JP7697859B2 - beauty equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cosmetic device that provides a predetermined cosmetic effect to a user's skin.
In this invention, the "stimulation unit" that applies a stimulus to the skin refers not only to a unit that applies a stimulus to the skin in the general sense, such as contact, but also to a unit that generates an action on the skin that is so strong that the person cannot sense it even if it is applied from the outside, such as passing a weak electric current through the skin, as long as it involves a mechanism for intentionally applying a stimulus to the skin.

There are various types of beauty devices that perform various operations related to beauty and skin care on the skin of a user's face, etc., from simple single-function, low-power devices used at home to multi-function, high-power devices used for commercial use. Among these beauty devices, simple devices used at home, etc., commonly used are those that cool or heat the skin, those that perform suction on the skin, those that apply steam or mist to the skin, those that irradiate the skin with light, those that transmit ultrasonic vibrations to the skin, those that apply stimulation by applying electricity through electrodes to the skin, and those that pass a weak current through the skin to perform iontophoresis or dirt removal (cleansing).
Among such conventional beauty devices, one example of a device that stimulates the skin by passing an electric current is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-236699.

JP 2007-236699 A

Conventional beauty devices have the configuration shown in the above-mentioned patent documents, and when using such devices, the user usually applies a roller, which is an electrode for passing electricity and protrudes from the main body of the device, to the skin of the area to be treated, such as the face, and then passes electricity through the skin, thereby stimulating the skin with electricity.

When the electrodes are placed against the skin and electricity is applied to the skin with these conventional devices, if there is a large difference between the temperature of the skin and the temperature of the roller, for example in winter when the temperature is low and the temperature of the roller is also low, when the roller is placed in contact with the skin, the temperature difference between the roller and the skin can make the user feel that the roller is cold, leading to discomfort or a strange feeling for the user.

In addition, beauty devices with functions to warm or cool the skin have also existed for some time. By heating the heat transfer part to the skin and raising the temperature, and then applying the heat transfer part to the skin of the target beauty treatment, such as the face, the skin can be warmed, which has the effect of promoting blood circulation. Conversely, by applying a cooled heat transfer part to the skin, the heat of the skin can be cooled, providing a comfortable feeling.

However, with these conventional beauty devices, the part that is placed against the skin to pass electricity is different from the part that heats or cools the skin. Therefore, if it is desired to stimulate the skin by passing electricity and by warming or cooling the skin at the same time, the user must use the electrodes for passing electricity through the skin, stimulate the skin by passing electricity through the skin, and then select and execute the skin heating or cooling mode by operating the device again, and then change the grip of the device to place the heat transfer part against the skin. This poses the problem of requiring cumbersome operations.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a beauty device that has a roller section that applies stimulation to the user's skin by passing an electric current and a heat source section that can change the temperature of the roller section, thereby warming or cooling the skin while applying stimulation by passing an electric current, and suppressing stimulation caused by temperature differences to the skin, improving the feeling of use and maximizing the beauty effects.

The beauty device disclosed in the present invention includes a main body held by a user, and a stimulating unit that is arranged integrally with the main body and is capable of applying a predetermined beauty-related stimulus to the skin of the user. The beauty device includes two roller units as a first stimulating unit, at least the outer periphery of which is formed of a substantially cylindrical or columnar body made of a conductive material and rotatably arranged so that the outer periphery can come into contact with the skin of the user, and a control unit that is electrically connected to the roller units and is capable of at least controlling the state of current flow between the two roller units through the body of the user, and a current-carrying device is provided inside the roller units. A heat source unit is provided that heats or cools the outer periphery by controlling the electrical current passing through the heat source unit, changing the heating or cooling state of the outer periphery of the roller unit, making it possible to adjust the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller unit, and the roller unit is capable of applying a stimulation by passing an electrical current through the skin between the two roller units on the user's skin, and the temperature is changed to a predetermined value by heating or cooling through the heat source unit, making it possible to at least one of apply a stimulation based on a temperature difference to the skin in the area where the roller units are in contact, and suppress the stimulation based on the temperature difference by reducing the temperature difference with the skin temperature.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a roller section that applies a stimulation by passing electricity is provided as a stimulation section that applies a stimulation related to beauty to the skin, and a heat source section that heats or cools the roller section based on the control of the current passing therethrough is provided, and the heat source section changes the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller section by controlling the current passing therethrough, and the stimulation by passing electricity to the skin can be applied in a state in which the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller section is changed. Therefore, when the outer periphery of the roller section is set to a predetermined temperature that is significantly different from the skin temperature, the roller section applies a stimulation based on the temperature difference to the skin at the same time as the stimulation by passing electricity is applied, and the influence of the stimulation by passing electricity from the roller section to the skin and the influence of the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller section and the skin can each be exerted, and a beauty effect can be naturally and appropriately produced on the skin by the simultaneous application of stimulation from different stimulation sections. Moreover, the application of stimulation by passing electricity and the application of stimulation based on the temperature difference can be performed by simply contacting one type of stimulation section with the skin, and the beauty effect on the skin can be obtained efficiently.

Furthermore, if the heat source unit sets the outer periphery of the roller unit to a predetermined temperature that results in a small or no temperature difference from the skin temperature, when applying stimulation to the skin by passing electricity from the roller unit, stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is suppressed. For example, when there is a large temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin, the discomfort or strange feeling that may be caused by the stimulation being unintentionally applied to the skin based on the temperature difference can be mitigated or eliminated, ensuring that the user can receive stimulation from the passage of electricity from the roller unit to the skin in a relaxed state.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, as necessary, the roller units are rotatably attached to a roller support portion provided on the main body portion in an arrangement with a predetermined distance from each other, a first electrode portion for applying electrical stimulation electrically connected to the control portion is protruded from a portion of the roller support portion facing the roller unit, and the roller unit is provided with a first contact portion on an end face in the direction of the central axis of rotation that is electrically connected to the outer periphery of the roller unit, and the first electrode portion is in contact with the first contact portion of the roller unit to be conductive.

According to the disclosure of the present invention, the roller part is rotatably supported on the roller support part provided on the main body part, and a first contact part electrically connected to the outer periphery of the roller part is provided on the end face of the roller part, while a first electrode part connected to the control part is protruded from the part of the roller support part facing the roller part, and this first electrode part is always in contact with the first contact part of the roller part regardless of the rotation of the roller part. This allows the outer periphery of the roller part to be electrically connected to the control part, and a state of electrical conduction between the roller parts through the skin can be achieved without problems. In addition, the electrical conduction due to the contact between the first electrode part on the roller support part side and the first contact part on the roller part side occurs at a location away from the skin, unlike the outer periphery of the roller part that contacts the skin, so that electrical conduction is less susceptible to direct and indirect influences from the skin, and electrical conduction can be maintained appropriately, and electrical current can be smoothly passed through the outer periphery of the roller part.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the roller unit has an axle protruding from both end faces in the direction of the central axis of rotation, the axle is journalled on the roller support unit, at least a portion of the axle is made of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the heat source unit, and a conductive part is disposed on the roller support unit, which is electrically connected to the control unit and is in contact with the axle of the roller unit for electrical conduction.

Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the shaft portion protruding from both end faces of the roller portion to rotatably support the roller portion has a portion made of a conductive material that is connected to the heat source portion inside the roller portion, and the conductive portion provided in the roller support portion contacts and conducts electricity with the portion of the shaft portion made of a conductive material, and the heat source portion is electrically connected to the control portion through this conductive portion and the shaft portion, so that the contact point related to the conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion for passing electricity to the heat source portion is located on the shaft portion at a central position away from the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion that contacts the skin, and moisture and other foreign matter that migrate from the user's skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion during use of the device is unlikely to reach the contact point related to the conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion, and the conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion is maintained without being affected by these influences, and the heat source portion can heat or cool the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion without any problems.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, if necessary, the roller unit is provided with a second contact portion electrically connected to the heat source unit on the end face in the direction of the central axis of rotation, and a second electrode portion for controlling the heat source unit electrically connected to the control unit is protruded from the portion of the roller support unit facing the roller unit, and the second electrode portion is in contact with the second contact portion of the roller unit to enable electrical conduction.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a second contact portion electrically connected to the heat source portion inside the roller portion is provided on the end face of the roller portion, while a second electrode portion connected to the control portion is protruded from the portion of the roller support portion facing the roller portion, and this second electrode portion is constantly in contact with the second contact portion of the roller portion regardless of the rotation of the roller portion. The heat source portion is electrically connected to the control portion through the second electrode portion and the second contact portion, so that contact related to conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion for passing electricity to the heat source portion occurs at a location away from the skin, unlike the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion that contacts the skin. As a result, moisture and other foreign matter that migrate from the user's skin to the outer peripheral surface of the roller portion during use of the device is less likely to reach the contact portion related to conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion, and conduction between the roller portion and the roller support portion is maintained without being affected by these influences, and heating or cooling of the outer peripheral portion of the roller portion by the heat source portion can be performed without problems.

In addition, in the beauty device disclosed in the present invention, when the control unit brings the roller unit into contact with the skin of the user, the control unit controls the heat source unit to heat or cool so that the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller unit approaches the skin temperature, as necessary.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin to pass electricity through the skin, the control unit controls the heating or cooling of the heat source unit to bring the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller unit closer to the skin temperature, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin. This suppresses irritation due to the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin when the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin. For example, in winter, the roller unit is at the same temperature as or close to the ambient temperature, which is significantly different from the user's body temperature, and the skin is brought into contact with the roller unit in this state, causing unintentional stimulation to the skin due to the temperature difference with the skin. This makes it possible to bring the roller unit into contact with the skin and pass electricity through the skin without causing discomfort or strangeness to the user, thereby promoting the use of stimulation by passing electricity.

The cosmetic device according to the present disclosure also includes a light source unit as a second stimulation unit that is arranged to be able to irradiate light of a predetermined wavelength toward the skin of the user, as needed, and the light source unit irradiates light onto the skin at the site of contact with the roller unit or the skin located in the vicinity of the skin at the same time that a stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is imparted to the skin as a result of the contact of the roller unit with the skin of the user, or at a timing that is shifted by a predetermined time from the stimulation.

In this way, according to the disclosure of the present invention, a light source unit that irradiates light onto the skin is provided as a stimulation applying unit separate from the roller unit, and at the same time that the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin to apply a stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin, or at a timing shifted by a predetermined time from the timing of application of this stimulation, a stimulation by light irradiation from the light source unit is applied to a portion of the skin that is located near the portion that is in contact with the roller unit and is not in contact with the roller unit (the peripheral area of the portion that is in contact with the roller unit), or to a portion to which a stimulation based on a temperature difference was applied by contact with the roller unit until just before. In this way, when the roller unit is in contact with the skin and being moved, a stimulation by light irradiation from the light source unit is applied to the portion to which a stimulation based on a temperature difference was applied by contact with the roller unit until just before after the roller unit shifts and is released from contact, or a stimulation based on a temperature difference by contact with the roller unit that has moved there can be continuously applied to the skin in a state where a stimulation by light irradiation has been applied, and the effect of the stimulation based on the temperature difference and the effect of the stimulation by light irradiation are continuously applied to the skin, which increases the efficiency of stimulation application and improves the cosmetic effect.

In addition, even when the roller part is left in contact with the skin and not moving, by irradiating light on the skin near the area in contact with the roller part, the effect of the stimulation caused by the light irradiation can be superimposed on the skin that is indirectly affected by the stimulation caused by the electrical current or the stimulation caused by the temperature difference from the area of the skin in contact with the roller part. In particular, when the light is in the infrared range, heat can be applied by irradiating light to the skin in an area that is not in contact with the roller part and cannot be directly applied with heat from the roller part. This ensures that heat is applied to the entire area that is affected by activation, etc., caused by the electrical current passing through the skin by the roller part, thereby enhancing the cosmetic effect.

Furthermore, light is emitted from the light source unit while the roller unit is in contact with the skin. However, if the aim is to suppress irritation due to the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin, even if the roller unit comes into contact with the skin as light is emitted, it does not cause discomfort or strange sensations due to irritation due to unintended temperature differences. The contact between the roller unit and the skin naturally realizes a situation in which the light source unit can maintain a constant positional relationship with the skin, and the light source unit can maintain a state in which it appropriately irradiates light onto the skin.

1 is a front view of a cosmetic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a beauty device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the left internal structure of a roller support portion in the beauty device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a right internal structure of a roller support portion in the beauty device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical connection structure between a roller support portion and a roller portion in the beauty device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a roller unit in the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical connection state inside each roller unit in the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which current is passed between roller units and light irradiation is being performed in the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which iontophoresis is performed by a head unit in the cosmetic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 13A to 13C are front, rear, plan, bottom, left and right side views of another cosmetic device. 1A and 1B are a first perspective view and a second perspective view of another cosmetic device.

(First embodiment of the present invention)
A cosmetic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.
In the above figures, the beauty device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a main body 10 held by a user, a roller support 12 disposed at a predetermined position on the main body 10, two rollers 13, 14 as a first stimulation unit each rotatably attached at a predetermined interval to the roller support 12, a light source 15 as a second stimulation unit disposed near the rollers 13, 14 and irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength, a head 17 as a third stimulation unit disposed integrally with the main body 10 and used for iontophoresis or the like for the user's skin, and a control unit 19 for controlling the power supply state to each unit of the device.

In the beauty device 1 according to this embodiment, the roller units 13 and 14, the light source unit 15, and the head unit 17 are provided as stimulating units that can impart a predetermined beauty-related stimulus to the user's skin when brought close to or in contact with the user's skin.

The main body 10 has a head 17 disposed at one end, and a predetermined length of the other end serving as a grip 10a of a predetermined thickness that allows the user to hold the entire device by hand during use, with the front direction of the head 17 tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the grip 10a. Inside the main body 10 are arranged electrical circuits such as the control unit 19 and a battery (not shown) as a power source. Also, a roller support 12 that supports the rollers 13 and 14 is attached to one end of the main body 10.

On the front side of the grip part 10a of the main body 10, which is close to the front side of the head part 17, there is provided an operation part 11 that receives input operations from the user and switches the beauty operation ON/OFF, the type of operation, strength, etc. On the other hand, on the back side of the grip part 10a, there is provided an auxiliary electrode part 10b made of a conductive material and connected to the control part 19, so that when the user holds the grip part 10a in his/her hand, the hand comes into contact with the auxiliary electrode part 10b.

Furthermore, a brim-shaped protrusion is formed around the head portion 17 of the main body 10, and a ring-shaped holder 17a is detachably attached to this, so that a porous covering 17b such as a cotton puff can be pressed and held by the holder 17a along the head portion 17 as necessary, such as when performing iontophoresis, in a known structure.

The head portion 17 is made of a material having electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity, such as metal, and has a convex shape, specifically, an approximately truncated cone shape with a circular top surface that can come into surface contact with the skin 70, and is configured to protrude from one end of the main body portion 10 with the top surface side as the tip.
The head portion 17 is electrically connected to the control portion 19 inside the main body portion 10, and electricity can be passed between the head portion 17 and the auxiliary electrode portion 10b in the grip portion 10a via the user's body.

When using the head unit 17 to pass electricity through the skin 70 (such as iontophoresis), the user holds the grip unit 10a and brings the auxiliary electrode unit 10b into contact with the palm or fingers of the user's hand, and the control unit 19 applies a voltage between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b to create a state in which electricity can pass through. The user then touches the head unit 17 to the skin 70 on the face, etc., either directly or through the porous covering 17b impregnated with a liquid agent such as a lotion containing an electrolyte component. This allows the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b to be electrically connected through the user's body, and electricity is passed through the skin 70 in contact with the head unit 17.

By passing a current through the skin 70 in contact with the head unit 17, iontophoresis can be performed, in which ionic active ingredients contained in a liquid agent such as a lotion that has been applied to the skin surface or impregnated into the porous covering 17b are introduced into the skin by ion migration based on a current from the control unit 19. In addition, as a method of cleansing the skin 70 (ion extraction), it is possible to transfer charged waste and other impurity components from the skin side to the head unit 17 side by passing a current through the skin, and to obtain a state in which the impurity components are taken up by the porous covering 17b held on the surface of the head unit. The methods of iontophoresis and cleansing are themselves well known, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

The roller support portion 12 is provided at one end of the main body portion 10 close to the head portion 17, and is configured to axially support the roller portions 13, 14 in a double-supported manner.
The roller support portion 12 is provided with a connecting member made of a conductor such as metal for passing electricity related to the application of various stimuli to each of the rotatable roller portions 13, 14 so as to be in contact with each of the roller portions 13, 14.

In detail, electrode parts 12a, 12b for applying electrical stimulation are protruded from the parts of the roller support part 12 facing the roller parts 13, 14, and first conductive parts 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f and second conductive parts 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j are arranged to contact and conduct electricity to predetermined parts of the roller part different from the contact parts of the electrode parts 12a, 12b (see Figures 5 and 6).

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

The rollers 13 and 14 are formed of cylindrical bodies (cylinders) and are arranged on the roller support 12 so as to be rotatable at a predetermined interval with their central axes of rotation parallel to each other. Each roller 13 and 14 has a cylindrical outer periphery 13a, 14a made of a material having electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity. These outer peripheries 13a, 14a are electrically connected to the control unit 19 inside the main body 10 and form a pair of electrodes with opposite polarities.
A heat source 16 is disposed inside the rollers 13 and 14, and heats the outer circumferential portions 13a and 14a when electricity is applied thereto.

The roller parts 13, 14 are exposed so that they can come into contact with the skin 70, and when the outer periphery 13a, 14a is in contact with the skin 70, the control unit 19 causes the roller parts 13, 14 to be in a state of electrical conduction through the skin 70. The outer periphery 13a, 14a of each roller part 13, 14 can be made of a conductor such as metal, or can be made by fixing a conductive sheet or thin film such as metal to the surface of a cylindrical body made of insulating material such as plastic.

The roller parts 13 and 14 have shaft parts 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d that protrude from both end faces in the direction of the central axis of rotation, and these shaft parts 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d are supported by the roller support part 12 so as to be rotatable (see Figures 5 and 6).

A part of each of the shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d is made of a conductive material and serves as a contact portion for electrically connecting to the heat source portion 16 in the roller portions 13 and 14.
In detail, cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f made of a conductor are provided on the outer periphery of the portion of shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d that extends into the interior of roller support portion 12 at the tip side of the portion supported by roller support portion 12, and serve as one contact portion that electrically connects to heat source portion 16, and conductive core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h are provided in the center of the shaft portions as other contact portions that also electrically connect to heat source portion 16.

The cylindrical contact parts 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f of the shaft part are always in contact with the first conductive parts 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f of the roller support part 12, so that electrical continuity can always be maintained. The first conductive parts 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f are attached inside the roller support part 12, and based on the spring properties of the conductors that make up the conductive parts 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, their tips are pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical contact parts 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f of the shaft parts 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d, so that they are always in contact regardless of the rotation of the roller parts 13 and 14.

The second conductive parts 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j of the roller support part 12 are always in contact with the core parts 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h of the shaft part, so that electrical continuity can always be maintained. The second conductive parts 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j are attached inside the roller support part 12, and based on the spring properties of the conductors that make up the conductive parts 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j, their tips are pressed against the tips of the core parts 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h of the shaft part, so that they are always in contact regardless of the rotation of the roller parts 13 and 14.

In addition, the roller parts 13 and 14 are provided with contact parts (first contact parts) 13b and 14b on their end faces in the direction of the central axis of rotation, which are electrically connected to the outer periphery parts 13a and 14a. In detail, the contact parts 13b and 14b are ends of the outer periphery parts 13a and 14a located as annular conductive regions on the end faces of the roller parts 13 and 14. The electrode parts (first electrode parts) 12a and 12b protruding from the roller support part 12 contact the contact parts 13b and 14b of the roller parts, so that they are constantly conductive. The electrode portions 12a and 12b are arranged at the end of the roller support portion 12 facing the end surface of the roller portions 13 and 14, and are movable parallel to the central axis of rotation of the roller portions 13 and 14, protruding toward the contact portions 13b and 14b. They are biased by a biasing means such as a spring so as to press against the roller portions 13 and 14, and the tip portions are pressed against the contact portions 13b and 14b, so that they are in constant contact regardless of the rotation of the roller portions 13 and 14.

The contact parts 13b, 14b of the roller parts 13, 14 are not limited to parts of the outer periphery 13a, 14a, but may be annular members made of a material having conductivity different from that of the outer periphery 13a, 14a, and may be electrically connected to the outer periphery 13a, 14a.

In this way, contact portions 13b, 14b for passing electricity through outer circumferential portions 13a, 14a for applying electrical stimulation in roller portions 13, 14 are provided on the end faces of roller portions 13, 14, and cylindrical contact portions 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f and core portions 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h for passing electricity through heat source portion 16 inside roller portions 13, 14 are provided on shaft portions 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d protruding from the end faces of roller portions 13, 14, so that contact (sliding contact) between conductors for passing electricity through each part of the rotating roller portion is made at a location away from the outer circumferential surface of the roller portion that comes into contact with the skin. This makes it difficult for moisture and other foreign matter that migrate from the skin to the outer surface of the roller when it comes into contact with the skin, specifically lotion, cream, or sweat that has been applied to the skin, to reach the conductor contact part involved in the current flow, and the conductive state is maintained without being affected by these, allowing for the current to flow between the two roller parts 13, 14 and for the heat source part 16 to heat the outer peripheries 13a, 14a of the roller parts 13, 14 without any problems.

When electricity is applied to the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller parts 13, 14, if it is possible to ensure a contact state in which conduction is unlikely to be affected even if lotion or the like comes into contact with the contact point between the conductors involved in this current application, then the electrode part on the roller support part involved in applying the electric stimulation can be in contact with the outer periphery of the roller part and in a conductive state with this. However, in this case, it is preferable that the electrode part on the roller support part contacts the outer periphery of the roller part at a position that does not come into contact with the skin when the roller part is in use, such as a position closer to the main body part or a position closer to the light source part with respect to the roller part.

The heat source unit 16 is configured to include a heating element 16a that generates heat when current is applied to heat the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller unit 13, 14, and a sensor unit 16b that detects the temperature of the heating element 16a to adjust the temperature of the outer periphery 13a, 14a. The heating element 16a is a known heater in the form of a thin film, and is arranged inside the roller unit 13, 14 in a cylindrically bent state so as to follow the inner circumference of the outer periphery 13a, 14a, and is configured to efficiently conduct the generated heat to the outer periphery 13a, 14a while maintaining insulation between the outer periphery 13a, 14a. The sensor unit 16b is a known element such as a thermistor or thermocouple that changes its electrical properties in response to temperature changes, and is arranged in contact with the heating element 16a to detect the temperature of the heating element 16a.

The heating element 16a is electrically connected to the cylindrical contacts 13e, 14e of the shafts 13c, 14c on one side and the cores 13g, 14g through a conductor directly or through a temperature fuse for overheating protection inside the rollers 13, 14. The sensor 16b is electrically connected to the cylindrical contacts 13f, 14f of the shafts 13d, 14d on the other side and the cores 13h, 14h through a conductor directly inside the rollers 13, 14.

The heating element 16a of the heat source 16 is not limited to a film heater bent and arranged along the inner circumference of the outer periphery 13a, 14a, but may be a film or thin plate heater arranged in the center of the roller 13, 14 with a heat conductor between the heater and the outer periphery 13a, 14a. Also, a cylindrical PTC heater may be arranged in the center of the roller 13, 14 as the heating element, with heat being transferred directly or through an insulating cover from the cylindrical outer periphery of the PTC heater to the inner periphery of the outer periphery 13a, 14a, or from the cylindrical axial end of the PTC heater to the inner periphery of the outer periphery 13a, 14a via a heat conductor.

Furthermore, a coil spring-shaped nichrome wire heater can be placed in the center of the rollers 13 and 14 as a heating element, and heat can be transferred from the outer periphery of the nichrome wire heater to the inner surface of the outer periphery 13a and 14a via an insulating cover.

In addition, when using a heating element that does not require a sensor portion, such as a PTC heater, the heating element is not limited to being connected to the cylindrical contact portion and core portion of one shaft portion, but can be connected to the cylindrical contact portion and core portion of the other shaft portion, or the heating element can be connected to the core portion or cylindrical contact portion of one shaft portion of the roller portion and the core portion or cylindrical contact portion of the other shaft portion. Also, when multiple cylindrical contact portions are provided on the shaft portion of the roller portion, the heating element can be connected to at least two cylindrical contact portions of one (or the other) shaft portion of the roller portion.

The light source unit 15 is disposed in a peripheral portion surrounding the two roller units 13, 14 and the roller support unit 12 at one end of the main body unit 10, and is configured to be positioned opposite the skin 70 when the two roller units 13, 14 are pressed against and in contact with the skin 70, irradiating light onto the skin and providing a stimulus through this light irradiation.

The light source unit 15 irradiates infrared light as light under irradiation control by the control unit 19, and is configured by covering a known light-emitting diode (LED) that serves as an infrared light source with a translucent cover. The light-emitting diode that serves as the light source is electrically connected to the control unit 19 inside the main body unit 10 via a conductor. By irradiating the skin with infrared light from the light source unit 15, the effect of warming the deep layers of the skin mainly by far infrared rays is obtained.

The light emitted by the light source unit 15 is not limited to infrared light, but can be configured to emit visible light such as red or yellow at the same time as infrared light or at a different timing to enable discrimination of the irradiation state of invisible infrared light or to provide cosmetic effects to the skin by irradiating it with visible light.

The light source unit 15 is configured to be distributed in four locations around the roller units 13, 14 and roller support unit 12, but the light source unit can also be continuously arranged in a frame or ring shape, finely distributed in four or more locations, or arranged in two locations facing each other with the roller unit and roller support unit in between. Furthermore, the light source unit can be arranged outside the periphery, for example, in the middle position between the two roller units.

When applying electricity to the roller units 13, 14 and irradiating light from the light source unit 15, the gripping unit 10a is held so that the roller units 13, 14 and the light source unit 15 face forward, and the roller units 13, 14 are in a state where they can be brought into contact with the skin 70 (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, when applying electricity and irradiating light to the roller units 13, 14 is not performed, such as for iontophoresis, the gripping unit is changed so that the head unit 17 faces forward, instead of the roller units 13, 14 and the light source unit 15, and the head unit 17 is in a state where it can be brought into contact with the skin 70 (see FIG. 11).

The control unit 19 is built into the main body 10, and in response to input operations made by the user on the operation unit 11, controls the flow of electricity between the pair of roller units 13 and 14, making it possible to adjust the state of electricity flowing to the skin, controls the flow of electricity to the heat source unit 16, making it possible to adjust the heating state of the roller units 13 and 14 by the heat source unit 16, and further controls the flow of electricity between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b, and the light irradiation from the light source unit 15.

The control unit 19 sets the operating mode of each unit for each cosmetic application. In this embodiment, there are three modes: a roller current and light irradiation mode that activates the skin to allow lotion or cream to adhere and penetrate; an iontophoresis mode that allows ionic active ingredients such as lotion to penetrate deep into the skin to enhance moisturization; and a cleansing mode that removes harmful ingredients and waste products that have accumulated on the skin.

In the roller current-carrying and light-irradiation modes, the pair of rollers 13 and 14 are energized, and the light source 15 is operated to irradiate light. In the iontophoresis mode and cleansing mode, the control unit 19 energizes the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b.

Furthermore, the control unit 19 sets the temperature change state of the roller units 13, 14 to provide a temperature difference-based stimulus to the skin from the roller units 13, 14 at the same time as the roller current is applied and the light irradiation mode is executed. Specifically, the control unit 19 controls the current application state to the heat source unit 16 so that the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller units 13, 14 is heated by the heat source unit 16 inside the roller unit, raised to a predetermined temperature higher than the ambient temperature and the skin temperature, and maintained at that predetermined temperature, thereby providing a continuous stimulus based on the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin.

When the control unit 19 controls the state of electricity supply to the heat source unit 16, it detects the temperature of the heating element 16a based on the output from the sensor unit 16b of the heat source unit 16, infers the temperature of the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller unit 13, 14 along this heating element 16a, and executes control so that the temperature reaches a predetermined target temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature and the skin temperature.

The operation mode in the control unit 19 is switched based on an input operation by the user to the mode switching switch 11 a of the operation unit 11 .
When the user operates the mode-changing switch 11a to change the state, the control unit 19 controls the cosmetic device 10 to change from a power-off state in which the cosmetic device 10 is not in operation to a state in which any of the cleansing mode, ion introduction mode, roller current application, and light irradiation mode can be executed, to switch between each mode, or to return to the power-off state from a state in which any of the modes is being executed.

In addition, when the switch 11a of the operation unit 11 is operated to select the roller current application and light irradiation mode as the operation mode, and the temperature setting switch 11b is further operated, the control unit 19 can adjust the target temperature to be reached by changing the temperature of the roller units 13, 14 while controlling the current application to the heat source unit 16 in parallel with the current application between the two roller units 13, 14 selected as the operation mode. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 19 be able to switch the temperature of the roller units 13, 14 between multiple stages in response to the operation of the temperature setting switch 11b.

Furthermore, when the control unit 19 places the roller units 13 and 14 or the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b in a conducting state in response to each operation mode selected by the operation unit 11, it can also adjust and control the strength of the current flowing through the user's skin due to the conduction of electricity in response to the operation of the strength switching switch 11c of the operation unit 11. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 19 be able to switch the strength of the current between multiple levels in response to the user's input operation of the strength switching switch 11c.

The control unit 19 controls the current between the roller units 13 and 14 and also controls the current to the heat source unit 16 to adjust the temperature of the roller units 13 and 14. However, it is also possible to provide another control unit for controlling the heat source unit, and have such another control unit control the heat source unit in conjunction with the control unit that controls the current between the roller units.

Next, the operating state of the beauty device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the user is holding the grip portion 10a of the beauty device 1 and is in a state in which the head portion 17 or the roller portions 13 and 14 are aimed at the part of the skin that they wish to use. It is also assumed that the power supply portion (battery) of the beauty device 1 has sufficient capacity, and that when a mode is selected and input using each switch of the operation portion 11, the operation of each mode can be continued without difficulty until the end of the preset period.

When energizing the roller and irradiating light, the user changes the gripping portion 10a as necessary so that the roller portions 13, 14 and the light source portion 15 face forward and the roller portions 13, 14 are in a position to contact the skin 70 (see FIG. 10). At the same time, lotion or cream is applied to the skin and allowed to blend in.

When the user operates the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to select the roller current application and light irradiation mode, the control unit 19 enables the start of a current application state in which a weak current flows between the pair of roller units 13, 14, and also enables light irradiation from the light source unit 15. However, when the roller units 13, 14 are separated from the skin 70, there is no current flow between the roller units 13, 14 because there is no closed circuit via the skin.

In addition, electricity is also started to be passed through the heat source 16 of the roller parts 13 and 14, and the heating element 16a of the heat source 16 generates heat as a result of the electricity being passed through. This heat is then transferred to the outer periphery 13a and 14a of the roller parts 13 and 14, raising the temperature of the outer periphery 13a and 14a to a predetermined temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature and skin temperature and that a person feels is warm.

In addition, in this roller current supply and light irradiation mode, if the temperature of the roller parts 13 and 14 can be adjusted by operating the temperature setting switch 11b, when the user operates the temperature setting switch 11b, the control unit 19 controls the current supply to the heat source unit 16 accordingly, and changes the temperature that the roller parts 13 and 14 reach due to the temperature rise.

When the rollers 13, 14 are brought into contact with the skin 70 (see Figure 10), electricity flows between the pair of rollers 13, 14 through the skin, stimulating the skin with electricity, activating the skin and promoting the penetration of lotion or cream.

The outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller parts 13, 14 that come into direct contact with the skin 70 is heated by the heat source 16 to a predetermined temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature and the skin temperature. As a result, heat is transferred from the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller parts 13, 14, which has a higher temperature than the skin temperature, to the area of the skin that comes into contact with the roller parts 13, 14, giving the user a feeling of warmth and warming the skin, thereby raising its temperature.

Furthermore, at the same time that a stimulus is applied to the skin based on the temperature difference between the roller units 13, 14 and the skin, the light source unit 15 irradiates light onto the skin located near the area of contact between the roller units 13, 14, specifically onto the skin surrounding the area of contact between the two roller units 13, 14. The skin receives light (infrared rays) of an appropriate irradiation intensity from the light source unit 15, and is appropriately warmed even in areas not in contact with the roller units 13, 14.

In this way, the skin 70 is heated by the rollers 13, 14 and the light source 15, which promotes blood circulation and metabolism in the skin, and changes the skin 70 to a state in which the active ingredients in lotions and creams can easily penetrate, allowing these various active ingredients to easily penetrate the skin 70 and provide a reliable cosmetic effect.

The user moves the main body 10 while pressing the rollers 13, 14 against the skin 70, and the rollers 13, 14, which have been heated by the heat source 16, move while rotating on the skin 70, so that the rollers 13, 14 massage the skin 70 while warming the skin, thereby achieving a massage effect.

When the rollers 13 and 14 are moved in this way, the skin position to which the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the rollers 13 and 14 and the skin is applied also moves with contact with the rollers 13 and 14. If the light source 15 is configured to irradiate light at an appropriate timing that is a predetermined time behind the application of the stimulation based on the temperature difference to the skin, the light source 15 will irradiate light to the skin at the specific part of the skin that was in contact with the rollers 13 and 14 and was given the stimulation based on the temperature difference until just before, after it leaves the rollers 13 and 14, and the light source 15 will irradiate light to this specific part of the skin without any gap, and the skin can be continuously warmed. In addition, it is also possible that the moving rollers 13 and 14 will come into contact with the specific part of the skin that was previously irradiated with light by the light source 15, and a new stimulation based on the temperature difference between the rollers 13 and 14 and the skin will be applied, and in this case, the skin can be continuously warmed.

The target position of the current and light irradiation can be changed by rolling the roller units 13 and 14 little by little on the skin while they are in contact with the skin 70, but when the roller units 13 and 14 are removed from the skin 70 to interrupt the current or to change the current and irradiation position, the current between the roller units is immediately interrupted. To completely end the current and light irradiation, the user can operate the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to switch to another operating mode or to the power OFF state, which will stop the current between the roller units 13 and 14 and the light irradiation from the light source unit 15. The current to the heat source unit 16 is also stopped, and the temperature rise state of the roller units 13 and 14 that was being heated by the heat source unit 16 also ends.

In addition, when cleansing or iontophoresis using the head portion 17 is performed, the user holds the grip portion 10a so that the head portion 17 faces forward, and places the head portion 17 in a position where it can be brought into contact with the skin 70 (see FIG. 11). Then, in the case of cleansing, a cleansing lotion containing an electrolyte component, or in the case of iontophoresis, a protective lotion containing an electrolyte component, is applied directly to the skin, or is soaked into a porous covering 17b such as a cotton puff, and the porous covering is held on the head portion 17.

When the user operates the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to select the cleansing mode or the iontophoresis mode, the control unit 19 enables the start of a current-carrying state in which a weak current flows between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b. However, when the head unit 17 is separated from the skin 70, there is no current flow between the head unit 17 and the auxiliary electrode unit 10b because there is no closed circuit via the body.

When the user moves the cosmetic device 10 held by the user and brings the head portion 17 into contact with the skin 70 directly or via the porous covering 17b, the head portion 17 and the auxiliary electrode portion 10b are electrically connected to the user's body via the lotion that has been applied to the skin surface or has been soaked into the porous covering. In the case of cleansing, the dirt on the skin can be removed by transferring charged fine dirt components on the surface or inside of the skin from the skin side to the porous covering side. In the case of iontophoresis, the ionic active ingredients in the lotion can be transferred to the skin side, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate into the skin (see Figure 11).

If the user keeps the head unit 17 in contact with the skin 70 and moves it little by little on the skin, the target position for cleansing or iontophoresis can be changed while electricity is still flowing. However, when the head unit 17 is removed from the skin 70, electricity is immediately stopped. When cleansing or iontophoresis is completely finished, the user can operate the mode switching switch 11a of the operation unit 11 to switch to another operating mode or to the power OFF state. Alternatively, the control unit 19 may stop electricity flow when a preset time for cleansing or iontophoresis has elapsed. After these modes are finished, it is desirable for the user to remove the porous covering from the head unit 17, if used, and then clean the surface of the head unit 17 in preparation for the next use.

In this way, the beauty device according to this embodiment is provided with roller units 13, 14 that apply a stimulation by passing an electric current as a stimulation applying unit that applies a stimulation to the skin related to beauty, and a heat source unit 16 that heats roller units 13, 14 based on the control of the current passing by the control unit 19. The control unit 19 controls the heating by passing an electric current to the heat source unit 16, so that the heat source unit 16 changes the temperature of the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller unit, and the stimulation by passing an electric current can be applied to the skin in the state where the temperature of the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller unit is changed. Therefore, when the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller unit is set to a predetermined temperature that is significantly different from the skin temperature, the skin is stimulated by the electric current and at the same time, a stimulation based on the temperature difference is applied to the skin by the roller units 13, 14. This allows the influence of the stimulation by passing an electric current from the roller units 13, 14 to the skin and the influence of the stimulation based on the temperature difference between the roller units 13, 14 and the skin to be exerted respectively, and the beauty effect by the simultaneous application of stimulation from different stimulation applying units can be naturally and appropriately produced on the skin. Furthermore, stimulation by electrical current and stimulation by temperature difference can be achieved by simply contacting one type of stimulation section with the skin, which allows for efficient cosmetic effects on the skin.

Furthermore, when the roller parts 13, 14 are moved while in contact with the skin 70, a direct stimulation can be imparted by the rotation (rolling) of the roller parts 13, 14 on the skin 70, and a stimulation similar to massaging the skin 70 can be imparted to the skin by the roller parts 13, 14 in addition to the various types of stimulation described above, further improving the cosmetic effect.

In addition, the beauty device according to this embodiment is expected to contribute to the achievement of some of the 17 goals set out in the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" established by the United Nations, such as "3: Good Health and Well-Being (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages)" and "12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns)."

Second Embodiment of the Invention
In the beauty device according to the first embodiment, the control unit 16 is configured to control the state of electricity supplied to the heat source unit 16 so that the target temperature of the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller unit 13, 14 when the heat source unit 16 inside the roller unit 13, 14 heats the outer periphery 13a, 14a is set to a predetermined temperature that is higher than the ambient temperature (air temperature) and the skin temperature (body temperature) and that the user feels is warm. However, without being limited to this, as a second embodiment, when the outer periphery of the roller unit is heated by the heat source unit, the control unit can control the state of electricity supplied to the heat source unit so that the heat source unit transitions the outer periphery to a predetermined temperature (e.g., about 36°C) close to the skin temperature (body temperature), thereby reducing the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin temperature, thereby suppressing irritation caused by the temperature difference on the skin in the area in contact with the roller unit.

When the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin to pass electricity through it, for example in winter, the roller unit may be at the same or close to the temperature of the surrounding environment, which is significantly different from the user's body temperature (skin temperature), and may come into contact with the skin in that state, causing unintentional stimulation to the skin due to the temperature difference with the skin, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable or unnatural. In response to this, the heating of the outer periphery of the roller unit by the heat source unit as described above can be appropriately adjusted by controlling the current flow, bringing the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller unit closer to the skin temperature, thereby suppressing stimulation due to the temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable or unnatural when the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin, and allows the user to receive stimulation from the current flowing through the skin from the roller unit in a relaxed state, encouraging the use of stimulation from the current flowing through the skin.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, two roller units 13, 14 are provided as the first stimulation unit, and electricity is passed between the roller units 13, 14 through the skin. However, this is not limited to the above, and the device may be configured to have only one roller unit as the first stimulation unit.

In this case, electricity is passed through the skin between the only roller unit and another electrode portion, for example, an auxiliary electrode portion provided on the main body unit, to stimulate the skin by passing electricity. In addition, the roller unit may be configured to perform ion introduction and cleansing of the skin instead of the head unit, so that the roller unit, which is the first stimulation unit, also serves as the third stimulation unit.

In addition, the only roller portion acting as the first stimulating portion can be divided into multiple regions in the axial direction, with conductor portions serving as electrodes of different polarity disposed in each of these regions, allowing the roller portion alone to pass electricity through the skin.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, the heat source 16 disposed inside the roller 13, 14 has a heating element 16a, and when electricity is applied to the heat source 16, the thermoelectric element 16 increases its temperature, heating the outer periphery 13a, 14a of the roller 13, 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat source may be provided with an element that lowers the temperature when electricity is applied, or an element that can raise or lower the temperature by changing the state of electricity application, and the outer periphery of the roller may be cooled by applying electricity to the heat source to lower the temperature of the outer periphery, and a stimulus may be applied to the skin in contact with the roller based on the temperature difference between the skin and the roller, which has been lowered to a temperature lower than the skin temperature or the ambient temperature.

In this case, electricity is passed through the skin between the two rollers by passing electricity through the outer periphery of the rollers, and when electricity stimulates the skin, the skin in contact with the rollers, whose temperature has been sufficiently lowered by cooling from the heat source, receives a stimulation based on the temperature difference, where heat is taken from the part of the skin where the rollers are in contact, cooling the skin and lowering its temperature, while creating a sensation of coldness.

For example, when applying electricity to the skin using the roller unit in the summer when the ambient temperature is high, or after a bath when the skin temperature is high, by lowering the temperature of the roller unit by applying electricity to the heat source unit, electricity can be applied to the skin in a comfortable state, providing a feeling of relaxation in addition to a cosmetic effect. Furthermore, although application of electricity to the skin can cause discomfort such as pain or itching, or inflammation on the skin surface in some people, the soothing effect of cooling the skin can alleviate such discomfort and inflammation.

In the cosmetic device according to the embodiment, both ends of the rollers 13 and 14 in the axial direction are flat except for the protruding shafts supported by the roller support 12, but the configuration is not limited to this and the outer periphery of both ends of the rollers in the axial direction may be protruded in the axial direction like a rib, and these protruding parts may cover the contact parts between the contact parts on the inner end faces of the rollers and the electrodes and conductive parts on the roller support side, isolating them from the outside. This prevents moisture and other foreign matter that migrates to the outer periphery of the rollers when the rollers come into contact with the skin during use from reaching the conductor contact parts on the end faces of the rollers and causing adverse effects.
In this case, it is desirable to provide a recess on the roller support portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the roller portion, so as to minimize the occurrence of a gap between the roller portion and the roller support portion.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, the first electrode parts 12a, 12b for applying electric stimulation are protruding from the part of the roller support part 12 facing the roller parts 13, 14, and are configured to contact the first contact parts 13b, 14b provided on the end faces of the roller parts 13, 14 in the direction of the central axis of rotation. In addition, a protrusion that protrudes a certain amount toward the roller part can be provided on the part of the roller support part facing the roller part, and this protrusion can be brought into contact with the end face of the roller part as necessary, so that the roller part can be positioned in the direction of the central axis of rotation with the protrusion. If the roller support part that supports the shaft part of the roller part does not restrict the movement of the roller part in the direction of the central axis of rotation, the deviation of the roller part in the direction of the central axis of rotation can be appropriately suppressed by the regulation by the protrusion. Such a protrusion may also serve as the first electrode part for applying electric current.

If the protrusions are brought into contact with an area of the end face of the roller part close to the center where the distance from the center of the roller part is within 1/2 of the radius of the roller part, the resistance load caused by contact with the protrusions during rotation of the roller part can be kept small. On the other hand, if the protrusions are brought into contact with an area of the end face close to the periphery where the distance from the center of the roller part exceeds 1/2 of the radius of the roller part, for example, in the case where the protrusions also serve as the first electrode part, and an oxide film forms on the protrusions due to a long period of disuse of the roller part of the cosmetic device, the oxide film can be quickly removed by the sliding contact between the protrusions and the roller part as the roller part rolls.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, the end faces of the roller parts 13 and 14 in the direction of the central axis of rotation are provided with first contact parts 13b and 14b that are connected to the outer periphery parts 13a and 14a, and the first electrode parts 12a and 12b that are protruding from the roller support part 12 and related to the application of electrical stimulation are in contact with these first contact parts 13b and 14b, so that electrical conduction is possible at all times. In addition, it is also possible to provide second contact parts that electrically connect with each part of the heat source part on the end faces of the roller parts in the direction of the central axis of rotation, while providing second electrode parts that are electrically connected with the control part and related to the control of the heat source part on the part of the roller support part that faces the roller part, and this second electrode part is in contact with the second contact part of the roller part to enable electrical conduction.

In this case, as in the previous embodiment, the contact between the roller part and the roller support part for electrical conduction to the heat source part occurs at a location away from the skin, different from the outer surface of the roller part that comes into contact with the skin, so moisture and other foreign matter that migrates from the user's skin to the outer surface of the roller part as the device is used is less likely to reach the contact point for electrical conduction between the roller part and the roller support part, and electrical conduction between the roller part and the roller support part is maintained without being affected by these, allowing the heat source part to heat the outer surface of the roller part without any problems.

When the second contact portion is provided on the end face of the roller portion in this way, it is not limited to the configuration in which the annular contact portion is provided directly on the end face, but it is also possible to provide an annular groove-shaped recess on the end face of the roller portion and provide the second contact portion within this recess. In detail, the annular contact portion can be provided at the bottom of the annular groove-shaped recess, or the cylindrical contact portion can be provided at the side of the recess. If the second electrode portion protruding from the roller support portion is configured to press its tip against the annular contact portion or to press its tip against the cylindrical contact portion based on the spring properties of the conductor that constitutes this electrode portion, the second electrode portion and the second contact portion can be constantly conductive. Note that, as with the second contact portion, instead of providing an annular contact portion on the end face of the first contact portion, an annular groove-shaped recess can be provided on the end face of the roller portion and the contact portion can be provided within this recess.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, cylindrical contact parts 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f and core parts 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h are provided as conductive material parts on the shaft parts 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d protruding from the end faces of the roller parts 13, 14, and all of them are electrically connected to the heat source part 16 inside the roller part, but this is not limited to the above, and a part of the conductive material part provided on the shaft part of the roller part, such as the cylindrical contact part or core part, can be used as a contact part that electrically connects with the outer periphery of the roller part, and a conductive part related to the application of electrical stimulation provided on the roller support part is in contact with this contact part to enable constant conduction, and the control part and the outer periphery of the roller part are electrically connected through the shaft part.

In this case, as in the previous embodiment, the contact between the conductors of the roller part and the roller support part involved in the flow of electricity to the outer periphery of the roller part is made at a location away from the outer periphery of the roller part that comes into contact with the skin, so that moisture and other foreign matter that migrate from the skin to the outer periphery of the roller part due to contact with the skin is less likely to reach the conductor contact parts involved in the flow of electricity, and the conductive state is maintained without being affected by these, allowing electricity to be passed between the two roller parts without any problems.

As described above, the connection relationship that electrically connects one or more contact parts provided on the end surface of the roller part, such as the first contact part and the second contact part, and one or more contact parts provided on the shaft part of the roller part, such as the cylindrical contact part and the core part, to the outer periphery of the roller part and the internal heat source part is not limited to the configuration shown in the above embodiment, and can be set arbitrarily. As in the above embodiment, the contact part (first contact part) on the end surface of the roller part is connected to the outer periphery of the roller part, and the contact part (cylindrical contact part and core part) of the shaft part is connected to the heat source part inside the roller part, or the contact part (second contact part) on the end surface of the roller part is connected to the heat source part inside the roller part, and the contact part (cylindrical contact part and core part) of the shaft part is connected to the outer periphery of the roller part.

In addition, when the heat source unit includes a heating element and a sensor unit as in the above embodiment, the heating element and the sensor unit may be connected to multiple contacts on the shaft of the roller unit, or the heating element and the sensor unit may be connected to multiple contacts on the end surface of the roller unit, or one of the heating element and the sensor unit may be connected to a contact on the shaft of the roller unit, and the other of the heating element and the sensor unit may be connected to a contact on the end surface of the roller unit. In addition, the heating element may be connected to each contact on one shaft of the roller unit, and the sensor unit may be connected to each contact on the other shaft of the roller unit, or the heating element and the sensor unit may be connected to each contact on one end of the roller unit (including the shaft), or the heating element and the sensor unit may be connected to each contact on both one end of the roller unit (including one shaft) and the other end of the roller unit (including the other shaft). In these cases, the contact portion that is not connected to the heating element and sensor portion can be set to connect to the outer periphery of the roller portion.

Furthermore, when providing multiple contact parts on the shaft part of the roller part, the shaft part of the roller part can be structured so that the conductor and the insulator are overlapped in multiple layers, and multiple cylindrical contact parts that are not electrically connected to each other are arranged in the axial direction on the shaft part. In this case, one or more cylindrical contact parts may have an outer diameter different from the part supported by the shaft part. Also, instead of providing multiple cylindrical contact parts, it is possible not to provide a core part. On the other hand, when a core part is provided, its end part can be made to have the same outer diameter as the other parts of the shaft part including the cylindrical contact parts, so that the shaft part has a shaft shape of a uniform diameter. Also, the contact between the core part and the second conductive part on the roller support part side that is electrically connected thereto can be not only a configuration in which the end part of the core part is in contact with the axial direction, but also a configuration in which the conductive part is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the core part from the radial direction.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, shafts 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d are protruding from the end faces of the roller parts 13 and 14, and these shafts are supported by the roller support part 12 to allow the roller parts 13 and 14 to rotate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to form a protruding shaft on the end of the roller support part facing the end face of the roller part, and provide a recess in the center of the end face of the roller part into which this shaft can be inserted, and to engage the shaft of the roller support part with the recess of the roller part to rotatably support the roller part.

In this case, a cylindrical electrode made of a conductor that electrically connects to the control unit can be provided on the outer periphery of the shaft of the roller support part that extends into the inside of the roller part, and a core electrode made of a conductor that also electrically connects to the control unit can be provided in the center of the shaft part. Meanwhile, two types of contact parts that electrically connect to the heat source part are provided inside the roller part, and one contact part is brought into contact with the cylindrical electrode part of the shaft part, and the other contact part is brought into contact with the core electrode part of the shaft part, so that each can be constantly conductive regardless of the rotation of the roller part, and as in the above embodiment, electricity can be passed to the heat source part inside the roller part by the control unit.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, the shafts 13c, 13d, 14c, and 14d at both ends of the roller units 13 and 14 are supported by the roller support unit 12 to rotatably support the roller units 13 and 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the end of the roller unit itself can be supported by the roller support unit, that is, the end of the outer circumferential surface of the roller unit can be supported by the inner circumferential surface of the roller support unit to rotatably support the roller unit. In this case, the inner circumferential surface of the roller support unit with which the end of the outer circumferential surface of the roller unit slides is not limited to an arrangement shape that surrounds the entire circumference of the roller unit end, but may be a C-shape or U-shape that contacts part of the outer circumferential surface of the roller unit end. The opening of the roller support part, where the inner circumferential surface of the roller part is interrupted and the outer circumferential surface end of the roller part is exposed, may be arranged outside the main body so that the exposed outer circumferential surface end of the roller part can be used as the part that comes into contact with the skin, or may be arranged so that it is hidden within the main body and cannot be seen from the outside to give the cosmetic device a neat appearance. A configuration may also be adopted in which a plurality of such roller support parts are arranged side by side, and each end of the roller part is supported by a plurality of roller support parts. Furthermore, when the roller support part has an inner circumferential surface that is annular, the opening inside the roller support part may be closed by the end side where the roller part is not inserted, and the roller support part can cover the end face of the roller part together with the end of the outer circumferential surface of the roller part, thereby making it difficult for moisture and other foreign matter to reach the conductor contact part of the end face of the roller part.

When the end of the outer peripheral surface of the roller part is supported by the roller support part in this way, the electrode part for applying electrical stimulation in the roller support part and the conductive part for passing electricity to the heat source part can be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the roller support part, and correspondingly, a contact part leading to the outer peripheral part of the roller part and a contact part leading to the heat source part can be provided at a predetermined location on the end of the outer peripheral surface of the roller part. It goes without saying that the contact part leading to the heat source part is arranged so as not to be conductive to other parts of the outer peripheral surface of the roller part. When multiple roller support parts are provided for the end of the roller part, such an electrode part and conductive part can be provided for each roller support part.

And, when the roller support part that supports the end of the outer peripheral surface of the roller part is made of a material with high rigidity that does not easily deform, it is desirable to provide a support made of an elastic material integrally on the inside of the roller support part, and to configure the inner peripheral surface of the support to form the inner peripheral surface of the roller support part. For example, in the case of a roller support part with an annular inner peripheral surface, the end of the roller part is inserted into the roller support part from a direction perpendicular to its opening surface to support the roller part, and if the support is made to bend in the insertion direction when the end is inserted, it is possible to allow the insertion without problems and transition to the support state, which is desirable. Also, in the case of a roller support part with a C-shaped or U-shaped inner peripheral surface, the end of the roller part is inserted into the roller support part from an opening where the inner peripheral surface is interrupted to support the roller part, and if the support is made to bend along the inner peripheral surface when the end is inserted, it is possible to allow the insertion without problems and transition to the support state, which is desirable.

On the other hand, if the roller support part is elastically deformable, the end parts can be inserted or fitted easily when supporting the roller part on the roller support part, but it is preferable to form the roller support part so that the diameter of its inner circumferential surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the roller part so that the roller part can be properly supported.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the above embodiment, the roller support 12 that rotatably supports the rollers 13 and 14 is configured to be fixed to one end of the main body 10, but the roller support can also be configured to be movable relative to the main body.

For example, the roller support section can be a tilting arm section, which is an approximately arm-shaped member that is tiltably attached to the main body section, and the roller section and light source section can be located at a position on the tilting arm section away from the main body section.

In this case, when applying electricity through the roller unit and irradiating light from the light source unit, the tilting arm, which is the roller support unit, is tilted to position the light source unit and roller unit in a position where it is easy for the user holding the cosmetic device to apply electricity and irradiate light, for example, in front of the head unit, and then the roller unit is brought into contact with the skin for use. On the other hand, when applying electricity and irradiating light through the roller unit is not performed, such as for iontophoresis, the tilting arm is tilted to shift the roller unit and light source unit to a position where there is no problem, so that at least the roller unit and light source unit do not get in the way when the head unit is brought into contact with the skin, making it easier to perform iontophoresis, etc.

Furthermore, such a tilting arm may have freedom of movement other than tilting. For example, a mechanism may be adopted in which the tilting arm supports the roller part in a floating manner. Specifically, the tilting arm may have a divided structure consisting of an arm tip to which the roller part is attached and an arm base to which the main body part is attached, and the arm tip of the tilting arm may be combined with the arm base closer to the main body part so that it can move relatively in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the tilting of the tilting arm. Furthermore, a spring may be disposed between the arm tip and the arm base so that a repulsive force of the spring is generated when the arm tip is brought close to the arm base, and the arm tip of the tilting arm and the roller part supported thereon may be supported in a floating manner relative to the arm base of the tilting arm and the main body part.

In such a case, the roller section is supported so that it can move toward and away from the main body section held by the user's hand and can tilt in a direction perpendicular to the tilting direction of the tilting arm within a range in which the arm tip of the tilting arm can move relative to the arm base, so that when the roller section is placed against the skin, it can follow the changes in the curved surface condition and hardness of the skin at each part, and can be brought into maximum contact with each part of the skin, efficiently applying stimulation due to electrical current or temperature difference. Note that such a mechanism for floatingly supporting the roller section can also be provided in the main body section or roller support section in the first embodiment.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, a light source unit 15 is provided around the two roller units 13 and 14, and when the roller current and light irradiation mode are selected by operating the operation unit 11, light is irradiated from the light source unit 15 to the skin located outside the skin that is in contact with each of the roller units 13 and 14. However, this is not limited to this, and a light source unit can be disposed inside the roller unit together with a heat source unit, and light can be irradiated from the light source unit to the skin through the outer periphery of the roller unit, which has translucency.

In this case, for example, the outer periphery of the roller part may be a conductive cylinder with multiple through holes that allow light to pass through, or the outer periphery of the roller part may be made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity and light transmittance, and a transparent conductive film may be provided on the outer periphery that can come into contact with the skin. This makes it possible to simultaneously apply stimulation by passing electricity through the roller part and stimulation based on temperature difference, while also applying stimulation by irradiating the skin with light. This allows three types of stimulation to be applied simultaneously to the skin in contact with the roller part, thereby easily and efficiently producing cosmetic effects on the skin.

In addition, in the beauty device according to the embodiment, when the user moves the device relative to the skin in the roller current application and light irradiation mode and rotates the roller units 13, 14 to shift the area of the skin that the roller units 13, 14 come into contact with, the control unit 19 is configured to continue the previous states without any particular changes to the state in which current is applied to the skin between the roller units 13, 14, the state in which the heat source unit 16 heats the outer peripheries 13a, 14a of the roller units 13, 14 to transfer heat from the roller units 13, 14 to the skin, and the state in which the light source unit 15 irradiates the skin with light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit can be configured to appropriately adjust each of the above states depending on the state in which the device is moved relative to the skin.

For example, the control unit obtains the rotational state of the roller unit through a detection means such as an encoder, and within a range that ensures safety for the skin, the faster the roller unit rotates, i.e., the faster the device moves relative to the skin, the stronger the current flow to the skin, the stronger the degree of heating by the heat source unit to increase the temperature of the outer periphery of the roller unit, the stronger the light irradiation intensity of the light source unit, the direction of light irradiation by the light source unit is changed toward the direction of travel of the roller unit, or the range of light irradiation by the light source unit is expanded. This allows appropriate and sufficient stimulation by current flow, stimulation based on temperature difference, and stimulation by light irradiation to be applied to the skin even in situations where the time that the roller unit contacts or faces a specific part of the skin is relatively short due to the fast moving speed.

In addition, as another control by the control unit, the intensity of the electric current to the skin between the rollers, the temperature of the outer periphery of the rollers based on the heating of the heat source, and the intensity, direction, and range of the light irradiation in the light source can be changed in response to any one of the changes. For example, when the control unit adjusts and controls to increase or decrease the intensity of the electric current to the skin between the rollers based on the user's operation, the temperature of the outer periphery of the rollers and the intensity of the light irradiation can be adjusted and controlled at the same time so that the direction of change is the same as the intensity of the electric current, thereby enhancing the synergistic effect, or conversely, the temperature of the outer periphery of the rollers and the intensity of the light irradiation can be adjusted and controlled so that the direction of change is different from the intensity of the electric current, so that when the stimulation caused by the electric current is strong, the temperature and the intensity of the light irradiation are suppressed to reduce the burden on the skin, while when the stimulation caused by the electric current is weak, the temperature and the intensity of the light irradiation are increased to compensate for the reduced effect of the stimulation caused by the electric current.

The overall appearance (design) of a cosmetic device different from the above embodiment is shown in Figs.
Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 show another cosmetic device, in which Fig. 12(a) is a front view, Fig. 12(b) is a rear view, Fig. 12(c) is a plan view, Fig. 12(d) is a bottom view, Fig. 12(e) is a left side view, and Fig. 12(f) is a right side view. Fig. 13(a) shows a first perspective view, and Fig. 13(b) shows a second perspective view.

The beauty device shown in Figures 12 and 13 is a skin care beauty tool that has the functions of supplying a weak current to the skin to electrically penetrate a liquid agent (lotion, etc.) into the skin, electrically removing dirt from the skin, and providing stimulation to the skin by passing electricity through it and stimulation to the skin based on a temperature difference. This beauty device has a form equivalent to that of the first embodiment, in which the roller units 13, 14 and roller support unit 12 are disposed on the back side of the main body unit 10. In this beauty device, as in the first embodiment, a light source unit can be provided around the roller unit and roller support unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cosmetic device 10 Main body 10a Grip 10b Auxiliary electrode 11 Operation unit 11a, 11b, 11c Switch 12 Tilting arm 12a, 12b Electrode 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f First conductive unit 12g, 12h, 12i, 12j Second conductive unit 13, 14 Roller (first stimulation unit)
13a, 14a Outer periphery 13b, 14b Contact portion 13c, 13d, 14c, 14d Shaft portion 13e, 13f, 14e, 14f Cylindrical contact portion 13g, 13h, 14g, 14h Core portion 15 Light source portion (second stimulus applying portion)
16 Heat source unit 16a Heating element 16b Sensor unit 17 Head unit (third stimulus applying unit)
17a Holding part 17b Porous covering 19 Control part 70 Skin

Claims (5)

A beauty device including a main body held by a user and a stimulating unit disposed integrally with the main body and capable of applying a predetermined beauty-related stimulus to the skin of the user,
Two roller units as a first stimulating unit, at least an outer periphery of which is formed of a substantially cylindrical or columnar body made of a material having electrical conductivity, and which are rotatably arranged so that the outer periphery can come into contact with the skin of a user;
a control unit electrically connected to the roller units and capable of controlling at least a current passing state between the two roller units via a user's body,
A heat source unit that heats or cools an outer circumferential portion by passing electricity is disposed inside the roller unit,
the heat source unit is capable of controlling a current supply state to change a heating or cooling state of the outer circumferential portion of the roller unit and thereby adjusting a temperature of the outer circumferential portion of the roller unit;
the roller units are configured to be capable of applying a stimulation by passing an electric current to the skin between the areas of the user's skin that are in contact with the two roller units, and to change to a predetermined temperature by heating or cooling with the heat source unit, thereby enabling at least one of the following: application of a stimulation based on a temperature difference to the skin at the area in contact with the roller units, and suppression of the stimulation based on the temperature difference by reducing the temperature difference with the skin temperature;
The roller portions are rotatably attached to roller support portions provided on the main body portion at predetermined intervals from each other,
A first electrode portion for applying an electric stimulus electrically connected to the control unit is protrudingly provided on a portion of the roller support portion facing the roller portion,
the roller portion is provided with an annular first contact portion on an end surface in the direction of the central axis of rotation, the first contact portion being electrically connected to an outer periphery of the roller portion;
The cosmetic device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode portion is in contact with a first contact portion of the roller portion to be electrically connected thereto . 2. The cosmetic device according to claim 1,
The roller portion has a shaft portion protruding from both end surfaces in a direction of a central axis of rotation, and the shaft portion is journaled by the roller support portion,
At least a portion of the shaft portion is formed of a conductive material and is electrically connected to the heat source portion;
a conductive portion disposed on the roller support portion, the conductive portion being electrically connected to the control portion and in contact with a shaft portion of the roller portion for electrical conduction; 2. The cosmetic device according to claim 1 ,
the roller portion is provided with a second contact portion on an end surface in the direction of the central axis of rotation, the second contact portion being electrically connected to the heat source portion,
a second electrode portion for controlling a heat source portion and electrically connected to the control portion is protrudingly provided on a portion of the roller support portion facing the roller portion,
the second electrode portion is in contact with a second contact portion of the roller portion to be electrically connected. 4. The cosmetic device according to claim 1 ,
The beauty device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the heat source unit to heat or cool the heat source unit so that a temperature of an outer periphery of the roller unit approaches a skin temperature when the roller unit is brought into contact with a user's skin . 5. The cosmetic device according to claim 1,
a light source unit as a second stimulus applying unit that is arranged so as to be capable of irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength toward the skin of a user;
The beauty device is characterized in that the light source unit irradiates light onto the skin at the site of contact with the roller unit or onto skin located in the vicinity of the skin, at the same time that a stimulation based on a temperature difference between the roller unit and the skin is applied to the skin as a result of the contact of the roller unit with the user's skin, or at a timing that is shifted by a predetermined time from the application of the stimulation.

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