Hair cutting device and hair cutting system

Abstract

The hair cutting device of the present invention includes an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has a light irradiation unit. The light irradiation unit cuts the hair by irradiating light to the hair protruding from the skin. The refractive index of the light irradiation unit is smaller than the refractive index of the surface of the skin. Thus, the material of the optical waveguide can be selected in a wide range. In addition, for example, by appropriately irradiating the skin with light from the light irradiation unit, it is also possible to expect an effective effect on the skin, such as sterilization or activation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a hair cutting device and a hair cutting system, and more particularly to a hair cutting device and a hair cutting system for cutting hair by applying light to the hair. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a device configured to cut hair using laser light. The device described in patent document 1 includes a laser source and an optical fiber system. The laser source is configured to generate laser light having a wavelength selected in a manner to target a predetermined chromophore in order to effectively cut hair. The optical fiber system has a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall, and a cutting region arranged toward the distal end and extending along a portion of the side wall. The optical fiber system receives laser light from the laser source at the proximal end, guides the laser light from the proximal end toward the distal end, and emits light from the cutting region toward the hair when the cutting region contacts the hair.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-514491 Summary of the invention

[0006] However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, improvement is required for practical application of the hair cutting device utilizing light.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an improved hair cutting device and hair cutting system.

[0008] A hair cutting device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an optical waveguide having a light irradiation unit. The light irradiation unit cuts the hair by irradiating light to the hair protruding from the skin. The refractive index of the light irradiation unit is smaller than the refractive index of the surface of the skin.

[0009] A hair cutting system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the hair cutting device and a light source that generates light to be input into the optical waveguide.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device and hair cutting system can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1A This is a front view showing the structure of the hair cutting system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 1BIt is a partially cut-away side view showing the structure of the hair cutting system.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of the main part.

[0015] Figure 3A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the hair cutting device when cutting hair, particularly showing a scene before light is irradiated onto hair.

[0016] Figure 3B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the hair cutting device when cutting hair, particularly showing a scene of irradiating light onto hair.

[0017] Figure 3C This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the hair cutting device when cutting hair, and in particular, showing a scene after the hair is cut.

[0018] Figure 4A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the hair cutting device when cutting hair, particularly showing a scene before light is irradiated onto hair.

[0019] Figure 4B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the hair cutting device when cutting hair, particularly showing a scene of irradiating light onto hair.

[0020] Figure 5 : is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a control circuit of the hair cutting system.

[0021] Figure 6 : is a flowchart showing an operation example of the hair cutting system.

[0022] Fig. 7A This is a schematic perspective view of an optical waveguide used in the hair cutting device.

[0023] Figure 7B This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an optical waveguide used in a hair cutting device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7C This is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the optical waveguide used in the hair cutting device according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 8A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the main part of the hair cutting device according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the main part of the hair cutting device according to the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8C Yes means Fig. 8A Schematic diagram of a holding structure of an optical waveguide held by a holding member.

[0028] Fig.8D Yes means Figure 8B Schematic diagram of a holding structure of an optical waveguide held by a holding member.

[0029] Fig.9A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a hair cutting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 9B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a hair cutting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a hair cutting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.9D This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a hair cutting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0033] Fig.9E This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a hair cutting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig.9F This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part of a hair cutting device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 10A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A An enlarged view of the main part.

[0037] Fig.11A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 11B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device according to another modified example of the second embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 12A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device according to the third embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A An enlarged view of the main part.

[0041] Fig.13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0042] Fig.14A This is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the hair cutting device according to the third embodiment as viewed from one direction.

[0043] Fig. 14B This is a schematic perspective view of the main parts of the hair cutting device as viewed from another direction.

[0044] Fig.15 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the main part of the hair cutting device.

[0045] Fig.16A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main parts of the hair cutting device as viewed from the front in the traveling direction.

[0046] Fig. 16B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main parts of the hair cutting device as viewed from the front in the traveling direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] (Implementation Method 1)

[0048] (1) Summary

[0049] Below, refer to Figure 1A to Figure 2B The hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 of this embodiment are briefly described. The hair cutting device 1 is a device that causes light to act on hair 91 to cut the hair 91. The hair 91 that is to be cut by the hair cutting device 1 is, for example, a human "beard" or the like, but is not limited to a "beard" and includes various hairs protruding from the skin 92 of a person or the like. Figure 1B , Figure 2A and Figure 2B In FIG. 1 , hair 91 and skin 92 are represented by imaginary lines (two-dot chain lines).

[0050] In summary, the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 are different from a normal "razor" or "scissors" that use a physical "blade" to cut the hair 91, and light energy is applied to the hair 91 instead of the "blade" to cut the hair 91. Therefore, the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 are less likely to cause damage to the skin 92 around the hair 91 than a normal "razor" or "scissors", and are less likely to cause physical degradation such as blade damage.

[0051] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the hair cutting system 10 of this embodiment includes a handle 2 and a head 3. The handle 2 has a light source 21 (see Figure 1B The head 3 includes an optical waveguide 4 and a holding member 5. The optical waveguide 4 has a light receiving portion 43 in the handle 2 (see Figure 1B ), by inputting the light generated by the light source 21 to the light receiving portion 43 of the optical waveguide 4, the light is guided in the optical waveguide 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the light source 21 is a laser source, and the light guided in the optical waveguide 4 is laser.

[0052] Here, the optical waveguide 4 has a light irradiation section 40. The optical waveguide 4 cuts the hair 91 by irradiating light from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91. The holding member 5 holds the optical waveguide 4 in the head 3. The hair cutting device 1 cuts the hair 91 by irradiating light from the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4 to the hair 91 to be cut. Specifically, the hair cutting device 1 makes the light irradiation section 40 contact the hair 91, thereby causing light to leak from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91, and cuts the hair 91 using the energy of the light.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the portion of the hair cutting system 10 corresponding to the head 3 constitutes the hair cutting device 1. In other words, the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment includes the optical waveguide 4 and the holding member 5. In addition, the head 3 corresponding to the hair cutting device 1 and the handle 2 having the light source 21 constitute the hair cutting system 10 together. In other words, the hair cutting system 10 of the present embodiment includes the hair cutting device 1 and the light source 21. The light source 21 generates light input to the optical waveguide 4.

[0054] In this embodiment, the hair cutting device 1 includes the optical waveguide 4, and the optical waveguide 4 includes the light irradiation unit 40. The light irradiation unit 40 irradiates light to the hair 91 protruding from the skin 92 to cut the hair 91. Here, the refractive index of the light irradiation unit 40 is higher than that of the surface 921 of the skin 92 (see Figure 2A ) has a small refractive index.

[0055] According to this structure, since the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92, the material of the light guide 4 including the light irradiation section 40 can be selected more widely, and the hair cutting device 1 can be easily realized. In addition, according to the hair cutting device 1, for example, as long as the light from the light irradiation section 40 is appropriately irradiated to the skin 92, it is also possible to expect the effects of sterilization or activation on the skin 92. As a result, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device 1 can be provided.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the hair cutting device 1 includes an optical waveguide 4, and the optical waveguide 4 includes a light irradiation unit 40. The light irradiation unit 40 irradiates light to the hair 91 protruding from the skin 92 to cut the hair 91. Here, at least when cutting the hair 91, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is 50 kW / cm 2 above.

[0057] According to this structure, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when the hair 91 is cut is 50 kW / cm 2 As described above, it is easy to efficiently cut the hair 91 by the light irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91. That is, light energy sufficient to cut the hair 91 can be applied to the hair 91 from the optical waveguide 4, and the hair 91 can be cut in a relatively short time. Therefore, for example, a wide range of the thickness and hardness of the hair 91 that can be cut is provided, and as a result, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device 1 can be provided.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, the hair cutting device 1 includes an optical waveguide 4 and a holding member 5 holding the optical waveguide 4. The optical waveguide 4 has a light irradiation unit 40. The light irradiation unit 40 irradiates light to the hair 91 protruding from the skin 92 to cut the hair 91. The holding member 5 holds the optical waveguide 4 in a state where the light irradiation unit 40 is exposed from at least one side.

[0059] According to this structure, since the holding member 5 holds the light guide 4 in a state where the light irradiation section 40 is exposed from at least one surface of the holding member 5, for example, even if the hair 91 or the skin 92 contacts the light irradiation section 40, the light guide 4 is unlikely to be displaced or damaged. In other words, for example, when cutting the hair 91, even if an external force from the hair 91 or the skin 92 acts on the light irradiation section 40, the light guide 4 is unlikely to be displaced or damaged by the external force. As a result, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device 1 can be provided.

[0060] (2) Details

[0061] Below, refer to Figure 1A to Figure 6 The hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0062] As an example, three axes, namely, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other, are set below. Specifically, the axis along the length of the light irradiation unit 40 is set as the "X-axis", and the axis along the traveling direction of the light irradiation unit 40 is set as the "Y-axis". The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are all imaginary axes, and the arrows indicating "X", "Y", and "Z" in the drawings are only marked for explanation and are not accompanied by entities. In addition, the above-mentioned directions are not intended to limit the directions of the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 when in use.

[0063] (2.1) Definition

[0064] The "hair" mentioned in the present invention includes various hairs 91 protruding from the skin 92, that is, various hairs extending from the skin 92, such as various body hairs such as human hair, beard, eyebrows, leg hair, nose hair or ear hair. Moreover, for mammals such as dogs and cats, and other animals, various hairs 91 protruding from their skin 92 are included in the "hair" mentioned in the present invention. That is, the hair cutting device 1 of this embodiment is a device that uses the above-mentioned hair 91 as a cutting object. In addition, the "skin" mentioned in the present invention also includes artificial skin. In this embodiment, as an example, the case where the hair 91 that becomes the cutting object of the hair cutting device 1 is the hair protruding from the human skin 92, especially the "beard" of an adult male is described. That is, the hair 91 that becomes the cutting object of the hair cutting device 1 is the hair that grows from the skin 92 of the human face. The human skin 92 including the skin 92 of the face is also called "skin".

[0065] In addition, the "cutting" of the hair 91 mentioned in the present invention includes the case of cutting all the hair 91, for example, including the case of cutting the hair 91 at the root (that is, shaving), the case of trimming the hair 91 to an appropriate length, and the case of cutting only the hair tip. Therefore, the "hair cutting device" mentioned in the present invention includes, for example, a "razor" or "shaving device" as a device for shaving the hair 91, and a "trimmer", "hair clipper" or "scissors" as a device for cutting the hair to an appropriate length. In addition, the "cutting" of the hair 91 mentioned in the present invention includes not only the case of cutting the hair 91 into two on a substantially planar cutting surface, but also the case of applying damage to the cutting portion of the hair 91 so that the hair 91 is broken at the cutting portion. In the present embodiment, as an example, the case where the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 are a "razor" suitable for cutting the hair 91 (beard) to be cut at the root (that is, shaving) is described.

[0066] In addition, the "laser" mentioned in the present invention means light generated by stimulated emission (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). As the light source 21 that generates laser light, there is, for example, a semiconductor laser (LD: Laser Diode) that uses the compound emission of semiconductors (Japanese: recombination emission). Compared with the light generated by a light emitting diode (LED: Light Emitting Diode), laser light has the characteristics of higher coherence (coherence), higher output (power density), higher monochromaticity (single wavelength) and higher directivity.

[0067] In addition, the "optical waveguide" mentioned in the present invention means an optical component that guides light along a desired path by passing light through it. As a specific example of an optical waveguide, there is an optical fiber having a core and a cladding with different refractive indices and covering the core with the cladding. The optical fiber uses total reflection of light at the interface between the core and the cladding to pass light through the inside of the core, thereby being able to guide the light along a desired path. Here, the optical waveguide is not particularly limited to a transmission line through which a signal (optical signal) for communication passes, but refers to all optical components that guide light along a desired path.

[0068] In addition, the term "holding" in the present invention means that one object supports another object in such a manner that the two objects continue to maintain their relative positional relationship. Here, the relative positional relationship between the two objects may change slightly, and one object and the other object may not be firmly fixed. In other words, the holding member 5 may hold the optical waveguide 4 in such a manner that the relative positional relationship between the optical waveguide 4 and the holding member 5 may change slightly.

[0069] In addition, the "refractive index" referred to in the present invention is the value obtained by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the speed of light in a medium (more accurately, the phase velocity). The refractive index basically depends on the substance, for example, the refractive index of air is "1.0003" and the refractive index of water is "1.3334". Even for the same substance, the refractive index may differ depending on the wavelength of the incident light, but in the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the refractive index is shown for light with a wavelength of 404.7nm (h-line of mercury).

[0070] In addition, the term "power density" in the present invention means power density per unit area (1 cm 2 ) of light intensity. The unit of power density is "kW / cm 2 ” or “J / (s·cm 2)". Even when the distribution of light intensity in the cross section of the optical waveguide 4 is biased, the light intensity passing through the optical waveguide 4 is divided by the cross-sectional area of ​​the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 to obtain an average power density averaged over the entire cross section of the core 41. In the present invention, the average power density thus obtained is referred to as "power density" unless otherwise specified.

[0071] (2.2) Overall structure

[0072] Here, first refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The overall structure of the hair cutting system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0073] As described above, the hair cutting system 10 includes the hair cutting device 1 and the light source 21. The hair cutting device 1 includes the optical waveguide 4 and the holding member 5 holding the optical waveguide 4. The optical waveguide 4 has a light irradiation section 40, and light generated by the light source 21 is input, so that light is output from the light irradiation section 40. The hair cutting system 10 cuts the hair 91 by inputting the light generated by the light source 21 into the optical waveguide 4 of the hair cutting device 1 and irradiating the light 91 from the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4.

[0074] More specifically, in the hair cutting system 10, a value close to the refractive index of the hair 91 to be cut is adopted as the refractive index of the light irradiation unit 40. Thus, when the hair 91 is in contact with the light irradiation unit 40, light leaks from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91, and the hair 91 is cut by the energy of the light. On the other hand, when the hair 91 is not in contact with the light irradiation unit 40 and only air (refractive index: 1.0) is in contact with the light irradiation unit 40, the amount of light leakage from the light irradiation unit 40 is suppressed to be small due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation unit 40 and the air.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the hair cutting system 10 includes the handle 2 having the light source 21 and the head 3 constituting the hair cutting device 1. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the handle 2 has a first shell 20, and a light source 21 and the like are stored in the first shell 20. As an example, the first shell 20 is formed in a prism shape having a length along the Y axis. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the head 3 has a second shell 30, and the optical waveguide 4 and the like are stored in the second shell 30. As an example, the second shell 30 is formed in a prism shape having a length along the X axis. In this embodiment, by combining one end of the long side direction of the first shell 20 with the center of the long side direction of the second shell 30, the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 form a substantially T-shaped shell as a whole when viewed from one side of the Z axis.

[0076] In this way, the hair cutting system 10, which has a generally T-shaped appearance as a whole, can be used in the same manner as a "T-shaped razor". That is, when the user cuts (here "shaves") the hair 91 (here "beard") to be cut, the user holds the hair cutting system 10 by holding the handle 2, that is, the first shell 20, of the hair cutting system 10 with one hand. In this state, the user brings the head 3 of the hair cutting system 10, that is, one surface of the second shell 30 in the Z-axis direction into contact with the user's (facial) skin 92 and moves the head 3 along the skin 92 in the Y-axis direction, thereby cutting the hair 91 using the light irradiation portion 40 of the head 3. At this time, as Figure 1B As shown, the user brings the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis into contact with the skin 92 and moves the head 3 in the negative direction of the Y axis, thereby cutting off the hair 91 located in front of the moving direction of the head 3 (that is, in the negative direction of the Y axis).

[0077] In the present embodiment, as an example, both the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 are made of synthetic resin. The first shell 20 and the second shell 30 are connected by appropriate means such as bonding, welding, pasting, or connection using a connecting member (screws, etc.).

[0078] The handle 2 includes a control circuit 6 , an optical system 22 , a battery 23 , a fan 24 , a heat sink 25 , and an operation unit 26 in addition to the first housing 20 and the light source 21 .

[0079] The control circuit 6, the optical system 22, the battery 23, the fan 24, and the heat sink 25 are all housed in the first shell 20. The operation unit 26 is provided on one surface (the surface facing the negative direction of the Z axis) of the first shell 20. In addition, the optical waveguide 4 included in the head 3 is housed across the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 in such a manner that one end portion (the light receiving portion 43) is located in the first shell 20 of the handle 2.

[0080] The light source 21 converts electrical energy into optical energy to generate light to be input to the optical waveguide 4. In this embodiment, the light source 21 is a laser source. That is, the light generated by the light source 21 is laser light generated by stimulated emission. Here, the light source 21 is composed of a semiconductor laser that utilizes composite emission of semiconductors.

[0081] In addition, the wavelength of the light generated by the light source 21 is greater than 400nm. That is, the light source 21 generates a laser having a peak wavelength or a main wavelength at a position closer to the longer wavelength side than 400nm. In the present embodiment, the wavelength of the light generated by the light source 21 is less than 700nm. For example, if the wavelength is in the range of greater than 400nm and less than 450nm, a bactericidal effect on acne bacteria and the like present on the skin 92 can be expected, and the details are described in the column of "(3) Effect". In addition, if the wavelength is in the range of greater than 450nm and less than 700nm, an activation effect on the skin 92 can be expected.

[0082] The control circuit 6 is a circuit that controls at least the light source 21. The control circuit 6 causes the light source 21 to emit light (light up) by supplying power to the light source 21. In addition, the control circuit 6 switches the light source 21 on / off and adjusts the output (brightness or wavelength, etc.) of the light source 21. The control circuit 6 includes a printed circuit board (substrate) and a plurality of electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board. In addition to the light source 21, the control circuit 6 also controls the fan 24 and the operating unit 26. The details of the control circuit 6 are described in the column "(2.6) Control circuit".

[0083] The optical system 22 is disposed between the light source 21 and the optical waveguide 4, and guides the light from the light source 21 to the optical waveguide 4. The optical system 22 includes a plurality of lenses. Figure 1B In the example of , the optical system 22 includes a first lens 221, a second lens 222, a third lens 223, and a fourth lens 224. However, Figure 1B The shapes and arrangements of the individual lenses are not strictly shown, but the optical system 22 is merely schematically shown.

[0084] The battery 23 functions as a power source for supplying electric power for driving the control circuit 6, the light source 21, the fan 24, etc. In the present embodiment, the battery 23 is, as an example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery (LIB) that can be charged and discharged.

[0085] The fan 24 is a cooling fan for cooling the light source 21. Specifically, the fan 24 generates an airflow passing through the heat sink 25 in the first housing 20, thereby promoting heat dissipation of the heat sink 25.

[0086] The heat sink 25 is made of a material with a relatively high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, etc. The heat sink 25 is thermally coupled to the light source 21 and mainly dissipates heat from the light source 21 .

[0087] The operation unit 26 receives an operation by a user and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the operation by the user to the control circuit 6. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 26 includes at least one mechanical switch such as a push button switch or a slide switch, for example.

[0088] The head 3 includes a fixing block 32 in addition to the second case 30 , the optical waveguide 4 , and the holding member 5 .

[0089] The surface of the second shell 30 that contacts the user's skin 92 (that is, the surface facing the negative direction of the Z axis) is formed with an opening 31 for exposing at least the light irradiation unit 40 to the outside of the second shell 30. The opening 31 is formed in a rectangular shape having a length along the X axis. The space inside the second shell 30 is connected to the space outside through the opening 31.

[0090] The optical waveguide 4, the holding member 5, and the fixing block 32 are all housed in the second shell 30. However, as described above, one end portion (light receiving portion 43) of the optical waveguide 4 is located in the first shell 20 of the handle 2. Therefore, the internal space of the first shell 20 and the internal space of the second shell 30 are continuous, and the optical waveguide 4 is housed across the first shell 20 and the second shell 30. In the present embodiment, as an example, in addition to the light irradiation portion 40 of the optical waveguide 4, the holding member 5 and the fixing block 32 are also exposed to the outside of the second shell 30 through the opening 31.

[0091] The optical waveguide 4 is an optical member that allows light generated by the light source 21 to pass therethrough, thereby guiding the light from the light source 21 along a desired path. In this embodiment, as an example, the optical waveguide 4 is an optical fiber. The optical waveguide 4 has a core 41 and a cladding 42, and the core 41 is covered by the cladding 42. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B As shown, the optical waveguide 4 also has a light receiving portion 43 and a protective sheath 44. The light receiving portion 43 is housed in the first shell 20 and is arranged in a manner opposite to the optical system 22, so that the light from the light source 21 is introduced into the optical waveguide 4. Specifically, the optical waveguide 4 is optically coupled with the light source 21 by means of the optical system 22 at the light receiving portion 43 provided at the end of the core 41, so that the light from the light source 21 is transmitted through the optical waveguide 4 (core 41). The protective sheath 44 is a resin covering member configured to cover the cladding portion 42. That is, the optical fiber used as the optical waveguide 4 in this embodiment has a three-layer structure of the core 41, the cladding portion 42 located outside the core 41, and the protective sheath 44 located outside the cladding portion 42.

[0092] The optical waveguide 4 is arranged in the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 in such a manner that at least the light receiving portion 43 is arranged in the first shell 20 and the portion extending from the light receiving portion 43 is introduced into the second shell 30. The optical waveguide 4 has the protective sheath 44 only in the portion from one end portion on the light receiving portion 43 side to the first intermediate portion, and the protective sheath 44 is removed in the portion forward of the first intermediate portion to expose the cladding portion 42. Furthermore, the optical waveguide 4 has the cladding portion 42 only in the portion from the first intermediate portion to the second intermediate portion, and the cladding portion 42 is removed in the portion forward of the second intermediate portion to expose the core portion 41. In this way, the portion of the optical waveguide 4 where the cladding portion 42 is removed and the core portion 41 is exposed constitutes the light irradiation portion 40.

[0093] That is, in the present embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 has a core 41, and the light irradiation section 40 is constituted by the core 41. In other words, in the present embodiment, the portion (light irradiation section 40) of the optical waveguide 4 that cuts the hair 91 by irradiating light to the hair 91 is constituted only by the core 41. The details of the optical waveguide 4 are described in the column "(2.3) Configuration of the hair cutting device".

[0094] The holding member 5 is a member for holding the optical waveguide 4. The holding member 5 holds at least the light irradiation portion 40 in the optical waveguide 4. That is, the holding member 5 holds at least the portion (light irradiation portion 40) in the optical waveguide 4 where the cladding portion 42 is removed and the core portion 41 is exposed. In the present embodiment, as an example, the portion of the optical waveguide 4 held by the holding member 5 is only the light irradiation portion 40, and the portion of the optical waveguide 4 other than the light irradiation portion 40 is appropriately fixed in position by a structure other than the holding member 5. The holding member 5 is fixed to the fixing block 32. The holding member 5 is fixed to the fixing block 32 by appropriate means such as bonding, welding, pasting, or bonding using a connecting member (screws, etc.). Thus, the optical waveguide 4 (light irradiation portion 40) is indirectly fixed to the fixing block 32 by means of the holding member 5. The details of the holding member 5 are described in the column "(2.4) Holding structure of optical waveguide".

[0095] The fixing block 32 is fixed to the second shell 30. The fixing block 32 is made of synthetic resin and is formed into a prism shape having a length along the X axis. The fixing block 32 is fixed to the second shell 30 by appropriate means such as bonding, welding, pasting, or bonding using a connecting member (screw, etc.). As described above, the holding member 5 is fixed to the fixing block 32. Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 (light irradiation unit 40) is indirectly fixed to the second shell 30 via the holding member 5 and the fixing block 32.

[0096] Here, in the head 3, the light irradiation portion 40 of the optical waveguide 4, the holding member 5, and the fixing block 32 are all exposed to the outside of the second housing 30 through the opening 31. Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the fixing block 32 is arranged along the length (X axis) of the opening 31 of the second shell 30. In addition, the holding member 5 is fixed to the surface of the fixing block 32 facing the front (negative direction of the Y axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1. In addition, the fixing block 32 and the holding member 5 are arranged close to the rear side (that is, the positive side of the Y axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1 (head 3) in the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the opening 31, thereby ensuring a gap on the front side of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1.

[0097] In addition, the fixing block 32 and the holding member 5 are arranged so that their surfaces facing the negative direction of the Z axis are flush with the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis. Furthermore, the optical waveguide 4 (light irradiation section 40) is fixed to the surface of the holding member 5 facing the front (negative direction of the Y axis) in the traveling direction of the hair cutting device 1, and the details are described in the column "(2.4) Optical waveguide holding structure".

[0098] In addition, Figure 1A and Figure 1B Although not shown in the figure, the hair cutting system 10 may further include components such as a charging circuit for the battery 23 and a display unit for displaying the operating state of the hair cutting system 10.

[0099] (2.3) Structure of the hair cutting device

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The hair cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment, that is, the head 3 of the hair cutting system 10 will be described in more detail. Figure 2A It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the optical waveguide 4 and the holding structure 5 of the hair cutting device 1 (head 3). Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged view of the main part.

[0101] In the present embodiment, since the portion of the hair cutting system 10 corresponding to the head 3 constitutes the hair cutting device 1, the second shell 30, the optical waveguide 4, the holding member 5, and the fixing block 32 included in the head 3 are all components of the hair cutting device 1. That is, the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment includes the second shell 30 and the fixing block 32 in addition to the optical waveguide 4 and the holding member 5. However, the second shell 30 and the fixing block 32 are not essential components for the hair cutting device 1, and at least one of the second shell 30 and the fixing block 32 may be appropriately omitted.

[0102] As described above, the optical waveguide 4 of the hair cutting device 1 has the light irradiation part 40 for cutting the hair 91 by irradiating light to the hair 91. In the present embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 is an optical fiber having a core 41 and a cladding part 42. The cladding part 42 covers the core 41 over the entire circumference of the core 41. Here, both the core 41 and the cladding part 42 have relatively high light transmittance. However, the refractive indexes of the core 41 and the cladding part 42 are different, and the refractive index of the core 41 is larger than the refractive index of the cladding part 42. According to this structure, the light incident from the light receiving part 43 to the core 41 is transmitted only through the core 41 as much as possible by total reflection or refraction at the interface between the core 41 and the cladding part 42, and reaches the front end part (the end on the side opposite to the side where the light receiving part 43 is located) of the optical waveguide 4.

[0103] In the present embodiment, as an example, the core 41 and the cladding 42 of the optical waveguide 4 are both formed of synthetic quartz. For example, the core 41 is made of synthetic quartz, and the cladding 42 is made of synthetic quartz to which impurities are added and whose refractive index is different from that of the core 41. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the fiber incident NA (Numerical Aperture) is "0.1", the refractive index of the core 41 is "1.4698", and the refractive index of the cladding 42 is "1.4309". In addition, when the fiber incident NA is "0.2", the refractive index of the core 41 is "1.4698", and the refractive index of the cladding 42 is "1.309". The NA and refractive index cited here are only examples, and are not intended to limit the difference between the refractive index of the core 41 and the refractive index of the cladding 42.

[0104] In addition, in the optical waveguide 4 (optical fiber) of the above-described structure, the portion from the front end portion on the side opposite to the side where the light receiving portion 43 is located to the second intermediate portion where the cladding portion 42 is removed and the core portion 41 is exposed constitutes the light irradiation portion 40. In other words, the core portion 41 itself at the portion of the optical waveguide 4 where the cladding portion 42 is removed and the core portion 41 is exposed constitutes the light irradiation portion 40 for irradiating the hair 91 with light.

[0105] However, more strictly speaking, since the portion of the core portion 41 exposed by removing the cladding portion 42 and covered by the retaining member 5 cannot leak light to the hair 91, it does not function as the light irradiation portion 40 for irradiating light to the hair 91. In other words, in the present embodiment, the light irradiation portion 40 is composed only of the core portion 41, and the portion of the core portion 41 that is not covered by the cladding portion 42 and exposed serves as the light irradiation portion 40. Figure 2A and Figure 2B , etc. show a cross section of a portion where the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 is exposed, and an end face of the cladding portion 42 is shown.

[0106] Furthermore, in the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the refractive index of the light irradiation portion 40 of the light waveguide 4 is higher than that of the surface 921 of the skin 92 (see Figure 2A ) has a small refractive index. Here, human skin 92 (skin) includes epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The surface 921 of the skin 92 mentioned here refers to the outermost epidermis or the surface of the epidermis among the multiple elements constituting the skin 92 mentioned above.

[0107] That is, in this embodiment, since the light irradiation section 40 is composed of the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 (optical fiber) having the core 41 and the cladding 42, the refractive index of the core 41 is set to be smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92. As an example, the refractive index of the surface 921 of the human skin 92 is assumed to be "1.4770". In this case, if the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40, i.e., the core 41, is "1.4698" as described above, the condition that the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 is satisfied.

[0108] More specifically, in the present embodiment, the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is less than 1.47. In short, the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is set in a range below "1.4700" so that the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92. Thus, even if the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 has a slight deviation, the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92. In other words, even if the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 is slightly smaller than "1.4770", the condition that the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 can be satisfied.

[0109] Furthermore, the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 mentioned here is smaller than the refractive index of the hair 91. That is, when the refractive indexes of the surface 921 of the skin 92, the hair 91 protruding from the skin 92 as the cutting target, and the light irradiation unit 40 (core 41) are compared, the refractive index of the hair 91 is the largest, the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 is the second largest, and the refractive index of the light irradiation unit 40 is the smallest. As an example, the refractive index of the human hair 91 (here, "beard") as the cutting target of the hair cutting device 1 is assumed to be "1.5432". In this case, if the refractive index of the surface 921 of the human skin 92 is "1.4770", the condition that the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 is smaller than the refractive index of the hair 91 is satisfied.

[0110] In summary, in the present embodiment, regarding the relationship of the refractive index, the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 is greater than the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 (core section 41), and the refractive index of the hair 91 is greater than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92, such as "light irradiation section < skin < hair". In other words, the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the hair 91 to be cut, and smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92.

[0111] Thus, in the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment, since the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the hair 91 to be cut, when the hair 91 is in contact with the light irradiation section 40, light leaks from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91. Therefore, the hair 91 can be cut by using the energy of the light leaked from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91. The principle (mechanism) of cutting the hair 91 is described in detail in the column "(2.5) Example of use". On the other hand, when the hair 91 is not in contact with the light irradiation section 40 and only air (refractive index: 1.0) is in contact with the light irradiation section 40, the amount of light leakage from the light irradiation section 40 is suppressed to be small due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation section 40 and the air.

[0112] Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the refractive indices, it is more preferable that the difference between the refractive index of the light irradiation unit 40 and the refractive index of the hair 91 to be cut is extremely small. That is, for the surface 921 of the skin 92, the hair 91, and the light irradiation unit 40, it is preferable that the difference between the refractive indices is extremely small while satisfying the above-mentioned magnitude relationship. Thus, the refractive index of the light irradiation unit 40 becomes a value close to the refractive index of the hair 91 to be cut, and when the hair 91 is in contact with the light irradiation unit 40, light easily leaks from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91.

[0113] In the present embodiment, as an example, the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 (core 41) is "1.4698", the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 is "1.4770", and the refractive index of the hair 91 is "1.5432", and it can be said that the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is about the same as the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92. Here, "the refractive index is about the same" means that when there are two different refractive indices, the two take close values ​​to the extent that the smaller refractive index is included in the range of ±5% of the larger refractive index. In this case, for example, when the incident angle of light (the angle with the normal to the surface 921 of the skin 92) is set to 80 degrees (the incident NA is about 0.17), the reflectance (s-polarized light) at the interface between an object having a refractive index of -5% of the refractive index of the hair 91 and an object having a refractive index of the hair 91 becomes 13.2%, the reflectance (s-polarized light) at the interface between the light irradiation unit 40 and the hair 91 becomes 12.5%, and the reflectance (s-polarized light) at the interface between the skin 92 and the hair 91 becomes 11.3%. Thus, even if the refractive index changes by -5%, the reflectance changes by only 2%. That is, in this embodiment, since the refractive index (1.4698) of the light irradiation unit 40 and the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92 are within the range of ±5% of the refractive index (1.5432) of the hair 91, it can be said that they are at the same level.

[0114] As described in the column "(2.1) Definition", even if the same substance has a different refractive index depending on the wavelength, the above-mentioned refractive index relationship is constant at least within the wavelength range of the light output from the light source 21. That is, at least within the wavelength range of the light output from the light source 21 (for example, a range of 400 nm to 700 nm), the refractive index satisfies the relationship of "light irradiation part < skin < hair".

[0115] Furthermore, since the refractive index of the cladding 42 is smaller than the refractive index of the core 41 as the light irradiation part 40, when the above-mentioned conditions are satisfied, the refractive index of the cladding 42 is the smallest among the core 41, the cladding 42, the surface 921 of the skin 92, and the hair 91. In other words, the relationship of the refractive indexes of the four is "cladding < core < skin < hair".

[0116] In the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, at least when cutting the hair 91, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is 50 kW / cm 2 That is, in the optical waveguide 4 having the core 41 and the cladding 42, since light passes through the inside of the core 41, the cross section of the core 41 has a unit area (1 cm 2 ) becomes 50 kW or more. Here, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 does not need to be always 50 kW / cm2 Above, at least when the hair 91 is cut (when the hair 91 is cut), the power is 50 kW / cm 2 That’s all.

[0117] In this embodiment, as an example, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when cutting the hair 91 is 50 kW / cm 2 Above 300kW / cm 2 In addition, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when cutting the hair 91 is preferably 70 kW / cm which is capable of cutting the hair 91. 2 More preferably 75 kW / cm 2 Furthermore, if the hair 91 can be cut quickly (for example, in about 0.1 s), the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when the hair 91 is cut is more preferably 100 kW / cm 2 Furthermore, considering the optical output and optical fiber diameter of the laser that can be used as a consumer product, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when cutting the hair 91 is preferably 200 kW / cm 2 In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the initial value of the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when the hair 91 is cut is 100 kW / cm 2 .

[0118] With this degree of power density, the hair cutting device 1 can easily cut the hair 91 efficiently using the light irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91. Details are described in the columns "(2.5) Usage Example" and "(3) Action".

[0119] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is variable. That is, the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment is not configured to fix the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 to an initial value, but is configured to be variable. In particular, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when cutting the hair 91 is not fixed to an initial value (100 kW / cm 2 The power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 when cutting the hair 91 is preferably 50 kW / cm 2 The above range is variable. The power density of light passing through the optical waveguide 4 may be changed continuously or in stages (discontinuously).

[0120] In addition, in the present embodiment, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is adjusted by the output from the light source 21. That is, the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment constitutes the hair cutting system 10 together with the light source 21, and the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is adjusted by adjusting the output from the light source 21. The "adjustment" mentioned here includes two forms: a form in which the power density is set to a predetermined value and a form in which the power density is changed as described above. In short, when the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is fixed to an initial value, the power density is adjusted to the initial value (100 kW / cm 2 ). On the other hand, when the power density of light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is changed from an initial value to a desired value, the output from the light source 21 is determined so that the power density becomes the desired value after the change. The details of the structure for determining the output from the light source 21 are described in the column "(2.6) Control circuit".

[0121] (2.4) Optical waveguide holding structure

[0122] Next, refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B The details of the structure for holding the optical waveguide 4 of the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0123] As described above, the hair cutting device 1 includes the holding member 5 for holding the optical waveguide 4. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , the holding member 5 holds the optical waveguide 4 in a form in which the light irradiation section 40 is exposed from at least one surface of the holding member 5. That is, the optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5 in a form in which at least the light irradiation section 40 is exposed to the surface of the holding member 5 facing the front (negative direction of the Y axis) in the traveling direction of the hair cutting device 1. More specifically, the core 41 constituting the light irradiation section 40 is not entirely exposed, but at least the surface of the core 41 facing the front (negative direction of the Y axis) in the traveling direction of the hair cutting device 1 is exposed from the holding member 5. And the portion of the core 41 exposed from the holding member 5 in this way functions as the light irradiation section 40 that irradiates light to the hair 91 to cut the hair 91.

[0124] Furthermore, since the holding member 5 is fixed to the fixing block 32 of the head 3 as described above, the optical waveguide 4 (light irradiation unit 40 ) is indirectly fixed to the second case 30 of the head 3 via the holding member 5 and the fixing block 32 .

[0125] Here, the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4, the holding member 5, and the fixing block 31 are all connected through the opening 31 (see Figure 1B ) is exposed to the second shell 30 of the head 3 (refer to Figure 1B) outside. Moreover, in the opening 31, the fixing block 32 and the holding member 5 are arranged to be offset to the rear side (that is, the positive side of the Y axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1 (head 3) in the short side direction (the Y axis direction) of the opening 31. Therefore, when viewed from the holding member 5, a gap is ensured between the holding member 5 and the periphery of the opening 31 on the front side (that is, the negative side of the Y axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1, and the hair 91 to be cut can be introduced into the opening 31 by utilizing this gap. In other words, Figure 2A As shown, the hair 91 to be cut can be introduced into the holding member 5 between the surface of the optical waveguide 4 that is facing forward in the traveling direction of the hair cutting device 1 (negative direction of the Y axis) and the periphery of the opening 31 so as to expose the light irradiation section 40.

[0126] According to the above structure, Figure 2A As shown, the hair 91 to be cut is introduced into the second shell 30 from the opening 31 at a position opposite to the light irradiation section 40 held by the holding member 5. In this state, the optical waveguide 4 held by the holding member 5 is in a posture in which at least a portion of the light irradiation section 40 exposed from the holding member 5 (the surface facing the negative direction of the Y axis) is in contact with the hair 91 to be cut. As a result, the light irradiation section 40 can be brought into contact with the hair 91 to be cut in the optical waveguide 4.

[0127] In addition, in this embodiment, the holding member 5 has a base 51 and an adhesive member 52. The adhesive member 52 bonds the optical waveguide 4 to the base 51. Both the base 51 and the adhesive member 52 are made of a synthetic resin having light transmittance. In particular, the base 51 is a resin molded product formed using a mold. In contrast, the adhesive member 52 is a cured product formed by curing a paste-like resin as an adhesive. In other words, the adhesive member 52 is a cured product of an adhesive for bonding the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4.

[0128] Therefore, in order to realize the optical waveguide 4 in a state held by the holding member 5, for example, a portion of the optical waveguide 4 may be buried in the adhesive member 52 in a state where the adhesive member 52 in a paste form is applied to the base 51, and the adhesive member 52 may be cured. Thus, in the holding member 5, the optical waveguide 4 is bonded to the base 51 by the adhesive member 52 and a portion of the optical waveguide 4 is exposed from the adhesive member 52, so that the optical waveguide 4 can be held in a state where the light irradiation portion 40 is exposed from one surface of the holding member 5.

[0129] The base 51 is formed in a prism shape having a length along the X-axis. The base 51 is fixed to the surface of the fixing block 32 facing the front (negative direction of the Y-axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1 by appropriate means such as bonding, welding, pasting, or bonding using a connecting member (screw member, etc.). In the present embodiment, the refractive index of the base 51 is greater than the refractive index of the core 41 (light irradiation unit 40).

[0130] In addition, if Figure 2B As shown, the base 51 has four surfaces, namely, an opposing surface 511, a side surface 512, a back surface 513, and a reverse surface 514. The cross section of the base 51 perpendicular to the length (X axis) is a substantially rectangular shape having these four surfaces as four sides. The opposing surface 511 is a surface that is opposed to the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut. The side surface 512 is a surface that intersects with the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut, and is a surface adjacent to the opposing surface 511. The back surface 513 is a surface facing the side opposite to the opposing surface 511, and is a surface adjacent to the side surface 512. The reverse surface 514 is a surface facing the side opposite to the side where the side surface 512 is located, and is a surface adjacent to the back surface 513. That is, the surface of the base 51 facing the negative direction of the Z axis is the opposing surface 511, and the surface facing the negative direction of the Y axis is the side surface 512. Furthermore, the surface of the base 51 that faces the positive direction of the Z axis is the back surface 513 , and the surface that faces the positive direction of the Y axis is the reverse surface 514 .

[0131] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the light guide 4 is held on the side surface 512 among the above-mentioned opposing surface 511, the side surface 512, the back surface 513, and the reverse surface 514. That is, in the present embodiment, the holding member 5 has the side surface 512 that intersects with the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut. The light guide 4 is held on the side surface 512 of the holding member 5. In particular, the side surface 512 is a surface of the base 51 that faces the front (negative direction of the Y axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1 (head 3). Therefore, the light irradiation part 40 of the light guide 4 is fixed to the surface of the holding member 5 that faces the front (negative direction of the Y axis) of the travel direction of the hair cutting device 1.

[0132] The adhesive member 52 bonds the optical waveguide 4 to the base 51. In the present embodiment, in order to hold the optical waveguide 4 on the side surface 512 of the base 51, the adhesive member 52 is provided on the side surface 512 of the base 51 and the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 are bonded. Here, the adhesive member 52 is arranged over the entire length of the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the base 51. Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 is bonded to the base 51 by the adhesive member 52 over the entire length of the long side direction of the base 51.

[0133] Since the adhesive member 52 is a cured product of a paste-like resin as an adhesive, it is difficult to completely control the shape of the adhesive member 52. However, the shape of the adhesive member 52 can be controlled to a certain extent by, for example, the amount of the adhesive member 52 provided on the side surface 512 of the base 51. Figure 2B As shown, the shape of the adhesive member 52 is controlled so that, in a cross section orthogonal to the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the base 51, a part of the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 is buried in the adhesive member 52 and a part of the core 41 is exposed from the adhesive member 52. In more detail, the adhesive member 52 rises along the circumference of the core 41 to a height of approximately half (that is, the radius) of the core 41 in the traveling direction (Y-axis direction) of the hair cutting device 1 due to the "wettability" of the core 41. Thus, half of the circumference of the circumference of the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 is covered by the adhesive member 52, and the remaining half of the circumference is exposed from the holding member 5 (adhesive member 52), thereby forming the light irradiation unit 40.

[0134] In the present embodiment, the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 is smaller than the refractive index of the light irradiation portion 40. That is, if the refractive index of the light irradiation portion 40 (core 41) is "1.4698", the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 is smaller than "1.4698". Thus, the amount of light leakage from the core 41 to the adhesive member 52 can be appropriately limited, and the decrease in the power density of the light caused by the light leaking from the core 41 to a greater extent than required can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, since the light irradiation portion 40 is constituted by the exposed portion of the core 41 due to the removal of the cladding portion 42, the adhesive member 52 is in direct contact with the light irradiation portion 40 (core 41). Therefore, as an example, the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 is equal to the refractive index of the cladding portion 42 or is less than the refractive index of the cladding portion 42.

[0135] Furthermore, as described above, the arrangement of the fixed block 32 and the holding member 5 relative to the second shell 30 is determined in such a manner that the surfaces of the fixed block 32 and the holding member 5 facing the negative direction of the Z axis are flush with the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis. More specifically, the surfaces of the fixed block 32 and the base 51 of the holding member 5 facing the negative direction of the Z axis are flush with the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis. The surface of the base 51 facing the negative direction of the Z axis is the facing surface 511. Therefore, in the hair cutting device 1 (head 3), in a state where the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis is in contact with the skin 92, the fixed block 32 and the base 51 of the holding member 5 are also in contact with the skin 92.

[0136] In addition, in the present embodiment, a positioning portion 53 for positioning the optical waveguide 4 is formed on the side surface 512 of the base 51 that holds the optical waveguide 4. The positioning portion 53 positions the optical waveguide 4 at least in a plane perpendicular to the length of the optical waveguide 4, that is, in a Y-Z plane perpendicular to the X-axis. In this way, in the present embodiment, the holding member 5 has the positioning portion 53 for positioning the optical waveguide 4 in a plane perpendicular to the length of the optical waveguide 4.

[0137] Here, if Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 5 , the positioning portion 53 is composed of a groove formed on the side surface 512 of the base 51. That is, the positioning portion 53 is a groove formed on one surface (side surface 512) of the holding member 5. The groove as the positioning portion 53 is formed over the entire length of the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the base 51. The optical waveguide 4 is held on the side surface 512 of the base 51 in such a manner that at least a portion of the core portion 41 exposed by removing the cladding portion 42 is accommodated in the groove as the positioning portion 53. That is, at least a portion of the optical waveguide 4 is accommodated in the groove (positioning portion 53).

[0138] Here, in this embodiment, as an example, the groove as the positioning portion 53 is a groove having a V-shaped cross section that becomes deeper as it approaches the center in the short-side direction (width direction). In this way, the optical waveguide 4 is arranged in the groove (positioning portion 53) having a shape that becomes deeper as it approaches the center in the short-side direction (width direction), and is arranged at the approximate center in the short-side direction (width direction) of the groove as the positioning portion 53 due to the self-alignment effect. In particular, in a structure in which the optical waveguide 4 is bonded to the base 51 by the adhesive member 52 as in this embodiment, since the optical waveguide 4 may be displaced until the adhesive member 52 is cured, it is useful to exert the self-alignment effect.

[0139] In addition, in the present embodiment, the holding member 5 holds the optical waveguide 4 in a manner that a gap is created between the light irradiation section 40 and the base 51 at least at times other than when the hair 91 is cut. That is, at least at times other than when the hair 91 is cut, Figure 2B As shown, the base 51 of the holding member 5 is not in contact with the light irradiation section 40, and the light irradiation section 40 is maintained in a state where a certain degree of space is left between the base 51. Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the refractive index of the base 51 is greater than the refractive index of the core 41 (light irradiation section 40). Therefore, if the light irradiation section 40 is in contact with the base 51, light will leak from the contact portion of the light irradiation section 40 with the base 51 to the base 51, and there is a possibility that the light utilization efficiency of the hair cutting device 1 will decrease. Therefore, in the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment, the light irradiation section 40 is separated from the base 51 to suppress the decrease in the light utilization efficiency.

[0140] In particular, in this embodiment, the portion of the adhesive member 52 that is present between the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 has a thickness D1 that is greater than the wavelength of light passing through the optical waveguide 4. Figure 2B As shown, the thickness D1 of the portion of the adhesive member 52 existing between the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 means the shortest distance between the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 relative to each other with the adhesive member 52 therebetween. That is, since the adhesive member 52 for bonding the optical waveguide 4 to the base 51 exists between the light irradiation portion 40 (core 41) of the optical waveguide 4 and the base 51, the adhesive member 52 can be used to ensure a gap between the light irradiation portion 40 and the base 51. However, in the case where the thickness of the adhesive member 52 existing between the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 is small (thin), light (evanescent wave) sometimes leaks toward the base 51 due to seepage from the interface between the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) and the adhesive member 52 toward the adhesive member 52 side. Such an evanescent wave is generated within a range of about one wavelength of the light from the interface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , by setting the thickness D1 of the adhesive member 52 between the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 to be larger than the wavelength of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4, the evanescent wave is less likely to affect the base 51. For example, if the wavelength of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4, that is, the wavelength of the light generated by the light source 21, is 700 nm, the thickness D1 of the adhesive member 52 between the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 is larger than 700 nm.

[0141] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the hair cutting device 1 has a contact surface that contacts the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91. The optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5 in such a manner that the height L0 of the light irradiation section 40 from the contact surface is 100 μm or less. The "contact surface" referred to in the present invention means the surface of the hair cutting device 1 that contacts the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91, and is basically the surface that is located closest to the negative direction of the Z axis in the hair cutting device 1. Here, the hair cutting device 1 of the present embodiment has at least the opposing surface 511 of the base 51 as the contact surface that contacts the skin 92. Furthermore, since the surface of the fixing block 32 facing the negative direction of the Z axis and the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis are the opposing surface 511 of the base 51, these surfaces are also included in the contact surface. The height L0 of the light irradiation section 40 in the Z axis direction from such a contact surface is equal to the height of the light irradiation section 40 from the surface 921 of the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91. That is, in this embodiment, if Figure 2B As shown, by setting the height L0 of the light irradiation unit 40 from the opposing surface 511 as the contact surface to be 100 μm or less, the distance (height) from the surface 921 of the skin 92 to the light irradiation unit 40 when cutting the hair 91 is made 100 μm or less.

[0142] However, in the present embodiment, the height L0 of the light irradiation section 40 from the opposite surface 511 as the contact surface is 1 μm or more and is not zero (0). In other words, in the hair cutting device 1, since the light irradiation section 40 has a certain height L0 from the contact surface (opposite surface 511), the light irradiation section 40 can be separated from the surface 921 of the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91. By separating the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4 from the surface 921 of the skin 92 in this way, even if there are protrusions such as acne on the surface 921 of the skin 92, for example, the light irradiation section 40 is not easily caught by the protrusions.

[0143] In addition, when the holding member 5 has the positioning portion 53 as in the present embodiment, the height of the positioning portion 53 from the contact surface may be limited instead of the height L0 of the light irradiation portion 40 from the contact surface. That is, the distance from the contact surface (opposing surface 511, etc.) to the edge of the groove as the positioning portion 53 in the Z-axis direction is preferably 100 μm or less. In particular, in the present embodiment, the height of the positioning portion 53 from the contact surface, that is, the distance from the contact surface (opposing surface 511, etc.) to the edge of the groove as the positioning portion 53 in the Z-axis direction is 1 μm or more.

[0144] (2.5) Usage example

[0145] Next, refer to Figure 3A to Figure 4B A usage example of the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0146] That is, in this embodiment, the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 of the above-mentioned structure are used to cut (here "shave") the hair 91 (here "beard"). At this time, the user holds the hair cutting system 10 by holding the handle 2 of the hair cutting system 10 with one hand, and makes the head 3 of the hair cutting system 10, that is, the surface of the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis, contact the skin 92 of the user (face). As a result, Figure 3A As shown, the hair 91 to be cut is introduced into the second case 30 from the opening 31 at a position facing the light irradiation unit 40 held by the holding member 5 .

[0147] like Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , in a state where the light irradiation section 40 is not in contact with the hair 91, the air is in contact with the light irradiation section 40. Therefore, due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation section 40 and the air, almost no light leaks from the light irradiation section 40. In this state, the user moves the head 3 (second shell 30) as the hair cutting device 1 along the surface 921 of the skin 92 toward the hair 91. Figure 3A Move in the direction of arrow A1.

[0148] As the head 3 (second shell 30) moves, Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the light irradiation section 40 contacts the hair 91 located in front of the traveling direction of the head 3 (that is, in the negative direction of the Y axis). At this time, due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation section 40 and the hair 91, the light from the light irradiation section 40 is irradiated to the hair 91 in a manner of leaking to the hair 91. That is, since the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the hair 91 to be cut, when the hair 91 is in contact with the light irradiation section 40, the light leaks from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91, and the light is irradiated to the hair 91 from the light irradiation section 40.

[0149] And, in Figure 3B In the state shown, part of the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91 is scattered, so that the light from the light irradiation unit 40 is also irradiated to the skin 92 around the hair 91. Specifically, part of the light leaked from the contact part of the light irradiation unit 40 with the hair 91 is scattered by the hair 91 and irradiated to the skin 92. Figure 3B As shown, the light mainly irradiated to the hair 91 is set as the first irradiation light Op1, and the light mainly irradiated to the skin 92 is set as the second irradiation light Op2. That is, in a state where the hair 91 is in contact with the light irradiation unit 40, the first irradiation light Op1 is irradiated to the hair 91 from the light irradiation unit 40, and the second irradiation light Op2 is irradiated to the skin 92.

[0150] In particular, when the first irradiation light Op1 is irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91, the hair 91 is cut by the energy of the light (first irradiation light Op1) irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91. In summary, in the present embodiment, the wavelength of the light output from the light source 21 and passing through the optical waveguide 4 (for example, 400 nm or more and 700 nm or less) includes the wavelength of light absorbed by the chromophore (a part of a molecule that provides the molecule with its color) in the hair 91. Therefore, the first irradiation light Op1 is converted into heat by being absorbed by the chromophore of the hair 91, and the heat is used to destroy the bond of the molecules of the hair 91 or to melt or burn the hair 91. Examples of the chromophore that can be the target of the light (first irradiation light Op1) irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91 include chromophores such as keratin and water.

[0151] As described above, the user moves the head 3 (second shell 30) of the hair cutting device 1 along the skin 92 in the direction indicated by arrow A1 (see Figure 3A ) direction, so that the hair 91 protruding from the skin 92 can be cut off. Figure 3C As shown, only the root portion of the cut hair 91 remains on the skin 92.

[0152] However, in the hair cutting device 1, even if Figure 3BWhen the light irradiation section 40 is brought into contact with the hair 91 as shown, the light (evanescent wave) may be irradiated onto the hair 91 due to leakage of light (evanescent wave) from the interface between the light irradiation section 40 and the air to the air side. Therefore, in the hair cutting device 1, the first irradiation light Op1 may be irradiated onto the hair 91 from the light irradiation section 40, thereby cutting the hair 91, not only when the light irradiation section 40 is in contact with the hair 91, but also when the light irradiation section 40 and the hair 91 are close to each other and in close contact.

[0153] In addition, depending on the condition of the skin 92, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, when the hair 91 (here, “beard”) is cut (here, “shaved”) using the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10, the light irradiation unit 40 may come into partial contact with the skin 92. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The example of using the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 is shown in the case where there is a raised portion 922 such as acne around the hair 91 of the skin 92 (around the hair root). The raised portion 922 is a portion of the skin 92 that is bulged (raised) compared to the surface 921 of the skin 92 around the raised portion 922.

[0154] That is, Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , in a state where the light irradiation section 40 is not in contact with the hair 91, the air is in contact with the light irradiation section 40. Therefore, due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation section 40 and the air, almost no light leaks from the light irradiation section 40. In this state, the user moves the head 3 (second shell 30) as the hair cutting device 1 along the surface 921 of the skin 92 toward the hair 91. Figure 4A Move in the direction of arrow A1.

[0155] As the head 3 (second shell 30) moves, Figure 4B As shown, the light irradiation section 40 contacts the hair 91 located in front of the traveling direction of the head 3 (that is, in the negative direction of the Y axis). At this time, due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation section 40 and the hair 91, the light (first irradiation light Op1) from the light irradiation section 40 is irradiated to the hair 91 in a manner of leaking to the hair 91. When the first irradiation light Op1 is irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91, the hair 91 is cut by the energy of the light (first irradiation light Op1) irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91.

[0156] And, in Figure 4BIn the state shown, the light irradiation section 40 is also in contact with the raised portion 922 around the hair 91 of the skin 92. At this time, due to the difference in refractive index between the light irradiation section 40 and the surface 921 (raised portion 922) of the skin 92, the light from the light irradiation section 40 is irradiated to the skin 92 in a manner of leaking to the skin 92. That is, since the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 is smaller than the refractive index of the surface 921 of the skin 92, the light leaks from the light irradiation section 40 to the skin 92 in a state where the skin 92 is in contact with the light irradiation section 40, and the light (second irradiation light Op2) is irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the skin 92. At this time, the second irradiation light Op2 is directly irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the skin 92, and the second irradiation light Op2 is mainly irradiated to the raised portion 922.

[0157] (2.6) Control circuit

[0158] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The configuration of the control circuit 6 of the hair cutting system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0159] like Figure 5 As shown, the control circuit 6 is electrically connected to the light source 21, the battery 23, the fan 24, the operation unit 26, etc. The control circuit 6 includes an input unit 61, a mode switching unit 62, an output adjustment unit 63, and a drive unit 64.

[0160] The control circuit 6 includes, for example, a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the microcontroller, one or more processors are used to execute programs stored in one or more memories to realize the function of the control circuit 6. The program can be pre-stored in the memory, or can be stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as a memory card, or can be provided via an electrical communication line. In other words, the above program is a program for making one or more processors function as the control circuit 6.

[0161] An electrical signal corresponding to a user's operation is input from the operation unit 26 to the input unit 61. For example, when the operation unit 26 receives an operation such as switching on / off of the light source 21, an electrical signal corresponding to the operation is input to the input unit 61.

[0162] The mode switching unit 62 switches the operation mode of the light source 21. In the present embodiment, there are two modes, a first mode and a second mode, which will be described later, as the operation mode of the light source 21. The mode switching unit 62 switches between the first mode and the second mode, for example, in accordance with an electrical signal from the input unit 61.

[0163] The driving unit 64 drives the light source 21 by supplying power to the light source 21. That is, the driving unit 64 supplies the driving current I1 to the light source 21 formed by the semiconductor laser to make the light source 21 emit light (light up). Here, when the driving unit 64 drives the light source 21, Figure 5 As shown, the light source 21 is illuminated by supplying a rectangular wave driving current I1 that alternately repeats the light-emitting period T1 and the light-off period T2 to the light source 21. That is, the driving unit 64 supplies the driving current I1 composed of a pulse current to the light source 21, and the light source 21 receives the driving current I1 and intermittently generates light (flickering).

[0164] That is, the light source 21 emits light during the light-emitting period T1 of the driving current I1, and the light source 21 is turned off during the off period T2 of the driving current I1, so the light source 21 intermittently generates light (flickers) in accordance with the frequency of the driving current I1. In short, the light source 21 intermittently generates light by repeating the light-emitting period T1 and the off period T2. In this embodiment, as an example, the duty ratio of the driving current I1 (the proportion of the light-emitting period T1 in one cycle) is assumed to be 50%. That is, the time length of the light-emitting period T1 is equal to the time length of the off period T2.

[0165] In addition, in the present embodiment, there are two modes, namely, a first mode and a second mode, as the operation modes of the light source 21 .

[0166] The first mode is a mode that preferentially acts on the skin 92, and is a mode in which the time length of the light-emitting period T1 is less than 1 / 10,000 second. That is, if the operation mode of the light source 21 is the first mode, the time length of the light-emitting period T1 of the light source 21 is less than 1 / 10,000 second. In other words, in the first mode, the driving unit 64 drives the light source 21 with a driving current I1 having a frequency of 5 kHz or more. As a result, the maximum time that the light source 21 continuously generates light becomes less than 1 / 10000 second (1 / 10000s). In the present embodiment, as an example, the time length of the light-emitting period T1 of the light source 21 when the operation mode of the light source 21 is the first mode is 1 / 15000 second.

[0167] The second mode is a mode for preferentially cutting off the hair 91, and is a mode in which the time length of the light-emitting period T1 is greater than 1 / 100 of a second. That is, if the operation mode of the light source 21 is the second mode, the time length of the light-emitting period T1 of the light source 21 is greater than 1 / 100 of a second. In other words, in the second mode, the driving unit 64 drives the light source 21 with a driving current I1 having a frequency of less than 50 Hz. Thus, the minimum time for the light source 21 to continuously generate light is greater than 1 / 100 of a second (1 / 100 s). In the present embodiment, as an example, the time length of the light-emitting period T1 of the light source 21 when the operation mode of the light source 21 is the second mode is 1 / 80 of a second.

[0168] Here, the control circuit 6 has a mode switching unit 62 for switching between the first mode and the second mode. That is, in the present embodiment, the operation mode of the light source 21 can be switched between the first mode in which the time length of the light emission period T1 is less than 1 / 10,000 second and the second mode in which the time length of the light emission period T1 is more than 1 / 100 second.

[0169] The output adjustment unit 63 adjusts the output of the light source 21 by controlling the driving unit 64. The output of the light source 21 to be adjusted by the output adjustment unit 63 includes the light intensity (brightness) and wavelength of the light generated by the light source 21. The output adjustment unit 63 adjusts the output of the light source 21, for example, in accordance with an electrical signal from the input unit 61.

[0170] In particular, in the present embodiment, as described above, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is adjusted by the output from the light source 21. Therefore, the output adjustment unit 63 adjusts the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 by adjusting the magnitude (power density) of the output of the light source 21. Specifically, the output adjustment unit 63 adjusts the power density of the light output from the light source 21 to the optical waveguide 4 by changing the magnitude of the drive current I1 supplied from the drive unit 64 to the light source 21.

[0171] Furthermore, as described above, when the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is variable, the power density is changed by the output adjustment unit 63. That is, the output adjustment unit 63 changes the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 by changing the magnitude (power density) of the output of the light source 21. The output adjustment unit 63 changes the magnitude (power density) of the output of the light source 21, for example, in accordance with an electrical signal from the input unit 61.

[0172] Next, refer to Figure 6 An operation example of the hair cutting system 10 including the above-mentioned control circuit 6 will be described. Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the hair cutting system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0173] The hair cutting system 10 first determines whether the operation mode of the light source 21 is the first mode (S1). At this time, if the operation mode is the first mode (S1: Yes), the hair cutting system 10 sets the time length of the light emission period T1 to less than 1 / 10,000 second, and drives the light source 21 by the driving unit 64 (S2). On the other hand, if the operation mode is not the first mode (S1: No), the hair cutting system 10 skips step S2 and transitions to step S3.

[0174] In step S3, the hair cutting system 10 determines whether the operation mode of the light source 21 is the second mode. At this time, if the operation mode is the second mode (S3: Yes), the hair cutting system 10 sets the time length of the light emission period T1 to be greater than 1 / 100 second, and drives the light source 21 by the driving unit 64 (S4). On the other hand, if the operation mode is not the second mode (S3: No), the hair cutting system 10 skips step S4 and ends the process.

[0175] The hair cutting system 10 repeatedly executes the above steps S1 to S4. Figure 6 The flowchart shown is only an example of the operation of the hair cutting system 10. For example, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed, or steps may be appropriately added or omitted.

[0176] (3) Function

[0177] Next, the effects that can be expected by using the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0178] First, the mechanism described in the column of "(2.5) Example of Use" is used to realize the cutting of the hair 91 which is the basic function of the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10.

[0179] Here, in this embodiment, the first irradiation light Op1 irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91 has a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm, and is therefore easily absorbed by chromophores contained in the hair 91, such as keratin and water. In addition, in this embodiment, at least when the hair 91 is cut, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is 50 kW / cm 2 Therefore, the first irradiation light Op1 irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91 may have a power density (50 kW / cm 2 above).

[0180] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, if the operation mode of the light source 21 is the second mode for giving priority to cutting the hair 91, the time length of the light emission period T1 of the light source 21 becomes 1 / 100th of a second or more. Therefore, the hair cutting device 1 can, for example, irradiate the hair 91 with the first irradiation light Op1 having enough energy to cut the hair 91 during one light emission period T1. Therefore, according to the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 of the present embodiment, the hair 91 can be cut in a relatively short time. Therefore, according to the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 of the present embodiment, the hair 91 is not easily caught or pinched, and it is easy to achieve smooth cutting of the hair 91.

[0181] Furthermore, in the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10, since the hair 91 can be cut in a relatively short time, the hair cutting device 1 is unlikely to stay at one location, and it is unlikely that light is irradiated to the same location of the skin 92 for a long time, and thus it is unlikely to damage the skin 92. As a result, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device 1 and a hair cutting system 10 can be provided.

[0182] Next, the secondary function of the hair cutting device 1 of this embodiment, that is, the effect exerted on the skin 92 will be described.

[0183] That is, the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 to the skin 92 has a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm, so it can be expected that the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated to the skin 92 has a sterilization or activation effect on the skin 92. That is, when the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated to the skin 92 has a wavelength of 400 nm to 450 nm, for example, a sterilization effect on acne bacteria and the like present on the skin 92 can be expected. In particular, Figure 4A and Figure 4B As illustrated, when there are raised portions 922 such as acne around the hair 91 of the skin 92, the raised portions 922 can be directly irradiated with the second irradiation light Op2 from the light irradiation unit 40, and a more effective sterilization effect can be expected.

[0184] Furthermore, when the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated to the skin 92 has a wavelength of, for example, 450 nm or more and 700 nm or less, it is possible to expect activation of the skin 92. That is, by irradiating the skin 92 with the second irradiation light Op2, the skin 92 is activated, and an effect such as improvement of skin quality, such as a so-called "skin beautification effect", can be expected.

[0185] In this embodiment, at least when the hair 91 is cut, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is 50 kW / cm 2Therefore, the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 to the skin 92 may have the same power density (50 kW / cm 2 Here, in the present embodiment, the height L0 of the light irradiation section 40 from the opposite surface 511 as the contact surface is 1 μm or more, and the light irradiation section 40 can be separated from the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut. Therefore, the second irradiation light Op2 scattered by the hair 91 is basically irradiated to the skin 92, and the power density of the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated to the skin 92 can be appropriately suppressed to a small value. On the other hand, since the height L0 of the light irradiation section 40 from the opposite surface 511 as the contact surface is set to 100 μm or less, the second irradiation light Op2 can also effectively act on the raised portion 922 such as acne.

[0186] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, if the operation mode of the light source 21 is the first mode that preferentially acts on the skin 92, the time length of the light emission period T1 of the light source 21 becomes less than 1 / 10,000 second. Therefore, the hair cutting device 1 can appropriately suppress the energy of the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated to the skin 92 in one light emission period T1. Specifically, if the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 is 50 kW / cm 2 Furthermore, the duration of one light emission period T1 is 1 / 10000 second (1 / 10000s), and the energy of the second irradiation light Op2 per unit area is also suppressed to a maximum of 5 J / cm 2 .

[0187] Therefore, according to the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10 of the present embodiment, not only the hair 91 is cut, but also a secondary function such as an effect on the skin 92 can be expected. In addition, in the hair cutting device 1 and the hair cutting system 10, by appropriately adjusting the energy of the second irradiation light Op2 irradiated to the skin 92, it is less likely to damage the skin 92, and an effect such as sterilization or activation of the skin 92 can be expected. As a result, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device 1 and a hair cutting system 10 can be provided.

[0188] (4) Modification

[0189] Embodiment 1 is only one of various embodiments of the present invention. As long as the purpose of the present invention can be achieved, various changes can be made to Embodiment 1 in accordance with the design, etc. In addition, the drawings referred to in the present invention are all schematic drawings, and the size and thickness ratios of the components in the drawings are not necessarily limited to reflect the actual size ratio. The following lists the modified examples of Embodiment 1. The modified examples described below can be appropriately combined and applied.

[0190] (4.1) First Modification

[0191] Reference Figures 7A to 8D A hair cutting device 1 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

[0192] In this modification, the structure of the optical waveguide 4 is different from that of the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 7A As shown, in the optical waveguide 4 including the core 41 and the cladding 42, the cladding 42 is removed from the front end by a predetermined length to expose the core 41, so that the exposed core 41 constitutes the light irradiation portion 40. Figure 7B In the modified example shown, the optical waveguide 4A exposes the core 41 by removing the cladding portion 42 by a predetermined length from the front end side of only a portion of the circumference of the core 41. Figure 7C In the illustrated modification, the optical waveguide 4B includes a core 41 that is eccentric with respect to the cladding 42 , and only a portion of the core 41 in the circumferential direction is exposed from the cladding 42 .

[0193] That is, in Figure 7B and Figure 7C In the modified example shown, the optical waveguides 4A and 4B have a cladding portion 42 covering at least a portion of the core portion 41. The light irradiation portion 40 is formed by a portion of the core portion 41 in the circumferential direction and a portion exposed from the cladding portion 42. Thus, in this modified example, unlike the first embodiment in which the cladding portion 42 does not exist in the entire circumferential range of the core portion 41, the cladding portion 42 is not present in only a portion of the circumferential direction of the core portion 41. Therefore, in the optical waveguides 4A and 4B of this modified example, since the portion of the core portion 41 in the circumferential direction other than the light irradiation portion 40 is covered by the cladding portion 42, it is not easy for light to leak from the core portion 41 to a greater extent than required.

[0194] Fig. 8A The structure of the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment is used as a basis. Figure 7B A schematic cross-sectional view of the hair cutting device 1 in which the optical waveguide 4A is used instead of the optical waveguide 4. Fig. 8A In the modified example shown, similarly to the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment, the holding member 5 holds the light guide 4A in a state where the light irradiation section 40 is exposed from at least one surface of the holding member 5. In this structure as well, the light irradiation section 40 of the light waveguide 4A irradiates the hair 91 with the first irradiation light Op1, and irradiates the skin 92 with the second irradiation light Op2.

[0195] Figure 8B The structure of the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment is used as a basis. Figure 7CA schematic cross-sectional view of the hair cutting device 1 in which the optical waveguide 4B is used instead of the optical waveguide 4. Figure 8B In the modified example shown, similarly to the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment, the holding member 5 holds the light guide 4B in a state where the light irradiation section 40 is exposed from at least one surface of the holding member 5. In this structure as well, the light irradiation section 40 of the light waveguide 4B irradiates the hair 91 with the first irradiation light Op1 and irradiates the skin 92 with the second irradiation light Op2.

[0196] Furthermore, it is preferred that Figure 8C and Fig.8D As shown, a portion of at least one of the base 51 and the optical waveguides 4A and 4B that contacts the adhesive member 52 has a ripple surface R1 or R2 including at least one of a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions. Figure 8C Yes means Fig. 8A A schematic diagram of a holding structure of the optical waveguide 4A held by the holding member 5, Fig.8D Yes means Figure 8B Schematic diagram of a holding structure of the optical waveguide 4B held by the holding member 5. Figure 8C and Fig.8D In the figure, the range (region) where the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 are formed is shaded (dotted). That is, the shadows representing the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 are only marked for the convenience of indicating the range of the undulating surfaces R1 and R2, and are not shaded for the actual hair cutting device 1.

[0197] exist Figure 8C In the example of , the portion of the base 51 that contacts the adhesive member 52 has the undulating surface R2, and the portion of the optical waveguide 4A that contacts the adhesive member 52 has the undulating surface R1. Figure 8C In the example of , the undulating surface R2 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the groove formed on the side surface 512 of the base 51 as the positioning portion 53, and the undulating surface R1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cladding portion 42 of the optical waveguide 4A. More specifically, the undulating surface R1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cladding portion 42 in the optical waveguide 4A and on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the light irradiation portion 40 is located (the positive direction of the Y axis).

[0198] Likewise, in Fig.8D In the example of , the portion of the base 51 that contacts the adhesive member 52 has the undulating surface R2, and the portion of the optical waveguide 4B that contacts the adhesive member 52 has the undulating surface R1. Fig.8DIn the example of , the undulating surface R2 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the groove formed on the side surface 512 of the base 51 as the positioning portion 53, and the undulating surface R1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cladding portion 42 of the optical waveguide 4B. More specifically, the undulating surface R1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cladding portion 42 in the optical waveguide 4A and on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the light irradiation portion 40 is located (the positive direction of the Y axis).

[0199] The "undulating surface" mentioned in the present invention means a surface including at least one of a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions. That is, the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 may be composed of only a plurality of concave portions or only a plurality of convex portions. Furthermore, the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 may also be composed of a plurality of concave portions and a single convex portion. In this case, as an example, the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 include a single convex portion in a mesh shape and a plurality of concave portions consisting of mesh portions surrounded by the convex portion. Similarly, as an example, the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 may also include a single concave portion in a mesh shape and a plurality of convex portions consisting of mesh portions surrounded by the concave portion.

[0200] Here, as an example, the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 include a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions. Moreover, the plurality of concave portions and the plurality of convex portions in the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 have extremely small sizes that cannot be individually identified by the naked eye, so that one undulating surface R1 and R2 includes many concave portions and many convex portions. In other words, the concave portions and the convex portions are relatively fine compared to the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 as a whole. Therefore, when a person observes the undulating surfaces R1 and R2, the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 look like rough "pear surfaces (Japanese: pear ground)" due to the presence of the concave portions and the convex portions. Such undulating surfaces R1 and R2 including many fine concave portions and convex portions are formed, for example, by embossing.

[0201] Such undulating surfaces R1 and R2 have a pattern (concavoconvex shape) such as a pear surface, a wrinkle pattern (wrinkles), a wood grain, a rock grain, a sand grain, or a geometric pattern as a whole due to many concave and convex portions.

[0202] In addition, the size of such fine concave and convex parts can be expressed by the surface roughness of the undulating surfaces R1 and R2, that is, the shape of the concave and convex parts can be reflected in the roughness curve in the contour curve of the undulating surfaces R1 and R2. Therefore, the size of the concave and convex parts of the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 is equivalent to the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the undulating surfaces R1 and R2. Therefore, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the inner peripheral surface (undulating surface R2) of the groove (positioning portion 53) is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the part other than the groove (positioning portion 53) in the side surface 512 of the base 51. In other words, the part of the base 51 that contacts the adhesive member 52 is a rougher surface than the part of the base 51 that does not contact the adhesive member 52. Similarly, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the outer peripheral surface (undulating surface R1) of the cladding part 42 is greater than the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the outer peripheral surface of the core part 41. In other words, the portion of the optical waveguides 4A and 4B that is in contact with the adhesive member 52 is a rougher surface than the portion of the optical waveguides 4A and 4B that is not in contact with the adhesive member 52 .

[0203] The undulating surface R1 of the optical waveguides 4A and 4B may also be realized by a layer of an inorganic component or an organic component including at least one of a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cladding portion 42. Alternatively, the undulating surface R1 of the optical waveguides 4A and 4B may also be realized by a layer of an inorganic component or an organic component including at least one of a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the core portion 41.

[0204] In this way, the portion of at least one of the base 51 and the optical waveguides 4A and 4B that contacts the adhesive member 52 has the undulating surfaces R1 and R2, so that the adhesive force (adhesion) between the base 51 and the optical waveguides 4A and 4B by the adhesive member 52 is improved due to the fixing effect. As a result, the durability of the holding structure for holding the optical waveguides 4A and 4B by the holding member 5 is easily improved. In addition, although the example in which the portions of both the base 51 and the optical waveguides 4A and 4B that contact the adhesive member 52 have the undulating surfaces R1 and R2 is shown here, only the portion of the base 51 and the optical waveguides 4A and 4B that contacts the adhesive member 52 may have the undulating surface. In addition, the configuration other than the first modified example (for example, the first embodiment or the modified examples other than the first modified example of the first embodiment) can also adopt the configuration in which the portion of at least one of the base 51 and the optical waveguide 4 that contacts the adhesive member 52 has the undulating surface.

[0205] Furthermore, when a part of the light irradiation part 40 (core part 41) is exposed from the cladding part 42 as in the hair cutting device 1 of the first modified example, the adhesive member 52 only needs to bond the cladding part 42 and the base 51 without directly contacting the light irradiation part 40 (core part 41). Therefore, the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 does not need to be equal to the refractive index of the cladding part 42 or less than the refractive index of the cladding part 42, and can be appropriately set regardless of the refractive index of the cladding part 42.

[0206] (4.2) Second Modification

[0207] Reference Figures 9A to 9F A hair cutting device 1 according to a second variation of the first embodiment will be described. Figures 9A to 9F As shown in FIG. 1 , the embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the core 41 (light irradiation portion 40 ) of the optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5 .

[0208] exist Figures 9A to 9C In the example shown, the shape of the groove as the positioning portion 53 formed in the base 51 of the holding member 5 is different from that in the first embodiment (the cross section is V-shaped). Fig.9A In the example of , the groove as the positioning portion 53 is a groove having a semicircular arc shape (U-shaped) in cross section, which becomes deeper as it approaches the center in the short side direction (width direction). Fig. 9B In the example of , the groove as the positioning portion 53 is a groove having a rectangular cross-section (rectangular shape) with a uniform depth in the short side direction (width direction). Fig. 9C In the example of FIG. 5 , the groove as the positioning portion 53 is a groove having a trapezoidal cross-section that becomes deeper toward the center side in the short-side direction (width direction).

[0209] In addition, Figure 9D to Figure 9F In the example shown, the holding member 5 holds the optical waveguide 4 in a state where the light irradiation section 40 (core section 41) is in contact with the base 51. Fig.9D In the example of , the core 41 is arranged in the groove having a V-shaped cross section as the positioning portion 53 in a state where the core 41 is in contact with the bottom surface of the positioning portion 53 (groove). Fig.9E In the example of the positioning portion 54, the side surface 512 of the base 51 (see Figure 2B ) has ribs protruding at both ends in the short side direction, and the core 41 is arranged between a pair of ribs serving as positioning portions 54. Fig.9F In the example, the core 41 is arranged in the groove having a V-shaped cross section as the positioning portion 53 in such a manner that the core 41 fills the positioning portion 53 (groove).

[0210] In addition, according to Fig.9F The example can also be clearly seen that the retaining member 5 has an adhesive member 52 (refer to Figure 2AThe structure of the holding member 5 (such as the bonding member 52) is not an essential structure for the hair cutting device 1. That is, even if the holding member 5 does not have the adhesive member 52, the holding member 5 can hold the optical waveguide 4, especially the core 41 as the light irradiation section 40. In other words, even if the holding member 5 has a structure with only the base 51, the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4 can be held by the holding member 5 (base 51). In this case, the light irradiation section 40 (core 41) only needs to be directly fixed to the holding member 5 (base 51). As a means for directly fixing the core 41 to the base 51, there are, for example, a means of integrally molding the core 41 and the base 51 by two-color molding, a means of fusing the core 41 to the base 51, or a means of crimping the core 41 to the base 51.

[0211] (4.3) Other variations

[0212] Hereinafter, modifications other than the first modification and the second modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0213] Furthermore, the same functions as those of the control circuit 6 of the hair cutting system 10 of Embodiment 1 may be embodied by a control method, a computer program, or a storage medium storing a computer program. That is, the functions corresponding to the control circuit 6 may be embodied by a control method, a computer program, or a storage medium storing a computer program.

[0214] The hair cutting system 10 of the present invention includes a computer system in the control circuit 6 and the like. The computer system has a processor and a memory as hardware as its main structure. The processor is made to execute a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the function of the control circuit 6 of the present invention. The program can be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, or provided by means of an electrical communication line, or stored in a non-temporary storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, a hard disk drive, etc. that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI mentioned here are called differently according to the degree of integration, including integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration).

[0215] Furthermore, a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a logic device capable of reconstructing the bonding relationship within the LSI or reconstructing the circuit division within the LSI can also be used as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits can be integrated into one chip or dispersed in multiple chips. Multiple chips can be integrated into one device or dispersed in multiple devices. The computer system mentioned here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one to multiple electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0216] In addition, the structure in which at least a part of the functions of the hair cutting system 10 are integrated in one housing is not necessarily a structure for the hair cutting system 10, and the components of the hair cutting system 10 may be dispersed in a plurality of housings. In addition, for example, at least a part of the functions of the control circuit 6 of the hair cutting system 10 may be implemented by using a server or a cloud (cloud computing).

[0217] On the contrary, in Embodiment 1, at least a part of the functions of the hair cutting system 10 dispersed in a plurality of housings (shells) may be integrated in one housing (shell). For example, the hair cutting system 10 may have an inseparable integrated shell instead of the first shell 20 and the second shell 30. In this case, the components of the hair cutting system 10 are housed or attached to one shell.

[0218] In addition, the operation unit 26 is not limited to a mechanical switch, and may be a touch switch, an optical or electrostatic capacitive non-contact switch, or a gesture sensor, etc. Furthermore, the operation unit 26 may be, for example, a communication unit that receives an operation signal from an external terminal such as a smartphone, or a voice input unit that receives a user's voice operation, etc.

[0219] In addition, the hair cutting device 1 may be combined with a razor (including an electric razor that drives a blade) that uses a physical "blade" to cut the hair 91. In this case, the hair cutting device 1 has a physical "blade" in addition to the light irradiation unit 40, so that the hair 91 can be cut using both the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 and the physical "blade".

[0220] In addition, the optical waveguide 4 is not limited to an optical fiber whose core 41 and cladding 42 are made of synthetic quartz, and may be, for example, an optical fiber made of quartz (SiO2) or plastic. As an example of an optical fiber made of plastic, there is an optical fiber whose cladding 42 is formed of a fluorine-based polymer or the like and whose core 41 is formed of a perfluorinated polymer, polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate or the like. Furthermore, the optical waveguide 4 may be a planar waveguide, a rectangular optical waveguide, a photonic crystal fiber or the like.

[0221] In addition, the optical waveguide 4 only needs to have the core portion 41 as a minimum structure, and the cladding portion 42 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0222] The structure in which the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 of the holding member 5 is smaller than the refractive index of the light irradiation part 40 is not essential for the hair cutting device 1. In other words, the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 may be greater than the refractive index of the light irradiation part 40.

[0223] In addition, the structure in which the optical waveguide 4 is bonded to the base 51 by the bonding member 52 over the entire length of the base 51 in the long-side direction (X-axis direction) of the base 51 is not necessarily a structure for the hair cutting device 1. That is, the holding member 5 may be a structure in which the optical waveguide 4 is partially bonded to the base 51 by the bonding member 52 only in a part of the long-side direction of the base 51 to hold the optical waveguide 4. In this case, there will be a portion bonded to the base 51 and a portion not bonded to the base 51 in the optical waveguide 4. In this case, it is preferable that the bonding member 52 bonds the optical waveguide 4 to the base 51 at a plurality of portions so as to suppress the displacement of the optical waveguide 4 as much as possible.

[0224] In addition, it is sufficient to ensure a gap between the light irradiation section 40 and the base 51 at least at times other than when the hair cutting device 1 is used to cut the hair 91, and the light irradiation section 40 may be in contact with the base 51 when the hair 91 is cut. For example, in a structure in which the light waveguide 4 is bonded to the base 51 only at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base 51 by the bonding member 52, the light waveguide 4 is not bonded to the base 51 in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the base 51. In such a structure, the light waveguide 4 may be kept in a state of floating from the base 51 in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the base 51 except when the hair cutting device 1 is used to cut the hair 91. That is, in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the base 51, for example, the light waveguide 4 may be pressed against the base 51 by receiving a reaction force from the hair 91 when the hair cutting device 1 is used to cut the hair 91.

[0225] In addition, the light source 21 is not limited to generating light of a single wavelength, and may generate light of multiple wavelengths, for example. In this case, the light source 21 may generate light of multiple wavelengths simultaneously, or may generate light of multiple wavelengths by switching in sequence. In this structure, since the light (first irradiation light Op1) irradiated from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91 can target multiple chromophores corresponding to multiple wavelengths, it is possible to destroy the bonds of multiple molecules, and it is possible to improve the cutting efficiency of the hair 91.

[0226] Furthermore, the hair cutting device 1 may include a plurality of optical waveguides 4. In this case, the hair cutting device 1 can cut the hair 91 by irradiating light to the hair 91 using the light irradiation parts 40 of the plurality of optical waveguides 4. Here, the plurality of optical waveguides 4 may pass light of the same wavelength or light of a plurality of different wavelengths.

[0227] In addition, in Embodiment 1, the switching between the first mode and the second mode is performed manually with respect to the operation mode of the light source 21, but the operation mode is not limited to this example, and the switching between the first mode and the second mode may also be performed automatically. As an example, in the case where the operation mode of the light source 21 includes a mixed mode as a third mode in addition to the first mode and the second mode, the mode switching unit 62 may also be able to select the mixed mode (third mode). In the mixed mode (third mode), for example, the first mode and the second mode are switched alternately periodically. Therefore, if the operation mode of the light source 21 is the mixed mode (third mode), the light source 21 alternately repeats the first mode in which the time length of the light-emitting period T1 is less than 1 / 10,000 of a second and the second mode in which the time length of the light-emitting period T1 is more than 1 / 100 of a second.

[0228] In addition, the battery 23 is not limited to a secondary battery, but may be a primary battery. Furthermore, the hair cutting system 10 is not limited to a battery-driven type, and may be operated by receiving power supply from an external power source such as a system power supply (commercial power supply), for example. In this case, the battery 23 as the hair cutting system 10 can be omitted.

[0229] In addition, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 may be adjusted by means other than the output from the light source 21. For example, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 may be adjusted by using the optical system 22 or a filter included in the optical waveguide 4. Alternatively, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 may be adjusted by changing the radius of curvature of the optical waveguide 4. Alternatively, the power density of the light passing through the optical waveguide 4 may be adjusted by exposing the core 41 from a part of the optical waveguide 4 and allowing a part of the light to leak from the core 41.

[0230] Alternatively, a reflector may be disposed at the end (front end) of the optical waveguide 4 opposite to the light receiving unit 43 so that light reaching the front end of the optical waveguide 4 is reflected into the optical waveguide 4 by the reflector.

[0231] The function of acting on the skin 92 is only a secondary function of the hair cutting device 1 and can be omitted as appropriate. In other words, the hair cutting device 1 only needs to have the function of cutting the hair 91 as a basic function.

[0232] Furthermore, the fixing block 32 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and may be made of metal, for example.

[0233] In addition, in the comparison between two values, the situation of "above" includes the situation where the two values ​​are equal and the situation where one of the two values ​​exceeds the other. However, it is not limited to this, and the "above" mentioned here can also have the same meaning as "greater than" which only includes the situation where one of the two values ​​exceeds the other. In other words, whether the situation where the two values ​​are equal can be arbitrarily changed according to the setting of the threshold value, etc., so there is no technical difference between "above" and "greater than". Similarly, "less than" can also have the same meaning as "below".

[0234] (Implementation Method 2)

[0235] like Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , the hair cutting device 1A of this embodiment is different from the hair cutting device 1 of Embodiment 1 in that the optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5. Hereinafter, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is appropriately omitted. Fig. 10A In the following drawings, in the cross-sectional view of the portion where the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 is exposed, the cladding portion 42 existing further to the back than the cross section (paper surface) is omitted from illustration.

[0236] In the hair cutting device 1A of this embodiment, Fig. 10A As shown in the figure, the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) is arranged offset to one end side (negative side of the Z axis) of the base 51 in the Z axis direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the optical axis (central axis) of the core 41 is arranged at a position close to the edge of the opposing surface 511 (contact surface) side when viewed from the center in the short side direction (Z axis direction) of the side surface 512 of the base 51. As a result, compared with the case where the optical axis of the core 41 is located at the center of the side surface 512 of the base 51 as in the first embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) can be brought closer to the surface 921 of the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91. Therefore, according to the hair cutting device 1A of the present embodiment, the hair 91 can be cut at a position closer to the root.

[0237] Here, if Fig. 10BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the shape of the adhesive member 52 is controlled so that, in a cross section orthogonal to the long side direction (X-axis direction) of the base 51, a part of the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 is buried in the adhesive member 52 and a part of the core 41 is exposed from the adhesive member 52. More specifically, the adhesive member 52 rises along the circumference of the core 41 to a height of about three-quarters (that is, three times the radius) of the core 41 in the traveling direction (Y-axis direction) of the hair cutting device 1A due to the "wettability" of the core 41. Thus, most of the circumference of the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 is covered by the adhesive member 52, and the remaining part is exposed from the holding member 5 (adhesive member 52), thereby forming the light irradiation section 40. That is, the adhesive member 52 covers the portion of the optical waveguide 4 other than the light irradiation section 40.

[0238] In addition, in this embodiment, if Fig. 10B As shown, the surface of the adhesive member 52 facing the negative direction of the Z axis is flush with the opposing surface 511 of the base 51. That is, the adhesive member 52 formed so as to cover the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) by rising along the peripheral surface of the core 41 has a surface flush with the opposing surface 511, and this surface functions as a contact surface that contacts the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91. Since the opposing surface 511 is also flush with the surfaces of the fixing block 32 and the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis, the contact surface of the adhesive member 52 is also flush with the surfaces of the fixing block 32 and the second shell 30 facing the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0239] Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5 in such a manner that the height L1 of the light irradiation portion 40 from the contact surface (opposing surface 511, etc.) is 100 μm or less. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the height L1 of the light irradiation portion 40 from the opposing surface 511, which is the contact surface, is 1 μm or more and is not zero (0). Here, in the present embodiment as well, the height of the positioning portion 53 from the contact surface may be limited instead of the height L1 of the light irradiation portion 40 from the contact surface. In this case, the distance from the contact surface (opposing surface 511, etc.) to the edge of the groove, which is the positioning portion 53, in the Z-axis direction is preferably 100 μm or less. In particular, in the present embodiment, the height of the positioning portion 53 from the contact surface, that is, the distance from the contact surface (opposing surface 511, etc.) to the edge of the groove, which is the positioning portion 53, in the Z-axis direction is zero (0).

[0240] In the hair cutting device 1A of the present embodiment described above, similarly to the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment, the holding member 5 holds the light guide 4 in a state where the light irradiation portion 40 is exposed from at least one surface of the holding member 5. In this structure, the light irradiation portion 40 of the light waveguide 4 irradiates the hair 91 with the first irradiation light Op1 (see Figure 3B), the second irradiation light Op2 is irradiated to the skin 92 (refer to Figure 3B ).

[0241] Furthermore, in this embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) can be brought closer to the surface 921 of the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91, so that the light from the core 41 can act more effectively on the skin 92. That is, according to the hair cutting device 1A of this embodiment, when part of the light irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91 is scattered, the scattered light is easily irradiated to the skin 92 around the hair 91 as the second irradiation light Op2.

[0242] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the surface of the adhesive member 52 facing the negative direction of the Z axis is the same surface as the opposing surface 511 of the base 51, and functions as a contact surface with the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut. Fig. 10A As shown, the adhesive member 52 is in contact with the surface 921 of the skin 92, and the adhesive member 52 is interposed between the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 and the surface 921 of the skin 92. In other words, the adhesive member 52 is present between the core 41 of the optical waveguide 4 and the skin 92.

[0243] Therefore, in the hair cutting device 1A, the light is weakened by the adhesive member 52, and the light irradiated from the core 41 to the skin 92 is easily adjusted to an appropriate power density, compared with the case where the core 41 is in direct contact with the skin 92. Specifically, the power density of the light irradiated from the core 41 to the skin 92 is adjusted according to the difference in refractive index between the core 41 and the adhesive member 52 and the difference in refractive index between the adhesive member 52 and the surface 921 of the skin 92. In the present embodiment, since the refractive index of the adhesive member 52 is smaller than the refractive index of the core 41 (light irradiation unit 40), the amount of light leakage from the core 41 to the adhesive member 52 can be suppressed to be relatively small. As a result, in the hair cutting system 10 using the hair cutting device 1A, for example, even if the operation mode of the light source 21 is the second mode for preferentially cutting the hair 91, damage to the skin 92 can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0244] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A hair cutting device 1A of a modified example of Embodiment 2 is shown. The hair cutting device 1A of the modified example is different from the hair cutting device 1A of Embodiment 2 in that the height of the light irradiation unit 40 from the surface 921 of the skin 92 is variable. Thus, in the hair cutting device 1A, the position of the cut surface of the hair 91 when the hair 91 is cut can be adjusted, that is, the length of the hair 91 remaining after cutting can be adjusted, like a trimmer.

[0245] That is, in Fig.11AIn the example shown, the hair cutting device 1A includes an accessory 33A that is detachably mounted on the second shell 30 of the head 3, thereby increasing the height of the light irradiation section 40 from the surface 921 of the skin 92. That is, by mounting the accessory 33A on the surface of the fixing block 32 and the second shell 30 that faces the negative direction of the Z axis, the height of the light irradiation section 40 from the surface 921 of the skin 92 is increased by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the accessory 33A. The accessory 33A includes a plurality of comb teeth 331 (in the negative direction of the Y axis) that protrude forward in the direction of travel of the hair cutting device 1A. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Only one is shown in the figure). The plurality of comb teeth 331 are arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the light irradiation unit 40. In the hair cutting device 1A, the hair 91 can be cut by guiding the hair 91 between a pair of adjacent comb teeth 331 among the plurality of comb teeth 331.

[0246] exist Fig.11A In the hair cutting device 1A shown in the figure, the contact surface that contacts the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91 is not the opposite surface 511 of the base 51, but the surface of the accessory 33A facing the negative direction of the Z axis. In this example, the height L2 of the light irradiation unit 40 from the contact surface (the surface of the accessory 33A facing the negative direction of the Z axis) is larger than the height L1 of the second embodiment (see Fig. 10B )big.

[0247] In addition, Fig. 11B In the example shown, the hair cutting device 1A includes an attachment 33B that is detachably mounted on the second shell 30 of the head 3 so that the height of the light irradiation section 40 from the surface 921 of the skin 92 is increased. The attachment 33B has the same structure as the attachment 33A except that the thickness is greater than that of the attachment 33A. Fig. 11B In the example of FIG. 1 , the height L3 of the light irradiation unit 40 from the contact surface (the surface of the accessory 33B facing the negative direction of the Z axis) is greater than the height L2 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.11A )big.

[0248] exist Fig.11A and Fig. 11B In the example shown, the accessories 33A and 33B are detachably mounted on the second housing 30 , but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the accessories 33A and 33B may slide relative to the second housing 30 to change the height of the light irradiation unit 40 from the surface 921 of the skin 92 .

[0249] The various structures (including modified examples) described in the second embodiment can be used in combination with the various structures (including modified examples) described in the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0250] (Implementation 3)

[0251] like Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown, the structure of the hair cutting device 1B of this embodiment in which the optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5 is different from that of the hair cutting device 1 of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

[0252] In the hair cutting device 1B of this embodiment, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown in the figure, the optical waveguide 4 is held on the back surface 513 of the opposing surface 511, the side surface 512, the back surface 513 and the reverse surface 514 of the base 51. That is, the optical waveguide 4 is held on the back surface 513 of the base 51, not on the side surface 512 of the base 51 as in the first embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the holding member 5 has the back surface 513 facing the side opposite to the opposing surface 511 facing the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut. The optical waveguide 4 is held on the back surface 513 of the holding member 5. In particular, the back surface 513 is a surface of the base 51 along the advancing direction (Y-axis direction) of the hair cutting device 1B and is a surface facing the positive direction of the Z-axis. Therefore, the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4 is fixed to the surface of the holding member 5 along the advancing direction (the surface facing the positive direction of the Z-axis) of the hair cutting device 1B.

[0253] In the present embodiment, a positioning portion 53 for positioning the optical waveguide 4 is formed on the back side 513 of the base 51 that holds the optical waveguide 4. The positioning portion 53 is composed of a groove formed on the back side 513 of the base 51. The optical waveguide 4 is held on the back side 513 of the base 51 by the adhesive member 52 in such a manner that at least a portion of the core portion 41 exposed by removing the cladding portion 42 is accommodated in the groove serving as the positioning portion 53.

[0254] Furthermore, in the hair cutting device 1B of the present embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) is arranged offset to one end side (negative side of the Y axis) of the base 51 in the Y axis direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the optical axis (central axis) of the core 41 is arranged at a position close to the edge on the front side (negative direction of the Y axis) of the traveling direction of the hair cutting device 1B when viewed from the center in the short side direction (Y axis direction) of the back side 513 of the base 51. Thus, in the holding member 5, the optical waveguide 4 is held by the back side 513 of the base 51, and the light irradiation unit 40 is easy to contact the hair 91 when the hair 91 is cut.

[0255] In the present embodiment as well, it is preferred that the optical waveguide 4 is held by the holding member 5 so that the height L4 of the light irradiation portion 40 from the contact surface (opposing surface 511) that contacts the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91 is 100 μm or less. However, since the base 51 is present between the core portion 41 and the contact surface (opposing surface 511), the height L4 of the light irradiation portion 40 from the opposing surface 511 as the contact surface is 1 μm or more and is not zero (0).

[0256] In the hair cutting device 1B of the present embodiment described above, similarly to the hair cutting device 1 of the first embodiment, the holding member 5 holds the light guide 4 in a state where the light irradiation portion 40 is exposed from at least one surface of the holding member 5. In this structure, the light irradiation portion 40 of the light waveguide 4 irradiates the hair 91 with the first irradiation light Op1 (see Figure 3B ), the second irradiation light Op2 is irradiated to the skin 92 (refer to Figure 3B ).

[0257] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the base 51 is present between the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) and the surface 921 of the skin 92. Therefore, the light leaking from the core 41 to the adhesive member 52 can be irradiated to the skin 92 via the base 51. Here, the light is weakened by the adhesive member 52 and the base 51, and it is easy to adjust the power density of the light irradiated from the core 41 to the skin 92 to an appropriate power density. Specifically, the power density of the light irradiated from the core 41 to the skin 92 is adjusted according to the difference in refractive index between the core 41 and the adhesive member 52, the difference in refractive index between the adhesive member 52 and the base 51, and the difference in refractive index between the base 51 and the surface 921 of the skin 92.

[0258] Fig.13 A hair cutting device 1B according to a modification of Embodiment 3 is shown. The hair cutting device 1B according to the modification is different from the hair cutting device 1B according to Embodiment 3 in that the base 51 is a sheet. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the sheet as the base 51 is a flexible synthetic resin sheet.

[0259] In addition, in this modification, the refractive index of the sheet material as the base 51 is smaller than the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40. In other words, if the refractive index of the light irradiation section 40 (core 41) is "1.4698", the refractive index of the sheet material as the base 51 is smaller than "1.4698". Here, as an example, the refractive index of the base 51 (sheet material) is substantially the same as the refractive index of the cladding section 42.

[0260] And, in Fig.13 In the hair cutting device 1B shown in the figure, since the base 51 is a sheet, the positioning portion 53 (see Fig. 12B) groove, the optical waveguide 4 is bonded to one surface (one surface in the thickness direction) of the flat base 51 by the bonding member 52. That is, in the hair cutting device 1B of this modified example, the base 51 is a sheet material, and the optical waveguide 4 is held by the bonding member 52 on one surface in the thickness direction of the sheet material.

[0261] According to this modification, the optical waveguide 4 (core 41) can be brought closer to the surface 921 of the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91, compared with the hair cutting device 1B of the third embodiment. Therefore, according to the hair cutting device 1B of this modification, the hair 91 can be cut at a position closer to the root. In addition, the power density of the light irradiated from the core 41 to the skin 92 can be adjusted according to the difference in refractive index between the core 41 and the adhesive member 52, the difference in refractive index between the adhesive member 52 and the base 51 (sheet), and the difference in refractive index between the base 51 (sheet) and the surface 921 of the skin 92.

[0262] The various structures (including modified examples) described in Embodiment 3 can be used in combination with the various structures (including modified examples) described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 as appropriate.

[0263] (Implementation 4)

[0264] like Fig.14A and Fig. 14B As shown, the shape of the holding member 5 of the hair cutting device 1C of this embodiment is different from that of the hair cutting device 1 of Embodiment 3. Hereinafter, the same components as those of Embodiment 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0265] In the present embodiment, the base 51 has a plurality of protrusions 55 protruding forward in the direction of travel of the hair cutting device 1C (in the negative direction of the Y axis). The plurality of protrusions 55 are arranged in a row in the long side direction (in the X-axis direction) of the light irradiation section 40. In the present embodiment, as an example, the base 51 and the plurality of protrusions 55 are integrally formed resin molded products in an inseparable form. Here, the surface of the plurality of protrusions 55 facing the negative direction of the Z axis and the surface of the base 51 facing the negative direction of the Z axis, that is, the opposite surface 511 (see Fig. 12B Therefore, in the hair cutting device 1C, the contact surface with the skin 92 when cutting the hair 91 is the opposing surface 511 of the base 51 and the surface of the plurality of protrusions 55 facing the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0266] In the hair cutting device 1C of this embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the optical waveguide 4 is held on the back surface 513 (see FIG. 5 ) of the base 51 which is along the traveling direction (Y-axis direction) of the hair cutting device 1C and faces the positive direction of the Z-axis. Fig. 12B). Therefore, the optical waveguide 4 is held near the base of the plurality of protrusions 55 on the back surface 513 of the base 51 by the adhesive member 52 in such a manner that the light irradiation portion 40 is exposed. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 55 are formed from the side surface 512 (see FIG. 5 ) of the base 51 that intersects with the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut. Fig. 12B ) protrudes. Moreover, the light irradiation unit 40 held on the base 51 is exposed from the side surface 512 of the base 51 and between a pair of adjacent protrusions 55.

[0267] In the hair cutting device 1C of the present embodiment described above, when cutting the hair 91, Fig.15 As shown, the hair 91 can be cut by guiding the hair 91 between a pair of adjacent protrusions 55 among the plurality of protrusions 55. That is, since the light irradiation section 40 of the optical waveguide 4 held on the base 51 is exposed between the pair of protrusions 55, the light irradiation section 40 contacts the hair 91 guided between the pair of protrusions 55, and the first irradiation light Op1 is irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the hair 91, thereby cutting the hair 91.

[0268] That is, in the present embodiment, the holding member 5 has a plurality of protrusions 55. The plurality of protrusions 55 protrude from a surface (side surface 512) intersecting with the surface 921 of the skin 92 when the hair 91 is cut and being one surface (side surface 512) to which the light irradiation unit 40 is exposed. The light irradiation unit 40 irradiates light to the hair 91 introduced between a pair of adjacent protrusions 55 among the plurality of protrusions 55. Therefore, the light irradiation unit 40 does not contact the hair 91 over the entire length of the long side direction thereof, but the hair 91 contacts only the portion exposed between the pair of adjacent protrusions 55. Thus, in the hair cutting device 1C, the amount of light leaking from the light irradiation unit 40 to the hair 91 due to the contact between the light irradiation unit 40 and the hair 91 can be suppressed, and the loss of light passing through the optical waveguide 4 can be suppressed to be small.

[0269] In the hair cutting device 1C of the present embodiment, the second irradiation light Op2 (see FIG. 1 ) is irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 toward the skin 92. Figure 3B ). However, a portion of the second irradiation light Op2 is blocked by each of the plurality of protrusions 55 and cannot reach the skin 92. That is, since the second irradiation light Op2 from the light irradiation section 40 does not directly reach the portion of the skin 92 that becomes the shadow of the plurality of protrusions 55 when viewed from the light irradiation section 40, it is easy to adjust the energy of the light irradiated to the skin 92 to an appropriate level. In other words, since the second irradiation light Op2 is locally irradiated to the skin 92 from the gap between a pair of adjacent protrusions 55, the energy of the light irradiated to the skin 92 can be suppressed to a smaller level compared to the case where the light is irradiated to a larger range of the skin 92.

[0270] And, if Fig.16A and Fig. 16B As shown, the hair cutting device 1C of this embodiment can locally press the skin 92 using the plurality of protrusions 55 when cutting the hair 91 . Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Each of them is a schematic diagram showing the structure around the optical waveguide 4 and the holding structure 5 when the hair 91 is cut, as viewed from the front in the traveling direction of the hair cutting device 1C (negative direction of the Y axis).

[0271] That is, Fig.16A As shown in FIG. 1 , the skin 92 on both sides of the hair 91 to be cut is pressed by the pair of protrusions 55, so that the skin 92 around the hair 91 exposed from between the pair of protrusions 55 bulges. Therefore, according to the hair cutting device 1C, the hair 91 can be cut at a position closer to the root. In addition, as for the effect exerted on the skin 92, Fig. 16B As shown, the skin 92 bulging between the pair of protrusions 55 is close to the light irradiation section 40 and easily contacts the light irradiation section 40 , so that light is efficiently irradiated from the light irradiation section 40 to the skin 92 .

[0272] As a modification of Embodiment 4, the shapes of the plurality of protrusions 55 can be appropriately changed. For example, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions 55 is not limited to a straight line when viewed from above (when viewed from one side of the Z axis), and can be any shape such as a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, a semicircle, or a curve.

[0273] The various structures (including modified examples) described in Embodiment 4 can be used in combination with the various structures (including modified examples) described in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3 as appropriate.

[0274] (induction)

[0275] As described above, the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) of the first embodiment includes an optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B). The optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B) has a light irradiation unit (40). The light irradiation unit (40) cuts the hair (91) by irradiating light to the hair (91) protruding from the skin (92). The refractive index of the light irradiation unit (40) is smaller than the refractive index of the surface (921) of the skin (92).

[0276] According to this embodiment, since the refractive index of the light irradiation section (40) is smaller than the refractive index of the surface (921) of the skin (92), the material of the light guide (4, 4A, 4B) including the light irradiation section (40) can be selected more widely, and the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) can be easily realized. In addition, according to the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C), for example, as long as the light from the light irradiation section (40) is appropriately irradiated to the skin (92), it is also possible to expect the effects of sterilization or activation on the skin (92). As a result, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) can be provided.

[0277] In the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) of the second aspect, according to the first aspect, the refractive index of the surface (921) of the skin (92) is smaller than the refractive index of the hair (91).

[0278] According to this aspect, the light from the light irradiation section (40) can be efficiently irradiated onto the hair (91) having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the surface (921) of the skin (92).

[0279] In the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) of the third aspect, according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B) has a core (41). The light irradiation unit (40) is constituted by the core (41).

[0280] According to this aspect, a common optical fiber or the like having a core (41) can be used as the optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B).

[0281] In the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) of the fourth aspect, according to the third aspect, the optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B) further comprises a cladding portion (42). The cladding portion (42) covers at least a portion of the core portion (41). The light irradiation portion (40) is constituted by a portion of the core portion (41) in the circumferential direction and exposed from the cladding portion (42).

[0282] According to this aspect, light can be efficiently propagated in the optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B) by utilizing total reflection at the interface between the core portion (41) and the cladding portion (42).

[0283] In the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) of a fifth aspect, according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the refractive index of the light irradiation part (40) is 1.47 or less.

[0284] According to this aspect, the refractive index of the light irradiation section (40) can be set to be smaller than the refractive index of the surface (921) of normal human skin (92).

[0285] A sixth embodiment of a hair cutting system (10) includes a hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) of any one of the first to fifth embodiments and a light source (21) for generating light to be input into an optical waveguide (4, 4A, 4B).

[0286] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that an improved hair cutting system (10) can be provided.

[0287] In the hair cutting system (10) of the seventh aspect, according to the sixth aspect, the light source (21) intermittently generates light by repeating a light-emitting period (T1) and a light-off period (T2).

[0288] According to this aspect, the consumption of electric energy of the light source (21) can be suppressed.

[0289] In the hair cutting system (10) according to the eighth aspect, according to the seventh aspect, the time length of the light emitting period (T1) is less than 1 / 10,000 of a second.

[0290] According to this aspect, light having an energy suitable for acting on the skin (92) can be irradiated.

[0291] In the ninth aspect of the hair cutting system (10), according to the seventh aspect, the time length of the light emitting period (T1) is greater than 1 hundredth of a second.

[0292] According to this aspect, light having an energy suitable for cutting hair (91) can be irradiated.

[0293] In the hair cutting system (10) of the tenth aspect, according to the seventh aspect, the operation mode of the light source (21) can be switched between the first mode and the second mode. In the first mode, the time length of the light emitting period (T1) is less than 1 / 10,000 of a second. In the second mode, the time length of the light emitting period (T1) is more than 1 / 100 of a second.

[0294] According to this aspect, it is possible to switch between irradiating light having energy suitable for acting on the skin (92) and light having energy suitable for cutting the hair (91).

[0295] In the hair cutting system (10) according to an eleventh aspect, according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the wavelength of the light generated by the light source (21) is 400 nm or more.

[0296] According to this aspect, light of a wavelength suitable for acting on the skin (92) can be irradiated.

[0297] In the hair cutting system (10) of the twelfth aspect, according to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, the light source (21) is a laser light source.

[0298] According to this aspect, light having an energy suitable for cutting hair (91) can be irradiated.

[0299] The structures of the second to fifth embodiments are not essential structures for the hair cutting device (1, 1A to 1C) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0300] The structures of the seventh to twelfth aspects are not essential structures for the hair cutting system (10) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0301] Industrial Applicability

[0302] The hair cutting device and the hair cutting system can be used for cutting various hair of humans or animals other than humans in various fields such as home use, beauty, medical treatment, and nursing care.

[0303] Description of Reference Numerals

[0304] 1. 1A to 1C, hair cutting device; 4. 4A, 4B, optical waveguide; 10, hair cutting system; 21, light source; 40, light irradiation part; 41, core part; 42, cladding part; 91, hair; 92, skin; 921, surface; T1, light emission period; T2, light extinguishing period.

Claims

1. A hair cutting device, wherein: The hair cutting device comprises an optical waveguide having a core, The optical waveguide includes a light irradiation unit that cuts the hair by irradiating light to the hair protruding from the skin. The light irradiation part is composed of the core part, The refractive index of the light irradiation portion is smaller than the refractive index of the surface of the skin, The refractive index of the light irradiation portion is 1.47 or less, a holding member holding the optical waveguide in such a manner that the light irradiation portion is exposed from at least one side, The holding member has a base having an opposite surface as a contact surface that comes into contact with the skin, The height of the light irradiation portion from the opposing surface serving as the contact surface is 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

2. The hair cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The refractive index of the surface of the skin is smaller than the refractive index of the hair.

3. The hair cutting device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical waveguide further includes a cladding portion covering at least a portion of the core portion. The light irradiation portion is constituted by a portion of the core portion in the circumferential direction and exposed from the cladding portion.

4. A hair cutting system, wherein: The hair cutting system comprises: The hair cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and A light source generates light that is input into the optical waveguide.

5. The hair cutting system according to claim 4, wherein: The light source intermittently generates light by repeating a light-emitting period and a light-off period.

6. The hair cutting system according to claim 5, wherein: The duration of the light emission period is less than 1 / 10,000 of a second.

7. The hair cutting system according to claim 5, wherein: The duration of the light emitting period is greater than 1 hundredth of a second.

8. The hair cutting system according to claim 5, wherein: The operation mode of the light source can be switched between a first mode in which the duration of the light emission period is less than 1 / 10,000 of a second and a second mode in which the duration of the light emission period is greater than 1 / 100 of a second.

9. The hair cutting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The wavelength of the light generated by the light source is 400 nm or more.

10. The hair cutting system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The light source is a laser source.

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