Hair dryer

Abstract

Provided is a hair dryer that enables intuitive grasping of the state of air sent from a wind tunnel portion. A hair dryer (1) has a wind tunnel portion (10) and a display portion (100) that has a plurality of LED groups (L1 to L5) disposed in the wind tunnel portion (10) and has a state display region (111) that shows the direction of air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hair dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a conventional hair dryer. This hair dryer has an air duct section and a display section disposed in the air duct section. The display section displays the set temperature, set airflow, and operating time in different positions.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-35086 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve The user of the hair dryer in Patent Document 1 cannot intuitively grasp the state of the air delivered from the wind tunnel, leaving room for improvement.

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned conventional reality, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a hair dryer that allows the user to intuitively grasp the state of the air being delivered from the wind tunnel.

[0005] means for solving problems The hair dryer of the present invention has a wind tunnel section and a display section. The display section has a plurality of light-emitting sections arranged in the wind tunnel section to show the direction of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section.

[0006] This hair dryer can indicate the direction of the airflow from the wind tunnel section by emitting light from multiple light-emitting parts.

[0007] Therefore, users of the hair dryer of the present invention can intuitively grasp the state of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a right view of a hair dryer showing the extended grip portion of Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a right view of the hair dryer in the folded state of the grip part of Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state in which all displays of the display section of Embodiment 1 are lit.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the display changes when the display unit of Embodiment 1 shows the direction of the wind.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the display changes when the display unit of Embodiment 1 shows the direction of the wind.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the display changes when the display unit of Embodiment 1 shows the direction of the wind.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a right view showing the display unit of Embodiment 1 with its outer cover removed.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a right view showing the state in which the light diffusion member of the display section of Embodiment 1 is removed.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the LED substrate of the display section in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a right view showing the hair dryer of Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0019] The display unit of the hair dryer of the present invention can display the intensity of the wind delivered from the wind tunnel section. In this case, the display unit can display the intensity of the wind delivered from the wind tunnel section by means of light emission from multiple light-emitting units.

[0020] The display unit of the hair dryer of the present invention is capable of displaying the temperature change of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section. In this case, the display unit can display the temperature change of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section by means of the illumination of multiple light-emitting units.

[0021] <Example 1> Next, referring to the accompanying drawings, Embodiment 1, which embodies the hair dryer of the present invention, will be described. For ease of explanation, the side of the air outlet 11 of the air tunnel 10 is designated as the front, the side of the air inlet 13 as the rear, the side from which the grip 30 extends from the air tunnel 10 is designated as the lower side, the opposite side as the upper side, and left and right from the main viewing angle observed from the front are designated as left and right. In the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system shown in each figure, the positive direction of the X-axis is the "front direction", the negative direction of the X-axis is the "rear direction", the positive direction of the Y-axis is the "up direction", the negative direction of the Y-axis is the "down direction", the positive direction of the Z-axis is the "left direction", and the negative direction of the Z-axis is the "right direction".

[0022] <The Structure of a Hair Dryer> like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, the hair dryer 1 of Embodiment 1 includes an air tunnel section 10, a grip section 30, a first operation section 51 to a third operation section 53, a power cord 70, and a display section 100. The air tunnel section 10 is cylindrical and extends in the front-rear direction. An air outlet 11 is provided at the front end of the air tunnel section 10. The air outlet 11 is coated with ceramic that emits far-infrared rays. Various nozzles, such as a shaping nozzle (not shown), can be detachably attached to the air outlet 11 of the air tunnel section 10. An air inlet 13 is provided at the rear end of the air tunnel section 10. The air inlet 13 is composed of a cover member having multiple slits extending in the horizontal direction. The air inlet 13 extends from the rear end face of the air tunnel section 10 to the left and right sides of the air tunnel section 10. The air inlet 13 has a vertical width of approximately 4 / 5 of the rear end edge of the air tunnel section 10, and its vertical width decreases when viewed from the right side and facing forward. The air inlet 13 is curved in a way that expands outward.

[0023] The wind tunnel section 10 houses an air supply section (not shown), a heating section, an ion generation section, a temperature detection section, and a control section. The air supply section is located at the rear end of the wind tunnel section 10. The air supply section includes a motor and a fan. The motor is a small and lightweight brushless DC motor. This motor can be driven at high speeds of over 100,000 rpm. Therefore, the blower 1 can deliver strong air with high wind speed and pressure from the air supply section. The motor is driven and controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

[0024] The heating element is located at the front end of the air duct section 10. The heating element heats the air supplied from the air supply section. The heating element has heating wires such as nickel-chromium wire. The ion generating element ionizes molecules in the air. In this hair dryer 1, far-infrared rays emitted from the ceramic coated on the air outlet 11 fuse with ions generated by the ion generating element, reaching the user's hair, suppressing static electricity and making the hair smooth overall.

[0025] The temperature detection unit includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. Each temperature sensor is composed of an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. The first temperature sensor is disposed within the wind tunnel section 10, between the air supply section and the heating section. The first temperature sensor measures the temperature of the air drawn in through the air inlet 13 (external air temperature). The second temperature sensor is disposed at the front end of the wind tunnel section 10. The second temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the front end of the wind tunnel section 10.

[0026] The control unit is located within the wind tunnel section 10, between the air supply section and the heating section. The control unit has a control board (not shown) and multiple electronic components mounted on the control board. The control unit controls the motor of the air supply section, the heating wire of the heating section, the ion generation section, and the LED elements of the display section 100 (described later) based on the operation signals generated by the operation of the first operation section 51 to the third operation section 53 (described later) and the temperature signals generated by the temperature detected by the temperature detection section.

[0027] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the grip portion 30, with the sliding surface 31 as its boundary, has an upper grip portion 30A and a lower grip portion 30B. The upper grip portion 30A is continuous with the lower surface of the air inlet 13 side of the wind tunnel portion 10. The lower grip portion 30B is connected to the lower side of the upper grip portion 30A. The sliding surface 31 slopes downward from the front end towards the rear end. The lower grip portion 30B rotates clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the upper grip portion 30A about a rotation axis orthogonal to the sliding surface 31. Through the rotation of the lower grip portion 30B, the grip portion 30 deforms into an extended state and a folded state. Figure 1 As shown, the extended state of the grip portion 30 refers to the state where the upper grip portion 30A and the lower grip portion 30B extend in a straight line. In the extended state, the outer peripheral surface of the upper grip portion 30A is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the lower grip portion 30B. In the extended state, the grip portion 30 tilts forward from the top to the bottom. The extended grip portion 30 is approximately cylindrical. The middle portion of the extended grip portion 30 is slightly thicker than the top and bottom portions. If the lower grip portion 30B is rotated counterclockwise relative to the upper grip portion 30A in the extended state, the grip portion 30 becomes folded. Figure 2 As shown, the folded state of the grip portion 30 refers to a state where the lower grip portion 30B extends approximately parallel to the extending direction of the wind tunnel portion 10, forming a space between the wind tunnel portion 10 and the lower grip portion 30B where a user's fingers can be inserted. If the lower grip portion 30B is rotated clockwise relative to the upper grip portion 30A in the folded state, the grip portion 30 becomes an extended state. When changing between the extended and folded states, the direction in which the lower grip portion 30B rotates relative to the upper grip portion 30A is not limited to the aforementioned rotation direction; for example, it can also rotate in the opposite direction.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the grip portion 30 has an electrical conduit sleeve 33 that is continuous with and extends downward from the lower end of the lower grip portion 30B. A hanging loop portion 35 is provided on the upper part of the front surface of the electrical conduit sleeve 33. The power cord 70 passes through the electrical conduit sleeve 33 and is continuous with the lower end of the lower grip portion 30B. A power plug (not shown) is provided at the front end of the power cord 70.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, with the grip 30 extended, the first operation unit 51 is located at the upper left and right center of the front surface of the lower grip 30B. The first operation unit 51 is a switch that slides freely up and down along the front surface of the lower grip 30B. The first operation unit 51 can be located in any of the following positions: lower, middle, or upper. The lower position of the first operation unit 51 is the "OFF" position, the middle position is the "COOL" position, and the upper position is the "HOT" position. When the first operation unit 51 is in the "OFF" position, the hair dryer 1 is in a state where the power is off and operation is stopped. When the first operation unit 51 is in the "COOL" position, the hair dryer 1 does not supply power to the heating element and delivers room temperature cold air (hereinafter referred to as "cold air") from the air outlet 11. When the first operation unit 51 is in the "HOT" position, the hair dryer 1 supplies power to the heating element and delivers hot air from the air outlet 11. That is, the first operation unit 51 can start, stop, and switch between hot and cold air for the hair dryer 1.

[0030] like Figures 1-7 As shown, the second operation unit 52 and the third operation unit 53 are arranged in a front-to-back direction on the right side of the wind tunnel section 10, positioned above the portion continuous with the upper grip section 30A. The second operation unit 52 and the third operation unit 53 are elongated rectangular buttons that extend in the front-to-back direction. The second operation unit 52 is a mode button; when pressed, it alternates between a "high" mode and a "low" mode. The "high" mode delivers a large volume and high velocity of air from the air outlet 11. The "low" mode delivers a small volume and low velocity of air from the air outlet 11. In other words, the second operation unit 52 can switch the air intensity.

[0031] When the hair dryer 1 is activated by moving the first operation unit 51 from the "off" position to the "cool air" position, and when the hair dryer 1 is activated by moving the first operation unit 51 from the "off" position through the "cool air" position to the "hot air" position, the hair dryer 1 supplies air in "strong mode". When the first operation unit 51 is moved between the "cool air" position and the "hot air" position, the hair dryer 1 still maintains the air supply mode before the switch.

[0032] The third operation unit 53 is a sensor button that functions when the first operation unit 51 is in the "hot air" position. The third operation unit 53 does not function when the first operation unit 51 is in the "cool air" position. The sensor program has two modes: "SCALP" and "MOIST". Each time the third operation unit 53 is pressed, the sensor program is switched in the order of off, "SCALP", and "MOIST". If the "SCALP" sensor program is selected and executed, the hair dryer 1, in either the "strong mode" or "weak mode", controls the output of the heating element by judging the external temperature, alternately delivering hot and cold air from the air outlet 11 to maintain the object's temperature within 50℃±5℃. If the "MOIST" sensor program is selected and executed, the hair dryer 1, in either the "strong mode" or "weak mode", controls the output of the heating element by judging the external temperature, alternately delivering hot and cold air from the air outlet 11 to maintain the object's temperature within 60℃±5℃. When the sensor program is off, the hair dryer 1 delivers hot air at 80°C to 90°C from the air outlet 11 in either the "strong mode" or the "weak mode". That is, the third operation unit 53 can turn the hair dryer 1 on and off and switch the sensor program.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the display unit 100 is located on the right side of the wind tunnel section 10. Figures 7-9 As shown, the display unit 100 includes an outer contour member 110, a light diffusion member 130, and an LED substrate 150. The outer contour member 110, the light diffusion member 130, and the LED substrate 150 are sequentially arranged from the outer side of the right side of the wind tunnel section 10. The outer contour member 110 constitutes most of the outer shape of the right side of the wind tunnel section 10. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, when the power plug is not inserted into the socket and when the power plug is inserted into the socket and the first operation part 51 is in the "off" position and the power is off, the outer contour member 110 is a mirror surface when viewed from the outside.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, the outer contour member 110 has a status display area 111 that allows for a direct view of the state of the wind emitted from the wind tunnel section 10. The status display area 111 is configured as multiple translucent, elongated ellipses of varying sizes arranged in multiple columns. The status display area 111 extends forward from a position above the second operation section 52 and the third operation section 53, and its width widens from the middle. The translucent word "MODE" is positioned above the second operation section 52 on the outer contour member 110, and the translucent word "SENSE" is positioned above the third operation section 53. At the rear ends of the upper and lower central portions of the outer contour member 110, the translucent words "Strong," "Weak," "Smooth," and "Scalp" are sequentially arranged from top to bottom. The horizontal ovals, "Mode", "Sensing", "Strong", "Weak", "Smooth", and "Scalp" text in the status display area 111 are not visible from the outside when the corresponding LED elements D1 to D6 are not lit.

[0035] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the light diffusion member 130 is disposed between the LED substrate 150 and the outer contour member 110, covering the LED substrate 150 from the outside. The light diffusion member 130 diffuses the light emitted from each LED element mounted on the LED substrate 150 toward the outer contour member 110. Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, five LED groups (first LED group L1 to fifth LED group L5) and six LED elements (first LED element D1 to sixth LED element D6) are mounted on the mounting surface of the LED substrate 150 facing outward. Each LED group L1 to L5 is located inside the status display area 111 of the outer contour member 110. Each LED group L1 to L5 is arranged such that, from top to bottom, there is a red-emitting LED element R, a white-emitting LED element W, and a blue-emitting LED element B. Each LED group L1 to L5 is arranged approximately at equal intervals from the front end of the LED substrate 150 toward the rear, in the order of first LED group L1, second LED group L2, third LED group L3, fourth LED group L4, and fifth LED group L5. That is, each LED group L1 to L5 is arranged axially in the wind tunnel section 10. Each LED group L1 to L5 corresponds to the light-emitting section. The six LED elements D1 to D6 are white-emitting LED elements. These LED elements D1 to D6 are arranged inside the characters for "Sensing", "Mode", "Strong", "Weak", "Smooth", and "Scalp". The LED elements R, W, and B of each LED group L1 to L5, as well as the six LED elements D1 to D6, are controlled to emit light through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

[0036] <Display of each character> As shown in Table 1, in each airflow mode, the hair dryer 1 illuminates or flashes the LED elements D1 to D6 located inside the text indicating "Strong," "Weak," "Smooth," "Scalp," "Sensitive," and "Mode," and correspondingly displays the text on the right side of the air duct section 10. Specifically, when the first operation unit 51 is in "Hot Air" mode and the airflow mode is "Strong Mode," the hair dryer 1 illuminates the text indicating "Strong," "Sensitive," and "Mode" in white. When the first operation unit 51 is in "Hot Air" mode and the airflow mode is "Weak Mode," the hair dryer 1 illuminates the text indicating "Weak," "Sensitive," and "Mode" in white.

[0037] With the word "Sensing" illuminated in white, each press of the third operation unit 53 switches the sensing program in the order of Off, "Scalp," and "Smoothing." When the "Scalp" sensing program is selected, the word "Scalp" flashes in white. When the "Smoothing" sensing program is selected, the word "Smoothing" flashes in white.

[0038] When the first operation unit 51 is in "cool air" mode and the air delivery mode is "strong mode", the words "strong" and "mode" are illuminated in white. When the first operation unit 51 is in "cool air" mode and the air delivery mode is "weak mode", the words "weak" and "mode" are illuminated in white.

[0039] With the word "Mode" illuminated in white, each press of the second operation unit 52 alternates between "Strong Mode" and "Weak Mode" in the airflow mode. At this time, the hair dryer 1 illuminates either "Strong" or "Mode" in white according to the switched airflow mode.

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041] <Display of Status Display Area> As shown in Tables 2 to 5, the hair dryer 1 illuminates the LED elements R, W, and B of specified colors in each LED group L1 to L5 according to the air supply status, displaying the state of the air supplied from the air tunnel section 10. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, when the first operation section 51 is in "hot air" mode, the air supply mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode," and the sensor program is off, the hair dryer 1 illuminates the white-emitting LED element W and the red-emitting LED element R of each LED group L1 to L5 using the illumination method shown in Table 3. When the first operation section 51 is in "cool air" mode, and the air supply mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode," the hair dryer 1 illuminates the white-emitting LED element W and the blue-emitting LED element B of each LED group L1 to L5 using the illumination method shown in Table 4. When the first operation unit 51 is in "hot air" mode, the air delivery mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode", and the sensing program is "scalp" or "smooth", the white LED element W, the red LED element R, and the blue LED element B of each LED group L1 to L5 are lit up by the lighting method shown in Table 5.

[0042] [Table 2]

[0043] When the hair dryer 1 is in the "hot air" position on the first operation unit 51, and the air supply mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode", and the sensor program is off, it first executes steps (STEP) 1 to 18 of the lighting method shown in Table 3. Thereafter, as long as the air supply state continues, steps 5 to 18 are repeated. When the wind speed mode is "strong mode", the switching speed between each step is 80 msec, and when the wind speed mode is "weak mode", the switching speed between each step is 125 msec.

[0044] In Table 3, "L1R" represents the red-emitting LED element R of the first LED group L1, and "L1W" represents the white-emitting LED element W of the first LED group L1. Thus, in "L1R" to "L5R" and "L1W" to "L5W", "L1" to "L5" represent the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5, "R" represents the red-emitting LED element R, and "W" represents the white-emitting LED element W. The proportional values ​​in Table 3 represent the duty cycle of the PWM control for each LED element R and LED element W in each LED group L1 to L5.

[0045] [Table 3]

[0046] If the hair dryer 1 illuminates the red-emitting LED element R and the white-emitting LED element W of the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5 using the lighting method shown in Table 3, then as follows: Figures 4-6 As shown, in the status display area 111 of the outer contour member 110, a plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates, displayed in a warm color close to red, are shown moving from rear to front. At this time, when the blower 1 is in "strong mode" of wind speed mode, the plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates, displayed in a warm color close to red, move from rear to front faster than in "weak mode".

[0047] Thus, when the hair dryer 1 is in "hot air" mode on the first operation unit 51, and the airflow mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode," and the sensing program is off, a plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates, displayed in a warm, near-red color, are shown in the status display area 111 of the outer contour member 110, moving from rear to front. Furthermore, the movement speed of the plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates displayed in the warm, near-red color in the status display area 111 varies depending on the wind speed mode of the hair dryer 1. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp the hot air being delivered from the air outlet 11 forward and the intensity of that airflow through the display in the status display area 111.

[0048] When the first operation unit 51 is in "cool air" mode and the airflow mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode", the hair dryer 1 first executes steps 1 to 18 of the lighting method shown in Table 4. Thereafter, as long as the airflow continues, steps 5 to 18 are repeated. When the wind speed mode is "strong mode", the switching speed between steps is 80 msec; when the wind speed mode is "weak mode", the switching speed between steps is 125 msec. When the first operation unit 51 is in "cool air" mode, as described above, the third operation unit 53 does not function, and the sensing program is in a closed state.

[0049] In Table 4, "L1W" represents the white-emitting LED element W of the first LED group L1, and "L1B" represents the blue-emitting LED element B of the first LED group L1. Thus, "L1" to "L5" in "L1W" to "L5W" and "L1B" to "L5B" represent the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5, with "W" representing the white-emitting LED element W and "B" representing the blue-emitting LED element B. The proportional values ​​in Table 4 represent the duty cycle of the PWM control for each LED element W and LED element B in each LED group L1 to L5.

[0050] [Table 4]

[0051] If the hair dryer 1 illuminates the white-emitting LED element W and the blue-emitting LED element B of the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5 using the lighting method shown in Table 4, then... Figures 4-6 As shown, in the status display area 111 of the outer contour member 110, a plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical assemblies, displayed in a cool color close to blue, are shown moving from rear to front. At this time, when the blower 1 is in "strong mode" of wind speed mode, the plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical assemblies, displayed in a cool color close to blue, move from rear to front faster than in "weak mode".

[0052] Thus, when the hair dryer 1 is in "cool air" mode on the first operation unit 51 and the air delivery mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode," a plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates, displayed in a cool, near-blue color, are shown in the status display area 111 of the outer contour member 110, moving from rear to front. Furthermore, the movement speed of the plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates displayed in the near-blue color in the status display area 111 varies depending on the airflow mode. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp the amount of cool air being delivered from the air outlet 11 forward and the intensity of that airflow through the display in the status display area 111.

[0053] When the hair dryer 1 is in "hot air" mode on the first operation unit 51, the airflow mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode", and the sensing program is "scalp" or "smoothing", it repeats steps 1 to 38 of the lighting method shown in Table 5 as long as the airflow mode continues. When the wind speed mode is "strong mode", the switching speed between each step is 80 msec, and when the wind speed mode is "weak mode", the switching speed between each step is 125 msec.

[0054] In Table 5, "L1R" represents the red-emitting LED element R of the first LED group L1, "L1W" represents the white-emitting LED element W of the first LED group L1, and "L1B" represents the blue-emitting LED element B of the first LED group L1. Thus, "L1" to "L5" in "L1R" to "L5R", "L1W" to "L5W", and "L1B" to "L5B" represent the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5, where "R" represents the red-emitting LED element R, "W" represents the white-emitting LED element W, and "B" represents the blue-emitting LED element B. The proportional values ​​in Table 5 represent the duty cycle of the PWM control for each LED element R, LED element W, and LED element B in each LED group L1 to L5.

[0055] [Table 5]

[0056] If the hair dryer 1 illuminates the red-emitting LED element R, the white-emitting LED element W, and the blue-emitting LED element B of the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5 using the illumination method shown in Table 5, then as follows: Figures 4-6 As shown, in the status display area 111 of the outer contour member 110, multiple elongated elliptical assemblies, shown in a warm color close to red, and multiple elongated elliptical assemblies, shown in a cool color close to blue, alternately move from rear to front. At this time, when the wind speed mode is in "strong mode," the multiple elongated elliptical assemblies shown in a warm color close to red and the multiple elongated elliptical assemblies shown in a cool color close to blue move from rear to front faster than when the wind speed mode is in "weak mode."

[0057] Thus, when the hair dryer 1 is in "hot air" mode on the first operation unit 51, the air delivery mode is "strong mode" or "weak mode," and the sensing program is "scalp" or "smooth," the status display area 111 on the outer contour member 110 displays an alternating movement from back to front of multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups shown in a warm color close to red and multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups shown in a cool color close to blue. Furthermore, depending on the airflow mode, the movement speed of the multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups shown in the warm color close to red and the multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups shown in the cool color close to blue in the status display area 111 varies. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp the alternating hot and cold air being delivered from the air outlet 11 forward and the intensity of the airflow based on the display in the status display area 111.

[0058] When an abnormality is detected, the hair dryer 1 causes the specified LED elements R, W, and B of the designated LED groups L1 to L5 to flash, as shown in Table 6. Specifically, when an abnormal motor current is detected, as shown in Table 6, the red-emitting LED element R of the fourth LED group L4 and the red-emitting LED element R of the fifth LED group L5 flash. When a motor phase loss is detected, as shown in Table 6, the red-emitting LED element R of the first LED group L1 and the red-emitting LED element R of the second LED group L2 flash. When an abnormal temperature is detected by at least one of the first or second temperature sensors, as shown in Table 6, the blue-emitting LED element B of the fourth LED group L4 and the blue-emitting LED element B of the fifth LED group L5 flash. When an input overvoltage is detected, as shown in Table 6, the white-emitting LED element W of the first LED group L1 and the white-emitting LED element W of the second LED group L2 flash. In the event of a failed initial start-up of the motor, as shown in Table 6, No. 5, the blue-emitting LED element B of the first LED group L1 and the blue-emitting LED element B of the second LED group L2 will flash. This hair dryer 1 has a function to automatically shut off after 30 minutes of continuous use as a protection feature. When the motor or heater is stopped by this automatic shut-off function, as shown in Table 6, No. 6, all white-emitting LED elements W of the first LED group L1 to the fifth LED group L5 will flash.

[0059] [Table 6]

[0060] In this way, when the hair dryer 1 detects an abnormality, different parts of the status display area 111 on the outer contour member 110 flash with different colors according to the information detected. Therefore, the user can recognize the abnormality of the hair dryer 1 and understand its status.

[0061] <Basic instructions for using a hair dryer> The basic usage of the hair dryer 1 is explained below. First, the user confirms that the first operation section 51 is in the "off" position and inserts the power plug into the socket. In this state, most of the outer contour member 110 that constitutes the shape of the right side of the air tunnel section 10 is mirrored, and the various horizontal ovals and text such as "mode" in the status display area 111 cannot be seen.

[0062] Next, the user moves the first operating unit 51 to the "hot air" position. The hair dryer then blows strong air at 80°C to 90°C forward from the air outlet 11. In this state, the hair dryer 1 displays the words "Strong," "Induction," and "Mode" in white, and in the status display area 111, a collection of multiple horizontally elongated ovals, displayed in a warm, near-red color, moves rapidly from back to front. Therefore, the user can intuitively perceive the strong hot air being blown forward from the air outlet 11.

[0063] In this airflow mode, the user can push the second operation unit 52 to change the airflow mode to "weak mode" or push it again to change the airflow mode back to "strong mode". The hair dryer 1 delivers hot air from the air outlet 11 according to the selected airflow mode, and displays the "weak" or "strong" text in white according to the selected airflow mode. Furthermore, in the hair dryer 1, the status display area 111, with its multiple horizontally elongated ovals displayed in a warm, near-red color, moves from rear to front at a speed corresponding to the selected airflow mode. Therefore, the user can intuitively grasp the intensity of the hot air delivered from the air outlet 11 towards the front.

[0064] Next, the user pushes the third operation unit 53 to set the sensing program to "scalp" and blow-dry the scalp and hair roots. In this state, the hair dryer 1 alternately delivers hot and cold air from the air outlet 11 to keep the object's temperature within 50°C ± 5°C. The airflow mode remains the same as when the sensing program is set to "scalp". Depending on the airflow mode, the hair dryer 1 displays any text indicating "strong" or "weak" in white. In addition, the hair dryer 1 flashes the text "scalp" in white, and in the status display area 111, multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups shown in a warm color close to red and multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups shown in a cool color close to blue alternately move from back to front. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand that the sensing program is "scalp" and that hot and cold air are alternately delivered from the air outlet 11 towards the front.

[0065] Next, the user pushes the third operation unit 53 to switch the sensing program to "smooth," drying the hair from the middle to the ends. In this state, the hair dryer 1 alternately delivers hot and cold air from the air outlet 11 to keep the object's temperature within 60°C ± 5°C. The airflow mode remains the same as when the sensing program is switched to "smooth." Depending on the airflow mode, the hair dryer 1 displays any text indicating "strong" or "weak" in white. Additionally, in the hair dryer 1, the text indicating "scalp" is off, and the text indicating "smooth" flashes white. In the status display area 111, multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups, displayed in a warm color close to red, and multiple horizontally elongated elliptical groups, displayed in a cool color close to blue, alternately move from back to front. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand that the sensing program is "smooth," and that hot and cold air are alternately delivered from the air outlet 11 towards the front.

[0066] Finally, the user moves the first operation unit 51 to the "cool air" position, combs their hair with their fingers, and blows cool air onto the hair to style it. In this state, the hair dryer 1 blows cool air forward from the air outlet 11. The airflow mode remains the same as when the first operation unit 51 is moved to the "cool air" position. Depending on the airflow mode, the hair dryer 1 displays either "strong" or "weak" in white. Additionally, the hair dryer 1 turns off the "sensing" and "smoothing" text, and in the status display area 111, a collection of multiple horizontally elongated ovals, displayed in a cool, near-blue color, moves from back to front. Therefore, the user can intuitively perceive that cool air is being blown forward from the air outlet. After styling the hair, the user moves the first operation unit 51 to the "off" position, turns off the power to the hair dryer 1, unplugs the power cord from the socket, and ends the use of the hair dryer 1.

[0067] As described above, the hair dryer 1 of Embodiment 1 has: a wind tunnel section 10; and a display section 100, having a plurality of LED groups L1 to L5 arranged in the axial direction of the wind tunnel section 10, and a status display area 111 indicating the direction of the air sent from the wind tunnel section 10.

[0068] The hair dryer 1 uses the lighting pattern of LED elements R, LED element W, and LED element B in multiple LED groups L1 to L5 to move multiple horizontally elongated elliptical assemblies from back to front in the status display area 111, thereby indicating the direction of the air sent forward from the air outlet 11 of the wind tunnel section 10.

[0069] Therefore, the user of the hair dryer 1 in Embodiment 1 can intuitively grasp the state of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section 10.

[0070] The display unit 100 of the blower 1 in Embodiment 1 can display the intensity of the wind delivered from the wind tunnel unit 10 by changing the movement speed of a plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical assemblies that move in the status display area 111.

[0071] The display section 100 of the hair dryer 1 in Embodiment 1 can display the temperature of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section 10 by changing the color of the multiple horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates shown in the status display area 111 between warm and cool colors.

[0072] <Example 2> like Figure 10 As shown, the shape of the rear end of the air duct section 20 of the hair dryer 2 in Embodiment 2 is different from that of the hair dryer 1 in Embodiment 1. Other structures are the same as in Embodiment 1, and the same structures are labeled with the same reference numerals; detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0073] From a right-side view, the rear end of the air tunnel section 20 of the blower 2 has a rear end edge that slopes forward from the lower end to the upper end. An air inlet 23 is located at the rear end of the air tunnel section. The air inlet 23 is formed by a cover member having multiple slits extending horizontally. The air inlet 23 extends from the rear end face of the air tunnel section 20 to the left and right sides of the air tunnel section 20. The air inlet 23 has approximately 4 / 5 the width of the rear end edge of the air tunnel section 20. The air inlet 23 is curved inward from its upper and lower central portions. Thus, the upper and lower ends of the rear end of the air tunnel section 20 protrude outwards from the air inlet 23. Therefore, when the rear end of the air tunnel section 20 comes into contact with other objects, the air inlet 23 is less likely to come into contact with other objects and is less likely to be damaged.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 and 2 described above and in the accompanying drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0075] (1) The display section can be located on the left side or the upper surface of the wind tunnel section.

[0076] (2) The display section can be set in multiple locations in the wind tunnel section.

[0077] (3) The display unit may only display the direction of the wind sent from the wind tunnel.

[0078] (4) The display unit can display only the direction and intensity of the wind sent from the wind tunnel.

[0079] (5) The display unit can display only the direction of the wind sent from the wind tunnel and the temperature of the wind.

[0080] (6) The display unit 100 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 displays the status in a manner in which a plurality of horizontally elongated elliptical aggregates move from the rear to the front, or other display methods may be used.

[0081] (7) In the display section 100 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, each LED group L1 to L5, which are light-emitting parts, are arranged in the axial direction of the wind tunnel section 10. When the axial direction of the wind tunnel section is different from the direction of the wind blown out from the air outlet, the light-emitting parts can be arranged in the direction of the wind blown out from the air outlet.

[0082] (8) In the blowers 1 and 2 of Embodiments 1 and 2, the temperature change of the air delivered from the wind tunnel sections 10 and 20 is in two stages: hot and cold. Alternatively, the temperature can change in three or more stages. In this case, the display section can display the temperature in a way that can identify each stage by using different colors, text, graphics, etc.

[0083] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1, 2... Hair dryer 10, 20... Wind Tunnel Department L1, L2, L3, L4, L5… Light-emitting section (L1…first LED group, L2…second LED group, L3…third LED group, L4…fourth LED group, L5…fifth LED group) 100… Display Department.

Claims

1. A hair dryer, wherein, have: Wind Tunnel Department; as well as The display section has multiple light-emitting sections arranged in the wind tunnel section to show the direction of the wind emitted from the wind tunnel section.

2. The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The display shows the intensity of the wind emitted from the wind tunnel section.

3. The hair dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The display shows the temperature changes of the air delivered from the wind tunnel section.

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