Hair dryer comprising a shock absorber support

Abstract

The invention relates to a hairdryer (1) comprising an air circulation chamber (3) equipped with an inlet zone (4) and an outlet zone (5), an air circulation system (6) and at least one heating element (12), and an electric motor (8) configured to drive the rotation of a propeller (7) extending downstream of the inlet zone (4) when considering the direction of air displacement between the inlet zone (4) and the outlet zone (5), the electric motor (8) being mounted in an elastically deformable damper support (9), characterized in that the damper support (9) has an outer truncated cone shape.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of hairdressing equipment such as hairdryers. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many domestic hairdryer equipment integrate a rotating component for generating a radial air flow inside the equipment. The rotating component (propeller) is driven in rotation for example by a motor unit incorporated in the equipment.

[0003] Such a rotating component is notably used in equipment of the hairdryer category for generating an outgoing air flow. A hairdryer generally comprises a handle to be held by the user and a longitudinal portion generally perpendicular to the handle for the circulation of air. The air flow coming out of the longitudinal portion is generally heated by a heating device.

[0004] In the prior art hairdryers, the air flow is generated by a rotating component of the propeller type which moves the air from an air inlet zone to an air outlet zone.

[0005] A hairdryer of this type is described for example in the international application WO2017 / 017330A1.

[0006] The noise nuisance associated with such equipment is mainly due to the vibrations of the air flow and of the various components incorporated in the equipment.

[0007] It is also known in the prior art that hairdryers whose motor is housed in a damper support generally referred to by the term "silentbloc", the function of which is to reduce the vibrations generated by the motor (propeller fixed on the motor) and transmitted to the rest of the equipment.

[0008] However, it can be seen that such a damper support is improvable both in terms of outer dimensions and aerodynamics. Indeed, the damper supports of the prior art, taking into account their outer dimensions, generally cause a significant increase in the diameter of the hairdryer and / or a flow disturbance of the air flow.

[0009] Thus, there has not been met so far the need to provide a hairdryer whose damper support is satisfactory both in terms of outer dimensions and aerodynamics and which allows as much as possible to efficiently filter the vibrations generated by the motor. SUMMARY

[0010] To this end, the present invention proposes a hairdryer comprising an air circulation chamber equipped with an inlet zone and an outlet zone, an air circulation system and at least one heating element, and an electric motor configured to drive in rotation a propeller which extends downstream of the inlet zone when considering the direction of air displacement between the inlet zone and the outlet zone, the electric motor being mounted in an elastically deformable damper support having an outer truncated cone shape.

[0011] The hairdryer is remarkable in that the damper support has an outer truncated-cone shape.

[0012] Thanks to this particular shape of the damper support, its outer dimensions are greatly limited and it is given an aerodynamic streamlined shape, which facilitates the air flow around it, which at least prevents the circulation of air inside the hairdryer.

[0013] The expression "hairdryer" means any household appliance, generally any hairdressing appliance, which allows the generation of an air flow, preferably a hot air flow, on the hair in order to dry it. Thus, the expression refers, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, to a hairdryer in the strict sense, but also to a hairdryer brush, a rotating hairdryer brush, even a device for driving the hair by the Coanda effect, etc.

[0014] According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the hairdryer, which can be used individually or in any combination of two or more of them:

[0015] - the damper support comprises a set of tabs that tightly enclose the motor, spaced apart from each other;

[0016] - the tabs are diametrically opposite each other around the motor;

[0017] - the number of tabs is equal to four;

[0018] - the motor is partially engaged in the damper support;

[0019] - the motor is engaged in the damper support over approximately half to approximately two-thirds of its length;

[0020] - the damper support is made of rubber;

[0021] - the damper support has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90, preferably between 60 and 80;

[0022] - the damper support has a Shore A hardness of approximately 70;

[0023] - the motor is fixed on a rigid support part, which is integral with the damper support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description that is now given, with reference to the drawings, which show, by way of indication and not of limitation, possible different embodiments of the invention.

[0025] In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1is a longitudinal section view of a hairdryer according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 is a view of the internal components of the hairdryer of

[0028] Figure 3 is a similar view of the same hairdryer, in which the external components can be seen;

[0029] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of a damper support integrated in the hairdryer of the invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 in which the motor of the hairdryer on the damper support can be seen;

[0031] Figure 6 is a detail view of a portion of the damper support of Figure 5 more particularly showing the fixing of the motor of the hairdryer on the damper support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 , the hairdryer 1 according to the invention comprises a main body 10 which is prolonged downwards by a handle 11, only partially shown. This handle generally comprises buttons for manual control of the hairdryer 1.

[0033] The main body 10 has a shape which converges from right to left when considering Figure 1 and has a shape which rotates around a longitudinal axis A. The main body 10 is formed by two coaxial shells 2a and 2b. These shells can also be called casings.

[0034] The two shells 2a and 2b have a generally similar aerodynamic shape.

[0035] The shell 2a is an outer shell and houses all the components of the hairdryer 1. The hairdryer 1 houses the shell 2b which constitutes an inner shell or inner casing and which houses a large number of components of the hairdryer. Under normal conditions of use, the outer shell 2a is visible to the user, whereas the inner shell 2b is hidden inside the outer shell 2a and is therefore not visible to the user.

[0036] The annular vibration isolation device, which preferably forms a joint 20, is arranged between the inner shell 2b and the outer shell 2a and allows them to be isolated from each other in the plane of vibration.

[0037] The air inlet zone 4 is located at one end of the outer shell 2a and the air outlet zone 5 is located at its opposite end. The air circulation chamber 3 extends between the air inlet zone 4 and the air outlet zone 5.

[0038] During the operation of the hairdryer 1, ambient air is sucked in at the air inlet zone 4. The ambient air enters the air circulation chamber 3 via an opening made in the air inlet zone 4 and in the inner casing 2b. The air moves along the air circulation chamber 3 to the air outlet zone 5. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The preferentially removable centralized nozzle 50 is generally connected to this air outlet zone 5.

[0039] The circulation system allows the air to be moved. When considering the air circulation direction between the air inlet zone 4 and the air outlet zone 5, the circulation system comprises, from upstream to downstream: a propeller 7 arranged in the immediate vicinity of the air inlet zone 4; an electric machine 8, preferably an electric motor, allowing the propeller 7 to be driven in rotation; and a straightener 6 allowing the air to be channeled and / or straightened at the outlet of the propeller 7. More precisely, the propeller 7 is advantageously chosen from a centrifugal propeller or a screw-centrifugal propeller. This type of propeller is well known to those skilled in the art, the principle of which is to draw in air axially in the center of the propeller and then to eject it radially under the effect of centrifugal force. This type of propeller thus generates a radial air flow. Depending on the configuration of the propeller 7, a screw component can also be imparted to the air flow. These propellers have an interesting performance / noise compromise and are thus found to be of all interest for use in hairdryers such as the hairdryer of the application.

[0040] The system also comprises at least one heating element 12 arranged downstream of the straightener 6, the heating element 12 allowing the air in the downstream part of the circulation chamber 3 to be heated before it is expelled through the air outlet zone 5. All these elements are advantageously coaxial, which allows their radial outer dimensions to be limited and to be perfectly integrated into the barrel of the hairdryer. This configuration is also particularly simple, reliable and easy to implement.

[0041] The hairdryer also comprises means for controlling and regulating the electric machine 8 and / or the heating element 12, not shown here, which allow the parameters, such as the rotation speed of the electric machine and / or the heating temperature, to be modified individually from an off position to a full-power position, possibly passing through one or more intermediate positions.

[0042] As in Figure 3It can be seen in particular that the straightener 6 comprises a body 60 having a shape converging from upstream to downstream, for example frustoconical, and that the entry outer diameter of this body 60 is greater than the outer diameter of the propeller 7. The straightener 6 is placed as close as possible to this propeller in order to capture the air vortex generated by this propeller. The function of the straightener 6 is to channel the air flow exiting from the propeller 7 and to straighten this air flow. To this end, the straightener 6 comprises, on its periphery, a plurality of straightener blades 61 which here have a helical shape. In a different embodiment, the blades can for example have a spiral shape. In other words, the straightener 6 allows the conversion of the air flow having a radial or helical radial component emitted by the propeller 7 into an air flow having substantially, or even only, an axial component.

[0043] By comparing, on the one hand Figure 1 and, on the other hand Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that the body 60 of the straightener 6 houses, in its interior, the electric machine 8 described above, which drives the propeller 7 in rotation by means of a shaft 80.

[0044] This electric machine 8 is mounted in an elastically deformable damper support 9 shown in detail in Figure 4 and Figure 5 .

[0045] According to the invention, the damper support is remarkable in that it has an outer frustoconical shape. As mentioned above, this particular shape of the elastically deformable damper support 9 allows to greatly limit its outer dimensions and to give it an aerodynamic shape at least resistant to the air circulation inside the hairdryer. In addition, this elastically deformable damper support 9 very significantly contributes to filtering the vibrations generated by the electric machine 8 of the hairdryer and by the propeller 7 when they are working.

[0046] The implementation of this example of damper support shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 will be described more precisely below.

[0047] This elastically deformable damper support 9 comprises a base 90 in the form of a thick disc having a circular and axial opening 900. This gives the base an annular shape, whose opposite faces 901 and 902 are planar and parallel.

[0048] Four tabs 91 extend from the face 901, as will be seen below, which are used to hold and enclose the electric machine 8. These tabs 91 are made in one piece (i.e. monolithic) with the base 90. The expression "tab" advantageously denotes here a protrusion protruding from the face 901, so that the elastically deformable damper support 9 has a discontinuous outer surface. In other words, the elastically deformable damper support 9 preferably does not have a continuous shape (e.g. a complete rotational shape such as a cone or a cylinder), but on the contrary a discontinuous shape, i.e. comprising protrusions and / or projections advantageously formed by said tabs 91. In other words, the elastically deformable damper support 9 is not a solid piece. This leads in particular to less material usage and thus minimizes the cost and weight of the elastically deformable damper support 9. Moreover, air circulates easily around the electric machine, which is not enclosed in an enclosed space (as it is supported by the tabs), which contributes to its good cooling. The expression "enclose" preferably means to hold directly. Thus, the preferred number of four tabs 91 advantageously come into direct contact with the electric machine 8, and they themselves ensure the holding of the electric machine 8 by directly enclosing the electric machine 8. As said, this allows to increase the heat exchange area between the electric machine 8 and its environment and thus to improve the cooling of the electric machine 8.

[0049] In one embodiment not shown, the number of tabs 91 is different from four. However, it is preferred that it is at least equal to three, to allow a good holding of the electric machine 8. Advantageously and for perfect stability, the tabs 91 are angularly equidistant. Thus, in the example shown, the number of tabs is four and the tabs 91 are diametrically opposite two by two, that is to say, they are each separated by 90°. In another example where the number of tabs 91 is three, the tabs 91 are each separated by 120°.

[0050] The base of the tabs is designated 910, while their free end or top is designated 912. The base 910 is wide and extends radially from the outer edge of the base 90 to the edge of the opening 900, however forming a slight indentation which is recessed from this opening. They rise in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the hairdryer, in particular in the direction of the air flow. Figure 1 This can be seen in particular in

[0051] Each tab 91 comprises four faces, designated 913 to 916. The inner face 913 is a plane which is an extension or almost an extension of the edge of the opening 900. The outer face 914, which extends opposite the inner face, has a converging shape, the convergence of which points in the direction of the axis A as one moves away from the base 90. Thus, the convergence is oriented in the direction of the air flow, to give to the elastically deformable damper support 9.

[0052] It is the outer face 914 of the tabs 91 which gives the elastically deformable damper support 9 an outer frustoconical shape. As mentioned previously, this outer frustoconical shape is discontinuous (not complete).

[0053] The last two lateral faces 915 and 916 are radially extending planes.

[0054] The free end 912 of the tab 91 has a lug shape slightly radially protruding in the direction of the axis A.

[0055] It is noted that each tab 91 is surrounded by two reinforcing or support elements 93 raised from the base 90 and resting against the lateral faces 915 and 916. These reinforcing elements 93 are raised over a partial extent of the tab 91. This contributes to fastening the tab 91 on the base 90 while authorizing a certain travel of their respective free end 912.

[0056] Advantageously, the damper support is made of rubber. It is preferably a single piece (in other words, it is monolithic) and is vacuum cast.

[0057] According to one possible embodiment of the application, the elastically deformable damper support 9 has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90, preferably between 60 and 80 and even more preferentially of the order of 70. By using such a hardness, an excellent compromise is obtained between filtering the vibrations generated by the electric machine 8 and the guidance (i.e. the holding) of the electric machine 8. Thus, as will be seen below, the electric machine is perfectly held in place, in particular preventing any displacement that would cause the propeller to come into contact with other fixed parts.

[0058] As can be seen in the figures, Figure 5 The electric machine 8 is engaged in the elastically deformable damper support 9 in the space delimited by the tabs 91. This electric machine has a cylindrical shape and has an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the opening 900. The shaft 80 of the electric machine 8, which is connected to the propeller 7, extends through the opening 900.

[0059] The electric machine 8 is surrounded by an axially slotted cylindrical sleeve 82, the function of which is to improve the efficiency of said electric machine 8, in particular in terms of electromagnetic interference.

[0060] As can be seen in the figures, Figure 5 The electric machine 8 is held in the damper support 9 by the tabs 91 and more precisely by their free ends 912 in the form of lugs. The full travel of the electric machine in the radial direction is blocked by the tabs 91, which effectively filter the vibrations that can be generated.

[0061] In addition, as can be seen in the figures, Figure 6As shown, the electric machine 8 is fixed on a support member 94 in the form of a substantially disc, which is housed in the opening 900 of the base 90 of the elastically deformable shock absorber support 9. This support member 94 is rigid and is fixed on the elastically deformable shock absorber support 9 by any known assembly means (overmolding, tight mounting, etc.). The electric machine 8 is directly fixed on the support member 94 by a pair of screws 940.

[0062] The presence of such a support member 94 allows to obtain an excellent fixing of the electric machine, avoiding a direct connection between the electric machine 8 and the elastically deformable material of the shock absorber support 9. Thus, the propeller 7 and electric machine 8 assembly is precisely and firmly positioned, limiting any risk of interference (contact, collision) between the propeller 7 and its environment during the operation of the device, and optimizing the aerodynamic performance.

[0063] Moreover, it is noted that a large opening 941 is present in the body of the support member 94, the function of which will be explained below.

[0064] However, it is found, in an advantageous but not mandatory manner, that the electric machine 8 is only partially engaged in the shock absorber support 9, so that a part of its longitudinal extent extends beyond the free end 912 of the tab 91. Preferably, the electric machine 8 is engaged in the shock absorber support over about half to about two-thirds of its length.

[0065] Thus, a better cooling of the electric machine is obtained, the calories released from which can circulate more freely. Moreover, the wide opening 941 of the support member 94, which allows the conduction of air inside the electric machine 8, and the presence of the long hole in the base 90 of the elastically deformable shock absorber support 9, contribute jointly to an excellent cooling of the electric machine.

[0066] Moreover, a good compromise between the guiding / movement freedom of the electric machine is obtained, which is illustrated by the reduced rate of vibration.

[0067] In this case, only the free end 912 of the tab 91 is in contact with the electric machine 8. This lugs shape allows to limit the contact between the electric machine 8 and the elastically deformable shock absorber support 9 to a point contact, or more precisely to a plurality of point contacts, which on the one hand allows to leave more freedom to the electric machine (for example according to slight oscillation movements), while allowing the tab 91 to slightly deform outwardly to accommodate the electric machine 8.

[0068] The propeller 7 shown in the figures is configured to be driven in rotation around a longitudinal axis. The propeller 7 comprises a proximal end wall which defines an air intake opening arranged to allow the entry of an air flow guided along the longitudinal axis into the propeller.

[0069] The propeller 7 further comprises a plurality of air flow passages in fluid communication with the intake, the air flow passages being positioned around the longitudinal axis, each air flow passage extending radially outwards of the longitudinal axis between an inlet end and an outlet end. Thus, as can be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3 the air is ejected from the propeller 7 radially to the longitudinal axis A through a plurality of passages or cells. Such a propeller is then a cell type.

[0070] In such a propeller 7, in response to the rotation of the propeller 7, the air flow enters at the intake and is then driven radially outwards under the action of centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the propeller. The radial air flow passes through the inlet end and the outlet end of the air flow passage. A high flow of outflow radial flow can be obtained.

[0071] Such a propeller 7 is centrifugal or screw-centrifugal. This type of propeller 7 is particularly appreciated for its excellent compromise between the noise generated and the performance, in particular a good flow rate and good pressure resistance.

[0072] The volume leaving each radial air flow passage is less than the volume moving between two blades of a standard propeller of a hairdryer. Thus, the noise nuisance caused by the collision of the small volume of air leaving each passage with the fixed elements of the hairdryer is limited.

[0073] An increase in the natural vibration frequency is also observed compared to a centrifugal propeller of the prior art. Thus, the noise generated by the movement of the air within the propeller is more acute.

[0074] Of course, instead of such a propeller, a propeller of conventional shape known from the prior art can be used, for example the propeller described in WO2017 / 017330.

Claims

1. A hair dryer (1) comprising: Air circulation chamber (3) equipped with an inlet area (4) and an outlet area (5), an air circulation system (6, 7, 8) and at least one heating element (12), and an electric motor (8) configured to drive in rotation a propeller (7) which extends downstream of the inlet area (4) when considering the direction of air displacement between the inlet area (4) and the outlet area (5), the electric motor (8) being mounted in an elastically deformable damper support (9) having an outer frustoconical shape, characterized in that the damper support (9) comprises a set of tabs (91) spaced apart from each other and tightly surrounding the electric motor (8), and in that the outer faces (914) of the tabs (91) impart the outer frustoconical shape to the elastically deformable damper support (9).

2. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The tabs (91) are diametrically opposite each other around the electric motor (8).

3. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The number of tabs (91) is equal to four.

4. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electric motor (8) is partially engaged in the damper support (9).

5. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The electric motor (8) is engaged in the damper support (9) over half to two-thirds of its length.

6. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The damper support (9) is made of rubber.

7. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The damper support (9) has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 90.

8. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The damper support (9) has a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 80.

9. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The damper support (9) has a Shore A hardness of 70.

10. The hair dryer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electric motor (8) is fixed on a rigid support part (94) integral with the damper support (9).

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