Hair dryer

Abstract

To provide a hair dryer that can clearly indicate the state of the airflow being blown. [Solution] The hair dryer 10 is equipped with multiple light-emitting units 41D, and the state of the airflow is indicated by how each light-emitting unit 41D emits light.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair dryer.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional hair dryer. This hair dryer has a lighting unit that displays the state of the temperature of the blown air (hot air or normal-temperature air) by the color of the emitted light. The lighting unit has a configuration in which a red LED, a blue LED, and a green LED are covered by one light guide member. The light emitted from the LED is dazzling when viewed directly. Therefore, a translucent synthetic resin to which a diffusing agent is added is often used for the light guide member. Such a light guide member can diffuse the light emitted from the LED inside and emit the light with reduced glare to the outside. Further, the lighting unit of Patent Document 1 can display the operating state by increasing or decreasing the brightness of the LED or changing the blinking interval.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when increasing or decreasing the brightness of the LED, there is a concern that when light passes through a light guide member made of a translucent synthetic resin to which a diffusing agent is added, its brightness will decay, making it difficult for the user to distinguish. Also, when changing the blinking interval, there is a concern that the user will be forced to directly view the display unit for a certain period of time or more to grasp the blinking interval, making it difficult to use.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional situation, and an object to be solved is to provide a hair dryer that can clearly indicate the state of the blown air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The hair dryer of the present invention is equipped with multiple light-emitting units, and the state of the airflow is indicated by how each of the light-emitting units emits light.

[0007] This hair dryer has multiple light-emitting parts, making it easier to clearly distinguish the differences in light emission from each part. This allows users to easily recognize the differences in light emission from each part, and consequently, to understand the information about the airflow state indicated by the light-emitting parts.

[0008] Therefore, this hair dryer can clearly indicate the state of the airflow it is blowing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the hair dryer of Example 1, taken from the front left. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the hair dryer of Example 1, taken from the left rear. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the hair dryer of Example 1, with the left housing omitted and viewed from the front left. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the hair dryer of Example 1, with the left housing and decorative parts omitted, and viewed from the left rear. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view showing the decorative section on the left. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the decorative part attached to the air blower. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged side view of the main part, showing the air blower section in detail. [Figure 8] This is a magnified perspective view of the main part, showing the air blower section with the intake cover removed. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged front view of the main parts, specifically the air blower and air blower cylinder, as seen from the front. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hair dryer in Example 1. [Figure 11]This is an enlarged side view of the main part showing the light emission pattern of the light-emitting section in sensing mode. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged side view of the main part showing the light emission pattern of the light-emitting section in the non-sensing mode. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged side view of the main part showing the light emission pattern of the light-emitting section during an abnormal situation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0011] In the hair dryer of the present invention, each light-emitting part can be arranged in a row. In this case, it is easy to realize a configuration in which each light-emitting part changes continuously.

[0012] In the hair dryer of the present invention, each light-emitting part can be arranged in a line on the same circumference. In this case, if the configuration is such that each light-emitting part changes continuously, it is easy to realize a configuration that allows the change to continue without interruption.

[0013] In the hair dryer of the present invention, each light-emitting part can indicate the state of the airflow by emitting light of multiple colors. In this case, it is easier to realize a configuration in which more information is conveyed to the user by the light-emitting parts. The term "color" here includes hue, lightness, and saturation. Hue is the difference in relative color. Hue is the difference in color (shade), such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Lightness is the degree of brightness of a color. The higher the lightness, the brighter the color, and the lower the lightness, the darker the color. Saturation is the degree of vividness of a color. The higher the saturation, the more vivid the color, and the lower the saturation, the whiter the color.

[0014] <Example 1> [About the components of a hair dryer] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the hair dryer 10 of Example 1 includes a housing 20, a blower 30, a decorative part 40, a display part 27, a rear light-emitting part 35 (see FIG. 8), a power button 37, an operation part 39, a cylindrical member 71, a support member 73, a heating element 74, an infrared temperature sensor 75, a far-infrared generating part 77, and a control part 90 (see FIG. 10).

[0015] The housing 20 has a blower part 21, a blower tube part 23, and a handle part 25. The housing 20 is a so-called housing that conceals the contents. The blower part 21 houses the blower 30 described later (see FIGS. 3 and 4). An intake cover 22 having a plurality of intake ports 22A formed to extend in the vertical direction is attached to the rear side of the blower part 21 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0016] The blower tube part 23 is substantially cylindrical and extends forward from the blower part 21. An outlet member 24 is provided at the tip of the blower tube part 23 (see FIG. 3). The outlet member 24 has an annular ring part 24A and a net part 24B attached to the ring part 24A. A circular opening 24C is formed at the center of the net part 24B. The inner peripheral surface of the ring part 24A is an outlet 24D from which the blown air blows out.

[0017] The handle part 25 extends downward from the blower part 21. A cord bush 61 and a power cord 63 are provided on the handle part 25. A material having elasticity such as rubber is used for the cord bush 61 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The cord bush 61 extends downward from the lower end part of the handle part 25. A hook part 6IA is provided on the rear side of the cord bush 61. The cord bush 61 has a function of preventing the power cord 63 extending from the lower end part of the handle part 25 from being excessively bent.

[0018] For the sake of explanation regarding the hair dryer 10, in a hair dryer 10 where the air blower section 23 extends horizontally and the handle section 25 extends vertically, the direction in which the air blower section 23 extends from the air blower section 21 is considered forward, and the opposite direction is considered backward. In a hair dryer 10 where the air blower section 23 extends horizontally and the handle section 25 extends vertically, the direction in which the handle section 25 extends from the air blower section 21 is considered downward, and the opposite direction is considered upward. In a hair dryer 10 where the air blower section 23 extends horizontally and the handle section 25 extends vertically, when viewing the air outlet 24D from the front, the left direction is considered right, and the right direction is considered left. In each figure, the positive direction of the X axis is forward, and the negative direction is backward; the positive direction of the Y axis is right, and the negative direction is left; and the positive direction of the Z axis is upward, and the negative direction is downward.

[0019] The blower 30 has a motor 31 and an axial flow fan 33 that is rotated by the motor 31 (see Figure 4). A small and lightweight brushless DC motor is used for the motor 31. The motor 31 can be driven at a rotational speed of, for example, 100,000 rpm or more. Therefore, this hair dryer 10 can blow a strong wind with high air velocity and pressure from the blower unit 21. The motor 31 is driven and controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0020] The axial flow fan 33 is mounted on the drive shaft of the motor 31. The axial flow fan 33 is a so-called propeller fan. When the motor 31 is driven, the axial flow fan 33 generates airflow in the direction extending the drive shaft of the motor 31.

[0021] [Decorative section composition] The decorative part 40 is disc-shaped. One decorative part 40 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the air blower 21 (see Figures 3 and 9). The decorative part 40 on the left side, as shown in Figure 5, has a reflective part 41, a substrate 42, a light-shielding ring 43, a central transparent member 44, an outer transparent member 45, and a light-shielding part 46.

[0022] The reflective portion 41 has a recess 41E comprising a bottom surface 41A and an inner surface 41B that slopes upward and widens from the bottom surface 41A. Multiple grooves 41C are formed on the inner surface 41B, arranged in the circumferential direction. The reflective portion 41 is, for example, plated to reduce gloss. The back surface of each groove 41C slopes upward and widens from the bottom surface 41A (see Figure 6).

[0023] The substrate 42 is a circuit board with a circular outer shape. A circuit pattern (not shown) is formed on the substrate 42. A light-emitting element 42A is mounted on the substrate 42. The light-emitting element 42A has outer element elements 42B, which are light sources arranged in a circumferential direction on the outer edge of the substrate 42, and a central element 42C, which is located in the center of the surface of the substrate 42. Known full-color LEDs are used for the outer element elements 42B. In this embodiment, there are 24 outer element elements 42B. The direction of emission of the emitted light from the outer element elements 42B is set to be radially outward on the substrate 42.

[0024] A known white LED is used for the central element 42C. In this embodiment, there are five central elements 42C. Multiple central elements 42C are arranged to surround the center of the substrate 42. The direction of radiation from the central elements 42C is set to radially inward on the substrate 42. The substrate 42 is mounted on the reflecting section 41 with the side without the light-emitting element 42A facing the bottom surface 41A of the reflecting section 41 (see Figure 6). The outer element 42B, which is the light source, is located in the recess 41E (see Figure 6).

[0025] The light-shielding ring 43 is formed in an annular shape. For example, a black synthetic resin that does not transmit light is used for the light-shielding ring 43. The light-shielding ring 43 is positioned on the surface of the substrate 42 so as to separate the central element 42C from the outer peripheral element 42B (see Figure 6).

[0026] The central transparent member 44 is flat. For example, a transparent synthetic resin to which a diffusing agent has been added is used for the central transparent member 44. The central transparent member 44 is located inside the light-shielding ring 43 and is positioned to cover the central element 42C (see Figure 6). When the central element 42C emits light, the central transparent member 44 diffuses the emitted light from the central element 42C within itself, and emits light so that the entire surface of the plate opposite the central element 42C emits light evenly.

[0027] The outer peripheral transparent member 45 is disc-shaped. For example, a transparent synthetic resin to which a diffusing agent has been added is used for the outer peripheral transparent member 45. The outer peripheral transparent member 45 has a base portion 45A and an annular wall portion 45B. The base portion 45A is disc-shaped, and a through hole 45C penetrates through its center in the direction of the plate thickness. The annular wall portion 45B is an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 45A and protrudes from one plate surface of the base portion 45A. The outer peripheral transparent member 45 is attached to the reflecting portion 41 by covering the substrate 42 with the base portion 45A and bringing the tip of the annular wall portion 45B into contact with the bottom surface 41A of the reflecting portion 41 (see Figure 6). The central transparent member 44 and the light-shielding ring 43 are inserted through the through hole 45C (see Figure 6).

[0028] The light-shielding portion 46 is a circular, flat plate. The light-shielding portion 46 is made of a material that does not transmit light. An opening 46A is formed in the center of the light-shielding portion 46, penetrating in the direction of the plate thickness. A light-transmitting member 47 is fitted into the opening 46A. The shape of the opening 46A and the outer shape of the light-transmitting member 47 are formed to resemble, for example, letters or symbols. As a result, a light-transmitting portion 48 is formed in the center of the light-shielding portion 46 by the opening 46A and the light-transmitting member 47. The light-shielding portion 46 is attached to the reflective portion 41 so as to cover the base 45A of the outer peripheral light-transmitting member 45 (see Figure 6). The reflective portion 41, which protrudes radially outward from the light-shielding portion 46, forms an annular shape surrounding the light-shielding portion 46. In this way, the decorative portion 40 is constructed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, when the outer peripheral element 42B emits light, it emits synchrotron radiation radially outward. This synchrotron radiation passes through the annular wall portion 45B of the outer peripheral transparent member 45 and strikes the inner surface 41B and the surfaces that form each groove 41C. Each groove 41C extends along the direction in which light is emitted from the outer peripheral element 42B. Therefore, each groove 41C is evenly irradiated with synchrotron radiation from the outer peripheral element 42B across its entire surface. The synchrotron radiation irradiated onto the inner surface 41B and each groove 41C is then reflected outward (leftward) (upward in Figure 6) by the inner surface 41B and each groove 41C. The inner surface 41B functions as a reflective surface with multiple grooves 41C formed along the synchrotron radiation emitted from the outer peripheral element 42B, which is the light source. In this way, the reflective portion 41 reflects the synchrotron radiation emitted from the outer peripheral element 42B, which is the light source.

[0030] When the decorative part 40 is viewed from the left (a specific direction), the light-shielding part 46 blocks the outer peripheral element 42B, which is the light source, so that it cannot be seen directly. Note that the specific direction is not limited to strictly the left direction, but also includes directions that are slightly tilted relative to strictly the left direction. As a result, the reflective part 41, which protrudes radially outward from the light-shielding part 46, appears to the user to emit light in a ring shape. The reflective part 41 appears as if each groove 41C is emitting light. In other words, the reflective part 41, which protrudes radially outward from the light-shielding part 46 and surrounds the light-shielding part 46 in a ring shape, can be considered as multiple grooves 41C arranged in the same circumference as multiple light-emitting parts 41D. Each light-emitting part 41D emits outward the radiated light emitted from the outer peripheral element 42B, which is the light source, reflected by the reflective part 41. Multiple light-emitting units 41D can inform the user of the selected mode, the degree of airflow, the temperature of the airflow, etc., by changing the light-emitting pattern of the outer peripheral element 42B, as described later.

[0031] When the central element 42C emits light, the entire surface of the central transmissive member 44 opposite to the central element 42C emits light evenly. This light then passes through the transmissive portion 48 of the light-shielding portion 46 and is radiated outward (to the left) (upward in Figure 6).

[0032] The decorative part 40 provided on the right side of the air blower unit 21 is configured without the circuit board 42. Therefore, although the decorative part 40 provided on the right side of the air blower unit 21 looks the same as the decorative part 40 provided on the left side of the air blower unit 21, it does not have the function of emitting light.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the display unit 27 is located on the left side of the air blower unit 21. The display unit 27 has the function of informing the user of the current mode by transmitting light through an LED (not shown) housed in the air blower unit 21, which emits light corresponding to each mode described later, and radiating this light outward (to the left). The display unit 27 includes a sensing display unit 27A, a scalp display unit 27B, a moist display unit 27C, a volume up display unit 27D, a high / medium / low display unit 27E, a HIGH display unit 27F, a MIDDLE display unit 27G, and a LOW display unit 27H.

[0034] In this embodiment, red LEDs, blue LEDs, and white LEDs are used for the LEDs corresponding to the sensing display unit 27A, HIGH display unit 27F, MIDDLE display unit 27G, and LOW display unit 27H. White LEDs are used for the LEDs corresponding to the high / medium / low display unit 27E, scalp display unit 27B, moist display unit 27C, and volume up display unit 27D.

[0035] The sensing display unit 27A is positioned along the outer edge of the front lower part of the decorative part 40. The sensing display unit 27A consists of a pair of curves along the outer edge of the decorative part 40 and the word "SENSING" positioned between the pair of curves. When an LED (not shown) corresponding to the sensing display unit 27A emits light, the pair of curves and the word "SENSING" are illuminated by light passing through them and radiating outward (to the left). The sensing display unit 27A is a part that indicates the current mode is sensing mode by flashing red or blue. Here, sensing mode means a mode in which the surface temperature of the user's hair within the airflow area of ​​the hair dryer 10 is detected by the infrared temperature sensor 75, which will be described later.

[0036] The scalp display unit 27B, the moist display unit 27C, and the volume-up display unit 27D are located adjacent to each other in the lower front of the sensing display unit 27A. The scalp display unit 27B is located at the very top. The scalp display unit 27B consists of the string of characters "SCALP". When the white LED (not shown) corresponding to the scalp display unit 27B emits light, it transmits light and radiates outward (to the left) so that the characters "SCALP" appear to stand out. The scalp display unit 27B is the part that indicates that the current mode is the "SCALP mode" described later.

[0037] The Moist display unit 27C is positioned below the Scalp display unit 27B. The Moist display unit 27C consists of the string of characters "MOIST". When the white LED (not shown) corresponding to the Moist display unit 27C lights up, it transmits light and emits it outward (to the left) so that the characters "MOIST" appear to stand out. The Moist display unit 27C is the part that indicates that the current mode is the "MOIST mode" described later.

[0038] The volume-up display unit 27D is positioned below the moisture display unit 27C. The volume-up display unit 27D consists of the string "VOLUME UP". When the white LED (not shown) corresponding to the volume-up display unit 27D lights up, it transmits light and radiates outward (to the left) so that the letters "VOLUME UP" appear to stand out. The volume-up display unit 27D is the part that indicates that the current mode is the "VOLUME UP mode" described later.

[0039] The high, medium, and low display unit 27E is positioned below the volume-up display unit 27D. The high, medium, and low display unit 27E consists of horizontally oriented "HIGH" strings, horizontally oriented "MIDDLE" strings, and horizontally oriented "LOW" strings arranged vertically. When the white LED (not shown) corresponding to the high, medium, and low display unit 27E emits light, it transmits light and radiates outward (to the left) so that the letters "HIGH," "MIDDLE," and "LOW" appear to stand out.

[0040] The HIGH display unit 27F is configured as a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction and is positioned in front of the "HIGH" string in the high / medium / low display unit 27E. When the LED (not shown) corresponding to the HIGH display unit 27F lights up, it transmits light and radiates outward (to the left) so that the straight line extending in the front-to-back direction stands out. The HIGH display unit 27F is the part that indicates the current mode is the "HIGH mode" of hot air or room temperature air, as described later, by flashing red or blue.

[0041] The MIDDLE display unit 27G is configured as a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction and is positioned in front of the "MIDDLE" text on the high, medium, and low display unit 27E. When the LED (not shown) corresponding to the MIDDLE display unit 27G lights up, it transmits light and radiates outward (to the left) so that the straight line extending in the front-to-back direction stands out. The MIDDLE display unit 27G is the part that indicates the current mode is the "MIDDLE mode" of warm air or room temperature air, as described later, by flashing red or blue.

[0042] The LOW display section 27H is configured as a straight line extending in the front-to-back direction and is positioned in front of the "LOW" string in the high / medium / low display section 27E. When the LED (not shown) corresponding to the LOW display section 27H lights up, it transmits light and radiates outward (to the left) so that the word "LOW" appears to stand out. The LOW display section 27H is the part that indicates the current mode is the "LOW mode" of warm air or ambient temperature air, as described later, by flashing red or blue.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, the rear light-emitting section 35 is located at the rear of the air blower section 21. Specifically, the rear light-emitting section 35 extends vertically and is positioned along the inside of the intake cover 22. The rear light-emitting section 35 is configured with multiple white LEDs (not shown) arranged in a vertical direction. The left and right sides of the rear light-emitting section 35 are formed in a mesh pattern to allow air drawn in through the intake cover 22 to pass through toward the blower 30.

[0044] The air blower unit 21 houses an ionizer 28 (see Figure 10) and an outside temperature sensor 29 (see Figure 10). The ionizer 28 generates negative ions. These negative ions are carried by the air blown from the outlet 24D to the user's hair, suppressing the generation of static electricity in the hair.

[0045] For example, a known NTC thermistor can be used as the ambient temperature sensor 29. For example, the ambient temperature sensor 29 is positioned at the boundary between the air blower section 21 and the air blower tube section 23. The ambient temperature sensor 29 outputs a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of the air drawn in through the intake cover 22 (detected ambient temperature).

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the power button 37 is located in the center of the left-right direction on the lower end surface at the rear of the air blower unit 21. When a white LED (not shown) located inside the air blower unit 21 emits light, the light from that LED is transmitted to the outside, causing the power button 37 to light up in white.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 39 is located in the center of the front of the air blower unit 21 in the left-right direction. The control unit 39 has a mode button 39A, a sensing button 39B, and a cool button 39C. The mode button 39A, the sensing button 39B, and the cool button 39C are arranged in a vertical direction. The sensing button 39B is located below the mode button 39A. The cool button 39C is located below the sensing button 39B.

[0048] A mode button display unit 39D is provided near the bottom of the mode button 39A, consisting of the string "MODE," which is the name of the mode button 39A. A sensing button display unit 39E is provided near the bottom of the sensing button 39B, consisting of the string "SENSE," which is the name of the sensing button 39B. A cool button display unit 39F is provided inside the cool button 39C, consisting of the string "COOL," which is the name of the cool button 39C.

[0049] The mode button 39A, sensing button 39B, cool button 39C, mode button display unit 39D, sensing button display unit 39E, and cool button display unit 39F light up in white when a white LED (not shown) located inside the air blower unit 21 emits light, allowing the light to pass through to the outside.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the cylindrical member 71 is a thin, cylindrical plate. In Figure 3, the cylindrical member 71 is shown with the front side of the paper cut off. The outer diameter of the cylindrical member 71 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the air blower section 23. The cylindrical member 71 is housed in and fixed to the air blower section 23.

[0051] The support member 73 is composed of a flat plate-shaped first plate member 73A and a second plate member 73B, which are combined so that a portion of them intersect on the central axis of the cylindrical member 71. The support member 73 is fixed to the cylindrical member 71. The first plate member 73A has its plate surface oriented in the left-right direction. The second plate member 73B has its plate surface oriented in the up-down direction. The upper and lower edges of the first plate member 73A, and the left and right edges of the second plate member 73B extend in the front-rear direction along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 71.

[0052] The heating element 74 (see Figure 4) is made of nichrome wire. The heating element 74 is wound around the support member 73, hooking onto the upper and lower edges of the first plate member 73A and the left and right edges of the second plate member 73B (see Figure 4). Although only a portion of the heating element 74 is shown in Figure 4, in reality, it is wound around the entire central part of the support member 73 in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] The infrared temperature sensor 75 is positioned on the central axis of the cylindrical member 71 and fixed to the front end of the support member 73. A sensor cover 75A is attached to the front end of the infrared temperature sensor 75 (see Figure 3). The infrared temperature sensor 75 has the function of detecting the surface temperature of the user's hair within the airflow area of ​​the hair dryer 10. Based on the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 75 and the temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 29, the hair dryer 10 automatically adjusts the heating temperature of the heating element 74 so that it is within a predetermined temperature range in the three drying modes described later: "SCALP mode," "MOIST mode," and "VOLUME UP mode."

[0054] The far-infrared radiation generator 77 is positioned behind the infrared temperature sensor 75. The far-infrared radiation generator 77 is positioned on the central axis of the cylindrical member 71 and fixed to the support member 73. The far-infrared radiation generator 77 includes a PTC heater and a carbon block (not shown). The far-infrared radiation generator 77 generates far-infrared radiation when the carbon block is overheated by the PTC heater and heating element 74.

[0055] The control unit 90 shown in Figure 10 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and is housed in the blower unit 21 in the form of a circuit board. When the power button 37, mode button 39A, sensing button 39B, or cool button 39C is pressed, the control unit 90 receives a voltage value corresponding to each button 37, 39A, 39B, and 39C as an operation signal. The control unit 90 also receives a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 75 and a temperature signal corresponding to the ambient temperature sensor 29. The control unit 90 controls the operation of the infrared temperature sensor 75, the far-infrared generator 77, the motor 31 of the blower 30, the heating element 74, and the ionizer 28, as well as the illumination of the decorative unit 40 on the left, the display unit 27, the operation unit 39, and the power button 37, according to the input operation signals and temperature signals.

[0056] The hair dryer 10 switches between power on and power off each time the power button 37 is pressed. The hair dryer 10 has a "HOT mode" that blows out hot air and a "COOL mode" that blows out room temperature air. The "HOT mode" and "COOL mode" switch each time the cool button 39C is pressed when the power is on. The hair dryer 10 has three airflow modes: "HIGH mode", "MIDDLE mode", and "LOW mode". When the hair dryer 10 is in either "HOT mode" or "COOL mode", the airflow mode switches in the order of "HIGH mode", "MIDDLE mode", and "LOW mode" each time the mode button 39A is pressed.

[0057] The hair dryer 10 drives the motor 31 of the blower 30 at three different rotation speeds and blows air from the outlet 24D at three levels of airflow: "strong," "medium," and "weak." In "HIGH mode," the hair dryer 10 blows "strong air" from the outlet 24D; in "MIDDLE mode," it blows "medium air" from the outlet 24D; and in "LOW mode," it blows "weak air" from the outlet 24D. The hair dryer 10 allows selection of four drying modes, which will be described later, within the three blowing modes: "HIGH mode," "MIDDLE mode," and "LOW mode."

[0058] In "COOL mode," the hair dryer 10 blows out either a "strong," "medium," or "weak" airflow at room temperature from the outlet 24D without supplying power to the heating element 74. The rotational speed of the motor 31 in "HIGH mode" is 76,000 rpm, in "MIDDLE mode" it is 69,000 rpm, and in "LOW mode" it is 50,000 rpm.

[0059] The hair dryer 10 has four drying modes: "SCALP mode," "MOIST mode," "VOLUME UP mode," and "no sensing mode." In "HOT mode," which blows out hot air, the drying mode switches in the following order each time the sensing button 39B is pressed, in the three airflow modes: "HIGH mode," "MIDDLE mode," and "LOW mode." In "COOL mode," the hair dryer 10 is fixed to "no sensing mode."

[0060] When "SCALP mode" is selected, the control unit 90 automatically switches between hot air and ambient temperature air according to the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 75 and the ambient temperature sensor 29, so that the surface temperature of the user's hair is maintained within the range of 50°C ± 5°C. Therefore, by operating the hair dryer 10 in "SCALP mode," the user can dry their scalp effectively without feeling overheated even when the air is continuously blown onto their scalp. When "SCALP mode" is selected, the control unit 90 also operates the ionizer 28. The negative ions generated by the ionizer 28 are carried to the user's hair by the air blown from the outlet 24D. Therefore, by operating the hair dryer 10 in "SCALP mode," the user can suppress static electricity and prevent their hair from becoming frizzy by generating negative ions.

[0061] When either the "MOIST mode" or "VOLUME UP mode" drying mode is selected, the control unit 90 automatically switches between blowing hot air and ambient temperature air according to the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 75 and the ambient temperature sensor 29, so that the surface temperature of the user's hair is maintained within the range of 60°C ± 5°C. When "MOIST mode" is selected, the control unit 90 drives the ionizer 28. The negative ions generated by the ionizer 28 are carried to the user's hair by the air blown from the outlet 24D. Therefore, by driving the hair dryer 10 in "MOIST mode," the user can suppress static electricity and prevent hair from becoming frizzy by generating negative ions. When "VOLUME UP mode" is selected, the control unit 90 does not drive the ionizer 28.

[0062] When "no sensing mode" is selected, the control unit 90 adjusts the power supplied to the heating element 74 by duty cycle control based on the temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor 29, regardless of the temperature detected by the infrared temperature sensor 75, and blows warm air from the outlet 24D. In addition, when "no sensing mode" is selected, the control unit 90 drives the ionizer 28.

[0063] [Regarding the different types of settings in hair dryers] As shown in Table 1, the state of the hair dryer 10 changes from state 0 to state 16, a total of 17 types, depending on the combination of operations of the four buttons: mode button 39A, sensing button 39B, cool button 39C, and power button 37.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] State 0 is the off state, where the power to the hair dryer 10 is turned off. States 1 to 16 are the on state, where the power button 37 is pressed and the power to the hair dryer 10 is turned on. State 1 of the hair dryer 10 is on, but not blowing air, in a so-called standby state. States 2 to 13 of the hair dryer 10 are energized to the heating element 74 and the motor 31 is driven to blow hot air. States 14 to 16 of the hair dryer 10 are not energized to the heating element 74 and the motor 31 is driven to blow room temperature air. The state of the hair dryer 10 alternates between the state of blowing hot air (states 2 to 13) and the state of blowing room temperature air (states 14 to 16) each time the cool button 39C is pressed.

[0066] When the hair dryer 10 is blowing hot air (HOT mode), pressing the mode button 39A switches between "HIGH mode" (states 2 to 5), "MIDDLE mode" (states 6 to 9), and "LOW mode" (states 10 to 13). Pressing the mode button 39A again switches it back to "HIGH mode" (states 2 to 5).

[0067] When the hair dryer 10 is blowing air at room temperature (COOL mode), pressing the mode button 39A cycles through the following modes: "HIGH mode" (state 14), "MIDDLE mode" (state 15), and "LOW mode" (state 16). Pressing the mode button 39A again switches it back to "HIGH mode" (state 14).

[0068] The hair dryer 10 is in "HIGH mode," blowing hot air (states 2 to 5). When the cool button 39C is pressed, it switches to "HIGH mode," blowing room temperature air (state 14). Pressing the cool button 39C again switches it back to "HIGH mode," blowing hot air (states 2 to 5).

[0069] When the hair dryer 10 is in "MIDDLE mode" and blowing warm air (states 6 to 9), pressing the cool button 39C switches it to "MIDDLE mode" and blowing room temperature air (state 15). Pressing the cool button 39C again switches it back to "MIDDLE mode" and blowing warm air (states 6 to 9).

[0070] The hair dryer 10 is in "LOW mode," blowing warm air (states 10 to 13). When the cool button 39C is pressed, it switches to "LOW mode," blowing room temperature air (state 16). Pressing the cool button 39C again switches it back to "LOW mode," blowing warm air (states 10 to 13).

[0071] When the hair dryer 10 is in "HIGH mode" and hot air is being blown (states 2 to 5), pressing the sensing button 39B cycles through the following modes in order: "SCALP mode" (state 2), "MOIST mode" (state 3), "VOLUME UP mode" (state 4), and "No sensing mode" (state 5). Pressing the sensing button 39B again switches it back to "SCALP mode" (state 2).

[0072] When the hair dryer 10 is in "MIDDLE mode" and hot air is being blown (states 6 to 9), pressing the sensing button 39B cycles through the following modes in order: "SCALP mode" (state 6), "MOIST mode" (state 7), "VOLUME UP mode" (state 8), and "No sensing mode" (state 9). Pressing the sensing button 39B again switches it back to "SCALP mode" (state 6).

[0073] When the hair dryer 10 is in "LOW mode" and hot air is being blown (states 10 to 13), pressing the sensing button 39B cycles through the following modes in order: "SCALP mode" (state 10), "MOIST mode" (state 11), "VOLUME UP mode" (state 12), and "No sensing mode" (state 13). Pressing the sensing button 39B again switches it back to "SCALP mode" (state 10).

[0074] When the hair dryer 10 is blowing air at room temperature (states 14 to 16), it remains in "no sensing mode" and pressing the sensing button 39B does not activate it. When the hair dryer 10 is in state 1 to 16, pressing the power button 37 switches it to the off state (state 0).

[0075] [Regarding how each part emits light in each state] The power button 37, mode button 39A, sensing button 39B, cool button 39C, mode button display unit 39D, sensing button display unit 39E, cool button display unit 39F, rear light-emitting unit 35, transmissive unit 48, display unit 27, and light-emitting unit 41D change their light emission patterns according to the state of the hair dryer 10, as shown in Tables 2, 3, and 4.

[0076] [Table 2]

[0077] As shown in Table 2, the power button 37, mode button 39A, sensing button 39B, cool button 39C, mode button display unit 39D, sensing button display unit 39E, cool button display unit 39F, rear light-emitting unit 35, and transmissive unit 48 are all in an off state when in state 0.

[0078] The power button 37, mode button 39A, cool button 39C, mode button display unit 39D, cool button display unit 39F, rear light-emitting unit 35, and transmissive unit 48 are illuminated in white in states 1 through 16.

[0079] The sensing button 39B and the sensing button display unit 39E are illuminated in white in states 1 to 13. When the hair dryer 10 is blowing air at room temperature (states 14 to 16), it is fixed to the no-sensing mode (see Table 1). Therefore, in states 14 to 16, the sensing button 39B and the sensing button display unit 39E are turned off, indicating that they are disabled.

[0080] As shown in Table 3, the sensing display unit 27A, scalp display unit 27B, moist display unit 27C, volume up display unit 27D, high / medium / low display unit 27E, HIGH display unit 27F, MIDDLE display unit 27G, and LOW display unit 27H are off in state 0 and lit in white in state 1.

[0081] [Table 3]

[0082] The sensing display unit 27A flashes red or blue in states 2 to 4, states 6 to 8, and states 10 to 12. Specifically, in states 2 to 4, states 6 to 8, and states 10 to 12, the hair dryer 10 automatically switches between blowing hot air and room temperature air to maintain the surface temperature of the user's hair within a predetermined temperature range. That is, in states 2 to 4, states 6 to 8, and states 10 to 12, the sensing display unit 27A flashes red while the hair dryer 10 is blowing hot air, and flashes blue while the hair dryer 10 is blowing room temperature air. The sensing display unit 27A is off in states 5, 9, and states 13 to 16, which are no-sensing modes.

[0083] In states 2, 6, and 10, which are "SCALP" mode, the Scalp display unit 27B lights up in white. In states 3 through 5, 7 through 9, and 11 through 16, which are not "SCALP" mode, the Scalp display unit 27B is off.

[0084] In "MOIST" mode, states 3, 7, and 11, the Moist indicator 27C lights up in white. In states 2, 4 through 6, 8 through 10, and 12 through 16, which are not "MOIST" mode, the Moist indicator 27C is off.

[0085] In states 4, 8, and 12, which are "VOLUME UP" mode, the volume up indicator 27D lights up in white. In states 2, 3, 5 through 7, 9 through 11, and 13 through 16, which are not "VOLUME UP" mode, the volume up indicator 27D is off.

[0086] The high, medium, and low indicator unit 27E is illuminated in white during states 2 through 16.

[0087] In states 2 through 5, the HIGH indicator 27F flashes red because it is in "HIGH mode" where warm air is blown out. In state 14, the HIGH indicator 27F flashes blue because it is in "HIGH mode" where room temperature air is blown out. In states 6 through 13, 15, and 16, the HIGH indicator 27F is lit in white.

[0088] In states 6 through 9, the unit is in "MIDDLE mode" where warm air is blown, so the MIDDLE indicator 27G blinks red. In state 15, the unit is in "MIDDLE mode" where room temperature air is blown, so the MIDDLE indicator 27G blinks blue. In states 2 through 5, states 10 through 14, and state 16, the MIDDLE indicator 27G is lit in white.

[0089] In states 10 through 13, the unit is in "LOW mode" where warm air is blown, so the LOW indicator 27H blinks red. In state 16, the unit is in "LOW mode" where room temperature air is blown, so the LOW indicator 27H blinks blue. In states 2 through 9, state 14, and state 15, the LOW indicator 27H is lit in white.

[0090] In the sensing display unit 27A, HIGH display unit 27F, MIDDLE display unit 27G, and LOW display unit 27H, the red or blue flashing is controlled by the control unit 90, which increases the duty cycle for the corresponding LED by 5% every 12ms from 0% to 100%, and then decreases the duty cycle by 5% every 12ms from 100% to 0%, so that the brightness gradually changes from 0% to 100% to 0%, alternating between a white illuminated state and an off state.

[0091] [Regarding the way the light-emitting parts in the decorative section illuminate] As shown in Table 4, the light-emitting unit 41D is off in state 0. When the power button 37 is pressed and the system switches from state 0 to state 1, the light-emitting unit 41D gradually increases in brightness from 0% to 100% over 2 seconds, emitting white light. Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the brightness of the outer peripheral element 42B by increasing the duty cycle for the outer peripheral element 42B by 2% every 25ms. Then, in state 1, the control unit 90 decreases the duty cycle for the outer peripheral element 42B by 2.5% every 25ms to 0%, and then increases the duty cycle by 2.5% every 25ms to 100%, causing the brightness to flicker between 100% → 0% → 100%, alternating between a white illuminated state and an off state.

[0092] [Table 4]

[0093] As shown in Figure 11, the light-emitting section 41D emits light in two alternating sets in the circumferential direction, rotating counterclockwise Cc. These sets consist of a portion Cp (hereinafter simply referred to as portion Cp) that alternately switches between being lit red or blue, and a portion Wp (hereinafter simply referred to as portion Wp) that lights up white. The portion Cp lights up red when the hair dryer 10 is blowing hot air, and blue when it is blowing room temperature air. For example, in this case, the outer peripheral element 42B corresponding to portion Wp lights up white, and the outer peripheral element 42B corresponding to portion Cp lights up red or blue.

[0094] As shown in Figure 12, in states 5, 9, and 13, the light-emitting section 41D lights up so that the majority of the circumferential portion Mp (hereinafter also simply referred to as portion Mp) lights up red, and portion Wp lights up white, rotating in a counterclockwise direction Cc. For example, in this case, the outer peripheral element 42B corresponding to portion Wp lights up white, and the outer peripheral element 42B corresponding to portion Mp lights up red.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the light-emitting section 41D rotates counterclockwise in Cc from state 14 to state 16, with section Mp lighting up blue and section Wp lighting up white, giving the user the impression that wind generated by the rotation of the sirocco fan is being sent into the air blower section 23. In this way, each light-emitting section 41D indicates the state of the wind by emitting light of multiple colors (red, blue, and white).

[0096] In states 2 through 5, and state 14, the rotation speed of parts Cp, Wp, and Mp in the light-emitting section 41D in the counterclockwise direction Cc is 0.5 rotations per second. In other words, in states 2 through 5, and state 14, the time it takes for parts Cp, Wp, and Mp to complete one counterclockwise rotation in the counterclockwise direction Cc is 2.0 seconds. Specifically, in states 2 through 5, and state 14, the portion of the outer peripheral element 42B that lights up white (the outer peripheral element 42B that lights up white corresponding to part Wp) moves one outer peripheral element 42B counterclockwise in the counterclockwise direction Cc every 84ms. This allows the light-emitting section 41D to represent "strong wind" blowing out from the outlet 24D.

[0097] In states 6 through 9 and state 15, the rotation speed of parts Cp, Wp, and Mp in the light-emitting section 41D in the counterclockwise direction Cc is 0.4 rotations per second. In other words, in states 6 through 9 and state 15, the time it takes for parts Cp, Wp, and Mp to complete one counterclockwise rotation in Cc is 2.5 seconds. Specifically, in states 6 through 9 and state 15, the portion of the outer peripheral element 42B that lights up white (the outer peripheral element 42B that lights up white corresponding to part Wp) moves one outer peripheral element 42B counterclockwise in Cc every 105ms. This allows the light-emitting section 41D to represent blowing out a "moderate breeze" from the outlet 24D.

[0098] In states 10 through 13 and 16, the rotational speed of parts Cp, Wp, and Mp in the light-emitting section 41D in the counterclockwise direction Cc is 0.33 rotations per second. In other words, in states 10 through 13 and 16, the time it takes for parts Cp, Wp, and Mp to complete one counterclockwise rotation in the counterclockwise direction Cc is 3.0 seconds. Specifically, in states 10 through 13 and 16, the portion of the outer peripheral element 42B that lights up white (the outer peripheral element 42B that lights up white corresponding to part Wp) moves one outer peripheral element 42B counterclockwise in the counterclockwise direction Cc every 126ms. This allows the light-emitting section 41D to represent blowing a "weak breeze" from the outlet 24D. That is, the rotational speed of parts Cp, Wp, and Mp in the light-emitting section 41D in the counterclockwise direction Cc changes to correspond to the rotational speed of the motor 31.

[0099] [Regarding the display of abnormalities, etc.] When the light-emitting unit 41D detects an abnormality, it flashes and emits light as shown in Figure 13 to notify the user of the type of abnormality. For example, if the current flowing through the motor 31 exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the upper part Fu of the front half flashes and emits light in red. Also, if some of the multiple phases of the motor 31 are lost, the upper part Bu of the rear half flashes and emits light in red. Furthermore, if the ambient temperature sensor 29 detects a temperature exceeding a predetermined upper limit, the upper part Fu of the front half flashes and emits light in blue. Also, if the input voltage exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the lower part Bd of the rear half flashes and emits light in red. Furthermore, if it is detected that the initial operation of the motor 31 has failed, the upper part Bu of the rear half flashes and emits light in blue. The hair dryer 10 also has an auto-off function that automatically switches the power off when it has been used continuously for 60 minutes. When the power supply to the motor 31 and the heating element 74 is stopped by the auto-off function, the light-emitting unit 41D flashes white around its entire circumference (Fu, Fd, Bu, Bd). In this embodiment, when an abnormality is indicated, the flashing of the light-emitting unit 41D repeats a cycle of being lit for 200ms and then off for 200ms.

[0100] As explained above, the hair dryer 10 is equipped with multiple light-emitting units 41D, and the state of the airflow is indicated by how each light-emitting unit 41D is illuminated.

[0101] Since this hair dryer 10 is equipped with multiple light-emitting units 41D, it is easy to clearly show the user the difference when the way each unit emits light is different.

[0102] Therefore, this hair dryer 10 can clearly indicate the state of the airflow it blows.

[0103] In the hair dryer 10, each light-emitting unit 41D is arranged in a row. Therefore, it is easy to realize a configuration that continuously changes the light emission of each light-emitting unit 41D.

[0104] In the hair dryer 10, each light-emitting part 41D is arranged in a line on the same circumference. Therefore, if the configuration is such that each light-emitting part 41D is continuously changed, it is easy to realize a configuration that allows the change to continue without interruption.

[0105] In the hair dryer 10, each light-emitting unit 41D indicates the airflow state by emitting light of multiple colors. Therefore, it is possible to configure the light-emitting unit 41D to emit light in combination with multiple colors, which makes it easier to realize a configuration that conveys more information to the user.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to Example 1 described above in the description and drawings, and the following examples are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. (1) Unlike in Example 1, the reflective portion is not limited to annular shape, but may also be elliptical or polygonal in shape. (2) Unlike in Example 1, the light-emitting part may emit light in a color other than red, blue, or white, or a combination of these different colors may be used. Alternatively, the majority of the light-emitting part may be lit in red or blue, and the remaining part may be left off while rotating counterclockwise. Alternatively, the majority of the part may be lit in a high-luminosity red or blue, and the remaining part may be lit in a lower-luminosity red or blue while rotating counterclockwise. In other words, the light-emitting part may emit light by changing at least one of the hue, brightness, and saturation. Alternatively, the light-emitting part may gradually change color while emitting light in a rotating manner. For example, it may change to a different color after one rotation, and then to another color after another rotation. The light-emitting color of each individual light-emitting part may be gradually changed. Additionally, in the combination of red and white (blue and white), the airflow may be indicated by changing the ratio of each red (blue) and white light-emitting part, such that the larger the area lit in red (blue), the stronger the airflow. (3) Unlike in Example 1, the light-emitting part may be made to emit light while rotating clockwise. (4) Unlike in Example 1, a substrate may also be provided on the decorative part on the right side, and it may be configured to emit light in the same way as the decorative part on the left side. (5) The color of the rear light-emitting section (at least one of hue, brightness, and saturation) may be changed in accordance with the detected temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor, or it may be illuminated in the same way as the sensing display section. Alternatively, the rear light-emitting section may be illuminated red in HOT mode and blue in COOL mode to represent the temperature of the air, or the strength of the air blown out from the outlet may be represented by increasing or decreasing the number of LEDs that light up according to the motor rotation speed. Furthermore, for example, when a hairdresser uses this dryer to dry or style someone else's hair, the hairdresser can understand the state of the airflow by visually observing the light-emitting section or the rear light-emitting section without having to blow air onto their hand. (6) Unlike in Example 1, the reflective portion does not need to be plated and may be colored with a bright color. (7) Unlike in Example 1, the LEDs in the rear light-emitting section may be arranged so as to be scattered throughout the entire air intake, making it appear as if the entire air intake is emitting light. (8) Unlike in Example 1, it is not necessary to make the light-emitting part rotate. For example, the amount of airflow may be expressed by changing the blinking speed of the light-emitting part. In this case, the light-emitting part may be switched between a brightly lit state and a dimly lit state, or it may be switched between a lit state and a completely off state. (9) The light-emitting parts may be lit one at a time, or the direction of rotation may be changed to the opposite direction midway through. Alternatively, the light-emitting parts may be lit randomly. Alternatively, the light-emitting parts may be lit in order to form a cross or star shape. Alternatively, the number of light-emitting parts that are lit may be increased one by one, and after all the light-emitting parts are lit, all the light-emitting parts may be turned off. (10) Unlike in Example 1, the rotation pattern of the light-emitting part may be changed. For example, if the light-emitting part is made to emit light in a rotating manner, the number of colors emitted may be gradually increased or decreased. (11) The number of central elements and peripheral elements is not limited to the number disclosed in Example 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10… Hair dryer 41D…Light-emitting part

Claims

1. Equipped with multiple light-emitting parts, A hair dryer that indicates the state of the airflow depending on how each of the aforementioned light-emitting parts emits light.

2. The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein each of the light-emitting parts is arranged in a row.

3. The hair dryer according to claim 2, wherein each of the light-emitting parts is arranged in a line on the same circumference.

4. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the light-emitting parts emits light of multiple colors to indicate the state of the wind.

Images