Hair iron

Abstract

[Problem] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hair iron capable of reducing damage to hair. [Solution] The hair iron according to the present invention comprises: a first arm and a second arm openably / closably connected; a first holding surface provided inside the first arm; a second holding surface provided inside the second arm; and a heating unit for heating hair provided on the first and second holding surfaces. The heating unit has a layer made of at least platinum.

Description

hair iron

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair iron, and more particularly to a hair iron that can reduce damage to hair.

[0002] Hair irons are commonly used for hair styling, such as straightening, blow-drying, and hair treatments. These hair irons have a pair of arms rotatably connected at one end and a heating element facing the other end of each arm. By sliding the hair iron toward the ends of the hair while the heated heating elements are pinched between the hair, the entire hair can be heated and styled.

[0003] For example, a hair styling device (1) including a handheld treatment unit (2) as a hair iron, the handheld treatment unit (2) having two arms (3, 4) configured to form a clamp with two surfaces (5, 6) facing each other and allowing a hair strand to be clamped, the handheld treatment unit including means for diffusing steam (7) configured to diffuse steam from a first surface (5) of the two surfaces to a second surface (6) of the two surfaces, is known (Patent Document 1), characterized in that one of the arms (3, 4) has a comb (19) positioned upstream or downstream of one of the surfaces (5, 6) of the arms (3, 4).

[0004] Special table 2017-515590 publication

[0005] However, in the prior art including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the thickness of the arm is sometimes set thick in order to increase the heat capacity, which poses the problem of increasing the overall size and weight.

[0006] Furthermore, before using a hair iron, various chemicals such as oxidizing agents, reducing agents, etc. may be used, including hair coloring, hair treatment, bleaching, etc.

[0007] In such cases, after achieving the intended purpose of the oxidizing agent or reducing agent, it may end up damaging the hair. Attempts have been made to reduce hair damage by using agents that cause minimal damage to the hair or by avoiding prolonged use, but in some cases, these attempts have not been fully achieved.

[0008] For example, hydrogen peroxide, which is used in bleaching agents, can provide good coloring, but it also acts on keratin, the main component of hair, and breaks it down, resulting in damage to the hair.

[0009] Furthermore, many of the prior art techniques are aimed at straightening out curly hair, and do not take into consideration the application of permanent waves by forming curls. Furthermore, when forming curls as described above, if the arms are in good contact with each other, the treatment can be carried out more appropriately.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hair iron that can improve the adhesion between the arms.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the present inventors have conducted extensive research into hair irons and have come up with the present invention.

[0012] That is, the hair iron of the present invention is a hair iron having a first arm and a second arm connected so as to be able to open and close, a first clamping surface provided on the inside of the first arm, a second clamping surface provided on the inside of the second arm, and a heating portion for heating hair provided on the first and second clamping surfaces, characterized in that the heating portion has a layer made of at least platinum.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the heating section further comprises a layer made of at least one of nickel, copper, electroless nickel, and aluminum.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the thickness of the platinum layer is 0.05 to 1.0 μm.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the surface of the heating part is buff-polished.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arm is provided with a hydrogen peroxide reducing device.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arms are further provided with a temperature control device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide reducer reduces hydrogen peroxide by setting a temperature.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the temperature is 80° C. or higher.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the temperature is 140°C to 180°C.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hair iron further comprises a connecting member that connects the first arm and the second arm.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide reducing device and the temperature control device are integrated into one unit.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arm is provided with a switch for the hydrogen peroxide reduction device and the temperature control device.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the number of the connecting members is one or more.

[0025] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arm is characterized in that it has a biasing portion that biases the clamping surfaces and elastically adjusts the clamping state between the clamping surfaces.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arm has a core material disposed therein along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the core material is characterized by having a stopper portion that engages with the clamping surface to restrict movement in the protruding direction relative to the first and / or second arms.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, at least one of the edges of the heating part in the hair insertion direction has a curl-forming curved surface curved in the thickness direction of the heating part.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first arm and / or the second arm have a curved surface at the end edge in the hair insertion direction on the tip side.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hair iron further comprises the curl-forming curved surface and / or a flat surface continuous with the curved surface.

[0031] The hair iron of the present invention has the advantageous effect of being able to improve the adhesion between the arms. Also, the hair iron of another aspect of the present invention has the advantageous effect of being able to reduce damage to hair.

[0032] Furthermore, with the hair iron of the present invention, when the gripping portion at the middle of the clamping arm is grasped and operated, the base end side rotates relative to the other and the tip end side can perform a clamping action, which has the advantageous effect of allowing the hair to be clamped and straightened by the clamping surface (also called the straightener) arranged opposite the tip end of the clamping arm.

[0033] Furthermore, the hair iron of the present invention has the advantageous effect that when curling hair, the hair comes into sufficient contact with the curved curl forming surface, thereby enabling sufficient curling to be achieved.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the effect of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although it is difficult to see in the diagram, the bar graphs are displayed in the order of ends, middle, and roots from left to right. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a top view of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an inverted view of the hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention (rear view before assembly) of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an inverted view of the hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention (rear view before assembly) of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 shows a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the upper case portion of the main body for vertical assembly of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit and other components are shown conceptually. FIG. 9 is a side view of the upper case portion of the main body for vertical assembly of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit and other components are shown conceptually. FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the case portion of the lower main body for assembling the upper and lower parts of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit and other components are shown conceptually. FIG. 11 shows a side view of the case portion of the lower main body for assembling the upper and lower parts of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit and other components are shown conceptually. FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration of the hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention, from the heating unit and other components to the biasing unit. FIG. 12(a) shows a perspective view of the plate, FIG. 12(b) shows the plate and components within the plate, FIG. 12(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the plate and components within the plate, and FIG. 12(d) shows an example of the configuration of the components within the plate.

[0035] The hair iron of the present invention is a hair iron having a first arm and a second arm connected to each other so as to be able to open and close; a first clamping surface provided on the inside of the first arm; a second clamping surface provided on the inside of the second arm; and heating units for heating hair provided on the first and second clamping surfaces, wherein the heating units have a layer made of at least platinum. In the present invention, the first arm and the second arm are not particularly limited as long as they are connected to each other so as to be able to open and close. In the present invention, hair can be clamped using the first clamping surface provided on the inside of the first arm and the second clamping surface provided on the inside of the second arm. The heating units for heating hair provided on the first and second clamping surfaces can be used to treat hair via both clamping surfaces.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the heating unit further comprises a layer of at least one of nickel, copper, electroless nickel, and aluminum, from the viewpoint of improving adhesion with platinum. In the heating unit, the platinum on the outermost surface can directly contact hair. Regarding the layer order, aluminum and platinum may result in insufficient adhesion, and sandwiching nickel, copper, and nickel between the layers can improve adhesion. Furthermore, combinations of aluminum and copper and platinum and copper may also result in insufficient adhesion. Therefore, when all materials are used, the order is preferably platinum, nickel, copper, electroless nickel, and aluminum.

[0037] Strictly speaking, the heating unit may be configured as a plate with a heat source such as a ceramic heater in a layer below the plate, as shown in Fig. 12, which will be described later. These heating units (plates) may have a shape as shown in Fig. 12, for example.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the thickness of the platinum layer is 0.05 to 1.0 μm from the viewpoint of cost reduction and improved adhesion, because if the thickness is outside this range, the corners may become raised and the adhesion between the plates may become poor.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the nickel layer is preferably 1 to 20 μm, more preferably 5 to 10 μm. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the copper layer is preferably 1 to 10 μm, more preferably 2 to 5 μm. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the electroless nickel layer is preferably 1 to 10 μm, more preferably 3 to 5 μm. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the aluminum layer is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 1 to 3 μm.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the surface of the heating unit is buff-polished. For example, by buff-polishing the surface of the aluminum plate constituting the heating unit, it becomes smoother, thereby eliminating unevenness in the layer placed on top, such as a platinum layer. Furthermore, by buff-polishing in this manner, it becomes possible to improve the adhesion when plates plated up to the platinum layer are joined together. It is also possible to deburr the four corners of the plates.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arms are provided with a hydrogen peroxide reducer. This makes it possible to efficiently remove excess hydrogen peroxide, for example, from hydrogen peroxide used in bleach, thereby minimizing damage to hair. The hydrogen peroxide reducer need only be installed on the arm, and its location is not particularly limited. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen peroxide reducer can be installed anywhere from the center of the arm to the handle side of the arm, from the viewpoint of avoiding the clamping surface that is expected to become hot due to the heating unit.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide reducer reduces hydrogen peroxide by setting a temperature. In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the temperature is 80°C or higher from the viewpoint of starting to reduce hydrogen peroxide. In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the temperature is 140°C to 180°C from the viewpoint of more efficiently reducing hydrogen peroxide.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arms are further provided with a temperature control device. The temperature setting device only needs to be installed on the arms, and the location thereof is not particularly limited. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature setting device can be installed anywhere from the center of the arms to the handle side of the arms, from the viewpoint of avoiding the clamping surface that is expected to become hot due to the heating unit.

[0044] While some hair irons have a temperature control device located midway along the power cord that extends from the main body of the hair iron, in this case, it is necessary to manually operate the cord to turn the power on and off. In contrast, in the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide reduction device and temperature control device are located inside the arm. As will be described later, if the switch function is located inside the arm, the power can be turned on and off while holding the hair iron in the right hand. Furthermore, if the adjustment mechanism is a dial, the hydrogen peroxide and temperature can be easily adjusted by turning the dial with the thumb, improving operability.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hair iron further comprises a connecting member connecting the first arm and the second arm. The connecting member connecting the two arms serves to suppress wobble at the tip of the iron (i.e., wobble from side to side when viewed from the tip of the iron). Specifically, it enables the plate surfaces to align without misalignment when pressing the iron. In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the connecting member is one or more, from the viewpoint of operability.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide reducer and temperature control device are integrated from the viewpoint of operability. In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arms are provided with switches for the hydrogen peroxide reducer and temperature control device. As mentioned above, the temperature control device may be installed in the middle of the power cord extending from the hair iron body, in which case it is necessary to operate the cord manually to turn the power on and off. In contrast, in the present invention, the hydrogen peroxide reducer and temperature control device are installed inside the arm, and a switch may also be provided, thereby improving operability.

[0047] You can also bleach your hair before using a hair iron. Bleaching involves softening the hair using an alkaline agent. The main components of bleach are hydrogen peroxide and ammonia water (an alkaline substance). The ammonia water acts on the cuticle on the surface of the hair, causing it to swell and soften. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates into the swollen and softened hair, where it chemically reacts with melanin. When black hair is bleached, the color changes from reddish-brown to reddish orange to yellowish orange to yellow, depending on the application time. This is largely due to the breakdown of the dark-brown "eumelanin," while the orange-red "pheomelanin" is less likely to break down.

[0048] However, hydrogen peroxide not only oxidizes melanin, but also decomposes keratin, the main component of hair, potentially damaging hair.

[0049] In the present invention, it is possible to minimize damage to hair by removing the hydrogen peroxide early.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arms have a biasing portion that biases the clamping surfaces to elastically adjust the clamping state between the clamping surfaces. When the gripping portion at the middle of the first and / or second arms is gripped and operated, the base ends of the first and / or second arms rotate relative to each other, and the tip ends of the first and / or second arms (also referred to as first and / or second clamping arms) can perform a clamping action. This clamping action allows the clamping surfaces (clamping surfaces) arranged opposite the tip ends of the arms to clamp and straighten hair.

[0051] Furthermore, the clamping arm may be provided with a biasing portion that urges the clamping surfaces to elastically adjust the clamping state between the clamping surfaces by supporting at least one of the clamping surfaces so that it can move toward and away from the other. This allows the clamping surfaces to reliably clamp the hair. The biasing portion is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a spring, a leaf spring, a spring, rubber, or the like. The biasing portion, for example, a spring that presses a bimetal thermal fuse, may be separated from the magnet pressing leaf spring to strengthen the holding force. This allows for more accurate sensing of temperature transmission.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the first and / or second arm has a core material disposed therein along the longitudinal direction.

[0053] A core material is installed inside the arms so that it runs longitudinally from the tip end to at least the gripping portion, and this core material maintains its hardness up to a temperature higher than that of the clamping arms, preventing the tip end of the clamping arms from easily deforming due to heat when the heating portion of the clamping surface generates heat. Therefore, by gripping the gripping portion of the clamping arm, force can be smoothly transmitted from the tip end of the clamping arm to the clamping surface, allowing hair to be securely clamped and straightened.

[0054] Therefore, even if the clamping arm is made thin and the heat capacity is reduced, the hair can be clamped and straightened reliably, and by making the device lighter overall, it becomes easy to hold the clamping arm and perform flexible operations to straighten finely curled hair for a certain period of time.

[0055] Furthermore, a receiving portion that can support the urging portion can be partially provided on the core material, facing the back of the urging portion. This allows the clamping reaction force from the clamping surfaces to be received by the receiving portion via the urging portion, and the clamping surfaces can clamp and straighten the hair more reliably.

[0056] Furthermore, since the receiving portion can be provided partially, its shape is less affected by the curved shape of the clamping arm, and the receiving portion can be easily disposed behind the biasing portion.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, the core member has a stopper portion that engages with the clamping surface to restrict movement of the clamping surface in the protruding direction relative to the first and / or second arms. That is, the movement of the clamping surface in the protruding direction relative to the clamping arms can be restricted by engaging the stopper portion. Therefore, rattling of the clamping surface relative to the clamping arms can be restricted, and the clamping surfaces can clamp and straighten hair more accurately.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping arm can be separable. That is, the arm can have a mating structure in which the separated parts are joined together with fasteners, and the core material can be pre-attached to one of the separated parts with a temporary fastening portion provided at one longitudinal end. Therefore, when joining the separated parts together with the fasteners, there is no need to handle the core material individually. In addition to fastening the separated parts together, predetermined locations of the core material can be joined to the clamping arm by co-tightening with the co-tightening portion. Therefore, there is no need to handle the core material individually when joining the separated parts together, and assembly of the clamping arm can be facilitated.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, from the viewpoint of setting a curl, at least one of the edges of the heating unit in the hair insertion direction has a curl-forming curved surface curved in the thickness direction of the heating unit. The clamping surface can include heating units facing each other, and at least one of the edges of the heating unit in the hair insertion direction can have a curl-forming curved surface curved in the thickness direction of the heating unit. At least one of the edges of the clamping arm in the hair insertion direction can have a curved and / or flat winding surface around which the hair is wrapped.

[0060] It is also possible for the hair wrapped around the curved curl-forming surface to extend linearly from the curved curl-forming surface and come into contact with the curved or flat surface of the winding surface, thereby ensuring that the hair comes into sufficient contact with the curved curl-forming surface when curling, thereby enabling more thorough curling.

[0061] Furthermore, when the tension is applied to the hair by wrapping it around the clamping arm and the hair is pressed against the curved curl-forming surface, the hair can be easily slid along the curved or flat winding surface of the clamping arm. This means that the tension applied to the hair by wrapping it can be effectively used to press the hair against the curved curl-forming surface, resulting in more thorough curl formation.

[0062] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, from the viewpoint of setting a variety of curls, the first arm and / or the second arm are characterized by having a curved surface on the end edge in the hair insertion direction at the tip side.

[0063] In the present invention, the clamping surface is provided with a heating section having mutually opposing straightening surfaces, and both edges of the heating section in the hair insertion direction can be provided with curl-forming curved surfaces curved in the thickness direction of the heating section. In addition, both edges of the clamping arm tip in the hair insertion direction can be provided with curved or flat winding surfaces around which the hair is to be wrapped.

[0064] This allows the degree to which the hair wraps around the two curl forming surfaces to be changed, making it possible to easily create different curls.

[0065] In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the hair iron of the present invention, from the viewpoint of being able to accurately clamp and straighten hair and accurately set curls, the hair iron is further characterized by having the curl-forming curved surface and / or a flat surface continuous with the curved surface.

[0066] In the present invention, at least one of the clamping surfaces can be supported on the clamping arm so as to be able to advance and retreat relative to the other side, and the clamping arm can be provided with a biasing portion that biases the clamping surfaces forward and backward to elastically adjust the clamping state between the clamping surfaces. Furthermore, since the hair wrapped around the curl-forming curved surface when the clamping surfaces are retracted has a flat surface that is continuous with the curl-forming curved surface and / or the curved surface, that is, the hair extends linearly from the curl-forming curved surface and comes into contact with the curved surface or flat surface of the winding surface, the hair can be accurately clamped and straightened by the opposing clamping surfaces that can advance and retreat, and the curl can also be accurately set.

[0067] In the present invention, the winding surface has a plane perpendicular to the clamping surface (straightening surface), and the plane of the winding surface and the curl-forming curved surface are close to each other in the protruding position in the hair insertion direction, so the tension given to the hair by winding can be used to straighten the hair by sliding it along the plane of the winding surface as a pressing force against the curl-forming curved surface, making it possible to set a curl more reliably and easily.

[0068] In addition, in the present invention, it is possible to improve or modify the plate, arm, cord, temperature control, magnet, etc. For example, the plating thickness of the plate can be modified to improve versatility when styling hair. A stopper to prevent lateral movement of the arm may also be provided to prevent lateral movement. The AC cord may also be provided to prevent disconnection. Furthermore, painting (3 layers) may be applied to prevent peeling, provide chemical resistance, and accommodate color variations. Furthermore, a magnet may be used in the structure between the biasing part and the plate to provide heat resistance and magnetic force compatibility.

[0069] Also, temperature control is possible from the viewpoint of shortening the time required to reach the set temperature. From the viewpoint of strength, a reinforcing plate shape may be adopted.

[0070] Mechanically, the upper and lower casings of the hair iron contain a platinum plate, heat-dissipating silicon, ceramic heater, mica plate, heat-resistant magnet, magnet clamp, and plate clamp, and the control unit can be equipped with a thermistor, bimetal thermal fuse, PCB unit, etc. Furthermore, magnetism, temperature, and platinum components cause various effects on various molecules, including water molecules, and the combined differential effects can create a more effective environment.

[0071] Examples using the hair iron of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the following examples.

[0072] Example 1 FIG. 2 shows a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 denotes a first arm, 2 denotes a second arm, 3 denotes a first clamping surface, 4 denotes a second clamping surface, 5 denotes a hydrogen peroxide reducer, 6 denotes a temperature control device, 7 denotes a connecting member, 8 denotes a connecting member, and 9 denotes a switch. Ironing with this hair iron can be briefly described as follows: The power plug is inserted into an outlet, and the clamping surfaces (3, 4) are heated by a heater (heat source). The first and second arms clamp hair between the clamping surfaces (3, 4), and the heating unit heats the clamped hair along the treatment surface of the clamping surfaces (3, 4). In this example, the hydrogen peroxide reducer 5 is installed inside the arm, and a switch 9 is also installed inside the arm. Therefore, the power can be turned on and off while holding the hair iron in the right hand. In this example, the hydrogen peroxide reduction device 5 and the temperature control device 6 are integrated and have a dial-like adjustment function. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide and temperature can be easily adjusted by turning the dial with one's thumb, improving operability. Note that temperature adjustment for the hydrogen peroxide reduction device 5 and the temperature control device 6 is not limited to a dial-like adjustment, and can also be performed using a push button, lever, or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0073] In addition, as a hair iron with a "hydrogen peroxide removal" mode, it is also possible to set a "hydrogen peroxide removal" mode on the dial position of the iron and set it to 150°C.

[0074] 3 is a top view of a hair iron according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which 33 denotes one surface of the tip sides 29, 31, 35 denotes one surface of the gripping parts 21, 23, 37 denotes the inclined surfaces of both sides 33, 35, and 39 denotes the other surface of the tip sides 29, 31.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the hair iron of one embodiment of the present invention in a reversed state (rear side before assembly) of FIG. 5.

[0076] 5 is a bottom view of a hair iron according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 33 denotes one surface of the tip sides 29, 31, 35 denotes one surface of the gripping parts 21, 23, 37 denotes the inclined surfaces of both sides 33, 35, and 39 denotes the other surface of the tip sides 29, 31.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the hair iron in one embodiment of the present invention in a reversed state (rear side before assembly) of FIG. 3.

[0078] 7 shows a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which 3 indicates a first clamping surface, 4 indicates a second clamping surface, 15 and 17 indicate base ends, 19 indicates a rotation axis, 21 and 23 indicate gripping portions, 25 and 27 indicate force points, and 29 and 31 indicate tip ends.

[0079] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the upper case of the main body for assembling the upper and lower parts of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit are conceptually illustrated. In the figure, 50 denotes the core material, and 51 denotes the plates and other components.

[0080] Figure 9 shows a side view of the upper case portion of the main body for assembling the upper and lower parts of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit are conceptually illustrated. In the figure, 50 denotes the core material, and 51 denotes the plates and other components.

[0081] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the lower case of the main body for assembling the upper and lower parts of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit are conceptually illustrated. In the figure, 50 denotes the core material, and 51 denotes the plates and other components.

[0082] Fig. 11 shows a side view of the lower case portion of the main body for assembling the upper and lower parts of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plates and core material constituting the heating unit are conceptually illustrated. In the figure, 50 denotes the core material, and 51 denotes the plates and other components.

[0083] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the configuration of a hair iron according to one embodiment of the present invention, from the heating unit to the biasing unit. In the diagram, 60 denotes a plate, 61 denotes a ceramic heater (heat source), 62 denotes a mica plate, 63 denotes a bimetal, 64 denotes a bimetal holder, 65 denotes a magnet holder leaf spring, 66 denotes a plate leaf spring (biasing unit), and 67 denotes a magnet. FIG. 12(a) shows a perspective view of the plate, FIG. 12(b) shows the plate and components therein, FIG. 12(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the plate and components therein, and FIG. 12(d) shows an example of the configuration of the components therein. The plate is formed using an aluminum base as shown in FIG. 12(a), and can be plated with, for example, electroless nickel, copper, nickel, and platinum in that order. As shown in Figure 12(b), the following components can be arranged within the plate: a ceramic heater (heat source) 61, a mica plate 62, a bimetal 63, a bimetal holder 64, a magnet holder leaf spring 65, a plate leaf spring (biasing portion) 66, and a magnet 67, as shown in Figure 12(d). As shown in the figure, the spring has been changed and the spring that holds the bimetal thermal fuse is separated from the magnet holder leaf spring, making it possible to further improve the holding force. This configuration also makes it possible to more accurately sense the transfer of temperature.

[0084] As shown in these figures, the hair iron comprises an iron body connected to a power cord, which may also be equipped with a temperature control device, a power plug, etc.

[0085] Next, an embodiment of a hair iron having a biasing portion, a core material, a stopper portion, etc. will be described.

[0086] The iron body includes a pair of clamping arms and a pair of clamping surfaces 3 and 4. The clamping arms are made of resin, such as polyester-based engineering plastic with a linear expansion coefficient of 8.8×10-5 cm / cm / °C, and base ends 15 and 17 are rotatably connected to each other by a rotation shaft 19. Grips 21 and 23 are provided at the middle of each clamping arm. These grips 21 and 23 are relatively thick to facilitate gripping, as shown in FIG. 7, and can be made approximately the same thickness as the base ends 15 and 17.

[0087] The gripping portions 21, 23 are provided with force points 25, 27 formed with inclined surfaces at their tip ends. These force points 25, 27 are placed on which the thumb or index finger applies force when gripping the gripping portions 21, 23. When viewed from the side in Figure 7, the force points 25, 27 are formed to be slightly larger than the entire gripping portions 21, 23, making it easier for the thumb or index finger to place against them.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7, the tip sides 29, 31 of the clamping arms are formed to be thinner than the gripping portions 21, 23 in the mating direction. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the tip sides 29, 31 are formed to be thinner than the gripping portions 21, 23, and are set to be offset to one side relative to the gripping portions 21, 23. Therefore, one surface 33 of the tip sides 29, 31 protrudes to one side beyond one surface 35 of the gripping portions 21, 23, and both surfaces 33, 35 are set to be continuous in a stepped manner by an inclined surface 37. The other surface 39 of the tip sides 29, 31 is formed to be offset to one side in accordance with the one surface 33, and is recessed into the center of the gripping portions 21, 23.

[0089] The clamping arms are hollow and may be configured with separate sections extending from the center. These separate sections can be fastened together at the distal ends 29, 31, the gripping sections 21, 23, and the proximal ends 15, 17 with fasteners such as screws. Although not shown, fastening holes may be formed through the distal ends 29, 31 of the separate sections.

[0090] Although not shown, a plurality of reinforcing ribs may be provided inside the hollow gripping portions 21, 23. One of the clamping arms may be provided with a convex portion on the opposing side of the arms, and the other clamping arm may be provided with a concave portion into which the convex portion fits. The convex portion may abut against the bottom surface of the concave portion to function as a stopper.

[0091] In this way, the clamping arms are configured such that the base ends 15, 17 are rotatably connected to each other, and the tip ends 29, 31 perform clamping action by operating the gripping portions 21, 23 in the middle.

[0092] In the following description, the tip ends 29 and 31 of the clamping arms are symmetrical in shape, so the tip end 29 will be described, and the other tip end 31 will be described with reference to the description of the tip end 29.

[0093] The tip side 29 may have a flat vertical wall surface and a flat bottom wall surface for accommodating a core material therein. The tip side 29 may also be provided with a clamping surface support hole for movably supporting the clamping surface 3 so that it can move forward and backward relative to the other side. The clamping surface 3 can be movably supported in the clamping surface support hole.

[0094] Therefore, the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 are arranged opposite to the tip ends 29 and 31 of the clamping arms, and the clamping action of the clamping arms clamps and straightens the hair while heating it.

[0095] The clamping surface 3 is composed of, in order as viewed from the clamping surface side, a heating unit, a ceramic heater, a magnet plate, a first spring, and a second spring. A housing unit is integrally provided behind the heating unit, and can house the ceramic heater, the magnet plate, and the first spring. The first spring and the second spring press the housing unit toward the hair contact surface, thereby fixing the heating unit and the arm.

[0096] The heating portion is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate when viewed from the opposite side, from a lightweight material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, and the surface is fluorine-coated.

[0097] In addition, protrusions can be provided on the upper and lower walls of the housing portion to restrict the heating portion from protruding beyond a certain extent.

[0098] The ceramic heater has a rectangular plate shape, generates heat up to a maximum temperature of approximately 180°C, conducts heat to the heating portion, and is electrically connected to the power cord side.

[0099] The magnet plate is formed into a rectangular plate shape using a neodymium magnet of 15,000 gauss or the like, and is arranged so that the south poles of the two clamping surfaces 3 and 4 face each other.

[0100] In this embodiment, one of the biasing parts is a first spring, which is formed of a leaf spring and biases the magnet plate toward the rear surface of the heating part within the storage part, bringing the ceramic heater into close contact with the rear surface of the heating part and stably supporting the magnet plate.

[0101] Another example of the biasing portion is a second spring. The second spring is supported at the rear end of the housing portion and constitutes a biasing portion that biases the clamping surfaces 3, 4 and elastically adjusts the clamping state between the clamping surfaces 3, 4. In a separable embodiment, the second spring is formed of a leaf spring, and both ends of the leaf spring are inclined so that the end edges can engage with the protrusions on the separated portion in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0102] Core materials are further housed within the tip sides 29, 31. These core materials are formed symmetrically, and only one of the core materials will be described, and the other core material will be described with reference to the core material on one side, and its description will be omitted.

[0103] The core material is installed inside the clamping arm so as to extend longitudinally from the tip end side 29 to at least the gripping portion 21. However, it is also possible to install the core material inside the clamping arm from the tip end side 29 to the entire base end side 15.

[0104] The core material maintains its hardness at temperatures higher than those of the clamping arms, and is capable of restricting thermal deformation of the clamping arms. Therefore, in this embodiment, the core material is made of stainless steel, a material with a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the resin material of the clamping arms. However, the core material may also be made of titanium, ceramic, super engineering plastic, or the like, as long as it has a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the clamping arms.

[0105] The core material can be provided with co-fastening portions integrally at both ends of the long plate-shaped base portion. These co-fastening portions can be fastened together when the divided portions are mated and fastened together. The co-fastening portions have holes for inserting screws as fasteners, and the co-fastening portions also have holes. A temporary fastening portion may be provided at the end of the co-fastening portion, continuous with the co-fastening portion. This temporary fastening portion is provided at one longitudinal end of the core material and is intended to be pre-connected to the divided portions. This temporary fastening portion has a positioning hole that fits into a positioning pin protruding toward the divided portions. The temporary fastening portion also has a hole for inserting screws as fasteners for temporary fastening.

[0106] A vertical wall portion is provided along one side edge of the long plate-shaped base portion, and also serves as a stopper portion for the clamping surface 3. The other vertical wall portion is provided along the other side edge of the base portion and the other side edges of the co-fastening portion and temporary fastening portion.

[0107] In a configuration in which the hair iron is separable, first and second fastening walls may be further protruded from the vertical wall. The first and second fastening walls may be located near the center of the vertical wall having a U-shaped cross section. These first and second fastening walls are fastened to the divided portions of the arm. The first fastening wall is located between both ends of the second spring. That is, the first fastening wall can constitute a receiving portion that faces the back of the second spring, which is the biasing portion, and can support the second spring.

[0108] Next, the use of the hair iron to straighten curly hair or to fix artificial permanent waves will be described. Of course, it is also possible to apply permanent waves using a hair iron.

[0109] When using the hair iron, first, a first agent, that is, a liquid prepared by adding a basic substance such as ammonia, monoethanolamine, or triethanolamine to an aqueous solution mainly containing a mercapto compound (reducing agent) such as thioglycolic acid or cysteine ​​to adjust the pH to 6 to 10, is applied to the hair. This application reduces the disulfide bonds of cystine contained in the keratin protein in the hair and cleaves them as mercapto groups. Thereafter, the hair is washed with water, dried with a dryer, or the like, and then straightened with a hair iron 1 heated to 140 to 180°C.

[0110] Specifically, the user grasps the gripping parts 21 and 23 of the clamping arms and applies force by placing the thumb and index finger on the force points 25 and 27, for example, to clamp the hair between the heating parts of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4. Then, while maintaining this state, the clamping arms are slid toward the ends of the hair. As a result, the hair clamped between the heating parts heated by the ceramic heater is heated and stretched.

[0111] At this time, the hair moves at a predetermined speed between the magnetic plates with their south poles facing each other, generating reduction energy according to Fleming's right-hand rule. This energy is generated from the south pole of the magnetic plate, whose electrons rotate clockwise, promoting the reduction action of the first liquid. It also works to close the cuticle, which forms the outer layer of the hair. When the cuticle is closed, it blocks ultraviolet rays from penetrating into the hair, preventing damage to the hair caused by ultraviolet rays.

[0112] Furthermore, this reduction energy reduces the size of the water clusters in the first liquid. This reduces the size of the clusters, increasing the permeability of the first liquid into the hair. This further promotes the reduction action of the first liquid. As a result, the treatment time, which can potentially damage the hair, can be shortened, and hair damage can also be reduced.

[0113] After that, a second liquid consisting of an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent such as sodium bromate or hydrogen peroxide is applied to the hair, which oxidizes the mercapto groups and generates new disulfide bonds in the hair, thereby fixing the straight hair state.

[0114] When clamping and straightening the hair in this way, the heat of the ceramic heater is also conducted to the tip ends 29, 31 of the clamping arms, reducing the hardness of the tip ends 29, 31 of the clamping arms and making them more susceptible to deformation.

[0115] Therefore, without the core material, when the hair is clamped between the heating parts, the reaction force applied to the tip ends 29, 31 of the clamping arms may easily cause the tip ends 29, 31 to deform, which may prevent the heating parts from clamping the hair evenly.

[0116] In other words, the core material is installed from the tip side 29, 31 to at least the gripping portions 21, 23, and the gripping portions 21, 23 maintain a temperature that allows them to be gripped by hand compared to the tip side 29, 31, and the core material can be firmly supported on the gripping portions 21, 23 side.

[0117] The co-tightened portion side of the core material thus firmly supported is positioned within the force points 25, 27 of the gripping portions 21, 23, so that force can be transmitted accurately from the force points 25, 27 to the core material.

[0118] This accurate transmission of force to the core material allows the core material to support the clamping surfaces 3 and 4, preventing easy deformation of the tip sides 29 and 31. Therefore, the heating parts can be accurately opposed to each other to clamp the hair, allowing the above treatment to be performed accurately.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 are biased by the second spring portion, which is a biasing portion, and the clamping state between the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 is elastically adjusted, so that the above treatment can be performed more accurately.

[0120] The movement of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 in the protruding direction can be regulated by a vertical wall portion (installed on the core material) that serves as a stopper portion, which suppresses rattling of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4, and also enables the accurate forward and backward movement of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 to be maintained for a long time due to the biasing action of the second spring portion, and the accurate clamping state of the heating portion to be accurately maintained.

[0121] The second fastening wall portion, which serves as the receiving portion, faces the back of the second spring, which is the biasing portion, and can receive the second spring portion by abutting both ends, allowing the reaction force of the second spring portion to be applied accurately to the heating portion.

[0122] Therefore, the mutual clamping state of the clamping surfaces 3, 4 by the second spring can be maintained accurately regardless of the temperature rise of the tip ends 29, 31. Moreover, since the first fastening wall portion as a receiving portion is partially provided on the core material, it can be formed without being affected by the shape of the clamping arm, even if it is configured to taper from the gripping portions 21, 23 toward the tip ends 29, 31. The base portion of the core material can be disposed on the flat bottom wall surface of the tip ends 29, 31 (the flat portion corresponding to the base in the cross section of the approximately trapezoidal tip ends 29, 31), and can be arranged straight and effortlessly all the way to the gripping portions 21, 23.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, one or both of the clamping surfaces 3, 4 may be fixed so as not to move relative to the tip ends 29, 31. The magnet plate and the first spring may be omitted. The vertical wall portion of the core material, the first fastening wall portion, etc. may also be omitted.

[0124] Next, an embodiment of a hair iron having a curling curved surface, a curved surface, and a flat surface continuous with the curved surface will be described.

[0125] This embodiment has the following advantages. That is, when tension is applied to the hair by wrapping it around the clamping arms and the hair is pressed against the curved curl-forming surface, the hair can be easily slid along the curved surface of the clamping arms. Therefore, the tension applied to the hair by wrapping it can be effectively used to press the hair against the curved curl-forming surface, allowing for sufficient curl formation.

[0126] In another embodiment, a curl-forming curved surface is provided on both edges of the hot plate in the hair-passing direction, and the curved surface is provided on both edges of the clamping arm tip in the hair-passing direction, and one of the back surfaces of the hot plate is positioned opposite the curved surface on the clamping arm tip, so that the degree to which the hair wraps around both curl-forming curved surfaces can be changed, making it easy to create a variety of curls.

[0127] In another aspect, at least one of the straighteners is supported on the clamping arm so that it can move forward and backward relative to the other side, and the clamping arm is provided with a biasing means that biases the straightener to elastically adjust the clamping state between the straighteners, and a flat surface that is continuous with the curved surface is provided on the tip side of the clamping arm, so that when the straightener is retracted, hair that has wrapped around the curl-forming curved surface extends linearly from the curl-forming curved surface and comes into contact with the curved surface or the flat surface, thereby allowing the hair to be accurately clamped and straightened by the straighteners that are arranged opposite and can move forward and backward, and the curl can also be accurately set.

[0128] In another aspect, the plane that is continuous with the curved surface is perpendicular to the straightening surface, and the plane and the curl-forming curved surface are close to each other in the hair insertion direction, so that the tension applied to the hair by wrapping it can be used to straighten the hair by sliding it along the curved surface or the plane, as a pressing force against the curl-forming curved surface, making it possible to set a curl more reliably and easily.

[0129] For other configurations, please refer to the description of the hair iron mentioned above. The following description will focus on the curved surface, etc. Furthermore, although there are tip sides 29 and 31, both tip sides 29 and 31 have a substantially symmetrical, rounded, trapezoidal cross section, so for convenience, only one tip side 29 will be used for the description.

[0130] A flat straightening surface is provided on the heating portion of the clamping surface 3. However, this straightening surface is not limited to a flat one, and various other shapes such as a curved surface or an S-curved surface can be set. A straightening surface similar to the straightening surface is also formed on the clamping surface 4, and the two surfaces are opposite each other.

[0131] The heating unit has curl-forming curved surfaces on both edges in the hair insertion direction (edges from the front to the back of the paper in Fig. 7) that are curved in the thickness direction of the heating unit (the up-and-down direction in Fig. 7). The curl-forming curved surfaces are formed over the entire thickness of the heating unit and present a quarter-circular arc.

[0132] Both edges of the clamping arm tip 29 in the hair insertion direction are provided with curved or flat winding surfaces for winding hair (the cross section of the tip 29 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction can be a rounded, approximately trapezoidal shape, with the upper and lower portions of the rounded, approximately large shape being the heating unit side). That is, the upper portion of the rounded, approximately trapezoidal shape can be the curved winding surface for winding hair, and the lower portion can be the flat winding surface for winding hair, or vice versa. Curved curling surfaces can be formed at both ends of the heating unit (clamping surface 3), while winding surfaces can be formed at both ends of the clamping arm tip 29. The degree of winding of hair around the two curling curved surfaces can be changed by adjusting the relationship between the curling curved surfaces and the winding surfaces, making it easy to create a variety of curls. That is, it is possible to utilize two surfaces with different curvatures, namely, the curl-forming curved surface at the end of the heating section and the winding surface at the arm tip side 29 .

[0133] The winding surface has a curve that is curved in the same direction as the curl-forming curved surface. The curved surface of the rounded, approximately trapezoidal lower base portion (the length of the lower base portion is longer than the length of the upper base portion) is formed by an arc with a larger radius than the curved surface of the upper base portion.

[0134] The winding surface of the rounded, approximately trapezoidal lower base portion also has a flat surface that is continuous with the curved surface of the lower base portion at the end edge of the clamping arm tip side 29 in the hair insertion direction. This flat surface is formed perpendicular to the straightening surface. The flat surface of the winding surface of the lower base portion and the curl-forming curved surface of the lower base portion are close to each other in terms of their protruding positions in the hair insertion direction. The winding surface of the lower base portion has a curved winding surface that is continuous with the flat surface on the opposite side from the straightening surface.

[0135] On the other hand, the winding surface of the rounded, approximately trapezoidal upper base portion has a winding guide surface that is a curved surface with an even larger radius of curvature that is continuous with the curved surface of the upper base portion of the end edge of the tip side 29 of the clamping arm in the hair insertion direction (the cross section is approximately trapezoidal because it is composed of flat and curved surfaces, and the corners are curved surfaces).

[0136] The clamping surface 3 is supported so as to be able to move forward and backward as described above, and is biased by the second spring, so that when the clamping surface 3 is retracted, the hair wrapped around the curl-forming surface of either the upper or lower base portion extends linearly from both of the curl-forming surfaces and comes into contact with the corresponding curved surface of the winding surface. On the winding surface side, the hair that extends linearly can also be set to come into contact with a flat surface.

[0137] Furthermore, with the above configuration, at least one of the edges of the heating section in the hair insertion direction is provided with a curl-forming curved surface that is curved in the thickness direction of the heating section, and at least one of the edges of the clamping arm tip side 29 in the hair insertion direction is provided with a winding surface having a curved or flat surface around which the hair is wound, and the hair wound around the curl-forming curved surface extends linearly from the curl-forming curved surface and comes into contact with the curved or flat surface of the winding surface.

[0138] Furthermore, when the clamping surface 3 is retracted, the hair wrapped around the curl-forming curved surface of the lower base portion extends linearly from the curl-forming curved surface of the lower base portion and comes into contact with the curved or flat surface of the winding surface of the lower base portion.

[0139] Next, the use of the hair iron to straighten curly hair or fix artificial permanent waves will be described.

[0140] When using the hair iron, first, a first agent, that is, a liquid prepared by adding a basic substance such as ammonia, monoethanolamine, or triethanolamine to an aqueous solution mainly containing a mercapto compound (reducing agent) such as thioglycolic acid or cysteine ​​to adjust the pH to 6 to 10, is applied to the hair. This application reduces the disulfide bonds of cystine contained in the keratin protein in the hair and cleaves them as mercapto groups. Thereafter, the hair is washed with water, dried with a dryer, or the like, and then straightened with a hair iron heated to 140 to 180°C.

[0141] Specifically, the user grasps the gripping parts 21 and 23 of the clamping arms and applies force by placing the thumb and index finger on the force points 25 and 27, for example, to clamp the hair between the heating parts of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4. Then, while maintaining this state, the clamping arms are slid toward the ends of the hair. As a result, the hair clamped between the heating parts heated by the ceramic heater is heated and stretched.

[0142] At this time, the hair moves at a predetermined speed between the magnetic plates with their south poles facing each other, generating reduction energy according to Fleming's right-hand rule. This energy is generated from the south pole of the magnetic plate, whose electrons rotate clockwise, promoting the reduction action of the first liquid. It also works to close the cuticle, which forms the outer layer of the hair. When the cuticle is closed, it blocks ultraviolet rays from penetrating into the hair, preventing damage to the hair caused by ultraviolet rays.

[0143] Furthermore, this reduction energy reduces the size of the water clusters in the first liquid. This reduces the size of the clusters, increasing the permeability of the first liquid into the hair. This further promotes the reduction action of the first liquid. As a result, the treatment time, which can potentially damage the hair, can be shortened, and hair damage can also be reduced.

[0144] After that, a second liquid consisting of an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent such as sodium bromate or hydrogen peroxide is applied to the hair, which oxidizes the mercapto groups and generates new disulfide bonds in the hair, thereby fixing the straight hair state.

[0145] Next, a case where a permanent wave is applied using a hair iron will be described.

[0146] The clamping action of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 to hold the hair is the same as described above. When applying a permanent wave, the hair is pressed against the curl-forming curved surface of the upper or lower base. Therefore, while the hair is held between the clamping surfaces 3 and 4, the iron body is rotated to wrap the hair around the tip 29 or 31.

[0147] As a result, for example, when hair is wrapped around one of the curl correction curved surfaces of the heating unit, the hair starts to wrap from the start point of the curl forming curved surface and continues to wrap along the curl forming curved surface until it reaches the end point of the curl forming curved surface.

[0148] The hair extends linearly from the end point of the curl-forming curved surface and contacts the curved winding surface at a point on the flat side of the curved winding surface. The hair that contacts the winding surface at that point is then wound onto the flat surface and then onto the curved winding surface. In other words, the hair can be wound onto the curl-forming curved surface, the curved winding surface, the flat portion, and then onto the curved winding surface at the roughly trapezoidal rounded bottom surface.

[0149] Therefore, when curling, the hair comes into sufficient contact with the curved curl-forming surface, allowing for sufficient curling. Furthermore, when tension is applied to the hair by wrapping it around the clamping arms and the hair is pressed against the curved curl-forming surface, the hair can easily slide over the curved and flat winding surfaces on the clamping arms. Therefore, the tension applied to the hair by wrapping it can be effectively used to press the hair against the curved curl-forming surface, allowing for sufficient curling.

[0150] The flat surface of the bottom portion is perpendicular to the straightening surface, and this flat surface and the curl-forming curved surface are close to each other in the protruding position in the hair insertion direction, so the tension given to the hair by wrapping it can be used to press the hair against the curl-forming curved surface by allowing it to slide more smoothly along the flat surface of the winding surface, making it possible to create curls more reliably and easily.

[0151] The force pressing the hair against the curl-forming curved surface can be generated by winding the hair onto the winding curved surface, and because the flat surface is long and the distance between the winding curved surface and the curl-forming curved surface is large, a relatively large pressing force can be applied to the hair against the curl-forming curved surface by rotating the clamping arm, making it possible to curl the hair more reliably and easily.

[0152] Next, when hair is wrapped around the other curl-correcting curved surface of the heating unit (the curl-correcting curved surface at the upper base of the rounded, approximately trapezoidal shape), the hair begins to wrap around from the starting point of the other curl-forming curved surface and ends up wrapping around the midpoint of the other curl-forming curved surface.

[0153] The hair extends linearly from the midpoint of the other curved curl-forming surface and contacts the curved winding surface of the upper base portion at a point. The hair that contacts the curved winding surface of the upper base portion at this point is then wound around the winding guide surface on the opposite side of the heating section.

[0154] Therefore, when curling using the curved curl surface of the upper base portion, the hair comes into contact with the curved curl surface of the upper base portion up to the midpoint of the curvature, allowing for looser curls than those obtained using the curved curl surface of the lower base portion. In other words, by varying the degree to which the hair wraps around the curved curl surfaces of the upper and lower base portions, it is possible to easily create a variety of curls.

[0155] Furthermore, when tension is applied to the hair by wrapping it around the clamping arms and the hair is pressed against the curved curl-forming surface of the upper base, the hair can be easily slid along the curved winding surface of the upper base on the clamping arm side and the winding guide surface. Therefore, the tension applied to the hair by wrapping it can be effectively used to press the hair against the curved curl-forming surface of the upper base, ensuring the hair is curled reliably.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the curl-forming curved surfaces of the upper and lower base portions of the heating part do not protrude beyond the winding surfaces of the upper and lower base portions, which are the edges of the clamping arm in the hair insertion direction, so that the heating part can be prevented from coming into contact with the person being treated during the treatment.

[0157] However, the heating unit may be configured to protrude beyond the winding surfaces of the upper and lower base portions, which are the edges of the clamping arms in the hair-passing direction. In this case, for example, the heating unit may have a curl-forming curved surface that curves in the thickness direction of the heating unit on one or both of its edges (the upper or lower base portion) in the hair-passing direction. This curl-forming curved surface protrudes beyond the edges of the clamping arms in the hair-passing direction. This curl-forming curved surface is formed over the entire thickness of the heating unit and may, for example, be a half-circle.

[0158] A curved or flat winding surface for winding hair can be provided on the edge of the clamping arm tip side 29 in the hair insertion direction corresponding to the curl-forming curved surface of the upper or lower base portion.

[0159] The winding surface of the upper or lower base portion has a curved surface that curves in the same direction as the curl-forming curved surface. The winding surface of the upper or lower base portion has a flat surface that is continuous with the curved surface of the upper or lower base portion. This flat surface is set at an acute angle with the straightening surface. The winding surface of the upper or lower base portion has a winding curved surface that is continuous with the flat surface on the opposite side to the straightening surface.

[0160] When hair is wrapped around the curl-forming curved surface of the upper or lower base portion of the heating unit, the hair starts to wrap from the starting point of the curl-forming curved surface of the upper or lower base portion and continues to wrap around to a point on the other side of the curl-forming curved surface.

[0161] The hair extends linearly from the point on the curl-forming curved surface of the upper or lower base portion and contacts the winding surface at a point on the plane. The hair that contacts the winding surface at the point on the plane is then wound successively onto the plane that is continuous with the winding surface.

[0162] Therefore, when curling hair using the curved curling surfaces of the upper or lower base portion, the hair can come into contact with the curved curling surfaces of the upper or lower base portion over a quarter arc or more, making it possible to form even steeper curls than those formed by the curved curling surfaces. Furthermore, by combining both of the curved curling surfaces, it is possible to easily form a variety of curls.

[0163] Furthermore, when the tension is applied to the hair by wrapping it around the clamping arms and the hair is pressed against the curved curl-forming surface of the upper or lower base, the hair can be easily slid along the flat surface of the clamping arms. This means that the tension applied to the hair by wrapping it can be effectively used to press the hair against the curved curl-forming surface, ensuring that the hair is properly curled.

[0164] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, one or both of the clamping surfaces 3 and 4 may be fixed so as not to move relative to the tip ends 29 and 31. The magnet plate, the first spring, etc. may also be omitted.

[0165] Using such a hair iron, an investigation was conducted to see whether hydrogen peroxide could actually be removed.

[0166] <Decomposition temperature of hydrogen peroxide> Approximately 1 g of 100% human white hair bundle (product number: BM-WA, manufactured by Bealux) was bleached, and the hair bundle with residual hydrogen peroxide inside was used for evaluation. The decomposition temperature of hydrogen peroxide inside the hair was determined using the following method, and this temperature was designated as the "hydrogen peroxide removal mode."

[0167] <Measurement of Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration at Ironing Temperature> Bleach 1 of Formulation Example 1 and bleach 2 of Formulation Example 2 were mixed at a 1:1 ratio until homogeneous, applied to a hair swatch, and left at room temperature for 30 minutes. The mixture was then rinsed with warm water, washed with our company's Oolong Shampoo (trade name: Nano Supplement Cleansing Shampoo OT), rinsed with warm water, and dried with a hair dryer. The hair swatch was then passed through the hair iron of the present invention three times at temperatures set to 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180°C. Each hair swatch was then wetted with water, and hydrogen peroxide concentration test strips (Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Trading Co., Ltd.: hydrogen peroxide concentration test strips) were pressed against the ends, middle, and roots of the hair swatch for 5 seconds. Visual concentration measurements and color measurements using a spectrophotometer were performed. Table 1 shows Formulation Example 1 (Bleach 1). Table 2 shows Formulation Example 2 (Bleach 2).

[0168]

[0169]

[0170] <Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition Temperature in Hair Iron> Next, the hydrogen peroxide concentration test paper was visually checked, and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0171]

[0172] The hydrogen peroxide concentration test paper was measured in the L*a*b* color space using a spectrophotometer (model number: CM-36dG, manufactured by Konica Minolta) and the results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 1. The hydrogen peroxide concentration test paper turns bluer as the hydrogen peroxide concentration increases. Therefore, when measured with the spectrophotometer, the lower the b* value, the higher the hydrogen peroxide concentration. Tables 3 and 4 show that a temperature of 150°C or higher is appropriate, as this significantly reduces the hydrogen peroxide concentration. Therefore, the "hydrogen peroxide removal" mode can be set to 150°C.

[0173]

[0174] As a result, it was found that it was possible to efficiently reduce hydrogen peroxide while operating the hair iron, thereby minimizing damage to hair.

[0175] Although the hair iron has been described as being asymmetrical when viewed from above, the shape can be changed depending on the application. For example, in the case of a straightening iron, it can be basically symmetrical.

[0176] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 First arm 2 Second arm 3 First clamping surface 4 Second clamping surface 5 Hydrogen peroxide reduction device 6 Temperature control device 7 Connection member 8 Connection member 9 Switch 15, 17 Base end side 19 Rotation shaft 21, 23 Grip portion 25, 27 Force point portion 29, 31 Tip side 33 One surface of tip side 29, 31 35 One surface of grip portion 21, 23 37 Both sides 33, 35 are inclined surfaces 39 Other surface of tip side 29, 31 50 Core material 51 Plate and others 60 Plate (heating portion) 61 Ceramic heater (heat source) 62 Mica plate 63 Bimetal 64 Bimetal presser 65 Magnet press leaf spring 66 Plate leaf spring (biasing portion) 67 Magnet

Claims

1. A hair iron having a first arm and a second arm that are connected so as to be openable and closable, a first clamping surface provided inside the first arm, a second clamping surface provided inside the second arm, and a heating part for heating hair provided on the first and second clamping surfaces, wherein the heating part has a layer made of at least platinum.

2. The hair iron according to claim 1, wherein the heating part further has a layer made of at least one of nickel, copper, electroless nickel, or aluminum.

3. The hair iron according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the platinum layer is 0.05 to 1.0 μm.

4. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface of the heating part is buffed.

5. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a hydrogen peroxide reduction device provided on the first and / or second arm.

6. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a temperature control device provided on the first and / or second arm.

7. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hydrogen peroxide reduction device reduces hydrogen peroxide according to a temperature setting.

8. The hair iron according to claim 7, wherein the temperature is 80°C or higher.

9. The hair iron according to claim 7, wherein the temperature is 140°C to 180°C.

10. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a connecting member connecting the first arm and the second arm.

11. The hair iron according to claim 6, wherein the hydrogen peroxide reduction device and the temperature control device are integrated.

12. The hair iron according to claim 6, wherein the first and / or second arm is provided with a switch for the hydrogen peroxide reduction device and the temperature control device.

13. The hair iron according to claim 10, wherein the number of the connecting members is one or more.

14. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and / or second arm has a biasing part that biases the clamping surface and elastically adjusts the clamping state between the clamping surfaces.

15. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and / or second arm houses a core material along the longitudinal direction.

16. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the core material has a stopper portion that engages the clamping surface to restrict movement in the protruding direction with respect to the first and / or second arm.

17. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the edges of the heating portion in the hair insertion direction has a curl forming curved surface that curves in the thickness direction of the heating portion.

18. The hair iron according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the edge of the tip side of the first arm and / or the second arm in the hair insertion direction has a curved surface.

19. The hair iron according to claim 17 or 18, further having a plane continuous with the curl forming curved surface and / or the curved surface.

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