Beauty device

Abstract

To provide a cosmetic device comprising a heat source part on a roller part for applying stimulation to a skin of a user by electrification, the heat source part capable of changing a temperature of the roller part, for warming or cooling the skin of the user with stimulation application by the electrification, to achieve a maximum cosmetic effect.SOLUTION: A cosmetic device comprises: roller parts 13, 14 serving as stimulation application parts for applying to a user's skin, stimulation for cosmetic, the stimulation being applied by electrification; and heat source parts 16 for warming or cooling the roller parts 13, 14. By electrification control by a control part, the heat source part 16 changes a temperature on peripheral parts of the roller parts, and it is possible to apply stimulation to a user's skin in a state in which the temperature on the roller part peripheral parts is changed, therefore, if the temperature of the roller part peripheral parts is set to a prescribed temperature which is different from a skin temperature, it is possible to apply stimulation based on a temperature difference to the user's skin by the roller parts, simultaneously with application of the stimulation by the electrification, for properly generating on the user's skin, a cosmetic effect by simultaneous application of different kinds of stimulation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beauty device that gives a predetermined beauty-related effect to the skin of a user. In the present invention, the "stimulation application part" that applies stimulation to the skin refers not only to those that give stimulation in a general sense on the skin such as contact, but also to those that cause an action on the skin with an intensity that cannot be consciously felt by a person even when externally applied, such as the application of a weak electric current to the skin. As long as it has a mechanism for intentionally applying it to the skin, it is included in the "stimulation application part".

Background Art

[0002] Beauty devices that perform various operations related to predetermined beauty and skin care on the skin (muscle) of a user's face, etc. include various types, from simple single-function, low-output ones used at home to multi-function, high-output ones used for business. Among these beauty devices, as simple ones used at home or the like, there are those that cool or heat the skin, those that perform suction on the skin, those that apply steam or mist to the skin, those that irradiate the skin with light, those that transmit vibrations by ultrasonic waves to the skin, those that apply electrodes to the skin to give stimulation by energization, or those that pass a weak electric current through the skin to perform ion introduction (iontophoresis) or dirt removal (cleansing), etc., which are generally used. Among these conventional beauty devices, as an example of those that give stimulation to the skin by energization, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-236699.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional beauty devices have the configurations shown in the above patent documents. When using such devices, usually, the user places a roller, which is an electrode for energization protruding from the device main body, on the skin of the face or other areas to be beautified, and then performs an operation of energizing the skin, so that the skin can be stimulated by energization.

[0005] In such conventional devices, when the electrode is brought into contact with the skin and energization is performed on the skin, for example, when there is a large difference between the skin temperature and the roller temperature, such as in a state where the temperature is low in winter and the roller temperature is also low, when the roller is brought into contact with the skin, this temperature difference between the roller and the skin may cause discomfort or a sense of strangeness to the user, such as making the user feel that the roller is cold.

[0006] In addition, there have conventionally been beauty devices with functions of warming or cooling the skin. After heating the heat transfer part to the skin to raise the temperature and then applying the heat transfer part to the skin of the face or other areas to be beautified, the skin can be warmed and effects such as promoting blood circulation can be obtained. Conversely, by applying the cooled heat transfer part to the skin, the heat of the skin can be cooled and a sense of comfort can be obtained.

[0007] However, in such conventional beauty devices, since the part for energization by applying to the skin and the part for warming or cooling the skin are different, when it is desired to give both the stimulation by energization to the skin and the stimulation by warming or cooling the skin, after energizing the skin using the energization electrode to give the stimulation by energization to the skin, it is necessary to select and execute the mode of warming or cooling the skin by the user's operation again, and then the user needs to hold the device differently and apply the heat transfer part to the skin, which requires troublesome operations.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a heat source unit capable of changing the temperature is provided in a roller unit that applies a stimulus by energization to the skin of a user, so as to heat or cool the skin together with the stimulus by energization, or suppress a stimulus based on a temperature difference with respect to the skin, improve the usability, and maximize the effects related to beauty. The purpose is to provide a beauty device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A beauty device according to the disclosure of the present invention includes a main body unit held by a user, and a stimulus application unit disposed integrally with the main body unit and capable of applying a predetermined stimulus related to beauty to the skin of the user. In the beauty device, at least the outer peripheral portion is formed of a substantially cylindrical body or a substantially columnar body made of a conductive material, and two roller units as a first stimulus application unit are rotatably disposed in a state where the outer peripheral portion can be brought into contact with the skin of the user. A control unit is electrically connected to the roller unit and is capable of at least controlling an energized state between the two roller units via the body of the user. Inside the roller unit, a heat source unit for heating or cooling the outer peripheral portion by energization is disposed. The heat source unit is controlled in an energized state to change the heating or cooling state with respect to the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit, and the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit can be adjusted. The roller unit is capable of applying a stimulus by energization to the skin between the contact portions of the two roller units on the skin of the user, and changes to a predetermined temperature by heating or cooling by the heat source unit, and at least one of applying a stimulus based on a temperature difference to the skin at the contact portion of the roller unit and suppressing a stimulus based on a temperature difference by reducing the temperature difference with the skin temperature is made possible.

[0010] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, as a stimulation application unit for applying stimulation related to beauty to the skin, a roller unit for applying stimulation by energization is provided, and a heat source unit for heating or cooling the roller unit based on energization control is provided. By the energization control of heating or cooling, the heat source unit changes the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit, and in a state where the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit is changed, stimulation by energization can be applied to the skin. When the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit is set to a predetermined temperature significantly different from the skin temperature, at the same time as the application of stimulation by energization, the roller unit can apply stimulation based on the temperature difference to the skin, and the influence of the stimulation by energization from the roller unit to the skin and the influence of the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin can be exerted respectively. Thus, the beauty effect due to the simultaneous application of stimulations from different stimulation application units can be appropriately and easily produced on the skin. In addition, the application of stimulation by energization and the application of stimulation based on the temperature difference can be executed simply by bringing one type of stimulation application unit into contact with the skin, and the beauty effect on the skin can be obtained efficiently.

[0011] Furthermore, when the heat source unit sets the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit to a predetermined temperature with a small temperature difference or no temperature difference from the skin temperature, when applying stimulation by energization from the roller unit to the skin, the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is suppressed. For example, when the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is large, the discomfort or sense of incongruity that may occur due to the unintentional application of the stimulation based on the temperature difference to the skin can be alleviated or not felt, and a state can be ensured in which the user can receive the stimulation by energization from the roller unit to the skin in a relaxed situation.

[0012] In addition, the beauty device according to the disclosure of the present invention, if necessary, the roller unit is rotatably attached to a roller support portion provided on the main body portion at intervals from each other, and a first electrode portion related to the application of energization stimulation electrically connected to the control unit projects at a portion of the roller support portion facing the roller unit. The roller unit is provided with a first contact portion electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit on an end face in the direction of the rotation center axis, and the first electrode portion is in contact with the first contact portion of the roller unit and is made conductive.

[0013] According to the disclosure of the present invention in this way, a roller part is rotatably supported by a roller support part provided on a main body part, and while a first contact part electrically connected to an outer peripheral part of the roller part is provided on an end face of the roller part, a first electrode part connected to a control part protrudes from a part of the roller support part facing the roller part. By enabling the first electrode part to always contact the first contact part of the roller part regardless of the rotation of the roller part, the outer peripheral part of the roller part is electrically connected to the control part, and a current conduction state through the skin between the roller parts can be realized without problems. In addition, conduction due to contact between the first electrode part on the roller support part side and the first contact part on the roller part side occurs at a location away from the skin, different from the outer peripheral surface of the roller part in contact with the skin. Thus, it is less susceptible to direct and indirect influences from the skin and can appropriately maintain conduction, and current conduction to the skin through the outer peripheral part of the roller part can be performed without difficulty.

[0014] Further, the beauty device according to the disclosure of the present invention, if necessary, has a shaft part protruding from both end faces in the rotation center axis direction of the roller part, the shaft part is pivotally supported by the roller support part, at least a part of the shaft part is formed of a conductive material, is electrically connected to the heat source part, and a conductive part that is electrically connected to the control part and conducts electricity in contact with the shaft part of the roller part is disposed on the roller support part.

[0015] According to the disclosure of the present invention as described above, in order to rotatably support the roller part, the shaft parts protruding from both end faces of the roller part have portions formed of a conductive material and are connected to the heat source part inside the roller part. With respect to the portions of the shaft parts formed of the conductive material, the conductive parts provided on the roller support part are in contact and electrically connected. Through this conductive part and the shaft part, the heat source part is electrically connected to the control part, so that the contact part related to the electrical connection between the roller part and the roller support part for energizing the heat source part is located at the shaft part at the central position away from the outer peripheral surface of the roller part in contact with the skin. Moisture and other foreign substances transferred from the user's skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller part during the use of the device are less likely to reach the contact part related to the electrical connection between the roller part and the roller support part, and the electrical connection between the roller part and the roller support part can be maintained without being affected by them, and heating or cooling of the outer peripheral part of the roller part by the heat source part can be carried out without problems.

[0016] Further, the beauty device according to the disclosure of the present invention may, if necessary, be provided with a second contact part on the end face in the rotation center axis direction of the roller part for electrically connecting to the heat source part, and a second electrode part related to heat source control electrically connected to the control part may protrude from the part of the roller support part facing the roller part. The second electrode part can be in contact with the second contact part of the roller part and be electrically connected.

[0017] According to the disclosure of the present invention, while providing a second contact portion electrically connected to the heat source portion inside the roller portion on the end surface of the roller portion, a second electrode portion connected to the control portion is protruded at a portion of the roller support portion facing the roller portion, and this second electrode portion is always in contact with the second contact portion of the roller portion regardless of the rotation of the roller portion. By electrically connecting the heat source portion to the control portion through these second electrode portion and second contact portion, the contact related to the conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion for energizing the heat source portion occurs at a location away from the skin, different from the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion in contact with the skin. Moisture and other foreign substances transferred from the user's skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion during the use of the device are less likely to reach the contact location related to the conduction between this roller portion and the roller support portion, and the conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion is maintained without being affected by them, enabling the heating or cooling of the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion by the heat source portion to be carried out without problems.

[0018] In addition, the beauty device according to the disclosure of the present invention, if necessary, causes the control portion to perform heating or cooling at the heat source portion so that the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion approaches the skin temperature when the roller portion is brought into contact with the user's skin.

[0019] According to the disclosure of the present invention, when bringing the roller portion into contact with the skin for energization of the skin, the control portion controls heating or cooling at the heat source portion to bring the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion closer to the skin temperature and reduce the temperature difference between the roller portion and the skin. By doing so, the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller portion and the skin when the roller portion is brought into contact with the skin is suppressed. For example, when the roller portion, which is at the same or nearly the same temperature as the surrounding environmental temperature that is significantly different from the user's body temperature, such as in winter, remains in contact with the skin as it is, and the stimulation based on the temperature difference with the skin is unintentionally applied to the skin, the roller portion can be brought into contact with the skin to perform energization of the skin without causing discomfort or a sense of strangeness to the user, promoting the utilization of the stimulation by energization.

[0020] In addition, the beauty device according to the disclosure of the present invention is provided with a light source unit as a second stimulation application unit that can irradiate light of a predetermined wavelength toward the skin of the user as needed. When the light source unit comes into contact with the skin of the user, a stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is applied to the skin, and at the same time, or at a timing shifted from this application by a predetermined time, light is irradiated onto the skin at the position of the skin in contact with the roller unit or the skin located in the vicinity of the skin.

[0021] Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a light source unit that irradiates light onto the skin is provided as a stimulation application unit separate from the roller unit. When the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin and a stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is applied to the skin, at the same time, or at a timing shifted from this application of the stimulation by a predetermined time, a stimulation by light irradiation from the light source unit is added to the skin at a location that is not in contact with the roller unit (the peripheral region of the portion in contact with the roller unit) located in the vicinity of the portion in contact with the roller unit on the skin, or at a location where a stimulation based on the temperature difference has been applied by contact with the roller unit until just before. When the roller unit is moved while being in contact with the skin, for the location where a stimulation based on the temperature difference has been applied by contact with the roller unit until just before, after the roller unit is displaced and the contact is released, a stimulation by light irradiation from the light source unit can be applied, or for the skin in a state of receiving a stimulation by light irradiation, a stimulation based on the temperature difference due to contact with the roller unit that has moved here can be continuously applied. As a result, the influence brought about by the stimulation based on the temperature difference and the influence brought about by the stimulation by light irradiation continuously reach the skin, the efficiency of stimulation application can be increased, and the beauty effect can also be improved.

[0022] Also, even when the roller part is not being moved while in contact with the skin, by irradiating light onto the skin in the vicinity of the part in contact with the roller part, it is possible to superimpose the effect brought about by the stimulation by light irradiation on the skin that is indirectly affected by the stimulation based on the electrical stimulation or the temperature difference from the skin of the part in contact with the roller part. In particular, when the light is in the infrared region, heat can be applied by light irradiation to the skin of the part that is not in contact with the roller part and cannot be directly heated by the roller part. It is possible to surely apply warmth to the entire range affected by activation etc. due to the electrical conduction to the skin by the roller part, and the beauty effect can be enhanced.

[0023] Furthermore, although the light irradiation from the light source part is performed with the roller part in contact with the skin, when attempting to suppress the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller part and the skin, even if there is contact between the roller part and the skin due to the light irradiation, it will not cause discomfort or a sense of incongruity resulting from the stimulation based on an unintended temperature difference, and it can reasonably realize a situation where the light source part can maintain a constant positional relationship with the skin due to the contact between the roller part and the skin, and the light source part can maintain a state of appropriately irradiating the skin with light.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] (First Embodiment of the Present Invention) Hereinafter, a beauty device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 11. In each of the above figures, the beauty device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body part 10 held by a user, a roller support part 12 disposed at a predetermined position in the main body part 10, two roller parts 13 and 14 rotatably attached to the roller support part 12 at a predetermined interval as a first stimulation applying part, a light source part 15 disposed in the vicinity of these roller parts 13 and 14 for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength as a second stimulation applying part, a head part 17 disposed integrally with the main body part 10 and used for ion introduction or the like to the skin of the user as a third stimulation applying part, and a control part 19 for controlling the energization state and the like of each part of the device.

[0026] In the beauty device 1 according to the present embodiment, the roller parts 13 and 14, the light source part 15, and the head part 17 are provided as stimulation applying parts capable of applying a predetermined stimulation related to beauty to the skin of the user in a state of being brought close to or in contact with the skin of the user.

[0027] The main body 10 has a head portion 17 disposed at one end, while the other end side has a grip portion 10a of a predetermined thickness that allows the user to hold the entire device by hand during use. The front direction of the head portion 17 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 10a. Inside the main body 10, electric circuits such as a control unit 19 and a battery (not shown) serving as a power source are disposed. Also, at one end of the main body 10, a roller support portion 12 that supports the roller portions 13 and 14 is attached.

[0028] On the front side of the grip portion 10a of the main body 10, which is close to the front side of the head portion 17, an operation unit 11 is disposed to receive the input operation of the user and switch the ON / OFF of the operation related to beauty, the type of operation, the strength, etc. On the other hand, on the back side of the grip portion 10a, an auxiliary electrode portion 10b made of a conductive member and connected to the control unit 19 is disposed. When the user holds the grip portion 10a by hand, the hand comes into contact with the auxiliary electrode portion 10b.

[0029] Furthermore, around the head portion 17 of the main body 10, a flange-shaped convex portion is formed, and by making a ring-shaped holder 17a detachable, a known structure is adopted in which a porous covering body 17b such as a cotton puff can be held pressed by the holder 17a along the head portion 17 as needed, such as when performing ion introduction.

[0030] The head portion 17 is made of a material having conductivity and good heat conductivity such as metal, and has a convex shape, specifically, a substantially frustum cone shape having a circular top surface that can be in surface contact with the skin 70. It is configured to protrude from one end of the main body 10 with the top surface side as the tip. The head portion 17 is electrically connected to the control unit 19 inside the main body 10 and is capable of being energized through the user's body between the auxiliary electrode portion 10b in the grip portion 10a.

[0031] When energizing (such as iontophoresis) the skin 70 using the head portion 17, the user holds the gripping portion 10a and brings the palm or fingers of the user into contact with the auxiliary electrode portion 10b. Further, a voltage is applied between the head portion 17 and the auxiliary electrode portion 10b by the control unit 19 to be in a state where energization can occur. Then, the user brings the head portion 17 into direct contact with the skin 70 of the face or the like, or through the porous coating 17b impregnated with a liquid agent such as lotion containing an electrolyte component. Thereby, the head portion 17 and the auxiliary electrode portion 10b can be electrically connected through the user's body, and energization to the skin 70 in contact with the head portion 17 occurs.

[0032] With the energization to the skin 70 in contact with the head portion 17 in this way, ionic active ingredients contained in a liquid agent such as lotion previously applied to the skin surface or impregnated into the porous coating 17b can be introduced into the skin by ion migration based on the current from the control unit 19, and iontophoresis can be executed. Also, as skin cleansing (iontophoresis), it is possible to obtain a state where charged dirt components such as waste products are transferred from the skin side to the head portion 17 side by energization and taken into the porous coating 17b held on the head portion surface. Such iontophoresis and cleansing techniques themselves are well-known, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0033] The roller support portion 12 is provided at one end of the main body portion 10 close to the head portion 17 and is configured to pivotally support the roller portions 13 and 14 in a double-support form. The roller support portion 12 is provided with connection members made of a conductor such as metal for energization related to various stimulation applications so as to be in contact with the respective roller portions 13 and 14 that are rotatable.

[0034] Specifically, electrode portions 12a and 12b related to energization stimulation application protrude from the portions of the roller support portion 12 facing the roller portions 13 and 14, and first conductive portions 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f and second conductive portions 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j that are in contact with and conduct to a predetermined location of a roller portion different from the contact location of the electrode portions 12a and 12b are arranged (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0035] These electrode portions 12a, 12b, first conductive portions 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, and second conductive portions 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j are each connected to a conducting wire (not shown) passing through the inside of the roller support portion 12, and are electrically connected to the control portion 19 through this conducting wire.

[0036] The roller portions 13, 14 are formed of cylindrical bodies (cylindrical columns), and are configured to be rotatably disposed on the roller support portion 12 at a predetermined interval with their rotation central axes parallel to each other. Each of the roller portions 13, 14 has cylindrical outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a made of a material having conductivity and good heat conductivity. These outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a are electrically connected to the control portion 19 inside the main body portion 10 and form a pair of electrodes with different polarities. Also, a heat source portion 16 for heating the outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a by energization is disposed inside the roller portions 13, 14.

[0037] The roller portions 13, 14 are exposed so as to be contactable with the skin 70, and when in contact with the skin 70 at their outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a, the control portion 19 makes the space between the roller portions 13, 14 in an energized state through the skin 70. In addition, the outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a of each of the roller portions 13, 14 may be formed of a conductor such as metal, or may have a structure formed by fixing a conductor sheet or thin film made of metal or the like on the surface of a cylindrical body made of an insulating material such as plastic.

[0038] The roller portions 13, 14 have shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d protruding from both end faces in the direction of their rotation central axes, and these shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d are pivotally supported by the roller support portion 12 and are configured to be rotatable (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0039] A part of these shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d is formed of a material having conductivity and serves as a contact portion electrically connected to the heat source portion 16 inside the roller portions 13, 14. Specifically, on the outer peripheral portions of the shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d at the tip side of the portions supported by the roller support portion 12 and extending into the roller support portion 12, cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f made of a conductor, which are one contact portion electrically connected to the heat source portion 16, are provided. Also, at the central portions of the shaft portions, core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h made of a conductor, which are other contact portions electrically connected to the heat source portion 16, are provided.

[0040] The first conductive portions 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f of the roller support portion 12 can always be in contact with the cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f of the shaft portions, and it is a mechanism that can always maintain electrical conduction. The first conductive portions 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f are attached inside the roller support portion 12, and based on the spring property of the conductor forming these conductive portions 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, the tip portions are pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f of the shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d, and are always in a contact state regardless of the rotation of the roller portions 13, 14.

[0041] The second conductive portions 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j of the roller support portion 12 can always be in contact with the core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h of the shaft portions, and it is a mechanism that can always maintain electrical conduction. The second conductive portions 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j are attached inside the roller support portion 12, and based on the spring property of the conductor forming these conductive portions 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, the tip portions are pressed against the tips of the core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h of the shaft portions, and are always in a contact state regardless of the rotation of the roller portions 13, 14.

[0042] In addition, the roller parts 13 and 14 are provided with contact parts (first contact parts) 13b and 14b that are electrically connected to the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a on the end faces in the direction of their rotation center axes. Specifically, the contact parts 13b and 14b are the ends of the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a that are located as annular conductive regions on the end faces of the roller parts 13 and 14. The electrode parts (first electrode parts) 12a and 12b protruding from the roller support part 12 are in contact with the contact parts 13b and 14b of the roller parts so as to be always electrically conductive. The electrode parts 12a and 12b are movably arranged parallel to the rotation center axes of the roller parts 13 and 14 at the ends of the roller support part 12 facing the end faces of the roller parts 13 and 14, and are protruded toward the contact parts 13b and 14b, and are biased by biasing means such as springs to be pressed against the roller parts 13 and 14 side, and the tip parts are pressed against the contact parts 13b and 14b to be in a state of always contacting regardless of the rotation of the roller parts 13 and 14.

[0043] Note that the contact parts 13b and 14b of the roller parts 13 and 14 are not limited to a part of the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a, and may be annular members made of a material having conductivity different from that of the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a, as long as they are electrically connected to the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a.

[0044] Thus, the contact portions 13b and 14b for energizing the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a for applying electric stimulation in the roller portions 13 and 14 are provided on the end faces of the roller portions 13 and 14. Further, cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, and 14f, and core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, and 14h for energizing the heat source portions 16 inside the roller portions 13 and 14 are provided on the shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d protruding from the end faces of the roller portions 13 and 14. The contact (sliding contact) between the conductors related to energization to each part of the rotating roller portion is made at a location away from the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion in contact with the skin. As a result, moisture and other foreign substances transferred from the skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion along with the contact with the skin, specifically, lotion, cream, or sweat applied to the skin, etc., are less likely to reach the conductor contact portions related to energization, and the conduction state can be maintained without being affected by them, enabling the energization between the two roller portions 13 and 14 and the heating of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller portions 13 and 14 by the heat source portion 16 to be carried out without problems.

[0045] In addition, when energizing the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller portions 13 and 14, if a contact state in which the conduction is less likely to be affected even if lotion or the like touches the contact portion between the conductors related to this energization can be ensured, the electrode portion on the roller support portion side related to applying electric stimulation can be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion and be in a conduction state with this. However, in this case, it is desirable that the electrode portion on the roller support portion side contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion at a position that does not hit the skin when using the roller portion, such as a position closer to the main body portion or a position closer to the light source portion with respect to the roller portion.

[0046] The heat source unit 16 includes a heating element 16a that generates heat by being energized to heat the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units 13 and 14, and a sensor unit 16b that detects the temperature of the heating element 16a for adjusting the temperature of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a. The heating element 16a is a known heater in the form of a thin film, and is arranged in a state of being bent in a cylindrical shape along the inner circumferences of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a inside the roller units 13 and 14, and is configured to efficiently conduct the generated heat to the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a while maintaining insulation between them. The sensor unit 16b is a known element such as a thermistor or a thermocouple that changes its electrical properties in response to a temperature change, and is arranged in contact with the heating element 16a to be able to detect the temperature of the heating element 16a.

[0047] The heating element 16a is electrically connected inside the roller units 13 and 14, directly through a conducting wire or via a temperature fuse for overheat protection, to the cylindrical contact portions 13e and 14e and the core portions 13g and 14g of one of the shaft portions 13c and 14c. Also, the sensor unit 16b is electrically connected inside the roller units 13 and 14, directly through a conducting wire, to the cylindrical contact portions 13f and 14f and the core portions 13h and 14h of the other shaft portions 13d and 14d.

[0048] Note that the heating element 16a of the heat source unit 16 is not limited to being a film-shaped heater bent along the inner circumferences of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a. It is also possible to have a configuration where a heater in the form of a film or a thin plate is arranged at the central portion inside the roller units 13 and 14, and a heat conductor for transmitting heat is interposed between the heater and the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a. Also, a cylindrical PTC heater can be arranged at the central portion inside the roller units 13 and 14, and heat can be transmitted directly from the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the PTC heater to the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a or via an insulator cover, or heat can be transmitted from the end face in the cylindrical axial direction of the PTC heater to the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a via a heat conductor.

[0049] Furthermore, as the heating element, a spiral spring-shaped nichrome wire heater can be disposed at the central part inside the roller parts 13 and 14, and heat can be transferred from the outer peripheral part of the nichrome wire heater to the inner peripheral surfaces of the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a through an insulator cover.

[0050] In addition, when using a heating element that does not require a sensor part such as a PTC heater, the configuration is not limited to connecting the heating element to the cylindrical contact part and the core part at one shaft part. Instead, it can be configured to connect to the cylindrical contact part and the core part at the other shaft part, or the heating element can be connected to the core part or the cylindrical contact part at one shaft part of the roller part and the core part or the cylindrical contact part at the other shaft part. Also, when providing a plurality of cylindrical contact parts on the shaft part of the roller part, the heating element can be configured to be connected to at least two cylindrical contact parts at one (or the other) shaft part of the roller part.

[0051] The light source part 15 is disposed in the peripheral part surrounding the two roller parts 13 and 14 and the roller support part 12 at one end of the main body part 10. In a state where the two roller parts 13 and 14 are pressed against and abutted to the skin 70, it has a positional relationship facing the skin 70, and is configured to irradiate the skin with light and be able to apply a stimulus by this light irradiation.

[0052] This light source part 15 irradiates infrared rays as light under the irradiation control by the control part 19, and is configured such that a known light-emitting diode (LED) serving as a light source of infrared rays is covered with a cover having translucency. The light-emitting diode serving as the light source is electrically connected to the control part 19 inside the main body part 10 via a conducting wire. By irradiating the skin with infrared rays from the light source part 15, an effect of warming the deep part of the skin mainly by far-infrared rays can be obtained.

[0053] Note that the light irradiated by the light source part 15 is not limited to infrared rays. It can also be configured to irradiate visible light such as red or yellow simultaneously with or at a shifted timing of the infrared ray irradiation in order to make it possible to discriminate the irradiation state of infrared rays that are invisible to the eyes or to give a cosmetic effect to the skin by visible light irradiation.

[0054] Further, although the light source unit 15 is configured to be dispersed and arranged at four locations around the roller units 13 and 14 and the roller support unit 12, in addition to this, the light source unit can be arranged in a continuous frame shape or annular shape, or finely dispersed and arranged at a plurality of four or more locations, or arranged at two opposing locations sandwiching the roller units and the roller support unit. Furthermore, in addition to the peripheral portion, for example, the light source unit may be arranged at an intermediate position sandwiched between two roller units.

[0055] When energizing the roller units 13 and 14 and irradiating light from the light source unit 15, hold the gripping portion 10a so that the roller units 13 and 14 and the light source unit 15 face forward, and make the roller units 13 and 14 capable of contacting the skin 70 (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, when not performing energization and light irradiation by the roller units 13 and 14, such as ion introduction, change the holding so that the head unit 17 faces forward instead of the roller units 13 and 14 and the light source unit 15, and make the head unit 17 capable of contacting the skin 70 (see FIG. 11).

[0056] The control unit 19 is built into the main body unit 10, receives an input operation from the user to the operation unit 11, controls the energization between the paired roller units 13 and 14, and can adjust the energization state to the skin. In addition, it controls the energization to the heat source unit 16 to enable adjustment of the heating state of the roller units 13 and 14 by the heat source unit 16. Furthermore, it controls the energization between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b and the light irradiation in the light source unit 15, respectively.

[0057] The control unit 19 sets the operation mode of each part for each beauty use. In this embodiment, there are three modes: a roller energization and light irradiation mode for activating the skin to promote the fixing and penetration of lotion or cream, an ion introduction mode for permeating ionic active ingredients such as lotion deep into the skin to enhance the moist feeling, and a cleansing mode for removing harmful components and waste products accumulated on the skin.

[0058] Among the above-described operation modes, in the roller energization and light irradiation mode, an electric current is passed between the paired roller units 13 and 14, and the light source unit 15 is operated to irradiate light. In the ion introduction mode and the cleansing mode, the control unit 19 energizes between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 19 sets the temperature change state in the roller units 13 and 14 for applying a stimulus based on a temperature difference to the skin from the roller units 13 and 14 simultaneously with the execution of the operation in the roller energization and light irradiation mode. Specifically, the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units 13 and 14 are heated by the heat source unit 16 inside the roller units, raised to a predetermined temperature higher than the ambient environment temperature and the skin temperature, and maintained at that predetermined temperature, and the control unit 19 controls the energization state to the heat source unit 16 so as to be in a state where a stimulus based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is continuously applied.

[0060] When the control unit 19 controls the energization state to the heat source unit 16, based on the output from the sensor unit 16b of the heat source unit 16, the temperature of the heating element 16a is detected, and the temperatures of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units 13 and 14 along the heating element 16a are estimated, and control is executed so that the temperature reaches a predetermined target temperature higher than the ambient environment temperature and the skin temperature.

[0061] The switching of the operation mode in the control unit 19 is performed based on a user's input operation on the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11. When the user operates the mode switching switch 11a to switch its state, the control unit 19 controls the beauty device 10 to be in a state where any one of the cleansing mode, the ion introduction mode, and the roller energization and light irradiation mode can be executed, switch each mode, or return from the execution state of any mode to the power-off state from the power-off state where the beauty device 10 does not operate.

[0062] In addition, when the switch 11a of the operation unit 11 is operated and the roller energization and light irradiation modes are selected as the operation modes, and then the temperature setting switch 11b is further operated, the control unit 19, while executing the energization control of the heat source unit 16 in parallel with the execution of energization between the two roller units 13 and 14 selected as the operation modes, can also adjust the target temperature to be reached by changing the temperature of the roller units 13 and 14. In this case, it is desirable that the control unit 19 can switch the temperature of the roller units 13 and 14 in multiple steps according to the operation of the temperature setting switch 11b.

[0063] Furthermore, when the control unit 19 energizes between the roller units 13 and 14 or between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b corresponding to each operation mode selected by the operation unit 11, it can also perform adjustment control of the strength of the current flowing through the user's skin by energization in response to the operation of the strength switching switch 11c of the operation unit 11. In this case, it is desirable that the control unit 19 can switch the strength of the energization in multiple steps according to the user's input operation on the strength switching switch 11c.

[0064] Although the control unit 19 is configured to control the energization between the roller units 13 and 14 and to control the energization to the heat source unit 16 for temperature adjustment of the roller units 13 and 14, it is also possible to provide another control unit for heat source unit control, and to configure such that this other control unit performs the control of the heat source unit in cooperation with the control unit that performs the energization control between the roller units.

[0065] Next, the operating state of the beauty device according to the present embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the user holds the grip portion 10a of the beauty device 1 and the head unit 17 or the roller units 13 and 14 are directed toward the skin area to be used. And it is assumed that the power supply unit (battery) of the beauty device 1 has sufficient capacity, and when the mode is selected and input by each switch of the operation unit 11, the operation of each mode can be continuously performed without difficulty until the end of the preset period.

[0066] When performing roller energization and light irradiation, the user can hold the grip portion 10a as needed to turn the roller portions 13, 14 and the light source portion 15 to face forward so that the roller portions 13, 14 can contact the skin 70 (see Fig. 10). At the same time, apply lotion or cream to the skin and let it soak in.

[0067] When the user operates the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to select the roller energization and light irradiation mode, the control unit 19 enables the start of an energized state in which a weak current flows between the paired roller portions 13, 14, and also enables light irradiation in the light source portion 15. However, when the roller portions 13, 14 are separated from the skin 70, since the circuit between the roller portions 13, 14 is not closed through the skin (muscle), there is no energization.

[0068] Also, energization to the heat source portion 16 of the roller portions 13, 14 is started, and the heating element 16a of the heat source portion 16 generates heat due to the energization. This heat is transmitted to the outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a of the roller portions 13, 14 to raise the temperature of the outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a to a predetermined temperature higher than the ambient environmental temperature and the skin temperature, at which a person feels warm.

[0069] In this roller energization and light irradiation mode, when the temperature of the roller portions 13, 14 can be adjusted by operating the temperature setting switch 11b, when the user operates the temperature setting switch 11b, the control unit 19 accordingly performs energization control of the heat source portion 16 to change the temperature that the roller portions 13, 14 reach due to the temperature rise.

[0070] When the roller portions 13, 14 contact the skin 70 (see Fig. 10), an energized state is established between the paired roller portions 13, 14 through the skin, and the skin is stimulated by the energization to activate the skin and promote the penetration of lotion or cream.

[0071] In addition, the outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a of the roller portions 13, 14 that come into direct contact with the skin 70 in this way are in a state where their temperature has been changed to a predetermined temperature higher than the ambient environmental temperature or the skin temperature by heating in the heat source portion 16. As a result, as a stimulus imparted based on the temperature difference between the roller portions 13, 14 and the skin, heat is transmitted from the outer peripheral portions 13a, 14a of the roller portions 13, 14, which are at a higher temperature than the skin temperature, to the portion of the skin in contact with the roller portions 13, 14, making the user feel warm and warming the skin to raise its temperature.

[0072] Furthermore, at the same time that the stimulus based on the temperature difference between the roller portions 13, 14 and the skin is imparted to the skin, the light source portion 15 irradiates light to the skin located in the vicinity of the skin at the portion where the roller portions 13, 14 are in contact, specifically, the skin around the portion where the two roller portions 13, 14 are in contact. The skin receives light (infrared rays) with an appropriate irradiation intensity from the light source portion 15 and is moderately warmed even at locations not in contact with the roller portions 13, 14.

[0073] In this way, by warming the skin 70 by the roller portions 13, 14 and the light source portion 15, blood circulation and metabolism of the skin can be promoted, and the skin 70 changes to a state where the active ingredients in lotions and creams easily penetrate, and these various active ingredients penetrate into the skin 70 without difficulty and surely provide a beauty effect.

[0074] When the user moves the main body portion 10 while pressing the roller portions 13, 14 against the skin 70 and rotates the roller portions 13, 14, which are warmed by the heat source portion 16, on the skin 70, a state is created where the skin is warmed and the roller portions 13, 14 massage the skin 70, and a massage effect can also be obtained.

[0075] When moving the roller units 13 and 14 in this way, although the skin position where the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller units 13 and 14 and the skin moves as a result of the contact with the roller units 13 and 14, if the light source unit 15 irradiates light at an appropriate timing that is shifted from the application of the stimulation based on this temperature difference to the skin by a predetermined time, after a predetermined part of the skin that has been in contact with the roller units 13 and 14 until just before and has been given a stimulation based on the temperature difference leaves the roller units 13 and 14, the light source unit 15 irradiates light on the skin of this predetermined part without any interval, and the skin can be continuously warmed. Also, a state where the moved roller units 13 and 14 come into contact with a predetermined part of the skin that has been irradiated with light by the light source unit 15 beforehand and a new stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller units 13 and 14 and the skin is given can, of course, occur, and in this case as well, the skin can be continuously warmed.

[0076] When the roller units 13 and 14 are rolled while being in contact with the skin 70 and moved little by little on the skin, the energization and light irradiation target positions can be changed, but when the roller units 13 and 14 are separated from the skin 70 in order to interrupt the energization or change the energization and irradiation positions, the energization between the roller units immediately interrupts. When completely finishing the energization and light irradiation, if the user operates the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to switch to another operation mode or the power OFF state, the energization between the roller units 13 and 14 and the light irradiation in the light source unit 15 stop. Also, the energization to the heat source unit 16 stops, and the temperature increase state of the roller units 13 and 14 that has been warmed by the heat source unit 16 also ends.

[0077] In addition, when performing cleansing or ion introduction using the head unit 17, the user holds the gripping part 10a so that the head unit 17 faces forward and keeps the head unit 17 in a state where it can contact the skin 70 (see FIG. 11). Then, in the case of cleansing, a makeup remover lotion containing an electrolyte component or the like is directly applied to the skin, or in the case of ion introduction, a protective lotion containing an electrolyte component or the like is impregnated into a porous covering such as a cotton puff and the porous covering is held on the head unit 17 in a state where it is retained on the head unit 17.

[0078] When the user operates the mode switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to select the cleansing mode or the ion introduction mode, the control unit 19 enables the start of an energized state in which a weak current flows between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b. However, when the head unit 17 is separated from the skin 70, since the circuit between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b is not closed through the body, there is no energization.

[0079] When the user moves the held beauty device 10 and brings the head unit 17 into contact with the skin 70 directly or through the porous covering 17b, the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b are in an energized state through the user's body and the lotion that has been applied to the skin surface in advance or impregnated into the porous covering. In the case of cleansing, the charged fine dirt components on the skin surface and inside can be removed by transferring them from the skin side to the porous covering side. Also, in the case of ion introduction, the ionic active ingredients in the lotion can be transferred to the skin side to achieve penetration of the active ingredients into the skin (see Fig. 11).

[0080] When the user moves the head unit 17 little by little on the skin while keeping it in contact with the skin 70, the target position for cleansing or ion introduction can be changed while in the energized state. However, when the head unit 17 is separated from the skin 70, the energization is immediately interrupted. When completely finishing cleansing or ion introduction, the user may operate the mode switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to switch to another operation mode or the power-off state. Additionally, when the preset time for cleansing or ion introduction has passed, the control unit 19 may stop the energization. After the end of these modes, it is desirable for the user to remove the porous covering from the head unit 17 if used, clean the surface of the head unit 17, and prepare for the next use.

[0081] As described above, in the beauty device according to this embodiment, as a stimulation application unit that applies stimulation related to beauty to the skin, roller units 13 and 14 that apply stimulation by energization are provided, and a heat source unit 16 that heats the roller units 13 and 14 based on energization control by a control unit 19 is provided. The control unit 19 controls the heating by energization to the heat source unit 16, and the heat source unit 16 changes the temperature of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units. Since stimulation by energization can be applied to the skin in a state where the temperature of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units is changed, when the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units are set to a predetermined temperature that is significantly different from the skin temperature, at the same time as the application of stimulation by energization, the roller units 13 and 14 can apply stimulation based on the temperature difference to the skin. The influence of the stimulation by energization from the roller units 13 and 14 to the skin and the influence of the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller units 13 and 14 and the skin can be exerted respectively, and the beauty effect by the simultaneous application of stimulation from different stimulation application units can be appropriately produced on the skin without difficulty. In addition, the application of stimulation by energization and the application of stimulation based on the temperature difference can be executed simply by bringing one type of stimulation application unit into contact with the skin, and the beauty effect on the skin can be obtained efficiently.

[0082] Furthermore, when the roller units 13 and 14 are moved while being applied to the skin 70, direct stimulation due to the rotation (rolling) of the roller units 13 and 14 on the skin 70 can also be applied. Stimulation such as massaging the skin 70 with the roller units 13 and 14 can be applied to the skin in combination with the above various stimulations, and the beauty effect can be further improved.

[0083] In addition, the beauty device according to this embodiment can be expected to contribute to the achievement of some of the 17 goals indicated by the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" defined by the United Nations, for example, "3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" and "12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns".

[0084] (Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) In the beauty device according to the first embodiment, the control unit 16 controls the energization state of the heat source unit 16 so that the target temperature of the temperature rise of the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units 13 and 14 when the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units 13 and 14 are heated by the heat source unit 16 inside the roller units 13 and 14 is a predetermined temperature higher than the ambient environmental temperature (air temperature) and the skin temperature (body temperature) and at which the user feels warm. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As a second embodiment, when the heat source unit heats the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit, the control unit controls the energization state of the heat source unit so that the heat source unit shifts the outer peripheral portion to a predetermined temperature (for example, about 36°C) close to the skin temperature (body temperature), thereby suppressing the stimulation based on the temperature difference by reducing the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin temperature with respect to the skin at the portion where the roller unit is in contact.

[0085] When the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin for energization to the skin, for example, in winter or the like, if the roller unit, which is at the same or nearly the same temperature as the ambient environmental temperature that is significantly different from the body temperature (skin temperature) of the user, remains in contact with the skin in that state, there is a possibility that stimulation based on the temperature difference with the skin is unintentionally applied to the skin, and the user may experience discomfort or a sense of incongruity. On the other hand, as described above, by appropriately adjusting the heating of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit by the heat source unit through energization control, bringing the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit closer to the skin temperature, and suppressing the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin, it is possible to prevent the user from experiencing discomfort or a sense of incongruity when the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin, and a state can be obtained in which the user can receive the stimulation by energization from the roller unit to the skin in a relaxed situation, thereby promoting the utilization of such stimulation by energization to the skin.

[0086] In the beauty device according to the above embodiment, two roller units 13 and 14 are provided as the first stimulation application unit, and energization is performed between the roller units 13 and 14 through the skin. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which only one roller unit is provided as the first stimulation application unit is also possible.

[0087] In this case, energization is performed through the skin between the only roller part and the parts serving as other electrodes, for example, the auxiliary electrode part provided on the main body part, to apply a stimulus to the skin by energization. In addition, ion introduction and cleansing on the skin are performed by the roller part instead of the head part, so that the roller part, which is the first stimulus application part, may also serve as the third stimulus application part.

[0088] Further, the only roller part as the first stimulus application part may be divided into a plurality of regions in the axial direction, and conductor parts serving as electrodes with different polarities are respectively arranged in these regions, so that the roller part alone can perform energization through the skin.

[0089] In the beauty device according to the above embodiment, the heat source part 16 disposed inside the roller parts 13 and 14 has a heating element 16a. When the heat source part 16 is energized, the thermoelectric part 16 raises its temperature to heat the outer peripheral parts 13a and 14a of the roller parts 13 and 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The heat source part may be provided with an element that lowers the temperature by energization, or an element that can raise or lower the temperature by changing the energization state. By energizing the heat source part, the outer peripheral part of the roller part is cooled to lower the temperature of the outer peripheral part, and a stimulus based on the temperature difference between the roller part whose temperature has been lowered to a temperature lower than the skin temperature and the ambient environment temperature and the skin in contact with the roller part is applied to the skin in contact with the roller part.

[0090] In this case, when energization is applied to the outer peripheral part of the roller part to cause energization through the skin between the two roller parts and a stimulus due to energization is applied to the skin, heat is taken away from the part of the skin in contact with the roller part where the temperature has been sufficiently lowered by cooling by the heat source part, the skin is cooled and the temperature is lowered, and a feeling of coldness is generated as a stimulus based on the temperature difference.

[0091] For example, when energizing the skin using the roller unit in a situation such as in summer when the ambient temperature is high or after taking a bath when the skin temperature is high, if the temperature of the roller unit is lowered by energizing the heat source unit, energization of the skin can be performed in a comfortable state, providing a relaxation feeling along with the beauty effect. Furthermore, although discomfort such as pain or itching and inflammation on the skin surface may occur in some people along with the energization of the skin, such discomfort and inflammation can be alleviated by the sedative effect of cooling the skin.

[0092] Also, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, both end portions in the rotation axis direction of the two roller units 13 and 14 are configured to have flat end faces except that the shaft portions supported by the roller support portion 12 project. However, it is not limited to this. The outer peripheral portions of both end portions in the rotation axis direction of the roller unit can be made to project in a rib shape in the rotation axis direction, and the protruding portions cover the contact portions between each contact portion on the end face of the inner roller unit and the electrode portion or conductive portion on the roller support portion side, so that these are isolated from the outside. This can prevent moisture and other foreign substances that migrate to the outer peripheral surface of the roller unit due to contact with the skin during device use from reaching the conductor contact portion on the end face of the roller unit and having an adverse effect. In this case, it is desirable to provide a recess corresponding to the protruding portion of the roller unit on the roller support portion side so as to minimize the gap between the roller unit and the roller support portion.

[0093] Also, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, first electrode portions 12a and 12b related to energization stimulation are provided so as to project at positions facing the roller portions 13 and 14 of the roller support portion 12, and are configured to be in contact with first contact portions 13b and 14b provided on end faces in the direction of the rotation center axis of the roller portions 13 and 14. In addition to this, a protrusion that projects a predetermined amount toward the roller portion side is provided at a position facing the roller portion of the roller support portion, and this protrusion is brought into contact with the end face of the roller portion as necessary, and the roller portion can be positioned in the direction of its rotation center axis by the protrusion. When the roller support portion that pivotally supports the shaft portion of the roller portion does not restrict the movement of the roller portion in the direction of the rotation center axis, the deviation of the roller portion in the direction of the rotation center axis can be appropriately suppressed by the regulation by the protrusion. And such a protrusion may also serve as the first electrode portion for energization.

[0094] In addition, as a portion of the end face of the roller portion that contacts such a protrusion, if the protrusion is brought into contact with a region closer to the center where the distance from the roller portion center is within 1 / 2 of the roller portion radius, the resistance load during rotation of the roller portion due to contact with the protrusion can be suppressed to a small value. On the other hand, if the protrusion is brought into contact with a region closer to the outer periphery where the distance from the roller portion center exceeds 1 / 2 of the roller portion radius in the end face, for example, when the protrusion also serves as the first electrode portion and an oxide film is generated on the protrusion when the roller portion of the beauty device is not used for a long time, such an oxide film can be quickly removed by the sliding contact between the protrusion and the roller portion accompanying the rolling of the roller portion.

[0095] In addition, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, first contact portions 13b and 14b communicating with the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a are provided on the end faces in the direction of the rotation center axes of the roller portions 13 and 14, and first electrode portions 12a and 12b related to energization stimulation protruding from the roller support portion 12 are in contact with the first contact portions 13b and 14b so as to be always electrically conductive. In addition to this, a second contact portion that is electrically connected to each part of the heat source portion is provided on the end face in the direction of the rotation center axis of the roller portion, while a second electrode portion related to heat source control electrically connected to the control portion is provided so as to protrude from the portion of the roller support portion facing the roller portion, and the second electrode portion is in contact with the second contact portion of the roller portion so as to be electrically conductive.

[0096] Also in this case, similar to the above embodiment, the contact related to the electrical connection between the roller portion and the roller support portion for energizing the heat source portion occurs at a location away from the skin, different from the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion that contacts the skin. Moisture and other foreign substances that have migrated from the user's skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion during the use of the device are less likely to reach the contact location related to the electrical connection between the roller portion and the roller support portion, and the electrical connection between the roller portion and the roller support portion can be maintained without being affected by them, and the heating of the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion by the heat source portion can be performed without problems.

[0097] When providing the second contact portion on the end face of the roller portion in this way, the configuration is not limited to directly providing an annular contact portion on the end face. An annular groove-shaped recess may be provided on the end face of the roller portion, and the second contact portion may be provided in this recess. Specifically, an annular contact portion may be arranged at the portion corresponding to the groove bottom of the annular groove-shaped recess, or a cylindrical contact portion may be arranged at the portion corresponding to the groove side surface of the recess. For such a second contact portion, the second electrode portion protruding from the roller support portion presses the tip against the annular contact portion or presses the tip against the cylindrical contact portion to make contact based on the spring property of the conductor forming the electrode portion, so that the second electrode portion and the second contact portion can be always electrically conductive. Regarding the first contact portion as well, similar to the second contact portion, instead of providing an annular contact portion on the end face, an annular groove-shaped recess may be provided on the end face of the roller portion, and the contact portion may be provided in this recess.

[0098] Further, in the beauty device according to the above-described embodiment, cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f and core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h as conductive material portions are provided on shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d protruding from end faces of the roller portions 13 and 14, and all are configured to be electrically connected to the heat source portion 16 inside the roller portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A part of the conductive material portion provided on the shaft portion of the roller portion, such as the cylindrical contact portion or the core portion, is a contact portion electrically connected to the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion, and a conductive portion related to energization stimulation provided on the roller support portion is in contact with this contact portion so as to be always electrically conductive, and the control portion and the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion are electrically connected through the shaft portion. It can also be configured.

[0099] In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the contact between the conductors of the roller portion and the roller support portion related to energization to the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion is made at a location away from the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion in contact with the skin. Thus, moisture and other foreign substances transferred from the skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion due to contact with the skin are less likely to reach the conductor contact portion related to energization, and the conduction state is maintained without being affected by them, and energization between the two roller portions can be performed without problems.

[0100] As described above, the connection relationship for electrically connecting one or more contact portions provided on the end face of the roller portion, such as the first contact portion and the second contact portion, and one or more contact portions provided on the shaft portion of the roller portion, such as the cylindrical contact portion and the core portion, to the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion or the heat source portion inside is not limited to the configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, and can be arbitrarily set. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the contact portion (first contact portion) on the end face of the roller portion is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion, and the contact portion on the shaft portion (cylindrical contact portion or core portion) is connected to the heat source portion inside the roller portion. In addition to this configuration, as described above, the contact portion (second contact portion) on the end face of the roller portion may be connected to the heat source portion inside the roller portion, and the contact portion on the shaft portion (cylindrical contact portion or core portion) may be connected to the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion.

[0101] Also, when the heat source section includes a heating element and a sensor section as in the above-described embodiment, not only can the heating element and the sensor section be respectively connected to a plurality of contact sections provided on the shaft portion of the roller section, but the heating element and the sensor section can also be respectively connected to a plurality of contact sections provided on the end face of the roller section. Alternatively, one of the heating element and the sensor section can be connected to a contact section provided on the shaft portion of the roller section, and the other can be connected to a contact section provided on the end face of the roller section. Regarding the connection relationship between such a heating element, a sensor section, and each contact section of the roller section, it can be arbitrarily set. In addition, it is not limited to a configuration in which the heating element is separately connected to each contact section on one shaft portion of the roller section and the sensor section is separately connected to each contact section on the other shaft portion. Instead, the heating element and the sensor section can be collectively connected to each contact section at one end portion (including the shaft portion) of the roller section, or the heating element and the sensor section can be respectively connected to both each contact section at one end portion (including one shaft portion) of the roller section and each contact section at the other end portion (including the other shaft portion) of the roller section. In these cases, the contact sections that are not connected to the heating element and the sensor section can be set to be connected to the outer peripheral portion of the roller section.

[0102] Furthermore, when providing a plurality of contact sections on the shaft portion of the roller section, the shaft portion of the roller section can be structured such that a plurality of layers of a conductor and an insulator overlap, and a plurality of non-conductive cylindrical contact sections can be arranged side by side in the axial direction. In this case, one or more of the cylindrical contact sections may have an outer diameter different from that of the portion where the shaft portion is pivotally supported. Instead of providing a plurality of cylindrical contact sections, the core portion can be omitted. On the other hand, when providing a core portion, the end portion thereof can have the same outer diameter as the other portion of the shaft portion including the cylindrical contact section, so that the shaft portion has a uniform diameter shaft shape. Also, the contact between the core portion and the second conductive portion on the roller support portion side that is electrically connected to the core portion may be configured such that the conductive portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the core portion in the radial direction, in addition to the configuration in which the conductive portion contacts the end portion of the core portion in the axial direction.

[0103] Further, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d project from the end faces of the roller portions 13 and 14, and the roller portions 13 and 14 are rotatably supported by rotatably supporting these shaft portions with the roller support portion 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A shaft portion may be formed to project from an end portion of the roller support portion facing the end face of the roller portion, and a concave portion into which this shaft portion can be inserted may be provided at the center of the end face of the roller portion. The shaft portion of the roller support portion may be engaged with the concave portion of the roller portion to rotatably support the roller portion.

[0104] In this case, a cylindrical electrode portion made of a conductor that is electrically connected to the control unit may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the portion of the shaft portion of the roller support portion that extends into the roller portion, and a core-shaped electrode portion made of a conductor that is also electrically connected to the control unit may be provided at the center of the shaft portion. On the other hand, two types of contact portions that are electrically connected to the heat source portion are provided inside the roller portion. One contact portion is brought into contact with the cylindrical electrode portion of the shaft portion, and the other contact portion is brought into contact with the core-shaped electrode portion of the shaft portion so that they can always be electrically connected regardless of the rotation of the roller portion. Thus, similar to the above embodiment, the control unit can energize the heat source portion inside the roller portion.

[0105] Further, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, the shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d at both ends of the roller portions 13 and 14 are pivotally supported by the roller support portion 12, and the roller portions 13 and 14 are rotatably supported. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The end portion of the roller portion itself may be pivotally supported by the roller support portion, that is, the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion may be received and pivotally supported by the inner peripheral surface of the roller support portion, and the roller portion may be rotatably supported. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the roller support portion in sliding contact with the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion is not limited to an annular arrangement shape surrounding the entire circumference of the end portion of the roller portion, and may be a C-shaped or U-shaped arrangement shape that contacts a part of the outer periphery of the end portion of the roller portion. Note that the opening portion of the roller support portion where the inner peripheral surface of the roller support portion is interrupted and the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion is exposed may be arranged to appear outside the main body portion so that the exposed end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion can also be used as a part that contacts the skin. In addition, in order to obtain an elegant appearance as a beauty device, it may be arranged to be housed in the main body portion and not visible from the outside, and the arrangement state may be set as appropriate. Further, a plurality of such roller support portions may be provided side by side, and each end portion of the roller portion may be supported by a plurality of roller support portions. Furthermore, when the inner peripheral surface of the roller support portion has an annular shape, the opening inside the roller support portion may be closed on the end side where the roller portion is not inserted, and by covering the end surface of the roller portion together with the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion with the roller support portion, a state in which moisture and other foreign substances hardly reach the conductor contact portion on the end surface of the roller portion can be obtained.

[0106] When the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion is pivotally supported by the roller support portion in this way, a conductive portion for energization to the electrode portion and the heat source portion related to energization stimulation in the roller support portion may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the roller support portion, and correspondingly, a contact portion leading to the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion and a contact portion leading to the heat source portion may be provided at a predetermined position on the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion. Needless to say, the contact portion leading to the heat source portion is arranged so as not to be conductive to other portions of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion. When a plurality of roller support portions are provided for the end portion of the roller portion, such electrode portions and conductive portions may be provided for each roller support portion.

[0107] When the roller support portion that pivotally supports the end portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion is made of a high-rigidity material that does not easily deform, it is desirable to integrally provide a support body made of an elastic material inside the roller support portion, and the inner peripheral surface of the support body forms the inner peripheral surface of the roller support portion. For example, in the case of a roller support portion with an annular inner peripheral surface, the end portion of the roller portion is inserted from a direction orthogonal to the opening surface with respect to this roller support portion to pivotally support the roller portion. If the support body bends in the insertion direction when inserting the end portion, it can allow the insertion without problems and shift to the pivotal support state, which is desirable. Also, in the case of a roller support portion with a C-shaped or U-shaped inner peripheral surface, the end portion of the roller portion is fitted into the roller support portion from the open portion where the inner peripheral surface is interrupted to pivotally support the roller portion. If the support body bends along the inner peripheral surface when inserting the end portion, it can allow the fitting without problems and shift to the pivotal support state, which is desirable.

[0108] On the other hand, when the roller support portion is elastically deformable, the insertion and fitting of the end portion when pivotally supporting the roller portion with respect to the roller support portion can be performed without difficulty. However, in order to appropriately maintain the pivotal support state of the roller portion, it is preferable to form the roller support portion such that the diameter of its inner peripheral surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the roller portion.

[0109] Also, in the beauty device according to the above-described embodiment, the roller support portions 12 that rotatably support the roller portions 13 and 14 are configured to be provided in a fixed state at one end portion of the main body portion 10. However, in addition, the roller support portion can also be configured to be arranged in a state where it can be moved with respect to the main body portion.

[0110] For example, the roller support portion can be a tilting arm portion that is a substantially arm-shaped member that can be tiltably attached to the main body portion, and the roller portion and the light source portion can be arranged at a portion of the tilting arm portion that is away from the main body portion.

[0111] In this case, when performing energization by the roller unit and light irradiation from the light source unit, the tilting arm portion serving as the roller support portion is tilted so that the light source unit and the roller unit are positioned at a location where it is easy for the user holding the beauty device to perform energization and light irradiation, for example, in front of the head portion, and then the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin for use. On the other hand, when energization by the roller unit and light irradiation, such as ion introduction, are not performed, when the head portion is brought into contact with the skin, at least the roller unit and the light source unit do not pose an obstacle, and the tilting arm portion is tilted so that the roller unit and the light source unit are shifted to a position where there is no problem, making it easier to perform ion introduction and the like.

[0112] Furthermore, such a tilting arm portion may have degrees of freedom of movement other than tilting. For example, a mechanism in which the tilting arm portion floatingly supports the roller unit is adopted. Specifically, the tilting arm portion has a split structure including a distal end portion of the arm where the roller unit is attached and a proximal end portion of the arm attached to the main body portion, and the distal end portion of the tilting arm portion is combined with the proximal end portion of the arm closer to the main body portion so as to be relatively movable in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the tilting of the tilting arm portion. Further, a spring is disposed between the distal end portion of the arm and the proximal end portion of the arm so that a repulsive force of the spring is generated when the distal end portion of the arm is moved closer to the proximal end portion of the arm, and the distal end portion of the tilting arm portion and the roller unit supported thereby are configured to be floatingly supported with respect to the proximal end portion of the tilting arm portion and the main body portion.

[0113] In such a case, within the range where the distal end portion of the tilting arm portion is relatively movable with respect to the proximal end portion of the arm, the roller unit can approach and separate from the main body portion held by the user's hand, and is supported so as to be tiltable in a direction perpendicular to the tilting direction of the tilting arm portion. When the roller unit is applied to the skin, the roller unit can follow the changes in the curved surface state and the degree of hardness and softness of each part of the skin, and the roller unit can be maximally adhered to each part of the skin, enabling efficient application of stimuli based on the stimulation by energization and the temperature difference. Note that such a mechanism for floatingly supporting the roller unit can also be provided in the main body portion and the roller support portion in the first embodiment.

[0114] Further, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, a light source unit 15 is provided around the two roller units 13 and 14. When the roller energization and light irradiation modes are selected by an operation on the operation unit 11, light is irradiated from the light source unit 15 onto the skin located outside the skin contacted by each of the roller units 13 and 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A light source unit may be disposed inside the roller unit together with a heat source unit, and light may be irradiated from the light source unit onto the skin through the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit having translucency.

[0115] In this case, for example, the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit may be a cylindrical body made of a conductor and provided with a plurality of through holes for passing light, or the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit may be made of a material having excellent heat conductivity and translucency, and a transparent conductive film may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface capable of contacting the skin. Thus, while applying stimulation due to energization in the roller unit and stimulation based on a temperature difference, stimulation due to light irradiation onto the skin can be executed, and three stimulations can be simultaneously applied to the skin contacted by the roller unit, easily and efficiently producing a beauty effect on the skin.

[0116] Further, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, when the user moves the device relative to the skin in the roller energization and light irradiation modes and shifts the site of the skin contacted by the roller units 13 and 14 while rotating the roller units 13 and 14, the control unit 19 maintains the states of energizing the skin between the roller units 13 and 14, heating the outer peripheral portions 13a and 14a of the roller units 13 and 14 with the heat source unit 16 to transfer heat from the roller units 13 and 14 to the skin, and irradiating light from the light source unit 15 onto the skin without particularly changing them and continuing them in the previous states. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above respective states may be appropriately adjusted by the control unit according to the moving state of the device relative to the skin.

[0117] For example, the control unit acquires the rotation state of the roller unit through detection means such as an encoder, and within a range where safety for the skin can be ensured, the faster the rotation of the roller unit, that is, the faster the moving speed of the device relative to the skin, the higher the intensity of energization to the skin, the stronger the heating degree by the heat source unit to increase the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit, the higher the irradiation intensity of the light in the light source unit, the change of the irradiation direction of the light in the light source unit toward the traveling direction side of the roller unit, or the expansion of the irradiation range of the light in the light source unit. By performing such control, even in a situation where the moving speed is high and the time when the roller unit contacts a predetermined portion of the skin or the light source unit faces is relatively short, the stimulation by energization, the stimulation based on the temperature difference, and the stimulation by light irradiation can be appropriately and sufficiently applied to the skin.

[0118] In addition, as another control by the control unit, the intensity of energization to the skin between the roller units, the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit based on the heating of the heat source unit, and the irradiation intensity, irradiation direction, and irradiation range of the light in the light source unit can be changed so as to correspond to any one of the changes. For example, when the control unit performs adjustment control to increase or decrease the intensity of energization to the skin between the roller units based on the operation of the user, at the same time, for the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit and the irradiation intensity of the light, adjustment control is also performed so that the direction of change is the same as that of the intensity of energization to enhance the synergistic effect. Conversely, for the temperature of the outer peripheral portion of the roller unit and the irradiation intensity of the light, adjustment control is performed so that the direction of change is different from that of the intensity of energization. When the stimulation by energization becomes large, the temperature and the irradiation intensity of the light are suppressed to reduce the burden on the skin, while when the stimulation by energization becomes small, the temperature and the irradiation intensity of the light are increased to compensate for the reduction in the effect of the stimulation by energization by other means.

[0119] Regarding a beauty device different from the above-described embodiment, the overall external appearance (design) is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 show another beauty device. FIG. 12(a) is a front view, FIG. 12(b) is a rear view, FIG. 12(c) is a plan view, FIG. 12(d) is a bottom view, FIG. 12(e) is a left side view, and FIG. 12(f) is a right side view. Further, FIG. 13(a) is a first perspective view and FIG. 13(b) is a second perspective view.

[0120] The beauty device shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is a beauty instrument for skin care that has functions of supplying a weak electric current to the skin to electrically penetrate a liquid agent (such as lotion), electrically removing dirt on the skin, and applying a stimulus based on the stimulation caused by energizing the skin and the temperature difference to the skin. This beauty device has a form corresponding to that in which the roller parts 13 and 14 and the roller support part 12 in the first embodiment are disposed on the back side of the main body part 10. Also in this beauty device, similarly to the first embodiment, a light source part can be provided around the roller part and the roller support part.

Explanation of Signs

[0121] 1 Beauty device 10 Main body part 10a Gripping part 10b Auxiliary electrode part 11 Operation part 11a, 11b, 11c Switches 12 Tilting arm part 12a, 12b Electrode parts 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f First conductive parts 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j Second conductive parts 13, 14 Roller parts (first stimulus applying parts) 13a, 14a Outer peripheral parts 13b, 14b Contact parts 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d Shaft parts 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f Cylindrical contact parts 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h Core parts 15 Light source part (second stimulus applying part) 16 Heat source part 16a Heating element 16b Sensor part 17 Head part (third stimulus applying part) 17a Holding part 17b Porous covering 19 Control part 70 Skin

Claims

1. In a beauty device comprising a main body held by a user and a stimulation applying part disposed integrally with the main body and capable of applying a predetermined stimulation related to beauty to the skin of the user, two roller parts as a first stimulation applying part, which are formed of a substantially cylindrical body or a substantially columnar body made of a material having conductivity at least on the outer peripheral part, and are rotatably disposed in a state where the outer peripheral part can contact the skin of the user; a control part electrically connected to the roller part and capable of at least controlling an energized state through the body of the user between the two roller parts; a heat source part for heating or cooling the outer peripheral part by energization is disposed inside the roller part; the heat source part is configured such that the energized state is controlled to change the heating or cooling state of the outer peripheral part of the roller part, and the temperature of the outer peripheral part of the roller part can be adjusted; the roller part is capable of applying a stimulation by energization to the skin between the contact parts of the two roller parts on the skin of the user, and changes to a predetermined temperature by heating or cooling by the heat source part, and is configured to be capable of at least one of applying a stimulation based on a temperature difference to the skin at the contact part of the roller part and suppressing the stimulation based on the temperature difference by reducing the temperature difference between the skin temperature; the roller part is rotatably attached to a roller support part provided on the main body part at intervals from each other; a first electrode part related to energization stimulation electrically connected to the control part protrudes from a part of the roller support part facing the roller part; the roller part is provided with an annular first contact part electrically connected to the outer peripheral part of the roller part on an end face in the rotation center axis direction; the first electrode part is in contact with the first contact part of the roller part and is configured to be electrically conductive A beauty device characterized by the above.

2. In the beauty device according to claim 1, the roller part has shaft parts protruding from both end faces in the rotation center axis direction, and the shaft parts are pivotally supported by the roller support part; at least a part of the shaft part is formed of a material having conductivity and is electrically connected to the heat source part; a conductive part electrically connected to the control part and in contact with the shaft part of the roller part is disposed on the roller support part A beauty device characterized by the above.

3. In the beauty device according to claim 1, the roller part is provided with a second contact part electrically connected to the heat source part on an end face in the rotation center axis direction A second electrode part related to heat source part control, which is electrically connected to the control part, protrudes from a part of the roller support part facing the roller part. The second electrode part is in contact with a second contact part of the roller part and can be electrically connected. A beauty device characterized by the above.

4. In the beauty device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above, When the control part brings the roller part into contact with the user's skin, the control part causes the heat source part to perform heating or cooling so that the temperature of the outer peripheral part of the roller part approaches the skin temperature. A beauty device characterized by the above.

5. In the beauty device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 above, It is provided with a light source part as a second stimulation imparting part that can irradiate light of a predetermined wavelength toward the user's skin. When the light source part comes into contact with the user's skin along with the contact of the roller part, at the same time as a stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller part and the skin is imparted to the skin, or at a timing that is shifted from the imparting by a predetermined time, light is irradiated onto the skin of the part of the skin in contact with the roller part or the skin located in the vicinity of the skin. A beauty device characterized by the above.

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