Facial beauty treatment 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

Facial beauty device

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

[0002] Conventionally, facial beauty devices have been known that have electrodes in the head section and apply electrical stimulation to the skin to achieve beauty effects, such as the facial beauty device described in JP 2011-194173 A. The facial beauty device described in Patent Document 1 also has a light source in the head section to achieve beauty effects other than electrical stimulation by the electrodes.

[0003] However, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve multiple beauty effects using only electrodes and a light source. Furthermore, to achieve multiple beauty effects simultaneously, the head of the facial beauty device that provides the beauty effects must be placed appropriately on the skin, but it is difficult to properly place the part of the facial beauty device that provides the beauty effects on the skin.

[0004] In consideration of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide a facial beauty device that can provide multiple beauty effects and that makes it easier to properly bring the parts of the facial beauty device that provide the multiple beauty effects into contact with the skin.

[0005] The first type of facial beauty device is provided with an acoustic wave generating unit that applies acoustic vibrations to the skin, and an output port on the skin contact surface opposite the application surface of the skin that outputs the acoustic waves generated from the acoustic wave generating unit to the outside.

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

[0007] In the facial beauty device of the second aspect, the wall surface of the output port is formed of a light guide section that can irradiate light from a light emitting section that can emit light of a plurality of colors onto the skin.

[0008] In the second aspect 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 aspect of the facial beauty device, a pair of electrodes that supply current to the skin are arranged around the outer periphery of the output port, and the electrodes consist of a first electrode that is arranged on one side of the output port and a second electrode that is arranged on the outer periphery on the opposite side of the output port from the first electrode.

[0010] According to the third aspect 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 apply sound waves appropriately to the skin.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the facial beauty device, the skin in contact with the skin contact surface blocks the output port, and the sound waves are output toward the skin blocking the output port.

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

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

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the facial beauty device, it is possible to provide a facial beauty device that can lift and press the skin with an appropriate frequency.

[0015] As described above, the present disclosure provides an effect of providing a facial beauty device that can provide multiple beauty effects, and an effect of providing a facial beauty device that makes it easier to properly bring the parts of the facial beauty device that provide multiple beauty effects into contact with the skin.

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

[0017] Hereinafter, a facial beauty device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and may be present in multiples. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0018] Furthermore, descriptions of overlapping configurations and symbols in each drawing may be omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be implemented by making appropriate modifications, such as omitting configurations, replacing them with different configurations, or combining one embodiment with various modified examples, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows the appearance of a facial beauty device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the facial beauty device 10 comprises 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 oval cross section, and is shaped so that the base end side of the head portion 12 is narrow, the central portion is thick, and the opposite side of the head portion 12 is narrower, with the central portion mainly serving as a gripping portion that the user holds during use.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 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 each a so-called soft key type, and a signal is output each time they are operated. Each time the user presses and holds the power / mode button 20, a signal is sent to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 5 ), alternately turning the power on and off. Each time the power / mode button 20 is pressed and held, the mode (see FIG. 11 ) can be changed. The level adjustment button 21 adjusts the current 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 21 a that increases the current level to the electrodes and the sound wave output level, and a minus button 21 b that decreases the current level and 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 FIG. 5 ). Specifically, operating the level adjustment button while current is being applied to the electrodes 32 changes the current level, and operating the level adjustment button while sound waves are being output changes the sound wave output level. Changing the current level applied to the electrodes 32 includes changing the voltage level, current level, frequency, and current application time. Changing the sound wave output level includes changing the sound pressure, frequency, and output time. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the power / mode button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 are preferably located in a position that can be operated with the thumb when the user grips the housing 11. This improves the operability of the power / mode button 20 and the level adjustment button 21. Furthermore, the power / mode button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 are arranged in the axial direction of the skin contact surface 30 (described later), i.e., along the housing 11 from the skin contact surface 30 toward the hole of the output port 31. This allows the power / MODE button 20 and the level adjustment button 21 to be located at the user's line of sight when looking at the skin contact surface 30, thereby improving visibility.

[0022] Although not shown, a battery for operating the facial beauty device 10 is provided inside the housing 11. Note that the facial beauty device 10 is not limited to being battery-powered, and may also be powered by electricity supplied from an external power source.

[0023] (Head Unit 12) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the head unit 12 includes a pair of electrodes 32 that supply current to the skin P, a light-emitting unit 33 that can emit light in multiple colors, and a sound wave generating unit 35 that applies sound wave vibrations to the skin P. The tip of the head unit 12 is provided with a planar skin-contacting surface 30 that faces the treatment surface of the skin P. The skin-contacting surface 30 is elliptical in plan view. The skin-contacting surface 30 is not limited to being planar, but may also be curved such that the outer periphery curves toward the rear end of the head unit 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the head unit 12 is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape that narrows in diameter toward the tip. This allows the user to easily view the treatment area and perform the treatment.

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

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the wall surface of the output port 31 is formed with a light guide 34 that can irradiate light from the light-emitting unit 33 onto the skin P. That is, the light guide 34 guides light from the light-emitting unit 33, which can emit light of multiple colors, to the skin contact surface 30. The light guide 34 is formed of a transparent body through which light from the light-emitting unit 33 passes. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the light guide 34 is formed in a cone shape with the output port 31 at its center. The light guide 34 also has a light entrance surface 34a that faces the light-emitting unit 33 and takes in light output from the light-emitting unit 33, and a light exit surface 34b that forms part of the skin contact surface 30 and irradiates the light output from the light-emitting unit 33 onto the skin P. This allows the light from the light-emitting unit 33 to be condensed and output by the light guide 34. As shown in FIG. 3 , the opening area of ​​the output port 31 is wider on the sound wave generating unit 35 side and narrower on the skin contact surface 30 side. This allows the sound waves output from the sound wave generator 35 to be condensed and output from the output port 31. That is, the light guide 34 has an arc-shaped side surface that narrows in diameter from the light entrance surface 34a to the light exit surface 34b, allowing both light and sound waves to be condensed and guided, and light and sound waves can be efficiently irradiated onto the treatment area, which is the center of the output port 31. In addition, the light entrance surface 34a of the light guide 34 has a rib-shaped portion 34c that protrudes toward the light emitter 33.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2 , the electrodes 32 are arranged on the outer periphery of the output port 31. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the electrodes 32 are composed of a first electrode 32a arranged on one side of the output port 31 and a second electrode 32b arranged on the outer periphery on the opposite side of the output port 31 from the first electrode 32a. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 32a and the second electrode 32b, the electrodes 32 are configured to conduct electricity to the skin P upon contact with the skin P. As shown in FIG. 2 , each electrode 32 is formed in an arc shape with the output port 31 side as its center. Specifically, the electrode 32 has 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 bulges outward from the inner arc portion 32c. Each electrode 32 is formed on the skin contact surface 30 flush with or slightly protruding (e.g., by about 1 mm) from the tip (opening side) of the output port 31. As a result, when the electrode 32 is in contact with the skin P, the skin P can block the output port 31, 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 output surface 34b, and the electrode 32 are arranged in this order at the center of the treatment area. This allows the action area of ​​the sound waves output from the output port 31, the area irradiated with light from the light output surface 34b, and the action areas of the pair of electrodes 32 to be aligned.

[0027] 3 and 4, the light-emitting unit 33 is provided 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-guiding unit 34 and reaches the skin contact surface 30.

[0028] 3 and 4, the sound wave generating unit 35 is disposed inside the output port 31 and generates sound waves that vibrate the skin P. In this embodiment, the sound wave generating unit 35 is configured by a speaker.

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

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

[0031] As shown in FIG. 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 by the sound wave generating 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 that flows between the electrodes 32. The control of the current output includes changing the frequency of the current, changing the voltage, changing the current, and changing the current flow time.

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

[0035] The sound wave generator 35 of this embodiment is capable of generating sound waves and applying vibrations due to the sound waves to the skin P under the control of the sound wave generation control unit 101. As shown in FIG. 6 , the skin P in contact with the skin contact surface 30 blocks the output port 31, and sound waves are output toward the skin P blocking the output port 31. That is, when a user uses the facial beauty device 10, the skin P is brought into contact with the skin contact surface 30, causing the skin P to block the output port 31 and creating an enclosed space M. The sound wave generator 35 outputs sound waves toward this enclosed space M. The sound waves then generate vibrations to tap the skin P, repeatedly lifting and pressing the skin P. The left diagram of FIG. 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 caused by the sound waves loosen stiff muscles Q, such as facial muscles, thereby lifting and smoothing wrinkles. Furthermore, the vibrations are transmitted to the tissues of the skin P, such as fat, muscle Q, and intercellular substances, improving metabolism, eliminating swelling, and achieving a slimmer face. Note that the enclosed space M is not limited to a case where the skin P completely blocks the output port 31, and gaps may exist.

[0036] The sound wave generator 35 is also configured to be able to change the frequency of the sound waves it outputs under the control of the sound wave generation control unit 101. The frequency can be changed within the audible range, for example, between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, more preferably between 30 Hz and 100 Hz. Changing the frequency of the output sound waves allows the sound wave vibrations to be transmitted to wrinkles of different depths on the skin P. That is, the higher the frequency, the closer the vibrations are to the surface of the skin P, and the lower the frequency, the deeper the vibrations are to the skin P. The above-described lifting and pushing tapping of the skin P is possible with sound waves with a frequency between 5 Hz and 200 Hz, for example, but cannot be performed with ultrasonic frequencies beyond the audible range (e.g., 1 MHz to 10 MHz). While ultrasonic frequencies can improve the metabolic function of the skin P by generating heat by vibrating the cells of the skin P, they cannot be used to tap the skin P as disclosed herein.

[0037] The light-emitting unit 33 of this embodiment is capable of emitting red, green, and blue light under the control of the light-emitting control unit 103. As shown in FIG. 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 contracts 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 reaches the stratum corneum deeper than the surface of the skin P. Irradiating the skin P with green light L2 reduces blemishes, dullness, acne scars, scars, etc. It also has a gentle color that is gentle on 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, promoting protein proliferation. It also stimulates the production of collagen S2 and elastin S3. FIG. 7 shows that the light reaches the epidermis P1 and dermis P2 of the skin P differently depending on the type of light (L1, L2, L3).

[0038] The electrode 32 of this embodiment is capable of controlling, for example, RF treatment, EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), iontophoresis, and the like, under the control of the electrode control unit 102 .

[0039] Electrode control for RF treatment is a control that outputs RF (radio waves) that generate Joule heat to the dermis P2 of the skin P. Here, the frequency of the electrode control for RF treatment is, for example, a frequency in the range of 500 Hz to 5 MHz. As shown in FIG. 8 , the thermal effect of Joule heat softens and loosens the skin P, making it easier to break down cooled, hardened fat. In addition, the thermal effect promotes metabolism, improving blood circulation and making it easier to pinch and flush out unnecessary substances. Furthermore, by warming and softening the skin P, it becomes easier to deliver beauty ingredients such as lotions and beauty serums deep into the skin P.

[0040] EMS electrode control is a control that outputs electrical stimulation to stimulate the facial muscles Q (see the zygomaticus minor muscle Q1, zygomaticus major muscle Q2, laughing muscle Q3, levator labii superioris muscle Q4, levator anguli oris muscle Q5, buccinator muscle Q6, and orbicularis oris muscle Q7 shown in Figure 9). The frequency used for EMS electrode control is within the range of 5 Hz to 500 Hz. As shown in Figure 9, electrical stimulation by 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 results in a lifted appearance, leading to the improvement of wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. Furthermore, when electrical stimulation vibrates cells in the subcutaneous tissue, it improves blood flow and promotes metabolism, flushing out waste products and reducing swelling.

[0041] The electrode control for iontophoresis is a control that outputs a negative iontophoresis current. Here, the frequency of the electrode control for iontophoresis is within the range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz. As shown in FIG. 10 , applying a negative iontophoresis current causes the negatively ionized cosmetic ingredients to repel and penetrate deeper into the skin P, allowing the cosmetic ingredients contained in the lotion or serum to penetrate from the epidermis P1 to the dermis P2, which is deep in the skin P. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 , when the lotion or serum is simply applied to the skin, the barrier of the stratum corneum prevents the cosmetic ingredients from penetrating deep into the skin P. However, applying a negative iontophoresis current allows the cosmetic ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin P.

[0042] The operation of this embodiment will be described below. First, an example of a mode executed by the facial beauty device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] The facial beauty device 10 has a number of pre-defined modes that combine the output of the electrode 32, the output of the sound wave generator 35, and the color of the light-emitting unit. The control unit 100 of the facial beauty device 10 controls the electrode 32, the sound wave generator 35, and the light-emitting unit according to the mode selected by the user. Switching between modes is achieved by briefly pressing the power / MODE button 20 once. The initial state when the power / MODE button 20 is turned on is set to "pre-treatment mode," and each time the power / MODE button 20 is pressed, the device switches from "pre-treatment mode" to "lift-up mode," "sensitive area care mode," or "introduction & soothing mode."

[0044] In this embodiment, examples of modes include a "pre-treatment mode," a "lift-up mode," a "sensitive area care mode," and a "introduction and calming mode."

[0045] "Pre-treatment mode" is a mode that combines RF treatment electrode control, sound waves, and red LEDs. "Pre-treatment mode" is a mode that softens and loosens skin P with a thermal effect, and is recommended for use on the face, shoulders, and neck.

[0046] "Lift-up mode" is a combination of EMS electrode control, sound waves, and red and green LEDs. "Lift-up mode" uses EMS to stimulate facial muscles and lift up the face, and is recommended for use on areas of the face other than the eyes.

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

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

[0049] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

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

[0051] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated 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.