Skin treatment device

Abstract

The present invention provides a skin treatment device that can easily apply ultrasound of uniform intensity to the user's skin. [Solution] The device comprises a planar vibrating body having a first side surface and a second side surface, which can be positioned so that the first side surface faces the user's skin, and an ultrasonic generator positioned so as to face the second side surface of the vibrating body. The vibrating body can be positioned so that the first side surface faces the user's skin with a space between them, and a space is formed between the second side surface and the ultrasonic generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin treatment device.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it is difficult to transmit vibrations over a wide area of the user's skin.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a skin treatment device that can transmit vibrations over a wide area to the user's skin.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the external appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment. [Figure 1A] This is a side view showing the external appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a rear view showing the external appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment. [Figure 2A] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration of the control system for the skin treatment device in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the positional relationships of each component when using a skin treatment device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of adding the function of an acoustic lens to a vibrating element. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example in which a reducing member is provided to reduce the flexibility or stretchability of the substrate. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of the control system for a skin treatment device equipped with an LED element as a light-generating device. [Figure 7A] This diagram illustrates the mounting configuration of LED elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes each embodiment with reference to the attached drawings. In the following embodiment, a skin treatment device having a main body that can be attached to the user's head will be described as an example, but the form of the skin treatment device is arbitrary. For example, the skin treatment device disclosed here can be applied to devices that the user holds and uses, helmet-shaped devices, or devices that are used in a stationary state. Furthermore, the area of ​​skin to be treated is not limited to the face and is arbitrary. Also, the number of ultrasonic generators used is arbitrary and may be one or more.

[0011] Figure 1 is a front view showing the external appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment, Figure 1A is a side view showing the external appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment, Figure 2 is a rear view showing the external appearance of the skin treatment device of this embodiment, and Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2A, the skin treatment device of this embodiment includes a main body 10 in the form of a mask that can be worn on the user's face, a plurality of ultrasonic generators 20 disposed on the back side of the main body 10, and a planar vibrator 30 disposed on the back side of the ultrasonic generator 20.

[0013] The frequency of the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 20 is arbitrary, but for example, it can be in the range of 20 to 50 kHz.

[0014] The ultrasonic generator 20 is mounted on a substrate 21 disposed on the back side of the main body 10. The substrate 21 can be attached to the main body 10 in a shape conforming to the back surface of the main body 10 by having flexibility or stretchability. Note that a rigid substrate having a shape conforming to the back surface of the main body 10 may be used. Also, the ultrasonic generator 20 may be attached to the back side (inside) of the main body 10 without using the substrate 21.

[0015] As the vibrator 30, a plate-like (including film-like and sheet-like) member having a hardness and lightness that can resonate with ultrasonic waves can be used. The composition of the member is arbitrary, and for example, resin (polymer material) or metal can be used. As the resin, polycarbonate, transparent copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic / methacrylic resin, and other resins can be used. The vibrator 30 may be configured by laminating a plurality of resin layers. Also, a vapor deposition film may be formed on the surface of the resin, or a filler may be added to the resin. As the metal, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc. can be used. The thickness of the vibrator 30 is preferably about 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably about 1 to 2 mm.

[0016] The main body part 10 is provided with a light transmission part 11 for ensuring the user's field of vision, a support part 12 for supporting a belt for attaching the main body part 10 to the user's face, and spacers 14 and 15 for defining the positional relationship between the user's face and the main body part 10. By forming the main body part 10 in the form of a mask, it becomes possible to apply ultrasonic waves to a wide range of the user's face.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the skin treatment device of the present embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the skin treatment device of the present embodiment includes a control device 50 having a control unit 51, and the control unit 51 is connected to the ultrasonic wave generator 20 via a cable 40. The control device 50 further includes operation units 53a, 53b,... connected to the control unit 51 for receiving user operations, and a power supply unit 52 for supplying power to the control device 50 and the ultrasonic wave generator 20. Even when the main body part 10 is worn, the user can operate the control device 50 while visually recognizing the area in front of him / her through the light transmission part 11 of the main body part 10.

[0019] The configuration of the power supply unit 52 is arbitrary. For example, the power supply unit 52 may include a battery that can be charged by a commercial power supply.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each component when the skin treatment device is in use.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, a substrate 21 is attached to the back surface (inner surface, upper surface in FIG. 4) side of the main body part 10, and the ultrasonic wave generator 20 is mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 21 in FIG. 4. A vibrator 30 is disposed on the upper surface side of the substrate 21 in FIG. 4 via a space. Thereby, the substrate 21 and the ultrasonic wave generator 20 are disposed so as to face the lower surface 30b (second side surface) of the vibrator 30 in FIG. 4. Also, a space is formed between the lower surface 30b of the vibrator 30 and the ultrasonic wave generator 20.

[0022] When using the skin treatment device, the upper surface 30a (first side surface) of the vibrating body 30 faces the user's skin 6. If a space is secured between the user's skin 6 and the upper surface 30a of the vibrating body 30, the vibrating body 30 will vibrate more easily, and the diffusion effect of ultrasound can be enhanced. However, even if the upper surface 30a of the vibrating body 30 is in contact with the user's skin 6, it is sufficient as long as the vibrating body 30 can vibrate.

[0023] In this embodiment, at least in the region of the vibrating body 30 facing the ultrasonic generator 20, a space is secured between the vibrating body 30 and the substrate 21 (ultrasonic generator 20) in Figure 4, allowing the vibrating body 30 to vibrate vertically. Therefore, when the output sound wave from the ultrasonic generator 20 strikes the lower surface 30b of the vibrating body 30, the sound pressure causes the vibrating body 30 to vibrate vertically, and ultrasonic waves are emitted from a wide area of ​​the upper surface 30a of the vibrating body 30. In this embodiment, not only the direct sound output from the ultrasonic generator 20, but at least the ultrasonic waves from the vibrating body 30 based on its vibration are transmitted to the user's skin 6. Therefore, compared to the absence of the vibrating body 30, the ultrasonic waves reach the user's skin 6 in a more diffused state, allowing the ultrasonic waves to be applied to a wide area of ​​the user's skin 6 that the vibrating body 30 faces. Note that the polarity of the ultrasonic waves in the multiple ultrasonic generators 20 may all be in phase, or some of the ultrasonic generators 20 may have different phases (for example, out of phase).

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the vibrating body 30 is positioned between the outside (user's skin 6) and the substrate 21, the intrusion of moisture and foreign matter from the outside into the mounting section, including the substrate 21 and the ultrasonic generator 20, can be effectively suppressed. In addition, moisture and foreign matter adhering to the upper surface 30a of the vibrating body 30 can be easily removed, thus improving maintainability. For this reason, for example, it becomes possible to use lotions and other cosmetics in conjunction with the skin treatment device. In particular, by forming a sealed space between the vibrating body 30 and the main body 10, the intrusion of moisture and foreign matter into the mounting section, including the substrate 21 and the ultrasonic generator 20, can be completely prevented. For example, a sealed space can be formed by bonding or joining the entire outer peripheral end of the vibrating body 30 to the main body 10.

[0025] Figure 5 shows an example in which the function of an acoustic lens is added to a vibrating body.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 5, a vibrating body 30A having a convex portion 31 that functions as an acoustic lens is used. As shown in Figure 5, the convex portion 31 is positioned opposite the ultrasonic generator 20 and has the function of diffusing the output sound waves from the ultrasonic generator 20. In Figure 5, the convex portion 31 is shown as a convex shape that protrudes upward, but a convex shape that protrudes downward may also be provided.

[0027] Figure 6 shows an example in which a vibration-reducing member is provided on the lower side (back side) of the substrate 21.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 6, the ultrasonic generator 20 is positioned on the upper (front) side of the substrate 21, and a vibration-reducing member 22 is provided on the lower (back) side of the substrate 21 in the area where the ultrasonic generator 20 is positioned. The vibration-reducing member 22 effectively increases the thickness of the substrate 21 locally, thereby increasing the rigidity of the substrate 21 in the area where the ultrasonic generator 20 is mounted (resulting in reduced flexibility or elasticity). This suppresses (reduces) vibration of the substrate 21 during the operation of the ultrasonic generator 20, thereby suppressing the radiation of sound waves from the ultrasonic generator 20 toward the main body 10 (downward in Figure 6). As a result, the area of ​​the vibrating body 30 facing the ultrasonic generator 20 can be vibrated efficiently. The material of the vibration-reducing member 22 is arbitrary, but for example, a resin plate or sheet metal can be used as the vibration-reducing member 22.

[0029] Alternatively, instead of the vibration-reducing member 22, or in addition to the vibration-reducing member 22, a sound-absorbing material such as sponge may be provided in the same location to absorb sounds in a frequency band different from the ultrasonic frequency output from the ultrasonic generator 20.

[0030] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the control system for a skin treatment device equipped with an LED element as a light generator, and Figure 7A is an example of the mounting state of the LED element.

[0031] The LED element 70 is provided to irradiate the user's skin 6 with light of a predetermined wavelength for the purpose of skin care. As shown in Figure 7, similar to the ultrasonic generator 20, the LED element 70 is controlled by the control device 50, and the control device 50 and the LED element 70 are connected via a cable 40. Multiple types of LED elements corresponding to multiple wavelengths may be used as the LED element 70. According to the skin treatment device shown in Figures 7 to 7A, the user's skin 6 can be simultaneously or selectively supplied with ultrasound and light from the LED element 70. Note that the light generator is not limited to the LED element 70; light sources such as lasers, halogens, and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) may also be used. Furthermore, the spectrum of the wavelength of the irradiated light is arbitrary, and intense pulsed light may be applied.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 7A, the LED element 70 is mounted on the substrate 21A on which the ultrasonic generator 20 is mounted, and is positioned so that its emission side faces the lower surface 30b of the vibrating body 30.

[0033] When an LED element 70 is provided, the vibrating body 30 is required to be transparent to the light emitted from the LED element 70. As the vibrating body 30, a resin film having light transmittance to the wavelength of the emitted light can be used. For example, polycarbonate, transparent copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, acrylic / methacrylic resin, and other resins can be used as materials.

[0034] As described above, according to the skin treatment device of this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves emitted from the ultrasonic generator 20 vibrate the vibrating body 30, and the ultrasonic waves emitted from the vibrating body 30 can be applied to the user's skin 6. Therefore, the vibrating body 30 can effectively diffuse the ultrasonic waves, allowing the ultrasonic waves to be transmitted to the user's skin 6 over a wide area. In addition, because the vibrating body 30 is provided, the ultrasonic generator 20 and the substrate 21 are not directly exposed to the outside. Therefore, the usability and maintainability of the skin treatment device can be improved.

[0035] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 10 Main body 20 Ultrasonic generator 21 circuit boards 30 Vibrating Body 50 Control device 70 LED elements

Claims

1. A planar vibrating body having a first side surface and a second side surface, which can be positioned so that the first side surface faces the user's skin, An ultrasonic generator is positioned so as to face the second side surface of the vibrating body, A skin treatment device equipped with the following features.

2. The vibrating body can be positioned so that its first side surface faces the user's skin with space between them. The skin treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a space is formed between the second side surface and the ultrasonic generator.

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

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

5. The skin treatment apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a vibration reducing member is provided on the back side of the area of ​​the substrate on which the ultrasonic generating device is arranged.

6. The light generating device is further provided, which is positioned such that its output side faces the second side surface of the vibrating body. The skin treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibrating body has the characteristic of transmitting light emitted from the light generating device.

7. It further comprises a main body in the form of a mask that can be worn on the user's face, The vibrating body is supported by the main body portion, as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The body comprises a main body to which the aforementioned vibrating element is attached, The skin treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vibrating body and the main body form a sealed space in which the ultrasonic generating device is arranged.

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