Beauty equipment and electric razors

Abstract

The beauty device disclosed herein comprises: a skin electrode portion, which is arranged on the head; a handle electrode portion, which is arranged on the handle portion; a voltage application circuit, which is used to apply a voltage between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion to cause a current to flow between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion through the human body; and a control portion, which controls the voltage application circuit. The control portion has a contact detection portion, which detects contact of the skin surface of the human body with the skin electrode portion. Before the contact detection portion detects contact, the control portion controls the voltage application circuit to apply a first voltage with a relatively high frequency. After the contact detection portion detects contact, the control portion controls the voltage application circuit to apply a second voltage with a relatively low frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beauty device and an electric shaver as an example thereof. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an iontophoresis device for more efficiently delivering a substance through a certain area of ​​the skin. The iontophoresis device includes an electrode system and an accompanying controller for generating two delivery electric fields directed in different directions within the area.

[0003] This type of iontophoresis device is also used in beauty equipment and electric razors.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-510821 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the prior art, the electrical conditions between the two electrodes (two transmission electric fields) during beauty treatments or hair cutting are fixed. Therefore, a surge current (a large current flowing temporarily) may flow to the user's skin surface at the moment the electrodes touch the user's skin surface, causing the user to feel pain.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. Furthermore, the present disclosure aims to provide a beauty device and an electric shaver that can suppress the user's feeling of pain when the electrodes contact the user's skin surface during beauty treatment or hair cutting.

[0009] The beauty device involved in the method disclosed in the present invention comprises: a head; a handle; a skin electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the head that contacts the skin surface of the human body; and a handle electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the handle that contacts the fingers of the human body. In addition, the beauty device comprises: a voltage application circuit, which is used to apply a voltage between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion to cause a current to flow between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion through the human body; and a control portion, which controls the voltage application circuit. The control portion has a contact detection portion, which detects the contact of the skin surface of the human body to the skin electrode portion. When the contact detection portion does not detect contact, the control portion controls the voltage application circuit so that a first voltage is applied. In addition, when the contact detection portion detects contact, the control portion controls the voltage application circuit so that a second voltage having a frequency lower than the frequency of the first voltage is applied.

[0010] The electric shaver involved in the method disclosed in the present invention comprises: a head; a handle; and a cutter unit, which is arranged on the head and is used to cut body hair. In addition, the electric shaver comprises: a skin electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the head that contacts the skin surface of the human body when cutting body hair; and a handle electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the handle that contacts the fingers of the human body when cutting body hair. In addition, the electric shaver comprises: a voltage application circuit, which is used to apply a voltage between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion so that a current flows between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion through the human body; and a control portion, which controls the voltage application circuit. The control portion has a contact detection portion, which detects the contact of the skin surface of the human body with the skin electrode portion. When the contact detection portion does not detect contact, the control portion controls the voltage application circuit so that a first voltage is applied. In addition, when the contact detection portion detects contact, the control portion controls the voltage application circuit so that a second voltage having a frequency lower than the frequency of the first voltage is applied.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a beauty device and an electric shaver that can suppress the user from feeling pain when an electrode contacts the user's skin surface during beauty treatment or hair cutting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an electric shaver according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of a main part of an electric shaver according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electric shaver according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a waveform diagram showing an example of the voltage (pulse) applied by the voltage application circuit in the iontophoresis mode.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a waveform diagram showing an example of the voltage (pulse) applied by the voltage application circuit before and after the contact detection unit detects contact.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a waveform diagram showing another example of the voltage (pulse) applied by the voltage application circuit before and after the contact detection unit detects contact.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a waveform diagram showing an example of the voltage (pulse) applied by the voltage application circuit in the electroporation mode.

[0019] Figure 8This is a waveform diagram showing an example of the voltage (pulse) applied by the voltage application circuit in the microcurrent mode.

[0020] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of an electric shaver showing a skin electrode portion according to a modified example.

[0021] Figure 10 This is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of an electric shaver showing a skin electrode portion according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed descriptions than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters may be omitted, or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted.

[0023] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0024] In the following, as a beauty device, an electric razor for taking care of the skin surface while shaving (shaving hair) is exemplified. In addition, in addition to the electric razor, the present disclosure can also be applied to a beauty instrument, a facial massager, etc.

[0025] In the following description, the width direction when viewing the electric shaver from the front is referred to as the left-right direction X, the depth direction when viewing the electric shaver from the front is referred to as the front-back direction Y, and the height direction when viewing the electric shaver from the front is referred to as the up-down direction Z.

[0026] Next, use Figures 1 to 8 The electric shaver 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0027] [1.Structure]

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electric shaver 10 according to this embodiment includes a head portion 11 and an electric shaver body 13 having a handle portion 12 .

[0029] A cutter unit 14 for cutting body hair, such as beard and hair, is disposed and retained in the head portion 11. The cutter unit 14 includes an outer-grid cutter (first outer-grid cutter) 15, a slit outer-grid cutter 16, and an outer-grid cutter (second outer-grid cutter) 17. In this embodiment, the first outer-grid cutter 15, the slit outer-grid cutter 16, and the second outer-grid cutter 17 are disposed in the head portion 11 in this order, from the front side in the front-back direction Y.

[0030] The head portion 11 is also provided with a skin electrode portion (first skin electrode portion) 21 for applying an electric current to the user's skin surface, and a skin electrode portion (second skin electrode portion) 22 that is different from the first skin electrode portion 21. The first skin electrode portion 21 and the second skin electrode portion 22 are arranged at positions of the head portion 11 that come into contact with the user's skin surface during shaving.

[0031] The first skin electrode section 21 and the second skin electrode section 22 are composed of a conductor disposed on the head 11. The surface of the conductor of the second skin electrode section 22 is electrically insulated for the purpose of conducting electroporation (electroporation) described later.

[0032] The first skin electrode portion 21 includes a built-in heater (first heater) 23, and the second skin electrode portion 22 includes a built-in heater (second heater) 24 different from the first heater 23. The driving of the first heater 23 and the second heater 24 is controlled by a control unit 36 ​​described later.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first skin electrode portion 21 and the second skin electrode portion 22 are arranged on the head 11 in this order from the front side in the front-back direction Y, and the first skin electrode portion 21 and the second skin electrode portion 22 are arranged at a distance in the front-back direction Y.

[0034] Contrary to the present embodiment, the second skin electrode portion 22 and the first skin electrode portion 21 may be arranged on the head 11 in this order from the front side in the front-back direction Y.

[0035] Furthermore, the cutter unit 14 (first off-grid cutter 15, slit off-grid cutter 16, second off-grid cutter 17) is disposed between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the second skin electrode portion 22. Specifically, the first skin electrode portion 21 and the second skin electrode portion 22 are disposed so as to be spaced apart in the front-to-back direction Y by a distance greater than the dimension of the cutter unit 14 in the front-to-back direction Y.

[0036] Furthermore, although not shown, a suspension mechanism may be inserted between the skin electrode units (the first skin electrode unit 21 and the second skin electrode unit 22) and the head 11. Specifically, the skin electrode units 21 and 22 may include a suspension mechanism inserted between the skin electrode units 21 and 22 and the head 11. By inserting the suspension mechanism between the skin electrode units 21 and 22 and the head 11, for example, the suspension mechanism can prevent the skin electrode units 21 and 22 from unilaterally contacting the user's skin surface, thereby ensuring stable contact between the skin electrode units 21 and 22 and the skin surface.

[0037] Although not shown, a pop-up mechanism may be inserted between the skin electrode units (the first skin electrode unit 21 and the second skin electrode unit 22) and the head 11. Specifically, the skin electrode units 21 and 22 may include a pop-up mechanism inserted between the skin electrode units 21 and 22 and the head 11. Thus, for example, the skin electrode units 21 and 22 can be ejected upward in the vertical direction Z by the pop-up mechanism, thereby allowing the skin electrode units 21 and 22 to contact the user's skin surface without the cutter unit 14 contacting the skin surface.

[0038] In addition, you can also Figure 9 As shown in the electric shaver 10A (beauty device 1A), only the skin electrode portion (first skin electrode portion) 21 for applying current to the user's skin surface is arranged on the head portion 11. Figure 9 In the embodiment, the first skin electrode portion 21 is arranged at a position in front of the cutter unit 14 in the front-back direction Y. However, the first skin electrode portion 21 may be arranged, for example, between the cutter units 14 or at a position behind the cutter unit 14 in the front-back direction Y. In addition, depending on the situation, a plurality of first skin electrode portions 21 may be arranged on the head 11 at intervals in the left-right direction X.

[0039] And, you can also Figure 10 As in the electric shaver 10B (beauty device 1B) shown in FIG. 1 , a roller-shaped skin electrode portion (first skin electrode portion) 21 is provided on the head portion 11. That is, the first skin electrode portion 21 may be configured in a roller shape for the purpose of functioning like a beauty roller. Figure 10 In the embodiment, the roller-shaped first skin electrode portion 21 is arranged in front of the cutter unit 14 in the front-back direction Y. However, the first skin electrode portion 21 may be arranged between the cutter units 14 or may be arranged behind the cutter unit 14 in the front-back direction Y.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric shaver body 13 is provided with a power switch 31 for operating the electric shaver 10 and a changeover switch 32 for switching to a skin care mode described later.

[0041] The electric shaver body 13 also serves as the handle 12 of the electric shaver 10, and a handle electrode 33 is provided on the handle 12. The handle electrode 33 is provided at a position of the handle 12 that contacts the user's fingers during shaving.

[0042] The handle electrode portion 33 is composed of a conductor disposed on the surface of the handle portion 12 .

[0043] Furthermore, the electric shaver body 13 houses a driving unit (motor) 34, a voltage applying circuit 35, and a control unit (controller) 36 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0044] Next, refer to Figure 3 The functional structure of the electric shaver 10 will be described.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the electric shaver 10 includes a driving unit 34 for driving the cutter unit 14 and a voltage applying circuit 35 for applying voltage to the first skin electrode portion 21 , the second skin electrode portion 22 , and the handle electrode portion 33 .

[0046] The electric shaver 10 also includes a control unit 36. The control unit 36 ​​receives signals from the power switch 31 and the changeover switch 32, and controls the drive unit 34, the voltage application circuit 35, and the like based on the signals.

[0047] The control unit 36 ​​also includes a contact detector 37 for detecting contact between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the user's skin surface. The contact detector 37 has a function of detecting whether the first skin electrode unit 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface, as will be described in detail later.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 36 ​​controls the voltage application circuit 35 based on the detection result of the contact detection unit 37 so as to change at least the frequency of the voltage (pulse) applied to the first skin electrode unit 21 .

[0049] [2.Action]

[0050] Next, the operation and effects of the electric shaver 10 shown in this embodiment will be described.

[0051] The control unit 36 ​​has a plurality of modes as skin care modes. In this embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​has three skin care modes: an iontophoresis mode, an electroporation mode, and a microcurrent mode.

[0052] First, in Figure 4 : shows a waveform diagram of the voltage (pulse) applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 in the iontophoresis mode. Figure 4 In FIG, the vertical axis represents voltage V and the horizontal axis represents time T.

[0053] In the iontophoresis mode, the control unit 36 ​​controls the voltage application circuit 35 to pass a direct current between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the handle electrode unit 33 .

[0054] In the iontophoresis mode, a direct current is applied to the first skin electrode section 21 and the grip electrode section 33 in a direction with the first skin electrode section 21 serving as the anode (positive electrode) and the grip electrode section 33 serving as the cathode (negative electrode).

[0055] In the iontophoresis mode, for example, the voltage V is set to be greater than 0 V and not more than 45 V, the frequency of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 1 kHz to 5 kHz, and the duty ratio of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 10% to 90%.

[0056] In the iontophoresis mode, the user selects the iontophoresis mode by switching the switch 32. The user applies a skin care product such as a lotion containing moisturizing ingredients or a pre-shave lotion to the shaved area (for example, the user's face) and then uses the electric shaver 10 to shave.

[0057] In the iontophoresis mode, an iontophoresis voltage V is applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33. Consequently, current flows from the first skin electrode portion 21 to the shaved area, from the shaved area through the stratum corneum to the arm of the user holding the electric shaver 10, and then from the arm to the handle electrode portion 33. Consequently, the moisturizing ingredients contained in the skin care product efficiently penetrate into the shaved area, thereby improving the user's skin quality.

[0058] Furthermore, by heating the first skin electrode portion 21 to a predetermined temperature using the first heater 23, the shaved area is heated, and the moisturizing component contained in the skin care agent efficiently permeates from the shaved area due to the temperature effect (heating effect).

[0059] Below, refer to Figure 5 The detection of contact by the contact detector 37 and the switching of the frequency of the voltage (pulse) based on the detection result of the contact detector 37 will be described.

[0060] exist Figure 5 FIG. 3 shows a waveform diagram of the voltage (pulse) applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 before and after the contact is detected by the contact detector portion 37. Figure 5 The vertical axis also represents voltage V, and the horizontal axis also represents time T.

[0061] In iontophoresis mode, before the first skin electrode portion 21 fully contacts the shaved area, a first voltage (contact detection pulse P0) with a relatively high frequency for contact detection is applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33. The relatively high frequency of the first voltage (contact detection pulse P0) reduces the user's risk of electrical pain caused by the current when the first skin electrode portion 21 contacts the user's skin surface.

[0062] On the other hand, the contact resistance value is detected based on the current flowing between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the grip electrode portion 33. Based on this contact resistance value, it is determined whether the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface. For example, when the detected contact resistance value matches a predetermined contact resistance value, the contact detection portion 37 determines that the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface.

[0063] If the first skin electrode portion 21 is determined to be in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface, a second voltage (iontophoresis pulse P1) having a lower frequency than the first voltage (contact detection pulse P0) is applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33. Since the frequency of the second voltage (iontophoresis pulse P1) is relatively low, the iontophoresis effect on the user's skin surface is enhanced.

[0064] When outputting the iontophoresis pulse P1 , for example, the voltage V is set to be greater than 0 V and not more than 45 V, the frequency of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 1 kHz to 5 kHz, and the duty ratio of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 10% to 90%.

[0065] The contact detection method performed by the contact detection unit 37 may also be: under constant voltage control, the current value flowing between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 is detected, and based on this current value, whether the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface is determined. For example, the contact detection unit 37 determines that the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface when the detected current value is greater than a predetermined current value (threshold value).

[0066] When switching the frequency of the applied voltage, the control unit 36 ​​may control the voltage application circuit 35 so that the frequency of the voltage V changes from the first voltage (contact detection pulse P0) to the second voltage (ion introduction pulse P1) in a stepwise manner.

[0067] Furthermore, to more reliably reduce the pain felt by the user, the contact detection unit 37 may determine that the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface after, for example, counting the number of pulses of a current value exceeding a threshold value. Specifically, the contact detection unit 37 may determine that the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface after a predetermined time (equivalent to the number of counted pulses) has elapsed since the current value exceeding the threshold value was detected.

[0068] In addition, in order to further reliably reduce the pain felt by the user, as Figure 6As shown, the control unit 36 ​​may control the voltage application circuit 35 so that the value of the voltage V applied between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the handle electrode unit 33 is changed so as to gradually increase in steps.

[0069] Then, in Figure 7 , a waveform diagram of the voltage (pulse) applied between the second skin electrode portion 22 and the handle electrode portion 33 or the first skin electrode portion 21, or between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 in the electroporation mode is shown in FIG. Figure 7 The vertical axis also represents voltage V, and the horizontal axis also represents time T.

[0070] In the electroporation mode, the control unit 36 ​​controls the voltage application circuit 35 to conduct electroporation (electroporation) between the second skin electrode unit 22 and the handle electrode unit 33 or the first skin electrode unit 21 .

[0071] By outputting the electroporation pulse Pep (refer to Figure 7 ), a direct current is given to the second skin electrode portion 22 and the grip electrode portion 33 in a direction with the second skin electrode portion 22 as the anode (positive electrode) and the grip electrode portion 33 as the cathode (negative electrode).

[0072] Alternatively, by outputting the electroporation pulse Pep, a direct current is applied to the second skin electrode portion 22 and the first skin electrode portion 21 in a direction with the second skin electrode portion 22 as the anode (positive electrode) and the first skin electrode portion 21 as the cathode (negative electrode).

[0073] When outputting the electroporation pulse Pep, for example, the voltage V is set to be greater than 0 V and not more than 80 V, the frequency of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 1 kHz to 5 kHz, and the duty ratio of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 1% to 90%.

[0074] In addition, by outputting the ion introduction pulse Pio (refer to Figure 7 ), a direct current is given to the first skin electrode portion 21 and the grip electrode portion 33 in a direction with the first skin electrode portion 21 as the anode (positive electrode) and the grip electrode portion 33 as the cathode (negative electrode).

[0075] When outputting the iontophoresis pulse Pio, for example, the voltage V is set to be greater than 0 V and not more than 45 V, the frequency of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 1 kHz to 5 kHz, and the duty ratio of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 10% to 90%.

[0076] In the electroporation mode, the user selects the electroporation mode by switching the switch 32. In addition, similarly to the iontophoresis mode, the user applies a skin care agent containing a moisturizing component to the shaved area and then uses the electric shaver 10 to shave.

[0077] First, a relatively high voltage (electroporation pulse Pep) is applied between the second skin electrode portion 22 and the handle electrode portion 33 or the first skin electrode portion 21, causing the electroporation current to flow through the shaved area between them. This relaxes the layered structure of the stratum corneum in the shaved area between the second skin electrode portion 22 and the handle electrode portion 33 or the first skin electrode portion 21, allowing the high-molecular-weight moisturizing ingredients in the skin care product to easily penetrate the shaved area.

[0078] Furthermore, an iontophoresis voltage (iontophoresis pulse Pio) is immediately applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33. This causes current to flow from the first skin electrode portion 21 to the shaved area, from the shaved area through the stratum corneum to the arm of the user holding the electric shaver 10, and then from the arm to the handle electrode portion 33. Consequently, the moisturizing ingredients contained in the skin care product efficiently penetrate the shaved area, thereby improving the user's skin quality.

[0079] Furthermore, by heating the first skin electrode portion 21 and the second skin electrode portion 22 to a predetermined temperature using the heaters 23 and 24, the shaved area is heated, and the moisturizing component contained in the skin care agent efficiently permeates from the shaved area due to the temperature effect (heating effect).

[0080] The aforementioned detection of contact by the contact detector 37 and the switching of the frequency of the voltage V (pulse) based on the detection result of the contact detector 37 can be performed in the electroporation mode as well as in the iontophoresis mode.

[0081] Then, in Figure 8 : shows a waveform diagram of the voltage (pulse) applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 in the microcurrent mode. Figure 8 The vertical axis also represents voltage V, and the horizontal axis also represents time T.

[0082] In the microcurrent mode, the control unit 36 ​​controls the voltage application circuit 35 so that a microcurrent (weak current) is passed between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the handle electrode unit 33 .

[0083] In the microcurrent mode, an alternating current is applied between the first skin electrode section 21 and the handle electrode section 33 .

[0084] In the microcurrent mode, for example, the voltage V is set to be greater than 0 V and less than 45 V, the frequency of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 1 kHz to 5 kHz, and the duty ratio of the voltage V (pulse) is set to 10% to 90%.

[0085] The user can select the microcurrent mode when not using a skin care product, for example. In the microcurrent mode, the user selects the microcurrent mode by switching the switch 32 and uses the electric shaver 10 to shave.

[0086] In microcurrent mode, a relatively low voltage is applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33. This causes current to flow alternately from the first skin electrode portion 21 to the shaved area, from the shaved area through the stratum corneum to the arm of the user holding the electric shaver 10, and then from the arm to the handle electrode portion 33. This activates the skin surface at the shaved area, improving the user's skin quality.

[0087] The above-described detection of contact by the contact detector 37 and switching of the frequency of the voltage (pulse) based on the detection result of the contact detector 37 can be performed also in the microcurrent mode, similarly to the iontophoresis mode.

[0088] [3. Effects, etc.]

[0089] (1) In this embodiment, the beauty device 1 includes a head 11 and a handle 12. Furthermore, the beauty device 1 includes a skin electrode portion (first skin electrode portion) 21, which is disposed at a position of the head 11 that contacts the skin surface of a human body; and a handle electrode portion 33, which is disposed at a position of the handle 12 that contacts the fingers of a human body. Furthermore, the beauty device 1 includes a voltage application circuit 35 for applying a voltage between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 to cause a current to flow between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 through the human body; and a control portion 36 for controlling the voltage application circuit 35. The control portion 36 includes a contact detection portion 37 that detects contact of the first skin electrode portion 21 with the skin surface of a human body. When the contact detection portion 37 does not detect contact, the control portion 36 controls the voltage application circuit 35 to apply a first voltage. Furthermore, when the contact detection portion 37 detects contact, the control portion 36 controls the voltage application circuit 35 to apply a second voltage having a lower frequency than the first voltage.

[0090] The beauty device 1 includes a contact detection unit 37 for detecting whether the first skin electrode unit 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface. This suppresses the generation of surge current that would otherwise occur if the first skin electrode unit 21 is not in sufficient contact with the skin surface. Consequently, when using the beauty device 1, electrical pain experienced by the user's skin surface can be reduced. Furthermore, the higher the frequency of the voltage applied between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the handle electrode unit 33, the lower the electrical pain felt by the user.

[0091] (2) As in the present embodiment, the contact detection unit 37 may detect contact of the human skin surface with the first skin electrode unit 21 based on the magnitude of the current flowing between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the handle electrode unit 33 during constant voltage control.

[0092] This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the first skin electrode section 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface.

[0093] (3) The contact detection unit 37 may detect contact of the first skin electrode unit 21 with the human skin surface based on the number of pulses of the current flowing between the first skin electrode unit 21 and the handle electrode unit 33 during constant voltage control.

[0094] This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether the first skin electrode section 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface.

[0095] (4) After the contact detector 37 detects contact, the contact detector 37 may control the voltage application circuit 35 so as to change from the first voltage to the second voltage in such a manner that the frequency of the voltage gradually decreases.

[0096] This can more reliably reduce the pain felt by the user, allowing for appropriate skin care.

[0097] (5) After the contact detector 37 detects contact, the contact detector 37 may control the voltage application circuit 35 so that the magnitude (potential) of the voltage applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 is gradually increased.

[0098] This can more reliably reduce the pain felt by the user, allowing for more appropriate skin care.

[0099] (6) In this embodiment, the electric shaver 10 includes: a head 11; a handle 12; and a cutter unit 14, which is arranged on the head 11 and is used to cut body hair. In addition, the electric shaver 10 includes: a first skin electrode portion 21, which is arranged at a position of the head 11 that contacts the skin surface of the human body when cutting body hair; and a handle electrode portion 33, which is arranged at a position of the handle 12 that contacts the fingers of the human body when cutting body hair. The electric shaver 10 also includes: a voltage application circuit 35, which applies a voltage between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 to cause a current to flow between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33 through the human body; and a control unit 36, which controls the voltage application circuit 35. The control unit 36 ​​includes a contact detector 37, which detects contact between the skin surface of the human body and the first skin electrode portion 21. When the contact detector 37 does not detect contact, the control unit 36 ​​controls the voltage application circuit 35 to apply the first voltage. Furthermore, when the contact detector 37 detects contact, the control unit 36 ​​controls the voltage application circuit 35 so as to apply a second voltage having a frequency lower than that of the first voltage.

[0100] The electric shaver 10 includes a contact detector 37 that detects whether the first skin electrode portion 21 is in sufficient contact with the user's skin surface. This suppresses the generation of surge current that would otherwise occur if the first skin electrode portion 21 is not in sufficient contact with the skin surface. Consequently, when using the electric shaver 10, electrical pain experienced by the user's skin surface can be reduced. Furthermore, the higher the frequency of the voltage applied between the first skin electrode portion 21 and the handle electrode portion 33, the lower the electrical pain felt by the user.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 36 ​​and the contact detection unit 37 include, for example, a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. The microcontroller implements the functions of the control unit 36 ​​and the contact detection unit 37 by executing a program stored in one or more memories in one or more processors. The program can be pre-recorded in the memory, provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or provided via a telecommunications line. In other words, the program is used to enable the one or more processors to function as the control unit 36 ​​and the contact detection unit 37.

[0102] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0103] The present disclosure can be applied to beauty devices and electric shavers that can suppress pain felt by the user when electrodes come into contact with the user's skin surface during beauty treatments or hair removal. Specifically, in addition to electric shavers, the present disclosure can also be applied to beauty devices such as beauty instruments and facial massagers.

[0104] Description of Reference Numerals

[0105] 1, 1A, 1B: beauty equipment; 10, 10A, 10B: electric razor; 11: head; 12: handle; 13: electric razor body; 14: cutter unit; 15: off-grid cutter (first off-grid cutter); 16: slit off-grid cutter; 17: off-grid cutter (second off-grid cutter); 21: skin electrode part (first skin electrode part); 22: skin electrode part (second skin electrode part); 23: heater (first heater); 24: heater (second heater); 31: power switch; 32: switching switch; 33: handle electrode part; 34: driving part (motor); 35: voltage application circuit; 36: control part (controller); 37: contact detection part.

Claims

1. A beauty device comprising: head; handle; a skin electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the head in contact with the skin surface of a human body; a handle electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the handle portion that contacts the fingers of the human body; a voltage applying circuit for applying a voltage between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion to cause a current to flow between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion through the human body; as well as a control unit that controls the voltage applying circuit, The control unit includes a contact detection unit for detecting contact between the skin electrode unit and the skin surface of the human body. When the contact detector does not detect the contact, the control unit controls the voltage application circuit to apply a first voltage, and when the contact detector detects the contact, the control unit controls the voltage application circuit to apply a second voltage having a frequency lower than that of the first voltage. The control unit controls the voltage application circuit to change at least the frequency of the voltage applied to the skin electrode unit based on the detection result of the contact detection unit, The contact detection unit detects contact of the skin electrode unit with the skin surface of the human body based on the number of pulses of the current flowing between the skin electrode unit and the handle electrode unit during constant voltage control. The contact detection unit determines that the skin electrode unit is in contact with the skin surface after a predetermined time has elapsed since a current value equal to or greater than a threshold value was detected.

2. The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein After the contact detector detects the contact, the control unit controls the voltage applying circuit so that the voltage is changed from the first voltage to the second voltage in a manner that the frequency of the voltage gradually decreases.

3. The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein After the contact detection unit detects the contact, the control unit controls the voltage application circuit so that the value of the voltage applied between the skin electrode unit and the handle electrode unit is changed to gradually increase.

4. An electric shaver comprising: head; handle; a cutter unit, which is disposed on the head and is used to cut body hair; a skin electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the head portion that contacts the skin surface of the human body when the body hair is cut; a handle electrode portion, which is arranged at a position of the handle portion that contacts the fingers of the human body when cutting body hair; a voltage applying circuit for applying a voltage between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion to cause a current to flow between the skin electrode portion and the handle electrode portion through the human body; as well as a control unit that controls the voltage applying circuit, The control unit includes a contact detection unit for detecting contact between the skin electrode unit and the skin surface of the human body. When the contact detector does not detect the contact, the control unit controls the voltage application circuit to apply a first voltage, and when the contact detector detects the contact, the control unit controls the voltage application circuit to apply a second voltage having a frequency lower than that of the first voltage. The control unit controls the voltage application circuit to change at least the frequency of the voltage applied to the skin electrode unit based on the detection result of the contact detection unit, The contact detection unit detects contact of the skin electrode unit with the skin surface of the human body based on the number of pulses of the current flowing between the skin electrode unit and the handle electrode unit during constant voltage control. The contact detection unit determines that the skin electrode unit is in contact with the skin surface after a predetermined time has elapsed since a current value equal to or greater than a threshold value was detected.

5. The electric shaver according to claim 4, wherein After the contact detector detects the contact, the control unit controls the voltage applying circuit so that the voltage is changed from the first voltage to the second voltage in a manner that the frequency of the voltage gradually decreases.

6. The electric shaver according to claim 4, wherein After the contact detection unit detects the contact, the control unit controls the voltage application circuit so that the value of the voltage applied between the skin electrode unit and the handle electrode unit is changed to gradually increase.

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