Skin treatment device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a skin treatment device capable of easily irradiating a user's skin with ultrasound of uniform intensity. The device includes: a planar vibrator having a first surface and a second surface and capable of being positioned with the first surface facing the user's skin; and an ultrasound generating device configured to face the second surface relative to the vibrator. The vibrator can be positioned spatially with the first surface facing the user's skin, and a space is formed between the second surface and the ultrasound generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a skin treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] Devices that use ultrasound for the purpose of skin beauty are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7412667 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve However, it is difficult to transmit vibrations over a large area of ​​the user's skin.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a skin treatment device that can transmit vibrations to the user's skin over a wide range.

[0005] Methods for solving problems On the one hand, the following solutions are provided: A skin treatment device is equipped with: a planar vibrator having a first surface and a second surface and capable of being positioned with the first surface facing a user's skin, and an ultrasonic generating device configured to face the second surface relative to the vibrator.

[0006] Invention Effects According to this disclosure, vibrations can be transmitted to the user's skin over a wide range. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device in this embodiment.

[0008] Figure 1A This is a side view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device in this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a rear view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device in this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 AA-line cross-section diagram.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control system of the skin treatment device in this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the positional relationships of the various components when using a skin treatment device.

[0013] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of adding an acoustic lens to a vibrating body.

[0014] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of a reduction component designed to reduce the flexibility or stretchability of a substrate.

[0015] Figure 7 This diagram shows the structure of a control system for a skin treatment device equipped with LED elements that function as light-generating devices.

[0016] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating the installation status of LED components. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, only a skin treatment device having a main body that can be worn on a user's head will be described as an example of a skin treatment device, but the form of the skin treatment device is arbitrary. For example, the skin treatment device disclosed herein can also be applied to a device held by a user, a helmet-shaped device, or a device used in an installed state, etc. Furthermore, the skin area to be treated is arbitrary and not limited to the face. Furthermore, the number of ultrasonic wave generating devices used is arbitrary and can be a single device.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device in this embodiment. Figure 1A This is a side view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a rear view showing the appearance of the skin treatment device in this embodiment. Figure 2A yes Figure 2 AA-line cross-section diagram.

[0019] like Figures 1-2A As shown, the skin treatment device of this embodiment is equipped with a main body 10 in the form of a mask that can be worn on the user's face, a plurality of ultrasonic generating devices 20 disposed on the back side of the main body 10, and a planar vibrator 30 disposed on the back side of the ultrasonic generating devices 20.

[0020] The frequency of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generating device 20 is arbitrary, for example, it can be set to the range of 20~50kHz.

[0021] The ultrasonic generating device 20 is mounted on a substrate 21 disposed on the back side of the main body 10. Because the substrate 21 is flexible or stretchable, it can be mounted relative to the main body 10 in a shape that conforms to the back side of the main body 10. Alternatively, a rigid substrate having a shape that conforms to the back side of the main body 10 can also be used. Furthermore, the ultrasonic generating device 20 can be mounted on the back side (inner side) of the main body 10 without using the substrate 21.

[0022] The vibrator 30 can be a plate-shaped (including film-shaped or sheet-shaped) component with the hardness and weight required for ultrasonic resonance. The composition of the component is arbitrary; for example, resin (polymer material) or metal can be used. As the resin, polycarbonate, transparent copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic / methacrylic resin, and other resins can be used. Multiple resin layers can also be stacked to construct the vibrator 30. Furthermore, a vapor-deposited film can be formed on the surface of the resin, or fillers can be added to the resin. As the metal, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc., can be used. The thickness of the vibrator 30 can be approximately 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably approximately 1 to 2 mm.

[0023] The main body 10 includes: a light-transmitting portion 11 for ensuring the user's field of vision; a support portion 12 for supporting a strap for wearing the main body 10 on the user's face; and spacers 14 and 15 for regulating the positional relationship between the user's face and the main body 10. By framing the main body 10 as a mask, it is possible for ultrasound waves to come into contact with a larger area of ​​the user's face.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control system of the skin treatment device in this embodiment.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, the skin treatment device of this embodiment is equipped with a control device 50 having a control unit 51, which is connected to the ultrasonic generator 20 via a cable 40. The control device 50 is further equipped with: operation units 53a, 53b, ... connected to the control unit 51 and operated by the user; and a power supply unit 52 that supplies power to the control device 50 and the ultrasonic generator 20. Even when the main body 10 is worn, the user can operate the control device 50 while visually confirming what is at hand through the light-transmitting part 11 of the main body 10.

[0026] The structure of the power supply unit 52 is arbitrary. For example, the power supply unit 52 may also be configured to include a battery that can be charged by commercial power.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the positional relationships of the various components when using a skin treatment device.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, on the back (inner surface) of the main body 10, Figure 4 A substrate 21 is mounted on the upper surface (center). Figure 4 An ultrasonic generating device 20 is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 21. Figure 4 In this configuration, a vibrator 30 is disposed with a space between it and the upper surface of the substrate 21. Thus, the substrate 21 and the ultrasonic generating device 20 are positioned facing... Figure 4 The vibrator 30 is arranged such that its lower surface 30b (second surface) is the vibrator 30. Furthermore, a space is formed between the lower surface 30b of the vibrator 30 and the ultrasonic generating device 20.

[0029] When using the skin treatment device, the upper surface 30a (first surface) of the vibrator 30 faces the user's skin 6. Ensuring space between the user's skin 6 and the upper surface 30a of the vibrator 30 makes it easier for the vibrator 30 to vibrate, thus improving the diffusion effect of the ultrasound waves. However, even if the upper surface 30a of the vibrator 30 is in contact with the user's skin 6, it is sufficient for the vibrator 30 to vibrate.

[0030] In this embodiment, at least in the region of the vibrating body 30 opposite to the ultrasonic generating device 20, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, a space is maintained between the vibrator 30 and the substrate 21 (ultrasound generating device 20), allowing the vibrator 30 to vibrate in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the output sound wave from the ultrasound generating device 20 contacts the lower surface 30b of the vibrator 30, the vibrator 30 vibrates in the vertical direction due to sound pressure, emitting ultrasound waves from a wider area of ​​the upper surface 30a of the vibrator 30. In this embodiment, not only the direct sound wave output from the ultrasound generating device 20, but also the ultrasound waves from the vibrator 30 based on its vibration are transmitted to the user's skin 6. Therefore, compared to the case without the vibrator 30, the ultrasound waves reach the user's skin 6 in a more diffused state, thus allowing contact with a larger area of ​​the user's skin 6 facing the vibrator 30. Furthermore, the polarities of the ultrasound waves in the plurality of ultrasound generating devices 20 can all be in phase, or different phases (e.g., out of phase) can be set in some of the ultrasound generating devices 20.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the vibrator 30 is disposed between the outside (the user's skin 6) and the substrate 21, it is possible to effectively prevent moisture and foreign matter from entering the mounting portion containing the substrate 21 and the ultrasonic generating device 20. Moreover, since moisture and foreign matter adhering to the upper surface 30a of the vibrator 30 can be easily removed, maintainability is improved. Therefore, for example, when using the skin treatment device, it is possible to use it with lotion or similar products. In particular, by forming a sealed space between the vibrator 30 and the main body 10, in which the mounting portion containing the substrate 21 and the ultrasonic generating device 20 is disposed, it is possible to completely prevent moisture and foreign matter from entering the mounting portion. For example, by bonding or joining the entire outer peripheral end of the vibrator 30 to the main body 10, a sealed space can be formed.

[0032] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of adding an acoustic lens to a vibrating body.

[0033] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, a vibrator 30A with a protrusion 31 that functions as an acoustic lens is used. Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 31 is positioned opposite the ultrasonic generator 20 and has the function of diffusing the output sound waves from the ultrasonic generator 20. Additionally, in Figure 5 In this case, the protrusion 31 is configured to be a convex shape that protrudes upwards, but it can also be configured to be a convex shape that protrudes downwards.

[0034] Figure 6 This diagram shows an example of a vibration damping component provided on the lower surface (inner side) of the substrate 21.

[0035] exist Figure 6 In the example, an ultrasonic generating device 20 is disposed on the upper surface (outer side) of the substrate 21, and a vibration damping member 22 is disposed on the lower surface (inner side) of the substrate 21 in the region where the ultrasonic generating device 20 is disposed. By substantially locally increasing the thickness of the substrate 21 using the vibration damping member 22, the rigidity of the substrate 21 in the region where the ultrasonic generating device 20 is mounted can be increased (as a result, flexibility or extensibility can be reduced). Therefore, the vibration of the substrate 21 during the operation of the ultrasonic generating device 20 can be suppressed (reduced), and thus the sound waves can be suppressed from the ultrasonic generating device 20 to the main body 10 side (in... Figure 6 (The direction is downward) radiation. As a result, the region of the vibrating body 30 opposite to the ultrasonic generating device 20 can be effectively vibrated. The material of the damping component 22 is arbitrary; for example, resin board, metal board, etc. can be used as the damping component 22.

[0036] Alternatively, sound-absorbing materials such as sponge can be placed in the same location to replace the vibration damping component 22, or sound-absorbing materials such as sponge can be placed in the same location in addition to the vibration damping component 22 to absorb sound from a frequency band different from the frequency of the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic wave generating device 20.

[0037] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the structure of a control system for a skin treatment device equipped with LED elements that function as light-generating devices. Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating the installation status of LED components.

[0038] LED element 70 is configured to irradiate a specified wavelength of light onto the user's skin 6 for skin care purposes. For example... Figure 7 As shown, similar to the ultrasonic generator 20, the LED element 70 is controlled by the control device 50, and the control device 50 is connected to the LED element 70 via a cable 40. Various elements corresponding to multiple wavelengths can also be used as the LED element 70. Figures 7-7A The skin treatment device shown can simultaneously or selectively provide ultrasound and light from LED element 70 to the user's skin 6. Furthermore, the light generating device is not limited to LED element 70; lasers, halogens, and organic EL (electroluminescent) devices can also be used. Light sources such as electro-Luminescence can be used. Furthermore, the wavelength of the irradiated light can be arbitrary, and intense pulsed light can also be applied.

[0039] exist Figure 7A In the example shown, the LED element 70 is mounted on a substrate 21A on which the ultrasonic generating device 20 is mounted, and is configured with its emitting side facing relative to the lower surface 30b of the vibrator 30.

[0040] When an LED element 70 is provided, the vibrator 30 is required to be transmissive to the emitted light from the LED element 70. As the vibrator 30, a thin film made of resin that is transmissive to the wavelength of the emitted light can be used. For example, polycarbonate, transparent copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic / methacrylic resin, and other resins can be used as raw materials.

[0041] As explained above, the skin treatment device of this embodiment can vibrate the vibrator 30 using ultrasound emitted from the ultrasound generator 20, allowing the ultrasound emitted from the vibrator 30 to come into contact with the user's skin 6. Therefore, the ultrasound can be effectively diffused through the vibrator 30, enabling the delivery of ultrasound to the user's skin 6 over a wider area. Furthermore, the presence of the vibrator 30 prevents the ultrasound generator 20 and the substrate 21 from being directly exposed to the outside. Therefore, the ease of use and maintainability of the skin treatment device are improved.

[0042] The embodiments have been described in detail above, but are not limited to specific embodiments. Various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, all or more of the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined.

[0043] Symbol Explanation 10 Main body 20 Ultrasonic generating devices 21 substrate 30 vibrating bodies 50 control devices 70 LED components.

Claims

1. A skin treatment device comprising: a planar vibrator having a first surface and a second surface and capable of being positioned with the first surface facing a user's skin, and an ultrasonic generating device configured to face the second surface relative to the vibrator.

2. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, The vibrator can be positioned in space with the first surface facing the user's skin, and a space is formed between the second surface and the ultrasonic generating device.

3. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, The vibrating body includes a portion having a convex shape that diffuses the output sound waves from the ultrasonic generating device.

4. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic generating device is mounted on a substrate configured to face relative to the second surface.

5. The skin treatment device according to claim 4, wherein, A vibration damping component is provided on the inner side of the region on the substrate where the ultrasonic generating device is disposed.

6. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, It is further equipped with a light generating device configured such that the emission side faces relative to the second surface of the vibrator, the vibrator having the characteristic of allowing light emitted from the light generating device to pass through.

7. The skin treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, It is further equipped with a main body in the form of a mask that can be worn on the user's face, and the vibrator is supported by the main body.

8. The skin treatment device according to claim 1, wherein, It is equipped with a main body for mounting the vibrator, and the vibrator and the main body form a sealed space in which the ultrasonic generating device is disposed.

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