Beauty Containers

Abstract

The effects of ion introduction and ion extraction are both achieved. [Solution] The beauty device includes a head whose tip can come into contact with the human body, a vibrator 30 attached to the head, and a vibration control unit 95 that ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30. The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 at a first frequency when deriving ions from the human body, and ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 at a second frequency higher than the first frequency when introducing ions into the human body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a beauty device that has an ultrasonic vibrator (hereinafter simply referred to as the vibrator) attached to a vibrating plate at the tip of a head unit to vibrate the vibrating plate, and is capable of introducing ions into and deriving ions from the skin. The vibrator oscillates at a predetermined frequency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-221564 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Iontophoresis penetrates beauty ingredients into the skin, while ion extraction attracts impurities from the skin. However, with the above-mentioned beauty device, the vibration frequency during iontophoresis is the same as that during ion extraction, making it difficult to achieve both the effects of iontophoresis and ion extraction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to realize a beauty device that can achieve both the effects of ion introduction and ion extraction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a beauty device is provided, comprising a head having a tip capable of contacting a human body, a vibrator provided on the head, and a vibration control unit that ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator, wherein the vibration control unit ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator at a first frequency when deriving ions from the human body, and ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator at a second frequency higher than the first frequency when introducing ions into the human body.

[0007] The device may further include a pair of electrodes that are capable of coming into contact with the human body and to which a voltage for performing the ion introduction and a voltage for performing the ion derivation are supplied.

[0008] The device may further include a frequency search unit that, when performing the ion extraction, ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range to search for a resonance frequency of the vibrator, and the vibration control unit may ultrasonically vibrate the vibrator based on the resonance frequency searched for by the frequency search unit.

[0009] In addition, when searching for the resonant frequency, the frequency search unit may acquire a current value of a current flowing through a circuit that supplies voltage to the vibrator, and determine the frequency at which the current value is smallest among the specified frequencies as the resonant frequency.

[0010] The vibration control unit may also ultrasonically vibrate the vibrator while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined range centered on the resonant frequency searched by the frequency search unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effects of both ion introduction and ion extraction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a cosmetic device 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the cosmetic device 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the function of a control board 90. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the phase difference between the current and the voltage when the vibrator 30 vibrates. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the magnitude of the current when the vibrator 30 vibrates. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a search process for a resonance frequency. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0014] The beauty device 1 is used for beautifying the skin of a user. The beauty device 1 has the function of applying ultrasonic vibrations to the skin of the user's face, for example, and warming or cooling the skin. Applying ultrasonic vibrations to the skin has the effect of activating metabolism and promoting blood circulation. The beauty device 1 is sized so that the user can hold it in one hand.

[0015] In this embodiment, the cosmetic device 1 can perform any one of an ion introduction mode, an ion derivation mode, and a cooling mode. The iontophoresis mode uses ultrasonic vibrations to loosen the skin, allowing the ionized beauty ingredients contained in cosmetics to penetrate deeper into the skin (stratum corneum). For example, a user can activate the iontophoresis mode while applying cosmetics to their face. This promotes the penetration of beauty ingredients deep into the skin.

[0016] The ion derivation mode uses ultrasonic vibrations to loosen the skin and use electrical power to attract dirt components in the skin (dirt in pores) to the head of the beauty device 1. For example, a user can activate the ion derivation mode while applying cleansing cream to their face. This can remove dirt adhering to the skin. The cooling mode cools and tightens the skin. For example, a user can use the cooling mode after the iontophoresis mode, which helps lock in the beauty ingredients that have penetrated the skin.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the cosmetic device 1 includes a housing 10, a head 20, a vibrator 30, a temperature adjuster 40, a heat absorbing block 45, a battery 80, and a control board 90.

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

[0019] An operation switch 18 that is operated by the user is provided on the side of the lower case 12. The operation switch 18 includes a switch for switching ON / OFF the operation of the cosmetic device 1. The operation switch 18 also includes a switch for selecting one of an ion derivation mode, an ion introduction mode, and a cooling mode.

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

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

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

[0023] The head 20 is provided with a head electrode 25. The head electrode 25 is provided at a position that will come into contact with the face when the user places the head 20 against the human body (specifically, the user's face). Here, the head electrode 25 is provided at the tip 21 of the head 20.

[0024] In this embodiment, the grip electrode 15 and the head electrode 25 are a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is supplied to extract ions from the human body in contact with them. Similarly, the grip electrode 15 and the head electrode 25 are a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is supplied to introduce ions into the human body in contact with them. For example, when a user uses the beauty device 1 with their hand touching the grip electrode 15 and the head electrode 25 in contact with their face, a current flows between the grip electrode 15, the human body, and the head electrode 25.

[0025] The vibrator 30 is an ultrasonic vibrator, and is formed, for example, from a piezoelectric element. The vibrator 30 is provided on the head 20. Ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator 30 are transmitted to the user's skin via the head 20. The vibrator 30 is provided in a position facing the flange portion 22 of the head 20, and vibrates the flange portion 22. Because the vibrator 30 has a circular ring shape like the flange portion 22, it vibrates the entire flange portion 22. Vibration of the entire flange portion 22 prevents uneven vibration in the head 20, making it easier for the head 20 to vibrate evenly.

[0026] The temperature adjuster 40 is a thermoelectric element, and one example is a Peltier element. The temperature adjuster 40 heats the head 20. Specifically, the temperature adjuster 40 heats the tip 21 of the head 20. The temperature adjuster 40 can also cool the tip 21 of the head 20. Specifically, the head 20 is heated by the heat generation effect of the temperature adjuster 40, and the head 20 is cooled by the heat absorption effect of the temperature adjuster 40.

[0027] The temperature adjusting body 40 is in contact with the head 20. Specifically, the temperature adjusting body 40 is fixed to the back surface opposite to the surface (the surface that comes into contact with the user's skin) of the tip portion 21 of the head 20. By having the temperature adjusting body 40 in direct contact with the head 20 in this way, the efficiency of heat transfer is improved, and the temperature adjusting body 40 can efficiently heat and cool the head 20.

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

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

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

[0031] <Control board configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the control board 90. As shown in FIG. The control board 90 has a temperature control unit 92 , a voltage supply unit 93 , a potential control unit 94 , a vibration control unit 95 , a current detection unit 96 , and a frequency search unit 97 .

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

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

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

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

[0036] The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 at a predetermined frequency. The vibration control unit 95 differentiates the frequency of the vibrator 30 when performing the ion derivation mode from the frequency of the vibrator 30 when performing the ion introduction mode. The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 at a first frequency (for example, 41 kHz) when performing the ion derivation mode. The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 at a second frequency (for example, 1 MHz) that is higher than the first frequency when performing the ion introduction mode.

[0037] The vibration control unit 95 causes the vibrator 30 to oscillate (sweep) within a predetermined range of frequencies centered on the first frequency or the second frequency. For example, when performing the ion derivation mode, the vibration control unit 95 causes the vibrator 30 to sweep within a predetermined range of frequencies including the first frequency (for example, the first frequency ±1 kHz). At this time, the vibration control unit 95 increases the oscillation frequency in 0.1 kHz intervals. When the vibrator 30 is swept in this way when performing the ion derivation mode, the density of energy transmitted toward the inside of the skin changes, making it easier to remove dirt from pores.

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

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the phase difference between the current and the voltage when the vibrator 30 vibrates. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 4 represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents phase difference. The phase difference waveform shown in FIG. 4 shows the phase difference between the current and the voltage when the vibration frequency is changed while a predetermined voltage is being supplied to the vibrator 30. From the phase difference waveform shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that when the frequency is the resonant frequency f0, the phase difference between the current and the voltage is zero, but when the frequency is other than the resonant frequency f0, a phase difference occurs between the current and the voltage. Specifically, when the frequency is lower than the resonant frequency f0, the current lags behind the voltage, and when the frequency is higher than the resonant frequency f0, the current leads the voltage.

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

[0041] In the cosmetic device 1, it is desirable to sweep within a predetermined range of vibration frequencies centered on the resonant frequency of the vibrator 30. The vibrator 30 has a natural resonant frequency, but the resonant frequency of the vibrator 30 may change while the cosmetic device 1 is in use. For example, the resonant frequency of the vibrator 30 may change depending on the condition of the skin that the head 20 comes into contact with, individual differences between users, etc.

[0042] Therefore, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency of the vibrator 30 and updates it to the searched resonant frequency while the cosmetic device 1 is in operation. The frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonant frequency of the vibrator 30 by ultrasonically vibrating the vibrator 30 while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range (sweep range).

[0043] When the ion derivation mode is performed, the frequency search unit 97 ultrasonically vibrates the oscillator while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range to search for a resonance frequency. Here, the frequency search unit 97 continues searching for a resonance frequency from the start of the ion derivation mode until the end of the ion derivation mode.

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

[0045] The frequency sweep range when performing the ion derivation mode is, for example, 39.5 kHz to 42.5 kHz. The frequency f1 shown in Fig. 5 is the lower limit frequency (39.5 kHz) of the sweep range, and the frequency f2 is the upper limit frequency (42.5 kHz) of the sweep range. The frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonance frequency while instructing the vibration control unit 95 to increase the oscillation frequency of the vibrator 30 in 0.1 kHz intervals within the sweep range.

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

[0047] In the above description, the vibration control unit 95 searches for the resonance frequency when the ion derivation mode is performed, but this is not limiting. For example, the vibration control unit 95 may search for the resonance frequency when the ion introduction mode is performed.

[0048] The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 based on the resonance frequency searched by the frequency search unit 97. This allows the vibrator 30 to vibrate at the optimal resonance frequency even if the resonance frequency changes depending on the condition of the skin. Furthermore, even if the natural frequency of the vibrator 30 itself varies, the variation can be absorbed by searching for the resonance frequency during use.

[0049] The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined range centered on the resonance frequency searched by the frequency search unit 97. For example, the vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates (sweeps) the vibrator 30 within a range of the searched resonance frequency ±1 kHz.

[0050] Every time the frequency search unit 97 updates the resonance frequency, the vibration control unit 95 uses the updated resonance frequency to control the vibration of the vibrator 30. That is, the vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates (sweeps) the vibrator 30 within a range of the updated resonance frequency ±1 kHz.

[0051] When performing the ion derivation mode, the vibration control unit 95 may alternately vibrate the vibrator 30 for a first time period and stop vibrating the vibrator for a second time period that is longer than the first time period. That is, the vibration control unit 95 intermittently vibrates the vibrator 30. As an example, the first time period is 3 ms, and the second time period is 7 ms. Therefore, the vibration control unit 95 intermittently vibrates the vibrator 30 every 10 ms. By intermittently vibrating the vibrator 30 in this manner, it is possible to suppress abnormal noise (harsh noise) that occurs when the vibrator 30 is constantly vibrated.

[0052] <Searching for resonance frequency> The process of searching for a resonance frequency when performing the ion derivation mode will be described below. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the resonant frequency search process. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 starts when the ion derivation mode is started with the head 20 in contact with the user's face.

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

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

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

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

[0057] That is, the frequency search unit 97 searches for the resonance frequency again after a predetermined time (100 ms) has elapsed since the previous search for the resonance frequency, and updates the center frequency of the sweep range. Then, the vibration control unit 95 increases (sweeps) the oscillation frequency of the vibrator 30 in 0.1 kHz intervals within the range of the updated center frequency ±1 kHz.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the operation mode has ended (Yes), the process of searching for the resonance frequency ends.

[0059] <Effects of this embodiment> The cosmetic device 1 of the above-described embodiment includes a vibration control unit 95 that ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 provided on the head 20, and a frequency search unit 97 that ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 while changing the magnitude of the oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range, thereby searching for a resonance frequency of the vibrator 30. The vibration control unit 95 ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator 30 based on the resonance frequency searched for by the frequency search unit 97. In the case of the above configuration, even if the resonant frequency changes when the head 20 is placed against the user's skin and vibrated, the changed resonant frequency can be searched for. Then, by ultrasonically vibrating the vibrator 30 based on the searched resonant frequency, the vibrator 30 can be vibrated optimally.

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

[0061] 1 beauty device 15 Grip Electrodes 20 heads 21 Tip 25 head electrodes 30 oscillators 94 Potential control section 95 Vibration control unit 96 Current detection section 97 Frequency search section

Claims

1. a head whose tip can come into contact with a human body; a vibrator provided on the head; a vibration control unit that causes the vibrator to vibrate ultrasonically; Equipped with the vibration control unit ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator at a first frequency when deriving ions from the human body, and ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator at a second frequency higher than the first frequency when introducing ions into the human body; The device further includes a pair of electrodes that can come into contact with the human body and to which a voltage for ion introduction and a voltage for ion extraction are supplied, The method further includes a frequency search unit that searches for a resonance frequency of the oscillator by ultrasonically vibrating the oscillator while changing the magnitude of an oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range when deriving the ions, The vibration control unit causes the vibrator to ultrasonically vibrate based on the resonant frequency searched for by the frequency search unit.

2. A head whose tip can come into contact with the human body; a vibrator provided on the head; a vibration control unit that causes the vibrator to vibrate ultrasonically; Equipped with the vibration control unit ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator at a first frequency when deriving ions from the human body, and ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator at a second frequency higher than the first frequency when introducing ions into the human body; The device further includes a pair of electrodes that can come into contact with the human body and to which a voltage for ion introduction and a voltage for ion extraction are supplied, The beauty device, wherein the first frequency is 41 kHz and the second frequency is 1 MHz.

3. The method further includes a frequency search unit that searches for a resonance frequency of the oscillator by ultrasonically vibrating the oscillator while changing the magnitude of an oscillation frequency within a predetermined frequency range when deriving the ions, the vibration control unit ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator based on the resonance frequency searched by the frequency search unit. The beauty device according to claim 2.

4. The frequency search unit When searching for the resonant frequency, a current value of a current flowing through a circuit that supplies a voltage to the vibrator is acquired; determining a frequency at which the current value is minimum among the predetermined frequencies as the resonant frequency; The beauty device according to claim 1.

5. the vibration control unit ultrasonically vibrates the vibrator while changing the magnitude of an oscillation frequency within a predetermined range centered on the resonance frequency searched by the frequency search unit. The beauty device according to claim 1.

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