Vacuum hair dryer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hair drying device (16) including a suction device (20) that cooperates with a hair receiving element (23). The suction device (20) is configured to generate a suction airflow (34). As a result, when wet hair is placed on the hair receiving element (23), the suction airflow carries away moisture from the wet hair, and the moisture is sucked up by the suction device (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair drying device including a suction device for extracting moisture from wet hair. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for drying hair using a hair drying device.

Background Art

[0002] Drying hair is important. In fact, hair can absorb up to 45% of its weight in moisture.

[0003] However, conventional hair drying devices and methods are not satisfactory.

[0004] In fact, in a plurality of hair drying methods, devices configured to blow hot air are used. However, hot air damages the scalp and damages the hair by opening the cuticle of the hair. Also, the blowing of hot air induces entanglement of the hair, causing difficulties during brushing. In another method, devices including heating elements applied directly to the hair are used. However, the heating elements also open the cuticle of the hair, just like hot air, and as a result, damage the hair.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a device configured to dry hair without damaging it.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a device configured to dry wet hair. The device includes a suction device that cooperates with a hair receiving element. The suction device is configured to generate a suction airflow. Thereby, when wet hair is placed on the hair receiving element, the suction airflow carries away moisture from the wet hair, and the moisture is sucked by the suction device. Also, the present invention relates to a method of using a hair drying device.

[0007] In fact, the suction airflow can dry the hair without entanglement, thanks to the receiving elements that hold the hair in place by the suction airflow. Therefore, the receiving elements act as guide or support elements that prevent the hair from being blown away in random directions. The hair drying device of this disclosure allows for multiple degrees of hair drying, from pre-drying suitable for coloring techniques or easy styling, to complete drying, by removing as much moisture as possible while keeping the hair sufficiently moist. Suctioning the hair is more environmentally friendly as it reduces the use of washable or disposable towels in hair salons, and saves water and soiling soap for washing towels. Furthermore, it reduces the use of hot air for the subsequent final drying. Therefore, less hot air is needed, which is healthier for the hair and saves energy.

[0008] In another advantageous embodiment, the suction airflow generated by the suction device is a dual airflow.

[0009] The combination of airflow and suction ensures better moisture removal. In fact, the dual airflow allows for accelerated hair drying through airflow. The suction airflow keeps the hair pressed against or drawn into the receiving element, preventing it from being blown around in random directions.

[0010] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair drying device includes a heater configured to heat a dual airflow.

[0011] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair drying device includes a water reservoir and a turbine. The turbine includes a central tube located within the water reservoir. By heating a dual airflow, the operator can achieve the desired degree of dryness. This makes it easier to style the hair into the desired shape.

[0012] According to another advantageous embodiment, the turbine is configured to produce a cyclone effect in the suction airflow.

[0013] According to another advantageous embodiment, the suction device is contained within the handle. A hair receiving element cooperates with the handle.

[0014] In fact, the handle improves the grip of the device during use. It also allows for easy one-handed operation. Furthermore, the suction device is integrated into the handle. This reduces the overall size of the hair drying device.

[0015] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair receiving element has a barrel shape and includes a mesh positioned at one end of the hair receiving element.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair receiving element is a hair styling device.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, the hair receiving element is a moisture extraction device configured to extract moisture from wet hair.

[0018] In fact, the moisture extraction device allows hair to be gripped and squeezed by compression or rotation. This can accelerate hair drying without the need for heating elements or hot air, keeping the hair cuticles closed and preventing the hair from becoming brittle.

[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment, the cooperation between the suction device and the hair receiving element is detachable and fixed.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a hair drying method using the hair drying apparatus described above. The steps include: placing at least two wet hairs on the hair receiving element, • A step in which a suction device generates an airflow to carry moisture from wet hair to the suction device, Includes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. showing a hair drying device (16) including a hair receiving element (23) cooperating with a suction device (20) via a tube (23b). [Figure 2] FIG. showing a state in which moisture (31) is being sucked by a suction device (20) from wet hair (40) disposed on a barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) including a mesh (23a). Here, the suction device (20) includes a handle (27). [Figure 3] FIG. showing a hair drying device (16) where the hair receiving element (23) is a hair styling device. Here, the suction device (20) includes a handle (27). [Figure 4] FIG. showing a hair drying device (16) including a barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) including a mesh (23a). Here, the suction device (20) includes a handle (27) and generates a dual air flow. [Figure 5] FIG. showing a hair drying device (16). Here, the suction device (20) includes a handle (27), generates a dual air flow, and the hair receiving element (23) is a moisture extraction device. [Figure 6A] Side view of a moisture extraction device (23) schematically showing a stationary state of the moisture extraction device (23) in an embodiment of a rubber band. [Figure 6B] Top view of a moisture extraction device (23) schematically showing a stationary state of the moisture extraction device (23) in an embodiment of a rubber band. [Figure 7A] Side view of a moisture extraction device (23) schematically showing a closed state of the moisture extraction device (23) in an embodiment of a rubber band. [Figure 7B] Top view of a moisture extraction device (23) schematically showing a closed state of the moisture extraction device (23) in an embodiment of a rubber band. [Figure 8A] Side view of a moisture extraction device (23) schematically showing a stationary state of the moisture extraction device (23) in an embodiment of an elastic membrane. [Figure 8B]This is a schematic top view of the moisture extraction device (23) in a static state, illustrating the moisture extraction device (23) in an embodiment of the elastic membrane. [Figure 9A] This is a schematic side view of the moisture extraction device (23) showing the closed state of the moisture extraction device (23) in the embodiment of the elastic membrane. [Figure 9B] This is a schematic top view of the moisture extraction device (23) showing the closed state of the moisture extraction device (23) in the embodiment of the elastic membrane. [Figure 10A] This is a schematic top view of the moisture extraction device (23) in a rubber band embodiment, showing the static state and the circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b) of the moisture extraction device (23). [Figure 10B] This is a top view of the moisture extraction device (23), schematically showing the closed state and circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b) of the moisture extraction device (23) in the rubber band embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a top view of a hair drying device including a moisture extraction device (23) and a handle (27) including a suction device. [Figure 12] This is a top view of a hair drying device including a moisture extraction device (23), a handle (27) including a suction device, an actuator (17), and a manual activator (18). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The present invention relates to a hair drying device (16) configured to dry hair. Figures 1 to 5 show exemplary embodiments of the hair drying device (16).

[0023] In one embodiment, the hair is human hair. In some cases, the hair may be the hair of a hairy animal. In one embodiment, the device is configured to extract moisture from wet hair while it is on the user's scalp. The device may also be used to dry wet hair cut from a user, such as for the manufacture of a wig. In this case, the hair needs to be bundled and substantially aligned in order to secure one end of the hair bundle while the device is in use.

[0024] The hair drying device (16) includes a suction device (20) that works in cooperation with a hair receiving element (23). The suction device (20) is configured to generate a suction airflow (34) that flows into the suction device (20) through the hair receiving element (23). As a result, when wet hair (40) is placed on the hair receiving element (23), the suction airflow (34) carries away the moisture (31) from the wet hair (40). In other words, the moisture (31) is sucked away by the suction device (20). An example of this unidirectional suction airflow is shown by the wavy arrow in Figures 2 and 3.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the hair receiving element (23) may cooperate with a suction device (20) via a tube (23b), preferably a flexible tube. In this last embodiment, the suction device (20) may be a vacuum cleaner, such as a household vacuum cleaner. The length of the tube (23b) may be more than 1 meter, preferably more than 5 meters, and more preferably more than 10 meters.

[0026] The suction device (20) may be configured to generate a dual airflow as indicated by the arrows in Figures 1, 4, and 5. In fact, the moist air drawn in from channel (15) may be returned to channel (15). This allows the blown air to accelerate the drying of the hair. Advantageously, the drawn air may be heated before being returned to channel (15). This reduces the humidity of the drawn air, and the air blown towards the hair can carry away an additional amount of moisture from channel (15). The dual airflow is configured to extract moisture or water by drawing air from the hair receiving element (23) and further return the drawn air towards the hair receiving element (23). This allows the additional airflow to accelerate the drying of the hair. Advantageously, the drawn air may be heated before being returned towards the hair receiving element (23). This reduces the humidity of the drawn air, and the air blown towards the hair can carry away an additional amount of moisture from the hair. The dual airflow may be continuous, or it may be alternating with repetitive cycles in which the suction step is followed by the blowing step.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the suction device (20) may include elements such as a water reservoir (21) and a turbine (20a) including a central tube (25) located inside the water reservoir (21). Preferably, the turbine (20a) operates by utilizing the cyclone effect. A first (inflow) airflow (34) flows tangentially into the water reservoir (21) from its side, rotates (32) along the inner wall of the water reservoir (21), and is then drawn (33) through the central tube (25) to the turbine (20a). Water droplets (31) in the air adhere to the wall of the water reservoir (21) by centrifugal force and flow down to the bottom of the water reservoir (21) by gravity. Here, when the hair drying device (16) is in use, the bottom of the water reservoir (21) is positioned below the lower support (12). The drawn-in air is then blown back into the hair receiving element (23) by a second airflow (30) flowing along the duct (22). The water reservoir (21) may be a removable tank that can be drained into a sink after use. The water reservoir (21) may be connected to a drainpipe to continuously drain the drawn-in water.

[0028] Advantageously, the hair drying device (16) further includes a heater (26), preferably an electronic heater. Advantageously, the heater (26) is positioned between the water reservoir (21) and the duct (22). The turbine (20a) draws moist air from the hair receiving device (23), passes it through the water reservoir (21), and blows it back into the hair receiving device (23) via the heater (26) and the duct (22). The heater (26) heats the air, increasing the temperature of the air passing through it. This advantageously allows more moisture to be extracted from the air before it reaches the hair receiving device (23).

[0029] The hair drying device (16) may further include a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery configured to supply power to electrical elements. This is advantageous because it provides a device that can be used anywhere without needing a power plug nearby. Furthermore, this provides a wireless device that avoids problems related to tangled or cord storage. The use of rechargeable batteries is easier, cheaper, and better for the environment because the user does not need to discard discharged batteries and purchase new ones. In embodiments where the battery is a rechargeable battery, the hair drying device (16) may further include a waterproof, removable cap for closing the charging plug. This is advantageous because the waterproof cap can be closed when using the hair drying device (16), preventing moisture from entering the charging plug during use. This provides a hair drying device (16) that is safer to use.

[0030] Advantageously, the hair receiving element (23) may be detachably fixed to the suction device (20). This is advantageous in that the hair receiving element (23) is replaceable if it fails, or the device can be modified to use a different hair receiving element (23). The detachable fixing between the hair receiving element (23) and the suction device (20) may be magnetic and / or mechanical. In embodiments of mechanical cooperation, the cooperation may be performed by pliers, suction cups, ball catchers, clip fasteners, or screws.

[0031] Alternatively, the cooperation between the hair receiving element (23) and the suction device (20) may be a permanent fixation that prevents the hair receiving element (23) from detaching from the suction device (20). This advantageously allows for more reliable cooperation between the suction device (20) and the hair receiving element (23). For example, a part of the device may be integrally molded with the suction device (20).

[0032] The suction device (20) may include a handle (27), as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The handle (27) may include electronic elements (battery, turbine, heater, etc.) and may be waterproof to avoid contact between the aspirated moisture and the electronic elements. The handle (27) may include an activator (27a) configured to turn on the suction device (20). The activator (27a) is, for example, a switch. This is advantageous because using a switch to turn on the suction device (20) requires only one finger to operate the suction device (20), resulting in a hair drying device (16) that is easier for the user to use.

[0033] The hair drying device (16) may further include an emergency stop system, for example, an emergency switch activated by a user, or an emergency switch that is automatically activated in response to a signal (e.g., a temperature signal, a resistance signal, etc.) corresponding to a threshold of a parameter (e.g., temperature, resistance, etc.) measured by a corresponding sensor.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the suction device (20) may be entirely contained within the handle (27), where the handle (27) directly cooperates with the hair receiving element (23). The outer wall of the handle (27) may be cylindrical or optionally a prism with rounded corners. The size of the handle (27) may be small enough to be ergonomically sound and portable. For example, the length of the handle (27) may be in the range of 10 to 20 centimeters, preferably 12 to 16 centimeters. The thickness of the handle may be selected to ensure good hand grip. For example, the thickness of the handle (27) may be in the range of 2 to 15 centimeters, preferably 3 to 10 centimeters. The outer wall of the handle (27) may be formed from plastic, metal, or other suitable material that is health and environmentally friendly.

[0035] The size of the hair drying device (16) may be small enough to be easily portable. For example, the length of the hair drying device (16) may be less than 30 centimeters, preferably less than 25 centimeters. The weight of the hair drying device (16) may also be small enough to be portable. For example, the weight of the hair drying device (16) may be less than 1 kilogram, preferably less than 750 grams.

[0036] Various elements of the hair drying device (16) (e.g., suction device, turbine, hair receiving device, etc.) may be advantageously replaceable. This means that if an element fails, the entire hair drying device (16) does not need to be discarded, and only the faulty element needs to be discarded. This is more environmentally friendly.

[0037] [Embodiment of the hair receiving element barrel shape] The hair receiving element (23) may have a barrel shape in which wet hair or bundles of wet hair are placed to be dried. In this embodiment, placing hair on the hair receiving element (23) means placing hair inside the hair receiving element (23), i.e., inside the barrel. The barrel shape may have a circular, square, rectangular, elliptical, or irregular cross-section. The maximum dimension of the cross-section may be in the range of 2 to 20 centimeters, preferably in the range of 4 to 10 centimeters. The length of the cylinder may be in the range of 2 to 50 centimeters, preferably in the range of 5 to 20 centimeters. The length of the cylinder is preferably longer than the length of the hair to be dried in order to prevent the hair from entering the suction device (20).

[0038] The barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) cooperates with the suction device (20) at one end, thereby allowing the aspirated air to be drawn along the length of the barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23). Advantageously, the barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) is detachably fixed to the suction device (20) so that it can be replaced depending on the length of the hair.

[0039] The barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23) may include a mesh (23a), as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The mesh (23a) may be a wire mesh or a plastic mesh. The mesh (23a) is positioned at one end of the barrel-shaped hair receiving element (23). This allows the hair to be sucked towards the mesh (23a) without entering the suction device (20). In this embodiment, placing the hair on the hair receiving element (23) means placing the hair on the mesh (23a).

[0040] [Embodiment of a hair styling device with a hair receptive element] The hair receiving element (23) may be, for example, a hair styling device as shown in Figure 3. This makes it easier to style the hair into the desired shape while drying it.

[0041] The hair styling device may be a hair roller, a curling barrel, a brush, or a weaving barrel.

[0042] [Embodiment of a hair-receptor element moisture extraction device] The hair receiving element (23) may be a moisture extraction device configured to extract moisture from wet hair. The hair receiving element (23) allows for the extraction of additional moisture compared to simply suctioning the hair. An example of a moisture extraction device is shown in Figures 5 to 12. The moisture extraction device is • Upper support (11) and, • Lower support (12) and • A bonding element (13) containing an elastically deformable material, It may also include the following. The connecting element is configured to be fixed to the upper support (11) and the lower support (12).

[0043] Preferably, the connecting element (13) includes an anti-slip material. The anti-slip material may be any suitable material that is health and environmentally friendly, and may in particular be nylon, latex, silicone, fiber material, elastic rubber material, elastomer material, or any material that can mimic skin. The use of an anti-slip material can reduce the force applied to the hair to grip and hold it during the twisting motion. This reduces damage to the hair.

[0044] Preferably, each of the lower support (12) and the upper support (11) extends along the longitudinal plane. The lower support (12) and the upper support (11) may have a circular or other polygonal shape (e.g., square or octagon). The upper support (11) has dimensions in the range of 1 cm to 30 cm, preferably in the range of 5 cm to 15 cm. The lower support (12) has dimensions in the range of 1 cm to 30 cm, preferably in the range of 5 cm to 15 cm. Preferably, the lower support (12) and the upper support (11) have the same dimensions. The dimensions of the supports are measured as the maximum dimension along the longitudinal plane.

[0045] The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) include openings that penetrate the support perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. More specifically, the upper support (11) includes an upper opening (11a), and the lower support (12) includes a lower opening (12a). Thus, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) as a whole have a ring-shaped form, and each support has a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal plane, an inner surface facing the central axis, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. Needless to say, the openings have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the support to which they belong. The openings may have dimensions in the range of 30% to 99% of the dimensions of the support to which they belong, preferably in the range of 70% to 95%.

[0046] The lower support (12) is parallel to the upper support (11). In other words, the longitudinal plane of the lower support (12) is parallel to the longitudinal plane of the upper support (11). Therefore, the two central axes are parallel. The lower opening (12a) may be axially aligned with the upper opening (11a), thereby aligning the central axis of the lower support (12) with the central axis of the upper support (11). However, in some embodiments, the lower opening (12a) does not have to be aligned with the upper opening (11a).

[0047] The moisture extraction device is configured to be switchable between a static state and a closed state.

[0048] In the stationary state shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 8A, 8B, and 10A, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) are angularly aligned, so that the connecting element forms a channel (15) between the upper opening (11a) and the lower opening (12a). In this embodiment of the moisture extraction device, placing hair on the hair receiving element (23) means placing hair within the hair receiving element (23), i.e., in the channel (15). Preferably, the height of the channel (15), measured along one of the central axes, is in the range of 1 to 20 centimeters. In embodiments where the lower opening (12a) is axially aligned with the upper opening (11a), the channel (15) extends along the aligned central axis, as shown in Figures 6A and 8A. In embodiments where the lower opening (12a) is not aligned with the upper opening (11a), the channel (15) extends along a channel axis defined by the position of the connecting element (13), as described later. When the moisture extraction device is in use, the squeezed wet hair is placed inside the channel (15).

[0049] In the closed state shown in Figures 7A, 7B, 9A, 9B, and 10B, the upper support (11) and lower support (12) are angularly offset, thereby causing the coupling element to close the channel (15). The angular offset means that, in the stationary state, considering a first point on the upper support (11) and a second point on the lower support (12) aligned with the first point along one of the central axes, when the moisture extraction device is switched to the closed state, the first and second points are no longer aligned. Therefore, wet hair placed in the channel in the stationary state is pressed at the closed point of the channel. Thus, moisture from the wet hair is extracted by the compression applied by the coupling element. After compression, the wet hair may be further squeezed by twisting the compressed hair. "Hair squeezing" refers to the act of further drying the hair by twisting it with enough force to extract moisture from at least two strands of wet hair. In one embodiment, the act of drying wet hair involves twisting and compressing at least two strands of hair with enough force to extract moisture. To do this, the moisture extraction device may rotate around a twist axis parallel to the central axis. In other words, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) rotate together in the same direction. This twists the compressed hair, allowing for further moisture extraction.

[0050] Each of the upper support (11), lower support (12), and connecting element (13) may include lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c). The lateral openings allow wet hair to be easily introduced into the channel. For supports (11, 12), the lateral openings (11c, 12c) may be considered as discontinuities in the support or as slots that penetrate the entire width of the support perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. In embodiments in which the support has a circular shape, the presence of the lateral openings gives the support an arc shape. Preferably, the lateral openings occupy less than 60% of the surface of the support. The lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c) are aligned in a stationary state, thereby forming lateral slits toward the channel (15) within the moisture extraction device. Thus, the slits extend along the central axis.

[0051] The moisture extracted by compression and / or squeezing is simultaneously drawn in by the suction device (20) along with the moisture drawn in by the suction device (20). Thus, moisture or water can be extracted from the channel (15) by the suction device (20). For example, if the moisture extraction device does not include lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c), the suction device (20) is connected to the upper opening (11a) or the lower opening (12a). If the moisture extraction device includes lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c), the suction device (20) is preferably connected to the lateral openings (11c, 12c, 13c), as shown in Figures 5, 11, and 12.

[0052] Each of the upper support (11) and lower support (12) may include circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b) as shown in Figures 10A to 12. The circumferential surfaces enable the realization of an ergonomically superior device that can be easily used by hand. Each of the circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b) extends parallel to the central axis and has a height measured along the central axis, and is configured such that, in a stationary state, the circumferential surface (11b) of the upper support (11) abuts against the circumferential surface (12b) of the lower support (12), thereby maintaining strain in the connecting element (13). This results in a highly rigid device that can stand on its own when not held by hand. Therefore, the user only needs to angularly offset one of the supports (11, 12) to switch to the closed state, and does not need to maintain strain in the connecting element by gradually pulling the two supports apart from each other. The circumferential surfaces may be rough to improve grip.

[0053] The moisture extraction device may further include an actuator (17) configured to rotate the moisture extraction device for switching between a stationary and a closed state and / or for twisting and squeezing compressed hair. The actuator (17) may be operated manually or electrically.

[0054] The moisture extraction device may further include a second activator configured to operate the actuator (17). In embodiments where the actuator (17) is configured to be electrically operated, the second activator may be, for example, a switch. This is advantageous because using a switch to operate the actuator requires only one finger to operate the switch, resulting in a more user-friendly moisture extraction device. The second activator may be the activator (27a) of the handle (27) described above. This allows for simultaneous operation of the suction device (20) and switching of the moisture extraction device in the closed state. By using a second activator different from the activator (27a) of the handle (27), the actuator (17) can be operated to compress the hair without operating the suction device (20), making the device easier to use for the user. The second activator may be powered by a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. This battery may be the same as the battery used in the suction device (20).

[0055] The actuator (17) may include a force sensor. This is advantageous because it allows for the automatic adaptation of the closure of the channel (15) in accordance with the number of hairs placed in the channel (15). In fact, the force sensor may measure the force applied to the hair by the coupling element (13) or the tension in the coupling element (13) during hair gripping or hair compression, and adapt the closure of the channel (15) in accordance with the measured force. As the number of hairs placed in the channel (15) increases, the angular shift between the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) is adapted to provide sufficient compression or twisting of the hair to efficiently use the moisture extraction device and extract moisture from the wet hair. Thus, the use of a force sensor is advantageous because it can avoid pressure damage that may occur to the hair.

[0056] The moisture extraction device may further include an emergency stop system, for example, an emergency switch activated by a user, or an emergency switch activated by a pressure signal measured by a force sensor.

[0057] The suction device (20) may be fixed to either the upper support (11) or the lower support (12). Preferably, in an embodiment in which the suction device (20) is contained within the handle (27), the handle (27) extends perpendicular to the central axis. Advantageously, at least a portion of the actuator (17) may be contained within the handle (27). This reduces the size of the outer frame. Preferably, in an embodiment in which the suction device (20) is contained within the handle (27), the moisture extraction device includes circumferential surfaces (11b, 12b). Advantageously, this allows the user to hold the device with one hand via the handle (27) without needing to hold the supports (11, 12) which are not fixed to the handle (16). Furthermore, at least a portion of the actuator may be contained within the handle (16).

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, a handle (27) including a suction device (20) is fixed to a lower support (11), and an actuator (17) is operated manually. The activator includes a branch (18) having a first end rotatably fixed to the handle (27) and a second end cooperating with the upper support (11). This causes the upper support (11) to rotate around its central axis relative to the lower support (12) when the branch (18) is pressed toward the handle (17), and the moisture extraction device is switched to a closed state. For example, the activator functions as a rack and pinion mechanism. This manual operation is advantageous because the moisture extraction device does not consume energy during use, and only the suction device (20) consumes energy. Therefore, this is more environmentally friendly.

[0059] In another embodiment shown in Figure 5, the handle (27) including the suction device (20) may include a rotating element (24) configured to rotate the moisture extractor to switch the moisture extractor between a stationary and closed state and / or to twist and squeeze compressed hair. For example, the rotating element (24) is the aforementioned actuator (17) configured to be electrically actuated. Thus, the rotating element (24) may include a first rotating motor configured to rotate the upper support (11) (with the lower support fixed to the handle) and a second rotating motor configured to rotate the moisture extractor (i.e., to rotate the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) in the same direction when the moisture extractor is in the closed state).

[0060] [Embodiment of the rubber band for the moisture extraction device] In a first embodiment of the moisture extraction apparatus, also known as the rubber band embodiment, as shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 10A, 10B, 11, and 12, the coupling element (13) includes at least three rubber bands. Each rubber band includes a first end fixed to an upper support (11) and a second end fixed to a lower support (12). Preferably, the rubber bands are arranged so as not to cross each other in a stationary state. Thus, the rubber bands define the walls of the channel (15). The material of the rubber bands may be any material characterized by elastic behavior.

[0061] In embodiments where the support has a lateral opening, the rubber band fixed to the position of the lateral opening is not required. The absence of the rubber band at this position allows for the lateral opening (13c) within the connecting element to be obtained.

[0062] Switching from the stationary state to the closed state is performed by applying force to the upper support (11) or the lower support (12). This causes the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) to rotate around their respective central axes, while the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) remain parallel to each other. The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) may rotate in opposite directions around their respective central axes.

[0063] In the closed state, the rubber band is twisted around the center point, closing the channel (15) as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. This compresses the wet hair placed in the channel (15) in the stationary state at the twist point, and moisture is extracted by compression. When the hair is compressed, the entire device may rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the central axis of the support. Thus, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) rotate together in the same direction, thereby twisting and squeezing the compressed hair, and further extracting moisture by the suction device (20). The rotation of the moisture extraction device may be a continuous rotation in one direction, a discontinuous rotation in one direction, or an alternating rotation by twisting continuously in one and the opposite direction alternately. Thus, this embodiment allows for compression of the hair in addition to twisting, which is advantageous because it allows for the extraction of more moisture during a single period of use of the moisture extraction device.

[0064] When the applied force is released, the moisture extraction device returns to a stationary state due to the elasticity of the binding element (13), releasing the constricted hair.

[0065] [Embodiment of the elastic membrane of a moisture extraction device] In a second embodiment, also called an embodiment of an elastic membrane, shown in Figures 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the bonding element (13) is an elastic membrane. Preferably, the membrane has a rectangular shape. Thus, the membrane includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The material of the membrane may be any material characterized by elastic and flexible behavior. The material may be waterproof.

[0066] The first side is fixed to the upper support (11), and the second side is fixed to the lower support (12). Therefore, the lengths of the first and second side correspond to the circumferences of the upper and lower support, respectively.

[0067] In embodiments where the support has a lateral opening, the lengths of the first and second sides correspond to the length of the arc formed by the support. The first and second sides are not attached at the location of the lateral opening. In other words, the elastic membrane is positioned only between the upper and lower arcs. Since the elastic membrane is not present at the location of the lateral openings (11c, 12c) of the support (11, 12), a lateral opening (13c) of the coupling element is obtained.

[0068] Switching from the stationary state to the closed state is performed by applying force to the upper support (11) or the lower support (12) and rotating them around the central axis. During this process, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) remain parallel to each other. Therefore, they are rotated around the central axis. The upper support (11) and the lower support (12) may rotate in opposite directions around their respective central axes.

[0069] In the closed state, the elastic membrane twists around the central point, closing the channel (15) as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. This compresses wet hair placed in the channel (15) in the stationary state at the twist point, and moisture is extracted by compression. When the hair is compressed, the entire device may rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the central axis of the support. Thus, the upper support (11) and the lower support (12) rotate together in the same direction, thereby twisting and squeezing the compressed hair, and further extracting moisture by the suction device (20). The rotation of the moisture extraction device may be continuous rotation in one direction, intermittent rotation in one direction, or alternating rotation by twisting alternately in one and the opposite direction. Thus, this embodiment allows for compression of the hair in addition to twisting, which is advantageous as it allows for the extraction of more moisture during a single period of use of the moisture extraction device.

[0070] When the applied force is released, the moisture extraction device returns to a stationary state due to the elasticity of the binding element (13), releasing the constricted hair.

[0071] [Hair drying method] The present invention relates to a hair drying method using the hair drying device (16) described above. The steps include: placing at least two wet hairs (40) on the hair receiving element (23), The steps include: generating a suction airflow (34) using the suction device (20) to transport moisture (31) from wet hair (40) to the suction device (20); Includes.

[0072] Wet hair may be placed within the hair receiving element (23). In embodiments of the hair receiving element (23) having a barrel shape including a mesh (23a), placing wet hair on the hair receiving element (23) means placing it on the mesh (23a). [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 11: Upper support / 11a: Upper opening / 11b: Circumferential surface of upper support / 11c: Lateral opening of upper support / 12: Lower support / 12a: Lower opening / 12b: Circumferential surface of lower support / 12c: Lateral opening of lower support / 13: Coupling element / 15: Channel / 16: Hair drying device / 17: Actuator / 18: Branch / 20: Suction device / 20a: Turbine / 21: Water reservoir / 22: Duct / 23: Hair receiving device / 23a: Mesh / 23b: Tube / 24: Rotating element / 25: Central tube / 26: Heater / 27: Handle / 27a: Activator / 30: Second airflow / 31: Water droplet / 32: Rotation of airflow / 33: Suctioned airflow through central tube / 34: Inflow airflow / 40: Wet hair

Claims

1. A hair drying device (16) comprising a suction device (20) cooperating with a hair receiving element (23), wherein the suction device (20) is configured to generate a suction airflow (34) that enters the suction device (20) through the hair receiving element (23), so that when wet hair (40) is placed on the hair receiving element (23), the suction airflow (34) carries away moisture (31) from the wet hair (40), and the moisture (31) is sucked up by the suction device (20), the hair drying device (16).

2. The hair drying apparatus (16) according to claim 1, wherein the suction airflow (34) generated by the suction device (20) is a double airflow.

3. The hair drying apparatus (16) according to claim 2, further comprising a heater (26) configured to heat the double airflow.

4. A hair drying apparatus (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a water reservoir (21) and a turbine (20a), wherein the turbine (20a) includes a central tube (25) disposed within the water reservoir (21).

5. The hair drying apparatus (16) according to claim 4, wherein the turbine (20a) is configured to produce a cyclone effect in the suction airflow (34).

6. The hair drying device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the suction device (20) is contained within a handle (27), and the hair receiving element (23) cooperates with the handle (27).

7. The hair drying apparatus (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hair receiving element (23) has a barrel shape and includes a mesh (23a) disposed at one end of the hair receiving element (23).

8. The hair receiving element (23) is a hair styling device, the hair drying device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The hair drying apparatus (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hair receiving element (23) is a moisture extraction device configured to extract moisture (31) from the wet hair (40).

10. The cooperation between the suction device (20) and the hair receiving element (23) is detachable, as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, for the hair drying device (16).

11. A hair drying method using a hair drying device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The steps include placing at least two wet hairs (40) on the hair receiving element (23), The steps include generating a suction airflow (34) by the suction device (20) so as to transport moisture from the wet hair (40) to the suction device (20), Hair drying methods, including [specific method].

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