KR101407672B1 - Plasma Skin Treatment Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a plasma skin treatment device of the present invention. The plasma skin treatment device comprises an electrode structure having an electric powered electrode and an insulator equipped with the electric powered electrode and having a flexibility of being bent along the surface of a skin; a spacer which regularly maintains the gap between the electric powered electrode and the skin; a housing supporting the edge of the electrode structure; and a power supply part for supplying the AC power to the electric powered electrode. The skin and the electric powered electrode perform a dielectric barrier discharge.

Description

[0001] Plasma Skin Treatment Apparatus [0002]

The present invention relates to an atmospheric pressure plasma apparatus, and more particularly, to a portable plasma aesthetic apparatus for eliminating organic matter and foreign matter by providing a plasma to the skin of a human body to eradicate bacteria in the skin or pores of a human body.

Generally, human skin consists of epidermis, dermis, and adipose tissue. In order to manage such skin, it is necessary to continuously supply nutrients to the skin and to remove the waste materials and toxins accumulated on the skin. Here, as a method for supplying the nutrients, there is a method of infiltrating the skin with cosmetics or vitamins, and a method of removing the waste products and toxins by using cosmetics, massage, or fomentation.

The lowest energy state of matter is solid. The solid is energized gradually to become liquid, then to the gas. At this time, sufficient energy above the ionization energy is applied to the neutral gas, and ionization and recombination of electrons and ions can generate plasmas composed of electrons, ions, neutral atoms and molecules.

Inside the plasma, positive and negative charges are mixed in almost the same amount and are called electrically ionized conductive gas species because they maintain electrical neutrality while performing Brownian motion close to free particles.

Plasma has several criteria such as plasma density, electron temperature, degree of thermal equilibrium between species, generation method and application field, but it is most basic to classify it into density and electron temperature. The local thermal equilibrium (LTE) and the non-local thermal equilibrium (non-LTE) can be divided into plasma by the degree of thermal equilibrium and the term local heat equilibrium means that the temperature of all of the plasma particles is The same thermodynamic state in the local region.

Atmospheric pressure plasma is mainly used for surface modification and coating of materials, environmental purification, and the like. In recent years, research has been expanded to include applications in biomedical applications and biomedical applications. Atmospheric plasma jet devices are being studied extensively in the field of biomedical research.

The electrode structure of the plasma jet is mostly a needlelike needle electrode structure, and various configuration methods are being studied depending on the power supply apparatus. An inert gas is mainly injected from the outside, and a high voltage is applied to the needle electrode structure to generate plasma. A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) type plasma jet device having a small configuration at the center of a small circular parallel plate is also being introduced.

Various types of plasma jet power supplies are introduced according to the driving frequency. DC power supply and AC power supply are the low-frequency discharge power sources of tens to hundreds of kHz. There are radio frequency (RF) and microwave (MW) generators in the MHz to GHz range of high frequency discharge. The power consumption of each power supply varies depending on the application. The power consumption of the plasma jet used in the biomedical field is mostly less than 100 watts.

Plasma jets are often used for sterilization and sterilization purposes. Plasma containing oxygen radicals has been used for tooth whitening, pathogen destruction, and blood coagulation. Major issues in the utilization of this biomedical field are miniaturization of the device, ease of control, and stability of the human body.

It is an important task to secure the stability against electric shock to be applied directly to living cells or human body. Therefore, in order to ensure stability, a high-voltage electrode must not directly contact the sample and the human body. The driving voltage to be applied to the electrode should be lowered and the amount of plasma current should be controlled to a small value of 1 to 2 mA so as to avoid electrical shock to the living body. The minimum current that the human body can detect is about 1mA for adult men at 60 Hz commercial frequency, and the sense current increases with increasing frequency. Also, the current feeling of pain is 7 to 8 mA, and higher currents are not only electrically but also thermally dangerous.

On the other hand, devices for providing skin irritation using plasma are being studied. Korean Patent No. 10-1212749 discloses "a device for treating skin diseases ". In this invention, a discharge is performed between the power electrode and the ground electrode using the power electrode and the ground electrode in order to expose the plasma to the skin. As the skin approaches the plasma, the skin is exposed to the plasma. Such a structure may enable stable plasma discharge, but it is difficult to treat plasma according to the shape of the skin. Also, a lot of electrical action can take place at one point of the skin, which can give an electrical burn to the skin. In addition, the structure using the power electrode and the ground electrode generates a plasma before reaching the skin, so that power consumption is increased.

A technique of stimulating the skin along the shape of the skin is required. Further, there is a demand for a technique in which no arc discharge occurs between the ground electrode and the power electrode. Also, in the case of portable, a method of minimizing power consumption is required.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [8] The present invention provides a plasma skin treatment apparatus that provides uniform plasma skin irritation along a skin shape.

An apparatus for treating a plasma skin according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an electrode structure including a power electrode, and an insulator having flexibility that is mounted on the power electrode and is bent along a surface of the skin; A spacer that maintains a constant distance between the skin and the power electrode; A housing supporting an edge of the electrode structure; And a power unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode. The skin and the power electrode perform a dielectric barrier discharge.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode structure includes a plate-shaped first insulator including a body portion and a wing portion symmetrically connected to the body portion; A plate-like second insulator laminated on the body portion; And a power electrode interposed between the body portion and the second insulator. The first insulator may include a first elastic portion formed on one surface of the body portion and the blade portion and a second elastic portion formed on the other surface contacting the body portion and the blade portion. The wing portion may be inserted and fixed in a locking portion formed in the housing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion may be a "V" shaped groove.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a discharge gas may be supplied through a space between the housing and the body portion without the wing portion, and may be provided in a space between the skin and the second insulator.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the spacers are disposed on the surface of the electrode structure facing the skin, and the spacers may be in a hemispherical shape spaced apart at regular intervals or in a straight line spaced apart at regular intervals.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode structure includes a plate-shaped first insulator including a body portion and a wing portion symmetrically connected to the body portion; A plate-like second insulator laminated on the first insulator; And a plurality of power electrodes disposed through the first insulator and spaced apart at regular intervals and electrically connected in parallel. The first insulator may include a first elastic portion formed on one surface of the body portion and the blade portion and a second elastic portion formed on the other surface contacting the body portion and the blade portion. The wing portion may be inserted and fixed in a locking portion formed in the housing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the insulator is made of a heat-resistant silicone resin material having a dielectric constant of 10 or more, or an ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a polyvinyl chloride, May be a mid-film.

An apparatus for treating a plasma skin according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an electrode structure including a power electrode and an insulator mounted on the power electrode and inclined along a surface of the skin; An elastic part for providing a tilting of the electrode structure; A spacer that maintains a constant distance between the skin and the power electrode; A housing disposed to surround the electrode structure; And a power unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode. A dielectric barrier discharge is performed in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode structure includes a plate-shaped first insulator including a body portion and a wing portion symmetrically disposed on the body portion; A second insulator aligned with the body portion; And a power electrode interposed between the first insulator and the second insulator.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic portion may include at least one spring mounted on the other surface of the electrode structure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic portion may be a bellows connected to the housing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode structure may further include an electrode support for supporting the electrode structure and coupling the electrode structure to the housing. Wherein the electrode supporting portion comprises: a body portion surrounding the electrode structure; A plurality of depressions recessed at a predetermined interval from a side surface of the electrode structure for spraying a discharge gas between the skin and the surface of the exposed electrode structure; An inner engaging portion extending from the inner surface of the body portion toward the electrode structure to support the electrode structure; And an outer engaging portion that is engaged with the housing at an outer side surface of the body portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode structure may further include an electrode support for supporting the electrode structure and coupling the electrode structure to the housing. Wherein the electrode supporting portion comprises a body portion including the groove and the electrode structure mounted on the groove; An outer engaging portion connected to the outer side of the body portion and coupled to the housing; And an inner engaging portion that extends symmetrically inside the body portion, and the spacer may be disposed on one surface of the electrode structure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic portion includes a body portion; An inner engaging jaw extending inward from the body portion and inserted and engaged with the electrode structure; An outer extension connected to the outside of the body portion; A first elastic part forming a closed curve formed on one surface of the outer extension part in an area where the body part and the outer extension part are in contact with each other; And a second elastic portion constituting a closed curve formed on the other surface of the outer extension portion in an area where the body portion and the outer extension portion are in contact with each other, and the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion may be a "V" .

In one embodiment of the present invention, the spacer is arranged to surround the periphery of the electrode structure, and the elastic portion may be a "V" shaped groove disposed around the spacer.

The plasma cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a miniaturized power source and a battery and can stimulate the skin of the human body through dielectric barrier discharge.

The plasma aesthetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can make the structure of the power electrode flat by using the human body skin as a ground electrode. Thus, uniform stimulation can be provided over a large area. In addition, the electrode structure including the power electrode has flexibility and can be deformed along the curved surface of the skin to provide uniform stimulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a plan view illustrating a plasma cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A 'in FIG. 1A.
1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B 'in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1D is a plan view showing the electrode structure of FIG. 1A.
1E is a cross-sectional view showing the plasma cosmetic device of FIG. 1A.
2A is a plan view illustrating a plasma cosmetic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC 'in FIG. 2A.
3A is a plan view showing a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D 'in FIG. 3A.
4A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE 'of FIG. 4A.
4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF 'in FIG. 4A.
4D is a plan view illustrating the electrode structure.
4E is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the skin locally presses the electrode structure.
5A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG 'of FIG. 5A.
5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH 'of FIG. 5A.
6A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II 'in FIG. 6A.
6C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line JJ 'in FIG. 6A.
6D is a plan view showing the electrode supporting portion of FIG. 6A.
7A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line KK 'in FIG. 7A.
7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line LL 'in FIG. 7A.
7D is a plan view showing the electrode supporting portion.
7E is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the skin presses the electrode structure.
8 is a perspective view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the skin of the human body can be used as an electrode for generating a plasma. According to an embodiment of the present invention, even when the skin of the human body is used as an electrode for plasma discharge, the plasma stably occurs. In order to prevent an overcurrent from flowing to the human body due to the arc discharge, a current limiting circuit is provided. When the skin of the human body is used as an electrode, a plasma discharge is performed only when the skin comes close to the electric power electrode. Thus, unnecessary discharge is suppressed, and power consumption can be reduced. Accordingly, a portable plasma beauty apparatus can be realized.

 A constant space is required between the skin and the power electrode for direct dielectric barrier discharge between the skin and the power electrode. Accordingly, in order to maintain the space between the skin and the power electrode, spacers are required. As the plasma is generated between the power electrode and the skin, the plasma can be entirely supplied to the skin without leaking to other areas. As a result, the skin treatment efficiency is increased. To suppress arc discharge, the power electrode is covered with a dielectric. Accordingly, a dielectric barrier dis- charge (DBD) is performed. A dielectric barrier disruption (DBD) can inhibit skin damage and provide a resilient skin.

Further, by using the skin as a ground electrode, the electrode structure can be simplified. Therefore, large-area discharge is possible. Further, the degree of freedom of the structure of the power electrode can be secured. Specifically, the electrode structure including the power electrode may be formed of a flexible material. Accordingly, the power electrode for generating the plasma can be formed in a bent shape. It is manufactured differently from existing fixed shape electrodes. Even when the surface of the object to be treated with plasma is bent, the skin treatment apparatus can be treated uniformly and efficiently.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the skin treatment apparatus generates an atmospheric plasma, and when plasma treatment is performed on a skin or a subject having a lot of curvature on the surface, plasma can be uniformly applied to all portions to provide a uniform plasma treatment .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the skin treatment apparatus has a degree of freedom in the shape of the electric power electrode, and can provide a plasma discharge shape according to the shape of each skin part.

Generally, electrodes for atmospheric pressure plasma discharge are oxidized by a surface of an aluminum electrode to produce a dielectric layer, or a quartz or ceramic plate is placed at the front of the metal electrode. Accordingly, all of the electrodes are rigid. Such structures can not be bent. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the power electrode can be turned on.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plasma skin treatment device can provide a plasma beauty treatment device for eliminating bacteria in the skin or pores of a human body, and removing organic matter and foreign matter.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plasma skin treatment apparatus can be equipped with a miniaturized power source and a battery therein, and can prevent damage and pain to the human body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plasma processing apparatus uses a discharge gas to effectively generate a plasma discharge. The discharge gas may be nitrogen, helium, argon, a mixture of air and water, or the like.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements, and the size of each element in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a plan view illustrating a plasma cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A 'in FIG. 1A.

1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B 'in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a plan view showing the electrode structure of FIG. 1A.

1E is a cross-sectional view showing the plasma cosmetic device of FIG. 1A.

1A to 1E, a plasma aesthetic apparatus 100 includes a power electrode 124 and a flexible insulator 121, 123 that mounts the power electrode 124 and is bent along the surface of the skin 10 An electrode structure 120, a spacer 128 for maintaining a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 124, a housing 110 for supporting the edge of the electrode structure 120, And a power supply unit 172 for supplying AC electric power to the electric power electrode 124. The skin (10) and the power electrode (124) perform a dielectric barrier discharge.

The housing 110 may be made of a non-conductive material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin or PC (Polycarbonate). The housing 110 is formed of an insulator. The housing 110 includes a coupling housing 112 to which the electrode assembly 120 is coupled, a gas storage housing 114 continuously connected to the coupling housing 112 and providing a gas storage space therein, (Not shown).

The coupling housing 112 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal cylindrical shape. A washer-shaped first latching portion 112a may be formed on one surface of the coupling housing 112. A washer-shaped second latching portion 114a may be formed on the inner surface of the one side of the storage housing 114. [ The edge of the electrode structure 120 can be coupled between the first and second latching portions 112a and 114a. The barrier rib 117 is formed in the housing housing 114 and the gas storage space defined by the barrier rib 117 stores the supplied discharge gas and the stored discharge gas is supplied to the electrode structure 120, And may be provided in a space between the electrode structure 120 and the skin 10 through a space between the coupling housings 112. The discharge gas can lower the discharge voltage and cool the electrode structure 120. The stored discharge gas may be a mixture of nitrogen, helium, argon, and water. A power supply unit 172 may be disposed inside the body housing 116.

The power supply unit 172 may supply AC power to the electrode structure 120. The power supply unit 172 may provide AC power of several kHz to several hundreds of kHz in the form of pulses of several Hz to several hundreds of Hz. When continuously supplying power to the power electrode 172, the electrode structure 172 can be heated to 50 degrees Celsius or more. Accordingly, when the skin 10 and the electrode structure 120 are in contact with each other, the user can suffer an image. Accordingly, the electrode structure 120 may be cooled through the pulse operation or a discharge gas circulating through the electrode structure 120. In the case of the pulse operation, the frequency of the AC power may be several hundred Hz to several hundreds of kHz, and the pulse frequency may be several Hz to several hundreds Hz. Also, the electrode structure 120 can be maintained at a normal temperature through the circulating discharge gas.

The power supply unit 172 may include a power supply control unit including a charging unit, a power module that receives power from the charging unit, generates an AC, and a pulse operation unit that operates the power module and includes an overcurrent protection circuit have. The upper limb power module may include a DC voltage controller and an AC voltage converter. The power control unit may include a power switch. The power switch may be disposed in the body housing.

The charging unit may receive power from an external DC power source. The charging unit may perform charging and discharging, and may be a rechargeable battery.

The power module may change the DC voltage to a high-voltage AC voltage. The frequency of the alternating voltage may be several hundred kHz to several hundreds kHz. The peak-to-peak ac voltage may be between 3 kV and 8 kV. The output waveform of the power supply unit may be a sine wave file. However, when the power source unit and the load are connected to generate plasma, the output waveform of the power source unit may be distorted. The power supply unit may provide a pulse operation to cool the electrode structure.

As the low frequency (100 kHz or less) high voltage (4 to 7 kV) is applied to the power electrode in a pulse form, the excessive rise of the power electrode is suppressed, and excessive ozone generation can be suppressed. When the low frequency high voltage is continuously transmitted to the power electrode, the power electrode 124 may be heated to damage the human body. In addition, when a plasma discharge occurs, ozone may be additionally generated, and the characteristic odor of ozone may give a sense of resistance to the user. Accordingly, the power electrode 124 may operate in a pulse mode. The frequency of the pulse mode may be most preferably from 1 to 100 Hz. Accordingly, the temperature of the power electrode does not exceed 30 degrees at the maximum, and only a small amount of ozone is generated.

The discharge gas may be supplied to the housing 110 through the gas line and the gas storage unit. A gas line 174 connected to the housing 110 may be connected to the gas regulating valve 176. The gas control valve 176 provides the supplied discharge gas to the gas storage space defined by the partition 117. The discharge gas is diffused into the space between the electrode structure 120 and the coupling housing 112.

The electrode structure 120 includes a plate-shaped first insulator 121 having a body portion 121a and a wing portion 121b symmetrically connected to the body portion 121a, And a power electrode 124 sandwiched between the body 121a and the second insulator 123. The second insulator 123 is formed of a metal plate,

The first insulator 121 includes a first elastic portion 126a formed on one surface of the body portion 121a contacting the wing portion 121b and a second elastic portion 126b formed on the other surface of the body portion 121a and the wing portion 121b And a second elastic part 126b formed on the second elastic part 126b. The first elastic part 126a can be seen on the skin and the second elastic part 126b can be seen on the inner surface of the housing 110. [

The wing portions 121b may be symmetrically disposed and fixedly inserted between the first and second latching portions 112a and 114a formed in the housing. The thickness of the first insulator 121 may be several hundred micrometers to several millimeters. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discharge in the housing.

The first insulator 121 may have a through hole 124a at the center thereof. The through hole formed in the first insulator 121 may provide an electrical connection between the power electrode 124 and the power unit 172. The body portion 121a may be made of a heat resistant silicone resin material having a dielectric constant of 10 or more or an ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a polyvinyl chloride, or a polyimide film. have. The body portion 121a may have a washer shape. The body portion 121a may have a disc shape.

The wing portion 121b may be in the form of a cut washer having a constant azimuthal component symmetrically and continuously connected to the outer surface of the body portion 121a. The body portion 121a and the wing portion 121b may have the same thickness. The first elastic part 126a and the second elastic part 126b may be formed in a region where the wing part 121b and the body part 121a are coupled to each other. The first elastic part 126a may be formed on a surface facing the skin, and the second elastic part 126b may be formed on a surface facing the gas accommodation space. The first elastic portion 126a and the second elastic portion 126b may be a "V" shaped groove formed along the arc. Accordingly, when the skin 10 presses the electrode structure 120, the first elastic part 126a and the second elastic part 126b may bend and provide elasticity.

The second insulator 123 may be made of the same material as the first insulator 121. The sphere of the second insulator may be smaller than the thickness of the first insulator. The second insulator 123 may have the same size as the body portion 121a of the first insulator. The power electrode 124 is printed on one surface of the second insulator 123 and the first insulator 121, the power electrode 123 and the second insulator 123 are bonded to each other through a bonding process such as sintering Can be integrated. The first insulator 121 and the second insulator 123 may be bonded by a method such as laminating, sintering, heat, or the like.

The second insulator 123 disposed on the power electrode 124 may be made thin so as to lower the plasma discharge voltage. The thickness of the second insulator 123 may be several micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers. The second insulator 123 may be a silicone resin based resin.

The power electrode 124 may be printed on the second heat sink 123 with a conductive material. Power electrode 124 may be gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or moly-manganese. The thickness of the power electrode 124 may be from a few micrometers to a few tens of micrometers. The power electrode 124 may not be broken even if the metal is thinly printed and bent. The power electrode 124 may be printed with a thickness of from a few micrometers to a few tens of micrometers and may not break unless it is extremely broken. When the power electrode 124 and the insulators 121 and 123 are bent, uniform plasma processing can be performed irrespective of the surface shape of the object to be processed.

The insulators 121 and 123 may be planar or curved plate-shaped. The radius of curvature of the insulators 121 and 123 is preferably 100 mm to 200 mm. A spacer 128 may be formed on the surface of the second insulator 123 in order to maintain a constant spacing along the surface of the object to be processed while the portion to which the pressure is applied is pushed back upon contact with the object to be processed.

In the initial state, the center portion may protrude slightly in the front portion. A portion of the object to be processed (or human body) to which the pressure is applied upon contact with the spacer 128 is pushed backward. Thus, the surface of the second insulator 123 is maintained at a constant distance along the surface of the object to be treated.

The spacers 128 are disposed on the surface of the electrode structure 120 facing the skin, and the spacers 128 may be in a hemispherical shape spaced apart at regular intervals. The distance between the spacers may be from a few millimeters to tens of milliliters, and the height of the spacers may be a few millimeters. The spacer 120 may be formed integrally with the second insulator 123. The spacer 120 may be formed of the same material as the second insulator.

The material of the second insulator 123 is made of heat-resistant silicone resin, EPDM, or PVC having a dielectric constant of 10 or more to lower the plasma discharge voltage. In order to contact the object to be processed with a maximum area, the insulators 121 and 123 surrounding the edge of the power electrode are preferably made of a material having a bending elasticity.

The discharge gas may be supplied to the space between the skin 10 and the second insulator 123 through a space between the housing 120 and the body portion 121a without the wing portion 121b . A gas supply space is formed between the second insulator 123 in the region where the wing portion 121b is not provided and the first engaging portion 112a formed on one surface of the housing. The discharge gas flows out through the gas supply space. Even if one part has more clearance than the other parts, the discharge gas is gathered at the center part and then discharged. The discharge gas surrounds the electrode structure and cools the electrode structure. The discharge gas forms a gas layer between the electrode structure and the skin. As a result, a plasma discharge easily occurs between the power electrode and the skin.

According to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the electrode structure may include a gas outlet groove so as to discharge the discharge gas.

When the skin of the human body is brought close to the electrode structure, the skin operates in a similar manner to the ground electrode, and a high voltage is applied between the power electrode and the skin to cause a plasma discharge. Since there is not a few ground electrodes and the skin of the human body functions as a ground electrode, discharge occurs only when the skin is close to the electrode structure, so that the life of the electrode structure can be prolonged. Further, when the proximity sensor is additionally provided, the gas control valve 176 is controlled so that the discharge gas is supplied only when the approach of the skin is detected and the skin of the human body is used intentionally, thereby significantly reducing the consumption of the discharge gas .

Since there is no separate ground electrode and a large area of dielectric barrier discharge is performed, the risk of arc discharge that may occur in the form of a sharp electrode can be eliminated.

2A is a plan view illustrating a plasma cosmetic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

And FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C 'in FIG. 2A.

2A and 2B, a plasma aesthetic apparatus 100a includes a power electrode 124 and a flexible insulator 121, 123 that mounts the power electrode 124 and is bent along the surface of the skin 10 The electrode structure 120 includes a spacer 128a that maintains a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 124, a housing 110 that supports the edge of the electrode structure 120, And a power supply unit 172 for supplying AC electric power to the electric power electrode 124. The skin (10) and the power electrode (124) perform a dielectric barrier discharge.

The spacer 128a may extend in one direction with a predetermined distance from the surface of the second insulator 123 in the form of a line. The height of the spacer 128a may be several millimeters, and the spacing between the spacers 128a may be several millimeters to several tens of millimeters. The discharge gas may be supplied through the outside of the second insulator 123.

3A is a plan view showing a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D 'in FIG. 3A.

Other parts except the power electrode of Fig. 3A are substantially similar to the device described in Fig.

3A and 3B, a plasma aesthetic apparatus 200 includes a power electrode 224 and a flexible insulator 121, 123 that mounts the power electrode 224 and flexes along the surface of the skin 10 An electrode structure 120, a spacer 128 for maintaining a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 124, a housing 110 for supporting the edge of the electrode structure 120, And a power supply unit 172 for supplying AC electric power to the electric power electrode 124. The skin (10) and the power electrode (224) perform a dielectric barrier discharge.

The electrode structure 224 includes a plate-shaped first insulator 121 having a body portion 121a and a wing portion 121b symmetrically connected to the body portion 121a, A second insulator 123 in the form of a laminated plate and a plurality of power electrodes 224 disposed through the first insulator 121 and spaced apart at a predetermined distance and electrically connected in parallel. The first insulator 121 includes a first elastic portion 126a formed on one surface of the body portion 121a contacting the wing portion 121b and a second elastic portion 126b formed on the other surface of the body portion 121a and the wing portion 121b And the second wing portion 121b is inserted and fixed to the locking portions 112a and 112b formed in the housing.

The power electrodes 224 may be cylindrical or disk-shaped conductive material. The power electrodes may be disposed through the first insulator 121, and one surface of the power electrodes 224 may contact the surface of the second insulator 123. The diameter of the power electrodes may be a few millimeters. The power electrodes 224 may be electrically connected in parallel. The discharge gas may be supplied through the outside of the second insulator 123.

4A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E 'of FIG. 4A.

4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F 'in FIG. 4A.

4D is a plan view illustrating the electrode structure.

4E is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the skin locally presses the electrode structure.

4A to 4E, the plasma skin treatment apparatus 300 includes a power electrode 324 and an electrode structure 320 including the power electrode 324 and insulators 321 and 323 inclined along the surface of the skin A spacer 328 for maintaining a constant distance between the skin 10 and the power electrode 324, a spacer 328 for maintaining a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 324, an electrode assembly 320, And a power unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode 324. The power electrode 324 is connected to the power source 324 through a power source. A dielectric barrier discharge is performed in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure.

The electrode structure 320 includes a plate-shaped first insulator 321 including a body portion 321a and a wing portion 321b symmetrically disposed on the body portion 321a, And a power electrode 324 sandwiched between the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323. The second insulator 323 may include a second insulator 323 and a power electrode 324 interposed between the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323. [ The power electrode 324 may be formed on the second insulator 323 by printing or coding. The electrode structure 320 may be tilted when pressure is applied from the skin.

The first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323 may be ceramics-based rigid dielectrics. The thickness of the first insulator may be several hundred micrometers to several millimeters. The thickness of the second insulator may be from several tens of micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers.

The elastic part 330 may include at least one spring mounted on the other surface of the electrode structure 320. The elastic portion 330 may be a spring formed of a non-conductive material. The elastic portion 330 may be disposed between the barrier ribs 417 formed in the housing 310 and the electrode structure so as to push the electrode structure 320. The diameter of the spring may be greater than the diameter of the power electrode.

The housing 310 may include a coupling housing 312 to which the electrode structure 320 is mounted and a gas receiving housing 314 that is continuously coupled to the coupling housing 312. A washer-shaped latching portion 312a may be formed on an open side of the coupling housing 312. [

When the skin exerts a local force on the electrode structure 320, the electrode structure can be tilted backward. Thus, the skin and the electrode structure can be maintained at a constant interval to provide a stable dielectric barrier discharge.

A discharge gas may be provided between the electrode structure and the skin through the space between the body portion 321a of the first insulator 321 without the wing portion 321b and the engagement portion 312a of the housing 310 .

A degree of freedom in which the electrode structure can move can be obtained by using an elastic elastic body such as a spring. A spring with a larger diameter than the power electrode pushes the electrode structure, and when the pressure from the object to be processed is applied from the front side, the pressure applied portion is pushed backward.

5A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G 'in FIG. 5A.

5C is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H 'in FIG. 5A.

5A to 5C, the plasma skin treatment apparatus 300a includes a power electrode 324 and an electrode structure 320 including the power electrode 324 and insulators 321 and 323 inclined along the surface of the skin A spacer 328 for maintaining a constant distance between the skin 10 and the power electrode 324, a spacer 328 for maintaining a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 324, an electrode assembly 320, And a power unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode 324. The power electrode 324 is connected to the power source 324 through a power source. A dielectric barrier discharge is performed in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure.

The electrode structure 320 includes a plate-shaped first insulator 321 including a body portion 321a and a wing portion 321b symmetrically disposed on the body portion 321a, And a power electrode 324 sandwiched between the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323. The second insulator 323 may include a second insulator 323 and a power electrode 324 interposed between the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323. [ The power electrode may be formed by printing or coding on the second insulator. The electrode structure may be tilted when pressure is applied from the skin.

The electrode structure 320 includes a plate-shaped first insulator 321 including a body portion 321a and a wing portion 321b symmetrically disposed on the body portion 321a, And a power electrode 324 sandwiched between the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323. The second insulator 323 may include a second insulator 323 and a power electrode 324 interposed between the first insulator 321 and the second insulator 323. [ The power electrode may be formed by printing or coding on the second insulator. The electrode structure may be tilted when pressure is applied from the skin.

The elastic portion 330a may include three springs mounted on the other surface of the electrode structure 320. [ The elastic portion may be disposed on a circumferential surface of the electrode structure 320 at intervals of 120 degrees with respect to the center of the electrode structure 320.

The elastic portion 330a may be a spring formed of a non-conductive material. The elastic portion is disposed between the barrier ribs formed in the housing and the electrode structure, and can push the electrode structure. The elastic part 330a has a structure in which the spring is pushed at three points, and the spring of the part to which the force is applied can be pushed back and the distance from the object to be processed can be kept constant.

6A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I 'of FIG. 6A.

6C is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J 'in FIG. 6A.

6D is a plan view showing the electrode supporting portion of FIG. 6A.

6A to 6D, the plasma skin treatment apparatus 400 includes a power electrode 424 and an electrode structure 420 including the power electrode 424 and insulators 421 and 423 inclined along the surface of the skin A spacer 428 for maintaining a constant distance between the skin 10 and the power electrode 424, a spacer 428 for maintaining a constant distance between the skin 10 and the power electrode 424, an electrode assembly 420, And a power supply unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode 424. The housing 410 is disposed to surround the power electrode 424, A dielectric barrier discharge is performed in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure.

The electrode structure 420 includes a plate-shaped first insulator 421, a second insulator 423 aligned with the first insulator 421, and a second insulator 423 interposed between the first insulator 421 and the second insulator 423. And a power electrode 424 interposed in the power electrode 424. The power electrode may be formed by printing or coding on the second insulator. The electrode structure may be tilted when pressure is applied from the skin.

The elastic portion 430 may be a bellows connected to the housing 410. The elastic portion may be made of the same material as the material of the housing and may be an insulator. The housing 310 supports the electrode supporting part 440, and the electrode supporting part 440 supports the electrode structure 420.

The housing 410 may have a pipe shape, and the elastic portion 430 may be integrally connected to the housing 310. A partition wall 417 is provided in the housing 310 to provide a gas storage space.

The electrode supporting part 440 supports the electrode structure and can be coupled to the housing. The electrode supporting portion 440 includes a body portion 441 surrounding the electrode structure 420 and a recessed portion formed at a predetermined distance from the side surface of the electrode structure 420 for spraying a discharge gas between the skin and the surface of the exposed electrode structure. An inner engaging portion 442 extending from the inner surface of the body portion 441 in the direction of the electrode structure to support the electrode structure, and an inner engaging portion 442 formed on the outer surface of the body portion, And an outer latching portion 444. The electrode supporting portion is formed of an insulator and may be made of ceramic or plastic.

A bellows, which is an elastic body in the form of a wrinkle, is disposed at an outer portion for fixing the electrode structure. When pressure is applied to the electrode structure, the pressure applied portion is pushed backward.

7A is a plan view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K 'in FIG. 7A.

7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line L-L 'in FIG. 7A.

7D is a plan view showing the electrode supporting portion.

7E is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the skin presses the electrode structure.

7A to 7D, a plasma skin treatment apparatus 500 includes a power electrode 524 and an electrode structure 520 (not shown) including an insulator 521, 523 that mounts the power electrode 524 and tilts along the surface of the skin A spacer 548 that maintains a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 524, a spacer 548 that maintains a constant gap between the skin 10 and the power electrode 524, an electrode structure 520, And a power unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode 524. The power electrode 524 is connected to the power electrode 524 via a power line. A dielectric barrier discharge is performed in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure.

The electrode structure 520 includes a plate-like first insulator 521, a second insulator 523 aligned with the first insulator 521, and a second insulator 523 interposed between the first insulator 521 and the second insulator 523 And a power electrode 524 interposed between the electrodes. The power electrode may be formed by printing or coding on the second insulator. The electrode structure may be tilted when pressure is applied from the skin.

The elastic portion 540 includes a body portion 547, an inner engagement protrusion 544 extending inward from the body portion 547 to receive the electrode structure 520 inserted therein, A first elastic portion 542a forming a closed curve formed on one surface of the outer extension portion in a region where the body portion 547 contacts the outer extension portion 546 and a second elastic portion 542b formed on the outer surface of the body portion 547 And a second elastic part 542b forming a closed curve formed on the other side of the outer extension part in an area where the outer extension part 546 is in contact with the outer extension part 546. [ The first elastic portion 542a and the second elastic portion 542b may be grooves of a "V" shape. The body portion 547 may have a washer shape. The inner engaging jaw 544 may have a washer shape that is cut so as to have a predetermined azimuth angle component. The elastic portion 540 may provide a structure that can be folded in a portion connecting neighboring power electrodes.

The spacer 548 may be disposed on the body portion 547 between the adjacent inner engaging jaws 544. The discharge gas may flow out into the space between the inner surface of the spacer 548 and the side surface of the electrode structure. The spacer 548 may be in the shape of a washer that is cut to have a constant azimuthal component.

8 is a perspective view illustrating a plasma skin treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

 Referring to FIG. 8, the plasma skin treatment apparatus 600 includes an electrode structure 620 including a power electrode and an insulator sloping along the surface of the skin, the electrode structure 620 being provided with a tilting of the electrode structure 620 A spacer 640 for maintaining a constant gap between the skin and the power electrode 630, a housing 610 disposed to surround the electrode structure 620, and an AC power source And a power supply unit for supplying power. A dielectric barrier discharge is performed in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure.

The spacer 650 may be disposed to surround the periphery of the electrode structure. The spacer is made of an insulator material and can protrude from the surface to maintain a gap between the skin and the electrode structure. The elastic portion 630 may be formed of a resilient dielectric material and may be a "V" shaped groove disposed around the spacer 650.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

10: Skin
110: Housing
120: Electrode structure
124: Power electrode

Claims (15)

delete An electrode structure comprising: a power electrode; and an insulator having flexibility that flexes along the surface of the skin with the power electrode mounted thereon;
A spacer that maintains a constant distance between the skin and the power electrode;
A housing supporting an edge of the electrode structure; And
And a power supply unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode,
The skin and the power electrode performing a dielectric barrier discharge,
The electrode structure comprises:
A plate-like first insulator including a body portion and a wing portion symmetrically connected to the body portion;
A plate-like second insulator laminated on the body portion; And
And a power electrode interposed between the body portion and the second insulator,
Wherein the first insulator includes a first elastic portion formed on one surface of the body portion and the blade portion and a second elastic portion formed on the other surface contacting the body portion and the blade portion,
Wherein the wing portion is inserted and fixed to the engagement portion formed in the housing. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are "V" shaped grooves. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the discharge gas is supplied through a space between the housing and the body portion without the wing portion, and is provided in a space between the skin and the second insulator. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the spacer is disposed on a surface of the electrode structure facing the skin,
Wherein the spacers are in a hemispherical shape spaced apart at regular intervals or in a linear shape spaced apart at regular intervals. An electrode structure comprising: a power electrode; and an insulator having flexibility that flexes along the surface of the skin with the power electrode mounted thereon;
A spacer that maintains a constant distance between the skin and the power electrode;
A housing supporting an edge of the electrode structure; And
And a power supply unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode,
The skin and the power electrode performing a dielectric barrier discharge,
The electrode structure comprises:
A plate-like first insulator including a body portion and a wing portion symmetrically connected to the body portion;
A plate-like second insulator laminated on the first insulator; And
And a plurality of power electrodes disposed through the first insulator and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and electrically connected in parallel,
Wherein the first insulator includes a first elastic portion formed on one surface of the body portion and the blade portion and a second elastic portion formed on the other surface contacting the body portion and the blade portion,
Wherein the wing portion is inserted and fixed to the engagement portion formed in the housing. 7. The method according to claim 2 or 6,
Wherein the insulator is a heat-resistant silicone resin material having a dielectric constant of 10 or more, or an ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a polyvinyl chloride, or a polyimide film. Processing device. delete An electrode structure including a power electrode and an insulator mounted on the power electrode and tilted along the surface of the skin;
An elastic part for providing a tilting of the electrode structure;
A spacer that maintains a constant distance between the skin and the power electrode;
A housing disposed to surround the electrode structure; And
And a power supply unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode,
Performing a dielectric barrier discharge in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure,
The electrode structure comprises:
A plate-like first insulator including a body portion and a wing portion symmetrically disposed on the body portion;
A second insulator aligned with the body portion; And
And a power electrode interposed between the first insulator and the second insulator. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the elastic portion includes at least one spring mounted on the other surface of the electrode structure. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the elastic portion is a bellows connected to the housing. An electrode structure including a power electrode and an insulator mounted on the power electrode and tilted along the surface of the skin;
An elastic part for providing a tilting of the electrode structure;
A spacer that maintains a constant distance between the skin and the power electrode;
A housing disposed to surround the electrode structure; And
And a power supply unit for supplying AC power to the power electrode,
Performing a dielectric barrier discharge in a space between the skin and one surface of the electrode structure,
Further comprising an electrode support for supporting the electrode structure and coupling to the housing,
Wherein the electrode supporting portion comprises:
A body portion surrounding the electrode structure;
A plurality of depressions recessed at a predetermined interval from a side surface of the electrode structure for spraying a discharge gas between the skin and the surface of the exposed electrode structure;
An inner engaging portion extending from the inner surface of the body portion toward the electrode structure to support the electrode structure; And
And an outer engaging portion engaged with the housing at an outer side surface of the body portion. 10. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising an electrode support for supporting the electrode structure and coupling to the housing,
Wherein the electrode supporting portion comprises:
A body portion including a groove and to which the electrode structure is mounted in the groove;
An outer engaging portion connected to the outer side of the body portion and coupled to the housing; And
And an inner engaging portion extending symmetrically inside the body portion,
Wherein the spacer is disposed on one surface of the electrode structure. 14. The method of claim 13,
The elastic portion comprises:
A body portion;
An inner engaging jaw extending inward from the body portion and inserted and engaged with the electrode structure;
An outer extension connected to the outside of the body portion;
A first elastic part forming a closed curve formed on one surface of the outer extension part in an area where the body part and the outer extension part are in contact with each other; And
And a second elastic part forming a closed curve formed on the other surface of the outer extension part in an area where the body part and the outer extension part are in contact with each other,
Wherein the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion are "V" -shaped grooves. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the spacer is arranged to surround the periphery of the electrode structure,
Wherein the elastic portion is a "V" -shaped groove disposed around the spacer.

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