JP7685425B2 - beauty equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cosmetic device that provides a predetermined cosmetic effect to a user's skin.
In addition, the term "skin" used in conjunction with "skin" as the target for providing cosmetic effects in the present invention is treated as synonymous with "skin" of the body surface layer including not only the body surface but also subcutaneous tissue such as subcutaneous fat.

In addition, in the present invention, the "stimulation unit" that applies a stimulus to the skin refers not only to a device that applies a stimulus to the skin in the general sense, such as contact, but also to a device that generates an action on the skin that is so strong that the person cannot sense it even if it is applied from the outside, such as passing a weak current through the skin, so long as it has a mechanism for intentionally applying a stimulus to the skin.

There are many different types of beauty devices that perform a variety of predetermined beauty and skin-beautifying operations on the skin of a user's face, etc., ranging from simple, single-function, low-output devices for home use to multi-function, high-output devices for commercial use.

Among these beauty devices, those that have attracted attention in recent years are those that supply electric current in a frequency band called high frequency or radio frequency (RF) to the skin from electrodes in contact with the skin, and use the heat generated by this electric current to locally warm parts of the body, such as the skin, in order to obtain beauty effects.
An example of such a conventional cosmetic device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-87687.

JP 2014-87687 A

Conventional beauty devices have the configuration shown in the above-mentioned patent documents, and when using such devices, the user typically applies an electric current electrode protruding from the device body to the skin of the target area, such as the face, and then applies an electric current to the skin, thereby providing a thermal stimulus to the skin through the electric current.

With these conventional devices, when electrodes are placed against the skin and electricity is applied to the skin, if the device is not moved and electricity is applied continuously to a fixed point on the skin, the current can be excessively stimulating or the point through which electricity is applied can become excessively hot, causing discomfort to the user. For this reason, a sensor is provided to detect the movement state of the device, and is designed to determine when the device has stopped and to interrupt the flow of electricity when it has stopped.

However, if the current supply is stopped based on the detection of these sensors while the device is stationary and not moving, no heat is generated in the skin, meaning that not only is the effect of the heat not obtained, but the temperature of the skin that was once heated drops, and when the device becomes mobile again and current supply is resumed, it takes time for the skin to warm up, meaning that heat cannot be applied efficiently.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a beauty device that, when applying stimulation to the user's skin by passing an electric current, continues to pass a minimum amount of current when the electrode section does not move and remains stationary on the skin, thereby increasing the efficiency of applying stimulation such as heat, and maximizing beauty effects.

The beauty device disclosed in the present invention is a beauty device equipped with a stimulation unit capable of applying a predetermined beauty stimulation to the skin of a user, the stimulation unit being made of at least a material having electrical conductivity and arranged in a state capable of contacting the skin of the user, and a control unit electrically connected to the electrode units and capable of at least controlling the state of current flow through the body of the user between the electrode units related to the stimulation, and when the control unit acquires the movement state of the electrode units, it applies current at a predetermined first output, while when the control unit cannot acquire the movement state, it applies current at a predetermined second output smaller than the first output.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, an electrode unit that applies stimulation by passing current is provided as a stimulation unit that applies a cosmetic stimulation to the skin, and the control unit controls the current passing. In addition to passing current at a first output when the moving state of the electrode unit is acquired, the control unit passes current at a second output smaller than the first output when the electrode unit is in a stopped state where the moving state of the electrode unit cannot be acquired, and by continuing the current passing even when the electrode unit transitions from a moving state to a stopped state, it is possible to slightly maintain a state in which stimulation is applied to the skin by passing current, even when the electrode unit is in a stopped state. In particular, in the case of applying thermal stimulation, the temperature of the skin once heated when the electrode unit is in a moving state is not lowered in the stopped state, and when the skin is warmed again by passing current at the first output when the electrode unit is in a new moving state, the skin can reach an appropriate temperature in a short time, and thermal heat can be applied efficiently.

In addition, even if the electrode unit is stopped while still in contact with the skin during electrical current flow, the control unit can lower the electrical current output to the second output, thereby maintaining the skin in a safe state. This prevents a situation in which electrical current is mistakenly continued at the first output, causing discomfort to the user due to electrical current stimulation or excessive heat generation, while still allowing the possibility of obtaining cosmetic effects through stimulation.

In addition, the cosmetic device according to the disclosure of the present invention may, as necessary, include a movement detection means capable of detecting at least a change in physical quantity accompanying the movement of the electrode unit, and a determination unit that determines the movement state of the electrode unit based on the detection content of the movement detection means, and the control unit obtains the movement state of the electrode unit from the determination result of the determination unit.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a movement detection means is provided that detects changes in physical quantities due to the movement of the electrode unit, and a judgment unit is provided that judges the movement state of the electrode unit based on the detection of the movement detection means. The control unit acquires the movement state of the electrode unit based on the judgment of the judgment unit. When the movement detection means detects a change related to the movement of the electrode unit, the judgment unit judges whether or not it can be regarded as a movement state. In this way, the judgment unit filters the detection content related to the movement detected by the movement detection means based on conditions, and it is possible to eliminate the situation where a slight movement of the electrode unit that should not be regarded as a movement state, for example, a slight movement that is almost close to a stopped state of the electrode unit is treated as a movement state as it is. This prevents frequent switching from movement to stop or vice versa, and the accompanying situation where the current is applied in short bursts with interruptions, and allows the current to be applied continuously in an appropriate manner to efficiently apply stimulation. It is also possible to avoid continuous current application to the same part of the skin due to movement detection when the electrode unit is substantially stopped with only slight movement, thereby improving the safety of the current application.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, as necessary, the determination unit receives an output from the movement detection means, the magnitude of which changes in response to the change in the physical quantity, as a determination of the moving state, and determines that the device is in a moving state if the output satisfies a preset condition, and determines that the device is not in a moving state if the output does not satisfy the condition.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the determination unit determines the movement state of the electrode unit from the detection content of the movement detection means, the output of the movement detection means, which changes in magnitude depending on the magnitude of the change in the physical quantity indicating the movement of the electrode unit, is determined to be in a moving state only when it satisfies a predetermined condition set in advance, and the control unit controls the current flow state based on this determination result. By setting conditions that can extract only movements corresponding to appropriate movements from the conditions that the change in the output of the movement detection means must satisfy, it is possible to avoid determining that the electrode unit is in a moving state if the electrode unit moves only slightly, and to avoid continuous current flow in a substantially stationary state where the electrode unit is barely moving. For example, if the electrode unit in contact with the skin moves in accordance with the slight movement of the user's body, and the movement detection means detects that the electrode unit is in a stationary state relative to the skin, the determination unit can prevent the electrode unit from determining that the electrode unit is in a moving state, thereby improving safety by preventing current flow in a substantially stationary state.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the movement detection means is an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, and the determination unit receives an output corresponding to the acceleration from the movement detection means and determines the movement state.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the determination unit determines that the electrode unit is in a moving state only when the output of the movement detection means, which acts as an acceleration sensor that detects the movement of the electrode unit as a change in acceleration, satisfies a predetermined condition set in advance. By making it possible to extract movements that correspond to appropriate movement, such as when the number of times or the time that the acceleration exceeds a predetermined reference value within a predetermined time period exceeds a set minimum value, it is possible to prevent the determination unit from determining that the electrode unit is in a moving state when there is almost no movement but slight changes in acceleration, and current can be passed more safely.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, the control unit acquires the cumulative time for all current supply to the electrode unit, and when the cumulative time exceeds a predetermined limit time, executes control to reduce the current output.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the control unit obtains the cumulative time that electricity has been passed through the electrode unit, and if this cumulative time exceeds a preset limit value, the control unit performs control to reduce the current output when electricity is passing through the electrode unit, and by suppressing the passage of electricity regardless of whether the electrode unit is moving or stopped, the current output is reduced as use becomes longer, suppressing the accumulation of effects on the skin due to continuous current passing, preventing situations that lead to discomfort such as overheating of the skin and further enhancing safety. In addition, the burden caused by further current passing through the skin when the use time becomes longer and the time of stimulation is also longer can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the control unit acquires the total effective energization time as the cumulative time, which is the accumulated time during which the device is energized at the specified output since the initial start of energization.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the cumulative time acquired by the control unit is the total effective current-flow time, which is the accumulated time during which current is applied at a specified output, and when performing control, the total value of the time during which current is actually applied to the skin at the specified output is used to make a decision. This makes it possible to more accurately evaluate the burden on the skin caused by current application and to perform control related to current application, such as time limits and output adjustments, and to reduce the burden on the skin at an appropriate time when the usage time is long.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, when the control unit reduces the current output to the electrode unit, the control unit controls the degree of output reduction from the second output, which corresponds to a state in which the electrode unit is not moving, to be smaller than the degree of output reduction from the first output, which corresponds to a moving state of the electrode unit.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the control unit reduces the current output in the energized state, the degree to which the output is reduced when the electrode unit is stopped is less than the degree to which the output is reduced when the electrode unit is moving, and a minimum level of current is ensured when the electrode unit is stopped. This sufficiently reduces the output from the first output when the electrode unit is moving, improving the safety of the current, while limiting the reduction in the current output in the stopped state, maintaining a state in which the cosmetic effect of the stimulation on the skin is exerted even slightly, and preventing an excessive reduction in the current output from resulting in a state in which no effect can be expected.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the control unit reduces the power output to the second power output when the determination unit determines that the beauty device has been in a moving state continuously for a predetermined time period or longer.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, if the state in which the determination unit determines that the electrode is in a moving state continues for a preset time limit or longer, the control unit recognizes this as an abnormality and suppresses the flow of current. Even if the electrode unit is in a stopped state but the determination unit mistakenly determines that the electrode is in a moving state and the control unit is executing the flow of current, the control unit can suppress the flow of current to ensure safety and prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to excessive stimulation.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the control unit causes the notification means to issue a predetermined notification related to a warning about an abnormality in the determination unit when the determination unit determines that the beauty device is in a moving state continuously for a predetermined time limit or more.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, if the state in which the determination unit determines that the device is in a moving state continues for a preset time limit or longer, the control unit determines this to be an abnormality and causes the notification means to issue a warning, making it easier for the user to pay attention to the abnormal state, making it easier for the user to recognize the abnormality through the notification and take some kind of action, allowing the device to be used safely.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, when the control unit is once turned off by automatic or manual operation and then transitions to a new power on state, if the determination unit determines that the device has been in a moving state continuously for a predetermined time limit or more at the time the power was turned off and the determination unit determines that the device is still in a moving state even after transitioning to the power on state, the beauty device will automatically transition to the power off state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the control unit automatically transitions the device in use to a power OFF state, or when the device is newly power ON after being powered OFF by the user's operation, if the determination unit determines that the electrode unit is in a moving state subsequent to the time the power was turned OFF, the control unit finally transitions the device to a power OFF state, so that the user is able to strongly recognize the abnormality in response to the forced transition of the device to the OFF state and take some kind of action, allowing the device to be used safely. Also, even if an attempt is made to pass electricity with the power turned ON, the device is automatically transitioned to the power OFF state, and electricity equivalent to that during movement is not passed in a state in which an abnormality in the determination unit is suspected, thereby ensuring safety by preventing discomfort to the user due to electricity passing through the device.

In addition, the cosmetic device according to the disclosure of the present invention may, as necessary, include a contact sensor capable of detecting whether the electrode unit is in contact with the skin, and a contact determination unit that determines whether the electrode unit is in contact with the skin based on the output of the contact sensor, and the control unit sets the current output to the electrode unit to the first output regardless of the movement determination result of the determination unit when the number of times the contact determination unit switches between a state in which the electrode unit is determined to be in contact with the skin and a state in which the electrode unit is determined to be not in contact within a predetermined determination period exceeds a predetermined reference value, or when the cumulative time during which the electrode unit is determined to be in contact with the skin falls below a predetermined reference value.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the contact sensor detects whether the electrode unit is in contact with the skin, and the contact determination unit determines whether the electrode unit is in contact with the skin based on the sensor output. If the frequency of switching between the state in which it is determined that the electrode unit is in contact with the skin and the state in which it is determined that it is not in contact occurs more frequently than a criterion within a specified determination period, or if the cumulative total time during which it is determined that the electrode unit is in contact with the skin is less than a criterion, the control unit causes the electrode unit to pass electricity at the first output, making it possible to apply a stimulation to the skin by passing electricity. In a situation in which the electrode unit is not in continuous contact with the skin within an appropriate range, the current output is set to the first output regardless of the movement state of the electrode unit, and the effect of the current is exerted on each part of the skin as much as possible, and the effect of the current can be efficiently applied. On the other hand, since the state in which the electrode unit stops contacting the skin can be considered to be non-continuous, the safety of the skin can be ensured even if electricity is passed at the first output.

In addition, in the cosmetic device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the movement detection means is a three-axis acceleration sensor capable of detecting acceleration in three orthogonal directions and is arranged so as to be capable of detecting at least acceleration in a normal direction relative to the contact surface of the electrode unit with the skin, and the control unit increases the current output to the electrode unit when the determination unit determines that the electrode unit is in a moving state because the acceleration in a direction parallel to the contact surface of the electrode unit with the skin exceeds a predetermined reference value and the acceleration in the normal direction relative to the contact surface of the electrode unit with the skin also exceeds a predetermined reference value.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the three-axis acceleration sensor as the movement detection means detects the acceleration in the normal direction to the contact surface of the electrode part with the skin and the acceleration in the direction parallel to the contact surface of the electrode part with the skin, respectively. When the acceleration in the direction parallel to the contact surface of the electrode part with the skin exceeds a predetermined reference value and the acceleration in the normal direction to the contact surface of the electrode part with the skin also exceeds a predetermined reference value, the determination unit determines that the electrode part is in a moving state. The control unit increases the current output to the electrode part to strengthen the effect of the current on the skin, so that in a situation where the electrode part frequently moves along the skin and moves closer to and away from the skin based on the detected acceleration, the effect of the current on each part of the skin that becomes relatively weaker due to such frequent movements can be compensated for by the increase in output, and the effect of the current can be efficiently imparted while ensuring safety.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, the control unit is capable of outputting radio frequency band current between the electrode units as necessary, and increases the current output to the electrode units for a predetermined time immediately after starting current flow in response to obtaining the movement state of the electrode units.

According to the disclosure of the present invention, the power output is increased at a predetermined time immediately after the start of the radio frequency band current flow in response to the control unit's acquisition of the movement state of the electrode unit, and the skin heating effect of the current is strengthened, so that the skin temperature can be rapidly increased at the initial stage of current flow, and heat can be efficiently applied in a short period of time, improving the effect of thermal stimulation.

1 is a front view of a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the cosmetic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view of a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the AA cross section of FIG. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the cosmetic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a beauty device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a control state in the cosmetic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a movement determination state of a determination unit in the beauty device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an adjustment concept by changing a duty ratio in switching control of an electric current output in a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a current output adjustment after a first limit time has elapsed in a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a duty ratio change state in switching control related to the adjustment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a power output adjustment based on a detection value of a three-axis acceleration sensor in a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a duty ratio change state in switching control related to the adjustment. FIG. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a power supply control state in accordance with a change in a contact determination state in the beauty device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a cosmetic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In each of the above figures, the beauty device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 10 held by a user, a head 11 disposed on the main body 10 so as to be capable of contacting the skin, two electrode units 13, 14 as stimulation units attached to the head unit 11 at a predetermined interval, and a control unit 19 for controlling the electrical current flow to the electrode units 13, 14.

The main body 10 is formed as a hollow, generally cylindrical body, with the head 11 disposed at one end and a predetermined length of the other end serving as a gripping portion 10a of a predetermined thickness that allows the user to grip the entire device by hand during use. Inside the main body 10 are disposed electrical circuits such as the control unit 19 and a battery (not shown) as a power source.

In part of the gripping portion 10a of the main body 10, an operating portion 15 for switching the beauty treatment operation ON/OFF and the type and strength of the operation in response to input operations from the user, and a display portion 16 as a notification means for displaying the operation state are provided. On the other hand, an auxiliary electrode portion 10b made of a conductive material and connected to the control portion 19 is provided on the back side of the gripping portion 10a, so that when the user grips the gripping portion 10a with his/her hand, the hand comes into contact with the auxiliary electrode portion 10b. Depending on the treatment content such as iontophoresis described below, this auxiliary electrode portion 10b also becomes a type of stimulation portion. Note that instead of providing the auxiliary electrode portion 10b, the gripping portion 10a of the main body 10 can be made of a conductor and electrically connected to the control portion 19 to be used as a type of electrode portion.

The operation unit 15 is provided with a power switch 15a and a mode change switch 15b for switching between operation modes. The display unit 16 is provided on the surface of the main body at the location of the operation unit 15, and changes its illumination state depending on the strength of the power output.

The head portion 11 and the main body portion 10 in its vicinity can also be structured to hold a porous covering such as a cotton puff (not shown) along the head portion 11 as necessary, for example when performing iontophoresis.

In addition, an acceleration sensor 17 is provided inside the main body 10 as a movement detection means that detects the acceleration that changes due to the movement of the main body 10, thereby making it possible to detect the movement of the electrode parts 13 and 14 that move integrally with the main body 10.

The acceleration sensor 17 is a known three-axis acceleration sensor capable of detecting acceleration in three orthogonal directions, and is configured to detect acceleration in directions parallel to the contact surfaces of the electrodes 13 and 14 with the skin (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction), and acceleration in the normal direction (Z-axis direction) to the contact surfaces of the electrodes 13 and 14 with the skin.

The head unit 11 is configured to include a cover unit 11a that is attached to one end of the main body unit 10 with the electrodes 13, 14 partially exposed, a base unit 11b that is attached to the main body unit 10 and supports the electrodes 13, 14 from within the main body unit 10, a gasket 11c that is disposed between the electrodes 13, 14 and the base unit 11b, and a contact sensor 18 that can detect whether the electrodes 13, 14 are in contact with the skin.

The cover portion 11a is made of an insulating material such as resin, and has openings 11d that correspond to the electrodes 13 and 14. The openings 11d are through holes that are slightly larger than the outer shape of each electrode portion.

The base portion 11b is made of an insulating material such as resin, and is configured to have a shape in which columnar portions that support the respective electrodes 13, 14 from the rear side protrude from a plate-like portion that is attached to the main body portion 10.
A conducting wire connected to the control unit 19 and extending from inside the main body 10 passes through the base 11b and is electrically connected to the electrodes 13 and 14.

The gasket 11c is made of a soft material such as rubber that is more easily elastically deformed than the cover portion 11a and the base portion 11b, and is arranged so as to be interposed between the cover portion 11a and the electrode portions 13 and 14 and the base portion 11b.

When the cover part 11a is attached, the packing 11c is sandwiched between the base part 11b, the main body part 10, and the cover part 11a and is subjected to a compressive force, and the surface of the packing is in close contact with the base part 11b, the main body part 10, the cover part 11a, and the electrode parts 13 and 14, sealing the gap between the cover part 11a and the base part 11b, as well as the gap between the cover part 11a and the main body part 10, and preventing the intrusion of moisture such as sweat or lotion, and foreign objects.

The contact sensor 18 is connected to the control unit 19 inside the main body 10 and is disposed at a predetermined location in the head unit 11 to detect whether the electrodes 13, 14 are in contact with the skin. A known capacitance-type proximity sensor or the like can be used as this contact sensor 18. In addition to providing a contact sensor, the current flowing through the electrode unit changes significantly before and after contact with the skin, and the presence or absence of contact can be detected from the change in the current value of the electrode unit.

The electrodes 13 and 14 are made of a conductive material such as metal, are curved in an approximately C-shape, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the cover 11a, protruding slightly from the surface of the cover 11a so as to be in surface contact with the skin. The electrodes 13 and 14 can be made of a conductor such as metal, or can be made by fixing a conductive sheet or thin film such as metal to the surface of an insulating material such as plastic.

The electrodes 13 and 14 are electrically connected to the control unit 19 inside the main body 10, and when in contact with the skin, the control unit 19 can cause electrical current to flow between the electrodes 13 and 14 through the skin.

When electricity is applied between these electrodes 13 and 14 through the skin, the high-frequency current flowing through the skin generates heat, warming the skin and increasing its temperature, thereby providing a thermal stimulus to the skin.

The electrodes 13, 14 can also pass electricity between them and the auxiliary electrode 10b in the grip 10a via the user's body. When electricity is passed between the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode 10b, iontophoresis (ion introduction) can be performed, in which ionic active ingredients are introduced into the skin by ion movement due to the passage of electricity through the passage of electricity to the skin in contact with the electrodes 13, 14, or conversely, cleansing (ion extraction) can be performed, in which charged waste matter and other impurities are transferred from the skin side to the electrodes 13, 14 side by passing electricity.

When applying electricity to the skin (such as iontophoresis) using the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode 10a, the user holds the grip 10a and brings the auxiliary electrode 10b into contact with the palm or fingers of the user's hand, and the control unit 19 applies a voltage between the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode 10b to create a state in which electricity can be applied. The user then contacts the head 11 directly or through a porous covering impregnated with a liquid such as a lotion containing an electrolyte component to the skin of the face, etc. This allows the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode 10b to be electrically connected via the user's body, and electricity is passed through the skin in contact with the electrodes 13, 14.

By passing a current through the skin in contact with the electrodes 13 and 14, iontophoresis can be performed, in which ionic active ingredients contained in a liquid such as a lotion that has been applied to the skin surface or impregnated into the porous covering are introduced into the skin by ion migration based on the current from the control unit 19. In addition, as a method of cleansing the skin (ion extraction), it is possible to transfer charged dirt components such as waste matter from the skin side to the electrode unit 13 side by passing a current through the skin, and to obtain a state in which the dirt components are taken up by the porous covering held on the surface of the head unit. The methods of iontophoresis and cleansing are themselves well known, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

In the case of energizing for ion introduction or the like, it is not essential to use two electrodes 13, 14 in the head unit 11, and it is acceptable to have an electrical connection between one of the electrodes and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b, that is, between the pair of electrode unit 13 and auxiliary electrode unit 10b, or between the pair of electrode unit 14 and auxiliary electrode unit 10b.

The control unit 19 is built into the main body 10, and receives input operations from the user to the operation unit 15, acquires state changes based on sensor output, etc., controls the current flow between the pair of electrodes 13, 14, and makes it possible to adjust the state of current flow to the skin. However, the high-frequency current flowing between the electrodes 13, 14 is output from the high-frequency output unit 20, and the control unit 19 controls the state of current flow to the electrodes 13, 14 through the high-frequency output unit 20.

The control unit 19 sets the operating mode of each unit for each cosmetic purpose. In this embodiment, there are three modes: a thermal mode that warms and activates the skin; an iontophoresis mode that penetrates ionic active ingredients such as lotion deep into the skin to enhance moisturization; and a cleansing mode that removes harmful ingredients and waste products that have accumulated on the skin.

Among the above operating modes, in the heat mode, a current is passed between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14. In the iontophoresis mode and cleansing mode, at least one of the electrodes 13 and 14 is paired with the auxiliary electrode 10b, and the control unit 19 passes current between these electrodes and the auxiliary electrode 10b.

The control unit 19 switches between operation modes based on the user's input operation to the mode changeover switch 15b of the operation unit 15. When the user operates the mode changeover switch 15b, the control unit 19 switches between the heat mode, the iontophoresis mode, and the cleansing mode, and controls the operation so that one of the modes can be executed.

The operation unit 15 may further include a switch for changing the strength of the current flow, and when the control unit 19 changes the state of current flow between the electrodes 13 and 14, or between the electrodes 13 and 14 and the auxiliary electrode 10b in accordance with each operation mode selected by the operation unit 15, the control unit 19 may adjust and control the strength of the current flowing through the user's skin due to the current flow in response to the operation of the strength changeover switch. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 19 be able to change the strength of the current flow between multiple levels in response to the user's input operation of the strength changeover switch.

The control unit 19 also includes a determination unit 19a that determines whether the electrodes 13, 14 are in a moving state based on the output of the acceleration sensor 17, and a contact determination unit 19b that determines whether the electrodes 13, 14 are in contact with the skin based on the output of the contact sensor 18.

The determination unit 19a receives the output of the acceleration sensor 17, and if the sensor output value (acceleration) satisfies a preset condition, it determines that the electrode units 13 and 14 are in a moving state (H output; see Figure 7), whereas if the condition is not satisfied, it determines that the electrode units 13 and 14 are not in a moving state (L output; see Figure 7).

More specifically, the determination unit 19a measures the frequency (number of times) or rate (the proportion of time during which the acceleration value exceeds the reference value relative to the determination time) of the acceleration value exceeding the reference value within a predetermined determination time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) and determines that the state is moving if the relationship between the obtained acceleration and a preset reference value satisfies a predetermined condition, whereas it determines that the state is not moving if the relationship with the reference value does not satisfy the condition (see FIG. 8).

When the movement detection means is an acceleration sensor 17, even if there is no relative movement of the head unit 11 with respect to the skin, if the skin is moving, the head unit 11 and the electrode units 13 and 14 in contact with it will also move, and a sensor output corresponding to this movement may be generated. However, since such movements are generally small, if an appropriate reference value is set in the judgment unit 19a so that they are not judged as movement, it is possible to prevent a situation in which electricity is applied even when the device is essentially stationary.

The contact determination unit 19b makes a determination according to the output of the contact sensor 18, such as determining that the electrode units 13, 14 are in contact with the skin when an output indicating contact is made from the contact sensor 18.

The control unit 19 acquires the movement state of the electrode units 13 and 14 from the determination result of the determination unit 19a.
The control unit 19 is capable of executing various types of control, such as increasing or decreasing the current output to the electrode units 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b depending on the acquired movement state, for example, switching the current state to the electrode units 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b between a state in which current is supplied at a first output and a state in which current is supplied at a second output smaller than the first output, and causing the display unit 16 (notification means) to issue a specified notification.
In addition, the control unit 19 also has a function of determining that the determination unit 19a is in an abnormal state and executing a predetermined control if the determination unit 19a continues to make a movement determination.

Furthermore, the control unit 19 starts measuring time using a timer function when the power is turned on or a predetermined operation is started, and when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time set in advance, the control unit 19 is capable of executing a predetermined control.
For example, the control unit 19 obtains the cumulative time for all energization of the electrode units 13 and 14, and performs control to reduce the energization output when the cumulative time exceeds a predetermined limit value.

In addition, the control unit 19 can acquire the contact state of the electrodes 13, 14 with the skin from the judgment result of the contact judgment unit 19b. Then, in response to this acquired contact state, the control unit 19 executes control to switch the current supply state to the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b between normal current supply and a state in which the current output is reduced or stopped, to increase or decrease the current output to the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b, and to stop or newly start the time measurement by the timer function.

Next, the operating state of the beauty device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the user is holding the grip portion 10a of the beauty device 1 and pointing the head portion 11 at the desired area of the skin. It is also assumed that the power supply portion (battery) of the beauty device 1 has sufficient capacity, and that when a mode is selected and input using each switch of the operation portion 15, the operation of each mode can be continued without difficulty until the end of the preset period.

When applying heat to the skin, the user ensures that the electrodes 13, 14 of the head unit 11 are in contact with the skin. At the same time, the user applies a cosmetic liquid such as lotion, cream, or skin toner to the skin to be electrified, for example, the skin on the cheek or forehead of the face, and massages it in.

When the user operates the power switch 15a of the operation unit 15 to turn the power ON, and then operates the mode change switch 15b to select the heat mode, the control unit 19 enables the start of a current-carrying state in which radio frequency (RF), for example, a sinusoidal alternating current with a frequency of 1 MHz, flows between the pair of electrodes 13, 14. However, when the electrodes 13, 14 are separated from the skin, there is no closed circuit between the electrodes 13, 14 via the skin, so no current flows. The control unit 19 also starts to light the display unit 16 in a state that corresponds to the set intensity of the current output.

When the electrodes 13 and 14 are placed in contact with the skin, electricity flows between the electrodes 13 and 14 through the skin, and the high-frequency current flowing through the skin generates heat, warming the skin and raising its temperature, providing a thermal stimulus to the skin.

In addition, by warming the skin, blood circulation and metabolism are promoted, and the skin is changed into a state in which the active ingredients in lotions and creams can easily penetrate the skin, allowing these various active ingredients to easily penetrate the skin and provide a sure beauty effect.

The target location of electrical current can be changed by moving the electrodes 13, 14 slightly over the skin while still in contact with it. For example, the user can slide the head 11 with the electrodes 13, 14 along the surface of the skin, such as the cheek or forehead, to apply thermal stimulation to each part by passing electrical current through it.

If the electrodes 13, 14 are stopped for a while while still in contact with the skin, the control unit 19 reduces the current output to the second output to prevent the skin from overheating, thereby minimizing the application of thermal stimulation by current. In addition, if the electrodes 13, 14 are removed from the skin or if a predetermined time set for automatic stopping has elapsed, the application of thermal stimulation by current stops.

When the user wishes to end the application of electricity to the skin, the user can either operate the mode change switch 15b of the operation unit 15 to switch to another operating mode, or operate the power switch 15a to switch the power to the OFF state, which will stop the flow of electricity between the electrodes 13 and 14 and end the application of heat to the skin through electricity. The output level when the power is turned OFF may be recorded and stored in the control unit 19 so that the same output level can be used the next time electricity is applied to the skin.

In addition, when cleansing or iontophoresis is performed on the skin, the user first positions the head unit 11 with the electrodes 13 and 14 in front of the skin so that the head unit 11 can be brought into contact with the skin. Then, in the case of cleansing, a cleansing lotion containing an electrolyte component is applied directly to the skin, or in the case of iontophoresis, a protective lotion containing an electrolyte component is applied directly to the skin, or the porous covering such as a cotton puff is soaked in the skin and the porous covering is held on the head unit 11.

When the user operates the mode selector switch 15b of the operation unit 15 to select the cleansing mode or the iontophoresis mode, the control unit 19 enables the start of an energized state in which a weak current flows between the electrodes 13, 14 of the head unit 11 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b. However, when the head unit 11 is separated from the skin, there is no current flow between the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b because there is no closed circuit via the body.

When the user moves the cosmetic device 10 held by the user and brings the head unit 11 into contact with the skin directly or via the porous covering, the electrodes 13, 14 and auxiliary electrode unit 10b are electrically connected to the user's body via the lotion that has been applied to the skin surface or soaked into the porous covering. In the case of cleansing, fine charged dirt components on the surface or inside of the skin are transferred from the skin side to the porous covering side, thereby removing dirt from the skin. In the case of iontophoresis, ionic active ingredients in the lotion are transferred to the skin side, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate into the skin.

If the user moves the electrodes 13 and 14 little by little on the skin while they are in contact with the skin, the target position for cleansing or iontophoresis can be changed while electricity is still flowing. However, when the electrodes 13 and 14 are removed from the skin, the electricity is immediately stopped. To completely finish cleansing or iontophoresis, the user can operate the mode change switch 15b of the operation unit 15 to switch to another operation mode, or operate the power switch 15a to switch to the power OFF state. In addition, the control unit 19 may stop the electricity flow when a preset time for cleansing or iontophoresis has elapsed. After the end of these modes, it is desirable for the user to remove the porous covering from the head unit 11, if used, and then clean the surface of the head unit 11, including the electrodes 13 and 14, in preparation for the next use.

Next, the control of the control unit related to the current supply will be explained in more detail. Note that when linear control is used, the current supply output is increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the output voltage (current), and when switching control such as PWM control or VFM control is used, the output duty ratio is increased or decreased.

When the power is turned on, the control unit 19 starts measuring the usage time using a timer function to obtain the cumulative time for all energizations. In this case, the cumulative time is the total usage time of the device since the power was turned on.

After the power is turned on, the determination unit 19a determines the movement state based on the output of the acceleration sensor 17, and the contact determination unit 19b determines the contact of the electrodes 13 and 14 with the skin based on the output of the contact sensor 18. When the control unit 19 acquires the movement state and the contact state, it starts passing electricity between the electrodes 13 and 14, or between the electrodes 13 and 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b.

In addition, the control unit 19 temporarily increases the power output to the electrode unit for a predetermined period from the start of current flow as a current flow start period (see Figs. 7, 8, and 9). This current flow start period is not limited to the start of current flow based on the first movement determination, but is also set when current flow is started again based on a movement determination after the current flow output is once lowered. Increasing the power output at the current flow start period in this way increases the degree of heat generation due to current flow, increases the rate of temperature rise, and efficiently applies thermal stimulation, particularly in the case of heat mode. After the current flow start period, the control unit 19 lowers the power output and continues current flow at a predetermined first output _H1 as normal current flow corresponding to the movement state.

In the state where electricity is applied at the first output _H1 , electricity is applied to the skin at an appropriate and sufficient output, so that the skin can be warmed to impart thermal stimulation to the skin, electrically charged dirt components can be removed from the skin, and ionic active ingredients can be introduced into the skin.

Even after the start of energization, the control unit 19 continually acquires the result of the determination of the movement state based on the output from the acceleration sensor 17 by the determination unit 19a, and the result of the determination of the contact state based on the output from the contact sensor 18 by the contact determination unit 19b.

Among these, when the control unit 19 acquires the moving state of the electrode units 13, 14 from the judgment result of the judgment unit 19a, the control unit 19 continues energizing with the first output _H1 . On the other hand, when the movement state cannot be acquired from the judgment result of the judgment unit 19a, that is, when it is considered that the electrode units 13, 14 are in a stopped state, the control unit 19 reduces the energizing output to a second output _L1 which is smaller than the first output _H1 , and continues the state of energizing with this second output _L1 until a new movement state is acquired from the judgment unit 19a (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

The second output _L1 related to the current supply is set to a level that does not cause discomfort to the user due to current stimulation or heat generation, especially in the case of the heat mode, even if the current supply to the skin is continued with the electrode units 13, 14 stopped, while still allowing the skin to be expected to receive a slight beauty stimulation such as heat due to the current supply. Therefore, when the current supply is performed with the second output _L1 , even when the electrode units 13, 14 are stopped, the skin is maintained in a state where heat is generated due to the current supply to a level that does not cause discomfort to the user, and the temperature of the skin once heated while the electrode units 13, 14 are moving is not lowered, and the skin is kept on standby until the electrode units 13, 14 start moving again, and a slight beauty effect is obtained due to the stimulation provided by the current supply.

When the user moves the device continuously, the current supply state at the first output is repeated each time the determination unit 19a determines the movement state, but when the total usage time is measured by the control unit 19 and a first limit time (e.g., 1 minute 30 seconds) that is set in advance has elapsed, the control unit 19 executes control to lower the current supply output, at least if the device is in a current supply state.

In this case, particularly in the heat mode, for skin that has been sufficiently warmed by continued current application up to that point, the output is reduced from the first output after the limit time has elapsed, ensuring an even safer state in which the skin is less likely to overheat. Also, in cases where the control unit 19 is unable to obtain the movement state and current is applied at the second output, power consumption can be reduced by further reducing the current output after the first limit time has elapsed.

In this way, when the control unit 19 controls to reduce the current output, when the current output is reduced for the electrode units 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b, the degree of output reduction from the second output corresponding to the stopped state in which the electrode units 13, 14 are not moving is made smaller than the degree of output reduction from the first output corresponding to the moving state of the electrode units 13, 14. This allows the output to be sufficiently reduced from the first output for current in the moving state, improving the safety of current flow, while limiting the reduction in current output in the stopped state, maintaining a state in which the cosmetic effect on the skin due to stimulation is exerted even slightly, and preventing a state in which the effect cannot be expected due to an excessive reduction in current output.

Finally, when the total usage time measured by the control unit 19 reaches a second preset limit time (e.g., 3 minutes), the control unit 19 automatically stops the power supply and transitions to a power-off state.

The control unit 19 counts the total usage time as the timekeeping related to obtaining the cumulative time of current supply until the second limit time has elapsed, when the control unit 19 automatically stops the current supply, or until the first limit time has elapsed, when the control unit 19 reduces the current supply output. By omitting the interruption and restart of the timekeeping corresponding to each increase and decrease in the current supply output, the control unit 19 can simplify the processing related to the timekeeping. However, instead of this, the total effective current supply time, which does not include the period when the current supply output is reduced and current is supplied at the second output, can be counted and obtained as the cumulative time. In this case, when the control unit performs control, the total net current supply time during which current was actually supplied to the skin for stimulation is used to perform the execution judgment, so that the degree of the burden on the skin due to the current supply can be more accurately evaluated, and control related to the current supply, such as time limiting and output adjustment, can be performed, and the burden on the skin can be reduced at an appropriate time when the usage time is long.

In addition, when the user continuously moves the device while keeping the electrodes 13 and 14 in contact with the skin, the determination unit 19a determines from the output of the acceleration sensor 17 that the acceleration (X-Y components) in a direction parallel to the contact surface of the electrodes 13 and 14 with the skin meets a predetermined condition (for example, the frequency or rate at which the acceleration exceeds a reference value within a predetermined determination time exceeds a set value), and the acceleration (Z component) in a normal direction to the contact surface of the electrodes 13 and 14 with the skin also meets a predetermined condition, and the control unit 19 increases the current output to the electrodes 13 and 14, or the current output to the electrodes 13 and 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b, to a predetermined output greater than the first output (see FIG. 11). In particular, in the case of the heat mode, even if the movement of the electrodes 13 and 14 relative to the skin is large and heat is easily dispersed, the skin can be efficiently warmed by increasing the current output to make it easier for heat to be generated on the skin.

Furthermore, while the control unit 19 is passing current, it constantly acquires the contact state determination result based on the output from the contact sensor 18 by the contact determination unit 19b. If the number of times that the contact determination unit 19b switches between a state in which the electrodes 13, 14 are determined to be in contact with the skin and a state in which they are determined to be not in contact within a predetermined determination period (e.g., 0.5 seconds) exceeds a predetermined reference value (e.g., 2 times), the control unit 19 sets the current output to the electrodes 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b as the first output, regardless of the movement determination result of the determination unit 19a (see FIG. 12).

In this way, in a situation where the electrodes 13, 14 are not in continuous contact with the skin within an appropriate range, the current output is set to the first output regardless of the movement state of the electrodes 13, 14, so that the effect of the current can be exerted on each part of the skin as much as possible, and the effect of the current can be efficiently imparted. On the other hand, in such a situation, the state in which the electrodes 13, 14 come into contact with the skin and stop can be considered to be not continuous, so the safety of the skin can be ensured even if the current is applied at the first output.

After this, if the number of times that the contact determination unit 19b switches between determining that the electrodes 13, 14 are in contact with the skin and determining that they are not in contact during the same determination period falls below the reference value, after a predetermined waiting time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), if the control unit 19 has acquired the movement status of the electrodes 13, 14, it continues to supply electricity at the first output, and if the control unit 19 cannot acquire the movement status of the electrodes 13, 14, it reduces the electricity output from the first output to the second output.

In addition, when the determination unit 19a determines that the electrode units 13 and 14 are continuously in a moving state for a predetermined time limit or longer without a stop state in which they are not moving, the control unit 19 regards the determination unit 19a as being in an abnormal state, reduces the current output to the second output or stops it, and causes the display unit 16, which serves as the notification means, to display a predetermined warning about the abnormality of the determination unit 19a (for example, lighting or blinking different from the normal output level display). This notification about the warning about the abnormality of the determination unit 19a is not limited to the display by the display unit 16, and may be made by using other display means to display an image, or may be made by using other separately provided notification means to display a predetermined sound, vibration, or the like about the warning about the abnormality of the determination unit 19a.

Similarly, when the control unit 19 acquires a state in which the determination unit 19a has determined that the electrode units 13 and 14 have been in a continuous moving state for more than the time limit without being stopped, and then when the second time limit has elapsed in the measurement of the total usage time or when the power is temporarily turned off due to a user operation, the control unit 19 performs control corresponding to the abnormal state.

In detail, when the power is turned on again from the power off state, if the determination unit 19a still determines that the electrodes 13 and 14 are in a moving state, assuming that the electrodes were determined to be in a moving state for the time limit or more at the time the power was turned off, the control unit 19 automatically transitions to the power off state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on.

The above-mentioned controls related to the current flow are not limited to the current flow between the electrode units 13 and 14 during heat application, but also apply to the current flow between at least one of the electrode units 13 and 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b during cleansing or iontophoresis.

The current passing between the electrode units 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b during cleansing or iontophoresis is similar to the current passing between the electrode units 13, 14 during heat application, except that the current is passed as a direct current and the role of one of the paired electrodes is replaced by the auxiliary electrode unit 10b. Based on the determination of the movement state and contact state by the control unit 19, the current is set to a first output or second output, and the current output is controlled to be adjusted over time.

In this way, the beauty device according to this embodiment is provided with the electrode units 13, 14 and auxiliary electrode unit 10b that are energized to provide stimuli to the skin as stimuli providing stimuli related to beauty, and the control unit 19 controls the energization. In addition to the energization at the first output when the moving state of the electrode units 13, 14 is obtained, the control unit 19 energizes at a second output smaller than the first output when the moving state of the electrode units 13, 14 is in a stopped state in which the moving state of the electrode units 13, 14 cannot be obtained, and the energization continues even when the electrode units 13, 14 move from a moving state to a stopped state. Therefore, even when the electrode units 13, 14 are in a stopped state, the state in which the skin is stimulated by energization can be maintained to a small extent. In particular, in the case of applying thermal stimuli, the temperature of the skin once heated in the moving state of the electrode units 13, 14 is not lowered in the stopped state, and when the skin is warmed again by energizing it at the first output in a new moving state, the skin can reach an appropriate temperature in a short time, and thermal heat can be applied efficiently.

Even if the electrodes 13, 14 are stopped while still in contact with the skin during electrical current application, the control unit 19 can lower the electrical current output to the second output, thereby maintaining the skin in a safe state. This prevents a situation in which electrical current is mistakenly continued at the first output, causing discomfort to the user due to electrical current stimulation or excessive heat generation, while still allowing the possibility of obtaining cosmetic effects through stimulation.

In the beauty device according to the embodiment, the head unit 11 is provided with two electrodes 13 and 14, and the control unit 19 is configured to pass current between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14 through the skin in the heat mode, and to pass current between at least one of the electrodes 13 and 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b in the iontophoresis mode, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the head unit may be configured to have two or more electrodes, and the control unit may pass current between the pair of electrodes of the head unit, or between one or more of the electrodes of the head unit and the auxiliary electrode unit in the same manner as described above. In addition, if the heat mode using high-frequency current for current passage is not adopted as a selectable function, only one electrode unit may be provided on the head unit, and current may be passed between the pair of electrodes of the head unit and the auxiliary electrode unit, allowing iontophoresis, etc. to be performed.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, the control unit 19 sets the current output to the electrode units 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b as the first output when the number of times during the determination period when the contact determination unit 19b determines that the electrode units 13, 14 are in contact with the skin and that the number of times during the determination period when the contact determination unit 19b determines that the electrode units 13, 14 are not in contact with the skin changes exceeds a predetermined reference value. Alternatively, the control unit 19 may set the current output to the electrode units as the first output when the cumulative time during the determination period when the contact determination unit determines that the electrode units 13, 14 are in contact with the skin and that the number of times during the determination period when the contact determination unit determines that the electrode units 13, 14 are not in contact with the skin changes falls below a predetermined reference value, regardless of the movement determination result of the determination unit.

After this, if the cumulative time during which the electrode unit is determined to be in contact with the skin during the same determination period described above exceeds the reference value, after a predetermined waiting time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), if the control unit 19 has acquired the movement status of the electrode units 13 and 14, it continues to supply current at the first output, and if the control unit 19 cannot acquire the movement status of the electrode units 13 and 14, it reduces the current output from the first output to the second output.

In this case, as in the previous embodiment, in a situation where the electrode unit is not in continuous contact with the skin within an appropriate range, the current output is set to the first output regardless of the movement state of the electrode unit, so that the effect of the current can be exerted on each part of the skin as much as possible, and the effect of the current can be efficiently imparted.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, when the control unit 19 acquires that the electrode units 13 and 14 are in a moving state, an acceleration sensor is used as a movement detection means to be used together with the determination unit 19a. However, this is not limited to this, and other detection means can be used, such as a type that converts the displacement accompanying the movement relative to the skin into the rotational displacement of a ball or wheel that rolls in contact with the skin and acquires this with a rotary encoder to detect the movement state relative to the skin, or a type that irradiates light onto the skin and repeatedly reads the area on the skin surface that is irradiated with light using an image sensor, recognizing the shift in the image for each reading to detect the movement state.

In these cases, if the determination unit is configured to determine that the electrode is in a moving state when the value of the moving speed (moving distance per unit time) detected by the detection means exceeds a reference value, the determination unit will not determine that the electrode is in a moving state if the electrode moves only slightly, as in the above embodiment, and continuous current flow in a substantially stopped state where the electrode is barely moving can be avoided, thereby improving safety.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, the display unit 16 is configured as a notification means for displaying the strength of the current output and displaying warnings. In addition, this notification means may be configured to notify the user of the device status (by display or audio output) as necessary when current flow between the electrodes and timing is started, when the duration has elapsed since the start of current flow, when the second limit time (maximum usage time) is reached and the power is automatically turned off, etc.

Furthermore, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, the electrode units 13, 14 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b are used to pass electricity through the skin, and the electricity generates heat to warm the skin, making it possible to provide a thermal stimulus, etc., for providing a beauty stimulus. In addition, an ultrasonic generating mechanism using a piezoelectric element or the like may be provided in the head unit, and ultrasonic vibrations may be transmitted to the electrode unit, making it possible to provide ultrasonic vibration stimulation to the skin instead of or simultaneously with passing electricity through the skin.

In addition, a predetermined vibration applying unit can be provided instead of the electrode unit in the head unit, and ultrasonic vibrations can be transmitted from the ultrasonic generating mechanism to the vibration applying unit, so that ultrasonic vibration stimulation can be applied exclusively to the skin from the vibration applying unit. In this case, the current output control of the present invention can be applied in a form replaced with ultrasonic vibration output control, and even if the device is moved so that movement and stopping are frequently repeated on the skin, vibration can be applied for the duration, and vibration application is not performed in short bursts with interruptions in line with switching from movement to stopping or vice versa, and vibration can be applied appropriately and continuously to efficiently apply stimulation. In addition, it is possible to achieve both a state of applying stimulation by continuous vibration and a state of reducing or stopping the vibration output in response to the device stopping, and it is possible to prevent the vibration output from continuing in the stopped state by mistake, which causes discomfort to the user due to excessive vibration stimulation.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cosmetic device 10 Main body 10a Grip 10b Auxiliary electrode 11 Head 11a Cover 11b Base 11c Gasket 11d Opening 13, 14 Electrode 15 Operation unit 15a Power switch 15b Mode switch 16 Display 17 Acceleration sensor 18 Contact sensor 19 Control unit 19a Determination unit 19b Contact determination unit 20 High frequency output unit

Claims (2)

A beauty device including a stimulating unit capable of applying a predetermined beauty stimulus to a user's skin,
A plurality of electrode units as a stimulation applying unit, the electrode units being formed of at least a material having electrical conductivity and arranged in a state capable of contacting the skin of a user;
A control unit electrically connected to the electrode unit and capable of controlling at least a current passing state through the body of a user between each electrode unit related to stimulation,
the control unit is configured to apply current at a predetermined first output when the control unit acquires a moving state of the electrode unit, and to apply current at a predetermined second output smaller than the first output when the control unit cannot acquire the moving state,
the control unit acquires a cumulative time for all energizations of the electrode unit, and when the cumulative time exceeds a predetermined limit time, executes control to reduce an energization output;
The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when reducing the current output for the electrode unit, performs control so that a degree of output reduction from the second output, which corresponds to a state in which the electrode unit is not moving, is smaller than a degree of output reduction from the first output, which corresponds to a moving state of the electrode unit. A beauty device including a stimulating unit capable of applying a predetermined beauty stimulus to a user's skin,
A plurality of electrode units as a stimulation applying unit, the electrode units being formed of at least a material having electrical conductivity and arranged in a state capable of contacting the skin of a user;
A control unit electrically connected to the electrode unit and capable of controlling at least a current passing state through the body of a user between each electrode unit related to stimulation,
the control unit is configured to apply current at a predetermined first output when the control unit acquires a moving state of the electrode unit, and to apply current at a predetermined second output smaller than the first output when the control unit cannot acquire the moving state,
a contact sensor capable of detecting whether the electrode unit is in contact with the skin, and a contact determination unit that determines whether the electrode unit is in contact with the skin based on an output from the contact sensor,
The beauty device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the electrical output to the electrode unit to the first output regardless of the movement determination result of the determination unit when, during a predetermined determination period, the contact determination unit switches between a state in which the electrode unit is determined to be in contact with the skin and a state in which the electrode unit is determined to be not in contact, and the number of times the contact determination unit switches exceeds a predetermined reference value, or when the cumulative time during which the electrode unit is determined to be in contact with the skin falls below a predetermined reference value .

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