Dryer, temperature sensor, and method for controlling the dryer

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of temperature measurement. [Solution] The dryer 100 comprises a main body 10 having a flow path 101 that communicates with an air intake port 102 and an air discharge port 103, an air blowing unit 20 that blows air that flows through the flow path 101 and is discharged from the air discharge port 103, a heating unit 30 located downstream of the air blowing unit 20 that heats the air, a temperature sensor 300 that detects the temperatures of a plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 arranged in a first direction intersecting the direction of air flow, and a control unit 200 that controls the operation of at least one of the air blowing unit 20 and the heating unit 30 based on the temperatures of the plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 detected by the temperature sensor 300.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dryer, a temperature sensor, and a method for controlling the dryer.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a dryer is known that includes a main body portion in which a blowing flow path having an air inlet and an air outlet is formed, a blowing portion disposed in the blowing flow path, a heating portion disposed on the downstream side in the blowing direction from the blowing portion, a temperature measuring portion that measures the temperature of hair, and a control portion that controls the blowing portion and the heating portion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The dryer described in Patent Document 1 includes an infrared type temperature sensor as the temperature measuring portion. The viewing angle of this temperature sensor is 1 to 3 degrees.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the dryer according to the prior art, there are cases where an accurate temperature cannot be measured. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dryer and a temperature sensor in which the measurement accuracy of temperature is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The dryer according to the present disclosure includes a main body portion in which a flow path communicating with an air inlet and an air outlet is formed, a blowing portion disposed on the air inlet side in the flow path that blows the air discharged from the air outlet, a heating portion disposed on the air outlet side in the flow path that heats the air, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a plurality of detection regions arranged in a first direction intersecting the air flow direction, and a control portion that controls the operation of at least one of the blowing portion and the heating portion based on the temperature of the plurality of detection regions detected by the temperature sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This disclosure can provide a dryer and a temperature sensor that improve the accuracy of temperature measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating a dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating a temperature sensor. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates multiple detection areas using a temperature sensor. [Figure 6] This graph illustrates temperature measurements in multiple detection regions. [Figure 7] This graph illustrates hair temperature, hair dryer power output, and hair moisture content. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the control procedure performed by the control unit. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the detection area of ​​the temperature sensor in a dryer relating to a comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The dryer and temperature sensor according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and drawings, substantially identical components may be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0009] [Dryer 100 according to the first embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dryer 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dryer 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an infrared temperature sensor 300. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the dryer 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that in each figure, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions may be shown. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions do not have to be orthogonal. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions may be any direction.

[0010] The dryer 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a hair dryer used to dry, for example, hair (see Figure 5) 110. The dryer 100 comprises a main body 10, an air blower 20, a heating unit 30, a temperature sensor 300, and a control unit 200.

[0011] [Main body 10] As shown in Figure 2, the main body 10 has a cylindrical body 11 that forms a flow path 101 through which air flows. The longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 11 is, for example, along the X-axis direction. In the flow path 101 inside the cylindrical body 11, air flows in the X-axis direction. The main body 10 has an intake port 102 and an outlet port 103 that communicate with the flow path 101. The intake port 102 is formed, for example, so as to face the outlet port 103 in the X-axis direction. The intake port 102 may be formed, for example, on the side surface of the cylindrical body 11.

[0012] [Grip 12] The hair dryer 100 is equipped with a grip 12 that extends from the main body 10 and extends radially along the cylindrical body 11. The user can use the hair dryer 100 by gripping the grip 12. Inside the grip 12 is a control unit 200 that controls the operation of the entire hair dryer 100.

[0013] [Air blower unit 20] The air supply unit 20 includes an impeller and a fan motor (see FIG. 4) 21, and blows air by rotating the impeller with the fan motor. Air flows into the flow path 101 from the air inlet 102, flows through the flow path 101, and is discharged from the air outlet 103. The air discharged from the dryer 100 is blown onto the hair as the object.

[0014] [Heating unit 30] The heating unit 30 is a heater disposed in the flow path 101 to heat air. The heating unit 30 heats the air by causing a current to flow through a coil, for example, to generate heat in the coil.

[0015] [Temperature sensor 300] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 by the temperature sensor 300. The temperature sensor 300 detects the temperature of the hair 110 as the object, and is, for example, an infrared temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 300 can detect the temperature of a plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 shown in FIG. 5 without contact with the object. The plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 are arranged, for example, in the Y-axis direction (first direction) and intersect the flow of the air discharged from the dryer 100. The Y-axis direction may be, for example, the horizontal direction. The plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 are eight, but are not limited to eight, and may be plural, and two or more detection regions are sufficient.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor 300 includes a mounting substrate 320, a metal plate 330, a sensor chip 340, a circuit unit 350, and a metal cap 360. The sensor chip 340 is, for example, a thermopile type infrared sensor using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology. The temperature sensor 300 can measure the surface temperature of the measurement object without contact by capturing the infrared rays radiated by the measurement object.

[0017] [Mounting substrate 320] The mounting substrate 320 has a first surface 321 and a second surface 322 facing each other in the X-axis direction. Further, wiring patterns may be formed on the first surface 321 and the second surface 322 of the mounting substrate 320, for example.

[0018] [Metal plate 330] A metal plate 330 is mounted on the first surface 321 of the mounting substrate 320. The material of the metal plate 330 is, for example, iron, copper, or aluminum, but is not limited to these. The metal plate 330 has a thickness in the X-axis direction and is bonded to the first surface 321 of the mounting substrate 320. When viewed in the thickness direction (X-axis direction), the metal plate 330 is, for example, roughly rectangular. The shape of the metal plate 330 is not particularly limited and may be rectangular or circular. The metal plate 330 has the function of improving the uniformity of the internal structure of the temperature sensor 300, such as the sensor chip 340. "Uniformity of heat" may also mean maintaining a uniform temperature and preventing temperature unevenness.

[0019] [Sensor chip 340] The sensor chip 340 is mounted on the upper surface of the metal plate 330 and includes an infrared sensor element 340a capable of receiving infrared light. The sensor chip 340 generates an electromotive force corresponding to the intensity of the received infrared light. The intensity of the infrared light depends on the temperature of the object being measured.

[0020] The infrared sensor element may be a single-element sensor with one active region, or a multi-element sensor with two or more active regions. The operating principle of the infrared sensor element is not particularly limited. The infrared sensor element may be a thermopile type or a bolometer type. The infrared sensor element may be a thermal infrared sensor or a quantum infrared sensor.

[0021] The sensor chip 340 has multiple infrared sensor elements to correspond to multiple detection regions F1 to F8. The multiple infrared sensor elements are arranged in a line along the Y-axis.

[0022] [Circuit section 350] The circuit unit 350 includes, for example, a signal processing IC (Integrated Circuit) and is electrically connected to the sensor chip 340. The circuit unit 350 is mounted on the upper surface of the metal plate 330 and is connected to the sensor chip 340 via the first wire 391. The circuit unit 350 can amplify the output signal output from the sensor chip 340.

[0023] The circuit unit 350 may have a function to amplify the output signal output from the sensor chip 340 and then perform AD (analog-to-digital) conversion. The circuit unit 350 may also individually adjust the output level of the amplified signal.

[0024] The circuit unit 350 can perform temperature compensation according to the temperature of the sensor chip 340 itself and output a signal to the outside of the circuit unit 350. The circuit unit 350 may be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The circuit unit 350 may also have a function to detect the temperature of the metal plate 330.

[0025] The external shape of the circuit section 350, when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal plate 330, is, for example, a rectangle. The circuit section 350 and the sensor chip 340 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the Z-axis direction, for example.

[0026] [Metal cap 360] As shown in Figure 3, the metal cap 360 is positioned to cover most of the upper surface of the metal plate 330, and covers the sensor chip 340 and circuit section 350 mounted on the metal plate 330. Figure 3 shows the metal cap 360 in a state where it has been cut along the X-axis direction. The metal cap 360 is cup-shaped, and the opening of the metal cap 360 is positioned downwards, forming a recess that is indented upwards.

[0027] The metal cap 360 is formed to be circular, for example, when viewed in the X-axis direction. The metal cap 360 includes a cylindrical portion 361, a top portion 362, a lens 363, and a flange portion 364. The centerline of the cylindrical portion 361 is aligned with the X-axis direction. The top portion 362 and the lens 363 are formed to cover the end of the cylindrical portion 361 opposite to the metal plate 330. The lens 363 is held in place by the top portion 362.

[0028] Lens 363 is a focusing lens that collects infrared radiation emitted from the object being measured. Lens 363 is positioned away from the sensor chip 340 in the X-axis direction. Infrared radiation that passes through lens 363 is received by the sensor chip 340. Lens 363 is a transmitting portion that transmits infrared radiation. The transmitting portion is not limited to a lens and may be a filter, for example, made of infrared-transmitting material such as germanium (Ge), silicon (Si), sapphire (Al2O3), polyethylene, or chalcogenide glass.

[0029] The flange portion 364 is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion 361 closest to the metal plate 330. The flange portion 364 protrudes outward from the cylindrical portion 361 in the radial direction. The flange portion 364 has thickness in the X-axis direction and is formed around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion 361 in the circumferential direction. The flange portion 364 is joined to the upper surface of the metal plate 330. The flange portion 364 can be fixed by the claws 331 of the metal plate 330. The sensor chip 340 and the circuit portion 350 are arranged in the space enclosed by the metal plate 330 and the metal cap 360. The metal cap 360 may be bonded to the metal plate 330 using, for example, a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0030] [Circuit elements] The temperature sensor 300 comprises multiple circuit elements mounted on a mounting board 320. The multiple circuit elements are mounted on the second surface 322 of the mounting board 320. The circuit elements include chip resistors and chip capacitors, and may also include other electronic components, such as passive elements and active elements such as microcontrollers.

[0031] [Connector 345] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 300 is equipped with a connector 345 for external connection and is mounted on the second surface 322 of the mounting board 320. The connector 345 is electrically connected to the sensor chip 340, circuit section 350, and circuit elements mounted on the mounting board 320. The connector 345 includes power terminals and input / output terminals.

[0032] [Control Unit 200] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the control unit 200 of the dryer 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 200 is electrically connected to the heating unit 30, the fan motor 21, the lamp (notification unit) 13 and the switch 14, and the temperature sensor 300.

[0033] The control unit 200 includes an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 201. The MCU 201 controls the entire dryer 100 and can control the operation of the heating unit 30 and the fan motor 21 of the blower unit 20. The control unit 200 stores various programs for the MCU 201 to execute control processing and various data necessary for the operation of the dryer 100. The control unit 200 can also temporarily store data acquired from the temperature sensor 300.

[0034] The control unit 200 can notify the operating mode of the dryer 100 by illuminating the lamp (notification unit) 13. The user can switch the dryer 100 ON and OFF by operating the switch 14. The user can select the operating mode of the dryer 100 by operating the switch 14.

[0035] The dryer 100 operates in "DRY mode," "COOL mode," "DAMAGE CARE mode," and "DAMAGE CARE→COOL mode." The "DAMAGE CARE→COOL" mode is a mode that controls the temperature to dry the hair 110 and then switches to cool air. The "DAMAGE CARE" mode is a mode that blows hot air to maintain the temperature of the hair 110. The "COOL" mode is a mode that blows cool air. The "DRY" mode is a mode that keeps the output of the air blower 20 and the heating unit 30 constant. The dryer 100 may also operate in other operating modes.

[0036] [Relationship between the hot air blowing area and multiple detection areas] Next, the relationship between the hot air blowing area Fw10 by the dryer 100 and the multiple detection areas F1 to F8 by the temperature sensor 300 will be explained. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) illustrate the hair 110, the hot air blowing area Fw10 by the dryer 100, and the multiple detection areas F1 to F8. The hot air blowing area Fw10 is the area that is directly hit by the hot air discharged from the outlet 103. The multiple detection areas F1 to F8 are areas where the temperature can be measured by the temperature detection element of the temperature sensor 300. The multiple detection areas F1 to F8 correspond to the field of view of the temperature detection element.

[0037] The multiple detection regions F1 to F8 of the dryer 100 are all contained within the range of the hot air blowing region Fw10, but it is sufficient that at least two of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 are contained within the range of the hot air blowing region Fw10, and some of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 may be located outside the range of the hot air blowing region Fw10. Alternatively, all of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 may be contained within the hot air blowing region Fw10, and the range of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 may coincide with the hot air blowing region Fw10 in the Y-axis direction (the direction in which the multiple detection regions are aligned).

[0038] Figure 5(A) shows the state in which the hot air blowing area Fw10 and the multiple detection areas F1 to F8 are arranged to overlap the hair 110. Figure 5(B) shows the state in which the hot air blowing area Fw10 and detection areas F1 to F4 of the multiple detection areas F1 to F8 are arranged to overlap the hair 110, and detection areas F5 to F8 of the hot air blowing area Fw10 and the multiple detection areas F1 to F8 are arranged not to overlap the hair 110. Note that if the orientation or position of the dryer 100 is changed, the position and size of the hot air blowing area Fw10 and detection areas F1 to F8 will change accordingly. The direction in which the multiple detection areas F1 to F8 are aligned with respect to the hair 110 changes depending on the orientation of the dryer 100.

[0039] Figure 6 is a graph illustrating temperature measurements in multiple detection regions F1 to F8. Detection regions F1 to F4 are measurements at the location corresponding to hair 110. Detection region F5 is a temperature measurement at a location outside of hair 110. The temperature measurements in detection regions F1 to F4 are higher than those in detection regions F5 to F8, and the temperature measurements are highest in detection region F3, then F2, then F1, and finally F4.

[0040] [Hair temperature, dryer output 100, and hair moisture content 110] Figure 7(A) shows an example of the change in the maximum hair temperature and the output of the dryer 100, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing hair temperature. Figure 7(B) shows an example of the change in the moisture content of hair 110, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing hair moisture content.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7(A), the maximum hair temperature Tmax is the maximum value of the temperature measurements in multiple detection regions, and is a temperature within a predetermined range from temperature T1 to temperature T2. The output P100 of the dryer 100 is the voltage or current value of the air blower 20 or heating unit 30 of the dryer 100. The moisture content of the hair 110 may be a value measured experimentally, for example.

[0042] The dryer 100 can control its output P100 based on the maximum hair temperature Tmax through feedback control. In region A1 in Figure 7(A), when the hair 110 is wet, the temperature of the hair 110 decreases due to the heat of vaporization, so the output P100 of the dryer 100 is kept high (e.g., at the maximum value), and a strong high-temperature airflow is maintained from the outlet 103.

[0043] When the high-temperature airflow from the hair dryer 100 is maintained, the moisture content of the hair 110 decreases in proportion to the passage of time.

[0044] At time t11, as the hair 110 dries, the temperature of the hair 110 rises. When the dryer 100 detects the rise in the temperature of the hair 110 through feedback control, the output P100 of the dryer 100 decreases, and the amount and temperature of the air blown from the outlet 103 also decrease.

[0045] At time t12, if the output P100 of the dryer 100 falls below the determination threshold Pth, the control unit 200 of the dryer 100 can determine that the drying of the hair 110 is complete. The control unit 200 lights up a lamp 13 to indicate that the drying of the hair 110 is complete.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 200 of the dryer 100 may execute the cool air mode after determining that the drying of the hair 110 is complete. The dryer 100 can execute a drying mode that blows hot air and a cool air mode that blows cold air. The control unit 200 can switch from the drying mode to the cool air mode.

[0047] The dryer 100 can determine when the hair 110 is fully dried, preventing overheating of the hair 110. The user can instantly determine the end of the drying mode by visually checking the lamp 13.

[0048] The dryer 100 may also provide notifications to the user by outputting sound or generating vibrations.

[0049] [Control procedure by the control unit 200] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the control unit 200. First, the control unit 200 determines whether the temperature control (DAMAGE CARE) mode is ON or OFF (step S11). The dryer 100 can determine the current operating mode based on the input signal from the switch 14. If the temperature control mode is ON, the control unit 200 executes the process in step S12. If the temperature control mode is not ON, the control unit 200 executes the process in step S24.

[0050] In step S12, the control unit 200 turns on the air blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30. Also in step S12, the temperature sensor 300 starts measuring temperature. The temperature sensor 300 outputs the temperature measurements for multiple detection areas F1 to F8 to the control unit 200.

[0051] Next, in step S13, the control unit 200 calculates the maximum value Tmax from the temperature measurements of multiple detection regions F1 to F8.

[0052] Next, in step S14, the control unit 200 determines whether "Thair≧Tlow" is true. "Thair" is the temperature of the hair 110. "Thair" may also be the maximum value Tmax. "Tlow" is the lower limit of the temperature range in the temperature control mode.

[0053] The control unit 200 executes the process in step S15 if "Thair ≥ Tlow" (step S14; YES). The control unit 200 executes the process in step S18 if "Thair ≥ Tlow" is not true.

[0054] In step S15, the control unit 200 determines whether "Thair ≤ Thigh" is true. "Thigh" is the upper limit of the temperature range in temperature control mode. If "Thair ≤ Thigh" is true (step S15; YES), the control unit 200 executes the process in step S16. If "Thair ≤ Thigh" is not true (step S15; NO), the control unit 200 executes the process in step S17.

[0055] In step S16, the control unit 200 performs control to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 30. In step S17, the control unit 200 performs control to lower the temperature of the heating unit 30. In step S18, the control unit 200 performs control to raise the temperature of the heating unit 30. After the processing in step S16, step S17, or step S18, the control unit 200 performs the processing in step S19.

[0056] In step S19, the control unit 200 determines whether "Pheat ≤ Pth" is true. "Pheat" is the set value for the output of the heating unit 30. The set value for the output of the heating unit 30 is the value set when controlling it. "Pth" is the threshold value for the output of the heating unit 30. If "Pheat ≤ Pth" is true (step S19; YES), the control unit 200 executes the process in step S20. If "Pheat ≤ Pth" is not true (step S19; NO), the dryer 100 returns to step S13.

[0057] In step 19, the control unit 200 may determine that "Pheat ≤ Pth" if the set value Pheat of the output of the heating unit 30 has been below the threshold Pth for, for example, 10 consecutive times. Alternatively, in step 19, the control unit 200 may determine that "Pheat ≤ Pth" if it has been below the threshold Pth for, for example, 3 consecutive seconds. This reduces the influence of sudden abnormal temperature readings and allows for a stable determination of the completion of drying.

[0058] In step S20, the control unit 200 turns on the lamp 13 that signals the end of drying.

[0059] Next, the control unit 200 determines whether the "automatic cooling mode" is ON or OFF (step S21). The "automatic cooling mode" may also be the "cold air mode". The control unit 200 can determine whether the "automatic cooling mode" is ON or OFF based on the input signal from the switch 14. If the "automatic cooling mode" is ON (step S21; YES), the control unit 200 executes the process in step S22. If the "automatic cooling mode" is OFF (step S21; NO), the control unit 200 executes the process in step S23.

[0060] In step S22, the control unit 200 lowers the temperature of the heating unit 30 to the set temperature and maintains it. In step S23, the control unit 200 maintains the temperature of the heating unit 30. In step S24, the control unit 200 turns on the heating unit 30 and the blower unit 20 and maintains the output of the heating unit 30 and the blower unit 20 at a constant value.

[0061] The control unit 200 terminates the processing here after executing step S22, step S23, or step S24. If the termination condition is met, the processing of steps S22, S23, and S24 is terminated.

[0062] [Acquisition of time-series data from temperature measurements] The dryer 100 can acquire time-series data of temperature measurements obtained by the temperature sensor 300. The control unit 200 can acquire temperature measurements for multiple detection regions F1 to F8 at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 250 msec. Based on the time-series data of temperature measurements for the multiple detection regions F1 to F8, the control unit 200 calculates the maximum temperature of the object and controls the operation of at least one of the air blower and the heating unit based on the maximum temperature of the object. "Time-series data" may refer to multiple data acquired within a predetermined period.

[0063] [Maximum hair temperature Tmax] The control unit 200 can calculate the maximum hair temperature Tmax from multiple detection regions F1 to F8.

[0064] [Example of calculation method 1] The control unit 200 can calculate the maximum value Tmax as the highest value among multiple temperature measurements from detection regions F1 to F8 acquired at the same measurement timing. In this case, the control unit 200 can calculate the maximum value Tmax each time at a single measurement timing. The control unit 200 calculates the highest temperature measurement as the maximum value TMax.

[0065] [Example of calculation method 2] The control unit 200 can, for example, calculate the maximum value Tmax as the maximum value among the most recent two (or more) temperature measurements of multiple detection regions F1 to F8. The "multiple measurements" may be two or more measurements.

[0066] [Example of calculation method 3] The control unit 200 can, for example, calculate the maximum value Tmax as the maximum value among the three most recent temperature measurements taken in multiple detection regions F1 to F8.

[0067] [Example of calculation method 4] The control unit 200 may, for example, calculate the moving average of the maximum value among the three most recent temperature measurements in multiple detection regions F1 to F8, and calculate this moving average value as the maximum value Tmax.

[0068] [Example of calculation method 5] The control unit 200 may, for example, calculate the average of the top two temperature measurements from multiple detection regions F1 to F8 at each measurement timing as the maximum value Tmax.

[0069] [Example of calculation method 6] The control unit 200 may, for example, calculate the maximum value Tmax as the average of the top two values ​​from among the temperature measurements of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 at each measurement timing.

[0070] [Example of calculation method 7] The control unit 200 may, for example, calculate the load average of three measurements of the top two values ​​among the temperature measurements of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 at each measurement timing, and calculate this load average value as the maximum value Tmax.

[0071] [Challenges of conventional technology] Figure 9 illustrates the detection area by the temperature sensor of the dryer in the comparative example. Figures 9(A) and 9(B) illustrate the hot air blowing area Fw10 by the dryer and the detection area F21 by the temperature sensor in Comparative Example 1. Figures 9(C) and 9(D) illustrate the hot air blowing area Fw10 by the dryer and the detection area F22 by the temperature sensor in Comparative Example 2.

[0072] In Comparative Example 1, the detection area F21 is small compared to the hot air blowing area Fw10. The diameter of the detection area F21 is about half the diameter of the hot air blowing area Fw10. As shown in Figure 9(B), even when a part of the hot air blowing area Fw10 is in contact with the hair 110, the detection area F21 is located away from the hair 110. In Comparative Example 1, the temperature of the hair 110 cannot be measured in the case shown in Figure 9(B).

[0073] In Comparative Example 2, the detection area F22 is slightly smaller than the hot air blowing area Fw10, but it overlaps with most of the hot air blowing area Fw10. As shown in Figure 9(D), about half of the detection area F22 is located in a position that overlaps with the hair 110, and the remaining half of the detection area F22 is located outside the hair 110. The temperature sensor measures the average temperature within the field of view. "Within the field of view" is synonymous with "detection area F22". In Comparative Example 2, as shown in Figure 9(D), the temperature is an average of the hair temperature detected at the position overlapping with the hair 110 and the background temperature detected at the position outside the hair 110, so the temperature of the hair 110 cannot be accurately measured.

[0074] In conventional hair dryers, the field of view from which temperature can be measured and the area of ​​hair to which hot air is blown do not necessarily coincide. If the field of view from which temperature can be measured is narrower, when the angle of the dryer changes, there will be areas of hair that are hit by hot air but whose temperature cannot be measured. If the field of view from which temperature can be measured is wider than or the same as the area to which hot air hits, the measurement will be an average temperature that includes areas within the field of view where no hair is present, making it impossible to measure the accurate temperature of the hair.

[0075] [Effects of the dryer 100 according to the embodiment] The dryer 100 according to this embodiment includes a main body 10 having a flow path 101 that communicates with an air intake port 102 and an air discharge port 103, an air blowing unit 20 that blows air that flows through the flow path 101 and is discharged from the air discharge port 103, a heating unit 30 that is located downstream of the air blowing unit 20 and heats the air, a temperature sensor 300 that detects the temperatures of a plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 arranged in a first direction intersecting the direction of air flow, and a control unit 200 that controls the operation of at least one of the air blowing unit 20 and the heating unit 30 based on the temperatures of the plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 detected by the temperature sensor 300.

[0076] In such a hair dryer 100, the temperature of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 arranged in a first direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) is detected, and the voltage or current values ​​of the air blower 20 and heating unit 30 of the hair dryer 100 can be controlled based on this temperature. If the user significantly changes the orientation of the hair dryer 100, the airflow from the hair dryer 100 may move far away from the user's head. As shown in Figure 5(B), even if the detection regions F5 to F8 move away from the user's head, the hair dryer 100 can still detect the temperature of the hair in the detection regions F1 to F4 that overlap with the hair. In this way, even if the angle or position of the hair dryer 100 held by the user changes and some of the airflow from the hair dryer 100 moves away from the user's hair, some of the detection elements among the multiple detection elements can continue to detect the temperature of the user's hair. This improves the accuracy of hair temperature measurement by the temperature sensor 300, and enables the realization of a hair dryer 100 that can prevent hair damage.

[0077] Furthermore, in the dryer 100, the control unit 200 calculates the maximum temperature of the object based on time-series data of temperature measurements in multiple detection regions F1 to F8, and controls the operation of at least one of the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30 based on the maximum temperature of the object. Note that "calculating the maximum temperature of the object" includes "detecting and selecting the maximum temperature of the object." "Controlling based on the maximum value" includes controlling so as not to exceed the maximum value, controlling to reach the maximum value, and controlling within a predetermined range including the maximum value. The predetermined range including the maximum value may be, for example, a range of 90% or more of the maximum value and 110% or less of the maximum value.

[0078] With such a hair dryer 100, the voltage and current values ​​of the air blower 20 and heating unit 30 of the hair dryer 100 can be controlled based on the maximum temperature of the object. For example, the control unit 200 can control the hair dryer 100 so that the temperature of the object does not rise. The hair dryer 100 can prevent heat damage to the user's hair 110.

[0079] Furthermore, in the dryer 100, the control unit 200 may control the operation of at least one of the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30 based on the change in the maximum temperature of the object. The control unit 200 may control the operation of at least one of the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30 so that the maximum temperature of the object is within a preset range. The "pre-set range" may be, for example, "a range of 90% or more of the preset maximum value and 110% or less of the preset maximum value," or for example, "a range of 90% or more of the preset maximum value and less than 100% of the preset maximum value," or for example, "a range of 90% or more of the preset maximum value and 98% or less of the preset maximum value."

[0080] A "pre-set range" may be set to account for heat damage to the target object, which is hair. When the temperature of wet hair rises to 60°C to 70°C, the structure of the proteins in the hair changes, causing damage. The control unit 200 can control the operation of at least one of the air blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30 so that the maximum temperature Tmax of the target object is less than 60°C. The "range of less than 60°C" is an example of a "pre-set range". With the dryer 100, the temperature of the hair can be controlled to stay within a range of less than 60°C, thereby preventing damage to the hair.

[0081] From the perspective of quick drying of wet hair, a lower limit of the "pre-set range" may be set. For example, based on experiments or past data, a lower limit of the "pre-set range" may be set to ensure that hair dries quickly.

[0082] For example, when feedback control is performed to ensure that the hair temperature reaches a target temperature Tt, if the actual variation in hair temperature is Tv (for example, the difference between T2 and T1 shown in Figure 7(A)), the upper limit of the "pre-set range" may be set to 60-Tv℃. This allows the hair temperature to be maintained below 60℃ even when the actual temperature is fluctuating. With the Dryer 100, it is possible to achieve both hair damage prevention and fast drying.

[0083] Furthermore, in the dryer 100, the control unit 200 determines the drying state of the object based on the measured temperature of the object and the output of at least one of the air blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30, and controls the operation of at least one of the air blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30 based on the drying state of the object.

[0084] In such a hair dryer 100, feedback control can be used to control the output of the dryer 100 in order to maintain the set temperature. Furthermore, the dryer 100 can determine the drying state of the hair 110 based on the change in the output of the dryer 100 and the change in the measured temperature of the object. For example, if the voltage or current value of the dryer 100 decreases while the set temperature is being maintained, the control unit 200 can determine that the drying of the hair 110 is complete. This prevents heat damage to the user's hair 110.

[0085] Furthermore, the dryer 100 is equipped with a lamp (notification unit) 13 that notifies information regarding the drying status of the object, and the control unit 200 may cause the lamp 13 to notify information regarding the drying status of the object. For example, the color displayed by the lamp 13 may be changed when the hair 110 is being dried and when the hair 110 has finished drying. With a dryer 100 configured in this way, the user can instantly determine whether the object is drying or has finished drying by looking at the lamp 13.

[0086] Furthermore, in the dryer 100, the control unit 200 can determine when the object has finished drying and, after the object has finished drying, can reduce the output of the heating unit 30 and switch to a cold air mode that blows out cold air. The cold air may be, for example, room temperature air. With a dryer 100 configured in this way, the temperature of the hair 110 can be lowered by applying cold air to the hair 110 that has been exposed to hot air. The temperature of the hair 110 after drying can be lowered to an appropriate temperature. With a dryer 100, damage to the hair 110 can be minimized.

[0087] In the dryer 100, at least two of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 may be located within the range of the hot air blowing region FW10, which is directly hit by the air discharged from the outlet 103. In this configuration of the dryer 100, two or more of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 are located within the range of the region directly hit by the hot air, making it possible to reliably measure the temperature of the hair in the region hit by the hot air.

[0088] In the hair dryer 100, at least one of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 may be located outside the range of the hot air blowing region Fw10. In this configuration, the temperature of both the region exposed to the hot air and the region outside of it can be measured. This allows the temperature of the hair to be measured in a way that ensures the hot air blowing region Fw10 is covered.

[0089] In the dryer 100, all of the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 are located within the range Fw10 of the hot air blowing region, which is directly hit by the air discharged from the outlet 103. The ranges F1 to F8 of the multiple detection regions may coincide with the range of the hot air blowing region Fw10 in the direction in which the multiple detection regions F1 to F8 are aligned.

[0090] [Temperature sensor according to the embodiment] The temperature sensor 300 according to this embodiment is a temperature sensor 300 that can be mounted on a dryer 100 and comprises a plurality of infrared sensor elements (temperature detection elements) 340a that detect the temperature of detection regions F1 to F8. The plurality of temperature detection elements 340a are capable of detecting the temperatures of mutually different detection regions among a plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 arranged in a first direction, and output data of the temperatures of the plurality of detection regions F1 to F8 that have been detected. The "detection region" may also be the "hair region," and the "hair region" is the region in the detection region where hair exists.

[0091] Such a temperature sensor 300 can detect the temperatures of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 and output the measured temperature data to the dryer 100.

[0092] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 1] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 1, the temperature sensor 300 detects the temperature of multiple detection areas arranged in the direction of airflow (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Z-axis direction) that intersects the first direction (Y-axis direction). The control unit 200 may control the operation of at least one of the blower unit 20 and the heating unit 30 based on the temperatures of the multiple detection areas arranged in the first direction and the temperatures of the multiple detection areas arranged in the second direction. The multiple detection areas F1 to F8 may be arranged to overlap in two stages in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the dryer 100 can measure the temperature at different positions in the Z-axis direction, thereby increasing the number of detection areas arranged within the hot air blowing area Fw10. Therefore, with such a dryer 100, even if the angle or position of the dryer 100 changes significantly, the temperature of the hair can be reliably detected, and the temperature of the hair can be measured with high accuracy.

[0093] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 2] The temperature sensor 300 may have a monocular temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of one detection area. The dryer 100 may have multiple monocular temperature sensors capable of measuring the temperatures of multiple detection areas F1 to F8.

[0094] Furthermore, the dryer 100 according to the modified example 2 comprises a main body having a flow path that communicates with an air intake and an air discharge port, a blower unit that blows air that flows through the flow path and is discharged from the air discharge port, a heating unit located downstream of the blower unit that heats the air, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a detection area, and a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit based on the temperatures of the plurality of detection areas detected by the temperature sensor. The control unit calculates the maximum value of the temperature of the object based on the measured temperature of the detection area and the time-series data of the measured temperature of the detection area, controls the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit based on the maximum value of the temperature of the object, determines the drying state of the object based on the measured temperature of the object and the output of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit, and controls the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit based on the drying state of the object.

[0095] In the hair dryer 100 according to this modified example 2, the same control processing as in the hair dryer 100 of the first embodiment described above may be performed. This makes it possible to provide a hair dryer 100 that can suppress damage to the hair 110.

[0096] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 3] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 3, the field of view of the infrared sensor element 340a in the first direction and the field of view in the second direction may be different.

[0097] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 4] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 4, the temperature sensor 300 may be positioned close to the discharge port 103. Also, in the dryer 100 according to Modification 4, the temperature sensor 300 may be positioned close to the grip 12. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 300 may be positioned close to the grip 12 in the Z-axis direction, or it may be attached to the side of the cylindrical body 11 opposite to the grip 12. In the dryer 100 according to Modification 4, the temperature sensor 300 may be attached to the side of the cylindrical body 11 facing in the Y-axis direction. The position in which the temperature sensor 300 is attached in the dryer 100 is not limited. The temperature sensor 300 may be attached to the grip 12.

[0098] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 5] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 5, a plurality of temperature sensors 300 may be provided. For example, the plurality of temperature sensors 300 may be arranged opposite each other in the Z-axis direction with respect to the cylindrical body 11. The plurality of temperature sensors 300 may be arranged on the side of the cylindrical body 11 that faces the Z-axis direction and the side that faces the Y-axis direction. The plurality of temperature sensors 300 may be arranged at positions that are, for example, 90 degrees apart in the main direction of the cylindrical body 11. The plurality of temperature sensors 300 may be arranged at positions that are different from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0099] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 6] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 6, the multiple temperature sensors 300 may be configured to measure the temperatures of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 that are arranged in different directions from each other. For example, the first temperature sensor 300 may be capable of measuring the temperatures of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 that are arranged in the Y-axis direction, and the second temperature sensor 300 may be capable of measuring the temperatures of multiple detection regions F1 to F8 that are arranged in the Z-axis direction.

[0100] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 7] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 7, the temperature sensor 300 may be configured to measure the temperature of two detection areas. The number of detection areas is not limited to 8, but may be two or more. Furthermore, the multiple detection areas are not limited to being arranged in a straight line, but may be arranged along a curve, for example, in the circumferential direction. In addition, the multiple detection areas F1 to F8 may be arranged so that they partially overlap, or they may be arranged apart with gaps between them.

[0101] [Dryer 100 according to modified example 8] In the dryer 100 according to Modification 8, it may have multiple outlets. In the dryer 100 according to Modification 8, the airflow direction and speed may be changed based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 300.

[0102] Furthermore, other embodiments may be used in which other components are combined with the configurations listed in the above embodiments, and the present invention is not limited in any way to the configurations shown herein. In this regard, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

[0103] In the above embodiment, a hair dryer, dryer 100, is used as an example, but the object to which air is blown by the dryer 100 is not limited to hair 110, but may be other objects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100: Dryer, 10: Main unit, 13: Lamp (notification unit), 20: Air blower, 30: Heating unit, 101: Flow path, 102: Intake port, 103: Outlet port, 300: Temperature sensor, F1~F8: Detection area, Fw10: Hot air blowing area, X: X-axis direction, Y: Y-axis direction (first direction), Z: Z-axis direction (second direction)

Claims

1. A main body having a flow path that communicates with the intake port and the discharge port, A blowing unit is positioned on the intake side of the flow path and blows air discharged from the discharge port, A heating unit is located on the discharge side within the flow path and heats the air, A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of multiple detection regions arranged in a first direction intersecting the airflow direction, A hair dryer comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the blowing unit and the heating unit based on the temperature of the plurality of detection areas detected by the temperature sensor.

2. The control unit, The dryer according to claim 1, which calculates the maximum temperature of an object based on the temperature measurements of the plurality of detection areas, and controls the operation of at least one of the blower and the heating unit based on the maximum temperature of the object.

3. The control unit, The dryer according to claim 2, which calculates the maximum temperature of an object based on time-series data of temperature measurements of the plurality of detection areas, and controls the operation of at least one of the blower and the heating unit based on the maximum temperature of the object.

4. The control unit, The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, which controls the operation of at least one of the blower and the heating unit so that the maximum temperature of the object falls within a preset range.

5. The control unit, Based on the measured temperature of the object and the output of at least one of the blower and the heating unit, the drying state of the object is determined. The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, which controls the operation of at least one of the air blower and the heating unit based on the drying state of the object.

6. The system includes a notification unit that notifies information regarding the drying state of the object, The dryer according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to provide information regarding the drying state of the object.

7. The control unit, Determine when the drying of the object is complete, The dryer according to claim 5, which switches to a cold air mode by reducing the output of the heating unit and blowing air after the drying of the object is completed.

8. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of a plurality of detection regions arranged in a second direction intersecting the airflow direction and the first direction. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit based on the temperatures of a plurality of detection regions arranged in the first direction and the temperatures of a plurality of detection regions arranged in the second direction.

9. A main body having a flow path that communicates with the intake port and the discharge port, A blower unit is positioned on the intake side of the flow path and blows air discharged from the discharge port, A heating unit is located on the discharge side within the flow path and heats the air, A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the detection area, The system includes a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit based on the temperature of the detection area detected by the temperature sensor, The control unit, Based on the temperature measurement of the detection area, the temperature of the object is calculated, and based on the temperature of the object, the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit is controlled. Based on the measured temperature of the object and the output of at least one of the blower and the heating unit, the drying state of the object is determined. A dryer that controls the operation of at least one of the blowing unit and the heating unit based on the drying state of the object.

10. The control unit, The dryer according to claim 9, which calculates the maximum temperature of an object based on time-series data of temperature measurements in the detection area, and controls the operation of at least one of the air blower and the heating unit based on the maximum temperature of the object.

11. A temperature sensor that can be mounted on a dryer, It is equipped with multiple temperature sensing elements that detect the temperature of multiple hair regions, The plurality of temperature sensing elements are capable of detecting the temperatures of different hair regions among the plurality of hair regions arranged in the first direction. A temperature sensor that outputs temperature data of multiple hair regions used to determine the dryness state of the hair region.

12. The process involves operating the air blowing unit that sends air out from the outlet of the main body and the heating unit that heats the sent air to start blowing air onto the target object, A process of detecting the temperature of an object in multiple detection areas using a temperature sensor and obtaining multiple temperature measurements, A method for controlling a hair dryer, comprising the step of controlling the operation of at least one of the blower unit and the heating unit based on measured temperature values ​​of the plurality of detection areas.

13. A step of calculating the maximum temperature of the object from temperature measurements obtained at the same measurement timing for the temperatures of the multiple detection regions, A method for controlling a hair dryer according to claim 12, comprising the step of controlling the operation of at least one of the blowing unit and the heating unit based on the above-mentioned maximum value.

14. A step of calculating the maximum temperature of the object from the multiple temperature measurements taken over the most recent period, A method for controlling a dryer according to claim 12, comprising the step of controlling at least one of the air blowing section and the heating section based on the above-mentioned maximum value.

15. The dryer control method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein in the step of calculating the maximum value, the average value of multiple measurements of the top two values ​​among the temperature measurements of the multiple detection regions at each measurement timing is calculated as the maximum value.

16. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two of the plurality of detection areas are located within the range of the hot air blowing area that is directly hit by the air discharged from the discharge port.

17. The dryer according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of detection areas is located outside the range of the hot air blowing area.

18. All of the aforementioned multiple detection areas are located within the range of the hot air blowing area that is directly hit by the air discharged from the outlet. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the range of the plurality of detection areas coincides with the range of the hot air blowing area in the direction in which the plurality of detection areas are aligned.

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