Beauty treatment equipment

Abstract

A cosmetic treatment device that kills fat cells by locally suctioning the target skin and sequentially applying high-frequency current and high-voltage pulses is disclosed. The cosmetic treatment device according to the present invention includes a main body and a suction treatment unit that is connected to the main body and forms a treatment space that suctions the user's skin and applies electrical stimulation. The suction treatment unit includes a suction nozzle made of a resin material that defines the treatment space, and a pair of electrodes arranged inside the suction nozzle so as to face each other at a distance, the pair of electrodes being configured by plating the surfaces of a resin electrode core with a conductive metal to form a metal conductive layer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic treatment device, and more particularly to a cosmetic treatment device that kills unnecessary fat cells and improves skin elasticity by sucking the skin using negative pressure and applying high-frequency energy and high-voltage pulses to the fascial layer. [Background technology]

[0002] In the late 20s, when full-scale aging begins, the elasticity of not only the epidermis but also the dermis and fascia layers of the skin can decrease. This can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. Well-known methods for improving sagging skin include using home care elasticity creams to reduce double chins and deep cheeks, or using a Gua Sha to stimulate specific areas of the skin.

[0003] Recently, non-invasive treatment methods that can simultaneously improve the elasticity and fat of sagging skin include removing the fat layer by applying high frequency energy to the skin (a method that induces the death of fat cells by using the heat energy generated when high frequency current of 1MHz or more penetrates the skin) and applying high voltage pulses to the skin to enable electroporation.

[0004] For reference, electroporation is a phenomenon in which small holes are created on the surface of a cell membrane due to the potential difference across the membrane when a strong, short electrical stimulus is applied to the cell membrane. Electroporation is primarily used for the effective penetration and delivery of drugs, but it can also be used to artificially disrupt the ion exchange system of the cell membrane and naturally induce the death of fat cells.

[0005] This non-invasive treatment method, which applies electrical stimulation locally to the skin, is known to be effective in reducing sagging double chins and deep cheeks, as well as improving skin elasticity. Compared to invasive treatments, it has a variety of advantages, including reasonable cost, minimal pain, short treatment time, and relatively long-lasting results, making it a popular choice in the skin beauty industry.

[0006] Examples of related prior art include the "high frequency stimulation device" disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0049386 (May 8, 2015) and the "lipolysis treatment handpiece" disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0103248 (September 19, 2012). Another prior art related to non-invasive skin treatment is the "cosmetic medical device" disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0042294 (April 23, 2020).

[0007] The above-mentioned conventional technologies basically include a pair of opposing electrodes as a means for applying high-frequency energy and / or high-voltage pulses to the user's skin. Metallic materials with high electrical conductivity (e.g., copper or nickel) are often used as the electrode material. However, when electrodes are made solely of metal, the performance and durability of the device are reduced due to the different mechanical properties of the electrode and the surrounding insulator.

[0008] More specifically, when an electrode is heated by a high-frequency current or a high-voltage pulse applied to the electrode, the difference in the thermal expansion coefficient between the heated electrode and the part surrounding it can cause the electrode to separate from the insulator rather than being stably fixed in the designated position, and this separation can cause play in the electrode, which can result in harmful currents, electric fields, or magnetic fields being applied to unintended locations.

[0009] Furthermore, if there is play in the electrodes for the reasons mentioned above, there is a problem that the electrodes do not adhere accurately to the skin and the contact angle with the skin is off, and there is a problem that the loss of negative pressure increases in the process of using negative pressure to locally suction the treatment area, so the treatment is performed without being able to properly lift the treatment area to the planned height, and the effectiveness of the treatment is rapidly reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0049386 (2015.05.08) [Patent Document 2] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0103248 (2012.09.19) [Patent Document 3] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0042294 (2020.04.23) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cosmetic treatment device that can stably maintain the state in which the electrodes are tightly fixed at the designated positions even when the electrode portions are heated by high-frequency current or high-voltage pulses.

[0012] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cosmetic treatment device that can prevent or minimize negative pressure loss that occurs in the process of locally suctioning a treatment area using negative pressure.

[0013] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beauty treatment device that can effectively utilize discharge air at a specific flow rate and volume generated in the process of forming negative pressure to suppress or prevent overheating of components arranged inside the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cosmetic treatment device including: a main body having a component mounting space formed therein; a suction treatment unit coupled to the main body for sucking a user's skin and applying electrical stimulation; a suction force generator disposed in the component mounting space for generating suction force to form a negative pressure in the treatment space of the suction treatment unit; and a solenoid valve operable to form and release the negative pressure in the treatment space, wherein the suction treatment unit includes a suction nozzle made of a resin material that defines the treatment space, and a pair of electrodes disposed inside the suction nozzle, the pair of electrodes being configured by plating a resin electrode core with a conductive metal to form a metal conductive layer on the surface of the electrode core.

[0015] In addition, the cosmetic treatment device according to the present invention may further include a temperature sensor disposed in the suction treatment unit for sensing the temperature of the electrodes, and a battery disposed in the component mounting space for supplying power to the suction force generator, the valve, and the pair of electrodes under the control of a control unit.

[0016] Here, the pair of electrodes may include a flat first surface exposed to the treatment space and in direct contact with the user's skin, and a second surface coupled to the suction nozzle by insert molding and having a protrusion formed thereon.

[0017] In addition, a sensor mounting groove or a sensor mounting hole may be formed in one of the pair of electrodes, and at least a portion of the temperature sensor may be mounted in the sensor mounting groove or the sensor mounting hole.

[0018] Alternatively, the temperature sensors may be configured as a pair, each matching one to a pair of electrodes. In this case, each temperature sensor may be arranged such that at least a portion of the temperature sensor is mounted in a sensor mounting groove or sensor mounting hole formed in each of the pair of electrodes.

[0019] Preferably, the temperature sensor applied to the present invention may be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor having a characteristic that its resistance value decreases as the temperature of the sensing target increases.

[0020] The suction force generating unit may be a diaphragm-type vacuum pump having an air suction port for sucking air from the treatment space and an air discharge port for discharging internal air in an amount equal to the sucked air, and the suction nozzle of the suction treatment unit may be formed with a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space.

[0021] Here, the multiple ports formed in the suction nozzle may preferably be composed of an air suction port connected by a tube to the air suction port of the suction force generating unit, and a pressure release port connected by a tube to the negative pressure release port of the valve. When the air outlet of the suction force generating unit is positioned to face a circuit board electrically connected to the pair of electrodes, the air discharged from the air outlet at a specific flow rate and flow rate can be usefully used to suppress or prevent overheating of the circuit board or heat-generating elements mounted on the board.

[0022] In addition, a mesh-type filtering screen having a number of holes may be installed at the air inlet / outlet portions of the ports (air suction port and pressure release port) to prevent external foreign matter from entering the device.

[0023] A cover member may be disposed in the treatment space in front of the filter net to form a deflected air flow path between the opening of the suction nozzle and the air inlet / outlet of the port.

[0024] Here, the cover member may comprise a front cover plate disposed in the treatment space at a predetermined distance from the filtration screen to prevent external foreign matter from directly entering the air inlet / outlet, and a rear connection pipe formed on a rear surface of the front cover plate and connected to the inside of the suction nozzle by a snap fit method to maintain a predetermined distance between the front cover plate and the filtration screen in the treatment space.

[0025] Preferably, a gap serving as an entrance for the bent air flow path may be formed between the outermost surface of the front cover plate and the inner wall surface of the suction nozzle, and a plurality of slit-shaped ventilation holes may be formed in the rear coupling pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrode for applying electrical stimulation to the skin has a structure in which a conductive layer is formed by plating a conductive metal on the surface of an injection-molded resin electrode core. In other words, the base substrate (electrode core) of the electrode is made of the same or similar material as the suction nozzle in which the electrode is located. Therefore, there is little or no thermal deformation deviation between the two components (suction nozzle and electrode).

[0027] This overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, such as the electrode becoming detached from the suction nozzle or the gap between the electrode and the suction nozzle widening, and eliminates the problem of the prior art, in which harmful currents, electric fields, or magnetic fields are applied to unintended areas due to electrode detachment or play. As a result, the durability of the device can be improved, and the treatment performance using the device can be maintained at a good level for a longer period of time.

[0028] In addition, in the present invention, a protrusion is formed on one surface of the electrode that is connected to the suction nozzle by insert molding, thereby increasing the area of ​​the electrode that comes into contact with the suction nozzle during insert molding, significantly improving the connection strength with the suction nozzle.Even if a small gap occurs at the interface between the suction nozzle and the electrode during the insert molding process, negative pressure loss through the gap can be minimized.

[0029] In addition, the air discharged at a specific flow rate and volume generated when the pump (suction force generating unit) is operated is configured to be used to cool the highly heat-generating components inside the device, thereby effectively suppressing or preventing overheating of the device without the need for a separate cooling means such as a cooling fan or heat sink. In other words, the structural advantage is that the air generated when the pump is operated can be effectively used to prevent overheating of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the cosmetic treatment device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic treatment device according to the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the present invention, showing an enlarged suction treatment section shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and cutaway perspective view of the essential part of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion "C" indicating the suction treatment portion in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and cutaway perspective view of the essential part of the present invention, showing an enlarged portion "D" indicating the suction treatment portion in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

[0032] The following examples are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following examples may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Rather, the following examples are provided to make the present disclosure more complete and complete, and to fully convey the idea of ​​the present invention.

[0033] The terms used in this specification are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] As used in this specification, the terms "comprise," "include," "have," and the like are intended to specify the presence of an invention feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the presence or possibility of addition of one or more other features, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof.

[0035] Furthermore, when a component is "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below" another component, it does not only mean that the component is directly adjacent to the other component and is disposed "in front of," "behind," "above," or "below," unless there are special circumstances, but also includes the case where another component is disposed between them. Furthermore, when a component is "connected" to another component, it does not only mean that the components are directly connected to each other, but also includes the case where the components are indirectly connected to each other, unless there are special circumstances.

[0036] In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components will be given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if a detailed description of related prior art is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] Furthermore, the drawings are merely for the purpose of understanding the concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the relative thickness, length, and relative size in the drawings may be exaggerated for the convenience and clarity of the description.

[0038] The cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that is useful for killing unnecessary fat cells and improving skin elasticity by locally suctioning the skin using negative pressure and applying high-frequency energy and high-voltage pulses to the fascial layer, and can be used by a user to directly perform cosmetic treatment on their own skin, or can be used to perform cosmetic treatment on a patient using the cosmetic treatment device.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the cosmetic treatment device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Fig. 1 is an assembled perspective view showing the assembled state of a beauty treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the beauty treatment device shown in Fig. 1. Also, Figs. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing the internal configuration and layout of components of a beauty treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the beauty treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from line AA in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the beauty treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from line BB in Fig. 1.

[0041] 1 to 4, a cosmetic treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be broadly composed of a main body 10 and a suction treatment unit 20. The main body 10 may have a predetermined space (hereinafter referred to as a "component mounting space S1") formed therein in which components can be mounted, and components that operate to perform cosmetic treatment via the suction treatment unit 20 may be disposed in the component mounting space S1.

[0042] The main body 10 may include a housing 12 that forms the outer shape of the device. For example, as shown in the exploded perspective view of Fig. 2, the housing 12 may be composed of an intermediate frame 120 having a predetermined thickness and a pair of covers 124L and 126R that are coupled to both sides of the intermediate frame 120 to form the component mounting space S1 therein together with the intermediate frame 120, but is not limited to the form illustrated in the drawings.

[0043] The main body 10 may be provided with an on / off button 14 for turning the device on and off, a function execution button 16 for inputting actual device operation commands by the user, etc. Of course, instead of physical buttons, touch-type input buttons that recognize the user's touch and output a corresponding signal may be provided. Also, an operation display unit (not shown) may be provided that displays the device's operating status so that the user can understand it.

[0044] The operation indicator may be, for example, a light source and a light guide that output light of different colors depending on the operating state of the device, a display, or a combination of these. If the housing 12 that covers the operation indicator is tin-plated, the operation indicator is not normally exposed to the outside, and the user can check the operating state of the device through the operation indicator only when the device is operating.

[0045] In addition to the power on / off button 14, function execution button 16, and operation display unit described above, the main body 10 may additionally be provided with a charger connection terminal (reference numeral omitted) for charging the battery 50 disposed inside the main body 10, a hand strap connection unit (not shown), etc. Of course, in addition to the additional configurations mentioned above, new configurations may be added or some of the additional configurations mentioned above may be omitted at the designer's discretion.

[0046] The component mounting space S1 of the main body 10 may be provided with a suction force generator 30, a solenoid-type valve 40, a battery 50, a control unit 60 (see FIG. 5), etc. The suction force generator 30 serves to generate negative pressure in the treatment space S2 of the suction treatment unit 20, and the valve 40 operates to generate and release negative pressure in the treatment space S2.

[0047] The control unit 60 includes a control element (not shown) such as a microcomputer. A program input into the control element allows the suction force generator 30 and the valve 40 to operate in a predetermined sequence, and the input program allows power to be supplied to the control element, the suction force generator 30, the valve 40, and a pair of electrodes 24 (described below), which are the main components of the suction treatment unit 20.

[0048] The suction treatment unit 20 may be coupled to one side of the main body 10. For example, the suction treatment unit 20 may be coupled to the housing 12 of the main body 10, more specifically, to the tubular mounting portion 122 provided on one side of the intermediate frame 120 in a structure protruding outward, so that all but a portion of the suction treatment unit 20 is accommodated therein (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0049] Negative pressure may be generated in the suction treatment unit 20 as the suction force generated by the suction force generator 30 acts on the skin of the treatment area, which may be locally sucked into the treatment space S2 of the suction treatment unit 20 in a protruding form. The protruding skin then comes into contact with the pair of electrodes 24 in the treatment space S2 and receives electrical stimulation.

[0050] The suction treatment unit 20 includes a suction nozzle 22 that defines the treatment space S2 and a pair of electrodes 24 disposed inside the suction nozzle 22. The suction nozzle 22 may be in the form of a vessel that can be precisely fitted and inserted into the tubular mounting portion 122, and the electrodes 24 are disposed inside the suction nozzle 22 so as to face each other at a distance, and may be disposed on one side of the inner wall of the suction nozzle 22 and the other side of the inner wall of the opposing portion so that the facing surfaces are exposed to the treatment space S2.

[0051] The pair of electrodes 24 have their facing surfaces (first surfaces) 246 exposed to the treatment space S2, so that they can come into direct contact with the skin sucked into the inside (treatment space) S2 of the suction nozzle 22 by the negative pressure generated by the suction generator, and high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating and high-voltage pulses for electroporation can be applied to the contacted skin under the control of the control unit 60.

[0052] The pair of electrodes 24 can be controlled so that high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating, for example, a high-frequency current of 1 MHz or more, and a high-voltage pulse for electroporation are not applied simultaneously to the skin sucked up inside the suction nozzle 22, but rather the high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating is applied first, and once it is confirmed that the skin has been heated to, for example, 43 to 45°C, the high-voltage pulse for electroporation is applied.

[0053] This sequential control (application of high-frequency energy followed by application of high-voltage pulses) allows for more effective electroporation by performing the subsequent treatment (electroporation by high-voltage pulses) when the cell membrane threshold is lowered due to deep heating caused by high-frequency energy, resulting in greater effects of destroying fat cells and improving skin elasticity.

[0054] The detailed configuration of the suction treatment unit 20 will be further described below with reference to FIGS.

[0055] The suction force generating unit 30 that generates negative pressure in the suction treatment unit 20 may be a vacuum pump. Among the many types of known pumps, a pump that operates to increase negative pressure stepwise by intermittently sucking air, such as a diaphragm-type vacuum pump, is preferred over a general continuous-operation vacuum pump (e.g., a rotary pump) that operates to continuously suck air.

[0056] When the suction force generating unit 30 is configured as a diaphragm type vacuum pump, a separation membrane inside the pump separates the air from the mechanical parts, eliminating the risk of air contaminating the internal mechanical parts, and providing additional advantages such as precise control of the fluid flow and less noise generation.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] 5 together with the above-described FIGS. 2 to 4, the suction force generator 30 may be formed with an air suction port 32 and an air discharge port 34. The air suction port 32 is connected to the suction treatment unit 20 through a pipe (or hose) P1, allowing the suction force generator 30 to suck in air from the treatment space S2, and the air generated by the suction force generator 30 during the process of sucking in air from the treatment space S2 may be discharged through the air discharge port 34 at a specific flow rate and flow rate.

[0059] The air outlet 34 of the suction force generator 30 is preferably disposed so as to face the circuit board B on which the highly heat-generating components are mounted, with the pair of electrodes 24 electrically connected to each other. In this manner, the air discharged through the air outlet 34 at a specific flow rate and volume (see the direction of the "discharged air" arrow in FIG. 3) can be used to cool the circuit board B and the highly heat-generating components mounted on the board.

[0060] The suction nozzle 22 constituting the suction treatment unit 20 may have a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space S2. The plurality of ports may be an air suction port 220 and a pressure release port 224. The air suction port 220 may be connected to the air suction port 32 through a pipe (or hose), and the pressure release port 224 may be connected to the negative pressure release port 42 of the valve 40 via a pipe (or hose) P2.

[0061] The valve 40 is disposed in the component mounting space S1 formed inside the main body 10, and serves to substantially open and close the pressure relief port 224. The valve 40 may be a solenoid valve that operates by an electrical signal, and the opening and closing of the pressure relief port 224 by the valve 40 may be accurately controlled by a program input into the control element described above.

[0062] The valve 40 may be operated to close the pressure release port 224 while the suction force generator 30 is operating, and may be switched to open the pressure release port 224 at the final stage (negative pressure release stage) of a series of treatment control processes (negative pressure formation → application of high frequency energy through electrodes → application of high voltage pulses through electrodes → release of negative pressure) according to an input program.

[0063] While the suction force generator 30 is operating, the pressure release port 224 is closed by the valve 40, so that air in the treatment space S2 can flow into the suction force generator 30 without significant loss through the air suction port 220 and the air suction opening 32. This allows a stable negative pressure to be formed in the treatment space S2, and as a result, the skin of the treatment area is locally sucked into the treatment space S2, placing it in a shape that allows treatment, i.e., a raised shape.

[0064] When the pressure relief port 224 is opened by the valve 40, external air flows into the treatment space S2 through the pressure relief port 224, and the pressure in the treatment space S2 is balanced with atmospheric pressure. In other words, the negative pressure in the treatment space S2 is relieved by the external air flowing in through the pressure relief port 224 when the valve 40 is opened, and the suction nozzle 22, which had been in close contact with the skin, can be easily removed from the skin.

[0065] 6 to 8 are enlarged views of the essential parts of the suction treatment unit, which is a main component of a cosmetic treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the present invention, showing the suction treatment unit disassembled. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and cutaway perspective view of the essential parts of the present invention, showing an enlargement of part "C" in FIG. 3 described above. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view and cutaway perspective view of the essential parts of the present invention, showing an enlargement of part "D" in FIG. 4 described above.

[0066] 6 to 8, a negative pressure can be generated in the suction treatment unit 20 coupled to one side of the main body 10 by the suction force generated by the suction force generator 30. The negative pressure causes the skin of the treatment area to be locally sucked into the treatment space S2 of the suction treatment unit 20 and placed in a raised shape, and the raised skin can be electrically stimulated by contacting the pair of electrodes 24 in the treatment space S2.

[0067] The suction treatment unit 20 includes a suction nozzle 22 that defines a treatment space S2 and a pair of electrodes 24 disposed inside the suction nozzle 22. The suction nozzle 22 may be configured in the shape of a vessel having a cross-sectional shape such as a circular, rectangular, oval, or track shape, and the pair of electrodes 24 may be disposed on the suction nozzle 22 so as to face each other at a distance inside the suction nozzle 22, i.e., in the treatment space S2.

[0068] The pair of electrodes 24 may be disposed by insert molding on one side of the inner wall of the suction nozzle 22 and the other side of the inner wall of the opposing part so that their facing surfaces are exposed to the treatment space S2. Since the facing surfaces (first surfaces) 246 of the pair of electrodes 24 are exposed to the treatment space S2, the skin sucked into the inside (treatment space) S2 of the suction nozzle 22 by the negative pressure generated by driving the suction force generating unit can come into direct contact with the facing surfaces (first surfaces) 246.

[0069] The pair of electrodes 24 can apply high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating and high-voltage pulses for electroporation to the skin that is sucked up into the inside (treatment space) S2 of the suction nozzle 22 and comes into contact with the skin under the control of the control unit 60 (see Figure 5).

[0070] The pair of electrodes 24 can be controlled so that high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating, for example, a high-frequency current of 1 MHz or more, and a high-voltage pulse for electroporation are not applied simultaneously to the skin sucked up inside the suction nozzle 22, but rather the high-frequency energy for inducing deep heating is applied first, and once it is confirmed that the skin has been heated to, for example, 43 to 45°C, the high-voltage pulse for electroporation is applied.

[0071] This sequential control (application of high-voltage pulses after application of high-frequency energy) allows for more effective electroporation by performing the subsequent treatment (electroporation by high-voltage pulses) when the cell membrane threshold is lowered due to deep heating caused by high-frequency energy, resulting in greater effects of destroying fat cells and improving skin elasticity.

[0072] If the electrode 24 is made of a single metal material and the suction nozzle 22, which also functions as an insulator, is made of a resin material, the electrode 24 will be heated by the applied high-frequency current or high-voltage pulse and then naturally cooled by air, which may cause the gap between the electrode 24 and the suction nozzle 22 to widen due to the different thermal expansion and contraction rates between the electrode 24 and the suction nozzle 22. Furthermore, this may cause play in the electrode 24, which may result in the application of harmful currents, electric fields, or magnetic fields to unintended locations.

[0073] Furthermore, if there is play in the electrode 24, the electrode 24 may not adhere properly to the skin or the angle of contact with the skin may be off, which may result in a significant increase in negative pressure loss during the process of locally sucking the skin of the treatment area using suction force, resulting in the treatment being performed without the skin of the treatment area being properly sucked up to the planned height, and the treatment effect may be rapidly reduced.

[0074] In order to prevent or preempt the occurrence of the above problems due to differences in materials, in an embodiment of the present invention, instead of using an electrode 24 made of a single metal material, an electrode 24 may be used that is constructed by plating a conductive metal to a predetermined thickness on the surface of an electrode core 240 that is injection molded from resin.

[0075] That is, the pair of electrodes 24 used in the cosmetic treatment device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the electrode core 240 made of a resin material is used as a base material, and the surface of such electrode core 240 is plated with a conductive metal to form a metal conductive layer 242.

[0076] When forming the metal conductive layer 242 on the surface of the electrode core 240, rather than forming the metal conductive layer 242 from a single material, taking into consideration corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, chemical stability, electrical conductivity, etc., a configuration can be applied in which nickel (Ni) is first plated on the surface of the electrode core 240 to form a nickel-based base layer 242-1, and titanium (242-2) is then plated again only on the surface (first surface) of the electrode 24 exposed to the treatment space S2.

[0077] The pair of electrodes 24 may include a first surface 246 and an opposite second surface 248 that face each other. The first surface 246 is exposed to the treatment space S2 and comes into direct contact with the user's skin, and may have a uniform, flat surface morphology, while the second surface 248 is connected to the suction nozzle 22 through insert molding, and may have protrusions with a regular or irregular pattern or shape.

[0078] If protrusions are formed in a regular or irregular pattern or shape on the second surface 248, which is joined to the suction nozzle 22 by insert molding, the area of ​​the electrode 24 that comes into contact with the suction nozzle 22 during insert molding increases, thereby significantly increasing the joining force with the suction nozzle 22.

[0079] In particular, even if a small gap occurs at the interface between the suction nozzle 22 and the electrode 24 during the process of placing the electrode inside the suction nozzle 22 through insert molding, the complexity of the pressure loss path increases, thereby minimizing negative pressure loss through such gaps.

[0080] Although the drawings illustrate a configuration in which the protrusions formed on the second surface 248 are formed in an uneven shape, it is clear that this is merely one preferred example and that the protrusions and recesses can be changed to various shapes and patterns, such as a wave-like or lattice-like shape in which the protrusions and recesses are continuous.

[0081] A temperature sensor 29 (see FIG. 8) may be disposed in the suction treatment unit 20. The temperature sensor 29 senses the temperature of the electrode 24 and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 60, and the control unit 60 can perform feedback control on the electrode 24 based on the temperature of the electrode 24 sensed by the temperature sensor 29.

[0082] For example, when the temperature of the electrode 24 sensed by the temperature sensor 29 reaches a set critical temperature, the control unit 60 cuts off the current supply to the electrode 24, thereby preventing the user from feeling discomfort or getting burned due to high heat.

[0083] The temperature sensor 29 is electrically connected to the controller 60 and may be disposed such that at least a portion of the temperature sensor 29 is mounted in a sensor mounting groove 244 or a sensor mounting hole formed in the electrode 24. The temperature sensor 29 may be disposed in only one of the pair of electrodes 24, or one in each of the pair of electrodes 24. In this case, the sensor mounting groove 244 or the sensor mounting hole may be formed in each of the pair of electrodes 24.

[0084] The temperature sensor 29 may be any known type or shape of temperature sensor without being limited to a specific operating method. However, it is preferable to use an NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient-thermic resistor) type temperature sensor (a type that has the characteristic of decreasing resistance as the temperature of the sensing target increases) which is relatively inexpensive, has accurate sensing sensitivity, and has a fast response speed.

[0085] Meanwhile, a function to prevent external foreign matter from entering the inside of the device may be applied to the suction nozzle 22 constituting the suction treatment unit 20. This function (function to prevent external foreign matter from entering the inside of the device) may be achieved by a filter screen 26 installed to cover the inlets 221 and 225 of the air suction port 220 and the pressure release port 224, respectively, and a cover member 28 that blocks external foreign matter from directly entering the treatment space S2 in front of the filter screen 26 toward the filter screen 26.

[0086] The filtration net 26 may be configured in a mesh form with a large number of fine-sized holes formed therein, and as mentioned above, may be installed to simultaneously cover the air inlets 221 and 225 of the ports 220 and 224. The cover member 28 may be disposed in the treatment space S2 in front of the filtration net 26 so that a deflected air flow path (see the direction of the "air flow" arrow in FIG. 8) is formed between the opening 226 of the suction nozzle 22 and the air inlets 221 and 225 formed in each port.

[0087] The cover member 28 may preferably be composed of a front cover plate 280 disposed in the treatment space S2 at a predetermined distance from the filtration screen 26 to prevent external foreign matter from directly entering the air inlets and outlets 221 and 225, and a rear connection pipe 282 connected to the inside of the suction nozzle 22 by a snap fit method so that the front cover plate 280 maintains a predetermined distance from the filtration screen 26 in the treatment space S2.

[0088] Here, since the horizontal width W1 (see FIG. 7) and the vertical width W2 (see FIG. 8) of the front cover plate 280 are each formed to be smaller than the horizontal width W3 (see FIG. 7) of the suction nozzle 22 and the distance D1 (see FIG. 8) between the electrodes 24 (W1 < W3 & W2 < D1), a gap g serving as an inlet of the refracted air flow path can be formed between the outermost surface of the front cover plate 280 and the inner wall surface of the suction nozzle 22, and a plurality of ventilation holes 284 in the form of slits can be formed in the rear coupling pipe 282.

[0089] According to such a configuration, among the foreign matters that flow in during the process of sucking the air in the treatment space S2 by the operation of the suction force generation unit 30, foreign matters with relatively large particles are primarily filtered at the gap g portion, and foreign matters with relatively small particles that have passed through the gap g can be secondarily filtered by the filter net 26. That is, by performing the foreign matter filtration process in two stages, the inflow of foreign matters into the device can be clearly prevented.

[0090] Furthermore, due to the structure in which the cover member 28 is detachably coupled to the inside of the suction nozzle 22 in a snap - fit manner, there is also an advantage in terms of maintenance and management that the cover member 28 can be separated to easily clean or replace the filter net 26.

[0091] According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, an electrode that applies an electrical stimulus to the skin has a configuration in which a conductive layer is formed by plating a conductive metal on the surface of an electrode core made of an injection - molded resin material. In other words, the base substrate (electrode core) of the electrode is made of the same or a similar material as the suction nozzle in which such an electrode is incorporated. Therefore, the deformation deviation due to heat between the two components (the suction nozzle and the electrode) is small or almost non - existent.

[0092] Thereby, the disadvantages of the prior art in which the electrode is separated from the suction nozzle or the gap between the electrode and the suction nozzle widens can be compensated, and the problems of the prior art in which harmful currents, electric fields, or magnetic fields are applied to unintended sites due to the detachment or play of the electrode can be solved. As a result, the durability of the device can be further improved, and the treatment performance using the device can be maintained well for a longer period.

[0093] In addition, in the present invention, one surface of the electrode that is connected to the suction nozzle by insert molding is configured with a wavy or uneven shape, thereby increasing the area of ​​the electrode that comes into contact with the suction nozzle during insert molding, significantly improving the connection strength with the suction nozzle.Even if a small gap occurs at the interface between the suction nozzle and the electrode during the insert molding process, negative pressure loss through the gap can be prevented or minimized.

[0094] In addition, the air discharged at a specific flow rate and volume generated when the pump (suction force generating unit) is operated is configured to be used to cool the highly heat-generating components inside the device, thereby effectively suppressing or preventing overheating of the device without the need for a separate cooling means such as a cooling fan or heat sink. In other words, the structural advantage is that the air generated when the pump is operated can be effectively used to prevent overheating of the device.

[0095] Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described with reference to only specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments set forth in the detailed description, but rather includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0096] <Mode for carrying out the invention>

[0097] The relevant content has been described in the best mode for carrying out the invention above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] The present invention relates to a cosmetic treatment device, and in particular, to a cosmetic treatment device that kills unnecessary fat cells and improves skin elasticity by sucking the skin using negative pressure and applying high-frequency energy and high-voltage pulses to the fascial layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Beauty treatment equipment 10: Main body 12: Housing 14: On / Off button 16: Function execution button 20:Suction treatment department 22: Suction nozzle 24: Electrode 26:Filtration net 28: Cover material 30: Suction force generating unit 32: Air intake 34: Air outlet 40: Valve 42: Negative pressure release port 50: Battery 60: Control unit 120: Intermediate frame 122: Tubular attachment part 220: Air suction port 224: Pressure relief port 240: Electrode core 242: Metal conductive layer 244: Sensor mounting groove 246: First surface of electrode 248: Second surface of electrode 280: Front cover plate 282: Backward joint tube 284: Ventilation hole D1: Distance between electrodes g:gap P1, P2: Pipe (or hose) S1: Component mounting space S2: Treatment space W1: Width of front cover plate W2: Vertical width of front cover plate W3: Width of suction nozzle

Claims

1. a main body; a suction treatment unit coupled to the main body to form a treatment space, The suction treatment unit is A suction nozzle made of a resin material that partitions the treatment space; A pair of electrodes is disposed inside the suction nozzle, The cosmetic treatment device is characterized in that the pair of electrodes are configured by plating a resin electrode core with a conductive metal to form a metal conductive layer on the surface of the electrode core.

2. a main body; a suction treatment unit coupled to the main body to form a treatment space, The suction treatment unit is A suction nozzle that defines the treatment space; A pair of electrodes is disposed inside the suction nozzle, The pair of electrodes includes a flat first surface exposed to the treatment space and in direct contact with the user's skin, and a second surface connected to the suction nozzle by insert molding and having a protrusion formed thereon.

3. a suction force generating unit disposed inside the main body unit and generating a suction force to form a negative pressure in the treatment space; a valve that operates to create a negative pressure in the treatment space and release the created negative pressure; 3. The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising:

4. The suction force generating unit is a diaphragm type vacuum pump having an air suction port for sucking air from the treatment space and an air discharge port for discharging internal air in an amount equal to the sucked air, The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 3 , wherein the suction nozzle has a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space.

5. 5. The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 4, wherein the air outlet is disposed so as to discharge air toward a circuit board to which the pair of electrodes are electrically connected.

6. The plurality of ports include: an air suction port connected to the air suction port of the suction force generating unit by a pipe; 5. The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 4, further comprising a pressure relief port connected to the negative pressure relief port of the valve by a tube.

7. 3. The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed in the suction treatment unit for sensing the temperature of the electrode.

8. A sensor mounting groove or a sensor mounting hole is formed in one of the pair of electrodes, The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the temperature sensor is mounted in the sensor mounting groove or the sensor mounting hole.

9. The temperature sensors are configured as a pair so that one is matched to a pair of electrodes, The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 7, wherein each of the temperature sensors is disposed in a form in which at least a portion of the temperature sensor is mounted in a sensor mounting groove or a sensor mounting hole formed in each of the pair of electrodes.

10. 8. The cosmetic treatment device of claim 7, wherein the temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient-thermic resistor (NTC thermistor) having a characteristic that a resistance value decreases as the temperature of a sensing target increases.

11. The suction nozzle includes a plurality of ports communicating with the treatment space; 3. The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a mesh-type filtering screen having a number of through holes is installed to cover the air inlet and outlet of the port.

12. 11. The cosmetic treatment device of claim 10, further comprising a cover member in the treatment space in front of the filter net to form a deflected air flow path between the opening of the suction nozzle and the air inlet / outlet.

13. The cover member is a front cover plate disposed in the treatment space at a distance from the filter screen to prevent external foreign matter from directly entering the air inlet and outlet; The cosmetic treatment device of claim 11, further comprising a rear coupling tube formed on a rear surface of the front cover plate and capable of being coupled to an inside of the suction nozzle by a snap fit.

14. A gap serving as an entrance of the deflected air flow path is formed between the outermost surface of the front cover plate and the inner wall surface of the suction nozzle, The cosmetic treatment device according to claim 13, wherein the rear coupling tube has a slit-shaped ventilation hole formed therein.

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