Beauty Containers

Abstract

It achieves the combined effects of ion introduction and ion extraction. [Solution] The beauty device comprises a head whose tip can come into contact with the human body, a vibrator 30 provided on the head, and a vibration control unit 95 that vibrates the vibrator 30 ultrasonically. The vibration control unit 95 vibrates the vibrator 30 ultrasonically at a first frequency when extracting ions from the human body, and vibrates the vibrator 30 ultrasonically at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency when introducing ions into the human body.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a beauty device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a beauty device having an ultrasonic vibrator (hereinafter simply referred to as a vibrator) attached to a diaphragm portion at the tip of a head portion and vibrating the diaphragm portion, capable of ion introduction into the skin and ion derivation from the skin. The vibrator oscillates at a predetermined frequency.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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[0007] Furthermore, the system may also include a pair of electrodes that can come into contact with the human body and to which a voltage for ion introduction and a voltage for ion extraction are supplied.

[0008] Furthermore, when performing the ion extraction, the system may further include a frequency search unit that searches for the resonant frequency of the transducer by ultrasonically vibrating the transducer while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range, and the vibration control unit may ultrasonically vibrate the transducer based on the resonant frequency searched by the frequency search unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the frequency search unit may, when searching for the resonant frequency, acquire the current value of the current flowing through the circuit that supplies voltage to the oscillator, and determine the frequency at which the current value is minimum among the predetermined frequencies as the resonant frequency.

[0010] Furthermore, the vibration control unit may cause the transducer to vibrate ultrasonically while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined range centered on the resonant frequency found by the frequency search unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the effect of achieving both ion introduction and ion extraction is achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a beauty device 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of beauty device 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control board 90. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the phase difference between current and voltage when the oscillator 30 vibrates. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the magnitude of the current when the oscillator 30 vibrates. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the process for searching for the resonant frequency. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] <Components of the beauty device> The configuration of the beauty device 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a beauty device 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the beauty device 1.

[0014] Beauty device 1 is used for the beauty of the user's skin. Beauty device 1 has functions such as applying ultrasonic vibrations to the user's facial skin, warming the skin, and cooling the skin. Applying ultrasonic vibrations to the skin has effects such as activating metabolism and promoting blood circulation. Beauty device 1 is sized so that the user can hold it in one hand and use it.

[0015] In this embodiment, the beauty device 1 is capable of performing any of the following modes: ion introduction mode, ion export mode, and cooling mode. The iontophoresis mode uses ultrasonic vibrations to relax the skin, allowing ionized beauty ingredients contained in cosmetics to penetrate deep into the skin (stratum corneum). For example, the user applies cosmetics to their face and then activates the iontophoresis mode. This promotes the penetration of beauty ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin.

[0016] The ion export mode uses ultrasonic vibrations to loosen the skin and then uses electricity to attract dirt components (pore impurities) from within the skin to the head of the beauty device 1. For example, the user can run the ion export mode after applying cleanser to their face. This removes dirt attached to the skin. The cooling mode is designed to cool and tighten the skin. For example, a user might use the cooling mode immediately after the iontophoresis mode. This helps to lock in the absorbed beauty ingredients.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the beauty device 1 includes a housing 10, a head 20, a vibrator 30, a temperature control unit 40, a heat absorption block 45, a battery 80, and a control board 90.

[0018] The housing 10 is made of, for example, resin. As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 10 has a structure in which an upper case 11 and a lower case 12 overlap. As shown in Fig. 2, a battery 80, a control board 90, etc. are provided in the internal space surrounded by the upper case 11 and the lower case 12.

[0019] An operation switch 18 for the user to operate is provided on the lower case 12 side. The operation switch 18 includes a switch for switching ON and OFF of the operation of the beauty device 1. Also, the operation switch 18 includes a switch capable of selecting any one of an ion导出 mode, an ion导入 mode, and a cooling mode.

[0020] A grip electrode 15 is provided on the housing 10. The grip electrode 15 is provided at a position where the human body (specifically, the user's hand) is likely to come into contact when the user uses the beauty device 1. Here, as shown in Fig. 2, the grip electrode 15 is provided on the surface of the upper case 11 of the housing 10.

[0021] The head 20 is a part that contacts the human body (for example, the user's face). The head 20 can contact the human body on the surface of the tip portion 21 which is one end portion in the axial direction. The head 20 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity (titanium as an example). The head 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a metal plate. Specifically, the head 20 has a hat shape.

[0022] The head 20 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 13 of the housing 10. The head 20 has a flange portion 22 that is attached to the attachment portion 13. The flange portion 22 extends outward from the other end portion in the axial direction of the head 20. Specifically, the flange portion 22 extends annularly from the other end portion of the cylindrical head 20.

[0023] It should be noted that the term "导出" and "导入" in the original text might be incorrect or incomplete expressions. In a more accurate context, it could be something like "ion emission mode" and "ion absorption mode" etc. This translation is based on the provided text as it is.The head 20 is equipped with a head electrode 25. The head electrode 25 is positioned to come into contact with the user's face when the user places the head 20 against their body (specifically, their face). In this case, the head electrode 25 is located at the tip 21 of the head 20.

[0024] In this embodiment, the grip electrode 15 and the head electrode 25 are a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is supplied for ion extraction from the human body in contact. Similarly, the grip electrode 15 and the head electrode 25 are a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is supplied for ion introduction into the human body in contact. For example, if a user with their hand touching the grip electrode 15 uses the beauty device 1 with the head electrode 25 in contact with the user's face, a current will flow between the grip electrode 15, the human body, and the head electrode 25.

[0025] The transducer 30 is an ultrasonic transducer, and in some cases consists of a piezoelectric element. The transducer 30 is installed on the head 20. Ultrasonic vibrations emitted from the transducer 30 are transmitted to the user's skin via the head 20. The transducer 30 is positioned opposite the flange portion 22 of the head 20 and vibrates the flange portion 22. Since the transducer 30 is annular in shape, similar to the flange portion 22, it vibrates the entire flange portion 22. Because the entire flange portion 22 vibrates, vibration unevenness does not occur in the head 20, and the head 20 is more likely to vibrate uniformly.

[0026] The temperature control element 40 is a heat transfer element, one example being a Peltier element. The temperature control element 40 heats the head 20. Specifically, the temperature control element 40 heats the tip 21 of the head 20. The temperature control element 40 can also cool the tip 21 of the head 20. Specifically, the head 20 is heated by the heat-generating action of the temperature control element 40, and the head 20 is cooled by the heat-absorbing action of the temperature control element 40.

[0027] The temperature control element 40 is in contact with the head 20. Specifically, the temperature control element 40 is fixed to the back surface of the tip 21 of the head 20, opposite to the surface that comes into contact with the user's skin. Because the temperature control element 40 is in direct contact with the head 20 in this way, the heat transfer efficiency is increased, allowing the temperature control element 40 to efficiently heat or cool the head 20.

[0028] The heat absorption block 45 has the function of absorbing heat from the temperature control element 40. Specifically, the heat absorption block 45 absorbs heat from the temperature control element 40 when the temperature control element 40 absorbs heat from the head 20. The heat absorption block 45 is a metal block. The heat absorption block 45 is larger than the head 20. By providing such a heat absorption block 45, the heat absorption block 45 can appropriately absorb heat from the temperature control element 40 even if the heat absorption time by the temperature control element 40 is long.

[0029] Battery 80 is a rechargeable battery. Power is supplied from battery 80 to each part of the beauty device 1. For example, power is supplied from battery 80 to the grip electrode 15 and the head electrode 25.

[0030] The control board 90 controls the operation of the beauty device 1. For example, when the user operates the operation switch 18 to select an operation mode, the control board 90 executes one of the following modes: ion introduction mode, ion extraction mode, or cooling mode. The control board 90 operates the vibrator 30 to vibrate the head 20, or operates the temperature control body 40 to heat or cool the head 20.

[0031] <Control board configuration> Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control board 90. The control board 90 includes a temperature control unit 92, a voltage supply unit 93, a potential control unit 94, a vibration control unit 95, a current detection unit 96, and a frequency search unit 97.

[0032] The temperature control unit 92 controls the temperature of the head 20 by operating a Peltier element, which is a temperature regulator 40. When performing ion introduction mode, the temperature control unit 92 operates the temperature regulator 40 to heat the head 20. For example, the temperature control unit 92 heats the head 20 to 40°C. When performing cooling mode, the temperature control unit 92 operates the temperature regulator 40 to cool the head 20. For example, the temperature control unit 92 cools the head 20 to 15°C. On the other hand, when performing ion export mode, the temperature control unit 92 does not operate the temperature regulator 40. Therefore, the temperature of the head 20 does not change.

[0033] The voltage supply unit 93 supplies voltage to the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15. For example, the voltage supply unit 93 supplies a voltage of 12V to the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15. The voltage supply unit 93 has a voltage boosting function that increases the voltage of the battery 80 to 12V. The voltage supply unit 93 also supplies voltage to the vibrator 30. For example, the voltage supply unit 93 supplies a voltage of 12V to the vibrator 30.

[0034] The potential control unit 94 controls the potential of the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15 according to the operating mode of the beauty device 1. When performing iontophoresis, the potential control unit 94 supplies voltage to the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15 so that the polarity (+ and -) of the potential of the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15 alternates. For example, the potential control unit 94 supplies voltage to the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15 so that the polarity of the potential alternates every 0.5 seconds. Therefore, the potential control unit 94 functions as a polarity switching unit that alternately switches the polarity of the pair of electrodes at predetermined intervals when performing iontophoresis.

[0035] When performing the ion extraction mode, the potential control unit 94 supplies voltage to the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15 so that the head electrode 25 has a positive polarity and the grip electrode 15 has a negative polarity. When performing the cooling mode, the potential control unit 94 does not supply voltage to the head electrode 25 and the grip electrode 15.

[0036] The vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically at a predetermined frequency. The vibration control unit 95 makes the frequency of the transducer 30 different when performing the ion export mode and when performing the ion import mode. When performing the ion export mode, the vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically at a first frequency (for example, 41 kHz). When performing the ion import mode, the vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically at a second frequency (for example, 1 MHz) that is higher than the first frequency.

[0037] The vibration control unit 95 causes the vibrator 30 to oscillate (sweep) within a predetermined frequency range centered on the first or second frequency. For example, when performing the ion export mode, the vibration control unit 95 sweeps the vibrator 30 within a predetermined frequency range including the first frequency (for example, the first frequency ± 1 kHz). In this case, the vibration control unit 95 increases the oscillation frequency in 0.1 kHz increments. Sweeping the vibrator 30 in this way when performing the ion export mode changes the density of energy transmitted inward into the skin, making it easier to remove dirt from pores.

[0038] The current detection unit 96 detects the magnitude (i.e., current value) of the current flowing through the circuit that supplies voltage to the oscillator 30 in order to vibrate the oscillator 30. The current detection unit 96 detects the magnitude of the current flowing through the circuit in order to detect the phase difference between the current and voltage flowing through the circuit when the oscillator 30 vibrates.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the phase difference between current and voltage when the oscillator 30 vibrates. In the graph in Figure 4, the horizontal axis is frequency and the vertical axis is phase difference. The waveform of the phase difference shown in Figure 4 shows the phase difference between current and voltage when the magnitude of the vibration frequency is changed while a predetermined voltage is supplied to the oscillator 30. From the waveform of the phase difference shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that when the frequency is the resonant frequency f0, the phase difference between current and voltage is 0, but when the frequency is other than the resonant frequency f0, a phase difference occurs between current and voltage. Specifically, when the frequency is less than the resonant frequency f0, the current lags the voltage, and when the frequency is greater than the resonant frequency f0, the current leads the voltage.

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the magnitude of the current when the oscillator 30 vibrates. In the graph in Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents the current value. The current waveform shown in Figure 5 shows the relationship between frequency and current value when the same predetermined voltage as in Figure 4 is supplied to the oscillator 30. From the current waveform shown in Figure 5, it can be seen that the current value is minimized when the frequency is the supply frequency f0. In other words, the frequency at which the current value is minimized is the resonant frequency f0.

[0041] In the beauty device 1, it is desirable to sweep within a predetermined range of frequencies centered on the resonant frequency of the transducer 30. The transducer 30 has its own resonant frequency, but the resonant frequency of the transducer 30 may change during use of the beauty device 1. For example, the resonant frequency of the transducer 30 may change depending on the condition of the skin that the head 20 comes into contact with and individual differences among users.

[0042] Therefore, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency of the transducer 30 while the beauty device 1 is in operation and updates the frequency to the found resonant frequency. The frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency of the transducer 30 by making the transducer 30 vibrate ultrasonically while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range (sweep range).

[0043] The frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonance frequency by ultrasonically vibrating the transducer while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range when performing the ion extraction mode. The frequency search unit 97 continues searching for the resonance frequency from the start of the ion extraction mode until the completion of the ion extraction mode.

[0044] The frequency search unit 97 acquires the current value detected by the current detection unit 96 and searches for the resonant frequency of the oscillator 30. Specifically, the frequency search unit 97 determines the resonant frequency as the frequency at which the current value detected by the current detection unit 96 is minimized within the sweep range in which the vibration control unit 95 sweeps the oscillator 30. The frequency search unit 97 then updates the determined resonant frequency as the center frequency of the sweep range to be swept thereafter.

[0045] The frequency sweep range when performing the ion derivation mode is, for example, in the range of 39.5 kHz to 42.5 kHz. In Figure 5, frequency f1 is the lower limit frequency of the sweep range (39.5 kHz), and frequency f2 is the upper limit frequency of the sweep range (42.5 kHz). The frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonance frequency by increasing the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 30 in 0.1 kHz increments within the sweep range, instructing the vibration control unit 95.

[0046] The frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency of the oscillator 30 at predetermined intervals. For example, when performing the ion derivation mode, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency of the oscillator 30 every 100 ms. More specifically, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency in the range of 39.5 kHz to 42.5 kHz every 100 ms. As a result, the center frequency of the sweep range of the oscillator 30 is continuously updated while the ion derivation mode is being performed.

[0047] In the above description, the vibration control unit 95 searches for the resonant frequency when performing the ion extraction mode, but it is not limited to this. For example, the vibration control unit 95 may search for the resonant frequency when performing the ion introduction mode.

[0048] The vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically based on the resonant frequency found by the frequency search unit 97. This ensures that even if the resonant frequency changes depending on the skin condition, the transducer 30 can be vibrated at the optimal resonant frequency. Furthermore, even if there are variations in the natural frequencies of the transducer 30 itself, these variations can be absorbed by searching for the resonant frequency during use.

[0049] The vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined range centered on the resonant frequency found by the frequency search unit 97. For example, the vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically (sweep) within a range of ±1 kHz of the found resonant frequency.

[0050] The vibration control unit 95 controls the vibration of the transducer 30 using the updated resonant frequency each time the frequency search unit 97 updates the resonant frequency. That is, the vibration control unit 95 causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically (sweep) within a range of ±1 kHz from the updated resonant frequency.

[0051] When performing the ion extraction mode, the vibration control unit 95 may alternately repeat the vibration of the oscillator 30 for a first time and the vibration cessation for a second time, which is longer than the first time. In other words, the vibration control unit 95 performs intermittent vibration of the oscillator 30. For example, the first time is 3 ms and the second time is 7 ms. Therefore, the vibration control unit 95 performs intermittent vibration of the oscillator 30 every 10 ms. By performing intermittent vibration of the oscillator 30 in this way, abnormal noises (unpleasant sounds) that would occur when the oscillator 30 is constantly vibrating can be suppressed.

[0052] <Regarding the process of searching for the resonant frequency> The following section describes the process for searching for the resonant frequency when performing the ion derivation mode. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the resonant frequency search process. The flowchart in Figure 6 starts from the point when the ion extraction mode is initiated with the head 20 in contact with the user's face.

[0053] First, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency (step S102). For example, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency while increasing the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 30 in 0.1kHz increments within the range of 39.5kHz to 42.5kHz. Then, the frequency search unit 97 determines the searched resonant frequency as the center frequency for the subsequent sweep (step S104).

[0054] Next, the vibration control unit 95 sweeps the oscillator 30 based on the determined center frequency (step S106). For example, the vibration control unit 95 increases the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 30 in 0.1 kHz increments within the range of ±1 kHz of the center frequency.

[0055] Next, the frequency search unit 97 determines whether a predetermined time (100 ms) has elapsed since the start of the resonant frequency search (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No), the vibration control unit 95 sweeps the oscillator 30 based on the center frequency determined in step S104 until the predetermined time has elapsed (step S106).

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that a predetermined time has elapsed (Yes), the frequency search unit 97 determines whether the operating mode (in this case, the ion extraction mode) has ended (step S110). If it is determined in step S110 that the operating mode has not ended (No), the processes described in steps S102 to S108 are repeated.

[0057] In other words, the frequency search unit 97 performs a resonant frequency search again after a predetermined time (100 ms) has elapsed since the previous resonant frequency search, and updates the center frequency of the sweep range. Then, the vibration control unit 95 increases (sweeps) the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 30 in 0.1 kHz increments within the range of ±1 kHz of the updated center frequency.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the operating mode has ended (Yes), the resonant frequency search process is terminated.

[0059] <Effects of this embodiment> The beauty device 1 of the above-described embodiment includes a vibration control unit 95 that causes a transducer 30 provided on the head 20 to vibrate ultrasonically, and a frequency search unit 97 that searches for the resonant frequency of the transducer 30 by vibrating the transducer 30 ultrasonically while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range. The vibration control unit 95 then causes the transducer 30 to vibrate ultrasonically based on the resonant frequency searched by the frequency search unit 97. In the above configuration, even if the resonant frequency changes while the head 20 is applied to the user's skin and vibrated, the changed resonant frequency can be searched for. Then, by making the transducer 30 vibrate ultrasonically based on the searched resonant frequency, the transducer 30 can be vibrated optimally.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 beauty device 15 Grip electrodes 20 heads 21 Tip 25 Head electrodes 30 transducers 94 Potential Control Unit 95 Vibration Control Unit 96 Current detection unit 97 Frequency Search Unit

Claims

1. A head with a tip that can come into contact with the human body, The vibrator provided on the head, A vibration control unit that causes the transducer to vibrate ultrasonically, Equipped with, A beauty device comprising a vibration control unit that vibrates the transducer ultrasonically at a first frequency when extracting ions from the human body, and vibrates the transducer ultrasonically at a second frequency higher than the first frequency when introducing ions into the human body.

2. The system further comprises a pair of electrodes that can come into contact with the human body and to which a voltage for ion introduction and a voltage for ion extraction are supplied. The beauty device according to claim 1.

3. The frequency search unit further provides a way to search for the resonant frequency of the transducer by ultrasonically vibrating the transducer while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range when performing the ion extraction. The vibration control unit causes the transducer to vibrate ultrasonically based on the resonant frequency found by the frequency search unit. The beauty device according to claim 1.

4. The frequency search unit, During the search for the resonant frequency, the current value of the current flowing through the circuit that supplies voltage to the oscillator is obtained. The frequency at which the current value is minimized within the predetermined frequencies is determined as the resonant frequency. The beauty device according to claim 3.

5. The vibration control unit causes the transducer to vibrate ultrasonically while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined range centered on the resonant frequency found by the frequency search unit. The beauty device according to claim 3.

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