JP6496152B2 - Heating device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat application device that applies heat to a user's skin, particularly around the eyes.

  The device that gives the user's face and other skin (skin) stimuli related to the specified beauty and beautifying skin and the stimulation that leads to the relaxation effect is for simple single-function, low-output devices used at home. Various types are used, such as multi-functional and high-output ones. Among these devices, simple devices used at home include those that cool or heat the skin, those that apply suction to the skin, those that apply steam or mist to the skin, and irradiate the skin with light. Those that transmit ultrasonic vibration to the skin, those that conduct weak ionization (iontophoresis) through the skin, or those that remove fine dirt by cleansing the skin (iontophoresis) Etc. are commonly used.

  In particular, in recent years, steam (mist) is generated with an instrument held in front of the user's eyes, and the steam hits the skin around the eyes. Those that suppress and moisturize are known. An example of such a conventional apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-244922.

JP 2011-244922 A

  A conventional device for applying a stimulus has a structure shown in the above-mentioned patent document, and has a mechanism for generating steam by heating water to be evaporated as steam (mist) by a heating means such as a heating element, and a separate heater. It has a heat transfer portion that is warmed by the like and directly touches the skin to give heat.

  In use, it is usually positioned so that the skin contact part of the device is applied to the skin around the target eye, and steam is generated against the skin or just in contact with the skin under the eyes. The user performs an operation for giving a stimulus of heat to the skin, for example, by heating the heat transfer portion.

In the case of such a conventional heat application device, a heater is used for heating, but it takes time from the start of energization of the heater to applying a thermal stimulus at an appropriate temperature around the eyes, and the experience of operation start There are few problems.
Further, since the temperature drop after the end of energization of the heater is slow, there is a drawback that the user does not immediately notice that the heating set on the apparatus side has reached the end time.

In particular, since such a device is attached to the eye, the end display cannot be confirmed directly by visual acuity. Therefore, in order to notice the end of energization (heating) of the heater, a sound display means is provided, and the device is moved from the eye. There is a need to encourage removal.
Moreover, even if a display means by sound is provided and noticed, if it is used so as to continue wearing, it will continue to give halfway heat, and the assumed thermal stimulus cannot be applied appropriately.

In other words, when the temperature is gradually lowered from the end of energization of the heater, the heat application time changes depending on when the user removes the apparatus from the eye, so the significance of setting the end time is diminished.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat application device that can heat the skin around the user's eyes for a set time and enhance the treatment effect. And

  A heat application device according to the present disclosure includes a heat transfer unit that supplies heat to the periphery of the user's eyes, and the heat transfer unit comes into contact with the heat transfer unit so as to be capable of conducting heat, and is built in the device main body unit to adjust the temperature. Heat source part, and the heat source part transmits heat obtained by heat absorption on one side of the heat source part to the heat transfer part by heat generated on the other side of the heat source part in contact with the heat transfer part. The heat transfer part side heat absorption state in which the heat discharged with heat generation on one side of the heat source part is taken away from the heat transfer part by heat absorption on the other side of the heat source part in contact with the heat transfer part can be switched and used By the user's operation, the heat transfer unit side heat generation state is continued for a predetermined time to warm the heat transfer unit at a predetermined temperature, and after the heat transfer from the heat transfer unit to the skin is caused, the heat transfer unit side heat absorption state is shifted to Then, heat transfer from the skin to the heat transfer section is generated, and thereafter, control to automatically stop energization is performed.

  Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, when the other side, which is a contact portion with the heat transfer portion, is in a heat generation state, the heat source portion is in an endothermic state on one side, and conversely, becomes a contact portion with the heat transfer portion. If the other side is in an endothermic state, one side will be in a heat generation state, and when the heat transfer unit side (the other side of the heat source unit) heat generation state is terminated, the one side of the heat source unit is in a low temperature state. When the heat transfer section side is shifted to the endothermic state, the temperature of the heat transfer section side quickly decreases because a change that naturally reduces the temperature difference occurs in the entire heat transfer section.

  As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, not only the user can quickly recognize the end of the warming state by a bodily sensation, but also the user can accurately detect even if the user does not immediately move the device away from the eyes at the end. There is an effect that a thermal stimulus at a predetermined temperature can be applied for a set predetermined time and a refreshing feeling can be obtained.

  In addition, the heat application device according to the disclosure of the present invention automatically stops energization during the time required to shift to the heat transfer portion side heat absorption state and cause heat transfer from the skin to the heat transfer portion, as necessary. It is 1/3 or less with respect to the predetermined time for heating the said heat-transfer part immediately before.

Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the skin is not excessively cooled.
In addition, the heat application device according to the disclosure of the present invention sets the predetermined temperature in the heat transfer portion heat generation state to any temperature of 38 ° C. or more and less than 42 ° C. as necessary, and shifts to the heat transfer portion side heat absorption state. It is characterized in that energization is stopped in a state where the heat transfer section is at a temperature of 15 ° C. or higher and 34 ° C. or lower.

Thus, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the skin is not excessively cooled.
In addition, the heat application device according to the disclosure of the present invention shifts from the heat transfer unit side heat generation state to the heat transfer unit side heat absorption state and lowers the heat transfer unit by 5 ° C. or more per minute as necessary. It is characterized by.
As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, the user can more quickly recognize the end of the warmed state with a bodily sensation.

It is a perspective view of the heat provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the heat provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the heat provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a liquid holding member non-use explanatory drawing of the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is use condition explanatory drawing with the heat-transfer part contact to skin in the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is arrangement | positioning explanatory drawing of the liquid holding member in the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is liquid holding member use condition explanatory drawing of the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is use condition explanatory drawing with the liquid holding member contact to the skin in the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an explanatory view of a change state of the heat transfer section temperature in the heating mode in the heat application device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a change state explanatory drawing of the heat-transfer part temperature in the cooling mode in the heat provision apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a change state explanatory view of the heat transfer section temperature in the heating and cooling modes in the heating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is liquid holding member support state explanatory drawing of the 1st other example in the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is liquid holding member support state explanatory drawing of the 2nd other example in the thermal provision apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, a thermal application device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.
In each of the drawings, the heat applying device 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the front side of the eyes and the surroundings of the eyes in the user's face, and is disposed so as to cover the eyes and the skin of the surroundings. And a heat transfer portion 20 made of a heat conductive material provided in a portion of the device main body 10 facing the eye, and is brought into contact with the heat transfer portion 20 so as to conduct heat and is built in the device main body 10. Made of a heat source 30, a liquid holding member 40 made of a porous material detachably disposed in the vicinity of the heat transfer section, and a heat insulating material disposed detachably around the heat transfer section of the apparatus main body 10. The spacer 50 is provided.

  And the heat-transfer part which the said heat-source part 30 transmits to the heat-transfer part 20 by the heat_generation | fever in the heat-source part other side 30b which contacted the heat-transfer part with the heat | fever obtained with the heat absorption in the one side 30a of the heat-source part 30 A side heat generation state, and a heat transfer portion side heat absorption state in which the heat discharged along with heat generation at the heat source portion one side 30a is taken away from the heat transfer portion 20 by heat absorption at the heat source portion other side 30b in contact with the heat transfer portion 20. Can be switched.

  The device main body 10 is formed in a goggle shape integrated with the left and right eyes so as to cover the left and right eyes of the user and the periphery of the eyes from the front, and the side facing the face is curved substantially along the surface shape of the peripheral portion of the face of the face. The curved surface shape is mounted and held in front of the user's eyes by the tightening force of the band portion 11 provided by turning from the left and right end portions to the occipital region, or in front of the user in a posture in which the user is lying on his back It is the structure by which mounting and holding are carried out.

  The device main body 10 has a hard casing made of plastic or the like, and a concave portion is provided in the center on the face-facing side according to the shape of the nose to enhance the fit to the face. Shape. In addition to the heat source unit 30, an electric circuit such as the control unit 12 and a battery 13 as a power source are disposed inside the apparatus main body unit 10. The device main body 10 incorporates a vibration source such as a vibrator, and when it is attached to the front side of the eye and used for applying heat based on a temperature change, vibration is applied to the skin 70 as another stimulus at the same time. It can also be added.

  In addition, on the upper surface side of the apparatus main body 10, an operation unit 14 that switches the operation of the heat source unit 30 on and off, the type of operation, the strength, etc. in response to a user's input operation is disposed. As this operation part 14, the power switch 14a which switches ON / OFF of a power supply, the mode switch 14b which switches apparatus operating states, such as the temperature change of the heat-transfer part 20, and adjustment of the degree to which the heat-transfer part 20 changes temperature. A temperature adjustment switch 14c for performing the operation is provided.

About this apparatus main-body part 10, it is preferable to make the housing | casing from the material which cannot transmit heat | fever so that the influence of the temperature change in the heat source part 30 may not reach the surface of an apparatus main-body part directly by heat conduction.
And in the apparatus main body part 10, the heat-transfer part 20 is each arrange | positioned in the site | part which opposes the user's right and left eyes and the skin of the circumference | surroundings. The spacer 50 is detachable (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

  The heat transfer part 20 is made of a material having good heat conductivity such as metal, and is provided with a recess 21 for avoiding contact with the eyes and eyelids in the central part, while being in surface contact with the skin 70 around the eyes. It has a substantially plate shape that combines possible gentle curved surfaces, and is arranged in a predetermined range of left and right areas facing the eye and surrounding skin in the apparatus main body 10. The two heat transfer units 20 are disposed in the apparatus main body 10 in contact with the other side 30b of the heat source unit 30 so as to be capable of conducting heat. When the other side 30b of the heat source unit 30 is in a heat generating state, heat transfer is performed. The part 20 is warmed by the heat source part 30 and the temperature rises. Conversely, in the case of an endothermic state, the part 20 is cooled by the heat source part 30 and the temperature drops.

  When the skin around the eyes is heated or cooled using the heat transfer section 20, a liquid holding member 40 holding a moisturizing liquid such as water is disposed in the vicinity of the heat transfer section 20 in advance (FIG. 6). After that, the user places the apparatus in front of the eye and brings the heat transfer section 20 close to the skin around the eye via the liquid holding member 40. In addition, the heat transfer unit 20 can be brought into direct contact with the skin 70 around the eyes using the present apparatus without providing the liquid holding member 40 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  Then, when the heat source unit 30 is operated under the control of the control unit 12 and the heat source unit 30 shifts the portion near the heat transfer unit to a heat generation or heat absorption state, and the temperature of the heat source unit is changed and adjusted, the heat source unit 30 is changed. Heat transfer occurs between the heat transfer section 20 and the heat transfer section 20, and the temperature of the heat transfer section 20 changes with the heat transfer. Due to the temperature change of the heat transfer section 20, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer section 20 and the skin, and the stimulation accompanying the heat conduction can be applied to the skin. In the skin, the temperature change of the heat transfer unit 20 is directly felt on the skin as the temperature change of the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid or as the temperature change of the heat transfer unit 20 as it is.

  The heat source unit 30 is a device that absorbs heat and generates heat when energized. The heat source unit 30 is in contact with the heat transfer unit 20 made of metal or the like so as to be capable of conducting heat and is built in the apparatus main body unit 10. Specifically, the heat source unit 30 itself uses, for example, a Peltier element.

The heat source unit 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 12 in the apparatus main body unit 10, and the energized state is adjusted by control based on the operation of the user, and the temperature of each part that generates heat and absorbs heat is adjusted. Is done.
The heat source unit 30 is in contact with the heat transfer unit 20 at a surface whose temperature is changed by energization. This is a mechanism for heating or cooling the heat transfer unit 20 by setting the surface side in contact with the heat transfer unit 20 to a heat generation state or a heat absorption state under the control of the control unit 12.

  More specifically, the heat source unit 30 is in contact with the heat transfer unit 20 at a site close to the center of the heat transfer unit 20, and the site of the heat transfer unit in contact with the heat source unit 30 is that of the user in the heat transfer unit 20. Since it is located on the back side of the part located just in front of the eye (see FIGS. 5 and 8), the heat transfer between the heat source unit 30 through the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin 70 around the eye is efficiently and smoothly performed. Heating or cooling through the liquid holding member 40 to the skin by the heat transfer unit 20 or directly from the heat transfer unit 20 can be performed quickly.

  The heat source unit 30 that is a Peltier element is continuously in a heat generation state and a heat absorption state by energization, so that even when heat transfer proceeds between the heat transfer unit 20 and the liquid holding member 40 or the skin, There is almost no temperature change on the side of the heat source other than by adjustment of the control unit 12, the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 and the liquid holding member 40 can be maintained, and steaming that has been conventionally used for heating and cooling the skin has been simple. Like towels and hand towels, the temperature cannot be maintained due to heat transfer with the surrounding atmosphere, and changes that reduce the effect of heating and cooling do not occur, and the user does not feel changes in warmth and coldness.

  In addition, since the heat source unit 30 is a Peltier element, when the heat generation state and the heat absorption state are switched to change the temperature mode of the heat transfer unit, the energization direction (polarity) is switched, and the heat generation state has been until then. Because the location changes to endothermic state, and the location that has been in the endothermic state changes to heat generation state, and the temperature is quickly changed, the previous temperature state does not continue and temperature adjustment associated with heat generation and heat absorption is possible. The time required to reach the control target temperature, that is, the time required for the temperature change can be extremely shortened (see FIG. 11).

  Furthermore, the heat source unit 30 that is a Peltier element has a rapid temperature change at the start of energization, and also when heating or cooling of the heat transfer unit is completed, When the generated temperature difference of each part naturally resolves in the whole element and tries to be in an equilibrium state, the temperature state at the time of energization is difficult to continue, and a conventional heat source such as a heater is used (see “Comparative Example Temperature” in FIG. 9). ))), The temperature change is quicker, and after the energization is completed, the temperature is changed at each part to quickly approach the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. It is made to recognize clearly and can handle the apparatus easily (refer FIG. 9, FIG. 10).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the temperature of the heat transfer section 20 of the present embodiment (see “heat transfer section temperature” in FIG. 9) is immediately after the start of heating of the heat transfer section 20 due to heat generated by the heat source section 30. The temperature quickly rises to reach the target temperature (about 38 ° C.), and thereafter the temperature is maintained. Then, after the heat generation stop time of the heat source unit (10 minutes after the start of heating), the temperature can be rapidly decreased. On the other hand, when a conventional heater is used as a heat source as a comparative example (see “Comparative temperature” in FIG. 9), it takes more time to reach the target temperature (about 38 ° C.) and the heat source stops heating. The degree of temperature decrease after the time (10 minutes after the start of heating) is also moderate.

  Note that the Peltier element forming the heat source unit 30 cools the heat transfer unit 20 by absorbing heat, so that the opposite side far from the heat transfer unit 20 is in a reverse heat generation state and the temperature on the heat generation side is increased. In order to suppress an excessive temperature increase, a heat dissipation mechanism such as a heat sink 15 is provided.

  The liquid holding member 40 is a sheet-like porous body such as tissue paper or cotton puff, for example, and has a configuration capable of holding a moisturizing liquid (for example, water) in the voids of the respective parts based on the porosity. The liquid holding member 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the heat transfer unit 20, and the apparatus main body unit 10 is positioned on the front side of the eye and the periphery of the eye so that the apparatus is mounted and used. Located in contact with the skin around the eyes.

  The liquid holding member 40 is arranged to follow the surface of the heat transfer unit 20 so that the temperature change of the heat transfer unit 20 is transmitted. The liquid holding member 40 holds the moisturizing liquid in each part so as to be able to absorb and release the liquid. When heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer unit 20, the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid also change the temperature. For example, when the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 rises and the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid are heated, the temperature of the liquid holding member and the moisturizing liquid also rises due to heat conduction, and the heated liquid holding member and the moisturizing liquid are heated. Heat conduction occurs between the liquid and the skin in contact with the liquid holding member, and the heat is transmitted to the skin.

As the liquid holding member 40, a plate-like porous body that does not have flexibility as a whole can be used as long as the surface in contact with the skin has flexibility that does not cause excessive discomfort.
The spacer 50 has a heat insulating property and is formed of a hard synthetic resin material that can be elastically deformed when an external force is applied. The spacer 50 extends along the concave curved surface portion on the side facing the face of the apparatus main body 10 and transmits to the left and right. Each of the heat parts 20 has a frame shape and is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body part 10.

  The spacer 50 is engaged with the apparatus main body 10 at a central part sandwiched between the left and right heat transfer parts on the side facing the face of the apparatus main body 10, that is, at a position located in front of the user's nose. And is detachably attached. As a mechanism for detachably engaging the spacer 50 with the apparatus main body 10, for example, by the attraction force between the magnets provided at the center of the spacer 50 and the center of the apparatus main body 10 or between the magnet and the magnetic material, respectively. A joining mechanism can be employed. Further, when the liquid holding member has a shape separated for each of the left and right heat transfer parts, and the center part of the spacer 50 and the center part of the apparatus main body part 10 can be in direct contact, a snap-fit type fitting mechanism Can also be adopted.

  When the spacer 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 in a state where the liquid holding member 40 is positioned in the vicinity of the heat transfer section and is positioned around the heat transfer section, the liquid holding member 40 is located between the spacer 50 and the apparatus main body 10. The liquid holding member 40 can be fixed and held near the heat transfer section.

  In the attached state to the apparatus main body 10, the spacer 50 is elastically deformed and holds the liquid holding member 40 along a curved surface shape on the side facing the face of the apparatus main body 10. The liquid retaining member 40 is appropriately held in the concave curved surface portion of the main body 10 and is not easily detached from the apparatus main body 10 by being engaged only with the central portion of the apparatus main body 10. Can do.

  When the liquid holding member 40 is not used, whether or not the spacer 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 can be selected as appropriate, and the apparatus main body 10 can also be used with the spacer 50 removed. When the liquid holding member 40 is not used, the heat transfer unit 20 comes into direct contact with the skin 70 around the eye and direct heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin. It is used for the purpose of adjusting the positional relationship between the apparatus main body 10 and the skin around the eyes. When the spacer 50 is attached to the heat transfer part 20 and the skin appropriately due to individual differences in face shape, or when the spacer 50 is not attached, the spacer 50 is not attached to the heat transfer part 20 and the skin. Are attached to and detached from the apparatus main body unit 10 corresponding to each of the cases.

  When the liquid holding member 40 is not used, when the apparatus main body 10 is positioned on the front side of the eye and the peripheral part of the eye, the heat transfer unit 20 directly contacts the skin of the peripheral part of the eye so as to transfer heat. Since a concave portion 21 that is recessed forward is provided in a portion of the heat portion 20 that faces the eye, a gap is formed between the heat transfer portion 20 and the eye, and the eye, the eyelid, and the heat transfer portion 20 are directly connected to each other. It is made not to contact (refer FIG. 5).

  In the case where the heat transfer unit 20 is used in direct contact with the skin around the eye without using the liquid holding member 40, the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin can be connected to each other without attaching the spacer 50 to the apparatus main body unit 10. If properly contacted, the apparatus main body 10 can be handled with the spacer 50 removed, and is lighter, easier to handle and easy to carry because the spacer is removed.

  When the liquid holding member 40 is not used, the heat transfer unit 20 is configured to be in wide contact with the skin around the eye. However, the heat transfer unit 20 is not limited to this, and the heat transfer unit 20 includes at least a portion around the eye. It may be configured to directly contact only the skin of the lower part of the eye. If the skin of the lower part of the eye, which is particularly conspicuous in the so-called eyes, is targeted at least, the beauty by heating or cooling the skin The effect can be expected.

  When attaching the spacer 50 to the apparatus main body 10, the liquid holding member 40 soaked and held with the moisturizing liquid is positioned in the vicinity of the heat transfer section 20 along the surface of the heat transfer section 20, and the liquid holding member The spacer 50 is attached while sandwiching 40 between the spacer 50 and the apparatus main body 10. The structure of the apparatus main body 10 and the spacer 50 relating to the arrangement of the liquid holding member 40 is simple, and the temperature change is caused by the heat from the heat transfer unit 20 with the liquid holding member 40 positioned in the vicinity of the heat transfer unit in a simple support state. To reduce costs. In addition, the liquid holding member 40 can be easily disposed in the vicinity of the heat transfer section, and the moisturizing liquid can be introduced into the liquid holding member 40, so that it is easy for the user to handle and easy to use.

The control unit 12 is built in the apparatus main body unit 10 and controls temperature changes in the heat transfer unit 20 due to energization of the heat source unit 30 in response to an input operation to the operation unit 14 of the user. .
The control unit 12 sets a plurality of operation modes in which the temperature transfer from the heat transfer unit to the skin and the temperature of the heat transfer unit are different. In the present embodiment, the control unit 12 uses the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid. In the case of generating heat conduction, it is possible to execute and control a heating only mode, a cooling only mode, and a mode in which a refreshing feeling can be obtained after heating.

  In the heating only mode, the control unit 12 controls energization so that the heat source unit 30 is in a heat generation state on the heat transfer unit side (see FIG. 9).

  In the cooling only mode, the control unit 12 controls energization so that the heat source unit 30 is in an endothermic state on the heat transfer unit side (see FIG. 10).

  On the other hand, in the refreshing warming mode in which a refreshing feeling can be obtained after heating, the control unit 12 controls the heat source unit 30 to keep the heat transfer unit 20 in the heat transfer unit side heat generation state for a predetermined time (specifically, 10 minutes). ) After setting to a predetermined temperature (specifically 38 ° C.), the energized state is switched, and the other side (heat transfer unit side) of the heat source unit 30 is controlled to be in an endothermic state, and the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 is lowered. Let

And after continuing the state controlled so that it may be in an endothermic state by the other side (heat-transfer part side) of the heat-source part 30 for a predetermined time (specifically 3 minutes), it stops electricity supply automatically.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the temperature in the heat transfer section is rapidly decreased after a predetermined time has passed in the heat transfer section side heat generation state (16 ° C. per minute), and the user ends the heating mode. It is possible to obtain a refreshing feeling by quickly recognizing that the low temperature state continues for a predetermined time (specifically, 2 minutes).

  Thus, in the refreshing heating mode, the heat transfer unit side heat generation state is continued for a predetermined time by the user's operation to heat the heat transfer unit at a predetermined temperature, and heat transfer from the heat transfer unit to the skin is caused. After that, after shifting to the heat transfer portion side heat absorption state and causing heat transfer from the skin to the heat transfer portion, control to automatically stop energization is performed.

  Switching between these modes is performed based on a user's input operation to the mode switch 14b of the operation unit 14. When the user first operates the mode changeover switch 14b immediately after turning on the power of the heat application device 1, the control unit 12 is in a state where one of a plurality of modes can be executed.

  Further, when the heat source unit 30 is energized corresponding to each mode, the control unit 12 adjusts the degree of temperature change of the heat transfer unit 20 due to heat generation or heat absorption of the heat source unit 30 due to this energization. 14 may be performed based on a user's input operation to the temperature adjustment switch 14c provided on the device 14.

  The control unit 12 is a computer having a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like as its hardware configuration, and is a mechanism that causes the computer to operate as a control means by a program stored in the memory or the like. The computer constituting the control unit 12 is usually implemented as a microcomputer in which a CPU, a memory, a ROM, and the like are integrally formed.

  Next, the operating state of the heat application device according to the present embodiment will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that parts for holding the device are used as necessary according to the posture in which the user uses the heat application device 1. That is, when it is difficult to hold the device in front of the user with the device alone, except when the device is used with the device placed on the face with the face facing up, the band unit 11 is It is used together and the device is held by the tightening force of the band portion 11.

  When the skin is heated or cooled via the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid, the user holds the liquid holding member 40 in a state where the liquid is sufficiently held in the liquid holding member 40 in advance. 40 is positioned on the surface of the heat transfer section, the spacer 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10, the liquid holding member 40 is sandwiched between the spacer 50 and the apparatus main body 10, and the liquid holding member 40 is held on the surface of the heat transfer section (See FIGS. 6 and 7).

  First, the user wears the apparatus main body 10 to which the liquid holding member 40 and the spacer 50 are attached by being positioned on the front side of the eye, and the liquid holding member 40 is positioned in front of the eye and the surrounding skin. The liquid holding member 40 is in contact with the skin (see FIG. 8). Then, the user operates the operation unit 14 to select one of a mode for performing only heating, a mode for performing only cooling, or a refreshing heating mode.

  When the mode for performing only the heating is selected, after the selection operation, the control unit 12 operates the heat source unit 30 in accordance with the selection operation to shift the portion closer to the heat transfer unit 20 to the heat generation state.

  When the heat source unit 30 changes so as to increase its temperature due to heat generation, heat conduction occurs between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, and the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 also increases (see FIG. 9). Due to the temperature change of the heat transfer section 20, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer section 20, the liquid holding member 40, and the moisturizing liquid held thereby, and the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid also rise in temperature. Let

  Since the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid thus heated are in contact with the skin around the eyes, heat conduction occurs between the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid and the skin, and the skin is stimulated with heat. It becomes a state to be granted. The presence of a moisturizing liquid in the immediate vicinity of the skin maintains the moist condition around the skin, allowing the skin around the eyes to be warmed while maintaining a state that prevents the skin from being dried. The effect promotes blood circulation and contributes to recovery from fatigue.

  In the case where the user has selected and operated the operation mode in which only cooling is performed, after the selection operation, the control unit 12 operates the heat source unit 30 accordingly to shift the portion closer to the heat transfer unit to the endothermic state.

  When the heat source unit 30 changes so as to reduce its temperature due to heat absorption, heat conduction occurs between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, and the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 also decreases (see FIG. 10). Due to the temperature change of the heat transfer section 20, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer section 20, the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid held thereby, and the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid also decrease in temperature. Let

  Since the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid thus lowered in temperature are in contact with the skin around the eye, heat conduction occurs between the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid and the skin as in the case of heating. The skin is in a state of being deprived of heat by the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid, and cooling stimulation is applied to the skin.

  The presence of a moisturizing liquid in the immediate vicinity of the skin keeps the area around the skin moist, and the skin around the eyes can be cooled while maintaining a state that prevents the skin from drying. The skin can be activated by tightening, or calming and relaxing the skin.

  When the user has selected and operated the refreshing heating mode, the temperature of the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid increases as the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 increases, as in the mode in which only the heating is performed. From the state of warming the skin (10 minutes in the case of the present embodiment), the heat source unit 30 newly shifts to an endothermic state based on the control by the control unit 12, and the heat source unit 30 changes the temperature of the portion near the heat transfer unit. It changes so as to decrease rapidly. Then, due to heat conduction between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 also rapidly decreases (in the case of this embodiment, a decrease of 16 ° C. per minute, the rapid decrease period of FIG. 11). See).

  When the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 changes, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer unit 20, the liquid holding member 40 in contact with the heat transfer unit 20 and the moisturizing liquid therein, and the temperatures of the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid also decrease. To do. The skin is deprived of heat by heat conduction between the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid, as in the operation mode in which only the cooling is performed, because the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid having lowered temperature come into contact with the skin. And cooled.

  In this way, the skin moisturizing liquid around the skin prevents the skin from drying, stimulates the skin around the eyes to stimulate the heat, promotes blood circulation, and then immediately shifts to the heat transfer side heat absorption state. The temperature of the user is reduced, and the user quickly recognizes from the experience that the warming state has ended, and the low temperature state period is a predetermined time (2 minutes in the case of the present embodiment) and a predetermined temperature (in the case of the present embodiment 21). ℃) You can get a refreshing feeling by continuing.

  The refreshing heating mode according to the present embodiment has the discomfort of promptly recognizing the end of the warming state by the user due to the rapid temperature drop of the heat transfer section and the gradual warming state. Therefore, the time and temperature of the low temperature state are set to such an extent that the cooling stimulus does not become unpleasant.

  Therefore, the time for shifting to the heat transfer portion side heat absorption state to cool the heat transfer portion and causing the heat transfer from the skin to the heat transfer portion is immediately before the energization is automatically cut off in this embodiment. 3 minutes (1 minute for the rapid decrease period, 2 minutes for the low temperature period), which is 1/3 or less of the heating period (for example, 10 minutes) for heating the heat transfer section. It is said.

This specific time ratio was discovered by the inventor as temperature control that allows a refreshing feeling to be obtained without feeling the uncomfortable feeling of cooling by a sensation test.
In addition to the time ratio, the predetermined temperature in the low temperature state period after the transition to the heat transfer section side heat absorption state is 21 ° C. in this embodiment, but as a result of the test, the temperature in the low temperature state period is 15 ° C. If it was above 34 degreeC, it could be said that it was the temperature which can obtain a refreshing feeling, without feeling the discomfort of cooling as mentioned above.

  In particular, in the low temperature state period, maintaining the state in the vicinity of 20 ° C. for about 2 minutes was particularly excellent as a bodily sensation, but when the temperature of the heat transfer portion in the heating period is about 38 ° C. or higher, the temperature in the low temperature state period is Even at 30 ° C. or higher, the end of the warmed state can be sufficiently recognized due to the presence of the rapid decrease period.

  In this embodiment, the rapid decrease period is about 16 ° C. per minute. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the heater is heated by a known heater instead of the Peltier element under the conditions of this embodiment, and after the energization is stopped. The temperature drop when left standing is about 1 ° C. per minute, and the temperature drop when left standing after stopping energization from the heated state without changing the polarity of the Peltier element under the conditions of this embodiment is per minute. It is about 3 ° C.

In the present invention, it is possible to shift from at least the heat transfer portion side heat generation state to the heat transfer portion side heat absorption state under the conditions of the embodiment, and to lower the temperature by 5 ° C. or more per minute. The user can recognize that the heating period has ended.
As such temperature control of the present invention, patterns shown in (a), (b), (c), (e), (e), and (f) of FIG.
Note that the temperature in the figure rises once after the power is turned off due to the characteristic of the Peltier element, but after that, it is measured with the heat transfer part in contact with the skin, so it is slightly higher than the ambient temperature. Has converged.

The significance of such temperature control is to give a sharp feeling at the end of heating rather than the comfort of cooling, leading to an improved feeling of use.
In addition, since the above-mentioned specific temperature numerical value was discovered as the temperature of the part where skin substantially contacts, it cannot be overemphasized that the temperature of the heat-transfer part itself may not be shown.

  When the user selects each mode with the operation unit 14, finally, the control unit 12 automatically stops energization to the heat source unit 30, and the heat generation state or the heat absorption state ends. Thereafter, the user removes the apparatus main body 10 held on the front side of the eye. When the liquid holding member 40 is used, the user once removes the spacer 50 and then removes the liquid holding member 40 from the surface of the heat transfer unit to clean the heat transfer unit 20 for subsequent use. It is desirable to prepare.

  On the other hand, when directly heating or cooling the skin around the eye using the heat transfer unit 20, the user directly contacts the skin without using the liquid holding member 40. After making it possible, the spacer 50 is attached to or removed from the apparatus main body 10 in advance so that the heat transfer section 20 can be appropriately brought into contact with the skin in accordance with the face shape of the user (see FIG. 4).

  First, the user places the apparatus main body 10 on the front side of the eye and attaches it so that the heat transfer unit 20 is in close contact with the skin around the eye. In this case, since the portion of the heat transfer unit 20 that faces the eye is a recess 21, a gap is formed in front of the eyes, and the eyes and eyelids do not hit the heat transfer unit 20, giving the eyes a feeling of strangeness. There is no mechanism (see FIG. 5). After mounting, the user operates the operation unit 14 to select either direct heating, cooling, or a combination of heating and cooling.

  When the mode for performing only heating is selected and operated by the operation unit 14, the control unit 12 operates the heat source unit 30 to shift the portion near the heat transfer unit to the heat generation state. When the temperature of the heat source unit 30 is changed and adjusted by heat generation, heat conduction occurs between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, and the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 also changes due to this heat conduction, and the temperature rises. (See FIG. 9). As the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 rises, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin around the eye in contact with the heat transfer unit 20, and the skin is brought into a state of being stimulated by heat.

  In addition, when the user operates the operation unit 14 and selects a mode in which only the cooling is performed, the control unit 12 puts the heat source unit 30 in an endothermic state, and when the heat source unit 30 reduces the temperature near the heat transfer unit, Heat conduction occurs between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, and the heat transfer unit 20 also reduces the temperature along with this heat conduction (see FIG. 10). Due to the temperature drop of the heat transfer section 20, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer section 20 and the skin around the eyes, and along with this heat conduction, the skin 70 is deprived of heat by the heat transfer section 20 and stimulates cooling. Will be given.

  In both cases of the heating only mode and the cooling only mode, the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin 70 are in direct contact with each other, so that the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin are more efficiently connected than the state in which the liquid holding member 40 is interposed. Heat conduction or cold stimulation can be quickly applied to the skin 70, and there is no loss of relaxation due to the time taken from the user's operation to the application of heat without impairing the sense of relaxation. The relaxation effect peculiar to this will be obtained.

  In addition, when the user selects an operation mode (see FIG. 11) in which cooling is performed after heating by the operation unit 14, first, the control unit 12 sets the heat transfer unit side of the heat source unit 30 to a heat generation state for a predetermined time. The temperature is raised so that heat conduction occurs between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, and the temperature of the heat transfer unit 20 is also raised. Due to the temperature rise of the heat transfer unit 20, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin around the eyes, and the skin is in a state of being stimulated by heat.

  After this, the control unit 12 puts the heat transfer unit side of the heat source unit 30 into an endothermic state, lowers the temperature thereof, so that heat conduction occurs between the heat source unit 30 and the heat transfer unit 20, Reduce temperature. Due to the temperature drop of the heat transfer section 20, heat conduction occurs between the heat transfer section 20 and the skin around the eyes, and the skin 70 is deprived of heat by the heat transfer section 20 and is given a cooling stimulus. It becomes. By switching between such heating and cooling, the skin 70 is stimulated based on the temperature change of the temperature and cooling, and a relaxation effect peculiar to this is obtained.

  When a predetermined time elapses after the apparatus is in an operating state, or when the user interrupts the heating or cooling of the skin by turning off the power with the operation unit 14, the control unit supplies the heat source unit 30 to the heat source unit 30. The energization stops and the heat generation state or the heat absorption state ends. Thereafter, when the use of the apparatus is completely completed, the user removes the apparatus main body 10 held on the front side of the eye. After use, it is desirable for the user to clean the surface of the heat transfer section 20 and prepare for the next use.

  As described above, in the heat application device according to this embodiment, the liquid holding member 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the heat transfer unit 20 provided on the face-facing side of the apparatus main body unit 10, and the temperature generated in the heat source unit 30. The change is transmitted to the heat transfer unit 20, and further, heat conduction is generated between the heat transfer unit 20 and the skin via the liquid holding member 40 and the moisturizing liquid held by the liquid holding member 40, and stimulation based on the temperature change is applied to the eye. When the heat is transferred from the heat transfer section 20 to the skin or from the skin to the heat transfer section 20, it is held by the liquid holding member 40 interposed between the heat transfer section 20 and the skin. The moisturizing liquid thus maintained maintains an environment in which sufficient moisture exists around the eyes, and the skin is stimulated based on the temperature change of the heat source unit 30 while preventing the skin around the eyes from being dried, Relaxation due to skin irritation while avoiding cosmetic effects on the skin Results are properly to demonstrate.

  In addition, the spacer 50 is disposed around the heat transfer portion of the apparatus main body 10, and the liquid holding member 40 is sandwiched by using the spacer 50 to be disposed near the heat transfer portion, whereby the liquid holding member 40 is sandwiched. Thus, the heat transfer unit 20 can be held in a state in which it is difficult to be detached, and the operation of arranging the liquid holding member 40 with respect to the heat transfer unit 20 can be performed more easily. The liquid holding member 40 can be reliably positioned between the portion 20 and the skin, and a state in which the moisturizing liquid is present around the skin to prevent the skin from being dried can be secured.

  In the heat application device according to the present embodiment, the liquid holding member 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the heat transfer unit 20 by sandwiching the outer edge portion or the center portion between the spacer 50 and the device main body 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other liquid holding member holding structures may be employed without using spacers. In particular, when the device main body is mounted on the user's face, the liquid holding member is between the heat transfer section and the skin and cannot be removed, so the mechanism that holds the liquid holding member is mounted on the face. The liquid holding member may be temporarily fixed so that it does not move easily by staying in the vicinity of the heat transfer unit until it is, for example, small protrusions at the end of the heat transfer unit or at multiple locations on the apparatus main body near the heat transfer unit And a structure that locks the liquid holding member so that it does not shift by arranging the liquid holding member so that it pierces the part other than the part that contacts the skin of the liquid holding member, or the heat transfer part end or the heat transfer part It is possible to form a structure in which holes are formed in a plurality of locations in the vicinity of the apparatus main body in the vicinity and the liquid holding member is locked so as not to be displaced by inserting the end of the liquid holding member into the hole.

  In addition, if the heat transfer part has a shape in which the liquid holding member does not easily deviate from the surface, a liquid holding member sufficiently wet with the holding liquid is attached to the surface of the heat transfer part. It doesn't matter if only Note that the configuration in which a protrusion or hole for locking the liquid holding member on the heat transfer section or the apparatus main body is also applicable when a spacer is used, and the protrusion before the spacer is attached to the apparatus main body. If the liquid holding member is temporarily fixed in the vicinity of the heat transfer part using the hole or hole, the spacer can be attached without worrying about the displacement of the liquid holding member, and the liquid holding member is completely installed by attaching the spacer. Workability is improved, and it is possible to shift to a usable state in a short time.

  Further, in the heat application device according to the present embodiment, when the skin around the eye is warmed or cooled by using the liquid holding member 40 together, the liquid holding member 40 holds a moisturizing liquid such as water. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid holding member 40 is disposed without holding the moisturizing liquid, so that the liquid around the eye is not dampened by the moisturizing liquid. 40 may be brought into contact with each other.

  In this case as well, the temperature change of the heat transfer unit 20 is transmitted to the liquid holding member 40 as in the above embodiment, and heat conduction occurs between the liquid holding member 40 and the heat transfer unit 20. The temperature of the liquid holding member 40 is also changed, and heat conduction occurs between the liquid holding member whose temperature has changed and the skin in contact with the liquid holding member, so that the skin is in a state of being given stimulation of heat or cooling. . However, since the liquid holding member 40 is interposed, the heat transfer is slightly relaxed compared to the case where the heat transfer unit 20 is used so as to be in direct contact with the skin 70 around the eye.

  If a thin disposable liquid holding member 40 made of a material that easily conducts heat is used, a heat conduction characteristic close to that in the case where the heat transfer section 20 is brought into direct contact with the skin 70 can be obtained, and stimulation based on a temperature change quickly. In addition to being able to apply heat, the heat transfer section 20 is not directly in contact with the skin around the eyes, so that the heat transfer section 20 can be prevented from being soiled, and the apparatus can be managed by eliminating the need for cleaning after use. Cheap.

(Second embodiment of the present invention)
In the heat application device according to the first embodiment, the liquid holding member 41 is supported so as to be sandwiched between the spacers 55 and 56 and the apparatus main body, but the liquid holding member 41 is not used. The heat transfer unit 20 may be in direct contact with the skin when the device main body is mounted on the front face of the device, and the device may be configured to directly heat or cool the skin by the heat transfer unit 20.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the heat-transfer part is contacting a skin directly or via a liquid holding member, the heat | fever provision method is not restricted to this embodiment, Between skin and a heat-source part. A space may be provided and the space may be heated to indirectly apply heat. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a heat application device of a type that heats steam or water droplets in this space, and in any case, such a space is also assumed and the heat transfer part is limited to those made of a heat conductive material. Not.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heat application apparatus 10 Apparatus main body part 11 Band part 12 Control part 13 Battery 14 Operation part 14a Power switch 14b Mode change switch 14c Temperature adjustment switch 15 Heat sink 16, 17 Apparatus main body part 20 Heat transfer part 21 Recessed part 30 Heat source part 40, 41 Liquid holding member 50 Spacer 55, 56 Spacer 70 Skin

Claims (3)

A heat transfer section for supplying heat to the periphery of the user's eyes; a heat source section that comes into contact with the heat transfer section so as to conduct heat; Heat generated by heat absorption on one side of the heat transfer section is transmitted to the heat transfer section by heat generated on the other side of the heat source section in contact with the heat transfer section, and heat generated on one side of the heat source section The heat transfer portion side heat absorption state can be switched between the heat transfer portion and the heat transfer portion taken away from the heat transfer portion by the heat absorption at the other side of the heat source portion that is in contact with the heat transfer portion. The state is continued for a predetermined time to heat the heat transfer part at a predetermined temperature, and after causing heat transfer from the heat transfer part to the skin, the heat transfer to the heat transfer part side heat absorption state is performed to transfer heat from the skin to the heat transfer part. causing the temperature of the heat transfer portion 5 ° C. or more per minute rapidly reduced to a predetermined low temperature, the low-temperature state of about 2 minutes Heat imparting device and performs a control to stop automatically energized after being continued.   The time for shifting to the heat transfer part side heat absorption state and causing the heat transfer from the skin to the heat transfer part is immediately before stopping the energization automatically and with respect to a predetermined time for warming the heat transfer part. It is 1/3 or less, The heat provision apparatus of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The predetermined temperature in the heat transfer portion side heat generation state is set to any temperature of 38 ° C. or more and less than 42 ° C., and the heat transfer portion is shifted to the heat transfer portion side heat absorption state so that the heat transfer portion is set to any temperature of 15 ° C. or more and 34 ° C. or less. The heat application device according to claim 1, wherein energization is stopped in a state where the heat is applied.

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