dryer

Abstract

To enable a switching operation of each switch to be accurately and easily executed in a dryer including a power supply switch and a mode changing switch in a dryer body.SOLUTION: A dryer comprises a cylindrical dryer body 5 which has a blowout port 14 on one end side and a suction port 15 on the other end side, and an air blower part 1A and a heating part 1B which are arranged in the dryer body 5. An operation body 11b of a power supply switch 11 and an operation body 12b of a mode changing switch 12 for switching an operation state of the air blower part 1A and the heating part 1B are provided in a periphery of the dryer body 5. When a region from the suction port 15 of the dryer body 5 to a reference position P on a center in a longitudinal direction is a first region Z1 and a region from the reference position P to the blowout port 14 is a second region Z2, the operation body 11b of the power supply switch 11 is arranged in one region Z1 and the operation body 12b of the mode changing switch 12 is arranged in the other region Z2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dryer for drying hair, hands, nails, etc.

Background Art

[0002] The dryer according to the present invention can be used by placing the main body on a dressing table or the like, or the dryer main body can be used in a hand-held state. This type of hair dryer is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. The hair dryer of Patent Document 1 has a blower fan, a motor, and a heat source (heater) arranged inside a cylindrical main body, and sucks external air inhaled from an air inlet base at the lower part of the main body and feeds it toward the heat source and the air outlet at the upper part of the main body by the blower fan. A dome-shaped air conditioner is attached to the air outlet, and the air conditioner deflects the blowing direction of the drying air by 90 degrees and feeds it. A switch for switching the operating states of the motor and the heat source is provided on the side surface of the main body. This hair dryer can dry the hair by blowing the drying air horizontally from the air conditioner with the air inlet base at the lower part of the main body placed on a dressing table or the like. Also, similar to a conventional hair dryer, the hair can be dried with the drying air blown out from the air outlet or the air conditioner while holding the main body with one hand.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The hair dryer described in Patent Document 1 can be placed upright on a vanity or the like, allowing users to dry their hair with both hands free. However, there are usability issues when drying hair while holding the unit with one hand. In the hair dryer described in Patent Document 1, the blower fan and motor are located on the lower half of the unit. Therefore, in most cases, users will grip the unit near the center of gravity where the motor is located, allowing them to dry their hair without feeling the weight. However, since the switch is located near the top of the unit, away from the motor, it is difficult to switch the switch while holding the unit. Users must either change their grip to be closer to the switch or switch the switch with their free hand, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, when drying hair with one hand, users often rely on their sense of touch to switch the switch without looking at it, which can lead to accidentally switching the switch and interrupting the drying process.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly hair dryer that allows for precise and easy switching of the power switch and mode selector switch on the dryer body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention top end It has an outlet 14, lower end The subject is a hair dryer comprising a cylindrical hair dryer body 5 having an air intake port 15, and an air blower unit 1A and a heating unit 1B located inside the hair dryer body 5, with an operating body 11b for a power switch 11 and an operating body 12b for a mode switching switch 12 that switches the operating state of the air blower unit 1A and the heating unit 1B provided on the circumferential surface of the hair dryer body 5. top and bottom When the center of the direction is defined as the reference position P, the main body portion from the suction port 15 to the reference position P is defined as the first region Z1, and the main body portion from the reference position P to the discharge port 14 is defined as the second region Z2, The operating body 11b of the power switch 11 is located near the bottom edge of the first region Z1, and near the bottom edge of the second region Z2 The operating element 12b of the mode switching switch 12 is located on the device.

[0008] A power supply cord 57 that supplies drive current to the blower unit 1A and the heating unit 1B is led out from the intake port 15. 。

[0011] The dryer body 5 is provided with an operating mode display unit 13 that displays the operating state switched by the mode selector switch 12. The operating mode display unit 13 is located in the other area Z2 where the operating element 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is located.

[0012] In the other region Z2, the operating body 12b of the mode selector switch 12 and the operating mode display unit 13 are arranged in the order described, moving from the reference position P toward the outlet 14. The operating body 11b of the power switch 11, the operating body 12b of the mode selector switch 12, and the operating mode display unit 13 are arranged in a linear arrangement on the circumferential surface of the dryer body 5.

[0013] Inside the blower unit 1A, a blower fan 6 and a motor 7 that drives the fan 6 are arranged. The motor 7 is positioned across a first region Z1 and a second region Z2 that straddle the reference position P. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In this invention, a hair dryer is provided with a power switch 11 and a mode selector switch 12 on the circumferential surface of the hair dryer body 5. The operating element 11b of the power switch 11 is placed in one of two regions Z1, which is a first region Z1 from the intake port 15 to a reference position P, and the operating element 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is placed in the other region Z2. This arrangement allows the operating elements 11b of the power switch 11 and 12b of the mode selector switch 12 to be placed in adjacent regions Z1 and Z2 at a distance from each other. This ensures that the switches 11 and 12 are not accidentally switched when the hair dryer body 5 is held in one hand or when the hair dryer body 5 is held in one hand and the switches 11 and 12 are switched with the other hand.

[0015] The operating part 11b of the power switch 11 is positioned near the end of one region Z1, away from the reference position P, while the operating part 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is positioned near the reference position P in the other region Z2. This allows the mode selector switch 12, which is used more frequently than the power switch 11, to be placed closer to the reference position P in the other region Z2, and its operating part 12b to be brought closer to the grip position of the hair dryer body 5. When using the cylindrical hair dryer body 5 with one hand, in most cases the user grips the hair dryer body 5 near the center, that is, near the reference position P. Therefore, when using the hair dryer body 5 with one hand, the mode selector switch 12 can be easily switched while holding the hair dryer body 5, improving the usability of the hair dryer.

[0016] In a hair dryer in which a power supply cord 57 that supplies drive current to the blower unit 1A and the heating unit 1B is led out from the intake port 15, the operating body 11b of the power switch 11 is placed in a first region Z1 near the intake port 15. This allows the power switch 11 to be placed away from the heating unit 1B and the blower unit 1A, thereby minimizing the risk of high-voltage wiring or terminals of circuit board components located near the power switch 11 coming into contact with the blower unit 1A or the heating unit 1B.

[0017] A power supply board 61, on which a step-down circuit component that converts high voltage to low voltage is mounted, is placed between the air blower unit 1A and the power switch 11 inside the dryer body 5. This allows the step-down circuit component, which is mounted on the power supply board 61 and to which high voltage is applied, to be positioned away from the heating unit 1B and the air blower unit 1A. As a result, the risk of the terminals or high-voltage wiring of the step-down circuit component on the power supply board 61 coming into contact with the air blower unit 1A or the heating unit 1B can be reduced as much as possible.

[0018] The power supply board 61 is made of a board with a ventilation opening 71 formed in the center, and the power supply board 61 is mounted on the dryer body 5 with the ventilation opening 71 facing the intake port 15. This allows the fan noise generated from the rotating blower fan 6 to be blocked by the power supply board 61, thereby minimizing the leakage of fan noise from the intake port 15 and reducing the noise level of the dryer. In addition, by forming the ventilation opening 71 in the center of the power supply board 61, the air intake resistance of the power supply board 61 can be made as small as possible, improving the airflow efficiency of the blower fan 6. It is also possible to reliably cool the step-down circuit components mounted on the power supply board 61.

[0019] An operating mode display unit 13, which displays the operating state switched by the mode selector switch 12, is provided in the area Z2 where the operating element 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is located. When using the cylindrical dryer body 5 with one hand, in most cases the user grips the dryer body 5 near its center, that is, near the reference position P. Therefore, by positioning the operating mode display unit 13 in the area Z2 where the operating element 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is located, the operating mode display unit 13 can be positioned away from the hand holding the dryer body 5. This prevents the mode display on the operating mode display unit 13 from being obstructed by the hand or forearm, allowing the mode display to be easily and clearly confirmed.

[0020] In the other region Z2, the operating body 12b of the mode selector switch 12 and the operating mode display unit 13 are arranged in the order described, moving from the reference position P toward the outlet 14. The operating body 11b of the power switch 11, the operating body 12b of the mode selector switch 12, and the operating mode display unit 13 are arranged in a linear row on the circumferential surface of the dryer body 5. This allows the operating mode display unit 13 to be located near the upper end, away from the hand holding the dryer body 5. This prevents the mode display on the operating mode display unit 13 from being obstructed by the hand or forearm, making it easier and clearer to confirm the mode display.

[0021] Inside the air supply section 1A, an air supply fan 6 and a motor 7 for driving the fan 6 are arranged and disposed over a first region Z1 and a second region Z2 sandwiching a reference position P by the motor 7. According to this, since the heavy motor 7 can be positioned near the reference position P compared with other electrical components, the center of gravity position of the dryer can be brought closer to the reference position P. When holding and using the vicinity of the reference position P of the dryer body 5, the posture of the dryer body 5 can be easily changed, and a dryer excellent in usability without heavy lifting can be obtained.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal side view of a dryer body constituting a dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded front view of a dryer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an outline of a control circuit of a dryer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal side view showing a suction part structure of a dryer according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a front view of a dryer body constituting a dryer according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] (Example 1) Figures 1 to 4 show Example 1 of the dryer according to the present invention. In the present invention, front and rear, left and right, and up and down follow the cross arrows shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the front and rear, left and right, and up and down displays marked in the vicinity of each cross arrow. In Figures 1 and 2, the dryer includes a vertically long cylindrical main body 1, a blowing part 2 attached to the upper end of the main body 1, and a suction part 3 attached to the lower end of the main body 1. The main body 1 includes a cylindrical dryer main body 5 with open upper and lower ends, and a blowing part 1A and a heating part 1B are arranged inside it. The blowing part 1A is arranged on the lower side inside the dryer main body 5 and is composed of a blowing fan, a motor 7 for driving the fan 6, a fan case, a motor holder, etc. The heating part 1B is arranged on the upper side inside the dryer main body 5 and is composed of a heater (heat source) 8 for heating the drying air fed from the blowing fan 6 and a heat insulating cylinder surrounding the heater 8. A discharge unit 9 for generating ion species is provided at the center of the upper end of the heating part 1B. The heating part 1B may be an optical (infrared light) irradiation structure including a light source such as a halogen lamp and a reflector surrounding the light source in addition to the heater 8 such as a nichrome wire. Furthermore, it may include both the heater 8 and the optical irradiation structure.

[0024] On the front surface of the dryer main body 5, a power switch 11, a mode changeover switch 12 for switching the operating states (operation modes) of the motor 7, the heater 8, and the discharge unit 9, and an operation mode display unit 13 for performing light emission display according to each operation mode are provided. As shown in Figure 1, a power supply board 61 described later is arranged between the power switch 11 inside the dryer main body 5 and the blowing part 1A, and a control board 62 described later is arranged inside the mode changeover switch 12 and the operation mode display unit 13.

[0025] The power switch 11 consists of a switch body 11a that turns the commercial power supplied via the power cord 57 on and off, a push button (operating body) 11b that switches the switch body 11a, and a return spring 11c that pushes the push button 11b outward. The mode switching switch 12 consists of a switch body 12a mounted on the control board 62 and a push button (operating body) 12b that switches the switch body 12a.

[0026] The air outlet 2 is attached to the air outlet 14 at the upper end of the dryer body 5, and the air intake 3 is attached to the air intake 15 at the lower end of the dryer body 5. The air outlet 14 is provided on an air outlet ring 16 fixed to the dryer body 5, and the air outlet ring 16 holds and fixes the dryer body 5, which is divided into front and rear halves, in an inseparable manner. An air outlet grille 17 is provided inside the air outlet ring 16 (see Figure 1).

[0027] The air outlet section 2 consists of a cylindrical nozzle base 19 fitted onto the air outlet 14, a directional nozzle 20 supported by the nozzle base 19, a base cover 21 that closes the upper opening of the nozzle base 19, and an airflow adjustment structure provided between the nozzle base 19 and the mounting portion of the directional nozzle 20. The directional nozzle 20 is constructed in a multi-walled manner with an inner nozzle wall 22 and an outer nozzle wall 23 that covers the periphery of the outer surface of the inner nozzle wall 22, and the inner nozzle wall 22 guides the direction of the dry air that has passed through the nozzle base 19 toward the nozzle air outlet 24 at the front end. The inner nozzle wall 22 is open on its lower and front sides. The nozzle base 19 is a cylindrical body with openings on its upper and lower surfaces and front, and the entire air outlet section 2 is detachably attached to the dryer body 5 by engaging its lower part with the engagement step of the air outlet 14.

[0028] By adjusting the airflow adjustment structure, the user can change the opening area of ​​the nozzle outlet 24 to adjust the delivery area and airflow velocity of the drying air supplied from the nozzle outlet 24. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when the directional nozzle 20 is pushed down to its limit position relative to the nozzle base 19, the opening area of ​​the nozzle outlet 24 is minimized, narrowing the delivery area of ​​the drying air supplied from the nozzle outlet 24, increasing the airflow velocity, and allowing the drying air to reach further. Conversely, when the directional nozzle 20 is pulled out upward relative to the nozzle base 19, the opening area of ​​the nozzle outlet 24 is increased, expanding the delivery area of ​​the drying air supplied from the nozzle outlet 24, decreasing the airflow velocity, reducing the distance the drying air reaches, and allowing the drying air to be delivered to the hair more gently.

[0029] The air intake section 3 consists of an intake ring 37 attached to the intake port 15 of the dryer body 5, and a stand 38 that is detachably attached to the intake ring 37. The intake ring 37 is fitted and fixed to the connecting cylinder 39 at the lower end of the dryer body 5, and, similar to the blowing ring 16, holds and fixes the dryer body 5, which is divided into front and rear sections, inseparably. As shown in Figure 4, the intake port 15 is covered with a filter 40 and an intake grille 41, and the intake ring 37 also serves as a fixing ring that holds the filter 40 and intake grille 41 inseparably. A boss 42 is provided in the center of the intake port 15 to fix and hold the filter 40 and intake grille 41 in cooperation with the intake ring 37. Note that if the filter 40 and intake grille 41 are fixed with a component other than the intake ring 37, the intake ring 37 can be omitted.

[0030] The stand 38 integrally comprises a stand outer wall 44 consisting of a bell-mouth-shaped, flared cylindrical wall and a cylindrical stand inner wall 45 supported by the stand outer wall 44. The stand outer wall 44 and the stand inner wall 45 have cord openings 46 for inserting and removing the power supply cord 57, and three intake openings 47 are cut out around the lower edge of the stand outer wall 44 to allow the passage of outside air. When attaching the dryer to the stand 38, the power supply cord 57 is housed inside the stand inner wall 45 through the cord opening 46, and in this state, the intake ring 37 connected to the dryer body 5 is fitted onto the stand 38. The base end of the power supply cord 57 leading out from the dryer body 5 is covered by a cord armor 58 attached to the lower end of the dryer body 5. A flange 59 is formed at the upper end of the cord armor 58, and the cord armor 58 is fixed to the dryer body 5 by fitting this flange 59 into the boss 42 described earlier and securing it with the intake grille 41. The stand inner wall 45 is formed inside the connecting cylinder wall 55 and is supported by the stand outer wall 44 via a radiating wall 56 connecting the two, and a cord opening 46 is provided at the front of the stand inner wall 45, similar to the stand outer wall 44, opening from the upper edge to the lower edge of the stand inner wall 45.

[0031] As described above, with a dryer equipped with an air intake section 3 including a stand 38, the dryer body 5 and the air intake ring 37 can be supported in an upright position by the stand 38 by engaging the air intake ring 37 attached to the dryer body 5 with the connecting cylindrical wall 55 at the top of the stand 38. When the dryer body 5 is supported in an upright position by the stand 38, in order to prevent the cord armor 58 protruding downward from the dryer body 5 from hitting the mounting surface of the stand 38, the lower end of the cord armor 58 is positioned above the mounting surface of the stand 38, as shown in Figure 4, so that the power supply cord 57 can be easily bent and deformed. The power supply cord 57 is led out of the stand 38 through the cord opening 46 and the suction opening 47. In addition, the cord armor 58 is positioned to protrude below the inlet opening edge of the air intake ring 37 so that when the dryer body 5 is separated from the stand 38 and used with one hand, the power supply cord 57 does not rub against the inlet opening edge of the air intake ring 37.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the power supply board 61 is equipped with a DC power supply circuit 63, which can convert the AC high voltage (100V) to the DC low voltage (5V). The control board 62 is equipped with a drive control unit 67, which is driven by the DC current supplied from the DC power supply circuit 63. When the mode switching switch 12 is turned ON, the drive control unit 67 sends signals to the heater drive circuit and the motor drive circuit to switch the operating state of the heater 8 and the motor 7. Specifically, with the power switch 11 turned ON, the operating state of the heater 8 and the motor 7 is switched each time the mode switching switch 12 is turned ON. The operating modes include a strong hot air mode in which the blower fan 6 and heater 8 are driven simultaneously, with a high rotational speed for the blower fan 6 and a high output for the heater 8; a weak hot air mode in which the blower fan 6 and heater 8 are driven simultaneously, with a low rotational speed for the blower fan 6 and a low output for the heater 8; and a cold air mode in which only the blower fan 6 is driven, with a high rotational speed for the blower fan 6. These three operating modes can be cyclically switched between. The drive control unit 67 is also equipped with memory, and when the power switch 11 is turned off, the operating mode at the time of the off is stored in memory, and the next time the power switch 11 is turned on, it starts from the operating mode at the time of the off. The discharge unit 9 continues to operate in each operating mode as long as the power switch 11 is not turned off.

[0033] The operating mode display unit 13 includes three LEDs 69 mounted in a linear arrangement on the control board 62 and a translucent plate 70 covering the outer surface of the LEDs 69 (see Figure 1), and switches the illumination state of the three LEDs 69 according to each operating mode. For example, in strong hot air mode, the three LEDs 69 are illuminated or blinked simultaneously; in weak hot air mode, the two lower LEDs 63 are illuminated or blinked simultaneously; and in cold air mode, the lower LED 63 is illuminated or blinked.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the power supply board 61 is made up of a ring-shaped board with a ventilation opening 71 formed in the center, and the power supply board 61 is mounted on the dryer body 5 with the ventilation opening 71 facing the intake port 15. The power supply board 61 is provided with the aforementioned DC power supply circuit 63, which includes step-down circuit components such as a step-down AC / DC converter, capacitors, and resistors, and these step-down circuit components are mounted on the power supply board 61. The step-down AC / DC converter can be replaced with a transformer. The heat generated when the DC power supply circuit 63 is operating is cooled by the airflow drawn into the blower fan 6. In addition, since the ring-shaped power supply board 61 is located between the blower fan 6 and the intake port 15, it can block the fan noise generated from the rotating blower fan 6 and prevent fan noise from leaking out from the intake port 15 side as much as possible.

[0035] With the longitudinal center of the dryer body 5 as the reference position P, the part of the body from the intake port 15 to the reference position P is designated as the first region Z1, and the part of the body from the reference position P to the outlet port 14 is designated as the second region Z2. Of the first and second regions Z1 and Z2, the push button 11b of the power switch 11 is located in the lower first region Z1, and the push button 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is located in the upper second region Z2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the push button 11b of the power switch 11 is located on the front of the first region Z1, near the lower end (end) on the intake port 15 side, and the push button 12b of the mode selector switch 12 is located near the reference position P in the second region Z2.

[0036] The hair dryer configured as described above can be used in any of the following ways: one way, by holding the hair dryer body 5 with one hand without attaching the air outlet 2; one way, by holding the hair dryer body 5 with the air outlet 2 attached with one hand; and one way, by attaching the air intake 3 to the hair dryer body 5, placing the stand 38 on a dressing table or the like, and supporting the hair dryer body 5 and the air intake ring 37 in an upright position with the stand 38 for hands-free use. In the case of using the hair dryer body 5 with one hand, the air intake ring 37 is kept attached to the air intake port 15 of the hair dryer body 5.

[0037] (Example 2) Figure 5 shows Example 2 of the hair dryer according to the present invention. The basic structure of the hair dryer in Example 2 is the same as that of the hair dryer in Example 1, but it differs from the hair dryer in the following respects. Similar to the dryer in Embodiment 1, the push button 11b of the power switch 11 is located below the first region Z1, and the push button 12b of the mode selector switch 12 and the operating mode display unit 13 are located in the second region Z2. However, the operating mode display unit 13 and the mode selector switch 12 are located closer to the reference position P in the second region Z2, adjacent to the dryer body 5 in the circumferential direction. In addition, the opening surface of the intake port 15 is covered with a dome-shaped intake grille 41. When the dryer is supported upright by the stand 38, the partially spherical intake grille 41 is supported by the egg-stand-shaped inner wall of the stand (not shown). Since the rest is the same as the dryer in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0038] The hair dryer according to the above embodiment can be described as follows.

[0039] A hair dryer comprising a cylindrical hair dryer body 5 having an air outlet 14 at one end and an air intake 15 at the other end, and a blower unit 1A and a heating unit 1B arranged inside the hair dryer body 5, wherein a push button 11b for a power switch 11 and a push button 12b for a mode switching switch 12 for switching the operating state of the blower unit 1A and the heating unit 1B are provided around the hair dryer body 5, When the longitudinal center of the dryer body 5 is defined as the reference position P, the portion of the body from the intake port 15 to the reference position P is defined as the first region Z1, and the portion of the body from the reference position P to the outlet port 14 is defined as the second region Z2, Of the first and second regions Z1 and Z2, the push button 11b of the power switch 11 is located in region Z1, and the push button 12b of the mode switching switch 12 is located in the other region Z2.

[0040] With the above configuration, the push button 11b for the power switch 11 and the push button 12b for the mode selector switch 12 can be placed in adjacent areas Z1 and Z2 at a distance from each other. This ensures that when using the hair dryer body 5 with one hand, or when holding the hair dryer body 5 with one hand and switching the switches 11 and 12 with the other hand, accidental switching of the switches 11 and 12 can be reliably prevented.

[0041] The push button 11b of the power switch 11 is located near the end of one region Z1, away from the reference position P, and the push button 12b of the mode switching switch 12 is located near the reference position P in the other region Z2. With this hair dryer, the mode selector switch 12, which is used more frequently than the power switch 11, is positioned closer to the reference position P in the other region Z2, and its operating element 12b can be brought closer to the grip position of the hair dryer body 5. When using the cylindrical hair dryer body 5 with one hand, in most cases the grip is held near the center of the hair dryer body 5, that is, near the reference position P. Therefore, when using the hair dryer body 5 with one hand, the mode selector switch 12 can be easily switched while holding the hair dryer body 5, improving the usability of the hair dryer.

[0042] A power supply cord 57 that supplies drive current to the blower unit 1A and the heating unit 1B is led out from the intake port 15. The push button 11b of the power switch 11 is located in the first region Z1 near the suction port 15. With the above configuration of the hair dryer, the power switch 11 can be positioned away from the heating unit 1B and the blower unit 1A, thus minimizing the risk of high-voltage wiring or terminals of circuit board components located near the power switch 11 coming into contact with the blower unit 1A or the heating unit 1B.

[0043] Inside the dryer body 5, a power supply board 61 is located, on which a step-down circuit component that converts high voltage to low voltage is mounted. The power supply board 61 is positioned between the air blower unit 1A and the power switch 11. With the dryer configuration described above, the step-down circuit components mounted on the power supply board 61 and to which high voltage is applied can be positioned away from the heating section 1B and the blowing section 1A. This reduces the risk of the terminals of the step-down circuit components on the power supply board 61 or the high-voltage wiring coming into contact with the blowing section 1A or the heating section 1B as much as possible.

[0044] The power supply board 61 is composed of a board in which a ventilation opening 71 is formed in the central part. The power supply board 61 is mounted on the dryer body 5 with the ventilation opening 71 facing directly towards the intake port 15. With the dryer configuration described above, the fan noise generated from the rotating blower fan 6 can be blocked by the power supply board 61, thereby minimizing the leakage of fan noise from the intake port 15 and reducing the noise level of the dryer. Furthermore, since a ventilation opening 71 is formed in the central part of the power supply board 61, the air intake resistance of the power supply board 61 can be kept to a minimum, improving the airflow efficiency of the blower fan 6. Components of the step-down circuit mounted on the power supply board 61 can be reliably cooled.

[0045] The dryer body 5 is equipped with an operating mode display unit 13 that displays the operating state switched by the mode switching switch 12. The operating mode display unit 13 is located in the other area Z2 where the push button 12b of the mode switching switch 12 is located. As explained earlier, when using the cylindrical dryer body 5 with one hand, in most cases the user grips the dryer body 5 near its center, that is, near the reference position P. Therefore, if the operating mode display unit 13 is located in the area Z2 where the push button 12b of the mode switching switch 12 is located, as described above, the operating mode display unit 13 can be positioned away from the hand holding the dryer body 5. This prevents the mode display on the operating mode display unit 13 from being obstructed by the hand or forearm, allowing the mode display to be easily and clearly confirmed.

[0046] In the other region Z2, the push button 12b of the mode switching switch 12 and the operating mode display unit 13 are arranged in the order described, moving from the reference position P toward the outlet 14. The push button 11b of the power switch 11, the push button 12b of the mode switching switch 12, and the operating mode display unit 13 are arranged in a linear arrangement on the circumferential surface of the dryer body 5. With the above configuration, the operating mode display unit 13 can be positioned near the upper end, away from the hand holding the dryer body 5. This prevents the mode display on the operating mode display unit 13 from being obstructed by the hand or forearm, allowing for easy and clear confirmation of the mode display.

[0047] Inside the blower unit 1A, a blower fan 6 and a motor 7 that drives the fan 6 are arranged. The motor 7 is arranged across a first region Z1 and a second region Z2 that straddle the reference position P. With the above configuration, the motor 7, which is heavier than other electrical components, can be positioned near the reference position P, bringing the center of gravity of the dryer closer to the reference position P. Therefore, when using the dryer by holding the dryer body 5 near the reference position P, the posture of the dryer body 5 can be easily changed, and a dryer with excellent usability that does not feel heavy to hold can be obtained.

[0048] In addition to the above, the blowing section 2 may also be a nozzle with a long oval shape for the nozzle outlet 24, and a cap with a brush and blowing holes arranged on the nozzle outlet 24, that is, a nozzle that can dry hair while combing it. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1. Main body 1A Air blower 1B Heating section P reference position Z1 1st area Z2 2nd area 5. Hair dryer body 6. Blower fan 7 Motor 8. Heater (heat source) 11 Power switch 11b Power switch control unit 12 Mode selector switch 12b Mode selector switch operating mechanism 13. Operating mode display unit 14 air outlets 15 Inlet 57 Power cord 61 Power supply board

Claims

[Claim 1] The dryer comprises a cylindrical dryer body (5) having an air outlet (14) at its upper end and an air intake (15) at its lower end, and an air blower (1A) and a heating unit (1B) arranged inside the dryer body (5). A hair dryer in which an operating body (5) is provided with an operating element (11b) for a power switch (11), an operating element (12b) for a mode selector switch (12) that switches the operating state of the air blower (1A) and the heating element (1B), and an operating mode display unit (13) that displays the operating state switched by the mode selector switch (12), When the vertical center of the dryer body (5) is defined as the reference position (P), the portion of the body from the intake port (15) to the reference position (P) is defined as the first region (Z1), and the portion of the body from the reference position (P) to the outlet port (14) is defined as the second region (Z2), The operating part (11b) of the power switch (11) is located near the lower end of the first region (Z1), and the operating part (12b) of the mode selector switch (12) is located near the lower end of the second region (Z2). The blower unit (1A) includes a blower fan (6) and a motor (7) that drives the blower fan (6). The motor (7) is positioned across a first region (Z1) and a second region (Z2) that straddle the reference position (P). The blower fan (6) is positioned between the operating body (11b) of the power switch (11) and the operating body (12b) of the mode selector switch (12). A hair dryer characterized in that the operating mode display unit (13) is positioned between the operating body (12b) of the mode switching switch (12) and the air outlet (14), and the operating body (11b) of the power switch (11), the operating body (12b) of the mode switching switch (12), and the operating mode display unit (13) are arranged in a linear arrangement on the circumferential surface of the hair dryer body (5).

Images