Beauty device

Abstract

To facilitate infiltration of chemical agent or the like to the skin.SOLUTION: A beauty treatment device (10) has: a first electrode (111) and a second electrode (112) arranged on the same plane; a third electrode (113) not on the same plane; first generation means (152) generating a DC pulse sequence; second generation means (153) generating AC; and control means (151) which repeatedly alternates application of the DC pulse sequence using the third electrode and either the first electrode or the second electrode and application of the AC using the first electrode and the second electrode in a prescribed cycle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic device that applies a voltage to the skin. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known methods for non-invasively penetrating medicines, cosmetics, and other substances from the surface of the skin into the skin by applying a voltage to the skin. For example, there is electroporation, which applies a pulse voltage to change the structure of cells, making them easier to take up, particularly polymers, and a method for ionizing active ingredients contained in beauty essences and the like by passing a weak electric current to allow them to penetrate the skin (commonly known as iontophoresis). Patent Document 1 describes the application of a single pulse and a group of pulses to efficiently deliver an active ingredient to the dermis layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-78514 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although it depends on the molecular weight and other properties (hydrophilicity, ionization tendency, etc.) of the drug, etc., the alternating application of a single pulse train and a group of pulses as in Patent Document 1 may not penetrate deep enough. In addition, if you try to achieve an electroporation effect with a single extremely short pulse, you need to set the applied voltage high, which may lead to discomfort for the user. Also, if the interval until the next pulse application is long, the "hole" in the cell may close quickly, and the effect may not be sufficient. The present invention aims to improve the penetration of medicines and the like into the skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a beauty device having a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the same plane, a third electrode that is not on the same plane, a first generating means for generating a DC pulse train, a second generating means for generating an AC pulse train, and a control means for alternately repeating at a predetermined period the application of a DC pulse train using the third electrode and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the application of the AC pulse train using the first electrode and the second electrode. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the penetration of a drug or the like into the skin is promoted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external view of the beauty device 10 (front side). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the beauty device 10 (rear side). [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a functional block diagram of the beauty device 10. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of an applied voltage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] <Example> FIG. 1 is an external view (front side) of the cosmetic device 10, and FIG. 2 is an external view (rear side). The cosmetic device 10 is a device that at least has the function of permeating a substance such as medicine or lotion from the surface of the user's skin to the inside by applying a voltage. In other words, it may have a stimulating effect on muscles and a warming effect. The user holds the housing 190 in the hand and uses it by pressing the head part on which the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are provided against a part of the body on which the substance to be permeated has been applied in advance (for example, the face, but it can be any part of the user's body other than the hand being held, such as the foot).

[0009] The cosmetic device 10 has a generally rod-shaped housing 190, and on the surface of the housing 190, a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, and switches 121 and 122 on the front side, and a third electrode 113 and a power terminal 130 on the rear side. The switches 121 and 122 are operated by the user to input commands such as turning the power on / off and setting, executing, and interrupting various operations.

[0010] The housing 190 includes a portion that is held by the user (so-called a handle portion). The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are portions that are brought into contact with a part to which a voltage is to be applied (in other words, into which a substance is to be permeated). The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged on approximately the same plane (in other words, so that their respective heights (thicknesses) from the housing 190 are approximately the same). As a result, when the head portion is naturally pressed against a target part, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 form a contact portion that comes into contact with the part.

[0011] The third electrode 113 on the rear side of the housing 190 comes into contact with the user's hand in the use state. The third electrode 113 does not necessarily have to be on the rear side, but may be provided in a position where it comes into contact with the user's hand. The third electrode 113 is preferably located away from the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 (i.e., the target site), and may not be on the same plane as the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. In addition, in FIG. 2, the third electrode 113 is substantially rectangular, but the shape, size, position, and thickness thereof are arbitrary. In short, the third electrode 113 only needs to function as one of the electrodes for applying a voltage to the user.

[0012] The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are each annular (in this example, substantially circular) and are concentrically arranged with the second electrode 112 on the outside.

[0013] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the portion that comes into contact with the skin. The widths of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are w1 and w2, respectively. The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged on concentric circles, separated by a distance d1 in the radial direction. Preferably, d1 is 1 mm (millimeter) to 3 mm, and w1 = w2 = 3 mm.

[0014] The housing 190 houses a voltage application mechanism therein, which will be described later in a functional block diagram.

[0015] 4 is a functional block diagram of the beauty device 10. Note that elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted. The cosmetic device 10 has a power supply 160, a first power supply circuit 161, a second power supply circuit 162, a third power supply circuit 163, a DC pulse train generating unit 152, an AC generating unit 153, a first electrode 111, a second electrode 112, a third electrode 113, a first switching unit 171, a second switching unit 172, a third switching unit 173, and a fourth switching unit 174.

[0016] The power supply 160 is a battery that stores the power supplied via the power supply terminal 130 . The power supplied from the power supply 160 is distributed to the first power supply circuit 161, the second power supply circuit 162, and the third power supply circuit 163. The first power supply circuit 161, the second power supply circuit 162, and the third power supply circuit 163 each include a rectifier circuit, a circuit for modulating the amplitude, frequency, phase, etc., and each converts an input electric signal into an electric signal suitable for operating the control unit 151, the DC pulse train generating unit 152, and the AC generating unit 153, and outputs the converted electric signal.

[0017] The DC pulse train generating section 152 generates a DC (unipolar) pulse train in accordance with S 1 supplied from the control section 151 , and supplies the generated DC pulse train to the third electrode 113 and the first switching sections 171 and 172 . The AC generating unit 153 generates an AC voltage in accordance with S2 supplied from the control unit 151, and supplies the AC voltage to the third switching unit 173 and the fourth switching unit 174.

[0018] First switching unit 171 to fourth switching unit 174 selectively apply the DC pulse train and the AC to first electrode 111, second electrode 112, and third electrode 113, respectively, in accordance with a control signal supplied from control unit 151. Specifically, the first switching unit 171 applies the voltage supplied from the DC pulse train generating unit 152 to the first electrode 111 in accordance with S3 supplied from the control unit 151. The second switching unit 172 applies the voltage supplied from the DC pulse train generating unit 152 to the second electrode 112 in accordance with S4 supplied from the control unit 151. The third switching unit 173 applies the voltage supplied from the AC generating unit 153 to the first electrode 111 in accordance with S5 supplied from the control unit 151. The fourth switching unit 174 applies the voltage supplied from the AC generating unit 153 to the second electrode 112 in accordance with S6 supplied from the control unit 151.

[0019] That is, the DC pulse train generated by the DC pulse train generating unit 152 is applied with the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 as one common (equal potential) electrode and the third electrode 113 as the other electrode. The AC voltage generated by the AC generating unit 153 is applied with the first electrode 111 as the positive electrode (or negative electrode) and the second electrode 112 as the negative electrode (or positive electrode). In this specification, the term "DC pulse train" refers not only to a waveform having a sharp peak, but also to a waveform having a sharp peak. This includes waveforms in which any unipolar waveform (such as a square wave or a triangular wave) is regularly repeated. In addition, in this specification, "alternating current" refers not only to a sine wave but also to other waveforms as long as they are bipolar.

[0020] The control unit 151 generates control signals S1 to S6 and outputs them to the DC pulse train generating unit 152, the AC generating unit 153, and the first switching unit 171 to the fourth switching unit 174 so that the application of the DC pulse train and the application of the AC are alternately repeated at a predetermined cycle. Specifically, the control unit 151 maintains a first state in which a DC pulse train is applied for a first period by setting the control signals S1, S3, and S4 as ON signals while setting S2, S5, and S6 as OFF signals, and then maintains a second state in which an AC current is applied for a second period by setting the control signals S1, S3, and S4 as OFF signals while supplying ON signals to S2, S5, and S6, and repeats this thereafter. Note that, when the DC pulse train is applied, either the first electrode 111 or the second electrode 112 may function as a positive electrode or a negative electrode, and the other may be insulated.

[0021] Preferably, the control unit 151, the DC pulse train generating unit 152, and the AC generating unit 153 are implemented as a signal processor or module having a function of generating an arbitrary waveform. However, the functions of the control unit 151, the DC pulse train generating unit 152, the AC generating unit 153, the first switching unit 171, the second switching unit 172, the third switching unit 173, and the fourth switching unit 174 may be realized by independent relays or switch elements for switching a circuit for applying a DC pulse train and a circuit for applying an AC current. Preferably, a contactless relay using a semiconductor such as a MOS EFT is used.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of the waveform of the applied voltage. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates voltage (amplitude). For ease of explanation, the scales in the vertical and horizontal directions are different from the actual values. In this example, a voltage V1 and a rectangular DC pulse train are continuously applied at a repetition frequency F1 for an application period T1, and immediately thereafter, a sinusoidal AC pulse with an amplitude V2 and a frequency F2 is continuously applied for an application period T2, and immediately thereafter, a voltage V1 and a rectangular DC pulse train are again continuously applied at a repetition frequency F1 for an application period T1, and so on, in such a manner that a DC pulse train with a predetermined waveform profile and an AC pulse with a predetermined waveform profile are repeatedly applied.

[0023] Here, the application periods T1 and T2 are, for example, each 0.1 second to 10 seconds, preferably 3 seconds to 6 seconds. Note that the application periods T1 and T2 may be different, but from the viewpoints of the penetration effect and the user's physical sensation, it is preferably 0.5 < T1 / T2 < 2, and most preferably T1 = T2, which has been found by the inventor of the present invention.

[0024] (Repeatedly) The frequency F is preferably F1 < F2, more preferably F1 = 1 kHz (kilohertz) to 3 kHz (the repetition period is 0.3 to 1 ms), and F2 = 70 kHz to 300 kHz (the period is 3 to 14 μs). The applied voltage is preferably V1 < V2, more preferably V1 = 10 V (volt), and V2 = 50 V to 300 V.

[0025] The numerical values of the above-described applied voltage (amplitude), application period, and frequency (repetition frequency) are examples, and can be set in consideration of the molecular weight and other properties of the drug to be penetrated, the resistance value of the user's skin, the physical sensation given to the user (including discomfort), and other purposes (the purpose of obtaining a thermal effect, the purpose of giving muscle vibration), etc.

[0026] The inventor of the present application has found that, as in the above-described embodiment, by regularly repeating the application of voltages having two different waveforms, namely a DC pulse train and an alternating current, the electroporation effect caused by the application of the DC pulse train and the so-called ion introduction effect caused by the application of the alternating current can coexist. This is because by applying a pulse train for a predetermined period instead of a single pulse, a period in which the holes are maintained in an open state without closing immediately is maintained, and by applying an alternating voltage during this period, it is considered that substances move efficiently. Further, in a preferred embodiment, since a DC pulse train is applied for a period of about several seconds, a relatively low voltage is sufficient to obtain an electroporation effect compared to a short pulse. As a result, the burden (such as discomfort) on the user is reduced.

[0027] According to the electrode arrangement and voltage application method of the above embodiment, the electrode to be used among the three electrodes is switched in conjunction with the switching of the applied voltage. That is, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, which are relatively close to each other and are suitable for reducing the discomfort felt by the user when applying AC, are used as an electrode pair, while the first electrode 111 (and the second electrode 112) and the third electrode 113, which are relatively far apart and are at a distance suitable for applying DC, are used as an electrode pair when applying a DC pulse train. In this case, the effective area of ​​the electrodes is increased by making the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 function as one electrode, and as a result, the penetration effect of the drug is increased.

[0028] In addition, by switching between the DC pulse train and the AC current using a contactless relay such as a semiconductor element, faster switching can be achieved compared to when hardware is used. In a preferred embodiment, switching is performed at intervals of several seconds, and when a switching element is used, it is expected that the element will be subjected to a load, but when a contactless relay is used, there is no such risk, and the durability and reliability of the device are improved.

[0029] <Other Examples> The first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may have any annular shape, such as an ellipse, a teardrop, a polygon, a rectangle, or any other annular shape, instead of a perfect circle. For example, a protrusion may be formed on the outer or inner circumferential surface of the annular ring. In other words, an annular shape refers to any shape having a hollow portion. However, it is preferable that the distance between the electrodes is as constant as possible. In addition, another annular electrode may be provided inside the first electrode 111 or outside the second electrode 112. The first electrode 111 may have a non-hollow shape such as a disk. Alternatively, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 may each be configured not to be a single ring, but to be, for example, two semicircular arc rings combined and arranged apart from each other, or four quarter circular arc rings combined and arranged apart from each other, so that they can be considered as a single annular shape as a whole.

[0030] In short, the beauty device of the present invention comprises a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the same plane, The device may have a third electrode not on the same plane, a first generating means for generating a voltage of a first waveform (e.g., a DC pulse train voltage), a second generating means for generating a voltage of a second waveform (e.g., an AC voltage), and a control means for alternately repeating at a predetermined period the application of the voltage of the first waveform using the third electrode and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the application of the AC voltage using the first electrode and the second electrode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 beauty device, 111 first electrode, 112 second electrode, 113 third electrode, 121 switch, 122 switch, 190 housing, 130 power terminal, 160 power supply, 161 first power supply circuit, 162 second power supply circuit, 163 third power supply circuit, 151 control unit, 152 DC pulse train generating unit, 153 AC generating unit, 171 first switching unit, 172 second switching unit, 173 third switching unit, 174 fourth switching unit

Claims

1. a first electrode and a second electrode, each of which is an annular shape and arranged on the same plane in a head portion that contacts the skin to allow the drug to penetrate; a third electrode provided on the handle portion that is not on the same plane; A first generating means for generating a DC pulse train voltage; A second generating means for generating an AC voltage; a control means for alternately repeating, at a predetermined period, the application of the DC pulse train voltage using the third electrode and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the application of the AC voltage using the first electrode and the second electrode; a switching means including a contactless relay for selectively supplying the DC pulse train voltage and the AC voltage to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode; Equipped with The distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is 1 mm to 3 mm; The repetition frequency of the DC pulse train voltage is 1 kHz to 3 kHz, The frequency of the AC voltage is 70 kHz to 300 kHz; The DC pulse train voltage is 10 V, and the AC voltage is 50 to 300 V. The application period of the DC pulse train voltage and the application period of the AC voltage are each 3 seconds or more and less than 6 seconds; Beauty device.

2. The first electrode and the second electrode are elliptical, teardrop-shaped, polygonal, or rectangular. The beauty device according to claim 1.

3. The first electrode and the second electrode are each formed by combining and arranging a plurality of partial rings. The beauty device according to claim 1.

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