Dryer

Abstract

To provide a dryer which is unlikely to cause unevenness in how wind or temperature contacts the scalp, hair and the like while having advantages of an I type dryer, for example, which passes a flow path through a handle shaft.SOLUTION: According to one embodiment, a dryer includes a suction port, an air outlet, and a flow path communicating with the suction port and the air outlet. The flow path has a first flow path located on the suction port side and a second flow path which is continuous with the first flow path, crosses the first flow path, and extends toward the air outlet. An effective opening area of a boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path is larger than an opening area of the air outlet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A dryer (a so-called "T-type dryer") is known that has a handle with an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the flow path connecting the air outlet and the air inlet (see Patent Document 1). In contrast to this T-type dryer, a dryer (hereinafter also referred to as an "I-type dryer") has a flow path that runs through the handle axis and has an air outlet that opens in the longitudinal direction of the axis, allowing the air outlet to be brought close to the scalp and hair in a comfortable position. However, conventional I-type dryers have the problem that it is difficult to ensure uniform distribution of air volume and temperature while ensuring sufficient air volume from the outlet. Furthermore, uneven distribution of air volume and temperature results in uneven distribution of air and temperature on the scalp, hair, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-012498 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a dryer that has the advantages of an I-type dryer that has a flow path inside the handle shaft, but is less likely to cause unevenness in the way the air and temperature are applied to the scalp, hair, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dryer comprising an intake port, an exhaust port, and a flow path communicating with the intake port and the exhaust port, the flow path having a first flow path located on the intake port side and a second flow path that is continuous with the first flow path, intersects with the first flow path, and extends toward the exhaust port, and the effective opening area of ​​the boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path is larger than the opening area of ​​the exhaust port.

[0006] According to this aspect, for example, it is possible to provide a dryer that has the advantages of an I-type dryer that has a flow path inside the handle shaft, but is less likely to cause unevenness in the way the air and temperature are applied to the scalp, hair, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dryer of the first embodiment as seen from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dryer of the first embodiment as seen from the rear side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the dryer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the dryer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the internal structure shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of a flow path forming member included in the internal structure shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the internal structure shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the internal structure shown in FIG. 4 (part of the cylindrical portion is omitted). [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dryer. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dryer. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dryer. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dryer. [Figure 13]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dryer. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dryer. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a dryer according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dryer shown in FIG. 15 with the head cover removed. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a front view of the shutter mechanism of the dryer shown in FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the shutter mechanism shown in FIG. 17. FIG. [Figure 19] Photographs showing the state of air released from the air outlet ((a) open state, (b) closed state). [Figure 20] FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dryer shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the optical cosmetic device of the present embodiment, viewed from the front. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a hair setting nozzle. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a massage head. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the massage head shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a dryer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment attached to the dryer body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the dryer will be described below with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the embodiment described below can be combined with each other. In this specification, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, various types of information are handled in this embodiment, and communication and calculation can be performed on a circuit in the broad sense, regardless of whether this information is represented by a high or low signal value as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1, a physical numerical value of a signal value, or a quantum superposition.

[0009] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0010] <Dryer 3> The dryer 3 will be described below. <<First Embodiment>> First, a first embodiment of the dryer 3 will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dryer of the first embodiment as seen from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dryer of the first embodiment as seen from the rear side. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the dryer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the dryer shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the internal structure shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of a flow path forming member included in the internal structure shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of the internal structure shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the internal structure shown in FIG. 4 (part of the cylindrical portion is omitted).

[0011] In the following description, the upper side in Figures 1 to 6 and 8 will be referred to as "top" or "upper," the lower side as "bottom" or "lower," the front side of the paper in Figure 7 will be referred to as "top" or "upper," and the rear side of the paper will be referred to as "bottom" or "lower." Furthermore, the left front side of the paper in Figures 1, 3 to 5 and 8 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the right rear side of the paper will be referred to as "rear" or "rear," the left rear side of the paper in Figure 2 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the right front side of the paper will be referred to as "rear" or "rear," and the left side in Figures 6 and 7 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the right side will be referred to as "rear" or "rear." 1 etc. has an exterior member 31, and various electrical components and structural members housed inside the exterior member 31. The exterior member 31 has a main body cover 311 that functions as a handle for the dryer 3 to be held by a user, and a head cover 312 that functions as a connection part with the light emitting device 2 (see below).

[0012] 3, the main body cover 311 is made up of a cylindrical member with a bottom. The main body cover 311 also has an exterior suction port 311a for drawing outside air into the dryer 3. The exterior suction port 311a is made up of a plurality of through holes formed in the bottom of the main body cover 311. A head cover 312 is connected to the upper part of the main body cover 311 or is formed integrally with the main body cover 311. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the head cover 312 has a slit-shaped exterior air outlet 312a for discharging wind (airflow) from inside the dryer 3 to the outside. Note that the exterior air intake 311a and the exterior air outlet 312a are not limited to the illustrated shapes, and any shape may be used as long as these functions can be exhibited.

[0013] Inside the exterior member 31, as shown in FIG. 3, the dryer main body 30 is disposed. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, this dryer main body 30 (dryer 3) includes a suction port 30a, a blowout port 30b, and a flow path 30c that communicates with the suction port 30a and the blowout port 30b. This flow path 30c has a first flow path 31c located on the suction port 30a side, and a second flow path 32c that is continuous with the first flow path 31c, intersects the first flow path 31c, and extends toward the blowout port 30b. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 and the like, the dryer main body 30 (dryer 3) includes a bottomed cylindrical portion 301 that forms a first flow path 31c provided at least inside the main body cover 311 (handle), and a blowout portion 302 that is connected to the bottomed cylindrical portion 301 and forms a second flow path 32c. The dryer main body 30 is provided with a flow path forming member (wind tunnel structure) 300.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the effective opening area of the boundary portion 33c between the first flow path 31c and the second flow path 32c is set to be larger than the opening area of the blowout port 30b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) of the first flow path 31c is set as S1 [mm 2 , the effective opening area of the boundary portion 33c between the first flow path 31c and the second flow path 32c is set as S2 [mm 2 , and the opening area of the blowout port 30b is set as S3. Then, it is set so as to satisfy the relationship of S3 < S2 < S1. Here, as shown in FIGS. from 6 to 8, the boundary portion 33c refers to an opening that penetrates the body portion (peripheral wall portion) of the bottomed cylindrical portion 301 when the blowout portion 302 is removed from the dryer main body 30 (flow path forming member 300). The effective opening area refers to the area of the portion excluding the components (members) disposed in the flow path, that is, the area of the portion through which air can actually pass.

[0015] In this embodiment, the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) of the first flow path 31c is substantially constant along the direction in which air flows through the first flow path 31c (vertical direction). This configuration allows the pressure on the first flow path 31c side to be higher than the pressure on the second flow path 32c side. That is, the pressure is configured to gradually decrease from the wind (airflow) generation source to the outlet 30b (based on pressure based on Bernoulli's theorem). This allows the wind to be sent straight from the higher pressure side to the lower pressure side (in the direction of the pressure difference). As a result, backflow of the wind is prevented, making it less likely that unevenness will occur in the temperature and wind blowing on the skin surface.

[0016] In contrast, conventional dryers use air guide vanes or air tunnel tubes to bend the air, which causes the air to hit walls as it bends, making it prone to pressure unevenness.When using guide vanes, some have devised ways to attach multiple vanes to reduce pressure unevenness depending on the shape and size of the air outlet 30b. In this embodiment, the law that wind flows in the direction of lower pressure is utilized, and the wind is configured to curve without providing guide vanes, which makes it possible to prevent unevenness in the temperature and wind blowing on the skin surface.In addition, since the structure does not rely on guide vanes, it can also contribute to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the dryer 3.

[0017] In this embodiment, the outside air taken into the flow path forming member 300 through the air inlet 30a flows upward inside the bottomed tubular portion 301 that defines the first flow path 31c. At this time, the wind (airflow) collides with the upper surface (ceiling portion), and the velocity in the Z direction (longitudinal direction) becomes zero. This has the effect of making it difficult to reduce the pressure inside the first flow path 31c according to Bernoulli's theorem. Therefore, wind separation is unlikely to occur on the side of the second flow path 32c. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the flow path 30c is formed in a bent shape, the distance from the handle (grip), which is the starting point for operation, to the outlet 30b can be shortened, and the operability of the dryer 3 can also be improved.

[0018] Here, S3 / S2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.65 or more and 0.9 or less, more preferably about 0.7 or more and 0.85 or less, and even more preferably about 0.75 or more and 0.8 or less. In addition, the ratio S2 / S1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.8 to 0.99, more preferably about 0.85 to 0.97, and even more preferably about 0.9 to 0.97. In one embodiment, S2 / S1 may be 1. When S3, S2 and S1 satisfy this relationship, the above-mentioned effects can be further improved.

[0019] It is preferable that the flow path forming member 300 has heat insulating properties. This can prevent the main body cover 311 in particular from becoming extremely hot, allowing the user to hold the handle of the dryer 3 safely and securely for a long period of time. The flow path forming member 300 can be made of, for example, a foam such as polystyrene, polyurethane, silicone resin, etc. These materials are preferable because they have excellent heat insulating properties and are lightweight.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the blowout section 302 has an inner width that increases toward the tip, while the height decreases toward the tip. As a result, the direction in which the wind (air) of the second flow path 32c passes (the direction of the central axis O) 32c The cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the direction (direction along the arrow) decreases overall toward the air outlet 30b. This configuration makes it easier to make the temperature and the way the air hits the skin uniform. Note that the air outlet 302 may have both the inner width and height reduced toward the tip, so that the cross-sectional area decreases toward the air outlet 30b. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the blowout section 302 decreases continuously toward the air outlet 30b. This configuration makes it easier to make the temperature and the way the air blows on the skin surface more uniform. The intersection angle between the first flow path 31c and the second flow path 32c, i.e., the central axis O 31cand central axis O 32c The angle between the air outlet 30b and the temperature sensor 30c (angle θ in FIG. 6) is preferably about 90° or more, more preferably about 90° to 120°, and even more preferably about 95° to 115°. This configuration allows the pressure effect based on Bernoulli's theorem to be more effectively exerted, making it easier to emit a wider airflow from the air outlet 30b while reducing the occurrence of unevenness in the temperature and airflow on the skin surface.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 5, the dryer main body 30 includes a heater coil (heat generating element: heating mechanism) 32 arranged in the upper space within the flow path forming member 300. The heater coil 32 is composed of an insulating plate that is cross-shaped in a plan view and a heating wire wound around the insulating plate. By arranging the heater coil 32 in this manner, the outside air taken into the flow path forming member 300 from the suction port 30a can be efficiently heated near the outlet port 30b. In this embodiment, the space within the flow path forming member 300 in which the heater coil 32 is arranged forms the first flow path 31c. The dryer main body 30 also includes a motor 33 disposed in the lower space within the flow path forming member 300, and an impeller 34 fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor 33. The motor 33 and impeller 34 form a fan motor. The motor 33 is disposed on the suction port 30a side, and the impeller 34 is disposed on the first flow path 31c side, i.e., the outlet 30b side. By disposing the impeller 34 closer to the outlet 30b than the motor 33, the air from the impeller 34 is sent out without being blocked by the motor 33. This results in high air blowing efficiency.

[0022] The dryer main body 30 also includes a stator 35 disposed between the impeller 34 and the first flow path 31c (i.e., the heater coil 32) within the flow path forming member 300. In other words, the stator 35 divides the space within the flow path forming member 300 into an upper space that forms the first flow path 31c and a lower space that houses the motor 33 and the impeller 34. By arranging the stator 35 in this manner, air can be blown more efficiently. The stator 35 and the motor 33 are fixed to the flow path forming member 300 via a cylindrical support member 310. The dryer 3 also includes a drive circuit 361 that drives the motor 33 and a drive circuit 362 that drives the display 374 and other components. The drive circuit 361 is located on the opposite side of the motor 33 from the impeller 34, i.e., between the exterior air inlet 311a and the motor 33. This allows the drive circuit 361 to be efficiently cooled by the outside air taken in through the exterior air inlet 311a. The drive circuit 361 controls the operation of the entire dryer 3 as well as the motor 33, and is configured to be able to detect the attachment of the light-emitting device 2 or communicate with the light-emitting device 2 via a contact point (see below). Meanwhile, the drive circuit 362 is housed at the rear of the head cover 312. A power cord 363 for supplying power to the dryer 3 from a commercial power source or the like is electrically connected to the lower end of the drive circuit 361 .

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear side of the exterior member 31 (head cover 312) has a power button 371, a hot / cold air switch button 372, two air volume change buttons 373, and a display 374. The power button 371 is a slide button, and the power of the dryer 3 can be turned on and off by sliding the button. By pressing the hot air / cold air switching button 372, it is possible to switch the outside air supplied via the exterior air inlet 311a and the air inlet 30a between hot air and room temperature air (cold air). The air volume change button 373 can be pressed to change the air volume. The display 374 can be configured, for example, as an LED display device, a liquid crystal display device, etc., and may also have a touch panel function.

[0024] Next, the actions and effects obtained by the dryer 3 of the above-described embodiments will be described. FIGS. 9 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the actions of the dryer. First, FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of a conventional dryer. In the conventional dryer shown in FIG. 9, the air (air flow) pressurized by the fan motor through the suction port opening backward passes through the first flow path in which the heater (heater coil) is arranged, then passes through the second flow path, and is discharged from the blowout port opening forward. And, the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) of the first flow path is S1 [mm 2 , the effective opening area of the boundary portion of the first flow path with the second flow path is S2 [mm 2 , and the opening area of the blowout port is S3 [mm 2 . Then, it was configured to satisfy the relationship S3 < S < S1. Also, the substantial centers of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the blowout port were arranged to substantially coincide without intersecting.

[0025] In such a conventional dryer, the speed of the air (air flow) at the blowout port (hereinafter, also referred to as "wind speed (flow velocity)") v3 was designed to be large by the following calculation. Specifically, when the pressure in the second flow path is P2, the wind speed is v2, the pressure at the blowout port is P3, and the wind speed is v3, approximating the air (air flow) as an incompressible fluid, Since the flow rate Q is the same, Q = S2 × v2 = S3 × v3. Since S3 < S2, v3 > v2 is obtained. [[ID=二十九]]

[0026] For simplicity, assuming S2:S3 = 2:1, v3 = 20 m / s, atmospheric pressure is 1.01325 Pa, and the density of air is ρ = 1.184 kg / m 3 , then v2 = 10 m / s, Substituting these values into Bernoulli's equation, (1 / 2)ρ(20 2 )+(1.01325)=(1 / 2)ρ(10 2 ) + P2, we can calculate that P2 - 1.01325 = (1 / 2) × 1.184 × (400 - 100) = 177.6 Pa, and P2 is 177.6 Pa greater than atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in conventional dryers in which the first flow path, the second flow path, and the air outlet are arranged in a substantially straight line, it is difficult for the pressure P2 in the second flow path to become a vacuum, and therefore it is difficult for backflow of air to occur at the air outlet. However, as described above, with such a conventional dryer (T-type dryer), it is difficult to bring the air outlet close to the scalp and hair in a comfortable position.

[0027] FIG. 10 shows another example of the configuration of a conventional dryer. In the conventional dryer shown in FIG. 10(a), the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) of the first flow path is S1 [mm 2 ], the effective opening area of ​​the boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path is S2 [mm 2 ], the opening area of ​​the air outlet is S3 [mm 2 ], it was constructed to satisfy the relationship S3=S2=S1. In this configuration, the first flow path and the second flow path are defined by the gently curved surface of the wind tunnel tube, which is bent at 90°.

[0028] Similarly to the above, if we calculate with S3:S2 = 1:1, then v3 = v2, and so the right-hand side of the last equation above becomes 0. Therefore, ideally, the pressure P2 in the second flow path will be the same as atmospheric pressure. For this reason, the fan motor is expected to produce the maximum airflow (flow rate) when open to the atmosphere. However, such conventional dryers not only fail to produce the maximum airflow, but also have the problem that the airflow is uneven as shown in FIG. 10(b), making it difficult for users to achieve the desired drying effect. Here, the speeds of the wind flowing through the first flow path in the x, y, and z directions can be simply written as v1z = 20 m / s, v1x = 0 m / s, and v1y = 0 m / s, which is a component in the z direction only.

[0029] On the other hand, in the second flow path, the wind velocity v2 maintains its z-direction component and tends to flow along the outer wall of the wind tunnel tube. As a result, as shown in Figure 10(c), a vacuum is created on the inner wall of the wind tunnel tube, which makes it easy for wind separation to occur. Furthermore, as described above, the pressure P2 in the second flow path is approximately the same as atmospheric pressure, so that outside air is sucked from the air outlet toward the vacuum portion, causing the wind to flow backward. For this reason, the airflow at the outlet is biased toward the ceiling (upper side), and since the z-direction velocity component v3z does not become completely 0 (zero) m / s, the air released from the outlet is also biased toward the ceiling, as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0030] Therefore, it has been proposed to add guide vanes to separate the flow path into multiple sections from the first flow path to the second flow path, but the same problem as above occurs in each of the multiple separated flow paths. In addition, it was previously considered to lengthen the second flow path until the effect of wind separation was eliminated, but this would increase the size of the main body and make it difficult to use. Furthermore, in the past, it was possible to increase the pressure P2 in the second flow path by attaching another attachment to the air outlet and making the air outlet area of ​​the attachment even smaller than the opening area S3 of the dryer's air outlet. However, this posed the problem of the performance of the fan motor deteriorating due to the increased pressure on the air outlet side and reducing the air volume.

[0031] FIG. 11 shows another example of the configuration of a conventional dryer. In the conventional dryer shown in Fig. 11(a), the air outlet is open along the direction of airflow in the first flow path, i.e., the z-direction. Even in this configuration, as with the configuration shown in Fig. 10, the airflow from the air outlet is biased toward the z-direction, which poses a problem that it is difficult to obtain a drying effect in front of the air outlet when the user uses the dryer (see Fig. 11(b)). Therefore, the installation of multiple guide vanes in the z direction was considered, but this resulted in the air flow being biased in the z direction in each of the divided flow paths. In addition, reducing the opening area S3 of the air outlet to increase the internal pressure was also considered, but there was a problem that the performance of the fan motor deteriorated due to the pressure increase on the air outlet side, and the air volume also decreased.

[0032] FIG. 12 shows another configuration example of a conventional dryer. In the conventional dryer shown in FIG. 12(a), following the first flow path, a second flow path extends substantially orthogonally to the first flow path. The width of the second flow path widens in the left-right direction (y direction) toward the air outlet, so the cross-sectional area becomes larger. According to such a configuration, the air flows along the wall surface (top upper part) on the apex side of the first flow path and spreads to the left and right. However, since the cross-sectional area of the second flow path becomes larger toward the air outlet, the pressure P2 in the second flow path is likely to become vacuum, and the outside air of the air outlet flows backward to the bottom side of the second flow path, making the air flow non-uniform. Therefore, in order to make the air flow uniform, it was considered to reduce the opening area S3 of the air outlet. However, since the pressure P1 in the first flow path increased, the efficiency of the fan motor decreased, and a sufficient air volume could not be obtained.

[0033] Next, FIG. 13 shows the dryer of the present embodiment. In the dryer of the present embodiment shown in FIG.  13(a), the air sucked by the fan motor from the suction port and flowing toward the air outlet side passes through the first flow path in which the heater (heater coil) is arranged and extends in the z direction, and the second flow path that intersects the first flow path at an acute angle and extends to the air outlet. And, if the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) of the first flow path is S1 [mm 2 , the effective opening area of the boundary portion of the first flow path with the second flow path is S2 [mm 2 , and the opening area of the air outlet is S3 [mm 2 , it is configured to satisfy the relationship S3 < S2 < S1.

[0034] In this configuration example, specifically, S1 = 855 mm 2 , S2 = 792 mm 2 , S3 = 620 mm 2In addition, the height of the dryer (exterior component) is designed to be 225 mm. The first flow path is divided into four parts by heat insulating plates. The sum of the areas of the divided flow paths is the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) S1 of the first flow path. Furthermore, the heater extends from the first flow path to the second flow path without bending, so that the heater can be seen from the air outlet. This configuration allows the heater to be extended to its maximum extent, and maximizes the heating of the air while keeping the amount of radiant heat and power density per unit area of ​​the heater uniform and low. This allows the dryer to be made smaller, its lifespan extended, and its drying performance maximized. This makes it possible to provide a dryer with high reliability and superior performance.

[0035] Generally, when the airflow changes from the first flow path to the second flow path, the airflow direction changes, and this makes it easier for the airflow to separate. 2 ), the effective opening area S2 (792 mm 2 ), and because the flow path forming member is cylindrical with a bottom, the wind speed component v2z in the z direction is completely lost at the top, making it difficult for wind separation to occur. In this configuration example, no walls or guide vanes for gently changing the direction of airflow are provided at the transition portion from the first flow path to the second flow path. When the wind flow direction changes from the first flow path to the second flow path, the wind speed component in the z direction becomes 0 (zero), and the pressure is low and converted into a wind velocity vector in the x direction toward the outlet that is open to the atmosphere. In particular, when the opening area S3 of the outlet is further increased to 620 mm 2 Since the pressure P2 in the second flow path is high and the wind speed v3 increases, backflow of wind caused by outside air being sucked in through the outlet is unlikely to occur.

[0036] In this configuration example, the sum of the effective flow path areas (effective opening area) continuously decreases from the first flow path toward the second flow path and the outlet, i.e., toward the downstream side of the air flow. Furthermore, there is no location in between where the cross-sectional area (opening area) increases toward the downstream side. Therefore, a vacuum does not form at any position in the flow path toward the downstream side, and the air speed gradually increases, making it difficult for backflow of air to occur and improving efficiency. As a result, as shown in Figure 13(b), when viewed from above the dryer, the wind (airflow) can move radially from the outlet, i.e., from the high pressure P2 toward atmospheric pressure P3, and the user can receive a uniformly distributed wind.

[0037] In particular, users with long hair need quick drying because their hair tends to tangle easily with dryers that use a fast airflow speed, but the amount of moisture that dries is large. Generally, a slow airflow speed results in poor drying performance, but the dryer of this embodiment spreads the air evenly, so even if the airflow speed is slow, it can dry a wide area at once. Therefore, the dryer of this embodiment is advantageous in that it can achieve the contradictory goals of quick drying while reducing hair tangles. Furthermore, unlike conventional dryers, the opening area of ​​the air outlet does not need to be extremely small. In this embodiment, the opening area S3 of the air outlet is reduced to approximately 72.5% of the effective opening area (effective cross-sectional area) S1 of the first flow path. In this way, even if the opening area S3 is maintained at approximately 50% or more but less than 100% of the effective opening area S1, the flow of air released can be spread evenly. Therefore, the pressure on the outlet side of the fan motor can be reduced compared to conventional dryers, the fan motor is efficient, and the air volume can be sufficiently increased while reducing power consumption.

[0038] The air outlet is long horizontally, with an opening width (y direction) of 31 mm and an opening height (z direction) of 20 mm. The opening width of the air outlet is smaller than the diameter of the first flow path, 33 mm. That is, in the second flow path, the width direction (y direction) gradually decreases from upstream to downstream in the air flow. Note that the relationship between the opening width of the air outlet and the diameter of the first flow path is an example, and the opening width of the air outlet is preferably designed to be smaller than the diameter of the first flow path, specifically, it is preferably designed to be approximately 50% or more but less than 100% of the diameter of the first flow path. The upper side of the air outlet is convex upward (i.e., downstream in the direction of airflow in the first flow path), and the lower side of the air outlet is also convex upward. Therefore, the opening height of the air outlet is designed to be approximately the same anywhere along the y direction, making it easy to discharge air (airflow) uniformly regardless of location.

[0039] The boundary where the first and second flow paths intersect has a smooth surface without any steps on the ceiling side, which makes it less likely for wind loss or separation to occur due to steps. This gentle surface on the ceiling side gradually displaces downwards towards the air outlet, which ensures that the wind speed in the Z direction is 0 (zero). 13(c), the distance from the substantial center line of the first flow path to the outlet is 23 mm, which is smaller than the diameter (substantial diameter of the cross section) of the first flow path of 33 mm. This allows the discharged air to be spread uniformly even if the dryer is made small. Note that the relationship between the distance from the substantial center line of the first flow path to the outlet and the diameter of the first flow path is one example, and it is preferable that the distance from the substantial center line of the first flow path to the outlet be designed to be smaller than the diameter of the first flow path, specifically, it is preferable that the distance be designed to be approximately 50% or more and less than 100% of the diameter of the first flow path.

[0040] FIG. 14 shows another example of the configuration of the dryer of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14(a), the air outlet is divided into two, and a groove is provided between the two air outlet portions (flow path forming members) that define the two second flow paths. When wind (airflow) is released from two outlets, separation of the wind between them can easily create a vacuum, but in this configuration example, the surrounding air is efficiently replenished through the grooves, making it difficult for separation of the wind to occur and achieving the desired wind spread.

[0041] As described above, conventional dryers are equipped with guide vanes or the like that change the direction of airflow toward the air outlet. In this case, because the air flows along the guide vanes, the pressure near the guide vanes is high and the pressure at locations far from the guide vanes is low. This pressure difference often causes the phenomenon of outside air flowing back from the air outlet. As a result, the volume and temperature of the air discharged are uneven. Furthermore, since the length of the dryer is large, when an action part (see below) that acts on the scalp and hair is attached, the entire dryer becomes large, making it difficult to use.

[0042] In this embodiment, the air flow path is provided within the axis of the steering wheel, extends in a direction not parallel to the axis, and then opens at the outlet. The effective opening area of ​​the air flow path and the opening area of ​​the outlet are designed to have a predetermined relationship, so that, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the pressure within the air flow path can be increased and the pressure at the outlet can be reduced. This makes it difficult for the air to flow backward, and ensures a uniform air volume from the outlet. Furthermore, if the outlet is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the handle, the overall length of the dryer can be shortened, making the dryer compact and easy to use even when the operating part (see below) that acts on the scalp and hair is attached.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the drive circuit 361 is described as being arranged on the opposite side of the impeller 34 across the motor 33, but this is not limiting. Specifically, the impeller 34 may be arranged downstream of the motor 33 (rearward of the air flow). In this case, the drive circuit 36 ​​is arranged on the opposite side of the impeller 34 from the motor 33. Regardless of whether the impeller 34 is arranged upstream or downstream of the motor 33, it is preferable that the drive circuit 361 be arranged on the opposite side of the motor 33 from the heater coil (heating mechanism) 32. In this embodiment, one of the two air volume change buttons 373 may be a temperature setting button for setting the temperature. In this case, the selection of the hot air / cool air switch button 372 may be given priority over the temperature setting made with the temperature setting button.

[0044] <<Second embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the dryer will be described. The dryer of the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the dryer of the first embodiment, and a description of the same points will be omitted. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the dryer of the second embodiment as seen from the front. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the dryer shown in Fig. 15 with the head cover removed. Fig. 17 is a front view of the shutter mechanism of the dryer shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the shutter mechanism shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is a photograph ((a) open state, (b) closed state) showing the state of air released from the air outlet. Fig. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dryer shown in Fig. 15.

[0045] In the following description, the upper side in Figures 15 to 18 and 20 will be referred to as "top" or "upper," the lower side as "bottom" or "lower," the front side of the paper in Figure 19 will be referred to as "top" or "upper," and the back side of the paper will be referred to as "bottom" or "lower." Also, the left front side of the paper in Figures 15 and 16 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the right back side of the paper will be referred to as "rear" or "rear," the front side of the paper in Figures 17 and 18 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the back side of the paper will be referred to as "rear" or "rear," and the left side in Figures 19 and 20 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the right side will be referred to as "rear" or "rear." The dryer 3 shown in Figure 15 etc. is similar to the dryer 3 shown in Figure 1 etc., mainly except that it additionally includes a shutter mechanism 4 and a cooling mechanism 5. The action and effect of the wind of the dryer 3 of the second embodiment are as described using Figure 13.

[0046] Shutter mechanism 4 As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the shutter mechanism 4 includes a pair of shutters 41, an operating lever 42 that slides up and down, and a link member 43 that connects the operating lever 42 and the shutter 41. Each shutter 41 is formed of a plate-like body bent at two points, top and bottom. The upper end of each shutter 41 is rotatably attached to the upper surface of the blower unit 302. The two shutters 41 have meshing gears provided at their respective upper ends, and are connected via the gears. These gears form a rotation angle synchronization mechanism that synchronizes the two shutters 41 to rotate at the same rotation angle. With this configuration, when the shutters 41 are sufficiently spaced apart in an open state as shown in FIG. 17(a), the blower outlet 30b can be widely exposed to the outside of the dryer 3. On the other hand, when the shutters 41 are close to each other in a closed state as shown in FIG. 17(b), the exposed area of ​​the blower outlet 30b from the dryer 3 can be reduced.

[0047] 18, each shutter 41 has a protrusion 411 formed integrally with the lower end of a plate-like body. This protrusion 411 has a through-hole 411a formed therein. Each link member 43 is made of a substantially V-shaped plate material, and the vicinity of its central portion 431 is rotatably attached to the main body cover 311. A pin 432 is formed at the upper end of each link member 43 so as to protrude forward and is inserted into the through-hole 411a of the protruding piece 411. Meanwhile, a pin 433 is formed at the lower end of each link member 43 so as to protrude forward and is inserted into a recess (not shown) formed in the rear surface of the operating lever 42.

[0048] According to this configuration, as shown in Figure 18(a), when the operating lever 42 is moved upward, the pins 433 of each link member 43 also move upward. At this time, each link member 43 rotates around the vicinity of the central portion 431, and the pins 432 rotate outward. As a result, the shutter 41 having the protruding piece 411 through which the pin 432 is inserted also moves outward. As a result, the shutter mechanism 4 is set in the open state. 18(b), when the operating lever 42 is moved downward, the pins 433 of the link members 43 also move downward. At this time, each link member 43 rotates around the vicinity of the central portion 431, and the pins 432 rotate inward. As a result, the shutter 41 having the protruding piece 411 through which the pin 432 is inserted also moves inward. As a result, the shutter mechanism 4 is closed. In this way, the pair of shutters 41 can be opened and closed by moving the operating lever 42 in the vertical direction.

[0049] That is, the dryer 3 of the second embodiment has a shutter mechanism 4 that changes the area of ​​the air outlet 30b exposed to the outside. In the conventional dryer described in JP 2022-012498 A, the nozzle is composed of an inner nozzle and an outer nozzle, and the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle are rotatable to diffuse and converge the airflow. In addition, in this conventional dryer, not only are the inner nozzle and the outer nozzle rotatable, but they are also rotatable relative to the air outlet of the dryer. However, with conventional dryers, users had to directly grip and rotate the nozzle, which was heated to a high temperature, to change the airflow conditions, which raised concerns about the adverse effects of high heat on users.

[0050] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, by providing the shutter mechanism 4 configured as described above, the user can change the state of the airflow by simply operating the operating lever 42, without directly touching the shutter 41 heated to a high temperature. This improves the performance of the dryer 3 so that it can emit high-temperature airflow, while also ensuring sufficient safety. Furthermore, since the shutter 41 is provided beforehand inside the exterior member 31, the labor required for attaching and detaching an external nozzle as in conventional dryers can be eliminated. The dryer 3 may also be provided with a sensor (not shown) that detects the opening and closing of the shutter 41. In this case, by detecting the degree of opening and closing of the shutter 41 (the degree to which the air outlet 30b is exposed to the outside by the shutter 41) with the sensor, the temperature and speed of the air can be set accordingly.

[0051] The dryer 3 configured as above can be used by setting the airflow conditions to suit the condition, length and quality of the user's hair. For example, for a user with long hair, the shutter mechanism 4 can be set to the open state so that the wind (airflow) spreads over the entire air outlet 30b, as shown in Figure 19(a). For users with long hair, if the wind speed is too fast, the hair will become tangled and satisfactory results will not be obtained. Therefore, by slowing down the wind speed and supplying a spreading wind to dry a wide area, the hair can be dried quickly while preventing tangling.

[0052] On the other hand, for users with short hair, the shutter mechanism 4 can be closed to concentrate the airflow (airflow) at the center of the air outlet 30b and set to a high airflow speed, as shown in FIG. 19(b). This reduces the time it takes to dry hair. For users with short hair, their hair is short, so even if the airflow speed is high, their hair is less likely to tangle. In addition, users who keep their hair short in order to dry it quickly are highly satisfied. The illustrated shutter mechanism 4 is configured to change the exposed area of ​​the air outlet 30b to the outside by opening and closing in the left-right direction, but it may also be configured to change the exposed area by opening and closing in the up-down direction.

[0053] Furthermore, although the shutter mechanism 4 has been described as having a pair (that is, two) shutters 41, the present invention is not limited to this, and similar effects can be obtained with a configuration having three or more shutters 41. Furthermore, the exposed area of ​​the air outlet 32b may be increased or decreased by using another mechanism instead of the link member 43 (link mechanism). 16, the surface of the shutter 41 on the blowing portion side is configured to be concave in the blowing direction. In other words, it is configured to form an obtuse angle with respect to the direction in which the blown air flows. This makes it easier for the air to flow along the inner wall of the shutter 41 and to be centered when the shutter 41 is closed, and also makes it possible to prevent the air from leaking out of any place other than the air outlet 30b.

[0054] When the shutter mechanism 4 is in the open state, the exposed area of ​​the air outlet 30b to the outside is 620 mm 2 At this time, the air velocity v3 at the air outlet 30b is designed to be 25 mm / s. Therefore, according to Bernoulli's equation, the pressure P2 in the second flow path 32c is 143 Pa higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure is lower than the pressure of 177.6 Pa in the second flow path in the conventional example (T-shaped dryer shown in FIG. 9), indicating that a large air volume can be achieved even when the same motor and impeller are used. This allows the user to dry their hair by blowing a large amount of spreading air onto their entire head of hair, which means that there is no or very little heat damage to the hair, and the drying process can be completed in a short time, which is advantageous.

[0055] On the other hand, when the shutter mechanism 4 is in the closed state, the exposed area of ​​the air outlet 30b to the outside is 400 mm 2 It is designed to be. The wind speed v3 at the air outlet 30b increases as the exposed area ratio decreases, but is determined by the pressure-flow curve of the motor 33 and the impeller 34, and is designed to be 30 m / s in this embodiment. At this time, the pressure P2 in the second flow path 32c is 397 Pa higher than atmospheric pressure. The motor 33 and impeller 34 are selected to provide a shutoff pressure of 5000 Pa, and a sufficient air volume can be obtained even when P2 in the second flow path 32c is 397 Pa. This sufficient air volume allows the user to dry their hair in a short time, which is advantageous as it allows the drying process to be completed in a short time while protecting the hair from heat damage.

[0056] ·Cooling mechanism 5 20, the cooling mechanism 5 has an air passage 51 formed between the exterior member 31 and the flow path forming member (air tunnel structure) 300, and an air vent 52 where the air passage 51 opens at the exterior member 31. The opposite side of the air vent 52 of the air passage 51 opens at an exterior air outlet 312a. That is, the cooling mechanism 5 is provided outside the flow path 30c within the exterior member 31. As a result, when wind (airflow) passes through flow path 30c and is released via outlet 30b and exterior outlet 312a, a vacuum is formed near exterior outlet 312a due to separation of the wind. Air is drawn into this vacuum, so that outside air is sucked in through vent 52, flows through air passage 51, and is released from exterior outlet 312a.

[0057] With this configuration, the heat of the handle (main body cover 311) of the dryer 3, which has been heated by the operation of the heater coil 32, can be recovered by the wind from the cooling mechanism 5. This makes it possible to prevent the motor 33 and the drive circuit 361 from being unnecessarily heated. As a result, it is possible to lower the surface temperature of the main body cover 311 while preventing a decrease in the performance of the dryer 3. Therefore, the dryer 3 of this embodiment can maintain its own performance while ensuring user safety.

[0058] Generally, to improve the performance of a dryer, the heater generates more heat and a high-speed fan motor is used to increase the airflow. These operations are controlled using a control board (drive circuit) equipped with semiconductor devices. However, as the heater output and fan motor rotation speed increase, the temperature of not only the control board but also the dryer itself tends to rise. On the other hand, if the heat output of the heater is reduced to lower the temperature of the dryer body, the performance of the dryer will be reduced. Also, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 60-103288 proposes a technology for recovering heat using a heat exchanger, but this has the problem of making the dryer too heavy. In this embodiment, heat that has conventionally been radiated to the outside of the dryer 3 is recovered and released from the exterior air outlet 312a, thereby further improving the drying performance.

[0059] In this embodiment, it is preferable to provide two discharge electrodes, one positive and one negative, arranged in the second flow path 32c. This allows positive ions and negative ions generated by the discharge electrodes to be carried by the air released from the air outlet 30b and supplied to the skin surface. This effect can be further enhanced by arranging the two discharge electrodes near the air outlet 30b. The exterior air outlet 312a is provided with a barrier in which openings and non-openings are alternately arranged to form a lattice, fence, or net-like structure overall. Because positive and negative ions tend to come into contact with the barrier and be absorbed, the air outlet 30b is preferably positioned so that the discharge electrode is not easily blocked by the barrier when viewed from the front. The discharge electrode is easily designed by positioning it to match the opening dimensions (opening width) of the exterior air outlet 312a.

[0060] For example, if the opening dimension is relatively small, less than 4 mm, positive and negative ions are likely to come into contact with the barrier and be absorbed, so it is preferable to position the barrier and the discharge electrode close to each other. Specifically, it is preferable to position the discharge electrode in the second flow path 32c, spaced less than 15 mm from the air outlet 30b. On the other hand, if the opening dimension is large, such as 4 mm or more, it is difficult for positive and negative ions to come into contact with the barrier and be absorbed, so it is preferable to position the barrier and the discharge electrode at a distance. Specifically, it is preferable to position the discharge electrode in the second flow path 32c, approximately 15 mm or more but less than 30 mm away from the air outlet 30b.

[0061] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area (effective opening area) of the flow path gradually narrows from the first flow path 31c to the second flow path 32c and further to the air outlet 30b, so the wind speed gradually increases. Therefore, the speed at which positive ions and negative ions flow through the flow path also increases toward the downstream, making it possible to make it difficult for them to be absorbed by the inner wall of the flow path forming member (wind tunnel structure) 300, etc. The high voltage generating circuit (not shown) that supplies a high voltage to the discharge electrode may be disposed in the air passage 51, away from the flow path forming member (air tunnel structure) 300. This prevents the performance of the high voltage generating circuit from being reduced by heat.

[0062] Next, an embodiment in which the above-described dryer is used as a light cosmetic device, which is an example of an operating device, will be described. <Light beauty device 1> FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the optical cosmetic device of this embodiment, seen from the front. In the following description, the upper side in Fig. 21 will be referred to as "top" or "upper," and the lower side will be referred to as "bottom" or "lower." Also, the left front side of the paper in Fig. 21 will be referred to as "front" or "forward," and the right rear side of the paper will be referred to as "rear" or "rear." The optical cosmetic device 1 shown in FIG. 21 is used on the skin surface of a user. This optical cosmetic device 1 additionally includes a light emitting device 2 that functions as an action part in a dryer 3, and this light emitting device 2 (action part) is configured to be detachably attachable to the dryer.

[0063] The dryer 3 has an exterior air outlet 312a that passes air (airflow) and supplies (discharges) it onto the skin surface, and the light-emitting device 2 is detachably attached to the head of the dryer 3. With this configuration, with a simple operation, the light-emitting device 2 or the dryer 3 can be used alone, or the light-emitting device 2 can be attached to the dryer 3 to form a light beauty device 1. The light-emitting device 2 is configured to irradiate light onto the skin surface. Here, the skin surface refers to the surface of the human body, including the scalp, facial skin, body skin, and hair (head hair). By appropriately setting the wavelength of the light irradiated by the light-emitting device 2, the optical cosmetic device 1 can impart a desired cosmetic effect to the skin surface. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the dryer 3 is configured to cool the skin surface by supplying air.

[0064] When light is emitted from the light-emitting device 2, the temperature of the skin surface rises. However, if the temperature of the skin surface rises too much, problems may occur, such as the skin surface becoming steamy or protein denaturation causing hair damage. Therefore, conventional light beauty devices are unable to sufficiently lower the temperature of the skin surface, or are forced to reduce the intensity of light irradiation to prevent the temperature of the skin surface from rising. In contrast, with the optical cosmetic device 1, the skin surface irradiated with light by the light-emitting device 2 can be cooled by the air supplied by the dryer 3. This prevents the temperature of the skin surface from rising too much, while enabling the irradiation of high-intensity light that was previously unavailable.

[0065] In addition, there are conventional light cosmetic devices that cool the skin surface by lowering the temperature of the components that come into direct contact with the skin surface. However, such light cosmetic devices can cause discomfort to the user if the skin surface is cooled too much. In contrast, the Light cosmetic device 1 uses wind to cool the skin surface moderately, in other words, to prevent excessive cooling of the skin surface, allowing the user to use the Light cosmetic device 1 without feeling any discomfort.

[0066] <Light-emitting device 2> The light-emitting device 2 can be used together with the dryer 3 as the light-emitting cosmetic device 1 with a blowing function, or can be used alone as a light-emitting cosmetic device. The light emitting device 2 has an exterior member 21, and various electrical components and structural members housed inside the exterior member 21. The exterior member 21 has a main body cover 211 and a front cover 212. The main body cover 211 is provided with a recess 211a that accommodates the head portion of the dryer 3. A contact (not shown) that is electrically connected to the dryer 3 (head portion) is provided inside this recess 211a. Also, a power button and a power connection hole (neither shown) are provided at predetermined positions on the main body cover 211.

[0067] A front cover 212 is connected to the tip side of the main body cover 211. The front cover 212 has an opening 212d that communicates with the recess 211a of the main body cover 211 and exposes the exterior air outlet 312a when attached to the dryer 3, and a wall portion 212a that is provided to surround the opening 212d. Furthermore, the front cover 212 has an opening 212b inside the wall portion 212a through which light emitted from inside the light emitting device 2 passes. This allows the wall portion 212a to prevent light from diffusing in unnecessary directions relative to the light irradiation direction. A lens 221 is fitted into the opening 212b, and the light emitting section 22 is disposed inside the lens 221. The light emitting device 2 further includes a battery, a control board, a fan, a temperature sensor, etc. (none of which are shown) inside the exterior member 21.

[0068] <Other configuration examples of the action part> Instead of the light emitting device 2, the action part may have the following configuration. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a hair setting nozzle, Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a massage head, and Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the massage head shown in Fig. 23. The hair styling nozzle 7 shown in Fig. 22 is an operating part that is useful when styling hair and has the function of concentrating the air blown out from the exterior air outlet 312a. The massage head 8 shown in Figs. 23 and 24 is an expansion unit that applies vibration and electrical stimulation to the scalp. The massage head 8 applies at least one of voltage, heat, and vibration to the scalp based on the power supplied from the dryer 3 via the connection part.

[0069] Here, a description will be given of the massage head 8. As shown in FIG. The strong vibration region 81 is a portion that applies vibrations to the scalp. The strong vibration region 81 is provided with protrusions 811. The protrusions 811 have contact points 812 at their tips that are made of a conductive material such as conductive silicone or metal, and vibrate in response to the operation of the vibration unit 813. When the human body touches the contact points 812 and a hand electrode (not shown), a closed circuit including the human body is formed, and the current supplied from the dryer 3 can be applied to the human body. In other words, the contact points 812 are made of a conductive hard member, and may be made of a different material from the protrusions 811. The vibration unit 813 includes a motor or the like, and vibrates when power is supplied from the dryer 3. The contact points 812 may be divided into a positive electrode and a negative electrode, so that current can be applied to the human body without using a hand electrode.

[0070] Alternatively, the protrusion 811 (body) may be made of a hard material, and the contact 812 (tip) may be made of a conductive soft material. In this case, the protrusion 811 can be made of a low-cost material, and the contact 812 can ensure conductivity and cushioning. Furthermore, the strong vibration region 81 can have a structure including a base (support plate) that has elasticity as a whole, such as a built-in elastic body like a coil spring, and a plurality of contact points 812 (tip portions) provided on the tip surface of the base. In this case, the timing of expansion and contraction is more uniform, and the scalp can be stimulated at the same time, resulting in a stronger physical sensation.

[0071] A protrusion 821 is provided in the weak vibration region 82. This protrusion 821 protrudes further toward the scalp (front) than the protrusion 811. Furthermore, the weak vibration region 82 vibrates in response to the operation of the vibration unit 813, but the vibration is weaker than the vibration of the strong vibration region 81. Ventilation hole 83 is a portion through which the air blown out from exterior air outlet 312a passes. This ventilation hole 83 may have a plurality of holes in the center or around it, ensuring the same area as exterior air outlet 312a. Such an action part allows the exterior air outlet 312a to be extended horizontally, making it possible to make the dryer 3 compact even when equipped with an action part (attachment) that provides hair growth effects to the scalp and hair. Also, the user can operate the dryer 3 equipped with the action part in a comfortable position. In contrast, in a conventional I-type dryer, the air outlets are provided along the vertical direction, which makes it easy for the air volume to become uneven.

[0072] Furthermore, the dryer 3 as described above is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment as long as it is configured so that the pressure in the flow path 30c decreases toward the air outlet 30b. The flow path 30c may be only the first flow path, or may have three flow paths, i.e., first, second, and third flow paths. The action part may be configured to be detachable at the tip of the air outlet 30b of the dryer 3, so that the wind can pass through the action part. The action part may be detachable or integral. Furthermore, the action portion does not necessarily have to be attached to the tip of the dryer 3 so that the wind can blow through, but may be configured so that it can be attached near the air outlet 30b. The shutter mechanism 4 and the cooling mechanism 5 may be provided in a T-type dryer (see FIG. 9), which is a conventional dryer.

[0073] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the dryer will be described. The following description of the dryer of the third embodiment will focus on the differences from the dryers of the first and second embodiments, and a description of the same points will be omitted.

[0074] The dryer according to the third embodiment may be, for example, a dryer that dries hair while styling, a dryer that can direct LEDs toward the scalp, or a dryer that can provide scalp care, and further includes a dryer main body and a detachable attachment. In the dryer according to the third embodiment, at least one of the dryer main body and the attachment has two or more sets of state determining units. The state determining units are configured to indicate at least a first state and a second state, for example, the north and south poles of a magnet or the positive and negative poles of a DC voltage. Any state may be used as long as it can indicate two values, i.e., the first state and the second state. For example, a group of magnets may be arranged in predetermined positions, but at least some of them may not be arranged to indicate two values, i.e., "present" and "absent." When the attachment is attached to the main body, the operation of either the dryer main body or the attachment is changed to perform a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation is preferably determined in a matrix format using a lookup table.

[0075] Specifically, the state determining unit has a Hall sensor that detects the N pole or S pole of the magnet. Note that hereinafter, magnetic poles may be simply referred to as N or S in some cases.

[0076] The Hall sensor used in the third embodiment is designed to detect only one pole, for example, only the north pole. Hereinafter, a magnet may be placed at the location described as the "north pole," but a magnet may not necessarily be placed at the location described as the "south pole."

[0077] The state determining unit includes a permanent magnet and a magnetic body located adjacent to the north pole of the magnet. The magnetic body can be extended to the position of each Hall sensor as needed, transmitting north pole magnetic force in the extended portion and blocking magnetic force in the non-extended portion. This creates a combination pattern of Hall sensors that detect the north pole and those that do not, and the control unit can read this combination to switch the attachment type.

[0078] The above configuration makes it possible to reduce the influence of individual variations in magnets (particularly variations in the strength of magnetic force), thereby improving the reliability of identification.

[0079] For example, if multiple magnets with different magnetic forces are arranged in a row and their positions are read by a Hall sensor, the Hall sensor will detect not only the magnet position but also the difference in magnetic force strength, which makes it difficult to set a threshold and makes it prone to false detection.

[0080] In contrast, when a combination of a single magnet and an extended magnetic body is used as in one embodiment, the number of magnetic sources to be detected is effectively limited to one, so there is no variation in magnetic strength and threshold management on the Hall sensor side is easy. As a result, false detection can be significantly reduced.

[0081] It is preferable to design the distances from the center of the single magnet to each Hall sensor to be approximately equal. By making the distances uniform, the difference in magnetic flux density received by the Hall sensors is reduced, further reducing the variation in judgment.

[0082] For example, the Hall sensors may be arranged on the same circumference or on concentric sectors around the magnet. This equidistant arrangement makes the gradient of the magnetic field detected by each Hall sensor uniform, further reducing the frequency of false detection.

[0083] More preferably, if the attachment mounting direction is defined as the x-direction, the Hall sensors should be arranged so that they do not overlap (in multiple rows) in the x-direction. If multiple Hall sensors are in the same row, misalignment of the relative positions during mounting may cause Hall sensors that should not be used to detect magnetic forces to pick up unexpected magnetic forces, which may cause malfunctions.

[0084] By designing the device so that at least two Hall sensors are not stacked in the attachment direction, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a Hall sensor that should not be detecting a magnetic field detects a magnetic field and makes an erroneous judgment, even when the user is in the middle of attaching or removing an attachment.

[0085] Similar magnetic detection is possible even if the Hall sensor is replaced with a reed switch. Because a reed switch is an element that only outputs opening and closing operations, it is less susceptible to the effects of variations in magnetic strength, as it does not detect subtle differences in magnetic strength.

[0086] Let us consider an example of a new product. For example, suppose a new attachment model C is released in addition to a dryer body sold with attachment models A and B. Models A, B and new model C have the specifications shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0087] If the existing dryer does not meet the specifications for model C (i.e., the specifications are not stored in memory in advance), it will be necessary to replace the dryer with a new model when new model C is released. However, according to one embodiment, the model change combinations are no longer limited, and it will be possible to accommodate a large number of attachments that will be developed in the future. This is advantageous because it does not require the dryer to be improved or updated. Furthermore, the attachment model can be identified automatically and without contact, and the control content can be optimized.

[0088] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram of a dryer according to the third embodiment. The dryer body in the figure is equipped with a Hall sensor. Attachment models D and E each have a magnet and are configured to be attached to the dryer body to blow air to the dryer body according to different specifications.

[0089] Please note that in attachment models D and E, the numbers indicated by the leader lines are serial numbers of the magnets and are different from the symbols indicating the components.

[0090] The magnetic poles of each magnet in attachment model A are arranged in a polarity pattern of N·N·S·N·S (1N, 2N, 3S, 4N, 5S), as shown on the right side of the figure. The magnetic poles of each magnet in attachment model B are arranged in a polarity pattern of N·S·S·S·N (1N, 2S, 3S, 4S, 5N), as shown on the right side of the figure. In other words, attachment models A and B have codes that allow them to be distinguished from each other. Tables 2 and 3 show the specifications set by these magnets and example combinations of magnets that correspond to each specification (30 combinations in this case). The bold frame in Table 2 corresponds to Table 3.

[0091] In one embodiment, the upper and lower limits of the performance that must be achieved by the entire dryer are first clarified. The maximum airflow is set at a motor speed of 103,000 r / min (hereafter referred to as "100%), with a maximum heater output of 1,090 W (100%), which are indicators of a high-power mode that prioritizes drying speed. On the other hand, the minimum airflow is set at 15,450 r / min (15%) and a minimum heater output of 68 W (approximately 6%), which are indicators of a mode that prioritizes energy conservation and low-temperature finishing. This allows users to choose from a wide range of settings within the same product, from "energy-saving and mild" to "instant drying."

[0092] Next, with the aim of covering the above maximum and minimum ranges evenly and without overlap, the motor rotation speed was quantized into five levels (100%, 70%, 45%, 25%, 15%) and the heater output into six levels (100%, 85%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%), creating a heater output matrix with a total of 30 cells (Table 2). The quantization width was set to be fine in the high output range where the gradient of the drying performance curve is steep, and coarse in the low output range where the gradient is gentle, with consideration given to ensuring that the difference in sensation is uniform across the entire range.

[0093] The cells in Table 2 are not simply a brute-force search, but are filtered based on two conditions: "safe outlet temperature range" and "power consumption efficiency range." Specifically, 100% heater (1090W) is only used when combined with 100% motor, and heater output is limited to 85% or less when the motor is 70% or less. This eliminates high-temperature areas such as the 120° outlet temperature that occurs when the rotation speed is 70% and the heater is 100%, thereby avoiding the risk of heat damage to the scalp. Additionally, in the minimum rotation speed range of 15%, the heater is limited to 25% or less, optimizing the ratio between motor loss and heater loss.

[0094] By introducing this matrix, even when adding a new attachment, it is possible to simply select the appropriate combination from existing cells according to the desired function (e.g., low-temperature, high-volume airflow, localized high-temperature, low-volume airflow, etc.). For example, for a scalp massage attachment, the default settings are 70% motor and 85% heater, ensuring heat penetration into the pores while keeping the outlet temperature at approximately 75°C. On the other hand, for a broad nozzle for quick hair drying, the default settings are 45% motor and 50% heater, and even at the same outlet temperature of 75°C, the air volume is high, allowing for a greater amount of evaporation.

[0095] Conventionally, "outlet temperature ΔT" was used as a design index for drying efficiency (q = hAΔT), but in one embodiment, the focus is on "the amount of water vapor that air can carry," and the product of heater output and air volume (airflow enthalpy flow) is used as the main parameter. The saturated water vapor partial pressure of air at 20°C under atmospheric pressure is approximately 2.3 kPa, and if the temperature is raised to 50°C, it becomes approximately 12 kPa. However, the same drying amount can be achieved not only by increasing the temperature but also by increasing the air volume. Therefore, even at low temperatures, a large air volume can efficiently carry saturated vapor away from the hair surface, enabling quick drying while minimizing heat damage.

[0096] Below are some numerical examples. The outlet temperature of 90 degrees is designed for 100% motor and 100% heater (cell A) and 45% motor and 75% heater (cell B), but because cell A has approximately twice the airflow compared to cell B, the moisture evaporation rate on the hair surface is approximately 1.6 times faster for cell A compared to cell B. On the other hand, 100% motor and 75% heater (cell C) reduces total power consumption and noise while maintaining the same quick-drying performance as cell A. The versatility of this matrix lies in the ability to assign these options according to the attachment use and user preference.

[0097] In Table 2, the upper right (triangle) and lower left (triangle) are arranged in line symmetry, allowing the same heater output to be selected at different air volumes. Because it is possible to accommodate both "variable air volume with constant heat" and "variable heat volume with constant air volume," it can also be flexibly fitted to special attachments that will be developed in the future (for example, low-temperature steam facial devices and high-temperature concentrated spot nozzles). [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0098] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment attached to the dryer main body. When the attachment is attached to the dryer main body, a control unit (e.g., a microcomputer) in the dryer main body reads the polarity of the attachment's five magnets and starts, for example, default (Lv3) operation with the heater output and fan rotation speed corresponding to the combination. Furthermore, even when the same attachment is attached, it is preferable that the user be able to make fine adjustments. For example, it is preferable that the temperature mode be switched from Lv3 to Lv2 to Lv1 each time the user presses the temperature button. It is also preferable that the air volume mode be switched from Lv3 to Lv2 to Lv1 each time the user presses the air volume button. Such an embodiment is shown in Table 3. In the example shown in Table 3, there are three patterns for the fan rotation speed regardless of the temperature mode, while there are nine patterns for the heater output, with multiple patterns stored depending on the air volume mode.

[0099] As with Table 2, Table 4 shows an example in which heater output is selected hierarchically based on motor speed, rather than simply combining motor speed and heater output in a round-robin fashion. Specifically, a motor speed of 46,350 r / min is defined as 100%, with 70% and 40% added to create three levels. Meanwhile, heater output is set to 613 W as 100%, with 75% and 50% added to create three levels.

[0100] Each cell in the matrix shown in Table 4 is determined by the intersection of the airflow mode (levels 3 to 1) and the temperature mode (levels 3 to 1). For example, at airflow level 3 and temperature level 3, the motor rotation speed is 100% (46,350 r / min) and the heater output is 100% (613 W), and at airflow level 1 and temperature level 1, the motor rotation speed is 40% (20,858 r / min) and the heater output is 50% (230 W). [Table 4]

[0101] The magnetic code implementation is not limited to permanent magnets. If an electromagnet is used, it can generate magnetic force only when power is applied, making it possible to determine the model and detect the presence or absence of an attachment, and it is possible to cut off the power supply during standby to reduce power consumption.

[0102] Furthermore, an electrode may be provided on the attachment side, and a positive or negative charge state may be used as a detection element. According to this aspect, the range of influence is narrower than that of magnetic force, and peripheral parts can be made smaller.

[0103] Alternatively, a mechanical detection method may be used. For example, a key-shaped attachment with a combination of protrusions and recesses may be formed, and the pattern of protrusions and recesses may be read by an optical or contact sensor on the dryer body. This makes the device less susceptible to electromagnetic noise and facilitates downsizing.

[0104] The determination sensor and magnet do not necessarily need to be placed around the air outlet, but by placing them in a location where the temperature rise is small, such as the top surface of the main body, it is possible to prevent a decrease in sensitivity or malfunction due to heat.

[0105] This matrix control can be applied not only to dryers, but also to any product where multiple control factors interact and undesirable combinations need to be eliminated. For example, by organizing control parameters on two axes, such as "temperature" and "applied voltage" for a medical equipment probe, or "air filter type" and "fuel injector type" for an internal combustion engine, and disabling unacceptable cells in advance, safe and efficient operation can be achieved.

[0106] As a specific example of an internal combustion engine, when a removable air filter is combined with multiple types of carburetors (or fuel injectors), the appropriate fuel mixture ratio cell can be selected from the matrix according to the intake capacity of the filter, and by controlling the throttle opening, excess or deficiency of fuel can be prevented, thereby achieving stable output and improved fuel efficiency at the same time.

[0107] In other words, two or more independent elements, such as rotation speed and heater output, are stored in a matrix as combinations of operations. Then, the combination suited to the attachment is set as the default setting, and the user can adjust the rotation speed and heater output within the range of values ​​stored in the matrix.

[0108] At least the first to third embodiments are provided.

[0109] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.

[0110] (1) A dryer comprising an intake port, an exhaust port, and a flow path communicating with the intake port and the exhaust port, wherein the flow path has a first flow path located on the intake port side, and a second flow path that is continuous with the first flow path, intersects with the first flow path, and extends toward the exhaust port, and wherein the effective opening area of ​​the boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path is larger than the opening area of ​​the exhaust port.

[0111] (2) The dryer according to (1) above, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air passes decreases toward the air outlet.

[0112] (3) The dryer according to (2) above, wherein the cross-sectional area decreases continuously toward the outlet.

[0113] (4) The dryer according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path intersect at an angle of 90° or more.

[0114] (5) The dryer according to any one of (1) to (4) above, further comprising two discharge electrodes, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively, disposed in the second flow path.

[0115] (6) A dryer according to any one of (1) to (5) above, comprising a handle to be gripped by a user, a flow path forming member having a cylindrical portion forming the first flow path provided at least in the handle, and a blow-out portion connected to the cylindrical portion, forming the second flow path, and opening at the blow-out port.

[0116] (7) A dryer according to any one of (1) to (6) above, comprising a motor and an impeller fixed to a rotating shaft of the motor, the motor being arranged on the suction port side and the impeller being arranged on the first flow path side.

[0117] (8) The dryer according to (7) above, further comprising a fixed vane, the fixed vane being disposed between the impeller and the first flow path.

[0118] (9) A dryer according to any one of (1) to (8) above, comprising a drive circuit for driving the motor and a heating mechanism disposed in the first flow path, the drive circuit being disposed on the opposite side of the motor from the heating mechanism.

[0119] (10) The dryer according to any one of (1) to (9) above, further comprising a cooling mechanism provided outside the flow path.

[0120] (11) The dryer according to any one of (1) to (10) above, further comprising an action part detachably attached to the dryer. Of course, this is not the case.

[0121] (12) A dryer comprising an exterior member, a flow path and a shutter mechanism provided within the exterior member, the flow path connecting an intake port and an outlet port, and the shutter mechanism changing the exposed area of ​​the outlet port to the outside.

[0122] (13) In the dryer described in (12) above, the shutter mechanism has a shutter that changes the exposed area of ​​the air outlet to the outside, an operating lever that opens and closes the shutter, and a link member that connects the shutter and the operating lever.

[0123] (14) The dryer according to (12) or (13) above, further comprising a sensor that detects the degree of exposure of the air outlet to the outside by the shutter.

[0124] (15) A dryer comprising an exterior member, a flow path and a cooling mechanism provided within the exterior member, the flow path communicating an intake port and an exhaust port, and the cooling mechanism provided outside the flow path.

[0125] Finally, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1: Light beauty device 2: Light emitting device 21: Exterior material 211: Main body cover 211a: recess 212: Front cover 212a: Wall part 212b :Aperture 212c: Through hole 212d:Aperture 22: Light-emitting part 221: Lens 3: Dryer 30: Dryer body 30a: Inlet 30b: Air outlet 30c: Flow path 31c: First flow path 32c: Second flow path 33c: Boundary part 300: Flow path forming member 301: Bottomed cylindrical part 302: Outlet section 310: Support member 311: Main body cover 311a: Exterior intake port 312: Head cover 312a: Exterior air outlet 31: Exterior material 32: Heater coil 33: Motor 34: Impeller 35: Fixed wing 35a: Drive circuit 361: Drive circuit 362: Drive circuit 363: Power cord 371: Power button 372: Hot / cold air switch button 373: Air volume change button 374: Display 4: Shutter mechanism 41: Shutter 411: Projection piece 411a: Through hole 42: Control lever 43: Link member 431: Central part 432: Pin 433: Pin 5: Cooling mechanism 51: Ventilation channel 52: Ventilation hole 7: Hair setting nozzle 8: Massage head 81: Strong vibration region 811 : Protrusion 812: Contact 813: Vibration part 82: Weak vibration region 821 : Protrusion 83: Ventilation hole O31c: Central axis O32c: Central axis S1: Effective opening area S2: Effective opening area S3: Opening area θ: angle

Claims

1. A dryer, The air conditioner includes an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path communicating with the inlet and the outlet, the flow path includes a first flow path located on the air inlet side and a second flow path that is continuous with the first flow path, intersects with the first flow path, and extends toward the air outlet, a dryer in which an effective opening area of ​​a boundary between the first flow path and the second flow path is larger than an opening area of ​​the air outlet.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, A dryer, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the air passes decreases toward the air outlet.

3. The dryer according to claim 2, The cross-sectional area continuously decreases toward the outlet.

4. The dryer according to claim 1, The dryer, wherein an intersection angle between the first flow path and the second flow path is 90° or more.

5. The dryer according to claim 1, The dryer includes two discharge electrodes, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively, disposed in the second flow path.

6. The dryer according to claim 1, A handle is provided for a user to grasp, A dryer comprising a flow path forming member having a cylindrical portion that forms the first flow path provided at least within the handle, and a blowing portion that is connected to the cylindrical portion, forms the second flow path, and opens at the blowing outlet.

7. The dryer according to claim 1, a motor; and an impeller fixed to a rotation shaft of the motor; A dryer, wherein the motor is disposed on the suction port side and the impeller is disposed on the first flow path side.

8. The dryer according to claim 7, It has fixed wings, The dryer, wherein the stator is disposed between the impeller and the first flow path.

9. The dryer according to claim 1, a drive circuit that drives the motor; and a heating mechanism that is disposed in the first flow path; A dryer, wherein the drive circuit is disposed on the opposite side of the motor from the heating mechanism.

10. The dryer according to claim 1, The dryer includes a cooling mechanism provided outside the flow path.

11. The dryer according to claim 1, The dryer further comprises an action part that is detachably attached to the dryer.

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