JP7620863B2 - Mist nozzle and beauty device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a mist nozzle and a cosmetic device that generates mist.

Cosmetic devices that generate mist for the user and provide various beauty effects are known. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional cosmetic device.

JP 2010-172660 A

Conventional beauty devices turn liquid into mist by discharging electricity to the liquid that is the source of the mist. Since the liquid that is the source of the mist has various properties depending on the effect that the user expects, some types of liquid may not be suitable for turning into mist by discharging. In this case, the liquid can be turned into mist by changing the flow rate using a Venturi structure. However, depending on the relationship between the properties of the liquid and the Venturi structure, the liquid may not be turned into mist properly.
The present disclosure is an invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mist nozzle and a cosmetic device that can suitably turn liquid into mist.

The mist nozzle disclosed herein is a mist nozzle provided in a beauty device that generates mist, the mist nozzle is configured to be detachable from the beauty device, and includes an intake port connected to a pump of the beauty device, a liquid suction port connected to a mist tank, and an outlet port for discharging the mist, and includes a venturi structure in a flow path formed between the intake port and the outlet port.

The mist nozzle and beauty device disclosed herein can effectively turn liquid into mist.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cosmetic device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the cosmetic device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the cosmetic device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the cosmetic device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the mist nozzle according to the first embodiment. Schematic diagram of the Venturi structure. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a mist nozzle according to a modified example.

(Example of a mist nozzle of a beauty device and a possible form of the beauty device)
The mist nozzle of the beauty device disclosed herein is a mist nozzle provided on a beauty device that generates mist, the mist nozzle being configured to be detachable from the beauty device, and including an intake port connected to a pump of the beauty device, a suction port connected to a mist tank, and an outlet port for discharging the mist, and including a Venturi structure in a flow path formed between the intake port and the outlet port.
According to the mist nozzle, the fluid passing through the Venturi structure is turned into mist by the Venturi structure. The mist nozzle is detachable from the cosmetic device, so that the mist nozzle can be replaced depending on the type of liquid that is the source of the mist. This allows the liquid to be turned into mist in an optimal manner.

The mist nozzle includes a plurality of the flow paths, and the venturi structure is provided for each of the plurality of flow paths.
According to the mist nozzle, since each of the flow paths is provided with a venturi structure, the liquid can be suitably turned into mist.

The mist nozzle of the cosmetic device further includes a plurality of the outlets corresponding to the plurality of the flow paths.
The mist nozzle described above can provide mist to a wider range of target areas of the user.

The cosmetic device includes the mist nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The cosmetic device described above includes a mist nozzle having a venturi structure suitable for turning the liquid stored in the mist tank into mist, thereby making it possible to suitably turn the liquid into mist.

The cosmetic device includes a heater and a water tank, and a first distance between the heater and the water tank is shorter than a second distance between the heater and the mist nozzle.
According to the cosmetic device described above, the distance between the heater and the mist nozzle is long, so that the mist tank provided with the mist nozzle is less susceptible to the effects of heat from the heater, and deterioration of the liquid in the mist tank can be suppressed.

In the cosmetic device, a third distance between the air inlet and the air outlet is shorter than a fourth distance between the air inlet and the heater.
According to the cosmetic device, the distance between the air intake and the heater is long, so that the temperature of the gas flowing through the air intake of the mist nozzle is not likely to increase when the heater is heated, and therefore the increase in temperature of the gas supplied to the user from the mist nozzle is suppressed.

(Embodiment)
A beauty device 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. The beauty device 10 provides various beauty effects to a user. One example of the beauty effects is moisturizing and warming the user's skin. The beauty device 10 shown in the figure is a facial beauty device that provides a beauty effect to the user's face. In another example, the beauty device 10 has a configuration that provides a beauty effect to skin other than the user's face. In one example, it is the scalp.

The cosmetic device 10 includes a housing 11 and a housing cover 12. The housing 11 houses various elements that constitute the cosmetic device 10. The housing 11 has an internal storage space. The housing 11 is made of a material and shape suitable for storage. An example of the material of the housing 11 is polycarbonate. An example of the shape of the housing 11 is a rectangular prism. The lines that constitute the rectangular prism shape of the housing 11 may be curved. One side of the housing 11 is open. A housing cover 12 is provided on the open side of the housing 11. The housing cover 12 is made of, for example, polycarbonate, and covers at least a portion of the open side. The housing cover 12 that covers the open side of the housing 11 is attached to the housing 11 by a hinge and is configured to be able to open and close the internal space. The storage space of the housing 11 is provided with multiple engagement parts (not shown), which can fix the positions of the elements that constitute the cosmetic device 10 within the storage space.

The housing 11 includes a plug 13 for connecting to an external power supply device. The plug 13 is formed on the surface of the housing 11. A power line (not shown) for supplying power from an external power supply to the cosmetic device 10 is detachably connected to the plug 13. If the cosmetic device 10 includes an internal power storage unit, the configuration of the plug 13 may be omitted. The power storage unit is, for example, configured by a primary battery or a rechargeable secondary battery.

The housing 11 further includes a tank holder 14. The tank holder 14 is configured so that the water supply tank 15 can be attached and detached. The tank holder 14 holds the water supply tank 15 by any means. In one example, the tank holder 14 includes a fixing portion, which includes a tank hook having a convex tip and a tank hook spring that biases the tank hook. When the water supply tank 15 is attached to the tank holder 14, the fixing portion engages with the water supply tank 15, and the water supply tank 15 is locked so that relative movement with respect to the tank holder 14 is suppressed. The water supply tank 15 includes a water supply port for putting liquid into the water supply tank 15 and a discharge port for discharging the liquid therein. Preferably, the water supply tank 15 is configured so that the amount of water inside can be visually confirmed.

The connection part 16 is connected to the bottom of the tank holder 14. The connection part 16 is formed of, for example, a plastic tube. The connection part 16 is connected to the outlet of the water supply tank 15 and supplies the liquid in the water supply tank 15 to other elements of the beauty device 10. The connection part 16 is connected to at least the steam generating device 40 and supplies the liquid in the water supply tank 15. The connection part 16 may be configured to supply the liquid in the water supply tank 15 to the mist generating device. The connection part 16 is further connected to an outlet and configured to be able to discharge the liquid and gas generated from the beauty device 10. An outlet cover is provided on the outlet in a rotatable manner.

The cosmetic device 10 further includes a mist generator and a steam generator 40. The mist generator supplies the user with mist that contains unheated, relatively cold water vapor and cosmetic ingredients. The steam generator 40 supplies the user with relatively warm water vapor that has been heated by a heating means.

The mist generating device includes a pump 21. The pump 21 is housed in a pump holder 21A. An example of the pump 21 is a positive displacement pump or a turbo pump. The pump 21 supplies fluid to other elements constituting the beauty device 10 via a tube. The tube is made of, for example, silicon. In one example, the fluid is a gas. An example of the gas is air present in the external space. In another example, the gas is provided in a gas tank in the beauty device 10 and has a carbon dioxide concentration higher than the concentration in the air. One or more pumps 21 are provided. In the illustrated example, two pumps 21 are provided. A tube is connected to each pump 21, and each pump supplies the fluid to the destination of the fluid.

The mist generating device further includes a mist nozzle 30. The mist nozzle 30 is configured to be detachable from the housing 11 of the cosmetic device 10. The mist nozzle 30 is supplied with fluid by being connected to a tube of the pump 21. In one example, the mist nozzle 30 generates mist using the Venturi effect. In another example, the mist nozzle 30 may be configured to generate mist by electric discharge.

The main components of the steam generator 40 are a heater 41, a discharge unit 42, and a steam nozzle 43. The heater 41 generates steam by heating the liquid that flows from the water supply tank 15 through the connection unit 16 to the boiler chamber 44. The boiler chamber 44 is connected to a steam flow path that guides the generated steam to the steam nozzle 43. The heater 41 is, for example, a PTC heater. The heater 41 is covered with a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum foil. One or more heaters 41 are provided in the beauty device 10. Preferably, multiple heaters 41 are provided in the beauty device 10. In the beauty device 10 shown in the figure, two heaters 41 are provided in the housing 11. In one example, the heaters 41 are provided along the front-rear direction of the housing 11.

The discharge unit 42 generates finer steam by discharging electric current to the steam. The discharge unit 42 may be configured to emit metal ions that act as beauty ingredients. One example of a metal ion is platinum. The discharge unit 42 is formed between the boiler chamber 44 and the steam nozzle 43, and is disposed at any location on the steam flow path through which the steam generated in the boiler chamber 44 flows. The discharge unit 42 is held by a discharge unit cover 42A and a discharge unit base 42B.

The steam nozzle 43 is configured at the end of the steam flow path and supplies the steam generated by the steam generator 40 to the user. The inner diameter of the outlet of the steam nozzle 43 is set to, for example, 3.6 mm. The amount and speed of steam flowing through the steam nozzle 43 is controlled, for example, by an air blower provided in the steam flow path. The air blower includes, for example, a fan. One or more steam nozzles 43 are provided. In the illustrated example, two steam nozzles 43 are provided. It is preferable that the direction of steam emitted by the steam nozzle 43 can be changed arbitrarily. In one example, the steam emission direction is configured to be manually changeable. In another example, the steam emission direction is automatically changed according to the orientation of the housing 11. Preferably, the steam nozzle 43 is provided with a nozzle cover. The nozzle cover is configured to cover the steam nozzle 43 when the steam generator 40 is not generating steam.

The beauty device 10 further includes a control device 50. The control device 50 controls the operation of the beauty device 10. The main elements constituting the control device 50 are an operation unit 51, a control unit 52, and a memory unit 53.

The operation unit 51 includes a power switch 51A, a control switch 51B, a selection switch 51C, and an output switch 51D. The power switch 51A switches the power supply to the beauty device 10 on and off. The control switch 51B switches the activation of the control unit 52 on and off. The selection switch 51C switches the control program stored in the memory unit 53 and referenced by the control unit 52. The control program includes at least one of the output amount, output time, and output direction of the mist generator and the steam generator 40. The output switch 51D is configured to output at least one of the mist generator and the steam generator 40 while being operated by the user.

The control unit 52 is composed of an arithmetic processing unit that executes a control program. The arithmetic processing unit is composed of, for example, one or both of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 52 controls the output of the pump 21, the heater 41, and the discharge unit 42 by controlling the power from an external power source or an internal power source. The control unit 52 is fixed inside the housing 11 by a cover 52A and a base 52B.

The memory unit 53 stores program information and table information for executing various controls performed by the control unit 52. The memory unit 53 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The memory unit 53 is provided, for example, in the same control circuit as the control unit 52. The table information includes, for example, information about the liquid stored in the mist tank 31 of the mist nozzle 30.

The cosmetic device 10 further includes a guard 17 that covers the mist generator and the steam generator 40. The guard 17 is configured to cover the mist generator and the steam generator 40 when the mist generator and the steam generator 40 are not in operation. The guard 17 is made of, for example, polycarbonate, and is configured to be openable and closable by a hinge (not shown).

The beauty device 10 further includes a tilt sensor 18. The tilt sensor 18 measures the tilt of the beauty device 10. The control unit 52 is configured to suppress the operation of the mist generator and the steam generator 40 when it is determined that the beauty device 10 is tilted from the horizontal state by a predetermined angle or more.

The cosmetic device 10 further includes a recess 19 in which the mist generator is disposed. The recess 19 corresponds to the dimensions of the removable mist nozzle 30 of the mist generator. The recess 19 is provided, for example, between two steam nozzles 43 of the steam generator 40.

The mist nozzle 30 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 6. The mist nozzle 30 includes a mist tank 31 that stores a liquid containing beauty ingredients, a holder 32, a nozzle portion 33 that passes the liquid in the mist tank 31 and supplies the mist to the user, a cover 34 that covers the nozzle portion 33, and a nozzle hook 35 that secures the mist nozzle 30 to the housing 11.

The mist tank 31 is made of a material suitable for storing a liquid containing beauty ingredients. In one example, it is made of polypropylene resin. One example of a liquid containing beauty ingredients is a highly viscous liquid. One example of a highly viscous liquid is oil. Another example of a liquid containing beauty ingredients is a low-viscosity liquid. One example of a low-viscosity liquid is lotion.

The holder 32 is made up of multiple parts. In one example, it includes a first holder 32A that mainly holds the mist tank 31, a second holder 32B that mainly holds the nozzle portion 33, and a third holder 32C. The holder 32 is made of, for example, polypropylene.

The nozzle portion 33 has a material and shape suitable for the flow path of the beauty ingredient. In one example, the nozzle portion 33 is made of polypropylene or silicone. The nozzle portion 33 has a liquid suction port 33A through which liquid flows in from the mist tank 31, an air intake port 33B through which gas flows in from the pump 21, and an outlet port 33C through which the mist generated inside the nozzle portion 33 is discharged. A venturi structure V is provided between the air intake port 33B and the outlet port 33C. The venturi structure V is connected to the liquid suction port 33A. The liquid from the liquid suction port 33A and the gas from the air intake port 33B flow through the venturi structure V. A cover that can be opened and closed may be provided for the outlet port 33C.

The cover 34 is configured to cover the nozzle portion 33. The cover 34 is made of, for example, a copolymer synthetic resin of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. The cover 34 has an opening 34A. The opening 34A is provided in a portion corresponding to the discharge port 33C of the nozzle portion 33.

The nozzle hook 35 is made of a material with a strength suitable for engaging with an engagement portion (not shown) provided in the recess 19. In one example, it is made of polypropylene. The nozzle hook 35 determines the position of the mist nozzle 30, thereby determining the position of the air tube connected from the pump 21 and the intake port 33B of the nozzle portion 33.

The mist nozzle 30 further includes a filter 36. The filter 36 is provided between the mist tank 31 and the liquid suction port 33A, and prevents impurities in the mist tank 31 from flowing into the mist nozzle 30 and being supplied to the user along with the mist. It also prevents impurities from accumulating in the Venturi structure V, preventing mist from being supplied. The filter 36 is composed of, for example, a membrane that allows only liquid to pass through.

The venturi structure V of the nozzle portion 33 will be described with reference to FIG.
The Venturi structure V is a structure in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the fluid formed in the nozzle portion 33 changes partially. The Venturi structure V changes the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the mist nozzle 30, generating mist. The Venturi structure V includes a first length VA portion on the intake port 33B side, a second length VB portion provided on the outlet port 33C side from the first length VA portion, and a third length VC portion provided on the outlet port 33C side from the second length VB portion. The length of the first length VA portion is longer than the length of the second length VB portion. The length of the third length VC portion is longer than the length of the second length VB portion.

The first length VA and the second length VB are set so as to be appropriately misted according to the type of liquid stored in the mist tank 31. In one example, they are set according to the viscosity of the liquid stored in the mist tank 31. When the type of liquid stored in the mist tank 31 is oil, the first length VA is set to 1.5 mm. When the type of liquid stored in the mist tank 31 is oil, the second length VB is set to 0.8 mm. When the type of liquid stored in the mist tank 31 is lotion, the first length VA is set to 1.5 mm. When the type of liquid stored in the mist tank 31 is lotion, the second length VB is set to 0.4 mm. The first length VA and the second length VB may be determined by the ratio of the second length VB to the first length VA. In one example, the third length VC is a constant length. In another example, the third length VC is configured to be longer as it approaches the outlet 33C.

At least one Venturi structure V is provided in the nozzle portion 33. If at least one of the liquid suction ports 33A, the air intake ports 33B, and the discharge ports 33C of the nozzle portion 33 is provided in multiple numbers, then multiple Venturi structures V are provided. Specifically, at least one Venturi structure is provided on the flow path formed by the multiple liquid suction ports 33A, the air intake ports 33B, and the discharge ports 33C. Therefore, the mist supplied to the user from each discharge port 33C is of a size suitable for exerting the effect of the beauty ingredients.

The preferred distances between the various elements of the cosmetic device 10 within the housing 11 will now be described.
A first distance, which is the distance between the heater 41 and the water supply tank 15, is shorter than a second distance, which is the distance between the heater 41 and the mist nozzle 30. The first distance is defined as the shortest distance between a point on the heater 41 and a point on the water supply tank 15. The second distance is defined as the distance between a point on the heater 41 and a point on the mist nozzle 30.

The third distance, which is the distance between the intake port 33B and the exhaust port 33C, is shorter than the fourth distance, which is the distance between the intake port 33B and the heater 41. The third distance is defined as the distance between the center point of the intake port 33B and the center point of the exhaust port 33C. The fourth distance is defined as the shortest distance between the center point of the intake port 33B and a point on the heater 41.

The fifth distance, which is the distance between the opening of the housing 11 and the air intake 33B, is shorter than the fourth distance, which is the distance between the air intake 33B and the heater 41. The fifth distance is defined as the shortest distance between a point on the housing cover 12 and the air intake 33B when the housing cover 12 is closed.

The operation of the cosmetic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described.
A user places a mist generator equipped with a mist nozzle 30 according to the purpose of use on the beauty device 10. The user operates any switch on the operation unit 51. The mist generator and steam generator 40 operate in response to the operation of the operation unit 51, thereby supplying the beauty ingredient to the user.

According to the cosmetic device 10 of the first embodiment, the following effects can be further obtained.
Since the fifth distance, which is the distance between the opening of the housing 11 and the intake port 33B, is shorter than the fourth distance, which is the distance between the intake port 33B and the heater 41, the temperature rise of the gas flowing through the intake port 33B caused by heating by the heater 41 is suppressed. In addition, the temperature rise of the liquid stored in the mist tank 31 of the mist nozzle 30 caused by heating by the heater 41 is suppressed. Therefore, deterioration in the quality of the liquid stored in the mist tank 31 is suppressed.

(Modification)
The description of the embodiments is merely an example of possible forms of the mist nozzle of the cosmetic device and the cosmetic device according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the forms. In addition to the embodiments, the present invention may take the form of, for example, modified examples of the embodiments shown below, or a combination of at least two modified examples that are not mutually contradictory.

- As shown in FIG. 8, the cosmetic device 10 of the modified example is provided with only one outlet 33C. The venturi structure V is formed between the intake port 33B and the outlet 33C. The mist supplied to the user from the outlet 33C is of a size suitable for exerting the effects of the cosmetic ingredients.

- The cosmetic device 10 may be configured to irradiate the user with ions or light suitable for cosmetic purposes. In one example, the cosmetic device 10 further includes at least one of an ion generating unit and a light irradiating unit.

- The cosmetic device 10 may be equipped with a sterilization unit that sterilizes the liquid stored in the water tank 15 and the mist tank 31. The sterilization unit is, for example, configured with a lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light to suppress the growth of microorganisms.

- The nozzle portion 33 may be composed of multiple intake ports 33B, one liquid suction port 33A, and one discharge port 33C. The nozzle portion 33 has at least one venturi structure V in the flow path between the multiple intake ports 33B and the discharge port 33C.

- The nozzle 33 may have a branching section in the flow path between one intake port 33B and one discharge port 33C. The branching section is configured to temporarily form multiple flow paths, which then recombine into one flow path near the discharge port 33C. At least one of the multiple flow paths formed by the branching section has a Venturi structure V. Preferably, all of the multiple flow paths formed by the branching section have a Venturi structure V.

The mist nozzle of the beauty device and the beauty device disclosed herein can be used in home and commercial beauty devices.

10: beauty device 30: mist nozzle 40: steam generator 50: control device V: venturi structure

Claims (6)

A mist nozzle provided in a beauty device that generates mist,
The cosmetic device is configured to be able to be placed in a recess provided in the cosmetic device,
The mist source is configured to be detachable from the beauty device so that it can be replaced depending on the type of liquid that is the source of the mist .
a nozzle portion including an intake port connected to a pump of the cosmetic device, a liquid suction port connected to a mist tank, an outlet port for discharging the mist, and a Venturi structure provided in a flow path between the intake port and the outlet port;
a nozzle hook that engages with an engagement portion provided in the recess ,
A mist nozzle , wherein the venturi structure is set so as to suitably turn the liquid into mist depending on the type of the liquid . The mist nozzle includes a plurality of the flow paths,
The mist nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the venturi structure is provided for each of the plurality of flow paths. The mist nozzle according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of the outlets corresponding to a plurality of the flow paths. A beauty device equipped with the mist nozzle described in any one of claims 1 to 3. The cosmetic device according to claim 4, wherein the cosmetic device has a heater and a water tank, and a first distance between the heater and the water tank is shorter than a second distance between the heater and the mist nozzle. The cosmetic device according to claim 5, wherein a third distance between the intake port and the exhaust port is shorter than a fourth distance between the intake port and the heater.