Light irradiation type hair removal device

Abstract

An optical irradiation type hair removal device (1) includes a first light source (10), a second light source (12), a skin cooling unit (20), a push button switch (30), a first cooling unit (40), and a second cooling unit (41). The first cooling unit (40) cools the first light source (10). The second cooling unit (41) cools the second light source (12). The first cooling unit (40) shifts the wavelength of light irradiated from the first light source (10) to a wavelength different from the wavelength of light irradiated from the second light source (12) by cooling the first light source (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a light-irradiation hair removal device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a photo-irradiation hair removal device was known for removing hair by irradiating light. This device irradiates the user's skin surface with light of a specific wavelength, causing the light to act on the melanin in the hair follicle, thereby promoting hair removal. As a photo-irradiation hair removal device, for example, the device shown in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a light-irradiation hair removal device comprising: a light source that directs processing light and probe light onto a target object; a photodetector that detects the probe light used to detect the target object; and a control unit for controlling the light source. The control unit controls the light source by determining the absorption of the probe light based on the detected probe light, and generating processing light based on the determined absorption.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5715128 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Conventional phototherapy hair removal devices employ VCSELs (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers) as independent subgroups that irradiate different wavelengths of light. Furthermore, these devices control the on / off state of these VCSELs when generating processing light that depends on the absorption of probe light. In conventional phototherapy devices, because some of the VCSELs are extinguished to generate processing light, the irradiance may be reduced, potentially weakening the hair removal effect. Additionally, when irradiating light with a single wavelength, the depth of light penetration into the skin is fixed, potentially leading to concentrated heating of melanin-containing cells in hair follicles at a specific depth. In this case, uneven heating along the skin's depth direction may result in insufficient hair removal.

[0008] This disclosure provides a light-irradiation hair removal device capable of uniformly irradiating light onto the entire area of ​​melanocytes distributed in the hair follicle.

[0009] The photo-irradiation hair removal device disclosed herein includes a first light source, a second light source, a skin cooling unit, a push-button switch, and a first cooling unit and a second cooling unit. The first light source irradiates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The second light source irradiates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The skin cooling unit faces the first and second light sources, allowing light irradiated from the first and second light sources to pass through, thereby cooling the skin upon contact with the skin. The push-button switch includes a pressing part surrounding the first light source, the second light source, and the skin cooling unit. When not pressed, the pressing part protrudes in a direction opposite to the first and second light sources relative to the skin-contacting surface of the skin cooling unit. When pressed, the pressing part moves relative to the skin cooling unit toward the first and second light sources. The push-button switch is used to switch between light irradiation by the first and second light sources and lightlessness. During at least a portion of the time the pressing part is pressed, light is irradiated from both the first and second light sources; during the period when the pressing part is not pressed, light is not irradiated from either the first or second light sources. A first cooling unit cools the first light source. A second cooling unit cools the second light source. By cooling the first light source, the first cooling unit causes the wavelength of the light irradiated from the first light source to shift to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the light irradiated from the second light source.

[0010] According to this disclosure, a light-irradiation hair removal device is available that can uniformly irradiate light onto the entire area of ​​melanocytes distributed in the hair follicle. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light-irradiation hair removal device according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the first and second light sources according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is the control block diagram involved in the control department.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a light-based hair removal device before use.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of a light-based hair removal device before the push-button switch is pressed.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of a light-based hair removal device after the push-button switch has been pressed.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a light-irradiated hair removal device irradiating the skin. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of things that are already well known or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted.

[0020] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0021] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the vertical direction Z of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 is defined as the upper part of the injection outlet and the direction opposite to the injection outlet is defined as the lower part. Additionally, one direction in the horizontal direction of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 is defined as the width direction Y, and the direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction Z and the width direction Y is defined as the front-back direction X.

[0022] Next, use Figures 1 to 8 This embodiment will now be described using a light-irradiation hair removal device 1.

[0023] [structure]

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II. (See example) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 includes a housing 5, a first light source 10, a second light source 12, a first temperature sensor 15, a second temperature sensor 16, a third temperature sensor 17, a skin cooling unit 20, and a push-button switch 30. The light-irradiation hair removal device 1 also includes a first cooling unit 40, a second cooling unit 41, and a control unit 50.

[0025] An opening, serving as the light emission outlet, is provided at one end of the housing 5 for the light-irradiation hair removal device 1. A first light source 10 and a second light source 12 are provided at the opening of the housing 5 to irradiate light onto human skin. Additionally, a bottom is formed on the side of the housing 5 opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The housing 5 has multiple first openings 6 and multiple second openings 7, through which external air is drawn in and discharged from the multiple second openings 7. Inside the housing 5 are housed the first light source 10, the second light source 12, a first temperature sensor 15, a second temperature sensor 16, a third temperature sensor 17, a skin cooling unit 20, a push-button switch 30, a first cooling unit 40, a second cooling unit 41, and a control unit 50.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a general configuration of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 3 The third temperature sensor 17, skin cooling unit 20, push-button switch 30, and part of the second cooling unit 41 are omitted from the text. Figures 1-3 As shown, a first light source 10 is disposed approximately at the center of a substrate 14, and a second light source 12 is disposed around the first light source 10. In this embodiment, the first light source 10 includes a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The second light source 12 also includes a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs in the first light source 10 are mounted on the substrate 14 in a substantially equidistant arrangement. Similarly, the plurality of LEDs in the second light source 12 are mounted on the substrate 14 in a substantially equidistant arrangement. The first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are arranged with a gap between them larger than the gap between the individual LEDs in the first light source 10. The first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are electrically connected to a power source (not shown), and light is emitted from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 by supplying power from the power source.

[0027] The first light source 10 and the second light source 12 irradiate light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. By irradiating the skin S with light as described above, the melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the light and generates heat. Then, the hair matrix contained in the hair follicle is damaged by this heat, thereby promoting hair removal. The wavelength of the light can also be 500 nm or more, 600 nm or more, 700 nm or more, or 800 nm or more. Alternatively, the wavelength of the light can be 1000 nm or less, or 900 nm or less. The light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can also be light with a peak wavelength in the range of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. Even if the light has a peak wavelength in the range described above, the irradiated light may contain wavelength components outside of this range. Furthermore, the wavelengths described above are the wavelengths of light irradiated when the temperature of the first light source 10 or the second light source 12 is 25°C. Furthermore, the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are of the same type, and the wavelengths of the light emitted by the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can also be the same at a specified temperature. Additionally, the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can also be used in combination with LEDs that emit light of different wavelengths.

[0028] The first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are preferably configured with an irradiance of 15 W / cm². 2 Above and 50W / cm 2 Irradiate the light under the following conditions. (At a rate of 15 W / cm²) 2 The above irradiance levels are effective at removing hair during the early to middle stages of the growth phase. Additionally, irradiation at 50W / cm² can significantly reduce hair growth. 2 Irradiation levels below can suppress the rise in skin temperature caused by light exposure. Therefore, it allows for more reliable cooling of the skin to reduce irritation. Irradiation levels can also be as low as 20 W / cm². 2 The above can also be 25W / cm. 2 The above can also be 30W / cm 2 That's all. Alternatively, the irradiance can also be 45 W / cm². 2 The following can also be 40W / cm 2 the following.

[0029] In this embodiment, the light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is intermittent pulsed light. The first light source 10 and the second light source 12 preferably irradiate intermittently with an irradiation time of 500ms or more and 1000ms or less. Irradiation with light for 500ms or more can produce a high hair removal effect on hair in the early to anagen phase. Furthermore, irradiation with light for 1000ms or less can suppress the rise in skin temperature caused by light irradiation. Therefore, skin cooling can be more reliably achieved to reduce skin irritation. The irradiation time can also be 600ms or more. Alternatively, the irradiation time can be 900ms or less, or 800ms or less.

[0030] The energy of each pulse of light irradiated by the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is preferably 9 J / cm². 2 Above and 50J / cm 2 Below. If the above energy is 9 J / cm². 2 The above can produce a high hair removal effect. Furthermore, in the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 equipped with a skin cooling section 20, if the energy is 50 J / cm²... 2 This allows for the suppression of the rise in skin temperature caused by light exposure. Therefore, it enables more reliable cooling of the skin to reduce skin irritation.

[0031] The first temperature sensor 15 detects the temperature of the first light source 10. The first temperature sensor 15 is disposed on the side of the substrate 14 opposite to the first light source 10, facing the first light source 10 across the substrate 14. Furthermore, the first temperature sensor 15 indirectly measures the temperature of the first light source 10 by measuring the temperature of the substrate 14. In this embodiment, the first temperature sensor 15 includes a thermistor as a contact temperature sensor. However, the first temperature sensor 15 is not limited to a thermistor and may also include a contact temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or a resistive temperature sensor, or a non-contact temperature sensor such as a radiation thermometer. Additionally, the first temperature sensor 15 is only required to detect the temperature of the first light source 10, and its placement is not particularly limited.

[0032] The second temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature of the second light source 12. The second temperature sensor 16 is disposed on the side of the substrate 14 opposite to the second light source 12, facing the second light source 12 across the substrate 14. Furthermore, the second temperature sensor 16 indirectly measures the temperature of the second light source 12 by measuring the temperature of the substrate 14. In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor 16 includes a thermistor as a contact temperature sensor. However, the second temperature sensor 16 is not limited to a thermistor and may also include contact temperature sensors such as thermocouples or resistive temperature sensors, or non-contact temperature sensors such as radiation thermometers. Additionally, the second temperature sensor 16 is only required to detect the temperature of the second light source 12, and its placement is not particularly limited.

[0033] The skin cooling section 20 is positioned facing the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The skin cooling section 20 can either be in contact with the first light source 10 and the second light source 12, or it can be positioned with space between them. Furthermore, the skin cooling section 20 is configured to contact the skin S on the side opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The skin cooling section 20 is formed of a light-transmitting material. When light is irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12, the skin cooling section 20 allows the light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 to pass through, and the light that has passed through the skin cooling section 20 is then irradiated onto the skin S. The skin cooling section 20 can be, for example, a light-transmitting plate; in this embodiment, a circular plate skin cooling section 20 is used.

[0034] The skin cooling section 20 is preferably made of a material that does not readily absorb light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. Specifically, the total light transmittance of the skin cooling section 20 is preferably 80% or more. If the total light transmittance is 80% or more, most of the light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can pass through the skin cooling section 20. Therefore, a large amount of light can reach the melanin, which can promote the hair removal effect. In addition, since the amount of light absorbed by the skin cooling section 20 and converted into heat can be reduced, the temperature rise of the skin cooling section 20 can be suppressed. From the viewpoint that light is not readily absorbed by the skin cooling section 20, the total light transmittance is more preferably 90% or more, further preferably 95% or more, and particularly preferably 99% or more. The upper limit of the total light transmittance is 100%. The total light transmittance can be measured according to JIS K7361-1:1997.

[0035] The refractive index of the skin cooling section 20 is preferably 1.7 or higher. If the refractive index of the skin cooling section 20 is 1.7 or higher, light from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is less likely to be absorbed by the skin cooling section 20. The higher the value of the refractive index, the easier it is for the skin cooling section 20 to transmit light. Therefore, a refractive index of 1.8 or higher is more preferred, 1.9 or higher is even more preferred, and 2.0 or higher is particularly preferred. The upper limit of the refractive index is not particularly limited, and it can also be 10. The refractive index can be determined by the minimum deviation angle method according to JIS B7071-1:2015.

[0036] The skin cooling section 20 cools the skin S when in contact with it. The skin cooling section 20 preferably contains a material with high thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the skin cooling section 20 is preferably 1 W / mK or higher. If the thermal conductivity is 1 W / mK or higher, even if the skin cooling section 20 is heated by light from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12, as well as by the skin S, it easily dissipates heat, thus effectively cooling the skin S. There is a tendency that the higher the value of the thermal conductivity, the higher the thermal conductivity of the skin cooling section 20, and the higher the cooling effect of the skin cooling section 20. Therefore, from the viewpoint of cooling efficiency, the thermal conductivity of the skin cooling section 20 is more preferably 2 W / mK or higher, further preferably 10 W / mK or higher, particularly preferably 30 W / mK or higher, and most preferably 100 W / mK or higher. The upper limit of the thermal conductivity is not particularly limited and can also be 100,000 W / mK. The thermal conductivity can be measured by laser flash method according to JIS R1611:2010.

[0037] The skin cooling section 20 may also contain inorganic materials. Specifically, the skin cooling section 20 preferably contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, ZnO, ZrO2, MgO, GaN, AlN, and diamond. Because these materials have high refractive indices and thermal conductivity, the light transmittance and thermal conductivity of the skin cooling section 20 can be improved. Furthermore, Al2O3 (sapphire) has a refractive index of 1.79 and a thermal conductivity of 42 W / mK. ZnO has a refractive index of 2.01 and a thermal conductivity of 20 W / mK. ZrO2 has a refractive index of 2.13 and a thermal conductivity of 3 W / mK. MgO has a refractive index of 1.74 and a thermal conductivity of 47 W / mK. GaN has a refractive index of 2.346 and a thermal conductivity of 200 W / mK. AlN has a refractive index of 2.175 and a thermal conductivity of 150 W / mK. Diamond has a refractive index of 2.417 and a thermal conductivity of 1000 W / mK.

[0038] From the viewpoints of heat resistance and light transmittance, the skin cooling section 20 may also contain a resin such as silicone resin. Furthermore, the skin cooling section 20 may also contain a resin such as silicone resin and a highly thermally conductive filler dispersed in the resin. Because the skin cooling section 20 contains a highly thermally conductive filler, the heat from the skin cooling section 20 is easily dissipated, thus effectively cooling the skin S. The highly thermally conductive filler may also contain inorganic substances as described above.

[0039] The proportion of inorganic matter in the skin cooling section 20 is preferably 10% by mass or more. By setting the proportion of inorganic matter in the skin cooling section 20 to 10% by mass or more, the thermal conductivity of the skin cooling section 20 can be improved. The proportion of inorganic matter in the skin cooling section 20 is more preferably 30% by mass or more, further preferably 50% by mass or more, particularly preferably 70% by mass or more, and most preferably 90% by mass or more.

[0040] The skin cooling section 20 is preferably cooled to -5°C or higher and 35°C or lower. Cooling the skin to -5°C or higher with the skin cooling section 20 allows for cooling of the skin in a manner that minimizes pain associated with cooling. On the other hand, cooling the skin to 35°C or lower with the skin cooling section 20 can suppress inflammation caused by the rise in skin temperature during light irradiation. More preferably, the skin cooling section 20 is cooled to 0°C or higher, even more preferably to 5°C or higher, and particularly preferably to 10°C or higher. Furthermore, more preferably, the skin cooling section 20 is cooled to 30°C or lower, even more preferably to 25°C or lower, particularly preferably to 20°C or lower, and most preferably to 15°C or lower.

[0041] The third temperature sensor 17 detects the temperature of the skin cooling section 20. By detecting the temperature of the skin cooling section 20, the temperature of the skin cooling section 20 can be precisely controlled. The third temperature sensor 17 is provided facing the skin cooling section 20. Specifically, the third temperature sensor 17 is provided on the substrate 14. In this embodiment, the third temperature sensor 17 includes a contact temperature sensor. Examples of contact temperature sensors include thermistors, thermocouples, and resistive temperature sensors.

[0042] The push-button switch 30 is a self-resetting type switch. The push-button switch 30 is disposed on the connecting portion 43 of the second cooling section 41. The push-button switch 30 is positioned outwards from the first light source 10, the second light source 12, and the skin cooling section 20 in both the front-rear direction (X) and the width direction (Y), surrounding the first light source 10, the second light source 12, and the skin cooling section 20. The push-button switch 30 includes a pressing portion 32 and two base portions 31.

[0043] Two bases 31 are fixed to the connecting portion 43 at a position further outward than the holding portion 44 of the second cooling portion 41, such that the first light source 10, the second light source 12, and the skin cooling portion 20 are arranged between them in the width direction Y. The bases 31 are formed into a quadrangular prism shape extending upward from the connecting portion 43.

[0044] The pressing part 32 engages with the base 31 and moves in the vertical direction Z by being pressed by the skin S. The pressing part 32 surrounds the first light source 10, the second light source 12, and the skin cooling part 20. The pressing part 32 includes two first components 321 and one second component 322.

[0045] The first component 321 is formed as a cylinder extending upward in the vertical direction Z from the base 31, and is disposed approximately at the center of the base 31 in both the front-rear direction X and the width direction Y. The second component 322 is configured to contact the surface of the first component 321 opposite to the base 31. The second component 322 has a through hole at its center in both the front-rear direction X and the width direction Y, and is formed as an annular shape extending in the vertical direction Z. The first light source 10, the second light source 12, and the skin cooling part 20 are disposed within the through hole of the second component 322. A portion of the surface of the second component 322 protrudes upward in the vertical direction Z compared to the surface of the skin cooling part 20 opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first component 321 and the second component 322 are separate components, but the pressing part 32 may also be formed as a single, continuous component. In addition, the number of the base 31, the first component 321, and the second component 322 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately varied.

[0046] When not pressed, the pressing part 32 protrudes in a direction opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 (above in the vertical direction Z) relative to the skin cooling part 20, relative to the skin cooling part 20. Contacts (not shown) are provided inside the base 31 and the pressing part 32. The button switch 30 is configured such that when the pressing part 32 is not pressed, the contacts of the base 31 and the pressing part 32 are not in contact, and the circuit connecting the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is disconnected. On the other hand, when the pressing part 32 is pressed, the surface of the pressing part 32 pressed by the skin S moves relative to the skin cooling part 20 in a direction toward the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 (below in the vertical direction Z). Therefore, the contacts provided in the base 31 contact the contacts provided in the pressing part 32, thereby closing the circuit connecting the first light source 10 and the second light source 12.

[0047] Additionally, an elastomer (not shown) is provided between the base 31 and the pressing part 32. When the pressing part 32 is pressed, the elastomer undergoes elastic deformation, using the elastic force generated by the deformation to push the pressing part 32 back. Therefore, when the force pressing the pressing part 32 is removed, the elastomer acts on the pressing part 32 to return it to its original position, thus the surface of the pressing part 32 that contacts the skin S moves in the direction opposite to the base 31 (above the vertical direction Z).

[0048] The push-button switch 30 is used to switch between light irradiation by the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 and no light irradiation. Light is irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 for at least a portion of the time while the pressing part 32 is pressed. Light is not irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 when the pressing part 32 is not pressed. Therefore, it is configured to irradiate light onto the skin S for at least a portion of the time while the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 is pressed against the skin S, and to stop irradiating light when the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 leaves the skin S.

[0049] The light can be irradiated either immediately after the button switch 30 is pressed, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the button switch 30 was pressed. The timing of the light irradiation from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can also be controlled by the control unit 50. The light irradiation hair removal device 1 can also irradiate light from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 after the skin S comes into contact with the surface of the skin cooling unit 20. Thus, light is irradiated while the skin surface is cooled. Therefore, heat generation of the skin S is suppressed, thereby suppressing irritation to the skin S. In addition, since light is irradiated while the skin S is in contact with the skin cooling unit 20, uneven irradiation can be suppressed, and a stable hair removal effect can be obtained.

[0050] The first cooling section 40 cools the first light source 10. The first cooling section 40 is disposed on the side of the substrate 14 opposite to the first light source 10, facing the first light source 10 across the substrate 14. Furthermore, the first cooling section 40 cools the first light source 10 across the substrate 14. The first cooling section 40 can also cool the first light source 10 to make its temperature lower than that of the second light source 12. In this embodiment, the first cooling section 40 includes a Peltier element. One side of the first cooling section 40 is connected to the substrate 14, and the other side is connected to the heat sink 45 of the second cooling section 41. However, the first cooling section 40 is not particularly limited as long as it can cool the first light source 10.

[0051] The second cooling section 41 cools the second light source 12. The second cooling section 41 is disposed on the side of the substrate 14 opposite to the second light source 12, facing the second light source 12 across the substrate 14. Specifically, the second cooling section 41 is connected to the edge of the substrate 14. Furthermore, the second cooling section 41 cools the second light source 12 across the substrate 14. In this embodiment, the second cooling section 41 includes an air-cooled cooler.

[0052] Furthermore, the second cooling unit 41 cools the skin cooling unit 20. By including the second cooling unit 41 in the light-irradiation hair removal device 1, the skin cooling unit 20 can be kept at a lower temperature. Therefore, the skin cooling effect caused by the skin cooling unit 20 can be further improved. The second cooling unit 41 includes a heat dissipation unit 42 and an air supply unit 46.

[0053] The heat dissipation part 42 is connected to the skin cooling part 20 and dissipates the heat taken from the skin cooling part 20. The heat dissipation part 42 includes a connecting part 43, a holding part 44, and a heat sink 45.

[0054] The connecting portion 43 is a plate-shaped component with an opening in the center. A substrate 14 is provided on one side of the connecting portion 43, i.e., the first surface. The substrate 14 is smaller than the connecting portion 43 and is housed inside the connecting portion 43. A grip portion 44 and a push-button switch 30 are connected to the outer side of the substrate 14 on the first surface of the connecting portion 43. A heat sink 45 is provided on the second surface of the connecting portion 43, which is opposite to the first surface. A first cooling portion 40, a first temperature sensor 15, and a second temperature sensor 16 are disposed within the opening of the connecting portion 43.

[0055] The gripping portion 44 protrudes upward in the vertical direction Z from the first surface of the connecting portion 43, gripping the entire periphery of the skin cooling portion 20. Therefore, the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are surrounded by the skin cooling portion 20, the gripping portion 44, and the connecting portion 43. The heat generated by the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is dissipated via the heat dissipation portions 42 of the skin cooling portion 20 and the second cooling portion 41. Furthermore, while the gripping portion 44 grips the entire periphery of the skin cooling portion 20, it is only necessary for the gripping portion 44 to be connected to at least a portion of the skin cooling portion 20.

[0056] A heat sink 45 is disposed on the second surface of the connecting portion 43 (the surface opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12). Therefore, the heat from the skin cooling portion 20 and the first cooling portion 40 moves to the heat sink 45 through the holding portion 44 and the connecting portion 43. The heat sink 45 comprises multiple fins, and due to its large contact area with air, it facilitates heat dissipation.

[0057] The heat dissipation part 42 preferably contains a material with excellent thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the heat dissipation part 42 can also be greater than that of the skin cooling part 20. Specifically, the heat dissipation part 42 can also contain metals such as aluminum, iron, and copper. The holding part 44, the connecting part 43, and the heat sink 45 can be formed of the same material or different materials.

[0058] The air supply unit 46 cools the heat dissipation unit 42 by supplying air to it. The air supply unit 46 includes, for example, a fan, which generates airflow by rotating. Multiple first openings 6 are provided on the housing 5 facing the air supply unit 46. Additionally, multiple second openings 7 are provided on the housing 5 facing the heat sink 45. Therefore, when the air supply unit 46 is driven, air drawn in from the outside of the housing 5 through the multiple first openings 6 is delivered to the heat sink 45. The heat of the air contacting the heat sink 45 is exchanged with the heat of the heat sink 45, and the heat sink 45 is cooled. The air heated by contact with the heat sink 45 is discharged to the outside of the housing 5 through the multiple second openings 7.

[0059] Figure 4 This is a control block diagram involving the control unit 50. The control unit 50 is disposed on the substrate 51 (see reference). Figure 2 The control unit 50 controls the illumination and non-illumination of light by the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. Additionally, the control unit 50 controls the driving and stopping of the first cooling unit 40 and the second cooling unit 41. Figure 4 As shown, a first temperature sensor 15, a second temperature sensor 16, a third temperature sensor 17, a push-button switch 30, and a mode selection unit 52 are connected to the input side of the control unit 50. On the other hand, a first light source 10, a second light source 12, a first cooling unit 40, and a second cooling unit 41 are connected to the output side of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 has a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM, thereby enabling the computer system to function as the control unit 50. Here, the program executed by the CPU is pre-recorded in the ROM of the computer system, but it can also be provided by recording on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or by providing it via an electrical communication line such as the Internet.

[0060] When the push-button switch 30 is pressed, the control unit 50 illuminates or flashes the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The control unit 50 can illuminate the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 at the same time as the push-button switch 30 is pressed, or it can illuminate the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 after the push-button switch 30 has been pressed for a predetermined time.

[0061] The control unit 50 can also cause the second cooling unit 41 to cool the skin cooling unit 20, so that the temperature of the skin cooling unit 20 is above -5°C and below 35°C. The control unit 50 can also receive a signal related to the temperature of the skin cooling unit 20 from the third temperature sensor 17, and drive the second cooling unit 41 according to the signal to cool the skin cooling unit 20. The control unit 50 can also control the output of the air supply unit 46, etc., to cool the skin cooling unit 20.

[0062] The control unit 50 can also control the cooling of the first cooling unit 40 based on the temperature of the first light source 10 detected by the first temperature sensor 15 and the temperature of the second light source 12 detected by the second temperature sensor 16, so that the first light source 10 is cooled to a different temperature than the second light source 12. Furthermore, the control unit 50 can also control the cooling of the first cooling unit 40 to shift the wavelength of light irradiated from the first light source 10 to a wavelength different from the wavelength of light irradiated from the second light source 12.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit 50 acquires a signal related to the temperature of the first light source 10 detected by the first temperature sensor 15. Additionally, the control unit 50 acquires a signal related to the temperature of the second light source 12 detected by the second temperature sensor 16. If the temperatures of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are different, the control unit 50 does not activate the first cooling unit 40 to cool the first light source 10, and instead acquires and compares the temperature-related signals from the first temperature sensor 15 and the second temperature sensor 16. Conversely, if the temperatures of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are the same, the control unit 50 activates the first cooling unit 40 to cool the first light source 10.

[0064] The control unit 50 can also cause the first cooling unit 40 to cool the first light source 10 so that the temperature of the first light source 10 is lower than the temperature of the second light source 12. For example, the control unit 50 compares the temperature of the first light source 10 with the temperature of the second light source 12, and if the temperature of the first light source 10 is higher than the temperature of the second light source 12, it causes the first cooling unit 40 to cool the first light source 10. Conversely, if the temperature of the first light source 10 is lower than a threshold value, the control unit 50 stops cooling the first light source 10.

[0065] The control unit 50 can also control the temperature of the first light source 10 using the first cooling unit 40, ensuring that the temperature of the first light source 10 is within a predetermined temperature range based on the location of the skin S irradiated by light from the first light source 10 and light from the second light source 12. The size of hair follicles varies depending on the location. For example, beard follicles are large, while lanugo follicles are small. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the first light source 10 according to each location, light of the optimal wavelength can be irradiated onto each location. The control unit 50 can also read the upper and lower threshold temperatures stored in a storage unit (not shown) to cool the first light source 10 using the first cooling unit 40. Furthermore, the control unit 50 can also cool the first light source 10 using the first cooling unit 40, ensuring that the first light source 10 is within a predetermined range from the upper to the lower threshold temperature corresponding to each location. The location to be irradiated can be set by the user via the mode selection unit 52, or determined by the control unit 50 based on the appearance of the hair.

[0066] The mode selection unit 52 is connected to the substrate 51, and at least a portion of the mode selection unit 52 is exposed on its outer surface. The mode selection unit 52 has a switch (not shown) on its exposed outer surface for selecting a skin region S. The mode selection unit 52 may also include, for example, a switch that toggles between different regions with each press. Alternatively, the mode selection unit 52 may include multiple switches corresponding to different regions, allowing selection of the selected region by pressing each switch. The switches can be either push-button switches or touch panel switches.

[0067] [action]

[0068] The operation and function of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0069] based on Figures 5-8 To illustrate the situation where light is irradiated by the light-irradiated hair removal device 1. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 before use. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the push-button switch 30 of the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 before it is pressed. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state after the push-button switch 30 of the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 is pressed. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a light-irradiated hair removal device 1 irradiating light onto the skin S.

[0070] like Figure 5As shown, the button switch 30 is not pressed before using the light-irradiation hair removal device 1. Therefore, the pressing part 32 of the button switch 30 protrudes in a direction opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 relative to the skin cooling part 20, compared to the surface of the skin cooling part 20 that contacts the skin S. In this state, light is not irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, when using the light-irradiation hair removal device 1, the user's skin S comes into contact with the device. The pressing part 32 of the button switch 30 protrudes compared to the skin contact surface of the skin cooling part 20. Therefore, the user's skin S first contacts the button switch 30, and the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are surrounded by the skin S and the button switch 30.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the button switch 30 is pressed while in contact with the skin S. Specifically, when the button switch 30 is pressed, the surface of the button switch 30 pressed by the skin S moves relative to the skin cooling part 20 toward the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. Thus, with the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 surrounded by the skin S and the button switch 30, the skin S contacts the skin cooling part 20, and the skin cooling part 20 is shielded by the skin S. Furthermore, the skin S is cooled by contact with the skin cooling part 20.

[0073] like Figure 8 As shown, the circuit connected to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is closed by the button switch 30, and light is irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. Since the skin cooling part 20 is shielded by the skin S and the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are also surrounded by the button switch 30, the light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 is irradiated onto the skin S without leakage. In order to make the skin cooling part 20 in more reliable contact with the skin S, light can also be irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 after the pressing part 32 of the button switch 30 has been pressed and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0074] In this embodiment, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 includes a first cooling unit 40 and a second cooling unit 41. In this embodiment, the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 include multiple LEDs, the peak wavelength of which shifts depending on temperature. For example, if the temperature of the LED drops by several tens of degrees Celsius, the wavelength of the irradiated light decreases by several tens of nanometers. Therefore, the first cooling unit 40 cools the first light source 10 to shift the wavelength of the light irradiated from the first light source 10 to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the light irradiated from the second light source 12.

[0075] The depth of light penetrating the skin S changes due to the wavelength dependence of light scattering, caused by a shift in the wavelength of light. For example, if the temperature of the first light source 10 is lowered to shorten the wavelength of the light, the depth of light penetration becomes shallower. On the other hand, since the wavelength of light from the second light source 12 is longer than that of light from the first light source 10, there is less light scattering within the skin S, resulting in a deeper depth of light penetration into the skin S. Furthermore, by irradiating the skin S with light at different depths, the melanocytes containing melanin in the hair follicle are heated as a whole. In this way, by independently controlling the temperatures of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12, the wavelengths of the light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can be easily adjusted separately. Therefore, the photo-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment, which only uses LEDs of different types with different emission wavelengths, can effectively remove hair from areas with hair follicle sizes where sufficient hair removal effects were previously not achieved.

[0076] [Effect]

[0077] As described above, the photo-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first light source 10, a second light source 12, a skin cooling section 20, a push-button switch 30, a first cooling section 40, and a second cooling section 41. The first light source 10 irradiates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The second light source 12 irradiates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The skin cooling section 20 faces the first light source 10 and the second light source 12, allowing light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 to pass through, thereby cooling the skin S when in contact with it. The push-button switch 30 includes a pressing portion 32 surrounding the first light source 10, the second light source 12, and the skin cooling section 20. When not pressed, the pressing portion 32 protrudes in a direction opposite to the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 relative to the skin cooling section 20, relative to the surface of the skin cooling section 20 that is in contact with the skin S. When the pressing part 32 is pressed, the surface pressed by the skin S moves relative to the skin cooling part 20 toward the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The button switch 30 is used to switch between illumination by the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 and no illumination. During at least a portion of the time the pressing part 32 is pressed, light is irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12; during the time the pressing part 32 is not pressed, light is not irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The first cooling part 40 cools the first light source 10. The second cooling part 41 cools the second light source 12. By cooling the first light source 10, the first cooling part 40 shifts the wavelength of the light irradiated from the first light source 10 to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the light irradiated from the second light source 12.

[0078] Thus, the first cooling unit 40 cools the first light source 10 and the second cooling unit 41 cools the second light source 12, thereby enabling the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 to achieve arbitrarily different temperatures for the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. Therefore, due to the wavelength dependence of light scattering, light at different depths is irradiated onto the skin S, thus enabling the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 to uniformly irradiate the entire area of ​​melanin cells distributed in the hair follicle.

[0079] Furthermore, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 can irradiate light onto the skin S while the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are surrounded by the button switch 30 and the skin S. Therefore, light leakage can be suppressed. In addition, during light irradiation, the skin cooling section 20 can come into contact with the skin S to cool the skin S. Therefore, inflammation of the skin S can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 may also include a near-infrared LED (first light source 10), a press-type irradiation switch (button switch 30), and a skin cooling section (skin cooling section 20). The skin cooling section (skin cooling section 20) is a transparent material that cools the upper part of the near-infrared LED (first light source 10) and allows the light of the near-infrared LED (first light source 10) to pass through. The light-irradiation hair removal device 1 is structured such that when pressed against the skin (skin S), the near-infrared LED (first light source 10) emits light after the skin (skin S) comes into contact with the top surface of the skin cooling section (skin cooling section 20). The light-irradiation hair removal device 1 is characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared LED (first light source 10) is changed by arbitrarily controlling the temperature of a portion of the substrate 14 on which the LED element (first light source 10) is disposed. Even with such a light-irradiation hair removal device 1, light can be uniformly irradiated onto the entire area of ​​melanin cells distributed in the hair follicle.

[0081] As in this embodiment, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 may also include a first temperature sensor 15 and a second temperature sensor 16, which are examples of temperature sensors disclosed herein, as well as a control unit 50. The first temperature sensor 15 and the second temperature sensor 16 may also detect the temperature of the first light source 10 and the temperature of the second light source 12. The control unit 50 may also control the cooling of the first cooling unit 40 based on the temperatures of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 detected by the first temperature sensor 15 and the second temperature sensor 16, so that the first light source 10 is cooled to a different temperature than the second light source 12.

[0082] Therefore, the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 can more precisely control the temperature of the first light source 10. Consequently, the light-irradiated hair removal device 1 can more precisely control the depth of light penetrating the skin S.

[0083] Alternatively, as in the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 described in this embodiment, the first cooling unit 40 may include a Peltier element, and the first temperature sensor 15 and the second temperature sensor 16 may include a thermistor.

[0084] Therefore, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 can more effectively cool the first light source 10, thereby controlling the temperature of the first light source 10 with higher precision. Consequently, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 can more precisely control the depth of light penetrating into the skin S.

[0085] Alternatively, as in the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 described in this embodiment, the first cooling unit 40 can cool the first light source 10 so that the temperature of the first light source 10 is lower than the temperature of the second light source 12.

[0086] Therefore, the wavelength of light from the first light source 10 is shorter than the wavelength of light from the second light source 12. There are more melanocytes in the upper part of the hair follicle than in the lower part. The light-irradiation hair removal device 1, by irradiating the upper part of the hair follicle with light from the first light source 10 and the deeper part of the hair follicle with light from the second light source 12, can irradiate an amount of light corresponding to the distribution of melanocytes, thus further improving the hair removal effect.

[0087] Alternatively, as in the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 of this embodiment, the first cooling unit 40 cools the first light source 10, so that the first light source 10 is within a temperature range predetermined based on the part of the skin S irradiated by light from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12.

[0088] Therefore, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 can radiate light of the optimal wavelength from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 according to the affected area. As a result, the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 can achieve a higher hair removal effect.

[0089] (Other implementation methods)

[0090] As described above, the embodiments described herein are examples of the technology disclosed herein. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this and can also be applied to embodiments that have been modified, substituted, added, omitted, etc. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0091] As an example of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to the above embodiment, the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are described as including LEDs. However, the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are only required to irradiate light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. The first light source 10 and the second light source 12 are not limited to LEDs, and may also be laser diodes, for example.

[0092] Additionally, the skin cooling section 20 may also include an anti-reflective film to prevent reflection of light irradiated from the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. The anti-reflective film may, for example, be disposed on the surface of the skin cooling section 20 facing the first light source 10 and the second light source 12. By disposing of such an anti-reflective film in the skin cooling section 20, light reflection can be suppressed, allowing a large amount of light to be irradiated onto the skin S.

[0093] Furthermore, as an example of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to the above embodiment, it is described that the skin cooling section 20 is cooled by using the second cooling section 41. However, if the thermal conductivity of the skin cooling section 20 is high, the heat dissipation of the skin cooling section 20 is also high, so it may not be necessary to use the second cooling section 41 to cool the skin cooling section 20.

[0094] Furthermore, as an example of the light-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to the above embodiment, it is described that the second cooling unit 41 is connected to the skin cooling unit 20 to cool the skin cooling unit 20. However, the second cooling unit 41 does not need to be connected to the skin cooling unit 20.

[0095] Furthermore, as an example of the photo-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to the above embodiment, a first temperature sensor 15 is used to measure the temperature of the first light source 10. Additionally, as another example of the photo-irradiation hair removal device 1 according to the above embodiment, a second temperature sensor 16 is used to measure the temperature of the second light source 12. However, the temperatures of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12 can be estimated using only one temperature sensor by calculating the thermal conductivity of the substrate 14, etc. Therefore, the photo-irradiation hair removal device 1 does not require two temperature sensors and can be equipped with only one temperature sensor for measuring the temperatures of the first light source 10 and the second light source 12.

[0096] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are illustrative of the technology disclosed herein, and therefore various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0097] Industrial availability

[0098] As described above, the phototherapy hair removal device disclosed herein can be applied to commercial and home-use phototherapy hair removal devices, for example.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 1: Light-irradiated hair removal device; 5: Housing; 6: First opening; 7: Second opening; 10: First light source; 12: Second light source; 14: Substrate; 15: First temperature sensor; 16: Second temperature sensor; 17: Third temperature sensor; 20: Skin cooling unit; 30: Button switch; 31: Base; 32: Pressing part; 40: First cooling unit; 41: Second cooling unit; 42: Heat dissipation unit; 43: Connecting part; 44: Holding part; 45: Heat sink; 46: Air supply unit; 50: Control unit; 51: Substrate; 52: Mode selection unit; 321: First component; 322: Second component; S: Skin.

Claims

1. A light-irradiation hair removal device, comprising: The first light source illuminates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more and 1200 nm or less; The second light source illuminates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or higher and 1200 nm or lower. A skin cooling section is positioned facing the first light source and the second light source, allowing light irradiated from the first light source and the second light source to pass through, thereby cooling the skin upon contact with it. A push-button switch includes a pressing portion, the push-button switch switching between being illuminated by the first light source and the second light source and not being illuminated by the first light source and the second light source in a manner that the pressing portion is pressed for at least a portion of the time, and not being illuminated by the first light source and the second light source during the period when the pressing portion is not pressed, the pressing portion surrounding the first light source, the second light source and the skin cooling portion, the pressing portion protruding in a direction opposite to the first light source and the second light source relative to the skin cooling portion when not pressed, and the pressing portion moving in a direction relative to the skin cooling portion toward the first light source and the second light source when pressed; A first cooling unit cools the first light source; as well as The second cooling unit cools the second light source. The first cooling unit cools the first light source, causing the wavelength of the light irradiated from the first light source to shift to a wavelength different from that of the light irradiated from the second light source.

2. The light-irradiation hair removal device according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the first light source and the temperature of the second light source; and The control unit controls the cooling of the first cooling unit based on the temperatures of the first light source and the second light source detected by the temperature sensor, so as to cool the first light source to a different temperature than the second light source.

3. The light-irradiation hair removal device according to claim 2, wherein, The first cooling section includes a Peltier element. The temperature sensor includes a thermistor.

4. The light-irradiation hair removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first cooling unit cools the first light source so that the temperature of the first light source is lower than the temperature of the second light source.

5. The light-irradiation hair removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first cooling unit cools the first light source so that the first light source is within a temperature range predetermined based on the part of the skin irradiated by light from the first light source and the second light source.

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