Beauty instrument

Abstract

A beauty instrument (10) comprises: a body unit (11) having a body electrode; a head unit (30) provided at one end of the body unit (11) in the longitudinal direction and having an electrode group including at least two electrodes capable of applying currents having different characteristics to a user's skin; and an electrode control unit for controlling the body electrode and the electrode group. The electrode control unit applies a voltage of a first output having a first frequency between the at least two electrodes installed in the head unit (30), and applies a voltage of a second output between the body electrode of the body unit and at least some of the electrodes forming the electrode group of the head unit (30). The first output and the second output are alternately output in a periodic manner. A first output period of the first output in one cycle of the output period is longer than a second output period of the second output, and the second output period accounts for at least 20% of the output period in one cycle.

Description

Beauty equipment

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

[0002] Conventionally, beauty devices have been proposed that impart beauty effects to the skin by passing electricity through electrodes in contact with the skin surface of the user. Patent Literature 1 discloses technology relating to a beauty device that includes multiple electrodes and passes electricity between the electrodes. The beauty device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 imparts various beauty effects to the skin of the user by combining multiple different outputs.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-111559

[0004] The beauty device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can provide a user with a comfortable warming sensation and increase the efficiency of iontophoresis of beauty ingredients by combining multiple different outputs. For example, some beauty devices are required to have a high cleansing effect on the user's skin. Therefore, there is a demand for a beauty device that can provide a comfortable warming sensation and beauty effects while also achieving a high cleansing effect on the user's skin.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the problems inherent in the prior art, and aims to provide a beauty tool that can impart a comfortable warming sensation and beauty effects to the user's skin, as well as a high cleansing effect.

[0006] A beauty device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body having a main electrode that contacts the user when held by the user, a head having an electrode group consisting of at least two or more electrodes disposed at one longitudinal end of the main body and capable of passing currents with different characteristics to the user's skin, and an electrode control unit that controls the main electrode and the electrode group. The electrode control unit applies a first output voltage having a first frequency between at least two or more electrodes disposed in the head, and applies a second output voltage between at least some of the electrodes constituting the electrode group of the head and the main electrode of the main body. The second output voltage is applied so that all of the electrodes constituting the electrode group to which the second output voltage is applied have the same polarity, and the electrodes of the head and the main electrode have opposite polarities. The first output and the second output are output alternately in a cyclic manner, and the first output period of the first output in one cycle of the output period is longer than the second output period of the second output, and the second output period is at least 20% of the output period in one cycle.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a beauty tool that can impart a comfortable warmth and beauty effects to the user's skin, and also provide a high cleansing effect.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment as seen from the rear side; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the beauty tool and attachment according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of use of the beauty tool and attachment according to the present embodiment; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the electrode shape of the head portion of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of electrical connection of the head portion of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of using the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a waveform applied in the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a waveform in human body detection processing of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a waveform in IP derivation of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a waveform in RF output of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the cycle of the waveform applied in the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the radio frequency output ratio and the degree of dirt removal in the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment; FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of electrode control processing of the beauty tool according to the present embodiment;

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Beauty Tool) Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing an example of a beauty tool 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1A, the beauty tool 10 includes a main body 11 that is held by a user and a head 30 that can pass currents with different characteristics through the user's skin. During treatment, the beauty tool 10 is used by the user holding the main body 11 and bringing the head 30 into contact with the user's skin.

[0011] 1A, the main body 11 is a columnar housing having a bottom 12, a front surface 13, a rear surface 14 (see FIG. 1B), a side surface 15, and a top surface 16, with the longitudinal direction being the direction connecting the bottom 12 and the top surface 16 on which the head 30 is provided. That is, the head 30 is provided at one end of the main body 11 in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The top 16 on which the head portion 30 is provided is lower in height on the front portion 13 side than on the back portion 14 side, making it easier for the head portion 30 to come into contact with the user's skin when the user holds the main body portion 11 during treatment.

[0013] Here, the front portion 13 is the portion that faces the user when the user grips the main body portion 11 during treatment. The back portion 14 is the portion on the back side of the front portion 13. Usually, when the user grips the main body portion 11 during treatment, the user's palm and fingers other than the thumb come into contact with the back portion 14, making it easier for the user's thumb to come into contact with the front portion 13.

[0014] The front portion 13 is also provided with a level switch 17 for adjusting the current level and a power switch 18 (mode switch) for turning the power on / off and switching between usage modes. The usage modes include, for example, RF (Radio frequency) x EMS (Electrical muscle stimulation) mode, RF_PUMP mode, eye care mode, moist mode, and clean mode. These modes are set based on the frequency of the current passed through the user's skin, the combination of the currents passed through, and the like. This specification will mainly describe in detail the features of the clean mode.

[0015] 1B, a main body electrode 20 is provided on the back surface 14 of the main body 11. Therefore, the main body 11 has the main body electrode 20 consisting of one or more electrodes that come into contact with the user when gripped by the user.

[0016] 1B, the main electrode 20 is composed of one oval electrode. However, the main electrode 20 may be composed of two or more electrodes. In this case, the main electrode 20 can be a main electrode group composed of one or more electrodes.

[0017] 2A, the head 30 of the beauty tool 10 is configured to hold an attachment 50 for attaching cotton batting 51 to be used in a clean mode, which will be described later. The attachment 50 has a generally annular shape and is made of resin, rubber, metal, or the like. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the head 30 of the beauty tool 10 with the cotton batting 51 and the attachment 50 attached.

[0018] For example, when using the beauty tool 10 in the clean mode, the user holds cotton 51 or the like on the beauty tool 10 with the attachment 50, and by using the attachment 50, dirt on the skin can be absorbed and removed by the cotton 51.

[0019] Each use mode is set by, for example, combining application of a voltage between the electrodes for at least one of first, second, and third outputs having different frequencies, which will be described later, with illumination by an LED light.

[0020] For example, in the clean mode, the second output voltage is applied between the electrodes in the first stage within a unit time (one cycle) and the first output voltage is applied in the second stage, and the LED light is irradiated for the entire unit time.

[0021] Furthermore, a human body detection output for detecting the flow of electricity to a human body may be output between each output. In this way, when applying voltages with different frequency outputs at different times within a unit time, it becomes possible to apply voltages with different frequency outputs to the same electrode.

[0022] Therefore, when applying voltages with different frequency outputs at different times within a unit time, it is possible to reduce the number of electrodes provided on the head unit 30 and make the head unit 30 smaller.

[0023] The current that flows through the user's skin is generated by passing currents with different characteristics through a parallel electrode group 40, which is a collection of three or more electrodes arranged in parallel on the head unit 30. Voltages such as a first output having a first frequency, a second output having a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a third output having a third frequency lower than the first frequency, as described below, are applied to the parallel electrode group 40. The parallel electrode group 40 corresponds to an electrode group.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3A , the head unit 30 has a parallel electrode group 40, which is a group of three or more parallel electrodes. The electrodes that make up the parallel electrode group 40 include an upper electrode corresponding to the first electrode 41, a lower electrode corresponding to the fourth electrode 44, and an intermediate electrode group, which is a group of intermediate electrodes corresponding to the second electrode 42 and the third electrode 43. Here, the upper electrode is the electrode in the head unit 30 that is located farthest from the bottom 12 of the main body 11. The lower electrode is the electrode in the head unit 30 that is located closest to the bottom 12 of the main body 11. Furthermore, the intermediate electrode group is a group of one or more intermediate electrodes that are electrodes located between the upper and lower electrodes.

[0025] 3A, the first electrode 41 corresponding to the upper electrode and the second electrode 42 corresponding to the intermediate electrode are spaced apart by a predetermined upper adjacent electrode distance Du. The second electrode 42 corresponding to the intermediate electrode and the third electrode 43 corresponding to another intermediate electrode are spaced apart by a predetermined intermediate adjacent electrode distance Dm. The third electrode 43 corresponding to the intermediate electrode and the fourth electrode 44 corresponding to the lower electrode are spaced apart by a predetermined lower adjacent electrode distance Dl.

[0026] 3B is a diagram showing an example of the electrical connections of the head unit 30 of the beauty tool 10. As shown in FIG. 3B , a plurality of LED lights 35 are provided on the surface of the head unit between adjacent electrodes among the four electrodes that make up the parallel electrode group 40. For example, if a translucent surface of the head unit 30 is used and the LED lights 35 are embedded on the back side of the head unit surface, the LED lights 35 can be visible only when they are turned on.

[0027] In the head unit 30 of this embodiment, the LED lights 35 are arranged in three rows of five LED lights 35. Specifically, one row of five LED lights 35 is provided between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42, between the second electrode 42 and the third electrode 43, and between the third electrode 43 and the fourth electrode 44. The number of rows of LED lights 35 and the number of LED lights per row are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate.

[0028] Furthermore, each of the three rows of five LED lights in the head unit 30 can be turned on and off independently. For example, the head unit 30 can turn on all three rows of the LED lights 35 or only one row. For example, red LED lights are used as the LED lights 35. Shining red LED lights on the skin can promote cell repair and blood circulation, and soothe inflammation and redness of the skin, for example.

[0029] 3B , the parallel electrode group 40 of the head unit 30 is electrically connected to an EMS electrode control unit 115, an RF electrode control unit 116, and an IP electrode control unit 117. The parallel electrode group 40 is configured to apply a voltage of a specific output between specific electrodes by the EMS electrode control unit 115, the RF electrode control unit 116, and the IP electrode control unit 117. Note that a configuration having functions including the EMS electrode control unit 115, the RF electrode control unit 116, and the IP electrode control unit 117 corresponds to an electrode control unit.

[0030] The RF electrode control unit 116 is a unit that controls outputs such as a first output that applies a voltage between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 and between the third electrode 43 and the fourth electrode 44. The IP electrode control unit 117 is a unit that controls outputs such as a second output that applies a voltage between each electrode that constitutes the parallel electrode group 40 of the head unit 30 and the main body electrode 20 of the main body unit 11. The EMS electrode control unit 115 is a unit that controls outputs such as a third output that applies a voltage between the first electrode 41 and the fourth electrode 44.

[0031] The parallel electrode group 40 and the main body electrode 20 are electrically connected to the EMS electrode control unit 115, the RF electrode control unit 116, and the IP electrode control unit 117 by conducting wires 151, 152, 172, and the like.

[0032] The current that flows through the user's skin is generated by passing currents with different characteristics through a parallel electrode group 40, which is a collection of two or more parallel electrodes in the head unit 30. Voltages such as a first output having a first frequency and a second output having a second frequency lower than the first frequency are applied to the parallel electrode group 40. Details of the first output and the second output will be described below.

[0033] The first output is a high-frequency current output that generates Joule heat inside the skin by passing the high-frequency current through the skin. The first frequency is, for example, 1 MHz to 9 MHz, preferably 1 MHz to 6 MHz. This allows the beauty device 10 to provide a beauty device 10 that can easily reduce wrinkles and sagging skin due to the skin heating effect of the first output, and easily provide a comfortable warmth.

[0034] The first output generates Joule heat inside the skin by passing a high-frequency current through the skin, which promotes the production of collagen and other substances inside the skin and increases capillary blood flow. This allows the user to achieve skin lift, reduce dullness, and promote the decomposition of oil-soluble dirt on the skin surface.

[0035] As described above, the first output is configured to pass through the user's skin by applying a voltage between multiple electrodes provided on the head unit 30. Meanwhile, the second output is configured to pass through the user's skin by applying a voltage between one or more electrodes provided on the head unit 30 and one or more main body electrodes 20 provided on the main body unit 11 held by the user. The first output is preferred because applying a voltage between a pair of electrodes that are relatively close to each other among the electrodes constituting the parallel electrode group 40 tends to enhance the effect of generating a strong warmth in the user.

[0036] The output time ratio refers to the output ratio (output rate) between the first output and the second output in one cycle of the output in the use mode. For example, one cycle of the output in the clean mode is composed of 122 ms of the first output, 5 ms of blank (non-output), 48 ms of the second output, and 5 ms of blank (non-output). In this case, the output time ratio of the first output is 122 / 200.

[0037] The second output is a medium-frequency current output. This is typically a current output at a frequency used for IP (iontophoresis). The frequency of the second output is, for example, 1 kHz to 10 kHz, preferably 1 kHz to 5 kHz. This is an output that removes ions (ions related to dirt) from the skin surface by applying a current to the skin.

[0038] The second output is preferably an AC waveform, but may also be a DC waveform. The second output is applied to the user's skin by applying a voltage between one or more electrodes on the head unit 30 and one or more main body electrodes 20 on the main body unit 11 held by the user, and the positive and negative polarities of the voltage may be switched periodically. This allows for effective adsorption of ionic dirt remaining on the skin regardless of its charge.

[0039] (Details of Clean Mode) The clean mode in this embodiment will now be described in detail. The clean mode is, for example, a mode that combines a first output that gives a warm feeling to the user's skin, a second output for IP (ion derivation), and LED light irradiation. The clean mode is a mode that mainly aims to remove dirt from the user's skin by passing the current through the user's skin to adsorb ionic dirt remaining on the user's skin.

[0040] 4 shows an example of using the clean mode of the beauty tool 10 on a user's skin. The user moves the beauty tool 10 against the skin in the treatment directions M1 to M8 shown in FIG. 4. This allows the user to perform one cycle including the first output and the second output multiple times in each treatment direction.

[0041] Next, the details of the clean mode applied to the beauty tool 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an example of an output pattern from the electrodes in the clean mode.

[0042] In the clean mode output pattern shown in FIG. 5A, a human body detection output that detects whether the beauty tool 10 is properly in contact with the user is performed for a period of 20 ms. Then, a second output corresponding to the IP derivation process is performed for a period of 48 ms. After that, a blank (non-output) period of 5 ms is followed by a first output, which is an RF output, for a period of 122 ms. Then, a blank (non-output) period of 5 ms is performed, for a total of 200 ms, constituting one clean mode cycle. In this case, for example, the output time ratio of the first output is 122 / 200. Furthermore, in the human body detection, IP derivation, and RF output shown in FIG. 5A, voltages having the waveform characteristics shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C are applied, respectively.

[0043] When the output pattern in clean mode is the pattern shown in Figure 5A, the first output provides a warming effect to the user and makes it easier to remove dirt remaining on the skin surface, while the second output allows ionic dirt components adhering to the skin surface to be adsorbed and removed by the device more easily than by wiping with your hand.

[0044] In the clean mode, for example, while the output pattern shown in Fig. 5A is being output, three rows of LED light 35 are lit. Irradiating the skin with red LED light can, for example, promote the repair of skin cells and blood circulation, and soothe inflammation and redness of the skin.

[0045] Next, the output time ratio of the clean mode will be described. The output time ratio of the output pattern in the clean mode shown in FIG. 5A is calculated as follows. The clean mode shown in FIG. 5A is output at a cycle of 200 ms, and the output time ratio of the human body detection output portion is 20 / 200 = 10.0%. The output time ratio of the RF output (first output) portion is 122 / 200 = 61.0%. The output time ratio of the IP output (ion extraction, second output) portion is 48 / 200 = 24.0%. The output time ratio of the blank portion is 10 / 200 = 5.0%.

[0046] That is, the output time ratio in the clean mode is as shown in Fig. 6. The first output and the second output are output alternately and periodically at the output time ratio in one cycle shown in Fig. 6.

[0047] In addition, when the output period of the first output in one cycle of the output period is defined as the first output period, the RF, which is the first output period, is 122 ms, which is 61% of the output period in one cycle, in the example shown in Fig. 6. In addition, when the output period of the second output in one cycle of the output period is defined as the second output period, the IP, which is the second output period, is 48 ms, which is 24% of the output period in one cycle, in the example shown in Fig. 6.

[0048] 6, the first output period is longer than the second output period, and the second output period is at least 20% or more of the output period in one cycle.

[0049] In the clean mode, the output time ratios of the IP output (second output) portion, the RF output (first output) portion, and the blank portion are not limited to the above values. The output time ratio of the IP output (third output) portion can be, for example, 20% to 30%. The output time ratio of the RF output (first output) portion can be, for example, 55% to 65%.

[0050] Furthermore, in the clean mode, the period of one output cycle is not limited to 200 ms. The user uses the beauty tool 10 by moving it over the skin. By setting this period of one cycle shorter than the speed at which the user moves the beauty tool 10, different beauty effects can be achieved across the entire surface of the user's skin. Therefore, it is preferable to set the output period of the clean mode to 500 ms or less.

[0051] When the second output voltage is applied between the parallel electrode group 40 and the main electrode 20, it is preferable that the voltage be applied so that all of the electrodes on the parallel electrode group 40 side are of the same polarity and the electrodes on the parallel electrode group 40 side are of opposite polarity to the main electrode 20. Applying the second output voltage between the parallel electrode group 40 and the main electrode 20 in this manner is preferable because it is highly effective in removing ions (ions related to dirt) from the skin surface.

[0052] 7 is a graph comparing the effect of removing dirt from the skin as a function of the output ratio of the radio frequency waves in clean mode. The vertical axis of FIG. 7 represents the quantified amount of dirt derived from proteins adhering to the cotton 51, and the horizontal axis represents the value obtained by changing the output ratio of the radio frequency waves over one cycle of 200 ms.

[0053] For example, the leftmost point on the graph indicates that the radio frequency (RF) output is 58 ms (58 / 200 = 29%), the ion output is 112 ms (112 / 200 = 56%), the human body detection output is 20 ms (20 / 200 = 10%), and the output is off for 10 ms (10 / 200 = 5%).

[0054] 7, the output time and output off time of the human body detection output are set constant at each point. That is, as the RF output time increases, the output time of the ion lead-out is shortened.

[0055] This test was carried out according to the following procedure: First, to ensure skin homeostasis, the forearm was washed with hand soap and then allowed to acclimate at room temperature for about 1 minute.

[0056] Next, the beauty tool 10 was used in the following procedure to measure the amount of dirt removal. (1) The user attached the cotton 51 to the beauty tool 10 using the attachment 50. (2) Approximately 1 ml of glycerin aqueous solution was dripped onto the cotton 51 attached to the main body. (3) The beauty tool 10 with the cotton 51 attached was pressed against the user's forearm for approximately 1 minute with the power turned on. (4) After the process in (3) above, the cotton 51 attached to the beauty tool 10 was dried for at least 24 hours. After the drying process, approximately 1 ml of ninhydrin solution was dripped onto the cotton 51 to cause a color reaction of the protein components attached to the cotton 51. (5) The absorbance at λ = 560 nm of the cotton 51 that had been treated in (4) above was measured using an optical color difference meter, and the degree of discoloration of the cotton 51 was quantified.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the amount of dirt adhering to the cotton pad 51, quantified using the above-mentioned experimental method, reached a maximum when the radio frequency (RF) output ratio was approximately 55-65%, indicating that a high cleansing effect was achieved. In addition, due to the high radio frequency output, the user experienced a comfortable warming effect during use.

[0058] In this test, we focused on protein components as dirt components on the skin, but the evaluation targets are not limited to protein components. For example, sebum components contained in the cotton 51 after the test may be extracted with chloroform or the like and quantified.

[0059] (Configuration of the Beauty Tool 10) Next, the configuration of the beauty tool 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram that schematically shows each component of the beauty tool 10 according to this embodiment.

[0060] 8 , the beauty tool 10 includes an electrode control device 100, a first electrode 41, a power switch 18, and a level switch 17. As described above, the beauty tool 10 also includes the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the third electrode 43, the fourth electrode 44, and the main electrode 20 as electrodes.

[0061] The electrode control device 100 may be configured as a system including a general-purpose microcomputer including a control unit 110 (CPU), a storage unit 120 (memory), and an input / output IF 130 (interface). In this case, a computer program for causing the microcomputer to function as the electrode control device 100 may be installed in the microcomputer. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer functions as multiple information processing circuits included in the electrode control device 100.

[0062] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which software is used to realize the multiple information processing functions of the electrode control device 100. The electrode control device 100 functions as multiple information processing circuits provided in the electrode control device 100 by executing a computer program.

[0063] Alternatively, the electrode control device 100 may be configured with dedicated hardware for executing each information processing function, such as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration). Alternatively, the system may be configured with multiple information processing functions implemented by separate hardware. The control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 will be described in detail below.

[0064] The control unit 110 operates based on a program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 120 and executes each function of the electrode control device 100. Note that the program is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 120, and may be stored, for example, in a ROM (not shown) within the beauty device 10. The control unit 110 has, as its functions, a mode information acquisition unit 111, a level information acquisition unit 112, a frequency setting unit 113, and a voltage setting unit 114, as shown in FIG. 9 . The control unit 110 further has, as its functions, an EMS electrode control unit 115, an RF electrode control unit 116, an IP electrode control unit 117, and a human body detection processing unit 118. Note that a configuration having functions including the EMS electrode control unit 115, the RF electrode control unit 116, and the IP electrode control unit 117 corresponds to an electrode control unit.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 9, the storage unit 120 stores information stored in a setting information DB 121 (Data Base) as data in the storage unit 120. As described above, the storage unit 120 may also store programs for each function executed by the control unit 110. The information and programs stored in the storage unit 120 may be configured as physically or logically separated areas in a single storage device. Alternatively, the storage unit 120 for each data may be configured to be provided in a plurality of physically different storage devices.

[0066] The input / output IF 130 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information between the electrode control device 100 and the first electrode 41 to the fourth electrode 44, the power switch 18, and / or the level switch 17 provided on the beauty device 10.

[0067] For example, information regarding the power switch 18 or the level switch 17 pressed by the user is sent to the control unit 110 and / or the storage unit 120 via the input / output IF 130. In addition, control information for the first electrode 41 to the fourth electrode 44 from the control unit 110 is sent to the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the third electrode 43, and / or the fourth electrode 44 via the input / output IF 130.

[0068] (Functions of the electrode control device 100) Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electrode control device 100. As shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 110 of the electrode control device 100 has, as described above, a mode information acquisition unit 111, a level information acquisition unit 112, a frequency setting unit 113, and a voltage setting unit 114 as its functions. The control unit 110 also has, as its functions, an EMS electrode control unit 115, an RF electrode control unit 116, an IP electrode control unit 117, and a human body detection processing unit 118. Note that a configuration having functions including the EMS electrode control unit 115, the RF electrode control unit 116, and the IP electrode control unit 117 corresponds to an electrode control unit. Furthermore, the memory unit 120 of the electrode control device 100 has a setting information DB 121 as a database for storing setting information.

[0069] The mode information acquisition unit 111 acquires mode information of the beauty tool 10 selected by the user. The mode information is acquired from information from the power switch 18 pressed by the user. In this embodiment, the mode information corresponds to the above-mentioned RF×EMS mode, RF_PUMP mode, eye care mode, moist mode, clean mode, etc.

[0070] For example, when the user presses the power switch 18, the beauty tool 10 starts in a first mode, and when the user presses the power switch 18 again, the beauty tool 10 switches to a second mode. Note that the user may stop the processing of the beauty tool 10 by pressing and holding the power switch 18. Alternatively, the beauty tool 10 may be configured to stop processing by pressing the power switch 18 when in the final mode.

[0071] The level information acquisition unit 112 acquires level information indicating the voltage of the first output, the second output, and / or the third output based on the depression information of the level switch 17 .

[0072] Based on the mode information, frequency setting unit 113 sets frequency information indicating the frequency characteristics of the electrical stimulation to be applied to first electrode 41, second electrode 42, third electrode 43, fourth electrode 44, and / or main electrode 20. Specifically, frequency setting unit 113 sets frequency information indicating the frequency characteristics of the electrical stimulation by referring to the setting information stored in setting information DB 121 based on the acquired mode information.

[0073] Based on the level information, the voltage setting unit 114 sets the voltage level of the electrical signal to be applied to the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the third electrode 43, the fourth electrode 44, and / or the main electrode 20. Specifically, the frequency setting unit 113 sets the voltage level of the electrical stimulation by referring to the setting information stored in the setting information DB 121 based on the acquired mode information.

[0074] When a mode for providing EMS stimulation is selected based on the mode information, the EMS electrode control unit 115 performs control to output electrical stimulation from the first electrode 41 and the fourth electrode 44. Furthermore, the EMS electrode control unit 115 outputs electrical stimulation according to a predetermined timing stored in advance in the storage unit 120.

[0075] When a mode for outputting electrical stimulation by a first output, which is an RF output, is selected based on the mode information, RF electrode control unit 116 performs control to output electrical stimulation from first electrode 41, second electrode 42, third electrode 43, and / or fourth electrode 44. RF electrode control unit 116 also outputs electrical stimulation according to predetermined timing pre-stored in storage unit 120. For example, when the mode selected by the mode information is clean mode, electrical stimulation is output by a first output (RF output) having the characteristics shown in Figures 5A and 5D.

[0076] When a mode for outputting electrical stimulation by the second output, which is IP derivation, is selected based on the mode information, IP electrode control unit 117 performs control to output electrical stimulation from first electrode 41, second electrode 42, third electrode 43, fourth electrode 44, and main electrode 20. IP electrode control unit 117 also outputs electrical stimulation according to predetermined timing pre-stored in storage unit 120. For example, when the mode selected by the mode information is clean mode, electrical stimulation by the second output (IP derivation) having the characteristics shown in Figures 5A and 5C is output.

[0077] When a mode for outputting electrical stimulation for human body detection is selected based on the mode information, the human body detection processing unit 118 controls the output of electrical stimulation from the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the third electrode 43, the fourth electrode 44, and the main electrode 20. Furthermore, the human body detection processing unit 118 outputs electrical stimulation according to a predetermined timing pre-stored in the storage unit 120. For example, when the mode selected by the mode information is the clean mode, electrical stimulation with the characteristics shown in Figures 5A and 5B is output. Furthermore, the human body detection processing unit 118 has a function of acquiring information when a user is using the beauty tool 10 by placing it against their skin.

[0078] (Outline of processing flow of electrode control device 100) Next, the processing related to state determination in the electrode control device 100 (electrode control method) will be described based on the flowchart in Fig. 10. The series of operations of the electrode control device 100 shown in the flowchart in Fig. 10 starts when the electrode control device 100 is started, and ends when the power is turned off. In addition to when the power is turned off, the processing in the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 also ends when an interrupt to end the processing occurs. In the description of the flowchart below, the same content as that described in the above description of the electrode control device 100 will be omitted or simplified. Note that the examples shown in Figs. 10 and 11 show processing in clean mode.

[0079] In step S1001, the mode information acquisition unit 111 acquires mode information of the beauty tool 10 selected by the user. The mode information is acquired from information from the power switch 18 pressed by the user. In this embodiment, the mode information corresponds to the above-mentioned RF×EMS mode, RF_PUMP mode, eye care mode, moist mode, clean mode, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the clean mode is set. Then, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0080] In step S1002, the level information acquisition unit 112 acquires level information indicating the voltage of the first output, the second output, and / or the third output based on the depression information of the level switch 17. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0081] In step S1003, based on the mode information, frequency setting unit 113 sets frequency information indicating the frequency characteristics of the electrical stimulation to be applied to first electrode 41, second electrode 42, third electrode 43, fourth electrode 44, and / or main electrode 20. Specifically, based on the acquired mode information, frequency setting unit 113 references the setting information stored in setting information DB 121 and sets the frequency information indicating the frequency characteristics of the electrical stimulation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1004.

[0082] In step S1004, based on the level information, voltage setting unit 114 sets the voltage level of the electrical signal to be applied to first electrode 41, second electrode 42, third electrode 43, fourth electrode 44, and / or main electrode 20. Specifically, based on the acquired mode information, voltage setting unit 114 references the setting information stored in setting information DB 121 and sets the voltage level of the electrical stimulation. Then, the process proceeds to step S1005.

[0083] In step S1005, a subroutine process of the electrode control process shown in Fig. 11 is executed. Note that the example shown in Fig. 11 shows an example of the process when the clean mode is executed.

[0084] In step S1101, the human body detection processing unit 118 controls the output of electrical stimulation from the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the third electrode 43, the fourth electrode 44, and the main electrode 20. The human body detection processing unit 118 also outputs electrical stimulation according to a predetermined timing previously stored in the storage unit 120. For example, if the mode selected by the mode information is clean mode, electrical stimulation with the characteristics shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is output. The human body detection processing unit 118 also has a function of acquiring information when the user is using the beauty tool 10 by placing it against their skin. Then, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0085] In step S1102, the human body detection processing unit 118 determines whether the user is using the beauty tool 10 by placing it against the skin. If the human body detection processing unit 118 detects a human body (detects use by a user) in step S1102 (step S1102: YES), the process proceeds to step S1103. On the other hand, if the human body detection processing unit 118 does not detect a human body (detects use by a user) in step S1102 (step S1102: NO), the process returns to step S1005 shown in FIG. 10 .

[0086] In step S1103, IP electrode control unit 117 controls the output of electrical stimulation from first electrode 41, second electrode 42, third electrode 43, fourth electrode 44, and main body electrode 20. IP electrode control unit 117 also outputs electrical stimulation according to a predetermined timing previously stored in storage unit 120. For example, if the mode selected by the mode information is clean mode, electrical stimulation is output as a second output (IP derivation) having the characteristics shown in Figures 5A and 5C. Processing then proceeds to step S1104.

[0087] In step S1104, the control unit 110 stops the output from the electrodes for a predetermined period of time. For example, the predetermined period of time may be 5 ms as shown in Figure 6. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1105.

[0088] In step S1105, the RF electrode control unit 116 performs control to output electrical stimulation from the first electrode 41, the second electrode 42, the third electrode 43, and / or the fourth electrode 44. The RF electrode control unit 116 also outputs electrical stimulation according to a predetermined timing previously stored in the storage unit 120. For example, if the mode selected by the mode information is the clean mode, electrical stimulation is output by a first output (RF output) having the characteristics shown in Figures 5A and 5D. The process then proceeds to step S1106.

[0089] In step S1106, the control unit 110 stops the output from the electrodes for a predetermined period of time. For example, the predetermined period of time may be 5 ms as shown in Figure 6. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the process returns to step S1005 in Figure 10.

[0090] In step S1006, the control unit 110 determines whether the electrode control has ended. In this embodiment, the determination of whether the electrode control has ended is made based on the pressing information of the power switch 18. Alternatively, the electrode control may be ended by the beauty tool 10 being automatically powered off after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since its use. In step S1006, if the control unit 110 determines that the electrode control has ended (step S1006: YES), the process ends. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the electrode control has not ended (step S1006: NO), the process returns to step S1005, and the process from step S1005 is repeated. That is, the control unit 110 repeatedly performs the electrode control process of step S1005 until the electrode control ends.

[0091] As described above, the beauty tool 10 includes a main body 11 having a main electrode 20 that contacts the user when held by the user. The beauty tool 10 also includes a head 30, which is provided at one longitudinal end of the main body 11 and has an electrode group consisting of at least two or more electrodes capable of passing currents with different characteristics to the user's skin. The beauty tool 10 also includes an electrode controller that controls the main electrode 20 and the electrode group. The electrode controller applies a first output voltage having a first frequency between at least two or more electrodes installed in the head 30. The electrode controller also applies a second output voltage between at least some of the electrodes constituting the electrode group of the head 30 and the main electrode 20 of the main body 11. The second output voltage is applied so that all of the electrodes constituting the electrode group to which the second output voltage is applied have the same polarity, and the electrodes of the head 30 and the main electrode 20 have opposite polarities. The first output and the second output are output alternately in a cyclic manner, the first output period of the first output in one cycle of the output period is longer than the second output period of the second output, and the second output period is at least 20% or more of the output period in one cycle.

[0092] This allows the beauty tool 10 to impart a comfortable warmth and beauty effect to the user's skin, and also to provide a high cleansing effect.

[0093] In addition, the output ratio of the first output period in one cycle is 55% to 65%, and the output ratio of the second output period is 20% to 30%. This allows the beauty tool 10 to achieve a high cleansing effect, and furthermore, due to this high radio frequency output, the user can experience a comfortable warming effect during use.

[0094] Furthermore, the frequency of the first output may be 1 MHz to 9 MHz in the beauty tool 10. This allows the beauty tool 10 to provide a beauty tool 10 that can easily reduce wrinkles and sagging of the skin due to the skin heating effect of the first output, and can easily provide a comfortable warm feeling.

[0095] Furthermore, the frequency of the second output may be 1 kHz to 10 kHz in the beauty tool 10. This allows the beauty tool 10 to provide a beauty tool 10 that enhances the beauty effect of the beauty ingredients by generating an electroosmotic flow from the surface of the skin to the inside, thereby allowing the moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin and moisturize the skin more than when applied by hand.

[0096] Furthermore, one cycle of the beauty tool 10 may be performed at a period of 100 ms to 500 ms. By setting one cycle of the beauty tool 10 to be shorter than the speed at which the user moves the beauty tool 10, it is possible to obtain different beauty effects on the entire surface of the user's skin.

[0097] In the beauty tool 10, the second output may be applied so that all of the electrodes constituting the electrode group and the main electrode 20 have opposite polarities, with the voltage switching between positive and negative at intervals of 5 ms to 10 ms. Applying the second output voltage between the parallel electrode group 40 and the main electrode 20 in this manner is preferable because it effectively removes ions (ions related to dirt) from the skin surface. Furthermore, the beauty tool 10 can effectively adsorb ionic dirt remaining on the skin regardless of the electric charge of the dirt.

[0098] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiment. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine some or all of the various embodiments to create a new embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, a computer program (electrode control program) that causes a computer to execute the processing (electrode control method) in the electrode control device 100 described above, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, are included within the scope of this embodiment. Any type of computer-readable recording medium may be used. Furthermore, the computer program is not limited to being recorded on the recording medium described above, and may be transmitted via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, or the like.

[0100] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0101] (Technology 1) A beauty device comprising: a main body portion having a main body electrode that contacts a user when held by the user; a head portion provided at one longitudinal end of the main body portion and having an electrode group consisting of at least two or more electrodes that can pass currents with different characteristics to the user's skin; and an electrode control unit that controls the main body electrode and the electrode group, wherein the electrode control unit applies a first output voltage having a first frequency between the at least two or more electrodes installed in the head portion, and applies a second output voltage between at least some of the at least two or more electrodes that constitute the electrode group of the head portion and the main body electrode of the main body portion, the second output voltage being applied such that the at least some of the electrodes that constitute the electrode group, to which the second output voltage is applied, all have the same polarity and an opposite polarity to the main body electrode, the first output and the second output are output alternately in a cyclic manner, a first output period of the first output in one cycle of an output period is longer than a second output period of the second output, and the second output period is at least 20% or more of the output period in one cycle.

[0102] With this configuration, the beauty device 10 can provide a comfortable warming sensation and beauty effects to the user's skin, as well as a high cleansing effect, by applying multiple electrical stimuli of different frequencies to the user's skin for a predetermined period of time.

[0103] (Technology 2) The beauty tool according to Technology 1, wherein, of the output periods in one cycle, an output ratio of the first output period is 55% to 65%, and an output ratio of the second output period is 20% to 30%.

[0104] With this configuration, the beauty tool 10 can provide a high cleansing effect, and furthermore, due to the high radio frequency output, the user can experience a comfortable warming effect during use.

[0105] (Technology 3) The beauty tool according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the frequency of the first output is 1 MHz to 9 MHz.

[0106] With this configuration, the beauty tool 10 can provide a beauty tool that can easily reduce wrinkles and sagging of the skin due to the skin heating effect of the first output, and can easily provide a comfortable warm feeling.

[0107] (Technology 4) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the frequency of the second output is 1 kHz to 10 kHz.

[0108] With this configuration, the beauty tool 10 generates an electroosmotic flow from the surface of the skin to the inside, which allows the moisturizing ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin and moisturize the skin more than when applied by hand, thereby providing a beauty tool that enhances the beauty effects of the beauty ingredients.

[0109] (Technology 5) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein the one cycle is executed at a period of 100 ms to 500 ms.

[0110] With this configuration, by setting one cycle of the beauty tool 10 to be shorter than the speed at which the user moves the beauty tool 10, different beauty effects can be obtained over the entire surface of the user's skin.

[0111] (Technology 6) The beauty device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the second output is a voltage applied such that all of the at least two or more electrodes constituting the electrode group and the main electrode have opposite polarities, and the positive and negative polarities of the voltage are switched in a cycle of 5 ms to 10 ms.

[0112] With this configuration, the effect of removing ions (ions related to dirt) from the skin surface is enhanced by applying the second output voltage between the parallel electrode group 40 and the main electrode 20. Furthermore, the beauty tool 10 can effectively adsorb ionic dirt remaining on the skin regardless of the electric charge of the ionic dirt.

[0113] (Technology 7) The beauty device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, which periodically alternately outputs the second output and the first output, includes an electrode control unit that performs output control such that the first output period of the first output in one cycle of an output period is longer than the second output period of the second output, and the second output period is at least 20% or more of the output period in the one cycle.

[0114] With this configuration, the beauty device 10 can provide a comfortable warming sensation and beauty effects to the user's skin, as well as a high cleansing effect, by applying multiple electrical stimuli of different frequencies to the user's skin for a predetermined period of time.

[0115] (Technology 8) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 7, wherein the first output is a radio frequency output (RF output), and the second output is an ion-derived output (IP output).

[0116] With this configuration, the beauty device 10 reduces wrinkles and sagging of the skin by heating the skin with the first output, giving a comfortable warm feeling, and furthermore, the current applied to the skin with the second output has the effect of removing ions (ions related to dirt) on the skin surface.

[0117] (Technology 9) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 8, wherein the electrode control unit has a mode of removing dirt (protein) from the skin by attracting dirt with the first output and further attracting the dirt with the second output.

[0118] With this configuration, the beauty tool 10 can remove dirt (protein) from the skin by attracting dirt with the first output and then attracting the dirt with the second output.

[0119] (Technology 10) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 9, wherein the electrode control unit has a function of switching between a plurality of modes by controlling the main body electrode and the electrode group.

[0120] This configuration allows the beauty tool 10 to operate in multiple modes, and to provide various beauty and cleansing effects to the user's skin.

[0121] (Technology 11) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of modes correspond to one or more of an RF×EMS mode, an RF_PUMP mode, an eye care mode, a moist mode, and a clean mode.

[0122] With this configuration, the beauty tool 10 can achieve one or more of the following multiple modes: RF×EMS mode, RF_PUMP mode, eye care mode, moist mode, and clean mode. Therefore, the beauty tool 10 can provide various beauty and cleansing effects to the user's skin.

[0123] (Technology 12) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 11, wherein radio waves can be used for heating the beauty tool.

[0124] With this configuration, the beauty device 10 uses radio waves to generate heat, which reduces wrinkles and sagging skin and provides a comfortable warmth. Furthermore, by using radio waves to generate heat, the beauty device 10 applies high-frequency current to the skin, generating Joule heat inside the skin, which promotes collagen production and increases capillary blood flow. In other words, the beauty device 10 can provide the user with skin lifting, reducing dullness, and promoting the decomposition of oil-soluble dirt on the skin surface.

[0125] (Technology 13) The beauty tool according to any one of Technologies 1 to 12, further comprising an attachment for attaching cotton for treating the skin.

[0126] With this configuration, when the beauty tool 10 is used in a clean mode, for example, by holding cotton 51 or the like to the beauty tool 10 with the attachment 50, dirt on the skin can be adsorbed and removed by the cotton 51.

[0127] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0128] The present disclosure is applicable to beauty tools that impart beauty effects to human skin, specifically, facial beauty devices, massage devices, and the like.

[0129] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Beauty tool 11 Main body 12 Bottom 13 Front 14 Rear 15 Side 16 Top 17 Level switch 18 Power switch 20 Main body electrode 30 Head 40 Parallel electrode group 41 First electrode 42 Second electrode 43 Third electrode 44 Fourth electrode 50 Attachment 51 Cotton 100 Electrode control device 110 Control unit 111 Mode information acquisition unit 112 Level information acquisition unit 113 Frequency setting unit 114 Voltage setting unit 115 EMS electrode control unit 116 RF electrode control unit 117 IP electrode control unit 118 Human body detection processing unit 120 Memory unit 121 Setting information DB 130 Input / output IF

Claims

1. A beauty device comprising: a main body having a main electrode that contacts the user when held by the user; a head having an electrode group consisting of at least two or more electrodes provided at one longitudinal end of the main body and capable of passing currents with different characteristics to the user's skin; and an electrode control unit that controls the main body electrode and the electrode group, wherein the electrode control unit applies a first output voltage having a first frequency between the at least two or more electrodes installed in the head, and applies a second output voltage between at least some of the at least two or more electrodes that constitute the electrode group of the head and the main body electrode of the main body, the second output voltage being applied so that the at least some of the electrodes that constitute the electrode group to which the second output voltage is applied are all of the same polarity and have an opposite polarity to the main body electrode, the first output and the second output are output alternately in a cyclic manner, and a first output period of the first output in one cycle of an output period is longer than a second output period of the second output, and the second output period is at least 20% of the output period in one cycle.

2. The beauty tool according to claim 1, wherein, of the output periods in one cycle, the output ratio of the first output period is 55% to 65%, and the output ratio of the second output period is 20% to 30%.

3. The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the first output is between 1 MHz and 9 MHz.

4. The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency of the second output is between 1 kHz and 10 kHz.

5. The beauty device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one cycle is performed at a period of 100 ms to 500 ms.

6. The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the second output is a voltage applied so that all of the at least two or more electrodes constituting the electrode group and the main electrode have opposite polarities, and the positive and negative polarities of the voltage are switched in a cycle of 5 ms to 10 ms.

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