Hair iron

Abstract

To provide a hair iron that allows hair holding force by a pair of holding and heating parts to be adjusted easily.SOLUTION: A hair iron includes: a pair of holding and heating parts each having a plate assembly configured by supporting a plate and a heater with a holder, and a body for housing the plate assembly; a detection mechanism provided in at least one of the pair of holding and heating parts, and positioned between the plate assembly and the body for detecting a degree of hair holding by the pair of holding and heating parts when contact and non-contact are switched according to the displacement of the plate assembly in the body; and a notification / warning part for performing notification / warning based on the degree of hair holding detected by the detection mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair iron. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a hair iron having a pair of main bodies connected to each other by a hinge and a pair of heating plates installed on the pair of main bodies. In this hair iron, hair is placed between the upper surfaces of the pair of heating plates and pressure is applied to the hair, and the hair is shaped using heat generated from the pair of heating plates.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a hair curler that includes a first plate having a first heater and a second plate having a second heater. In this hair curler, when the first plate and the second plate are in a closed state, a space of 0.06 mm to 0.12 mm is provided between the first heater and the second heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5663103 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3201456 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, according to the inventor's intensive research, the hair iron of Patent Document 1 requires the user to adjust the force with which the pair of main bodies grip the hair, but the adjustment may not be properly done, resulting in malfunction.Similarly, the hair curler of Patent Document 2 requires the user to adjust the force with which the first and second plates grip the hair, but the adjustment may not be properly done, resulting in malfunction.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a hair iron that makes it easy to adjust the clamping force on the hair by a pair of clamping heating parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The hair iron of this embodiment is characterized by having a pair of clamping heating units each having a plate assy consisting of a plate and a heater supported by a holder and a body that houses the plate assy, ​​and having a detection mechanism provided in at least one of the pair of clamping heating units, located between the plate assy and the body, and detecting the degree to which the hair is clamped by the pair of clamping heating units by switching between contact and non-contact depending on the displacement of the plate assy in the body, and an alarm / warning unit that issues an alarm / warning based on the degree to which the hair is clamped detected by the detection mechanism. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a hair iron can be provided that makes it easy to adjust the clamping force on the hair by a pair of clamping heating parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the hair iron when a pair of clamping heating units are closed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the hair iron with a pair of clamping heating units opened. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the hair iron. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the hair iron. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first state taken along line VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second state taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a third state taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a hair iron. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a notification / warning process performed by a notification / warning unit; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a detection mechanism using a rubber switch. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing the configuration of a hair iron when the number of detection mechanisms is one. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the configuration of the hair iron when the number of detection mechanisms is one. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The hair iron of the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The hair iron of the present embodiment has a pair of clamping heating parts that clamp and heat hair, and is equipped with a means for adjusting the clamping force of the pair of clamping heating parts in an optimized form (for example, a means for adjusting the clamping force to an optimal range that exceeds the minimum clamping force required to set the hair and falls below a negative clamping force that may damage the hair).

[0011] Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a hair iron with a pair of clamping heating units closed, Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of a hair iron with a pair of clamping heating units opened, Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the configuration of the hair iron, and Fig. 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the hair iron.

[0012] The hair iron 1 has a pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 that clamp and heat the hair of a user of the hair iron 1. The pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 are connected to each other so as to be freely rotatable around a hinge shaft 30. FIG. 1 shows a closed state in which the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 are rotated so as to approach each other around the hinge shaft 30, and FIG. 2 shows an open state in which the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 are rotated so as to move apart from each other around the hinge shaft 30. The internal structure of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 will be described in detail later. Here, the user of the hair iron 1 may be a user who uses the hair iron 1 to style his / her own hair, or a user who uses the hair iron 1 to style someone else's hair.

[0013] The hinge shaft 30 connects one end (base end) side (right end side in Figs. 1 and 2) of the pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20 in the longitudinal direction. The pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20 rotate relatively around the hinge shaft 30 as the center of rotation, changing the distance between the pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20. In other words, the opening degree (opening angle) between the pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20 changes around the hinge shaft 30. The direction of the rotational movement of the pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20 around the hinge shaft 30 is defined as the opening / closing direction, and the direction in which the distance between the pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20 is reduced is defined as the closing direction, and the direction in which the distance between the pair of sandwiching and heating parts 10, 20 is increased is defined as the opening direction.

[0014] Although not shown in the figure, a biasing means for biasing the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 in the opening direction is provided near the hinge shaft 30. As an example of the biasing means, a torsion spring, a coil spring, or the like can be used, but other biasing means may also be used. When using the hair iron 1, the user holds the gripping parts 10X, 20X provided at one end (base end) side connecting the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 and the hinge shaft 30, and applies a force in the closing direction against the biasing force of the biasing means, thereby closing the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 to a desired opening degree. The opening position of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 varies depending on the gripping force (grip force, gripping force) of the gripping parts 10X, 20X by the user, and is an index indicating the degree to which the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 clamps the hair.

[0015] An operation unit 40 is provided inside the grip portion 20X. A power switch 41 and a temperature adjustment button 42 are provided on the side of the operation unit 40. Although not shown in the figure, a temperature display unit, a liquid crystal display, etc. may also be provided on the side of the operation unit 40. A control unit that comprehensively controls the hair iron 1 is provided inside the operation unit 40. The internal configuration and specific control of the control unit will be described in detail later.

[0016] A cylindrical support sleeve 50 is provided on the base end side of the gripping parts 10X, 20X on which the hinge shaft 30 is provided in the hair iron 1. The support sleeve 50 protrudes toward the opposite side of the two bodies (including the clamping and heating parts 10, 20 and the gripping parts 10X, 20X) across the hinge shaft 30. A power cord 51 for supplying power to the hair iron 1 passes through the inside of the support sleeve 50 and is connected to a power circuit inside the operating part 40. The base end portion of the power cord 51 is covered and protected by a cord bushing 52.

[0017] When the user operates (presses or holds) the power switch 41 while the power of the hair iron 1 is off, a power-on signal is input to the control unit, and the control unit starts energizing the heater to start heating the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20. When the temperature of the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) and reaches a predetermined temperature (set temperature), the control unit controls energization to the heater to maintain the set temperature. The user can select (change) the set temperature by operating the temperature adjustment button 42. When the user operates (presses or holds) the power switch 41 while the power of the hair iron 1 is on, a power-off signal is input to the control unit, and the control unit stops energizing the heater to turn the hair iron 1 off.

[0018] The hair iron 1 may have a steam function that supplies moisture in the form of steam to the hair in addition to the heating process using the pair of clamping heating units 10 and 20. In this case, a water storage unit or the like may be provided inside the operating unit 40.

[0019] In this way, the hair iron 1 has two bodies (including the clamping heating parts 10, 20 and the gripping parts 10X, 20X) fixed by the hinge shaft 30, and the hair is clamped and heated by the iron part at the tip side (the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20) to set the hair in a curl. The hair iron 1 is structured to be opened and closed by a biasing means such as a spring, and the hair is inserted between the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 with the pair open, and the gripping parts 10X, 20X are grasped by hand to close the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20, thereby clamping the hair.

[0020] Here, the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force) by the pair of clamping and heating parts 10, 20 depends on the force with which the user grips the gripping parts 10X, 20X. The stronger the grip, the smaller the opening of the pair of clamping and heating parts 10, 20 becomes, and the stronger the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force). Conversely, the weaker the grip, the larger the opening of the pair of clamping and heating parts 10, 20 becomes, and the weaker the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force).

[0021] The degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 affects the finished styling, and if the clamping degree (clamping force) is too weak, there is a high possibility that the heat transfer to the hair and the styling will be insufficient. Conversely, if the clamping degree (clamping force) is too strong, there is a high possibility that the finished look will be unnatural or that too much heat will be transferred to the hair, causing damage or scratches.

[0022] In this way, when using the hair iron 1, the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force) by the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 is an important indicator (factor) that affects both the achievement of a suitable hairstyle (styling) by setting the hair in a desired shape and the reduction of damage to the hair.

[0023] However, according to the inventor's intensive research, in reality, the way of holding the pair of clamping heating parts and the amount of force applied vary from person to person depending on the characteristics and habits of the user, and users who use hair irons while being conscious of the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating parts are limited to some hairdressers, etc. In other words, in conventional products including those in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there was room for improvement in terms of achieving both a suitable hairstyle (styling) finish by shaping the hair by adjusting the clamping force of the pair of clamping heating parts and reducing damage and scratches to the hair (there was no indicator of the clamping force, making it difficult to control).

[0024] Therefore, this embodiment regards the above-mentioned problem as an important technical issue, and when using the hair iron 1, the user is alerted as to whether the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 is appropriate (whether it is within an appropriate range), thereby successfully achieving both a suitable hairstyle (styling) finish by shaping the hair and reducing damage to the hair. Specifically, when using the hair iron 1, the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 is detected (monitored), and a notification / warning is given based on the result of the detection (monitoring), making it possible to appropriately adjust the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the hair by the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 (within an appropriate range). Specific aspects of the constituent elements will be described in detail below.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first state along line VV in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second state along line VV in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a third state along line VV in Fig. 4. Figs. 5 to 7 show the internal structure of the clamping and heating part 20 located on the lower side of the pair of clamping and heating parts 10, 20, but the clamping and heating part 10 located on the upper side may also basically have the same internal structure as the clamping and heating part 20 located on the lower side.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the clamping heating unit 20 has a plate assembly 24 consisting of a plate 21, a heater 22, and a holder 23 that supports the plate 21 and the heater 22. That is, the heater 22 is stored on the back surface of the plate 21 that clamps the hair of a user of the hair iron 1, and these are integrated with the holder 23 to form the plate assembly 24. The clamping heating unit 20 also has a body 25 that houses the plate assembly 24 (the plate 21, the heater 22, and the holder 23). That is, the clamping heating unit 20 has the plate assembly 24 consisting of the plate 21 and the heater 22 supported by the holder 23, and the body 25 that houses the plate assembly 24.

[0027] The clamping heating unit 20 has a silicon buffer material (elastic body) 26 located between the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) and the body 25 to ensure the displacement of the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) in the body 25. In the example of Figs. 5 to 7, two silicon buffer materials 26 are drawn spaced apart in the axial direction of the clamping heating unit 20, but the number and arrangement of the silicon buffer materials 26 are flexible, and various design changes are possible. The plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) is supported by the two silicon buffer materials 26 and arranged (contained) inside the body 25. When hair is clamped by the pair of clamping heating units 10 and 20, the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) that receives the load sinks inside the body 25, and the two silicon buffer materials 26 are displaced (elastically deformed) under the load.

[0028] Similarly, the clamping heating unit 10 located on the upper surface side may also have a plate assembly 14 configured by supporting the plate 11 and the heater 12 with the holder 13, and a body 15 that houses the plate assembly 14. The clamping heating unit 10 may also have a silicon buffer material (elastic body) 16 located between the plate assembly 14 (plate 11, heater 12, holder 13) and the body 15 to ensure the displacement of the plate assembly 14 (plate 11, heater 12, holder 13) in the body 15. In Figs. 1 and 2, the plate 11 and the body 15 of the clamping heating unit 10 are depicted with reference numerals. The clamping heating unit 10 located on the upper surface side may have only some of the components of the clamping heating unit 20 located on the lower surface side. For example, the clamping heating unit 10 located on the upper surface side may have the plate assembly 14 (plate 11, heater 12, holder 13) and the body 15, and may not have the silicon buffer material 16. Furthermore, the clamping and heating unit 10 located on the upper surface side does not need to have each of the components of the "detection mechanism" described below.

[0029] In this embodiment, a "detection mechanism" that detects the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the hair by the pair of clamping and heating units 10, 20 is provided inside the clamping and heating unit 20 located on the lower surface side. This "detection mechanism" may be provided inside the clamping and heating unit 10 located on the upper surface side. In other words, it is sufficient that the "detection mechanism" is provided in at least one of the pair of clamping and heating units 10, 20.

[0030] The "detection mechanism" provided inside the clamping and heating unit 20 is located between the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) and the body 25, and detects the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force) by the pair of clamping and heating units 10, 20 by switching between contact and non-contact (conductive and non-conductive) according to the displacement of the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) in the body 25. This will be explained in detail below.

[0031] 5 to 7, the "detection mechanism" has a plate assembly side electrode 60 provided on the plate assembly 24 side, a first body side electrode 61 provided on the body 25 side, a second body side electrode 62 provided on the body 25 side, a first coil spring (intermediate elastic body) 63 that mediates between the plate assembly 24 and the body 25, a second coil spring (intermediate elastic body) 64 that mediates between the plate assembly 24 and the body 25, a first connect button (conductive auxiliary body) 65 attached to the first coil spring (intermediate elastic body) 63, and a second connect button (conductive auxiliary body) 66 attached to the second coil spring (intermediate elastic body) 64. Electrical contact between the first body side electrode 61 and the first connect button 65 is ensured, and electrical contact between the second body side electrode 62 and the second connect button 66 is ensured.

[0032] A set of the first body side electrode 61, the first coil spring 63, and the first connect button 65 is provided in the center of the clamping heating unit 20 in the axial direction, and two sets of the second body side electrode 62, the second coil spring 64, and the second connect button 66 are provided so as to sandwich the first body side electrode 61, the first coil spring 63, and the first connect button 65, and the set of the second body side electrode 62, the second coil spring 64, and the second connect button 66 are arranged in the inner area in the axial direction sandwiched between two silicon buffer materials (elastic bodies) 26. The plate assembly side electrode 60 is configured as a single member extending in the axial direction of the clamping heating unit 20 so as to correspond (be common) to the one first body side electrode 61 and the two second body side electrodes 62.

[0033] Thus, the "detection mechanism" has a plate assy side electrode 60 provided on the side of the plate assy 24, first and second body side electrodes 61, 62 provided on the side of the body 25, first and second coil springs (intermediate elastomers) 63, 64 that mediate between the plate assy 24 and the body 25, and first and second connect buttons (conductive auxiliary bodies) 65, 66 attached to the first and second coil springs (intermediate elastomers) 63, 64.

[0034] In the "detection mechanism", in a free state (unloaded state) where the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the hair by the pair of clamping and heating parts 10, 20 is zero, the first connect button 65 protrudes slightly upward from the second connect button 66. Therefore, when the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) sinks in the body 25, the first coil spring 63 is displaced at the first displacement position (sinking amount), and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from non-conductive to conductive via the first connect button 65, and the second coil spring 64 is displaced at a second displacement position (sinking amount) deeper than the first displacement position (sinking amount), and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 switch from non-conductive to conductive via the second connect button 66. The degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force) by the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is detected by a combination of conductivity / non-conductivity between the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 and conductivity / non-conductivity between the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62.

[0035] When the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) receives a load and sinks inside the body 25, first, the two silicon buffer materials (elastic bodies) 26 receive the load and are displaced (elastically deformed). Furthermore, the first coil spring 63 receives the load and is displaced from the point when the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) receives the load and sinks until it contacts the first connect button 65. Furthermore, the second coil spring 64 receives the load and is displaced from the point when the plate assembly 24 (plate 21, heater 22, holder 23) receives the load and sinks until it contacts the second connect button 66. In this way, the silicon buffer material 26 and the first and second coil springs 63, 64 are compressed (displaced) when they receive a load, and there is a certain regularity between the amount of compression (the amount the plate assembly 24 sinks into the body 25) and the load. Based on the sinking amount of the plate assembly 24, it is possible to grasp the load acting on the plate assembly 24 and, in turn, the load acting on the hair.

[0036] The "detection mechanism" of this embodiment is based on the detection principle of contact / non-contact (conductivity / non-conductivity) of electrodes (electrical contacts), and therefore has the advantage of being able to omit electric sensors and the like which have design constraints due to their low heat resistance and disadvantages in terms of cost.

[0037] In addition, when electrodes (the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 and / or the second body side electrode 62) are brought into contact with each other, care must be taken because if the electrodes are made of hard materials, the load changes suddenly, hindering the user's usability, and the contact surface deteriorates due to repeated contact. In this regard, in this embodiment, the contact load between the electrodes (the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 and / or the second body side electrode 62) is suppressed by interposing the first and second coil springs (intermediate elastic bodies) 63, 64 between the electrodes, thereby reducing (eliminating) the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0038] Furthermore, when contact is made only by the spring, a sufficient contact area may not be ensured between the electrodes depending on how they are contacted, and there is a risk of reaction / non-reaction (conduction / non-conduction) occurring depending on the contact state. In this regard, in this embodiment, first and second connect buttons (conduction auxiliary bodies) 65, 66 for ensuring the contact area on the first and second coil springs (intermediate elastic bodies) 63, 64 are provided, so that the electrodes (the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 and / or the second body side electrode 62) can be reliably switched between conduction and non-conduction.

[0039] As long as the above functions are satisfied, there is a degree of freedom in what is adopted as the intermediate elastomer (first and second intermediate elastomers) and the conductive auxiliary body (first and second conductive auxiliary body), and it is also possible to adopt components other than the first and second coil springs 63, 64 and the first and second connect buttons 65, 66 described above.

[0040] In addition, from the standpoint of preventing deterioration due to water vapor and rust, it is preferable that the electrodes (plate assembly side electrode 60, first body side electrode 61, and second body side electrode 62) and the conductive auxiliary body (first and second connect buttons 65, 66) are made of, for example, a stainless steel material.

[0041] Incidentally, it is possible to use an elastic body other than silicon cushioning material as the elastic body located between the plate assembly 14 (plate 11, heater 12, holder 13) and the body 15, but in order to reduce excessive load applied to the pressure sensor 60, a soft material such as silicon is preferred, and in order to reduce the effects of heat on the pressure sensor 60, a material with low thermal conductivity such as silicon is preferred.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hair iron 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the hair iron 1 has a speaker 70, a vibration unit 80, a display unit 90, a notification / warning unit 100, and a heating control unit 110. The notification / warning unit 100 and the heating control unit 110 may be realized as functional components of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the operation unit 40, for example.

[0043] The speaker 70 functions as a sound output unit that outputs sound. The speaker 70 is provided, for example, in the operation unit 40 of the hair iron 1, and outputs sound related to operation guide of the hair iron 1, and outputs sound as notification / warning information by the notification / warning unit 100 described later.

[0044] The vibration unit 80 functions as a vibration output unit that outputs vibrations. The vibration unit 70 is, for example, built into the grip parts 10X, 20X of the hair iron 1, and transmits vibrations to the hands of a user holding the grip parts 10X, 20X. This vibration transmission functions as notification / warning information by the notification / warning unit 100, which will be described later.

[0045] The display unit 90 functions as an image output unit that outputs an image. The display unit 70 is provided, for example, in the operation unit 40 of the hair iron 1, and outputs an image related to an operation guide for the hair iron 1, or outputs an image as notification / warning information by the notification / warning unit 100 described later.

[0046] The notification / warning unit 100 issues a notification / warning based on the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the hair by the pair of clamping / heating units 10, 20 detected by the above-mentioned detection mechanism (the plate assembly side electrode 60, the first and second body side electrodes 61, 62, the first and second coil springs 63, 64, and the first and second connect buttons 65, 66). Here, "notification / warning" means "notification and warning", "notification or warning", "notification and / or warning", or "at least one of notification and warning". Notification / warning by the notification / warning unit 100 is executed by, for example, audio output by the speaker 70, vibration transmission by the vibration unit 80, image output by the display unit 90, or a combination of these.

[0047] More specifically, the notification / warning unit 100 issues a notification / warning when the plate assembly 24 sinks in the body 25, causing the first coil spring 63 to be displaced, and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are switched from non-conductive to conductive via the first connect button 65, and then the plate assembly 24 sinks further in the body 25, causing the second coil spring 64 to be displaced, and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are switched from non-conductive to conductive via the second connect button 66, and / or when the plate assembly 24 floats in the body 25, causing the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 to be switched from conductive to non-conductive.

[0048] Fig. 5 illustrates a free state in which the plate assy 24 is not sunk in the body 25, in which the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are non-conductive, and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are non-conductive. Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which the plate assy 24 is slightly sunk in the body 25, in which the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are conductive, and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are non-conductive. Fig. 7 illustrates a state in which the plate assy 24 is further sunk in the body 25, in which the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are conductive, and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are conductive.

[0049] The height position of the first connect button 65 in a free state where the first coil spring 63 is not displaced is set based on, for example, the minimum clamping degree (clamping force) for favorably transferring heat to the hair and thus setting the hair in a desired shape. The height position of the second connect button 66 in a free state where the second coil spring 64 is not displaced is set based on the clamping degree (clamping force) as a critical value that should not be exceeded in order to reduce cuts and damage to the hair.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, when the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are not conductive, and when the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are not conductive, the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force) by the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 is too weak, which may result in insufficient heat transfer to the hair and insufficient curling.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, when the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are conductive and when the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are conductive, the degree to which the hair is clamped (clamping force) by the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is too strong, resulting in an unnatural finish, or too much heat is transmitted to the hair, causing scratches or damage.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, by maintaining a state in which the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are electrically connected and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are not electrically connected, it is possible to achieve both a suitable hairstyle (styling) by shaping the hair and reducing damage to the hair.

[0053] 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams showing an example of the notification / warning process by the notification / warning unit 100. The vertical axis in Fig. 9A to 9C represents the relative displacement amount between the plate assembly 24 and the body 25, in other words, the clamping load on the hair by the pair of clamping and heating units 10, 20.

[0054] When using the hair iron 1, when hair is sandwiched between the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 and the gripping parts 10X, 20X are gripped, the clamping load of the hair by the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 gradually increases, and eventually the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 become conductive. After that, as shown in Fig. 9A, if the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are conductive and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 are non-conductive, this means that the clamping load is within a suitable range, and it is possible to achieve both a suitable hairstyle (styling) finish by curling the hair and a reduction in damage to the hair. For this reason, the notification / warning unit 100 does not issue a notification / warning.

[0055] 9B, it is assumed that after the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from non-conductive to conductive, the plate assy 24 sinks further into the body 25, causing the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 to switch from non-conductive to conductive. In this case, the gripping parts 10X, 20X may be gripped too tightly, resulting in an unnatural finish, or the heat transmitted to the hair may be too great, causing damage or scratches. Therefore, the notification / warning unit 100 issues a notification / warning.

[0056] 9C, it is assumed that after the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from non-conductive to conductive, the plate assy 24 rises up from the body 25, causing the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 to switch from conductive to non-conductive. In this case, the force with which the gripping parts 10X, 20X are gripped becomes too weak, which may result in insufficient heat transfer to the hair and insufficient styling, and therefore the notification / warning part 100 will issue a notification / warning.

[0057] The notification / warning unit 100 can differentiate between the notification / warning mode when the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from non-conductive to conductive and the plate assy 24 sinks further in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 switch from non-conductive to conductive, and the notification / warning mode when the plate assy 24 rises up in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from conductive to non-conductive.

[0058] For example, in the case of a notification / warning by the speaker 70, when the plate assy 24 sinks further in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 switch from non-conductive to conductive, a voice guide stating "You are gripping the hair iron too tightly. Please grip it tighter" may be output, and when the plate assy 24 rises up in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from conductive to non-conductive, a voice guide stating "You are gripping the hair iron too tightly. Please grip it tighter." may be output.

[0059] In addition, in the case of notification / warning by the vibration unit 80, when the plate assy 24 sinks further in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 switch from non-conductive to conductive, a first vibration pattern (e.g., buzz, buzz) may be used to notify / warn, and when the plate assy 24 rises up in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from conductive to non-conductive, a second vibration pattern (e.g., buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz) may be used to notify / warn.

[0060] In addition, in the case of a notification / warning by the display unit 90, when the plate assy 24 sinks further in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 switch from non-conductive to conductive, an image display guide stating "You are gripping the hair iron too tightly. Please reduce your grip." may be output, and when the plate assy 24 rises up in the body 25 and the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from conductive to non-conductive, an image display guide stating "You are gripping the hair iron too tightly. Please reduce your grip." may be output.

[0061] Furthermore, the notification / warning by the speaker 70, the vibration unit 80, and the display unit 90 may be combined, so that when the plate assembly 24 sinks further in the body 25 and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the second body side electrode 62 switch from non-conductive to conductive, a first combination (including any one of the cases) of the speaker 70, the vibration unit 80, and the display unit 90 is used to provide a notification / warning, and when the plate assembly 24 rises in the body 25 and the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 switch from conductive to non-conductive, a second combination (including any one of the cases) of the speaker 70, the vibration unit 80, and the display unit 90 is used to provide a notification / warning. The first and second combinations may be different from each other, and for example, the first combination may be the speaker 70 and the vibration unit 80, and the second combination may be the speaker 70 and the display unit 90. Alternatively, the first combination may be all of the speaker 70, the vibration unit 80, and the display unit 90, and the second combination may be any one of the speaker 70, the vibration unit 80, and the display unit 90.

[0062] When the non-conduction between the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 continues for a predetermined time, the heating control unit 110 lowers the heating temperature of the hair by the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20. This lowering of the heating temperature is performed by stopping or reducing the power supply to the heaters 12, 22 of the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20. In other words, this can include both a case where heating by the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is completely stopped and a case where the temperature of the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is sufficiently lowered to a level where there is no risk of fire or burns. When the non-conduction between the plate assy side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the hair iron 1 is left unused with the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 in a high temperature state, and the heating control unit 110 controls the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 to automatically lower the temperature in consideration of safety.

[0063] Thus, in the hair iron 1 of this embodiment, the "detection mechanism" has a plate assy side electrode 60 provided on the plate assy 24 side, a body side electrode (first and second body side electrodes 61, 62) provided on the body 25 side, an intermediate elastic body (first and second coil springs 63, 64) that mediates between the plate assy 24 and the body 25, and a conductive auxiliary body (first and second connect buttons 65, 66) attached to the intermediate elastic body (first and second coil springs 63, 64). The notification / warning unit 100 issues a notification / warning when the plate assembly 24 sinks in the body 25, displacing the intermediate elastic body (first and second coil springs 63, 64), and switching between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the body side electrodes (first and second body side electrodes 61, 62) via the conductive auxiliary body (first and second connect buttons 65, 66).

[0064] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 4. As shown by the arrow in Fig. 10, when the hair iron 1 is in use, steam may enter the inside of the clamping heating unit 20 from the boundary between the plate assembly 24 (holder 23) and the body 25, and it is not preferable from the viewpoint of operability and durability that this steam reach the plate assembly side electrode 60, the first and second body side electrodes 61, 62, the first and second coil springs 63, 64, and the first and second connect buttons 65, 66.

[0065] Therefore, it is preferable to provide an intrusion prevention wall in the sandwich heating unit 20 to prevent steam from intruding into the plate assembly side electrode 60, the first and second body side electrodes 61, 62, the first and second coil springs 63, 64, and the first and second connect buttons 65, 66. In the example of Fig. 10, the intrusion prevention walls are a holder side intrusion prevention wall 23X formed on the holder 23 side of the plate assembly 24, and a body side intrusion prevention wall 25X formed on the body 25 side. In Fig. 10, a pair of body side intrusion prevention walls 25X are provided so as to extend upward from the bottom surface of the body 25, sandwiching the set of the first body side electrode 61, the first coil spring 63, and the first connect button 65 from both sides. Further, a pair of holder-side intrusion prevention walls 23X are provided so as to extend downward from the bottom surface of the holder 23 on both sides (outside) of the pair of body-side intrusion prevention walls 25X without vertically overlapping with the body-side intrusion prevention walls 25X. Note that, although the intrusion prevention walls (holder-side intrusion prevention wall 23X and body-side intrusion prevention wall 25X) corresponding to the set of the first body-side electrode 61, the first coil spring 63, and the first connect button 65 have been illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 10, a similar intrusion prevention wall (holder-side intrusion prevention wall and body-side intrusion prevention wall) can also be provided for the set of the second body-side electrode 62, the second coil spring 64, and the second connect button 66. By arranging the holder side intrusion prevention wall 23X and the body side intrusion prevention wall 25X in such a positional relationship (due to a synergistic effect), it is possible to effectively prevent steam from intruding into the plate assembly side electrode 60, the first and second body side electrodes 61, 62, the first and second coil springs 63, 64, and the first and second connect buttons 65, 66.

[0066] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of a detection mechanism using a rubber switch, in which Fig. 11A is an external perspective view of a rubber switch 120, and Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the rubber switch 120.

[0067] The rubber switch 120 has a substrate 121 attached to the body 25, and a silicon rubber 122 supported on the upper part of the substrate 121. The silicon rubber 122 has a central space 122X provided on the central side, a peripheral base 122Y provided on the peripheral side surrounding the central space 122X, and a depression protrusion 122Z extending obliquely from the peripheral base 122Y toward the central side. A contact point 123 is formed on the lower surface of the depression protrusion 122Z, and a substrate contact 124 is formed on the portion of the substrate 121 facing the contact point 123.

[0068] The contact contact 123 and the board contact 124 are not in contact (not conductive) in a free state where the depression convex portion 122Z of the silicon rubber 122 is not pressed by the plate assy 24, but when the depression convex portion 122Z of the silicon rubber 122 is pressed by the plate assy 24, the contact contact 123 and the board contact 124 come into contact (conductive) with each other. That is, in the rubber switch 120 attached to the body 25, the contact portion consisting of the contact contact 123 and the board contact 124 is in a non-conductive state when the plate assy 24 and the body 25 are separated from each other, and is in a conductive state when the plate assy 24 and the body 25 are close to each other. The notification / warning unit 100 can issue a notification / warning when the contact portion (contact contact 123 and board contact 124) of the rubber switch 120 switches from a non-conductive state to a conductive state as a result of the plate assembly 24 sinking in the body 25 and the plate assembly 24 and the body 25 approaching each other.

[0069] 11A and 11B illustrate an example in which the rubber switch (detection mechanism) 120 is attached to the body 25, but the rubber switch (detection mechanism) 120 may be attached to the plate assy 24. In this manner, the detection mechanism may be a rubber switch 120 that is provided on at least one of the plate assy 24 and the body 25 and has contact parts (e.g., the contact contacts 123 and the board contacts 124) that are in a non-conductive state when the plate assy 24 and the body 25 are separated and in a conductive state when the plate assy 24 and the body 25 are close to each other. In this case, the notification / warning unit 100 may issue a notification / warning when the contact parts (e.g., the contact contacts 123 and the board contacts 124) of the rubber switch 120 are switched from a non-conductive state to a conductive state as a result of the plate assy 24 sinking in the body 25 and the plate assy 24 and the body 25 approaching each other.

[0070] 12 and 13 are first and second diagrams showing the configuration of a hair iron when the number of detection mechanisms is one (one pair, one set). In the example of Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, a first body side electrode 61, a first coil spring 63, and a first connect button 65 are provided as the detection mechanism.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12, when the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are not conductive, the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 on the hair has not reached a certain pressure, so it is not considered to be in a pressurized state and no warning is given to the user.

[0072] 13, when the plate assembly electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are conductive, it is determined that the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is too strong, and a warning is issued to the user, thereby notifying the user of the overpressure state and reducing damage to the hair. Furthermore, if the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating units 10, 20 is appropriately maintained while maintaining the non-conductivity between the plate assembly electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61, heat can be transferred to the hair, and the hair can be properly styled.

[0073] It should be noted that there is a degree of freedom in how the criteria for switching between electrical continuity and non-conduction between the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 is set, and various design modifications are possible.

[0074] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the plate assembly side electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are not conductive, the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 on the hair is too weak, which may result in insufficient heat transfer to the hair and insufficient curling.

[0075] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 13, when the plate assembly electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61 are electrically connected, the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 is ensured at a minimum level, so that a suitable hairstyle (styling) can be achieved by setting the hair in a proper shape. Furthermore, by maintaining the degree of clamping (clamping force) of the hair by the pair of clamping heating parts 10, 20 appropriately while maintaining the electrical connection between the plate assembly electrode 60 and the first body side electrode 61, it is possible to reduce damage to the hair.

[0076] As described above, the hair iron of this embodiment has a plate assembly that is configured by supporting a plate and a heater with a holder, a body that houses the plate assembly, a pair of clamping heating parts that clamp and heat hair, a detection mechanism that is provided in at least one of the pair of clamping heating parts and is located between the plate assembly and the body, and detects the degree to which the hair is clamped by the pair of clamping heating parts by switching between contact and non-contact (conductive and non-conductive) according to the displacement of the plate assembly in the body, and a notification and warning part that issues a notification and warning based on the degree to which the hair is clamped detected by the detection mechanism. This makes it easier to adjust the clamping force of the pair of clamping heating parts.

[0077] Although the invention according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure. The invention according to the present disclosure can be implemented as modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined based on the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the invention according to the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Hair iron 10 Clamping heating section (pair of clamping heating sections) 10X gripping part 11 Plate 12 Heater 13 Holder 14 Plate assembly 15 Body 16 Silicone cushioning material (elastic body) 20 Clamping heating section (pair of clamping heating sections) 20X gripping part 21 Plate 22 Heater 23 Holder 23X Holder side intrusion prevention wall (intrusion prevention wall) 24 Plate assembly 25 Body 25X Body side intrusion prevention wall (intrusion prevention wall) 26 Silicone cushioning material (elastic material) 30 Hinge axis 40 Control section 41 Power switch 42 Temperature adjustment button 50 Support sleeve 51 Power cord 52 Code Bush 60 Plate assembly side electrode (detection mechanism) 61 First body side electrode (detection mechanism) 62 Second body side electrode (detection mechanism) 63 First coil spring (detection mechanism, intermediate elastic body) 64 Second coil spring (detection mechanism, intermediate elastic body) 65 First connect button (detection mechanism, auxiliary conductive body) 66 Second connect button (detection mechanism, auxiliary conductive body) 70 Speaker 80 Vibration section 90 Display section 100 Notification / Warning Section 110 Heating control section 120 Rubber switch (detection mechanism) 121 Substrate 122 Silicone Rubber 122X central space 122Y Periphery base 122Z Pressing protrusion 123 Contact (contact part) 124 Board contact (contact part)

Claims

1. a pair of clamping and heating units each having a plate assembly configured by supporting a plate and a heater with a holder and a body that houses the plate assembly, and clamping and heating the hair; a detection mechanism that is provided in at least one of the pair of clamping and heating units, is located between the plate assembly and the body, and detects the degree to which the hair is clamped by the pair of clamping and heating units by switching between contact and non-contact in response to the displacement of the plate assembly in the body; a notification / warning unit that issues a notification / warning based on the degree of gripping of the hair detected by the detection mechanism; A hair iron comprising:

2. the detection mechanism includes a plate assembly side electrode provided on the plate assembly side, a body side electrode provided on the body side, an intermediate elastic body that mediates between the plate assembly and the body, and a conductive auxiliary body attached to the intermediate elastic body, the notification / warning unit issues a notification / warning when the plate assembly sinks in the body, the intermediate elastic body is displaced, and electrical continuity between the plate assembly side electrode and the body side electrode is switched between conductive and non-conductive via the electrical continuity auxiliary body.

2. The hair iron according to claim 1 .

3. the detection mechanism includes a plate assembly side electrode provided on the plate assembly side, first and second body side electrodes provided on the body side, first and second intermediate elastic bodies that mediate between the plate assembly and the body, and first and second auxiliary conductive bodies attached to the first and second intermediate elastic bodies, the notification / warning unit issues a notification / warning when the plate assemblage sinks in the body, causing the first intermediate elastic body to be displaced, and the plate assemblage side electrode and the first body side electrode switch from non-conductive to conductive via the first conductive auxiliary body, and then the plate assemblage further sinks in the body, causing the second intermediate elastic body to be displaced, and the plate assemblage side electrode and the second body side electrode switch from non-conductive to conductive via the second conductive auxiliary body, and / or when the plate assemblage floats in the body, causing the plate assemblage side electrode and the first body side electrode to switch from conductive to non-conductive.

2. The hair iron according to claim 1 .

4. the notification / warning unit differentiates between a notification / warning mode when the plate assy further sinks in the body, displacing the second intermediate elastic body and switching between the plate assy side electrode and the second body side electrode from non-conductive to conductive via the second conductive auxiliary body, and a notification / warning mode when the plate assy floats up in the body, switching between the plate assy side electrode and the first body side electrode from conductive to non-conductive.

4. The hair iron according to claim 3.

5. a heating control unit that reduces a heating temperature of the hair by the pair of clamping heating units when the non-conduction between the plate assembly side electrode and the first body side electrode continues for a predetermined time.

4. The hair iron according to claim 3.

6. the plate assembly-side electrode, the first and second body-side electrodes, the first and second intermediate elastic bodies, and the first and second auxiliary conductive bodies; 4. The hair iron according to claim 3.

7. The intrusion prevention wall includes a holder-side intrusion prevention wall formed on the holder side and a body-side intrusion prevention wall formed on the body side.

7. The hair iron according to claim 6.

8. the first and second intermediate elastic bodies are constituted by first and second coil springs, The first and second conductive auxiliary bodies are composed of first and second connect buttons.

4. The hair iron according to claim 3.

9. the detection mechanism includes a rubber switch that is provided on at least one of the plate assemblage and the body, and has a contact portion that is in a non-conductive state when the plate assemblage and the body are separated from each other and in a conductive state when the plate assemblage and the body are close to each other, the notification / warning unit issues a notification / warning when the plate assemblage sinks in the body and the plate assemblage approaches the body, causing the contact portion of the rubber switch to switch from a non-conductive state to a conductive state.

2. The hair iron according to claim 1 .

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