Skin treatment device

Abstract

To realize a connection structure which is so made as to be a detachable structure between a head part and a body part, and can supply electrical energy and so on from the body part to the head part.SOLUTION: A skin treatment device comprises: a body part; a contact part capable of contacting a target area of a user; a head part for displaceably supporting the contact part; a mechanical connection structure which mechanically connects the body part and the head part detachably; and electrical connection means for electrically connecting the body part and the contact part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a skin treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] A skin treatment device in the form of an electric shaver provided with an ion introduction device in a head portion is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, while a detachable structure between the head portion and the main body portion can be achieved, a connection structure that can supply electrical energy or the like from the main body portion to the head portion cannot be realized, leaving room for improvement in convenience and the like.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to realize a connection structure that can supply electrical energy or the like from the main body portion to the head portion while having a detachable structure between the head portion and the main body portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a skin treatment device including a main body portion, a contact portion that can contact a target site of a user, a head portion that supports the contact portion so as to be displaceable, a mechanical connection structure that mechanically connects the main body portion and the head portion detachably, and electrical connection means that electrically connects the main body portion and the contact portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, a connection structure can be realized that allows for the supply of electrical energy and other signals from the main body to the head unit, while maintaining a detachable structure between the head unit and the main body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view showing an example of an electric shaver according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred example of the heating means according to Example 1. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the electrical system in the main body according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the principle of the heating effect according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the control unit according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart showing another example of the processing performed by the control unit according to Example 1. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the entire head unit according to Example 1. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the head section according to Example 1. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the main holder portion alone according to Example 1. [Figure 9] Figures 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams (part 1) illustrating the heating effect of electric shavers. [Figure 10] Figures 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams (part 2) illustrating the heating effect of electric shavers. [Figure 11] Figures 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams (part 3) illustrating the heating effect of electric shavers. [Figure 12] This is a schematic plan view of the film heater according to Example 1. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the wiring structure in the head unit according to Example 1. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of the wiring structure in the head unit according to Example 1. [Figure 15] Perspective view showing the held portion of the base according to Example 1. [Figure 16] Perspective view of the head portion of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 17] Another perspective view of the head portion of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 18] Perspective view of the base of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 19] Explanatory drawing of the wiring structure of this example according to Example 2. [Figure 19A] Perspective view from below of the frame portion according to Example 2. [Figure 20] Perspective view of the electrical connection structure of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 21] Enlarged perspective view of the characteristic portion of the shaver holder according to Example 2. [Figure 22] Perspective view showing the arrangement of the light irradiation portion etc. of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 23] Explanatory drawing of the method of removing the cutter unit of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 24] Perspective view of the frame portion of the electric shaver according to Example 2. [Figure 25] Perspective view showing the connection portion between the head portion and the main body portion from below according to Example 2. [Figure 26] Perspective view of the connection site of the main body portion according to Example 2. [Figure 26A] Another perspective view of the connection site of the main body portion according to Example 2. [Figure 27] Perspective view of the connection site of the head portion according to Example 2. [Figure 28] Perspective view showing the second connecting means according to Example 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, each example will be described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Example 1] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of an electric shaver 1, which is one form of the skin treatment device according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, "user" refers to the user of the electric shaver 1, and "user's target area" refers to any area that the electric shaver 1 can contact, typically corresponding to an area where hair to be shaved is present. Furthermore, hereafter, "hair removal efficiency" refers to the hair removal efficiency of shaving by the electric shaver 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the electric shaver 1 includes a main body 10 and a head 20.

[0012] The main unit 10 houses the electric motor 11 and the battery 12. The electric motor 11 is the power source that drives the electric shaver 1 and operates based on power from the battery 12. The electric motor 11 may be implemented as a magnetic linear motor or the like. The battery 12 is an externally rechargeable battery and functions as an internal power source. In a modified example, the electric motor 11 may be powered by an external power source instead of or in addition to the internal battery 12.

[0013] The main unit 10 may be provided with a user interface 15 that allows the user to input various information to the electric shaver 1. The user interface 15 may include mechanical buttons, touch switches, etc. The main unit 10 may also be provided with a trimmer (not shown).

[0014] The head unit 20 is shaped to be able to contact the user's target area. The head unit 20 may be detachably attached to the main unit 10. If the head unit 20 is detachably attached to the main unit 10, cleaning of the head unit 20 becomes easier.

[0015] The head portion 20 may be supported so as to be displaceable relative to the main body portion 10. When the head portion 20 is displaceable relative to the main body portion 10, it becomes easier to bring the head portion 20 into close contact with the user's target area, and the hair removal efficiency can be effectively increased. The head portion 20 may be displaceable with a variety of degrees of freedom relative to the main body portion 10. For example, the head portion 20 may be supported relative to the main body portion 10 via a shaft member 13, in which case the head portion 20 may be tiltable or rotatable within a predetermined angular range around any direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft member 13. A ball joint may be used as the connection structure between the head portion 20 and the main body portion 10.

[0016] The head portion 20 is provided with a cutter unit 21 and a heating means 22.

[0017] The cutter unit 21 is provided on the head portion 20 so as to contact the target area of ​​the user when the head portion 20 is in contact with the target area of ​​the user. In other words, the cutter unit 21 forms the portion of the head portion 20 that contacts the target area of ​​the user. In normal use for shaving, the portion of the head portion 20 that contacts the target area of ​​the user may be only the cutter unit 21.

[0018] The cutter unit 21 is electrically powered by an electric motor 11. The cutter unit 21 has blades capable of cutting hair when in operation (driven). Therefore, when the cutter unit 21 operates with the head unit 20 in contact with the user's target area, any hair present in that target area is cut by the cutter unit 21 (i.e., shaving is achieved).

[0019] The cutter unit 21 can be electrically powered, and its movement can be arbitrary. For example, the cutter unit 21 may be rotary, vibrating (linear vibration), or a combination of these.

[0020] The heating means 22 heats the user's target area that the cutter unit 21 contacts. By heating the user's target area that the cutter unit 21 contacts, the heating means 22 can help bring the condition of the user's target area (especially the condition of the hair) to a state suitable for shaving. For example, the heating means 22 achieves the same effect as when the target area is warmed with a steamed towel. Hereinafter, this effect of the heating means 22 will also be referred to as the "heating effect".

[0021] The heating means 22 operates based on power from the battery 12. That is, the power supply voltage for the heating means 22 is generated based on the battery 12. In a modified version, the heating means 22 may be operated by an external power source instead of or in addition to the internal battery 12.

[0022] The heating means 22 can be any configuration that can heat the target area, and may include, for example, a heating element that generates heat by passing a direct current through it (e.g., a heating wire). In this case, the heating means 22 may be in the form of a film heater or a nichrome wire heater.

[0023] Alternatively, the heating means 22 may be a means of applying high frequency to the target area using a pair of electrodes 221 as described later. Furthermore, the heating means 22 may be implemented by a means of irradiating the target area with radio waves such as microwaves (very high frequency waves).

[0024] The heating means 22 is preferably provided over a relatively wide area of ​​the head portion 20 so as to heat a relatively wide area of ​​the target portion when the head portion 20 is in contact with the user's target portion. In this case, the heating means 22 may be arranged to occupy most of the portion of the head portion 20 that contacts the user's target portion, excluding the cutter unit 21. For example, the heating means 22 may be provided so as to surround the cutter unit 21.

[0025] The heating means 22 is preferably provided on the head portion 20 in a manner that does not hinder the adhesion between the cutter unit 21 and the target portion. For example, the heating means 22 may be configured to be slightly offset towards the main body portion 10 relative to the cutter unit 21 (see Δ1 in Figure 1). This reduces the possibility that the heating means 22 may cause a decrease in the adhesion between the cutter unit 21 and the target portion.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred example of the heating means 22. Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the electrical system in the main body 10. Figure 2 also shows the electrical connection configuration between the heating means 22 and the control unit 300. Wiring is schematically shown with solid lines. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the principle of the heating effect and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the electric field (high-frequency current) generated at the target area 900 when a high-frequency voltage is applied. Figure 3 schematically shows three hairs 901 at the target area 900 along with the pair of electrodes 221. Also in Figure 3, the electric field generated at the target area 900 by the application of a high-frequency voltage is schematically shown by the dotted line E.

[0027] The heating means 22 preferably includes a pair of electrodes 221, as shown in Figure 2, and applies a high-frequency voltage to the user's target area 900 via the pair of electrodes 221. In this case, a high-frequency electric field is formed in the target area 900 via the pair of electrodes 221, and heating by dielectric heating and / or Joule heating is achieved in the target area 900.

[0028] When using such a heating means 22, the electric field related to high frequency can act on relatively deep parts of the target area 900 (closer to the hair follicles than the surface). Therefore, it effectively opens the hair follicles and also transfers heat to the hair roots, softening the hair 901. By performing heating based on the application of high frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes 221 in this way, it becomes easier to efficiently bring the user's target area 900 (especially the hair condition) to a state suitable for shaving, compared to using a heating element that generates heat by passing a direct current. In other words, the heating effect can be efficiently enhanced.

[0029] Furthermore, if the heating means 22 includes a pair of electrodes 221, one of the electrodes 221 may be realized by a component forming the cutter unit 21 (as described later, the outer blade portion 2131).

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 2, the pair of electrodes 221 on the head unit 20 are electrically connected to the control unit 300 (and a battery 12, not shown in Figure 2) on the main unit 10 via an electrical connection between the electrical contact 19 on the main unit 10 and the electrical contact 29 on the head unit 20. In this case, there is no need to place the control unit 300 or a battery (for example, a battery other than battery 12) on the head unit 20 side, so the head unit 20 can be cleaned. Note that the electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of electrodes 221.

[0031] The electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be arranged, for example, at the connection point between the head portion 20 and the main body portion 10. For example, the electrical contact 19 on the main body portion 10 may be provided at or near the holding portion of the main body portion 10 that detachably holds the head portion 20, and the electrical contact 29 on the head portion 20 may be provided at or near the held portion of the head portion 20. In this case, when the head portion 20 is connected (attached) to the main body portion 10, the electrical contacts 19 and 29 are electrically connected, and when the head portion 20 is detached from the main body portion 10, they are electrically disconnected.

[0032] Furthermore, the electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be located elsewhere than the connection portion between the head portion 20 and the main body portion 10 (away from the holding portion described above). For example, the electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be realized by magnetic contacts that make contact when the head portion 20 is connected to (attached to) the main body portion 10. Alternatively, the energization between the electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be realized by contactless energization. Alternatively, the electrical contact 19 may be omitted, and the electrical contact 29 may be connectable to an external power supply. In this case, the electrical connection between the electrical contact 29 and the external power supply may be realized by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection or the like.

[0033] In this embodiment, the control unit 300 may be electrically connected to the battery 12 in parallel with the electric motor 11, as shown in Figure 2A. In this way, the heating means 22 can be operated using the power from the battery 12, which is the power source for the electric motor 11. In Figure 2A, the switch SW is a hair shaving switch (an element of the user interface 15) that turns on the electric motor 11.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the control unit 300.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 4, the heating means 22 always operates in conjunction with the operation of the cutter unit 21. Specifically, when the hair shaving switch (not shown) is turned on (YES in step S400), power is supplied to the electric motor 11 and the control unit 300. In this case, when the cutter unit 21 is rotated by the operation of the electric motor 11, the control unit 300 starts applying a high-frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes 221 related to the heating means 22 (step S402). In this case, the user can operate the heating means 22 when shaving with the cutter unit 21 without performing any special operation on the heating means 22, resulting in good operability. When the hair shaving switch (not shown) is turned off (YES in step S404), the power supply from the battery 12 is cut off, and the electric motor 11 and the heating means 22 stop. That is, when the electric motor 11 stops, the cutter unit 21 stops, and the application of high-frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes 221 related to the heating means 22 stops.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 4, the heating means 22 starts operating at substantially the same time as the electric motor 11 starts operating. However, a significant delay may be set between the start timing of the electric motor 11 and the start timing of the heating means 22. For example, the start timing of the heating means 22 may be significantly earlier than the start timing of the electric motor 11 so that shaving is achieved in the target area after heating.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart showing another example of processing performed by the control unit 300.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 5, the heating means 22 can operate independently of the operation of the cutter unit 21. Specifically, in step S500, the control unit 300 determines whether the conditions for starting the operation of the heating means 22 have been met. The conditions for starting the operation of the heating means 22 are arbitrary and can be diverse. For example, the conditions for starting the operation of the heating means 22 may be met by turning on a heating switch (not shown). In such a configuration, if the heating switch (not shown) is provided separately from the shaving switch (see switch SW in Figure 2A), the heating means 22 can operate independently of the electric motor 11 which is activated when the shaving switch is turned on.

[0039] When the control unit 300 starts operating the heating means 22 after the conditions for starting operation of the heating means 22 are met (YES in step S500), it then determines whether or not the conditions for ending operation of the heating means 22 have been met (step S502). The conditions for ending operation of the heating means 22 are arbitrary and can be diverse. For example, the conditions for ending operation of the heating means 22 may be met by turning off a heating switch (not shown). When the conditions for ending operation of the heating means 22 are met (YES in step S504), the control unit 300 stops applying high-frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes 221 related to the heating means 22 (step S506).

[0040] Alternatively, other embodiments may have a variety of operating modes. For example, the multiple operating modes may include a hair shaving-only mode in which only the electric motor 11 operates, a hair shaving and heating mode in which both the electric motor 11 and the heating means 22 operate, and a heating-only mode in which only the heating means 22 operates.

[0041] In other embodiments, the head unit 20 may also be equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating means 22 or a target area. In this case, the control unit 300 may control the heating means 22 based on temperature information from the temperature sensor. For example, the control unit 300 may control the heating means 22 so that the temperature indicated by the temperature information from the temperature sensor matches a predetermined target value. In this case, the predetermined target value may be constant, one of several levels may be selectable by the user, or it may be adjustable (customizable) by the user.

[0042] In other embodiments, a current sensor may be provided on the head portion 20 or the main body portion 10. In this case, if the temperature or current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the degree of heating by the heating means 22 may be reduced or the heating may be stopped. Conversely, if it falls below another threshold, the degree of heating by the heating means 22 may be increased. The temperature sensor or current sensor may also be capable of detecting when foreign matter adheres to the head portion 20, and if the desired improvement in skin texture cannot be obtained, the operation of the electric shaver 1 may be reduced or stopped.

[0043] In other embodiments, the head unit 20 may be equipped with a contact or proximity sensor to detect contact or proximity with a target area, in which case the control unit 300 may control the heating means 22 based on sensor information from the contact or proximity sensor. For example, the control unit 300 may activate the heating means 22 only when the sensor information from the contact or proximity sensor indicates contact or proximity between the head unit 20 and the target area.

[0044] In this embodiment, since the heating means 22 is provided in the head portion 20, a configuration that can communicate the operating status of the heating means 22 to the user may be useful. In particular, in a configuration where the heating means 22 and the electric motor 11 can operate independently of each other, as shown in Figure 5, it is convenient to be able to communicate the operating status of the heating means 22 to the user.

[0045] Therefore, in this embodiment, the head unit 20 may be provided with a light irradiation unit 70 (see Figure 1). The light irradiation unit 70 may be configured to irradiate light for information transmission. For example, if there are multiple operating modes as described above with reference to Figure 5, the light irradiation unit 70 may emit light in a different color for each operating mode. The light irradiation unit 70 may be realized by a light-emitting diode or the like. Furthermore, the light irradiation unit 70 may be configured to provide light stimulation to the skin according to the frequency of the irradiated light, and may be positioned so that the user can visually observe the condition of the skin being treated by irradiating it with visible light.

[0046] Alternatively, the light irradiation unit 70 may function as a heating means separate from the heating means 22. Alternatively, the light irradiation unit 70 may irradiate light at a frequency that acts to damage the hair follicles. In this case, the on / off switch and output when the light irradiation unit 70 is on may be adjustable (customizable) by the user.

[0047] Next, an example of the head unit 20 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 6 and subsequent figures.

[0048] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the entire head unit 20, and Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the head unit 20. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the main holder unit 231 alone. Figures 6 to 8 show three orthogonal axes (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) in a right-handed coordinate system.

[0049] In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the head portion 20 includes a cutter unit 21 and a heating means 22, and three sets of the cutter unit 21 and heating means 22 are provided. In modified examples, the number of sets may be other than three (for example, one set, two sets, or four or more sets). In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the pairs of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 are formed by an outer blade portion 2131 and a frame portion 224, as will be described later. The electrical connection between the three sets of heating means 22 and the control unit 300 (and battery 12) may be achieved by electrical contacts 19 and 29 as shown in Figure 2. In this case, six sets of electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be provided for the total of six electrodes 221 related to the three sets of heating means 22, but preferably two sets of electrical contacts 19 and 29 are provided. In the case of two sets of electrical contacts 19 and 29, the six electrodes 221 related to the three sets of heating means 22 operate in common. In this case, the electrical contact structure between the main body 10 and the head unit 20 can be simplified.

[0050] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the head portion 20 includes a base portion 230, a main holder portion 231 (an example of a holder portion), and a shaver holder 232. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the shaver holder 232, along with the frame portion 224 described later, is provided in three sets, corresponding to three sets of cutter units 21. In Figure 6, only one of the three sets is shown disassembled from the main holder portion 231. Each of the three sets may have the same configuration, and unless otherwise specified, any one set will be described below.

[0051] The base portion 230 can be detachably connected to the main body portion 10 (see Figure 1). As described above, the base portion 230 may be supported relative to the main body portion 10 in such a manner that the head portion 20 is displaceable relative to the main body portion 10.

[0052] The base portion 230 has a rotating shaft portion 2301 that rotates in conjunction with the rotation from the electric motor 11. A rotating shaft portion 2301 may be provided for each cutter unit 21. Therefore, in the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, three rotating shaft portions 2301 are provided. Each of the rotating shaft portions 2301 may be connected to a shaft member 13 (see Figure 1) that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft of the electric motor 11 via a power transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear, so as to be able to transmit power.

[0053] The main holder portion 231 holds the cutter unit 21 and the frame portion 224 via the shaver holder 232. The main holder portion 231 has an opening 2310 in which the shaver holder 232 is positioned.

[0054] The main holder portion 231 is attached to the base portion 230. The main holder portion 231 may be fixed to the base portion 230, but preferably it is detachably supported or openable relative to the base portion 230. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the main holder portion 231 is supported so as to be rotatable (openable and closable) around the opening / closing axis 2302 of the base portion 230. In this case, the main holder portion 231 can be opened and closed relative to the base portion 230 by rotating around the opening / closing axis 2302. The closed state of the main holder portion 231 is the normal usage state, and the open state of the main holder portion 231 may be achieved to remove hair (cut hair) that may accumulate between the main holder portion 231 and the base portion 230.

[0055] The shaver holder 232 is formed of, for example, resin. The shaver holder 232 holds the cutter unit 21 and the frame portion 224. The shaver holder 232 may have a stopper portion 2321 that restricts the movement of the cutter unit 21 toward the negative side in the Y direction.

[0056] As can be seen in Figure 6, the shaver holder 232 is attached to the main holder portion 231. The shaver holder 232 may be fixed integrally with the main holder portion 231, but preferably it is supported so as to be displaceable relative to the main holder portion 231. This makes it easier to bring the cutter unit 21 into close contact with the user's target area, and effectively increases the hair removal efficiency. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, as shown in Figure 8, the main holder portion 231 has a rotating shaft support portion 2314 that extends in one direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft portion 2301, and supports the shaver holder 232 so as to be rotatable around the rotating shaft support portion 2314.

[0057] In this embodiment, the cutter unit 21 is supported on the main holder portion 231 via the shaver holder 232 as described above. The cutter unit 21 includes an outer blade portion 2131 and a rotary inner blade portion 2132, as shown in Figure 7.

[0058] The outer blade portion 2131 has a contact surface portion 21311 on the positive side in the Y direction that can contact the target area. Multiple fine holes are formed in the contact surface portion 21311 into which hair can enter, and the edges of these holes form the outer blade. The contact surface portion 21311 has the function of making hair stand up by inserting hair into the fine holes. When hair stands up, it becomes easier to cut the hair in combination with the outer blade portion 2131 and the inner blade portion 2132. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the outer blade portion 2131 has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 21312, and the positive side in the Y direction of the peripheral wall portion 21312 is covered by the contact surface portion 21311. The inner blade portion 2132 is housed on the inner diameter side of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 21312.

[0059] In this embodiment, the outer blade portion 2131 is a conductor and is formed from a conductive material. The outer blade portion 2131 forms one of the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 described above, with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, the contact surface portion 21311 of the outer blade portion 2131 that contacts the target portion 900 forms one of the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 described above, with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0060] The outer blade portion 2131 may be formed from one or more materials, or from two or more materials. For example, the contact surface portion 21311 may be formed from a relatively rigid conductive material such as metal, and the peripheral wall portion 21312 may be formed from an insulating material such as resin.

[0061] The inner blade section 2132 is non-rotatably connected to the rotating shaft section 2301 and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft section 2301. The inner blade section 2132 is rotationally driven by the electric motor 11 around the rotation axis of the rotating shaft section 2301. The inner blade section 2132 has a plurality of cutter blades 21321 having cutting edges. The plurality of cutter blades 21321 are arranged adjacent to the contact surface section 21311 of the outer blade section 2131 in the Y direction. In this case, when the inner blade section 2132 rotates, hairs 901 passing through holes in the contact surface section 21311 are cut by the combination of the outer blade and the cutter blades 21321 of the inner blade section 2132.

[0062] The frame portion 224 forms an electrode ring provided around the cutter unit 21. That is, the frame portion 224 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 21312 of the outer blade portion 2131. The frame portion 224 is supported by the main holder portion 231 via the shaver holder 232 as described above.

[0063] In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the frame portion 224 is a conductor and is formed from a conductive material. Specifically, the frame portion 224 forms the other electrode of the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 described above, with reference to Figures 2 and 3. That is, the frame portion 224 cooperates with the contact surface portion 21311 of the outer blade portion 2131 to form the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 described above, with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0064] By realizing the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 through the contact surface portion 21311 of the frame portion 224 and the outer blade portion 2131, a heating effect can be applied to the entire area of ​​the target portion that is in contact with the contact surface portion 21311.

[0065] The frame portion 224 is slightly spaced apart from the outer blade portion 2131 to prevent electrical short circuits between them. In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the frame portion 224 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 21312 and is spaced radially apart from the peripheral wall portion 21312. The shaver holder 232 has a ring-shaped peripheral wall 2324 that protrudes in the Y direction, and the peripheral wall 2324 is positioned radially between the frame portion 224 and the outer blade portion 2131. This ensures that electrical short circuits between the frame portion 224 and the outer blade portion 2131 are reliably prevented.

[0066] Figures 9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams of the heating effect of the electric shaver 1 according to the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, and are schematic cross-sectional views showing only the tip portion of the electric shaver 1 (the tip portion on the positive Y-direction side) in relation to the target area.

[0067] Figure 9 shows the state immediately before the head 20 of the electric shaver 1 comes into contact with the target area 900. In the example shown in Figure 9, the target area 900 has many hairs 901 to be shaved, and shaving gel 902 has been applied to it. Shaving foam, lotion, or similar products may be used instead of shaving gel 902. By using shaving gel 902, the heating effect caused by applying high-frequency voltage can be efficiently enhanced. In addition, the pores open, and moisture penetrates into and around the pores, softening the hairs 901 and making them easier to shave (i.e., reducing missed spots). Furthermore, the penetration of moisture into the target area 900 can suppress so-called razor burn.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the state immediately after the head portion 20 of the electric shaver 1 makes contact with the target area 900. In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the frame portion 224 is used as the outer electrode 221, and the contact surface portion 21311 is used as the inner electrode 221, and a high-frequency voltage is applied to the target area 900. In Figure 10, the path of such a high-frequency current is schematically shown by the arrow R1000.

[0069] Figure 11 shows the state after the head portion 20 of the electric shaver 1 has contacted the target area 900 and the heating means 22 has been activated. In Figure 11, the heated area is schematically shown by the hatched region R11. In this way, as shown in the examples from Figures 6 to 8, it is possible to apply the high-frequency current over the entire area in contact with the contact surface portion 21311 of the target area. As a result, the heating effect of the heating means 22 can be efficiently applied over a relatively wide area of ​​the target area. Furthermore, the electrical heating effect based on the high-frequency current from the heating means 22 is less likely to cause skin dryness compared to external heating such as heaters or light irradiation, and is expected to have a skin moisture maintenance effect.

[0070] As shown in the examples in Figures 6 to 8, the electric shaver 1, which has a configuration for heating the target area 900, can efficiently apply a heating effect over a relatively wide area of ​​the target area 900. This effectively increases the hair removal efficiency.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in the examples in Figures 6 to 8, one of the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 is realized by the outer blade portion 2131 (contact surface portion 21311), and the other of the pair of electrodes 221 is realized by the frame portion 224, so the heating means 22 can be realized with a relatively small number of parts. In other words, by utilizing the existing part, the outer blade portion 2131, the number of additional parts required to provide the heating means 22 can be reduced.

[0072] In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, one of the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 is realized by the entire contact surface portion 21311, but it may also be realized by only a part of the contact surface portion 21311.

[0073] Similarly, the other electrode 221 of the pair of electrodes 221 of the heating means 22 is realized by the entire frame 224, but may also be realized by a part of the frame 224. For example, the frame 224 may be formed by insert molding of resin and metal material. In this case, the portion of metal material forms the electrode 221.

[0074] In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the light irradiation unit 70 described above may be provided around the cutter unit 21, i.e., on the frame portion 224, with reference to Figure 1. Alternatively, the light irradiation unit 70 may be provided on the outside of the frame portion 224. Alternatively, the light irradiation unit 70 may be provided at the end of the peripheral wall 2324 on the positive side in the Y direction.

[0075] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the frame portion 224 may be provided with a film heater 240 as another heating means 22, as schematically shown in the plan view in Figure 12. In this case, the film heater 240 may be arranged on the frame portion 224 in a manner that does not interfere with the function of the frame portion 224 as an electrode 221. Alternatively, in this case, the pair of electrodes 221 may be eliminated, and the film heater 240 may function as the sole heating means 22. Even when using the film heater 240, the wiring from the battery 12 or the control unit 300 may be as described above with reference to Figure 2.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 13 and 14, an example of a wiring structure 90 in the head unit 20 applicable to the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8 will be described. Hereafter, for the purpose of distinction, (1), (2), and (3) will be added to the end of the reference numerals to distinguish each of the three cutter units 21. Note that in Figure 14, one of the cutter units 21 is shown in a removed state.

[0077] Figures 13 and 14 show an example of the wiring structure 90 in the head unit 20.

[0078] The wiring structure 90 is an electrical connection structure that realizes an electrical connection between the pair of electrical contacts 29 and the pair of electrodes 221 shown in Figure 2, and has a contact holding portion 290 that holds the pair of electrical contacts 29, as shown in Figure 14. The contact holding portion 290 is detachable from the contact holding portion on the main body portion 10 side (not shown). In this case, a magnetic contact using a magnet may be realized. When the contact holding portion 290 is attached to the contact holding portion on the main body portion 10 side, the pair of electrical contacts 29 are electrically connected to the pair of electrical contacts 19 (see Figure 2).

[0079] The wiring structure 90 includes a first wiring 91 (an example of wiring) with one end connected to one of the pair of electrical contacts 29, and a second wiring 92 with one end connected to the other of the pair of electrical contacts 29. The other end of the first wiring 91 is connected to one of the pair of electrodes 221, and the other end of the second wiring 92 is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes 221.

[0080] As shown in Figure 13, the first wiring 91 includes a first lead-out section 910 and two first connecting sections 911 and 912 (an example of wiring sections).

[0081] The first pull-out section 910 is passed through the main holder section 231 from the outside to the inside. As shown in Figure 14, one end of the first pull-out section 910 on the outside of the main holder section 231 is joined to one of the pair of electrical contacts 29, and as shown in Figure 13, the other end on the inside is joined to the outer blade section 2131 of a cutter unit 21(1). The first pull-out section 910 may be joined to the lower side (negative side in the Y direction) of the outer blade section 2131.

[0082] As shown in Figure 13, one end of the first connecting portion 911 is joined to the outer blade portion 2131 of one cutter unit 21(1), and the other end is joined to the outer blade portion 2131 of the other cutter unit 21(2). In this way, the outer blade portion 2131 of one cutter unit 21(1) and the outer blade portion 2131 of the other cutter unit 21(2) are electrically connected via the first connecting portion 911.

[0083] As shown in Figure 13, one end of the first connecting portion 912 is joined to the outer blade portion 2131 of another cutter unit 21(2), and the other end is joined to the outer blade portion 2131 of yet another cutter unit 21(3). In this way, the outer blade portion 2131 of the other cutter unit 21(2) and the outer blade portion 2131 of yet another cutter unit 21(3) are electrically connected via the first connecting portion 912.

[0084] In this way, the first wiring 91 electrically connects one of the pair of electrical contacts 29 to the outer blade portion 2131 of each of the three cutter units 21 that form one of the pair of electrodes 221, via the first lead portion 910 and the two first connecting portions 911 and 912. This allows the three cutter units 21 that form one of the pair of electrodes 221 to be energized simultaneously via one of the pair of electrical contacts 29.

[0085] Similarly, the second wiring 92 includes a second lead-out section 920 and two second connecting sections 921 and 922.

[0086] The second pull-out section 920 is passed through the main holder section 231 from the outside to the inside. As shown in Figure 14, one end of the second pull-out section 920 on the outside of the main holder section 231 is joined to one of the pair of electrical contacts 29, and as shown in Figure 13, the other end on the inside is joined to the frame section 224 around one cutter unit 21(3). The second pull-out section 920 may be joined to the lower side (negative side in the Y direction) of the frame section 224.

[0087] As shown in Figure 13, one end of the second connecting portion 921 is joined to the frame portion 224 around one cutter unit 21(3), and the other end is joined to the frame portion 224 around the other cutter unit 21(2). In this way, the frame portion 224 around one cutter unit 21(3) and the frame portion 224 around the other cutter unit 21(2) are electrically connected via the second connecting portion 921.

[0088] As shown in Figure 13, one end of the second connecting portion 922 is joined to the frame portion 224 around another cutter unit 21(2), and the other end is joined to the frame portion 224 around yet another cutter unit 21(1). In this way, the frame portion 224 around the other cutter unit 21(2) and the frame portion 224 around yet another cutter unit 21(1) are electrically connected via the second connecting portion 922.

[0089] In this way, the second wiring 92 electrically connects the other end of the pair of electrical contacts 29 to each of the three frame portions 224 that form the other end of the pair of electrodes 221 via the second lead portion 920 and the two second connecting portions 921 and 922. This allows the three frame portions 224 that form the other end of the pair of electrodes 221 to be energized simultaneously via the other end of the pair of electrical contacts 29.

[0090] Incidentally, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, as described above, each cutter unit 21 is supported so as to be displaceable relative to the main holder portion 231, and can be displaced relative to the main holder portion 231 according to the shape of the target portion 900 when the electric shaver 1 is in use.

[0091] Accordingly, in the wiring structure 90 shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first lead-out portion 910 of the first wiring 91 is preferably configured to maintain contact with one of the pair of electrodes 221 even when the cutter unit 21 is displaced relative to the main holder portion 231. Specifically, the lead-out portion 910 of the first wiring 91 preferably has a moderate degree of looseness and flexibility that can absorb the displacement of the cutter unit 21(1) relative to the main holder portion 231. For example, the first lead-out portion 910 may be made of a wire consisting of a single wire or stranded wire, a flat cable, a conductive spring, etc. This ensures that even when the cutter unit 21(1) is displaced to match the unevenness of the target area 900 during use of the electric shaver 1, the skin of the target area 900 can be heated stably.

[0092] Similarly, in the wiring structure 90 shown in Figures 13 and 14, the first connecting portion 911 of the first wiring 91 is preferably configured to maintain a connection state with one of the pair of electrodes 221 at both ends of the first connecting portion 911, even when the two cutter units 21 are displaced independently from each other relative to the main holder portion 231. Specifically, the first connecting portion 911 of the first wiring 91 preferably has a moderate looseness and flexibility that can absorb the independent displacement of the two cutter units 21 relative to the main holder portion 231. For example, the first connecting portion 911 may be made of a wire consisting of a single wire or stranded wire, a flat cable, a conductive spring, etc. This allows the skin of the target area 900 to be heated stably even when the two cutter units 21(1) and (2) are displaced independently from each other to match the unevenness of the target area 900 when the electric shaver 1 is in use. The same applies to the first connecting portion 912.

[0093] Unlike the cutter unit 21, the frame portion 224 is not displaceable relative to the main holder portion 231, so the second wiring 92 may have a configuration that is relatively less loose or less flexible.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in the examples in Figures 13 and 14, by having first connecting sections 911, 912 and second connecting sections 921, 922, an efficient wiring structure 90 can be realized for the pair of electrodes 221 provided in correspondence with each of the three cutter units 21, even in a head section 20 having three cutter units 21.

[0095] In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, the pair of electrical contacts 29 on the head portion 20 are held in a contact holding portion 290 separate from the connection portion between the head portion 20 and the main body portion 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, the pair of electrical contacts 29 on the head portion 20 may be provided in the connection portion between the head portion 20 and the main body portion 10, as described above. For example, the pair of electrical contacts 29 on the head portion 20 may be provided in the held portion 2304 of the base portion 230 as shown in Figure 15. In this case, the first lead portion 910 of the first wiring 91 and the second lead portion 920 of the second wiring 92 may be led to the base portion 230 using a rotating shaft portion 2301 or the like. In this case, a part of the first lead portion 910 of the first wiring 91 and a part of the second lead portion 920 of the second wiring 92 may be realized by a conductor portion that may be embedded in the base portion 230 by insert molding or the like.

[0096] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, a portion of the first wiring 91 and a portion of the second wiring 92 may be realized by conductors that are embedded in the main holder portion 231 by insert molding or the like.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first wiring 91 and / or the second wiring 92 may be made of stainless steel wire. Also, the surface of the first wiring 91 and / or the second wiring 92 may be plated with nickel or zinc. In addition, by applying nickel plating, which has low electrical resistance, to the surface of stainless steel, which has high electrical resistance and is resistant to corrosion due to the passivation film, the first wiring 91 and / or the second wiring 92 can be made rust-resistant and electrically conductive. Furthermore, since it can conduct electricity while being washable with water, it is easy to design. Similarly, the electrical contacts 19 and / or electrical contacts 29 may also be plated with stainless steel. The surface material of the first wiring 91 and / or the second wiring 92 and the electrical contacts 19 and / or electrical contacts 29 may be the same material, such as nickel. This prevents deterioration due to corrosion due to contact between dissimilar metals.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an insulating coating may be provided on the surface of the first wiring 91 and the second wiring 92 to prevent them from coming into contact and short-circuiting, or the distance between the wirings may be increased. Walls may also be provided between the wirings to increase the creepage distance while allowing the entire head portion 20 to be made smaller.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insulation resistance of the first wiring 91 and / or the second wiring 92 may be arranged to be greater than the insulation resistance between the frame 224 and the outer blade 2131. For example, the distance between them may be increased. This makes it easier for current to flow between the frame 224 and the outer blade 2131, even when the space between the first wiring 91 and the second wiring 92, and between the frame 224 and the outer blade 2131 is filled with a liquid such as water or a conductive material such as gel. For example, by arranging the insulation resistance of the first wiring 91 and the second wiring 92 to be 1 megaohm or more when dry and 100 ohms or more when filled with gel, it is possible to ensure high-frequency skin heating while keeping the battery 12 compact.

[0100] [Example 2] Next, with reference to Figure 16 and subsequent figures, a suitable alternative to the above-described Example 1, Example 2, will be described. In the following description and figures of Example 2, components that may be the same as those in Example 1 may be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. Also, in the following description, when the electric shaver 1A is in use, the side of the head 20A closer to the user's skin (i.e., the positive side in the Y direction) may be referred to as the "upper side," and the opposite side, i.e., the side further from the skin (the negative side in the Y direction), may be referred to as the "lower side."

[0101] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the head portion 20A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment, showing the cutter unit 21A and shaver holder 232A in a disassembled state. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the head portion 20A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment, showing one cutter unit 21A and shaver holder 232A removed, and showing one cutter unit 21A and shaver holder 232A in a cross-sectional view. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the base portion 230A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the wiring structure 90A of this embodiment, a perspective view from the bottom side of the head portion 20A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment. In Figure 19, the base portion 230 is shown removed. Figure 19A is a perspective view from the bottom side of the frame portion 224A, also showing a part of the wiring structure 90A. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the electrical connection structure of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment. Figure 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the characteristic parts of the shaver holder 232A. Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the light irradiation section 70A and other components of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram of how to remove the cutter unit 21A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the cutter unit retaining ring 223A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment.

[0102] In this embodiment as well, similar to the embodiment described above, the main holder portion 231A of the head portion 20A pivotably holds the cutter unit 21A and the frame portion 224A via the shaver holder 232A. Specifically, in this embodiment as well, the shaver holder 232A rotatably supports the cutter unit 21A so that the cutter unit 21A can pivot relative to the head portion 20A, similar to the shaver holder 232 in the embodiment described above. That is, in this embodiment as well, the main holder portion 231A has a rotating shaft support portion 2314 (see Figure 17) (an example of a second pivot support mechanism) that extends in one direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft portion 2301 of the base portion 230A, and rotatably supports the shaver holder 232A around the rotating shaft support portion 2314.

[0103] In this embodiment, the frame portion 224A differs from the frame portion 224 in Embodiment 1 described above in that it is provided on the upper surface of the outer periphery of the shaver holder 232A. The frame portion 224A may be fixed to the shaver holder 232A by fitting, for example, or it may be integrally molded by insert molding or the like.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment as well, similar to the embodiment described above, the outer blade portion 2131 (contact surface portion 21311) and the frame portion 224A of the cutter unit 21A form a pair of electrodes 221 related to the heating means 22 (an example of an operating part).

[0105] In this embodiment, the head portion 20A houses a wiring structure 90A that enables current to be supplied to the pair of electrodes 221. The wiring structure 90A is an electrical connection structure that enables electrical connection between the pair of electrical contacts 29 and the pair of electrodes 221 shown in Figure 2.

[0106] Specifically, the wiring structure 90A includes a first wiring 91A, one end of which is connected to one of the pair of electrical contacts 29, and a second wiring 92A, one end of which is connected to the other of the pair of electrical contacts 29. The other end of the first wiring 91A is connected to one of the pair of electrodes 221, and the other end of the second wiring 92A is connected to the other of the pair of electrodes 221.

[0107] As shown in Figure 19, the first wiring 91A includes a first lead-out portion 910A and two first connecting portions 911A and 912A.

[0108] The first pull-out section 910A is positioned inside the main holder section 231A (on the side facing the base section 230A). As shown in Figure 19, one end of the first pull-out section 910A is joined to a first electrode 291A, which is electrically connected to one of the pair of electrical contacts 29. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the other end of the first pull-out section 910A is electrically connected to the outer blade section 2131 (see Figure 17) of one cutter unit 21A(1). In this case, the first pull-out section 910A may be electrically connected to a pressure plate 2134A positioned below the outer blade section 2131 of one cutter unit 21A(1) via an energizing spring 94A (described later).

[0109] As shown in Figure 19, one end of the first connecting section 911A is electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 of one cutter unit 21A(1) via an energizing spring 94A (described later), and the other end is electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 of the other cutter unit 21A(2) via an energizing spring 94A (described later). In this way, the outer blade portion 2131 of one cutter unit 21A(1) and the outer blade portion 2131 of the other cutter unit 21A(2) are electrically connected via the first connecting section 911A.

[0110] As shown in Figure 19, one end of the first connecting portion 912A is electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 of another cutter unit 21A(2) via an energizing spring 94A (described later), and the other end is electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 of yet another cutter unit 21A(3) via an energizing spring 94A (described later). In this way, the outer blade portion 2131 of the other cutter unit 21A(2) and the outer blade portion 2131 of yet another cutter unit 21A(3) are electrically connected via the first connecting portion 912A.

[0111] In this way, the first wiring 91A electrically connects one of the pair of electrical contacts 29 to the outer blade portion 2131 of each of the three cutter units 21A that form one of the pair of electrodes 221, via the first lead portion 910A and the two first connecting portions 911A and 912A. As a result, the three cutter units 21A that form one of the pair of electrodes 221 can be energized simultaneously via one of the pair of electrical contacts 29.

[0112] Similarly, the second wiring 92A includes a second lead-out section 920A and two second connecting sections 921A and 922A.

[0113] The second extension portion 920A is positioned inside the main holder portion 231A (on the side facing the base portion 230A). As shown in Figure 19, one end of the second extension portion 920A is joined to a second electrode 292A, which is electrically connected to the other end of a pair of electrical contacts 29. Also, as shown in Figure 19, the other end of the second extension portion 920A is electrically connected to a frame portion 224A around one cutter unit 21A(3). In this case, as shown in Figure 19A, the second extension portion 920A may be electrically connected to an electrode portion 940 positioned below the frame portion 224A around one cutter unit 21A(1) via an energizing spring 94B (described later).

[0114] As shown in Figure 19, one end of the second connecting section 921A is electrically connected to the frame section 224A around one cutter unit 21A(3) via an energizing spring 94B (described later), and the other end is electrically connected to the frame section 224A around the other cutter unit 21A(2) via an energizing spring 94B (described later). In this way, the frame section 224A around one cutter unit 21A(3) and the frame section 224A around the other cutter unit 21A(2) are electrically connected via the second connecting section 921A.

[0115] As shown in Figure 19, one end of the second connecting section 922A is electrically connected to the frame section 224A around another cutter unit 21A(2) via an energizing spring 94B (described later), and the other end is electrically connected to the frame section 224A around yet another cutter unit 21A(1) via an energizing spring 94B (described later). In this way, the frame section 224A around another cutter unit 21A(2) and the frame section 224A around yet another cutter unit 21A(1) are electrically connected via the second connecting section 922A.

[0116] In this way, the second wiring 92A electrically connects the other end of the pair of electrical contacts 29 to each of the three frame portions 224A that form the other end of the pair of electrodes 221, via the second lead portion 920A and the two second connecting portions 921A and 922A. As a result, the three frame portions 224A that form the other end of the pair of electrodes 221 can be energized simultaneously via the other end of the pair of electrical contacts 29.

[0117] In this embodiment as well, similar to Embodiment 1 described above, the first wiring 91A and / or the second wiring 92A may be made of stainless steel wire. Furthermore, the surface of the first wiring 91A and / or the second wiring 92A may be plated with nickel or zinc. By applying nickel plating to the surface of stainless steel, which has a passive film that makes it resistant to corrosion and high electrical resistance, the first wiring 91A and / or the second wiring 92A can be made rust-resistant and electrically conductive. Furthermore, since it can conduct electricity while being washable, it is easy to design. Similarly, the electrical contacts 19 and / or electrical contacts 29 may also be plated with stainless steel. The surface material of the first wiring 91A and / or the second wiring 92A and the electrical contacts 19 and / or electrical contacts 29 may be the same material, such as nickel. This prevents deterioration due to corrosion caused by contact between dissimilar metals.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an insulating coating may be provided on the surface of the first wiring 91A and the second wiring 92A to prevent them from coming into contact and short-circuiting, or the distance between the wirings may be increased. Walls may also be provided between the wirings to increase the creepage distance while allowing the entire head portion 20A to be made smaller.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insulation resistance of the first wiring 91A and / or the second wiring 92A may be arranged to be greater than the insulation resistance between the frame 224A and the outer blade 2131. For example, the distance between them may be increased. This makes it easier for current to flow between the frame 224A and the outer blade 2131, even when the space between the first wiring 91A and the second wiring 92A, and between the frame 224A and the outer blade 2131 is filled with a liquid such as water or a conductive material such as gel. For example, by arranging the insulation resistance of the first wiring 91A and the second wiring 92A to be 1 megaohm or more when dry and 100 ohms or more when filled with gel, it is possible to ensure high-frequency skin heating while keeping the battery 12 compact.

[0120] Here, as described above, the wiring structure 90A of this embodiment includes energizing springs 94A and 94B (an example of an expandable and contractible conductor element) at the ends of the first connecting portion 911A and the second connecting portion 921A, etc. The energizing springs 94A and 94B are in the form of coil springs and may be expandable and contractible in the direction along the rotating shaft portion 2301. One end of the energizing spring 94A is electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 of the cutter unit 21A, and the other end is electrically connected to the electrical contact 29. One end of the energizing spring 94B is electrically connected to the frame portion 224A, and the other end is electrically connected to the electrical contact 29 via a wiring spring 954A, etc., which will be described later.

[0121] Furthermore, the energizing springs 94A and 94B do not need to be in direct contact with the lower surface of the outer blade portion 2131 and the lower surface of the frame portion 224A in the cutter unit 21A; they can be electrically connected via other components (conductor members). For example, the energizing spring 94A may be electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 via a conductive pressure plate 2134A, as shown in Figure 19. The energizing spring 94B may be electrically connected to the frame portion 224A via an electrode portion 940, as described above with reference to Figure 19A.

[0122] The energizing springs 94A and 94B are configured and arranged so that they remain electrically connected to the outer blade portion 2131 and the frame portion 224A of the cutter unit 21A, regardless of the rotational state of the cutter unit 21A relative to the main holder portion 231A.

[0123] In this case, even if the shaver holder 232A rotates relative to the main holder portion 231A, the conductive springs 94A and 94B expand and contract accordingly, thereby maintaining the electrical connection between the pair of electrodes 221, which are the frame portion 224A and the outer blade portion 2131, and the conductive springs 94A and 94B. Thus, in this embodiment, even in any rotational state of the shaver holder 232A (and consequently the frame portion 224A and the outer blade portion 2131) relative to the main holder portion 231, the electrical contact 29 on the head portion 20A side and the pair of electrodes 221 (frame portion 224A and outer blade portion 2131) can be maintained.

[0124] The wiring structure 90A further includes a conductive torsion spring 950A provided around the opening / closing shaft 2302, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. The torsion springs 950A are provided in pairs, with one end of each electrically connected to the first electrode 291A and the second electrode 292A described above. The other end of the torsion springs 950A is connected to the electrical contact 29 (transmission means 294A, described later), as shown in Figure 20. With such a wiring structure 90A, as shown in Figure 19, substantially the entirety of the wiring structure 90A is located inside the head portion 20A (i.e., on the base portion 230A side of the main holder portion 231A). Therefore, when the head portion 20A is open, as shown in Figure 18, the wiring structure 90A is substantially not located on the base portion 230A. Furthermore, a member such as the contact holding portion 290 of Embodiment 1 described above, referring to Figure 14, becomes unnecessary.

[0125] Furthermore, a wiring structure 90B (partially shown in Figure 20) that supplies power to the light irradiation unit 70A and the temperature measuring means 72A, which are located in the base 230A, may be arranged inside the base 230A, as shown in Figure 22.

[0126] In this embodiment, the cutter unit retaining ring 223A is provided on the outer circumference of the cutter unit 21A. The cutter unit retaining ring 223A has the function of detachably holding the cutter unit 21A with respect to the head portion 20A. The cutter unit retaining ring 223A locks the cutter unit 21A from above by sandwiching it between the cutter unit 21A and the shaver holder 232A, in order to facilitate the arrangement of the wiring structure 90A within the main holder portion 231A. The cutter unit retaining ring 223A is positioned on the outer circumference of the cutter unit 21A (on the outer circumference of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 21312 of the outer blade portion 2131), and holds the cutter unit 21A to the shaver holder 232A from above. The cutter unit retaining ring 223A may be press-fitted onto the outer circumference of the cutter unit 21A, or it may be integrally molded by insert molding. When the cutter unit retaining ring 223A is integrated with the cutter unit 21A, it becomes easier to attach and detach the cutter unit 21A from the head portion 20A.

[0127] In conventional electric shavers, when removing the cutter unit 21A for cleaning or replacement, the cutter unit 21A is removed towards the inside of the head unit 20A. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cutter unit 21A and the energizing springs 94A and 94B that supply power to the heating means 22 are wired inside the head unit 20A (i.e., inside the main holder unit 231A) to prevent the user from accidentally touching them. When removing the cutter unit 21A from the main holder unit 231A for cleaning or replacement, it is removed outwards, not towards the inside of the main holder unit 231A where the energizing springs 94A and 94B are located (towards the base unit 230A). Therefore, the cutter unit 21A can be removed from the shaver holder 232A (and consequently from the main holder unit 231A) without opening the main holder unit 231A relative to the base unit 230A. This prevents the user's fingers or other body parts from bumping into the conductive springs 94A and 94B when attaching or detaching the cutter unit 21A, allowing the limited space inside the head unit 20A to be effectively used for arranging the conductive springs 94A and 94B. As a result, the overall size of the head unit 20A can be reduced to improve usability while achieving the aforementioned skin treatment using electrical current.

[0128] In this embodiment, the cutter unit retaining ring 223A is substantially cylindrical in shape and is configured to rotate coaxially with the cutter unit 21A. The cutter unit retaining ring 223A can also function as a means for attaching and detaching the cutter unit when removing the cutter unit 21A from the main holder 231 for cleaning or replacement. Specifically, the cutter unit retaining ring 223A is rotatable relative to the head 20A between a fixed angle in which the cutter unit 21A is fixed to the shaver holder 232A (and consequently to the head 20A) and a detachment angle in which it can be detached from the shaver holder 232A (and consequently to the head 20A). The cutter unit retaining ring 223A is also provided with a groove 2231A on its upper side (the side facing the user's skin). The groove 2231A is configured to allow rotation within the angular range between the fixed angle and the detachment angle.

[0129] In conventional electric shavers, the cutter unit attachment / detachment mechanism used for cleaning or replacing the cutter unit is located close to the cutter unit and on the inside of the head (towards the base) so that it can be attached and detached from the inside of the head. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cutter unit retaining ring 223A is cylindrical in shape and rotates coaxially with the cutter unit 21A, and securely fixes the cutter unit 21A to the top of the head 20A so that it can be attached and detached from there. Furthermore, the cutter unit retaining ring 223A has a groove 2231A on the outside (top) of the head 20A, rather than on the inside. When this groove 2231A is rotated clockwise, the cutter unit 21A is fixed, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, it is released. The cutter unit retaining ring 223A is positioned such that, when viewed from the user's skin side (upper side), the contact surface portion 21311 of the cutter unit 21A, the upper surface (working surface) of the frame portion 224A, and the cutter unit retaining ring 223A move further away in that order. As a result, while the head portion 20A is in contact with the skin, the groove portion 2231A of the cutter unit retaining ring 223A does not touch the user's skin. This allows for a useful effect on the skin via the head portion 20A while preventing the cutter unit 21A from being unintentionally attached or detached. Furthermore, because the cutter unit retaining ring 223A is cylindrical and thin, the space between the cutter unit 21A and the frame portion 224A can be narrowed, so even when electricity is passed between them, the electrical resistance is reduced, maximizing the useful effect. Therefore, the head portion 20A can be made smaller for improved usability while optimizing the effect on the skin.

[0130] Furthermore, the upper surface (working surface) of the frame portion 224A preferably has a gently curving height that moves away from the user's skin from the inside (the side in contact with the cutter unit holding ring 223A) outwards. Also, a slit 219 (see Figure 17) extends from the contact surface portion 21311 toward the side of the cutter unit 21A, guiding the user's beard into the cutter unit 21A. The slit 219 may be in the form of a linear hole into which the beard enters. The step and curvature between the contact surface portion 21311 and the upper surface of the frame portion 224A make it easier for the user's beard to be taken into the cutter unit 21, even if the user's skin has complex curves, and allow the contact surface portion 21311 and the upper surface of the frame portion 224A to be applied to a wider area of ​​skin. As a result, the head portion 20A can be made smaller to improve usability while optimizing the effect on the skin. Furthermore, more preferably, if the step difference between the contact surface portion 21311 and the upper surface of the frame portion 224A is set to 0.2 mm or more and 2 mm or less, effective shaving performance can be achieved while improving the feel against the user's skin.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cleaning means 50 in the form of a brush for cleaning the head portion 20A is provided, and a projection 52 facing the groove portion 2231A is provided on a part of the cleaning means 50 so as to rotate the cutter unit holding ring 223A from a fixed angle to a release angle.

[0132] In conventional electric shavers, a protrusion is sometimes provided on the frame to allow for easy finger placement so that the head can be attached and detached from the inside. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cleaning means 50 for cleaning the cutter unit 21A is provided with a protrusion 52 that faces the groove 2231A of the cutter unit holding ring 223A. Therefore, the cutter unit 21A can be attached to and detached from the head 20A simply by applying the protrusion 52 of the cleaning means 50 to the groove 2231A and rotating it. As a result, there is no need for a finger placement protrusion as in conventional attachment and detachment means, so the head can be designed to be smaller, resulting in improved usability.

[0133] In this embodiment, the main holder portion 231A of the head portion 20A, which rotatably supports the shaver holder 232A (and consequently the cutter unit 21A and frame portion 224A), is provided with a recess 206A on its upper surface, as shown in Figures 17 and 21. The recess 206A may have, for example, a V-shaped cross-section in side view. The recess 206A is provided between a plurality of adjacent shaver holders 232A in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation axis support portion 2314. The recess 206A allows each pair of adjacent shaver holders 232A to tilt toward the adjacent shaver holder 232A and toward the main holder portion 231A (downward). Furthermore, the recess 206A may be provided with a stopper portion 2061A to prevent excessive rotation of the shaver holder 232A (and consequently the cutter unit 21A and frame portion 224A).

[0134] In conventional electric shavers, when a shaver holder is provided on the head portion to support multiple cutter units so that multiple cutter units can swing, the shape of the shaver holder was modified so that the cutter units would come into contact with convex surfaces of the skin, such as the cheeks and chin. In other words, the shaver holder was generally designed to become thinner towards adjacent cutter units so that the surfaces of adjacent cutter units become concave. However, such a shaver holder has thin areas, making it impossible to provide electrodes for skin treatment (for example, electrodes 221 such as the frame portion 224A). That is, even if electrodes 221 can be placed in the thicker parts of the shaver holder, electrodes 221 cannot be placed in the thin parts. If the shaver holder is made thicker to allow electrodes 221 to be placed in the thin parts, the cutter units cannot be aligned with the convex surfaces of the skin, resulting in gaps and an inability to shave the beard. In contrast, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the main holder portion 231A of the head portion 20A is provided with recesses 206A on the side adjacent to each cutter unit 21A so that they can tilt into the head portion 20A, allowing heating means 22 such as electrodes 221 to be provided on the shaver holder 232A. As a result, the head portion 20A can be made smaller, improving ease of use, while achieving both effective skin treatment and effective shaving performance as described above.

[0135] Next, with reference to Figure 20 mentioned above, and Figures 25 to 27, the details of the mechanical and electrical connection structure between the head unit 20A and the main unit 10A according to this embodiment will be described. The mechanical and electrical connection structure between the head unit 20A and the main unit 10A described below can also be applied to various skin treatment devices other than the electric shaver 1A (for example, facial beauty devices). Furthermore, with reference to Figure 19, etc., the wiring structure 90A described above can also be applied to various skin treatment devices other than the electric shaver 1A (for example, facial beauty devices).

[0136] Figure 25 is a perspective view from below showing the connection between the head portion 20A and the main body portion 10A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the connection portion of the main body portion 10A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment, in which a portion of the main body portion 10A is shown cut off. Figure 26A is a perspective view of the connection portion of the main body portion 10A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment, from a different angle than Figure 26. Figure 27 is a perspective view of the connection portion of the head portion 20A of the electric shaver 1A of this embodiment, in which a portion of the head portion 20A is shown cut off. Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the second connecting means 67A.

[0137] In this embodiment, the head portion 20A is rotatably connected to the main body portion 10A by a first connecting means 66A so as to be able to swing relative to the main body portion 10A. The first connecting means 66A may be rotatably connected to the main body portion 10A in such a manner that the head portion 20A is able to rotate around two axes perpendicular to the rotation axis of the electric motor 11.

[0138] Specifically, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the first connecting means 66A includes a connecting portion 662A on the main body portion 10A side and a connected portion 664A on the head portion 20A side. As shown in Figure 27, the connecting portion 662A has a spherical concave surface 6620A formed on the upper end surface of the shaft member 13 from the electric motor 11. A reduction mechanism (not shown) or the like may be provided between the shaft member 13 and the electric motor 11. As shown in Figure 27, the connected portion 664A has a spherical convex surface 6640A formed on the lower end surface of the rotating shaft 14 for driving the cutter unit 21. When the head portion 20A is mounted on the main body portion 10A, the spherical concave surface 6620A of the connecting portion 662A is fitted into the spherical convex surface 6640A of the connected portion 664A. In this case, the rotation of the head portion 20A relative to the main body portion 10A is made possible through the sliding of the spherical surfaces between the spherical concave surface 6620A of the connecting portion 662A and the spherical convex surface 6640A of the connected portion 664A.

[0139] The connection between the connecting portion 662A and the connected portion 664A is achieved such that rotational power from the electric motor 11 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 14 (and consequently the rotating shaft portion 2301) for driving the cutter unit 21 (i.e., relative rotation around the axis of the shaft member 13 is restricted). Specifically, as shown in Figure 26, the connecting portion 662A has a non-circular outer shape (an outer shape with three corners 6621A pointing radially inward with respect to the axis of the shaft member 13) when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft member 13, thereby restricting the range of the spherical concave surface 6620A. Similarly, as shown in Figure 27, the connected portion 664A has a non-circular outer shape (an outer shape with three corners 6641A pointing radially inward with respect to the axis of the shaft member 13) when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft member 13, thereby restricting the range of the spherical convex surface 6640A.

[0140] In this embodiment, the head portion 20A is rotatably connected to the main body portion 10A by a second connecting means 67A (an example of a first swing support mechanism) so that it can swing relative to the main body portion 10A. The second connecting means 67A may be formed from two mutually orthogonal rotation shafts 671 and 672 and two bearings 676 and 677, as shown in Figure 28. The rotation shafts 671 and 672 may be orthogonal to the shaft member 13. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the rotation shaft 671 and the bearing 676 allow the head 20A to swing relative to the main body portion 10A in a direction perpendicular to both the shaft member 13 and the rotation shaft 671. Similarly, the rotation shaft 672 and the bearing 677 allow the head 20A to swing relative to the main body portion 10A in a direction perpendicular to both the shaft member 13 and the rotation shaft 672. With this swing mechanism relating to the second connecting means 67A, the head 20A, including the surface (working surface) of the frame portion 224A, is supported by the main body portion 10A so as to be able to swing back and forth and left and right, while its substantial distance remains unchanged.

[0141] Therefore, the user does not need to hold the head 20A and the main body 10A separately. By simply holding the main body 10A and lightly touching the head 20A to the approximate location near the skin to be treated, the surface (working surface) of the frame 224A can be reliably applied to the complex curves of the skin. Furthermore, when the user desires stronger treatment or stimulation, they only need to apply the main body 10A firmly to the skin without touching the head 20A. Conversely, when they want weaker treatment or want to suppress stimulation, they only need to apply the main body 10A lightly to the skin.

[0142] The two rotating shafts 671 and 672, and the two bearings 676 and 677 may have a gap of 1 mm in the radial direction around each of the rotating shafts 671 and 672 in this embodiment, in order to allow for easy rotation. The head 20A is pre-biased toward the skin by the transmission means 191A (a coil spring described later). Therefore, the head 20A can move up and down toward the skin by, for example, about 1 mm. If the user applies too much force to the skin, the transmission means 121A can contract within a range of 1 mm to absorb the force and prevent damage to the skin.

[0143] In this embodiment, the electrical contact 19 on the main body portion 10A side (see Figure 2) includes a transmission means 191A which includes a coil spring that is expandable and contractible in the vertical direction (for example, in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the shaft member 13). As shown in Figure 20, one end of the transmission means 191A is connected to the main body side, and the other end forms the electrical contact 19. In this case, the electrical contact 19 may be in the form of a conductive piece supported by the coil spring (an example of an expandable and contractible conductive element) that forms the transmission means 191A. In this case, the conductive piece may be cylindrical or columnar in shape and may be fixedly supported by the coil spring in such a manner that a part of it protrudes from the upper part of the coil spring that forms the transmission means 191A.

[0144] In this embodiment, the electrical contact 19 is supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the contact holder 670, as shown in Figures 26, 26A, and 28. Specifically, the electrical contact 19 is vertically movable relative to the contact holder 670, with the position where its upper end surface abuts against the contact holder 670 being its upper limit position. The electrical contact 19 is biased upward by the transmission means 191A which includes the coil spring described above. Therefore, when the electrical contact 19 is in the upper limit position, the contact holder 670 is biased upward by the transmission means 191A via the electrical contact 19. The contact holder 670 forms part of the second connecting means 67A described above. Specifically, as shown in Figure 28, the contact holder 670 has a rotating shaft 671 and is supported by a bearing 676 of a swing plate 676A attached to the sub-holder 678 side. In this case, the sub-holder 678 has a rotation axis 672 perpendicular to the rotation axis 671 and is supported by the bearing 6776 on the bracket 679 side. The bracket 679 is fixed to the main body 10A.

[0145] In this embodiment, the second connecting means 67A includes two rotating shafts 671 and 672, but is not limited to this. It may be implemented by other connecting means as long as the surface (working surface) of the frame portion 224A and the main body portion 10A are held at substantially the same distance and supported in a swingable manner. In this embodiment, the swing mechanism related to the second connecting means 67A is provided on the main body portion 10A side, but may also be provided on the head 20A side. In this case, the contact holder 298 on the head 20A side that holds the electrical contacts 29 is fixed to the head 20A, but may also be supported in a swingable manner.

[0146] In this embodiment, the electrical contact 29 on the head portion 20A side (see Figure 2) includes a transmission means 294A which includes a coil spring that can expand and contract in the vertical direction. One end (upper end) of the transmission means 294A forms the electrical contact 29 on the head portion 20A side, and the other end (lower end) is a free end. When the head portion 20A is attached to the main body portion 10A, the lower end of the transmission means 294A (lower end of the coil spring) is connected to the upper end (electrical contact 19) of the transmission means 191A. At this time, the upper end of the electrical contact 19, which is in the form of a conductive piece, is inserted radially inward into the coil spring of the transmission means 294A, thereby achieving electrical conductivity between the electrical contact 19 and the electrical contact 29.

[0147] With this configuration, even when the head portion 20A rotates relative to the main body portion 10A, the coil springs of the transmission means 191A and 294A expand and contract accordingly, thereby maintaining the electrical connection between the head portion 20A and the main body portion 10A (i.e., the conductive state between the electrical contacts 19 and 29). In other words, in this embodiment, the electrical connection structure can maintain the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 19 on the main body portion 10A side and the electrical contacts 29 on the head portion 20A side, even in any swinging state of the head portion 20A relative to the main body portion 10A.

[0148] In this way, according to this embodiment, the first connecting means 66A and the second connecting means 67A (i.e., the first connecting means 66A and the second connecting means 67A that enable rotation in a manner in which the substantial distance between the head part 20A and the main body part 10A does not change) that rotatably connect the head part 20A to the main body part 10A, and the spring contacts (extendable transmission means 191A and transmission means 294A) arranged nearby, enable skin treatment while the head part 20A is oscillated to conform to the uneven surface of the user's skin. That is, even if the head part 20A oscillates, power can be continuously supplied to the heating means 22, etc., so even if the head part 20A oscillates to conform to the curved surface of the user's skin, the effective skin treatment described above can be maintained. Therefore, the user-friendliness of the handheld device is improved while achieving the effective skin treatment described above.

[0149] In this embodiment, four pairs of transmission means 191A and transmission means 294A may be provided around the first connecting means 66A (and the connecting structure 40A described later). In this case, two other pairs of transmission means 191A and transmission means 294A may be connected to the wiring structure 90B for the light irradiation unit 70A, as shown in Figure 20. This makes it possible to realize two combinations: a positive and negative electrode combination for the heating means 22 and a positive and negative electrode combination for the light irradiation unit 70A. However, in a modified example, one pair of transmission means 191A and transmission means 294A, or three or more pairs of transmission means 191A and transmission means 294A, may be provided around the first connecting means 66A to arrange one or three or more sets of positive and negative electrode combinations.

[0150] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, the light irradiation unit 70A is arranged in the central space surrounded by the three cutter units 21A, together with a temperature measuring means 72A, such as a thermistor. In this case, the head unit 20A can be illuminated, so the user can perform the treatment while constantly checking the condition of their skin, thereby obtaining the desired results. Furthermore, the heating means 22 can be appropriately controlled based on the measurement results from the temperature measuring means 72.

[0151] In this embodiment, the head unit 20A has a connecting structure 40A that connects to the head unit 20A in a manner that allows it to be detachably attached to the main body unit 10A. In this case, it is also possible to remove the head unit 20A and attach an attachment with a different function (an attachment that replaces the head unit 20A). In this case, multiple types of attachments with different functions (for example, an attachment for a facial device) can be prepared. The attachment with a different function has the same electrical contacts 29 as the head unit 20A, so that it can be attached to the main body unit 10A in an interchangeable manner. In this way, according to this embodiment, the main body unit 10A can hold the head unit 20A in a rotatable and detachable manner, so it becomes possible to attach (replace) various attachments that can swing and exert various effects on the skin, thereby improving convenience.

[0152] In a configuration that allows for the attachment (replacement) of various attachments, the control unit 300 of the main unit 10A may be able to identify the type of attachment currently attached. In this case, the identification of the attachment type may be achieved by magnetic or electrical means, such as changing the magnetic resistance value or electrical resistance value related to the electrical connection structure for each type of attachment, or by mechanical means, such as changing the shape of the connection part related to the mechanical connection structure for each type of attachment. Alternatively, the control unit 300 of the main unit 10A may identify the type of attachment currently attached based on input information from the user. In either case, the control unit 300 can control the output (for example, the rotation speed of the electric motor 11, light stimulation, thermal stimulation, vibration stimulation, electrical stimulation, etc.) to maximize the respective effects and functions based on the type of attachment currently attached.

[0153] In the illustrated example, the connecting structure 40A includes a retained portion 41A on the head portion 20A side and a holding portion 42A on the main body portion 10A side. In this case, the retained portion 41A may be in the form of a convex claw that can be biased by a leaf spring or the like, as shown in Figure 27, and the holding portion 42A may be in the form of a concave claw into which the retained portion 41A (convex claw shape) can be fitted, as shown in Figure 26A. In this case, the connecting structure 40A, which includes a fitting structure using claws, allows the head portion 20A to be easily attached to and detached from the main body portion 10A.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower end of the transmission means 294A on the head portion 20A side is detachably connected to the upper end (electrical contact 19) of the transmission means 191A. That is, when the head portion 20A and the main body portion 10A are separated from each other, the other lower end of the transmission means 294A and the upper end of the transmission means 191A are separated from each other, and the electrical contacts 19 and 29 are in a non-conductive state. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, the electrical contacts 29 and 19 are connected by wires when the head portion 20A and the main body portion 10A are separated from each other, the wires involved in the wiring do not get in the way, improving convenience. In addition, the attachment (replacement) of the various attachments described above becomes easier, improving convenience.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower end of the transmission means 294A and the upper end of the transmission means 191A are connected to each other only when the head unit 20A is attached to the main unit 10A. That is, the electrical contacts 19 and 29 are electrically connected. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the electrical contacts 29 and 19 are connected by wires or the like when the head unit 20A and the main unit 10A are separated from each other, this configuration reliably prevents unintended operation by the user (such as malfunctions where the heating means 22 of the detached head unit 20A operates).

[0156] In this embodiment, the control unit 300 may be able to distinguish (detect) between the state in which the head unit 20A is attached to the main unit 10A and the state in which it is not attached. For example, the control unit 300 may achieve this distinction based on the electrical connection state between the electrical contacts 19 and 29. In this case, the control unit 300 may operate the heating means 22, etc., only while the state in which the head unit 20A is attached to the main unit 10A is detected.

[0157] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above.

[0158] For example, in the above-described embodiment 1 (and similarly in embodiment 2), a heating means 22 is disclosed as an example of an action means that provides a specific effect to the user's target area 900 in contact with the head portion 20. However, the action means that provides a specific effect to the user's target area 900 is not limited to the heating means 22. That is, an action means that can provide a specific effect other than heating may be used instead of or in addition to the heating means 22. In this case, the action means may be a pair of electrodes similar to the pair of electrodes 221, and may include a pair of electrodes that generate electrical stimulation to the user's target area 900. In this case as well, the action means can operate when the pair of electrodes receive power from a power source in the manner described above. In this case, the specific effect based on electrical stimulation may include a heating effect by high frequency, an effect related to electrical muscle stimulation (hereinafter referred to as EMS), an effect related to ion introduction, an effect related to ion extraction, or any combination thereof. In this case, EMS is advantageous in that it can provide tightening and sagging care for the target area 900. Furthermore, ion export has the advantage of being able to remove dirt from skin pores at the target area 900, while ion import has the advantage of being able to moisturize the skin at the target area 900. These specific effects make it suitable for skin care after shaving.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 2 (and similarly in embodiment 1), by supplying electrical energy from the main body 10A to the head unit 20A via the transmission means 191A and 294A, effective skin treatments such as electric heating, vibration, light, and electrical stimulation can be performed. However, the supplied energy is not limited to electrical energy. Thermal energy or the like may be supplied instead of electrical energy. In addition, the electrical connection structure realized via the above-described electrical contacts 19 and 29 may be used as a communication line for supplying sensor information (electrical signals) from various sensors that may be provided on the head unit 20A to the main body 10A. In this case, the various sensors that may be provided on the head unit 20A may include a temperature sensor (for example, the temperature measuring means 72 described in embodiment 2 above), a humidity sensor, an image sensor (for example, an image sensor for measuring the condition of the skin, etc.). Furthermore, the electrical connection structure realized via the electrical contacts 19 and 29 described above may be used as a power supply line to other elements (other elements other than the light irradiation unit 70A that use electricity as a power source) that may be provided on the main body 10A. In this case, the other elements may be Peltier elements, communication modules, etc.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above-described Example 2 (and similarly in Example 1), the electric shaver 1A was an example of a skin treatment device, but as described above, it is also applicable to other skin treatment devices such as facial devices. For example, in the case of a facial device, the head portion corresponding to the head portion 20A may be provided with multiple electrodes for applying various output waveforms to the skin, in place of or in addition to the cutter unit 21A. In this case, the electrical connection structure according to Example 2 described above may be applied to the electrical connection structure between the multiple electrodes and the main body portion 10A. In this case, some or all of the multiple electrodes may be detachably fixed to a holder similar to the shaver holder 232A by a retaining ring similar to the cutter unit retaining ring 223A.

[0161] In relation to each of the above embodiments, the following additional information is disclosed. [Note 1] The main body and A head portion that can contact the user's target area, A mechanical connection structure that mechanically connects the main body and the head in a detachable manner, A skin treatment device comprising an electrical connection structure that electrically connects the main body and the head. [Note 2] The skin treatment apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the main body and the head are connected via the electrical connection structure to provide energy or signals. [Note 3] The aforementioned electrical connection structure is electrically disconnected when the head portion is detached from the main body portion, as described in Appendix 1, for the skin treatment apparatus. [Note 4] The skin treatment apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the electrical connection structure includes an expandable and contractible conductive spring element. [Note 5] The skin treatment apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the mechanical connection structure includes a first swing support mechanism that swings the head portion relative to the main body portion. [Note 6] The skin treatment apparatus according to Appendix 5, wherein the electrical connection structure maintains the electrical connection between the main body and the head portion even when the head portion swings relative to the main body via the first swing support mechanism while the head portion is attached to the main body. [Note 7] The aforementioned electrical connection structure is, A retractable conductive first spring element provided on the main body, The main body is provided with a contact element that is connected to one end of the first spring element, The first swing support mechanism includes a first holder portion that is swingably supported with respect to the main body portion, The skin treatment apparatus according to Appendix 6, wherein the first holder portion supports the contact element so as to be movable along the axial direction of the first spring element and is biased by the first spring element toward one side in the axial direction of the first spring element. [Note 8] The electrical connection structure includes a retractable conductive second spring element provided in the head portion. The skin treatment apparatus according to Appendix 7, wherein, when the head portion is attached to the main body portion, one axial end of the first spring element is connected to the second spring element. [Note 9] The head portion comprises a head body portion and a second holder portion that holds an operating part that operates based on power. The head body is further provided with a second swinging support mechanism that swingably supports the second holder portion, The aforementioned electrical connection structure includes a connection structure that electrically connects the main body and the operating part. The skin treatment apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the electrical connection structure maintains the electrical connection state between the main body and the operating part even when the second holder is oscillated with respect to the head main body via the second oscillating support mechanism. [Note 10] The aforementioned electrical connection structure includes a retractable conductive third spring element, The skin processing apparatus according to Appendix 9, wherein one end is connected to the head body and the other end is connected to the operating unit held in the second holder. [Note 11] The skin treatment apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein multiple types of head portions are provided, each having a different function or effect on the skin. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 1. 1A Electric Shaver 10 Main body 11 Electric motor 12 batteries 13 Shaft member 15 User Interface 19. Electrical contacts (an example of contact elements) 191A Transmission means (Example of a conductive spring element, Example of a first spring element) 20, 20A Head section 21, 21A Cutter Unit 22 Heating means 29 Electrical contacts 294A Transmission means (example of conductive spring element, example of second spring element) 70, 70A light irradiation section 230 base 2301 Rotating shaft section 2302 Opening / closing shaft 231, 231A Main holder section (an example of the head body section) 2310 Opening 2314 Rotating shaft support (an example of a second rocking support mechanism) 232, 232A Shaver holder (Example of the second holder section) 2321 Stopper section 2324 Peripheral wall 2131 Outer blade part 21311 Contact surface 21312 Peripheral wall part 2132 Inner blade section 21321 Cutter Blade 221 Electrode 224 Frame section 300 Control Unit 67A Second connecting means (an example of the first swing support mechanism) 670 Contact holder (Example of the first holder part) 90 Wiring structure 94A Conductive spring (Example of a conductive spring element, example of a third spring element) 94B Conductive spring (Example of a conductive spring element, Example of a third spring element) 900 Target Sites 901 hair 902 Shaving Gel

Claims

[Claim 1] The main body and A cutter unit that can come into contact with the user's target area, A head portion that supports the cutter unit in a displaceable manner, A mechanical connection structure that mechanically connects the main body and the head in a detachable manner, A skin treatment apparatus comprising an electrical connection means for electrically connecting the main body and the cutter unit.

Images