Beauty treatment devices, beauty treatment methods, and methods for creating beautiful skin
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YA MAN LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure 2026103888000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beauty treatment device, a beauty treatment method, and a method for creating beautiful skin.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a high-frequency beauty treatment device.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is skin beautification.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] As an example, the following solutions are provided.
[0006] [1] A first electrode provided with a non-conductive film on its surface and the non-conductive film being brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject, A second electrode insulated from the first electrode and being brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject, A third electrode insulated from the second electrode and being brought into contact with the skin surface of the subject, A power supply unit that applies a first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode and applies a second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode.
[0007] [2] The power supply unit includes A first power supply that is the main power supply, A second power supply that applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode using the power supplied from the first power supply. A third power supply that applies the second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode using power supplied from the first power supply, The beauty apparatus according to [1], further comprising an insulating circuit for insulating the second power supply from the third power supply.
[0008] [3] The beauty apparatus according to [1], wherein at least a portion of the first electrode is located in a region sandwiched between the second electrode and the third electrode to which the second high-frequency voltage is applied.
[0009] [4] The beauty treatment apparatus according to [1], wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are arranged such that the area of the patient's skin surrounding the first electrode is heated by applying the second high-frequency voltage to the second electrode and the third electrode.
[0010] [5] The second electrode is arranged around the first electrode via the first insulating portion. The beauty treatment apparatus according to [1], wherein the third electrode is arranged around the second electrode via a second insulating portion.
[0011] [6] The beauty treatment apparatus according to [5], wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode have a common center position.
[0012] [7] The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person to be treated is generally circular or generally annular in shape.
[0013] [8] The surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person being treated is generally annular in shape. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person to be treated is generally annular in shape.
[0014] [9] The surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially circular or substantially annular with a predetermined point as the center, The surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially annular with the predetermined point as the center, The surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the subject is substantially annular with the predetermined point as the center, The beauty treatment device according to [1] or [4].
[0015]
[10] After the first electrode abuts against the skin surface of the subject, the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode. The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [6].
[0016]
[11] After the second electrode and the third electrode abut against the skin surface of the subject, the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode. The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [6].
[0017]
[12] When the second electrode and the third electrode are separated from the skin surface of the subject, the power supply unit stops applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode. The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [6].
[0018]
[13] It includes means for detecting the current value flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, According to the current value, the power supply unit controls the timing of applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode. The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [6].
[0019]
[14] It includes means for detecting the resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, According to the resistance value, the power supply unit controls the timing of applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode. The beauty treatment device according to any one of [1] to [6].
[0020]
[15] The system includes means for detecting the current value flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the power supply unit controls the amplitude or on / off duty cycle of the first high-frequency voltage applied to the first electrode according to the current value.
[0021]
[16] The system includes means for detecting the resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the power supply unit controls the amplitude or on / off duty cycle of the first high-frequency voltage applied to the first electrode according to the resistance value.
[0022]
[17] The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the first electrode is convex toward the skin surface.
[0023]
[18] A non-conductive film is provided on the surface, and a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode, which is in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A beauty treatment method comprising the step of applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode, which is insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated, and a third electrode, which is insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.
[0024]
[19] The cosmetic treatment method according to
[18] , wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so as to heat the subcutaneous tissue of the skin of the person to be treated.
[0025]
[20] The cosmetic treatment method according to
[18] , wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the subcutaneous tissue and SMAS fascia of the skin of the person to be treated are heated.
[0026] [twenty one] The first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated by dielectric heating. A beauty treatment method according to any one of
[18] to
[20] , wherein a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the person to be treated between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the skin of the person to be treated is heated.
[0027] [twenty two] The beauty treatment method according to any one of
[18] to
[20] , wherein the above step is performed at least once a week.
[0028] [twenty three] The first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated to a predetermined temperature to a first depth. The second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated to the predetermined temperature to a second depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth, as described in any of
[18] to
[20] .
[0029] [twenty four] A non-conductive film is provided on the surface, and a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode, which is in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A method for creating beautiful skin, comprising the step of applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode, which is insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, and a third electrode, which is insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated.
[0030] [twenty five] A first heating means configured to heat the skin of the person being treated to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, The system includes a second heating means configured to heat the skin of the person being treated to a predetermined temperature to a second depth, A beauty treatment device in which the first depth is deeper than the second depth.
[0031]
[26] The first heating means heats a first area of the skin of the person being treated by dielectric heating, The second heating means heats the second region of the skin of the person being treated by conductive heating, The shortest distance between the first region and the second region is 3 cm or less, as described in
[25] , for the beauty treatment apparatus.
[0032]
[27] The cosmetic apparatus according to
[25] or
[26] , wherein the first heating means heats to a first depth and the second heating means heats to a second depth so as to improve the density of the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue of the person to be treated.
[0033]
[28] The cosmetic apparatus according to
[25] or
[26] , wherein the first heating means heats to a first depth and the second heating means heats to a second depth so as to improve the ability to support the skin within the SMAS fascia of the person being treated.
[0034]
[29] The first heating means has a first electrode, The second heating means has a second electrode and a third electrode, A first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated by dielectric heating. A beauty treatment apparatus according to
[25] or
[26] , wherein a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the person to be treated between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby heating the skin of the person to be treated.
[0035]
[30] The first step involves heating the patient's skin to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, The procedure comprises a second step of heating the skin of the person to be treated to a predetermined temperature to a second depth, A cosmetic treatment method wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth. [Effects of the Invention]
[0036] According to this disclosure, it is possible to achieve beautiful skin. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0037] [Figure 1A] Functional block diagram of a beauty treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] A schematic perspective view of the cosmetic treatment device. [Figure 1C] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device viewed from below. [Figure 1D] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the cosmetic treatment device being applied to the skin 50 of a patient. [Figure 2A] A diagram showing the experimental results. [Figure 2B] A diagram showing the experimental results. [Figure 3A] A schematic cross-sectional view of the unipolar electrode 1. [Figure 3B] A schematic cross-sectional view of the unipolar electrode 1. [Figure 4A] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the first modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4B] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the second modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4C] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the third modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4D] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the fourth modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4E] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the fifth modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4F] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the sixth modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4G] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the seventh modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4H] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the eighth modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4I] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment apparatus according to the ninth modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 4J] The tenth modified example is a schematic diagram of the wave-based beauty treatment device viewed from below. [Figure 5A] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 11th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5B] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 12th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5C] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment apparatus according to the 13th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5D] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 14th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5E] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 15th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5F] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 16th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5G] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment apparatus according to the 17th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5H] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 18th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 5I] A schematic diagram of the beauty treatment device according to the 19th modified example, viewed from below. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the experimental results. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the experimental results. [Figure 8] Functional block diagram of the beauty treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Other functional block diagrams of the beauty treatment apparatus according to each embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0038] The inventors of this application have invented a beauty treatment apparatus comprising a first heating means configured to heat the skin of a person to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, and a second heating means configured to heat the skin of the person to a predetermined temperature to a second depth, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth. The inventors of this application have also invented a beauty treatment method comprising a first step of heating the skin of a person to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, and a second step of heating the skin of the person to a predetermined temperature to a second depth, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth. Beauty of the skin can be achieved with these apparatuses or methods.
[0039] Here, the first heating means or the first step heats a first region of the skin of the person being treated by dielectric heating, and the second heating means or the second step heats a second region of the skin of the person being treated by conductive heating, and it is desirable that the shortest distance between the first region and the second region is close. Close means, for example, 3 cm or less.
[0040] This method allows for efficient heating from the first depth to the second depth.
[0041] Furthermore, it is desirable to heat the first depth in the first heating means or the first step, and heat the second depth in the second heating means or the second step, in order to improve the density of the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue of the subject.
[0042] This improves the density of the collagen fiber network, resulting in reduced skin sagging.
[0043] Furthermore, it is desirable to heat the first depth in the first heating means or the first step, and heat the second depth in the second heating means or the second step, in order to improve the ability to support the skin within the SMAS fascia of the subject.
[0044] This increases the water content within the SMAS fascia, improving the skin's ability to support itself and thus reducing skin sagging.
[0045] As a specific example, the first heating means has a first electrode, and the second heating means has a second electrode and a third electrode, wherein a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated by dielectric heating, and a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the person being treated between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby heating the skin of the person being treated.
[0046] However, heating may be performed not only by high-frequency electrical signals, but also by AC stimulation (medium frequency, high frequency), focused ultrasound (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: HIFU), heaters, or electromagnetic waves. Specifically, the first heating means (first step) and the second heating means (second step) may each be heating using bipolar electrodes, heating using unipolar electrodes, heating using monopolar electrodes, etc.
[0047] The heating in the first step and the heating in the second step may be performed in a single device or in separate devices (for example, a household device and a medical device). Furthermore, the heating to the first depth and the heating to the second depth may be performed simultaneously or at different times. In the latter case, for example, one device may apply low power to heat the second depth and apply high power to heat the first depth at a different time.
[0048] Hereinafter, more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0049] (First Embodiment) Figure 1A is a functional block diagram of the beauty treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B is a schematic perspective view of the beauty treatment apparatus. Figure 1C is a schematic view of the beauty treatment apparatus from below. Figure 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the beauty treatment apparatus being used when applied to the skin 50 of a person receiving treatment. In Figure 1D, the portion of the skin 50 that is heated is schematically indicated by diagonal lines.
[0050] This beauty treatment device is primarily for home use and is intended for use, for example, once, twice, three, four, five, six times a week, or daily. The beauty treatment device comprises a unipolar electrode 1 (first electrode), a pair of first bipolar electrodes 2a (second electrode) and second bipolar electrode 2b (third electrode), and a power supply unit 3.
[0051] A non-conductive film 11 is provided on the surface (tip) of the unipolar electrode 1. For example, the material of the unipolar electrode 1 is aluminum, and a non-conductive film 11 of aluminum oxide is formed by anodizing its surface. The non-conductive film 11 is then brought into contact with the skin surface 51 of the person being treated. Although it has been stated that a non-conductive film 11 is provided on the surface (tip) of the unipolar electrode 1, this is not limited to this, and the non-conductive film 11 may not be provided on the surface (tip) of the unipolar electrode 1.
[0052] The first bipolar electrode 2a is insulated from the unipolar electrode 1 by an insulating material or air layer. The second bipolar electrode 2b is insulated from the first bipolar electrode 2a by an insulating material or air layer (not shown). To ensure efficient heating, the distance between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b should preferably be 1 to 3 mm. The bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b are then placed in contact with the skin surface 51 of the person being treated.
[0053] The power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage (first high-frequency voltage) to the unipolar electrode 1. More specifically, the power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so that the skin 50 of the person being treated is heated by dielectric heating. The frequency should preferably conform to the standards specified by the ISM band (International Telecommunication Union), such as 13.56 MHz, 27, 12 MHz, or 40.68 MHz. The peak-to-peak voltage value is, for example, 100 V, but may be higher. Furthermore, if the beauty treatment device is for home use, the output should be less than 50 W, for example, so that it does not require an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and can be handled at home by anyone, not just a doctor.
[0054] The power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage (second high-frequency voltage) between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. More specifically, the power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin 50 of the person being treated between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, and the skin 50 of the person being treated (particularly the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 shown in Figure 1D) is heated by conductive heating. The frequency is, for example, around 10kHz to 6MHz. The peak-to-peak voltage value is, for example, 100V. Furthermore, if the beauty treatment device is for home use, it is desirable that the output be less than 50W for the reasons mentioned above.
[0055] There are no restrictions on the waveform of the applied high-frequency voltage, but it may be, for example, a sine wave or a square wave having a predetermined on / off ratio.
[0056] In addition to dielectric heating by the unipolar electrode 1 and conductive heating by the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, the unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b themselves are in contact with the skin 50 through which the current flows, and are heated by the effect of electric heating, so the skin 50 is also heated by this heating.
[0057] The power supply unit 3 may be powered by a commercial power source, or by a primary or secondary battery. The power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b in response to the user's operation of turning on a switch (not shown) provided on the housing of the beauty treatment device, for example, and stops applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b in response to the user's operation of turning off the switch (not shown).
[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1D, the deeper layers of the skin 50 can be heated by dielectric heating, which is achieved by applying a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1.
[0059] For example, the power supply unit 3 preferably applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so that the subcutaneous tissue 54 of the skin 50 is heated. The subcutaneous tissue 54 is composed of collagen. Therefore, heating the subcutaneous tissue 54 increases the density of the collagen fiber network present in the adipose tissue. For example, when applied to facial skin, facial sagging is improved.
[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable for the power supply unit 3 to apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so that the SMAS fascia 55, located between the subcutaneous tissue 54 and the muscle (not shown), is heated. The SMAS fascia 55 is also composed of collagen. Therefore, by heating the SMAS fascia 55, the water content within the SMAS fascia 55 increases, improving its ability to support the skin. For example, when applied to facial skin, facial sagging can be improved.
[0061] On the other hand, conductive heating by applying a high-frequency voltage between bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b allows heating of the shallow layers of skin 50. This heats the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 of skin 50, promoting the activation of fibroblasts and collagen production, thereby improving wrinkles, sagging, and firmness of skin 50.
[0062] The inventors conducted an experiment applying a prototype of the beauty treatment device to agar 50 that mimicked skin. The results are shown in Figures 2A and 2B (Figure 2B is a grayscale version of the color image in Figure 2A). When high-frequency voltages of 500 kHz and 2.5 MHz were applied to the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, they were heated to 40 degrees Celsius at depths of 1.87 mm and 2.14 mm, respectively, which correspond to the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 in skin 50. On the other hand, when a high-frequency voltage of 40.68 MHz was applied to the unipolar electrode 1, it was heated to 40 degrees Celsius at a depth of 4.08 mm, which corresponds to the SMAS fascia 55 in skin 50. In other words, with bipolar electrodes, a depth of about 1-3 mm was heated to 40 degrees Celsius, while with unipolar electrodes, a depth of about 4 mm was heated to 40 degrees Celsius.
[0063] Thus, it is effective to apply a high-frequency voltage to the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b so that the patient's skin 50 is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40 degrees) to a certain depth, and to apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 so that the patient's skin 50 is heated to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40 degrees) to an even deeper position.
[0064] The shape and arrangement of each electrode can be arbitrary, but specific examples are given below. The shape of the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the person being treated is, for example, roughly circular, roughly annular, or roughly rectangular. Alternatively, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 3A, the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the person being treated may be flat. Or, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 3B, the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 of the person being treated may be convex. If it is convex, the protruding part of the unipolar electrode 1 will first contact the skin surface 51, and then the other parts will contact the skin surface 51. Therefore, the person being treated will be more aware that the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with their skin 50.
[0065] The shape of the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact the skin surface 51 of the patient is, for example, roughly annular or roughly rectangular. It is desirable that the distance between the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b be constant. More specifically, it is desirable that the distance between any point on the edge of the first bipolar electrode 2a facing the second bipolar electrode 2b and the second bipolar electrode 2b be constant. This allows current to flow evenly between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b.
[0066] Furthermore, regarding the positional relationship between the unipolar electrode 1 and the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, it is desirable that the first bipolar electrode 2a be positioned around the unipolar electrode 1, and the second bipolar electrode 2b be positioned around the first bipolar electrode 2a. This arrangement allows the skin 50 to be heated more efficiently. Note that "around the unipolar electrode 1" does not necessarily mean surrounding the entire circumference of the unipolar electrode 1, but may mean surrounding only a part of it. The same applies to "around the first bipolar electrode 2a".
[0067] As a more specific example of arrangement, the unipolar electrode 1 and the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may share a common center position, which may be the center of the unipolar electrode 1. As shown in Figure 1C, if the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the practitioner's skin surface 51 is roughly circular (or roughly annular), and the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact the practitioner's skin surface 51 are roughly annular, then their center positions may be common.
[0068] As shown in Figure 1D, the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 and the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact the skin surface 51 may be on the same plane, or one of them may protrude towards the skin surface 51.
[0069] The shape and position of each electrode may be changed as appropriate; for example, the modified forms shown in Figures 4A to 4J (all schematic diagrams viewed from below) are possible. In each figure, the first bipolar electrodes 2a1, 2a2, etc., which are denoted with a symbol including "2a" (sometimes collectively referred to as "first bipolar electrodes 2a") are electrically connected to each other, and the second bipolar electrodes 2b1, 2b2, etc., which are denoted with a symbol including "2b" (sometimes collectively referred to as "second bipolar electrodes 2b") are electrically connected to each other. A high-frequency current flows through the practitioner's skin 50 between the first bipolar electrodes 2a and the second bipolar electrodes 2b, causing it to heat up. The heated area is schematically indicated by diagonal lines.
[0070] As shown in these figures, there may be multiple first bipolar electrodes 2a and multiple second bipolar electrodes 2b (in other words, the first bipolar electrodes 2a may be divided into two or more parts, and the second bipolar electrodes 2b may be divided into two or more parts). The number of first bipolar electrodes 2a and the number of second bipolar electrodes 2b may be equal (for example, Figures 4A to 4F, Figures 4H to 4J), or they may be different (for example, Figure 4G). The shape of the unipolar electrode 1 is not limited to circular or annular shapes; it may also be a polygon such as a triangle, square, or hexagon (for example, Figure 4C), or a sphere.
[0071] The bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may have shapes such as a circle (e.g., Figure 4D), a shape formed by connecting two arcs with a common center position and central angle (a so-called Baumkuchen shape, e.g., Figures 4A and 4B), a polygon such as a triangle (e.g., Figures 4C, 4G to 4J), a polygon with rounded corners (e.g., Figure 4F), or a teardrop shape (e.g., Figure 4E).
[0072] Furthermore, in order to efficiently perform conductive heating, it is preferable that the distance between adjacent first bipolar electrodes 2a and second bipolar electrodes 2b be about 1 to 3 mm. When adjacent first bipolar electrodes 2a and second bipolar electrodes 2b are parallel (for example, Figures 4F, 4G, 4I, and 4J), the area between bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is heated uniformly. On the other hand, when the shapes of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b are curved (for example, Figures 4A, 3B, 3D, and 3E) or non-parallel (for example, Figures 4C and 4H), current flows intensively to the area between bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b where the distance is short, resulting in heating.
[0073] The heating by the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is mainly between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b (the shaded areas in each figure, due to conductive heating). However, current flows even in areas where the distance between bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is great, and not only are the areas between adjacent bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that are close to each other (the shaded areas in each figure) heated, but the areas between adjacent bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that are far apart are also heated. In addition, the areas between bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that are not adjacent are also heated.
[0074] Furthermore, it is desirable that the unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b be positioned such that a high-frequency voltage is applied to the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, thereby heating the area of the practitioner's skin 50 surrounding the unipolar electrode 1. This is because heating the area around the unipolar electrode 1 with the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b heats the epidermis 52 and dermis 53 of the skin 50, and when combined with dielectric heating by the unipolar electrode 1, the overall heating efficiency of the skin 50, from the shallow layers (epidermis 52 and dermis 53) to the deeper layers (subcutaneous tissue 54 and SMAS fascia 55), is improved.
[0075] However, the unipolar electrode 1 does not need to be 360 degrees surrounded by the region of the patient's skin 50 between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that is heated by the flow of high-frequency current. It is desirable that the unipolar electrode 1 be surrounded to a degree that improves heating efficiency.
[0076] Furthermore, if there are multiple first bipolar electrodes 2a, the positional relationship between one first bipolar electrode 2a and another first bipolar electrode 2a may be point-symmetric with respect to the unipolar electrode 1 (center) (for example, Figures 4B, 4D, 4G-4J). The same applies if there are multiple second bipolar electrodes 2b. Alternatively, the positional relationship between one first bipolar electrode 2a and one second bipolar electrode 2b may be point-symmetric with respect to the unipolar electrode 1 (center) (for example, Figures 4A, 4C, 4E, 4F). Also, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may be line-symmetric with respect to a predetermined line passing through the unipolar electrode 1 (center) (for example, Figures 4A-4J).
[0077] In addition to the modifications shown in Figures 4A to 4J above, other modifications (all schematic diagrams viewed from below) can be considered, such as those shown in Figures 5A to 5I. Other modifications shown in Figures 5A to 5I have the same electrode arrangement as the modifications shown in Figures 4A to 4J, but the combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b to which high-frequency voltage is applied is changed, and the region that is mainly heated is different from the modifications shown in Figures 4A to 4J.
[0078] In each figure, the combination of the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b to which a high-frequency voltage is applied is positioned facing each other with the unipolar electrode 1 in between. A high-frequency current flows through the practitioner's skin 50 between the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b, causing it to heat up. In Figures 5A to 5I, the area mainly heated by the combination of the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b is schematically indicated by arrows. The unipolar electrode 1 shown in Figures 5A to 5I is positioned in a region that is heated by applying a high-frequency voltage to the combination of the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b. In other words, the unipolar electrode 1 is positioned in the region sandwiched between the first bipolar electrode 2a and the second bipolar electrode 2b to which the high-frequency voltage is applied.
[0079] Furthermore, when applying a high-frequency voltage to the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, it is possible to apply the high-frequency voltage to only any combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. For example, in Figure 5A, it is possible to apply the high-frequency voltage only to the combination of bipolar electrode 2a1 and bipolar electrode 2b2. In Figure 5B, it is possible to apply the high-frequency voltage only to the combination of bipolar electrode 2a1 and bipolar electrode 2b1, or to the combination of bipolar electrode 2a2 and bipolar electrode 2b2. Thus, in the other modified examples shown in Figures 5A to 5I, it is possible to apply the high-frequency voltage to combinations of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that are facing each other across the unipolar electrode 1.
[0080] In this example, a high-frequency voltage is applied to a combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that are facing each other with at least a portion of the unipolar electrode 1 in between. However, the combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b to which the high-frequency voltage is applied is not limited to this. The point is that a high-frequency voltage should be applied to a combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that are positioned on either side of the unipolar electrode 1. Furthermore, in order to selectively apply a high-frequency voltage to a combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b positioned on either side of the unipolar electrode 1, a changeover switch (not shown) may be provided between the power supply unit 3 and the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b to switch the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the power supply unit 3 and each bipolar electrode 2a and 2b.
[0081] In order to efficiently perform conductive heating using the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b positioned on either side of the unipolar electrode 1, it is preferable that the distance between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b and the unipolar electrode 1 be within 7.5 mm.
[0082] Figures 6 and 7 are graphs showing the temperature change of agar simulating skin 50 when using the beauty apparatus according to the first embodiment. To obtain these graphs, a unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b were placed in contact with the agar, and the temperature of the agar was measured using thermography.
[0083] Figure 6 shows the temperature change in Test A, which was heated using the modified method shown in Figures 5A to 5I, and, as comparative examples, the temperature change in Test B, which was heated using only bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, and in Test C, which was heated using only unipolar electrode 1. As a result, it was confirmed that the temperature rose to 40 degrees in a shorter time than in tests B and C, according to test A. In other words, in the beauty treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment, by simultaneously applying a high-frequency voltage to the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b and to the unipolar electrode 1, the treatment area can be heated to a high temperature in a short time.
[0084] Figure 7 shows the temperature change in Test A, which was heated using the modified form shown in Figures 5A to 5I, and the temperature change in Test D, which was heated using the modified form shown in Figures 4A to 4J. As a result, it was confirmed that, according to Test A, the temperature returned to its pre-heating temperature over a longer period of time after the temperature rose compared to Test D. In other words, as shown in the modified examples in Figures 5A to 5I, the heat storage capacity can be improved by applying a high-frequency voltage to a combination of bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b positioned on either side of the unipolar electrode 1.
[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to conductive heating from bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b, dielectric heating from unipolar electrode 1 is performed, allowing heating to reach deeper parts of the skin 50, thereby improving the beauty effect.
[0086] (Second Embodiment) In the beauty treatment apparatus described in the first embodiment, it is desirable to apply a high-frequency voltage from the power supply unit 3 after the unipolar electrode 1 has made firm contact with the skin surface 51. If a high-frequency voltage is applied while only a portion of the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with the skin surface 51, the contact area between the unipolar electrode 1 and the skin surface 51 will be small, which may cause sparks. The second embodiment described below suppresses the occurrence of such sparks.
[0087] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of the beauty treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment. The unipolar electrode 1 and bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b may be those of the first embodiment. The power supply unit 3 of this embodiment has a detection unit 31.
[0088] The detection unit 31 detects contact between the unipolar electrode 1 and the skin surface 51. The power supply unit 3 then applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detection result. Specifically, the power supply unit 3 applies a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 after it has come into contact with the skin surface 51. Furthermore, the power supply unit 3 stops applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 when it moves away from the skin surface 51.
[0089] If the surface of the unipolar electrode 1 that contacts the skin surface 51 and the surfaces of the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b that contact the skin surface 51 are generally on the same plane, then when the unipolar electrode 1 contacts the skin surface 51, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b also contact the skin surface 51. Therefore, the detection unit 31 may detect that the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b have come into contact with the skin surface 51. The power supply unit 3 may then apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 after the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b have come into contact with the skin surface 51.
[0090] Alternatively, the unipolar electrode 1 may be convex (Figure 3B) so that it touches the skin surface 51 before the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. Then, after the detection unit 31 detects that the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b have come into contact with the skin surface 51, a high-frequency voltage may be applied to the unipolar electrode 1.
[0091] More specifically, when the unipolar electrode 1 comes into contact with the skin surface 51, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b also come into contact with the skin surface 51, and the skin surface 51 is interposed between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. Therefore, compared to the case where the unipolar electrode 1 does not come into contact with the skin surface 51, the resistance between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b becomes smaller when the unipolar electrode 1 comes into contact with the skin surface 51.
[0092] Therefore, the power supply unit 3 controls the timing of applying a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detected resistance value. More specifically, if the resistance value falls below a threshold, the power supply unit 3 should apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1, assuming that the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with the skin surface 51.
[0093] Furthermore, when the unipolar electrode 1 moves away from the skin surface 51, the resistance between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b increases. Therefore, when a high-frequency voltage is applied to the unipolar electrode 1, if the detected resistance value exceeds a threshold, the power supply unit 3 can assume that the unipolar electrode 1 has moved away from the skin surface 51 and stop applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1.
[0094] From another perspective, when the unipolar electrode 1 comes into contact with the skin surface 51, the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b also come into contact with the skin surface 51, and current flows through the skin surface 51 interposed between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. Therefore, the current flowing between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b is larger when the unipolar electrode 1 comes into contact with the skin surface 51 compared to when it does not.
[0095] Therefore, the power supply unit 3 controls the timing of applying a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detected current value. More specifically, if the current value exceeds a threshold, and assuming that the unipolar electrode 1 is in contact with the skin surface 51, the power supply unit 3 should apply a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1.
[0096] Furthermore, when the unipolar electrode 1 moves away from the skin surface 51, the current flowing between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b decreases. Therefore, when a high-frequency voltage is applied to the unipolar electrode 1, if the detected current value falls below a threshold, the power supply unit 3 can assume that the unipolar electrode 1 has moved away from the skin surface 51 and stop applying the high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1.
[0097] Thus, in this embodiment, since a high-frequency voltage is applied to the unipolar electrode 1 after it has come into contact with the skin surface 51, safety is improved.
[0098] (Third embodiment) In the second embodiment described above, a detection unit 31 was provided to improve safety and control the timing of applying a high-frequency voltage to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the resistance value between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b and the current flowing between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. In contrast, the detection unit 31 may be provided for other purposes, and control may be performed according to the detection result.
[0099] For example, the power supply unit 3 may control the amplitude and / or on / off duty cycle of the high-frequency voltage applied to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detected resistance value. More specifically, since current does not flow easily through the skin 50 when the resistance value is high, it is desirable for the power supply unit 3 to increase the amplitude and / or increase the on / off duty cycle (lengthen the on period) as the detected resistance value increases.
[0100] As another example, the power supply unit 3 may control the amplitude and / or on-off duty cycle of the high-frequency voltage applied to the unipolar electrode 1 according to the detected current value. More specifically, in order to supply a larger current when the current value is low, it is desirable for the power supply unit 3 to increase the amplitude and / or increase the on-off duty cycle (lengthen the on period) as the detected current value increases.
[0101] In each of the embodiments described above, the power supply unit 3 may include a main power supply 71 (first power supply), an isolation circuit 72, a unipolar power supply 73 (second power supply), and a bipolar power supply 74 (third power supply), as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the main power supply 71 (first power supply) is branched into a unipolar power supply 73 (second power supply) and a bipolar power supply 74 (third power supply). The unipolar power supply 73 (second power supply) uses the power supplied from the main power supply 71 to apply a high-frequency voltage (first high-frequency voltage) to the unipolar electrode 1. The bipolar power supply 74 (third power supply) uses the power supplied from the main power supply 71 to apply a high-frequency voltage (second high-frequency voltage) between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b. An isolation circuit 72 is provided between the unipolar power supply 73 (second power supply) and the bipolar power supply 74 (third power supply). The isolation circuit 72 insulates the unipolar power supply 73 (second power supply) and the bipolar power supply 74 (third power supply). With this configuration of the power supply unit 3, the high-frequency voltage applied to the unipolar electrode 1 (first high-frequency voltage) and the high-frequency voltage applied between the bipolar electrodes 2a and 2b (second high-frequency voltage) do not interfere with each other, and there is no risk of the high-frequency voltage applied to each electrode being disturbed.
[0102] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art may be able to conceive of additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. For example, inventions that take only a part of each embodiment, or inventions that combine multiple embodiments, are naturally conceivable. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible as long as they do not depart from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the contents of the claims and their equivalents.
[0103] For example, what is described herein as a single device (or component, hereinafter the same) (including what is depicted as a single device in the drawings) may be implemented by multiple devices. Conversely, what is described herein as multiple devices (including what is depicted as multiple devices in the drawings) may be implemented by a single device. Alternatively, some or all of the means or functions that are included in one device may be included in another device.
[0104] Furthermore, not all matters described herein are mandatory requirements. In particular, matters described herein but not included in the claims can be considered optional additional matters.
[0105] It should also be noted that the applicant is only aware of the prior art inventions described in the "Prior Art Documents" section of this specification, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to solve the problems described in those prior art inventions. The problems that the present invention aims to solve should be determined by considering this specification as a whole. For example, if this specification describes that a certain effect is achieved by a particular configuration, it can also be said that the problem that is the inverse of that predetermined effect is solved. However, this does not necessarily mean that such a particular configuration is an essential requirement. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0106] 1 Unipolar electrode 2a, 2a1~2a5, 2b, 2b1~2b6 Bipolar electrodes 3 Power supply section 31 Detection unit 50 skin 51 Skin surface 52 Epidermis 53 Dermis 54 Subcutaneous tissue 55 SMAS Fascia 71 Main power supply 72 Isolation Circuits 73 Unipolar Power Supply 74 Bipolar Power Supply
Claims
1. A first electrode having a non-conductive film on its surface, the non-conductive film being in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A second electrode is insulated from the first electrode and is in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A third electrode is insulated from the second electrode and is in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A beauty treatment apparatus comprising a power supply unit that applies a first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode and a second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode.
2. The aforementioned power supply unit is The first power supply is the main power source, A second power supply that applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode using power supplied from the first power supply, A third power supply that applies the second high-frequency voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode using power supplied from the first power supply, The beauty apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating circuit for insulating the second power supply and the third power supply.
3. The beauty apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first electrode is located in a region sandwiched between the second electrode and the third electrode to which the second high-frequency voltage is applied.
4. The beauty apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are arranged such that a region of the patient's skin surrounding the first electrode is heated by applying the second high-frequency voltage to the second electrode and the third electrode.
5. The second electrode is arranged around the first electrode via the first insulating portion. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third electrode is arranged around the second electrode via the second insulating portion.
6. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode have a common center position.
7. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person to be treated is approximately circular or approximately annular in shape.
8. The surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person being treated is generally annular in shape. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person to be treated is generally annular in shape.
9. The surface of the first electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person being treated is roughly circular or roughly annular in shape with a predetermined point as its center. The surface of the second electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person being treated is roughly annular in shape with the predetermined point as its center. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the surface of the third electrode that contacts the skin surface of the person being treated is roughly annular in shape with respect to the predetermined point.
10. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit applies the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode after the first electrode has come into contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.
11. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit applies a first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode after the second electrode and the third electrode have come into contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.
12. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit stops applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode when the second electrode and the third electrode are separated from the skin surface of the person being treated.
13. The system includes means for detecting the current value flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit controls the timing of applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode according to the current value.
14. The system includes means for detecting the resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit controls the timing of applying the first high-frequency voltage to the first electrode according to the resistance value.
15. The system includes means for detecting the current value flowing between the second electrode and the third electrode, The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit controls the amplitude or on / off duty cycle of the first high-frequency voltage applied to the first electrode according to the current value.
16. The system includes means for detecting the resistance value between the second electrode and the third electrode, The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply unit controls the amplitude or on / off duty cycle of the first high-frequency voltage applied to the first electrode according to the resistance value.
17. The beauty treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first electrode is convex toward the skin surface.
18. A non-conductive film is provided on the surface, and a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode, which is in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A beauty treatment method comprising the step of applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode, which is insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated, and a third electrode, which is insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person to be treated.
19. The cosmetic treatment method according to claim 18, wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so as to heat the subcutaneous tissue of the skin of the person to be treated.
20. The cosmetic treatment method according to claim 18, wherein the first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the subcutaneous tissue and SMAS fascia of the skin of the person to be treated are heated.
21. The first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated by dielectric heating. A beauty treatment method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the person to be treated between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby heating the skin of the person to be treated.
22. The beauty treatment method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the above step is performed at least once a week.
23. The first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated to a predetermined temperature to a first depth. The second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated to the predetermined temperature to a second depth. The beauty treatment method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth.
24. A non-conductive film is provided on the surface, and a first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode, which is in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, A method for creating beautiful skin, comprising the step of applying a second high-frequency voltage between a second electrode, which is insulated from the first electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated, and a third electrode, which is insulated from the second electrode and in contact with the skin surface of the person being treated.
25. A first heating means configured to heat the skin of the person being treated to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, The system includes a second heating means configured to heat the skin of the person being treated to a predetermined temperature to a second depth, A beauty treatment apparatus in which the first depth is deeper than the second depth.
26. The first heating means heats a first area of the skin of the person being treated by dielectric heating, The second heating means heats the second region of the skin of the person being treated by conductive heating, The beauty apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the shortest distance between the first region and the second region is 3 cm or less.
27. The cosmetic apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the first heating means heats to a first depth and the second heating means heats to a second depth so as to improve the density of the collagen fiber network in the subcutaneous tissue of the person to be treated.
28. The cosmetic apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the first heating means heats to a first depth and the second heating means heats to a second depth so as to improve the ability to support the skin within the SMAS fascia of the person being treated.
29. The first heating means has a first electrode, The second heating means has a second electrode and a third electrode, A first high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode so that the skin of the person being treated is heated by dielectric heating. The beauty treatment apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein a second high-frequency voltage is applied between the second electrode and the third electrode so that a high-frequency current flows through the skin of the person to be treated between the second electrode and the third electrode, thereby heating the skin of the person to be treated.
30. The first step involves heating the patient's skin to a predetermined temperature to a first depth, The procedure comprises a second step of heating the skin of the person to be treated to a predetermined temperature to a second depth, A cosmetic treatment method wherein the first depth is deeper than the second depth.