Beauty treatment device

Abstract

Disclosed is a beauty treatment device that kills adipocytes by locally sucking in skin to be treated and sequentially applying a high-frequency current and a high-voltage pulse. The beauty treatment device according to the present invention comprises: a main body unit; and a suction treatment unit coupled to the main body unit and having a treatment space for applying electrical stimulation by sucking in the skin of a user, wherein the suction treatment unit comprises: a suction nozzle made of a resin material, which partitions the treatment space; and a pair of electrodes disposed inside the suction nozzle so as to face each other at a distance, and the pair of electrodes have a metal conductive layer formed by plating the surface of a resin material electrode core with a conductive metal.

Description

Beauty treatment devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic treatment device, and more particularly, to a cosmetic treatment device that improves skin elasticity by killing unnecessary fat cells by sucking the skin using negative pressure and sending high-frequency energy and high-voltage pulses to the fascia layer.

[0002] Beginning in the late 20s, when full-blown aging begins, elasticity can decline not only in the epidermis but also in the dermis and fascia layers. This can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Well-known methods include using home-based firming creams to improve sagging double chins and deep cheekbones, or using gua sha to stimulate specific areas of the skin to improve sagging skin.

[0003] Recently, non-invasive procedures that can simultaneously improve the elasticity of sagging skin and fat are being used, such as a method of removing fat layers by applying high-frequency energy to the skin (a method of inducing the death of fat cells by using the heat energy generated when high-frequency current of 1 MHz or higher is penetrated into the skin), or a method of enabling electroporation by applying high-voltage pulses to the skin.

[0004] For reference, electroporation refers to the phenomenon in which small pores are created on the cell membrane surface due to the potential difference across the membrane when a strong, brief electrical stimulus is applied. This electroporation technique is primarily used for the effective penetration and delivery of drugs, but it can also be used to artificially disrupt the ion exchange system of the cell membrane, naturally inducing fat cell death.

[0005] This non-invasive treatment method, which locally applies electrical stimulation to the skin, is known to be effective in improving sagging double chins, deep cheekbones, and skin elasticity. Furthermore, compared to invasive procedures, it offers various advantages, including reasonable price, less pain, shorter treatment time, and a relatively long maintenance period, making it a popular choice in the skin care industry.

[0006] Related prior art technologies include the "High Frequency Stimulation Device" disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0049386 (May 8, 2015) and the "Liposuction Handpiece" disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0103248 (September 19, 2012). Furthermore, the "Cosmetic Medical Device" disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0042294 (April 23, 2020) is also a prior art related to non-invasive skin treatments.

[0007] Conventional technologies such as the above basically include a pair of face-to-face electrodes as a means of applying high-frequency energy and / or high-voltage pulses to the user's skin. In this case, highly conductive metal materials (e.g., copper or nickel) are primarily used as electrode materials. However, if the electrodes are composed solely of metal, the performance and durability of the device may be reduced due to the different mechanical properties of the electrode portion and the portion surrounding it (insulator).

[0008] More specifically, when the electrode is heated due to a high-frequency current or high-voltage pulse applied to the electrode, there is a problem in that the electrode is not stably fixed in a designated position and is separated from the insulator due to the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the heated electrode and the part surrounding it, and there is a problem in that a harmful current, electric field, or magnetic field may be applied to an unintended area due to the play in the electrode caused by such separation.

[0009] Moreover, if there is a gap in the electrode for the above reasons, there is a problem that the electrode does not adhere exactly to the skin or the angle of contact with the skin is wrong, and there is a problem that the treatment effect is rapidly reduced, such as the treatment being performed without properly lifting the treatment area to the planned height due to an increase in the loss of negative pressure in the process of locally sucking the treatment area using negative pressure.

[0010] [Prior Art Literature]

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0049386 (May 8, 2015)

[0012] (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0103248 (September 19, 2012)

[0013] (Patent Document 3) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0042294 (April 23, 2020)

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cosmetic treatment device that can stably maintain an electrode in a state of being tightly fixed to a designated position even when the electrode portion is heated due to high-frequency current or high-voltage pulse.

[0015] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cosmetic treatment device that can prevent or minimize negative pressure loss that occurs in the process of locally sucking the treatment target area using negative pressure.

[0016] Another technical problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a cosmetic treatment device that can suppress or prevent overheating of components placed inside the device by effectively utilizing discharged air of a specific velocity and flow rate generated in the process of forming negative pressure.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention as a means for solving a problem, a beauty treatment device is provided, which comprises a main body having a component mounting space formed therein, a suction treatment unit coupled to the main body and sucking the user's skin to apply electrical stimulation, a suction force generating unit disposed in the component mounting space and generating suction force to form negative pressure in the treatment space of the suction treatment unit, and a solenoid type valve operated to form negative pressure in the treatment space and relieve the formed negative pressure, wherein the suction treatment unit comprises a suction nozzle made of a resin material that divides the treatment space, and a pair of electrodes disposed inside the suction nozzle, and the pair of electrodes is configured to form a metal conductive layer on the surface of the electrode core by plating a resin electrode core with a conductive metal.

[0018] The cosmetic treatment device according to the present invention may further include a temperature sensor disposed in the suction treatment unit and sensing the temperature of the electrode, and a battery disposed in the component mounting space and supplying power to the suction power generating unit, the valve, and a pair of electrodes under the control of the control unit.

[0019] Here, the pair of electrodes may include a flat first surface that is exposed to the treatment space and directly contacts the user's skin, and a second surface that is inserted into the suction nozzle and has a protrusion formed thereon.

[0020] And a sensor mounting groove or sensor mounting hole may be formed in one of the pair of electrodes, and at least a part of the temperature sensor may be mounted in the sensor mounting groove or sensor mounting hole.

[0021] Alternatively, the temperature sensors may be configured as a pair, one for each pair of electrodes, and in this case, each temperature sensor may be arranged so that at least a portion of the sensor is mounted in a sensor mounting groove or sensor mounting hole formed in each of the pair of electrodes.

[0022] Preferably, the temperature sensor applied to the present invention may be an NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient-thermic resistor) having a characteristic in which the resistance value decreases as the temperature of the sensing target increases.

[0023] And the suction force generating unit may be a diaphragm type vacuum pump having an air intake port for sucking in air from the treatment space and an air exhaust port for exhausting internal air in the amount of sucked in air, and a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space may be formed in the suction nozzle of the suction treatment unit.

[0024] Here, the plurality of ports formed in the suction nozzle may preferably be configured as an air intake port connected to the air intake port of the suction force generating unit by a tube, and a pressure release port connected to the negative pressure release port of the valve by a tube, and when the air discharge port of the suction force generating unit is arranged to face the circuit board electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, the discharged air having a specific flow rate and flow rate discharged from the air discharge port can be usefully utilized to suppress or prevent overheating of the circuit board or a heat-generating element mounted on the circuit board.

[0025] In addition, a mesh-shaped filter having a number of holes may be installed in the air inlet and outlet portions of the ports (air intake port and pressure release port) to prevent external foreign substances from entering the device.

[0026] Additionally, a cover member may be placed in the treatment space in front of the filter net to form a curved air flow path between the opening of the suction nozzle and the air inlet / outlet of the port.

[0027] Here, the cover member may be configured with a front cover plate that is placed in the treatment space at a predetermined distance from the filter net to block external foreign substances from directly entering the air inlet and outlet, and a rear connecting tube that is formed on the rear side of the front cover plate and is connected to the inside of the suction nozzle in a snap fit manner so that the front cover plate maintains a predetermined distance from the filter net in the treatment space.

[0028] Preferably, a gap, which serves as an entrance to the refracted air flow path, is formed between the outermost surface of the front cover plate and the inner wall surface of the suction nozzle, and a plurality of slit-shaped ventilation holes may be formed in the rear coupling pipe.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrode for applying electrical stimulation to the skin has a structure in which a conductive metal is coated on the surface of an electrode core made of an injection-molded resin material to form a conductive layer. In other words, the base material (electrode core) of the electrode is composed of the same or similar material as the suction nozzle that houses the electrode. Therefore, there is minimal or almost no thermal deformation deviation between the two components (suction nozzle and electrode).

[0030] This can address shortcomings of prior art, such as electrode separation from the suction nozzle or gaps between the electrode and the suction nozzle. Furthermore, it can address issues with prior art, such as electrode detachment or gaps that could inflict harmful current, electric fields, or magnetic fields on unintended areas. Consequently, the device's durability can be further improved, and its treatment performance can be maintained for longer periods of time.

[0031] In addition, the present invention forms a protrusion on one surface of an electrode that is inserted into a suction nozzle by insert molding, so that the area of ​​the electrode that comes into contact with the suction nozzle during insert molding is increased, and thus the bonding force with the suction nozzle can be greatly improved, and even if a fine gap is created at the boundary between the suction nozzle and the electrode during the insert molding process, the loss of negative pressure through the gap can be minimized.

[0032] In addition, since the discharged air of a specific velocity and volume generated when the pump (suction generating unit) is operated is configured to be utilized to cool the high-heat generating components inside the device, overheating of the device can be effectively suppressed or prevented without a separate cooling means such as a cooling fan or heat sink. In other words, there is also a structural advantage in that the wind generated when the pump is operated can be effectively utilized to prevent overheating of the device.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the combined state of a beauty treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cosmetic treatment device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed along line AA of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed along the BB line of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the main configuration of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the main part of the present invention, showing the suction treatment part shown in Fig. 2.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a cutaway perspective view of the main body of the present invention, showing the 'C' portion indicating the suction treatment part in FIG. 3.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a cutaway perspective view of the main body of the present invention, showing the 'D' portion indicating the suction treatment part in FIG. 3.

[0041] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice the present invention.

[0042] The embodiments described below are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. The embodiments described below may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Rather, the embodiments described below are provided to further faithfully and completely explain the present disclosure and fully convey the spirit of the present invention.

[0043] The terms used in this specification are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the singular forms used herein may include the plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] Terms such as “include,” “have,” and “have” used in this specification are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof of the invention, but 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.

[0045] And when a component is said to be "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, unless there are special circumstances, it includes not only being placed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" the other component in direct contact with it, but also cases where another component is placed in between. Furthermore, when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, unless there are special circumstances, it includes cases where they are indirectly connected to each other as well as cases where they are directly connected to each other.

[0046] In describing the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned identical reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the drawings are intended solely to facilitate understanding of the spirit of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, relative thicknesses, lengths, and relative sizes in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation.

[0048] A cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that can help improve skin elasticity by killing unnecessary fat cells by locally sucking the skin using negative pressure and sending high-frequency energy and high-voltage pulses to the fascia layer, and can be used by a user to perform a cosmetic treatment on his or her own skin, or can perform a cosmetic treatment on a recipient using the cosmetic treatment device.

[0049] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a cosmetic treatment device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a combined state of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cosmetic treatment device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an exploded state. FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing the internal configuration and arrangement relationship of components of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed along line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed along line BB of FIG. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a cosmetic treatment device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be largely composed of a main body (10) and a suction treatment unit (20). A predetermined space (hereinafter referred to as a “component mounting space (S1)”) in which components can be mounted may be formed inside the main body (10), and components that operate to perform a cosmetic treatment through the suction treatment unit (20) may be arranged in the component mounting space (S1).

[0052] The main body (10) may include a housing (12) that constitutes the outer appearance of the device. The housing (12) may be composed of, for example, an intermediate frame (120) having a predetermined thickness, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, and a pair of covers (124L, 126R) that are joined on both sides of the intermediate frame (120) to form the component mounting space (S1) inside together with the intermediate frame (120), but is not limited to the form illustrated in the drawing.

[0053] The main body (10) may be provided with an on / off button (14) for turning the device on or off, a function execution button (16) for inputting actual device operation commands by the user, etc. Of course, instead of a physical button, a touch-type input button that recognizes the user's touch and outputs a corresponding signal may be provided. In addition, an operation display unit (not shown) for indicating the operating status of the device so that the user can be informed may also be provided.

[0054] The operation indicator may be, for example, a light source and light guide that output different colors of light depending on the device's operating status, a display, or a combination thereof. By plating the housing (12) covering the operation indicator with tin, the operation indicator is not normally exposed to the outside, and the user can check the device's operating status through the operation indicator only when the device is in operation.

[0055] In addition to the power on / off button (14), function execution button (16), and operation display unit mentioned above, the main body (10) may additionally be provided with a charger connection terminal (symbol omitted) for charging a battery (50) placed inside the main body (10), a hand strap connection unit (not shown), etc. Of course, in addition to the additional configurations mentioned, new configurations may be added or some of the additional configurations mentioned may be omitted depending on the designer's intention.

[0056] A suction power generating unit (30), a solenoid type valve (40), a battery (50), a control unit (60, see FIG. 5), etc. may be placed in the component mounting space (S1) of the main body (10). Here, the suction power generating unit (30) serves to form a negative pressure in the treatment space (S2) of the suction treatment unit (20), and the valve (40) may be operated to form a negative pressure in the treatment space (S2) and to relieve the formed negative pressure.

[0057] The control unit (60) includes a control element (not shown) such as a microcomputer. The suction power generating unit (30) and the valve (40) can be operated according to a set sequence by a program set and input to the control element, and power can be supplied to the control element, the suction power generating unit (30), the valve (40), and a pair of electrodes (24) described below, which are the main components of the suction treatment unit (20), by the set and input program.

[0058] The suction treatment unit (20) may be coupled to one side of the main body (10). For example, it may be coupled to a tubular mounting unit (122) provided in a structure that protrudes outwardly from one side of the housing (12) constituting the main body (10), more specifically, the aforementioned intermediate frame (120), in a structure in which all parts except a part of the suction treatment unit (20) are accommodated (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0059] In the suction treatment unit (20), a negative pressure may be formed as the suction force generated by the suction force generating unit (30) is applied, and the skin of the treatment target area may be locally sucked into the treatment space (S2) of the suction treatment unit (20) by the negative pressure and placed in a raised shape. Then, the raised skin comes into contact with a pair of electrodes (24) in the treatment space (S2) and receives electrical stimulation.

[0060] The suction treatment unit (20) includes a suction nozzle (22) defining a treatment space (S2) and a pair of electrodes (24) arranged inside the suction nozzle (22). The suction nozzle (22) may be in the form of a vessel that can be precisely fitted and inserted into the tubular mounting unit (122), and the electrodes (24) may be arranged to face each other at a distance from each other inside the suction nozzle (22), but may be arranged on one side of the inner wall of the suction nozzle (22) and the other side of the inner wall of the opposite side so that the facing surfaces are exposed to the treatment space (S2).

[0061] A pair of electrodes (24) can directly contact the skin sucked up to the inside of the suction nozzle (22) (treatment space, S2) by the negative pressure resulting from the operation of the suction power generator as the facing surface (first surface, 246) thereof is exposed to the treatment space (S2), and can apply high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating and high-voltage pulses for electroporation to the contacted skin under the control of the control unit (60).

[0062] A pair of electrodes (24) may be controlled to first apply high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating, for example, a high-frequency current of 1 MHz or more, and a high-voltage pulse for electroporation, rather than simultaneously applying high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating to the skin sucked into the inside of the suction nozzle (22), and then apply the high-voltage pulse for electroporation when it is confirmed that the skin has been heated to, for example, 43 to 45°C.

[0063] According to this sequential control (application of high-frequency energy followed by application of high-voltage pulse), electroporation can be implemented more effectively as the subsequent treatment (electroporation by high-voltage pulse) is performed in a state where the support limit (threshold) of the cell membrane is lowered due to deep heating by high-frequency energy, and as a result, the effects of fat cell death and improvement in skin elasticity can be further enhanced.

[0064] The detailed configuration of the suction treatment unit (20) will be examined again later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0065] The suction force generating unit (30) that creates a negative pressure in the suction treatment unit (20) may be a vacuum pump. Among the various types of known pumps, a pump that operates to gradually increase the negative pressure by intermittently sucking in air, such as a diaphragm type vacuum pump, is preferable, rather than a general continuous operation vacuum pump (e.g., a rotary pump) that operates to continuously suck in air.

[0066] If the suction power generating unit (30) is configured as a diaphragm type vacuum pump, the air and mechanical device part are separated by a separation membrane inside the pump, so there is no concern about contamination of the internal mechanical device by air, and there is also the additional advantage of being able to precisely control the flow of fluid while generating less noise.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the main configuration of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIGS. 2 to 4, an air intake port (32) and an air discharge port (34) may be formed in the suction force generating unit (30). The air intake port (32) is connected to the suction treatment unit (20) through a pipe (or hose, P1), so that the suction force generating unit (30) can suck in air in the treatment space (S2), and the air generated by the suction force generating unit (30) in the process of sucking in the air in the treatment space (S2) can be discharged at a specific flow rate and volume through the air discharge port (34).

[0069] The air discharge port (34) of the suction power generating unit (30) may preferably be arranged so that the pair of electrodes (24) described above are electrically connected and face the circuit board (B) on which the high-heat generation component is mounted. Accordingly, the circuit board (B) or the high-heat generation component mounted on the board can be cooled by using air discharged at a specific velocity and flow rate through the air discharge port (34) (see the direction of the 'discharge air' arrow in FIG. 3).

[0070] A plurality of ports communicating with a treatment space (S2) may be formed in a suction nozzle (22) constituting a suction treatment unit (20). The plurality of ports may be an air suction port (Suction port, 220) and a pressure release port (Release port, 224). The air suction port (220) may be connected to the air suction port (32) through a pipe (or hose), and the pressure release port (224) may be connected to a negative pressure release port (42) of a valve (40) through a pipe (or hose, P2).

[0071] The valve (40) is placed in the component mounting space (S1) formed inside the main body (10) and substantially serves to open and close the pressure release port (224). The valve (40) may be a solenoid valve operated by an electric signal, and the opening and closing control of the pressure release port (224) by the valve (40) can be accurately performed according to a program input to the control element mentioned above.

[0072] The valve (40) can be operated to close the pressure release port (224) while the suction power generating unit (30) is being driven. And, in the final stage (negative pressure relief stage) of a series of treatment control processes (negative pressure formation → high-frequency energy application through the electrode → high-voltage pulse application through the electrode → negative pressure relief) by the input program, the valve (40) can be switched to open the pressure release port (224).

[0073] While the suction power generating unit (30) is being operated, the pressure release port (224) is closed by the valve (40), so that air in the treatment space (S2) can be introduced into the suction power generating unit (30) without significant loss through the air intake port (220) and the air intake port (32). Accordingly, a negative pressure can be stably formed in the treatment space (S2), and as a result, the skin of the treatment target area can be locally sucked into the treatment space (S2) and placed in a shape that can be treated, i.e., a raised shape.

[0074] When the pressure release port (224) is opened by the valve (40), external air flows into the treatment space (S2) through the pressure release port (224), and the pressure of the treatment space (S2) becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure. That is, by opening the valve (40), the negative pressure of the treatment space (S2) is relieved by the external air flowing in through the pressure release port (224), and thus the suction nozzle (22) that was in close contact with the skin can be easily removed from the skin.

[0075] FIGS. 6 to 8 are enlarged views of the main components of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which are suction treatment units. FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the main components of the present invention, which is an exploded view of the suction treatment unit. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a cut perspective view of the main components of the present invention, which is an enlarged view of part 'C' of the preceding FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and a cut perspective view of the main components of the present invention, which is an enlarged view of part 'D' of the preceding FIG. 4.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a negative pressure may be formed in the suction treatment unit (20) coupled to one side of the main body (10) as the suction force generated by the suction force generating unit (30) acts. The skin of the treatment target area may be locally sucked into the treatment space (S2) of the suction treatment unit (20) by the negative pressure and placed in a raised shape, and the raised skin may come into contact with a pair of electrodes (24) in the treatment space (S2) to receive electrical stimulation.

[0077] The suction treatment unit (20) includes a suction nozzle (22) that defines a treatment space (S2) and a pair of electrodes (24) arranged inside the suction nozzle (22). The suction nozzle (22) may be configured in a shape roughly like a vessel having a cross-sectional shape such as, for example, a circle, a square, an oval, a track, etc., and the pair of electrodes (24) may be arranged inside the suction nozzle (22), i.e., in the treatment space (S2), so as to face each other at a distance from each other.

[0078] A pair of electrodes (24) can be inserted and placed on one side of the inner wall of the suction nozzle (22) and the other side of the inner wall of the opposite side so that the facing surfaces are exposed to the treatment space (S2). As the facing surfaces (first surface, 246) of the pair of electrodes (24) are exposed to the treatment space (S2), the skin sucked up to the inside of the suction nozzle (22) (treatment space, S2) by the negative pressure resulting from the operation of the suction force generating unit can directly contact the facing surfaces (first surface, 246).

[0079] A pair of electrodes (24) are sucked up into the inside of the suction nozzle (22) (treatment space, S2) and can apply high-frequency energy for inducing deep heat generation and high-voltage pulses for electroporation to the contacted skin under the control of the control unit (60, see FIG. 5).

[0080] A pair of electrodes (24) may be controlled to first apply high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating, for example, a high-frequency current of 1 MHz or more, and a high-voltage pulse for electroporation, rather than simultaneously applying high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating to the skin sucked into the inside of the suction nozzle (22), and then apply the high-voltage pulse for electroporation when it is confirmed that the skin has been heated to, for example, 43 to 45°C.

[0081] According to this sequential control (application of high-frequency energy followed by application of high-voltage pulse), electroporation can be implemented more effectively as the subsequent treatment (electroporation by high-voltage pulse) is performed in a state where the support limit (threshold) of the cell membrane is lowered due to deep heating by high-frequency energy, and as a result, the effects of fat cell death and improvement in skin elasticity can be further enhanced.

[0082] When the electrode (24) is formed of a single metal material and the suction nozzle (22) that also functions as an insulator is formed of a resin material, when the electrode (24) is heated by the applied high-frequency current or high-voltage pulse and naturally cooled by air, a gap may form between the electrode (24) and the suction nozzle (22) due to different thermal expansion and contraction rates between the electrode (24) and the suction nozzle (22). In addition, the resulting gap in the electrode (24) may cause harmful current, electric field, or magnetic field to be applied to an unintended area.

[0083] Moreover, if there is a gap in the electrode (24), the electrode (24) may not be in exact contact with the skin or the angle of contact with the skin may be wrong, and in the process of locally sucking the skin of the treatment target area using suction power, the loss of negative pressure may increase significantly, so that the treatment may be performed without properly lifting the skin of the treatment target area to the planned height, and thus the treatment effect may be rapidly reduced.

[0084] In order to block or prevent the occurrence of the above problems due to material differences in advance, in an embodiment of the present invention, instead of using an electrode (24) made of a single metal material, an electrode (24) having a configuration in which a conductive metal is coated on the surface of the electrode core (240) to a predetermined thickness based on an electrode core (240) injection-molded with resin may be used.

[0085] That is, a pair of electrodes (24) applied to a beauty technology device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have an electrode core (240) made of a resin material as a base material, and a surface of the electrode core (240) is plated with a conductive metal to form a metal conductive layer (242).

[0086] In forming a metal conductive layer (242) on the surface of the electrode core (240), rather than forming the metal conductive layer (242) with a single material, a configuration may be applied in which nickel (Ni) is first plated on the surface of the electrode core (240) to form a nickel-based base layer (242-1), and titanium (242-2) is further plated only on the surface (first surface) of the electrode (24) exposed to the treatment space (S2).

[0087] A pair of electrodes (24) may include a first surface (246) facing each other and an opposite second surface (248). The first surface (246) is a portion exposed to the treatment space (S2) and comes into direct contact with the user's skin and may have a flat surface morphology, and the second surface (248) is a portion that is joined to the suction nozzle (22) through insert molding and may have a protrusion of a regular or irregular pattern or shape.

[0088] When a protrusion is formed in a regular or irregular pattern or shape on the second surface (248) that is to be inserted into the suction nozzle (22) through insert molding, the area of ​​the electrode (24) that comes into contact with the suction nozzle (22) during insert molding is increased, thereby greatly increasing the bonding force with the suction nozzle (22).

[0089] In particular, in the process of placing the electrode on the inside of the suction nozzle (22) through insert molding, even if a fine gap is created at the boundary between the suction nozzle (22) and the electrode (24), the complexity of the pressure loss path increases, so that the negative pressure loss through such a gap can be minimized.

[0090] The drawing shows an example of a configuration in which the protrusions formed on the second surface (248) are formed in a rough shape, but this is only a preferred example, and it is to be noted that the configuration can be changed to various shapes or patterns, including a continuous wave shape with peaks and valleys, and a grid shape.

[0091] A temperature sensor (29, see Fig. 8) may be placed in the suction treatment unit (20). The temperature sensor (29) senses the temperature of the electrode (24) and transmits the sensed information to the control unit (60), and the control unit (60) may perform feedback control on the electrode (24) based on the temperature of the electrode (24) sensed by the temperature sensor (29).

[0092] For example, when the temperature of the electrode (24) sensed by the temperature sensor (29) reaches the set threshold temperature, the control unit (60) cuts off the current supply to the electrode (24), thereby preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable or getting burned due to high temperature.

[0093] The temperature sensor (29) is electrically connected to the control unit (60) and may be arranged in a form in which at least a portion of the temperature sensor (29) is mounted in a sensor mounting groove (244) or a sensor mounting hole formed in the electrode (24). The temperature sensor (29) may be arranged in only one of the pair of electrodes (24), or may be arranged in each of the pair of electrodes (24). In this case, the sensor mounting groove (244) or the sensor mounting hole may be formed in each of the pair of electrodes (24).

[0094] The temperature sensor (29) can be any known shape or type of temperature sensor regardless of a specific operating method, but it is preferable to use a temperature sensor of the NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient-thermic resistor) type (a type that has the characteristic of a resistance value decreasing as the temperature of the sensing target increases) type that is relatively inexpensive, has an accurate sensing sensitivity, and a fast response speed.

[0095] Meanwhile, the suction nozzle (22) constituting the suction treatment unit (20) may be provided with a function of preventing external foreign substances from entering the device. This function (function of preventing external foreign substances from entering the device) may be achieved by a filter net (26) installed to cover the entrances (221, 225) of the air suction port (220) and the pressure relief port (224), respectively, and a cover member (28) that blocks external foreign substances from directly entering the filter net (26) in the treatment space (S2) in front of the filter net (26).

[0096] The filter net (26) may be configured in a mesh form in which a large number of fine-sized holes are formed, and as mentioned, may be installed to simultaneously cover the air inlets (221, 225) of each port (220, 224). In addition, the cover member (28) may be placed in the treatment space (S2) in front of the filter net (26) so that a curved air flow path (see the direction of the 'air flow' arrow in FIG. 8) is formed between the opening (226) of the suction nozzle (22) and the air inlets (221, 225) formed in each port.

[0097] The cover member (28) may preferably be configured with a front cover plate (280) that is positioned in the treatment space (S2) at a predetermined distance from the filter net (26) to block external foreign substances from directly entering the air inlet (221, 225), and a rear connecting pipe (282) that is connected to the inside of the suction nozzle (22) in a snap fit manner so that the front cover plate (280) maintains a predetermined distance from the filter net (26) in the treatment space (S2).

[0098] Here, the horizontal width (W1, see Fig. 7) and vertical width (W2, see Fig. 8) of the front cover plate (280) are formed to be smaller than the horizontal width (W3, see Fig. 7) of the suction nozzle (22) and the distance between the electrodes (24) (D1, see Fig. 8) (W1 <W3 & W2<D1)됨으로써, 상기 굴절된 공기유동경로의 입구가 되는 갭(Gap, g)이 전방 커버플레이트(280)의 최외면과 상기 흡입 노즐(22)의 내측 벽면 사이에 형성될 수 있으며, 후방 결합관(282)에는 슬릿(Slit) 형태의 통기홀(284)이 복수로 형성될 수 있다.

[0099] According to this configuration, during the process of sucking air in the treatment space (S2) by the operation of the suction force generating unit (30), relatively large foreign substances among the foreign substances are primarily filtered out in the gap (g) portion, and relatively small foreign substances that pass through the gap (g) can be secondarily filtered out by the filter net (26). That is, by performing the foreign substance filtration process in the first and second stages, the inflow of foreign substances into the device can be clearly and definitely prevented.

[0100] Moreover, since the cover member (28) is detachably attached to the inside of the suction nozzle (22) in a snap-fit ​​manner, there is also an advantage in terms of maintenance in that the cover member (28) can be separated to easily clean or replace the filter net (26).

[0101] According to the embodiments of the present invention discussed above, the electrode for applying electrical stimulation to the skin has a structure in which a conductive metal is coated on the surface of an electrode core made of an injection-molded resin material to form a conductive layer. In other words, the base material (electrode core) of the electrode is made of the same or similar material as the suction nozzle that houses the electrode. Therefore, there is little or no thermal deformation deviation between the two components (suction nozzle and electrode).

[0102] This can address shortcomings of prior art, such as electrode separation from the suction nozzle or gaps between the electrode and the suction nozzle. Furthermore, it can address issues with prior art, such as electrode detachment or gaps that could inflict harmful current, electric fields, or magnetic fields on unintended areas. Consequently, the device's durability can be further improved, and its treatment performance can be maintained for longer periods of time.

[0103] In addition, the present invention provides that one surface of an electrode that is inserted into a suction nozzle and is formed into a wave or uneven shape, so that the area of ​​the electrode that comes into contact with the suction nozzle during insert molding is increased, and thus the bonding force with the suction nozzle can be greatly improved, and even if a fine gap is created at the boundary between the suction nozzle and the electrode during the insert molding process, negative pressure loss through the gap can be prevented or minimized.

[0104] In addition, since the discharged air of a specific velocity and volume generated when the pump (suction generating unit) is operated is configured to be utilized to cool the high-heat generating components inside the device, overheating of the device can be effectively suppressed or prevented without a separate cooling means such as a cooling fan or heat sink. In other words, there is also a structural advantage in that the wind generated when the pump is operated can be effectively utilized to prevent overheating of the device.

[0105] The detailed description of the present invention above has described only specific embodiments thereof. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the detailed description, but rather encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0106] [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1: Beauty treatment device

[0108] 10: Main body 12: Housing

[0109] 14: On / Off button 16: Function execution button

[0110] 20: Suction treatment section 22: Suction nozzle

[0111] 24: Electrode 26: Filter net

[0112] 28: Cover member 30: Suction power generating part

[0113] 32: Air intake 34: Air outlet

[0114] 40: Valve 42: Negative pressure relief port

[0115] 50: Battery 60: Control Unit

[0116] 120: Middle frame 122: Tubular mounting part

[0117] 220: Air intake port 224: Pressure relief port

[0118] 240: Electrode core 242: Metal conductive layer

[0119] 244: Sensor mounting groove 246: First surface of electrode

[0120] 248: Second side of electrode 244: Sensor mounting groove

[0121] 280: Front cover plate 282: Rear coupling tube

[0122] 284: Ventilation hole

[0123] D1: Distance between electrodes g: Gap

[0124] P1, P2: pipe (or hose)

[0125] S1: Parts mounting space S2: Treatment space

[0126] W1: Horizontal width of the front cover plate

[0127] W2: Vertical width of the front cover plate

[0128] W3: Horizontal width of the suction nozzle

[0129] The best mode for carrying out the invention as described above has been described.

[0130] The present invention relates to a cosmetic treatment device, and more particularly, to a cosmetic treatment device that improves skin elasticity by killing unnecessary fat cells by sucking the skin using negative pressure and sending high-frequency energy and high-voltage pulses to the fascia layer.

Claims

1. Main body; and It includes a suction treatment part which is connected to the above main body part and has a treatment space formed; The above suction treatment unit is, A resin-made suction nozzle that divides the above treatment space, It has a pair of electrodes arranged on the inside of the above suction nozzle, The above pair of electrodes is a beauty treatment device having a configuration in which a resin material electrode core is plated with a conductive metal to form a metal conductive layer on the surface of the electrode core.

2. Main body; and It includes a suction treatment part which is connected to the above main body part and has a treatment space formed; The above suction treatment unit is, A suction nozzle that divides the above treatment space, It has a pair of electrodes arranged on the inside of the above suction nozzle, A beauty treatment device, wherein the above pair of electrodes includes a flat first surface that is exposed to the treatment space and makes direct contact with the user's skin, and a second surface that is inserted into the suction nozzle and has a protrusion formed thereon.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, A suction force generating unit positioned inside the main body to generate suction force and form a negative pressure in the treatment space; and A cosmetic treatment device further comprising a valve that operates to form negative pressure in the treatment space and to relieve the formed negative pressure.

4. In paragraph 3, The above suction power generating unit is a diaphragm type vacuum pump having an air intake port for sucking in air from the treatment space and an air discharge port for discharging internal air in the amount of sucked in air. A cosmetic treatment device, wherein the above suction nozzle has a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space.

5. In paragraph 4, A beauty treatment device, wherein the air outlet is arranged to discharge air toward a circuit board to which the pair of electrodes are electrically connected.

6. In paragraph 4, The above multiple ports are, An air intake port connected to the air intake of the above suction power generating unit by a tube, A cosmetic treatment device comprising a pressure relief port connected to a pressure relief port of the valve by a tube.

7. In paragraph 1 or 2, A beauty treatment device further comprising a temperature sensor disposed in the suction treatment section and sensing the temperature of the electrode.

8. In paragraph 7, A sensor mounting groove or sensor mounting hole is formed on one of a pair of electrodes, A beauty treatment device, wherein at least a portion of the temperature sensor is mounted in the sensor mounting home or sensor mounting hole.

9. In paragraph 7, The temperature sensors are configured in pairs so that one temperature sensor matches each pair of electrodes, A beauty treatment device, wherein each of the above temperature sensors is arranged in a form in which at least a portion of the temperature sensors is mounted in a sensor mounting groove or sensor mounting hole formed in each of the pair of electrodes.

10. In paragraph 7, The above temperature sensor is a beauty treatment device, which is an NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient-thermic resistor) that has the characteristic of decreasing resistance value as the temperature of the sensing target increases.

11. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above suction nozzle includes a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space, A cosmetic treatment device, wherein a mesh-shaped filter having a plurality of holes is installed to cover the air inlet and outlet of the ports.

12. In paragraph 10, A beauty treatment device, wherein a cover member is further provided in the treatment space in front of the filter net to form a curved airflow path between the opening of the suction nozzle and the air inlet and outlet.

13. In paragraph 11, The above cover member, A front cover plate placed in the treatment space with a gap from the filter net to prevent external foreign substances from directly entering the air inlet and outlet, A cosmetic treatment device comprising a rear coupling tube formed on the rear side of the front cover plate and capable of being joined to the inner side of the suction nozzle in a snap fit manner.

14. In paragraph 13, A gap is formed between the outermost surface of the front cover plate and the inner wall surface of the suction nozzle, which serves as the entrance to the bent air flow path. A cosmetic treatment device in which a slit-shaped ventilation hole is formed in the above rear connecting tube.

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