Beauty device

Abstract

To provide a beauty device which when applying hyperthermic stimulation by a radio wave, promotes self-cure of a collagen tissue having a heat damage applied thereto by the hyperthermic stimulation.SOLUTION: A beauty device E comprises: a barrel body 10; electrodes 20 which is arranged at positions to be brought into contact with the skin, in the barrel body 10; and an electric circuit board 50 which is connected to the electrodes 20 and generates a predetermined electric conduction signal based on a DC current source. The electric circuit board 50 has a third electric conduction signal generation circuit 53 which, as the electric conduction signal to be output to the electrodes 20, generates a signal obtained by adding an ultra-low frequency minute current obtained by amplitude-modulating a minute current by a frequency in an ultra-low frequency region, to a radio wave by frequency waveform characteristics which varies a frequency in a predetermined high-frequency region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic device. [Background technology]

[0002] A beauty device described in Patent Document 1 is known as background technology for applying a thermal stimulus to the skin using a handheld beauty device. Paragraph

[0073] of Patent Document 1 states, "When a user operates power switch 15a of operation unit 15 to turn the power on, and then operates mode selector switch 15b to select the thermal mode, control unit 19 enables the start of a current-carrying state in which radio frequency (RF), for example, a sinusoidal alternating current with a frequency of 1 MHz, flows between paired electrodes 13, 14." Paragraph

[0074] of Patent Document 1 states, "When electrode units 13, 14 are brought into contact with the skin, a current is passed through the skin between electrode units 13, 14, and heat is generated by the action of the high-frequency current flowing through the skin, warming the skin and increasing its temperature, thereby applying a thermal stimulus to the skin." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-69427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the heat mode, when the electrodes are placed in contact with the skin and a high-frequency current called radio frequency is applied, heat is generated by the dielectric heating effect of the high-frequency current, and the thermal stimulation applied to the skin improves skin metabolism. However, the heat mode not only applies a thermal stimulation, but also causes mild thermal damage to collagen tissue by raising the skin temperature. The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Of these, the dermis is the main part of the skin tissue and is mostly composed of collagen.

[0005] In contrast, the beauty device described in Patent Document 1 applies a thermal stimulus to the skin using a high-frequency current known as radiofrequency waves when the thermal mode is selected. Because the technology for applying a thermal stimulus to the skin described in Patent Document 1 uses only a high-frequency current known as radiofrequency waves, healing of the mild thermal damage inflicted on collagen tissue in the thermal mode relies on the user's own self-healing ability. This prevents increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy molecule that promotes self-healing of skin tissue. This not only slows down self-healing, but also reduces the ability of collagen tissue affected by mild thermal damage to produce new skin cells. Therefore, the beauty device described in Patent Document 1 has the drawback of being unable to promote self-healing of collagen tissue affected by mild thermal damage through thermal stimulation. As a result, cosmetic benefits due to wound healing, such as wrinkle reduction due to the restoration of collagen tissue to a fuller state than before damage or improved skin elasticity due to the restoration of collagen tissue to a stronger state than before damage, cannot be expected.

[0006] The present invention has been made with a focus on the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a beauty device that promotes self-healing of collagen tissue that has been slightly thermally damaged by thermal stimulation when thermal stimulation is applied using radio waves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cosmetic device of the present invention comprises a body, an electrode placed on the body at a position where it will come into contact with the skin, and an electric circuit board connected to the electrode and generating a predetermined energization signal from a DC power source. The electric circuit board has an energization signal generation circuit that generates, as the energization signal to be output to the electrode, a signal obtained by adding an extremely low frequency microcurrent obtained by amplitude-modulating a microcurrent with a frequency in an extremely low frequency range to a radio frequency wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The beauty device of the present invention uses ultra-low frequency microcurrent to enhance the production of ATP, which promotes the self-healing of skin tissue, and when applying thermal stimulation with radio waves, can promote the self-healing of collagen tissue that has been slightly thermally damaged by the thermal stimulation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cosmetic device of Example 1. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing the cosmetic device of Example 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged front view showing an electrode portion of the cosmetic device of Example 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the beauty device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a time chart showing an example of an RF frequency waveform characteristic and an EMS characteristic generated by a third energization signal generating circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A mode for carrying out the cosmetic device of the present invention will be described below based on Example 1 shown in the drawings.

[0011] The beauty device of Example 1 is a handheld device that is held by the user and was developed to improve skin condition. This beauty device has three operating modes that can be selected by the user: "Clean mode," "Lift mode," and "Heat mode." The beauty device of the present invention, which applies a thermal stimulus to the skin, exerts its function when the "Heat mode" is selected and used. [Example]

[0012] [Overall structure of the beauty device (Fig. 1 to 3)] 1 and 2, the cosmetic device E includes a body 10, an electrode 20, a conductive grip 30, a battery power supply 40 (DC power supply), an electric circuit board 50, a power and mode selection switch 60, and a level switch 70. The X-axis direction refers to the long dimension when the cosmetic device E is viewed from the front, the Y-axis direction refers to the short dimension when the cosmetic device E is viewed from the front, and the Z-axis direction refers to the thickness direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis.

[0013] The body body 10 is composed of a front panel 11, which is located on the front side of the cosmetic device E and has a long, plate-like shape that is long in the X-axis direction and short in the Y-axis direction, and a body panel 12, which is located on the back side of the cosmetic device E and has a long, container-like shape that matches the front panel 11. The front panel 11 has an electrode-mounting inclined surface 11a that occupies just under half of the panel's length in the X-axis direction from the top end, and a button-mounting plane 11b that occupies just over half of the panel's length in the X-axis direction from the bottom end. The electrode-mounting inclined surface 11a is inclined toward the depth direction relative to the button-mounting plane 11b at an angle of approximately 20° to ensure ease of use when applying the electrodes 20 to the face. The body panel 12 has a three-dimensional curved shape with all corners curved to ensure ease of grip. The front panel 11 and the body panel 12 are resin molded products made from the same resin material, such as EBS resin (a thermoplastic resin made from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene) or PC resin (polycarbonate resin).

[0014] The electrode 20 is positioned on the electrode setting inclined surface 11a of the front panel 11 of the body main body 10, where it comes into contact with the skin. The electrode 20 has an electrode head 20a that protrudes from the circular end surface 21b of the electrode base 21 and an electrode shaft 20b that is inserted into the electrode through-hole 21a of the electrode base 21 and connected to the electrical circuit board 50. The electrode 20 has an electrode end surface 20c of the electrode head 20a, which is a combination of a circular flat surface and a smooth arcuate end surface, as the surface that comes into contact with the skin. The electrodes 20 are arranged in a circular region defined on the electrode setting inclined surface 11a, with a total of four electrodes 20 (two pairs), for example, two electrodes (one pair) in the X-axis direction and two electrodes (one pair) in the Y-axis direction, and are arranged in a circular arrangement with equal circumferential intervals. As shown in FIG. 3, the four electrodes 20 are identified by designating them as a first electrode 20A, a second electrode 20B, a third electrode 20C, and a fourth electrode 20D. The electrode 20 is made of a conductive metal material such as 316 medical stainless steel.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode base 21 is a shallow, cup-shaped resin molded product that is fixed to cover a circular region where four electrodes 20 and blue / red LED lamp units 22 are set at the end positions of the electrode-setting inclined surface 11a. The electrode base 21 has a circular end surface 21b with four electrode through-holes 21a into which the electrodes 20 are fitted, and a short, cylindrical side surface 21c extending from the outer periphery of the circular end surface 21b toward the electrode-setting inclined surface 11a. As shown in FIG. 3, the circular central region of the electrode base 21, including the blue / red LED lamp units 22, is made of a transparent resin portion that transmits LED light, while the annular end surface and side surface regions other than the transparent resin portion are made of an opaque (or translucent) resin portion that blocks the transmission of LED light. The electrode base 21 is a resin molded product, and the resin material used is, for example, PETG (polyethylene terephthalate) resin or PC resin. The electrode base 21 has a cotton ring 23 disposed on its outer periphery, the cotton ring 23 having an inner diameter longer than the outer diameter of the electrode base 21 .

[0016] The blue / red LED lighting unit 22 is configured, for example, with a common light-emitting surface and blue and red chips provided on the back side of the common light-emitting surface. As shown in Fig. 3, the common light-emitting surfaces of the blue / red LED lighting unit 22 are arranged in an X-shaped arrangement in the cross-shaped gaps formed between the opposing inner surfaces of the four electrodes 20 on the electrode setting inclined surface 11a covered by the electrode base 21 (for example, 7 x 2 - 1 = 13). The blue / red LED lighting unit 22 is turned off when the clean mode is selected, the blue LED light is turned on when the lift mode is selected, and the red LED light is turned on when the heat mode is selected.

[0017] The cotton ring 23 has a circular ring shape that surrounds the electrode base 21 and is detachably attached to the electrode setting inclined surface 11a on the outer periphery of the electrode base 21. In the clean mode, this cotton ring 23 is used to attach and secure cotton soaked in purified water, ion-extracting lotion, or the like. The cotton ring 23 is made of iron material that has been plated with chrome or the like, and is detachably attached by the magnetic force of a magnet set on the back side of the electrode setting inclined surface 11a.

[0018] The conductor grip 30 is located at the portion of the trunk body 10 that is gripped by the user and is incorporated at a position that connects the front panel 11 and the body panel 12. The overall shape of the conductor grip 30 is a rectangle that matches the outer peripheral shape of the front panel 11. The cross-sectional shape of the conductor grip 30 is an inverted L-shape that has a width that matches the outline of the front panel 11 and a depth that increases toward the body panel 12. The conductor grip 30 is configured by coating a resin molded product with a conductive metal, and is manufactured, for example, by chrome-plating a resin molded product made of EBS resin.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, battery power supply 40 is a circuit power supply that supplies a DC voltage (e.g., 5 V) to electric circuit board 50. As shown in Fig. 2, battery power supply 40 is built into body main body 10, and uses a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. Note that cosmetic device E is provided with a female connector terminal (not shown) on its bottom surface to which a male connector terminal from an external charger is connected.

[0020] The electric circuit board 50 is connected to the electrodes 20 and the conductive grip 30, and generates a predetermined energization signal based on the battery power supply 40. As shown in Fig. 2, the electric circuit board 50 is built into the trunk main body 10 together with the battery power supply 40. The detailed configuration of the electric circuit board 50 will be described later.

[0021] The power & mode selection switch 60 is a switch that functions both as a power switch and a mode selection switch, and has a power & mode selection button 61 formed on the front panel 11. This power & mode selection switch 60 functions as a power on / off switch when the power & mode selection button 61 is pressed and held down, and functions as a mode selection switch when the button is pressed normally while the power is on. When a mode is selected by pressing the power & mode selection switch 60, one of the characters "CLEAN," "LIFT," or "HEAT" lights up in white below the power & mode selection button 61 to indicate the selected mode. The front panel 11 also has a white LED light unit 62 behind the position where "CLEAN," "LIFT," or "HEAT" is displayed, and the selected mode is indicated by switching the lighting position.

[0022] The level switch 70 is a switch for selecting an intensity level, and has a level button 71 formed on the front panel 11. When the lift mode or heat mode is selected, the level switch 70 functions to select an intensity level from multiple levels (for example, five levels) by pressing the level button 71. When an intensity level is selected by operating the switch, the level switch 70 displays a vertical row of circles, the number of which represents the selected intensity level, lit in white above the level button 71. The front panel 11 has a white LED light unit 72 behind the position where the circles are displayed, and the intensity level is displayed by switching the number of circles lit.

[0023] [Beauty device electrical system configuration (Fig. 4, Fig. 5)] 4, the electrical system of the cosmetic device E includes a circuit output system consisting of a first electrode 20A, a second electrode 20B, a third electrode 20C, and a fourth electrode 20D, an electric circuit board 50 to which a battery power supply 40 is connected, and a circuit input system consisting of a power supply & mode selection switch 60 and a level switch 70. In addition to the four electrodes 20, the circuit output system also includes a blue / red LED lamp unit 22, a white LED lamp unit 62, and a white LED lamp unit 72, whose on / off state is controlled by an LED operation control circuit (not shown).

[0024] The electric circuit board 50 has a first energization signal generating circuit 51 that operates when the clean mode is selected, a second energization signal generating circuit 52 that operates when the lift mode is selected, and a third energization signal generating circuit 53 that operates when the heat mode is selected. The third energization signal generating circuit 53 corresponds to the energization signal generating circuit described in the claims.

[0025] When the clean mode is selected, the first energization signal generating circuit 51 has a basic circuit that sets the electrode voltage higher than the conductor grip voltage as the energization signal output to the electrode 20 and the conductor grip 30 in order to adsorb and remove dirt from the skin by ion derivation.

[0026] The second energization signal generating circuit 52 has a basic circuit that generates two output waves in the mid-frequency range with a frequency difference as energization signals to be output to each of the two pairs of electrodes 20 in order to electrically stimulate the muscles using interference waves and increase the muscle mass present in the deep layers of the skin when the lift mode is selected.

[0027] The third energization signal generating circuit 53 has a basic circuit that generates a radio frequency wave with frequency waveform characteristics in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range as an energization signal to be output to the electrode 20 when the heat mode is selected, in order to apply a thermal stimulus to the skin and improve skin metabolism.

[0028] The third energization signal generation circuit 53 generates a signal by adding an extremely low frequency microcurrent, which is a microcurrent amplitude-modulated by a frequency in an extremely low frequency range, to a radio frequency wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range, as an energization signal to be output to the electrode 20. The third energization signal generation circuit 53 has an RF generation unit 531 (radio frequency generation unit), an EMS generation unit 532 (ultra low frequency microcurrent generation unit), an energization signal generation unit 533, an RF voltage setting unit 534 (radio frequency voltage setting unit), and an EMS voltage setting unit 535 (ultra low frequency microcurrent voltage setting unit).

[0029] Here, RF (Radio Frequency) in heat mode is defined as radio waves with frequency waveform characteristics that fluctuate in the high frequency range, and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) in heat mode is defined as ultra-low frequency microcurrent (ULFLIC), which is a microcurrent amplitude-modulated by a frequency in the ultra-low frequency range.

[0030] The RF generating unit 531 generates a radio wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range. As the frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range, the RF generating unit 531 generates a radio wave by repeating a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates between a maximum frequency and a minimum frequency in cycle units without maintaining the maximum frequency.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the RF generating unit 531 of this embodiment generates a radio wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates from a minimum frequency of 100 KHz, a maximum frequency of 3 MHz, and a reference frequency of 1 MHz. The RF frequency waveform characteristic has a frequency maintaining interval S1, a frequency increasing interval S2, a frequency decreasing interval S3, and a frequency returning interval S4. The frequency maintaining interval S1 is an interval in which the reference frequency of 1 MHz is maintained. The frequency increasing interval S2 is an interval in which the frequency is increased from the reference frequency to a maximum frequency of 3 MHz. The frequency decreasing interval S3 is an interval in which the frequency is decreased from a maximum frequency of 3 MHz to a minimum frequency of 100 KHz. The frequency returning interval S4 is an interval in which the frequency is returned from a minimum frequency of 100 KHz to the reference frequency of 1 MHz.

[0032] The EMS generating unit 532 generates an extremely low frequency microcurrent by amplitude-modulating the microcurrent with a frequency in the extremely low frequency range. Here, the EMS generating unit 532 sets the frequency of the extremely low frequency range to a frequency in the range of 0.1 Hz to 30 Hz, and sets the microcurrent to a current in the range of 1 μA to 500 μA. In this embodiment, the EMS generating unit 532 sets the frequency of the extremely low frequency range to 2.5 Hz, and sets the microcurrent to 100 μA.

[0033] The energization signal generator 533 uses radio waves as a carrier wave and generates an energization signal to the electrodes 20, which transmits an extremely low frequency current using a frequency in the high frequency range of the radio waves. The energization signal generator 533 of this embodiment realizes the output of radio waves (RF) to the two pairs of electrodes 20 by capacitive coupling, which blocks low frequency current. Note that capacitive coupling refers to capacitive coupling in which, when amplifying a signal in an electronic circuit, capacitors are connected in series in the front and rear stages, thereby isolating the DC component.

[0034] In this embodiment, the energization signal generator 533 transmits radio frequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (EMS) signals to the four electrodes 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D through resistive coupling, which alternates between the electrodes. The electrodes are alternated multiple times per second, such as 20A+20B+20C-20D- / 20A-20B+20C+20D- / 20A-20B-20C+20D+ / 20A+20B-20C-20D+. Taking the example of 20A+20B+20C-20D-, RF signals are transmitted from 20D- to 20A+ and from 20C- to 20B+. EMS signals are transmitted from 20C- to 20A+ and from 20D- to 20B+.

[0035] The RF voltage setting unit 534 sets the voltage of the radio frequency (RF) generated by the RF generation unit 531 to a higher voltage as the intensity level selected by the level switch 70 becomes higher. In this embodiment, the RF voltage setting unit 534 sets the RF voltage at level 1 to 88 to 104 Vpp, the RF voltage at level 2 to 102 to 125 Vpp, the RF voltage at level 3 to 116 to 138 Vpp, the RF voltage at level 4 to 130 to 151 Vpp, and the RF voltage at level 5 to 143 to 188 Vpp.

[0036] The EMS voltage setting unit 535 sets the voltage of the extremely low frequency microcurrent (EMS) generated by the EMS generation unit 532 to a higher voltage as the intensity level selected by the level switch 70 becomes higher. In this embodiment, the EMS voltage setting unit 535 sets the EMS voltage at level 1 to 25 Vpp, the EMS voltage at level 2 to 26 Vpp, the EMS voltage at level 3 to 27 Vpp, the EMS voltage at level 4 to 28 Vpp, and the EMS voltage at level 5 to 29 Vpp.

[0037] [How to use the beauty device] When a user selects clean mode to remove skin impurities, the user covers the electrode 20 and electrode base 21 of the cosmetic device E with cotton soaked in purified water, ion-extracting lotion, or the like. The user then uses the cotton ring 23 to magnetically secure the outer periphery of the cotton to the electrode setting inclined surface 11a of the front panel 11. The user then presses and holds the power and mode selection button 61. The power is turned on by the long-press operation, and clean mode is selected as the initial mode. The user can confirm that clean mode has been selected by the word “CLEAN” being displayed below the power and mode selection button 61, indicating that clean mode has been selected. While holding the cosmetic device E, the user presses the cotton covering the electrode end surface 20c of the electrode 20 against the area of the face or other area from which they wish to remove impurities, and the impurities are removed from the skin at the pressed area.

[0038] When a user wants to apply electrical stimulation to facial muscles by selecting lift mode, if the user presses the power and mode selection button 61 of the beauty device E in the normal manner while clean mode is selected, the mode selection switches from clean mode to lift mode. When the user performs the normal button press, the text displayed below the power and mode selection button 61 changes from "CLEAN" to "LIFT," allowing the user to confirm that the selection has been switched to lift mode. Then, while holding the beauty device E, the user presses the electrode end surface 20c of the electrode 20 against the area of the face they want to lift, and electrical stimulation is applied to the muscles in the pressed area.

[0039] When a user wants to apply a thermal stimulus to the skin by selecting heat mode, if the user presses the power and mode selection button 61 of the beauty device E in the normal manner while the lift mode is selected, the mode selection will switch from lift mode to heat mode. When the user performs the normal button press, the text displayed below the power and mode selection button 61 will simultaneously change from "LIFT" to "HEAT," confirming that the selection has been switched to heat mode. Then, while still holding the beauty device E, the user presses the electrode end surface 20c of the electrode 20 against the area of the face where they want to improve wrinkles or skin elasticity, and a thermal stimulus will be applied to the skin in the pressed area.

[0040] When the user wants to increase the electrical stimulation applied to the muscles when the lift mode is selected, or when the user wants to increase the thermal stimulation applied to the skin when the heat mode is selected, the user uses the level button 71 of the level switch 70. When the user presses the level button 71 located above the power & mode selection button 61 once, level 2, one level higher than level 1 (the initial intensity level), is selected with a single button press. Then, when the user presses the button twice, level 3, one level higher than level 2, is selected, and so on. The intensity level increases up to a maximum of five levels depending on the number of presses. The number of circles corresponding to the currently selected intensity level is displayed by the white LED light unit 72 at the top of the level button 71, and the user can confirm the selected intensity level by the number of circles lit. Note that, to return to level 1, pressing the level button 71 when level 5 has been reached returns to level 1 (the initial intensity level).

[0041] [Heat mode promotes self-healing of collagen tissue] Conventionally, circuits that generate an electrical signal for applying a thermal stimulus to the skin simply contact an electrode with the skin and pass a high-frequency current called radio frequency (RF). When applying a thermal stimulus to the skin using a beauty tool equipped with a conventional circuit, the high-frequency current called RF is passed through, generating heat due to the dielectric heating effect of the high-frequency current, thereby applying a thermal stimulus to the skin and improving skin metabolism. As such, because the conventional technology simply applies a high-frequency current called RF, the heat generated not only applies a thermal stimulus, but also causes mild thermal damage to the collagen tissue that constitutes the dermis due to the increase in skin temperature. The mild thermal damage is slowly repaired according to the user's own self-healing ability, and the user waits for the collagen tissue to return to its original state.

[0042] In contrast, when the heat mode is selected, the third energization signal generating circuit 53 is configured to generate an energization signal to be output to the electrode 20 by adding an extremely low frequency microcurrent (EMS) that is a microcurrent amplitude modulated by a frequency in the ultra-low frequency range to a radio wave (RF) with a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range.

[0043] Therefore, when the beauty device E selects the heat mode, radio frequency (RF) waves generated by the third energization signal generating circuit 53 are applied to the area of the user's skin against which the electrode 20 is pressed. As a result, heat is generated in the area of the user's skin due to the dielectric heating effect of the high frequency current from the electrode 20, and a thermal stimulus is applied to the area of the user's skin against which the electrode 20 is pressed, improving skin metabolism.

[0044] Additionally, when the heat mode is selected, the beauty device E applies an extremely low frequency electric current (EMS) generated by the third energization signal generating circuit 53 to the area of the user's skin against which the electrode 20 is pressed. This increases the production of ATP, an energy molecule that promotes self-healing of skin tissue, in response to mild heat damage caused by the radio waves applied from the electrode 20. It is known that this ATP can be efficiently produced by passing a weak electric current with a frequency close to that of the heartbeat (ultra-low frequency range).

[0045] In this way, when the heat mode is selected, Beauty Device E increases the production of ATP, which promotes the self-healing of skin tissue through ultra-low frequency microcurrent (EMS). Furthermore, when Beauty Device E is in heat mode, the increased production of ATP means that when it applies thermal stimulation with radio waves, it simultaneously applies ultra-low frequency microcurrent (EMS), which promotes the self-healing of collagen tissue that has suffered mild thermal damage through the thermal stimulation.

[0046] [Effects of Beauty Device E] (1) The cosmetic device E comprises a body 10, an electrode 20 that is placed on the body 10 at a position that contacts the skin, and an electric circuit board 50 that is connected to the electrode 20 and generates a predetermined energization signal based on a DC power source. The electric circuit board 50 has an energization signal generation circuit (third energization signal generation circuit 53) that generates, as the energization signal to be output to the electrode 20, a signal that is obtained by adding an ultra-low frequency microcurrent that is obtained by amplitude-modulating a microcurrent with a frequency in an ultra-low frequency range to a radio wave with a frequency waveform characteristic that fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range. This invention can promote the self-healing of collagen tissue that has been slightly thermally damaged by applying a thermal stimulus using radio waves. As a result, the beauty device E can be expected to have cosmetic effects through wound healing, such as restoring collagen tissue to a fuller or stronger state than before the damage, and can meet user demands for wrinkle reduction and improved skin elasticity.

[0047] (2) The energization signal generating circuit (third energization signal generating circuit 53) has a radio frequency wave generating unit (RF generating unit 531) that generates radio waves with frequency waveform characteristics in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range, an extremely low frequency microcurrent generating unit (EMS generating unit 532) that generates an extremely low frequency microcurrent by amplitude-modulating a microcurrent with a frequency in the extremely low frequency range, and an energization signal generating unit 533 that uses radio waves as a carrier wave and generates an energization signal to the electrode 20 to which the extremely low frequency microcurrent is transmitted with the high frequency range frequency of the radio waves. When applying thermal stimulation using radio waves, the present invention can generate an electrical signal to the electrodes 20 that effectively enhances the production of ATP, which plays a role in promoting the self-healing of skin tissue, by using extremely low frequency microcurrent (EMS).

[0048] (3) The radio wave generating unit (RF generating unit 531) generates radio waves by repeating a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range, that is, a frequency waveform characteristic that fluctuates between the highest frequency and the lowest frequency in cycle units without maintaining the highest frequency. The present invention provides an effective thermal stimulus to the skin by providing a wide frequency fluctuation range, while not maintaining the highest frequency, thereby reducing the power consumption of the battery power supply 40.

[0049] (4) The ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit (EMS generating unit 532) sets the frequency of the ultra-low frequency range to a frequency within the range of 0.1 Hz to 30 Hz. This invention effectively enhances the production of ATP, which promotes the self-healing of skin tissue, when applying electrical stimulation to the skin by adding extremely low frequency electric current (EMS) to radio frequency (RF). For example, experiments have confirmed that ATP production decreases when the frequency of the extremely low frequency electric current (EMS) exceeds 30 Hz. It is more preferable to set the frequency of the extremely low frequency range to a frequency between 0.5 Hz and 4.5 Hz (2.5 Hz in this embodiment) within the frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 30 Hz.

[0050] (5) The extremely low frequency microcurrent generating unit (EMS generating unit 532) sets the microcurrent to a current within the range of 1 μA to 500 μA. This invention effectively enhances the production of ATP, which promotes the self-healing of skin tissue, when applying electrical stimulation to the skin by adding extremely low frequency microcurrent (EMS) to radio frequency (RF). For example, experiments have confirmed that ATP production decreases when the microcurrent exceeds 500 μA. It is more preferable to set the microcurrent to a value between 50 μA and 150 μA (100 μA in this embodiment) within the current range between 1 μA and 500 μA.

[0051] (6) The trunk main body 10 is provided with a level switch 70 that selects an intensity level from a plurality of levels. The energization signal generating circuit (third energization signal generating circuit 53) has a radio frequency voltage setting unit (RF voltage setting unit 534) that sets the voltage of the radio frequency waves generated by the RF generating unit 531 to a higher voltage as the intensity level selected by the level switch 70 becomes higher, and an extremely low frequency microcurrent voltage setting unit (EMS voltage setting unit 535) that sets the voltage of the extremely low frequency microcurrent generated by the EMS generating unit 532 to a higher voltage as the intensity level selected by the level switch 70 becomes higher. This invention allows the user the freedom to select an intensity level from multiple levels when applying thermal stimulation using radio waves, thereby meeting the thermal stimulation intensity requirements of various users, which vary from person to person.

[0052] The cosmetic device E of Example 1 has been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration of the cosmetic device of the present invention is not limited to Example 1, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the scope of the claims.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the radio frequency wave generating unit (RF generating unit 531) generates a radio frequency wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range. However, the radio frequency wave generating unit is not limited to a configuration in which only radio frequency waves (RF) are generated. For example, the radio frequency wave generating unit may generate a radio frequency wave (RF) to which an amplitude-modulated current, which is amplitude-modulated by a frequency in an extremely low frequency range, is added.

[0054] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit (EMS generating unit 532) generates an ultra-low frequency microcurrent by amplitude-modulating a microcurrent with a frequency in the ultra-low frequency range. However, the ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit is not limited to a configuration that generates only an ultra-low frequency microcurrent (EMS). For example, the ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit may generate an amplitude-modulated current that is amplitude-modulated with a frequency in the ultra-low frequency range in addition to an ultra-low frequency microcurrent (EMS).

[0055] In the first embodiment, the radio frequency voltage setting unit (RF voltage setting unit 534) and the extremely low frequency microcurrent voltage setting unit (EMS voltage setting unit 535) are configured to set the voltage values of the generated radio frequency waves (RF) and extremely low frequency microcurrent (EMS) to five selectable levels. However, these voltage setting units are not limited to the example of selecting five levels. For example, these voltage setting units may be configured to set the voltage values of the radio frequency waves (RF) and extremely low frequency microcurrent (EMS) to one fixed level only. Furthermore, these voltage setting units may be configured to select multiple levels other than five levels.

[0056] Example 1 illustrates an example of a beauty device E having a "clean mode," a "lift mode," and a "heat mode" that can be selected by the user. However, the beauty device is not limited to an example having three modes. For example, the beauty device may have a single function of a "heat mode." The beauty device may have two modes: a "heat mode" and one other mode. The beauty device may have four or more modes including a "heat mode." Furthermore, if the beauty device has multiple modes, the other modes are not limited to "clean mode" and "lift mode" as long as it has at least a "heat mode" or an operating mode equivalent to the "heat mode." [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] E beauty device 10. Body 20 electrodes 30 Conductor Grip 40 Battery power supply (DC power supply) 50 Electrical Circuit Board 53 Third energization signal generation circuit (energization signal generation circuit) 60 Power & Mode Selector Switch 70 Level switch

Claims

1. A cosmetic device comprising: a body main body; an electrode disposed on the body main body at a position where the electrode is in contact with the skin; and an electric circuit board connected to the electrode and configured to generate a predetermined energization signal based on a DC power source, The electric circuit board has an energization signal generating circuit that generates, as an energization signal to be output to the electrodes, a signal obtained by adding an ultra-low frequency minute current obtained by amplitude-modulating a minute current with a frequency in an ultra-low frequency range to a radio wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range. This is a beauty device that features the following.

2. The beauty device according to claim 1, The energization signal generating circuit includes: a radio frequency wave generating unit that generates the radio frequency wave having a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range; an ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit that generates the ultra-low frequency microcurrent by amplitude-modulating a microcurrent with a frequency in an ultra-low frequency range; and an energization signal generating unit that uses the radio frequency wave as a carrier wave and generates an energization signal to the electrode to which the extremely low frequency microcurrent is transmitted using a frequency in the high frequency range of the radio frequency wave. This is a beauty device that features the following.

3. The beauty device according to claim 2, The radio frequency wave generating unit generates radio frequency waves by repeating a frequency waveform characteristic in cycle units that fluctuates between a maximum frequency and a minimum frequency without maintaining a maximum frequency, as a frequency waveform characteristic in which the frequency fluctuates in a predetermined high frequency range. A beauty device characterized by:

4. The beauty device according to claim 2, The ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit sets the frequency of the ultra-low frequency range to a frequency included in the range of 0.1 Hz to 30 Hz. A beauty device characterized by:

5. The beauty device according to claim 4, The ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit sets the microcurrent to a current included in the range of 1 μA to 500 μA. A beauty device characterized by:

6. The beauty device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The body portion is provided with a level switch for selecting a strength level in a plurality of stages, The energization signal generating circuit includes: a radio frequency wave voltage setting unit that sets a voltage of the radio frequency waves generated by the radio frequency wave generating unit to a higher voltage as the intensity level selected by the level switch becomes higher; an ultra-low frequency microcurrent voltage setting unit that sets the voltage of the ultra-low frequency microcurrent generated by the ultra-low frequency microcurrent generating unit to a higher voltage as the intensity level selected by the level switch becomes higher; A beauty device characterized by:

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