JP2002165889A - Skin stimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a skin stimulation device provides more comfortable stimu lation and is highly effective compared with that of a conventional art. SOLUTION: This skin stimulation device is provided with an electrode 2 for treatment capable of making a current flow to the skin by being in contact with the skin, a ground electrode 3, a power source 12 for supplying the pulse- like signals B of an optional frequency to the electrode 2 for the treatment and a control means 11 for controlling the power source 12 and changing the frequency. The control means 11 is provided with a switching part for alternately switching the frequency between a first frequency within the range of 1 to 20 Hz and a second frequency within the range of 300 to 2000 Hz and a buffer part for gradually changing the frequency when the switching part switches the frequency. That is, synergistic effects by alternately applying the pulse-like signals B of the first frequency with high massage effects to the skin and the second frequency with the high material movement effect such as medicine permeation through the barrier zone of the skin to the skin are improved. Also, by gradually changing the frequency, the frequency is smoothly switched.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a skin stimulating device, and more particularly, to a skin stimulating device for promoting hair growth or having a beautiful face, which has a synergistic effect of a massage effect and a mass transfer effect.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many people worry about beauty because of their high interest in improving the quality of life. For example, hair growth hair decreased in the head, removal of spots and freckles on the face and the like, whitening, and the like.

[0003] A variety of techniques have been provided for hair growth hair. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2964884 discloses a low-frequency stimulator having a low-frequency comb that generates a frequency of 0.6 Hz to 13.3 Hz;
A hair-growing device having a high-frequency comb using a current of mA to 1.75 mA is disclosed.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-506007, two or more electrodes are placed close to each other without contacting the scalp of a human body to promote regrowth of hair or to promote hair growth. It is disclosed that the decrease can be mitigated. In this case, a method is disclosed in which a low-voltage positive or negative polarity pulse train signal having a pulse repetition frequency in a range of about 5 Hz to 35 Hz is applied to these electrodes for about 12 minutes.

[0005]

However, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2964884, the user switches between a frequency of 0.6 Hz to 13.3 Hz and a high frequency as appropriate and applies the frequency to the scalp. It was complicated.

In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-506007, a pulse repetition frequency in a range of about 5 Hz to 35 Hz is used, so that a massage effect on the scalp can be expected to some extent, but the effect is not sufficient. I couldn't say it.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a skin stimulating device which is more comfortable and more effective than the prior art.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that pulsed signals in two frequency bands are alternately applied for skin stimulation such as hair growth promotion and hair growth by electrical stimulation. Found to be effective. That is, by applying a pulse signal within the range of 1 to 20 Hz to the scalp or the like, an increase in blood circulation mainly due to a massage effect can be expected. It is considered that the massage effect is obtained not only by directly stimulating the peripheral nerves but also by contracting the muscles in accordance with the change in the current by flowing a current through the subcutaneous muscles. And 300-2000
By applying a pulse-like signal in the range of Hz to the scalp or the like, a substance transfer effect that allows a drug such as a hair restorer to pass through a barrier zone of the skin can be exerted.
It is considered that the substance transfer effect is to apply a signal of this frequency to the skin to move the ionized substance and also to ionize and move the non-ionized substance. Further, it is considered that the barrier zone existing in the skin increases the material permeability by applying a signal of this frequency.

Furthermore, it has been found that the effect is synergistically improved by alternately applying the pulse signals of these two frequency bands to the scalp or the like. In addition, it has been found that when the pulse-like signals in the two frequency bands are switched to each other, a more comfortable stimulus to the skin can be obtained by gradually changing the frequency of the pulse-like signals. The present inventors have made the following invention based on these findings.

That is, the skin stimulating apparatus of the present invention supplies a treatment electrode capable of flowing an electric current through the skin by contacting the skin, an earth electrode, and a pulse signal of an arbitrary frequency to the treatment electrode. And a control means for controlling the power supply to change the frequency, the control means comprising: a first frequency in a range of 1 to 20 Hz and a first frequency in a range of 300 to 2000 Hz. A switching unit that alternately switches the frequency between the second frequency and a buffer unit that gradually changes the frequency when the switching unit switches the frequency.

That is, the effect of alternately applying to the skin a pulsed signal of the first frequency having a high massage effect on the skin and a second frequency having a high mass transfer effect such as drug permeation through a barrier zone of the skin. Has realized a synergistic rise. In addition, the frequency can be changed comfortably by gradually changing the frequency.

[0012] By stimulating the skin comfortably, it acts on the peripheral nerves to the autonomic nerves, and by improving the action of these nervous systems, the ability that humans originally possess (the self-healing ability of the skin) , Activation of hair cells, etc.).

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A skin stimulating apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on the following embodiments. The skin stimulating device of the present invention can be a device for promoting hair growth that can be applied to the scalp, or a beauty device that can be applied to the face and the like for whitening and removing stains. This is because the device of the present invention can penetrate drugs such as a hair restorer into the skin from the outside, and can also remove waste products (melanin pigment, which is a causative substance such as spots and freckles) from the skin to the outside of the skin. This is because it is also possible to have the function of discharging.

(Structure of skin stimulating apparatus of this embodiment) The skin stimulating apparatus of this embodiment has a treatment electrode, a ground electrode, a power supply, and a control means. The treatment electrode is an electrode that applies a pulse signal to the target skin by bringing it into contact with the part to be treated on the skin, and the ground electrode is electrically connected to the person using the device (for example, connecting the electrode to a body such as a hand). Is directly or indirectly in contact with a part of the electrode.) And serves as a ground, the power supply is means for supplying a pulse signal to the treatment electrode, and the control means is a pulse supplied from the power supply. This is means for controlling the frequency of the shape signal.

The shape of the treatment electrode is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrode that can be brought into contact with the skin and a current can flow through the skin, but it is preferable that the treatment electrode be in point contact with the skin. Since the effect of applying a current to the skin is defined by the current value per unit area of the skin, if an electrode is in contact with a large surface, a high current will be applied to the electrode when trying to achieve the same effect as point contact This is necessary because it may cause discomfort to the user.

It is also conceivable that the effect of the point contact is exerted on the periphery of the contact area. And for the same reason, it is preferable that the treatment electrode contacts the skin at a plurality of points. The treatment area can be increased because the area of the skin in contact with the electrode can be increased without increasing the contact area,
This is because the use time of the present device can be reduced.
For example, the treatment electrode is comb-shaped, and it is preferable that the tip corresponding to each comb tooth is brought into contact with the skin.

The treatment electrode is formed in an appropriate shape according to its application site. For example, when a comb-shaped treatment electrode is applied to a curved surface such as the scalp, the shape of the treatment electrode is preferably such that the tips of the comb teeth corresponding to the curved surface are curved.

The shape of the earth electrode is not particularly limited. For example, a rod-like or plate-like shape can be adopted. Further, the earth electrode may be an independent member or may be dependent on another member.

For example, a rod-shaped or plate-shaped independent member having a metal exposed at a part thereof and having the part in contact with the skin, or affixed to a part of the body. Alternatively, it may be a member subordinate to another member and provided integrally with a portion of the above-mentioned treatment electrode which is held by hand. When the treatment electrode is comb-shaped, a part of the comb-shaped electrode can be used as a ground electrode.

The power supply is a device capable of supplying a pulse-like signal of an arbitrary frequency to the treatment electrode based on a control signal from a control means described later. If the effect of the pulse-like signal is the same, the magnitude of the stimulus to the skin changes according to the magnitude of the peak value, and the magnitude of the effect such as the massage effect and the mass transfer effect changes according to the magnitude of the effective value. Preferably, the peak value is small. Therefore, it is preferable that the power supply is a device that supplies a pulse signal having a waveform whose ratio of the effective value to the peak value is larger than the sine wave. Specifically preferred waveforms are rectangular waves,
A trapezoidal wave, a sine wave having a limited peak portion, and the like can be given. The circuit for generating these pulse signals is not particularly limited, and a known circuit can be applied.

The control means is means for controlling the frequency of the pulse signal supplied from the power supply. The control means is
First frequency in the range of 20 Hz and 300-2000 Hz
And a buffer unit that changes the frequency gradually when the switching unit switches the frequency.

The method by which the control means controls the frequency of the pulse signal is not particularly limited. For example, a control signal having a frequency serving as a reference of the pulse signal is supplied to a power supply,
This can be achieved by the power supply generating a pulse signal based on the control signal. The switching unit and the buffer unit generate these control signals by a digital circuit such as a computer logic or an analog circuit such as an oscillator.

(Operation and Effect of the Skin Stimulator of the Present Embodiment)
With the above configuration, the present device has the following operational effects. First, the method of using the present apparatus will be described. It is used so as to electrically connect the earth electrode to the skin of the user, for example, by holding the earth electrode with a hand and bringing the treatment electrode into full contact with the part of the skin to be treated. At this time, a pulse signal is supplied from the power supply to the treatment electrode.

Thus, the pulse signal supplied from the power supply unit to the treatment electrode is applied to the use site of the user's skin via the treatment electrode. When using the skin stimulating apparatus of the present embodiment, a medicine is applied to the treatment site of the skin as necessary, for example, a hair restorer when used for growing hair, a massage agent, a whitening agent or the like when used for facial beauty. It is preferable to use after applying. The combined use of a preferable drug may change the electrical resistance of the skin, and may exert an effect that a pulsed signal can be smoothly applied to the skin.

The voltage value and the current value of the pulse signal supplied from the power supply are not particularly limited, but preferred examples include a voltage value of about 10 to 30 V, preferably about 15 to 24 V, and a current value of about 15 to 24 V. Is about 0 to 3 mA, preferably about 0 to 2 mA.

The switching section of the control means switches the frequency of the pulse signal supplied from the power supply section between the first frequency and the second frequency. The first frequency is a frequency in the range of 1 to 20 Hz, more preferably 5 to 20 Hz, and directly acts on muscles under the skin by applying a pulsed signal of the first frequency in this range to the skin, A massage effect on the skin can be expected.

In addition to improving the blood circulation of the skin due to the massage effect of the pulse signal, the effect of restoring the flexibility and elasticity of the skin and suppressing the progress of skin aging can be expected. Even if the first frequency is higher than this frequency, the muscle cannot follow the frequency, so that the massage effect is low, and if it is lower than this, an absolute massage effect cannot be obtained.

The second frequency is a frequency in the range of 300 to 2000 Hz, more preferably 1200 to 1300 Hz. By applying a pulsed signal of the second frequency in this range to the skin, the second frequency is applied to the barrier zone existing in the skin. A substance such as a drug can be permeated. If the second frequency is lower or higher than this, an appropriate effect cannot be obtained.

By controlling the direction of the potential when applying a pulse signal to the skin, it is possible to control the direction in which the substance permeates. Therefore, the direction of the potential for applying the pulse-like signal to the skin is preferably such that there is more current in a certain direction than in the case where the direction of current flow is equal to the positive and negative directions, such as alternating current. More preferably, the flow is controlled.

That is, if the treatment electrode is always kept at a potential higher than the earth electrode or at a potential higher than the ground electrode, the effect of penetrating a drug or the like from the outside to the inside of the skin is mainly exerted.

Therefore, it is possible to more easily penetrate the inside of the skin with a drug whose penetration is normally inhibited by the barrier zone of the skin. For example, by using a drug such as a hair restorer, a moisturizer, and a nutrient that is expected to penetrate into the skin at the same time as the present device, the effect of the drug is doubled. For example, when a hair growth effect is expected, a hair restorer can be used, and when a facial effect is expected, a serum or the like can be used.

If the treatment electrode is kept at a potential lower than the earth electrode or a potential lower than the earth electrode for a long time, a substance transfer effect from the inside of the skin to the outside can be expected. Therefore, melanin pigment, which is a cause of spots, freckles, and the like, and other waste products in the skin can be discharged to the outside of the skin. For example, it can be used for skin whitening.

The buffer section of the control means has an action of gradually changing the frequency when the switching section switches the frequency. This is because if the rate of change of the frequency is reduced, it is possible to switch between the first frequency having the massage effect and the second frequency having the mass transfer effect without a sense of discomfort.

The value of the speed at which the frequency is gradually changed (frequency change speed) cannot be limited to an appropriate value because individual differences such as user preference and sensitivity are large. A frequency between the first frequency and the second frequency can be changed.

Further, a means for adjusting the frequency change speed may be further provided so that the user can change the frequency change speed according to his / her preference. Regardless of whether the frequency of the pulse signal is changed continuously or stepwise, the frequency is changed so that the user does not feel discomfort. Anything that can be done.

Note that the frequency deviates between the first frequency and the second frequency and is lower than the first frequency by the action of the buffer.
Alternatively, it goes without saying that the pulse signal may be controlled to a frequency higher than the second frequency.

Further, the control means can be used for controlling the power supply to the entire apparatus, such as the number of cycles for repeating the change between the first frequency and the second frequency, the overall treatment time, the intensity of the pulse signal, and the like. Control may be performed in combination.

As described above, according to the skin stimulating device of the present invention, a skin stimulating device which can be used comfortably, has a massage effect and a mass transfer effect, has an effective hair growth effect or a facial effect. can do.

[0039]

(Construction) As shown in FIG. 1, a skin stimulating apparatus according to this embodiment has a main body 1 having a control means 11 and a power supply 12.
And a scalp stimulating device for hair growth having a treatment electrode 21 and a ground electrode 22. The treatment electrode 21 and the earth electrode 22 are provided on the same treatment comb 2 (not shown in FIG. 1). The power supply 12 is controlled by a control signal A supplied from the control means 11, and a pulse signal B having a predetermined frequency is supplied to the treatment electrode 21.

The main body 1 comprises a control means 11, a power supply 12, and an operation panel (not shown). The operation panel includes a connection terminal for connecting the treatment electrode 21, a connection terminal for connecting the ground electrode 22, an on / off switch of the apparatus, an adjustment knob for changing the intensity of the pulse signal, and a frequency change of the pulse signal. It has a control knob to control, a frequency changeover switch and an output meter indicating the output of the pulse signal.

The control means 11 is a means for generating a control signal A by operating a CPU (not shown) by logic, and has a switching section for gradually changing the frequency of the control signal A and a buffer section. Specifically, a rectangular digital signal having the same frequency as that of the pulse signal B is generated, and the digital signal is used as a control signal A of an analog signal by a D / A converter.

The power supply 12 is a device for supplying a pulse signal B having a frequency corresponding to the control signal A supplied from the control means 11 to the treatment electrode 21. More specifically, the control signal A is amplified by an amplifier to form a pulse signal B. The pulse signal B is controlled so that the treatment electrode 21 is positive with respect to the ground electrode 22. As the pulse signal B,
It is a rectangular wave with a peak value of 15 V, 1.8 mA.

As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment comb 2 is a comb-like treatment electrode 21 for directly contacting the scalp and applying a pulse signal B to the scalp, and an earth electrode 22 provided on the handle. Consists of The treatment electrode 21 has a plurality of electrodes arranged in a row in a comb shape, and the height of the electrode at the center is lower. By adjusting the height in this way, the electrode matches the roundness of the scalp, and the area where the electrode contacts the scalp can be increased. Since the distal end of the treatment electrode 21 is a part that comes into direct contact with the skin, the surface is smooth and rounded. The ground electrode 22 has an electrode exposed at the handle of the treatment comb 2 and is connected to the ground of the power supply 12. By providing the ground electrode 22 integrally with the handle portion of the same comb as the treatment electrode 21, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the entire apparatus. Further, the treatment electrode 21 and the earth electrode 22 can be formed as independent members.

(Operation and Effect) The control means 11 generates the control signal A by operating the CPU by logic. Specifically, a digital signal that repeats on / off at regular intervals according to the frequency to be controlled as a pulse signal is generated, and the digital signal is used as a control signal A as an analog signal by a D / A converter. The generated control signal A is amplified by the power supply 12 and becomes a pulse-like signal B, which is applied from the treatment electrode 21 to the scalp.

The switching section and the buffer section of the control means 11 are connected to the power supply 1
FIG. 3 shows how the frequency is changed by controlling the pulse-like signal B supplied from 2.

That is, first, 5H as the first frequency
z for 180 seconds to exert a massage effect on the scalp.

Thereafter, the frequency from the first frequency to 1300 Hz as the second frequency is held at 1300 Hz, which is changed stepwise over 10 seconds, for 180 seconds to exert a mass transfer effect by applying the second frequency to the scalp. The user can expect a remarkable effect of introducing the hair growth agent into the scalp by using the hair growth agent together during use of the present device.

Then, the frequency is changed stepwise from the second frequency to 5 Hz as the first frequency over 10 seconds, and then held at 5 Hz for 180 seconds to exert the massage effect again. These series of operations are defined as one cycle, and the cycle is repeated an appropriate number of times according to the user.

Further, the present apparatus is provided with a treatment electrode 2 if necessary.
It is also possible to use only the first frequency or only the second frequency as a pulse signal applied to the scalp from 1 or to freely switch between the first frequency and the second frequency during use by the user's will. is there. Also for this switching, the frequency can be changed gradually or instantaneously by interposing a buffer.

That is, according to the apparatus of this embodiment,
Hair growth agent, which was difficult to sufficiently penetrate into the scalp and exert its effect, can be effectively introduced into the scalp, and its action can be enhanced by the massage effect that is performed at the same time. A scalp stimulator having excellent scalp performance can be obtained.

[0051]

The skin stimulating device of the present invention can be applied to the skin for 1-2 times.
Since the frequency can be alternately switched between the first frequency in the range of 0 Hz and the second frequency in the range of 300 to 2000 Hz, the skin massage effect by the pulse signal of the first frequency and the second frequency The synergistic increase of the effect due to the mass transfer effect of the pulse signal is realized.

Further, since the present device changes the frequency gradually when switching the frequency between the first frequency and the second frequency, the first frequency having the massage effect and the second frequency having the mass transfer effect are used. It can be switched between and without discomfort.

Therefore, the present invention has an effect that a skin stimulating device which is more comfortable and more effective than the prior art can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a scalp stimulating device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a treatment comb provided with a treatment electrode and a ground electrode of the scalp stimulating device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a control means of the scalp stimulating device of the embodiment controls a pulse signal.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Body part 11 ... Control means 12 ... Power supply 2 ... Treatment comb 21 ... Treatment electrode 22 ... Earth electrode

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hidenori Kondo 23-3 Hamacho, Gamagori-shi, Aichi Prefecture Iijima Seimitsu Kogyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yukio Sato 1-3-8 Noritake, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Nomura Arata Nomura Nagoya Building 2F Techno Hair Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C053 JJ02 JJ04 4C060 MM21 MM22

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A treatment electrode capable of flowing a current through the skin by contacting the skin, a ground electrode, a power supply for supplying a pulse-like signal of an arbitrary frequency to the treatment electrode, and controlling the power supply Control means for changing the frequency by controlling the frequency of the first frequency in the range of 1 to 20 Hz and the second frequency in the range of 300 to 2000 Hz. A skin stimulating apparatus comprising: a switching unit that alternately switches the frequency; and a buffer that gradually changes the frequency when the switching unit switches the frequency. 2. The skin stimulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a waveform of the pulse signal supplied from the power supply unit has a ratio of an effective value to a peak value larger than a sine wave. 3. The skin stimulating device according to claim 2, wherein the waveform is rectangular. 4. The skin stimulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the treatment electrode is always at a potential higher than the ground electrode. 5. The skin stimulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the treatment electrode is always at a potential lower than the ground electrode.