Facial device

Abstract

The present invention comprises a sound wave generation unit that imparts vibrations by means of sound waves to skin. A skin contact surface facing an implementation surface of the skin is provided with an output port for externally outputting a sound wave generated by the sound wave generation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beauty device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a beauty device that has electrodes on a head portion and applies an electrical stimulus to the skin to obtain a beauty effect, such as the beauty device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-194173. Further, the beauty device described in Patent Document 1 also includes a light source for obtaining a beauty effect other than the electrical stimulus by the electrodes on the head portion.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, it is difficult to obtain a plurality of beauty effects simultaneously with only electrodes and a light source. Further, in order to obtain a plurality of beauty effects simultaneously, it is necessary to appropriately apply the portion of the head portion of the beauty device that gives the beauty effect to the skin, but it is difficult to appropriately bring the portion of the beauty device that gives the beauty effect into contact with the skin.

[0004] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a beauty device capable of giving a plurality of beauty effects. Another object is to provide a beauty device that makes it easy to appropriately bring the portion of the beauty device that gives a plurality of beauty effects into contact with the skin.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The beauty device according to the first aspect includes a sound wave generation unit that gives vibrations by sound waves to the skin, and an output port that outputs the sound waves generated from the sound wave generation unit to the outside is provided on a skin contact surface facing the treatment surface of the skin.

[0006] According to the beauty device of the first aspect, it is possible to provide a beauty device capable of giving a plurality of beauty effects.

[0007] In the second embodiment of the facial beauty device, the wall surface of the output port is composed of a light guide that can irradiate the skin with light from a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light of multiple colors.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the facial beauty device, by placing the output port against the skin, it is possible to provide a facial beauty device that can appropriately apply sound waves and light to the skin.

[0009] In the third embodiment of the facial beauty device, a pair of electrodes for supplying current to the skin are arranged on the outer circumference of the output port, and the electrodes consist of a first electrode arranged on one side of the output port and a second electrode arranged on the outer circumference opposite the first electrode and the output port.

[0010] According to the third embodiment of the facial beauty device, by applying the first electrode and the second electrode to the skin, it is possible to provide a facial beauty device that can also appropriately apply sound waves to the skin.

[0011] In the fourth embodiment of the facial beauty device, the skin in contact with the skin contact surface blocks the output port, and the sound waves are output towards the skin that is blocking the output port.

[0012] According to the fourth embodiment of the facial beauty device, it is possible to provide a facial beauty device that can lift and press the skin using sound waves.

[0013] In the fifth embodiment of the facial device, the frequency of the sound waves can be changed between 5 Hz and 200 Hz.

[0014] According to the fifth embodiment of the facial device, it is possible to provide a facial device that can lift and press the skin using an appropriate frequency. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As explained above, this disclosure provides the benefit of being able to provide a facial device that can provide multiple beauty benefits. Furthermore, it provides the benefit of being able to provide a facial device that makes it easier to properly bring the parts of the facial device that provide multiple beauty benefits into contact with the skin.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an example of a beauty device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the skin contact surface of the beauty device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A - A of the head portion of FIG. 2 of the beauty device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic exploded perspective view of the head portion of the beauty device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical connection of the control unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the sound wave generation unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the light emitting unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the electrode control of the RF treatment according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the electrode control of the EMS according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the function of the electrode control of the ion introduction according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the mode executed by the beauty device according to the present embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, a beauty device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing mean the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and there may be a plurality of them. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0018] In addition, descriptions of overlapping configurations and reference numerals in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and modifications such as omitting configurations, replacing with different configurations, or combining one embodiment and various variations can be appropriately made and implemented within the scope of the object of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the beauty device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the beauty device 10 includes a cylindrical housing 11 and a head portion 12 that protrudes laterally from the housing 11.

[0020] (Housing 11) As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 11 has an elliptical cross-section, and the proximal end side of the head portion 12 is thin, the central portion is thick, and the opposite side of the head portion 12 is thin. The central portion mainly serves as a grip portion that the user holds during use.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 11 is provided with a power / MODE button 20 and a level adjustment button 21. The power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 are so-called soft key type buttons, and a signal is output each time they are operated. Each time the power / MODE button 20 is pressed and held by the user, a signal is sent to the control unit 100 (see Figure 5), allowing the power to be turned ON and OFF alternately. The power / MODE button 20 can also be used to change the mode (see Figure 11) with each short press. The level adjustment button 21 is used to adjust the current supply level to the electrodes 32 and the sound wave output level of the sound wave generator 35. The level adjustment button 21 includes a plus button 21a that increases the current supply level to the electrodes and the sound wave output level, and a minus button 21b that decreases the current supply level and the sound wave output level. Each time the level adjustment button 21 is operated by the user, a signal is sent to the control unit 100 (see Figure 5). Specifically, the current level is changed when the level adjustment button is operated while current is flowing to electrode 32, and the sound wave output level is changed when the level adjustment button is operated while sound waves are being output. Here, changing the current level to electrode 32 includes changing the voltage level, changing the current level, changing the frequency, and changing the current flow time. Also, changing the sound wave output level includes changing the sound pressure, changing the frequency, and changing the output time. Furthermore, it is desirable that the power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 be located in a place where the user can operate them with their thumb when gripping the housing 11, as shown in Figure 1. This improves the operability of the power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21. In addition, the power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 are positioned axially along the housing 11 from the skin contact surface 30, that is, in the direction of the hole of the output port 31. This improves visibility because the power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 are within the user's line of sight when looking at the skin contact surface 30.

[0022] Furthermore, the housing 11 is equipped with a battery for operating the facial device 10, although this is not shown in the diagram. Note that the facial device 10 is not limited to being powered by the battery; it may also be powered by an external power source.

[0023] (Head section 12) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the head portion 12 includes a pair of electrodes 32 that supply current to the skin P, a light-emitting portion 33 capable of emitting light of multiple colors, and a sound wave generating portion 35 that applies sound wave vibrations to the skin P. The tip side of the head portion 12 is also provided with a planar skin contact surface 30 that faces the application surface of the skin P. The skin contact surface 30 is formed in an elliptical shape in plan view. Note that the skin contact surface 30 is not limited to being formed in a planar shape, but may also be formed in a curved shape with its outer circumference curving toward the rear end of the head portion 12. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the head portion 12 is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape that narrows towards the tip. This makes it easier for the user to see the treatment area and perform the treatment.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the skin contact surface 30 is provided with an output port 31 that outputs sound waves generated from the sound wave generating unit 35 inside the head unit 12 to the outside. The output port 31 is a cylindrical hole opened approximately in the center of the skin contact surface 30, extending approximately perpendicularly from the skin contact surface 30 toward the inside of the head unit 12.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the wall surface of the output port 31 is composed of a light guide section 34 that can irradiate light from the light-emitting section 33 onto the skin P. In other words, the light guide section 34 guides light from the light-emitting section 33, which can emit light of multiple colors, to the skin contact surface 30. The light guide section 34 is made of a transparent material through which the light from the light-emitting section 33 passes. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the light guide section 34 is formed in a conical shape with the output port 31 in the center. The light guide section 34 also has a light-ingress surface 34a that faces the light-emitting section 33 and takes in the light output from the light-emitting section 33, and a light-emitting surface 34b that forms part of the skin contact surface 30 and irradiates the skin P with the light output from the light-emitting section 33. This makes it possible to condense the light from the light-emitting section 33 in the light guide section 34 and output it. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the opening area of ​​the output port 31 is wider on the sound wave generation section 35 side and narrower on the skin contact surface 30 side. This makes it possible to condense and output the sound waves emitted from the sound wave generating unit 35 through the output port 31. In other words, the light guide unit 34 has a diameter that curves in an arc from the light-receiving surface 34a to the light-emitting surface 34b, allowing it to guide both light and sound waves while condensing them, and efficiently irradiating the treatment area, which is the center of the output port 31, with light and sound waves. In addition, the light-receiving surface 34a of the light guide unit 34 has a rib-shaped portion 34c that protrudes toward the light-emitting unit 33.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the electrodes 32 are arranged on the outer circumference of the output port 31. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the electrodes 32 consist of a first electrode 32a positioned on one side of the output port 31 and a second electrode 32b positioned on the outer circumference opposite the first electrode 32a and the output port 31. By applying a voltage between the first electrode 32a and the second electrode 32b, the electrodes are designed to conduct electricity to the skin P when they come into contact with it. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the electrodes 32 are each formed in an arc shape with the output port 31 side as the center of the circle. Specifically, the electrodes 32 have a crescent shape with an inner arc portion 32c corresponding to the outer edge of the output port 31 and an outer arc portion 32d that is an outward bulge of the inner arc portion 32c. Furthermore, each electrode 32 is formed on the skin contact surface 30 to be the same length as or slightly protruding (for example, about 1 mm) from the tip (opening side) of the output port 31. This allows the skin P to block the output port 31 when the electrode 32 is in contact with the skin P, enabling reliable treatment using EMS, light emission, and sound waves. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the skin contact surface 30 of this embodiment, the opening of the output port 31, the light-emitting surface 34b, and the electrodes 32 are arranged in that order in the center of the treatment area. This allows the area affected by the sound waves output from the output port 31, the area irradiated by light from the light-emitting surface 34b, and the area affected by the pair of electrodes 32 to be aligned.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the light-emitting unit 33 is located inside the head unit 12. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 33 is configured as a flat, ring-shaped plate on which LEDs are arranged. As described above, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 33 passes through the light guide unit 34 and is transmitted to the skin contact surface 30.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sound wave generating unit 35 is positioned inside the output port 31 and generates sound waves that cause vibrations in the skin P. In this embodiment, the sound wave generating unit 35 is composed of a speaker.

[0029] A control unit 100 is provided inside the head unit 12. As will be described later, the control unit 100 controls the sound wave generating unit 35, the electrodes 32, and the light-emitting unit 33.

[0030] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical connections of the control unit 100. As shown in Figure 5, in the head unit 12, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to the sound wave generating unit 35, the electrode 32, and the light-emitting unit 33. In addition, the power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 are electrically connected to the control unit 100.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 100 includes a sound wave generation control unit 101, an electrode control unit 102, and a light emission control unit 103.

[0032] The sound wave generation control unit 101 controls the output of sound waves from the sound wave generation unit 35. Control of the sound wave output includes changing the frequency of the sound waves, changing the sound pressure, and changing the output time of the sound waves.

[0033] The electrode control unit 102 controls the output of the current supplied between the electrodes 32. Control of the current output includes changing the current frequency, changing the voltage, changing the current, and changing the energizing time.

[0034] The light emission control unit 103 controls the color output of the light emission unit 33. Controlling the color output includes changing the color and changing the light intensity.

[0035] In this embodiment, the sound wave generating unit 35 can generate sound waves and apply vibrations caused by the sound waves to the skin P under the control of the sound wave generating control unit 101. As shown in Figure 6, when the skin P comes into contact with the skin contact surface 30, it blocks the output port 31, and the sound waves are output towards the skin P that is blocking the output port 31. That is, when the user uses the facial device 10, the skin P comes into contact with the skin contact surface 30, causing the skin P to block the output port 31 and creating a sealed space M. The sound wave generating unit 35 outputs sound waves towards this sealed space M. The sound waves generate vibrations to tap the skin P, repeatedly lifting and pressing the skin P. The left diagram in Figure 6 illustrates the state in which the skin P is lifted, and the right diagram illustrates the state in which the skin P is pressed. The vibrations from the sound waves loosen the stiffened facial muscles Q, resulting in a lifting effect and smoothing out wrinkles. Furthermore, the vibrations are transmitted to the tissues of the skin P, such as fat, muscle Q, and intercellular substances, which improves metabolism, reduces swelling, and results in a smaller-looking face. Note that the sealed space M is not limited to cases where the skin P completely blocks the output port 31; gaps may be present.

[0036] Furthermore, the sound wave generating unit 35 is configured to change the frequency of the sound waves it outputs under the control of the sound wave generating control unit 101. The frequency can be changed, for example, within the audible range between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, more preferably between 30 Hz and 100 Hz. By changing the frequency of the output sound waves, it becomes possible to transmit vibrations from the sound waves to wrinkles of different depths on the skin P. That is, the higher the frequency, the closer the vibration is to the surface of the skin P, and the lower the frequency, the deeper the vibration is transmitted to the skin P. The lifting and pressing tapping of the skin P as described above is possible with sound waves with frequencies between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, for example, and cannot be done with ultrasonic frequencies that are beyond the audible range (for example, between 1 MHz and 10 MHz). At ultrasonic frequencies, it is possible to improve the metabolic function of the skin P by generating heat by vibrating the cells of the skin P, but it is not possible to perform tapping of the skin P as described in this disclosure.

[0037] The light-emitting unit 33 of this embodiment can emit red, green, and blue light under the control of the light-emitting control unit 103. As shown in Figure 7, blue light L1 has a short wavelength and acts on the surface of the skin P. Irradiating the skin P with blue light L1 constricts the sebaceous glands and suppresses sebum secretion. It also calms the mind and stabilizes the spirit. Green light L2 has a longer wavelength than blue light L1 and penetrates deeper into the stratum corneum than the surface of the skin P. Irradiating the skin P with green light L2 lightens blemishes, dullness, acne scars, and other scars. It is also a gentle color that does not strain the eyes and calms the mind. Red light L3 has a longer wavelength than green light L2 and penetrates to the dermis layer of the stratum corneum. Irradiating the skin P with red light L3 stimulates fibroblasts S1 and promotes protein proliferation. It also activates the production of collagen S2 and elastin S3. Figure 7 shows that the reach of skin P to the epidermis P1 and dermis P2 differs depending on the type of light (L1, L2, L3).

[0038] In this embodiment, the electrode 32 can be controlled by the electrode control unit 102 to perform electrode control for applications such as RF treatment, EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), and iontophoresis.

[0039] The electrode control in RF treatment involves outputting RF (radio frequency) waves that generate Joule heat to the dermis P2 of the skin P. Here, the frequency used for electrode control in RF treatment is, for example, within the range of 500Hz to 5MHz. As shown in Figure 8, the thermal effect of Joule heat softens and loosens the skin P, making it easier to break down hardened fat. In addition, the thermal effect promotes metabolism, improving blood circulation and making it easier to remove unwanted substances. Furthermore, as the skin P warms up and softens, it becomes easier for beauty ingredients such as lotions and serums to penetrate deep into the skin P.

[0040] EMS electrode control involves controlling the output of electrical stimulation that stimulates the facial muscles Q (see Figure 9, zygomaticus minor Q1, zygomaticus major Q2, risorius Q3, levator labii superioris Q4, levator anguli oris Q5, buccinator Q6, and orbicularis oris Q7). Here, the frequency used for EMS electrode control is within the range of 5Hz to 500Hz. As shown in Figure 9, the electrical stimulation from EMS directly stimulates the facial muscles, allowing for pinpoint training of the desired muscles Q. Furthermore, because the ends of the facial muscles Q are directly attached to the skin, training weakened facial muscles can lead to a lifting effect, improving wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. In addition, when cells in the subcutaneous tissue vibrate due to electrical stimulation, blood flow improves and metabolism is promoted, which helps to flush out waste products and reduce swelling.

[0041] Electrode control for iontophoresis involves controlling the output of a negative introduction current. The frequency used for iontophoresis electrode control is typically within the range of 1kHz to 10kHz. As shown in Figure 10, by applying a negative introduction current, the negatively charged beauty ingredients are repelled and attempt to penetrate deep into the skin P. Therefore, the beauty ingredients contained in lotions and serums penetrate from the epidermis P1 to the dermis P2, which are the deepest layers of skin P. In other words, as shown in Figure 7, simply applying lotion or serum to the skin prevents the beauty ingredients from penetrating deep into the skin P due to the barrier of the stratum corneum. However, by applying a negative introduction current, the beauty ingredients can penetrate deep into the skin P.

[0042] The operation of this embodiment will be described below. First, an example of a mode performed by the facial device 10 will be described based on Figure 11.

[0043] The facial device 10 has several predetermined modes that combine the output of the electrodes 32, the output of the sound wave generator 35, and the color of the light-emitting part. The control unit 100 of the facial device 10 controls the electrodes 32, the sound wave generator 35, and the light-emitting part according to the mode selected by the user. Switching between modes is done by briefly pressing the power / MODE button 20 once. When the power of the facial device 10 is turned on, the initial state is set to "pre-treatment mode," and each time the power / MODE button 20 is operated, it switches from "pre-treatment mode" to "lift-up mode," "sensitive area care mode," and "introduction & soothing mode."

[0044] In this embodiment, examples of modes include "Pre-treatment mode," "Lift-up mode," "Sensitive area care mode," and "Introduction & soothing mode."

[0045] The "Pre-Treatment Mode" is a mode that combines RF treatment electrode control, sound waves, and red LEDs. The "Pre-Treatment Mode" uses a warming effect to soften and relax the skin, and is recommended for use on the face, shoulders, and neck.

[0046] The "Lift-Up Mode" is a mode that combines EMS electrode control, sound waves, and red and green LEDs. This mode stimulates facial muscles with EMS to lift the skin, and is recommended for use on areas of the face other than the eyes.

[0047] The "Sensitive Area Care Mode" is a mode that combines EMS electrode control, sound waves, and red and blue LEDs. This mode uses weak stimulation to provide EMS care to sensitive areas such as around the eyes, and is recommended for use around the eyes and forehead.

[0048] The "Introduction & Soothing Mode" is a mode that combines iontophoresis electrode control, sound waves, and blue LED light. This mode allows beauty ingredients to penetrate softened skin, and is recommended for use on the entire face.

[0049] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made in addition to those described above, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0050] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-085762, filed on 27 May 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. It is equipped with a sound wave generating unit that applies sound wave vibrations to the skin, On the skin contact surface facing the aforementioned skin application surface, It is equipped with an output port for outputting sound waves generated from the sound wave generating unit to the outside, The wall surface of the output port is It consists of a light-emitting section capable of emitting light of multiple colors and a light-guiding section capable of irradiating the skin with that light, The light guide unit comprises a light-receiving surface that takes in light from the light-emitting unit and a light-emitting surface that emits light from the light-emitting unit. The light guide portion of this facial device has a side surface that curves and narrows in diameter from the light-receiving surface to the light-emitting surface.

2. The outer circumference of the output port is, A pair of electrodes are arranged to supply an electric current to the skin, The facial beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode comprises a first electrode disposed on one side of the output port and a second electrode disposed on the outer circumference opposite to the first electrode and the output port.

3. The facial beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the skin in contact with the skin contact surface blocks the output port, and the sound waves are output toward the skin that is blocking the output port.

4. The facial beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the sound wave can be changed between 5 Hz and 200 Hz.

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