KR102650350B1 - Skin care device and skin measurement method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

It relates to a skin care device that further considers user convenience and a skin measuring method thereof, comprising a body forming an appearance, protruding toward the front of the body, and using at least one of ultrasonic driving and iontophoresis driving. It includes a head unit for driving and a control unit for controlling the operation of the head unit, wherein the head unit includes a head case having a groove in the central area, a vibrator seated in the groove of the head case, and an insulating film disposed between the vibrator and the head case. Including, the thickness of the vibrator may be thicker than the thickness of the head case, and the thickness of the insulating film may be thinner than the thickness of the head case.

Description

Skin care device and skin measurement method thereof {SKIN CARE DEVICE AND SKIN MEASUREMENT METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a skin care device that further considers user convenience and a skin measurement method thereof.

Devices for skin care are implemented in various ways. The skin receives subtle stimulation, which changes cell activity, which can lead to skin improvement effects such as wrinkle improvement and whitening.

Among them, representative forms include a non-invasive method that applies electrical stimulation to the skin, and an invasive method that provides physical stimulation.

Previously, individually portable devices were not widely available, but recently, with the development of wireless communication and miniaturization of parts, many portable care devices have been commercialized. Conventional skin care device-related technology is at the same level as disclosed in Patent Registration No. 10-0496192, Patent Registration No. 10-1169675, and Registration Patent No. 10-1177177.

Examples of ways to care for the skin through electrical stimulation include a method that provides electrical stimulation in the high frequency band and an optical method that provides stimulation in the visible light range.

The high-frequency band stimulation method is to provide high-frequency energy in the 1 MHz band, which can stimulate the surface and deep areas of the human body's skin, respectively.

However, conventional high-frequency skin care devices have a problem of insufficient cosmetic absorption promotion performance, and low-frequency skin care devices have large oscillator diameters and thicknesses in the vibrating part, which limits the ability to miniaturize skin care devices.

In addition, low-frequency skin care devices have a problem of causing tinnitus due to resonance when they vibrate close to the audible frequency band.

Therefore, there is a demand for the development of skin care devices that can be miniaturized without causing tinnitus even in low-frequency bands in the future.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems. Another purpose is to provide a skin care device that can provide ultrasonic energy in a low-frequency band by placing a vibrator in the low-frequency band on the head and a skin measurement method thereof.

Another purpose is to provide a skin care device and a skin measurement method capable of performing ultrasonic driving and iontophoresis driving in combination by disposing an insulating film between the vibrator and the head case.

Another purpose is to provide a skin care device and a skin measurement method that can be miniaturized without causing tinnitus even in low frequency bands by adjusting the thickness ratio between the vibrator and the head case.

Another purpose is to provide a skin care device and a skin measurement method that can provide user convenience by deploying a sensing unit to measure skin condition and measuring and displaying personal skin condition.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. You will be able to.

In order to solve the above technical problem, a skin care device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a body part forming the exterior, protrudes toward the front of the body part, and is driven by ultrasonic waves and iontophoresis. It includes a head unit driven by at least one of the following, and a control unit that controls the operation of the head unit, wherein the head unit includes a head case having a groove in the central area, a vibrator seated in the groove of the head case, and a device between the vibrator and the head case. It may include an insulating film disposed.

The skin measurement method of a skin care device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of checking whether power is applied to the sensing unit when a skin measurement mode signal is input, measuring a reference value according to non-contact with the skin, and 1 A step of checking whether the set time has elapsed, a step of completing preparation for skin measurement when the first set time has elapsed, a step of checking whether the skin is in contact with the sensing unit, and if the skin is contacted, the state of the contacted skin It may include a step of measuring, a step of checking whether a second set time has elapsed, a step of completing skin condition measurement when the second set time has elapsed, and a step of displaying the measured skin condition result. .

The effects of the skin care device and its skin measurement method according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the promotion of skin absorption of the active ingredient can be improved by providing ultrasonic energy in the low-frequency band by disposing the vibrator in the low-frequency band on the head.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, ultrasonic drive and iontophoresis drive can be performed in combination by disposing an insulating film between the vibrator and the head case.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, by adjusting the thickness ratio between the vibrator and the head case, tinnitus does not occur even in the low frequency band and the overall size can be miniaturized.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, user convenience can be provided by disposing a sensing unit for measuring the skin condition and measuring and displaying the personal skin condition.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present invention should be understood as being given only as examples.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a skin care device according to the present invention.
Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a skin care device according to the present invention.
Figures 4 and 5 are structural cross-sectional views showing the head portion of Figure 2.
Figures 6A to 6D are diagrams showing the head case of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is a graph showing the relative absorption rate of the active ingredient according to the ultrasound output of the skin care device according to the present invention.
Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the sensing unit of Figure 3.
10 to 13 are block diagrams for explaining the skin condition measuring unit.
Figure 14 is a graph showing reference values according to non-contact with skin.
Figure 15 is a diagram showing skin measurement results, and Figure 16 is a graph showing voltage levels according to skin moisture content.
Figure 17 is a flowchart explaining the skin measurement method of the skin care device according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, it is understood that it may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. It should be.

On the other hand, when it is mentioned that a component is “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a skin care device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the skin care device 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 130, an output unit 140, an interface unit 150, a memory 160, It may include a control unit 170 and a power supply unit 180.

The components shown in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing the skin care device 100, so the skin care device 100 described herein may include more or less components than those listed above. You can have it.

More specifically, among the above components, the wireless communication unit 110 is used between the skin care device 100 and the wireless communication system, between the skin care device 100 and another external terminal, or between the skin care device 100 and an external server. It may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the devices. Additionally, the wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that connect the skin care device 100 to one or more networks.

This wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of a wireless Internet module 111, a short-range communication module 112, and a location information module 113.

The short-range communication module 112 is for short-range communication, including Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and NFC. Short-distance communication can be supported using at least one of (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. This short-range communication module 112 is between the skin care device 100 and a wireless communication system, between the skin care device 100 and another skin care device 100, or between the skin care device 100 and the skin through wireless area networks. Wireless communication can be supported between the care device 100 and a network where another skin care device 100 or an external server is located. The short-range wireless communication networks may be wireless personal area networks.

Here, the other external terminal is a mobile terminal or wearable device (for example, a smartwatch) capable of exchanging data with (or interoperating with) the skin care device 100 according to the present invention. It can be glass (smart glass) or HMD (head mounted display). The short-range communication module 112 may detect (or recognize) a mobile terminal or wearable device capable of communicating with the skin care device 100 around the skin care device 100 . Furthermore, if the detected mobile terminal or wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the skin care device 100 according to the present invention, the control unit 170 controls at least a portion of the data processed by the skin care device 100, It can be transmitted to a mobile terminal or wearable device through the short-range communication module 112. Accordingly, a user of a mobile terminal or wearable device can use data processed by the skin care device 100 through the mobile terminal or wearable device. Alternatively, the skin care device 100 may receive processed data through a mobile terminal or wearable device and perform a specific operation.

For example, data on skin condition measured by the skin care device 100 is transmitted to a mobile terminal or wearable device, and the data is converted into a database to identify trends in skin condition changes and feed back based on this to drive the skin care device. can be controlled.

In particular, the skin care device 100 according to the present invention includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Short-distance communication technologies such as Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) may be applied.

Among these, the NFC module provided in the skin care device 100 supports non-contact, short-range wireless communication between terminals at a distance of about 10 cm. The NFC module can operate in any of card mode, reader mode, and P2P mode. In order for the NFC module to operate in card mode, the skin care device 100 may further include a security module that stores card information. Here, the security module may be a physical medium such as a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) (e.g., Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) or Universal SIM (USIM)), Secure micro SD, and a sticker, or a logical medium embedded in the skin care device. (For example, it may be embedded SE (Secure element)). Data exchange based on SWP (Single Wire Protocol) can occur between the NFC module and the security module.

When the NFC module is operated in card mode, the skin care device 100 can transmit the stored card information to the outside like a traditional IC card.

When the NFC module is operated in reader mode, the skin care device can read data from an external tag. At this time, the data that the skin care device receives from the tag may be coded in the NFC Data Exchange Format defined by the NFC Forum. In addition, the NFC Forum defines four record types. Specifically, the NFC Forum defines four Record Type Definitions (RTDs): Smart Poster, Text, Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), and General Control.

When the NFC module is operated in P2P (Peer-to-Peer) mode, the skin care device 100 can perform P2P communication with other devices. At this time, LLCP (Logical Link Control Protocol) may be applied to P2P communication. For P2P communication, a connection may be created between the skin care device 100 and another external terminal. At this time, the created connection can be divided into a connectionless mode, which terminates after exchanging one packet, and a connection-oriented mode, which continuously exchanges packets. Through P2P communication, data and setup parameters for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections can be exchanged. However, since the available distance of NFC communication is short, P2P mode can be effectively used to exchange small data.

The location information module 113 is a module for acquiring the location (or current location) of the skin care device 100, and representative examples thereof include a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) module. For example, if the skin care device 100 utilizes a GPS module, the location of the skin care device 100 can be acquired using a signal sent from a GPS satellite. As another example, when the skin care device 100 utilizes a Wi-Fi module, the skin care device 100 is based on information from the Wi-Fi module and a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits or receives wireless signals. location can be obtained. If necessary, the location information module 115 may replace or additionally perform any of the functions of other modules of the wireless communication unit 110 to obtain data regarding the location of the skin care device 100. The location information module 115 is a module used to obtain the location (or current location) of the skin care device 100, and is not limited to a module that directly calculates or obtains the location of the skin care device 100. .

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 or an image input unit for inputting an image signal, and a user input unit 122 (for example, a touch key, a mechanical key, etc.) for receiving information from a user. may include. Image data collected by the input unit 120 may be analyzed and processed as a user's control command.

The camera 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in video call mode or shooting mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 141 or stored in the memory 160.

The camera 121 includes at least one of a camera sensor (eg, CCD, CMOS, etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensor), and a laser sensor.

The camera 121 and the laser sensor can be combined with each other to detect the touch of the sensing object for a 3D stereoscopic image. A photo sensor can be laminated on the display element, and this photo sensor is configured to scan the movement of a detection object close to the touch screen. More specifically, the photo sensor mounts photo diodes and TR (transistors) in rows/columns and scans the contents placed on the photo sensor using electrical signals that change depending on the amount of light applied to the photo diode. In other words, the photo sensor calculates the coordinates of the sensing object according to the amount of change in light, and through this, location information of the sensing object can be obtained.

The camera 121 provided in the skin care device 100 may specifically perform the function of photographing the state of the skin surface to which it is attached. If the display unit 141 is provided, the photographed skin surface condition can be output so that the user can check it.

The user input unit 122 is for receiving information from the user. When information is input through the user input unit 122, the control unit 170 can control the operation of the skin care device 100 to correspond to the input information. there is. This user input unit 122 is a mechanical input means (or mechanical key, for example, a button, dome switch, or jog wheel located on the front, rear, or side of the skin care device 100). , jog switch, etc.) and a touch input means. As an example, the touch input means consists of a virtual key, soft key, or visual key displayed on the touch screen through software processing, or a part other than the touch screen. It can be done with a touch key placed in . Meanwhile, the virtual key or visual key can be displayed on the touch screen in various forms, for example, graphic, text, icon, video or these. It can be made up of a combination of .

The sensing unit 130 may include one or more sensors for sensing at least one of information within the skin care device 100, information on the surrounding environment surrounding the skin care device 100, and user information. For example, the sensing unit 130 includes a proximity sensor (131), an illumination sensor (132), a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a gravity sensor. Sensor (G-sensor), gyroscope sensor, motion sensor (133, motion sensor), RGB sensor, infrared sensor (IR sensor), fingerprint scan sensor, ultrasonic sensor sensor), optical sensor (e.g., camera 121), microphone, battery gauge, environmental sensor (e.g., barometer, hygrometer, thermometer, radiation detection sensor, heat detection) sensor, gas detection sensor, etc.), and a chemical sensor (e.g., electronic nose, healthcare sensor, biometric sensor, etc.). Meanwhile, the skin care device 100 disclosed in this specification can utilize information sensed by at least two of these sensors by combining them.

The sensing unit 130 senses at least one of information within the skin care device 100, information about the surrounding environment surrounding the skin care device 100, and user information, and generates a sensing signal corresponding thereto. Based on these sensing signals, the controller 170 may control the driving or operation of the skin care device 100 or perform data processing, functions, or operations related to an application installed on the skin care device 100.

The proximity sensor 131 refers to a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an object approaching a predetermined detection surface or an object existing nearby without mechanical contact using the power of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays. The proximity sensor 131 may be placed in the inner area of the skin care device 100 surrounded by the touch screen as seen above or near the touch screen.

Examples of the proximity sensor 131 include a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflection photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflection photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation type proximity sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor. When the touch screen is capacitive, the proximity sensor 131 may be configured to detect the proximity of a conductive object by changing the electric field according to the proximity of the object. In this case, the touch screen (or touch sensor) itself can be classified as a proximity sensor.

Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the act of approaching an object on the touch screen without touching it so that the object is recognized as being located on the touch screen is called "proximity touch," and the touch The act of actually touching an object on the screen is called “contact touch.” The position at which an object is close-touched on the touch screen means the position at which the object corresponds perpendicularly to the touch screen when the object is close-touched. The proximity sensor 131 can detect proximity touch and proximity touch patterns (e.g., proximity touch distance, proximity touch direction, proximity touch speed, proximity touch time, proximity touch position, proximity touch movement state, etc.). there is. Meanwhile, the control unit 170 processes data (or information) corresponding to the proximity touch operation and proximity touch pattern detected through the proximity sensor 131, as described above, and further provides visual information corresponding to the processed data. It can be output on the touch screen. Furthermore, the control unit 170 may control the skin care device 100 so that different operations or data (or information) are processed depending on whether a touch to the same point on the touch screen is a proximity touch or a contact touch. there is.

The touch sensor detects a touch (or touch input) applied to the touch screen (or display unit 141) using at least one of several touch methods such as resistive method, capacitive method, infrared method, ultrasonic method, and magnetic field method. sense

As an example, a touch sensor may be configured to convert changes in pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen or capacitance occurring in a specific part into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect the position, area, pressure at the time of touch, capacitance at the time of the touch, etc., at which the touch object that touches the touch screen is touched on the touch sensor. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch sensor, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen or stylus pen, or a pointer.

The control unit 170 may perform different controls or the same control depending on the type of touch object that touches the touch screen (or touch keys provided other than the touch screen). Whether to perform different controls or the same controls depending on the type of the touch object may be determined depending on the current operating state of the skin care device 100 or the application program being executed.

Meanwhile, the touch sensor and proximity sensor discussed above are used independently or in combination to provide short (or tap) touch, long touch, multi touch, and drag touch on the touch screen. ), flick touch, pinch-in touch, pinch-out touch, swipe touch, hovering touch, etc. Touch can be sensed.

An ultrasonic sensor can recognize the location information of a sensing object using ultrasonic waves. Meanwhile, the control unit 170 is capable of calculating the location of the wave source through information sensed from an optical sensor and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The location of the wave generator can be calculated using the property that light is much faster than ultrasonic waves, that is, the time for light to reach the optical sensor is much faster than the time for ultrasonic waves to reach the ultrasonic sensor. More specifically, the location of the wave source can be calculated using the time difference between the arrival time of the ultrasonic waves using light as a reference signal.

In this way, when there is a touch input to the touch sensor, the corresponding signal(s) are sent to the touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transmits the corresponding data to the control unit 170. As a result, the control unit 170 can determine which area of the display unit 141 has been touched. Here, the touch controller may be a separate component from the control unit 170 or may be the control unit 170 itself.

The output unit 140 is for generating output related to vision, hearing, or tactile sensation, and includes at least one of a display unit 141, an audio output unit 142, a haptic module 143, and an optical output unit 144. can do. The display unit 141 can implement a touch screen by forming a layered structure or being integrated with the touch sensor. This touch screen functions as a user input unit 122 that provides an input interface between the skin care device 100 and the user, and can simultaneously provide an output interface between the skin care device 100 and the user.

The display unit 141 displays (outputs) information processed by the skin care device 100. For example, the display unit 141 may display execution screen information of an application running on the skin care device 100, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information according to this execution screen information. there is.

The interface unit 150 serves as a passageway for various types of external devices connected to the skin care device 100. This interface unit 150 connects devices equipped with a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, and an identification module. It may include at least one of the ports. In response to the external device being connected to the interface unit 150, the skin care device 100 may perform appropriate control related to the connected external device.

The memory 160 stores data supporting various functions of the skin care device 100. The memory 160 may store a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) running on the skin care device 100, data for operating the skin care device 100, and commands. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. Additionally, at least some of these applications may exist on the skin care device 100 from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the skin care device 100. Meanwhile, the application program is stored in the memory 160, installed on the skin care device 100, and driven by the control unit 170 to perform the operation (or function) of the skin care device 100. there is.

In addition to operations related to the application program, the control unit 170 typically controls the overall operation of the skin care device 100. The control unit 170 can provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the components discussed above, or by running an application program stored in the memory 160.

The control unit 170 may be a concept used interchangeably with the control unit described later.

The control unit 170 may control at least some of the components examined with FIG. 1 in order to run an application program stored in the memory 160. Furthermore, the control unit 170 may operate at least two of the components included in the skin care device 100 in combination with each other in order to run the application program.

The power supply unit 180 receives external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 170 and supplies power to each component included in the skin care device 100. This power supply unit 180 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

At least some of the above components may operate in cooperation with each other to implement the operation, control, or control method of the skin care device 100. Additionally, the operation, control, or control method of the skin care device may be implemented on the skin care device by running at least one application program stored in the memory 160.

Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a skin care device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the front part of the skin care device, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the rear part of the skin care device.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the skin care device 1000 of the present invention may include a body portion 1100, a head portion 1200, and a control portion (not shown).

Here, the body portion 1100 may form the exterior of the skin care device 1000.

Additionally, the head portion 1200 protrudes toward the front of the body portion 1100 and can be driven by at least one of ultrasonic driving and iontophoresis driving.

As an example, the head unit 1200 may include a head case having a groove in the central area, a vibrator seated in the groove of the head case, and an insulating film disposed between the vibrator and the head case.

Here, the vibrator can output ultrasonic waves in a frequency band of about 20 KHz to about 500 KHz.

The reason for using a low-frequency vibrator in the present invention is that it has excellent performance in promoting skin absorption of active ingredients in cosmetics and the like.

In some cases, the skin care device 1000 according to the present invention may further include a mode selection unit 1410, a mode operation unit 1430, and a display unit 1420.

Here, the mode selection unit 1410, the mode operation unit 1430, and the display unit 1420 may be disposed on the front of the body unit 1100.

The mode selection display unit 1410 is a screen that displays the current operation mode of the skin care device, and can display, for example, an operation mode selected from ultrasound mode, iontophoresis mode, skin measurement mode, wireless communication mode, etc. there is.

Next, the skin measurement display unit 1420 may display skin measurement results according to skin measurement mode operation.

And, in the mode selection and mode operation unit 1430, the mode selection unit is a function for selecting an operation mode of the skin care device. For example, the operation mode includes ultrasonic mode, iontophoresis mode, skin measurement mode, It may include a wireless communication mode, etc.

Additionally, the mode operation unit may perform a function of starting or stopping the mode operation selected by the mode selection unit.

In some cases, the front of the body 1000 may further include a display unit capable of displaying the energy supply level and supply time.

Next, in the skin care device 1000 of the present invention, a power button 1510 for supplying power may be disposed on the side surface of the body portion 1100.

In addition, the skin care device 1000 of the present invention may further include first and second control buttons 1520 and 1530 disposed on the side surface of the body portion 1100.

Here, the first control button 1520 is disposed on the side of the body part 1100 and performs the function of adjusting the energy supply level according to the mode operation, and the second control button 1530 is located on the side of the body part 1100. It is placed on the side and can perform the function of adjusting the energy supply time according to the mode operation.

Additionally, the counter electrode 1600 for the iontophoresis operation mode may be exposed on the side surface of the body portion 1100.

Here, the counter electrode 1600 may serve as a ground during the iontophoresis operation.

In addition, the skin care device 1000 of the present invention may further include a sensing unit 1300 that is disposed on the rear of the body unit 1100 and senses the condition of the skin being contacted.

Additionally, the skin care device 1000 of the present invention can be charged through the charging unit 1700.

Meanwhile, the control unit (not shown) may control the driving of the head unit 1200.

As an example, when an iontophoresis driving mode signal is input, the control unit controls the power supply to apply an iontophoresis voltage to the head case of the head unit 1200, so that the head unit 1200 performs iontophoresis driving. You can control it to perform.

Additionally, when an ultrasonic drive mode signal is input, the control unit may control the power supply unit to apply an ultrasonic voltage to the vibrator of the head unit 1200, thereby controlling the head unit 1200 to perform ultrasonic drive.

In some cases, the control unit may include a skin condition measurement unit that measures the skin condition based on a signal sensed from the sensing unit 1300.

Here, the skin condition measuring unit may include a signal applying unit that processes the applied voltage into a signal and applies it to the sensing unit 1300, and a signal measuring unit that measures the skin condition based on the signal sensed from the sensing unit 1300. .

Additionally, the present invention may further include a power supply unit, a first wire, a second wire, and a third wire.

Here, the power unit may supply power to the head case 1210 and the vibrator 1220 according to the control of the control unit.

Next, the first wire may be electrically connected between the head case 1210 and the power supply to apply an iontophoresis voltage.

Next, the second and third wires are electrically connected between the vibrator 1220 and the power source to apply ultrasonic voltage.

Here, the second wire may apply a positive voltage to the vibrator 1220, and the third wire may apply a negative voltage to the vibrator 1220.

In addition, the control unit controls the power supply to apply the iontophoresis voltage to the head case 1210 of the head unit 1200 when the iontophoresis drive mode signal is input, and when the ultrasonic drive mode signal is input, the control unit controls the power supply to apply the iontophoresis voltage to the head case 1210 of the head unit 1200. The power supply unit can be controlled to apply ultrasonic voltage to the vibrator 1220 of the unit 1200.

The skin care device 1000 of the present invention configured in this way can perform a combination of ultrasonic mode, ion introduction mode, ion derivation mode, simultaneous ultrasound and ion introduction mode, simultaneous ultrasound and ion derivation mode, etc. You can.

Additionally, the skin care device 1000 of the present invention can transmit and receive data with an external device, such as a mobile terminal, through wireless communication.

That is, the present invention can monitor and continuously manage the user's skin condition by providing user skin condition information and user skin history information before and after use of the skin care device to an external device.

Figures 4 and 5 are structural cross-sectional views showing the head portion of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows the head part including an ultrasonic vibrator of about 350 KHz, and Figure 5 shows the head part including an ultrasonic vibrator of about 280 KHz.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the head unit 1200 may include a head case 1210, a vibrator 1220, and an insulating film 1230.

Here, the head case 1210 may have a groove in the central area.

As an example, the head case 1210 may be made of conductive stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

Additionally, at least one of the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may vary depending on the thickness of the vibrator 1220.

*For example, when the thickness of the vibrator 1220 becomes thinner, at least one of the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may decrease, and when the thickness of the vibrator 1220 becomes thicker, the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may decrease. At least one of the thicknesses may increase.

And, the vibrator 1220 may be seated in the groove of the head case 1210.

Here, the vibrator 1220 can output ultrasonic waves in a frequency band of about 20 KHz to about 500 KHz.

The reason for using a low-frequency vibrator is that it has excellent performance in promoting skin absorption of active ingredients in cosmetics and the like.

The thickness t2 of the vibrator 1220 may be thicker than the thickness t1 of the head case 1210.

The reason is that if the thickness of the vibrator 1220 becomes too thick, the frequency band of the vibrator 1220 decreases.

That is, the thickness and diameter of the vibrator 1220 and the shape and thickness of the head case 1210 can determine the resonance frequency of the vibrator 1220.

Additionally, the thickness and material of the insulating film 1230 disposed between the vibrator 1220 and the head case 1210 may also affect the resonant frequency of the vibrator 1220.

For example, as the thickness t2 of the vibrator 1220 becomes thicker, the frequency band of the vibrator 1220 tends to decrease.

When the thickness t2 of the vibrator 1220 becomes thick, polarization is applied to create a piezoelectric effect (a phenomenon in which a vibrator generates ultrasonic waves when a voltage is applied by inserting a vibrator between electrodes, and, conversely, a voltage is generated between the anodes when pressure is applied to the vibrator). Since it disappears, there is a limit to increasing the thickness of the vibrator 1220.

Additionally, the thicker the thickness t2 of the vibrator 1220, the lower the Kp (electro-mechanical conversion efficiency), which may lower the driving efficiency of the vibrator 1220.

Accordingly, the skin care device of the present invention can output ultrasonic waves in a low frequency band by adjusting the thickness, material, and shape of the head case 1210, the vibrator 1220, and the insulating film 1230.

For example, the thickness ratio of the head case 1210 and the vibrator 1220 may be 1:2 to 1:20.

Here, the thickness t2 of the vibrator 1220 may be about 1 mm to about 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

Additionally, the diameter D of the vibrator 1220 may be smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface of the groove of the head case 1210.

Next, the vibrator 1220 may be in non-contact with the head case 1210.

The reason is that when the vibrator 1220 and the head case 1210 are in contact, during iontophoresis driving, the current flowing through the head case 1210 is applied to the vibrator 1220, and the iontophoresis drive is not performed. Because it doesn't.

Additionally, the vibrator 1220 may be made of ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

Next, the insulating film 1230 may be disposed between the vibrator 1220 and the head case 1210.

*Here, the thickness t3 of the insulating film 1230 may be thinner than the thickness t1 of the head case 1210.

The reason is that if the thickness of the insulating film 1230 is too thick, the ultrasonic energy of the vibrator 1220 may be reduced.

For example, the thickness t3 of the insulating film 1230 may be about 10 μm to about 100 μm, but is not limited thereto.

Additionally, the area of the insulating film 1230 may be equal to the area of the lower part of the vibrator 1220 facing the insulating film 1230.

The reason is to electrically insulate the vibrator 1220 and the head case 1210 and at the same time minimize the reduction of ultrasonic energy of the vibrator 1220 and output it.

In some cases, the area of the insulating film 1230 may be larger than the area of the lower part of the vibrator 1220 facing the insulating film 1230.

The reason is to reliably electrically insulate the vibrator 1220 and the head case 1210.

As an example, the insulating film 1230 may be made of polyimide, but is not limited thereto.

In this way, at least one of the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may vary depending on the thickness of the vibrator 1220.

Additionally, the thickness and diameter of the vibrator 1220 and the shape and thickness of the head case 1210 may determine the resonance frequency of the vibrator 1220.

Additionally, the thickness and material of the insulating film 1230 disposed between the vibrator 1220 and the head case 1210 may also affect the resonant frequency of the vibrator 1220.

Accordingly, the present invention can optimally perform ultrasonic actuation and iontophoresis actuation by designing the skin care device in consideration of these structural conditions.

Meanwhile, the skin care device of the present invention may further include a power supply unit, a first wire, a second wire, and a third wire.

Here, the power unit may supply power to the head case 1210 and the vibrator 1220 according to the control of the control unit.

Next, the first wire may be electrically connected between the head case 1210 and the power supply to apply an iontophoresis voltage.

Next, the second and third wires are electrically connected between the vibrator 1220 and the power source to apply ultrasonic voltage.

Here, the second wire may apply a positive voltage to the vibrator 1220, and the third wire may apply a negative voltage to the vibrator 1220.

In addition, the control unit controls the power supply to apply the iontophoresis voltage to the head case 1210 of the head unit 1200 when the iontophoresis drive mode signal is input, and when the ultrasonic drive mode signal is input, the control unit controls the power supply to apply the iontophoresis voltage to the head case 1210 of the head unit 1200. The power supply unit can be controlled to apply ultrasonic voltage to the vibrator 1220 of the unit 1200.

Figures 6A to 6D are diagrams showing the head case of Figure 4.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of the head case, Figure 6B is a top view of the head case, Figure 6C is a side view of the head case, and Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view of the head case.

As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the head case 1210 may have a groove in the central area.

As an example, the head case 1210 may be made of conductive stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

Additionally, at least one of the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may vary depending on the thickness of the vibrator.

For example, when the thickness of the vibrator becomes thinner, at least one of the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may decrease, and when the thickness of the vibrator becomes thicker, at least one of the height and thickness of the head case 1210 may increase. can do.

This is because the shape and thickness of the head case 1210 affect the resonant frequency of the vibrator.

For example, the thickness ratio of the head case 1210 and the vibrator may be 1:2 to 1:20.

Also, the diameter D1 of the lower part of the groove of the head case 1210 may be smaller than the diameter D2 of the upper part of the groove of the head case 1210.

Next, the groove of the head case 1210 may include a bottom surface in contact with the insulating film and a side surface extending upward from the bottom surface.

Here, the angle θ between the groove bottom surface and the groove side surface may be an obtuse angle.

In some cases, the boundary area between the groove bottom surface and the groove side surface may be a curved surface with a predetermined radius of curvature.

Additionally, the thickness t11 of the groove bottom surface and the thickness t12 of the groove side surface may be different from each other.

For example, the thickness t11 of the bottom of the groove may be thinner than the thickness t12 of the side of the groove.

The reason is to minimize the reduction of the ultrasonic energy of the vibrator and output it.

And, the thickness t11 of the bottom surface of the groove may be determined according to the thickness of the vibrator.

That is, the thickness t11 of the bottom surface of the groove and the thickness of the vibrator may vary in proportion to each other.

For example, the thickness t11 of the groove bottom may be about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm.

Additionally, a fastening groove 1212 for fastening to the body may be formed in the upper part of the groove side of the head case 1210.

Figure 7 is a graph showing the relative absorption rate of the active ingredient according to the ultrasound output of the skin care device according to the present invention.

Figure 7 shows the results of an experiment on the ingredient absorption rate 24 hours after applying the vitamin ingredient, which is an evaluation ingredient, to the user's skin using the device of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 7, when a device that outputs ultrasonic waves at about 280 KHz is applied, the component absorption rate is about 188%, and when a device that outputs ultrasonic waves at about 350 KHz is applied, the component absorption rate is about 313%. It can be seen that it appears as

In other words, as a result of applying the device of the present invention, it shows a high component absorption rate compared to the relative absorption rate based on untreated.

Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the sensing unit of Figure 3.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the sensing unit 1300, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sensing unit 1300.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sensing unit 1300 is placed on the back of the body and can sense the condition of the skin in contact with it.

Here, the sensing unit 1300 may include a substrate 1330 and first and second electrodes 1310 and 1320.

The first electrode 1310 is formed on the substrate 1330 and a voltage is applied, and the second electrode 1320 is connected to the first electrode 1310 and can output a voltage that varies depending on contact with the skin. .

As an example, the second electrode 1320 may have a meander structure.

And, the thickness t21 of the second electrode 1320 may be about 250 μm to about 450 μm, but is not limited thereto.

In some cases, the first and second electrodes 1310 and 1320 may be made of gold plating.

Next, the control unit can measure the skin condition based on the signal sensed from the sensing unit 1300.

That is, the control unit can measure the voltage drop due to skin impedance from the sensing unit 1300.

Here, the control unit may include a skin condition measuring unit for measuring the skin condition from the sensing signal of the sensing unit 1300.

10 to 13 are block diagrams for explaining the skin condition measuring unit.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 , the skin condition measuring unit 2000 may largely include a signal applying unit 2200 and a signal measuring unit 2400.

Here, the signal application unit 2200 may process the applied voltage into a signal and apply it to the sensing unit 2300.

As an example, the signal application unit 2200 includes a first digital-analog converter 2210 that converts a digital signal of the applied voltage into an analog signal, and a first digital-analog converter 2210 that amplifies the converted analog signal and applies it to the sensing unit 2300. It may include a first amplifier 2220.

And, the signal measurement unit 2400 can measure the skin condition based on the signal sensed from the sensing unit 2300.

As an example, the signal measurement unit 2400 may include a comparison unit 2410, a second amplification unit 2420, a filter unit 2430, and a second analog-to-digital converter 2440.

Here, the comparison unit 2410 may compare the input signal applied to the sensing unit 2300 and the output signal output from the sensing unit 2300.

In addition, the second amplification unit 2420 amplifies the output signal output from the comparison unit 2410, and the filter unit 2430 can remove noise from the signal amplified by the second amplification unit 2420. .

Next, the second analog-to-digital converter 2440 can convert the analog signal output from the filter unit 2430 into a digital signal.

In some cases, the skin condition measuring unit 2000 may further include a power supply unit 2100, a sensing unit 2300, a display unit 2500, and a skin measurement control unit 2600.

Here, the power unit 2100 applies voltage to the signal applicator 2200 according to the control signal of the skin measurement control unit 2600, and the sensing unit 2300 applies voltage when the voltage is input from the signal applicator 2200. The skin condition can be sensed.

Additionally, the display unit 2500 may display the skin condition results measured by the signal measurement unit 2400 according to the control signal from the skin measurement control unit 2600.

Next, the skin measurement control unit 2600 can control the power supply unit 2100, the signal application unit 2200, the sensing unit 2300, the signal measurement unit 2400, and the display unit 2500.

Additionally, the skin condition measuring unit 2000 may further include a timer 2700.

Here, the timer 2700, according to the control signal of the skin measurement controller, sets a first set time for skin measurement preparation, a second set time for skin measurement according to skin contact, and a second set time for skin measurement end according to no skin contact. The third setting time can be measured.

As an example, when a skin measurement mode signal is input, the skin measurement control unit 2600 measures a reference value according to non-contact with the skin from the sensing unit 2300 and determines whether the sensing unit 2300 is in contact with the skin based on the reference value. You can.

Figure 14 is a graph showing reference values according to non-contact with skin.

As shown in FIG. 14, the skin measurement control unit 2600 measures a reference value according to non-skin contact from the sensing unit 2300, and when the skin contacts the sensing unit 2300, the measured value and the reference value according to skin contact. By comparing, you can tell whether there is skin contact or not based on the difference value.

And, the skin measurement control unit 2600 can measure skin impedance when the skin comes into contact with the sensing unit 2300.

That is, a voltage drop occurs at both ends of the electrodes of the sensing unit 2300 due to skin impedance due to skin contact.

Accordingly, the skin measurement control unit 2600 can measure the amount of skin moisture at a voltage drop level according to skin impedance.

The skin measurement process is explained as follows.

The skin measurement control unit 2600 can control the power supply unit 2100 to supply voltage when the skin measurement button is clicked and the skin measurement mode is performed.

Next, the signal application unit 2200 converts the digital signal of the applied voltage into an analog signal, amplifies the converted analog signal, and applies it to the sensing unit 2300.

Here, the frequency waveform output from the signal application unit 2200 may be a square wave or a sinusoidal wave having a constant amplitude in the range of about 500 Hz to about 10 KHz.

Then, the signal measurement unit 2400 measures a reference value according to non-contact with the skin from the sensing unit 2300.

That is, the signal measurement unit 2400 can measure a reference value in a standby state and convert the measured reference value from an analog signal to a digital signal.

Next, when the reference value measurement is completed, the skin measurement control unit 2600 may wait for about 2 seconds to wait for skin contact after notifying the user that the measurement start is complete.

In addition, the skin measurement control unit 2600 can check whether the skin is in contact with the sensing unit 2300, and when the skin is contacted, the skin condition can be measured based on the signal sensed from the sensing unit 2300.

Here, the skin measurement control unit 2600 may determine skin contact when the contact value increases by about 5% from the reference value in the standby state.

If skin contact is not determined for about 10 seconds, it is recognized as an error and the skin measurement can be terminated.

And, if it is determined that there is skin contact, the skin measurement control unit 2600 can measure the amount of skin moisture after about 5 seconds.

Next, the skin measurement control unit 2600 may end the skin measurement when the skin contact is separated from the sensing unit 2300 within about 5 seconds after skin contact.

Next, when the skin measurement is completed, the skin measurement control unit 2600 may display a measurement completion notification on the display unit 2500.

Here, the display unit 2500 can display the skin moisture level based on the measured skin moisture amount.

And, when the skin measurement control unit 2600 displays the skin measurement result, it can end the skin moisture measurement process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing skin measurement results, and FIG. 16 is a graph showing voltage levels according to skin moisture content.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the skin care device of the present invention can measure the user's skin condition through a sensing unit and display the measurement results.

For example, the skin moisture state can be classified according to the voltage level calculated based on the skin impedance measured from the sensing unit.

In other words, it can be seen that as the skin impedance increases, the voltage level decreases, and as the voltage level decreases, the amount of moisture in the skin increases.

Based on this, the present invention can divide the skin moisture state into very dry, dry, normal, moist, very moist, etc.

Therefore, the present invention can provide user convenience by immediately informing the user of the skin condition measurement results through the display screen.

Figure 17 is a flowchart explaining the skin measurement method of the skin care device according to the present invention.

As shown in Figure 17, when the skin measurement mode signal is input, the control unit of the present invention checks whether power is applied to the sensing unit (S10).

Next, when power is applied to the sensing unit, the control unit measures a reference value based on non-contact with the skin from the sensing unit (S20).

Next, the control unit checks whether the first set time has elapsed (S30).

Then, when the first set time has elapsed, the control unit completes preparation for skin measurement (S40).

*Here, the control unit may display a notification on the display unit indicating completion of preparation for skin measurement.

Next, the control unit checks whether the skin is in contact with the sensing unit (S50).

Next, when the skin is contacted, the control unit measures the condition of the contacted skin (S60).

Here, the control unit can measure skin impedance when the skin comes into contact with the sensing unit, and measure the amount of skin moisture using a voltage drop level according to the skin impedance.

However, if the skin does not come into contact with the sensing unit, the control unit checks whether the third set time has elapsed (S100), and when the third set time has elapsed, the skin measurement can be ended.

Then, the control unit checks whether the second set time has elapsed (S70).

Next, when the second set time has elapsed, the control unit completes the skin condition measurement (S80).

Next, the control unit can display the measured skin condition results (S90).

As such, the present invention can improve skin absorption of the active ingredient by providing ultrasonic energy in the low-frequency band by disposing the vibrator in the low-frequency band on the head.

In addition, the present invention can perform ultrasonic driving and iontophoresis driving in combination by disposing an insulating film between the vibrator and the head case.

In addition, the present invention adjusts the thickness ratio between the vibrator and the head case, so that tinnitus does not occur even in low frequency bands and the overall size can be miniaturized.

In addition, the present invention can provide user convenience by disposing a sensing unit for measuring the skin condition and measuring and displaying the individual's skin condition.

The skin care device and its skin measuring method according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and method of the embodiments described above, but the embodiments are all or all of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made. Some of them may be selectively combined.

In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or perspective of the present invention.

Claims (17)

In skin care devices,
Body portion forming the exterior;
a head portion that protrudes toward the front of the body portion and is driven by at least one of ultrasonic driving and iontophoresis driving; and,
It includes a control unit that controls driving of the head unit,
The head part,
A head case with a groove in the central area;
a vibrator adjacent to the head case; and,
It includes an insulating film disposed between the vibrator and the head case,
The vibrator outputs ultrasonic waves in the 20KHz to 500KHz frequency band,
The thickness ratio of the head case and the vibrator is 1:2 to 1:20,
The thickness of the vibrator is 1mm to 10mm,
The area of the insulating film is equal to the lower area of the vibrator facing the insulating film,
The groove of the head case includes a bottom surface in contact with the insulating film and a side surface extending upward from the bottom surface,
The thickness of the bottom surface of the groove is thinner than the thickness of the side surface of the groove,
A skin care device, characterized in that the thickness of the bottom surface of the groove is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. According to claim 1,
a power supply unit that supplies power to the head case and the vibrator according to the control of the control unit;
a first wire electrically connected between the head case and the power source to apply an iontophoresis voltage; and
A skin care device further comprising second and third wires that are electrically connected between the vibrator and the power source to apply an ultrasonic voltage. According to claim 1,
A skin care device, characterized in that the vibrator is seated in a groove of the head case. According to clause 3,
A skin care device, characterized in that the diameter of the vibrator is smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface of the groove of the head case. According to claim 1,
A skin care device characterized in that the vibrator is in non-contact with the head case. According to claim 1,
A skin care device, characterized in that the thickness of the insulating film is thinner than the thickness of the head case. According to claim 1,
A skin care device, characterized in that the diameter of the lower part of the groove of the head case is smaller than the diameter of the upper part of the groove of the head case. According to claim 1,
A skin care device, characterized in that the angle between the bottom surface of the groove and the side surface of the groove is an obtuse angle. According to claim 1,
When an iontophoresis driving mode signal is input, the control unit controls the power supply unit to apply the iontophoresis voltage to the head case of the head unit,
A skin care device characterized in that, when an ultrasonic drive mode signal is input, the power unit is controlled to apply the ultrasonic voltage to the vibrator of the head unit. According to claim 1,
A skin care device further comprising a sensing unit disposed on the rear of the body unit to sense the condition of the skin being contacted. According to claim 10,
The control unit is a skin care device comprising a skin condition measuring unit that measures the skin condition based on a signal sensed from the sensing unit. According to claim 11,
The skin condition measuring unit,
A signal application unit that processes the applied voltage into a signal and applies it to the sensing unit; and,
A skin care device comprising a signal measurement unit that measures the skin condition based on the signal sensed from the sensing unit. According to claim 12,
The signal application unit,
a first digital-to-analog converter that converts the digital signal of the applied voltage into an analog signal; and,
A skin care device comprising a first amplifier that amplifies the converted analog signal and applies it to the sensing unit. According to claim 12,
The signal measuring unit,
a comparison unit that compares an input signal applied to the sensing unit and an output signal output from the sensing unit;
a second amplifier that amplifies the output signal output from the comparison unit;
a filter unit that removes noise from the signal amplified by the second amplifier; and,
A skin care device comprising a second analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signal output from the filter unit into a digital signal. According to claim 12,
The skin condition measuring unit,
a power supply unit that applies voltage to the signal application unit;
a sensing unit that senses the skin condition when a voltage is input from the signal application unit;
a display unit that displays the skin condition results measured from the signal measurement unit; and,
A skin care device comprising a skin measurement control unit that controls the power unit, signal application unit, sensing unit, signal measurement unit, and display unit. According to claim 15,
According to the control signal of the skin measurement controller, a first set time for skin measurement preparation, a second set time for skin measurement due to skin contact, and a third set time for ending skin measurement due to no skin contact are measured. A skin care device further comprising a timer. According to claim 15,
The skin measurement control unit, when a skin measurement mode signal is input, measures a reference value according to non-contact with the skin from the sensing unit, and determines whether the sensing unit is in contact with the skin based on the reference value. A skin care device.