JP2854027B2 - Light hair removal device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a photo-epilation device, and more particularly to a method for drying sebaceous lines and hair factors in hair follicles using light to promote permanent epilation. The present invention relates to a permanent light hair removal device that can be used for a hair removal device.

[Conventional technology]

A photo-epilation device belonging to the above-mentioned type is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
No. 4459 (JP-A-2-140105).
When the photo-epilation device disclosed in this publication is used, two light-emitting light sources having main intensities in red and blue visible light regions are used as light sources of irradiation light. In the first preheating, a relatively weak intensity of red light is evenly applied to the entire area to be depilated. Then
The hair loss site is illuminated with red light of relatively high intensity to dry out the hair factor in the sebaceous gland opening. Thereafter, a relatively intense blue light is applied to dry the sebaceous glands and hair factors in the hair follicles. After being in this state, the hair at the irradiated location is depilated with a depilatory wax. Thereafter, a proteolytic enzyme used to suppress hair growth and growth is rubbed through the pores opened by the hair removal treatment. In order to further activate the action of the proteolytic oxygen, a relatively weak red light is again irradiated to the depilated area (flushing).

Japanese Patent Application No. 1-124459 (JP-A-2-140105)
When using the apparatus disclosed in the above paragraph, the start of irradiation is provided outside the epilator main body, and a switch electrically connected to the main body via an electric wire, such as a foot switch or a microswitch attached to an irradiation probe. Is used. As is well known, the area to be depilated may be, for example, a narrow local area such as an armpit, but may be a wide area, for example, the whole area below the knee or the back of the foot. I do. The size of the irradiation area of the irradiation probe is, for example, about 5 mm in diameter in the case of relatively strong irradiation of red by a halogen / tungsten incandescent lamp, and about 10 mm in the case of relatively strong light of blue by a xenon lamp.
It is. Therefore, in order to treat the above-described large area with an irradiation probe having such a narrow irradiation range, it is necessary to perform irradiation by moving the irradiation position 100 times or more times. In order to reduce this difficulty, it is conceivable to increase the irradiation area by increasing the intensity of the light source. However, this measure unnecessarily increases the size of the apparatus itself, resulting in a significant increase in price and an increase in maintenance costs. On the contrary, a single irradiation may impose a large burden on the skin, and if the device is in failure and a strong irradiation light is applied to the skin for longer than the specified time, it may pose a serious danger to the body. There is.

In addition, in the embodiment disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-124459, the start of irradiation is performed by the above-mentioned external switch, and the end of irradiation is automatically determined by a timer built in the main body. In the case of this method, it is necessary to move and set the position of the irradiation probe while operating the external switch 100 times or more times as described above. The person who actually performs the hair removal treatment is a user who is usually a full-time profession, but performs hair removal not only for one person per day but also for several or more than a dozen people. Therefore, just by operating the external switch, the user already tires his / her feet or fingertips. In addition, the movement and setting of the irradiation probe require the user to move the probe laterally and to press it against the skin, so that muscle fatigue occurs. This means that as the number of uses increases, the user becomes fatigued and may become an occupational disease.

Furthermore, the above calculations of 100 or more movements and settings require more or less time, and even if the time required for a single movement is relatively small, surprisingly, It takes a long time and wastes the effective use time.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In view of the difficulties found in the above-described conventional apparatus, the object of the present invention is to automate the operation of starting irradiation, not manually, to effectively utilize the effective use time, and at the same time significantly reduce the fatigue that occurs during irradiation. An object of the present invention is to provide a light hair removal device that reduces the amount of light.

[Means for solving the problem]

According to the present invention, the present invention provides a red light emitting source and a blue light emitting source, an irradiation probe that irradiates light emitted from the two light sources to the outside, and an electric control unit that electrically controls the two light emitting sources. An optical hair removal device comprising: an electric control unit, which is provided with a means for performing irradiation of the irradiation probe and pausing alternately and continuously, and capable of changing an interval between the irradiation period and the pause period independently of each other. A photo epilation device, or a photo epilation system comprising: a red light emission source and a blue light emission source; an irradiation probe for irradiating light emitted from the two light sources to the outside; and an electric control unit for electrically controlling the two light emission sources. An apparatus comprising a probe carrier for holding an irradiation probe and facilitating lateral movement, the probe carrier being equipped with a detector for detecting a moving distance, and an electric control unit. This detector The problem is solved by a photo-epilation device, characterized in that an electric circuit for calculating an irradiation time emitted to an object from an output signal and determining whether the irradiation time is within a desired irradiation time is provided. I have.

(Operation)

The following effects are obtained by the above configuration. That is, the start of irradiation of any light is automatically determined in the apparatus. In addition, the irradiation probe can be moved by pressing against the skin. Then, irradiation corresponding to the moving speed is automatically performed, and the same location is not illuminated for an allowable time or longer.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the photo-epilation device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a photo-epilation device according to the present invention. As already disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-12459, there are various types of connecting portions used between the irradiation probe and the light emitting light source. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the number of the irradiation probe 5 and the number of the connecting portion 6 are one, and each light emitted from the red light source 3 and the blue light source 4 is
Use is made of a system that is introduced into the connecting portion 6 via a mixer 7 provided inside. Of course, it is clear from the following description that the configuration of the present invention can be easily applied to other systems (for details, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 1-12459).

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the following treatment is applied to the electric control section 2 of the light emitting light source provided in the main body 1 of the photo-epilation apparatus shown in FIG. That is, the control unit 2 is divided into three parts, and the red light source control unit 2A and the blue light source control
B and a common control unit 2C. The main parts for setting the operation in the main body 1 are each a red light emission source control part.
2A, a changeover switch SW _R for automatically (A) or manual (M) operation of the red light source, a red light intensity constant section V _IR , an irradiation period setting section V _TR1 for continuing red light irradiation, red pause period setting unit V _TR1 has suspended the irradiation of light, also the blue light-emitting source controller 2B, the changeover switch SW _B for controlling the blue emitting source automatically (a) or manual (M), blue light Intensity setting section V
_IB , an irradiation period setting unit V _TB1 for continuing the blue light irradiation, and a pause period setting unit V _VB1 for interrupting the blue light irradiation are provided. Further, the common control unit 2C are equipped are changeover switch SW _S to choose to use either the red light emitting source (R), or blue light-emitting source (B). In addition, functional components which are not directly related to the present invention, such as a main power switch, an indicator lamp, etc., which are known per se and are usually used in any electric device, are not shown because they complicate the description.

Operation of the epilation device shown in this embodiment, as can be understood from the trigger signal waveform for triggering the emission source 3 or 4 shown in FIG. 2, an irradiation period of the irradiation probe 5 is T _A, rest period It is set to be a T _B. Light irradiation is controlled by this trigger signal in which both periods T _A and T _B are alternately switched. As a circuit that generates such a switching waveform, as those skilled in the art can easily infer,
Self-propelled multivibrator (Bistable multivibrator)
Can be configured very easily. In addition, a commercially available timer or sequence control unit can be used. At that time, the time constant of the irradiation period and the rest period is
It is determined by the corresponding RC circuit element,
In FIG. 1, this circuit element is implicitly shown as a variable resistor (of course, this setting can be realized by a variable capacitor instead of a variable resistor). That is,
Taking red as an example, irradiation period T _A is the irradiation period setting unit V _VR1, also rest period T _B is set by pause period setting unit V _TR1.

The above explanation is for the case of a red light source,
Similar settings apply to the case of a blue light source.

To actually perform the optical hair removal according to the invention in the configuration of FIG. 1, the setting of use conditions of each color light emitting source (changeover switch SW _R,
SW _E , intensity setting units V _IR , V _IB , irradiation period setting units V _TR1 , V _TR1 , pause period setting units V _TR1 , V _TR1, etc.) First, the red light irradiation probe 5 is attached to the detachable light guide cable / connector 8, and the selection of the light source to be used is performed by the switch SW _{S at the} contact position R.
Switch to. In the case of blue, the switch SW _S is switched to the contact position B. In the pre-heating and flushing of red light, since the irradiation area is increased by lowering the light irradiation intensity, it is necessary to replace the irradiation probe 5 or attach an adapter to the tip of the probe (Japanese Patent Application No. 1-1245).
No. 9). The red or blue light emitting source constantly emits light and stops according to the sequence shown in FIG. Therefore,
The user moves to a desired position of the skin during the irradiation probe rest period T _E, irradiated during the illumination period T _A for pressing the fixed thereon.

In the irradiation condition of FIG. 2, the pause period is shortened as much as possible, and the irradiation probe is moved to the next irradiation position during this period.
Effective working time needs to be reduced. This requires the user to be trained to move the irradiation probe constantly and quickly.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show an irradiation probe portion of the apparatus capable of executing the relationship between the movement of the irradiation probe and the irradiation period without waiting for the user's training. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3a shows the tip of a light guide cable 11 corresponding to the irradiation probe 5 of FIG.
16 are inserted into corresponding holes in the non-conductive rubber or plastic probe carrier 10. In this case, the outer coating 12 is inserted until the step abuts against the surface of the corresponding carrier 10. In the recess 18 of the carrier 10, a roll 20 having a rotating shaft 22 penetrating the center is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) embedded in the carrier 10 (see also FIG. 3b). . In the vicinity of the surface of the roll 20, a large number of permanent magnet pieces 24, such as ferrite or samarium-cobalt alloy, are embedded at equal intervals. These magnet pieces 24 are arranged such that their magnetization directions are alternately reversed. On the other hand, a magnetic field detection sensor 30 is embedded in the bottom portion of the depression 18. The output signal of this sensor is connected to a receptacle piece 33 into which a socket pin 34 of a connector socket 35 can be inserted via a power supply / output signal line 32.
Leads to. The output signal is introduced from the pin 34 to the signal processing circuit 2 of the main body 1 via the conductor 36.

As can be understood from this cross-sectional view, the probe carrier 10 can be moved while being in close contact with the skin 38, so that the probe carrier 10 is once separated from the skin when moving like a conventional irradiation probe,
There is no need to press again on the desired epilation site. Therefore, the probe tip 16 can be moved without using useless force. Further, an important feature of the carrier 10 is that the permanent magnet piece 24 in the roll 20 that rotates with the movement of the carrier 10 applies a magnetic field change to the sensor 30 for detecting the magnetic field, so that the output signal also changes. In this way, roll
Twenty travel distances are detected.

Although not particularly shown in the first embodiment described above, even if the irradiation probe is mounted on the carrier with a roll shown here and the position detection unit is not mounted, its usefulness in operation is It is clear for the reasons mentioned above.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of an illuminance detection calculation unit 100 which uses this output signal to prevent the probe carrier 10 from moving at an appropriate speed and excessively irradiating light.

The magnetic field detection sensor 30 is, for example, a Hall element MS.
The reference potential is applied to both ends of the element MS, the received and are magnetic field to the element MS measures the Hall voltage as is well known from the end in the perpendicular direction can be known by the first-stage amplifier A _1.
The obtained output signal has a waveform schematically shown on the output end side of the _first- stage amplifier A1, but this signal is introduced into a waveform shaping circuit _Tr to form a square wave that jumps out to the positive or negative signal level side. It is introduced into a trigger stage LMT that forms a trigger pulse from a positive square wave and a trigger stage INV that forms a trigger pulse from a negative square wave. Both trigger pulses are set and reset terminals S and R of flip-flop FF, respectively.
Will be introduced. The output signal Q of the flip-flop FF is
It is introduced at the set end S 'of the counter CNT. On the other hand, in this counter CNT, the timing pulse of the clock generator CLK is reduced to a clock pulse of an appropriate cycle by the frequency divider DV and is introduced into the counter CNT. The reset of the counter CNT is performed for each pair of pole pieces by the output of the flip-flop.

The count output of the counter CNT indicates the time during which the adjacent permanent magnet pieces 24 have passed through the Hall element MS. Since the distance between the magnets is known, the rotation speed of the roll 20 can also be calculated. Therefore, this count output is further introduced into digital window comparators L and U, where it is determined whether the rotation speed of the roll 20 is within a predetermined rotation speed, that is, between the minimum allowable speed and the desired maximum speed. it can. The digital threshold values corresponding to the minimum allowable speed and the desired maximum speed are input from the attached keyboard CBD, are encoded by the encoding circuit ENC, and are sent to the comparators L and U via the signal lines α and γ, respectively. Has been introduced. When the rotation speed of the roll 20 exceeds the desired maximum threshold value, the output OUT2 of the comparator U changes to, for example, the "H" level, and otherwise maintains the "L" level. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the roll 20 is equal to or lower than the minimum allowable threshold, the output of the comparator L maintains the “L” level. Changes to an "H" level corresponding to a warning signal that the rotational speed of the motor is too slow. Then, the output is introduced into the monostable multivibrator MST, after a time pause corresponding to the time T _B shown in FIG. 2, returns to "L" level. Specifying the time corresponding to T _B is introduced into the monostable multivibrator MST via the encoder circuit ENC and lead β keyboard CBD. Output OUT from there
Output to the outside as 1.

When the output OUT1 becomes “H” level, it means that the irradiation time is longer than an allowable range, and a command to stop the irradiation light emission light source is issued from the irradiation detection calculation unit 100 to the drive circuit of this light emission source (for example, the first It is designed to output to the light emitting source 3 or 4) in the figure. At the same time, it is also effective to display this state on, for example, an LED on the display unit of the main body 1 or to give an alarm by voice. If the output OUT2 is at "H" level, it means that the irradiation time is short, and the irradiation is insufficient. In that case, it is necessary to reduce the moving speed of the probe carrier 10 which is manually operated. Of course, it is effective to display a warning lamp and / or an audio alarm to indicate this situation.

Assuming that the diameter (or the length of one side) of the effective irradiation surface of the irradiation probe is D, the moving speed v of the probe is expressed by the following relationship with the proper irradiation period T _A defined in FIG. / T _B must be satisfied. This speed defines the moving speed of the irradiation probe carrier of the second embodiment at the time of proper movement. The two parameters of the upper limit and the lower limit of the speed are the same as the irradiation period setting units V _TR1 and V _{TR1 in} FIG. It corresponds to the _idle period setting sections V _TR1 and V _TB1 .

In the above-described second embodiment, the rotation speed of the roll 20 is detected by the magnetic sensing element. However, this technical idea can be realized photoelectrically. In this case, the detector 30 is constituted by a light emitting diode as a light emitting element and a phototransistor as a light receiving element, and the magnet piece 22 is simply made of a light reflecting material. Further, the illuminance detection calculation unit 100 can be formed by a substantially similar circuit method.

In addition, it is evident that the two embodiments shown here can be modified in various ways without departing from the design concept underlying the invention. For example, third
a, b not only one roll 20 in the carrier 10 but also
Two or more can also be provided. Also, the keyboard CBD shown in FIG. 4 which is a digital input system is replaced with an analog input system such as a variable resistor such as an irradiation light intensity setting unit and an irradiation time setting unit shown in FIG.
It is possible by changing the circuit in 100.

〔The invention's effect〕

The remarkable advantages of the photo-epilation device according to the present invention are as follows: (1) Irradiation is not determined by an external operation and is automatically determined in the device, so that fatigue is not caused for long-time use.

(2) According to the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention, since the irradiation probe can be always pressed and executed without moving it away from the skin, fatigue does not occur for a long time use.

(3) Irradiation that matches the moving speed can be automatically guaranteed.
Also, since the same location will not be illuminated for longer than the allowed time,
Can be used safely.

(4) Since the rest period can be shortened or there is no rest period, the hair removal treatment capacity is significantly increased.

It is in.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a photo epilation apparatus as a first embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram of an output signal of an automatic lighting drive sequence used in the photo-epilation device of FIG. 3a and 3b are a cross-sectional view and a plan view from below of a probe carrier equipped with an irradiation probe and a moving speed detector. FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing an arithmetic processing unit for an output signal obtained by detecting the moving speed of the carrier shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a and 3b. Reference symbols in the drawing: 1 ... Main unit, 2 ... Electrical control unit, 3 ... Red light source, 4 ... Blue light source, 5 ... Probe, 10 ... Probe carrier, 20 ... Roll, 24 ... ... Magnet piece, 30 ... Magnetic detector, 100 ... Illuminance detection calculation unit.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A light emitting source for irradiating light emitted from the two light sources to the outside;
In the photo-epilation device comprising an electric control unit for electrically controlling the two light sources, the electric control unit performs the irradiation of the irradiation probe and the pause alternately and continuously, and sets an interval between the irradiation period and the pause period. Characterized in that the hair removal device is provided with means capable of changing the values independently of each other. 2. A red light emitting source and a blue light emitting source, and an irradiation probe for irradiating light emitted from the two light sources to the outside,
An optical hair removal device comprising: an electric control unit for electrically controlling the two light sources; and a probe carrier for holding an irradiation probe and facilitating lateral movement. Is equipped with a detector for detecting the moving distance, and the electric control unit calculates the irradiation time emitted to the object from the output signal of this detector and determines whether or not the irradiation time is within the range of the desired irradiation time. An optical hair removal device, wherein an electric circuit for determining the condition is provided.