Cosmetic instrument and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a cosmetic instrument and a control method thereof, which are realized by keeping voltage and the like constant and changing frequency in order to adjust the degree of sense of hotness. Provided is a cosmetic instrument (1) which applies an alternating current to the skin surface of a user, and which is provided with: an electrode unit (31) which is provided with two or more electrodes and which applies an alternating current between the electrodes; and an alternating current generation unit (35) that outputs an alternating current having a frequency in the range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz, the cosmetic instrument simultaneously applying electrical stimulation and temperature sensing effects to the skin surface.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number "2020800076998" (invention name: beauty instrument and its control method) filed on March 17, 2020, which claims priority of Japanese patent application 2019-056054. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a beauty instrument which applies alternating current to stimulate the skin surface of a user and simultaneously imparts a warming effect, and in particular to a control method thereof. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there are known beauty devices that apply electric current of a predetermined frequency. There are beauty devices that provide electrical muscle stimulation called EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), and RF beauty devices that further use a high frequency band to provide a warming effect to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

[0004] In EMS, electrical stimulation at a frequency of several Hz to several kHz is applied to the skin to cause muscle contraction and muscle movement, thereby improving relaxation.

[0005] In addition, in RF, for example, a high frequency of about 1 MHz is used to heat the inside of the skin, thereby promoting the production of collagen and elastin, and improving wrinkles, elasticity, and sagging.

[0006] As a relief for sagging, any method of effective care is good.

[0007] Patent document 1 proposes a technology that can prevent local heating of the skin in a high-frequency beauty treatment device. The document discloses the following structure: the high-frequency beauty treatment device includes: a portable housing; parallel electrodes, which are arranged at a predetermined interval at the front end of the housing and have a treatment surface that contacts the skin of the person being treated; and a first power supply unit, which is built into the housing and supplies high-frequency current to the pair of parallel electrodes.

[0008] Patent document 2 proposes a muscle training device that can deliver a large current to the user's body without causing the user to feel excessive pain. In this device, the control unit is input with an electrical stimulation signal, i.e., the magnitude of the current value, from the user via the operating unit and receives an instruction to increase the electrical stimulation signal, accesses the storage unit and refers to the current frequency-related data to obtain a frequency corresponding to the magnitude of the electrical stimulation signal specified by the user, and outputs the magnitude and frequency of the electrical stimulation signal to the electrical stimulation output unit. The electrical stimulation output unit is disclosed to input data from the control unit, generate an electrical stimulation signal, and output it to each conductor.

[0009] Patent document 3 proposes an interferential low-frequency therapeutic device that can perform satisfactory energization therapy by adjusting the depth of the interferential wave generation position of the affected part of the human body. In the interferential low-frequency therapeutic device, the control unit has a frequency setting function, and can change the depth of the local interferential wave generation position of the human body by arbitrarily changing the frequencies of two intermediate frequency currents.

[0010] Although it is known that the frequency can be changed even in the prior art, the purpose is to achieve different cosmetic effects by switching between a relatively low frequency band that imparts electrical stimulation and a relatively high frequency band that imparts a warming effect.

[0011] In addition, although Patent Document 2 discloses making the electrical stimulation signal proportional to the frequency, the frequency used is in the range of several Hz to several kHz, which cannot correspond to a technically higher frequency. The magnitude of the electrical stimulation signal is the current value, and it is not adjusted only by the frequency, but also by the current value.

[0012] In Patent Document 3, in order to arbitrarily set two intermediate frequency currents to change the depth of the interference wave generation position, the intensity setting fluctuation is provided together with the frequency setting fluctuation, and the intensity is adjusted by the size of the interference wave carrier current. Therefore, the intensity is not adjusted by frequency, which requires a complex structure.

[0013] In other existing technologies, there are also separate beauty devices that provide electrical muscle stimulation brought by EMS, and RF beauty devices that use high-frequency bands to provide a warm effect to improve the elasticity and resilience of the skin, or devices that provide either beauty effect are provided as a switchable type.

[0014] Prior art literature

[0015] Patent Literature

[0016] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6212608

[0017] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 4057558

[0018] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-112362 Summary of the invention

[0019] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0020] The present invention is proposed in view of the problems of the above-mentioned prior art, and its purpose is to provide the following beauty instrument and its control method: by combining and imparting a high-frequency-based warm effect and an EMS-based electrical stimulation, a beauty effect such as improvement of skin sagging can be achieved.

[0021] Means for solving problems

[0022] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following beauty device.

[0023] That is, the beauty device provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an alternating current is applied to the skin surface of the user, and the beauty device comprises: an electrode portion, wherein the electrode portion comprises two or more electrodes and an alternating current is applied between the electrodes; and an alternating current generating portion, wherein the alternating current generating portion outputs an alternating current with a frequency in the range of 100kHz to 200kHz, and the beauty device simultaneously applies electrical stimulation and a warming effect to the skin surface.

[0024] According to the beauty instrument of the second embodiment of the present invention, the beauty instrument can also include: a sensitivity adjustment unit, which adjusts the degree of user's physical sensation; and a frequency setting unit, which sets the frequency of the alternating current in a multi-step or stepless manner of three or more steps, and the frequency is set by the frequency setting unit based on the adjustment of the sensitivity adjustment unit, thereby adjusting the sensitivity.

[0025] According to the beauty device of the third embodiment of the present invention, the sensitivity adjustment section can include an adjustment unit that can be arbitrarily adjusted by a user.

[0026] According to the beauty instrument of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the beauty instrument can be equipped with a resistance value measuring unit, and the resistance value measuring unit measures the resistance value of the user's skin surface. The beauty instrument has at least one of the following structures: the frequency setting unit is adjusted according to a prescribed rule based on the adjustment of the sensitivity adjustment unit and the resistance value; and the frequency setting unit is not equipped with the sensitivity adjustment unit, and is adjusted according to a prescribed rule based on the resistance value.

[0027] According to the beauty device of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the beauty device, it is particularly preferable that the distance between a set of electrodes to which an alternating current is applied is 1 mm to 30 mm and the resistance value of the electrodes is 10Ω or less.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method for controlling a beauty device can be provided.

[0029] That is, in the control method of the above-mentioned beauty instrument, the beauty instrument is capable of applying an alternating current to the skin surface of the user, maintaining the voltage or current approximately constant, and applying an alternating current with a frequency in the range of 100kHz to 200kHz from the electrode part, thereby simultaneously applying electrical stimulation and temperature sensation to the skin surface.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] The present invention has found a frequency that can perform EMS muscle exercises while feeling a warmth equivalent to RF at about 1MHz. As a result, it is possible to provide a beauty device that can simultaneously provide beauty effects brought by high frequency and EMS, which can perform effective muscle exercises while feeling a warmth sensation, helping to improve relaxation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the beauty instrument involved in the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a front view of the beauty instrument involved in the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a control method of the beauty device according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a structural diagram of the beauty instrument involved in the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of a beauty instrument involved in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrode according to the present invention.

[0038] Reference numerals:

[0039] 1: beauty instrument; 10: main body; 11: head; 12: level switch; 13: power switch; 14: indicator; 20: electrode part; 21: electrode part; 30: control substrate; 31: electrode part; 32: sensitivity adjustment part; 33: battery; 34: frequency setting part; 35: AC current generating part; 36: resistance value measuring part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the examples shown in the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention is a perspective view and a front view of a beauty device 1. The beauty device 1 is composed of a main body 10 held by a user and a head 11 having electrodes. The main body 10 is provided with a level switch 12 for adjusting the degree of physical sensation, a power switch 13 for switching the power on / off or mode, and an indicator 14 indicating the state of the main body.

[0042] The main body 10 is provided with a rechargeable battery and can be used by charging or supplying power from a power supply terminal provided on the bottom surface, but the presence or absence of a charging function and the method of supplying power are not limited.

[0043] The head 11 is provided with two annular electrodes 20 and 21. When the user brings the head 11 into contact with the skin surface, an alternating current is applied between the central electrode 20 and the outer electrode 21, thereby achieving a beauty effect such as electrical stimulation.

[0044] In addition, although it is not essential in the present invention, a warming effect can be exerted on the skin surface by applying an alternating current of a relatively high frequency band.

[0045] Since electrical muscle stimulation called EMS and the warming effect using RF (radio frequency) are well known, the explanation of the principles will be omitted.

[0046] In addition, the structure of the above-mentioned beauty device can be freely changed. The shape of the main body is of course not completely limited to the form and shape of the electrode part.

[0047] The structure of the electrode will be described later.

[0048] In the present invention, since it is not necessary to adjust the degree of physical sensation, the level switch 12 may not be provided.

[0049] In conventional beauty devices, the degree of EMS stimulation is adjusted by changing the voltage while keeping the frequency of the alternating current constant. FIG3(a) shows an image of a conventional alternating current waveform, and the stimulation becomes stronger by increasing the amplitude (voltage).

[0050] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3( b ), according to this embodiment, the intensity of stimulation can be adjusted by changing the frequency while keeping the voltage constant.

[0051] As described in the prior art, there is a technique for changing the frequency, but the purpose is to switch between EMS and RF. That is, in EMS, an alternating current with a frequency band from several Hz to several kHz is applied, and when switching to RF, the frequency band changes to a band of hundreds of kHz or more. Therefore, in order to switch the mode of the beauty effect, the low frequency and the high frequency can be changed in two steps.

[0052] Different from the switching of modes, in order to adjust the strength, for example, the voltage can be changed from 40V to 80V. Since the sensitivity of stimulation varies according to the characteristics and sensations of the skin, the user is allowed to try electrical stimulation by contacting the skin surface, and the voltage is increased when the muscle movement is insufficient. In this way, although the somatosensory level can be changed, there is the following problem: if the voltage is increased, not only the muscle movement becomes active, but also a burning discomfort is felt.

[0053] Therefore, the present inventors have found that the change in frequency can be used for the adjustment of strength, and further repeated studies have provided a frequency range required for adjustment.

[0054] First, if the frequency is lowered, muscle movement becomes more active and the degree of physical sensation becomes stronger.

[0055] On the contrary, if the frequency is increased, the muscle movement gradually converges, and the warming effect becomes higher. In particular, the results of experiments conducted by multiple testers found that electrical stimulation and warming effect are given simultaneously in the medium and high frequency range between 100kHz and 200kHz.

[0056] Table 1 shows the experimental results of temperature sensation and electrical stimulation obtained in the present invention.

[0058]

[0059] In Table 1, Δ indicates the upper limit frequency at which electrical stimulation can be felt, and ◎ indicates the frequency that can be used comfortably. In addition, the shaded area indicates that the subjects answered that they felt a sense of warmth.

[0060] The above results show that more people felt the warmth at frequencies above 100kHz, and all people felt the warmth at frequencies above 110kHz.

[0061] Although not shown in this experiment, in various experiments, electrical stimulation may be felt at a frequency of 300 kHz depending on the test subject and the skin condition, but this cannot be said to be a preferred range in the present invention, so this range is excluded.

[0062] The above characteristics discovered by the inventors' research show that electrical stimulation and warmth can be felt in the 100 kHz to 200 kHz range, providing two cosmetic effects that could not be provided before.

[0063] In particular, it is considered that 100 kHz to 150 kHz, which many people answered that they can use comfortably, is the most preferable range.

[0064] Therefore, in the present invention, the following structure is provided in the structure for applying alternating current between electrodes: an alternating current generating unit is provided for outputting alternating current with a frequency in the range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz, which simultaneously imparts electrical stimulation and warming effects to the skin surface.

[0065] Furthermore, in the present invention, the frequency can be changed to adjust the degree of electrical stimulation.

[0066] That is to say, it is preferred that people who find it difficult to feel the physical sensation lower the frequency and increase the electrical stimulation, while people who are easy to feel the physical sensation increase the frequency and reduce the electrical stimulation, thereby changing the physical sensation without changing the voltage, so that a stronger physical sensation can be obtained without the burning feeling.

[0067] In the present invention, the voltage is preferably in the range of 40V to 80V. According to the inventor's experiments, it is confirmed that the discomfort for the user increases when the voltage is above 80V. The voltage for providing comfortable and appropriate electrical stimulation is preferably in the range of 40V to 80V, and is particularly preferably about 60V.

[0068] The above frequency range is particularly effective within this voltage range.

[0069] exist Figure 4 2 is a structural diagram of a beauty device 1 according to the present invention.

[0070] The beauty device 1 is provided with a control substrate 30 composed of a circuit and a computer, an electrode unit 31 connected to the control substrate 30, a sensitivity adjustment unit 32, and a battery 33. The control substrate includes a frequency setting unit 34 that sets the frequency of the alternating current in a multi-step or stepless manner of three or more steps, and an alternating current generating unit 35 that outputs the set frequency.

[0071] The electrode unit 31 includes two or more electrodes, and an alternating current is applied between the electrodes. Figure 1 The degree of the user's physical sensation can be adjusted by a dial switch, etc., in addition to a push button type such as the level switch 12 shown. The battery 33 can be replaced by a solar panel or an external power source in addition to a rechargeable battery and a dry cell.

[0072] In the past, it was technically difficult to change the frequency due to the performance of the computer CPU that constitutes the control substrate. For example, in a CPU with a clock frequency of about 4MHz, the software AC current is limited to about 1kHz, and an oscillation circuit with a constant constant is provided for frequency switching.

[0073] Therefore, in recent years, even a CPU with a clock frequency of 32 MHz or the like can be used at low cost, so that a high-frequency alternating current such as 100 kHz or 1 MHz can be generated only by software.

[0074] There is also such a technical background. In the past, it was not thought that the frequency could be made variable in a small device such as a beauty instrument. However, with the progress of CPU, the present invention can also be easily realized.

[0075] Therefore, in the present invention, the AC frequency set by the CPU frequency setting unit 34 can be output as AC current from the AC current generating unit 35 realized by software. In order to perform digital output, as shown in FIG3(b), in this embodiment, the output is performed as a rectangular wave.

[0076] In addition, in the present invention, the method of generating the alternating current is not limited, and therefore, an oscillation circuit with a variable frequency may be provided. The waveform may also be a sine wave or a pseudo-sine wave.

[0077] A specific control method will be described.

[0078] The user sets the desired intensity of electrical stimulation by operating the sensitivity adjustment unit 32 as an adjustment unit. For example, it is set to the lowest level at the moment of power on. At this time, the frequency setting unit 34 sets the frequency to 200kHz, and the AC current generating unit 35 generates an AC current of 200kHz.

[0079] When the body sense is weak, if the sensitivity adjustment unit 32 is operated to make it stronger, the frequency setting unit sets the frequency to be lower in sequence. For example, in the case of the third order, the three frequencies are 100kHz, 150kHz, and 200kHz, and in the case of the eighth order, the frequencies are 100kHz, 110kHz, 120kHz, 130kHz, 140kHz, 160kHz, 180kHz, and 200kHz, etc., which can be set in stages.

[0080] In order to further enhance the physical sensation, the frequency band may also be changed from several Hz to several kHz.

[0081] In addition, in the beauty device 1 of the present embodiment, in order to provide only the heating effect of RF, it is also possible to further change the high frequency band.

[0082] In the present invention, in addition to the user's operation with the sensitivity adjustment unit 32, the frequency setting can also be automated. As factors affecting the user's body sensation, there is the resistance value of the skin surface, such as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control substrate 30 is provided with a resistance value measuring unit 36, and the resistance value of the skin is measured by passing electricity between the electrode units 31. Alternatively, other electrodes for measuring resistance may be provided.

[0083] The frequency setting unit 34 sets the frequency corresponding to the skin characteristics based on the resistance measurement value. For example, the frequency setting unit 34 sets the frequency as shown in Table 2 below.

[0084] [Table 2]

[0085] Resistance Value frequency Less than 10KQ 200KHz 10KΩ to 500KΩ 120KHz More than 500KQ 100 KHz

[0086] In the above table, when the resistance value is relatively low, the current flows easily, so the degree of body feeling becomes stronger, so the frequency is set higher. On the other hand, when the resistance value is relatively high, the current does not flow easily, the degree of body feeling becomes weaker, so the frequency is set lower.

[0087] Even for the same person, the skin resistance value varies depending on humidity and the wetness of the skin, so even if the level switch is adjusted to be the same, the degree of body sensation will change at that moment. Therefore, by automatically adjusting based on the result measured by the resistance value measuring unit 34, it is possible to use it with the same feeling every time.

[0088] In addition, although Figure 5 The sensitivity adjustment unit 32 is omitted in the structure, but the sensitivity adjustment unit 32 may be provided to switch between weak, medium, strong, etc. In this case, the sensitivity adjustment unit 32 may also set the frequency by combining the resistance value and the user's setting as shown in Table 3 below.

[0089] [Table 3]

[0090] Resistance Value Frequency (weak) Frequency (Medium) Frequency (strong) Less than 10KΩ 200KHz 160KHz 140KHz 10KΩ to 500KΩ 180KHz 140KHz 120KHz More than 500KΩ 120KHz 100KHz 80KHz

[0091] In this way, the frequency setting unit 34 sets the optimum frequency based on the measured value of the resistance value measuring unit 36, thereby achieving convenience for the user.

[0092] The numerical values ​​in the above table are just examples, and the frequency value, switching stage, etc. can be changed arbitrarily. In addition, the rule for setting the frequency is not based on the table, but may be the result calculated by a predetermined calculation formula.

[0093] The beauty device 1 of the present invention may further include a heater (not shown).

[0094] Examples of the heater include a ceramic Peltier heater that generates far infrared rays, and the heater can heat the deep part of the skin.

[0095] In the frequency band of 70kHz to 200kHz, which is the frequency band of the present invention, the frequency near 200kHz, where the user easily feels the warmth, is used to heat the skin surface near the epidermis. In addition, if a heater is used, the deep part, that is, the dermis, is heated, so that it can act on the skin with low stimulation and effectively.

[0096] In addition, in the low-frequency area, it is easy to feel electrical stimulation but difficult to feel warmth. By using a heater, the user's preferred temperature sensation can be adjusted, which is particularly effective in combination with the frequency adjustment technology involved in the present invention.

[0097] In the beauty device 1 of the present invention, it was found that the distance between electrodes is also important. An embodiment of two electrodes is shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 (a) shows the two annular electrode parts 20 and 21 described above, and the distance L1 between the electrodes is 3 mm.

[0098] The electrode material is brass plated with nickel chrome, and a conductive substrate with a resistance value of 10Ω or less is used.

[0099] In general low-frequency therapeutic apparatuses, a gel pad with a carbon film is used as an electrode, but the resistivity of the gel at 1kHz is less than 10 kΩcm, which is quite different from the present invention. Of course, such a low-frequency therapeutic apparatus will not produce a sense of warmth.

[0100] The present invention can provide a beauty device 1 that provides electrical stimulation and a sense of warmth by forming electrodes with a resistance of 10Ω or less by forming electrodes in a convex shape in the same direction from a base body on the same plane.

[0101] As the shape of the electrode, as shown in Fig. 6(b), it can also be composed of a ring-shaped electrode in the center and three crescent-shaped electrode parts around it, and electrical stimulation and temperature sensation are generated due to the potential difference between the electrodes. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the distance L2 between the electrodes is 3mm, and this shape can appropriately provide electrical stimulation and temperature sensation.

[0102] According to the inventor's experiments, when the frequency of the alternating current is in the range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz, the distance between the electrodes is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm, and in particular in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm. When the distance exceeds 30 mm, no warm feeling is observed.

[0103] In addition to providing the above-mentioned beauty instrument, the present invention can also provide a control method of the beauty instrument for applying an alternating current to the skin surface of a user.

[0104] That is, the voltage or current is kept substantially constant, and the frequency of the AC current is set to a multi-step or non-step manner of three or more steps, and the AC current of the set frequency is applied from the electrode part, thereby adjusting the degree of the user's sensation.

[0105] As a specific method, the beauty device 1 is shown as an example, and is implemented by the combination of the control substrate 30, the electrode unit 31, and the sensitivity adjustment unit 32, but it is not limited thereto. The device in which the control method is implemented is not limited to a portable beauty device, but may be a fixed device.

Claims

1. A beauty instrument that applies alternating current to the skin surface of a user, characterized in that: The beauty instrument has: an electrode unit including two or more electrodes and applying the alternating current between the electrodes; and an alternating current generating unit, the alternating current generating unit outputting the alternating current having a frequency range of 110 kHz to 200 kHz between the two or more electrodes to which the alternating current is applied, The distance between the two or more electrodes is 10 mm to 30 mm, and the alternating current is applied in such a way that the resistance value of the electrodes is 10Ω or less, thereby applying electrical stimulation and warming effect to the skin surface at the same time.

2. The beauty instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beauty instrument also has: a sensitivity adjustment unit that adjusts the degree of a user's body sensation; and a frequency setting unit that sets the frequency of the alternating current output from the alternating current generating unit in a multi-step manner of three steps or more or in a stepless manner, The frequency setting unit sets the frequency based on the adjustment made by the sensitivity adjusting unit, thereby adjusting the sensitivity.

3. The beauty instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sensitivity adjustment unit includes an adjustment unit that can be arbitrarily adjusted by a user.

4. The beauty instrument according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The beauty device includes a resistance value measuring unit, and the resistance value measuring unit measures the resistance value of the user's skin surface. The frequency setting unit adjusts the frequency of the AC current output from the AC current generating unit according to a predetermined rule based on the adjustment of the sensitivity adjusting unit and the resistance value.

5. The beauty instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The beauty instrument has: a frequency setting unit that sets the frequency of the alternating current in a multi-step manner of three steps or more or in a stepless manner; and a resistance value measuring unit for measuring the resistance value of the skin surface of the user, The frequency setting unit adjusts the frequency of the AC current output from the AC current generating unit according to a predetermined rule based on the resistance value.

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