Optical hair removal device

Abstract

The present application provides a light hair removal device capable of properly cooling a target site even in a state where an attachment is attached. The light hair removal device includes a body portion, and an attachment configured to be attachable to and detachable from the body portion. The body portion has a housing in which an opening is formed, a light source housed in the housing, which outputs light to be irradiated to a target site, a light-transmitting portion disposed at the opening, which transmits the light output from the light source, and a cooling portion disposed in an inside of the housing in contact with the light-transmitting portion, which cools the target site. The attachment has a cooling transmission portion configured to narrow an irradiation range of the light output from the light source. The cooling transmission portion is configured to be contactable with the cooling portion via the light-transmitting portion, and is configured to be contactable with the target site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to laser hair removal devices. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-18659 discloses an example of a phototherapy hair removal device. This device includes a light source that outputs light for irradiating a target area and a cooling unit for cooling the target area. According to this device, since light is irradiated onto the cooled target area, the pain experienced by the patient can be reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] For example, when performing hair removal on areas such as the face, it is preferable to have a narrower illumination range from the light source. Therefore, it is possible to consider installing an accessory on the aforementioned phototherapy hair removal device to reduce the illumination range of the light source. However, when the phototherapy hair removal device is equipped with an accessory, the cooling effect of the cooling unit on the target area will decrease.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a phototherapy hair removal device that can appropriately cool the target area even when accessories are installed.

[0006] means for solving problems

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a phototherapy hair removal device includes: a body portion; and an accessory configured to be detachable relative to the body portion. The body portion includes: a housing having an opening; a light source housed within the housing for emitting light directed toward a target area; a light-transmitting portion disposed at the opening for allowing light emitted from the light source to pass through; and a cooling portion disposed inside the housing in contact with the light-transmitting portion for cooling the target area. The accessory has a cooling transfer portion configured to reduce the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light source, the cooling transfer portion being configured to contact the cooling portion via the light-transmitting portion and to contact the target area.

[0008] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the photo-removal device is based on the first aspect of the photo-removal device, wherein the thickness of the cooling transfer section is 3.2 mm or more.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a photosensitive hair removal device is a photosensitive hair removal device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the housing has a defining surface for defining the opening, the light-transmitting portion is disposed in a position recessed further into the interior of the housing than the defining surface, thereby forming a step between the defining surface and the light-transmitting portion, the cooling transfer portion includes a first portion in contact with the target area and a second portion connected to the first portion and in contact with the body portion, the second portion having an exterior configured to substantially conform to the outer contour of the defining surface and an interior configured to substantially conform to the outer contour of the light-transmitting portion, the interior protruding from the exterior to be embedded in the step.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the laser hair removal device is a laser hair removal device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the accessory has a retaining portion for retaining the cooling transmission portion, the retaining portion being made of resin material.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a phototherapy hair removal device is based on a fourth aspect, wherein the body portion has a skin tone sensor for detecting the skin tone of the target area, and the holding portion has an opening for light output from the skin tone sensor to pass through.

[0012] Technical effect

[0013] The phototherapy hair removal device according to the present invention can appropriately cool the target area even when the attachment is installed. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a frontal side perspective view of the first morphological state of the laser hair removal device according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the back side of a laser hair removal device.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the accessory installation part and its surrounding area.

[0017] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the electrical structure of a laser hair removal device.

[0018] Figure 5 Is installed to Figure 1 Front view of the first attachment of the laser hair removal device.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The back view of the first attachment.

[0020] Figure 7It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line D7-D7.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The image shows an enlarged view of the first attachment and its surrounding area of ​​the laser hair removal device in its second state.

[0022] Figure 9 Is installed to Figure 1 A front view of the second attachment of the laser hair removal device shown.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The back view of the second attachment shown.

[0024] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the second attachment and its surrounding area in the third state of the laser hair removal device shown.

[0025] Figure 12 It means by Figure 4 A flowchart of an example of light illumination control performed by a control device. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, the photo-hair removal device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a frontal perspective view of the laser hair removal device 10 in its first morphological state according to the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the back side of the laser hair removal device 10. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view shows the accessory mounting part 43 and its surrounding area. Hereinafter, the left and right direction under the front view of the laser hair removal device 10 will be called the width direction, the direction orthogonal to the width direction under the front view will be called the height direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the width and height directions will be called the depth direction (thickness direction).

[0027] The phototherapy hair removal device 10 is configured to promote hair removal or cosmetic enhancement of a target area by irradiating it with light containing a predetermined wavelength. Target areas include, for example, the user's underarms, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, V-zone, thighs, feet, face, I-zone, or O-zone. Hereinafter, the person operating the phototherapy hair removal device 10 will be referred to as the user, and the person using the phototherapy hair removal device 10 to promote hair removal or cosmetic enhancement of the target area will be referred to as the recipient. In this embodiment, the phototherapy hair removal device 10 is operated by the recipient. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user and the recipient are the same entity. The phototherapy hair removal device 10 can also be operated by a practitioner, for example, in a beauty salon. Furthermore, in this embodiment, hair removal refers to so-called cosmetic phototherapy hair removal, meaning an action aimed at removing and reducing hair without burdening the skin or damaging hair follicle stem cells. That is, hair removal in this embodiment does not include irradiating light onto the hair follicle, damaging the hair head, or the opening of the sebaceous gland.

[0028] The laser hair removal device 10 receives its power supply from an external power source 100. Figure 1 In the example shown, the external power source 100 is an AC adapter. The laser hair removal device 10 is connected to the external power source 100 via a wire 200. The wire 200 is, for example, a flexible cord or a cable. The wire 200 can be either detachable or fixed relative to at least one of the laser hair removal device 10 and the external power source 100. In this embodiment, the wire 200 is non-detachably fixed to both the laser hair removal device 10 and the external power source 100.

[0029] The laser hair removal device 10 includes a main body 20 and an accessory 30, which is configured to be detachable from the main body 20. The main body 20 and the accessory 30 can be fixed by magnetic force or by a tongue-and-groove fit. In this embodiment, the main body 20 and the accessory 30 are fixed by magnetic force.

[0030] Annex 30 includes Annex 31 (for reference) Figure 5 ) and Annex 32 (for reference) Figure 9 As for the usage mode of the laser hair removal device 10, the user can choose the first mode (see reference). Figure 1 Second form (reference) Figure 8 ) and the third form (see reference) Figure 11 The first form is when accessory 30 is not installed on the main body 20. The second form is when the first accessory 31 is installed on the main body 20. The third form is when the second accessory 32 is installed on the main body 20.

[0031] In the first mode, the light-emitting epilator 10 can irradiate a wider area of ​​light than in the second and third modes. Therefore, the first mode can be used to appropriately remove hair from areas such as the chest, abdomen, arms, hands, V-zone, or thighs.

[0032] In its first mode, the laser hair removal device 10 outputs light to the target area in a first mode. In this first mode, the laser hair removal device 10 automatically employs multiple intensity levels, each corresponding to a different energy level of light emitted onto the target area per pulse. These intensity levels include, for example, a first intensity level, a second intensity level, a third intensity level, a fourth intensity level, and a fifth intensity level. The energy of the light emitted onto the target area gradually decreases in the order of the fifth intensity level, the fourth intensity level, the third intensity level, the second intensity level, and the first intensity level.

[0033] In the first mode, the user can select from multiple programs with varying light energy per burst directed at the target area within the same power level. In this embodiment, the user can select from three programs in the first mode: SOFT, MID, and HIGH. Following the order of HIGH, MID, and SOFT, the light energy per burst directed at the target area gradually decreases within the same power level.

[0034] In the first mode, the laser hair removal device 10 can select between an automatic irradiation mode and a manual irradiation mode. The automatic irradiation mode refers to a mode where the light automatically irradiates at predetermined intervals without requiring user operation of the second button 70 (described later). The manual irradiation mode refers to a mode where light irradiation is performed based on the user's requested timing; in other words, based on the user's operation of the second button 70.

[0035] In the second configuration, the phototherapy device 10 can irradiate a smaller area of ​​light onto the target area than in the first configuration. Therefore, the second configuration is suitable for hair removal in small areas such as the face, I-zone, or O-zone.

[0036] In the second configuration, the phototherapy device 10 outputs light to the target area in a second mode. Similar to the first mode, in the second mode, it automatically selects multiple energy levels of the light irradiated onto the target area per irradiation. In this embodiment, the user cannot select a program or automatic irradiation mode in the second mode. However, in the second mode, the user may still be allowed to select at least one of a program or an automatic irradiation mode.

[0037] In its third form, the phototherapy hair removal device 10 cuts off the wavelengths of light output from the light source 93 that are effective for hair removal, allowing it to direct only the wavelengths that promote beauty onto the target area. Therefore, this third form is designed for cosmetic purposes and can be appropriately used on any area.

[0038] In the third mode, the phototherapy device 10 outputs light to the target area in a third mode. In the third mode, the user can select multiple energy levels of the light irradiated onto the target area per irradiation. In this embodiment, the user can select the first, third, or fifth energy level. In this embodiment, the user cannot select a program or an automatic irradiation mode in the third mode. However, in the third mode, the user may also be allowed to select at least one of a program or an automatic irradiation mode.

[0039] The main body 20 includes a housing 40, a light-transmitting part 50, a first button 60, a second button 70, and a display part 80.

[0040] The housing 40 has a grip portion 41, an irradiation portion 42, and an accessory mounting portion 43. The grip portion 41 extends along the height direction. The grip portion 41 is elongated so that the user can easily hold it. The irradiation portion 42 is connected to the grip portion 41 and extends along the depth direction. An exhaust hole 42Z for dissipating heat from inside the housing 40 is formed on the upper surface of the irradiation portion 42. The accessory mounting portion 43 is connected to the front of the irradiation portion 42.

[0041] The accessory mounting section 43 has a defining surface 43X that defines a first opening 43A (31YX) and a second opening 43B (31YY) in a front view. The first opening 43A is an opening through which light output from the light source 93 (described later) passes. The second opening 43B is an opening through which light output from the skin tone sensor 95 (described later) passes. A component such as sapphire glass, which allows light output from the skin tone sensor 95 (described later), is disposed in the second opening 43B.

[0042] The light-transmitting portion 50 allows light emitted from the light source 93 to pass through. The material constituting the light-transmitting portion 50 is, for example, sapphire glass. The light-transmitting portion 50 is positioned further inward than the defining surface 43X into the housing 40. Therefore, a step 50X is formed between the light-transmitting portion 50 and the defining surface 43X. Because of the step 50X, even if the main body 20 is impacted, for example, by the optical hair removal device 10 falling, damage to the light-transmitting portion 50 can be prevented.

[0043] The first button 60 is located on the back of the irradiation unit 42. The first button 60 has multiple functions. In this embodiment, the first button 60 has a first function, a second function, and a third function.

[0044] The primary function is to switch the power of the laser hair removal device 10 on and off. When the laser hair removal device 10 is off, pressing and holding the first button 60 will turn the power on. Conversely, when the laser hair removal device 10 is on, pressing and holding the first button 60 will turn the power off.

[0045] The second function is for selecting the first mode program when the laser hair removal device 10 is in the first state. The third function is for selecting the third mode setting when the laser hair removal device 10 is in the third state.

[0046] The second button 70 is located on the back of the irradiation unit 42, near the first button 60. In the first mode of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, the second button 70 selectively switches between automatic and manual irradiation modes. In manual irradiation mode, the user can irradiate the target area at predetermined intervals by operating the second button 70. To facilitate easy operation in manual irradiation mode, the second button 70 is preferably larger than the first button 60.

[0047] The display unit 80 is located on the back of the irradiation unit 42, near the first button 60. The display unit 80 displays information such as the selected program and gear level.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the phototherapy hair removal device 10. The phototherapy hair removal device 10 also includes a storage device 91, a control device 92, a light source 93, a cooling unit 94, a skin tone sensor 95, and a skin contact sensor 96. The storage device 91, control device 92, light source 93, cooling unit 94, skin tone sensor 95, and skin contact sensor 96 are housed within a housing 40.

[0049] Storage device 91 is an auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive or a solid-state drive. Storage device 91 stores one or more application software (hereinafter referred to as "irradiation control software") related to the operation of light source 93. Storage device 91 is communicatively connected to control device 92 via bus 99.

[0050] The control device 92 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The control device 92 executes the illumination control software stored in the storage device 91. By executing the illumination control software, the control device 92 constructs one or more functional modules within the main body 20 for operating the light source 93.

[0051] The light source 93 is used to output light containing wavelengths that have a hair removal effect and wavelengths that have a cosmetic effect to the target area. The light source 93 is, for example, a xenon lamp, an LED (light-emitting diode), or an organic EL (electroluminescent) lamp. An example of a xenon lamp is a xenon flash lamp. In this embodiment, the number of light sources 93 included in a single phototherapy hair removal device 10 can be arbitrarily selected. In this embodiment, the phototherapy hair removal device 10 includes two light sources 93. The number of light sources 93 included in a single phototherapy hair removal device 10 can also be one, three, or more.

[0052] The cooling unit 94 is a known cooling mechanism utilizing the Peltier effect, comprising a Peltier element board 94A acting as a cooling surface and a temperature sensor 94B. The temperature of the cooling unit 94 is regulated by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the control device 92. The Peltier element board 94A is disposed inside the housing 40, positioned in contact with the light-transmitting portion 50 (see reference). Figure 3 The Peltier element board 94A cools the target area via the light-transmitting section 50. An opening 94X is formed in the center of the Peltier element board 94A (see reference). Figure 3 Opening 94X is opposite to light source 93. Light emitted from light source 93 passes through opening 94X. Temperature sensor 94B, for example, is a thermistor, which detects the temperature of Peltier element board 94A. Additionally, the temperature of Peltier element board 94A detected by temperature sensor 94B can also be referred to as the temperature of cooling section 94 in the following cases.

[0053] Skin tone sensor 95 is a known color sensor used to detect skin tone in a target area. Skin tone sensor 95 is disposed in the second opening 43B of the accessory mounting portion 43 (see reference). Figure 3 (Relative position)

[0054] The skin contact sensor 96 is a known photoelectric sensor used to detect contact between the target area and the photoelectric hair removal device 10. The skin contact sensor 96 is disposed in the second opening 43B of the accessory mounting portion 43 (see reference). Figure 3 (Relative position)

[0055] Figure 5 It is the front view of Annex 31. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The back view of the first annex 31 is shown. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line D7-D7. Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the first attachment 31 and its surrounding area of ​​the second-form laser hair removal device 10.

[0056] The first accessory 31 is configured to reduce the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light source 93 by enclosing part of the light-transmitting portion 50 of the light-emitting hair removal device 10 in the first configuration. The first accessory 31 includes a cooling transfer portion 31X and a holding portion 31Y.

[0057] In the second configuration of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, the cooling transfer section 31X is cooled by contacting the Peltier element plate 94A via the light-transmitting section 50. The material constituting the cooling transfer section 31X can be chosen arbitrarily as long as it is capable of cooling the target area. From the viewpoint of effectively cooling the target area, the material constituting the cooling transfer section 31X is preferably a metal with high thermal conductivity. From the viewpoint of facilitating easy operation of the phototherapy hair removal device 10 by the user, the material constituting the cooling transfer section 31X is preferably a lightweight material. Based on the above considerations, aluminum can be suitably used as the material constituting the cooling transfer section 31X. Alternatively, the cooling transfer section 31X can also be made of a resin material on which a metal thin film is formed by electroplating, vapor deposition, or other methods.

[0058] The thickness of the cooling transfer section 31X can be arbitrarily chosen as long as it is sufficient to cool the target area. From a manufacturing perspective and in terms of the rigidity of the cooling transfer section 31X, a thickness of 3.2 mm or more is preferred. The upper limit of the thickness of the cooling transfer section 31X can be arbitrarily chosen within the range sufficient to cool the target area. It should be noted that the cooling transfer section 31X can have different thicknesses in different locations, or it can have a constant thickness. When the cooling transfer section 31X has different thicknesses in different locations, the minimum thickness of the cooling transfer section 31X is preferably 3.2 mm or more.

[0059] An opening 31Z is formed in the center of the cooling transfer section 31X. In the second configuration of the optical hair removal device 10, the opening 31Z connects to the opening 94X of the Peltier element plate 94A via the light-transmitting section 50 (see reference). Figure 3 The area of ​​opening 31Z is smaller than that of opening 94X. In the second configuration of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, opening 31Z defines the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light source 93. The cooling transfer section 31X has a first portion 31A and a second portion 31B. The first portion 31A and the second portion 31B can be formed integrally or formed separately and then connected to each other.

[0060] The first part 31A comes into contact with the target area. To prevent scratches, the surface of the first part 31A is preferably textured or otherwise prepared.

[0061] The second part 31B is connected to the first part 31A and contacts the accessory mounting part 43. To prevent scratches, the surface of the second part 31B is preferably textured or otherwise roughened. The second part 31B has an outer part 31BX and an inner part 31BY.

[0062] The defining surface 43X between the external 31BX and the accessory mounting section 43 (reference) Figure 3 The outer surface 31BX has a shape that covers the defining surface 43X. The outer contour of the outer surface 31BX preferably matches (or substantially matches) the outer contour of the defining surface 43X. An opening 31BZ is formed in the outer surface 31BX at a portion that coincides with the second opening 43B of the accessory mounting portion 43. A component such as sapphire glass, which allows light output from the skin tone sensor 95 to pass through, is disposed in the opening 31BZ.

[0063] The inner part 31BY contacts the Peltier element plate 94A via the light-transmitting portion 50. The inner part 31BY has a shape that covers the light-transmitting portion 50. The outer contour of the inner part 31BY preferably matches (or substantially matches) the outer contour of the light-transmitting portion 50. In the depth direction, the inner part 31BY protrudes further toward the accessory mounting portion 43 than the outer part 31BX. The length of the portion of the inner part 31BY that protrudes from the outer part 31BX is equal to the length of the step 50X formed between the light-transmitting portion 50 and the defining surface 43X (see reference). Figure 3 The depths are equal. Therefore, in the second form of the laser hair removal device 10, the interior 31BY is embedded within the step 50X.

[0064] The retaining part 31Y holds the cooling transfer part 31X. The retaining part 31Y has the same shape as the accessory mounting part 43. In the second embodiment of the laser hair removal device 10, the retaining part 31Y covers the accessory mounting part 43. The material constituting the retaining part 31Y can be chosen arbitrarily. From the perspective of weight reduction, the material constituting the retaining part 31Y is preferably a resin material.

[0065] The retaining portion 31Y has a base portion 31YA and a wall portion 31YB. The base portion 31YA retains the cooling transfer portion 31X. The positional relationship between the surface of the base portion 31YA in the depth direction and the surface of the first portion 31A of the cooling transfer portion 31X can be arbitrarily selected. In this embodiment, the surface of the base portion 31YA in the depth direction is flush with the surface of the first portion 31A of the cooling transfer portion 31X. The positions of the surface of the base portion 31YA in the depth direction and the surface of the first portion 31A of the cooling transfer portion 31X can also be different.

[0066] The base 31YA has a first opening 31YX and a second opening 31YY. A cooling transfer section 31X is disposed in the first opening 31YX. The first opening 31YX has one or more protrusions 31YZ (see reference) projecting from the inner edge toward the cooling transfer section 31X. Figure 7The protrusion 31YZ is inserted into the recess between the first part 31A and the second part 31B of the cooling transfer part 31X. The second opening 31YY communicates with the opening 31BZ. A component such as sapphire glass, which allows light output from the skin tone sensor 95 to pass through, is disposed in the second opening 31YY. The wall part 31YB extends upward from the base 31YA to cover the accessory mounting part 43.

[0067] Figure 9 This is the front view of Annex 32. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The back view of the second annex 32 is shown. Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the second attachment 32 and its surrounding area of ​​the third-form laser hair removal device 10.

[0068] The second accessory 32 is configured to reduce the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light source 93 by enclosing part of the light-transmitting portion 50 of the first-mode light hair removal device 10. The second accessory 32 includes a wavelength cutting-off portion 32A and a holding portion 32B.

[0069] The wavelength cutoff section 32A reflects the wavelength of light from the light source 93 that is conducive to hair removal, allowing only the wavelength of light that is conducive to beauty to pass through. The wavelength cutoff section 32A is, for example, a dichroic mirror.

[0070] The holding part 32B retains the wavelength cutting part 32A. The holding part 32B has the same shape as the accessory mounting part 43. In the third configuration of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, the holding part 32B covers the accessory mounting part 43. The material constituting the holding part 32B can be chosen arbitrarily. From the perspective of weight reduction, the material constituting the holding part 32B is preferably a resin material.

[0071] In the first configuration of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, the Peltier element plate 94A contacts the target area via the light-transmitting portion 50, thereby cooling the target area. In the second configuration of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, the Peltier element plate 94A contacts the target area via the light-transmitting portion 50 and the cooling transfer portion 31X, thereby cooling the target area. However, depending on the usage of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, such as continuous use for a long time, the temperature inside the housing 40 may rise. In this case, the Peltier element plate 94A and the light-transmitting portion 50 may reach high temperatures, posing a risk of overheating to the target area. When controlling the light irradiation of the target area, the control device 92 controls at least one of the light source 93 and the cooling portion 94 based on the temperature of the cooling portion 94, so that the temperature of the target area remains below a predetermined temperature. In this embodiment, during light irradiation control, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 based on the temperature of the cooling portion 94, ensuring that the temperature of the target area does not exceed a predetermined temperature.

[0072] When the automatic irradiation mode is selected in the first mode of the laser hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is not higher than a first temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at a first output interval. The first temperature refers to the temperature at which the patient is expected to feel almost no pain when light is irradiated onto the target area. The first temperature is, for example, 29°C.

[0073] When the automatic irradiation mode is selected in the first mode of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the first temperature but does not exceed the second temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at a second output interval longer than the first output interval. The second temperature refers to the temperature at which the patient is expected to feel slight pain when the light is irradiated onto the target area. The second temperature is, for example, 30°C.

[0074] When the automatic irradiation mode is selected in the first mode of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the second temperature but does not exceed the third temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at a third output interval that is longer than the second output interval. The third temperature refers to the temperature at which the patient is expected to experience moderate pain when the light is irradiated onto the target area. The third temperature is, for example, 35.5°C.

[0075] When the automatic irradiation mode is selected in the first mode of the laser hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the third temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to prevent it from outputting light.

[0076] When the manual irradiation mode is selected in the first, second, or third mode of the laser hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is not higher than the first temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at intervals greater than the first output interval. When the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is not higher than the first temperature in the manual irradiation mode, even if the user operates the second button 70, it is impossible to continuously irradiate light onto the target area at intervals shorter than the first output interval.

[0077] When the manual irradiation mode is selected in the first, second, or third mode of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the first temperature but does not exceed the second temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at intervals longer than the second output interval. In the manual irradiation mode, when the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the first temperature but does not exceed the second temperature, even if the user operates the second button 70, it is impossible to continuously irradiate the target area at intervals shorter than the second output interval.

[0078] When the manual irradiation mode is selected in the first, second, or third mode of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the second temperature but does not exceed the third temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at intervals longer than the third output interval. In the manual irradiation mode, when the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the second temperature but does not exceed the third temperature, even if the user operates the second button 70, it is impossible to continuously irradiate the target area at intervals shorter than the third output interval.

[0079] When the manual irradiation mode is selected in the first, second, or third mode of the laser hair removal device 10, and the temperature of the cooling unit 94 exceeds the third temperature, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to prevent it from emitting light. When the temperature of the cooling unit 94 exceeds the third temperature in manual irradiation mode, even if the user operates the second button 70, light cannot be irradiated onto the target area.

[0080] Table 1 is an example table showing the relationship between the various modes, programs, and power levels of the phototherapy hair removal device 10 and the output intervals. The second output interval is the first output interval plus a time TA. Time TA is, for example, 0.5 seconds. The third output interval is the first output interval plus a time TB. Time TB is, for example, 1.0 second.

[0081]

[0082] Table 1

[0083] refer to Figure 12 An example of light illumination control will be given. Figure 12 In this example, taking the case where the automatic irradiation mode is selected in the first form of the phototherapy hair removal device 10, the phototherapy control will be explained. Phototherapy control begins when the power supply of the phototherapy hair removal device 10 switches from the off state to the on state. Phototherapy control ends when the power supply of the phototherapy hair removal device 10 switches from the on state to the off state.

[0084] In step S11, the control device 92 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply of the laser hair removal device 10 switched from the off state to the on state. The predetermined time is, for example, 15 seconds. If step S11 is a negative determination, the control device 92 repeats the process of step S11. If step S11 is a positive determination, the control device 92 executes the process of step S12.

[0085] In step S12, the control device 92 determines whether the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is below a predetermined temperature based on the output of the temperature sensor 94B. The predetermined temperature is, for example, a first temperature. When step S12 is a negative determination, i.e., the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is above the predetermined temperature, the control device 92 repeats the determination process of step S12. When step S12 is a positive determination, i.e., the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is below the predetermined temperature, the control device 92 executes the process of step S13.

[0086] In step S13, the control device 92 determines whether the skin tone of the target area meets the specified conditions based on the output of the skin tone sensor 95. The specified conditions are that the skin tone of the target area is within a pre-set range of color depth. When step S13 is a negative determination, that is, when the skin tone of the target area does not meet the specified conditions, it is determined that the laser hair removal device 10 cannot be used, and the control device 92 repeats the process of step S13. For example, after the user changes the target area, step S13 may become a positive determination. When step S13 is a positive determination, that is, when the skin tone of the target area meets the specified conditions, the control device 92 executes the process of step S14.

[0087] In step S14, the control device 92 determines whether the light-transmitting part 50 is in contact with the target area based on the output of the skin contact sensor 96. When step S14 is a negative determination, i.e., the light-transmitting part 50 is not in contact with the target area, the control device 92 repeats the process of step S14. When step S14 is a positive determination, i.e., the light-transmitting part 50 is in contact with the target area, the control device 92 executes the process of step S15.

[0088] In step S15, the control device 92 determines whether the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is not higher than a first temperature based on the output of the temperature sensor 94B. When step S15 is a positive determination, that is, when the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is not higher than the first temperature, the control device 92 executes the processing of step S16. When step S15 is a negative determination, the control device 92 executes the processing of step S17.

[0089] In step S16, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at the first output interval.

[0090] In step S17, the control device 92 determines, based on the output of the temperature sensor 94B, whether the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is within a range higher than the first temperature but not exceeding the second temperature. When step S17 is a positive determination, i.e., the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is within a range higher than the first temperature but not exceeding the second temperature, the control device 92 executes the processing of step S18. When step S17 is a negative determination, the control device 92 executes the processing of step S19.

[0091] In step S18, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at the second output interval.

[0092] In step S19, the control device 92 determines, based on the output of the temperature sensor 94B, whether the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is within a range higher than the second temperature but not exceeding the third temperature. When step S19 is a positive determination, i.e., the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is within a range higher than the second temperature but not exceeding the third temperature, the control device 92 executes the processing of step S20. When step S19 is a negative determination, i.e., the temperature of the cooling unit 94 is higher than the third temperature, the control device 92 executes the processing of step S21.

[0093] In step S20, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at the third output interval. In step S21, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to prevent it from outputting light.

[0094] Furthermore, when the user selects the manual illumination mode, in step S16, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at intervals of at least a first output interval while ensuring that the temperature of the cooling section 94 does not exceed a first temperature. In step S18, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at intervals of at least a second output interval. In step S20, the control device 92 controls the light source 93 to output light at intervals of at least a third output interval.

[0095] The cooling transfer section 31X is configured to contact the cooling section 94 via the light-transmitting section 50, and is also configured to contact the target area. Therefore, the laser hair removal device 10 can adequately cool the target area even when the first accessory 31 is installed.

[0096] The above embodiments are merely examples of possible approaches for the phototherapy hair removal device and its control method according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The phototherapy hair removal device and its control method according to the present invention may also be implemented in ways different from those exemplified in the embodiments. For example, it may involve replacing, altering, or omitting some components of the embodiments, or adding new components to the embodiments. Several variations of the embodiments are shown below. Furthermore, these variations can be arbitrarily combined with each other as long as they do not contradict each other technically.

[0097] First variation

[0098] In the above embodiments, in at least one of the light irradiation control steps S18 and S20, the control device 92 can replace the control of the light source 93, or while controlling the light source 93, it can also control the cooling unit 94 to reduce the temperature of the Peltier element board 94A.

[0099] Second variation

[0100] In the above embodiment, in at least one of the light irradiation control steps S18 and S20, the control device 92 may control the cooling unit 94 by means of at least one of the output times, output time, and standby time after mode selection, rather than based on the temperature of the cooling unit 94, so as to reduce the temperature of the Peltier element board 94A.

[0101] Third variation

[0102] In the above embodiments, the material constituting the cooling transfer part 31X of the first accessory 31 can be a material with high thermal conductivity or a material other than metal.

[0103] Fourth variation

[0104] In the above embodiment, the target part can also be cooled by reducing the thickness of the first opening 31YX of the first attachment 31. In this variation, the material of the cooling transfer part 31X can be a resin integrally molded with the holding part 31Y.

[0105] Fifth variation

[0106] In the above embodiments, the laser hair removal device 10 may also not have the second accessory 32.

[0107] Sixth variation

[0108] In the above embodiments, the first accessory 31 may also be entirely made of metal.

[0109] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0110] 10: Laser hair removal device

[0111] 20: Ontology part

[0112] 31: First Annex (Attachment)

[0113] 31A: Part One

[0114] 31B: Part Two

[0115] 31BX: External

[0116] 31BY: Internal

[0117] 31X: Cooling Transfer Section

[0118] 31Y: Maintaining section

[0119] 40: Shell

[0120] 43A (31YX): First opening (opening)

[0121] 43B (31YY): Second opening (opening)

[0122] 43X: Boundary plane

[0123] 50: Light-transmitting part

[0124] 50X: Step

[0125] 93: Light source

[0126] 94: Cooling section

[0127] 95: Skin tone sensor

Claims

1. A laser hair removal device, comprising: Body part; as well as The accessory is configured to be detachably mounted to the main body. The body portion includes: Forming a shell with openings; A light source, housed within the housing, is used to output light that illuminates the target area. A light-transmitting portion, disposed at the opening, allows light emitted from the light source to pass through; and A cooling section, disposed inside the housing in contact with the light-transmitting section, is used to cool the target area. The accessory includes a cooling transfer section configured to reduce the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light source. The cooling transfer section is configured to contact the cooling section via the light-transmitting section, and is configured to contact the target area.

2. The laser hair removal device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the cooling transfer section is 3.2 mm or more.

3. The laser hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The housing has a defining surface that defines the opening. The light-transmitting portion is positioned recessed further into the housing than the defining surface, thus forming a step between the defining surface and the light-transmitting portion. The cooling transfer section includes a first part that contacts the target portion and a second part that is connected to the first part and contacts the body portion. The second portion has an exterior configured to substantially match the outer contour of the defining surface and an interior configured to substantially match the outer contour of the light-transmitting portion. The interior protrudes from the exterior to be embedded in the step.

4. The laser hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The accessory has a retaining part for holding the cooling transfer section. The retaining part is made of resin material.

5. The laser hair removal device according to claim 4, wherein, The body portion has a skin color sensor, which detects the skin color of the target area. The retaining part has an opening through which light output from the skin color sensor can pass.

Images