hair iron

Abstract

To provide a hair iron with improved operability. [Solution] The hair iron 1 includes a first arm portion 10 having a first heater surface 13, a second arm portion 20 having a second heater surface 23 facing the first heater surface 13, a hinge portion 30 connecting the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 to each other so that they can swing, and a biasing member 45 connecting the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 and biasing the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 in directions away from each other. The biasing member 45 is connected to the first arm portion 10 at a position between the hinge portion 30 and the first heater surface 13 and closer to the rear end of the first heater surface 13, and is connected to the second arm portion 20 at a position between the hinge portion 30 and the second heater surface 23 and closer to the rear end of the second heater surface 23.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A typical hair iron has a pair of arms extending in the longitudinal direction and a hinge that swingably connects the pair of arms. A heater surface is provided at the tip end of each arm (opposite the hinge). The heater surfaces of each arm are arranged opposite each other, and hair can be styled by sandwiching it between the heater surfaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2018 / 235306 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a hair iron filed by the applicant of the present application. This hair iron has an air blowing function and is configured so that air is blown out from an air outlet provided on the side of a first heater plate.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a hair iron that can further improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hair iron comprising: a first arm portion having a first heater surface at a distal end thereof in a longitudinal direction; a second arm portion having a second heater surface at the distal end thereof facing the first heater surface; a hinge portion disposed at a rear end thereof in the longitudinal direction and pivotally connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion to each other; and a biasing member connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion and biasing the first arm portion and the second arm portion in directions away from each other. The biasing member is connected to the first arm portion at a position between the hinge portion and the first heater surface and closer to the rear end of the first heater surface, and is connected to the second arm portion at a position between the hinge portion and the second heater surface and closer to the rear end of the second heater surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a hair iron that can further improve operability. Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the longitudinal size of the hair iron. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a hair iron according to a first embodiment in a closed state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the hair iron shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a hair iron according to a first embodiment in an open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the hair iron shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the hair iron shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first arm cover is removed from the hair iron shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which a light guide member is removed from the hair iron shown in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing components of a hair iron according to an embodiment in an exploded state. [Figure 9] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the hair iron 1 shown in FIG. 5 along the line AA. [Figure 10] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the BB line portion of the hair iron 1 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the BB line portion of the hair iron in the open state. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a housing member provided in the hair iron. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear end portion of the hair iron. [Figure 14] 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which components of a hinge portion are removed from the hair iron shown in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the hair iron shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 8 is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the light guide member shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the light guide member shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the direction of air blown out from a hair iron. [Figure 19] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating how light travels in a light-guiding member. [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is a side view of the tip end side of the hair iron shown in FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a side view showing the hair iron shown in FIG. 20 with a first arm cover removed. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a hair iron according to a first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a hair iron that displays the temperature after use. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a hair iron according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] First Embodiment In this embodiment, a hair iron 1, which is an example of a hair iron according to the present invention, will be described as an example. The hair iron 1 can be used mainly for styling (dressing) hair.

[0011] (General configuration of hair iron) 1 to 4 show the appearance of the hair iron 1. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the hair iron 1 in a state where the arms 10 and 20 are closed (i.e., the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 are close to each other). Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the hair iron 1 in a state where the arms 10 and 20 are open (i.e., the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 are separated from each other).

[0012] In this specification, when describing the shape and positional relationship of each component of the hair iron 1, for convenience, the hair iron 1 is defined by three coordinate axes, namely, the X (X1-X2) direction (width direction), the Y (Y1-Y2) direction (up-down direction or thickness direction), and the Z (Z1-Z2) direction (front-rear direction), as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0013] The hair iron 1 has an elongated outer shape extending longitudinally along the Z direction. For ease of explanation, the Z1 side end of the hair iron 1 will be referred to as the front end, and the Z2 side end will be referred to as the rear end.

[0014] The hair iron 1 includes a first arm 10, a second arm 20, and a hinge 30. The first arm 10 has a first heater surface 13 at its longitudinal tip (Z1 side). The first heater surface 13 faces downward (Y2 side). The second arm 20 has a second heater surface 23 at its longitudinal tip (Z1 side). The second heater surface 23 faces upward (Y1 side). The first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 face each other.

[0015] The hinge portion 30 is disposed on the rear end side (Z2 side) in the longitudinal direction of the hair iron 1. The hinge portion 30 connects the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 so that they can swing relative to each other.

[0016] A biasing member is provided on the tip side (Z1 side) of the hinge portion 30, connecting the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 and biasing the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 in directions separating them from each other. The biasing member is formed of, for example, a coil spring, an air suspension, or the like.

[0017] The hair iron 1 has the above-described configuration, allowing hair to be sandwiched between the heater surfaces. A user of the hair iron 1 can style their hair by sandwiching hair between the heated heater surfaces and moving the hair iron 1 in the desired direction.

[0018] The hair iron 1 according to this embodiment includes a housing member 40 for housing electronic components, etc. The housing member 40 is provided in a space formed between the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20, which are connected via the hinge portion 30 (see FIG. 3, etc.).

[0019] A power cord 81 is provided at the rear end (Z2 side) of the hair iron 1 according to this embodiment. Electricity is supplied to each electronic component (e.g., the motor of the blower fan 44, the heater 82, etc.) inside the hair iron 1 via the power cord 81. In another embodiment, the hair iron 1 may be a cordless type. In the case of a cordless type, the hair iron 1 is equipped with a primary battery or a secondary battery inside.

[0020] (Internal structure of a hair iron) Next, the internal configuration of the hair iron 1 will be described. Fig. 5 shows a top view of the hair iron 1 (viewed from the Y1 side). Figs. 6 to 11 show the internal configuration of the hair iron 1. Fig. 6 shows the state in which the first arm cover 12 of the first arm portion 10 has been removed. Fig. 7 shows the state in which the light-guiding member 17 has been removed from the state shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows the state in which the components constituting the hair iron 1 have been disassembled. Fig. 9 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the AA line portion of the hair iron 1 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 10 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the BB line portion of the hair iron 1 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 11 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the BB line portion of the hair iron 1 in the open state. Note that the spring portion 45 is not shown in Fig. 11.

[0021] The hair iron 1 has an air blowing path 16 therein. The air blowing path 16 is provided inside at least one of the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20. Air is supplied to the air blowing path 16 from the air blower fan 44. The air that has passed through the air blowing path 16 is blown out from the air outlet 15.

[0022] The first arm portion 10 has a first arm main body 11, a first arm cover (air path forming member) 12, a first heater surface 13, a light guiding member 17, and an air path forming member 47 (see FIG. 8 ). The air flow path 16 is mainly formed by the first arm cover 12, the light guiding member 17, and the air path forming member 47. In this embodiment, a portion of the air flow path 16 is formed by the light guiding member 17, and the other portion of the air flow path 16 is formed by the air path forming member (specifically, the first arm cover 12 and the air path forming member 47). The light guiding member 17 guides light emitted from an LED (light source) 18 toward the air outlet 15, etc.

[0023] The second arm portion 20 has a second arm body 21, a second arm cover 22, a second heater surface 23, and the like.

[0024] In this embodiment, the air blowing path 16 is provided only inside the first arm portion 10, and no air blowing path is provided in the second arm portion 20. Note that in another embodiment, air blowing paths may be provided in both the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20.

[0025] The accommodating member 40 is disposed between the first arm body 11 and the second arm body 21. The accommodating member 40 serves to divide the space formed between the first arm body 11 and the second arm body 21.

[0026] A blower fan 44, a spring portion 45, an ion generating portion 61, electronic components (not shown), and the like are arranged in a space (accommodating space 43) partitioned by the accommodating member 40. Here, the electronic components include, for example, a control portion (control circuit) for controlling the heat supply to the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23, a control portion (control circuit) for the blower fan 44, and a control portion (control circuit) for the ion generating portion 61.

[0027] As described above, in the hair iron 1 according to this embodiment, the housing member 40 is disposed in the space formed between the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20, and electronic components and the like are housed inside this housing member 40. As shown in FIG. 11 , the housing member 40 is disposed in an area between the arrangement area of ​​the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 and the arrangement area of ​​the hinge portion 30 in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the hair iron 1. In this embodiment, the arrangement area of ​​the hinge portion 30 corresponds to the arrangement position of the blower fan 44 shown in FIG. 11 and other figures. This allows the area between each heater surface and the hinge portion 30 to be effectively utilized, thereby achieving a reduction in the size of the hair iron 1 (particularly in the longitudinal direction (Z direction)).

[0028] The ion generating unit 61 generates positive (+) ions (for example, H + (H2O) m (m is any natural number)) and negative (-) ions (e.g., O2 - (H2O) n (n is any natural number) The hair iron 1 has the ion generating unit 61, so that the air in the air blowing path 16 can contain ions.

[0029] (Regarding the housing and spring parts) Here, the configuration of the housing member 40 and the spring part 45 provided in the hair iron 1 will be described in more detail.

[0030] 12 shows the external configuration of the accommodating member 40. The accommodating member 40 has a side surface portion 41 that is substantially U-shaped when viewed from above (as viewed from the Y1 side). The upper (Y1 side) and lower (Y2 side) sides of the side surface portion 41 of the accommodating member 40 are open. The upper (Y1 side) side of the side surface portion 41 is covered by the first arm main body 11 of the first arm portion 10 and the air-path forming member 47. The lower (Y2 side) side surface portion 41 is covered by the second arm main body 21 of the second arm portion 20. A storage space 43 for accommodating electronic components and the like is formed within the space formed by the side surface portion 41, the first arm portion 10, and the second arm portion 20 of the accommodating member 40.

[0031] An operation unit 50 is disposed on the side surface 41 of the storage member 40. In this embodiment, the operation unit 50 and a first temperature display unit 55 are disposed on the side surface 41 on the X1 side of the storage member 40 (see FIG. 3, etc.).

[0032] A bearing portion 33 for the hinge shaft 31 that constitutes the hinge portion 30 is provided on the rear end side (Z2 side) of the housing member 40. An opening 37 that serves as an air intake 35 to the blower fan 44 is provided on the outer periphery of the bearing portion 33.

[0033] A spring portion 45, which is an example of a biasing member, is provided inside the housing member 40. The spring portion 45 is formed of, for example, a coil spring.

[0034] The spring portion 45 is connected to the first arm portion 10 at a position between the hinge portion 30 and the first heater surface 13, closer to the rear end (the end on the Z2 side) of the first heater surface 13, and is connected to the second arm portion 20 at a position between the hinge portion 30 and the second heater surface 23, closer to the rear end (the end on the Z2 side) of the second heater surface 23 (see Figure 10).

[0035] The spring portion 45 applies a biasing force in a direction in which the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 move away from each other. As a result, when the user lightly grips the hinge portion 30 of the hair iron 1 slightly forward and does not apply force to the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20, the hair iron 1 is in the open state as shown in Fig. 3. Then, by applying force to the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20, the user can bring the two opposing heater surfaces closer to each other and sandwich hair between the two heater surfaces.

[0036] In this embodiment, the spring portion 45 is disposed on the tip side (Z1 side) inside the housing member 40. Specifically, the spring portion 45 is disposed so as to extend in the Y direction (up-down direction or thickness direction) inside a spring housing portion 45a provided at the tip portion inside the housing member 40 (see FIG. 9).

[0037] By locating the spring portion 45 at the tip end side within the housing member 40, the distance from the hinge portion 30 to the spring portion 45 can be increased. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the strength of the force clamping the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20. This makes it easier to style the hair as desired.

[0038] 9 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the hair iron 1 at the position where the spring portion 45 is arranged. Here, the cross-sectional configuration of the hair iron 1 refers to a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the hair iron 1. In FIG. 9, if the overlapping direction of the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 is defined as the Y direction (also referred to as the up-down direction or thickness direction) and the direction perpendicular to the Y direction is defined as the X direction (also referred to as the left-right direction or width direction), the spring portion 45 is arranged along the Y direction (up-down direction) at approximately the center of the X direction (left-right direction).

[0039] That is, the spring portion 45 is arranged on an imaginary plane including a central axis extending along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the first arm portion 10 and a central axis extending along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the second arm portion 20.

[0040] According to the above configuration, the force from the first arm portion 10 side and the force from the second arm portion 20 side can be applied to each heater surface in a well-balanced manner, thereby improving the operability when the user clamps hair.

[0041] (Regarding the hinge and air intake) Next, the detailed configuration of the hinge unit 30 and the air intake 35 provided on the hair iron 1 will be described. Fig. 13 shows the appearance of the rear end portion of the hair iron 1 where the hinge unit 30 is provided. Fig. 14 shows the components of the hinge unit 30 disassembled. Fig. 15 shows the internal configuration around the hinge unit 30. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the rear end portion of the hair iron 1 taken along the XZ plane.

[0042] The hinge unit 30 connects the first arm unit 10 and the second arm unit 20 to each other so that they can swing. The hinge unit 30 is provided on each side surface of the hair iron 1 in the width direction (X direction) (see FIG. 15). The hinge unit 30 on one side (e.g., the X1 side) and the hinge unit 30 on the other side (e.g., the X2 side) are configured symmetrically. The hinge unit 30 includes a hinge shaft 31, an air intake cover 32, a bearing unit 33, etc.

[0043] The hinge shaft 31 is supported by a bearing 33 or the like provided in the housing member 40. An opening 37 that serves as an air intake 35 to the blower fan 44 is provided on the outer periphery of the bearing 33 (see FIG. 14). In this way, the air intake 35 is provided around the hinge shaft 31 when the hair iron 1 is viewed from the side.

[0044] Air intake cover 32 is disposed on the outside of hinge shaft 31. Air intake cover 32 is provided so as to cover air intake 35 in a side view. An inclined surface 36 that slopes toward air intake 35 (specifically, opening 37) is provided on the outer periphery of opening 37. Inclined surface 36 is provided at a position corresponding to the outer periphery of air intake cover 32.

[0045] In this embodiment, the bearing portion 33 and the inclined surface 36 are provided on both the left and right side surfaces of the housing member 40 (specifically, both the left and right side surfaces on the rear side of the side surface portion 41). The outer periphery of the intake port cover 32 is disposed in a position facing the inclined surface 36. The inclined surface 36 may be flat or curved.

[0046] The outer surface of intake port cover 32 is positioned approximately in the same plane as the side surface of first arm portion 10 (specifically, first arm main body 11) and the side surface of second arm portion 20 (specifically, second arm main body 21) (see Figure 15). Here, "approximately in the same plane" includes cases where the respective surfaces are positioned in the same plane, as well as cases where the outer surface of intake port cover 32 protrudes slightly outward or is slightly recessed inward.

[0047] In this embodiment, in the region where the hinge portion 30 is provided, the housing member 40 is located outside the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20. More specifically, in the region where the hinge portion 30 is provided, the main body portion of the hair iron 1 is arranged in the following order from the outer shell side: the bearing portion 33 of the housing member 40, the bearing portion 29 of the second arm portion 20, and the bearing portion 19 of the first arm portion 10 (see FIG. 15 ).

[0048] A hinge shaft 31 is inserted into each of these bearings, whereby the first arm portion 10 and the second arm portion 20 swing around the hinge shaft 31 as a base point.

[0049] As described above, in the region where the hinge portion 30 is provided, the accommodation member 40 is disposed on the outermost side, so that the capacity inside the accommodation member 40 can be made larger.

[0050] In this embodiment, the air intake cover 32 has a substantially circular shape in a side view of the hair iron 1. The opening 37 of the housing member 40, which is provided to correspond to the substantially circular air intake cover 32, has a substantially circular shape along the outer periphery of the central bearing portion 33. Furthermore, the inclined surface 36 is formed in a substantially circular shape so as to surround the outside of the substantially circular opening 37.

[0051] In another embodiment, the shape of opening 37 of housing member 40 may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) in side view. In this case, intake port cover 32 may be polygonal (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) in side view corresponding to the shape of opening 37, or may be circular.

[0052] As described above, it is preferable that the air intake cover 32 is provided so as to cover the air intake 35 in a side view. In other words, it is preferable that the opening 37 of the air intake 35 cannot be seen in a side view of the hair iron 1. This makes it difficult for dust and other particles contained in the air to flow into the inside of the hair iron 1 through the air intake 35.

[0053] In addition, the provision of inclined surface 36 around opening 37 allows air to flow smoothly toward opening 37. As shown in Fig. 13, the gap between intake port cover 32 and inclined surface 36 serves as intake port 35, and air is supplied from this gap toward blower fan 44 inside.

[0054] The blower fan 44 is disposed on the rear end side (Z2 side) of the housing member 40. The blower fan 44 is disposed at a position overlapping the position of the hinge portion 30 in a side view of the hair iron 1. An air intake 35 that guides air to the blower fan 44 is provided around the hinge shaft 31 that forms the hinge portion 30.

[0055] This configuration can reduce the size in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the hair iron 1. In particular, the length of the rear end side (Z1 side) of the hair iron 1 can be reduced.

[0056] The air generated by the blower fan 44 passes through an air passage 16 provided in the first arm portion 10 and is blown out from an outlet 15 provided on the side surface of the first arm portion 10. The blower fan 44 is, for example, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, or an axial flow fan.

[0057] (Air flow path and outlet) Next, the air flow path 16 provided in the hair iron 1 and the surrounding area will be described in more detail.

[0058] The hair iron 1 has an air outlet 15 provided on a side surface of the first arm portion 10. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, an air outlet 15a is provided on a side surface of the first arm portion 10 on the X1 side, and an air outlet 15b is provided on a side surface of the first arm portion 10 on the X2 side.

[0059] An airflow path 16 is provided inside the first arm portion 10 of the hair iron 1, guiding air from the blower fan 44 to the air outlet 15. The airflow path 16 is formed by the first arm body 11, the first arm cover 12, the light guide member 17, and the airflow path forming member 47. Specifically, the upstream side (Z2 side) of the airflow path 16 is formed mainly by the first arm body 11 and the airflow path forming member 47, and the downstream side (Z1 side) of the airflow path 16 is formed mainly by the first arm cover 12 and the light guide member 17 (see FIG. 10 , etc.).

[0060] The hair iron 1 of this embodiment has a light source (specifically, an LED 18) that illuminates the inside of the airflow path 16. At least a part of the airflow path 16 is formed of a light-guiding member 17 that guides the light emitted from the light source. This allows the light emitted by the LED 18 to be guided toward the air outlet 15.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows the hair iron 1 with the first arm cover 12 and the light guide member 17 removed from the main body. The light guide member 17 guides light emitted from the LEDs 18 toward the air outlet 15 and other locations. The light guide member 17 is made of a light-transmitting material. Preferably, the light guide member 17 is also made of a light-resistant material. Examples of materials that form the light guide member 17 include acrylic resin, polycarbonate, and glass. The LEDs 18 are located on the rear end side (Z2 side) of the light guide member 17 and irradiate light into the air flow path 16.

[0062] Fig. 16 shows the configuration of the lower surface 17b (the surface on the Y2 side) of light guide member 17. Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional configuration of light guide member 17. Fig. 18 schematically shows the direction of air blown out from the hair iron.

[0063] In this embodiment, the light guide member 17 forms a part of the bottom surface (the surface on the Y2 side) of the air blowing path 16. The light guide member 17 has a roughly semi-cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the respective surfaces of the light guide member 17 will be referred to as an upper surface 17a and a lower surface 17b based on their positions when they are disposed inside the hair iron 1.

[0064] The upper surface 17a of the light guide member 17 forms a raised surface in a semi-cylindrical shape. That is, the upper surface 17a has a shape that curves and rises from both sides (the X1 side end and the X2 side end) toward the center.

[0065] With the upper surface 17a having such a shape, the light guiding member 17 has an airflow direction changing function. Specifically, first, the direction of the airflow proceeding toward the tip side (Z1 side) in the airflow path 16 is changed toward the lateral side (X1 side and X2 side) where the air outlets 15a and 15b are provided. Furthermore, the airflow direction can be changed so that the airflow blown out from the air outlets 15a and 15b is blown toward the hair H sandwiched between the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 (see FIG. 18).

[0066] As shown in Fig. 16, a plurality of recesses (specifically, recesses 17c and 17d) are provided in the lower surface 17b of the light guide member 17. The recess 17c has a generally V-shape that widens toward the tip side (Z1 side) when viewed from below. The end of the recess 17c forms an inclined surface 17e whose depth gradually decreases toward the flat portion of the lower surface 17b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inclined surface 17e is a curved, rounded surface (see Fig. 17).

[0067] The recess 17d is located closer to the rear end (Z2 side) than the recess 17c. The LED 18 is housed in the recess 17c. In this embodiment, the air flow path 16 has two LEDs 18, and therefore two recesses 17d are formed to accommodate the two LEDs 18. However, in another embodiment, there may be one LED and one recess.

[0068] 19, arrows are used to schematically show how light emitted from the LED 18 travels inside the light-guiding member 17. The light emitted from the LED 18 spreads radially toward the tip side (Z1 side). Note that, because the front side surface 17f of the recess 17d is inclined as shown in FIG. 19, the light emitted from the LED 18 spreads further toward the side (X2 side in the example shown in FIG. 19).

[0069] Then, most of the light traveling inside light-guiding member 17 is redirected to the side (X1 side or X2 side) by inclined surface 17e of recess 17c. This allows most of the light traveling inside light-guiding member 17 to be guided toward each of air outlets 15a and 15b. Therefore, the intensity of the light visually recognized from air outlet 15 can be increased.

[0070] As described above, by changing the shape of light-guiding member 17, it is possible to more efficiently guide the light of LED 18 toward the opening of air outlet 15. For example, by forming a substantially V-shaped depression 17c and making inclined surface 17e of depression 17c into an R-shape, the shadowed portion is reduced, and it is possible to more efficiently guide the light of LED 18 toward the opening of air outlet 15.

[0071] It is preferable that at least a part of the light guide member 17 is configured to be visible from the opening of the air outlet 15. This can further improve the visibility of the light emitted from the LEDs 18.

[0072] 20 and 21, when the opening of the air outlet 15 is viewed from the front (i.e., when viewed from the X1 side or the X2 side), the light guide member 17 extends from the leading end side (Z1 side) of the opening to the rear end side (Z2 side) of the opening. This allows the light from the light guide member 17 to be visible from the entire opening.

[0073] In another embodiment, a portion of the light-guiding member may be exposed on the outer surface of the first arm unit 10 or the second arm unit 20. For example, a portion or all of the first arm cover 12 of the first arm unit 10 may be formed of a light-guiding member.

[0074] The LED 18 is controlled to be turned on / off by the control unit 70 (specifically, the LED control unit 72), which will be described later. For example, it is preferable that the LED 18 is turned on when the hair iron 1 is in operation (heater ON and fan ON). This allows the user to visually and easily grasp the position of the air outlet 15. The LED 18 may also emit light in a color (e.g., blue). This makes the position of the air outlet 15 more noticeable, allowing the user to more easily recognize the position of the air outlet 15.

[0075] The LED 18 may be capable of emitting multiple colors. In this case, the LED 18 may emit different colors when the hair iron 1 is operating with airflow (heater ON and fan ON) and when it is operating without airflow (heater ON and fan OFF).

[0076] According to the above configuration, in the hair iron 1 having an air blowing function, the air outlet 15 can be made visually conspicuous, so that the user can easily recognize the position of the air outlet 15. Therefore, the operability of the hair iron 1 during use is further improved.

[0077] A positive ion electrode 62 and a negative ion electrode 63 of an ion generating unit 61 are provided in air blowing path 16. This allows positive ions and negative ions to be supplied to the air passing through air blowing path 16.

[0078] In one example, the ion generating unit 61 generates ions in conjunction with the operation of the blower fan 44. That is, when the blower fan 44 starts operating, the ion generating unit 61 starts generating ions, and when the blower fan 44 stops operating, the ion generating unit 61 stops generating ions.

[0079] In this embodiment, the negative ion electrode 63 is positioned closer to the air outlet 15 than the positive ion electrode 62 (see FIG. 10, etc.). In other words, the negative ion electrode 63 is positioned downstream of the airflow relative to the positive ion electrode 62. This allows more negative ions to be contained in the air blown out from the air outlet 15. Because human hair is easily positively charged, blowing air containing more negative ions onto the hair can further enhance the static elimination effect.

[0080] 10, when the hair iron 1 is viewed from the side in the closed state, the positive ion electrode 62 and the negative ion electrode 63 are positioned at different positions in the up-down direction (Y direction). The ion generating unit 61 is provided with a rib (partition) 64 to separate the positive ion electrode 62 and the negative ion electrode 63. By providing such a rib 64, the positive ions and negative ions generated from the electrodes cancel each other out in the air flow path 16, preventing a decrease in the amount of ions.

[0081] (Regarding the control and operation sections) Next, the internal configuration of the control unit 70 and other components provided in the hair iron 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 22, the hair iron 1 includes the control unit 70, the blower fan 44, the heater 82, the temperature sensor 83, the LED 18, the temperature indicator lamp 56, and the operation unit 50. The heater 82 supplies heat to the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23. The temperature sensor 83 is disposed, for example, within the first arm portion 10 and detects the temperature of the first arm portion 10.

[0082] The control unit 70 is composed of a control circuit and the like housed in the housing member 40. The control unit 70 includes a fan control unit 71, an LED control unit 72, a heater control unit 73, a memory 76, and a timer 77. The control unit 70 controls the operation of the motor of the blower fan 44, the heater 82, the LED 18, the temperature display lamp 56, and the like, in accordance with the operation performed on the operation unit 50, the detection result of the temperature sensor 83, and the like.

[0083] The fan control unit 71 controls the operation of the motor of the blower fan 44. The fan control unit 71 starts (ON) and stops (OFF) the operation of the motor of the blower fan 44 in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 50.

[0084] The LED control unit 72 controls the turning on / off of the LED 18. If the LED 18 is capable of emitting multiple colors, the LED control unit 72 can also control the display color of the LED 18. Furthermore, the LED control unit 72 also controls the ON / OFF of the LED of the temperature display lamp 56 of the first temperature display unit 55.

[0085] The heater control unit 73 controls the ON / OFF of the heater 82. The heater control unit 73 changes the set temperature of the heater 82 in response to the operation of the temperature increase button 52a or the temperature decrease button 52b in the operation unit 50 by the user.

[0086] The memory 76 includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 76 stores the operation program and setting data of the hair iron 1, and also temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the control unit 70. The timer 77 measures the time of processing performed in the control unit 70, the operating time of each component in the hair iron 1, etc., as necessary.

[0087] Next, the operation unit 50 and the first temperature display unit 55 provided on the side surface portion 41 of the containing member 40 will be described.

[0088] 4, the operation unit 50 is provided at a position closer to the hinge portion 30 on the side surface portion 41 of the housing member 40. In this embodiment, the operation unit 50 has a power button 51, a temperature increase button 52a, and a temperature decrease button 52b.

[0089] The power button 51 is a button that is pressed to start power supply to the hair iron 1. When the user presses the power button 51 while the hair iron 1 is not in operation, the fan control unit 71 starts the motor of the blower fan 44, and the heater control unit 73 starts heating with the heater 82. In one embodiment, when the user presses the power button 51 while the hair iron 1 is not in operation, the LED control unit 72 lights up the LED 18 in a predetermined color.

[0090] When the user presses the power button 51 of the operating hair iron 1, the heater control unit 73 stops heating of the heater 82. At this timing, the fan control unit 71 may or may not stop the motor of the blower fan 44.

[0091] If the motor is not stopped at this timing, the fan control unit 71 will stop the motor when the detected temperature falls below a predetermined value based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 83. This type of control is possible when electricity is continuously supplied from the power cord 81 or when the hair iron 1 has an internal battery.

[0092] Side surface portion 41 of housing member 40 is recessed relative to the side surface of first arm portion 10 and the side surface of second arm portion 20. By arranging operation unit 50 on such side surface portion 41, the possibility that the user will press operation unit 50 by mistake can be reduced.

[0093] 1 and other figures, when the first arm unit 10 and the second arm unit 20 are closed, the upper end (the end on the Y1 side) and the lower end (the end on the Y2 side) of the operation unit 50 are covered by either the first arm unit 10 or the second arm unit 20. In this way, the upper and lower ends of the operation unit 50 are hidden by the first arm unit 10 and the second arm unit 20, which further reduces the possibility that the user will accidentally press any of the buttons on the operation unit 50 while using the hair iron 1.

[0094] 4, the first temperature display unit 55 is provided on the side surface 41 of the housing member 40 closer to the tip (Z1 side) than the operation unit 50. The first temperature display unit 55 indicates the set temperature of the heater 82. In other words, the first temperature display unit 55 can also be called a set temperature display unit.

[0095] The first temperature display unit 55 includes a temperature display lamp 56 and a printing unit 57. The temperature display lamp 56 is composed of a plurality of LED lamps. The printing unit 57 is located above the temperature display lamp 56 (on the Y1 side). For example, the printing unit 57 is made up of numbers printed above each LED lamp, and is a numerical value indicating the currently selected set temperature (for example, "200," "180," "160," "140," "120," etc.).

[0096] When the user operates the temperature increase button 52a or the temperature decrease button 52b, the temperature display lamp 56 of the corresponding set temperature lights up.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, when the hair iron 1 is in the closed state, the temperature display lamp 56 of the first temperature display unit 55 is covered and hidden by the second arm unit 20.

[0098] In this way, when the hair iron 1 is in a closed state (i.e., when the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 are close to each other), at least a portion of the first temperature display unit 55 may be covered or hidden by the first arm portion 10 or the second arm portion 20.

[0099] In this embodiment, when the hair iron 1 is in the closed state, the temperature display lamp 56, which is part of the first temperature display unit 55, is covered by the first arm unit 10 or the second arm unit 20, and most of the printing unit 57, which is also part of the first temperature display unit 55, is exposed. In this way, by exposing the printing unit 57 even when the hair iron 1 is in the closed state, it is possible to prevent the printing from being blurred due to friction caused by the opening and closing movements of the arms.

[0100] (How to control the blower fan) Next, a method for controlling the blower fan 44 using the operation unit 50 of the hair iron 1 will be described.

[0101] The fan control unit 71 starts (ON) and stops (OFF) the operation of the motor of the blower fan 44 in accordance with instructions from the operation unit 50.

[0102] For example, when the hair iron 1 is not in operation, the user presses the power button 51 on the operation unit 50, causing the fan control unit 71 to start the motor of the blower fan 44.

[0103] In addition, the hair iron 1 according to this embodiment can stop (OFF) the operation of the blower fan 44 by performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 50 while the hair iron 1 is in use (while the heater is heating). Thereafter, the user can restart (ON) the operation of the blower fan 44 that was once stopped by performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 50 while the hair iron 1 is in use. In this way, this embodiment is provided with an operation unit 50 that can turn the blower fan 44 OFF or ON as desired while the hair iron 1 is in use (while the heater is heating).

[0104] One way to stop the operation of the blower fan 44 while using the hair iron 1 is, for example, to press and hold the power button 51 of the operation unit 50. Alternatively, the operation unit 50 may have a dedicated button for turning the blower fan 44 on and off, and the blower fan 44 may be turned on and off by pressing this dedicated button.

[0105] Furthermore, the operation unit 50 may include a dial-type operation unit or a slide switch-type operation unit. In this case, the operation unit may include at least three options: power OFF (heater OFF), power ON and fan ON, and power ON and fan OFF.

[0106] According to the above configuration, the user can select whether or not to blow air depending on, for example, the area to be styled, the styling method, etc. As a result, if the air from the air outlet 15 interferes with styling, the user can stop the air blowing by operating the air outlet 15, thereby improving the convenience of treatment using the hair iron 1.

[0107] Furthermore, the fan control unit 71 may be capable of controlling the rotation speed and rotation direction of the motor of the blower fan 44. For example, when the user operates an air volume adjustment button (not shown) in the operation unit 50, the fan control unit 71 may increase or decrease the rotation speed of the motor. This allows the strength of the air from the air outlet 15 to be changed, thereby further improving the convenience of treatment using the hair iron 1.

[0108] Furthermore, when the user presses a dust removal button (not shown) in the operation unit 50, for example, the fan control unit 71 may rotate the motor in the opposite direction to the normal direction (when the hair iron 1 is in use). This allows an air flow from the air outlet 15 to the air intake 35 to be formed in the air flow path 16, thereby removing dust and other particles in the air flow path 16.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the hair iron 1 has an air blowing function, and the user can select whether or not to blow air according to his / her desire, thereby further improving convenience.

[0110] (How to display the temperature of a hair iron after use) Next, a method for the hair iron 1 to determine its own temperature and display the determination result after use of the hair iron 1 has finished will be described below.

[0111] Fig. 23 shows the internal configuration of the hair iron 1 when it displays the temperature after use. As shown in Fig. 23, the hair iron 1 further includes a temperature determination unit 74 in the control unit 70 in addition to the configuration described above.

[0112] The temperature determination unit 74 determines at least one of the temperatures of the first arm unit 10 and the second arm unit 20. Here, the temperature of the first arm unit 10 refers to the temperature of the first heater surface 13, or the surface temperature of the outer shell of the first arm unit 10 (for example, the first arm cover 12), or the surface temperature of the outer shell of the first arm unit 10 estimated from the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 83 provided inside the first arm unit 10.

[0113] Similarly, the temperature of the second arm section 20 is the temperature of the second heater surface 23, or the surface temperature of the outer shell of the second arm section 20 (e.g., the second arm cover 22), or the surface temperature of the outer shell of the second arm section 20 estimated from the detected temperature of a temperature sensor 83 provided inside the second arm section 20.

[0114] In one example, temperature determination unit 74 determines the temperature of first arm unit 10. In another example, temperature determination unit 74 may determine the temperature of second arm unit 20, or may determine the temperatures of two arms. Furthermore, when measuring the temperature of one arm unit, it may be possible to measure the temperature of one arm unit and then determine that the temperature of the other arm unit is approximately the same.

[0115] The hair iron 1 also includes a temperature display unit that displays a temperature based on the result of the determination by the temperature determination unit 74.

[0116] The temperature display unit displays the temperature at least after use of the hair iron 1 has finished. Here, "after use of the hair iron 1 has finished" refers to, for example, after the user turns off the main power (e.g., the power button 51). When the main power is turned off, heating of the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23 and generation of ions from the ion generating unit 61 end. At this point, the blower fan 44 may be stopped, or the blower fan 44 may be kept on and stopped when the temperature of the hair iron 1 drops below a predetermined value.

[0117] Furthermore, if the hair iron 1 does not have a blower fan, turning off the main power supply will simply terminate heating of the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23. If the hair iron 1 does not have an ion generating unit, turning off the main power supply will simply terminate heating of the first heater surface 13 and the second heater surface 23.

[0118] For example, the hair iron may be controlled so that the main power supply is automatically turned off if no input is made to the operation unit for a predetermined period of time. In this case, it may also be determined that the use of the hair iron has ended.

[0119] In this embodiment, the light-guiding member 17 including the LED 18 (light-emitting unit) serves as the temperature display unit. That is, the light-emitting unit (LED 18) that illuminates the air flow path 16 functions as the temperature display unit that displays a value based on the determination result of the temperature determination unit 74 after use of the hair iron 1 has ended.

[0120] In one embodiment, when the hair iron 1 is in a high temperature state immediately after the main power is turned off, the LED 18 lights up in a predetermined color (e.g., red) to notify the user that the hair iron 1 is hot. Thereafter, when the hair iron 1 drops below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below 40°C), the LED 18 is turned off. When the LED is turned off, the blower fan 44 is also turned off. This allows the user to recognize that the temperature of the hair iron 1 has sufficiently dropped, allowing them to put the hair iron 1 away in a predetermined place. Note that while the hair iron 1 is in use, the LED 18 may emit light in blue, for example, to notify the user that ions are being generated.

[0121] The temperature display unit preferably has a light source whose emitted light color changes depending on the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74. Specifically, the LED 18 is preferably a multi-color light emitting type. The LED control unit 72 preferably controls the LED 18 to emit light in a color corresponding to the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74.

[0122] For example, when the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74 is higher than a first predetermined temperature (e.g., above 60°C), the LED control unit 72 causes the LED 18 to emit red light. Thereafter, when the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74 becomes equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature (e.g., equal to or lower than 60°C), the LED control unit 72 causes the LED 18 to emit orange or yellow light. Furthermore, when the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74 becomes equal to or lower than a second predetermined temperature (e.g., equal to or lower than 40°C), the LED control unit 72 turns off the LED 18. When the LED is turned off, the blower fan 44 is also turned off.

[0123] In this way, it is preferable that the temperature display unit (e.g., LED 18) stops displaying when the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (e.g., 40°C or lower). This reduces unnecessary power consumption. Such control is possible when electricity is continuously supplied from the power plug via the power cord 81 or when the hair iron 1 has an internal battery.

[0124] When power is supplied from a power plug, the temperature display unit (e.g., LED 18) also turns off when the power plug is unplugged. By leaving the power plug connected when you have finished using the hair iron 1 (when the main power is turned off), power continues to be supplied to the control unit 70, allowing the LED 18 to continue to light up.

[0125] If the hair iron 1 has a battery (primary battery or secondary battery) inside, power is supplied from the battery and the temperature display unit (e.g., LED 18) continues to light up even after the user turns off the main power when finished using the hair iron. When the temperature drops, the LED 18 is turned off and power to the control unit 70 is also turned off. This reduces battery consumption. Note that power to the control unit 70 may be turned off even when the hair iron 1 is connected to a commercial power source.

[0126] According to the above configuration, the user can recognize the temperature of the hair iron 1 after use, which further improves convenience.

[0127] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a configuration example was described in which the light guide member 17 and the LED 18 provided in the air flow path 16 are a temperature display unit that displays information based on the determination result of the temperature determination unit 74. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the temperature display unit is provided at the tip of the hair iron will be described.

[0128] 24 shows the appearance of a hair iron 101 according to the second embodiment. Similar to the hair iron 1 according to the first embodiment, the hair iron 101 includes a first arm 10, a second arm 20, and a hinge 30.

[0129] A second temperature display unit 155 is provided on the top surface (Y1 side surface) of the tip side (Z1 side) of the first arm unit 10 of the hair iron 101. The second temperature display unit 155 functions as a temperature display unit that displays a value based on the determination result of the temperature determination unit 74 after use of the hair iron 101 has ended.

[0130] The second temperature display unit 155 has a light source (e.g., an LED). As described in the first embodiment, the light source may be one whose emitted light color changes depending on the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74. As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the second temperature display unit 155 terminates the display when the temperature determined by the temperature determination unit 74 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value (e.g., 40°C or lower).

[0131] In another embodiment, the second temperature display portion 155 may include paint that changes color depending on the temperature instead of a light source.

[0132] 24, the second temperature display unit 155 is disposed on the upper surface (Y1 side surface) of the tip end (Z1 side) of the first arm unit 10. In this case, the second temperature display unit 155 can be formed by applying paint that changes color depending on temperature to part of the surface of the first arm cover 12 of the first arm unit 10 in the front-to-rear direction (Z direction).

[0133] In another example, paint whose color changes depending on temperature may be applied to the entire surface of the first arm cover 12. In yet another example, paint whose color changes depending on temperature may be applied to the periphery of the air outlet 15.

[0134] As described above, the second temperature display unit 155, which includes paint that changes color depending on the temperature, may be provided on at least one of the first heater surface 13, the second heater surface 23, the outer shell of the first arm unit 10 covering the back surface of the first heater surface 13 (specifically, the first arm cover 12), and the outer shell of the second arm unit 20 covering the back surface of the second heater surface 23 (specifically, the second arm cover 22).

[0135] According to the above configuration, the user can recognize the temperature of the hair iron 101 after use, which further improves convenience.

[0136] The configuration of the hair iron 101 can be the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the second temperature display unit 155. The LED 18 provided in the air flow path 16 may be lit only while the hair iron 1 is in use, or may remain lit during use and for a certain period of time after use has ended (for example, while the air blower fan 44 is operating). The LED 18 provided in the air flow path 16 may emit light in blue, for example, to notify the user of the generation of ions while the hair iron 1 is in use.

[0137] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1: Hair iron 10: First arm 11: First arm body 12: First arm cover (air path forming member) 13: First heater surface 15(15a・15b): Air outlet 16: Air flow path 17: Light guide member (temperature display section) 18: LED (light source, light-emitting part) 19: Bearing part 20: Second arm 21: Second arm body 22: Second arm cover 23: Second heater surface 29: Bearing part 30: Hinge part 31: Hinge axis 32: Air intake cover 33: Bearing part 35: Air intake 36: Inclined surface 37: Opening 40: Housing member 41: Side portion (of the housing member) 43: Containment space 44: Blower fan 45: Spring portion (biasing member) 45a: Spring housing 47: Air passage forming member 50:Operation unit 51: Power button 52a: Temperature increase button 52b: Temperature decrease button 55: 1st temperature display section 56: Temperature indicator lamp 57: Printing section 61: Ion generating unit 62: Positive ion electrode 63: Negative ion electrode 64: Rib (partition) 70: Control unit 71: Fan control unit 72: LED control unit 73: Heater control unit 74: Temperature judgment section 76: Memory 77: Timer 81: Power cord 82: Heater 83: Temperature sensor 101: Hair iron 155:Second temperature display section

Claims

1. a first arm portion having a first heater surface at a tip end side in a longitudinal direction; a second arm portion having a second heater surface facing the first heater surface at the tip end side in the longitudinal direction; a hinge portion disposed on a rear end side in the longitudinal direction and pivotally connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion to each other; a biasing member that connects the first arm portion and the second arm portion and biases the first arm portion and the second arm portion in directions away from each other; Equipped with the biasing member is connected to the first arm portion at a position between the hinge portion and the first heater surface and closer to the end of the first heater surface on the rear end side, and is connected to the second arm portion at a position between the hinge portion and the second heater surface and closer to the end of the second heater surface on the rear end side; Hair iron.

2. a housing member for housing an electronic component is further provided in a space formed between the first arm portion and the second arm portion connected via the hinge portion; The hair iron according to claim 1.

3. The housing member has a side surface having a substantially U-shape, an upper portion of the side surface portion is covered by the first arm portion, a lower portion of the side surface portion is covered by the second arm portion, the electronic component is accommodated in a space formed by the side surface portion, the first arm portion, and the second arm portion of the accommodation member; The hair iron according to claim 2.

4. A temperature display unit is provided on the outer surface of the side surface portion. The hair iron according to claim 3.

5. When the first heater surface and the second heater surface are in close proximity to each other, at least a portion of the temperature display unit is covered by the first arm portion or the second arm portion. The hair iron according to claim 4.

6. The biasing member is disposed on the tip side within the housing member. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hair iron, when the overlapping direction of the first arm portion and the second arm portion is defined as a vertical direction and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as a horizontal direction, The biasing member is disposed along the up-down direction at a substantially central position in the left-right direction. The hair iron according to claim 6.

8. In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hair iron, when the overlapping direction of the first arm portion and the second arm portion is defined as a vertical direction and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as a horizontal direction, The biasing member is disposed along the up-down direction at a substantially central position in the left-right direction. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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