Switch device for hair dryer

The switch device for hair dryers uses a cylindrical holding member and light-guiding member with ridges and grooves to create distinct compartments for LEDs, addressing the limitation of single emission patterns and improving user recognition of functions.

JP2025182611APending Publication Date: 2025-12-15INA CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024090275
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-03
Publication Date
2025-12-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hair dryer switch devices with light-emitting means, such as LEDs, are limited to a few light emission patterns, failing to adequately represent the various functions of modern hair dryers that can blow different types of air.

Method used

A switch device with a cylindrical holding member and light-guiding member that uses ridges and recessed grooves to create separate compartments for LEDs, allowing multiple light emission patterns to indicate different functions.

Benefits of technology

Enables a variety of light emission patterns that clearly indicate the hair dryer's functions, enhancing user visibility and ease of mode recognition.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a switch device for a hair dryer that can accommodate light emission patterns indicating a variety of functions of an electronic apparatus.SOLUTION: A switch device for a hair dryer includes: a cylindrical holding member which is fixed to a housing of an electronic apparatus; an operation member which is accommodated in the holding member so as to be movable forward and backward and has an exposed distal end surface; a first switch which is located on a base end side of the operation member and is pressed when the operation member is subjected to a pressing operation; a plurality of pieces of light emitting means which are provided around the first switch; and a light guide member which is disposed on an outer peripheral surface side of the operation member and on an inner peripheral surface side of the holding member, and guides light from the light emitting means forward. The holding member has a plurality of protrusion stripes that protrude from the inner peripheral surface toward the light guide member side, extend in an axial direction, and are provided at positions spaced apart in a circumferential direction. The light guide member is formed with a plurality of recessed grooves that fit with the protrusion stripes, and has a plurality of sections that are shielded from light by the protrusion stripes through fitting between the protrusion stripes and the recessed grooves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device for a hair dryer. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic devices such as hair dryers are equipped with a switch device that switches the power switch between ON and OFF states. Some switch devices are equipped with a light-emitting means such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. Such a light-emitting means switches the emitted color depending on the operating state of the hair dryer, such as hot air / cold air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3131246 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that the light emitting means has a limited number of light emission patterns, such as emitting red light for hot air and blue light for cold air. In recent years, various functions have been added to electronic devices, and for example, hair dryers have the function of blowing not only hot air and cold air but also various types of air, and the limited light emission patterns cannot show the various functions, resulting in a lack of expression.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a switch device for a hair dryer that can respond to light emission patterns that indicate various functions of an electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a cylindrical holding member fixed to a housing of an electronic device; an operating member stored in the holding member so as to be able to advance and retreat therefrom and having an exposed tip surface; a first switch located on the base end side of the operating member and pressed when the operating member is pressed; a plurality of light-emitting means provided around the first switch; and a light-guiding member arranged on the outer surface side of the operating member and on the inner surface side of the holding member and guiding light from the light-emitting means forward, wherein the holding member has a plurality of ridges that protrude from the inner surface towards the light-guiding member, extend in the axial direction, and are provided at positions spaced apart circumferentially, and the light-guiding member has a plurality of recessed grooves that fit with the ridges, and the light-guiding member has a plurality of compartments that are light-shielded by the ridges as a result of the ridges and the recessed grooves fitting together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to accommodate light emission patterns that indicate various functions of electronic devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair dryer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hair dryer. [Figure 3] 1A is a side view showing the grip of the hair dryer in an extended state and in a folded state; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the grip portion and the switch device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the switch device, with each component part disassembled. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the switch device. [Figure 7] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing light emission patterns in a switch device, including red light emission (A), blue light emission (B), white light emission (C), and two-color light emission (D). FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a switch device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A hair dryer 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is an example of how the present invention can be realized, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the described embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by adding various modifications to the embodiment.

[0010] [Hair Dryer 1 Configuration] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hair dryer 1. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hair dryer 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the hair dryer 1.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, hair dryer 1 mainly includes a main body housing 11, an air collecting hood 12, a grip portion 13, an air blowing fan 14, a motor 15, and a heater 16. Fan 14, motor 15, and heater 16 are provided inside cylindrical main body housing 11. Motor 15 and heater 16 are controlled by a control portion, which will be described later. Under the control of the control portion, motor 15 drives and rotates air blowing fan 14.

[0012] The fan 14 and motor 15 constitute a blower 17 that outputs air drawn in through the air intake 11a as an airflow toward the air outlet 11b. The blower 17 is disposed on the central axis CL0 (see FIG. 2) of the main body housing 11 with the fan 14 facing the air outlet 11b. A heater 16 is disposed inside the main body housing 11 to heat the airflow generated by the blower 17 and turn it into hot air. The hair dryer 1 can blow various types of air, such as hot air and cold air, by adjusting the speed of the air blown by the blower 17 and the temperature of the heater 16.

[0013] The wind collecting hood 12 is detachably attached to the front end of the main body housing 11, and is connected to the air outlet 11b by snap-fitting it to the front end of the main body housing 11. As a result, air generated by the blower 17 passes through the wind collecting hood 12 from the air outlet 11b and is discharged forward.

[0014] Hereinafter, when the hair dryer 1 blows air horizontally, i.e., when the central axis CL0 of the main body housing 11 extends horizontally, the direction of the central axis CL0 (left-right direction on the plane of FIG. 2) is defined as the "front-rear direction," the extension direction of the grip portion 13 perpendicular to this (up-down direction on the plane of FIG. 2) is defined as the up-down direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction (direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2) is defined as the "left-right direction." Furthermore, in the up-down direction, the side from the grip portion 13 toward the main body housing 11 is defined as "upward," and the opposite side is defined as "downward." Furthermore, in the front-rear direction, the side toward which air flows toward an object is defined as "forward," and the opposite side is defined as "rearward."

[0015] [Grip section 13 configuration] The grip portion 13 includes a push switch device 21, a slide switch device 22, a power cord 23, a circuit board 24, an exterior cover 25, and a rotation mechanism 26. The power cord 23 is connected to the circuit board 24, and is led out from the lower end of the grip portion 13. The power cord 23 is connected to a power source (not shown) and supplies electricity to the motor 15, heater 16, and circuit board 24.

[0016] The grip portion 13 extends in the vertical direction and is rotated by the rotation mechanism 26 around a rotation axis CL1 that is perpendicular to the slide surface P. The rotation axis CL1 intersects with the vertical direction, which is the extension direction of the grip portion 13. Specifically, the rotation axis CL1 is disposed parallel to a direction inclined at 45° with respect to the vertical direction. This allows the hair dryer 1 to be switched between an extended grip state (the state shown in FIG. 3(A)) in which the grip portion 13 is extended with respect to the main body housing 11, and a folded grip state (the state shown in FIG. 3(B)) in which the grip portion 13 is folded. The rotation mechanism 26 also includes a mechanism that restricts the rotation of the grip 13 in the extended grip state and the folded grip state.

[0017] The exterior cover 25 holds the push switch device 21, the slide switch device 22, the power cord 23, and the circuit board 24. The exterior cover 25 corresponds to the housing of the electronic device in the claims. The exterior cover 25 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is divided into two parts in the left-right direction. When the grip is extended, the exterior cover 25 extends in the up-down direction.

[0018] 4 to 6, exterior cover 25 is formed with exposing opening 25A, fitting groove 25B, and guide groove 25C. Exposing opening 25A is an opening that exposes push switch device 21. In the example shown in FIG. 5, exposing opening 25A is formed at a position that intersects with dividing surface 25D of exterior cover 25.

[0019] The fitting groove 25B is disposed at a position that connects with the exposed opening 25A. The fitting groove 25B extends outward in the up-down direction from the exposed opening 25A. The fitting groove 25B fits with a flange portion 42 of the holding member 35, which will be described later.

[0020] In the grip extended state, the guide groove 25C is located below the exposed opening 25A. The guide groove 25C guides the operating member 34 of the slide switch device 22, which will be described later. The circuit board 24 is fixed inside the exterior cover 25, behind the exposed opening 25A and the guide groove 25C.

[0021] A first switch 31, a plurality of LEDs 32, and a slide switch 33 are mounted on the circuit board 24. The first switch 31 and the LEDs 32 constitute a part of the push switch device 21. The slide switch 33 constitutes a part of the slide switch device 22. A control unit (not shown) is provided on the circuit board 24. The control unit is, for example, a computing means such as a CPU. The circuit board 24 is also connected to the motor 15 and the heater 16 by wiring cables (not shown).

[0022] The slide switch device 22 includes a slide switch 33 and an operating member 34. In this embodiment, the slide switch device 22 is a mode changeover switch. The slide switch 33 is, for example, a contact switch. The operating member 34 is held so as to be slidable up and down relative to the exterior cover 25. An engagement claw 34A is integrally formed on the rear side of the operating member 34, i.e., on the inner side of the exterior cover 25. The engagement claw 34A engages with a knob 33A of the slide switch 33. The knob 33A moves up and down in conjunction with the sliding operation of the operating member 34. The slide switch 33 transmits a switching signal to the control unit according to the position of the knob 33A. The control unit switches the mode of the hair dryer 1 according to the switching signal.

[0023] The control unit of circuit board 24 controls motor 15 and heater 16 in response to the switching signal. As a result, hair dryer 1 has, for example, a hot air mode in which hot air is blown, a cold air mode in which cold air is blown, a glossing mode in which hot air and cold air are blown randomly (irregularly), and a cold / hot air mode in which hot air and cold air are switched at regular intervals. The control unit can selectively execute these modes.

[0024] [Configuration of the push switch device 21] As shown in Fig. 5, the push switch device 21 includes a first switch 31, a plurality of LEDs 32 (four in the example shown in Figs. 4 and 5), a holding member 35, an operating member 36, a light-guiding member 37, and a spring 38. In this embodiment, the push switch device 21 is a power switch that switches the power ON / OFF. The push switch device 21 corresponds to a hair dryer switch device in the claims.

[0025] [Configuration of first switch 31] The first switch 31 is, for example, a microswitch that switches the power ON / OFF when pressed. Hereinafter, the direction in which the first switch 31 is pressed, i.e., the direction in which the operating member 36 advances and retreats relative to the holding member 35, will be referred to as the "axial direction." In addition, within the axial direction, the side from the first switch 31 toward the operating member 36 will be defined as the "tip end," and the opposite side will be defined as the "base end."

[0026] [LED32 Configuration] The LEDs 32 serving as light-emitting means are arranged around the first switch 31. Specifically, the LEDs 32 are located outside the first switch 31 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z, and are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the first switch 31. In the example shown in Fig. 5, four LEDs 32 are arranged at equal angular intervals of 90° centered on the first switch 31.

[0027] The LED 32 is, for example, a multicolor LED that can emit light in three or more colors. In this embodiment, the LED 32 can emit red light, blue light, and white light. As will be described later, the light emission pattern of the LED 32 changes in accordance with changes in the usage state of the hair dryer 1 in response to switching operations of the slide switch device 22.

[0028] [Configuration of holding member 35] The holding member 35 is fixed to the exterior cover 25. The holding member 35 is integrally formed with a tubular portion 41, a flange portion 42, and a plurality of ridges 43. The tubular portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Note that the shape of the tubular portion 41 is not limited to this, and it may be a polygonal tubular shape, for example, a triangular or rectangular tubular shape. The tubular portion 41 holds the operating member 36, the light guiding member 37, and the spring 38 on its radially inner side. Specifically, the light guiding member 37 is located on the inner circumferential surface 41A side of the tubular portion 41, and the operating member 36 is located further on the inner circumferential surface side of the light guiding member 37.

[0029] The flange portions 42 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 41B of the cylindrical portion 41. In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the flange portions 42 are arranged one at a time at positions protruding in the vertical direction from the outer peripheral surface 41B. The tip ends 42A of the flange portions 42 are connected to the tip end 41C of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0030] The flange portion 42 fits into the fitting groove 25B of the exterior cover 25. This positions the holding member 35 in the radial and circumferential directions. Furthermore, the base end 41D of the tubular portion 41 of the holding member 35 is supported by the circuit board 24. This positions the holding member 35 in the axial direction Z. The holding member 35 is fixed to the exterior cover 25 with its positioning in the radial, circumferential, and axial directions Z having been completed.

[0031] A fitting recess 42B is formed on one side of the flange portion 42. The fitting recess 42B is a space that is recessed toward the base end side from the tip 42A of the flange portion 42, and fits with a fitting protrusion 47 of the light guide member 37, which will be described later.

[0032] The ridges 43 are ribs that protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 41A of the cylindrical portion 41, i.e., toward the light-guiding member 37. The ridges 43 are formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism extending in the axial direction Z. A plurality of the ridges 43 are arranged at positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface 41A. In this embodiment, two ridges 43 are arranged at equal angular intervals of 180°. The ridges 43 fit into recessed grooves 45B of the light-guiding member 37, which will be described later.

[0033] [Configuration of operation member 36] The operating member 36 is housed in the holding member 35. The operating member 36 includes an exposed portion 36A, a pressing portion 36B, and a locked piece 36C. The tip surface of the exposed portion 36A is exposed from the exposed opening 25A. The exposed portion 36A is formed in a cylindrical shape. The exposed portion 36A is movable forward and backward relative to the holding member 35 via the light guiding member 37.

[0034] The pressing portion 36B protrudes from the base end of the exposed portion 36A toward the base end (toward the circuit board 24). The pressing portion 36B is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter smaller than that of the exposed portion 36A, and is arranged coaxially with the exposed portion 36A. The first switch 31 is located on the base end side of the pressing portion 36B. The first switch 31 is pressed by the pressing portion 36B when the operating member 36 is pressed. When pressed by the pressing portion 36B, the first switch 31 switches the power ON / OFF. The base end side of the exposed portion 36A abuts against the tip of the spring 38. The pressing portion 36B is inserted inside the spring 38.

[0035] The locking piece 36C protrudes toward the base end side of the exposed portion 36A. The locking piece 36C is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the exposed portion 36A. A through hole 36D (see FIG. 6) is formed in the locking piece 36C. The through hole 36D is locked by a locking claw 45C of the light guiding member 37, which will be described later. This prevents the operating member 36 from coming off the holding member 35 in the axial direction Z.

[0036] [Configuration of light-guiding member 37] The light-guiding member 37 includes a light-guiding cylindrical portion 45, a spring receiving portion 46, and a fitting protrusion 47, which are integrally formed. The light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is transparent. The light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is formed from, for example, a transparent plastic material such as PS (polystyrene), AS (acrylonitrile styrene), PP (polypropylene), acrylic, PC (polycarbonate), or PE (polyethylene), or from such a transparent material mixed with a light diffusing material. The light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface 41A of the holding member 35. Furthermore, the operation member 36 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface 45A of the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45. In other words, the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the operation member 36. As described above, the first switch 31 and the LED 32 are disposed on the base end side of the operation member 36, and the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 guides light from the LED 32 forward.

[0037] The tip of the light guiding cylindrical portion 45 protrudes from the tip 41C of the holding member 35. The tip of the light guiding cylindrical portion 45 is exposed from the exposure opening 25A. This allows the light of the LED 32 guided by the light guiding cylindrical portion 45 to be visible from the outside.

[0038] The spring receiving portion 46 has a disk portion 46A and a connecting piece 46B. The disk portion 46A is disposed inside the cylindrical light guiding portion 45 and abuts against the base end of the spring 38. The spring 38 is sandwiched between the operating member 36 and the spring receiving portion 46 in the axial direction Z and is disposed on the outer circumferential surface side of the pressing portion 36B. This causes the spring 38 to bias the operating member 36 toward the tip end in the axial direction Z. When the operating member 36 is pressed and moves toward the base end in the axial direction Z, it returns to its original position due to the bias of the spring 38. The connecting piece 46B connects the disk portion 46A and the cylindrical light guiding portion 45. The connecting piece 46B is disposed at a position different from the recessed groove 45B in the circumferential direction.

[0039] Furthermore, disc portion 46A has a through-hole 46C that penetrates in axial direction Z. Pressing portion 36B of operating member 36 is inserted into through-hole 46C. The base end of pressing portion 36B protrudes toward the base end side of spring receiving portion 46 so that spring receiving portion 46 does not interfere with pressing of first switch 31 by pressing portion 36B. Connecting piece 46B connects disc portion 46A and light-guiding cylindrical portion 45.

[0040] The fitting protrusion 47 protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45. The fitting protrusion 47 fits into the fitting recess 42B of the holding member 35. This positions the light-guiding member 37 in the axial direction Z and the circumferential direction.

[0041] The cylindrical light guiding portion 45 is formed with a plurality of recessed grooves 45B (see FIG. 5) and locking claws 45C (see FIG. 6). The recessed grooves 45B are arranged so that their positions and dimensions match those of the ridges 43 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction Z. The recessed grooves 45B extend in the axial direction Z. The same number of recessed grooves 45B as the ridges 43 (two in the example shown in FIGS. 4 to 6) are formed in the cylindrical light guiding portion 45. The radial length of the ridges 43 is formed to be equal to or longer than the radial length of the recessed grooves 45B.

[0042] The holding member 35 is made of an opaque material (e.g., resin). A light-blocking paint or film may be applied or attached to the surface of the holding member 35 facing the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45. The ridges 43 of the holding member 35 fit into the recessed grooves 45B of the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45. As a result, the ridges 43 form multiple compartments in the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45. In this embodiment, the holding member 35 has two ridges 43, and therefore forms two compartments in the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45. These compartments are light-blocking from each other by the ridges 43. In this embodiment, the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is divided by the two ridges 43 into a left compartment 45D and a right compartment 45E (see FIG. 7).

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, four LEDs 32 are arranged on the base end side of the light-guiding member 37 (light-guiding cylindrical portion 45). In this embodiment, two LEDs 32 are arranged on the base end side of each of the left section 45D and the right section 45E. However, this is not limiting, and it is sufficient that one or two or more LEDs 32 are arranged in each of the sections 45D and 45E.

[0044] [Example of Light Emitting Pattern by Press Switch Device 21] As shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(D), the push switch device 21 changes the light color of the LED 32 to implement, for example, four light emission patterns P1 to P4. As described above, the hair dryer 1 switches between hot air, cold air, glossy air, and cold / hot air modes in response to the operation of the slide switch device 22. Note that hatching in Figures 7(A) to 7(D) indicates different light emission colors. The light emission patterns shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(D) correspond to the modes of the hair dryer 1. A control unit provided on the circuit board 24 selectively switches between the light emission patterns P1 to P4 in response to the operation of the slide switch device 22.

[0045] 7(A) shows the light emission pattern P1. In this case, the control unit sets the LEDs 32 in sections 45D and 45E to a monochromatic light emission state in which all of them emit the same color (red light). This allows the user to see the red light emission pattern P1 through the light-guiding member 37. This light emission pattern P1 corresponds to the hot air mode of the hair dryer 1, and the user can recognize that the hair dryer is in the hot air mode by seeing the red light.

[0046] 7(B) shows light emission pattern P2. In this case, the control unit sets all LEDs 32 in sections 45D and 45E to a monochromatic light emission state in which they emit the same color (blue light). This allows the user to see the blue light emission pattern P2 through the light-guiding member 37. This light emission pattern P2 corresponds to the cool air mode of the hair dryer 1, and the user can recognize that the mode is cool air by seeing the blue light.

[0047] 7(C) shows light emission pattern P3. In this case, the control unit switches all LEDs 32 in sections 45D and 45E to a monochromatic light emission state in which they emit the same color (white light). This allows the user to see white light emission pattern P2 through light-guiding member 37. This light emission pattern P2 corresponds to the cool air mode of hair dryer 1, and the user can recognize the white light as the glossing mode.

[0048] 7(D) shows light emission pattern P4. In this case, the control unit causes LED 32 to emit two different colors of light, for example, red light and blue light, in a multi-color light emission state. In this case, the control unit causes LED 32 in left section 45D to emit red light, and causes LED 32 in right section 45E to emit blue light. This allows the user to visually recognize the two-color light emission pattern P4 through the light-guiding member 37. This light emission pattern P4 corresponds to the cold / hot air mode of the hair dryer 1, and the user can recognize that the hair dryer is in the cold / hot air mode by visually recognizing the two different colors of light, red light and blue light.

[0049] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, by fitting the ridges 43 of the holding member 35 into the recessed grooves 45B of the light-guiding member 37, the light-guiding member 37 has a plurality of sections 45D, 45E that are shielded from each other by the ridges 43. This allows the light corresponding to the sections 45D, 45E to be guided forward by the light-guiding member 37 without color mixing. In particular, when the sections 45D, 45E are set to a multi-color light-emitting state in which two different colors of light are emitted, as in the above-described light-emitting pattern P4, the first color (e.g., red) and the second color (e.g., blue) are shielded by the ridges 43, allowing the light to be guided neatly into two separate colors without color mixing. This improves user visibility. Even in a light-emitting pattern in which some sections are illuminated and others are off, the light is guided for each section, allowing the user to clearly recognize the difference in brightness. Furthermore, because the light-guiding member 37 can guide light through the plurality of sections 45D, 45E that are shielded from each other, a variety of light-emitting patterns can be implemented. In other words, it is possible to accommodate light emission patterns that indicate various functions of the electronic device. Furthermore, since the user can visually confirm that the area around the switch is illuminated in response to the switch operation at the same time, it is easy to recognize the currently selected mode of the hairdryer 1. Furthermore, since it is easy to recognize the current mode, it becomes easier to select the next mode to be used.

[0050] The control unit also selectively switches between a multi-color light emission state in which sections 45D and 45E emit light of different colors, and a monochromatic light emission state in which sections 45D and 45E emit light of the same color, thereby increasing the number of light emission patterns and enabling the device to accommodate various functions.

[0051] [Example in which the light guide member can be operated by pressing] 8 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a switch device for a hair dryer. The switch device for a hair dryer according to this example is incorporated into a hair dryer to form a power switch, for example, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0052] 8, the push switch device 50 according to this embodiment includes a first switch 31, a plurality of LEDs 32, a second switch 51, a holding member 52, an operating member 53, and a light-guiding member 54. Although not shown, similar to the above embodiment, a spring is provided, and when the operating member 53 is pressed and moves toward the base end in the axial direction Z, the spring biases the operating member 53 back to its original position.

[0053] The second switch 51 is mounted on the circuit board 24 together with the first switch 31 and the LED 32. The second switch 51 is arranged in a different position. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the second switch 51 is located radially outward from the first switch 31 and radially inward from the LED 32. For example, the first switch 31 is a switch that switches the ON / OFF state of the power supply, and the second switch 51 is a switch that outputs a switching signal that switches modes.

[0054] The holding member 52 holds the operation member 53, the light guide member 54, and the spring, similar to the holding member 35 of the above embodiment. Although not shown, the holding member 52 has a ridge formed thereon, similar to the holding member 35. The ridge fits into the recessed groove of the light guide member 54, similar to the first embodiment.

[0055] Similar to the operating member 36 of the above embodiment, the operating member 53 includes an exposed portion 36A and a pressing portion 36B. The tip surface of the exposed portion 36A is exposed through the exposed opening 25A. When the operating member 53 is pressed, the first switch 31 is pressed by the pressing portion 36B.

[0056] The light-guiding member 54 is formed integrally with a light-guiding cylindrical portion 56 and a pressing piece 57. The light-guiding cylindrical portion 56 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 of the above embodiment. The light-guiding cylindrical portion 45 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface side of the holding member 52. The light-guiding member 54 is held by the holding member 52 so that it can advance and retreat independently of the operating member 53. Furthermore, the operating member 53 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface side of the light-guiding cylindrical portion 56. In other words, the light-guiding cylindrical portion 56 is arranged on the outer circumferential surface side of the operating member 53. The first switch 31, the second switch 51, and the LED 32 are arranged on the base end side of the operating member 53, and the light-guiding cylindrical portion 56 guides light from the LED 32 forward.

[0057] The tip of the light guiding cylindrical portion 56 protrudes from the tip of the holding member 52. The tip of the light guiding cylindrical portion 56 is exposed from the exposure opening 25A. This allows the light from the LEDs 32 guided by the light guiding cylindrical portion 56 to be seen from the outside. The light guiding cylindrical portion 56 has a groove formed therein, similar to the light guiding cylindrical portion 45 of the above embodiment. The groove fits into the ridge of the holding member 52, forming multiple compartments in the light guiding member 54.

[0058] The pressing piece 57 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the light-guiding cylindrical portion 56. The pressing piece 57 is disposed in accordance with the position of the second switch 51. As described above, the light-guiding member 54 can be advanced and retreated relative to the holding member 52, and is therefore pressed by the user. When the light-guiding member 54 is pressed, the pressing piece 57 presses the second switch 51.

[0059] According to the above example, in addition to the effects of the above embodiment, the second switch 51 can be pressed by the light-guiding member 54, which is held so as to be able to move forward and backward independently of the operating member 53, so that multiple switch switching operations, namely the first switch 31 and the second switch 51, are possible.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second switch 51 and the pressing piece 57 are arranged radially inside the light-guiding cylindrical portion 56, but this is not limited to this, and the second switch 51 and the pressing piece 57 may also be arranged radially outside the light-guiding cylindrical portion 56.

[0061] [Other Examples] In the above embodiment, the push switch device 21 changes the light-emitting pattern by changing the light-emitting color of the LED 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light-emitting pattern may be changed by changing the light-emitting state of the LED 32. For example, the light-emitting pattern may be set to "light-emitting," "flashing," or "off." Note that "flashing" refers to the LED 32 switching between on and off at regular intervals. Furthermore, the light-emitting pattern may be changed by combining such changes in the light-emitting state of the LED 32 with changes in the light-emitting color of the LED 32 as in the above embodiment. This further increases the number of light-emitting patterns, making it possible to accommodate light-emitting patterns that indicate various functions of electronic devices.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and examples, the push switch devices 21 and 50 are used as power switches and the slide switch device 22 is used as a mode changeover switch, but the functions of each switch are not limited to these. For example, the push switch devices 21 and 50 may be used as a mode changeover switch and the slide switch device 22 may be used as a power switch. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1...hair dryer, 11...main body housing, 12...air collecting hood, 13...grip portion, 14...fan, 15...motor, 16...heater, 21...push switch device, 22...slide switch device, 23...power cord, 24...circuit board, 25...exterior cover, 25A...exposed opening, 25B...fitting groove, 25C...guide groove, 26...rotation mechanism, 31...first switch, 32...LED, 33...slide switch, 33A...knob portion, 34...operating member, 34A ...engagement claw, 35, 52...holding member, 36, 53...operation member, 36A...exposed portion, 36B...pressing portion, 36C...engagement piece, 37, 54...light guiding member, 38...spring, 41...tubular portion, 42...flange portion, 42A...tip, 42B...fitting recess, 43...protrusion, 45, 56...light guiding cylindrical portion, 45A...inner surface, 45B...recess, 45C...engagement claw, 45D, 45E...compartment, 46...spring receiving portion, 47...fitting protrusion, 50...switch device, 51, second switch, 57...pressing piece

Claims

1. a cylindrical holding member fixed to a housing of the electronic device; an operating member that is housed in the holding member so as to be able to advance and retreat and has an exposed tip; a first switch located on a base end side of the operating member and pressed when the operating member is pressed; a plurality of light emitting means arranged around the first switch; a light guide member that is disposed on an outer peripheral surface side of the operation member and an inner peripheral surface side of the holding member and that guides light from the light emitting means forward, The holding member is a plurality of ridges extending in the axial direction and projecting from the inner circumferential surface toward the light guide member and spaced apart in the circumferential direction; The light guide member is a plurality of grooves that fit with the ridges are formed, and the ridges and the grooves fit together to form a plurality of compartments that are mutually shielded from light by the ridges.

2. 2. The hair dryer switch device according to claim 1, The light emitting means is It is capable of emitting light of multiple colors, a multi-color light emitting state in which different color lights are emitted in the plurality of sections; a monochromatic light emitting state in which light of the same color is emitted in the plurality of sections;

3. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, the light guide member is held by the holding member so as to be movable forward and backward independently of the operation member, A switch device for a hair dryer, comprising: a second switch disposed at a position different from the first switch, the second switch being pressed when the light guide member is pressed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Contact switch controlled negative ion cold air / hot air dryer

    JP3131246U