Hair instrument

Abstract

To provide a hair applicator capable of uniformly applying a liquid cosmetic to the hair with a constant application amount from the start to the end of application.SOLUTION: This hairdressing tool 100 is provided with a combing part 10 composed of a plurality of combing materials, a combing material fixing part 13 where the combing materials extend, and an inflow port 30 through which a liquid cosmetic material flows from a storage part 14 for storing the liquid cosmetic material, and a fine passage 20 through which the liquid cosmetic material passes is formed in the combing material fixing part 13, and the fine passage 20 has good wettability to the liquid cosmetic material on its surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair tool, and more particularly to a hair tool that applies a liquid cosmetic to hair in a consistent amount from the start to the end of application, thereby enabling the liquid cosmetic to be applied evenly to the hair. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, methods for applying a liquid agent such as a hair styling agent or a hair growth agent to hair have been carried out using fingertips, a comb, a brush, or the like. As a method using fingertips, there is a method in which the liquid agent is first applied to the fingertips, and then the fingertips are directly touched to the entire hair to spread the liquid agent. As a method using a comb, a brush, or the like, there is a method in which the liquid agent is applied to a comb, a brush, or the like instead of the fingertips, and then the hair is combed with the comb, or the like to spread the liquid agent to the entire hair.

[0003] As a method using a comb or brush, there is a method in which the liquid agent is applied to the comb or brush instead of the fingertips, and then the comb or brush is used to spread the liquid agent over the entire hair, but a comb that can save the effort of applying the liquid agent is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The comb described in Patent Document 1 includes a reservoir filled with a liquid agent, and the liquid agent is supplied from the reservoir to the comb teeth through a liquid passage, thereby eliminating the need to apply the liquid agent to the comb (tooth). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-101944 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the comb described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the amount of liquid agent supplied through the liquid passage tends to vary. Specifically, of the multiple discharge ports, the one closest to the liquid reservoir supplies the most liquid agent with the greatest force, and the further away from the reservoir the discharge port, the weaker the force of the liquid agent supplied from the discharge port and the smaller the amount supplied. Furthermore, when the amount of liquid agent filled in the reservoir decreases (for example, to about half or less), the amount of liquid agent supplied to the liquid passage decreases, making it difficult to apply a sufficient amount of liquid agent to the hair.

[0007] The present invention was made in consideration of the problems associated with the prior art, and its object is to provide a hair tool that applies a constant amount of liquid cosmetic material from the start to the end of application, and that can apply the liquid cosmetic material evenly to the hair. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a hair tool as follows.

[0009] [1] A combing portion consisting of a plurality of combing members; a coaming fixing portion from which the coaming extends; an inlet through which the liquid cosmetic for hair flows from a storage section that stores the liquid cosmetic for hair, The combing member fixing portion is formed with a minute passage through which the liquid cosmetic passes, The hair tool has a surface of the microchannels that has good wettability with the liquid cosmetic.

[0010] [2] The contact angle of the microchannel is 95° or less; The hair tool according to [1], wherein the contact angle of the portion of the combing element fixing part other than the micro-passage is 40° or more.

[0011] [3] The hair tool according to [1] or [2], wherein the micro-passages are formed in the combing member.

[0012] [4] The hair tool according to [1] or [2], further comprising a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid cosmetic in the minute passage.

[0013] [5] The hair tool according to [3], wherein the side portion of the combing part has a non-passage area in which the micro-passages are not formed.

[0014] [6] The hair tool according to [3], wherein the micro-passages are formed in the combing member in a portion other than the tip.

[0015] [7] The hair tool according to [1] or [2], wherein the combing element fixing part has an internal flow path, one end of which is connected to the inlet and the other end of which is formed on the surface of the combing element fixing part from which the combing element extends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The hair tool of the present invention has the effect of being able to apply a constant amount of liquid cosmetic material to hair from the start to the end of application, making it possible to apply the liquid cosmetic material evenly to the hair. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a comb as one embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the hair tool shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the hair tool shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front side. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a brush as another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view showing a combing member fixing portion with the combing portion removed from the brush shown in FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a plan view schematically showing the brush shown in FIG. 4 as viewed from the AA direction. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a combing member of a brush, which is another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view schematically illustrating a combing member of a brush, which is another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a brush as still another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a brush as still another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing, in perspective, a part of a comb as still another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the vicinity of a microchannel in one embodiment of the hair device of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the vicinity of a microchannel in another embodiment of the hair device of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing the microchannel shown in FIG. 13 as viewed from above. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing, in perspective, a part of a comb as still another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view schematically showing the hair tool shown in FIG. 15 with the detachable combing part removed, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of a detachable combing part of the hair tool shown in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and that appropriate modifications and improvements to the following embodiments based on the ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0019] (1) Hair tools: One embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention is a hair tool 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3. This hair tool 100 is used to apply liquid cosmetics to hair, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, it comprises a combing section 10 consisting of a plurality of combing elements 11, a combing element fixing section 13 from which the combing elements 11 extend, and an inlet 30 through which the liquid cosmetic flows in from a storage section 14 that stores the liquid cosmetic for hair. The combing element fixing section 13 is formed with minute passages 20 through which the liquid cosmetic passes, and the surfaces of the minute passages 20 have good wettability with the liquid cosmetic. The combing element fixing section 13 of this hair tool 100 has a back surface 21 and a ventral surface 23, and the combing elements 11 extend from the ventral surface 23.

[0020] The hair tool 100 applies a constant amount of liquid cosmetic material from the start to the end of application, allowing the liquid cosmetic material to be applied evenly to the hair.

[0021] Here, the liquid cosmetic is a liquid cosmetic to be applied to the hair, and examples thereof include hair styling products and hair growth agents, but are not limited to these.

[0022] (1-1) Combing section: The combing portion 10 is made up of a plurality of combing members 11. Specific examples of the combing members 11 include comb teeth used in a comb, which is the hair tool 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and pins used in a brush, which is the hair tool 101 shown in Figure 4.

[0023] The combing material 11 may have micro-passages 20 formed therein (see Figs. 1 and 6), but may not have micro-passages 20 formed therein. When micro-passages 20 are formed therein, the micro-passages 20 may be formed in all of the combing materials 11, or the micro-passages 20 may be formed in some of the combing materials 11.

[0024] There are no particular limitations on the shape, material, size, etc. of the combing material 11, as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved. Examples of materials for the combing material 11 include resin and metal. When such materials are used, when the micro-passages 20 are formed on the surface of the combing material 11, it becomes easier to increase the difference in wettability (the difference in the degree of wettability) between the micro-passages 20 and the portions other than the micro-passages 20.

[0025] The number of the combing members 11 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0026] Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the arrangement pattern of the combing material 11, and it can be set as appropriate.

[0027] The combing portion 10 may be formed separately from the combing material fixing portion 13, or may be formed integrally with the whole or part of the combing material fixing portion 13.

[0028] Here, the following is an example of a case where the coaming portion 10 and a portion of the coaming member fixing portion 13 are integrally formed. That is, the coaming member fixing portion 13 has a coaming member support base 13a (part of the coaming member fixing portion 13) and a fitting hole 13b into which this coaming member support base 13a fits, and each coaming member 11 is fixed to the coaming member support base 13a. Note that although the case where each coaming member 11 and the coaming member support base 13a are integral has been described, they may also be formed separately.

[0029] 15 shows a hair tool 105 having a combing element support base 13a constituting the combing element fixing portion 13 and each combing element 11 (combing portion 10) supported thereon, with the combing element support base 13a detachably fitted into a fitting hole 13b (see FIG. 16). Here, the member consisting of the combing element support base 13a and each combing element 11 (combing portion 10) supported thereon can be called a "detachable combing portion 12" (see FIG. 17).

[0030] By employing such a detachable combing part 12, it is possible to use a detachable combing part 12 that is suited to the properties of the liquid cosmetic. In other words, liquid cosmetics may be hydrophilic or lipophilic, but with the above-described embodiment (hair tool 105), the detachable combing part 12 (more specifically, micropaths 20 with wettability suited to the properties of the liquid cosmetic) can be selected to suit the properties of the liquid cosmetic, allowing for uniform application of the liquid cosmetic.

[0031] The coaming members 11 and the coaming member support base 13a can be made of the same material, but may also be made of different materials.

[0032] Furthermore, the fitting hole 13b (see FIG. 16) can be configured to communicate with the inlet 30, allowing the liquid cosmetic to flow into the fitting hole 13b from the reservoir 14. In this configuration, the liquid cosmetic moves through the gap between the combing material support base 13a and the fitting hole 13b due to its wettability (which can also be called capillary force in this case), and can reach the ventral surface 23 of the combing material fixing part 13.

[0033] The fitting hole 13b and the combing material support base 13a may be the same size, and the combing material support base 13a may fit entirely in the fitting hole 13b, or the combing material support base 13a may be smaller than the fitting hole 13b (especially shorter in the depth direction), and the combing material support base 13a may be positioned to cover the fitting hole 13b, with an internal flow path 39 through which the liquid cosmetic passes formed in part (bottom) of the fitting hole 13b (see Figure 15).

[0034] (1-2) Combing material fixing part: The combing element fixing portion 13 has a plurality of combing elements 11 extending therefrom. There are no particular limitations on the shape of the combing element fixing portion 13, and it may be rod-shaped, column-shaped, plate-shaped, or the like. The combing element fixing portion 13 of the hair tool 100 shown in Fig. 1 is rod-shaped and has a back surface 21 and a ventral surface 23, with the combing elements 11 extending from the ventral surface 23. The combing element fixing portion 13 of the hair tool 101 shown in Fig. 4 is plate-shaped and has a back surface 21 (see Fig. 6) and a ventral surface 23, with the combing elements 11 extending from the ventral surface 23. Fig. 4 schematically shows a brush (hair tool 101) which is another embodiment of the hair tool of the present invention.

[0035] The combing member fixing part 13 has formed therein minute passages 20 through which the liquid cosmetic passes. There are no particular restrictions on the position at which these minute passages 20 are formed and they can be set as appropriate, but in particular, the minute passages 20 can be formed only on the surface (ventral surface 23) of the combing member fixing part 13 as shown in Figures 3, 5, etc. In other words, it is possible to have an embodiment in which the minute passages 20 are not formed inside the combing member fixing part 13 (although an internal passage 39 can be formed as shown in Figure 11, etc.).

[0036] In the case of a columnar coaming material fixing portion 13, the coaming material 11 may extend in all directions from the entire surface (side surface) of this columnar coaming material fixing portion 13.

[0037] The material of the combing fixing portion 13 can be, for example, resin, metal, etc. Such a material makes it easier to increase the difference in wettability (the difference in the degree of wettability) between the micro-passages 20 and the portion other than the micro-passages 20.

[0038] 11, the combing member fixing part 13 may have an internal flow path 39 formed inside, one end of which is connected to the inlet 30 and the other end of which is formed on the surface (ventral surface 23) of the combing member fixing part 13 from which the combing member 11 extends. By forming this internal flow path 39, the liquid cosmetic can be filled into the minute flow paths 20 more quickly.

[0039] The internal flow passage 39 may have one or more other ends formed on the abdominal surface 23. The position of the other ends formed on the abdominal surface 23 is not particularly limited, and may be the center of the length of the coaming fixing portion 13 (see FIG. 11) or an end in the length direction. A plurality of internal flow passages 39 may be formed. The internal flow passage 39 is not particularly limited in its inner diameter, but may be, for example, about 0.01 to 10 mm. By using such an inner diameter, the diameter is larger than that of a micropassage, making it easier to clean and reducing manufacturing costs and difficulty.

[0040] (1-3) Inlet: The inlet 30 is for allowing the liquid cosmetic to flow in from the storage unit 14, which stores the liquid cosmetic for hair. The hair tool of the present invention may have a storage tank 14b (storage unit 14) that is integrated with the handle 37 (see FIG. 9), or may have a storage container 14a that is separate from the handle 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). When the storage container 14a is included, the inlet 30 can also serve as the joint unit 15. That is, the storage container 14a can be connected to the joint unit 15. The joint unit 15 can have a conventionally known structure, such as a structure in which a spiral recess is formed, and this recess engages with a spiral protrusion formed on the storage container 14. FIG. 9 shows a hair tool 102 in which the storage unit 14 is a storage tank 14b that is integrated with the handle 37. 2 and 4, the storage container 14a is housed in the storage space 17 in which the storage container 14a is housed.

[0041] By providing the joint part 15 in this manner, when the liquid cosmetic material in the storage container 14a runs out, the storage container 14a can be detached from the joint part 15, and then the storage container 14a filled with the liquid cosmetic material can be reconnected, so that the hair device 100 can be easily reused without being thrown away.

[0042] The liquid cosmetic material in the storage container 14a can pass through the joint portion 15 and come into contact with the micro-passages 20 formed in the combing material fixing portion 13, and the liquid cosmetic material that comes into contact with the micro-passages 20 moves so as to be diffused within the micro-passages 20 due to the liquid-transporting force of the micro-passages 20 (i.e., the force that moves the liquid cosmetic material due to its wettability).

[0043] In addition to the case where a storage container 14a is provided as shown in FIG. 2, the handle 37 may be removable, and a storage tank 14b may be provided within the handle 37, as in the case of a hair tool 103 shown in FIG.

[0044] (1-4) Microchannel: The micro-passages 20 are formed in the combing member fixing portion 13, and are passed through by the liquid cosmetic material stored in the storage portion 14. Furthermore, the micro-passages 20 have good wettability with respect to the liquid cosmetic material on their surfaces. In other words, the micro-passages 20 are portions (areas) on their surfaces that have good affinity with the liquid cosmetic material, and the liquid cosmetic material spreads along the micro-passages 20.

[0045] The microchannel 20 may be a groove as shown in FIG. 12, or may be a linear surface-treated region (non-groove region) without a recess like a groove (i.e., without forming a hollowed-out space like a recess) as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0046] The minute passages 20 can be formed in the combing element 11 in addition to the combing element fixing part 13. By forming the minute passages 20 in the combing element 11, the liquid cosmetic can be applied evenly to the roots of the hair.

[0047] Here, when the micropassages 20 are grooves, the liquid cosmetic flows along the grooves, coupled with the good wettability of the surface of the micropassages 20 to the liquid cosmetic. When the micropassages 20 are non-groove regions, the liquid cosmetic flows along the micropassages 20 due to the good wettability of the surface of the micropassages 20 to the liquid cosmetic. When the micropassages 20 are non-groove regions, the micropassages 20 can be made to have better wettability to the liquid cosmetic than the portions of the combing member fixing part 13 other than the micropassages 20 (the adjacent regions 29 adjacent to the micropassages 20 (see Figures 13 and 14)). In this way, the liquid cosmetic flows through the micropassages 20 more reliably.

[0048] Although the case where the micropassages 20 are non-groove regions has been described, even when the micropassages 20 are grooves, the micropassages 20 can be made to have better wettability with respect to the liquid cosmetic material than the other portions of the combing member fixing part 13 (the adjacent regions 29 adjacent to the micropassages 20). In this way, the liquid cosmetic material is less likely to overflow from the micropassages 20, which are grooves, and the liquid cosmetic material flows through the micropassages 20 more reliably.

[0049] As described above, the micropassages 20 formed in the combing member fixing part 13 have good wettability to liquid cosmetics on their surfaces, and further, if the micropassages 20 have good wettability to liquid cosmetics compared to the other parts of the combing member fixing part 13 (the adjacent areas 29 adjacent to the micropassages 20), more specifically, if the contact angle with respect to liquid (water or oil) is used as a standard, it is preferable that the following condition be satisfied: Either the contact angle with respect to water or the contact angle with respect to oil should satisfy the following condition.

[0050] That is, the micro-passages 20 have a contact angle of 95° or less, and at this time, the contact angle of the combing material fixing portion 13 (i.e., the portion of the combing material fixing portion 13 other than the micro-passages 20 (more specifically, the adjacent region 29 adjacent to the micro-passages 20)) can be 40° or more. The upper limit of the contact angle of the micro-passages 20 can be 90°, or may be 85°, or may even be 80°. The lower limit of the contact angle of the micro-passages 20 can be 0°, or may even be 5°. The lower limit of the contact angle of the combing member fixing portion 13 can be 50°, 60°, or even 90°. The upper limit of the contact angle of the combing member fixing portion 13 can be 150°. The contact angle of the combing member 11 (i.e., the portion of the combing member 11 other than the micro-passages 20 (more specifically, the adjacent region 29 adjacent to the micro-passages 20)) can be 40° or more, similar to the combing member fixing portion 13, and the upper limit of the contact angle of the combing member 11 can be 150°.

[0051] By satisfying these conditions, the liquid cosmetic material will flow selectively and smoothly through the micro-passages 20. In particular, when the viscosity of the liquid cosmetic material is high (specifically, about 150 Pa·s or higher), the liquid cosmetic material may not be able to be sufficiently delivered through the micro-passages 20. In other words, when the viscosity is high as described above, it takes time for the liquid cosmetic material to move through the micro-passages 20, and the liquid cosmetic material may not be applied evenly to the hair, which may result in uneven application. In this regard, by satisfying the above-mentioned contact angle conditions, the liquid cosmetic material will flow selectively and smoothly through the micro-passages 20, even when the viscosity of the liquid cosmetic material is high (specifically, about 150 Pa·s or higher).

[0052] The contact angle of the microchannel is a value obtained by preparing a test plane with the same properties as the surface of the microchannel (properties necessary for evaluating wettability) and measuring the contact angle on this test plane. When the microchannel is a groove, the cross-sectional shape in the depth direction can be a concave (U-shaped), V-shaped, U-shaped, W-shaped, etc., but even for grooves of such shapes, a test plane is prepared as described above and the contact angle is measured. In other words, a test plane with the same properties as the surface that defines the microchannel, which is a groove (properties necessary for evaluating wettability), is prepared, and the contact angle is measured using this test plane.

[0053] The contact angle of the combing member fixing portion refers to the contact angle of the surface of the portion of the combing member fixing portion other than the micropassage, more specifically, the contact angle of the surface on both sides of the micropassage (adjacent regions 29 adjacent to the micropassage 20). This contact angle is also measured using a test plane, similar to the contact angle of the micropassage. The both sides of the micropassage are, more specifically, the right and left sides of the micropassage, and their width (the width of the adjacent regions 29) is not particularly limited and can be a thin line or the like, and may be approximately the same as the width of the micropassage.

[0054] Furthermore, the contact angle of the combing material refers to the contact angle of the surface of the combing material other than the micro-passage, more specifically, the contact angle of the surface on both sides of the micro-passage (adjacent area 29 adjacent to micro-passage 20). This contact angle can also be measured in the same way as the contact angle of the combing material fixing part.

[0055] Next, the micropassages 20 may be formed by any method as long as they satisfy the above requirements. For example, grooves may be formed in the surfaces of the combing member 11 and the combing member fixing portion 13 by cutting or using a mold, and these grooves may then be used as the micropassages 20. Alternatively, the micropassages 20 may be formed by surface-treating the surfaces of the formed grooves. Furthermore, the micropassages 20 may be formed by surface-treating the surfaces of the combing member 11 and the combing member fixing portion 13 without forming grooves. This surface treatment may involve applying a predetermined surface treatment liquid, or may involve forming fine irregularities (roughening the surface) or forming a smooth surface (creating a smoother surface). In this way, it is possible to create a difference in wettability between the micropassages 20 and the portions other than the micropassages 20 (i.e., improving the wettability of the micropassages 20).

[0056] There is no particular limitation on the width of the micropassages 20 as long as the surfaces thereof have good wettability with respect to the liquid cosmetic, but it can be about 1 to 8000 μm, with the upper limit being 6000 μm, or even 5000 μm. By setting the width of the micropassages 20 in this range, it is possible to prevent the liquid cosmetic flowing through the micropassages 20 from dripping from the micropassages 20 when combing hair with the hair tool.

[0057] When micro-passages 20 are formed in the combing material 11, there are no particular limitations on their positions as long as they are on the surface of the combing material 11. They may also be formed linearly on the surface of the combing material 11 (see FIG. 6) or spirally. When formed linearly, there is no particular limitation on the number of micro-passages 20, and they may be one or multiple. When multiple micro-passages are formed in this way, they may be formed at equal intervals on the surface of the combing material 11, or may be biased to one side. When multiple micro-passages 20 are formed in one combing material 11, there may be approximately 2 to 12 micro-passages.

[0058] As described above, the arrangement of the micropassages 20 formed in the combing element 11 can be set as appropriate, but it is preferable that the side surfaces (particularly the left and right side surfaces) of the combing portion 10 (consisting of a plurality of combing elements 11) have non-channel-forming regions 25 (see FIG. 8 ) where the micropassages 20 are not formed. In other words, of the combing elements 11 constituting the combing portion 10, the one located at the outermost periphery (the outermost combing element 11a) should not have micropassages 20 formed in a predetermined portion. This predetermined portion where the micropassages 20 are not formed is the non-channel-forming region 25. By having the combing element 10 have the non-channel-forming region 25 in this way, even if a user of the hair tool 100 unintentionally touches the combing element 10 with their hand or the like, it is possible to prevent the liquid cosmetic from adhering (to a large amount) to the part touched by the hand or the like.

[0059] Specifically, the "predetermined portion" of the outermost combing member 11a where the micropassages 20 are not formed is defined as follows. As shown in FIG. 8, a virtual plane 31 is positioned on the side of the combing portion 10 and is in contact with the side surfaces (surfaces) of the two adjacent outermost combing members 11a. When a plane (parallel plane 33) parallel to the virtual plane 31 is drawn, the two intersections of this parallel plane 33 and the side surface 45 of the outermost combing member 11a are defined as virtual intersection points K. When a line L is drawn from the central axis O of the outermost combing member 11a to each of the virtual intersection points K, the virtual intersection point K is defined as the boundary intersection point T where the angle θ (acute angle) of this line L is 45°. The region between these boundary intersection points T is defined as the "predetermined portion," and it is preferable that the micropassages 20 are not formed in this region. The angle θ may be 45° as described above, but may also be 60°, 90°, or even 120°. Increasing the angle θ in this way makes it even more difficult for the liquid cosmetic to adhere to the combing portion 10 even if a hand or the like accidentally touches the combing portion 10.

[0060] In addition, in the case of a comb having only one row of teeth, all of the combing members 11 in this row correspond to the outermost combing member 11a.

[0061] When forming the micro passages 20 in the combing element 11, their length can be set appropriately depending on the use of the hair tool (for example, hair glossing, hair styling, hair growth, etc.). Specifically, they can be set as shown in (i) to (iii) below. (i) As described below, the micro passages 20 can be formed in a portion of the combing element 11 other than the tip. It is also possible to form them so that they extend to the middle portion of the combing element 11 (about half the overall length). (ii) They can be formed only in the base portion of the combing element 11. (iii) They can be formed up to the tip of the combing element 11, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0062] Here, when the micro-passages 20 are formed as in (i), they can be preferably used when applying hair styling products, etc., as described below. When the micro-passages 20 are formed as in (ii), they can be preferably used for adding shine to hair. That is, when the purpose is to add shine to hair, liquid cosmetics can be sufficiently applied to the hair without forming micro-passages 20 in the combing element 11. However, by forming a small number of micro-passages 20 in the combing element 11 as in (ii) above, the liquid cosmetics can be applied to the hair more easily (for example, the liquid cosmetics can be applied to the hair satisfactorily even with fewer combings). Furthermore, when the micro-passages 20 are formed as in (iii) above, the liquid cosmetics can more easily reach the scalp, and therefore they can be used for applications in which liquid cosmetics, such as hair growth agents, are also applied to the scalp.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, the combing element 11 can have micro-passages 20 formed in portions other than its tip. In other words, the combing element 11 can have micro-passages 20 that do not reach its tip. This prevents the liquid cosmetic from coming into contact with the scalp. If the micro-passages 20 are formed all the way to the tip of the combing element 11, the liquid cosmetic can reach the tip. However, some liquid cosmetics, such as hair styling products, should not come into contact with the scalp. In this case, it is preferable to use a combing element 11 configured as described above. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example in which the micro-passages 20 are formed along the entire length of the combing element 11 (from the base to the tip).

[0064] The "portion other than the tip of the combing material" specifically refers to a portion having a length of 95% or less of the length D of the combing material.

[0065] Next, when the micro-passages 20 are formed in the coaming fixing portion 13, there are no particular restrictions on the position where they are formed. For example, the micro-passages 20 formed on the surface (ventral surface 23) of the coaming 11 may be formed in a mesh pattern so as to connect with each other, or they may be formed so as not to connect with each other (i.e., so that each micro-passage 20 is completely independent from each other). When the micro-passages 20 are formed so as to connect with each other as shown in Figure 5, some may be connected with each other and others may not be connected with each other.

[0066] Furthermore, the combing element fixing portion 13 may be formed with branched micro-passages 20 as shown in Fig. 5, and these micro-passages 20 may have linear flow paths 29 and relay flow paths located at the base of each combing element 11. In this case, each relay flow path may be connected by the linear flow path 29. In Fig. 5, a recess 27 is formed that forms a relay flow path together with the combing element 11 when the combing element 11 is placed. In other words, a gap is formed between this recess 27 and the combing element 11, and this gap serves as a relay flow path.

[0067] (1-5) Flow rate adjustment means: Like the hair tool 100, the hair tool of the present invention may further include a flow rate adjusting means 35 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid cosmetic in the microchannel 20. There are no particular restrictions on the location of this flow rate adjusting means 35, but it can be located, for example, directly below the inlet 30 (see Figure 2, etc.).

[0068] There are no particular limitations on the flow rate adjusting means 35 as long as it can adjust the flow rate of the liquid cosmetic material, and for example, an adjusting valve or the like can be used.

[0069] Alternatively, a flow path with a spiral groove formed on the side (spiral groove flow path) can be provided between the inlet 30 and the microchannel 20, and a flow rate adjusting means can be formed by fitting an adjusting screw that threads into this spiral groove flow path. In such a configuration, a spiral gap is formed between the adjusting screw and the spiral groove flow path, and the liquid cosmetic flows through this gap due to wettability (which can also be referred to as capillary force in particular). The flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the degree to which the adjusting screw is threaded.

[0070] (2) How to use the hair care device: A method of using the hair tool of the present invention will be described below using the hair tool 100 as an example. First, the storage container 14a (storage portion 14) filled with liquid cosmetic is placed into the storage space 17, and then the storage container 14a is connected to the joint portion 15. In this manner, the liquid cosmetic in the storage container 14a moves into the micro-passages 20 formed in the combing element fixing portion 13, and the liquid cosmetic that has moved to the micro-passages 20 is transported through the micro-passages 20 by a liquid-transporting force due to wettability. Since the combing element 11 of the hair tool 100 also has micro-passages 20 formed therein, the liquid cosmetic passes through the micro-passages 20 formed in the combing element fixing portion 13 and then reaches the micro-passages 20 formed in the combing element 11. When a user of the hair tool 100 combs their hair with the hair tool 100, the amount of liquid cosmetic applied is constant from the start to the end of application, allowing the liquid cosmetic to be applied evenly to the hair.

[0071] When the liquid cosmetic material in the storage container 14a runs out, the storage container 14a is removed from the joint part 15, and a new storage container 14a filled with the liquid cosmetic material is reconnected. In this way, the hair tool 100 can be easily reused. [Example]

[0072] The present invention will be specifically described below based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0073] Example 1 A hair tool (comb) as shown in Figure 1 was produced. This hair tool (comb) had a combing section consisting of multiple combing elements, a rod-shaped combing element fixing section from which the combing elements extended, and an inlet through which liquid cosmetics for hair flowed from a storage section that stored the liquid cosmetics, the inlet being a joint section. A storage container serving as the storage section was connected to the joint section. Furthermore, the combing element fixing section and the combing elements were formed with micro-passages through which the liquid cosmetics passed, and the surfaces of these micro-passages had good wettability with the liquid cosmetics. An adjustment valve serving as a flow rate adjustment means was provided directly below the inlet.

[0074] The combing material and the combing material fixing part of the combing part were made of resin. Furthermore, the micro-passage was formed by cutting the resin combing material and the combing material fixing part at a predetermined position. The passage width of the micro-passage was 500 μm.

[0075] A micro-passage was formed on the surface (ventral surface) of the combing material fixing portion, and this micro-passage had a relay flow path formed at the base of each combing material 11 extending from the combing material fixing portion, and a linear flow path formed to connect each adjacent relay flow path.

[0076] Furthermore, one linear micro-passage (two micro-passages per combing element) was formed on the surface of each combing element on the side of the hair device, and this micro-passage was connected to the relay flow path and extended to the tip of the combing element.

[0077] The contact angle of the micropaths was 70°, the contact angle of the combing material was 50°, and the contact angle of the combing material fixing portion was 50°.

[0078] A hair styling product was used as the liquid cosmetic (viscosity 150 Pa·s).

[0079] The hair tool (comb) of this example used a hair styling product with a viscosity of 150 Pa·s as the liquid cosmetic product, but because the amount applied was constant from the start to the end of application, the hair styling product could be applied evenly to the hair.

[0080] Example 2 A hair tool (brush) was produced as shown in Fig. 4. This hair tool (brush) was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the combing element and combing element fixing part of the combing part were made of resin, and the microchannels were formed by cutting predetermined positions of the resin combing element and combing element fixing part.

[0081] A hair styling product with a viscosity of 150 Pa·s was used as the liquid cosmetic product, and as with the comb of Example 1, the amount applied was consistent from the start to the end of application, allowing the hair styling product to be applied evenly to the hair.

[0082] Example 3 A hair tool (brush) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the passage width of the microchannels was set to 8000 μm, and a hair styling product with a viscosity of 150 Pa s was used as the liquid cosmetic product to evaluate the state of application. As with the brush in Example 2, the amount of application was constant from the start to the end of application, and the hair styling product was applied evenly to the hair.

[0083] Example 4 A hair tool (comb) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no microchannels were formed on the surface of the combing material, and a hair styling product with a viscosity of 150 Pa s was used as the liquid cosmetic product to evaluate its applicability to hair. As with the comb in Example 1, the amount of application was constant from the start to the end of application, and the hair styling product could be applied evenly to the hair.

[0084] Example 5 A hair tool (brush) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that no microchannels were formed on the surface of the combing material, and a hair styling product with a viscosity of 150 Pa s was used as the liquid cosmetic product to evaluate its applicability to hair. As with the brush in Example 2, the amount of application was consistent from the start to the end of application, and the hair styling product could be applied evenly to the hair.

[0085] Example 6 A hair tool (comb) was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the combing portion was formed integrally with a part of the combing portion fixing portion (specifically, the combing portion fixing portion had a combing portion support base and each combing portion (combing portion) supported thereon, and the combing portion support base was detachably fitted into the fitting holes). A hair styling product with a viscosity of 150 Pa s was used as the liquid cosmetic product to evaluate its applicability to hair. As with the comb of Example 1, the amount of application was constant from the start to the end of application, and the hair styling product could be applied evenly to the hair. [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The hair tool of the present invention can be used as a hair tool such as a comb or brush for applying a liquid agent to hair. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10: combing portion, 11: combing material, 11a: outermost combing material, 12: detachable combing portion, 13: combing material fixing portion, 13a: combing material support base, 13b: fitting hole, 14: storage portion, 14a: storage container, 14b: storage tank, 15: joint portion, 17: storage space, 20: micro-passage, 21: back surface, 23: ventral surface, 25: flow path non-forming region, 27: recess, 29: adjacent region, 30: inlet, 31: virtual plane, 33: parallel plane, 35: flow rate adjusting means, 37: handle portion, 39: internal flow path, 45: side, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105: hair device, D: length of combing material, K: virtual intersection, L: straight line, O: central axis, T: boundary intersection.

Claims

1. a combing portion consisting of a plurality of combing members; a coaming fixing portion from which the coaming extends; an inlet through which the liquid cosmetic for hair flows from a storage section that stores the liquid cosmetic for hair, The combing member fixing portion is formed with a minute passage through which the liquid cosmetic passes, The hair tool has a surface of the microchannels that has good wettability with the liquid cosmetic.

2. The contact angle of the microchannel is 95° or less, The hair tool according to claim 1, wherein the contact angle of the combing element fixing part at a portion other than the micro-passages is 40° or more.

3. The hair tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the micro-passages are formed in the combing element.

4. 3. The hair tool according to claim 1, further comprising a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid cosmetic material in the minute passages.

5. The hair tool according to claim 3, wherein a side portion of the combing portion has a non-passage area in which the micro-passages are not formed.

6. The hair tool according to claim 3, wherein the micro-passages are formed in a portion of the combing member other than the tip thereof.

7. The hair tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the combing element fixing portion has an internal flow path, one end of which is connected to the inlet and the other end of which is formed on the surface of the combing element fixing portion from which the combing element extends.

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