established through the first electrical contact, and wherein the circuit for powering the vibrator (15) extends through the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the contact element comprises contact pins (18, 19; 21, 22), the end sides of the contact pins contacting each other when the cap (3, 9) is inserted, wherein the contact elements of the contacts are elastically supported in the axial direction, and the cap (3, 9) is held at the base (2) by means of a releasable locking device (27). 5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the cap (3) is made of a conductive material as a whole, or the outer layer of the cap (3) is made of a conductive material, the cap contact element of the first electrical contact is connected to the material in a conductive manner, and the cap contact element of the second electrical contact is electrically insulated relative to the conductive material. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator (15) comprises an electric motor (16) and an eccentric wheel (17) is fixed at the shaft of the electric motor. 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cap has an insertion region at one end as the lower end that can be inserted into the base and forms a second external electrode at the opposite end as the upper end, and the axis of the electric motor (16) and the shaft of the electric motor (16) are arranged substantially parallel to an imagined line between the insertion region and the second external electrode. 8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cap has an insertion region at one end as the lower end that can be inserted into the base and forms a second external electrode at the opposite end as the upper end, and the axis of the electric motor (16) and the shaft of the electric motor (16) are arranged generally transversely to an imagined line between the insertion region and the second external electrode. 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a bottom (50) is inserted into the cap (3), the bottom having a support for the vibrator (15) on its upper side facing the cap (3). 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that a surrounding rubber seal (55) is provided at the bottom (50). 11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that two tabs (53, 54) extend from the lower side of the bottom, one of the tabs being provided with a groove (26). 12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the bottom is penetrated by two contact pins (18, 19) forming the cap contact element, whereby the contact pins extend toward both sides of the bottom (50), wherein one of the contact pins (18) is in conductive contact with the second external electrode (20). 13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that a socket (65) is constructed in the cap (3), the inner side of the socket being in conductive contact with the second outer electrode (20), wherein the socket is oriented such that a contact pin (18) is introduced into the socket (65) when the bottom (50) is inserted into the cap (3). 14. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that a welding tab (58) extending from the upper side of the bottom (50) facing the cap (3) is inserted at the end of the contact pin (18, 19). 15. The device according to claim 9, wherein the bottom is penetrated by two retaining pins (56) extending toward the upper side facing the cap (3), wherein a retaining sleeve (62) is present in the cap (3), and the retaining pins (56) are introduced or screwed into the retaining sleeve (62) when the bottom (50) is inserted into the cap (3). 16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that a post (60) extending from the top of the cap (3) is arranged in the cap (3), wherein the retaining sleeve (62) is constructed in the post (60) and its opening extends into the end side of the post (60). 17. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a switching device adjustable by the user of the device is provided in the base (2), which establishes an electrical connection between the electrical energy source and the first external electrode and the second external electrode, and the vibrator (15) is also connected to the electrical energy source through the switching device. 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the switching device is provided with an electronic memory storing parameters of an operating state to be selected, the parameters of which can be selected by a user by means of a button (5), wherein one of the parameters relates to the polarity of the first external electrode and the second external electrode, and the vibrator (15) is of the type that operates independently of the polarity of the applied voltage. 19. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap (3, 9) has two laterally protruding tongues (10, 11) at its end away from the base (2), each tongue having a continuous surface on one side capable of being brought into contact with the skin to be treated. 20. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it provides a plurality of interchangeable and different caps (3, 3a, 3b, 9) configured for treating different skin areas, and at least one of the caps (3, 3a, 3b, 9) does not have a vibrator (15). 21. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with means for detecting the current through the second external electrode, a switch in the connection of the driver of the vibrator, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that the switch is closed only when current flows through the second external electrode. 22. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a rechargeable battery, the terminals of which are electrically connected to the first external electrode and the second external electrode during operation of the device; and has a well (72) for housing the battery, wherein the well is covered by a shell-shaped cover (75), the outer side of which forms a section of the outer surface of the device housing, wherein a charging circuit is provided, and The well casing (72) is covered by a removable well casing cover (77), the inside of which points toward the battery (73) inside the well casing, and a socket with at least two poles is arranged on the outside of the well casing. The well cover (77) is located inside the casing cover (75). 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the socket is a socket according to the USB standard. 24. A hand-held device for electrically assisted skin treatment, comprising: A flat cover (41), constructed to be gripped by hand, The first external electrode (7) is in contact with the hand when the device is held in the hand for use, and the first external electrode (7) is provided in the housing (41). The second external electrode (20) can be placed on the skin area to be treated, and An electrical energy source, the electrode of which is electrically connected to the first external electrode (7) and the second external electrode (20) during the operation of the device, wherein the electrical energy source is arranged within the housing (41). Its features are, The second external electrode (20) is located on one side of the housing (41), occupying almost the entire side of the housing, and The electrically operated vibrator (15) is mounted on the side wall of the housing (41) by a base and is adapted to vibrate the side wall of the housing (41) together with the second external electrode (20) when in operation, so that the device produces an enhanced massage effect on the skin to be treated during operation, thereby enlarging the skin pores. 25. The device according to claim 24, wherein the vibrator (15) is mounted near the second external electrode (20). 26. The device according to claim 24, wherein the vibrator (15) comprises an electric motor (16) and an eccentric wheel (17) is fixed at the shaft of the electric motor. 27. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that a switching device adjustable by the user of the device is provided in the housing (41), which establishes an electrical connection between the electrical energy source and the first external electrode and the second external electrode, and the vibrator (15) is also connected to the electrical energy source through the switching device. 28. The device according to claim 27, wherein the switching device is provided with an electronic memory storing parameters of an operating state to be selected, the parameters of which can be selected by a user by means of a button (5), wherein one of the parameters relates to the polarity of the first external electrode and the second external electrode, and the vibrator (15) is of the type that operates independently of the polarity of the applied voltage. 29. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that it is provided with means for detecting the current through the second external electrode, a switch in the connection of the driver of the vibrator, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that the switch is closed only when current flows through the second external electrode.