Hair care tools

Abstract

We provide hair care devices that can reduce heat-induced damage to hair. [Solution] This hair care device 1 comprises a pair of arms 10 for gripping hair, a hinge 20 that connects the pair of arms 10 so that they can rotate relative to each other, a heater 30 provided on at least one of the pair of arms 10 and having a heating surface 31, and an ultrasonic vibration unit 50 provided on the arm 10 on which the heater 30 is provided and having a vibrating surface 53 that faces the same direction as the heating surface 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair care appliance.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heater-type hair iron that performs various styling operations such as straight perm by applying heat to the hair from a heating part such as a heater has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In a heater-type hair iron, it is common to use it after sufficiently drying the hair with a dryer or the like so as not to hurt the hair by a fine steam explosion.

[0003] On the other hand, in addition to the method of using a heater-type hair iron after sufficiently drying the hair, as an example, there is also an example of using a heater-type hair iron after applying a special treatment agent of a type that does not wash away on dry hair.

[0004] Furthermore, as another special example, there is a method of washing the hair after applying a reducing agent or the like having an action of cutting the cystine bond of the hair. The effect of this method is that, for example, by winding after once cutting the cystine bond such as a chain that is straight-connected with a reducing agent, curls can be given to the hair. Alternatively, by cutting the cystine bond that is bent and connected like a frizzy hair with a reducing agent, washing the hair, drying it with a dryer, and then stretching the hair with a hair iron, the effect of a straight perm can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Conventional hair irons have a heating element that generates high heat, which can damage hair. While some manufacturers have added heat-protecting ingredients to treatments, styling is still difficult without applying high heat for a certain period of time. Therefore, there was a need to lower the heater temperature as much as possible to minimize hair damage.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and aims to provide a hair care device that can reduce heat damage to the hair. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A hair care device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of arms for gripping hair, a hinge connecting the pair of arms so as to be rotatable relative to each other, a heater provided on at least one of the pair of arms and having a heating surface, and an ultrasonic vibration unit provided on the arm on which the heater is provided and having a vibrating surface facing the same direction as the heating surface.

[0009] The ultrasonic vibration unit may have a Curie point higher than the preset maximum heating temperature of the heater.

[0010] The heater may be arranged so as to surround the ultrasonic vibration unit from the outside when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the heating surface.

[0011] The heating surface and the vibrating surface may be located within the same plane.

[0012] The hair care device further comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the heater, and a sensor provided on the arm that can measure the temperature of the hair held between the pair of arms, wherein the control unit may adjust the output of the heater in a direction that increases the output of the heater when the temperature measured by the sensor is below a first threshold.

[0013] The control unit may adjust the output of the heater in a direction that lowers the output of the heater when the temperature measured by the sensor exceeds a second threshold that is higher than the first threshold.

[0014] The system includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater, and each of the arms is provided with an ultrasonic vibration unit. The control unit may control each ultrasonic vibration unit so that the ultrasonic vibration unit of one arm and the ultrasonic vibration unit of the other arm do not generate ultrasonic vibrations simultaneously. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention provides a hair care device that can reduce heat-induced damage to the hair. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view showing the configuration of a hair care device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view of the main part of a hair care device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line II in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of a hair care device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of the main part of a hair care device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing variations of hair care devices. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the vibration patterns of two ultrasonic vibration units. [Figure 9] This figure shows examples of other vibration patterns. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] <First Embodiment> (Overview) Hereinafter, a hair care appliance according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This hair care appliance is, for example, a heater-type straightener. Specifically, the hair care appliance mainly includes a heater and an ultrasonic vibration unit provided on an arm for sandwiching hair.

[0018] (Detailed Configuration of Hair Care Appliance 1) Next, referring to the drawings, the configuration of the hair care appliance 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing the configuration of the hair care appliance 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the hair care appliance 1 includes a pair of arms 10, a hinge 20, a heater 30, and an ultrasonic vibration unit 50.

[0019] (Arms 10 and Hinge 20) Each arm 10 is rod-shaped with dimensions of about several tens of centimeters. One end portions of the pair of arms 10 are connected to each other by a hinge 20 so as to be relatively rotatable. Various treatments are performed on the hair in a state where the hair is sandwiched between these arms 10.

[0020] (Heater 30) FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the hair care appliance 1 when viewed from the side of the heating surface 31. As shown in FIG. 1, the heater 30 is provided on each arm 10 as an example. More specifically, the heater 30 is provided one by one on the surfaces of each arm 10 that face each other. The heater 30 is, for example, an electric heater and is a flat heating element that generates heat by supplying electric power. The heater 30 is arranged so as to surround the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 described later from the outside when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the heating surface 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the heater and the ultrasonic vibration unit may be provided in a manner such that the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 are interchanged.

[0021] The heater 30 is supplied with power from a battery or power supply unit (not shown). When power is supplied, the heater 30 generates heat to approximately 120°C to 200°C. The heating temperature of the heater 30 may be set to a single value or to multiple values ​​(e.g., low and high temperatures). The maximum heating temperature of the heater 30 is set to a predetermined value.

[0022] The surface of the heater 30, that is, the surface facing the other arm 10, is the heating surface 31 for applying heat to the hair. As shown in Figure 2 as an example, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the heating surface 31, the central region 32 of the heating surface 31, which has a roughly rectangular contour shape, has an opening. With this structure, the heater 30 is formed in a frame shape.

[0023] Although not shown in the diagram, the heating surface 31 may be coated with a heat-resistant and drip-proof coating or the like. This is to prevent corrosion and contamination caused by chemical liquids coming into contact with the heating surface 31.

[0024] (Ultrasonic vibration unit 50) The ultrasonic vibration unit 50 is located inside the heater 30. The ultrasonic vibration unit 50 is a vibration unit with an elongated shape, as shown in Figure 2. The ultrasonic vibration unit 50 has a vibration plate 51 and a transducer body 52.

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Figure 2. The vibrating plate 51 is a plate-shaped member. Specifically, the vibrating plate 51 is positioned with its peripheral edge joined to the vicinity of the inner edge of the heater 30. In Figure 3, the end of the vibrating plate 51 is shown in contact with the inner circumference of the opening of the heating surface 31, but it may also be configured so that the peripheral edge of the flat vibrating plate 51 partially overlaps the surface of the heater 30.

[0026] Of the two surfaces of the vibrating plate 51, the vibrating surface 53, which is the surface exposed to the outside, faces the same direction as the heating surface 31 of the heater 30 (the direction facing the arm 10 on the other side).

[0027] The transducer body 52 is an element that vibrates the vibrating plate 51. When power is applied to the transducer body 52, it vibrates at a frequency of, for example, 1000 kHz.

[0028] As the oscillator body 52, an element having a Curie point higher than the preset maximum heating temperature of the heater 30 is used. Specifically, a lithium niobate oscillator is suitable as the oscillator body 52. ​​More specifically, it is desirable that the Curie point of the oscillator body 52 be 100°C or more higher than the preset maximum heating temperature of the heater 30. Considering that the temperature of the heater 30 may temporarily rise, it is even more desirable that the temperature difference between this Curie point and the maximum heating temperature be 150°C or more.

[0029] The oscillator body 52, which has a high Curie point, is less susceptible to damage even when exposed to heat from the heater 30, and can continue to operate stably. Therefore, the hair care device 1 can be used stably over a long period of time.

[0030] The vibrating surface 53 is located in the same plane as the heating surface 31, for example. The vibrating surface 53 and the heating surface 31 as a whole may be curved or flat, but in this embodiment they are flat.

[0031] In this way, since the heating surface 31 and the vibrating surface 53 are located in the same plane, the heating surface 31 and the vibrating surface 53 can be brought into contact with the hair at the same time.

[0032] It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the heater 30 is provided on only one arm 10. Similarly, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 is provided on only one arm 10.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the control device. The control device 70 controls the operation of the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50. The control device 70 operates the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 independently. The control device 70 may operate the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 simultaneously, or at different timings.

[0034] The control device 70 operates the heater 30 so that it heats up to a predetermined temperature. The control device 70 may also operate the heater 30 so that it heats up to any of a plurality of predetermined temperatures.

[0035] The control device 70 operates the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 so that it vibrates ultrasonically at a predetermined frequency set in advance. The control device 70 may also operate the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 so that it vibrates at any frequency among a plurality of predetermined frequencies.

[0036] The control device 70 may, for example, operate at least one of the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 based on a signal from an arm opening / closing sensor (not shown) provided on the hair care device 1, or it may operate at least one of the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 in response to the operation of a switch (not shown) by the practitioner. Below, an example configuration in which the practitioner operates a predetermined switch will be given.

[0037] (Example of use of hair care device 1) When using the hair care device 1 described above, the user first places the hair, which has been treated with a special leave-in treatment agent, between the pair of arms 10. Then, the user operates the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 by operating a switch (not shown). As a result, the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 operate simultaneously, for example, applying heat and ultrasonic vibrations to the hair.

[0038] As described above, the hair care device 1 according to this embodiment has a heater 30 and an ultrasonic vibration unit 50, so that heat and ultrasonic vibration can be applied to the hair and chemicals simultaneously. As a result, compared to conventional hair irons, it is possible to quickly and efficiently penetrate special leave-in treatment agents into the hair. It is also expected that the ultrasonic waves will act on components that protect the hair from high temperatures, promoting their penetration. With this embodiment, the time the hair is heated can be shortened compared to conventional hair irons, thus reducing heat damage to the hair.

[0039] Furthermore, by applying a reducing agent that breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair, rinsing it off, drying the hair, and then applying heat while using ultrasonic vibrations, the disulfide bonds that were previously connected in a curved, curly manner are broken apart. This promotes the reconstruction of the disulfide bonds into a straight shape. As a result, the long duration of the chemical's effect can be shortened, which also contributes to reducing damage to the hair.

[0040] (Effects of hair care device 1) As described above, the hair care device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with both a heater 30 and an ultrasonic vibration unit 50. Therefore, the action of ultrasound promotes the penetration of chemicals such as special leave-in treatment agents, and by lowering the heater temperature or shortening the time heat is applied, damage to the hair can be reduced.

[0041] <Second Embodiment> Next, a hair care device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0042] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of the hair care device 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the hair care device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a sensor 60 in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0043] (Sensor 60) Sensor 60 is, for example, a sensor that measures the temperature of an object in close proximity to it. Specifically, sensor 60 measures the temperature of hair (including hair with chemicals applied) held between a pair of arms. Sensor 60 is located in an area that does not interfere with the heater 30 of arm 10.

[0044] The sensor 60 measures the object and outputs the value as an electrical signal. Although Figure 5 shows an example in which the sensor 60 is mounted on the heater 30, this is merely an example, and it is preferable that the sensor 60 be mounted in a position where it is not affected by the heat from the heater 30.

[0045] (Control device 70) The control device 70 is a device that controls the operation of the heater 30 according to the measurement results of the sensor 60. Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the control device 70. As shown in the figure, the control device 70 has a storage unit 71 and a control unit 72.

[0046] The memory unit 71 has storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 71 stores the program executed by the control unit 72. The memory unit 71 also stores various threshold values, which will be described later.

[0047] The control unit 72 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 72 functions as an acquisition unit 81, a determination unit 82, and a drive unit 83 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 71.

[0048] The acquisition unit 81 acquires the measurement result from the sensor 60 described above. The determination unit 82 compares the measurement result with a predetermined first threshold or second threshold and determines whether the two are greater or less than or equal to each other. The determination unit 82 determines whether the hair temperature measured by the sensor 60 is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0049] The drive unit 83 adjusts the output or drive state of the heater 30 based on the determination result of the determination unit 82. The second threshold is a higher value than the first threshold. When the determination unit 82 determines that the temperature measured by the sensor 60 is below the threshold (first threshold), the drive unit 83 adjusts the output of the heater 30 in a direction that increases the heat generation temperature. For example, the drive unit 83 changes the set temperature of the heater 30, which has multi-stage temperature settings, from the first temperature to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

[0050] According to the above configuration, when the hair temperature is below the first threshold, the control unit 72 adjusts the output of the heater 30 to increase. For example, even if the output of the heater 30 is the same, the temperature of the hair and chemicals after heating may differ between summer and winter. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the hair and chemicals can be heated well even when there are such seasonal temperature differences.

[0051] On the other hand, if excessive heat is applied to the hair, it may be damaged. Therefore, if the determination unit 82 determines that the temperature measured by the sensor 60 exceeds a threshold (second threshold), the drive unit 83 adjusts the output of the heater 30 in a direction that lowers the heating temperature.

[0052] With the above configuration, for example, the temperature of the hair can be measured by the sensor 60. If these temperatures exceed a threshold, the control device 70 adjusts the output of the heater 30 to a lower value. As a result, damage to the hair caused by the heater 30 being too hot can be suppressed.

[0053] <Variation> Other sensors capable of measuring hair humidity may be provided. For example, the drive unit 83 can adjust the temperature of the heater 30 based on the measured hair humidity, thereby maintaining a temperature range suitable for the penetration of chemicals and various styling methods.

[0054] A sensor unit may be provided in which a temperature sensor 60 and a humidity sensor are integrated.

[0055] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment described an example in which the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 are operated simultaneously. However, the control device 70 may be configured to switch the operating states of the heater 30 and the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 alternately or sequentially. Specifically, the control device 70 first heats the hair with the heater 30 to raise the temperature, and then turns off the heater 30. This raises the temperature of the chemical solution and the hair, making it easier for the chemical solution to penetrate the hair.

[0056] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the hair care device. As shown in Figure 7, one embodiment of the hair care device of the present invention may be configured such that the heaters 30A are arranged to extend on both sides of the ultrasonic vibration unit 50. Alternatively, only one heater 30A may be arranged along the ultrasonic vibration unit 50.

[0057] Furthermore, as a further modification, the ultrasonic vibration unit 50 may be provided on both sides in the width direction of the heater 30, which is located in the center in the width direction of the arm 10.

[0058] (A configuration that prevents opposing ultrasonic transducers from vibrating simultaneously.) Figure 8 shows an example of the vibration patterns of two ultrasonic vibration units. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents amplitude. The upper part of Figure 8 shows the vibration pattern of the first ultrasonic vibration unit, and the lower part shows the vibration pattern of the second ultrasonic vibration unit. The control unit in the following description is a control unit for controlling the operation of the hair care device and does not necessarily correspond to the control unit 72 in Figure 6. As described below, the control unit may control each ultrasonic vibration unit so that the ultrasonic vibration unit of one arm and the ultrasonic vibration unit of the other arm do not generate ultrasonic vibrations simultaneously.

[0059] The control unit vibrates the first ultrasonic vibration unit in a first pattern. The first pattern is a pattern that includes repeating vibration A for a first duration p1. The control unit vibrates the second ultrasonic vibration unit in a second pattern. The second pattern is also a pattern that includes repeating vibration A for a second duration p2. In this example, the first duration p1 and the second duration p2 are the same. In this example, the amplitude of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the amplitude of the second ultrasonic vibration unit in vibration A are also the same.

[0060] The frequency at which vibration A repeats is between 1 Hz and 100 Hz, and for example, between 1 Hz and 20 Hz. The interval between vibrations A is between 10 msec and 50 msec, specifically 20 msec. This interval prevents interference between the ultrasonic vibration units.

[0061] The vibrations of the first and second ultrasonic vibration units are phase-shifted so that they do not vibrate simultaneously. Furthermore, a period of inactivity (simultaneous stop period) may be provided during the transition from vibration of the first to vibration of the second ultrasonic vibration unit, and vice versa. This period should be long enough for the vibrations of the ultrasonic vibration units to subside.

[0062] The control unit vibrates the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit in the vibration pattern shown in Figure 8, for example, when a switch (not shown) of the hair care device is pressed by the user. The control unit stops the vibration of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit, for example, when a switch is pressed by the user. The control unit may also stop the vibration of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit when the opening / closing sensor detects that the hair care device has been opened, and restart the vibration of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit when the opening / closing sensor detects that the hair care device has been closed.

[0063] In vibration A, the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit vibrate in the ultrasonic frequency band. Here, the vibration frequency of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the vibration frequency of the second ultrasonic vibration unit may be the same or different.

[0064] In the configuration shown in Figure 8, the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit vibrate alternately with a phase difference, and do not vibrate simultaneously. Therefore, even if the ultrasonic vibration units come into contact with each other, resonance does not occur.

[0065] Figure 9 shows examples of other vibration patterns. In Figure 9(a), the control unit vibrates the first ultrasonic vibration unit in the first pattern and the second ultrasonic vibration unit in the second pattern. The first and second patterns are basically the same as those in Figure 8, but differ in that one of the first duration p1 and the second duration p2 (in this case, the first duration p1) is longer than the other of the first duration p1 and the second duration p2 (in this case, the second duration p2).

[0066] It is conceivable that, rather than having the same vibration pattern for the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit, having different vibration patterns, with one ultrasonic vibration unit having a relatively stronger penetration effect, can effectively penetrate hair with leave-in type special treatment agents and other chemicals. This can reduce heat damage to the hair. Here, as shown in Figure 9(a), by vibrating the first and second ultrasonic vibration units with a vibration pattern where one of the first duration p1 and second duration p2 is longer than the other, it is expected that leave-in type special treatment agents and other chemicals can be more effectively penetrated into the hair, thereby reducing heat damage to the hair. Similar effects can be obtained with the patterns shown in Figures 9(b) and 9(c).

[0067] The first and second patterns in Figure 9(b) are basically the same as those in Figure 8, but differ in that one of the amplitudes of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit is larger than the other. In the vibration pattern of Figure 9(c), one of the amplitudes of the first ultrasonic vibration unit and the second ultrasonic vibration unit is larger than the other, and one of the first duration p1 and the second duration p2 is longer than the other. Thus, both the duration and amplitude of the vibration may differ between the ultrasonic vibration units.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1… Hair care tools 10... Arm 20... Hinge 30,30A… Heater 31…heating surface 32…Central area 50… Ultrasonic vibration unit 51…Vibration Plate 52…Transducer body 53…Vibration surface 60...Sensor 70...Control device 71...Storage section 72... Control Unit 81…Acquisition part 82…Judgment section 83…Drive unit

Claims

1. A pair of arms that hold the hair, A hinge that connects the pair of arms so that they can rotate relative to each other, A heater having a heating surface is provided on at least one of the pair of arms, An ultrasonic vibration unit is provided on the arm on which the heater is provided, and has a vibrating surface facing the same direction as the heating surface, Equipped with, Hair care tools.

2. The ultrasonic vibration unit has a Curie point higher than the preset maximum heating temperature of the heater. The hair care device according to claim 1.

3. The heater is positioned such that it surrounds the ultrasonic vibration unit from the outside when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the heating surface. A hair care device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The heating surface and the vibrating surface are located within the same plane. A hair care device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A control unit that controls the operation of the heater, A sensor is provided on the arm and is capable of measuring the temperature of the hair held between the pair of arms, Furthermore, The control unit adjusts the output of the heater in a direction that increases the output of the heater when the temperature measured by the sensor is below a first threshold. A hair care device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control unit adjusts the output of the heater in a direction that lowers the output of the heater when the temperature measured by the sensor exceeds a second threshold that is higher than the first threshold. The hair care device according to claim 5.

7. The unit includes a control unit that controls the operation of the heater, Each of the arms is provided with the ultrasonic vibration unit, The control unit controls each ultrasonic vibration unit so that the ultrasonic vibration unit of one arm and the ultrasonic vibration unit of the other arm do not generate ultrasonic vibrations simultaneously. A hair care device according to claim 1 or 2.

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