EP2548653A1

EP2548653A1 - Mist generator and cosmetic device including mist generator

Info

Publication number: EP2548653A1
Application number: EP12172512A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Toshihiro Takeuchi; Mahito Nunomura; Kazuyasu Ikadai
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp
Priority date: 2011-07-20
Filing date: 2012-06-19
Publication date: 2013-01-23
Also published as: CN102885689A; JP5384575B2; JP2013022200A

Abstract

A mist generator (1) provided with a mist generation mechanism, which generates mist from a liquid, a tubular housing (12), which includes a discharge port (2) that discharges the generated mist, and a discharge port cover (13), which is movable in an axial direction of the housing (12) to open and close the discharge port (2). The discharge port cover (13) extends in a circumferential direction of the housing (12) to surround an outer circumference of the housing (12).

Description

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates to a mist generator and a cosmetic device including a mist generator.
A known cosmetic device includes a mist generator that discharges mist toward the face or the like for the purpose of skin care. The mist has a cosmetic effect and moisturizes the skin. One example of such a cosmetic device includes a mist generator in which a mist generation mechanism, which atomizes liquid such as a skin lotion, is accommodated in a main body case, which is box-shaped and has a low profile. The generated mist is discharged from a discharge port arranged in the main body case. The discharge port opens in a side wall of the main body case, and a cover arranged on the side wall moves parallel to the side wall to open and close the discharge port (refer to Japanese National Phase Laid-Open Patent Publication 2006-40981 , Figs. 1 and 2). When the device is not in use, the discharge port is closed by the cover to suppress the entrance of foreign matter into the discharge port.
In the structure described in Japanese National Phase Laid-Open Patent Publication 2006-40981 , a user moves the cover by pushing the cover against the main body case. Thus, to ensure movement of the cover, the user may increase the force applied to the cover when pushing the cover against the main body case. This would hinder smooth movement of the cover. It is thus desirable that the cover be smoothly operated.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mist generator that improves operability and a cosmetic device including such a mist generator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a mist generator including a mist generation mechanism that generates mist from a liquid. A tubular main body case includes a discharge port that discharges the mist generated by the mist generation mechanism. A discharge port cover that is movable in an axial direction of the main body case to open and close the discharge port. The discharge port cover extends in a circumferential direction of the main body case to surround an outer circumference of the main body case.
The present invention provides a mist generator that improves operability and a cosmetic device including such a mist generator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view showing a cosmetic device including a mist generator according to the present invention in a state in which a discharge port is closed;
Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the cosmetic device in a state in which the discharge port is open;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic device taken along an axial direction;
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cosmetic device;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction showing the discharge port of the cosmetic device;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic device taken along line A-A in Fig. 2;
Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view showing the cosmetic device in a state in which a tank cap is removed from the cosmetic device;
Fig. 7(a) is a rear view showing a discharge port cover of the cosmetic device;
Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic device taken along line B-B in Fig. 7(a);
Fig. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of a magnet and a power switch in a state in which the discharge port is closed;
Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of the magnet and the power switch in a state in which the discharge port is open;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a device main body from a base holder; and
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure for varying a mist amount in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover in a further example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A cosmetic device including a mist generator according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
Referring to Figs. 1(a) and 1(b), a cosmetic device 1, which is cylindrical and compact, is formed to be portable and can be carried in a bag or the like. A user holds the cosmetic device 1 with his or her hand and adjusts the direction and position of the cosmetic device 1 to discharge mist from a discharge port 2 toward a desired portion (face, arm, or the like). In the description hereafter, the side of the cosmetic device 1 including the discharge port 2 is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear side.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the cosmetic device includes a housing 12, which is generally cylindrical and accommodates part of a device main body 11, and a discharge port cover 13, which moves in an axial direction of the housing 12 and opens and closes the discharge port 2. The housing 12 of the device main body 11 includes a first end portion (upper side as viewed in Fig. 2) and a second end portion (lower side as viewed in Fig. 2). A tank 14, which contains liquid (in the present embodiment, skin lotion), and a tank cap 15, which covers the tank 14, are attached in a removable manner to the first end portion of the housing 12. A battery sticker 17, on which a battery insertion direction or the like is illustrated, and a warning sticker 18, on which usage precautions of the cosmetic device 1 or the like are listed, are adhered to the rear outer surface of the housing 12.
The device main body 11 includes a rectangular base 21, which is accommodated in the housing 12. The base 21 is inserted into the housing 12 from the first end portion and formed so that it cannot be removed from the second end portion of the housing 12. A first circuit substrate 23 is fixed to the front side of the base 21. A screw 26 fixes a second circuit substrate 25 to the first circuit substrate 23 with a lead wire 24 arranged in between. Batteries 27 (in the present embodiment, size AAA batteries) are arranged at the rear side of the base 21.
The base 21 includes a first end portion (upper side as viewed in Fig. 2) and a second end portion (lower side as viewed in Fig. 2). A negative electrode terminal 31, which contacts the negative electrode of one of the batteries 27, is arranged in the first end portion of the base 21. A movable contact terminal 32, which is connected by a positive electrode terminal 41 to the positive electrode of the other one of the batteries 27, is arranged in the second end portion of the base 21. The negative electrode terminal 31 and the movable contact terminal 32 are connected to the first circuit substrate 23.
A base holder 33, which is cylindrical and has a closed end, is fixed by screws 34 to the second end portion of the base 21. The base holder 33 is fixed to the base 21 and projects from the second end portion of the housing 12. Further, O- rings 35 and 36, which are formed from an elastic material such as rubber, are respectively arranged between the base holder 33 and the housing 12 and between the base holder 33 and a battery exchange cover 16. This seals the gap between the base holder 33 and the housing 12 and the gap between the base holder 33 and the battery exchange cover 16 to prevent the entrance of liquid. A bottom portion of the base holder 33 includes an insertion hole 37 and a terminal hole 38. The batteries 27 can be inserted through the insertion hole 37. The movable contact terminal 32 includes a contact portion 32a, which contacts the positive electrode terminal 41. The contact portion 32a of the movable contact terminal 32 projects from the terminal hole 38.
The battery exchange cover 16 covers the portion of the base holder 33 projecting from the housing 12. The battery exchange cover 16 includes an open end that contacts the second end portion of the housing 12. A generally planar positive electrode terminal holder 39 is arranged in the battery exchange cover 16. The positive electrode terminal 41, which contacts the positive electrode of one of the batteries 27, is fixed between the bottom portion of the battery exchange cover 16 and the positive electrode terminal holder 39. By attaching the battery exchange cover 16 to the base holder 33, the positive electrode of one of the batteries 27 and the contact portion 32a of the movable contact terminal 32 come into contact with the positive electrode terminal 41. A rating sticker 42 is adhered to an outer bottom surface of the battery exchange cover 16. A serial number or the like is marked on the rating sticker 42. A sheet-shaped member 43 is arranged between the battery exchange cover 16 and the rating sticker 42 to prevent the passage of liquid while permitting the passage of gas.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, a nozzle 51, which includes the discharge port 2, is fixed to the first end portion of the base 21. The nozzle 51, which is formed from a translucent material that transmits light, includes a fixation portion 52 and a discharge port formation portion 53. The fixation portion 52 is generally cylindrical and includes a closed end. The discharge port formation portion 53, which is a curved plate, extends from a front part of the fixation portion 52 toward the first end portion. An O-ring 54 is arranged between the fixation portion 52 and the housing 12 to seal the gap between the housing 12 and the fixation portion 52 of the nozzle 51 and prevent the entrance of liquid. The discharge port 2 is generally cylindrical and includes two opposite openings in a thickness-wise direction (lateral direction as viewed in Fig. 4) of the discharge port formation portion 53.
A light guiding member 56, which is formed from polycarbonate or the like, is arranged in the nozzle 51 adjacent to the discharge port formation portion 53 and extending through the fixation portion 52. Referring to Fig. 2, the light guiding member 56 guides light into the discharge port 2 from a light-emitting diode (LED) 57, which is mounted on the first circuit substrate 23.
As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a generally planar nozzle holder 59 is arranged at the rear side of the discharge port formation portion 53 so as to sandwich a mist generation mechanism 58, which generates mist from the liquid contained in the tank 14. The nozzle holder 59 includes a through hole 60, which is coaxial with the discharge port 2, and is fixed by screws 61 to the nozzle 51.
The mist generation mechanism 58 of the present embodiment is configured to generate ultrasonic oscillation and atomize liquid with the liquid supplied from the tank 14. More specifically, the mist generation mechanism 58 includes an annular oscillator 62 and a thin disk-shaped oscillation plate 63, which is fixed to the oscillator 62. The oscillation plate 63 includes a plurality of fine pores (not shown). The oscillator 62 of the present embodiment is formed by a piezoelectric element and is connected to the first circuit substrate 23 by a lead wire 64. The oscillator 62 expands and contracts in the radial direction in accordance with the applied voltage. This generates ultrasonic oscillation with the oscillation plate 63.
A packing 65 is arranged between the oscillator 62 and the discharge port formation portion 53 of the nozzle 51. A packing 66 is arranged between the oscillator 62 and the nozzle holder 59. This seals the gaps between the oscillator 62 and the discharge port formation portion 53 so as to prevent the entrance of liquid. The packing 66 arranged at the rear side of the oscillator 62 includes a tubular insertion portion 67, which is inserted into the though hole 60 of the nozzle holder 59.
A front cover 68, which is a curved plate, is arranged at the front side of the discharge port formation portion 53 so as to cover the front side of the discharge port formation portion 53. The front cover 68 includes a through hole 69, which is coaxial to the discharge port 2. In a state in which the front portion of the discharge port 2 is fitted into the through hole 69, the front cover 68 is fixed by screws 70 to the nozzle holder 59. In the present embodiment, the housing 12 and the front cover 68 form a generally tubular main body case that includes the discharge port 2. The front cover 68 includes a first end portion defining a semicircular top portion 71, which includes an engagement hole 72. A projection 73 is formed on a front outer surface of the front cover 68.
The tank 14 is formed from a translucent material, which transmits light, and is generally box-shaped. The tank 14 is arranged rearward from the axis of the housing 12 so that the longitudinal direction of the tank 14 is parallel to the axial direction of the housing 12. A tubular supply port 81, which opens toward the front, is formed in an end portion of the tank 14 that is closer to the housing 12. Thus, when the cosmetic device 1 is held so that its first end portion is located at the upper side, the supply port 81 is located at the lower side of the tank 14. The tank 14 includes a wall 82 facing away from the housing 12. The wall 82 includes a projection 83. The supply port 81 is press-fitted into the insertion portion 67 of the packing 66, and the projection 83 is engaged with the engagement hole 72 of the front cover 68. This couples the tank 14 to the device main body 11.
The tank cap 15 is generally cylindrical, includes a closed end, and covers the tank 14. An inner circumferential surface of the tank cap 15 includes a recess 85, which is located at a position corresponding to the projection 73 of the front cover 68. Engagement of the recess 85 and the projection 73 attaches the tank cap 15 to the front cover 68.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 5, the discharge port cover 13 is generally arcuate and extends around the housing 12 in the circumferential direction of the housing 12. In the present embodiment, the discharge port cover 13 is movable with a movement range including a first end (position of the state shown in Fig. 1(a)) and a second end (position of the state shown in Fig. 1(b)). The discharge port cover 13 covers (closes) the discharge port 2 when located at the first end of the movable range and exposes (opens) the discharge port 2 when located at the second end of the movable range.
More specifically, referring to Fig. 5, the discharge port cover 13 extends throughout a circumferential range that is larger than one half of the circumference of the housing 12, and the rear side of the housing 12 is cut out so that the housing 12 is generally arcuate. In other words, the discharge port cover 13 is formed so as to cover the outer circumferential surface of the housing 12 except for a rear part. Opposite sides of the discharge port cover 13 are engaged with the housing 12. This restricts movement of the discharge port cover 13 in the radial direction (direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 12).
The discharge port cover 13 includes two circumferential ends that define hooks 91, which bend into the discharge port cover 13. The hooks 91 are fitted to straight rails 92, which extend in the axial direction on the housing 12. This guides the movement of the discharge port cover 13 along the axial direction of the housing 12. Referring to Fig. 6, the distance between the two circumferential ends of the discharge port cover 13 is slightly greater than the width of the short side of the tank 14 (in the lateral direction as viewed in Fig. 6). Thus, the tank 14 is attachable to and removable from the device main body 11 in a state in which the discharge port cover 13 closes the discharge port 2. Referring to Fig. 4, a liquid absorber 93, which absorbs liquid, is arranged at a position facing toward the discharge port 2 on an inner surface 13a of the discharge port cover 13. The liquid absorber 93 of the present embodiment is formed by a non-woven cloth.
Referring to Figs. 4, 7(a), and 7(b), the cosmetic device 1 includes a lock mechanism 94. When the discharge port cover 13 is located at a position closing the discharge port 2, the lock mechanism 94 can be switched between a lock state and an unlock state. The lock mechanism 94 restricts movement of the discharge port cover 13 in the lock state and permits movement of the discharge port cover 13 in the unlock state.
More specifically, the lock mechanism 94 includes a lock base 101, a lock button 103, and a spring 104. The lock base 101 is arranged on the nozzle 51 and includes a through hole 102. The lock button 103 is exposed toward the rear from the through hole 102 of the lock base 101. The spring 104 urges the lock button 103 toward the rear. As shown in Fig. 4, the lock base 101 is fixed by a screw 105 to the fixation portion 52 of the nozzle 51. An O-ring 106 is arranged between the screw 105 and the fixation portion 52 of the nozzle 51 to seal the gap between the screw 105 and the fixation portion 52 and prevent the entrance of liquid. Referring to Fig. 7(b), the lock button 103 includes tabs 103a, which are engaged with lock recesses 91a formed in the hooks 91 of the discharge port cover 13. The lock recesses 91a are formed to engage the tabs 103a when the discharge port cover 13 is located at a position closing the discharge port 2. The spring 104 urges the lock button 103 so that the tabs 103a engage the lock recesses 91a. This restricts movement of the discharge port cover 13. In this state, the lock mechanism 94 is in the lock state. The lock button 103 is pushed to disengage the tabs 103a from the lock recesses 91a. In this state, the lock mechanism 94 is in the unlock state and permits movement of the discharge port cover 13.
The cosmetic device 1 is configured so that a power switch 111 is operated in a non-contact manner and activated and deactivated to start and stop the supply of power to the mist generation mechanism 58 in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover 13. More specifically, referring to Figs. 3, 8(a), and 8(b), a magnet 112 is fixed to the discharge port cover 13 at a position corresponding to the power switch 111. In the present embodiment, the magnet 112 is arranged on a tetragonal frame-shaped seat 113, which is formed in the inner surface 13a of the discharge port cover 13. As a result, in the state shown in Fig. 8(a), the discharge port cover 13 closes the discharge port 2. In this case, the magnet 112 is separated from the power switch 111. This deactivates the power switch 111. In the state shown in Fig. 8(b), the discharge port cover 13 is moved toward the second end portion of the housing 12 to open the discharge port 2. When the magnet 112 is located near the power switch 111, the magnetic force of the power switch 111 activates the power switch 111. In a state in which the power switch 111 is activated, a microcomputer 114 (refer to Fig. 3), which is mounted on the first circuit substrate 23, controls the power supplied to the mist generation mechanism 58 from the batteries 27 and generates mist.
Further, the cosmetic device 1 is configured so that the mist generation mechanism 58 generates a variable amount of mist. More specifically, the microcomputer 114 of the present embodiment executes PWM control so that the voltage applied to the mist generation mechanism 58 (oscillator 62) is variable. Referring to Fig. 2, an adjustment switch 115, which functions as a setting means for setting the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58, is mounted on the second circuit substrate 25.
Referring to Fig. 9, the adjustment switch 115 includes an operation lever 116, which projects from an operation hole 117 extending through the base holder 33. In the present embodiment, a user operates the operation lever 116 between a "HI" position and a "LO" position. When the operation lever 116 is located at the "HI" position, a high voltage is applied to the oscillator 62 and the mist amount is increased. When the operation lever 116 is located at the "LO" position, a low voltage is applied to the oscillator 62 and the mist amount is decreased. The microcomputer 114 recognizes the position of the operation lever 116 of the adjustment switch 115 and supplies the oscillator 62 with voltage in accordance with the recognized position to vary the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58.
As described above, the battery exchange cover 16 covers the base holder 33. Thus, the operation lever 116 is covered by the battery exchange cover 16. In the present embodiment, the operation lever 116 corresponds to an operation portion, the battery exchange cover 16 corresponds to an operation portion cover, the base holder 33 corresponds to a coupling member, and the O-ring 36 corresponds to a seal.
In the cosmetic device 1 of the present embodiment, heavy components such as the batteries 27 and the tank 14 are arranged rearward from the axis of the housing 12. Thus, the center of gravity of the cosmetic device 1 is located rearward from the axis of the housing 12. As a result, when the cosmetic device 1 is rested sideward in a state in which its axis direction is generally perpendicular to the gravitational direction, the rear side of the cosmetic device 1 faces a downward direction. This prevents the discharge port 2 from being directed in a downward direction.
The present embodiment has the advantages described below.

(1) The discharge port cover 13 extends in the circumferential direction of the housing 12 around the outer circumference of the housing 12. Thus, the user can grasp the discharge port cover 13. This ensures that the discharge port cover 13 can be moved without pushing the discharge port cover 13 against the housing 12 and improves the operability of the discharge port cover 13.
(2) The discharge port cover 13 is arcuate and extends throughout a circumferential range that is larger than one half of the circumference of the housing 12. Further, movement of the discharge port cover 13 in the radial direction is restricted. This ensures that the discharge port cover 13 is prevented from being separated from the housing 12.
(3) The power switch 111, which starts and stops the supply of power, is formed by a reed switch. Further, the magnet 112 is arranged in the discharge port cover 13. This activates and deactivates the power switch 111 in a non-contact manner in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover 13. Accordingly, movement of the discharge port cover 13 activates and deactivates the power switch 111. This improves convenience in comparison to when a user has to operate a separate power switch. Further, the power switch 111 is operated in a non-contact manner in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover 13. This further ensures that mist is prevented from being discharge in a state in which the discharge port 2 is closed by the discharge port cover 13. In addition, liquid leakage that would be caused by the collection of mist on the inner surface of the discharge port cover 13 is suppressed. Moreover, the activation and deactivation of the power switch 111 is switched in a non-contact manner. This increases the water resistance of the cosmetic device 1 in comparison to when a power switch is arranged on the exterior.
(4) The discharge port cover 13 is formed so that the tank 14 is attachable to and removable from the device main body 11 in a state in which the discharge port cover 13 is closing the discharge port 2. Thus, the tank 14 can be attached and removed regardless of the position of the discharge port cover 13, and convenience is improved. This is particularly effective in the structure of the present embodiment that activates and deactivates the power switch 111 in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover 13 since erroneous activation of the power switch 111 can be suppressed during attachment and removal of the tank 14.
(5) The cosmetic device 1 includes the lock mechanism 94 that restricts movement of the discharge port cover 13 when located at a position closing the discharge port 2. Thus, inadvertent movement of the discharge port cover 13 that opens the discharge port 2 is suppressed, and foreign matter such as dust is prevented from entering the discharge port 2. This is particularly effective in the structure of the present embodiment that activates and deactivates the power switch 111 in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover since inadvertent mist discharge can be suppressed.
(6) The position of the operation lever 116 of the adjustment switch 115 is switched to vary the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58. Thus, the user can adjust the amount of discharged mist in accordance with his or her preference. This improves convenience.
(7) The adjustment switch 115 includes the operation lever 116, which projects from the operation hole 117 formed in the base holder 33. The battery exchange cover 16, which covers the operation lever 116, is attached in a removable manner to the base holder 33. The O-ring 36 is arranged between the base holder 33 and the battery exchange cover 16. Accordingly, the operation lever 116 is protected from liquids. Thus, when a liquid is inadvertently spilt, the entrance of liquid into the housing 12 through the operation lever 116 (operation hole 117) is suppressed. This improves the water resistance.
(8) The liquid absorber 93, which absorbs liquid, is arranged at a position facing toward the discharge port 2 on the inner surface 13a of the discharge port cover 13. For example, liquid collects on the inner surface of the discharge port 2 when mist is discharged. In such a case, by closing the discharge port cover 13, the liquid absorber 93 can absorb the liquid from the inner surface of the discharge port 2. This prevents the liquid from leaking toward the outer surface of the housing 12.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in the following forms.
In the above embodiment, the liquid absorber 93 of the present embodiment is formed by a non-woven cloth. However, the liquid absorber 93 may be formed by any component that can absorb liquid such as a sponge. Further, a liquid absorber does not have to be arranged on the inner surface 13a of the discharge port cover 13.
In the above embodiment, the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58 is varied by the adjustment switch 115. Instead, the mist amount may be varied in accordance with the position of the discharge port cover 13. In the example shown in Fig. 10, reed switches 121a and 121b are arranged on the first circuit substrate 23 next to each other in the axial direction of the housing 12. As shown by the double-dotted lines in Fig. 10, the reed switches 121a and 121b are independently activated and deactivated in accordance with the position of the magnet 112, which is fixed to the discharge port cover 13. The microcomputer 114 supplies voltage to the oscillator 62 in accordance with the activated one of the reed switches 121a and 121b. The microcomputer 114 supplies the oscillator 62 with voltage in accordance with the activated one of the reed switches 121a and 121b to vary the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58.
In this structure, the amount of discharged mist can be adjusted by moving the discharge port cover 13. This allows for the amount of mist to be easily varied while the mist is discharged and improves convenience. In the structure shown in Fig. 10, the power switch 111 may be arranged separately from the reed switches 121a and 121b. Alternatively, the reed switches 121a and 121b may function as a power switch.
In the above embodiment, the microcomputer 114 executes PWM control to change the voltage applied to the oscillator 62 and vary the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58. Instead, the mist amount may be varied by an input of a different frequency, the application of an intermittent voltage, or the like in addition to the application of high and low voltages.
In the above embodiment, the position of the operation lever 116 is switched to set the mist amount generated by the mist generation mechanism in two stages. Instead, the generated mist amount may be set in two stages. Further, the mist amount may be set to be continuous rather than being set in stages. Moreover, the amount of mist generated by the mist generation mechanism 58 may be fixed.
In the above embodiment, the lock mechanism 94 restricts movement of the discharge port cover 13 by engaging the tabs 103a of the lock button 103, which is urged by the spring 104, with the lock recesses 91a in the hooks 91 of the discharge port cover 13. Instead, a lock mechanism may include a recess in the discharge port cover 13 and a projection on the housing 12 to engage the recess and projection and thereby restrict movement of the discharge port cover 13. Moreover, the cosmetic device 1 does not have to include the lock mechanism 94.
In the above embodiment, the discharge port cover 13 is formed so that the tank 14 is attachable to and removable from the device main body 11 in a state in which the discharge port cover 13 is closing the discharge port 2. Instead, for example, the discharge port cover 13 may be cylindrical. In this case, the discharge port cover 13 has to be moved toward a lower end of the housing 12 when the tank 14 is attached to or removed from the device main body 11.
In the above embodiment, the power switch 111 is formed by a reed switch. Instead, the power switch 111 may be formed by other types of non-contact switches such as a photoelectric switch.
In the above embodiment, the discharge port cover 13 is moved to activate and deactivate the power switch 111. Instead, a separate power switch operated by the user may be employed.
In the above embodiment, the discharge port cover 13 extends throughout a circumferential range that is larger than one half of the circumference of the housing 12. Instead, the discharge port cover 13 may extend around one half or less of the circumference of the housing 12.
In the above embodiment, the housing 12 is generally cylindrical. Instead, the housing 12 may be a polygonal tube, such as a tetragonal tube. In this case, the discharge port cover 13 is formed around the housing 12 so as to cover at least two sides of the housing 12.
In the above embodiment, the oscillation plate 63 is oscillated by ultrasonic waves to generate mist from liquid. Instead, liquid may be, for example, boiled to generate mist. Alternatively, an electrode may be discharged (electrostatic atomization) to generate mist.
In the above embodiment, the cosmetic device 1 according to the present invention is used to generate mist from a skin lotion. Other types of liquids, such as water (pure water) may be used to generate mist.
In the above embodiment, the present invention is embodied in the cosmetic device 1 that includes a mist generator. The present invention may also be embodied in any other type of device that includes a mist generator, such as a portable humidifier.
The present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.

Claims

A mist generator comprising:
a mist generation mechanism (58) that generates mist from a liquid;

a tubular main body case (12, 68) including a discharge port (2) that discharges the mist generated by the mist generation mechanism(58); and

a discharge port cover (13) that is movable in an axial direction of the main body case (12, 68) to open and close the discharge port (2), wherein the discharge port cover (13) extends in a circumferential direction of the main body case (12, 68) to surround an outer circumference of the main body case (12, 68).
The mist generator according to claim 1, wherein the discharge port cover (13) is formed so that its movement is restricted in a radial direction of the main body case (12, 68).
The mist generator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a power switch (111) activated and deactivated to start and stop supplying power to the mist generation mechanism (58), wherein the power switch (111) is activated and deactivated in accordance with where the discharge port cover (13) is located.
The mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the mist generation mechanism (58) includes a tank (14) that contains liquid from which the mist is generated, and
the discharge port cover (13) is formed so that the tank (14) is attachable to and removable from the mist generation mechanism (58) when the discharge port cover (13) is located at a position closing the discharge port (2).
The mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a lock mechanism (94) that moves between a lock position, at which the lock mechanism (94) restricts movement of the discharge port cover (13), and an unlock position, at which the lock mechanism (94) permits movement of the discharge port cover (13).
The mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
a setting unit (115) configured to set an amount of the mist generated by the mist generation mechanism (58); and

a control unit (114) that controls operation of the mist generation mechanism (58) in accordance with the amount of the mist set by the setting unit (115).
The mist generator according to claim 6, wherein
the setting unit (115) includes an operation portion operated by a user, and
the main body case (12, 68) includes an operation portion cover (16) that covers the operation portion.
The mist generator according to claim 7, further comprising:
a coupling member (33) coupled to the operation portion cover (16); and

a seal (36) arranged between the operation portion cover (16) and the coupling member (33) to prevent entrance of liquid.
The mist generator according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit (115) is configured to vary the mist amount in accordance with where the discharge port cover (13) is located.
The mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the discharge port cover (13) includes an inner surface (13a) and a liquid absorber (93), which is arranged on the inner surface (13a) and absorbs liquid.
A cosmetic device comprising the mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.