Light-emitting member, optical beauty module, and beauty device

Abstract

A light-emitting member (5) is used in a beauty device (1) capable of irradiating the skin (S) with light (L1). The light-emitting member (5) is provided with: light sources (52); and a light guide (51) into which light (L1) emitted from the light sources (52) is guided and which enables the irradiation of the skin (S) with the light (L1) guided thereinto. The light guide (51) is provided with: a first surface (51a) that guides the light (L1) emitted from the light sources (52) into the light guide; and a second surface (51b) that extends from the first surface (51a) along the light guiding direction of the guided light (L1). The second surface (51b) is provided with an optical treatment unit (51ba) capable of irradiating the skin (S) with the light (L1) guided from the first surface (51a) while in contact with the skin (S).

Description

Light-emitting member, optical cosmetic module, and cosmetic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light-emitting member, a photocosmetic module, and a cosmetic device.

[0002] A laser treatment device has been proposed in the past, as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. This laser treatment device includes a light-emitting element that emits laser light, a transparent body that guides the laser light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a light-emitting section that is provided in the transparent body and is pressed against the skin to emit the laser light guided from the light-emitting element side and cause it to act on the skin. In Patent Document 1, laser light is supplied to the skin from the light-emitting section at the tip of a light-guiding lens that is in contact with the skin, so that the tactile sensation of the light-emitting section in contact with the skin can be used to alleviate sensations such as heat and pain on the skin caused by laser light irradiation.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-315840

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, treatment (spot treatment) is performed on the skin by supplying laser light to the skin from a light-emitting section provided at the tip of the light-guiding lens, which lengthens the treatment time and makes it difficult to improve treatment efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a light-emitting member, a photocosmetic module, and a cosmetic device that can further improve treatment efficiency.

[0006] A light-emitting member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a cosmetic device capable of irradiating light onto skin. The light-emitting member includes a light source and a light guide capable of guiding light emitted from the light source into the interior and irradiating the light guided into the interior onto skin. The light guide includes a first surface that guides the light emitted from the light source into the interior and a second surface that extends from the first surface along the light guide direction of the guided light. The second surface includes a light treatment unit that, when in contact with the skin, is capable of irradiating the skin with the light guided from the first surface.

[0007] A photocosmetic module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described light-emitting member.

[0008] A cosmetic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the light-emitting member or the optical cosmetic module.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a light-emitting member, a photocosmetic module, and a cosmetic device that can further improve treatment efficiency.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment, illustrating a flow of light in a state where the light is not in contact with skin; FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment, illustrating a flow of light in a state where the light is in contact with skin; FIG. 4 is a view showing a first modified example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment, illustrating a flow of light in a state where the light is in contact with skin; FIG. 5 is a view showing a second modified example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment, illustrating a flow of light in a state where the light is in contact with skin; FIG. 6 is a view showing a third modified example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment, illustrating a flow of light in a state where the light is in contact with skin; FIG. 7 is a view showing a fourth modified example of a light emitting member according to an embodiment, illustrating a flow of light in a state where the light is in contact with skin; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a sixth modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a seventh modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an eighth modified example of the planar shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment.1 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a third modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a fifth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sixth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a seventh modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an eighth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a ninth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a tenth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an eleventh modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a twelfth modified example of a cross-sectional shape of a light guide included in a light emitting member according to an embodiment; 1 is a diagram showing a third modified example of a method for arranging light sources included in a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 2 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of a method for arranging light sources included in a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 3 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of a method for arranging light sources included in a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 4 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of a method for arranging light sources included in a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 5 is a perspective view showing an example of an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 6 is a plan view showing an example of an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing, in enlarged form, a part of an example of an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for holding a light-emitting member in an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 10 is a diagram showing another example of a method for holding a light-emitting member in an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 11 is a plan view showing a first modified example of an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment; 12 is a plan view showing a second modified example of an optical cosmetic module including a light-emitting member according to an embodiment.10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the optical cosmetic module including the light-emitting member according to the embodiment;FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a cosmetic device including the optical cosmetic module according to the embodiment;FIG.

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable 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 description, electromagnetic waves (light in a broad sense) including not only visible light but also ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths will be described as light emitted from a light source.

[0014] Furthermore, when describing the configuration of the cosmetic device, the directions of the cosmetic device are defined as follows: the up-down direction of the cosmetic device is defined when the exposed portion of the light guide faces upward. The longitudinal direction of the cosmetic device in the horizontal direction is defined as the width direction. The lateral direction of the cosmetic device in the horizontal direction (the direction perpendicular to the up-down and width directions) is defined as the front-rear direction.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the side of the main body of the cosmetic device on which the switch unit is provided is defined as the front in the front-rear direction.

[0016] Furthermore, in this embodiment, expressions using the word "approximately" are used in relation to shapes, such as approximately cylindrical, approximately V-shaped, and approximately elliptical, which means that although the shape is intended to be that shape, it also includes shapes that deviate slightly from that shape due to errors, etc.

[0017] Furthermore, the following embodiment and multiple modifications include similar components, and therefore, in the following, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0018] (Embodiment) [Example of the configuration of the light emitting member] First, an example of the configuration of the light emitting member 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are views showing an example of the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment, in which Fig. 2 is a view explaining the flow of light when the light emitting member 5 is not in contact with the skin S, and Fig. 3 is a view explaining the flow of light when the light emitting member 5 is in contact with the skin S.

[0019] The light-emitting member 5 in this embodiment includes a light source 52 and a light guide 51 that can guide light L1 emitted from the light source 52 inside and irradiate the light L1 guided inside onto the skin S.

[0020] In this embodiment, the light guide 51 has a rod-like shape (approximately cylindrical) that is elongated in one direction and includes a pair of end faces 51a that face each other in one direction and a circumferential surface 51b that connects the peripheries of the pair of end faces 51a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the central axis of the approximately cylindrical light guide 51 is oriented in one direction. The light guide 51 is formed such that the length Lx of the circumferential surface 51b in the central axis direction (the horizontal length in side view) is longer than the diameter D1 of the end face 51a (the vertical length in side view).

[0021] A light source 52 is attached to each of the pair of end faces 51 a, and light L1 emitted from each light source 52 passes through the corresponding end face 51 a and is guided into the light guide 51. At this time, the light L1 guided into the light guide 51 is guided within the light guide 51 along the central axis direction of the light guide 51.

[0022] Therefore, in this embodiment, the pair of end faces 51a serve as first surfaces that guide the light L1 irradiated from the light source 52 into the interior of the light guide 51, and the peripheral surface 51b serves as a second surface that extends along the light guide direction of the light L1 guided from the first surface (end face 51a).

[0023] The light guide 51 can be formed using a material capable of guiding the light L1, such as glass used as an optical member, transparent acrylic, polycarbonate, silicone, resins such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and transparent ceramics.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the peripheral surface 51b, which is the second surface, is provided with a light treatment portion 51ba. With the light treatment portion 51ba in contact with the skin S, the light L1 guided from the first surface (end surface 51a) passes through the light treatment portion 51ba and is radiated toward the skin S. In this manner, in this embodiment, the light L1 guided within the light guide 51 is radiated in a direction intersecting the light guiding direction, thereby treating the skin S. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light treatment portion 51ba formed on the peripheral surface 51b serves as a light irradiation portion (skin contact surface) through which the light L1 leaks from the light guide 51 to the skin S when the skin S comes into contact with the surface (side surface: peripheral surface 51b) extending in the longitudinal direction, which is the direction in which the light L1 is guided within the light guide 51.

[0025] In this embodiment, any location on the circumferential surface 51b of the light guide 51 functions as the light treatment portion 51ba. Therefore, when the circumferential surface 51b of the light guide 51 is placed against the skin S, the region that comes into contact with the skin S functions as the light treatment portion 51ba. In this case, if the light guide 51 is substantially cylindrical as in this embodiment, when the circumferential surface 51b of the light guide 51 is placed against the skin S, a thin linear region on the circumferential surface 51b that is elongated in the central axis direction comes into contact with the skin S. Therefore, the thin linear region on the circumferential surface 51b that is elongated in the central axis direction (the contact width is up to D1 at most) functions as the light treatment portion 51ba.

[0026] By using the light-emitting member 5 having such a configuration, light L1 can be emitted to the skin S from an elongated region in the central axis direction on the peripheral surface 51b to treat the skin S, thereby enabling the light L1 to be irradiated over a wider area of ​​the skin S. As a result, the treatment time for the skin S is prevented from becoming too long, and the treatment efficiency for the skin S can be further improved. Furthermore, if the light guide 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, light L1 can be emitted to the skin S from an elongated linear region in the central axis direction on the peripheral surface 51b, allowing light L1 with a relatively high density (light with a large amount of radiation per unit area) to be emitted to the skin S. As a result, even if the treatment time is shortened, sufficient treatment effect can be achieved on the skin S, and the skin S can be treated more efficiently. Furthermore, by sliding the elongated linear region in the central axis direction (light treatment portion 51ba) in a direction intersecting the central axis while in contact with the skin S, the skin S can be treated more evenly.

[0027] In this case, the light guide 51 is preferably configured so that radiation of the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from the peripheral surface 51b is suppressed when the light guide 51 is not in contact with the skin S. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from the peripheral surface 51b when the skin S is not in contact with the peripheral surface 51b. Therefore, for example, when visible light such as red light is guided inside the light guide 51 and radiated toward the skin S, it is possible to reduce the glare felt when the light guide 51 through which the light (visible light) L1 is guided is viewed directly when the light guide 51 is not in contact with the skin S.

[0028] Such a configuration can be obtained, for example, by making the refractive index of the light guide 51 equal to or greater than the refractive index of air.

[0029] In this way, if the refractive index of the light guide 51 is set to be equal to or greater than the refractive index of air, the light L1 inside the light guide 51 can be totally reflected at the boundary between the peripheral surface 51b (including the portion that becomes the light treatment area 51ba) and the air layer. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of leakage of the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from the peripheral surface 51b, and it is possible to suppress radiation of the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from the peripheral surface 51b when it is not in contact with the skin S.

[0030] Furthermore, the light guide 51 is preferably configured so that, when the skin S is in contact with the light guide 51, the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 is radiated to the skin S at the portion of the peripheral surface 51b that is in contact with the skin S (the light treatment portion 51ba). This makes it possible to suppress leakage of the light L1 when the skin S is not in contact with the peripheral surface 51b, while making it possible to radiate the light L1 to the skin S from the portion of the peripheral surface 51b that is in contact with the skin S (the light treatment portion 51ba) when the skin S is in contact with the peripheral surface 51b. In other words, sufficient light (high-energy light) L1 can be radiated to the skin S only when the skin S is in contact with the peripheral surface 51b.

[0031] Such a configuration can be obtained by, for example, making the refractive index of the light guide 51 equal to or lower than the refractive index of the skin S.

[0032] In this way, if the refractive index of the light guide 51 is set to be equal to or lower than the refractive index of the skin S, there is no air layer in the region of the peripheral surface 51b that contacts the skin S (the light treatment unit 51ba), and this region forms a boundary with the skin S, which has a refractive index equal to or higher than that of the light guide 51. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the light L1 guided into the light guide 51 passes through to the skin S without being totally reflected. Note that although Fig. 3 shows the light L1 passing through the light treatment unit 51ba as a straight line, in reality, the light L1 is radiated to the skin S in a refracted state. This is also true for figures other than Fig. 3 that show the light L1 passing through the light treatment unit 51ba.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the refractive index of the light guide 51 is set to be equal to or greater than 1.0003, which is the refractive index of air, and equal to or less than 1.54, which is the refractive index of the skin S. Specifically, the refractive index of the light guide 51 is set to be 1.4 to 1.5. However, since the refractive index of glass, resin, ceramics, etc. depends on the wavelength emitted from the light source, it is necessary to select an optimum material for the light guide 51 depending on the wavelength.

[0034] In this way, by utilizing the difference in refractive index between the light guide 51 (light treatment portion 51ba) and air, it is possible to prevent the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from being emitted from the peripheral surface 51b (including the portion that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba) when the skin S is not in contact with the light guide 51. Furthermore, by utilizing the difference in refractive index between the light guide 51 (light treatment portion 51ba) and the skin S, it is possible to cause the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 to be radiated to the skin S at the portion (light treatment portion 51ba) with which the skin S is in contact when the skin S comes into contact with the light guide 51. In other words, the refractive index of the light guide 51 (light treatment portion 51ba) is set to be within a predetermined range (a range equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S). By doing so, it becomes possible to prevent the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from leaking from the peripheral surface 51b (including the portion that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba) when the light guide 51 is not in contact with the skin S, and to radiate the light L1 from the region that is in contact with the skin S (the light treatment portion 51ba) to the skin S. This makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the light-emitting member 5.

[0035] In this embodiment, the light guide 51 has an overall refractive index that is equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S. However, the light guide 51 may have a refractive index that is equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S at least in the portion that will become the light treatment area 51ba.

[0036] The light source 52 may also include a one-side light source 52A capable of guiding light L1 into the interior of the light guide 51 from a first surface (one-side end surface 51a) connected to one side of the second surface (circumferential surface 51b), and a other-side light source 52B capable of guiding light L1 into the interior of the light guide 51 from a first surface (the other-side end surface 51a) connected to the other side of the second surface (circumferential surface 51b).

[0037] In this embodiment, as described above, a light source 52 is attached to each of the pair of end faces 51 a, so that the light source 52 attached to the first surface (one-side end face 51 a) connected to one side of the second surface (circumferential surface 51 b) is the one-side light source 52 A. And the light source 52 attached to the first surface (the other-side end face 51 a) connected to the other side of the second surface (circumferential surface 51 b) is the other-side light source 52 B.

[0038] In this embodiment, for convenience, the left side in Figures 2 and 3 is one side of the second surface (peripheral surface 51b), and the right side in Figures 2 and 3 is the other side of the second surface (peripheral surface 51b). However, it is also possible to designate the right side in Figures 2 and 3 as one side of the second surface (peripheral surface 51b) and the left side in Figures 2 and 3 as the other side of the second surface (peripheral surface 51b).

[0039] The light L1 guided from one side light source 52A into the interior of the light guide 51 is guided along the central axis direction toward the other side light source 52B, and the light L1 guided from the other side light source 52B into the interior of the light guide 51 is guided along the central axis direction toward the one side light source 52A.

[0040] 3 shows a graph representing the intensity of irradiated light. Here, the position of the end surface 51a where the one-side light source 52A is attached is defined as the origin L0, and the position of the end surface 51a where the other-side light source 52B is attached is defined as the position Lx. As shown in this graph, if only the one-side light source 52A were attached to the light guide 51, the intensity of the light emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba (light irradiation intensity) would gradually weaken from the origin L0 toward the position Lx.

[0041] Similarly, if only the other-side light source 52B were attached to the light guide 51, the intensity of the light emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba (light irradiation intensity) would gradually weaken as it moved from the position Lx toward the origin L0.

[0042] In this way, when the light source 52 is attached to only one side of the light guide 51, the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba varies depending on the position of the light treatment unit 51ba.

[0043] However, by attaching the one-side light source 52A and the other-side light source 52B to the light guide 51 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to make the intensity of light (light irradiation intensity) emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba more uniform between the origin L0 and the position Lx. That is, it is possible to reduce the difference between the irradiation intensity of light L1 at a position far from the light source 52 and the irradiation intensity of light L1 at a position close to the light source 52. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the irradiation intensity of light L1 depending on the position of the light treatment unit 51ba, and it is possible to radiate more uniform light L1 to the skin S in contact with the light treatment unit 51ba. This allows for more uniform treatment of the skin S, thereby further improving the treatment efficiency of the skin S.

[0044] Furthermore, when the light guide 51 has two or more end faces 51 a and light sources 52 are disposed on at least two of the end faces 51 a, it is preferable that the light density (amount of light at the entrance) of the light L1 incident from the end face 51 a where the light source 52 is disposed be substantially the same at all of the end faces 51 a. For example, when one-side light source 52A and the other-side light source 52B are attached to the light guide 51, it is preferable that the intensity of the light L1 guided from the one-side light source 52A into the light guide 51 and the intensity of the light L1 guided from the other-side light source 52B into the light guide 51 be substantially the same. Here, "substantially the same" is intended to be the same, but also includes a case where the intensity of the light L1 guided from the one-side light source 52A into the light guide 51 and the intensity of the light L1 guided from the other-side light source 52B into the light guide 51 are slightly different from being the same due to an error or the like. Here, "substantially the same" specifically means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0045] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the irradiation intensity of the light L1 from varying depending on the position of the light treatment unit 51ba, and enables the light L1 to be more uniformly radiated onto the skin S in contact with the light treatment unit 51ba. As a result, treatment of the skin S can be performed more uniformly, and the treatment efficiency of the skin S can be further improved.

[0046] Furthermore, the light source 52 may include an LED element (light-emitting element) 5211. In this case, the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is preferably disposed on the first surface (end surface 51 a) with its main optical axis direction substantially aligned with the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51 a). That is, the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is preferably disposed with its emission surface facing the end surface 51 a of the light guide 51. Here, "substantially aligned" means that although the direction of the main optical axis of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is intended to be aligned, it also includes a case where the direction of the main optical axis of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is slightly deviated from the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51 a) due to an error or the like. Specifically, "substantially aligned" here means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0047] This makes it possible to minimize the loss of the amount of light L1 irradiated from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 introduced into the light guide 51. As a result, it becomes possible to maximize the optical output of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 as the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the light treatment portion 51ba that is in contact with the skin S, thereby shortening the treatment time. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the treatment efficiency for the skin S.

[0048] Furthermore, by using a substantially cylindrical light guide 51, the main optical axis direction of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is made to substantially coincide with the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51a). In this way, the radiation direction of the peak intensity of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is inclined (perpendicular) to the radial direction of the light guide 51 (extension direction of the end surface 51a). That is, the radiation direction of the peak intensity in the radiation intensity distribution of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 intersects (perpendicular) with the normal direction (axis perpendicular to the skin contact surface that contacts the skin S) of the light treatment area 51ba, which is the surface from which the light L1 leaks. In this way, more light L1 is guided inside the light guide 51 along the central axis direction, thereby further reducing glare when the light guide 51 is illuminated.

[0049] Furthermore, when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51a) (the direction of the central axis of the light guide 51), it is preferable that the entire LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 overlaps the first surface (end surface 51a).

[0050] In this embodiment, the size of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is set to be smaller than the width (length in the short direction) of the light guide 51. That is, the width W1 of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is set to be shorter than the diameter D1 of the first surface (end surface 51 a). The LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is arranged in the center of the end surface 51 a. This allows the entire LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 to overlap the first surface (end surface 51 a) when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51 a) (the direction of the central axis of the light guide 51).

[0051] This makes it possible to increase the amount of light L1 emitted from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 introduced into the light guide 51. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba that comes into contact with the skin S, thereby shortening the treatment time. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the treatment efficiency for the skin S.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main optical axis of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is made to approximately coincide with the central axis of the light guide 51. Here, "approximately coincident" means that although it is intended that the main optical axis of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is to coincide, it also includes a case where the main optical axis of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is slightly misaligned from the central axis of the light guide 51 due to an error or the like. Specifically, "approximately coincident" here means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0053] This improves the efficiency of introducing light L1 emitted from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 into the light guide 51, while further reducing the glare caused when the light guide 51 is illuminated.

[0054] The light source 52 may also include an LED package (packaged light source) 521 in which an LED element (light emitting element) 5211 is packaged.

[0055] In this case, when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51a) (the direction of the central axis of the light guide 51), it is preferable that the entire LED package (package light source) 521 overlaps with the first surface (end surface 51a).

[0056] In this embodiment, LED package (packaged light source) 521 includes housing 5212 having a substantially disk-shaped back wall 52121 and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 52122 connected to the peripheral edge of back wall 52121. LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is mounted in the center of the inner surface of back wall 52121, thereby packaging LED element (light-emitting element) 5211.

[0057] In this embodiment, the width (diameter) W2 of the LED package (packaged light source) 521 is set to be approximately the same as the diameter D1 of the first surface (end surface 51 a). The LED package (packaged light source) 521 is attached to the first surface (end surface 51 a) with the center of the rear wall 52121 approximately aligned with the center of the end surface 51 a and with the end surface of the peripheral wall 52122 abutting the outer periphery of the first surface (end surface 51 a). Although "approximately the same" is intended to be the same, it also includes cases where the width (diameter) W2 of the LED package (packaged light source) 521 is slightly deviated from the diameter D1 of the first surface (end surface 51 a) due to error or the like. Specifically, "approximately the same" means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0058] Furthermore, "approximately coincident" here means that although it is intended that the center of the rear wall 52121 and the center of the end face 51 a are slightly misaligned due to errors, etc. Specifically, "approximately coincident" here means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0059] This ensures that when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface (end surface 51a) (the direction of the central axis of the light guide 51), the entire LED package (package light source) 521 overlaps with the first surface (end surface 51a).

[0060] This also makes it possible to increase the amount of light L1 emitted from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 introduced into the light guide 51. As a result, it is possible to further improve the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba that comes into contact with the skin S, thereby shortening the treatment time. As a result, it is possible to further improve the treatment efficiency for the skin S.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the LED package (package light source) 521 is attached to the first surface (end surface 51a) with the end surface of the peripheral wall 52122 abutting against the outer periphery of the first surface (end surface 51a).

[0062] In this way, the light L1 that is irradiated laterally from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 and leaks out without being irradiated onto the first surface (end surface 51 a) in the absence of the peripheral wall 52122 can be kept within the housing 5212. As a result, it is possible to further improve the efficiency with which the light L1 irradiated from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is introduced into the light guide 51, and to further reduce the glare that occurs when the light guide 51 is made to emit light.

[0063] Although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which one LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is attached to each of the pair of end faces 51 a, it is also possible to attach multiple LED elements (light-emitting elements) 5211 to at least one of the end faces 51 a. In this case, it is preferable to set the light emission intensity of each LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 so that the intensity of light L1 guided from each end face 51 a into the light guide body 51 is approximately the same. For example, one LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is attached to one end face 51 a of the approximately cylindrical light guide body 51, and two LED elements (light-emitting elements) 5211 are attached to the other end face 51 a. In such a case, it is preferable to set the light emission intensity of each LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 on the other end face 51 a to be half the light emission intensity of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 on one end face 51 a. Note that "substantially the same" here means that although it is intended that the intensities are the same, it also includes cases where, due to errors or the like, there is a slight deviation in the intensity of the light L1 guided from each end face 51 a into the light guide body 51. Specifically, "substantially the same" here means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0064] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the irradiation intensity of the light L1 from varying depending on the position of the light treatment unit 51ba, and enables the light L1 to be radiated more uniformly onto the skin S that is in contact with the light treatment unit 51ba.

[0065] Furthermore, the configuration of the light emitting member 5 is not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment, but various configurations are possible.

[0066] [Modifications of the configuration of the light emitting member] Next, modifications of the configuration of the light emitting member 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 7. Fig. 4 to Fig. 7 are diagrams showing first to fourth modifications of the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment, and are diagrams illustrating the flow of light when the light emitting member 5 is in contact with the skin S. First, the light emitting member 5 can have the configuration shown in Fig. 4.

[0067] The light-emitting member 5 shown in Figure 4 also includes a light source 52 and a light guide 51 that can guide light L1 emitted from the light source 52 inside and irradiate the light L1 guided inside onto the skin S.

[0068] Also, in the light-emitting member 5 shown in Figure 4, the light guide 51 has a rod shape (approximately cylindrical) that is elongated in one direction, and has a pair of end faces 51a that face each other in one direction, and a peripheral surface 51b that connects the peripheral edges of the pair of end faces 51a.

[0069] An LED package (package light source) 521 is attached to each of the pair of end faces 51a, and light L1 emitted from each LED package (package light source) 521 passes through the corresponding end face 51a and is guided into the light guide 51. At this time, the light L1 guided into the light guide 51 is guided within the light guide 51 along the central axis direction of the light guide 51. Furthermore, the light emission intensity of each LED element (light emitting element) 5211 is set to prevent variation in the irradiation intensity of light L1 depending on the position of the light treatment area 51ba.

[0070] 4, the refractive index of the light guide 51 (light treatment portion 51ba) is set to be within a predetermined range (a range equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S). This prevents the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from leaking out of the peripheral surface 51b (including the portion that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba) when the skin S is not in contact with the light guide 51, and allows the light L1 to be radiated to the skin S from the area in contact with the skin S (light treatment portion 51ba).

[0071] Here, in Figure 4, the light-emitting member 5 is provided with a light-shielding portion 53 that prevents light L1 guided from the first surface (end surface 51a) from passing through the second surface (circumferential surface 51b) when the light-emitting member 5 is not in contact with the skin S.

[0072] The light-shielding portion 53 is preferably disposed so as to cover at least the end of the peripheral surface 51b on the side that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba. In this case, it is preferable that the light-shielding portion 53 covers the entire region of the peripheral surface 51b on the side that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba, where the angle of incidence of the light L1 is greater than the critical angle of total reflection. The longitudinal length of the light-shielding portion 53 that covers the light guide 51 can be determined based on the material that constitutes the light guide 51 and the angle of incidence of the light L1 from the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 onto the light guide 51. In this case, the transverse length of the light-shielding portion 53 that covers the light guide 51 is preferably at least equal to or greater than the width of the light guide 51 (the diameter D1 of the end face 51a of the light guide 51).

[0073] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent light L1 guided inside light guide 51 from leaking out from the second surface (peripheral surface 51b) when the light guide is not in contact with skin S. Therefore, when visible light is guided inside light guide 51 and radiated to skin S, it is possible to further reduce the glare felt when the light guide 51 through which light (visible light) L1 is guided is viewed directly when the light guide is not in contact with skin S.

[0074] In addition, in FIG. 4, the light-shielding portion 53 is formed by disposing a light-shielding plate so as to cover the end portion of the peripheral surface 51b on the side that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba.

[0075] In this case, the lower surface 531 of the light blocking portion 53 may be a mirror surface that reflects the light L1.

[0076] Furthermore, a scattering portion may be provided on the lower surface 531 of the light-shielding portion 53 so as to scatter the light L1. By scattering the light L1 in this manner, the reflection angle of the light L1 incident on the lower surface 531 of the light-shielding portion 53 can be changed, and the light L1 incident on the lower surface 531 of the light-shielding portion 53 can be totally reflected within the light guide 51. As a result, the amount of light L1 that is totally reflected within the light guide 51 increases, and the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the light treatment portion 51ba that is in contact with the skin S can be further improved.

[0077] 4 has the following advantages over the light emitting member 5 according to the above embodiment (wherein the light treatment portion 51ba is formed from one end to the other end in the central axis direction of the light guide 51): That is, the light emitting member 5 shown in FIG. 4 can prevent light L1, whose angle of incidence on the side of the peripheral surface 51b closer to the light source 52 is greater than the critical angle of total reflection, from passing through the peripheral surface 51b and being radiated into the external air layer.

[0078] 4, a reflector is exemplified as the light-shielding portion 53, but the light-shielding portion 53 can also be formed by attaching a reflective film to the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51. In this case, the reflective film may be attached to the entire periphery of the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51, or the reflective film may be attached to the end of the peripheral surface 51b on the side that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba.

[0079] The light emitting member 5 may also have a configuration as shown in FIG.

[0080] The light-emitting member 5 shown in Figure 5 also includes a light source 52 and a light guide 51 that can guide light L1 emitted from the light source 52 inside and irradiate the light L1 guided inside onto the skin S.

[0081] Here, in the light emitting member 5 shown in Fig. 5, the light guide 51 has a shape in which both ends of a thin, cylindrical rod are bent in the same direction (the lower side of Fig. 5). Specifically, in the light emitting member 5 shown in Fig. 5, the light guide 51 has a pair of end faces 51a whose normal direction faces the light treatment unit 51ba (the upper side of Fig. 5), and a peripheral surface 51b connecting the peripheral edges of the pair of end faces 51a. Therefore, in the light emitting member 5 shown in Fig. 5, the light guiding direction of the light guide 51 is along the central axis whose both ends are bent in the same direction (the lower side of Fig. 5).

[0082] The both end portions of the peripheral surface 51b are bent to form a portion that serves as the light treatment portion 51ba on the opposite side (upper side in FIG. 5).

[0083] An LED package (package light source) 521 is attached to each of the pair of end faces 51a, and light L1 emitted from each LED package (package light source) 521 passes through the corresponding end face 51a and is guided into the light guide 51. At this time, the light L1 guided into the light guide 51 is guided within the light guide 51 along the central axis direction of the light guide 51. Furthermore, the light emission intensity of each LED element (light emitting element) 5211 is set to prevent variation in the irradiation intensity of light L1 depending on the position of the light treatment area 51ba.

[0084] 5, the refractive index of the light guide 51 (light treatment portion 51ba) is set to be within a predetermined range (a range equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S). This prevents the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from leaking out of the peripheral surface 51b (including the portion that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba) when the skin S is not in contact with the light guide 51, and allows the light L1 to be radiated to the skin S from the area in contact with the skin S (light treatment portion 51ba).

[0085] 5, the light L1 emitted from each LED package (package light source) 521 is directed toward the skin S. That is, since the light L1 with high emission intensity is directed toward the skin S, much of the light L1 passes through the second surface (peripheral surface 51b) even when the skin S is not in contact with the light L1.

[0086] Therefore, the light-emitting member 5 shown in Figure 5 also has a light-shielding portion 53 that prevents light L1 guided from the first surface (end surface 51a) from passing through the second surface (circumferential surface 51b) when the light-emitting member 5 is not in contact with the skin S.

[0087] In FIG. 5 , a light-shielding plate is used as the light-shielding portion 53, and this light-shielding plate is arranged to face at least the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211. When the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is arranged perpendicular to the skin-contact surface (light treatment portion 51ba) as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the light-shielding plate in an area where the radiation intensity of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is high. Similarly, when the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is arranged so that high radiation intensity is emitted toward the skin-contact surface (light treatment portion 51ba), it is preferable to arrange the light-shielding plate in an area where the radiation intensity of the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is high. This arrangement more efficiently reduces the amount of light L1 guided from the first surface (end surface 51a) leaking from the second surface (circumferential surface 51b) when the skin S is not in contact.

[0088] In addition, in Figure 5, the lower surface 531 of the light-shielding portion 53 may be a mirror surface that reflects the light L1, or a scattering portion may be provided on the lower surface 531 of the light-shielding portion 53 that scatters the light L1.

[0089] It is also possible to form the light-shielding portion 53 by attaching a reflective film to the peripheral surface 51 b of the light guide 51 .

[0090] In addition, in Figure 5, a light-shielding plate serving as a light-shielding portion 53 is placed at the curved portion of the light guide 51, so that a space (air layer) is formed between this light-shielding portion 53 and the light guide 51.

[0091] 6, a light-transmitting fixture 54 can be interposed in this space. In this case, by appropriately setting the refractive index of the fixture 54 so that the refraction angle of the light L1 incident on the fixture 54 is a predetermined angle, it is possible to change the angle of incidence on the lower surface 531 of the light-shielding portion 53 and cause total reflection inside the light guide 51.

[0092] It is also possible to make the surface of the fixture 54 that comes into contact with the light guide 51 a reflective surface or a scattering surface, so that the fixture 54 reflects or scatters light.

[0093] The light emitting member 5 may also have a configuration shown in FIG.

[0094] The light-emitting member 5 shown in Figure 7 also includes a light source 52 and a light guide 51 that can guide light L1 emitted from the light source 52 inside and irradiate the light L1 guided inside onto the skin S.

[0095] 7, the light guide 51 has a generally truncated cone shape that is elongated in one direction and includes a pair of end faces 51a that face each other in one direction and a peripheral surface 51b that connects the peripheral edges of the pair of end faces 51a. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the light guide 51 has a tapered portion 514 whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases from one end to the other end in the central axis direction.

[0096] An LED package (package light source) 521 is attached to one end face 51a having a larger area, and light L1 emitted from the LED package (package light source) 521 passes through one end face 51a and is guided into the light guide 51. At this time, the light L1 guided into the light guide 51 is guided within the light guide 51 along the central axis direction of the light guide 51.

[0097] 7, the refractive index of the light guide 51 (light treatment portion 51ba) is set to be within a predetermined range (a range equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S). This prevents the light L1 guided inside the light guide 51 from leaking out of the peripheral surface 51b (including the portion that becomes the light treatment portion 51ba) when the skin S is not in contact with the light guide 51, and allows the light L1 to be radiated to the skin S from the area in contact with the skin S (light treatment portion 51ba).

[0098] In this way, by providing the tapered portion 514 in the light guide 51 and guiding the light L1 from the larger-area end face 51a toward the smaller-area end face 51a, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the irradiation intensity of the light L1 from the light treatment unit 51ba located on the smaller-area end face 51a side. Therefore, even if the LED package (package light source) 521 is attached to only one of the pair of end faces 51a, it is possible to suppress variations in the irradiation intensity of the light L1 depending on the position of the light treatment unit 51ba.

[0099] It is also possible to provide the tapered portion 514 in the light guide 51 and attach an LED package (package light source) 521 to each of the pair of end faces 51a. In this case, it is preferable to set the light emission intensity of each LED element (light emitting element) 5211 so as to prevent the irradiation intensity of the light L1 from varying depending on the position of the light treatment area 51ba.

[0100] Furthermore, the light guide 51 of the light emitting member 5 can have various shapes.

[0101] [Modifications of Side Shape of Light Guide] Next, modifications of the shape of the light guide 51 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 34. Figs. 8, 13, and 22 are diagrams showing examples of the side shape, planar shape, and cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 included in the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment. Figs. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing first to fourth modified examples of the side shape of the light guide 51 included in the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment. Figs. 14 to 21 are diagrams showing first to eighth modified examples of the planar shape of the light guide 51 included in the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment. Figs. 23 to 34 are diagrams showing first to twelfth modified examples of the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 included in the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment.

[0102] First, the side shape of the light guide 51 according to the embodiment can be made substantially rectangular as shown in FIG.

[0103] The side surface of the light guide 51 may also be curved as a whole so that the normal direction of a pair of end faces 51a faces upward, as shown in FIG.

[0104] The side surface of the light guide 51 may also be curved at both ends so that the normal direction of a pair of end faces 51a faces upward, as shown in FIG.

[0105] The side surface of the light guide 51 may also be tapered, as shown in FIG. 11, so that the height gradually decreases from one end of the light guide 51 to the other end in the central axis direction.

[0106] Furthermore, the side shape of the light guide 51 may be such that the height gradually decreases from one end to the center in the central axis direction of the light guide 51, and then gradually decreases from the other end to the center, as shown in Fig. 12. Note that Fig. 12 illustrates the light guide 51 having a curved portion in the outline of the side surface, but it is also possible to provide a curvature to the curved portion of the outline of the side surface. In other words, the light guide 51 may have a curved portion in the outline of the side surface.

[0107] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially rectangular, as shown in FIG.

[0108] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be tapered, as shown in FIG. 14, so that the width gradually decreases from one end of the light guide 51 to the other end in the central axis direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the planar shape of the light guide 51 may be such that the width gradually decreases from one end to the center in the central axis direction of the light guide 51, and then gradually decreases from the other end to the center, as shown in Fig. 15. Note that Fig. 15 illustrates the light guide 51 whose outline in plan view has a bent portion, but it is also possible to provide curvature to the bent portion in the outline in plan view. In other words, the light guide 51 may have a curved outline in plan view.

[0110] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be substantially V-shaped, as shown in Fig. 16. While Fig. 16 illustrates the light guide 51 whose outline in plan view has a bent portion, it is also possible to provide a curvature to the bent portion in the outline in plan view. In other words, the light guide 51 may have a curved portion in the outline in plan view.

[0111] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be substantially W-shaped, as shown in Fig. 17. While Fig. 17 illustrates the light guide 51 having a curved portion in its planar outline, it is also possible to provide a curvature to the curved portion of the planar outline. In other words, the light guide 51 may have a curved portion in its planar outline.

[0112] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be substantially circular, as shown in FIG.

[0113] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be substantially elliptical, as shown in FIG.

[0114] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be substantially rectangular, as shown in Fig. 20. In this case, the corners of the outline of the substantially rectangular planar shape may be rounded to have curved portions (to have curvature).

[0115] The planar shape of the light guide 51 may also be made to be approximately lattice-shaped, as shown in Fig. 21. In this case, it is not necessary to use a plurality of rod-shaped light guides 51 to form an approximately lattice shape, as shown in Fig. 21, but it is also possible to use a single approximately lattice-shaped light guide 51. It is also possible to make the corners of the outline of the approximately lattice-shaped planar shape have curved portions with rounded corners (to have curvature).

[0116] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially circular, as shown in FIG.

[0117] 23 , the light guide 51 can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, including a core 511 and a clad 512 that has a smaller refractive index than the core 511 and is disposed around the core 511. In this case, the light guide 51 is formed so that the central axis of the core 511 is offset from the central axis of the clad 512, and the core 511 has an exposed surface 511a. The exposed surface 511a of the core 511 serves as the light treatment portion 51ba. This light guide 51 can prevent light L1 from leaking from the interior of the core 511 through peripheral surfaces other than the light treatment portion 51ba. In this case, the corners of the boundary between the exposed surface 511a of the core 511 and the peripheral surface of the clad 512 can have rounded corners (curvature).

[0118] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially semicircular, as shown in Fig. 24. In this case, as shown in Fig. 24, a flat portion of the circumferential surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be the light treatment portion 51ba, or a curved portion of the circumferential surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be the light treatment portion 51ba. Also, the corners at the boundary between the flat portion and the curved portion of the circumferential surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be curved portions with rounded corners (having a curvature).

[0119] 25 , the light guide 51 may include a core 511 and a cladding 512 that has a refractive index smaller than that of the core 511 and is disposed around the core 511, and the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially semicircular. In this case, the exposed surface 511a of the core 511 that is exposed from the cladding 512 may serve as the light treatment portion 51ba. Such a light guide 51 may also prevent light L1 from leaking from the core 511 through the peripheral surface other than the light treatment portion 51ba. Even with such a light guide 51, the corners at the boundary between the flat portion and the curved portion of the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 may have rounded corners (have curvature).

[0120] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially square, as shown in Fig. 26. In this case, one side surface constituting a part of the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be used as the light treatment portion 51ba, as shown in Fig. 26. The corners of the outline of the substantially square cross section may also be rounded (have a curvature).

[0121] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be a substantially hexagonal shape, as shown in Fig. 27. In this case, one side surface constituting a part of the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be used as the light treatment portion 51ba, as shown in Fig. 27. The corners of the outline of the substantially hexagonal cross section may also be rounded to have curved portions (having curvature).

[0122] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be a horizontally long rectangle, as shown in Fig. 28. In this case, a wide side surface constituting a part of the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be used as the light treatment portion 51ba, as shown in Fig. 28. The corners of the outline of the substantially rectangular cross section may also be rounded (have a curvature).

[0123] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be a vertically long rectangle, as shown in Fig. 29. In this case, a narrow side surface constituting a part of the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 may be used as the light treatment portion 51ba, as shown in Fig. 29. The corners of the outline of the substantially rectangular cross section may also be rounded (have a curvature).

[0124] 30 , the light guide 51 may include a core 511 and a clad 512 that has a refractive index smaller than that of the core 511 and is disposed around the core 511, and the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially square. In this case, the exposed surface 511a of the core 511 that is exposed from the clad 512 may serve as the light treatment portion 51ba. Such a light guide 51 may also prevent light L1 inside the core 511 from leaking from peripheral surfaces other than the light treatment portion 51ba. Furthermore, the corners of the outline of the substantially square cross section of the core 511 and the corners of the outer outline of the substantially square cross section of the clad 512 may have rounded curved portions (curvatures). That is, the corners of the light guide 51 where the core 511 and the clad 512 meet and the corners where the clad 512 meet air may have rounded curved portions (curvatures).

[0125] 31 , the light guide 51 may include a core 511 and a clad 512 that has a refractive index smaller than that of the core 511 and is disposed around the core 511, and the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be substantially hexagonal. In this case, the exposed surface 511a of the core 511 that is exposed from the clad 512 may serve as the light treatment portion 51ba. Such a light guide 51 may also prevent light L1 from leaking from the circumferential surface other than the light treatment portion 51ba. Furthermore, the corners of the outline of the substantially hexagonal cross section of the core 511 and the corners of the outer outline of the substantially hexagonal cross section of the clad 512 may have rounded corners (curvature). That is, the corners of the light guide 51 where the core 511 and the clad 512 come into contact and the corners where the clad 512 comes into contact with air can be made to have rounded curved portions (have curvature).

[0126] 32 , the light guide 51 may include a core 511 and a clad 512 that has a refractive index smaller than that of the core 511 and is disposed around the core 511, and the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be a horizontally long rectangle. In this case, the exposed surface 511a of the core 511 that is exposed from the clad 512 may serve as the light treatment portion 51ba. Such a light guide 51 may also prevent light L1 from leaking from the circumferential surface other than the light treatment portion 51ba. Furthermore, the corners of the outline of the substantially rectangular cross section of the core 511 and the corners of the outer outline of the substantially rectangular cross section of the clad 512 may have rounded corners (curvature). That is, the corners of the light guide 51 where the core 511 and the clad 512 meet and the corners of the clad 512 where the air meet may have rounded corners (curvature).

[0127] 33 , the light guide 51 may include a core 511 and a clad 512 that has a refractive index smaller than that of the core 511 and is disposed around the core 511, and the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 may be a vertically elongated rectangle. In this case, the exposed surface 511a of the core 511 that is exposed from the clad 512 may serve as the light treatment portion 51ba. Such a light guide 51 may also prevent light L1 from leaking from the circumferential surface other than the light treatment portion 51ba. Furthermore, the corners of the outline of the substantially rectangular cross section of the core 511 and the corners of the outer outline of the substantially rectangular cross section of the clad 512 may have rounded corners (curvature). That is, the corners of the light guide 51 where the core 511 and the clad 512 meet and the corners of the clad 512 where the air meet may have rounded corners (curvature).

[0128] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 34, it is possible for the light guide 51 to have a core 511 and an intermediate layer 513 that has a smaller refractive index than the core 511 and is arranged to surround the entire circumference of the core 511, while the cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 is approximately circular.

[0129] By providing such an intermediate layer 513, the refractive index of the intermediate layer 513 is set to be within an appropriate range (greater than or equal to the refractive index of air and less than or equal to the refractive index of the skin S). In this way, even if the refractive index of the core 511 is higher than the refractive index of the skin S, it becomes possible to radiate light L1 from the intermediate layer 513 to the skin S that is in contact with the intermediate layer 513.

[0130] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide 51 having the intermediate layer 513 can be various shapes such as a square, a semicircle, etc. Furthermore, it is not necessary to dispose the intermediate layer 513 around the entire periphery of the core 511, and it is also possible to interpose an intermediate member such as the intermediate layer 513 only in the region that will become the light treatment portion 51ba.

[0131] It is also possible for the light guide 51 to include a plurality of intermediate layers 513 .

[0132] Furthermore, in the case where the light guide 51 shown in FIGS. 8 to 34 has at least one edge, some or all of the edges may be curved with rounded corners.

[0133] [Modifications of the method of arranging light sources] Next, modifications of the method of arranging the light sources 52 will be described with reference to Fig. 35 to Fig. 40. Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a method of arranging the light sources 52 provided in the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment. Fig. 36 to Fig. 40 are diagrams showing first to fifth modifications of the method of arranging the light sources 52 provided in the light emitting member 5 according to the embodiment.

[0134] The light sources 52 can be arranged as shown in Fig. 35. Fig. 35 illustrates an example in which four light sources 52 are arranged to face an end surface 51a of a light guide 51 having a planar shape of a substantially square with rounded corners and a side surface shape of a substantially rectangular shape. Specifically, two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the front-to-back direction, and the remaining two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the left-to-right direction. In this way, even if the planar shape is wide in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, it is possible to more reliably prevent a decrease in the irradiation intensity of light L1 emitted from the center.

[0135] The light sources 52 can also be arranged as shown in FIG. 36 . In FIG. 36 , two light sources 52 are arranged to face the end surface 51 a of a light guide 51 having a roughly angular elliptical planar shape and a roughly rectangular side surface. Specifically, the two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction. This arrangement more reliably prevents a decrease in the illumination intensity of the light L1 emitted from the central portion, even in a case where the light guide 51 has an elongated shape in one direction. In this case, the light guide 51 can also have curved portions (having a curvature) with rounded corners in the planar outline.

[0136] The light sources 52 can also be arranged as shown in Fig. 37. Fig. 37 illustrates an example in which four light sources 52 are arranged to face the end surface 51a of a light guide 51 having a substantially circular planar shape and a substantially rectangular side surface. Specifically, two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the front-to-back direction, and the remaining two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the left-to-right direction. This more reliably prevents a decrease in the irradiation intensity of light L1 emitted from the center, even if the planar shape is wide in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0137] The light sources 52 can also be arranged as shown in Fig. 38. Fig. 38 illustrates an example in which two light sources 52 are arranged to face an end face 51a of a light guide 51 having a substantially elliptical planar shape and a substantially rectangular side shape. Specifically, the two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the long axis direction. This more reliably prevents a decrease in the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the center, even when the light guide 51 has an elongated shape in one direction.

[0138] The light sources 52 can also be arranged as shown in FIG. 39 . FIG. 39 illustrates an example in which two light sources 52 are arranged to face the end surface 51 a of a light guide 51 having a substantially rectangular planar shape and a substantially rectangular side surface. Specifically, the two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction. This arrangement more reliably prevents a decrease in the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the central portion, even in a case where the light guide 51 has an elongated shape in one direction. In this case, the light guide 51 can also have curved portions (having a curvature) with rounded corners on the planar contour.

[0139] The light sources 52 can also be arranged as shown in FIG. 40 . FIG. 40 illustrates an example in which four light sources 52 are arranged to face the end surface 51 a of a light guide 51 having a substantially rectangular planar shape and a substantially rectangular side surface. Specifically, two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction, and the remaining two light sources 52 are arranged to face each other in the lateral direction. This arrangement more reliably prevents a reduction in the illumination intensity of the light L1 emitted from the central portion when the light guide 51 has a narrow, elongated shape. In this case, the light guide 51 can also have rounded corners (curvature) in the planar contour.

[0140] 35 to 40 are merely examples, and the number of light sources 52 to be arranged, the intensity of light emitted from the light sources 52, and the like can be set appropriately depending on the shape of the light guide, etc. It is preferable to set the number of light sources 52, the intensity of light emitted from the light sources 52, and the like so as to suppress variations in the irradiation intensity of the light L1 emitted from the light treatment unit 51ba.

[0141] Then, by irradiating the skin S with light L1 using the light emitting member 5 described above, it becomes possible to impart a cosmetic effect to the skin S according to the wavelength of the light L1.

[0142] For example, the cosmetic effects shown below can be obtained by irradiating light L1 in the following wavelength band from the light source 52. Note that the wavelengths shown below indicate peak wavelengths, and part of the light L1 irradiated from the light source 52 may contain wavelengths outside the range.

[0143] (1) 400nm to 550nm: Improvement of fine lines, acne, redness, moisturizing, pore improvement, anti-inflammatory effect, sebum reduction, wound healing (2) 550nm to 620nm: Improvement of fine lines, collagen production (improvement of sagging), promotion of cell turnover, improvement of blemishes (3) 620nm to 750nm: Wound healing, improvement of wrinkles, improvement of blemishes, promotion of cell turnover, collagen production (improvement of sagging), improvement of acne, anti-inflammatory effect (4) 750nm to 2000nm: Wound healing, collagen production (improvement of sagging), promotion of cell turnover Furthermore, by using an LED element (light-emitting element) with a wavelength spectrum of 550nm to 1000nm, it is possible to obtain the effects of (1) to (4).

[0144] It should be noted that as the wavelength of the light L1 introduced into the light guide 51 becomes shorter, the refractive index of the light guide 51 increases. Therefore, when a single light guide 51 is used as shown in the above embodiment, the refractive index of the light guide 51 may become greater than the refractive index of the skin S depending on the wavelength of the introduced light L1. In this case, by interposing an intermediate layer 513 or the like, it is possible to make the refractive index of at least the portion that will become the light treatment area 51ba equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin S, thereby enabling the light L1 to be more efficiently irradiated onto the skin S. It is also possible to select a material for the light guide 51 that is suitable for the wavelength to be used.

[0145] The light emitting member 5 described above is used in the beauty device 1 that is capable of irradiating the skin S with light L1.

[0146] When incorporating the light-emitting member 5 into the beauty device 1, it is possible to incorporate the light-emitting member 5 into the beauty device 1 in a modularized state, or it is also possible to incorporate the light-emitting member 5 directly into the beauty device 1 without modularizing it. That is, the beauty device 1 may include the light-emitting member 5, or the beauty device 1 may include the optical cosmetic module 4 including the light-emitting member 5.

[0147] The following describes a photocosmetic module 4 including a light-emitting member 5 and a cosmetic device 1 incorporating the photocosmetic module 4.

[0148] [Example of Optical Cosmetic Module Configuration] First, an example of the configuration of the optical cosmetic module 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 41 to 49. Figs. 41 to 43 are perspective views, plan views, and cross-sectional perspective views illustrating an example of an optical cosmetic module 4 including a light-emitting member 5 according to an embodiment. Fig. 44 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of an example of an optical cosmetic module 4 including a light-emitting member 5 according to an embodiment. Figs. 45 and 46 are diagrams illustrating one example and another example of a method for holding the light-emitting member 5 in an optical cosmetic module 4 including the light-emitting member 5 according to an embodiment. Fig. 47 is a plan view illustrating a first modified example of an optical cosmetic module 4 including the light-emitting member 5 according to an embodiment. Figs. 48 and 49 are plan views and cross-sectional views illustrating a second modified example of an optical cosmetic module including the light-emitting member 5 according to an embodiment.

[0149] As shown in Figures 41 and 42, the photocosmetic module 4 includes three light-emitting members 5, a holding member 42 that holds each light-emitting member 5, and a base member 41 on which the holding member 42 is placed.

[0150] The base member 41 includes a bottom wall 411 and a pair of side walls 412 connected to both ends of the bottom wall 411. The base member 41 is made of a material with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as a metal material. The holding member 42 is placed on the bottom wall 411.

[0151] 43 and 44 , the holding member 42 includes a base 421 and a substantially V-shaped groove 422 formed in the upper part of the base 421. The rod-shaped light guide 51 of the light emitting member 5 shown in the above embodiment is placed in the substantially V-shaped groove 422, so that the light emitting member 5 is held by the holding member 42. In this case, it is possible to place the light emitting member 5 as an optical cosmetic light source module formed by arranging one or more LED elements (light emitting elements) 5211 on an end surface 51 a of the light guide 51, which is made up of at least a core 511.

[0152] In this embodiment, the pair of circuit boards 45 are arranged to abut against the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls 412 of the base member 41. Also, the circuit boards 45 have mounted thereon an LED package (packaged light source) 521 attached to an end surface 51 a of the rod-shaped light guide 51.

[0153] Furthermore, a heat sink (heat dissipation member) 43 is attached to the bottom of the base member 41, so that the heat generated by the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 is transferred to the heat sink (heat dissipation member) 43 via the side wall 412 and bottom wall 411 and dissipated.

[0154] 5 and 6 , when the photocosmetic module 4 is formed using a light-emitting member 5 having an LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 attached to the lower end surface 51 a, the heat generated by the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 can be transferred directly from the bottom wall 411 to the heat sink (heat dissipation member) 43 without passing through the side wall 412. This allows the heat generated by the LED element (light-emitting element) 5211 to be dissipated more efficiently.

[0155] The photocosmetic module 4 also includes a cover 44 that holds the light guide 51 in place, thereby preventing the light-emitting member 5 from coming off the holding member 42 .

[0156] Specifically, the cover 44 includes a top wall 441 that covers the holding member 42 from above and a peripheral wall 442 that is fixed to the base 421 of the holding member 42. The top wall 441 has a through-hole 4411 formed therein for exposing the light guide 51 when the cover 44 is fixed to the holding member 42. The top wall 441 also has a pressing wall 4412 that presses down the end of the light guide 51 when the cover 44 is fixed to the holding member 42. In FIG. 41 , a curved surface 44121 that corresponds to the shape of the light guide 51 is formed at the bottom of the pressing wall 4412. When the cover 44 is fixed to the holding member 42, the curved surface 44121 is in surface contact with the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51. This allows the light-emitting member 5 to be maintained in a state where it is held by the holding member 42.

[0157] Alternatively, the lower portion of the pressing wall 4412 may be brought into line contact with the peripheral surface 51 b of the light guide 51 without providing the curved surface 44121 at the lower portion of the pressing wall 4412 , so that the pressing wall 4412 presses the light guide 51 .

[0158] 45, the light guide 51 can be held by the groove 422 of the holding member 42 in a state where the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 is in contact with the inner surface of the groove 422. In this case, the air existing between the groove 422 and the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 functions as a cladding.

[0159] 46 , the groove 422 of the holding member 42 can hold the light guide 51 by filling the inside of the groove 422 with a transparent adhesive resin 46 and fixing the light guide 51 with the adhesive resin 46. In this case, the transparent adhesive resin 46 functions as a cladding. The adhesive resin 46 may fill the entire groove 422, or may fill only the longitudinal ends of the groove 422 (ends in the direction of the central axis of the light guide 51).

[0160] The light L1 emitted from the three light emitting members 5 may all have the same wavelength, two may have the same wavelength, or all may have different wavelengths.

[0161] The photocosmetic module 4 may also be configured as shown in Fig. 47 . In Fig. 47 , another light source 6 is disposed between two light-emitting members 5. When the skin S is not in contact with the peripheral surfaces 51b of the two light-emitting members 5, the light L1 is guided in the longitudinal direction of the two light-emitting members 5 (horizontal to the plane of the page) while preventing leakage of the light L1 from the peripheral surfaces 51b. When the skin S is in contact with the peripheral surfaces 51b, the light L1 is irradiated from the two light-emitting members 5 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the page. Meanwhile, the other light source 6 is disposed so that its main optical axis is perpendicular to the plane of the page, and is irradiated directly onto the skin S without passing through the light guide 51.

[0162] Therefore, when the skin S is brought into contact with the peripheral surfaces 51b of the two light emitting members 5, light is emitted from the two light emitting members 5 and the other light sources 6 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0163] As described above, the photocosmetic module 4 shown in FIG. 47 is a photocosmetic module that uses a surface-emitting light source (another light source 6) and a light guide 51 (light-emitting member 5).

[0164] The light emitted from the other light source (surface-illuminating light source) 6 is light that is easy to obtain high output, such as near-infrared light, while the light L1 emitted from the two light-emitting members 5 is light that is difficult to obtain high output, such as red light (visible light). By increasing the light density of this light (low-output light) L1 using the light guide 51, it is possible to achieve skin-beautifying effects using two different wavelengths in accordance with the irradiation time from the high-output light source. Therefore, by using the photocosmetic module 4 shown in FIG. 47 , it is possible to treat the skin S with multiple types of light with different wavelengths in a shorter time.

[0165] The photocosmetic module 4 may also have the configurations shown in FIGS.

[0166] The photocosmetic module 4 shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 is also a photocosmetic module that uses a surface-emitting light source (another light source 6) and a light guide 51 (light-emitting member 5).

[0167] The light emitted from the other light source (surface-illuminating light source) 6 is light that is easy to obtain high output, such as near-infrared light, and the light L1 emitted from the two light-emitting members 5 is light that is difficult to obtain high output, such as red light (visible light). By increasing the light density of this light (low-output light) L1 using the light guide 51, it becomes possible to perform skin-beautifying treatment using two types of wavelengths in accordance with the irradiation time from the high-output light source.

[0168] In the photocosmetic module 4 shown in Figures 48 and 49, light emitted from the other light sources 6 also passes through the light guide 51 and is emitted onto the skin S. However, in the photocosmetic module 4 shown in Figures 48 and 49, the irradiation direction of the light emitted from the other light sources 6 approximately coincides with the light guide direction. Here, "approximately coincident" means that although the irradiation direction of the light emitted from the other light sources 6 is intended to coincide, it also includes a case where the irradiation direction of the light emitted from the other light sources 6 is slightly deviated from the light guide direction due to error or the like. Specifically, "approximately coincident" here means within ±5%, preferably within ±3%, and more preferably within ±1%.

[0169] By using such a photocosmetic module 4, treatment of the skin S using multiple types of light with different wavelengths can be performed in a shorter time.

[0170] The cosmetic device 1 is formed by incorporating the optical cosmetic module 4 into the attachment 3 .

[0171] [Example of the Configuration of a Cosmetic Device] Next, an example of the configuration of a cosmetic device will be described with reference to Fig. 50. Fig. 50 is a perspective view showing a cosmetic device 1 including an optical cosmetic module 4 according to an embodiment.

[0172] FIG. 50 illustrates a light-irradiating cosmetic device 1.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 50, the cosmetic device 1 includes a main body 2 and an attachment 3 that is detachably attached to the main body 2.

[0174] The main body 2 is elongated in the vertical direction and is sized to be held by a user in one hand. Thus, in Figure 50, the main body 2 functions as a grip that can be held by hand. An attachment (light irradiation attachment) 3 incorporating a photocosmetic module 4 for irradiating light onto the skin S of the practitioner is attached to the top end of the main body 2.

[0175] The beauty device 1 equipped with this light irradiation attachment 3 is a device for enhancing the beauty effect on the practitioner's skin S, for example, by irradiating light L1 of a predetermined wavelength onto the skin S of the practitioner's face, hands, and feet.

[0176] The attachment 3 can be one of multiple light irradiation attachments, such as a body attachment and a face attachment. This allows multiple attachments to be used depending on the application, making it possible to achieve more efficient cosmetic effects. The device may also include an attachment with a function other than light irradiation, such as a hair removal attachment. Furthermore, the photocosmetic module 4 can be incorporated into the main body 2 to create a dedicated cosmetic device 1 (a cosmetic device in which other applications cannot be selected).

[0177] The main body 2 includes a housing 21 made of synthetic resin, which can be formed, for example, by joining together a number of separate pieces. The housing 21 has a cavity formed therein, and various electrical components are housed within this cavity.

[0178] The housing 21 is also formed with a push-button operation switch 211 for operating (turning on / off) the cosmetic device 1. While Fig. 50 illustrates the push-button operation switch 211 as an example of the switch, the switch may be a slide switch or other switch as long as it can turn on / off the power.

[0179] The attachment 3 includes a housing 31 that forms the outer shell of the attachment 3 , and the photocosmetic module 4 is housed inside the housing 31 .

[0180] The housing 31 is formed by joining together an upper housing 311 and a lower housing 312, which are separated vertically, and an opening 3111 is formed in the upper housing 311. The photocosmetic module 4 is housed inside the housing 31, with the peripheral surfaces 51b of the three light guides 51 exposed through the opening 3111.

[0181] Then, when the operation switch 211 is operated to operate the cosmetic device 1, the peripheral surface 51b of the light guide 51 is brought into contact with the skin S, whereby the light L1 is irradiated onto the skin S and treatment of the skin S is performed.

[0182] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0183] (Technology 1) The light-emitting member of Technology 1 is used in a cosmetic device capable of irradiating light onto skin. The light-emitting member includes a light source and a light guide that guides light emitted from the light source into the interior and can irradiate the light guided into the interior onto the skin. The light guide includes a first surface that guides the light emitted from the light source into the interior and a second surface that extends from the first surface along the light guide direction of the guided light. The second surface includes a light treatment portion that, when in contact with the skin, can irradiate the light guided from the first surface onto the skin.

[0184] By using a light-emitting member having such a configuration, it becomes possible to perform treatment by bringing the skin into contact with the light treatment section on the second surface and irradiating the skin with light guided from the first surface and emitted from the light treatment section.

[0185] In this case, since the second surface is formed to extend from the first surface along the light guide direction of the guided light, it is possible to irradiate a wider area of ​​the skin with light, which prevents the treatment time using the light-emitting member from becoming too long and further improves the efficiency of the treatment on the skin.

[0186] In this way, if the configuration of the light-emitting member is the same as that disclosed in Technology 1, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of treatment on the skin.

[0187] (Technology 2) In the light-emitting member of Technology 2, in the light-emitting member described in Technology 1, the light treatment unit is configured to suppress radiation of light guided inside the light guide from the light treatment unit when not in contact with the skin. Also, when in contact with the skin, the light treatment unit is configured to radiate light guided inside the light guide to the skin at the area where the skin is in contact.

[0188] This makes it possible to prevent light guided inside the light guide from being emitted from the light treatment area when the light guide is not in contact with the skin. Therefore, when visible light is guided inside the light guide and emitted to the skin, it is possible to reduce the glare felt when looking directly at the light guide through which the light (visible light) is guided when the light guide is not in contact with the skin.

[0189] (Technology 3) In the light-emitting member of Technology 3, in the light-emitting member described in Technology 2, the refractive index of the light treatment area is equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin.

[0190] In this way, by utilizing the refractive index difference between the light treatment unit and air, it is possible to suppress the light guided into the light guide from radiating from the light treatment unit when the light treatment unit is not in contact with the skin. Furthermore, by utilizing the refractive index difference between the light treatment unit and skin, it is possible to radiate the light guided into the light guide to the skin at the area of ​​contact with the skin when the light treatment unit is in contact with the skin. That is, the refractive index of the light treatment unit is set to be within a predetermined range (a range greater than or equal to the refractive index of air and less than or equal to the refractive index of the skin S). By doing this, it is possible to suppress the light guided into the light guide from leaking out of the light treatment unit when the skin is not in contact with the skin, while radiating the light to the skin from the area where the skin is in contact with the skin. This allows the configuration of the light-emitting member to be simplified.

[0191] (Technology 4) In a light-emitting member of Technology 4, a first surface is connected to each of one side and the other side of the second surface in the light-emitting member described in any one of Technologies 1 to 3. The light source includes a one-side light source connected to one side of the second surface and capable of guiding light from the first surface into the light guide, and a other-side light source connected to the other side of the second surface and capable of guiding light from the first surface into the light guide.

[0192] This makes it possible to reduce the difference in light irradiation intensity between a position far from the light source and a position close to the light source. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in light irradiation intensity depending on the position of the light treatment unit, and it is possible to radiate more uniform light onto the skin in contact with the light treatment unit. Therefore, if the configuration of the light-emitting member is the configuration disclosed in Technology 4, it becomes possible to perform treatment on the skin more uniformly, and it is possible to further improve the efficiency of skin treatment.

[0193] (Technology 5) In the light-emitting element of Technology 5, in the light-emitting element described in Technology 4, the intensity of the light guided from the light source on one side into the inside of the light guide is approximately the same as the intensity of the light guided from the light source on the other side into the inside of the light guide.

[0194] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent variations in the light irradiation intensity depending on the position of the light treatment unit, and to radiate light more uniformly onto the skin that is in contact with the light treatment unit, which results in more uniform treatment of the skin and further improves the efficiency of skin treatment.

[0195] (Technology 6) In a light-emitting member of Technology 6, the light source is provided with a light-emitting element in the light-emitting member according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5. The light-emitting element is disposed on the first surface with its main optical axis direction substantially aligned with the normal direction of the first surface.

[0196] This makes it possible to increase the amount of light irradiated from the light-emitting element and introduced into the light guide. As a result, it is possible to further improve the irradiation intensity of light emitted from the light treatment area that comes into contact with the skin, which makes it possible to shorten the treatment time. As a result, it is possible to further improve the treatment efficiency on the skin.

[0197] (Technology 7) In the light emitting member of Technology 7, in the light emitting member according to Technology 6, the entire light emitting element overlaps with the first surface when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface.

[0198] This makes it possible to increase the amount of light irradiated from the light-emitting element and introduced into the light guide. As a result, it is possible to further improve the irradiation intensity of light emitted from the light treatment area that comes into contact with the skin, which makes it possible to shorten the treatment time. As a result, it is possible to further improve the treatment efficiency on the skin.

[0199] (Technology 8) In a light emitting member of Technology 8, in the light emitting member according to Technology 6 or Technology 7, the light source includes a packaged light source in which a light emitting element is packaged. When viewed along the normal direction of the first surface, the entire packaged light source overlaps with the first surface.

[0200] This makes it possible to increase the amount of light irradiated from the light-emitting element and introduced into the light guide. As a result, it is possible to further improve the irradiation intensity of light emitted from the light treatment area that comes into contact with the skin, which makes it possible to shorten the treatment time. As a result, it is possible to further improve the treatment efficiency on the skin.

[0201] (Technology 9) The light-emitting element of Technology 9 is a light-emitting element described in any one of Technologies 1 to 8, and is provided with a light-shielding portion that prevents light guided from the first surface from passing through the second surface when the light-emitting element is not in contact with the skin.

[0202] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent light guided inside the light guide from leaking out from the second surface when the light guide is not in contact with the skin. Therefore, when visible light is guided inside the light guide and radiated onto the skin, it is possible to further reduce the glare felt when looking directly at the light guide through which the light (visible light) is guided when the light guide is not in contact with the skin.

[0203] (Technology 10) The photocosmetic module of Technology 10 includes a light-emitting component according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9.

[0204] This makes it possible to obtain a photocosmetic module that can further improve the efficiency of skin treatment.

[0205] (Technical Aspect 11) A cosmetic device of Technical Aspect 11 includes the photocosmetic module described in Technical Aspect 10.

[0206] This makes it possible to obtain a cosmetic device that can further improve the efficiency of skin treatment.

[0207] (Technology 12) A beauty device of Technology 12 includes a light-emitting member according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9.

[0208] This also makes it possible to obtain a cosmetic device that can further improve the efficiency of skin treatment.

[0209] [Others] As described above, the embodiments and their modifications have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, but the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0210] For example, the technology in this disclosure can be applied to the embodiments described above and their variations in which the configurations have been changed, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the embodiments and their variations to create new embodiments.

[0211] Furthermore, the light source, light guide, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate.

[0212] As described above, the light-emitting member, photocosmetic module, and cosmetic device according to the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, devices that irradiate light onto the skin to obtain a biological effect.

[0213] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cosmetic device 2 Main body 3 Attachment 4 Photocosmetic module 5 Light-emitting member 6 Light source 21 Housing 31 Housing 41 Base member 42 Holding member 44 Cover 45 Circuit board 46 Adhesive resin 51 Light guide 51a End face (first surface) 51b Peripheral surface (second surface) 51ba Light treatment unit 52 Light source 52A One-side light source 52B Other-side light source 53 Light-shielding portion 54 Fixing jig 211 Operation switch 311 Upper housing 312 Lower housing 411 Bottom wall 412 Side wall 421 Base 422 Groove portion 441 Top wall 442 Peripheral wall 511 Core 511a Exposed surface 512 Cladding 513 Intermediate layer 514 Tapered portion 521 LED package (package light source) 531 bottom surface 3111 opening 4411 through hole 4412 retaining wall 5211 LED element (light emitting element) 5212 housing 44121 curved surface 52121 back wall 52122 peripheral wall L0 origin L1 light S skin

Claims

1. A light-emitting component used in a cosmetic device capable of irradiating light onto the skin, comprising: a light source; and a light guide capable of guiding the light irradiated from the light source into its interior and irradiating the light guided into the interior onto the skin, wherein the light guide has a first surface that guides the light irradiated from the light source into its interior, and a second surface that extends from the first surface along the light guide direction of the guided light, and the second surface has a light treatment section that, when in contact with the skin, is capable of irradiating the light guided from the first surface onto the skin.

2. The light-emitting element according to claim 1, wherein the light treatment unit is configured such that when the skin is not in contact with the light treatment unit, radiation of light guided inside the light guide from the light treatment unit is suppressed, and when the skin is in contact with the light treatment unit, the light guided inside the light guide is radiated to the skin at the area where the skin is in contact with the light treatment unit.

3. The light-emitting member according to claim 2, wherein the refractive index of the light treatment unit is equal to or greater than the refractive index of air and equal to or less than the refractive index of the skin.

4. A light-emitting element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first surface is connected to each of one and the other sides of the second surface, and the light source comprises: a one-side light source connected to one side of the second surface and capable of guiding light from the first surface into the interior of the light guide; and a other-side light source connected to the other side of the second surface and capable of guiding light from the first surface into the interior of the light guide.

5. The light-emitting member according to claim 4, wherein the intensity of the light guided from the one-side light source into the inside of the light guide body is substantially the same as the intensity of the light guided from the other-side light source into the inside of the light guide body.

6. A light-emitting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light source is provided with a light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element is arranged on the first surface with its main optical axis direction substantially aligned with the normal direction of the first surface.

7. The light-emitting member according to claim 6, wherein the light-emitting element is entirely overlapped with the first surface when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface.

8. The light emitting member according to claim 6, wherein the light source comprises a packaged light source in which the light emitting element is packaged, and when viewed along the normal direction of the first surface, the entire packaged light source overlaps with the first surface.

9. The light-emitting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a light-blocking portion that prevents light guided from the first surface from passing through the second surface when the light-emitting member is not in contact with the skin.

10. A photocosmetic module comprising the light-emitting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A cosmetic device comprising the photocosmetic module according to claim 10.

12. A cosmetic device comprising the light-emitting member according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images