CN113874069A

CN113874069A - Cosmetic device and current control method

Info

Publication number: CN113874069A
Application number: CN202180002227.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 山崎岩男
Original assignee: Ya Man Ltd
Current assignee: Ya Man Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-27
Filing date: 2021-04-19
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Also published as: JP7235862B2; JPWO2021167109A1; WO2021167109A1; JP2023054291A

Abstract

A cosmetic device (1) is provided with: a first electrode (11); a second electrode (12), a third electrode (13), and a fourth electrode (14), each of which is an annular electrode disposed concentrically around the first electrode, the second electrode being disposed outside the first electrode, the third electrode being disposed outside the second electrode, and the fourth electrode being disposed outside the third electrode; and an applying unit (20) capable of applying a current of a second frequency to the skin between the second electrode and the third electrode while applying a current of a first frequency to the skin between the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

Description

Cosmetic device and current control method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cosmetic device that applies an electric current to skin.

Background

There are techniques for applying an electric current to the skin for the purpose of beauty care and slimming. As typical techniques, there are a technique for applying Stimulation to muscles (so-called EMS (electrical Muscle Stimulation)) and a technique for providing a temperature sensation mainly (a technique for heating skin from inside by using RF (radio waves)).

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2012-65693

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Generally, the frequency band of a current used in EMS (hereinafter, referred to as EMS current) and a current for achieving an effect such as temperature sensing (hereinafter, referred to as RF current) are different. Thus, there are appropriate conditions for the case where the EMS current is applied and the case where the RF current is applied. Specifically, in the EMS, the effect is higher as the range of the stimulation target is larger, and the range of the stimulation target is determined by the distance between the electrodes in contact with the skin. Therefore, it is basically preferable that the distance between the electrodes is large. In addition, in order to obtain a certain effect, the application needs to be continued to some extent. On the other hand, it is known that the effect is higher as the distance between the electrodes is smaller in the application of the RF current. Here, it is considered that even if the distance between the electrodes is long, the effect can be compensated for by increasing the application frequency or the application time, but the user may feel uncomfortable with an increase in the application frequency or the application time.

In this way, a commonly preferred electrode configuration in the case of applying an EMS current and in the case of applying an RF current is at least in principle absent. In order to achieve both the muscle stimulation effect and the temperature sensing effect, time-division control of the application time and switching of the frequency of the applied current are also considered, but the circuit configuration may become complicated, or certain restrictions may be imposed on the frequency or amplitude of the applied current.

As described above, in the conventional cosmetic device, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve the effect by applying the EMS current and the effect by applying the RF current.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of effectively applying currents of different frequencies simultaneously.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a beauty treatment apparatus including: a first electrode; a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode, each of which is a ring-shaped electrode disposed on a concentric circle around the first electrode, the second electrode being disposed outside the first electrode, the third electrode being disposed outside the second electrode, and the fourth electrode being disposed outside the third electrode; and an applying unit capable of applying a current of a second frequency to the skin between the second electrode and the third electrode while applying a current of a first frequency to the skin between the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

In a preferred embodiment, the first frequency is 1Hz to 100kHz, and the second frequency is 200kHz to 4 MHz.

In a preferred aspect, the applying unit includes a selecting unit that selects, from the first to fourth electrodes, an electrode pair used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair used when the current of the second frequency is applied, in accordance with at least one of the value of the first frequency and the value of the second frequency.

In a preferred aspect, the applying unit includes a selecting unit that selects, from the first electrode to the fourth electrode, an electrode pair used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair used when the current of the second frequency is applied, in accordance with at least one of the amplitude of the current of the first frequency and the amplitude of the current of the second frequency.

In a preferred embodiment, the applying unit includes a selecting unit that selects, from the first electrode to the fourth electrode, an electrode pair to be used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair to be used when the current of the second frequency is applied, in accordance with at least one of an application period of the current of the first frequency and an application period of the current of the second frequency.

In a preferred mode, the applying unit applies a current of a first RF frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode in a first period, and applies a current of a second RF frequency smaller than the first RF frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode in a second period, and the first period and the second period are alternately repeated.

In a preferred embodiment, the applying unit further continuously applies the current of the second frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode in the first period, and further intermittently applies the current of the second frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode in the second period.

In a preferred aspect, the cosmetic device further includes a sensor that detects a current applied to the skin between the first electrode and the fourth electrode, and the applying unit at least stops the application of the second frequency when a current having a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is not applied to the skin for a predetermined period between the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the first period is 70% or more of the total application time.

In a preferred embodiment, the second electrode and the third electrode are spaced apart by 1mm to 3mm, and at least one of the intervals between adjacent electrodes is different from the other intervals.

In a preferred embodiment, each electrode protrudes from the head surface, and a side wall surface of each electrode is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the head surface.

The present invention in another aspect provides a current control method for a cosmetic apparatus having a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode, configured such that a distance from the first electrode to the fourth electrode is larger than a distance from the second electrode to the third electrode, the current control method having the steps of: a first step of continuously applying a current of a second frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode while applying a current of a first RF frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode in a first period; and a second step of intermittently applying a current of a second frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode while applying a current of a second RF frequency smaller than the first RF frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode in a second period, wherein the first RF frequency and the second RF frequency are 200kHz to 4MHz, the second frequency is 1Hz to 100kHz, and the first step and the second step are alternately repeated.

According to the present invention, currents of different frequencies can be effectively applied at the same time.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external view of the beauty treatment apparatus 1.

Fig. 2A is a detailed view of the electrode 10.

Fig. 2B shows an example of the change in the size of the electrode 10.

Fig. 2C shows the results of the sensory test for each variation of the electrode 10.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the internal configuration of the cosmetic apparatus 1.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of another example of the internal structure of the beauty treatment apparatus 1.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the control mode.

Fig. 6 shows another example of the shape of one electrode constituting the electrode 10.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the control mode.

Fig. 8 is a graph showing a temperature change corresponding to each control content.

Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a difference in temperature change in the case where the electrodes 10 having different inter-electrode distances are used.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the area ratio between the electrodes.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shape of the side wall of each electrode.

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shape of the side wall of each electrode.

Fig. 13 is an exploded view showing an example of the structure of the members constituting each electrode.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the housing 100.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrode members are fitted in the case 100.

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the circuit board 200.

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the coil spring 201.

Fig. 18 is a diagram of the circuit board 200 embedded in the housing 100.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the electrode 10.

Detailed Description

< example 1 >

Fig. 1 is an external view of the beauty treatment apparatus 1. The cosmetic device 1 has: a housing 80 held by a user; and an electrode 10 provided at a portion of the distal end portion of the case 80 that is in contact with the skin. In addition, a switch 90 operated by a user is provided on the housing 80. The switch 90 is used for specifying the frequency, time, and other application-related conditions of the current to be applied, in addition to the on/off of the power supply. Further, although the housing 80 is provided with an information display unit such as a power supply connector and a liquid crystal screen, it is omitted since it is not directly related to the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a detailed view of the configuration of the electrode 10. The electrode 10 includes a disk-shaped first electrode 11 disposed on the innermost side (center side), and a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode disposed on concentric circles around the first electrode 11, wherein the second electrode 12 is disposed on the outer side of the first electrode 11, the third electrode 13 is disposed on the outer side of the second electrode 12, and the fourth electrode 14 is disposed on the outer side (outermost side) of the third electrode 13. In a preferred embodiment, when the distance from the first electrode 11 to the fourth electrode 14 is d1 and the distance from the second electrode 12 to the third electrode 13 is d2, d1 > d 2.

Preferably, the heights of the electrodes from the surface of the housing are substantially the same so that the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 can simultaneously contact the skin. The width (length in the radial direction), area, and interval between adjacent electrodes of each electrode are examples.

For example, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode, the distance between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode may be different from each other.

Regarding the area of each electrode (the area of the annular plane that can be brought into contact with the skin, excluding the side surfaces), it is preferable that the ratio of the area of the first electrode 11 to the area of the fourth electrode 14 be 1: 1 or more and 1: 1.7 or less. The reason for this will be described with reference to fig. 2B and 2C.

In order to verify the influence of the size and area of each electrode on the user's body feeling, first, as shown in fig. 2B, a total of 4 sample electrodes (nos. 1 to 4) having different sizes and areas of the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 were prepared. In fig. 2B, the center electrode diameter and the center electrode area refer to the diameter and the area of the first electrode 11, and the outer peripheral electrode inner diameter, the outer peripheral electrode outer diameter, and the outer peripheral electrode area refer to the inner diameter, the outer diameter, and the area of the fourth electrode 14, respectively.

In addition, since the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 are not used for applying current, the description thereof is omitted. In any sample, the distance between the adjacent electrodes was 2mm, and the distance between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 was 8 mm. That is, it was verified how the difference in body sensation is caused by the difference in (the ratio of) the areas of the electrodes when the distance between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 and the distance between the adjacent electrodes are made constant.

Specifically, using a total of 4 sample electrodes and applying a current of the same frequency, responses of 6 subjects were obtained. The answer results are shown in fig. 2C. As shown in fig. 2C, the order of good body feeling is No.1 to No.2, No.3, and No. 4. Specifically, when aligned in the order of the effect of strong sense of muscle stimulation, No.1 is No.2, No.3, No.4, and when aligned in the order of strong sense of pain and other discomfort, No.4, No.3, No.2 is No. 1. That is, from the viewpoint of the muscle stimulation effect, it is preferable that the ratio of the area of the fourth electrode 14 to the area of the first electrode 11 is 1 to 1.7. In this case, the fourth electrode 14 has an outer diameter of 12mm to 17mm, which is not inferior to the conventional cosmetic device in terms of compactness.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the internal configuration of the cosmetic apparatus 1. The cosmetic apparatus 1 includes an applying unit 20 capable of applying a current of a second frequency f2 to the skin between the second electrode and the third electrode 13 while applying a current of a first frequency f1 to the skin between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14. The application unit 20 includes a first power supply circuit 21, a second power supply circuit 22, an isolation transformer 23, an isolation transformer 24, and a control unit 25.

The first power supply circuit 21 and the second power supply circuit 22 are respectively realized by a coil, a resistor, a rectifier, a capacitor, a clock circuit, and other elements, and generate alternating currents of the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2, respectively.

A current of a first frequency f1 is applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and a current of a second frequency f2 is applied between the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14.

The first frequency f1 is, for example, 1Hz (hertz) to 100kHz (kilohertz). This frequency band contributes mainly to the muscle stimulation Effect (EMS). The second frequency f2 is, for example, 200kHz to 4MHz (megahertz), preferably 200kHz to 2 MHz. This frequency band is a frequency band called radio wave (RF) and mainly contributes to the warming effect. The voltage is, for example, 10V (volts) to 300V. The frequency bands that can be generated by the first power supply circuit 21 and/or the second power supply circuit 22 may be separated from each other or may partially overlap.

In short, parameters such as the frequency to be generated can be appropriately set according to the purpose of applying electric current (muscle stimulation, warming, promotion of penetration of cosmetic water into the interior, and the like). The waveform of the current is, for example, an alternating sine wave, but may be a unipolar rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or another pulse train (in this case, the above frequency may be regarded as a repetition frequency). In addition, the first frequency f1 and/or the second frequency f2 may be variable or fixed.

The isolation transformer 23 and the isolation transformer 24 prevent the currents generated by the second power supply circuit 22 and the first power supply circuit 21, respectively, and other unexpected currents from flowing therein. That is, in the present invention, a closed circuit including the first power supply circuit 21, the first electrode 11, and the fourth electrode 14, and a closed circuit including the second power supply circuit 22, the second electrode 12, and the third electrode 13 are formed, and 2 kinds of currents are applied to the skin at the same time, but the current does not flow from the other closed circuit to the one closed circuit by providing the isolation transformer 23 and the isolation transformer 24.

The control unit 25 is a switching mechanism, a processor, or the like, and supplies an on/off signal or a control signal indicating a current distribution (application time, frequency, voltage, waveform, or the like) to be generated to the first power supply circuit 21 and the second power supply circuit 22 in accordance with an instruction received via the switch 90.

According to the present embodiment, in the case where f1 < f2, for example, the first frequency f1 is a frequency mainly aimed at muscle stimulation, and the second frequency f2 is set to a frequency mainly aimed at warming, two currents can be simultaneously applied in a state where an electrode arrangement suitable for applying the first frequency f1 and an electrode arrangement suitable for applying the second frequency f2 are simultaneously realized. As a result, the muscle stimulating effect and the warming effect can be effectively provided at substantially the same skin position at the same time.

Here, for example, when it is desired to achieve both the muscle stimulation effect and the warming effect by alternately switching the current of the frequency for applying the muscle stimulation and the current of the frequency for warming using the same electrode, if the current of the frequency for performing the muscle stimulation is applied with the inter-electrode distance suitable for exhibiting the warming effect, the range of the muscle to be stimulated is narrowed. For example, when an electrode for applying a current of a frequency for muscle stimulation and an electrode for applying a current of a frequency for obtaining a thermal effect are provided physically separately, restrictions on usable frequency bands become large.

In contrast, according to the present embodiment, since the plurality of electrodes are arranged concentrically and at an inter-electrode distance suitable for applying a frequency for obtaining the muscle stimulation effect and the warming effect, it is possible to simultaneously provide the appropriate muscle stimulation effect and the warming effect to a wide range of the skin. As a result, the user's use time is shortened as compared with, for example, a method of switching the frequency. Further, since control for switching the application timing in a time-sharing manner is not required, the circuit configuration can be simplified.

Further, since the annular electrode is used, the electrode pair can be reliably brought into contact with the skin, and as a result, the current flowing to the skin is stabilized, and the discomfort given to the user is reduced. Thus, even a user who is not familiar with handling the article of the present embodiment, for example, can use the article of the present embodiment without worrying about the direction in which the electrode 10 is in contact with the skin and the magnitude of the urging force, unlike the case where rectangular electrodes are arranged to face each other.

Further, by disposing the electrodes on concentric circles, the size of the portion that contacts the skin can be made compact while ensuring the area of the electrodes. This improves the design and operability of the entire beauty appliance.

Further, by setting the area ratio of each electrode within the above-described range, discomfort such as intense pain and local heat generation can be reduced.

< example 2 >

In this example, the control unit 25A is used instead of the control unit 25, and the application unit 20A is used instead of the application unit 20. The applying unit 20A is provided with a selecting portion 26 between the first power supply circuit 21 and the second power supply circuit 22 and each electrode. The control unit 25A determines from which of the first to fourth electrodes 11 to 14 the current generated by the first and second

power supply circuits

21 and 22 is to be applied, and supplies a control signal to the selection unit 26. The selection unit 26 is configured by a switch circuit or the like, and switches the wiring in accordance with a control signal supplied from the control unit 25A.

In a preferred embodiment, the selection unit 26 selects, from the first to fourth electrodes, an electrode pair to be used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair to be used when the current of the second frequency is applied, based on at least one of the value of the first frequency and the value of the second frequency. Thus, an electrode pair suitable for the frequency is selected.

In another aspect, the selection unit 26 selects, from the first to fourth electrodes, an electrode pair to be used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair to be used when the current of the second frequency is applied, based on at least one of the amplitude of the current of the first frequency and the amplitude of the current of the second frequency. Thus, an electrode suitable for the intensity of the applied current is determined.

In still another embodiment, the selection unit 26 selects, from the first to fourth electrodes, an electrode pair to be used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair to be used when the current of the second frequency is applied, based on at least one of an application period of the current of the first frequency and an application period of the current of the second frequency. Thus, an electrode suitable for the application period is selected.

When a plurality of operation modes can be selected in the cosmetic apparatus 1, the use electrode corresponding to the operation mode may be selected. For example, the control unit 25A is provided with a memory in which a table specifying combinations of operation patterns and electrodes to be used as shown in fig. 5 is stored. Here, the operation mode may be directly specified by the user via the switch 90, or may be determined by the control unit 25A using a predetermined algorithm according to the purpose, frequency, amplitude (intensity), application time, and other parameters related to application specified by the user via the switch 90.

In the example of fig. 5, it is defined to which electrode (or both of the first frequency f1 and the second frequency f 2) is/are applied according to the operation mode. In addition, (+) and (-) in fig. 5 denote the anode and the cathode of the electrode pair, respectively.

More specifically, in operation mode 1, while a current of f1 is applied between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14, a current of f2 is applied between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13. In operation mode 2, a current of f1 is applied only between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14. In operation mode 3, a current of f2 is applied only between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13. In operation mode 4, a current of f1 is applied between the first electrode 11 and the third electrode 13, and a current of f2 is applied between the second electrode 12 and the fourth electrode 14. The electrodes used are different from those used in the operation mode 1. This is effective in the case where f1 and f2 take relatively close values. In operation mode 5, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are made to be equipotential, and the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are made to be equipotential, whereby the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are made to function as one electrode (for example, an anode), the third electrode 13 and the fourth electrode 14 are made to function as one electrode (for example, an anode), and a current of one frequency is applied to the pair of electrodes. It is possible to envisage: when the area of the electrode in contact with the skin may affect the body feeling, the operation mode can be selected when the object is to improve the effect experience by increasing the external area of the electrode in contact with the skin. For the same purpose, in operation mode 6, three of the second electrode 12, the third electrode 13, and the fourth electrode 14 function as one of the electrode pairs.

Thus, the electrodes can be flexibly selected according to the purpose, frequency, and other application methods.

The first electrode 11 positioned on the innermost side may be annular instead of disc-shaped. In this case, a mechanism for irradiating light to the skin, such as an LED, may be provided in the space formed in the center portion of the first electrode 11.

The number of electrodes included in the electrode 10 may be 5 or more, as long as the electrodes are arranged on concentric circles and have ring shapes with different diameters. By increasing the number of ring-shaped electrodes arranged on concentric circles, the types of currents that can be applied simultaneously increase.

Further, each electrode may have other hollow shapes such as an elliptical ring, a rectangular ring, a polygonal (for example, a rounded triangle) ring, and a heart ring, instead of a circular ring. That is, the "annular" in the present invention may be a hollow structure, and may be a shape in which a protrusion is formed on an annular member as shown in fig. 6, for example, or may have an outer shape or an inner diameter deviating from a circle.

However, it is preferable that at least the intervals between the electrodes (for example, the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode) constituting the electrode pair are constant regardless of the positions (in other words, the shapes of the electrodes are similar). When the distance between the electrodes is made constant, the amount of applied current based on the skin site and the feeling given to the user become uniform.

< example 3 >

The applying unit 20 may apply a current of a first RF frequency between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 during the first period and apply a current of a second RF frequency smaller than the first RF frequency between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 during the second period. Also, the first period and the second period may be alternately repeated.

The applying unit 20 may continuously apply the current of the second frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode during the first period, and intermittently apply the current of the second frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode during the second period.

Fig. 7 shows a specific example of such current application control. In this example, the applied alternating current is roughly divided into two currents, an RF current and an EMS current. The distance between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 was 2mm, and the distance between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 was 8 mm.

As shown in fig. 7, application periods T0, T1, and T2 are set in this order from the time of power-on. In the period T0, the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 were used to pass an EMS current of 71Hz to 100Hz for 30 seconds. Meanwhile, an RF current of 2MHz was applied using the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13. Here, as for the RF current, the heating effect is higher when the distance between the two electrodes used at the time of application is closer. On the other hand, with respect to the EMS current, if the distance between the electrodes is longer, a better body feeling (discomfort feeling such as a feeling of crunchy and numb is not easily felt by the user) can be obtained, and stimulation can be given to a wide range of muscles (thereby moving the muscles). That is, during the period T0 immediately after the power supply is turned on, while the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13, which are electrode pairs suitable for imparting a warming effect, are used to sufficiently warm the skin first, the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14, which are electrode pairs suitable for thoroughly activating the muscle, are used to stimulate the muscle so as to sandwich the region of the skin being warmed.

During a period T1 following the period T0, the electrodes used were switched, and an RF current (1MHz) was applied between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 for 2 seconds, while an EMS current (1kHz) was passed at a repetition frequency of 10Hz using the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13. By using the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 as a combination in which the distance between the electrodes is the farthest when the RF current is applied, a wide range can be heated. On the other hand, as described above, the EMS current is intermittently applied (that is, there is a period during which the EMS current does not flow) because the sensory stimulation is intensified (discomfort is increased) in response to the decrease in the distance between the electrodes used for application. Further, although a frequency of 1kHz is relatively uncomfortable, on the other hand, it is not easy to cause muscle contraction, but by intermittently applying a current, it is also effective to promote muscle contraction as compared with a case where a current is continuously applied.

During a period T2 subsequent to the period T1, an RF current (2MHz) was passed between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 for 10 seconds, and an EMS current (71Hz to 100Hz) was passed between the first electrode and the fourth electrode for 10 seconds. That is, a current of 2MHz, which is a frequency suitable for the warming effect, is applied using an electrode pair suitable for applying an RF current. This sufficiently raises the skin temperature, improves blood circulation, and acts on loose muscles with electrical stimulation. In other words, a superimposed effect of the muscle stimulation by the EMS current and the warming effect by the RF current can be expected.

Thereafter, the period T1 and the period T2 are repeated, for example, for 6 minutes, and the operation is ended. In this way, by applying a first RF frequency that can expect rapid heating in the first period (T1) and applying a second RF frequency whose heating ability is suppressed in a large area in the second period (T2), using an electrode pair suitable for applying an RF current, both rapid heating and temperature stability (prevention of excessive heating) can be achieved.

The lengths of the periods T0, T1, and T2 are examples. The period T0 is preferably 20 seconds to 40 seconds, the period T1 is preferably 2 seconds to 10 seconds, and the period T3 is preferably 5 seconds to 15 seconds. From the viewpoint of maintaining the skin temperature, the ratio of the length of the first period T1 to the total application time is preferably 70% to 80% or more.

Here, the reason why 1MHz or 2MHz is used as the RF current in the example of fig. 7 will be described in detail. Fig. 8 is an experimental result showing how the temperatures respectively vary in the case where the total of 90 seconds are applied in accordance with the application patterns of the different three RF currents.

(I) The temperature change is shown in the case where an RF current of 2MHz is continuously applied between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 for 90 seconds. (II) shows a temperature change in the case where, as shown in FIG. 7, an RF current of 2MHz was applied between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 for 2 seconds, an RF current of 2MHz was applied between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 for 10 seconds, and then the step of applying an RF current of 1MHz for 2 seconds and the step of applying an RF current of 2MHz for 10 seconds were repeated. (III) shows the temperature change in the case where an RF current of 1MHz was continuously irradiated between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14 for 90 seconds.

As is clear from the graph, the skin temperature preferable for skin care is kept around 40 degrees in the cases (I) and (II), while it is not 40 degrees in the case (III). This is because the distance between the electrodes used is greater than in the case of (I), and thus the warming effect cannot be sufficiently exhibited. On the other hand, even if 1MHz and 2KHz are alternately applied while switching the electrodes used as in (II), the same warming effect as in the case of continuously applying 2MHz as in (I) can be obtained. Here, when the RF current as in (I) is applied, only the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 are used as electrodes using the EMS current applied simultaneously, and thus the bodily sensation is deteriorated as described above in this case. In contrast, by controlling the switching electrode as in (II) (i.e., fig. 7), both the warming effect by the RF current and the effect of preventing deterioration in body feeling by the EMS current can be achieved.

The reason for setting the inter-electrode distance to 2mm will be described in detail.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing how the temperature of the skin varies according to the distance of the circular ring electrodes on two concentric circles and the difference of the applied RF current through experiments. In fig. 9, (a) shows a case where the RF current is 1MHz and the inter-electrode distance is 3mm, and (b) shows a case where the RF current is 2MHz and the inter-electrode distance is 2 mm. As shown in fig. 9, it was confirmed that the instant heat property in the case (a) was excellent (having an effect of faster heating). In addition, it was experimentally found that if the distance between the electrodes is set to 1mm, the feeling of body becomes inappropriate (overheating). Based on the above, in the example of fig. 7, 2mm is set as a preferable electrode interval when the RF current is applied. In other words, the distance between the second electrode 12 and the third electrode 13 is preferably 1mm to 3 mm. At least one of the intervals between adjacent ones of the electrodes 11 to 14 is different from the others. This increases the change in the inter-electrode distance in the case of using any two electrodes.

< example 4 >

Fig. 10 shows an example of the area (size) of each electrode. The areas of the first electrode 11 to the fourth electrode 14 were 118.0mm, respectively²、113.7mm²、170.6mm²、164.6mm². In this case, it is preferable that the size between the electrodes is about 1.0 to about 1.5 times even if any two electrodes are selected. This is because, in the pair of electrodes for applying the RF current or the EMS current, if the area ratio of the other electrode to the one electrode is increased, the warming effect and the stimulating effect are reduced or the body feeling is deteriorated.

< example 5 >

The three-dimensional shape of each of the electrodes 11 to 14 does not need to be rectangular in cross section. For example, as shown in fig. 11, the side surface (sidewall surface) of the fourth electrode 14 may be inclined at a predetermined angle (35 degrees in this case) with respect to a direction C1 perpendicular to the ground plane SS (head surface) of the electrode 10. The predetermined angle is set so that the side surface of the fourth electrode 14 is continuous with the edge surface (C2) of the head of the case 80 (see fig. 12). This allows the side surface SW to contact the skin as well as the ST on the surface of the fourth electrode 14. As a result, the effective electrode area of the fourth electrode 14 increases, and the current applied by the fourth electrode 14 increases.

< example 6 >

Examples of the internal structure of the electrode 10 will be described with reference to fig. 13 to 19.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing an example of the structure of the members constituting the electrodes 11 to 14. Each of the electrodes 11 to 14 has a shape in which 3 protrusions are formed on a metal ring. Fig. 14 and 15 show a configuration of the housing 100 in which these metal rings are embedded (buried and fixed).

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a circuit board 200 for applying a voltage to the case 100 in which the metal ring group is embedded. A plurality of conical (pointed) coil springs 201 as shown in fig. 17 are provided on the circuit board 200.

Fig. 18 and 19 show a state where the circuit board 200 is assembled to the case 100 in which the metal ring set is embedded. As shown in the figure, the electrode members are fixed via the coil springs 201 by pressing the electrode members toward the housing side 100 so that the coil springs 201 abut on the protrusions of the electrode members. The coil spring 201 is preferably tapered (triangular, conical, etc.) in which the area of the apex portion is 50% or less of the area of the bottom portion.

When a narrow region such as a face is treated, the size of the head is limited, and if a plurality of electrodes are concentrically arranged, the width of each electrode inevitably decreases. For example, the width of the electrode may be 2mm or less. In view of such a situation, the electrode side is protruded from the insulating portion, and energization is performed via the coil spring having a pointed shape, so that the energization state can be stabilized even with a thin electrode.

< example 7 >

A sensor for detecting a current applied to the skin between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode may be further provided, and the RF current may not be applied when the skin is not in contact with the entire surface of the electrode. When the skin and the electrode are not completely in contact with each other, overheating of the skin may occur, and the purpose is to prevent such a situation by not passing an RF current.

For example, the applying unit 20 may stop the application of at least the second frequency when the current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value is not applied to the skin for a predetermined period between the first electrode and the fourth electrode. More specifically, a minute RF voltage is applied between the first electrode 11 and the fourth electrode 14, the difference between (the amplitude of) the applied current value when the electrode is not in contact with the skin and when the electrode is in contact with the skin is detected, and whether (the entire surface of) the electrode is in contact with the skin is determined based on whether or not the difference exceeds a threshold value. For example, the following is the case.

It is determined that the skin is not in contact when the power is turned on.

After it is determined that the skin is not in contact with the skin, when the current value of the first threshold value flows for 50ms or more, it is determined that the skin is in contact with the skin.

And determining that the skin is continuously in contact if the current value equal to or greater than the first threshold value continues to flow for 25ms or more after the determination of contact with the skin.

If the current value equal to or less than the second threshold value continues for 3 seconds or more after the determination of contact with the skin, it is determined that the skin is separated (the skin is not in contact).

< example 8 >

The electrodes 11 to 14 do not need to be arranged concentrically. In a preferred embodiment, the cosmetic device 1 may have a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode, and the distance from the first electrode to the fourth electrode may be larger than the distance from the second electrode to the third electrode.

In such an electrode configuration, there are: a first step of continuously applying a current of a second frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode while applying a current of a first RF frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode in a first period; and a second step of intermittently applying a current of a second frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode while applying a current of a second RF frequency smaller than the first RF frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode in a second period, the first RF frequency being 200kHz to 4MHz, the second frequency being 1Hz to 100kHz, and the first step and the second step being alternately repeated. In this way, both the warming effect by the first RF frequency and the muscle stimulation effect by the second RF frequency can be achieved.

Description of the reference symbols

1: a cosmetic device; 10: an electrode; 11: a first electrode; 12: a second electrode; 13: a third electrode; 14: a fourth electrode; 20: an application unit; 21: a first power supply circuit; 22: a second power supply circuit; 23: an isolation transformer; 24: an isolation transformer; 25: a control unit; 26: a selection unit; 80: a housing; 90: a switch; 100: a housing; 200: a circuit board.

Claims

1. < use of at least 2-3 and 1-4 for applying two frequencies >)

A cosmetic device having:

a first electrode;

a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode, each of which is a ring-shaped electrode disposed on a concentric circle around the first electrode, the second electrode being disposed outside the first electrode, the third electrode being disposed outside the second electrode, and the fourth electrode being disposed outside the third electrode; and

and an applying unit capable of applying a current of a second frequency to the skin between the second electrode and the third electrode while applying a current of a first frequency to the skin between the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

2. < EMS Current and RF Current >

The cosmetic device of claim 1,

the first frequency is 1Hz to 100kHz,

the second frequency is 200 kHz-4 MHz.

3. < changing electrode selection according to frequency of applied current >)

The cosmetic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the cosmetic device further has a selection unit that selects, from the first electrode to the fourth electrode, an electrode pair used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair used when the current of the second frequency is applied, according to at least any one of the value of the first frequency and the value of the second frequency.

4. < Change of electrode selection according to Current value (intensity) >)

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the cosmetic device further has a selection unit that selects, from the first to fourth electrodes, an electrode pair used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair used when the current of the second frequency is applied, according to at least any one of the amplitude of the current of the first frequency and the amplitude of the current of the second frequency.

5. < changing electrode selection according to application period >)

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the cosmetic device further has a selection unit that selects, from the first electrode to the fourth electrode, an electrode pair used when the current of the first frequency is applied or an electrode pair used when the current of the second frequency is applied, according to at least either one of an application period of the current of the first frequency and an application period of the current of the second frequency.

6. < setting during repetitive application >

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,

the applying unit applies a current of a first RF frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode during a first period, applies a current of a second RF frequency smaller than the first RF frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode during a second period,

the first period and the second period are alternately repeated.

7. < selection of continuous or discontinuous according to electrodes used in EMS Current application >

The cosmetic device of claim 6,

the applying unit further continuously applies the current of the second frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode in the first period, and further intermittently applies the current of the second frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode in the second period.

8. < sensor for detecting abutting state >

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 2 to 7,

the cosmetic apparatus further has a sensor that detects a current applied to the skin between the first electrode and the fourth electrode,

the application unit stops at least the application of the second frequency when a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value is not applied to the skin for a predetermined period between the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

9. < application time numerical limitation >)

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 6 to 8,

the length of the first period accounts for 70% or more of the total application time.

10. < electrode spacing numerical limitation >

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the interval between the second electrode and the third electrode is 1 mm-3 mm,

at least one of the intervals between adjacent electrodes is different from the other intervals.

11. < electrode sidewall construction >

The cosmetic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the electrodes protrude from the head surface, and side wall surfaces of the electrodes are inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the head surface.

12. < method claims (current application); not limited to circular ring configuration

A current control method for a cosmetic device,

the cosmetic device has a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode, and is configured such that a distance from the first electrode to the fourth electrode is larger than a distance from the second electrode to the third electrode,

the current control method has the following steps:

a first step of continuously applying a current of a second frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode while applying a current of a first RF frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode in a first period; and

a second step of intermittently applying a current of a second frequency between the second electrode and the third electrode while applying a current of the second RF frequency smaller than the first RF frequency between the first electrode and the fourth electrode in a second period,

the first RF frequency and the second RF frequency are 200 kHz-4 MHz, the second frequency is 1 Hz-100 kHz,

the first step and the second step are alternately repeated.