Skin care device

Abstract

To provide a skin care device capable of radiating light to a wider range while suppressing stimulation applied to the skin.SOLUTION: A skin care device 10 includes a light source 40, a diffuser 20 for causing the light L emitted from the light source 40 to be transmitted and radiated from a tip side, and a base part 11 in which the diffuser 20 is disposed. The diffuser 20 includes a light guide part 21 for guiding the light L emitted from the light source 40 to the tip side, and an irradiation part 22 provided at the tip of the light guide part 21 for radiating the light L to the outside. The irradiation part 22 includes an inclined surface 222 whose one end 222a is provided continuing to a lateral face 211 of the light guide part 21, and is inclined inward as it goes toward the other end 222b side, and an apical surface 221 provided continuing to the other end 222b of the inclined surface 222 with a planar shape or a shape protruding to the tip side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin care device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a device including a base and a diffusion rod provided so as to project from the base is known. In this Patent Document 1, one end of the diffusion rod is arranged to face a light source and serves as a collection end for collecting light irradiated from the light source, and the other end serves as a diffusion end for emitting the light introduced into the diffusion rod from the collection end to the outside. Then, the light introduced into the diffusion rod from the collection end and emitted from the diffusion end can be irradiated toward an irradiated surface such as the scalp (skin).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] 4] Here, it is conceivable to apply the above conventional technology to a skin care device that performs skin care by irradiating the skin with light.

[0005] However, in the above conventional technology, since the diffusion end of the diffusion rod is a flat surface parallel to the irradiated surface or a converging lens convex toward the irradiated surface side, the light irradiation range becomes narrow.

[0006] Also, in the above conventional technology, although it has been proposed to improve light diffusion by using a prism, if a prism is arranged at the diffusion end, there is a risk that the stimulation given to the skin during use of the device will become strong.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a skin care device that can irradiate a wider area with light while suppressing irritation to the skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A skin care device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a light source, a diffuser capable of transmitting light emitted from the light source and irradiating it from the tip side, and a base on which the diffuser is provided, wherein the diffuser comprises a light guide portion that guides light emitted from the light source toward the tip side, and an irradiation portion provided at the tip of the light guide portion that irradiates light to the outside, wherein the irradiation portion comprises an inclined surface at one end connected to the side surface of the light guide portion and inclining inward toward the other end, and a tip surface connected to the other end of the inclined surface and having a flat or convex shape toward the tip side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, a skin care device can be obtained that can irradiate a wider area with light while suppressing irritation to the skin. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic rear view showing an example of a skin care device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view showing an example of a skin care device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a view from one direction of an example of a diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a view of an example of a diffuser according to the embodiment, seen from another direction. [Figure 6] This figure schematically illustrates an example of the use of a skin care device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the flow of hair during use of an example of a skin care device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a diagram for explaining the light irradiation state during the use of an example of the skin care device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a rear view schematically showing another example of the method of arranging the diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of hair during the use of the skin care device shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view schematically showing a first modification example of the diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view schematically showing a second modification example of the diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view schematically showing a third modification example of the diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view schematically showing a fourth modification example of the diffuser according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram schematically showing the usage state of a first modification example of the skin care device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram schematically showing the usage state of a second modification example of the skin care device according to the embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of already well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] In the following embodiments and their modifications, the vertical direction of the skin care device in a state where the tip of the diffuser faces downward and the protruding direction from the base of the diffuser is aligned with the vertical direction is defined as the vertical direction Z and will be described. Also, a direction that intersects (is orthogonal to) the vertical direction Z and is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the diffuser is defined as the front-rear direction X and will be described. And a direction that intersects (is orthogonal to) the vertical direction Z and is parallel to the short-side direction of the diffuser is defined as the width direction Y and will be described.

[0014] In the following embodiments and their modifications, as the skin care device, a scalp care device that irradiates light on the scalp to care for the scalp is exemplified.

[0015] (Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 according to the present embodiment includes a base 11 and a grip portion 12 that is connected to one end of the base 11 and can be gripped by the user U or the like.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the base 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the general view when viewed along the vertical direction Z has an elongated rectangular shape in a predetermined direction (the width direction Y of the diffuser 20 described later). That is, the general view of the base 11 when viewed along the vertical direction Z has a rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a short-side direction. And a grip portion 12 is connected to the substantially central portion in the short-side direction on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the base 11 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the base 11.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 also includes a light source 40 as a light source unit that emits light L, and a diffuser 20 that can transmit the light L emitted from the light source 40 and irradiate it from the tip side.

[0018] In the present embodiment, an LED 41 is used as the light source 40, and a plurality of LEDs 41 are arranged on the back surface 11a of the base 11. At this time, each LED 41 is arranged on the back surface 11a of the base 11 in a state where the main optical axis direction faces downward in the vertical direction Z.

[0019] Multiple diffusers 20 are provided on the base 11, with their protruding directions approximately aligned with the vertical direction Z. Each diffuser 20 is provided on the base 11 so as to cover a single LED 41 located on the back surface 11a of the base 11. In this way, the light L emitted from the LED 41, which acts as a light source 40, is guided from the base side (upper side) to the tip side (lower side) of the diffuser 20, and is irradiated to the outside from the tip side of the diffuser 20.

[0020] In this embodiment, the multiple diffusers 20 are provided on the back surface 11a of the base 11 so as to spread out in two dimensions. That is, the multiple diffusers 20 are arranged in a planar manner rather than in a straight line. Figure 1 illustrates an example in which rows of nine diffusers 20 are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the base 11, and three such rows are provided at a predetermined pitch in the short direction of the base 11. In this way, a substantially linear gap 50 extending in the short direction is formed between adjacent diffusers 20 in the longitudinal direction of the base 11. By arranging the multiple diffusers 20 in a two-dimensional manner in this way, the light L can be irradiated onto the scalp (skin) S more efficiently when using the scalp care device (skin care device) 10.

[0021] In this embodiment, the base 11 is hollow inside, and the power supply unit 30 for driving the light source 40 is located within this hollow space. Although not shown in the illustration, the base 11 or gripping part 12 is provided with a switch to turn the power supply unit 30 on and off. By operating the switch (not shown) to turn on the power supply unit 30, each LED 41 is driven, and light L is emitted from the tip of each diffuser 20.

[0022] As described above, the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 according to this embodiment is a brush-type device and can be used in the same manner as styling hair H using a brush.

[0023] Such a diffuser 20 can be formed using, for example, a resin with high light transmittance or glass. This allows the light L1 emitted from the LED 41 positioned at the base (upper side in the vertical direction Z) to be guided from the base (upper side in the vertical direction Z) to the tip (lower side in the vertical direction Z).

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the diffuser 20 includes a light guide section 21 that guides the light L emitted from the light source 40 toward the tip, and an irradiation section 22 provided at the tip of the light guide section 21 that irradiates the light L to the outside. In this way, almost all of the light L inserted into the diffuser 20 from the root side (upper side in the vertical direction Z) is irradiated by the irradiation section 22 at the tip, so that the light L is irradiated in the vicinity of the scalp (skin) S.

[0025] In this embodiment, the light guide portion 21 is substantially rectangular in shape and is formed to protrude in the vertical direction Z. That is, the overall appearance of the light guide portion 21 when viewed along the vertical direction Z is an elongated rectangle in a predetermined direction (front-to-back direction X). In other words, the overall appearance of the light guide portion 21 when viewed along the vertical direction Z is a rectangle having a longitudinal direction (sides extending in the front-to-back direction X) and a short direction (sides extending in the width direction Y).

[0026] This arrangement ensures that the light guide 21 extends along the main optical axis of the LED 41. Furthermore, one LED 41 is positioned approximately in the center of the upper end surface of the light guide 21, allowing more light L to be guided to the illumination unit 22. In other words, a relatively high density of light L can be emitted from the illumination unit 22.

[0027] In this embodiment, the light L can be irradiated over a wider area of ​​the scalp (skin) S while suppressing the irritation to the scalp (skin) S.

[0028] Specifically, the irradiation unit 22 is connected to the lower end of the side surface 211 of the light guide unit 21 and includes an inclined surface 222 that is inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z, and a tip surface 221 that is connected to the lower end of the inclined surface 222 and can be brought into contact with the scalp (skin) S.

[0029] Furthermore, the tip surface 221 is a curved surface that is convex downward (towards the tip). This reduces the irritation to the scalp (skin) S when using the scalp care device (skin care device) 10. Such a configuration can be achieved, for example, by making the tip protrusion of the irradiation unit 22 a slightly raised convex shape, or a smooth convex shape. It is also possible for the tip protrusion of the irradiation unit 22 to have a horizontal (approximately perpendicular to the direction of protrusion) flat surface. In addition, it is possible to form multiple grooves on the tip protrusion of the irradiation unit 22.

[0030] In this embodiment, the irradiation section 22 has a pair of inclined surfaces 222, the upper end (one end) 222a of the pair of inclined surfaces 222 is connected to the lower ends of the side surfaces 211 on both sides in the width direction Y of the light guide section 21. The pair of inclined surfaces 222 are formed to be inclined so as they move downward, they move closer to each other. A tip surface 221, which is curved to be convex downward (towards the tip), is formed to connect the lower ends (other ends) 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222.

[0031] In this configuration, the entire edge of the upper end (one end) 222a of the pair of inclined surfaces 222 is connected to the entire edge of the lower end of the side surfaces 211 on both sides in the width direction Y of the light guide unit 21. That is, the edges of the upper end (one end) 222a of the pair of inclined surfaces 222 are aligned with the edges of the lower end of the side surfaces 211 on both sides in the width direction Y of the light guide unit 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inclined surface 222 is a flat surface with an elongated rectangular shape in the front-to-back direction X.

[0032] Similarly, all sides of both ends of the tip surface 221 are connected to all sides of the lower end (other end) 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222. In other words, the sides of both ends of the tip surface 221 are aligned with the sides of the lower end (other end) 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tip surface 221 is part of the side surface of a cylinder with the front-to-back direction X as its axis.

[0033] Thus, in this embodiment, the irradiation unit 22 has a pair of inclined surfaces 222, one end 222a of which is connected to the side surface 211 of the light guide unit 21, and which are inclined inward in the width direction Y as they approach the other end 222b. The irradiation unit 22 also has a tip surface 221 which is connected to the other end 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222.

[0034] Furthermore, the diffuser 20 (light guide portion 21 and irradiation portion 22) has an elongated shape in one direction (front-to-back direction X) that intersects the direction of protrusion from the base portion 11 (up-down direction Z).

[0035] This configuration ensures that the shape of the irradiation section 22, when viewed along the front-to-back direction X, is a triangular shape with a rounded vertex that protrudes downward in the center of the width direction Y. Furthermore, the irradiation section 22 is designed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the triangular shape (front-to-back direction X). The light L emitted from the LED 41 downwards in the vertical direction Z is refracted as it passes through the inclined surface 222, causing the light L to illuminate the outside of the width direction Y. In this configuration, it is preferable that the angle of the downward-protruding vertex is 90 degrees or less when viewed along the front-to-back direction X. This allows the light L to illuminate the area outside the width direction Y beyond the diffuser 20. Thus, in this embodiment, the shape of the irradiation section 22 is a triangular shape composed of a tip surface 221 that constitutes a protruding tip and planar inclined surfaces extending from both ends of the tip surface 221. Furthermore, the irradiation unit 22 has a tip convex shape that is flat, has a slightly raised convex shape, has a smooth convex shape, or has multiple grooves, and this irradiation unit 22 functions as a light diffusion unit that irradiates the light L from the light source 40 from the tip convex shape.

[0036] In this embodiment, multiple diffusers 20, each having an elongated shape in one direction (front-to-back direction X), are arranged on the base 11 with their longitudinal direction aligned with the short direction of the base 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the short direction of the base 11 is the front-to-back direction X, and the longitudinal direction of the base 11 is the width direction Y.

[0037] Furthermore, a scalp care device (skin care device) 10 with such a configuration can be used, for example, in the same manner as styling hair H using a brush, as shown in Figure 6.

[0038] Specifically, first, by operating a switch (not shown in the diagram) to turn on the power supply unit 30, each LED 41 is driven, and light L is emitted from the tip of each diffuser 20. In this way, the light L emitted from the LED 41 is first introduced into the light guide portion 21 of the diffuser 20. The light L introduced into the light guide portion 21 is then guided along the protruding direction of the light guide portion 21 (downward in the vertical direction Z) and introduced into the irradiation portion 22. Of the light L introduced into the irradiation portion 22, the light L directed toward the tip surface 221 is irradiated outside the diffuser 20 with almost no refraction. That is, light L is irradiated from the tip surface 221 downward in the vertical direction Z. On the other hand, the light L directed toward the inclined surface 222 is refracted in a direction away from the center of the diffuser 20 (center in the width direction Y) according to the inclination angle of the inclined surface 222 and is irradiated outside the diffuser 20. In other words, light L is emitted from the inclined surface 222 downwards in the vertical direction Z and outwards in the width direction Y.

[0039] Next, with the gripping part 12 held in the hand, the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 is placed against the upper end of the user U's head so that the tip of the diffuser 20 (the tip surface 221 of the irradiation part 22) contacts the scalp (skin) S. This allows the diffuser 20 to be introduced to the scalp (skin) S side as if sewing through the hair H, so that the tip of the diffuser 20 (the tip surface 221 of the irradiation part 22) can contact the scalp (skin) S. In this way, as shown in Figure 8, the light L can be irradiated so as to penetrate the area covered by the hair H around the irradiation part 22, and the light L will be irradiated over a wider area of ​​the scalp (skin) S. It is preferable that the protruding length of the diffuser 20 be between 3 mm and 15 mm, taking into consideration the thickness of the hair H and the strength of the diffuser 20.

[0040] Next, with light L irradiated from the tip of each diffuser 20, the base 11 is moved in the front-to-back direction X (the short-side direction of the base 11) while the tip of the diffuser 20 (the tip surface 221 of the irradiating part 22) is in contact with the scalp (skin) S. At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the hair H is introduced into the substantially straight gap 50 extending in the short-side direction as the diffuser moves, so the hair H is styled at the same time. Note that the diffuser 20 moves along the front-to-back direction X (the longitudinal direction of the diffuser 20), and in order to move the diffuser 20 smoothly without getting caught on the hair H, it is preferable that the length in the width direction Y of the diffuser 20 be between 2 mm and 7 mm.

[0041] Then, after moving the base 11 from the top to the bottom of the user U's head, the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 is placed against the top of the user U's head again, and the base 11 is moved in the forward and backward direction X while the tip of the diffuser 20 is in contact with the scalp (skin) S.

[0042] By repeating this process, the entire scalp (skin) S is illuminated with light L. This provides care for the scalp (skin) S. The wavelength of the light L irradiated onto the scalp (skin) S can be set arbitrarily, and by setting the desired wavelength, care for the scalp (skin) S can be performed according to that wavelength.

[0043] Furthermore, the above usage method is merely an example, and the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 can be used in various ways. For example, the operation of the switch, which is not shown in the illustration, does not need to be done at the beginning, but can be done at any desired time. Also, by operating the switch, it is possible to irradiate light L intermittently.

[0044] As described above, using the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 according to this embodiment, it is possible to care for the scalp (skin) S while styling the hair H. Furthermore, since the tip surface 221 that contacts the scalp (skin) S is a curved surface that is convex toward the scalp, even if the base 11 is moved while the tip of the diffuser 20 is in contact with the scalp (skin) S, the irritation to the scalp (skin) S can be minimized.

[0045] Furthermore, the multiple diffusers 20 do not need to be arranged on the base 11 so as to form a substantially linear gap 50 extending in the shorter direction; various arrangements are possible. For example, the multiple diffusers 20 can be arranged as shown in Figure 9.

[0046] Figure 9 illustrates a configuration in which multiple diffusers 20 are arranged in rows at a predetermined pitch along the longitudinal direction of the base 11, and these rows are alternately offset by half a pitch along the longitudinal direction of the base 11. Specifically, in Figure 9, two rows of nine diffusers 20, each arranged at a predetermined pitch along the longitudinal direction of the base 11, are provided on both sides of the short-side of the base 11. Then, in the center of the short-side of the base 11, a row of ten diffusers 20, each arranged at a predetermined pitch along the longitudinal direction of the base 11, is provided, offset by half a pitch from the rows on either side. This configuration creates gaps 50 between adjacent diffusers 20 along the longitudinal direction of the base 11, extending in the short-side direction while being bent in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] Using such a scalp care device (skin care device) 10, as shown in Figure 10, when the base 11 is moved in the front-back direction X (the short side direction of the base 11), the diffuser 20 can cause the hair H to be raised from the root side. By raising the hair H from the root side, the scalp (skin) S around the roots of the hair H can be exposed, so that the light L emitted from the irradiation unit 22 can be more reliably irradiated onto the scalp (skin) S around the roots of the hair H. In addition, compared to when the roots of the hair H are lying flat, the amount of light L absorbed by the hair can be reduced, so that more light L can be irradiated onto the scalp (skin) S.

[0048] Furthermore, the shape of the diffuser 20 can be varied. For example, the diffuser 20 can be as shown in Figure 11.

[0049] The diffuser 20 shown in Figure 11 has a configuration substantially the same as the diffuser 20 shown in the above embodiment, and includes a light guide section 21 that guides the light L emitted from the light source 40 toward the tip, and an irradiation section 22 provided at the tip of the light guide section 21 that irradiates the light L to the outside.

[0050] Furthermore, the irradiation section 22 has a pair of inclined surfaces 222, one end 222a of which is connected to the side surface 211 of the light guide section 21, and which are inclined inward in the width direction Y as they approach the other end 222b. The irradiation section 22 also has a tip surface 221 connected to the other end 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222, which is curved to be flat or convex downward (towards the tip).

[0051] In the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 11, minute irregularities are formed on each of the pair of inclined surfaces 222. That is, the irradiation section 22, which acts as a light diffuser, has a cross-sectional shape with minute irregularities on its surface. Such minute irregularities can be formed, for example, by applying a smoke treatment or a textured finish to the inclined surfaces 222.

[0052] Thus, in the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 11, one inclined surface 222 has multiple recesses 2221. That is, the surface continuing from the tip surface 221 that constitutes the tip protrusion has a shape with minute irregularities or multiple grooves that further diffuse the light L.

[0053] This design ensures that the light L emitted from the LED 41 downwards in the vertical direction Z is diffused in various directions by the multiple recesses 2221 as it passes through the inclined surface 222. By diffusing the light L in various directions as it passes through the inclined surface 222, the light L is irradiated over a wider area of ​​the scalp (skin) S.

[0054] Furthermore, it is also possible to use a diffuser 20 as shown in Figure 12.

[0055] The diffuser 20 shown in Figure 12 has a configuration almost identical to the diffuser 20 shown in the above embodiment, and includes a light guide section 21 that guides the light L emitted from the light source 40 toward the tip, and an irradiation section 22 provided at the tip of the light guide section 21 that irradiates the light L to the outside.

[0056] Furthermore, the irradiation section 22 has a pair of inclined surfaces 222, one end 222a of which is connected to the side surface 211 of the light guide section 21, and which are inclined inward in the width direction Y as they approach the other end 222b. The irradiation section 22 also has a tip surface 221 connected to the other end 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222, which is curved to be flat or convex downward (towards the tip).

[0057] In the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 12, multiple grooves 2222 are formed on each of the pair of inclined surfaces 222, extending in the front-to-back direction X.

[0058] Thus, in the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 12, one inclined surface 222 has multiple recesses 2221. That is, the surface continuing from the tip surface 221 that constitutes the tip protrusion has a shape with minute irregularities or multiple grooves that further diffuse the light L.

[0059] This ensures that the light L emitted from the LED 41 downwards in the vertical direction Z diffuses into multiple lines as it passes through the inclined surface 222. This refracts the light L in various directions while maintaining the light density of the irradiation section 22, allowing the light L to irradiate a wider area of ​​the scalp (skin) S.

[0060] Furthermore, it is also possible to use a diffuser 20 as shown in Figure 13.

[0061] The diffuser 20 shown in Figure 13 has a configuration almost identical to the diffuser 20 shown in the above embodiment, and includes a light guide section 21 that guides the light L emitted from the light source 40 toward the tip, and an irradiation section 22 provided at the tip of the light guide section 21 that irradiates the light L to the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, the irradiation section 22 has a pair of inclined surfaces 222, one end 222a of which is connected to the side surface 211 of the light guide section 21, and which are inclined inward in the width direction Y as they approach the other end 222b. The irradiation section 22 also has a tip surface 221 connected to the other end 222b of the pair of inclined surfaces 222, which is curved to be flat or convex downward (towards the tip).

[0063] In the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 13, each of the pair of inclined surfaces 222 is made into a concave surface that is recessed inward in the width direction Y. In this way, in the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 13, each inclined surface 222 has one recess 2221. That is, the shape of the irradiation section 22 is made into a triangular shape, consisting of a tip surface 221 that constitutes a tip convex part and inclined surfaces that have concave surfaces and extend from both ends of the tip surface 221.

[0064] This allows the light L emitted from the LED 41 downwards in the vertical direction Z to be refracted more widely than when it passes over the inclined surface 222 than when it passes over a flat surface. By refracting the light L more widely when it passes over the inclined surface 222 than when it passes over a flat surface, the light L is irradiated over a wider area of ​​the scalp (skin) S.

[0065] Furthermore, it is also possible to use a diffuser 20 as shown in Figure 14.

[0066] The diffuser 20 shown in Figure 14 also includes a light guide section 21 that guides the light L emitted from the light source 40 toward the tip, and an irradiation section 22 provided at the tip of the light guide section 21 that irradiates the light L to the outside.

[0067] Furthermore, the irradiation section 22 has an inclined surface 222 at one end 222a connected to the side surface 211 of the light guide section 21, which slopes inward in the width direction Y as it approaches the other end 222b. The irradiation section 22 also has a tip surface 221 connected to the other end 222b of the inclined surface 222, which is curved to be convex downward (towards the tip).

[0068] Here, the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 14 is formed in a rod shape. The inclined surface 222 of the diffuser 20 shown in Figure 14 may be a flat surface or may have one or more recesses 2221.

[0069] By doing so, it is possible to achieve almost the same action and effect as the diffuser 20 shown in the above embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates a brush-type scalp care device (skin care device) 10, it is also possible to provide a scalp care device (skin care device) 10 in which a diffuser 20 is provided at the lower part of the base 11 and a handle 13 is provided at the upper part of the base 11, as shown in Figure 15. This type of scalp care device (skin care device) 10 can be used by grasping the handle 13 with the hand and bringing the diffuser 20 into contact with the scalp (skin) S in this state. Alternatively, the base 11 can be grasped by inserting a finger into the space formed between the handle 13 and the base 11, and the diffuser 20 can be brought into contact with the scalp (skin) S in this state.

[0071] Furthermore, a helmet-type scalp care device (skin care device) 10, as shown in Figure 16, is also possible. In this type of scalp care device (skin care device) 10, for example, a diffuser 20 is provided inside a base 11 that conforms to the shape of the head, and the diffuser 20 is brought into contact with the scalp (skin) S by placing the base 11 over the head. It is also possible to form a helmet-type scalp care device (skin care device) 10 by assembling multiple bases 11 together.

[0072] As described above, the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 shown in the embodiment and its modified examples has a base portion 11 that is planar or curved in shape and has one or more irradiation portions 22 protruding from it, which serve as light diffusing portions.

[0073] [Effects / Effects] The following describes the characteristic configuration of the skin care device shown in the above embodiment and its modifications, and the effects obtained thereby.

[0074] The scalp care device (skin care device) 10 shown in the above embodiment and its modified form comprises a light source 40, a diffuser 20 capable of transmitting light L emitted from the light source 40 and irradiating from the tip side, and a base 11 on which the diffuser 20 is provided.

[0075] Furthermore, the diffuser 20 includes a light guide section 21 that guides the light L emitted from the light source 40 toward the tip, and an irradiation section 22 provided at the tip of the light guide section 21 that irradiates the light L to the outside.

[0076] The irradiation section 22 includes an inclined surface 222, one end 222a of which is connected to the side surface 211 of the light guide section 21 and which slopes inward as it approaches the other end 222b, and a tip surface 221 connected to the other end 222b of the inclined surface 222, which is flat or has a shape that is convex toward the tip.

[0077] In this configuration, the light L introduced from the light guide unit 21 to the irradiation unit 22 is irradiated downward in the vertical direction Z from the tip surface 221. On the other hand, the light L irradiated from the inclined surface 222 is refracted outward in the width direction Y as it passes through the inclined surface 222 and is irradiated diagonally downward. As a result, the irradiation range of the light L irradiated from the irradiation unit 22 is widened, allowing the light L from the diffuser 20 to irradiate a wider area of ​​the scalp (skin) S.

[0078] Furthermore, because the shape of the tip surface 221 is convex towards the tip, it is possible to minimize the irritation that the diffuser 20 inflicts on the scalp (skin) S when using the scalp care device (skin care device) 10.

[0079] Thus, with the scalp care device (skin care device) 10 shown in the above embodiment and its modified form, it becomes possible to irradiate a wider area with light L while suppressing irritation to the scalp (skin) S.

[0080] Therefore, by using such a scalp care device (skin care device) 10, it becomes possible to irradiate the scalp (skin) S with light L more efficiently while suppressing the irritation to the scalp (skin) S.

[0081] Furthermore, the inclined surface 222 may have a recess 2221.

[0082] This allows the light L emitted from the inclined surface 222 to be diffused more effectively, making it possible to illuminate a wider area with light L.

[0083] Furthermore, the inclined surface 222 may have multiple recesses 2221.

[0084] This allows the light L emitted from the inclined surface 222 to be diffused even further, making it possible to illuminate a wider area with light L.

[0085] Furthermore, the diffuser 20 may have an elongated shape in one direction (front-to-back direction X) that intersects the direction of protrusion from the base 11 (up-down direction Z).

[0086] This allows light L to be irradiated over a wider area than when a rod-shaped diffuser is used.

[0087] [others] The contents of the skin care device described herein have been explained above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the device is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0088] For example, this disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the configurations shown in the above embodiments and their variations are modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments and their variations to create new embodiments.

[0089] Furthermore, the above embodiments and their modifications illustrate a scalp care device that treats the scalp by irradiating it with light. However, the skin care device is not limited to devices that treat the scalp, and can be various devices that treat the skin in areas where beards, armpit hair, etc., grow.

[0090] Furthermore, while the above embodiment and its modifications illustrate the use of an LED 41 as the light source 40, it is also possible to use an LD (Laser Diode), an organic EL, etc., as the light source 40. In this way, the wavelength can be selected according to the desired skin care effect to be provided.

[0091] Furthermore, the specifications of the base, diffuser, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as needed. [Industrial applicability]

[0092] As described above, the skin care device described herein can irradiate a wider area with light while suppressing irritation to the skin, and can therefore be applied not only to hair but also to the care of any part of the body where hair grows, such as beards and underarm hair. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10. Scalp care device (skin care device) 11 Base 20 Diffuser 21 Light guide section 211 Side view 22 Irradiation section 221 Tip surface 222 Slope 222a Upper end (one end) 222b Lower end (other end) 2221 recess 40 light source S scalp (skin) L light

Claims

1. Light source and A diffuser capable of transmitting light emitted from the aforementioned light source and irradiating it from the tip side, The base on which the diffuser is provided, Equipped with, The diffuser is A light guide unit that guides the light emitted from the light source toward the tip, An illumination unit is provided at the tip of the light guide unit to irradiate light to the outside, Equipped with, The irradiation unit is One end is connected to the side surface of the light guide and the inclined surface slopes inward toward the diffuser as it approaches the other end, A tip surface is provided in connection with the other end of the aforementioned inclined surface and has a shape that is flat or convex toward the tip side, It is equipped with, The diffuser has an elongated shape in one direction intersecting the direction of protrusion from the base, and is connected to the base only at its root portion. Skin care device.

2. The inclined surface has a recess, The skin care device according to claim 1.

3. The inclined surface has a plurality of recesses. The skin care device according to claim 2.

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