Drying equipment

Abstract

According to one aspect, there is provided a drying apparatus (100) comprising at least one micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) apparatus (102) having at least one vibrating member, the at least one MEMS apparatus configured to generate an airflow along an airflow path for drying an object; a housing (104) configured to at least partially house the at least one MEMS device; and an air outlet (106) formed in the housing, the air outlet configured to direct a flow of air away from the at least one MEMS device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drying device, such as a hair dryer or hand dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Drying devices such as hair dryers and hand dryers typically include a heating element and a fan for air propulsion to blow warm air onto the object to be dried, such as hair or hands. Using only a fan to generate airflow has several drawbacks. To generate sufficient airflow to achieve the desired drying effect, the fan used in the drying device needs to be of a sufficient size, meaning the drying device itself needs to be large enough to accommodate the fan.

[0003] Besides size requirements, fans have other drawbacks. For example, fans, typically driven by motors, create a lot of noise when rotating, which can negatively impact the user experience of dryers with such fans. Energy is required to drive the fan (e.g., to drive the motor), so dryers with larger fans will require a greater amount of energy.

[0004] As the fans rotate, they create unwanted forces (due to rotational inertia), which can make users of the drying equipment uncomfortable, especially if the drying equipment includes large fans.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a drying device that at least partially solves one or more of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is a desire for a drying device, such as a hair dryer or hand dryer, that can provide the same or better drying effect as existing drying devices, but without suffering the problems associated with airflow generated solely by a fan. The inventors of this disclosure have recognized that such improvements can be achieved by providing a drying device that includes different types of airflow generating devices instead of fans or different types of airflow generating devices other than fans. Specifically, according to the embodiments disclosed herein, among other features, a drying device includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising one or more vibrating members that vibrate when actuated to generate an airflow usable for drying the object. MEMS devices are smaller and quieter than many fans conventionally used in drying devices, thus enabling similar drying effects without the disadvantages suffered by drying devices that rely solely on fans to generate airflow.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a drying apparatus is provided, comprising at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device having at least one vibrating member, the at least one MEMS device being configured to generate an airflow for drying an object along an airflow path; a housing configured to at least partially house the at least one MEMS device; and an air outlet formed in the housing, the air outlet being configured to direct the airflow away from the at least one MEMS device. In some embodiments, the drying apparatus may further include a heat source thermally connected to the at least one MEMS device, such that heat generated by the heat source is transferred to the airflow.

[0008] The drying equipment may also include a heat transfer bonding medium between at least one MEMS device and a heat source.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drying device may include a power source electrically connected to and configured to supply power to at least one MEMS device. The power source may be thermally connected to the at least one MEMS device, such that heat generated by the power source is transferred to the airflow.

[0010] The drying equipment may also include a heat transfer bonding medium between at least one MEMS device and a power source.

[0011] In some embodiments, the drying device may also include a fan configured to move air along an airflow path.

[0012] The drying equipment may also include a motor configured to drive a fan.

[0013] The drying equipment may also include an air inlet formed in the housing, the air inlet being configured to direct ambient air from outside the housing toward at least one MEMS device.

[0014] The at least one MEMS device may form at least one wall that defines an airflow path along which the airflow moves.

[0015] At least a portion of the airflow generated by the MEMS device can be redirected through the housing of the drying device.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one MEMS device may have a first end and a second end. Air may be supplied to at least one MEMS device at the first end, and the airflow may be directed away from at least one MEMS device at the second end. Alternatively, air may be supplied to at least one MEMS device via an inlet between the first end and the second end, and the airflow may be directed away from at least one MEMS device via at least one of the first end and the second end.

[0017] In some embodiments, the drying device may be configured to at least partially dry parts of a user's body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drying device may include a hair dryer or a hand dryer.

[0019] Drying equipment may include, for example, a hair dryer, and may also include a handle that is held by the user during use.

[0020] These and other aspects will become apparent and be elucidated with reference to one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of drying equipment according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an illustration of an example of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another example of a drying apparatus according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another drying device in a drying apparatus according to various embodiments;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of MEMS devices;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of MEMS devices;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of MEMS devices;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the arrangement of MEMS devices;

[0030] Figure 9This is an illustration of another example of a MEMS device;

[0031] Figure 10 This is an illustration of another example of a MEMS device;

[0032] Figure 11 This is an example illustration of a hair dryer; and

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an example hand dryer. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to drying devices, such as hand dryers and hair dryers. The drying devices disclosed herein include features designed to provide the same or improved drying capabilities without the disadvantages of using only a fan to provide airflow. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein offer advantages in efficiency compared to existing drying devices, and provide an improved user experience because the drying devices disclosed herein generate less noise than existing drying devices. These and other advantages are achieved by using alternative mechanisms to generate airflow instead of relying solely on a fan, as is traditionally the case in existing drying devices.

[0035] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a drying apparatus that generates the aforementioned advantages by using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device to generate airflow. Such a MEMS device includes at least one vibrating member that, when actuated (e.g., induced to vibrate), causes air movement within the MEMS device, which can be guided to create an airflow that can be used to dry an object.

[0036] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating examples of a drying apparatus 100 according to various embodiments. The drying apparatus 100 includes at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device 102, which has at least one vibrating member (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), this at least one MEMS device is configured to generate an airflow along an airflow path for drying the object. See below for reference. Figure 2The arrangement and function of the MEMS device 102 are discussed in more detail. The drying device 100 includes a housing 104 configured to at least partially house at least one MEMS device 102. An air outlet 106 is formed in the housing 104. The air outlet 106 is configured to direct airflow away from at least one MEMS device 102. For example, the air outlet 106 may be configured to direct the airflow generated by the MEMS device 102 away from the MEMS device in the direction of arrow A and out of the housing 104 via the air outlet 106. In use, the drying device 100 may be positioned such that the airflow exiting the housing 104 via the air outlet 106 is directed toward or towards the object to be dried.

[0037] In some embodiments, the drying device 100 may further include an air inlet 108. The air inlet 108 may be configured to direct ambient air from outside the housing toward at least one MEMS device 102.

[0038] It should be noted that the drying device 100 described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings may include features other than those shown. For example, the drying device 100 may include one or more components for supporting the MEMS device 100 or other components relative to the housing 104 or relative to each other, components for guiding airflow (e.g., from air inlet 108, via MEMS device 102, to air outlet 106), a power supply, or a mechanism for providing power to the MEMS device, etc.

[0039] According to the present invention, the drying device 100 uses at least one MEMS device 102 instead of just a fan to generate airflow. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a MEMS device 102 capable of generating an airflow in a drying apparatus 100. The drying apparatus 100 may include or be provided with one or more suitable MEMS devices 102 having at least one vibrating member capable of generating an airflow. An example of a MEMS device 102 that can be used to generate an airflow in the drying apparatus 100 is the AirJet (RTM), AirJet (RTM) Mini, or AirJet (RTM) Pro from Frore Systems, which will be briefly described below and described in more detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 012794 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] MEMS device 102 includes an upper plate 202 having at least one opening, hole, or vent 204 formed therein for receiving air, such as hair entering the drying device 100 via air inlet 108. MEMS device 102 also includes a lower plate 206 having at least one opening, hole, or vent 208 formed therein through which air exits the MEMS device. Figure 2 In the example shown, the lower plate 206 includes two vents 208a and 208b. In this example, the vibrating member is formed by a vibrating plate 210, which is attached to the lower plate 206 by a support member 212.

[0041] In use, the vibrating plate 210 is driven (e.g., by a piezoelectric element) such that the ends of the vibrating plate 210 are caused to vibrate up and down in the direction indicated by the solid arrow. The vibrating motion draws air into the MEMS device 102 through the vent 204 and exhausts it from one or more vents 208 at high speed and / or high flow rate. The MEMS device 102 also includes a deflecting plate 214 for deflecting air passing through one or more vents 208 in a desired direction, such as toward the air outlet 106 of the drying device 100. The deflecting plate 214 can also serve as a heat-conducting plate to divert heat from a heat source ( Figure 2 (Not shown) The air is conducted to the deflector plate as it passes through the vent 208, as discussed in more detail below.

[0042] Although Figure 2 The general structure of a MEMS device 102 according to an example is shown, but various modifications can be made to achieve different effects from the MEMS device. For example, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the vibrating plate 210 may comprise a substantially rectangular plate supported by a support 212 in its central region, such that when actuated, the two ends of the vibrating plate vibrate up and down. However, in other examples, the vibrating plate may be substantially circular, such that during actuation, the edges of the vibrating plate are induced to vibrate around its periphery. Similarly, the number of vents 204, 208 in the upper plate 202 and lower plate 206 may vary, and the size, shape, and / or location of the vents may vary depending on the amount of air intended to enter and exit the MEMS device 102. For example, in some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the vents located in the upper plate 202 and lower plate 206, the vents may be located in the sidewalls of the MEMS device 102. The volume inside the MEMS device 102 (e.g., the volume defined by the upper plate 202, lower plate 206, and the walls of the MEMS device) may be considered a chamber, and the size, shape, and configuration of the chamber may be selected based on the intended function of the MEMS device, such as the intended frequency of vibration of the vibrating plate 210.

[0043] During use, the vibrating plate 210 can be driven at a frequency equal to or approximately equal to the resonant frequency of the vibrating plate and / or at a frequency equal to or approximately equal to the resonant frequency of the acoustic resonance of the air pressure wave within the MEMS device 102. In some examples, actuation of the vibrating plate 210 can be achieved using a piezoelectric element, which may be located outside the MEMS device 102 or within the MEMS device, such as within the vibrating plate itself or within the support 212. The airflow generated by the actuation of the vibrating plate 210 and exiting the MEMS device via vents(one or more) 208 can be directed toward the object to be dried. It is desirable to generate a cool airflow for drying the object (e.g., at ambient temperature). However, in other cases, it is desirable to generate a warmer airflow to aid the drying process. The vibration of the vibrating plate 210 can generate heat, raising the air temperature within the MEMS device 102, such that the air exiting the MEMS device via vents(one or more) 208 is hotter than the air entering the MEMS device via vents 204. In other embodiments, a heat source can be used to generate heat to heat the air.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the drying equipment 100. According to... Figure 3 The drying apparatus 100 shown may further include a heat source 302 thermally connected to at least one MEMS device 102, such that heat generated by the heat source is transferred to the airflow. As described above, a deflector plate 214 may also be used to conduct heat from the heat source 302 to the air impacting the deflector plate 214 through one or more vents 208. Thus, the deflector plate 214 may be made of a material with good thermal conductivity. In such examples, the heat source 302 may be directly coupled or connected to the deflector plate 214, such that as much heat as possible is transferred from the heat source to the air leaving the MEMS device 102.

[0045] In some embodiments, the drying apparatus 100 may further include a heat transfer bonding medium 304 between at least one MEMS device 102 and a heat source 302. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, a heat transfer bonding medium 304 can be disposed between the heat source 302 and the deflection plate 214 of the MEMS device 102. The heat transfer bonding medium 304 can, for example, include a paste or adhesive with good thermal conductivity, such that as much heat as possible is transferred from the heat source 302 through the heat transfer bonding medium and the deflection plate 214 into the air leaving the MEMS device 102.

[0046] In some embodiments, the drying device 100 may further include a power source electrically connected to at least one MEMS device 102 and configured to supply power to the at least one MEMS device. The power source may be configured to provide power to one or more other components of the drying device 100. For example, the power source may include one or more batteries. The power source may be thermally connected to at least one MEMS device 102 such that heat generated by the power source is transferred to the airflow. Therefore, in some embodiments, the heat source 302 may include the power source. In some embodiments, the drying device 100 may include a heat source 302 and a power source, and in such examples, both the heat source and the power source may be thermally connected to at least one MEMS device 102 (e.g., thermally connected to the deflection plate 214 of the MEMS device), such that heat generated by the heat source and the power source is used to raise the temperature of the air leaving the MEMS device 102.

[0047] In the example where the drying apparatus 100 includes a power source, the drying apparatus may further include a heat transfer bonding medium between at least one MEMS device 102 and the power source. The heat transfer bonding medium used between the power source and the MEMS device 102 may be the same as the heat transfer bonding medium used between the heat source 302 and the MEMS device.

[0048] A significant advantage of the drying device 100 disclosed herein is that an airflow can be generated using a MEMS device 102, thereby reducing noise generation that typically occurs in existing drying devices that use fans to generate airflow. However, it has been recognized that the drying device 100 can generate improved (e.g., stronger) airflow when the airflow generated by the MEMS device 102 is supplemented by an airflow generated by a fan. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the drying equipment 100. According to... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the drying device 100 may further include a fan 402 configured to move air along an airflow path. In some embodiments, the drying device 100 may also include a motor 404 configured to drive the fan 402. In examples where the fan 402 is configured, the fan may be smaller than that used in existing drying devices because in these examples, the fan is used to supplement the airflow generated by the MEMS device 102, rather than to generate the entire airflow. Alternatively, the fan 402 may be driven at a lower rotational speed (e.g., using a smaller motor), resulting in less noise generated by the fan 402 (and motor 404) compared to existing drying devices.

[0049] In some embodiments, a single MEMS device 102 may be used to generate an airflow for drying an object. However, in other embodiments, multiple MEMS devices may be provided. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of MEMS device 102, which can be implemented in embodiments of the drying apparatus 100 disclosed herein. Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrows shown indicate examples of possible directions for airflow into and out of each MEMS device 102. Air generated by the MEMS device 102 can be directed away from the MEMS device toward the air outlet 106 of the drying device 100.

[0050] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, multiple MEMS devices 102 (i.e., three MEMS devices in this case) are stacked (one on top of another). This arrangement, and the increased number of MEMS devices 102, each with a vibrating component, allows for increased airflow.

[0051] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, three MEMS devices 102 are arranged to form a triangular prism shape. Using this arrangement, the heat source ( Figure 6 (Not shown) can be positioned at the center of the prism so that heat can be transferred to each MEMS device in MEMS device 102.

[0052] exist Figure 7 In this configuration, four MEMS devices 102 are arranged to form a rectangular prism shape. Similar to... Figure 6 The arrangement shown, with rectangular prisms, allows for heat sources ( Figure 7 (Not shown) is positioned at the center of the prism so that heat can be transferred to each MEMS device in MEMS device 102.

[0053] exist Figure 8 In this configuration, a single MEMS device 102 is formed as a cylinder. Alternatively, multiple MEMS devices can be bent and coupled together to form a cylinder. With this arrangement, a heat source can be positioned at the center of the cylinder, allowing heat to be transferred to the MEMS device or each MEMS device 102.

[0054] Obviously, other arrangements and configurations can be used. Therefore, as shown in the figures, at least one MEMS device 102 may include a plurality of MEMS devices, each configured to generate an airflow and direct the airflow toward an air outlet 106.

[0055] As described above, ventilation openings 204 and 208 can be disposed in one or more walls of the upper plate 202, the lower plate 206 and / or the MEMS device 102. Figure 9 and Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of another example of a MEMS device 102 with vents 204 and 208 configured differently. Figure 9 In the design, vents 204a and 204b are disposed in the side wall of the MEMS device 102 to allow air to flow into the MEMS device, and vents 208a and 208b are disposed in the lower plate 206 to allow air to exit the MEMS device. Figure 10 In the design, vents 204a, 204b, and 204c are disposed in the upper plate 202 and the side wall of the MEMS device 102, while vents 208a and 208b are disposed in the lower plate 206. However, in Figure 10 In the arrangement shown, the support member 212 extends beyond the lower plate 206 and is connected to the deflection plate 214. In this way, air exiting the MEMS device 102 via vent 208a is guided in a first direction indicated by arrow B, and air exiting the MEMS device via vent 208b is guided in a second direction indicated by arrow C. In this example, the direction indicated by arrow B is opposite to the direction indicated by arrow C. In this way, it is possible to generate two airflows, for example, to enable the simultaneous drying of multiple objects.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least one MEMS device 102 therefore has a first end and a second end. Air can be supplied to at least one MEMS device 102 at the first end, and the airflow can be directed away from at least one MEMS device at the second end. For example, this could represent an arrangement in which a vent is provided in a sidewall at one end of the MEMS device 102, and air exits the MEMS device at the opposite end. In other embodiments, air can be supplied to at least one MEMS device 102 via an inlet (e.g., a vent) between the first and second ends, and the airflow can be directed away from at least one MEMS device via at least one of the first and second ends. For example, this could represent the arrangement discussed above. Figure 10 The layout shown.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the airflow generated by at least one MEMS device 102 is directed out of the housing 104 of the drying device 100 toward the object to be dried. However, in one example, at least a portion of the airflow generated by at least one MEMS device 102 can be redirected through the housing of the drying device 100. In this way, air can flow through a duct or cavity in the housing 104 of the drying device 100, and one or more objects to be dried can be placed in the duct or cavity for drying by the airflow. In one example, their hair is close to the drying device 100, and the airflow through the duct or cavity can cause the user's hair to be sucked or pulled into the drying device. The airflow through the duct or cavity can pass through the hair in the drying device 100, drying the hair.

[0058] The drying device 100 disclosed herein can be used to dry any object, but can be configured to at least partially dry a user's body parts. In some embodiments, the drying device 100 may include a hair dryer or a hand dryer. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hair dryer 1100, and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a hand dryer 1200.

[0059] First refer to Figure 11 The hair dryer 1100 may include a drying device 100 and a handle 1102 held by a user during use. The handle 1102 may include one or more controls, such as buttons or switches that the user can use to operate the hair dryer 1100, for example, to turn the hair dryer on and off, to adjust the vibration frequency of the vibrating plate 210, and / or to adjust the temperature at which the air will be heated by the heat source 302.

[0060] Now for reference Figure 12 The hand dryer 1200 may include a drying device 100 and may be configured such that a user places their hands under an air outlet 106 for drying. Other configurations of the drying device 100 may be implemented in devices for drying other items.

[0061] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, a drying apparatus is provided that provides an improved user experience due to reduced noise generation (e.g., by using MEMS devices instead of fans to generate airflow) and is capable of drying objects effectively and efficiently.

[0062] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practice with respect to the principles and techniques described herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Computer programs can be stored or distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A drying apparatus (100), comprising: At least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (102) having at least one vibrating member, said at least one MEMS device being configured to generate an airflow for drying an object along an airflow path; The housing (104) is configured to at least partially accommodate the at least one MEMS device; as well as An air outlet (106) is formed in the housing and is configured to direct the airflow away from the at least one MEMS device.

2. The drying apparatus (100) according to claim 1 further includes: A heat source (302) is thermally connected to the at least one MEMS device (102) such that heat generated by the heat source is transferred to the airflow.

3. The drying apparatus (100) according to claim 2 further includes: A heat transfer bonding medium (304) is placed between the at least one MEMS device (102) and the heat source.

4. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: A power source is electrically connected to the at least one MEMS device (102) and configured to supply power to the at least one MEMS device; The power source is thermally connected to the at least one MEMS device, such that heat generated by the power source is transferred to the airflow.

5. The drying apparatus (100) according to claim 4 further comprises: A heat transfer bonding medium is used between the at least one MEMS device (102) and the power source.

6. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: A fan (402) is configured to move air along the airflow path.

7. The drying apparatus (100) according to claim 6 further comprises: The motor (404) is configured to drive the fan.

8. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes: An air inlet (108) is formed in the housing, the air inlet being configured to direct ambient air from outside the housing toward the at least one MEMS device (102).

9. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one MEMS device (102) comprises a plurality of MEMS devices, each MEMS device being configured to generate an airflow and direct the airflow toward the air outlet.

10. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the airflow generated by the at least one MEMS device (102) is redirected through the housing of the drying apparatus.

11. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one MEMS device (102) has a first end and a second end; and Air is supplied to the at least one MEMS device at the first end, and the airflow is directed away from the at least one MEMS device at the second end.

12. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one MEMS device (102) has a first end and a second end; and Air is supplied to the at least one MEMS device via an inlet between the first end and the second end, and the airflow is directed away from the at least one MEMS device via at least one of the first end and the second end.

13. The drying device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying device is configured to at least partially dry a part of a user's body.

14. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drying apparatus comprises a hair dryer (1100) or a hand dryer (1200).

15. The drying apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drying apparatus includes a blower (1100), and further includes: The handle (1102) is held by the user during use.

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