Hair care device

Abstract

To obtain a hair care device capable of further improving hair care effect.SOLUTION: A hair care device 1 includes: a housing 3 disposed with an air blowing path 4 from an inlet 4a to an outlet 4b, and constituting an outer shell; and an air blowing part 5 arranged in the air blowing path 4 and capable of adjusting an air volume. The hair care device 1 also includes a control part 100 for controlling an air volume of the air blowing part 5, and an angle sensor 200 for detecting an angle θ1 in a direction of blowing out air current discharged from the outlet 4b. The control part 100 adjusts an air volume of the air blowing part 5 based on the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a hair care device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a hair care device, a heating and blowing device is known that has a housing, a fan, and a control unit that controls the amount of components produced in a production unit provided within the housing, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] This Patent Document 1 describes how the amount of components produced in the generating unit is controlled by the control unit, thereby supplying the optimal amount of components according to the dryness of the user's hair, and thereby improving the hair care effects such as manageability and texture of the user's hair. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-202129 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] While it is possible to improve the hair care effect with the conventional technologies described above, it is preferable to further improve the hair care effect.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to obtain a hair care device that can further improve the hair care effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The hair care device according to this disclosure comprises a housing that forms an outer shell, having an airflow path from an intake port to an outlet port; an air blower unit positioned in the airflow path and capable of adjusting the airflow rate; a control unit that controls the airflow rate of the air blower unit; and an angle sensor that detects the angle of the discharge direction of the airflow discharged from the outlet port. The control unit adjusts the airflow rate of the air blower unit based on the angle detected by the angle sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to obtain a hair care device that can further improve the hair care effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A side view showing a hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A front view showing a hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A plan view showing a hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A plan view showing the upper interior of the hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the internal structure of the hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] A graph illustrating the relationship between the angle at which wind hits and the degree of hair tangling. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the angle detected by the angle sensor. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the direction of airflow discharge when there are multiple outlets. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing a part of the electrical system of the hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] A graph illustrating an example of control using the hair care device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] A side view showing a hair care device according to a first modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 13]Cross-sectional view showing a hair care device according to the first modification of Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view showing a hair care device according to the second modification of Embodiment 1.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

[0011] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] In the following embodiments, a hair dryer (heating and blowing device) is exemplified as the hair care device.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) The hair dryer 1 according to the first embodiment includes a grip portion 1a as a portion that a user holds by hand, and a main body portion 1b coupled in a direction intersecting the grip portion 1a. And, in use, it is configured to be foldable so as to exhibit a substantially T-shaped or substantially L-shaped (substantially T-shaped in the first embodiment) appearance with the grip portion 1a and the main body portion 1b.

[0014] A power cord 2 is drawn out from the protruding end portion of the grip portion 1a. Further, the grip portion 1a is divided into a base portion 1c and a tip portion 1d on the main body portion 1b side, and the base portion 1c and the tip portion 1d are rotatably connected via a connecting portion 1e. Note that the tip portion 1d can be folded to a position along the main body portion 1b.

[0015] The housing 3, which forms the outer wall (outer shell) of the hair dryer 1, is constructed by joining together multiple divided parts. A cavity is formed inside the housing 3, and various electrical components are housed within this cavity.

[0016] Inside the main body 1b, an air duct (airflow channel) 4 is formed, extending from an inlet opening (suction port) 4a on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 5) to an outlet opening (discharge port) 4b. By rotating the fan 5, which acts as a blower and is housed within this air duct 4, an airflow W1 is formed. That is, the airflow W1 flows into the air duct 4 from the outside through the inlet opening 4a, passes through the air duct 4, and is discharged to the outside through the outlet opening 4b.

[0017] The inlet opening (air intake) 4a is covered with a mesh-like frame 81, and the shape of the opening 81a of this frame 81 is honeycomb-shaped. This allows for a larger total opening area of ​​the inlet opening (air intake) 4a while ensuring uniform strength of the crossbars 81b, thereby increasing the airflow.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the frame 81 has a mesh 82 integrally molded to it, with an opening ratio of approximately 55 to 90 percent and a mesh width of approximately 300 to 650 μm. This mesh 82 can be made of, for example, metal or flame-retardant resin such as polyester. By integrally molding a mesh 82 with such a fine mesh width, it is possible to more reliably suppress the entry of fine dust, hair, and other particles into the air passage.

[0019] Furthermore, in the main body 1b, a roughly cylindrical inner cylinder 6 is provided inside the outer cylinder 3a of the housing 3, and the airflow W1 flows inside this inner cylinder 6. Inside the inner cylinder 6, a fan 5 is located at the upstream end, a motor 7 that drives the fan 5 is located downstream of the fan 5, and a heater 8, which serves as a heating element (heating mechanism), is located further downstream of the motor 7.

[0020] When the heater 8 is activated, warm air is blown out from the outlet opening 4b. In this embodiment 1, the heater 8 is configured by winding a strip-shaped and corrugated electrical resistor along the inner circumference of the inner cylinder 6, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0021] The inner cylinder 6 has a cylindrical portion 6a, a plurality of support ribs 6b (only one is shown in Figure 5) extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion 6a and distributed circumferentially, and a flange portion 6c connected to the cylindrical portion 6a via the support ribs 6b and protruding in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 6a.

[0022] A gap g1 is formed between the cylindrical portion 6a and the flange portion 6c, and a portion of the airflow W1 is branched and flows into the cavity 9 through this gap g1, forming a branched flow W2. The gap g1, which serves as the inlet for the branched flow W2 into the cavity 9, is located downstream of the fan 5 and upstream of the heater 8. Therefore, the branched flow W2 is a relatively cool airflow before being heated by the heater 8.

[0023] Then, a portion of the branched flow W2 is further branched to form branched flow W3. This branched flow W3 does not pass through the metal particle outlets (ion outlets) 20a and 20b or the mist outlet (ion outlet) 20c, which will be described later, but instead passes between the inner cylinder 6 and the housing 3 and is a relatively cool airflow that is blown out from the outer circumference of the outlet opening 4b.

[0024] The housing 3 has a roughly arc-shaped through-hole (opening) 3b at a position on the side of the exit opening 4b of the cavity 9, and this through-hole 3b is covered with a cover 20 made of an insulating synthetic resin material.

[0025] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the cover 20 is attached to the housing 3 so as to cover the through hole (opening) 3b formed in the housing 3. Also, in this embodiment 1, the cover 20 is attached to the housing 3 by moving it from the left side to the right side in Figure 5 relative to the housing 3.

[0026] Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the direction from the downstream side to the upstream side of the wind tunnel (airflow channel) 4 is the direction in which the cover 20 is attached to the housing 3.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, two (or more) metal particle generating units 30, 40 and one mist generating unit 50 are arranged in a cavity 9 formed between the housing 3 and the inner cylinder 6 within the main body 1b.

[0028] Therefore, although the components generated in the generation section (metal fine particle generation section 30, 40 and mist generation section 50) are discharged together with the branched flow W2, they may also be discharged together with the air flow W1 from the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b. Furthermore, the generation section may be provided inside the inner cylinder 6 where the heater (heating section) 8 is provided, but as shown in this embodiment 1, it is preferable to provide it in a part that is not heated by the heater (heating section) 8.

[0029] In the metal nanoparticle generation sections 30 and 40, metal nanoparticles, ions, and acidic components are generated. Meanwhile, in the mist generation section 50, charged fine particle liquid, ions, and acidic components are generated.

[0030] Thus, in this embodiment 1, the metal fine particle generation units 30 and 40 also serve as the ion generation unit and the acidic component generation unit. Furthermore, the mist generation unit 50 also serves as the charged fine particle liquid generation unit, the ion generation unit, and the acidic component generation unit.

[0031] Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the housing 3 is provided with three types of generating units: an ion generating unit that generates ions, an acidic component generating unit that generates acidic components, and a charged fine particle liquid generating unit that generates charged fine particle liquid. Furthermore, the ion generating unit and the acidic component generating unit are each provided in three locations, while the charged fine particle liquid generating unit is provided in one location.

[0032] Furthermore, the cover 20 has metal particle outlets (ion outlets) 20a and 20b and a mist outlet (ion outlet) 20c, which are formed independently.

[0033] Furthermore, since an ion channel 4c through which ions flow will be formed in front of the mist generation unit (ion generation unit) 50 and the metal fine particle generation unit (ion generation unit) 30, 40, the metal fine particle outlets (ion outlets) 20a, 20b and the mist outlet (ion outlet) 20c will be provided downstream of the ion channel 4c.

[0034] Furthermore, the cover 20 is preferably made less conductive than the housing 3 in order to suppress charging caused by metal particles or mist. This is because if the cover 20 becomes charged, the charge will make it difficult for charged metal particles, negative ions, and mist to be released from the metal particle generation sections 30, 40 and the mist generation section 50.

[0035] To suppress static charge buildup on the cover 20, it is preferable to form the cover 20 using a material that is less prone to static charge buildup, such as PC (polycarbonate) resin, and to use a material that is less prone to static charge buildup for the cover 20. In this part, the cover 20 forms the outer wall (outer shell) of the hair dryer 1.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the pore diameters of the metal particle outlets 20a and 20b are smaller than the pore diameter of the mist outlet 20c. That is, maintenance and condition checks of the mist generation unit 50 via the mist outlet 20c are made easier, while preventing accidental entry of fingers, tools, etc., through the metal particle outlets 20a and 20b.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide ribs (protrusions: connection parts) on the inside of the cover 20 and to bring these ribs into contact with the discharge counter electrode (second electrode) 52 of the mist generating unit 50, which will be described later, in order to remove static electricity from the cover 20.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, a charging section (charging panel) 1f is provided that can change the charged state of the hair. This charging section 1f is provided in the vicinity of the gripping section 1a. Specifically, the charging section 1f is made of a conductive resin (conductive member) that is exposed on the outer surface of the gripping section 1a.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, metal particle outlets (ion outlets) 20a and 20b are formed around the mist outlet 20c.

[0040] Specifically, the metal particulate outlet 20a and the metal particulate outlet 20b are arranged side by side with the mist outlet 20c at the center.

[0041] In other words, the cover 20 is formed such that metal particle outlets 20a, 20b and mist outlet 20c are arranged in the width direction of the hair dryer 1 (left-right direction in Figure 2) in the order of metal particle outlet 20a, mist outlet 20c, and metal particle outlet 20b.

[0042] This arrangement prevents the negatively charged mist from diffusing (dispersing) outwards due to the negative ions blown out from the metal particle outlets (ion outlets) 20a and 20b formed around the mist outlet 20c.

[0043] As a result, the mist's directivity improves, making it easier for the mist to reach the hair and enhancing its hair care effects.

[0044] Furthermore, the metal microparticle generating units 30, 40 and the mist generating unit 50 are arranged in parallel within the cavity 9 in the width direction (left-right direction in Figure 2) of the hair dryer 1, in the order of metal microparticle generating unit 30, mist generating unit 50, and metal microparticle generating unit 40.

[0045] Furthermore, a shielding plate (partition) 6d is provided between the mist generating unit 50 and the adjacent metal fine particle generating units (negative ion generating units) 30 and 40.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the shielding plate 6d is positioned to extend in the vertical direction of the hair dryer 1 and in the direction of mist discharge, thereby suppressing the mixing of metal particles and mist before they are discharged from the metal particle outlets 20a, 20b and the mist outlet 20c.

[0047] The metal nanoparticle generating sections 30 and 40 each have discharge electrodes (first electrodes) 31 and 41 and discharge counter electrodes (second electrodes) 32 and 42, respectively, which are formed from a conductive metal material.

[0048] Then, a high voltage (in this embodiment 1, -1kV to -3kV) is applied between the discharge electrodes 31, 41 and the discharge counter electrodes 32, 42 by a voltage application circuit (not shown) to generate a discharge (corona discharge, etc.), and this discharge action causes metal particles (metal molecules, negative ions, etc.) to be released from the discharge electrodes 31, 41 and the discharge counter electrodes 32, 42, etc.

[0049] These metal nanoparticle generating sections 30 and 40 may be formed in substantially the same shape, or the shapes of the metal nanoparticle generating sections 30 and 40 may be different.

[0050] The mist generating unit 50 has a discharge electrode (first electrode) 51 and a discharge counter electrode (second electrode) 52 formed of a conductive metal material. By applying a high voltage (in this embodiment 1, -3kV to -5kV) between the discharge electrode 51 and the discharge counter electrode 52 using a voltage application circuit 12, a discharge (corona discharge, etc.) is generated.

[0051] In this embodiment 1, the discharge electrode 51 is formed in a needle shape, and the discharge counter electrode 52 is formed as a plate-shaped member spaced apart from the tip of the discharge electrode 51.

[0052] The discharge counter electrode 52 has a substantially plate-shaped base portion 52a, and a circular opening 52c, which serves as an outlet for metal fine particles, is formed approximately in the center of the base portion 52a. The discharge electrode 51 is positioned approximately in the center of the opening 52c when viewed from the front.

[0053] Furthermore, the mist generation unit 50 is an electrostatic atomizing device that includes a cooling unit 53 for cooling the discharge electrode 51 and a heat dissipation fin 54 for dissipating the heat generated when the discharge electrode 51 is cooled by the cooling unit 53.

[0054] Specifically, the mist generating unit 50 includes a Peltier element 53a as a cooling unit 53 and a cooling plate 53b made of a thermally conductive material (for example, a metal material), and is configured to condense moisture in the air onto the surface of the cooling plate 53b, which is cooled by the Peltier element 53a, thereby generating condensed water.

[0055] Furthermore, a heat dissipation fin 54 is provided upstream of the mist generation unit 50 to dissipate the heat generated when cooling the cooling plate 53b. In this configuration, the supplied water, i.e., condensed water, is atomized by the discharge action, generating a very fine mist of nanometer size (negatively charged mist containing negative ions: charged fine particle liquid). The mist generation unit 50 also generates ions and acidic components through the discharge action.

[0056] Furthermore, the metal particle generating units 30, 40 and the mist generating unit 50 are fixed above the inner cylinder 6 by being mounted on a fixing member 6g that protrudes from the upper wall 6f of the inner cylinder 6. The mist generating unit 50 has a mounting plate 55 provided below the heat dissipation fins 54, and this mounting plate 55 is attached to the fixing member 6g, thereby fixing it above the inner cylinder 6.

[0057] Furthermore, by setting various shapes and protruding positions of the fixing member 6g, it is possible to set the wind direction and airflow rate of the air flowing through the cavity (branch channel) 9 to a desired amount. In other words, the fixing member 6g can be used as a control means to control the wind direction and airflow rate of the air flowing through the cavity (branch channel) 9.

[0058] Furthermore, the three types of generating units may be provided independently. Also, it is not necessary to provide all three types of generating units; only one type may be provided within the housing 3. Alternatively, two types of generating units may be arbitrarily selected from the three types and provided within the housing 3. It is also possible to create a hair dryer without any of the three types of generating units.

[0059] In this embodiment 1, the amount of ions, charged particulate liquid, metal nanoparticles, and acidic components generated is controlled by the control unit 100, so that a suitable amount of components is supplied according to the condition of the hair (hair texture, length, and dryness). Known control methods can be used for this control. It is not necessary for the control unit 100 to control the amount of all of the ions, charged particulate liquid, metal nanoparticles, and acidic components generated. For example, it is possible to generate at least one of the components, ions, charged particulate liquid, metal nanoparticles, and acidic components, in a nearly constant amount when the power is turned on.

[0060] Furthermore, within the main body 1b, a cavity 9 formed between the housing 3 and the inner cylinder 6 houses a voltage application circuit 12 for applying voltage to the mist generation unit 50. Although a voltage application circuit (not shown) for applying voltage to the metal fine particle generation units 30 and 40 is also housed within the housing 3, this voltage application circuit (not shown) is housed in a separate location from the area where the voltage application circuit 12 is housed in order to suppress malfunctions due to mutual interference.

[0061] The voltage application circuit 12 and the voltage application circuit (not shown) that applies voltage to the metal fine particle generation sections 30 and 40 are preferably positioned within the gripping section 1a or in a region within the main body section 1b that is an extension of the gripping section 1a. This is to reduce the rotational moment caused by the mass of the voltage application circuit 12 and the voltage application circuit (not shown) when the user holds the gripping section 1a, thereby reducing the load acting on the user's hand.

[0062] Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the voltage application circuit 12 and the voltage application circuit (not shown) on opposite sides of the inner cylinder 6. This further suppresses problems such as voltage drops and instability caused by mutual interference between the voltage application circuit 12 and the voltage application circuit (not shown).

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, a switch unit 21 for switching between hot and cold air, switching operating modes, etc., is housed in the side portion of the cavity 9 (a portion separate from the portion of the cavity 9 in which the voltage application circuit 12 is housed).

[0064] Furthermore, a separate switch unit 16 for switching the power on and off is housed in the cavity within the tip portion 1d of the gripping portion 1a. These electrical components are connected to each other by lead wires 17, which consist of a core wire made of a metal conductor or the like covered with an insulating resin or the like.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable to route the lead wires 17 connected to the metal nanoparticle generation unit 30, the lead wires 17 connected to the metal nanoparticle generation unit 40, and the lead wires 17 connected to the mist generation unit 50 as far apart as possible without crossing each other. This is to prevent interference between the currents flowing through each lead wire 17, which could result in the metal nanoparticle generation unit 30, 40, or mist generation unit 50 failing to obtain the desired voltage or causing the voltage to become unstable.

[0066] In this embodiment 1, the switch unit 16 is configured to allow switching of the open / closed state of the internal contacts by operating an operator 18 exposed on the surface of the housing 3. At this time, by sliding the operator 18 in the vertical direction, it is possible to switch the open / closed state of the internal contacts in multiple stages.

[0067] For example, it is possible to switch between four modes: power off, low wind, medium wind, and high wind. In this case, the power off state can be defined as the position of the control element 18 at its lowest point.

[0068] Furthermore, when the control 18 is slid one step upward from the lowest position, the power is turned on and a weak breeze is blown. Additionally, when the control 18 is slid one step upward, a medium breeze is blown, and when the control 18 is slid all the way to the top, a strong breeze is blown.

[0069] On the other hand, the switch unit 21, which switches between hot and cold air and controls the operating mode, is configured so that the open / closed state of the internal contacts can be switched by operating (pressing) the operators 19, 19a, and 19b formed on the surface (side) of the housing 3. Furthermore, a display unit 14 that displays the currently selected mode is formed on the upper part of the main body unit 1b.

[0070] These switch units 21 and display units 14 are electrically connected to the control unit 100.

[0071] In this embodiment 1, the user can switch between hot and cold air by operating the control knob 19. Furthermore, it is possible to switch between four air temperature modes—"HOT," "Hot & Cold," "COLD," and "SCALP"—in addition to simply switching between the two modes (hot, cold, hot, etc.) each time the control knob 19 is operated.

[0072] In this case, it is preferable that characters or other information that allow the selected mode to be recognized be displayed on the display unit 14. Examples of each mode and how they are displayed on the display unit 14 are described below.

[0073] "HOT" is a mode that outputs warm air, and during normal use, the temperature of the air that hits the hair is set to approximately 70°C to 80°C. When this warm air output mode is selected, the word "HOT" is displayed on the display unit 14.

[0074] Furthermore, "hot and cold" refers to a mode that alternates between outputting hot and cold air, for example, 5 seconds of cold air followed by 7 seconds of hot air. When this "hot and cold" mode is selected, an arrow is displayed on the display unit 14, and "HOT" and "COLD" are displayed alternately according to the output of hot and cold air.

[0075] Furthermore, "COLD" is a mode that outputs cool air, and during normal use, the temperature of the air that hits the hair is set to approximately 30°C. When this cool air output mode is selected, the word "COLD" is displayed on the display unit 14.

[0076] Furthermore, "SCALP" is a mode that outputs low-temperature air, and is designed so that the temperature of the air that hits the hair during normal use is approximately 50°C. This "SCALP" mode is primarily intended to be selected when performing scalp care. When "SCALP" mode is selected, the word "SCALP" is displayed on the display unit 14.

[0077] Then, when the control element 18 is slid upward to turn the power on, the control unit 100 is energized, the heater 8 is driven with a drive signal corresponding to the current air temperature mode, and the air temperature display on the display unit 14 is controlled to show the current air temperature mode. Note that when the control element 18 is simply slid upward to turn the power on, the "HOT" mode is selected and warm air is blown out.

[0078] Each time the control element 19 is operated, a press signal is sent to the control unit 100, and the four air temperature states are switched in the following order: "Warm & Cool" mode, "COLD" mode, "SCALP" mode, and "HOT" mode.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the word "SKIN" is formed on the display unit 14, and when "COLD" is selected in low-wind mode, "SKIN" is displayed along with "COLD".

[0080] In other words, when "COLD" is selected in low-wind mode, it can also be used as "SKIN" mode. "SKIN" mode is selected when performing skin care, such as applying cool air containing mist to the skin to maintain an appropriate level of skin moisture.

[0081] Please note that the above explanation is merely an example, and various methods can be used to display each mode. Furthermore, various settings are available for switching between hot and cold air.

[0082] The display unit 14 consists of a chip-type light-emitting diode 11 mounted on the control board 10, a white to milky white diffuser plate 13 that diffuses the light from the light-emitting diode 11, and a display panel 15 made of transparent resin.

[0083] The display panel 15 may be formed separately from the housing 3 and fixed to the housing 3 with double-sided adhesive tape, or it may be formed integrally with the housing 3. Preferably, a half-mirror layer that reflects external light is provided on the back surface of the display panel 15 by printing or transfer.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a light-shielding layer on the upper surface of the half-mirror layer facing the light-emitting diode 11 by printing or painting, which selectively blocks light from the light-emitting diode 11.

[0085] Furthermore, "selectively blocking light" means blocking light from specific areas (for example, areas other than the text) so that the temperature display, text such as "HOT," "Hot & Cold," "COLD," "SCALP," and "SKIN" are visible.

[0086] By configuring the display unit 14 in this way, when the power is off, the light-emitting diode 11 does not emit light, so the inside of the hair dryer 1 is dark. Even if the outside of the hair dryer 1 is bright, the external light is reflected by the half-mirror layer, making it difficult to see internal components and characters.

[0087] On the other hand, when the power is turned on, the light-emitting diode 11 emits light, and that light passes through the light-shielding layer and the half-mirror layer and is projected to the outside. At this time, the light-shielding layer blocks light from areas other than the character parts, so the characters become visible to the outside.

[0088] In this case, depending on the characters or images to be displayed, the light-emitting diodes 11 may be configured to emit different colors, or they may be configured to emit light from the same colored light-emitting diodes 11.

[0089] Furthermore, the printing color of the display unit 14 may be changed to match the color of the main unit 1b. However, in the case of white, pink, gold, etc., single-color printing may not provide sufficient light shielding. Therefore, it is recommended to print with the appearance printing color first, and then print with a silver-based printing color using an ink material with a high proportion of metal powder for light shielding.

[0090] Using a hair dryer (hair care device) 1 with such a configuration can improve the hair care effect on the user's hair, but it is preferable to further improve the hair care effect.

[0091] Here, after diligent research, the inventors discovered that depending on the airflow rate of the fan (air blower) 5 (the flow rate of the air discharged from the outlet opening 4b) and the angle at which the air is directed, hair can become tangled and difficult to untangle (see Figure 7).

[0092] The graph shown in Figure 7 was obtained through the following evaluation.

[0093] First, secure the root end of the hair for the test, and let the tip end hang vertically downwards.

[0094] Next, the hair dryer is fixed in place, and the angle between the airflow direction A from the nozzle and the vertical downward direction (direction of gravity g) is set to a predetermined angle. In this case, the predetermined angles were set to four levels: 20°, 45°, 90°, and 135°. Here, 20° is the side where the nozzle faces the ground, and 135° is the side where the nozzle faces the ceiling.

[0095] Then, position the hair dryer so that it is 15 cm away from the hair.

[0096] In this state, the hair dryer is operated at the specified airflow for 10 seconds, irradiating the test hair with cool air. In this case, the specified airflow was 0.4 m³ per minute. 3 , 0.6m per minute 3 , 0.9 m per minute 3 , 1.3m per minute 3 These were defined as four levels.

[0097] Then, 10 monitors evaluated the degree of tangling of the treated (cool air irradiated) hair by touch. The evaluation results from the 10 monitors were then expressed as a sensory evaluation on a 6-point scale: very easy to use, easy to use, difficult to use, unusable, does not untangle, and does not untangle at all.

[0098] As shown in the graph in Figure 7, when the airflow is relatively high, a large angle between the direction of airflow A discharged from the outlet and the vertical downward direction (direction of gravity g) can increase hair tangles and cause the hair to become intricately intertwined. In particular, when using a hair dryer with the outlet facing upwards, the airflow is 0.6 m³ / min. 3 It's clear that even with that level of airflow, it can still be considered difficult to use.

[0099] Furthermore, when using a hair dryer, hair can become tangled and difficult to untangle, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, the process of untangling can put stress on the hair, potentially causing damage.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the hair dryer 1 is designed to more reliably suppress hair tangling during use, thereby improving the hair care effect on the user's hair.

[0101] Specifically, the hair dryer 1 is equipped with an angle sensor 200 that detects the angle θ1 of the discharge direction A of the airflow discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b. In this embodiment 1, the airflow discharge direction A is approximately the same as the normal direction of the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the angle sensor 200 is mounted on the circuit board 10, as shown in Figure 6. The control unit 100 is also mounted on this circuit board 10. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the angle sensor 200 is mounted on the circuit board 10 on which the control unit 100 is mounted.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the circuit board 10 on which the angle sensor 200 is mounted is positioned downstream of the fan (air blower) 5 in the wind tunnel (airflow channel) 4.

[0104] At this time, the angle sensor 200 is mounted on the circuit board 10 so as to be located downstream of the fan (air blower) 5 and upstream of the heater 8.

[0105] This allows the angle sensor 200 to be cooled by the airflow through the wind tunnel (airflow path) 4 while suppressing the effects of heat from the heater 8.

[0106] In this embodiment 1, the control unit 100 acquires the detection result of the angle sensor 200 when the power is turned on.

[0107] Specifically, the angle sensor 200 detects the angle θ1 formed by the discharge direction A of the airflow discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b and the vertical plane P, and the control unit 100 acquires the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200 as angle data. In this embodiment 1, when the power is on, the angle sensor 200 constantly detects the angle θ1, and the control unit 100 acquires the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200 as angle data each time the angle sensor 200 detects the angle θ1. This ensures that the latest angle information is obtained.

[0108] Here, the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200 is defined as an angle where the angle between the airflow discharge direction A and the vertical plane P when it is approximately the same as the direction of gravity g is 0 degrees, and the angle between the airflow discharge direction A and the vertical plane P when it is approximately the opposite direction of gravity -g is 180 degrees.

[0109] Specifically, when the airflow discharge direction A is aligned vertically downwards, the detected angle θ1 is 0 degrees, and when the airflow discharge direction A is aligned vertically upwards, the detected angle θ1 is 180 degrees. Furthermore, when the airflow discharge direction A is aligned horizontally, the detected angle θ1 is 90 degrees.

[0110] Here, the angle sensor 200 can be a magnetic sensor or an acceleration sensor capable of detecting angles in three axes.

[0111] When using such a three-axis angle sensor, the angle that the substrate 10 makes with respect to the vertical plane P is calculated from the detected angles of the three axes. At this time, the difference between the angle of the substrate 10 with respect to the vertical plane P and the angle θ1 that the airflow discharge direction A makes with respect to the vertical plane P is corrected by the dimensions during assembly. Therefore, by calculating the angle that the substrate 10 makes with respect to the vertical plane P, the angle θ1 that the airflow discharge direction A makes with respect to the vertical plane P can be obtained.

[0112] Furthermore, depending on the shape of the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b, the discharge direction A of the airflow discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b may not coincide with the normal direction of the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b. For example, if the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b is a curved surface, the discharge direction A of the airflow will not coincide with the normal direction of the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b. Also, if there is an outlet opening (discharge port) 4b that is cut at an angle, the discharge direction A of the airflow will not coincide with the normal direction of the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.

[0113] In such cases, there will be multiple airflow discharge directions A. When there are multiple airflow discharge directions A, the direction of the vector obtained by combining the unit vectors of each airflow discharge direction A can be considered the airflow discharge direction A.

[0114] For example, Figure 9 illustrates a case where there is a first outlet opening (discharge port) 4b1 and a second outlet opening (discharge port) 4b2. In Figure 9, the discharge direction A1 of the airflow discharged from the first outlet opening (discharge port) 4b1 and the discharge direction A2 of the airflow discharged from the second outlet opening (discharge port) 4b2 are in different directions. In such a case, the direction A of the vector obtained by combining the unit vector of discharge direction A1 and the unit vector of discharge direction A2 can be considered the discharge direction of the airflow.

[0115] The control unit 100 then adjusts the airflow of the fan (air blower) 5 based on the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200.

[0116] In this embodiment 1, the control unit 100 sets the airflow rate of the fan 5 according to a preset table based on the angle θ1 acquired by the control unit 100.

[0117] Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the hair dryer 1 is equipped with a memory unit 110, which stores an airflow control program 111. This airflow control program 111 controls the control unit 100 so that an airflow of a more appropriate volume is discharged according to the angle θ1 of the discharge direction A of the airflow discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b.

[0118] Furthermore, the control unit 100 receives signals from the switch unit (airflow mode selection unit) 16 and the switch unit (airflow mode selection unit) 19 (see Figure 10).

[0119] In other words, when the switch unit (airflow mode selection unit) 16 or the switch unit (airflow mode selection unit) 19 is operated to select a desired airflow mode (for example, a mode in which strong hot air is discharged), signals from the switch unit 16 or the switch unit 19 are input to the control unit 100.

[0120] Then, when signals from the switch unit 16 and the switch unit 19 are input to the control unit 100 and the power is turned on, the angle sensor 200 detects the angle θ1, and the control unit 100 acquires the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200 as angle data.

[0121] In this embodiment 1, the control unit 100 includes an angle acquisition unit 120 that acquires the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200 as angle data, and the angle θ1 detected by the angle sensor 200 is input to the angle acquisition unit 120 as angle data.

[0122] Furthermore, the control unit 100 includes an airflow control unit 130 that controls the airflow of the fan 5 based on the angle θ1 acquired by the angle acquisition unit 120. By activating this airflow control unit 130, the airflow of the fan 5 is controlled.

[0123] Specifically, the airflow control unit 130 controls the airflow of the fan 5 by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 7 that drives the fan 5.

[0124] And as described above, the control of the air volume of the fan 5 is performed by the air volume control program 111.

[0125] This air volume control program 111 has a step of detecting the angle θ1 formed between the discharge direction A of the air flow discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) 4b and the vertical plane P, and a step of controlling the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 based on the detected angle.

[0126] And in the step of controlling the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5, when the angle θ1 detected in the step of detecting the angle is greater than a predetermined angle, the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 is made smaller than the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 in the case where it is smaller than the predetermined angle.

[0127] For example, when the mode of using the hair dryer 1 at an air volume of 0.9 m per minute is selected, if the angle θ1 detected in the step of detecting the angle is greater than 135 degrees, the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 can be controlled to be 0.4 m per minute. 3 And when the angle θ1 detected in the step of detecting the angle is greater than 135 degrees when the mode of using the hair dryer 1 at an air volume of 0.9 m per minute is selected, the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 can be controlled so that it becomes 0.4 m per minute. 3 In this way, when using the hair dryer 1, it is possible to more reliably suppress the hair from getting entangled.

[0128] In this way, it is possible to more surely suppress the hair from getting entangled when using the hair dryer 1.

[0129] And when controlling so that the air volume becomes 0.4 m per minute, if the angle θ1 detected in the step of detecting the angle becomes smaller than 135 degrees, the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 can be controlled to return to the original mode (the mode of using the hair dryer 1 at an air volume of 0.9 m per minute). 3 And when controlling so that the air volume becomes 0.4 m per minute, if the angle θ1 detected in the step of detecting the angle becomes smaller than 135 degrees, the air volume of the fan (air blowing unit) 5 can be controlled to return to the original mode (the mode of using the hair dryer 1 at an air volume of 0.9 m per minute). 3 In this way, it is possible to achieve both hair drying and difficulty in entanglement.

[0130] In this way, it is possible to balance both hair drying and resistance to entanglement.

[0131] Furthermore, it is also possible to control the airflow of the fan (blower) 5 in accordance with the change in angle, so that the airflow of the fan (blower) 5 increases as the angle θ1 detected in the angle detection step decreases. In this case, the airflow may be changed continuously or in stages.

[0132] This allows for more optimal airflow to be directed onto the hair depending on the angle.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the control unit 100 includes a timer 140, a calculation unit 150, and a power supply switching unit 160. The timer 140 counts time, and the calculation unit 150 calculates the output to the power supply switching unit 160 based on the time counted by the timer 140 and the angle data acquired by the angle acquisition unit 120. The power supply switching unit 160 also controls the switching of the power from on to off.

[0134] Then, the angle data acquired by the angle acquisition unit 120 is input to the calculation unit 150, and the count value (time measurement value) counted by the timer 140 is also input to the calculation unit 150 (see Figure 10).

[0135] Furthermore, the calculation unit 150 controls the power switching unit 160 based on the input angle data and time measurement values.

[0136] For example, if a user uses the hair dryer 1 while changing its angle as shown by the solid line in Figure 11, the angle sensor 200 will detect that the angle change in region A remains below a certain amount for a certain period of time or longer. When the angle sensor 200 detects that the angle change remains below a certain amount for a certain period of time or longer, the calculation unit 150 determines that the hair dryer 1 has been placed still and controls the power switching unit 160 to switch the power off.

[0137] Furthermore, if the user uses the hair dryer 1 while changing its angle as shown by the dashed line in Figure 11, the angle sensor 200 will detect that a certain amount or more of angle change within a certain time period has been repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time in region B.

[0138] When the angle sensor 200 detects this condition, the calculation unit 150 determines that the hair dryer 1 has fallen and controls the power switching unit 160 to switch the power off.

[0139] Furthermore, this power-off control can also be performed by a program stored in the memory unit 110.

[0140] [Effects / Effects] The following describes the characteristic configuration of the hair care device shown in Embodiment 1 above and the effects obtained therefrom.

[0141] (1) The hair care device according to this embodiment 1 comprises a housing that forms the outer shell, which has an airflow path from an intake port to an outlet port, and an air blower unit that is arranged in the airflow path and whose airflow can be adjusted. The hair care device also comprises a control unit that controls the airflow of the air blower unit and an angle sensor that detects the angle of the direction of discharge of the airflow discharged from the outlet port. The control unit adjusts the airflow of the air blower unit based on the angle detected by the angle sensor.

[0142] Thus, by equipping the hair care device with an angle sensor, it becomes possible to detect the user's posture while using the device.

[0143] Furthermore, if the control unit controls the fan's airflow based on the angle sensor's detection results, it is possible to prevent hair from getting tangled when using the hair care device.

[0144] As a result, a hair care device capable of further improving the effectiveness of hair care can be obtained.

[0145] (2) The hair care device described in (1) above may also have a circuit board on which a control unit is mounted, and an angle sensor may be attached to the circuit board.

[0146] This approach allows the angle sensor to be attached to the circuit board on which the control unit is mounted, enabling its installation without altering the assembly process for the housing, fan, circuit board, etc., thus preventing an increase in production costs.

[0147] (3) In addition, the hair care device described in (1) or (2) above may have a circuit board on which an angle sensor is mounted, and the circuit board on which the angle sensor is mounted may be positioned downstream of the air blower in the air flow path.

[0148] This way, the angle sensor is mounted on a substrate located in the flow path downstream of the air blower, and the airflow from the air blower promotes heat dissipation from the angle sensor, thereby reducing the effects of temperature.

[0149] (4) In addition, any one of the hair care devices described in (1) to (3) above may further include a program for controlling the control unit, the program having the steps of detecting the angle between the direction of discharge of the airflow discharged from the outlet and a vertical plane, and controlling the airflow volume of the air blower based on the detected angle.

[0150] This method more effectively prevents hair from getting tangled when using the hair care device, thereby improving the effectiveness of the hair care treatment.

[0151] (5) In addition, in the hair care device described in (4) above, the angle sensor may detect an angle defined as 0 degrees when the angle between the airflow discharge direction and the vertical plane is approximately the same as the direction of gravity, and 180 degrees when the angle between the airflow discharge direction and the vertical plane is approximately opposite to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, in the step of controlling the airflow rate of the air blower, if the angle detected in the angle detection step is greater than a predetermined angle, the airflow rate of the air blower may be made smaller than the airflow rate of the air blower when the angle is less than a predetermined angle.

[0152] This allows you to make the airflow from the top of the head (when the angle is small) greater than the airflow from the ends of the hair (when the angle is large), thus achieving both hair drying and tangle prevention.

[0153] [others] The contents of the hair care device described herein have been explained above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the device is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0154] For example, this disclosure can also be applied to a hair dryer (hair care device: heated air blower) 1A as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0155] In the hair dryer 1A, two (or more) metal particle generating units 30, 40 and one mist generating unit 50 are arranged in a cavity 9 formed between the housing 3 and the inner cylinder 6 within the main body 1b.

[0156] In addition, in the hair dryer 1A, a wall portion 20e is provided downstream and below the mist outlet 20c, extending in the direction of mist discharge. By providing this wall portion 20e, it is possible to suppress the diffusion (dispersion) of the mist discharged from the mist outlet 20c downwards.

[0157] Furthermore, the hair dryer 1A is also equipped with an angle sensor 200, and the control unit 100 adjusts the airflow of the fan (air blower) 5 based on the angle detected by the angle sensor 200.

[0158] In hair dryer 1A, the angle sensor 200 is mounted on a circuit board on which the voltage application circuit 12 is formed. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be mounted on this circuit board.

[0159] Even if the present disclosure is applied to such a hair dryer (hair care device: heated air blower) 1A, the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0160] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, this disclosure can also be applied to a brush-equipped hair dryer (hair care device: heated air blower) 1B.

[0161] The brush-equipped hair dryer 1B is shaped like a rod, and the user holds the handle 1a and applies the brush portion 23 located at the tip 1g to their hair to style (comb) it. Multiple bristle 23a are provided protruding from the brush portion 23.

[0162] The housing 3B, which forms the outer wall (constitutes the outer shell), is constructed by joining together multiple divided sections, and a wind tunnel (airflow channel) 9B is formed inside it, housing various electrical components within this wind tunnel 9B.

[0163] Furthermore, a cover 20B, which forms a bulging outer wall (constituting the outer shell), is attached to the part of the gripping part 1a closest to the brush part 23. The metal fine particle generating parts 30, 40 and the mist generating part 50 are housed within the air tunnel 9B formed by this cover 20B and the housing 3B.

[0164] The cover 20B has outlets 20a and 20b that open towards the bristle 23a. The metal particles generated in the metal particle generation units 30 and 40, and the mist generated in the mist generation unit 50, are released to the outside through these outlets 20a and 20b and act on the hair and scalp. Voltage is applied to the metal particle generation units 30 and 40 and the mist generation unit 50 from the circuit unit 24.

[0165] Furthermore, the wind tunnel 9B is equipped with a fan 5B that generates an airflow W and a motor 7B that rotates the fan 5B, so that the metal particles generated in the metal particle generation units 30 and 40 and the mist generated in the mist generation unit 50 can be discharged on the branched flow Wp.

[0166] The motor 7B and fan 5B are housed in a wind tunnel 9B formed within the case 3B. The motor 7B is rotationally driven by a drive circuit included in the circuit section 24.

[0167] An opening 1h is formed at the base end (lower side in Figure 14) of case 3B, which serves as an air intake. When fan 5B rotates, air flows from the outside into the wind tunnel 9B through the opening 1h, forming an airflow W that passes through the wind tunnel 9B and is discharged toward the brush section 23. The airflow W is blown out from an outlet (discharge port) 23b formed at the base of the bristle 23a of the brush section 23.

[0168] Furthermore, in order to prevent the release of metal particles from being inhibited by the user's static charge, the charging part (charging panel) 1f is exposed on the surface of the gripping part 1a.

[0169] Furthermore, a shielding wall 22B is provided to prevent the mist generated in the mist generation unit 50 from reaching the metal fine particle generation units 30 and 40.

[0170] Furthermore, the brush-equipped hair dryer 1B is also equipped with an angle sensor 200, and the control unit 100 adjusts the airflow of the fan (air blower) 5B based on the angle detected by the angle sensor 200.

[0171] In the brush-equipped hair dryer 1B, the angle sensor 200 is mounted on the circuit board 10 on which the control unit 100 is mounted.

[0172] Even if the present disclosure is applied to such a brush-equipped hair dryer (hair care device: heated air blower) 1B, the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0173] Furthermore, the cover, housing, and other detailed specifications (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as needed. [Industrial applicability]

[0174] As described above, the hair care device described herein can reduce hair tangling and improve hair care effects, and can therefore be applied not only to hair dryers for humans but also to applications such as hair dryers for pets. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] 1.1A Hair Dryer (Hair Care Device) 1B Hair dryer with brush (hair care device) 3,3B Housing 4 Wind tunnel (ventilation channel) 4a Inlet opening (inlet) 4b Outlet opening (discharge port) 5. Fan (air blower) 10 circuit boards 100 Control Unit 111 Programs 200 Angle Sensor

Claims

1. An airflow path is provided from the intake port to the discharge port, and the outer casing consists of a housing and A blower unit, which is arranged in the aforementioned airflow path and whose airflow can be adjusted, The airflow control unit of the aforementioned air blower unit, An angle sensor for detecting the angle of the direction of discharge of the airflow discharged from the aforementioned outlet, Equipped with, The angle sensor detects an angle defined as 0 degrees when the airflow discharge direction is approximately the same as the direction of gravity and the vertical plane, and 180 degrees when the airflow discharge direction is approximately opposite to the direction of gravity. The control unit adjusts the airflow rate of the air blower to decrease continuously or in three or more steps as the angle detected by the angle sensor increases. Hair care device.

2. The control unit is mounted on a circuit board, The angle sensor is attached to the aforementioned substrate. The hair care device according to claim 1.

3. The circuit board on which the angle sensor is mounted has The substrate on which the angle sensor is mounted is positioned downstream of the air blowing section in the air flow path. A hair care device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The program further includes a program for controlling the control unit, The aforementioned program, The steps include detecting the angle between the direction of discharge of the airflow emitted from the discharge port and a vertical plane, A step of controlling the airflow volume of the blower based on the detected angle, Having, A hair care device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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