Hair dryer

Abstract

To achieve an increase in air quantity blown from an air outlet by increasing an area of the air outlet.SOLUTION: A hair drier includes a blowing part, a body part 20, and a first air outlet 71 and a second air outlet 72 that are provided in the body part 20 and blow out air from the blowing part. The first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are provided spaced from each other. An interval between first ends 71a, 72a in one side of the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 in a longitudinal direction is smaller than an interval between second ends 71b, 72b in the other side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a hair dryer for efficiently drying wet hair, a conventional one is known which is composed of two air outlets, a first air outlet and a second air outlet. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided in the main body at intervals from each other, and the air blown out from the first air outlet and the second air outlet forms a high wind speed area. A low wind speed area with a lower wind speed than the high wind speed area is formed between the two high wind speed areas.

[0003] In this way, by forming areas with different wind speeds, turbulent flow can be generated between the air blown out from the first air outlet and the air blown out from the second air outlet. Due to the turbulent flow, wet hair can be lifted up and the hair can be efficiently dried.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the more the air volume of the air blown out from the hair dryer, the faster the wet hair can be dried. In order to increase the air volume of the blown - out air, it is conceivable to increase the area of the air outlet.

[0006] In the hair dryer described in Patent Document 1, in order to generate turbulent flow, the first air outlet and the second air outlet must be provided in the main body portion at intervals from each other. For this reason, it was considered that the areas of the first air outlet and the second air outlet could only be increased by enlarging the main body portion. However, there was room for improvement in increasing the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet while generating turbulent flow.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize an increase in the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a hair dryer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a blowing unit, a main body unit, a gripping unit provided below the main body unit, a front panel provided at a front end portion of the main body unit and not allowing air to pass through in the front-rear direction, and first and second air outlets provided on the left and right of the front panel, extending in the vertical direction, and blowing out air from the blowing unit. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other on the left and right of the front panel. The distance between the first ends on one side, which is farther from the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, which is closer to the gripping unit. The front panel includes an upper end portion located between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left-right direction, and a lower end portion located between the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left-right direction. The first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position in terms of the distance from the gripping unit, and the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position in terms of the distance from the gripping unit.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a hair dryer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a blower unit, a main body unit, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a third air outlet which are provided in the main body unit and are opening portions for blowing out the air from the blower unit, and a front panel that does not allow air to pass through in the front-rear direction. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other on the left and right of the front panel. The distance between the first ends on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side. A third air outlet is provided between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet provided in the main body unit. The third air outlet is configured such that the air volume from the blower unit is smaller than that of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The third air outlet connects the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and the width of the third air outlet is narrower than the widths of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and is characterized in that the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet form a single air outlet. In order to solve the above problems, a hair dryer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a blowing unit, a main body unit, a gripping unit provided below the main body unit, a front panel provided at the front end of the main body unit, and a first air outlet and a second air outlet provided on the left and right sides of the front panel, extending in the vertical direction, and blowing out the air from the blowing unit. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other. The distance between the first ends on one side, which is farther from the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, which is closer to the gripping unit. The front panel includes an upper end portion located between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left-right direction, and a lower end portion located between the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left-right direction. The first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position with the same distance from the gripping unit, and the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position with the same distance from the gripping unit. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are characterized in that the width of the first end side of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is wider than the width of the second end side. In order to solve the above problems, a hair dryer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a blower unit, a main body unit, a grip portion provided below the main body unit, a front panel provided at the front end portion of the main body unit and not allowing air to pass through in the front-rear direction, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a third air outlet provided in the main body unit and blowing out the air from the blower unit. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided on the left and right sides of the front panel and extend in the vertical direction. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other on the left and right sides of the front panel. The distance between the first ends on one side, which is farther from the grip portion in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, which is closer to the grip portion. The front panel includes an upper end portion located between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left-right direction, and a lower end portion located between the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left-right direction. The first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position in terms of the distance from the grip portion, and the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position in terms of the distance from the grip portion. The third air outlet is provided between the first ends on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and is configured such that the air volume from the blower unit becomes small by making the area of the air outlet smaller than that of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. In order to solve the above problems, a hair dryer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a blowing unit, a main body unit in which a blowing outlet including a first air outlet and a second air outlet, which are opening portions for blowing out the air from the blowing unit, is formed, a gripping unit provided below the main body unit, and a front panel provided at least partially around the blowing outlet and configured not to allow air to pass through in the front-rear direction. The first air outlet and the second air outlet have the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction and are provided side by side in the left-right direction via the front panel. The front panel forms a low wind speed region between the first air outlet and the second air outlet, where the wind speed is lower than the wind speed blown out from the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and the wind speed at the lower end portion of the low wind speed region is lower than the wind speed at the upper end portion of the low wind speed region.

Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] (Overview of Hair Dryer 100) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. For the purpose of explaining the shape and positional relationship of each component of the hair dryer 100, for convenience, the hair dryer 100 is defined by three coordinate axes in the X (X1-X2) direction (left-right direction), Y (Y1-Y2) direction (up-down direction), and Z (Z1-Z2) direction (front-back direction) as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (appearance when viewed from the Z1 side). FIG. 3 is a side view of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (appearance when viewed from the X2 side).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the hair dryer 100 is composed of a main body 20 and a grip portion 30 provided below (Y2 side) the main body 20. As shown in FIG. 2, a front panel 40 is disposed at the front end portion (Z1 side) of the main body 20. The front panel 40 has a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs 51 are mounted, and these plurality of LEDs 51 constitute an LED display portion 50. Each of the plurality of LEDs 51 provided in the LED display portion 50 indicates the selected operation mode of the hair dryer 100 by lighting up. When the operation mode of the hair dryer 100 is selected by the user, the LED 51 corresponding to that operation mode lights up.

[0015] The front panel 40 has arc-shaped cutouts at the left and right (X1-X2) outer peripheral portions, and these cutout portions serve as air outlets 70. More specifically, the front panel 40 is an assembly having separate parts on the back side of the front panel 40, and the arc-shaped cutout portions provided at the left and right (X1-X2) outer peripheral portions of this assembly serve as air outlets 70. The air outlet 70 is composed of a first air outlet 71 and a second air outlet 72. The air from the blower 14 is blown out from the air outlet 70.

[0016] An air inlet 75 is provided at the rear end portion (on the Z2 side) of the main body 20. A ventilation passage is formed inside the main body 20. In the ventilation passage, a blower 14, a heater 15, an ion generation unit 12, etc., which will be described later, are arranged (see FIG. 5). When the blower 14 starts operating, as shown in FIG. 3, the air that has passed through the air inlet 75 is inhaled into the main body 20 and blown out as wind from the air outlet 70. Note that the air inlet 75 may be provided on the rear side surface of the main body 20.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, in a state where the hair dryer 100 is viewed from the side (for example, the X2 side), the grip portion 30 extends downward (on the Y2 side) from a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction (Z direction) of the main body 20. The grip portion 30 supports the main body 20 from below (on the Y2 side). The hair dryer 100 has a substantially T shape in a side view.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, an operation unit 60 for a user to perform an operation for operating the hair dryer 100 is provided on the grip portion 30. The operation unit 60 includes four buttons. The lowermost slide-type button is the ON / OFF button (power switch) 61, which is a button for turning the operation of the hair dryer 100 ON / OFF. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned on, the blower 14 starts operating. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned off, the blower 14 stops operating. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned on, the heater 15 is also turned on in the mode of turning on the heater 15, and the ion generation unit 12 is also turned on in the mode of turning on the ion generation unit 12. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned off, the heater 15 is turned off in the mode where the heater 15 is on, and the ion generation unit 12 is also turned off in the mode of turning on the ion generation unit 12.

[0019] Note that the ion generation unit 3 is a type of charged particle generation unit. The charged particle generation unit is not limited to the ion generation unit, and any discharge device that generates ions, electrons, ozone, radicals, active species, etc. by discharge may be used. Further, when the charged particle generation device generates ions, it may be configured to generate both positive ions and negative ions, or may be configured to generate either positive ions or negative ions.

[0020] The alternate operating push button located directly above the ON / OFF button 61 is the one-shot cold air button 62. When the one-shot cold air button 62 is pressed once while warm air is being blown, the heater 15 is turned off and the blown air becomes cold air. When the one-shot cold air button 62 is pressed once while cold air is being blown, the heater 15 is turned on and the blown air becomes warm air. Note that the one-shot cold air button 62 may be a momentary operating push button such that the heater 15 is turned off only while the one-shot cold air button 62 is being pressed.

[0021] The two push buttons located above the one-shot cold air button 62 are the mode change button 63 for changing the operation mode and the air volume change button 64 for changing the air volume. Each time the mode change button 63 is pressed, the mode can be changed rotationally (cyclically), for example, from the first dry mode → the second dry mode → the third dry mode → the cold air mode → the beauty mode → the automatic mode → the first dry mode. Similarly, each time the air volume change button is pressed, the air volume can be changed rotationally (cyclically), for example, from strong air volume → medium air volume → weak air volume → strong air volume.

[0022] A power cord 80 having a connector (not shown) at its tip is drawn out from the lower part (Y2 side) of the grip portion 30. The hair dryer 100 becomes in a state where the power supply unit (not shown) can supply power when the power cord 80 (specifically, the connector) is plugged into an outlet. Note that instead of power supply by the power cord, power supply by a battery may be used.

[0023] (Configuration of the air outlet 70) The configuration of the air outlet 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the main part of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As described above, the air outlet 70 is composed of a first air outlet 71 and a second air outlet 72. The first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 extend in the vertical direction (Y1 - Y2) along the outer periphery of the main body 20. The first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 have an arc shape.

[0024] In addition, the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are provided at intervals from each other in the left - right direction (X1 - X2) of the main body 20. If the distance between the first end 71a, which is the upper - side (Y1 - side) end of the first air outlet 71, and the first end 72a, which is the upper - side (Y1 - side) end of the second air outlet 72, is L1, then L1 is provided to be 44 mm. If the distance between the second end 71b, which is the lower - side (Y2 - side) end of the first air outlet 71, and the second end 72b, which is the lower - side (Y2 - side) end of the second air outlet 72, is L2, then L2 is provided to be 50 mm.

[0025] The distance between the first ends 71a and 72a of the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is provided to be narrower than the distance between the second ends 71b and 72b. That is, it is provided such that L1 < L2. In other words, the distance between the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is provided such that the distance between the second ends 71b and 72b on the grip - part 30 side is wide, and the distance between the first ends 71a and 72a farther from the grip part is narrow.

[0026] Note that the numerical values of the distances L1 and L2 described above are just examples and are not limited thereto. The distances L1 and L2 can be appropriately changed according to, for example, the size of the blower or the main body. In this embodiment, it is only necessary to satisfy the requirement of L1 < L2.

[0027] When the air from the blower 14 is blown out from the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72, the blown air forms a high wind speed region. Since the air from the blower 14 is not blown out between the high wind speed regions formed by the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72, a low wind speed region is formed. When regions with different wind speeds are formed in this way, turbulence occurs in the blown air, and turbulent air flow like a vortex forms in the low wind speed region. When turbulent air flow occurs, the hair is lifted by the turbulent air flow, and the hair can be efficiently dried.

[0028] Generally, hair spreads from the top of the head (hair root side) downward (hair tip side). Since the hair root side is fixed to the scalp, it is less likely to be lifted by the turbulent air flow than the hair tip side. Therefore, it was found that even if the distance between the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is narrowed on the upper side (hair root side), the quick-drying property is not inferior. More specifically, on the upper side (hair root side), even if the distance between the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is narrowed, a low wind speed region along the spread of the hair can be formed, and turbulent air flow can be easily generated downward (hair tip side). Therefore, it was found that the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be improved while generating turbulent air flow.

[0029] That is, the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 can narrow the distance L1 by extending the first end portions 71a, 72a on one side in a direction approaching each other, and thereby, the area of the first end portions 71a, 72a on one side can be increased. Therefore, the air volume of the air blown out from the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 can be increased. In FIG. 4, the first end portions 71a, 72a on one side of the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are extended in an arc shape along the outer periphery of the main body portion 20 in a direction approaching each other. Thereby, a front view without a sense of incongruity can be maintained in terms of appearance.

[0030] Also, when the user dries their hair with the hair dryer, they hold the grip portion 30 below (the hair tip side) the main body portion 20. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the first air outlet 71 and the second ends 71b, 72b of the second air outlet 72 so that they are located on the grip portion 30 side. With such a configuration, the range of the air blown downward from the top of the head can be expanded. Further, since the second ends 71b, 72b are located on the grip portion side, a low wind speed region formed between the air blown out from the first air outlet 71 and the air blown out from the second air outlet 72 is formed along the spread of the hair, so that the hair tip side of the hair can be efficiently wound up. As a result, the hair can be efficiently dried.

[0031] (Block diagram of the hair dryer 100) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the hair dryer 100 includes a control unit 10 composed of, for example, a microcomputer, a blower unit 11, an ion generation unit 12, an operation unit 60, a storage unit 13, and the like connected to the control unit 10.

[0032] The control unit 10 is a computer device composed of an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or a dedicated processor, and controls the operations of each part of the hair dryer 100 according to the information and programs stored in the storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 stores information, programs, etc. used when the control unit 10 controls each part of the hair dryer 100.

[0033] The blower unit 11 includes a blower 14 and a heater 15.

[0034] The blower 14 sucks air from the intake port 75 and generates the air blown out from the air outlet 70. The rotation of the blower 14 is controlled by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 creates winds with different air volumes, for example, by rotating the blower 14 based on set values set for each air volume level such as strong, medium, and weak.

[0035] The heater 15 supplies heat to the air generated by the blower 14 to warm it. The calorific value of the heater 15 is controlled by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 creates air with different temperatures, for example, by causing the heater 15 to generate heat based on set values set for each air temperature level such as high temperature, medium temperature, low temperature, and cold temperature.

[0036] The ion generation unit 12 is a unit that generates ions. As an example, the ion generation unit 12 includes a needle-shaped discharge electrode and an annular induction electrode surrounding the periphery of the discharge electrode. A voltage is applied between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode to generate a corona discharge, and H + (H2O) m positive ions such as, and O 2- (H2O) n negative ions such as are both generated. The generated positive ions and negative ions are mixed into the air flowing through the ventilation path and discharged from the air outlet 70.

[0037] Modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0038] 〔Modification 1〕 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a first modification of the air outlet of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The first air outlet 711 and the second air outlet 721 are air outlets having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape extending in the vertical direction of the main body 20. The first air outlet 711 and the second air outlet 721 extend in directions intersecting each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] The distance L1 between the first end 711a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the first air outlet 711, and the first end 721a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the second air outlet 721, is narrower than the distance L2 between the second end 711b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the first air outlet 711, and the second end 721b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the second air outlet 721. In this modification, the first air outlet 711 and the second air outlet 721 are provided in the main body 20 such that L1 < L2.

[0040] In this way, by setting the distance between the first air outlet 711 and the second air outlet 721 having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape as L1 < L2, the distance between the first ends of the linear first air outlet and the second air outlet and the distance between the second ends are the same (the first air outlet and the second air outlet are parallel). Compared to the case where they are provided in this way, the first air outlet 711 and the second air outlet 721 can be made longer in the longitudinal direction. As a result, since the area of the air outlet can be increased, the air volume of the wind blown out from the air outlet can be increased. Further, since the low wind speed region formed between the wind blown out from the first air outlet 711 and the wind blown out from the second air outlet 721 is formed along the spread of the hair, the quick-drying property can be improved.

[0041] 〔Modification Example 2〕 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a second modification example of the air outlet of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722 are air outlets extending in the vertical direction (Y1 - Y2) of the main body 20.

[0042] The first air outlet 712 has a constant width W1 from the first end 712a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end, to a position of a predetermined length toward the lower (Y2 side), and a constant width W2 (narrower than the width W1) from this position of the predetermined length to the second end 712b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end. It is formed in a shape.

[0043] The second air outlet 722 has a constant width W3 from the first end 722a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end, to a position of a predetermined length toward the lower (Y2 side), and a constant width W4 (narrower than the width W3) from this position of the predetermined length to the second end 722b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end. In other words, the shape of the air outlets of the first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722 is such that the width of the air outlet on the first end 712a, 722a side is wider than the width of the air outlet on the second end 712b, 722b side.

[0044] The distance L1 between the first end 712a of the first air outlet 712 and the first end 722a of the second air outlet 722 is narrower than the distance L2 between the second end 712b of the first air outlet 712 and the second end 722b of the second air outlet 722. In this modified example, the first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722 are provided in the main body 20 such that L1 < L2.

[0045] In this way, by widening the widths of the air outlets on the side of the first ends 712a and 722a of the first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722, the air outlets may be provided such that L1 < L2. The area of the air outlets can be increased by the amount by which the widths of the air outlets on the side of the first ends 712a and 722a of the first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722 are widened. Thereby, the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlets can be increased. Also, the distance of the low wind speed region formed between the air blown out from the first air outlet 712 and the air blown out from the second air outlet 722 is such that the distance on the side of the first ends 712a and 722a is narrower than the distance on the side of the second ends 712b and 722b. That is, it is possible to generate a turbulent flow that conforms to the spread of the hair, where the top of the head (root side) is narrow and the lower part (tip side) is wide, and the quick-drying property can be improved.

[0046] 〔Modified Example 3〕 FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a third modified example of the air outlet of the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723 are air outlets extending in the vertical direction (Y1 - Y2) of the main body 20.

[0047] The first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723 have a plurality of openings 713c, 723c for blowing out the air from the blower 14. The plurality of openings 713c, 723c are circular in shape and have substantially the same diameter. Each of the plurality of openings 713c, 723c is linearly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723.

[0048] The distance L1 between the opening 713c located on the first end 713a side, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the first air outlet 713, and the opening 723c located on the first end 723a side, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the second air outlet 723, is narrower than the distance L2 between the opening 713c located on the second end 713b side, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the first air outlet 713, and the opening 723c located on the second end 723b side, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the second air outlet 723. In this modified example, the first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723 are provided in the main body 20 such that L1 < L2.

[0049] Thus, by setting L1 < L2, when the plurality of openings 713c and 723c constituting the first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723 are provided to be parallel to each other, the area of each of the openings 713c and 723c in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723 can be increased as compared to the case where they are not. Thereby, the air volume of the wind blown out from the plurality of openings 713c and 723c can be increased. Also, the interval of the low wind speed region formed between the wind blown out from the first air outlet 713 and the wind blown out from the second air outlet 723 is such that the interval on the first end 713a and 723a sides is narrower than the interval on the second end 713b and 723b sides. That is, it is possible to generate a turbulent flow that conforms to the spread of the hair where the top of the head (hair root side) is narrow and the lower part (hair tip side) is wide, and the quick-drying property can be improved.

[0050] In this modified example, the opening 713c was a circular shape with substantially the same diameter, but the shape of the opening may be an elliptical shape, a rounded rectangular shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, etc., or a combination thereof. Also, the sizes of the areas of the openings may be the same, or they may be configured with different sizes respectively.

[0051] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 9. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the air outlet of the hair dryer 101 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The hair dryer 101 according to Embodiment 2 is different from the hair dryer 100 according to Embodiment 1 in that a third air outlet 73 is provided.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724 are air outlets having a substantially rectangular cross-section extending in the vertical direction (Y1 - Y2) of the main body 20. The first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724 extend in directions intersecting each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] The distance L1 between the first end 714a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the first air outlet 714, and the first end 724a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the second air outlet 724, is narrower than the distance L2 between the second end 714b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the first air outlet 714, and the second end 724b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the second air outlet 724. In the present embodiment, the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724 are provided such that L1 < L2.

[0055] A third air outlet 73 is provided in the main body 20 between the first end 714a of the first air outlet 714 and the first end 724a of the second air outlet 724. The third air outlet 73 has a substantially rectangular cross-section and is an air outlet connecting the first ends 714a and 724a.

[0056] The width W5 of the air outlet of the third air outlet 73 is narrower than the width W6 of the air outlet of the first air outlet 714 and the width W7 of the air outlet of the second air outlet 724. The third air outlet 73 is provided such that the length of the third air outlet 73 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the lengths of the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the area of the third air outlet 73 is smaller than the areas of the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724.

[0057] By reducing the area of the third air outlet 73, the air volume of the air blown out from the third air outlet 73 can be made smaller than that from the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724. Thereby, a low wind speed region can be formed between the high wind speed regions formed by the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724.

[0058] In this way, by providing the third air outlet 73 that connects the first end 714a of the first air outlet 714 and the first end 724a of the second air outlet 724, the area of the air outlet can be increased. Thereby, the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased. In particular, the area of the air outlet can be made larger than that of the first modification of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 6, and the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can also be increased compared to the first modification.

[0059] Also, by making the air volume of the air blown out from the third air outlet 73 smaller than the air volumes of the air blown out from the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724, a wind speed difference can be formed between the air blown out from the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724. Thereby, turbulent flow can be generated even between the first ends 714a and 724a. Further, since the low wind speed region formed between the air blown out from the first air outlet 714 and the air blown out from the second air outlet 724 is formed along the spread of the hair, the quick-drying property can be improved.

[0060] Note that the third air outlet 73 may be configured to be provided separately from the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724. In this case, the third air outlet 73 is provided so as to be located between the first end 714a side of the first air outlet 714 and the first end 724a side of the second air outlet 724.

[0061] 〔Embodiment 3〕 Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 10. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the air outlets of the hair dryer 102 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The hair dryer according to Embodiment 3 is different from the hair dryer according to Embodiment 2 in that the distance between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is not narrower than the distance between the second ends.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10, the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725 are air outlets having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape extending in the vertical direction (Y1 - Y2) of the main body 20. The first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725 are provided so as to be substantially parallel.

[0064] The distance L1 between the first end 715a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the first air outlet 715, and the first end 725a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the second air outlet 725, is substantially the same as the distance L2 between the second end 715b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the first air outlet 715, and the second end 725b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the second air outlet 725. That is, the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725 are provided so that L1 < L2 does not occur.

[0065] A third air outlet 731 is provided in the main body 20 between the first end 715a of the first air outlet 715 and the first end 725a of the second air outlet 725. The third air outlet 731 is an air outlet that connects the first ends 715a and 725a.

[0066] The width W5 of the air outlet of the third air outlet 731 is narrower than the width W6 of the air outlet of the first air outlet 715 and the width W7 of the air outlet of the second air outlet 725. The third air outlet 731 is provided so that the length in the longitudinal direction of the third air outlet 731 is shorter than the lengths in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725. Therefore, the area of the third air outlet 731 is smaller than the areas of the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725.

[0067] By reducing the area of the third air outlet 731, the air volume of the air blown out from the third air outlet 731 can be made smaller than that from the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725. Thereby, a low wind speed region can be formed between the high wind speed regions formed by the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725.

[0068] Thus, even if the shape of the air outlet is such that the distance between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is not narrower than the distance between the second ends, by providing a third air outlet that connects the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, the area of the air outlet can be increased. Thereby, the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased.

[0069] Note that the third air outlet 731 may be configured to be provided separately from the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725. In this case, the third air outlet 731 is provided so as to be located between the first end portion 715a side of the first air outlet 715 and the first end portion 725a side of the second air outlet 725.

[0070] 〔Embodiment 4〕 Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the air outlet of the hair dryer 103 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the hair dryer 103 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention when viewed in plan. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing variations in the direction of the wind direction plate of the hair dryer 103 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hair dryer 103 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The hair dryer according to Embodiment 4 is different from the hair dryer according to the above-described embodiment in that wind direction plates are provided at the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 are air outlets having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape extending in the vertical direction (Y1 - Y2) of the main body 20. The first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 are air outlets extending in directions intersecting each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0073] The distance L1 between the first end 716a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the first air outlet 716, and the first end 726a, which is the upper (Y1 side) end of the second air outlet 726, is provided to be narrower than the distance L2 between the second end 716b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the first air outlet 716, and the second end 726b, which is the lower (Y2 side) end of the second air outlet 726. In the present embodiment, the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 are provided such that L1 < L2.

[0074] The hair dryer 103 is provided with a wind direction plate 90. The wind direction plate 90 changes the direction of the wind blown out from the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726. The wind direction plate 90 is provided on the downstream side of the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 in the direction in which the blower 14 blows out the wind. The wind direction plate 90 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726. A plurality of wind direction plates 90 are provided in the width direction of the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726, respectively.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 12, the wind direction plate 90 is movably provided with respect to the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726. Motors (not shown) are respectively attached to the wind direction plate 90, and the motors can be independently driven. When the motors are driven, the wind direction plate 90 changes its orientation.

[0076] The hair dryer 103 changes the orientation of the wind direction plate based on the distance information measured by a distance sensor 16 (see FIG. 14) described later. As shown in FIG. 13, the direction of the wind blown out from the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 is different depending on the orientation of the wind direction plate 90. The orientation of the wind direction plate 90 is changed by controlling the driving of the motor by a control unit 10 described later.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 14, the hair dryer 103 is provided with a distance sensor 16. The distance sensor 16 is a sensor that measures the distance between the user and the hair dryer 103. For example, the distance sensor 16 measures the distance between a part of the user's hair that is being blown by the hair dryer 103 and the hair dryer 103. As the distance sensor 16, for example, a ToF (Time Of Flight) type distance sensor that measures the above-mentioned distance based on the reflection time of infrared light from the distance sensor 16 to a specific part of the user's hair can be mentioned.

[0078] Also, in the above example, a ToF type distance sensor 16 is used to measure the distance between the user and the hair dryer 103, but in this embodiment, it is not limited to the ToF type distance sensor 16. In this embodiment, instead of the distance sensor 16, for example, GPS, a reflection Doppler sensor, a camera (not shown), and a dot projector (not shown) may be used to measure the distance between the user and the hair dryer 103. By this also, the distance between the user and the hair dryer 103 can be suitably measured.

[0079] The control unit 10 further includes a distance specifying unit 17, an air blowing direction specifying unit 18, and an air blowing direction changing unit 19.

[0080] The distance specifying unit 17 refers to the distance between the user and the hair dryer 103 measured by the distance sensor 16 (for example, the distance between a specific part of the user's hair and the hair dryer 103) and acquires distance information.

[0081] The air blowing direction specifying unit 18 specifies the air blowing direction of the air blown out from the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 with reference to the distance information measured by the distance sensor 16.

[0082] The air blowing direction changing unit 19 drives the motor based on the air blowing direction specified by the air blowing direction changing unit 19 to change the direction of the air deflector 90.

[0083] For example, when the distance between the user and the hair dryer 103 is short, the air blowing direction specifying unit 18 that obtains distance information from the distance sensor 16 via the distance specifying unit 17 specifies the air blowing direction so as to converge the air blown out from the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 toward the near side. Based on the specified air blowing direction, the air blowing direction changing unit 19 drives the motor to turn the air deflector 90 inward so that the blown air converges toward the near side, allowing the air from the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726 to be efficiently blown onto the hair.

[0084] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been explained. In the above-described embodiments, an air outlet for blowing out the air from the air blowing unit 11 is not provided between the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The present invention aims to make the interval of the low air velocity region formed between the air blown out from the first air outlet and the air blown out from the second air outlet wider on the hair tip side where the hair is more likely to be lifted by turbulent flow than on the hair root side. Therefore, the interval of the low air velocity region is configured such that the interval between the second ends, which is the other end of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, is wider than the interval between the first ends, which is one end of the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

[0085] Note that in the above-described embodiment, the air outlet of the present application is also applicable to the air outlet of the nozzle attached to the main body portion.

[0086] 〔Summary〕 The hair dryer according to Aspect 1 of the present invention includes an air blowing unit 11, a main body portion 20, and a first air outlet 71 and a second air outlet 72 provided in the main body portion 20 for blowing out the air from the air blowing unit 11. The first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are provided at intervals from each other, and the interval between the first ends 71a, 72a on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is narrower than the interval between the second ends 71b, 72b on the other side.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other, and the distance between the first ends on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side. Thus, compared with the case where the distances between the first end and the second end are made the same, the area of the air outlet can be increased by the amount by which the first ends are brought closer together. Thereby, the air volume of the wind from the air blowing unit can be increased. Further, since the second ends 71b, 72b are located on the gripping portion side, a low wind speed region formed between the winds blown out from the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is formed along the spread of the hair, so that the hair can be efficiently wound up by the turbulent flow. Thereby, the hair can be efficiently dried.

[0088] The hair dryer according to the aspect 2 of the present invention may further include a gripping portion 30 that supports the main body portion 20 on the outside in the above aspect 1, and the gripping portion 30 may be configured to support the side where the second ends 71b, 72b of the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 of the main body portion 20 are provided.

[0089] According to the above configuration, on the first end side that is farther from the gripping portion than the gripping portion side in the two air outlets, the distance between the ends is narrow, so that wind is blown over a wide range on the gripping portion side and wind is blown over a narrow range on the first end side that is farther from the gripping portion. Generally, the hair spreads downward from the top of the head. For this reason, when the user operates the hair dryer while holding the gripping portion, the range of the wind blown downward from the top of the head is expanded, so that it is possible to efficiently blow the wind against the hair. Further, since the second ends 71b, 72b are located on the gripping portion side, a low wind speed region formed between the winds blown out from the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 is formed along the spread of the hair, so that the hair can be efficiently wound up by the turbulent flow. Thereby, the hair can be efficiently dried.

[0090] According to Aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 1 or 2, a third air outlet 73 is provided between the first air outlet 714 provided in the main body 20 and the first ends 714a and 724a of the second air outlet 724. The third air outlet 73 may be configured such that the air volume from the air blowing unit 11 is smaller than that of the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724.

[0091] According to the above configuration, by providing the third air outlet, the area of the air outlet can be increased, and the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased. Further, by making the air volume of the air blown out from the third air outlet smaller than the air volumes of the air blown out from the first air outlet and the second air outlet, turbulent flow can be generated even between the first ends.

[0092] According to Aspect 4 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 3, the third air outlet 73 is configured to connect the first ends 714a and 724a of the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724.

[0093] According to the above configuration, turbulent flow can be generated between the air blown out from the first air outlet and the air blown out from the second air outlet even at a single air outlet, and the hair can be dried more efficiently.

[0094] According to Aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 3 or 4, the third air outlet 73 is configured such that the area of the air outlet is smaller than that of the first air outlet 714 and the second air outlet 724.

[0095] According to the above configuration, with a simple configuration, the air volume of the air blown out from the third air outlet can be made small.

[0096] According to Aspect 6 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 5, the first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722 are configured such that the widths on the side of the first ends 712a and 722a of the first air outlet 712 and the second air outlet 722 are wider than the widths on the side of the second ends 712b and 722b.

[0097] According to the above configuration, by widening the width of the air outlet on the first end side, the area of the air outlet can be increased, and the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased.

[0098] The hair dryer according to aspect 7 of the present invention is, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 6, the first air outlet 713 and the second air outlet 723 each have a plurality of openings 713c, 723c.

[0099] According to the above configuration, even when the first air outlet and the second air outlet are configured by a plurality of openings, the area of the air outlet can be increased, and the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased.

[0100] The hair dryer according to aspect 8 of the present invention includes a blower unit 11, a main body unit 20, and a first air outlet 715, a second air outlet 725, and a third air outlet 731 provided in the main body unit 20 for blowing out the air from the blower unit 11. The first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725 are provided at intervals from each other, and the third air outlet 731 is provided between the first end portions 715a, 725a on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725. By making the area of the air outlet smaller than that of the first air outlet 715 and the second air outlet 725, the air volume from the blower unit 11 is configured to be small.

[0101] According to the above configuration, even if the shape of the air outlet is such that the distance between the first end portions of the first air outlet and the second air outlet is not narrower than the distance between the second end portions, the area of the first air outlet can be increased by providing the third air outlet on the first end side of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. Thereby, the air volume of the air blown out from the air outlet can be increased.

[0102] The hair dryer according to aspect 9 of the present invention is, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 8, a configuration in which a wind direction plate 90 for changing the direction of the air from the blower unit 11 is provided on the downstream side in the direction in which the air is blown out by the blower unit 11 with respect to the first air outlet 716 and the second air outlet 726.

[0103] According to the above configuration, the direction of the wind deflector can be changed according to the positional relationship between the hair and the hair dryer, and the wind blown out from the air outlet can be blown toward the hair. Thereby, the hair can be dried efficiently.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment, new technical features can be formed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10 Control unit 11 Blower unit 12 Ion generation unit 13 Memory unit 14 Blower 15 Heater 16 Distance sensor 17 Distance specifying unit 18 Airflow direction specifying unit 19 Airflow direction changing unit 20 Main body unit 30 Gripping unit 40 Front panel 50 LED display unit 51 LED 60 Operation unit 61 OFF button 62 One-shot cold air button 63 Mode change button 64 Air volume change button 70 Air outlet 71 First air outlet 71a First end 71b Second end 72 Second air outlet 72a First end 72b Second end 73 Third air outlet 75 Intake port 80 Power cord 90 Wind vane 100 Hair dryer

Claims

1. A blower unit, a main body unit, a gripping portion provided below the main body unit, a front panel provided at the front end portion of the main body unit and not allowing air to pass through in the front-rear direction, first and second air outlets provided on the left and right sides of the front panel, extending in the vertical direction, and blowing out the air from the blower unit, the first and second air outlets are provided at intervals from each other on the left and right sides of the front panel, and the distance between the first ends on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first and second air outlets, which is farther from the gripping portion, is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, which is closer to the gripping portion, the front panel includes an upper end portion located between the first ends of the first air outlet and the first ends of the second air outlet in the left-right direction, and a lower end portion located between the second ends of the first air outlet and the second ends of the second air outlet in the left-right direction, A hair dryer, characterized in that the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position in terms of the distance from the gripping portion, and the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position in terms of the distance from the gripping portion.

2. A blower unit, a main body unit, an air outlet including first, second, and third air outlets which are opening portions provided in the main body unit and blowing out the air from the blower unit, a front panel that does not allow air to pass through in the front-rear direction, the first and second air outlets are provided at intervals from each other on the left and right sides of the front panel, and the distance between the first ends on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first and second air outlets is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, the third air outlet is provided between the first ends of the first and second air outlets provided in the main body unit, the third air outlet is configured such that the air volume from the blower unit is smaller than that of the first and second air outlets, the third air outlet connects the first ends of the first and second air outlets, the width of the third air outlet is narrower than the widths of the first and second air outlets respectively, A hair dryer, characterized in that the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet form a single air outlet.

3. A third air outlet is provided between the first ends of the first and second air outlets provided in the main body unit. The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein the third air outlet is configured such that the air volume from the air blowing unit is smaller than that from the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

4. The third air outlet connects the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The width of the third air outlet is narrower than the widths of the first air outlet and the second air outlet respectively. The hair dryer according to claim 3, wherein the first air outlet, the second air outlet, and the third air outlet form a single air outlet.

5. The hair dryer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the third air outlet has a smaller outlet area than the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

6. An air blowing unit, A main body unit, A gripping portion provided below the main body unit, A front panel provided at the front end of the main body unit, First and second air outlets provided on the left and right sides of the front panel, extending in the vertical direction, and blowing out the air from the air blowing unit. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other. The distance between the first ends on one side, which is farther from the gripping portion in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, which is closer to the gripping portion. The front panel includes an upper end portion located between the first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left - right direction, and a lower end portion located between the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet in the left - right direction. The first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position with respect to the distance from the gripping portion, and the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position with respect to the distance from the gripping portion. The hair dryer, wherein the widths of the first air outlet and the second air outlet on the first end side are wider than the widths on the second end side.

7. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first air outlet and the second air outlet each have a plurality of openings.

8. An air blowing unit, A main body unit, A gripping portion provided below the main body unit, A front panel provided at the front end of the main body unit, which does not allow air to pass through in the front - rear direction. It is provided on the main body portion and includes a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a third air outlet that blow out the air from the air blowing portion. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided on the left and right sides of the front panel and extend in the vertical direction. The first air outlet and the second air outlet are provided at intervals from each other on the left and right sides of the front panel. The distance between the first ends on one side, which is farther from the gripping portion in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, is narrower than the distance between the second ends on the other side, which is closer to the gripping portion. The front panel includes an upper end portion located between the first end of the first air outlet and the first end of the second air outlet in the left-right direction, and a lower end portion located between the second end of the first air outlet and the second end of the second air outlet in the left-right direction. The first ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position with respect to the distance from the gripping portion, and the second ends of the first air outlet and the second air outlet are arranged at the same position with respect to the distance from the gripping portion. The third air outlet is provided between the first ends on one side in the longitudinal direction of the first air outlet and the second air outlet, and is configured such that the air volume from the air blowing portion becomes small by making the area of the air outlet smaller than that of the first air outlet and the second air outlet. A hair dryer characterized by this.

9. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a wind direction plate for changing the direction of the air from the air blowing portion is provided on the downstream side in the direction in which the air is blown out by the air blowing portion, relative to the first air outlet and the second air outlet.

10. An air blowing portion; A main body portion in which an air outlet including a first air outlet and a second air outlet, which are opening portions for blowing out the air from the air blowing portion, is formed; A gripping portion provided below the main body portion; It is provided on at least a part of the periphery of the air outlet and includes a front panel configured not to allow air to pass through in the front-rear direction. The first air outlet and the second air outlet have the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction and are provided side by side in the left-right direction via the front panel. The front panel forms a low wind speed region between the first air outlet and the second air outlet, where the wind speed is lower than the wind speed blown out from the first air outlet and the second air outlet. The wind speed at the lower end portion of the low wind speed region is lower than the wind speed at the upper end portion of the low wind speed region. Hair dryer.

11. The distance between the lower end of the first air outlet and the lower end of the second air outlet is greater than the distance between the upper end of the first air outlet and the upper end of the second air outlet in the front panel. The hair dryer according to claim 10.

12. The air outlet further includes a third air outlet which is an opening provided above the front panel. The hair dryer according to claim 10 or 11.

Images