Hair dryer and method for indicating temperature range and airflow of the hair dryer

Abstract

To provide a hair dryer for facilitating confirmation of temperature and air volume of air to be blown out.SOLUTION: A hair dryer (100) includes a display section (15) for displaying two or more kinds of temperature bands of air to be blown out from an air outlet (70) in association with kinds of color. Two or more kinds of air volumes of the air to be blown out from a blowing part (14) are displayed in the display section (15) with the use of display parameters other than the kinds of color associated with the temperature bands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair dryer and a method for displaying the temperature range and air volume of a hair dryer.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a hair dryer has a function for allowing a user to recognize the temperature and air volume of the blown air. For example, in the heater blower disclosed in Patent Document 1, the air volume of the blown air is recognized by the slide position of a slide switch provided on a grip portion, and the temperature of the blown air is recognized by displaying it on the side surface of the main body portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a conventional hair dryer, when a user checks the air volume of the blown air, the user has to check the position of the slide switch on the grip portion, and when checking the temperature of the air, the user has to check the temperature display portion on the side surface of the main body portion. Thus, the user has to look at displays at different positions to check the temperature and air volume of the blown air, which is inconvenient.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a hair dryer made in view of the above.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a hair dryer according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an air blower unit and a display unit that displays the temperature range and airflow rate of the air blown from the air blower unit by light emission, wherein the air blower unit has two or more types of temperature ranges and airflow rates for the air blown, and the temperature range and airflow rate can be controlled individually, the display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower unit in a first mode of light emission, and displays the type of airflow rate of the air blown from the air blower unit in a second mode of light emission, wherein the first mode is the light emission in a color corresponding to the type of temperature range, and the second mode is the light emission in at least one of the intensity of the light emission, the flashing speed of the light emission, and the flashing pattern of the light emission, corresponding to the type of airflow rate, and comprises a first operation unit for switching the temperature range and a second operation unit for switching the airflow rate. A distance sensor that detects the distance to the object to which air is blown, Furthermore, it is equipped with The operating modes include a hot mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is a first temperature range, a cold mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range, and a sensing mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower changes according to the distance detected by the distance sensor. When the operating mode is the hot mode or the cold mode, the display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower in the first form of the light emission. When the operating mode is the sensing mode, the air blower increases the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower as the distance detected by the distance sensor increases, and the display unit switches the type of color of the light emission according to the distance detected by the distance sensor. It is characterized by the following:

[0007] An airflow display method according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a blower unit, a display unit that displays the temperature range and airflow rate of the air blown from the blower unit by illumination, a first operation unit for switching the temperature range, and a second operation unit for switching the airflow rate. A distance sensor that detects the distance to the object to which air is blown, A method for displaying the temperature range and airflow of a hair dryer, wherein the air blower has two or more types of temperature ranges and airflows for the air it blows, and the temperature range and airflow can be controlled individually, the display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower in a first mode of light emission, and displays the type of airflow of the air blown from the air blower in a second mode of light emission, the first mode being light emission in a color corresponding to the type of temperature range, and the second mode being light emission in at least one of the types of intensity of light emission, the type of flashing speed of light emission, and the type of flashing pattern of light emission, corresponding to the type of airflow The operating modes include a hot mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is a first temperature range, a cold mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range, and a sensing mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower changes according to the distance detected by the distance sensor. When the operating mode is the hot mode or the cold mode, the display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower in the first form of the light emission. When the operating mode is the sensing mode, the air blower increases the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower as the distance detected by the distance sensor increases, and the display unit switches the type of color of the light emission according to the distance detected by the distance sensor. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature and airflow of the blown-out air can be easily checked. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a hair dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the hair dryer. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a side view of the hair dryer. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an enlarged front view of the main parts of the hair dryer shown. [Figure 5] Figure 1 illustrates the temperature display of the airflow from a hair dryer. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a control block diagram of the hair dryer. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the airflow volume display for the hair dryer shown. [Figure 8] Figure 1 illustrates the temperature and airflow display of the blown air in a hair dryer, based on the measurement conditions of the distance sensor. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the airflow volume display for the hair dryer shown. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the airflow volume display for the hair dryer shown. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the airflow volume display for the hair dryer shown. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the airflow volume display for the hair dryer shown. [Figure 13] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the airflow volume display for the hair dryer shown. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a hair dryer according to a modified example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0011] (Overall Configuration of Hair Dryer) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance configuration of a hair dryer 100 according to this embodiment. For explaining the shape and positional relationship of each component of the hair dryer 100, for the sake of convenience, the hair dryer 100 is defined by three coordinate axes in the X (X1 - X2) direction (left - right direction), Y (Y1 - Y2) direction (up - down direction), and Z (Z1 - Z2) direction (front - back direction) as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the external appearance when viewed from the front side (Z1 side) of the hair dryer 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the external appearance when viewed from the side (X2 side) of the hair dryer 100 shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] The hair dryer 100 is composed of a main body 20 and a grip portion 30 provided below the main body 20. An air inlet (not shown) is provided on the back surface portion 20b of the main body 20. A ventilation path (not shown) is formed inside the main body 20. In the ventilation path, a blower unit 14 including a blower 1 and a heater 2 to be described later, an ion generation unit 3, etc. are arranged (see FIG. 6). When the blower 1 starts operating, the air passing through the air inlet on the back surface portion 20b of the main body 20 is inhaled and blown out from the air outlet 70 on the front surface portion 20a of the main body 20. The ion generation unit 3 is a kind of charged particle generation unit. The charged particle generation unit is not limited to the ion generation unit, and any discharge device that generates ions, electrons, ozone, radicals, active species, etc. by discharge may be used. Also, when the charged particle generation unit generates ions, it may be configured to generate both positive ions and negative ions, or may be configured to generate either positive ions or negative ions.

[0013] A disc-shaped front panel 40 is provided on the front surface 20a of the main body 20 so as to cover the opening at the front end of the main body 20. The front panel 40 has a circuit board equipped with four LEDs 51 to 54, and these LEDs 51 to 54 constitute an LED display unit 50. The LEDs 51 to 54 on the LED display unit 50 each light up to indicate the selected operating mode of the hair dryer 100. When the user selects an operating mode for the hair dryer 100, one of the LEDs 51 to 54 corresponding to that operating mode lights up.

[0014] The front panel 40 has a curved concave shape. Furthermore, in the front panel 40 having this curved concave shape, the ends in the left-right direction (X direction) (i.e., the left end and the right end) are located further forward (towards Z1) in side and top views (or bottom views) than the ends in the up-down direction (Y direction) (upper end and lower end). In other words, the ends of the main body 20 in the up-down direction (Y direction) are recessed further upstream (towards Z2) of the airflow than the ends of the main body 20 in the left-right direction (X direction).

[0015] The front panel 40 has arc-shaped notches on its left and right outer edges, and these notches form the air outlets 70. The air outlets 70 consist of a first air outlet 71 and a second air outlet 72. The air from the blower 1 is blown out from the air outlets 70. Details of the front portion 20a of the main body 20, including the front panel 40, will be described later.

[0016] The gripping section 30 is provided with an operating section 60 for the user to operate the hair dryer 100. The operating section 60 has four buttons 61 to 64. The bottommost sliding button is the ON / OFF button (power switch) 61, which turns the operation of the hair dryer 100 ON / OFF. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned ON, the blower 1 starts operating. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned OFF, the blower 1 stops operating. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned ON, the heater 2 is also turned ON in the mode where the heater 2 is turned ON, and the ion generating unit 3 is also turned ON in the mode where the ion generating unit 3 is turned ON. When the ON / OFF button 61 is turned OFF, the heater 2 is turned OFF in the mode where the heater 2 is ON, and the ion generating unit 3 is also turned OFF in the mode where the ion generating unit 3 is turned ON.

[0017] The alternate-operating push-button located directly above the ON / OFF button 61 is the one-shot cool air button 62. When the one-shot cool air button 62 is pressed once while warm air is being blown out, the heater 2 is turned off and the blown air becomes cool air. When the one-shot cool air button 62 is pressed once while cool air is being blown out, the heater 2 is turned on and the blown air becomes warm air. The one-shot cool air button 62 may also be a momentarily operating push-button so that the heater 2 is turned off only while the one-shot cool air button 62 is being pressed.

[0018] The two push-buttons located above the 1-shot cool air button 62 are the mode change button 63 and the airflow change button 64, respectively. Each time the mode change button 63 is pressed, the mode can be changed in a rotational (cyclical) manner, for example, from the first dry mode 1 → second dry mode 2 → third dry mode 3 → cool air mode → beauty mode → automatic mode → first dry mode. Similarly, each time the airflow change button 64 is pressed, the airflow can be changed in a rotational (cyclical) manner, for example, from high airflow (TURBO) → medium airflow (DRY) → low airflow (SET) → high airflow (TURBO).

[0019] A power cord 80 with a connector (not shown) at its tip extends from the lower part of the gripping section 30. The hair dryer 100 becomes power-ready when the power cord 80 (more precisely, the connector) is plugged into an electrical outlet, which enables the power supply unit (not shown) to be powered. Alternatively, power may be supplied by a battery instead of the power cord.

[0020] (Front view of Hair Dryer 100) Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the front portion 20a of the main body 20 of the hair dryer 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating how the display color in the display unit 15 shown in Figure 4 changes depending on the temperature of the blown air.

[0021] The front portion of the hair dryer 100 is composed of the front portion 20a of the main body 20, and a front panel 40 is provided on the front portion 20a. On the left side (X1 side) of the front panel 40, as viewed from the Z1 side, a first air outlet 71 is provided along the outer circumference of the front panel 40. On the right side (X2 side) of the front panel 40, as viewed from the Z1 side, a second air outlet 72 is provided along the outer circumference of the front panel 40.

[0022] A roughly circular central portion 40a is provided in the center of the front panel 40, a distance sensor 6 is provided in the center of the central portion 40a, and a display unit 15 is provided around the central portion 40a. The central portion 40a is recessed from the left-right (X-direction) ends where the first air outlet 71 and the second air outlet 72 are provided.

[0023] The display unit 15 is provided in an annular shape around the outer circumference of the central part 40a and is a temperature display unit that indicates the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet 70, such as hot air / cold air. Specifically, the display unit 15 displays each of two or more temperature ranges of air blown from the blower 1, corresponding to different colors. For example, when hot air is blown out, the display unit 15 will be red, and when cold air is blown out, the display unit 15 will be blue. Also, when air with a temperature between hot and cold air is blown out, the display unit 15 will be green. In this embodiment, the display unit 15 is provided in an annular shape around the entire outer circumference of the central part 40a, but in another embodiment, it may be provided in a semi-annular shape around the lower half of the outer circumference of the central part 40a, or around the upper half of the outer circumference of the central part 40a. The display unit 15 may have any shape other than an annular or semi-annular shape, such as a round shape, a square shape, or a dot.

[0024] The display unit 15 specifically has an LED light-emitting unit 5, which consists of, for example, a red LED (light-emitting diode) lamp, a blue LED lamp, and a light guide member. The light guide member has an annular shape and is arranged to surround the outer circumference of the central part 40a. The red LED lamp and the blue LED lamp are located on the rear side of the light guide member.

[0025] Therefore, when warm air is blown out from the outlet 70, the red LED lamp on the display unit 15 lights up, and as shown by reference numeral 1051 in Figure 5, the red light is diffused by the light guide member, resulting in a ring-shaped coloration. When cold air is blown out from the outlet 70, the blue LED lamp on the display unit 15 lights up, and as shown by reference numeral 1053 in Figure 5, the blue light is diffused by the light guide member, resulting in a ring-shaped coloration. Furthermore, when air at a temperature between warm and cold air is blown out from the outlet 70, both the red and blue LED lamps on the display unit 15 light up simultaneously, and as shown by reference numeral 1052 in Figure 5, the green light, a mixture of red and blue, is diffused by the light guide member, resulting in a ring-shaped coloration. This allows the user to easily identify the temperature of the blown air by the color of the illuminated display unit 15.

[0026] Here, the hair dryer 100 has four operating modes: hot mode, cold mode, scalp mode, and sensing mode. Therefore, when hot mode is selected as the operating mode, the air blown out is hot (for example, around 95°C), so the display unit 15 is displayed in red. When cold mode is selected as the operating mode, the air blown out is approximately the same as room temperature, so the display unit 15 is displayed in blue. When scalp mode is selected, the air blown out is medium temperature (for example, around 75°C), so the display unit 15 is displayed in green. When sensing mode is selected, the temperature of the air blown out changes according to the distance (distance from the hair dryer 100 to the object to be aired on), so the display color of the display unit 15 also changes according to the distance.

[0027] (Control block diagram of hair dryer 100) Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hair dryer 100. As shown in Figure 6, the hair dryer 100 includes, for example, a control unit 10 consisting of a microcomputer, and connected to the control unit 10, an air blower 14, an ion generating unit 3, an operation unit 60, a storage unit 4, a display unit 15, a distance sensor 6, and the like.

[0028] The control unit 10 consists of a computer device comprising a CPU, a dedicated processor, and other arithmetic processing units. The control unit 10 includes an airflow control unit 11 that controls the airflow volume of the blower 1 of the blower unit 14, a heating control unit 12 that controls the amount of heat generated by the heater 2 of the blower unit 14, and an LED lighting control unit 13 that controls the lighting of the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15. The control unit 10 controls the operation of each part of the hair dryer 100 according to the information and programs stored in the memory unit 4. The memory unit 4 stores information and programs that the control unit 10 uses when controlling each part of the hair dryer 100.

[0029] The air blowing unit 14 comprises a blower 1 and a heater 2. The blower 1 draws in air from the intake port and generates air that is blown out from the outlet 70. The rotation of the blower 1 is controlled by the airflow control unit 11 of the control unit 10. The airflow control unit 11 generates airflow of different volumes by rotating the blower 1 based on set values ​​set for each airflow level, such as strong, medium, and weak.

[0030] Heater 2 heats the air produced by blower 1 by supplying heat to it. The amount of heat generated by heater 2 is controlled by the heating control unit 12 of control unit 10. The heating control unit 12 generates heat in heater 2 based on set values ​​set for each air temperature level, such as high temperature, medium temperature, low temperature, and cold temperature, thereby creating air at different temperatures.

[0031] The ion generation unit 3 is a unit that generates ions. For example, the ion generation unit 3 is equipped with a needle-shaped discharge electrode and an annular induction electrode surrounding the discharge electrode. When a voltage is applied between the discharge electrode and the dielectric electrode, corona discharge occurs, and H₂O₃ is generated around the discharge electrode. + (H2O) m Positive ions such as and O 2- (H2O) n It generates both positive and negative ions. The generated positive and negative ions are mixed with the air flowing through the ventilation passage and released from the outlet 70.

[0032] The distance sensor 6 is a sensor that measures the distance between the user, who is the target of the airflow, and the hair dryer 100. For example, the distance sensor 6 measures the distance between the part of the user's hair that is being blown air by the hair dryer 100 and the hair dryer 100.

[0033] As an example of the distance sensor 6, a Time of Flight (ToF) type distance sensor can be used to measure the distance based on the time of flight of infrared light from the distance sensor 6 to a specific part of the user's hair (the time it takes for the infrared light emitted by the distance sensor 6 to hit the specific part, reflect, and return).

[0034] It should be noted that the distance sensor 6 of the ToF (Time Of Flight) type described above is not the only means of measuring the distance between the user and the hair dryer 100. For example, the distance between the user and the hair dryer 100 may be measured using GPS, a reflective Doppler sensor, a camera (not shown), and a dot projector (not shown). These methods can also be used to suitably measure the distance between the user and the hair dryer 100.

[0035] Furthermore, the hair dryer 100 may be equipped with sensing means that can be used as an alternative to the distance sensor, or sensing means that can be used in combination with the distance sensor, such as temperature sensors such as radiation temperature sensors and infrared sensors, attitude sensors such as 3D acceleration sensors and 9-axis sensors.

[0036] The display unit 15 includes an LED light-emitting unit 5, which uses LED lamps as light sources that emit light in colors corresponding to each of several temperature ranges. As described above, red LED lamps and blue LED lamps are used as LED lamps. The LED light-emitting unit 5 is controlled by the LED lighting control unit 13 of the control unit 10 so that it emits light in a color corresponding to the temperature range of the air blown out by the blower 1.

[0037] The display unit 15 not only displays the temperature of the blown air, but also the airflow rate of the blown air, through the illumination of the LED lamps of the LED light-emitting unit 5. In this embodiment, there are three types of airflow rates: strong, medium, and weak. Therefore, the display unit 15 displays each airflow rate using display parameters other than the color type, which is associated with the temperature range of the blown air.

[0038] (Air volume display using display unit 15) Figure 7 illustrates the airflow volume display in the hair dryer 100. The display unit 15 uses the brightness of an LED lamp as a display parameter other than the color type of the temperature display to show the airflow volume. Here, we will explain an example of displaying three types of airflow: high (TURBO), medium (DRY), and low (SET). Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, when the display unit 15 displays red, indicating hot air, it displays brightest as shown by reference numeral 1071 for high airflow and dimmest as shown by reference numeral 1073 for low airflow. Furthermore, when the airflow is medium, the display unit 15 displays at a brightness intermediate between the brightness of the LED lamp for high airflow and low airflow, as shown by reference numeral 1072 in Figure 7.

[0039] Generally, when users look at displays located in different positions to check the temperature and airflow of the blown air, they may not be able to concentrate on the operation and may make mistakes. However, with the above configuration, the possibility of such mistakes can be reduced. In other words, with the above configuration, users can easily grasp the temperature range and airflow of the air blown from the hair dryer 100 simply by checking the color and brightness of the display unit 15. In short, users can check the temperature and airflow of the air blown from the hair dryer 100 simultaneously without changing their gaze. This allows them to concentrate on the operation and reduces the possibility of making mistakes.

[0040] (Distance display using display unit 15) Figure 8 illustrates the temperature and airflow display of the blown air on the display unit 15 in the hair dryer 100, according to the measurement status of the distance sensor 6.

[0041] The distance sensor 6 measures the distance between the user, who is the subject of the beauty treatment, and the hair dryer 100. Specifically, it measures the distance between the user and the display unit 15 of the hair dryer 100. If the distance measured by the distance sensor 6 is long, that is, if the distance from the hair dryer 100 to the user is far, the display unit 15 is displayed in red, as shown by reference numeral 1081 in Figure 8. If the distance from the hair dryer 100 to the user is short, the display unit 15 is displayed in blue, as shown by reference numeral 1083 in Figure 8. If the distance from the hair dryer 100 to the user is between the distances shown by reference numeral 1081 and reference numeral 1083, the display unit 15 is displayed in green, as shown by reference numeral 1082 in Figure 8. In other words, the display unit 15 switches the color of the temperature zone according to the distance detected by the distance sensor 6.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 8, the display color of the display unit 15 indicates the distance between the user and the hair dryer 100, but indirectly also indicates the temperature of the air blown out by the hair dryer 100. In other words, in order to keep the temperature of the air blown out on the user the same regardless of distance, the further away the user is from the hair dryer 100, the higher the temperature of the air blown out, and the closer the user is to the hair dryer 100, the lower the temperature of the air blown out. Therefore, as shown by reference numeral 1081 in Figure 8, when the hair dryer 100 is far from the user, the display unit 15 indicates the distance with a red display, but also indicates that the temperature of the air blown out is high. Similarly, the other colors of the display unit 15 indicate both the distance and the temperature of the air blown out. That is, when the hair dryer 100 is close to the user, the display unit 15 indicates the distance with a blue display, but also indicates that the temperature of the air blown out is low. When the distance from the user to the hair dryer 100 is between far and close, the display unit 15 indicates the distance with a green display, but also indicates that the temperature of the air blown out is medium.

[0043] In the case shown in Figure 8, the airflow is indicated by the brightness of the LED lamp on the display unit 15. In the following embodiments, examples will be described in which the airflow from the hair dryer 100 is displayed on the display unit 15 using display parameters other than the brightness of the LED lamp.

[0044] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the light flashing speed and the light flashing pattern (LED flashing interval), among the light intensity (brightness / darkness), light flashing speed (LED flashing speed), and light flashing pattern (LED flashing interval), are used as display parameters for display on the display unit 15.

[0045] (Airflow indicator: LED blinking speed) Figure 9 shows the airflow as indicated by the blinking speed of the LED lamps on the display unit 15. Specifically, the LED lighting control unit 13 of the control unit 10 controls the lighting of the LED lamps in the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 so that the blinking speed of the LED lamps is faster when the airflow is large, and slower when the airflow is small. In other words, the LED lighting control unit 13 transmits a square wave control signal to the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 such that the interval between the switching of the LED lamps' brightness and darkness is shortest when the airflow is large (TURBO), the next shortest when the airflow is medium (DRY), and the longest when the airflow is small (SET).

[0046] The control signal transmitted to the LED light-emitting unit 5 is a square wave control signal with a 1:1 ratio of light and dark periods. This makes the light and dark periods of the LED lamp in the LED light-emitting unit 5 the same.

[0047] As described above, by generating a lighting control signal according to the airflow, the temperature and airflow of the air blown out by the hair dryer 100 can be checked simultaneously without moving the eyes, simply by checking the color displayed on the display unit 15 and the blinking speed of the displayed color. In other words, the user can easily understand the temperature of the air blown out by the color on the display unit 15 and the airflow of the air blown out by the blinking speed of the LED lamp on the display unit 15, simply by looking at the display unit 15. In particular, since the airflow is indicated by the blinking speed of the LED lamp, the user can intuitively understand that a faster blinking speed means a higher airflow, and a slower blinking speed means a lower airflow.

[0048] Furthermore, the control signal used to control the brightness of the LED lamp is not limited to a square wave control signal with a 1:1 ratio of brightness and darkness, as shown in Figure 9. Any waveform control signal is acceptable as long as it can control the blinking speed of the LED lamp so that the amount of airflow can be perceived. For example, a sine wave control signal may be used instead of a square wave. Also, when the LED lamp is dark, it may be dimmed or turned off. Moreover, the control signal is not limited to a 1:1 ratio of brightness and darkness in a square wave; other ratios such as 2:1 or 1:2 may also be used.

[0049] (Airflow indicator: LED blinking interval) Figure 10 shows the airflow based on the blinking interval of the LED lamps on the display unit 15. Specifically, the LED lighting control unit 13 of the control unit 10 controls the lighting of the LED lamps in the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 so that the blinking interval of the LED lamps becomes shorter as the airflow is greater, and longer as the airflow is less. In other words, the LED lighting control unit 13 transmits a square wave control signal to the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 so that the blinking interval of the LED lamps is shortest when the airflow is high (TURBO), the next shortest when the airflow is medium (DRY), and the longest when the airflow is low (SET). In the case of Figure 10, using three blinks for high airflow (TURBO) as a baseline, when the airflow is medium (DRY), one blink is omitted from the three blinks for high airflow, and the control repeats two blinks, one no blink, two blinks, and one no blink. When the fan speed is set to low (SET), the control system reduces the number of flashes from three (high fan speed) to two, resulting in a cycle of one flash, two periods of no flashing, one flash, and two periods of no flashing.

[0050] As described above, by generating a lighting control signal according to the airflow, the temperature and airflow of the air blown out by the hair dryer 100 can be checked simultaneously without moving the eyes, simply by checking the color displayed on the display unit 15 and the blinking interval of the displayed color. In other words, the user can easily understand the temperature of the air blown out by the color on the display unit 15 and the airflow of the air blown out by the blinking interval of the LED lamp on the display unit 15, simply by looking at the display unit 15. In particular, since the airflow is indicated by the blinking interval of the LED lamp, the user can intuitively understand that a shorter blinking interval means a higher airflow, and a longer blinking interval means a lower airflow.

[0051] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is used as the display parameter for display on the display unit 15.

[0052] (Air volume display: Display area of ​​display unit 15) Figure 11 shows the airflow as represented by the display area (the area where the LED lamp is lit) of the LED lamps on the display unit 15. Specifically, the LED lighting control unit 13 of the control unit 10 controls the lighting of the LED lamps in the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 so that the display area of ​​the LED lamps increases as the airflow increases, and decreases as the airflow decreases. In other words, the LED lighting control unit 13 sends a control signal to the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 such that the display area of ​​the LED lamps is largest when the airflow is high (TURBO), the next smallest when the airflow is medium (DRY), and the smallest when the airflow is low (SET).

[0053] Specifically, the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is divided into three equal-area regions in the circumferential direction, and LED lamps are provided corresponding to each region. The number of lit LED lamps in the display area of ​​the display unit 15, i.e., the area of ​​the display area, is used to distinguish the airflow. That is, in the case of high airflow (TURBO), the entire display area of ​​the display unit 15 is lit, as shown by reference numeral 1111 in Figure 11. In the case of medium airflow (DRY), two-thirds of the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is lit, as shown by reference numeral 1112 in Figure 11. In the case of low airflow (SET), one-third of the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is lit. This allows the user to understand the airflow simply by looking at the percentage (display area) of the lit display area of ​​the display unit 15.

[0054] As described above, by generating a lighting control signal according to the airflow, the temperature and airflow of the air blown out by the hair dryer 100 can be checked simultaneously without moving the eyes, simply by looking at the color displayed on the display unit 15 and the display area of ​​the LED lamps on the display unit 15. In other words, the user can easily grasp the temperature of the air blown out by the color on the display unit 15 and the airflow of the air blown out by the illuminated area of ​​the display area D lamp on the display unit 15, simply by looking at the display unit 15. In particular, the airflow can be intuitively grasped by the display area of ​​the LED lamps.

[0055] In this embodiment, an example in which the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is divided into three areas has been described, but it is not limited to this, and the number of divisions of the display area of ​​the display unit 15 should be determined to the extent that the airflow can be intuitively grasped. For example, if there are four levels of airflow, the display area of ​​the display unit 15 can be divided into four equal-area areas in the circumferential direction, and LED lamps should be provided to correspond to each area.

[0056] [Embodiment 4] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0057] (Air volume display: Part of display unit 15) Figure 12 shows an example where a portion of the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is used for airflow display. Specifically, the display unit 15 is divided into two areas (first area 15a and second area 15b). The first area 15a is an area that displays colors according to the temperature range of the blown air, and the second area 15b is an area that displays according to the airflow volume of the blown air. The second area 15b is a smaller area than the first area 15a and is further divided into three display areas. Each of these display areas in the second area 15b is provided with a corresponding LED lamp, and the amount of airflow is expressed by the number of lit LED lamps. In this example, four LED lamps are provided, and the lighting of each LED lamp is controlled.

[0058] The LED lighting control unit 13 of the control unit 10 controls the lighting of the LED lamps in the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 so that the number of LED lamps lit in the second region 15b increases as the airflow is greater, and the number of LED lamps lit in the second region 15b decreases as the airflow is smaller. Specifically, the LED lighting control unit 13 transmits a control signal to the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 that lights up all LED lamps corresponding to the three display areas of the second region 15b when the airflow is high (TURBO), lights up the LED lamps corresponding to the two display areas of the second region 15b when the airflow is medium (DRY), and lights up the LED lamp corresponding to the one display area of ​​the second region 15b when the airflow is low (SET). In this way, the airflow is distinguished by the number of LED lamps lit in the three display areas of the second region 15b, which is a part of the display unit 15. The second region 15b is displayed in the same color as the first region 15a.

[0059] This allows the user to understand the airflow simply by looking at the number of LED lamps lit in the three display areas of the second area 15b of the display unit 15.

[0060] As described above, by generating a lighting control signal according to the airflow, the temperature and airflow of the air blown out by the hair dryer 100 can be checked simultaneously without moving the eyes, simply by checking the color displayed in the first area 15a of the display unit 15 and the number of lit LED lamps in the second area 15b of the display unit 15. In other words, the user can easily grasp the temperature of the air blown out by the display color in the first area 15a of the display unit 15 and the airflow of the air blown out by the number of lit LED lamps in the second area 15b of the display unit 15, simply by looking at the display unit 15. In particular, the airflow can be intuitively grasped by the number of lit LED lamps in the second area 15b, i.e., the number of display areas. Furthermore, the brightness of the lit LED lamps, in addition to the number of lit LED lamps, may also be included as parameters for airflow. This makes it possible to convey the airflow in detail. For example, if two of the three LED lamps are lit, the brightness of the two lit LED lamps can be adjusted to display the airflow in detail. In this way, when the number of airflow levels increases, it is possible to accommodate this without increasing the number of LED lamps in the second region 15b.

[0061] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the second area 15b of the display unit 15 is divided into three display areas. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the number of divisions of the second area 15b of the display unit 15 should be determined in such a way that the airflow can be intuitively grasped.

[0062] Furthermore, the above example described an example in which the display color of the second area 15b of the display unit 15 was the same as the display color of the first area 15a, which was displayed in the same color according to the temperature of the blown air, that is, an example in which the display color of the second area 15b was set to a color corresponding to the temperature of the blown air. In the following modified example, an example is described in which the display color of the second area 15b is displayed in a color other than the color corresponding to the temperature of the blown air.

[0063] (modified version) Figure 13 shows an example where a portion of the display area of ​​the display unit 15 is used for airflow display. The first area 15a of the display unit 15 shown in Figure 13 is the same as the first area 15a of the display unit 15 shown in Figure 12, while the second area 15b of the display unit 15 is different from the second area 15b of the display unit 15 shown in Figure 12. Here, the display color of the second area 15b is a color other than the display color of the first area 15a (red, green, blue), for example, white. The only difference from the display unit 15 shown in Figure 12 is the display color of the second area 15b; the control of the LED lamp lighting according to the airflow is the same.

[0064] In other words, the LED lighting control unit 13 of the control unit 10 transmits a control signal to the LED light-emitting unit 5 of the display unit 15 that lights up all LED lamps corresponding to the three display areas of the second region 15b when the airflow is high (TURBO), lights up the LED lamps corresponding to the two display areas of the second region 15b when the airflow is medium (DRY), and lights up the LED lamp corresponding to the one display area of ​​the second region 15b when the airflow is low (SET). In this way, the airflow is distinguished by the number of LED lamps lit in the three display areas of the second region 15b, which is a part of the display unit 15.

[0065] As a result, the user can determine the airflow simply by looking at the number of LED lamps lit in the three display areas of the second area 15b of the display unit 15. Moreover, since the display colors of the first area 15a and the second area 15b of the display unit 15 are different, it is easier to check the temperature of the blown air and the airflow volume of the blown air compared to when the display colors of the first area 15a and the second area 15b are the same.

[0066] One aspect of the present invention aims to allow users to simultaneously check the temperature and airflow of the blown-out air without significantly shifting their gaze. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the hair dryer 100 has a display unit 15 that shows the temperature and airflow of the blown-out air on the front of the main body 20, i.e., on the surface (arrangement area) where the air outlet 70 is formed, and an operation unit 60 is provided on the same side as the display unit 15.

[0067] Note that the display unit 15 does not need to be located on the surface of the air outlet 70 of the hair dryer 100, as shown in Figure 1. It may be located elsewhere as long as the temperature and airflow of the blown-out air can be displayed by the display unit 15. A modified example in which the display unit is located elsewhere will be described.

[0068] [Variation] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a hair dryer 200 according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0069] The hair dryer 200 is basically the same as the hair dryer 100 shown in Figure 1, and as shown in Figure 14, it consists of a main body 220 and a gripping part 230 provided below the main body 220. The main body 220 has an air intake on the back 220b and an air outlet (not shown) on the front 220a, and air is taken in through the air intake and blown out as wind (which may contain ions) through the air outlet.

[0070] The gripping section 230 is equipped with an operating section 260 for the user to operate the hair dryer 200. The operating section 260 has multiple operating buttons, which the user can use to turn the hair dryer 200 ON / OFF, set the operating mode, and so on.

[0071] A display unit 215 is provided on the side of the main unit 220, which displays a color corresponding to the temperature range of the blown air. The brightness of the LED lamp on this display unit 215 is changed to indicate the airflow rate of the blown air.

[0072] In this case, the display unit 215 is not located on the front of the main unit 220 (the surface where the air outlet is formed), but on the side of the main unit 220. However, the user can check the temperature of the blown air and the airflow volume of the blown air from the color and brightness of the color displayed on the display unit 215 without moving their eyes.

[0073] Furthermore, the airflow display on the display unit 215 may be the LED blinking interval or LED blinking speed, as in Embodiment 2, or the display area, as in Embodiment 3. Alternatively, as in Embodiment 4 and its modified forms, a portion of the display area of ​​the display unit 215 may be used as the display area for the airflow display.

[0074] In the embodiments described above, the hair dryer 100 (200) was described as having a hot mode, cold mode, scalp mode, and sensing mode as operating modes, but it is not limited to these, and other operating modes may be used. In any other operating mode, the display color of the display unit 15 can be changed according to the temperature of the blown air.

[0075] Furthermore, while we have shown three examples of airflow settings—high (TURBO), medium (DRY), and low (SET)—the system is not limited to these. It may also have two or more airflow settings, as long as each setting can be displayed by the display unit 15.

[0076] 〔summary〕 A hair dryer according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises an air blowing unit 14 and a temperature display unit (display unit 15) that displays two or more temperature ranges of the air blown from the air blowing unit 14, each corresponding to a color type, wherein the temperature display unit (display unit 15) displays two or more airflow rates of the air blown from the air blowing unit 14 using display parameters other than the color types corresponding to the temperature ranges.

[0077] With the above configuration, users can easily understand the temperature range and airflow of the blown air simply by checking the color of the temperature display and the display parameters other than the color type. This allows users to check the temperature and airflow of the blown air without changing their gaze.

[0078] In the hair dryer according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 above, the display parameter may be at least one of the following in the temperature display unit: light intensity, light flashing speed, and light flashing pattern.

[0079] With the above configuration, by checking at least one of the following in the temperature display unit—the intensity of the light, the speed of the light flashing, or the pattern of the light flashing—it becomes possible to check the airflow rate of the blown-out air and the temperature of the blown-out air simultaneously.

[0080] In the hair dryer according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 or 2, the display parameter may be the display area in the temperature display section.

[0081] With the above configuration, the airflow rate can be easily checked at the same time simply by checking the display area of ​​the temperature display unit.

[0082] A hair dryer according to embodiment 4 of the present invention has an operating unit 60 that can switch at least one of the temperature range and the airflow in any one of embodiments 1 to 3 above, and the operating unit 60 may be provided on the same side as the side on which the temperature display unit (display unit 15) is located.

[0083] With the above configuration, the user operating the control unit can check the temperature and airflow of the blown-out air simply by shifting their gaze slightly away from the control unit.

[0084] In the hair dryer according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in any one embodiment of embodiments 1 to 4 above, the temperature display unit (display unit 15) may be provided in the area where the air outlet 70 blows out air from the air blowing unit 14 is located.

[0085] With the above configuration, the temperature display unit is located in the area where the air outlet blows out from the air blower unit. This allows the temperature display unit to be viewed with minimal eye movement when the air is blown directly in front of the unit. As a result, the temperature and airflow of the blown air can be easily checked while being exposed to the airflow.

[0086] A hair dryer according to embodiment 6 of the present invention further comprises a distance sensor 6 for detecting the distance from the air outlet 70 that blows air from the air blowing unit 14 to the object to be blown air on, in any one embodiment of embodiments 1 to 5 above, and the temperature display unit (display unit 15) may switch the color of the temperature range according to the distance detected by the distance sensor 6.

[0087] With the above configuration, the distance to the object to which the air is blown is detected by the distance sensor, making it possible to appropriately set the temperature and airflow of the blown air for the object.

[0088] A method for displaying the airflow of a hair dryer according to aspect 7 of the present invention is a method for displaying the airflow of a hair dryer 100 comprising an air blowing unit 14 and a temperature display unit (display unit 15) that displays each of two or more temperature ranges of the air blown from the air blowing unit 14 in correspondence with a color type, wherein the airflow of two or more types of air blown from the air blowing unit 14 is displayed on the temperature display unit (display unit 15) using display parameters other than the color types corresponding to the temperature ranges.

[0089] With the above configuration, users can easily understand the temperature range and airflow of the blown air simply by checking the color of the temperature display and the display parameters other than the color type. This allows users to check the temperature and airflow of the blown air without changing their gaze.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Blower 2 heaters 3. Ion Generating Unit 4 Storage section 5 LED light-emitting section 6. Distance Sensor 10 Control Unit 13 LED lighting control unit 14. Air blower 15 Display section (temperature display section) 15a 1st area 15b 2nd area 20 Main body 20a Front part 20b Back part 30 Gripping part 40 Front Panel 40a Central part 50 LED display section 51-54 LED 60 Control section 61 ON / OFF button 62 Single-shot cool air button 63 Mode Change Button 64 Fan speed change button 70 Air outlet 71 1st outlet 72 2nd outlet 80 Power cord 100 Hair Dryers 200 Hair Dryer 215 Display section 220 body part 220a front part 220b Back part 230 Gripping part 260 Operation section

Claims

1. The air blower unit, The system includes a display unit that displays the temperature range and airflow rate of the air blown from the aforementioned air blowing unit by emitting light. The aforementioned air blowing unit has two or more temperature ranges and airflow rates for the air it blows, and the temperature ranges and airflow rates can be controlled individually. The display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower in the first mode of illumination, and displays the type of airflow rate of the air blown from the air blower in the second mode of illumination. The first embodiment is the emission of light in a color corresponding to the type of temperature range, The second embodiment is the emission of light in which at least one of the types of intensity of light, the type of flashing speed of light, and the type of flashing pattern of light is associated with the type of airflow, A first operating unit for switching the temperature range, The second operating unit for switching the airflow, It further includes a distance sensor that detects the distance to the object to which air is blown, As for the operating mode, A hot mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is the first temperature range, A cold mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range, The system includes a sensing mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower changes according to the distance detected by the distance sensor, When the operating mode is the hot mode or the cold mode, the display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower unit in the first mode of the light emission. A hair dryer in which, when the operating mode is the sensing mode, the air blowing unit increases the temperature range of the air blown from the air blowing unit as the distance detected by the distance sensor increases, and the display unit switches the type of light emitted according to the distance detected by the distance sensor.

2. It has an operating unit that can switch at least one of the temperature range and the airflow rate, The first operating section and the second operating section are included in the operating section, The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is provided on the same side as the display unit.

3. The aforementioned display unit is The hair dryer according to claim 1 or 2, provided in the area where the air outlet for blowing air from the aforementioned air blowing section is located.

4. A method for displaying the temperature range and airflow of a hair dryer, comprising: a blower unit; a display unit that displays the temperature range and airflow rate of the air blown from the blower unit by illumination; a first operation unit for switching the temperature range; a second operation unit for switching the airflow rate; and a distance sensor for detecting the distance to the object to which the air is blown, The aforementioned air blowing unit has two or more temperature ranges and airflow rates for the air it blows, and the temperature ranges and airflow rates can be controlled individually. The display unit is configured to display the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower in the first mode of illumination, and to display the type of airflow rate of the air blown from the air blower in the second mode of illumination. The first embodiment is the emission of light in a color corresponding to the type of temperature range, The second embodiment is the emission of light in which at least one of the types of intensity of light, the type of flashing speed of light, and the type of flashing pattern of light is associated with the type of airflow, As for the operating mode, A hot mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is the first temperature range, A cold mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower is a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range, The system includes a sensing mode in which the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower changes according to the distance detected by the distance sensor, When the operating mode is the hot mode or the cold mode, the display unit displays the type of temperature range of the air blown from the air blower unit in the first mode of the light emission. A method for displaying temperature range and airflow, wherein, when the operating mode is the sensing mode, the air blower increases the temperature range of the air blown from the air blower as the distance detected by the distance sensor increases, and the display unit switches the type of light emitted according to the distance detected by the distance sensor.

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