Diffuser
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure JP2025037979_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Diffuser
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a diffuser.
[0002] Conventionally, a diffuser has been known that is used to reduce the speed of an air flow before the air flow discharged from the discharge port of a fluid discharge device such as a hair dryer reaches an object such as a user's hair. As such a diffuser, the one shown in Patent Document 1 below has been proposed. In this Patent Document 1, the diffuser includes a baffle formed with a connection port for receiving an air flow from a hair dryer, and a grill formed with a plurality of discharge holes for discharging the air flow.
[0003] Further, in this Patent Document 1, the grill includes a first region formed with first discharge holes, a second region formed with second discharge holes, and a third region located between the first region and the second region and having no discharge holes formed therein. And the diffuser is configured to split a fast air flow entering the connection port from the discharge port of the fluid discharge device into the first discharge holes and the second discharge holes. Thus, the diffuser splits a fast air flow entering the connection port from the discharge port of the fluid discharge device into the first discharge holes and the second discharge holes, thereby reducing the flow velocity of the air flow discharged from the plurality of discharge holes formed in the grill while making the velocity more uniform.
[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-006665
[0005] However, in the above conventional technology, there is a problem that it is difficult to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the discharge holes because discharge holes cannot be formed in the third region and the positions where the discharge holes can be formed are limited.
[0006] The present disclosure provides a diffuser capable of discharging a more uniform air flow while improving the degree of freedom in arranging the discharge holes.
[0007] A diffuser according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a diffuser attached to the main body of a fluid discharge device. This diffuser comprises a nozzle having a connecting portion having a connecting port that communicates with a discharge port formed in the main body, and a nozzle body connected downstream of the connecting portion and expanding in diameter downstream. The diffuser also comprises a comb connected downstream of the nozzle, having discharge holes and a comb-shaped portion with discharge holes, and an annular flow straightening wall positioned between the nozzle and the comb and having through holes on its inner side.
[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a diffuser that can discharge a more uniform airflow while improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement of discharge holes.
[0009] A side view showing an example of a hair dryer with an example of a diffuser attached. A side cross-sectional view showing an example of a hair dryer with an example of a diffuser attached. A cross-sectional view showing an example of a hair dryer with an example of a diffuser attached. A perspective view showing an example of a diffuser. A front view showing an example of a diffuser. An enlarged view of a part of Figure 3. A perspective view showing an example of a nozzle and flow straightening section. A graph showing the relationship between maximum air velocity and the hair finishing effect. A graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the outer diameter of the flow straightening wall to the opening diameter of the connection port and the maximum air velocity. A graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the inner diameter of the flow straightening wall to the outer diameter of the flow straightening wall and the maximum air velocity. Discharge from the discharge hole when the flow straightening wall is not provided. Front view showing the velocity distribution of the airflow being discharged Side cross-sectional view showing the velocity distribution of the airflow discharged from the discharge port without a flow straightening wall Side cross-sectional view showing the airflow without a flow straightening wall Front view showing the velocity distribution of the airflow discharged from the discharge port with a flow straightening wall Side cross-sectional view showing the velocity distribution of the airflow discharged from the discharge port with a flow straightening wall Side cross-sectional view showing the airflow with a flow straightening wall Side cross-sectional view showing an example of a hair dryer with another example of a diffuser attached Side cross-sectional view showing an example of a hair dryer with another example of a diffuser attached Perspective view showing another example of a nozzle and flow straightening section
[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.
[0011] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.
[0012] Furthermore, the following example illustrates a diffuser that can be detachably attached to a hair dryer (an example of a fluid discharge device).
[0013] (Embodiment) The diffuser 20 according to this embodiment is used by being detachably attached to the main body 12 of the hair dryer 10, as shown in Figures 1 to 5.
[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the hair dryer 10 comprises a gripping portion 11 that the user holds in their hand, and a main body portion 12 connected in a direction intersecting the gripping portion 11. Although Figure 1 illustrates a gripping portion 11 that is not foldable and is connected to the main body portion 12, it is also possible to connect the gripping portion 11 to the main body portion 12 in a foldable manner. A power cord 13 is routed out from the protruding end of the gripping portion 11, and an operation switch 1921 is slidably mounted on the front of the gripping portion 11 so that it is exposed to the outside. Furthermore, a display portion 191 is formed on the side of the main body portion 12, which allows the user to visually check the power on / off status and other information.
[0015] The hair dryer 10 is equipped with a housing 14 that forms the outer casing, and this housing 14 is constructed by joining together multiple divided parts. A cavity is formed inside the housing 14, and various electrical components such as a switch unit 192 and a control unit 19 are housed within this cavity.
[0016] Furthermore, a wind tunnel (flow path) P1 is formed inside the main body 12, extending from an inlet opening (suction port) P1a on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 2) to an outlet opening (discharge port) P1b. The blower unit 15 is housed inside this wind tunnel P1. The blower unit 15 can be composed of, for example, a fan and a motor that rotates the fan. By driving the blower unit 15, an airflow W is formed. This airflow W flows into the wind tunnel P1 from the outside through the inlet opening P1a, passes through the wind tunnel P1, and is discharged to the outside from the outlet opening P1b.
[0017] Furthermore, the housing 14 includes an outer cylinder 141 having an inlet opening (suction port) P1a and an outlet opening (discharge port) P1b. The housing 14 also includes a rear cover 142 attached to the inlet opening (suction port) P1a side of the outer cylinder 141 and a front cover 143 attached to the outlet opening (discharge port) P1b side of the outer cylinder 141.
[0018] Furthermore, the rear cover 142 has a mesh-like frame 1421 formed thereon, with the opening having a honeycomb shape, so that the inlet opening (air intake) P1a is covered by the mesh-like frame 1421. In addition, a mesh 1422 with an opening ratio of about 55 to 90 percent and a mesh width of about 300 to 650 μm is integrally molded into the frame 1421. This mesh 1422 can be made of, for example, metal or flame-retardant resin such as polyester, and by integrally molding a mesh 1422 with such a fine mesh width, it is possible to more reliably suppress the entry of fine dust and hair into the air tunnel (air passage) P1.
[0019] Furthermore, a substantially cylindrical inner cylinder 16 is provided inside the outer cylinder 141 of the housing 14 in the main body 12, and the airflow W flows inside the inner cylinder 16. A blower 15 is located inside this inner cylinder 16, and a heater 17, which serves as a heating element, is located downstream of the blower 15. When the heater 17 is activated, warm air is blown out from the outlet opening P1b.
[0020] In this embodiment, a guide member 18, which acts as a diffusion section, is positioned at the downstream end of the inner cylinder 16. This guide member 18 is cone-shaped, gradually expanding in diameter towards the downstream side, so that the airflow W flowing inside the inner cylinder 16 is guided outward by this guide member 18. The airflow W flowing inside the inner cylinder 16 is then discharged to the outside of the main body 12 from an annular outlet opening (discharge port) P1b formed on the outer circumference of the downstream end of the guide member 18. In this way, a relatively fast-flowing airflow W is discharged from the annular outlet opening (discharge port) P1b.
[0021] It is also possible to place an ion generator inside the main body 12 and release the ions generated by the ion generator from an ion outlet formed in the main body 12.
[0022] A diffuser 20 is detachably attached to the main body 12 of the hair dryer 10, which has this configuration. The diffuser 20 is used to reduce the flow velocity of the airflow that is directed onto the hair. Therefore, when the diffuser 20 is attached to the main body 12 of the hair dryer 10 and the airflow W released from the hair dryer 10 is directed onto the hair, the airflow W released from the hair dryer 10 is slowed down by the diffuser 20 before it reaches the user's hair.
[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the diffuser 20 includes a nozzle 30 fixed to the main body 12 of the hair dryer 10, and a comb 40 having discharge holes 422 and a comb-shaped portion 421 with discharge holes. The diffuser 20 is formed by connecting the comb 40 downstream of the nozzle 30.
[0024] The nozzle 30 is shaped like a mortar and pestle, with a front end that is larger in diameter than the rear end when the main body 12 of the hair dryer 10 to which it is attached is considered the rear end. The nozzle 30 includes a connecting part 31 having a connecting port 31a that communicates with the discharge port P1b formed in the main body 12, a nozzle body 32 connected to the downstream side of the connecting part 31 and expanding in diameter downstream, and a fixing part 33 connected to the downstream end of the nozzle body 32 to which the comb 40 is fixed.
[0025] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 31 is cylindrical in shape with approximately the same diameter and penetrates in one direction (the direction in which the airflow W flows). The nozzle 30 is fixed to the main body portion 12 by inserting and holding the upstream end of the cylindrical connecting portion 31 in the gap between the front cover 143 and the inner cylinder 16. With the nozzle 30 fixed to the main body portion 12, the connecting port 31a is made to communicate with the discharge port P1b (see Figure 6).
[0026] The nozzle body 32 is connected to the downstream end of the cylindrical connecting portion 31 and is formed to widen in diameter towards the downstream side. A cylindrical fixing portion 33 of approximately the same diameter is connected to the downstream end of the nozzle body 32.
[0027] On the other hand, the comb 40 comprises a substantially disc-shaped bottom wall 41, a peripheral wall 42 connected to the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 41 and widening in diameter towards the downstream side, and a fixed portion 43 connected to the downstream end of the peripheral wall 42 to which the nozzle 30 is fixed. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the peripheral wall 42 has a plurality of discharge holes 422 and a plurality of comb-shaped portions 421 with discharge holes, and each of the comb-shaped portions 421 with discharge holes has a discharge hole 421a. Thus, in this embodiment, the peripheral wall 42 has a plurality of discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and discharge holes 422).
[0028] Furthermore, a cylindrical fixed portion 43 of approximately the same diameter is attached to the downstream end of the peripheral wall 42, and the comb 40 is fixed to the nozzle 30 by engaging an engagement hook 431 formed on the outer circumferential surface of this fixed portion 43 with an engagement groove 331 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing portion 33. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 7, a mounting wall 321 is formed on the inner wall surface 32a of the nozzle body 32, and when the comb 40 is fixed to the nozzle 30, the peripheral wall 42 of the comb 40 is placed on the mounting wall 321. In this way, the diffuser 20 can suppress misalignment of the comb 40 relative to the nozzle 30.
[0029] Then, with the comb 40 fixed to the nozzle 30, a space P2 is formed between the comb 40 and the nozzle 30. When the diffuser 20 is attached to the main body 12 of the hair dryer 10, the airflow W discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) P1b is introduced into the space P2 through the connection port 31a. In this embodiment, the space P2 is defined by the inner wall surface 32a of the nozzle body 32, the lower surface 41a of the bottom wall 41, and the lower surface 42a of the peripheral wall 42.
[0030] The airflow W1 introduced into space P2 is then divided within space P2 and discharged to the outside of the diffuser 20 through multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422). In this way, the peak flow velocity of the airflow discharged from the multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the airflows discharged from each discharge hole) is made slower than the flow velocity of the airflow W discharged from the outlet opening (discharge port) P1b.
[0031] Such a diffuser 20 can be used, for example, when drying wavy hair or when setting curls on hair curled by a bristle without applying excessive tension. In other words, the diffuser 20 can be used when it is required to apply a slow, soft breeze to hair that has been curled by the comb 40 (comb-shaped part with discharge holes 421), rather than a strong, typical breeze.
[0032] In this embodiment, multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) are formed over almost the entire surface of the peripheral wall 42, resulting in a diffuser 20 with no constraints on the outlet opening (uniform opening). In other words, the diffuser 20 has a higher degree of freedom in the arrangement of the discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) than the diffuser disclosed in Patent Document 1. When such a diffuser 20 is used, it is preferable to ensure that the airflow is discharged uniformly from each discharge hole (discharge holes 421a and 422) formed over almost the entire surface of the peripheral wall 42.
[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, even with a diffuser 20 that offers a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422), it is possible to discharge a more uniform airflow from each discharge hole (discharge holes 421a and 422).
[0034] Specifically, the diffuser 20 houses a flow straightening section 50 within a space P2 formed between the nozzle 30 and the comb 40. By ensuring that the airflow W1 introduced into the space P2 through the connection port 31a is efficiently dispersed by the flow straightening section 50, a more uniform airflow can be discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422).
[0035] In this embodiment, the rectifier section 50 is provided with a substantially annular rectifier wall 51 having a substantially circular through hole 51a formed on the inside and an outer edge 511 and an inner edge 512, and this rectifier wall 51 is arranged in the space P2. That is, a rectifier wall 51 with an open center is arranged in the space P2. At this time, the substantially annular rectifier wall 51 is arranged in the space P2 such that, in a front view with the diffuser 20 attached to the main body 12, it overlaps with the substantially annular outlet opening (discharge port) P1b. In this embodiment, in a front view with the diffuser 20 attached to the main body 12, the bottom wall 41 of the comb 40, the rectifier wall 51, the outlet opening (discharge port) P1b and the guide member 18 are arranged concentrically. In this way, when the diffuser 20 is attached to the main body 12, the substantially annular flow straightening wall 51 is positioned so that it overlaps with the substantially annular outlet opening (discharge port) P1b in a front view. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flow straightening wall 51 is positioned in the space P2 such that its thickness direction is substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the connection port 31a. Thus, the diffuser 20 is positioned between the nozzle 30 and the comb 40 and includes an annular flow straightening wall 51 having a through hole 51a on its inside.
[0036] In this embodiment, the rectifying wall 51 is supported by the nozzle 30 (nozzle body 32) via support columns 52. Specifically, the diffuser 20 has three support columns 52 connected to the lower surface of the rectifying wall 51 at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the tip (upstream end) of each support column 52 is connected to the periphery of the connection port 31a in the nozzle body 32. In this way, the rectifying wall 51 is positioned upstream of the connection port 31a and concentrically with the connection port 31a. In this embodiment, the rectifying section 50 (rectifying wall 51 and support columns 52) is formed integrally with the nozzle 30. That is, the rectifying section 50 (rectifying wall 51 and support columns 52) is formed in a manner that prevents it from being removed from the nozzle 30.
[0037] In this way, by supporting the rectifying wall 51 on the nozzle 30 (nozzle body 32) via the support column 52, the rectifying wall 51 can be positioned at a desired location between the nozzle 30 and the comb 40. As a result, a portion of the airflow W1 that flows between the outer edge 511 of the rectifying wall 51 and the nozzle body 32 can be more reliably returned through the through hole 51a. This makes it possible to make the flow velocity of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) more uniform.
[0038] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the rectifying wall 51 is supported by the nozzle 30 via the support column 52. This makes it easier to form a diffuser 20 with the rectifying wall 51 positioned as desired, compared to the case where the rectifying wall 51 is supported by the comb 40, which has a complex shape with discharge holes 422 and comb-shaped parts with discharge holes 421.
[0039] With a diffuser 20 configured in this way, the relatively fast-flowing airflow W1 entering from the connection port 31a is directed outward by the flow straightening wall 51. As a result, it becomes possible to suppress the concentration of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) of the comb 40 at the discharge hole located in the center of the comb 40. Consequently, it becomes possible to suppress the reduction of the airflow W1 discharged from the discharge holes located on the outer periphery of the comb 40, and to achieve a more uniform distribution of the airflow W1 sent out from the comb 40.
[0040] Furthermore, in the diffuser 20 according to this embodiment, a substantially circular through-hole 51a is formed on the inside of the rectifying wall 51. The rectifying wall 51 is positioned between the nozzle 30 and the comb 40 (in space P2) such that a portion of the airflow W1 flowing in from the connection port 31a flows between the outer edge 511 of the rectifying wall 51 and the nozzle body 32, and then recirculates through the through-hole 51a (generating recirculation W2). In this embodiment, the diffuser 20 utilizes the negative pressure generated around the through-hole 51a to recirculate a portion of the airflow W1 flowing in from the connection port 31a, after it flows between the outer edge 511 of the rectifying wall 51 and the nozzle body 32.
[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 41 of the comb 40 is positioned so that, when viewed from the front with the diffuser 20 attached to the main body 12, it overlaps with the substantially annular flow straightening wall 51 and the through-hole 51a inside the flow straightening wall 51. This causes the airflow W1 directed toward the bottom wall 41 of the comb 40 to hit the bottom wall 41 and bounce back, creating a recirculating flow W2 toward the connection port 31a.
[0042] In this embodiment, by generating a recirculation W2 toward the connection port 31a, the recirculation W2 promotes the diversion of the relatively fast-flowing airflow W1 entering from the connection port 31a toward the outer periphery. As a result, the diffuser 20 ensures that the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) of the comb 40 has a more uniform distribution.
[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, a more uniform airflow W1 can be discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) without restricting the arrangement position of the discharge holes (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422).
[0044] And, by ejecting a more uniform air flow W1 from each ejection hole (ejection holes 421a and 422), the peak flow velocity of the air flow ejected from the plurality of ejection holes (ejection holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the air flows ejected from each ejection hole) is made slower than the flow velocity of the air flow W ejected from the outlet opening (discharge port) P1b.
[0045] In this way, if the air flow is ejected uniformly from each ejection hole (ejection holes 421a and 422) formed in substantially the entire surface of the peripheral wall 42, it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven drying and uneven finish of the hair caused by applying a non-uniform air flow with uneven density to the hair.
[0046] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 8, experimentally it has been found that the faster the peak flow velocity of the air flow ejected from the plurality of ejection holes (ejection holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the air flows ejected from each ejection hole), the less the user feels that the finishing effect of the hair can be obtained. The vertical axis finishing monitor evaluation in FIG. 8 shows a quantification of the finishing condition when setting the hair using a diffuser with the maximum wind speed set to a predetermined value. The higher the numerical value, the more the user feels that the finishing effect of the hair has been obtained.
[0047] And, from the graph of FIG. 8, it can be seen that if the maximum wind speed is 15 m / s or less, the finishing monitor evaluation becomes 3.5 or more.
[0048] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the peak flow velocity of the air flow ejected from the plurality of ejection holes (ejection holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the air flows ejected from each ejection hole) is made 15 m / s or less.
[0049] Specifically, the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51 is set to be between 80% and 120% of the opening diameter D1 of the connection port 31a. By setting the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51 to be between 80% and 120% of the opening diameter D1 of the connection port 31a in this way, as shown in Figure 9, the peak flow velocity of the airflow discharged from the multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the airflow discharged from each discharge hole) can be set to 15 m / s or less. Furthermore, it is preferable to set the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51 to be between 90% and 110% of the opening diameter D1 of the connection port 31a, as this allows the peak flow velocity of the airflow discharged from the multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the airflow discharged from each discharge hole) to be 11 m / s or less.
[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner diameter D3 of the rectifier wall 51 is set to be between 20% and 80% of the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51. By setting the inner diameter D3 of the rectifier wall 51 to be between 20% and 80% of the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51, as shown in Figure 10, the peak flow velocity of the airflow discharged from the multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the airflow discharged from each discharge hole) can be set to 15 m / s or less. It is preferable to set the inner diameter D3 of the rectifier wall 51 to be between 35% and 65% of the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51, as this allows the peak flow velocity of the airflow discharged from the multiple discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) (the fastest flow velocity among the airflow discharged from each discharge hole) to be 11 m / s or less.
[0051] In this way, by setting the maximum airflow velocity of the air discharged from the diffuser 20 to 15 m / s or less, the airflow can be applied slowly and gently to the hair that has been curled and held in place by the comb 40. Therefore, using the diffuser 20 according to this embodiment to style hair is effective in creating beautiful hairstyles.
[0052] Furthermore, if the outer diameter D2 of the rectifying wall 51 is set to be between 80% and 120% of the opening diameter D1 of the connection port 31a, the airflow W1 flowing in from the connection port 31a can be more reliably directed to the rectifying wall 51. As a result, the airflow W1 flowing in from the connection port 31a can be diverted before being discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422). Consequently, the flow velocity of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) can be reduced more reliably, and the flow velocity of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) can be made more uniform.
[0053] Furthermore, if the inner diameter D3 of the rectifier wall 51 is set to be between 20% and 80% of the outer diameter D2 of the rectifier wall 51, the airflow W1 that flows in between the outer edge 511 of the rectifier wall 51 and the nozzle body 32 will pass more easily through the through hole 51a. In other words, it becomes easier to recirculate the airflow W1 that flows in between the outer edge 511 of the rectifier wall 51 and the nozzle body 32. Consequently, a portion of the airflow W1 that flows in between the outer edge 511 of the rectifier wall 51 and the nozzle body 32 can be more reliably recirculated through the through hole 51a. As a result, the airflow W1 that flows in from the connection port 31a can be more reliably diffused to the outer circumference, and the flow velocity of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) can be made more uniform.
[0054] As described above, by using the diffuser 20 according to this embodiment, even if the degree of freedom in arranging the discharge holes (discharge holes 421a and 422) is improved, a more uniform airflow can be discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and 422).
[0055] For example, if a diffuser 200 according to a comparative example that does not have a flow straightening section 50 is used, as shown in Figure 13, the airflow W1 introduced into the space P2 cannot be recirculated and cannot be dispersed outwards very well. As a result, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the flow velocity of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) becomes uneven.
[0056] In contrast, when a diffuser 20 equipped with a flow straightening section 50 is used, as shown in Figure 16, the airflow W1 introduced into the space P2 can be recirculated, so that the airflow W1 introduced into the space P2 can be efficiently dispersed outwards. Therefore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, it becomes possible to make the flow velocity of the airflow W1 discharged from each discharge hole (discharge hole 421a and discharge hole 422) more uniform.
[0057] Furthermore, the diffuser 20 can also be configured as shown in Figures 17 to 19.
[0058] In the diffuser 20 shown in Figures 17 to 19, the support column 52 is releasably engaged with the nozzle 30 (nozzle body 32). Specifically, an engaging piece 521 with an engaging hole 5211 is provided at the tip of the support column 52, and an engaging projection 322 is formed on the inner wall surface 32a of the nozzle body 32. By releasably engaging the engaging projection 322 with the engaging hole 5211, the support column 52 is releasably engaged with the nozzle 30 (nozzle body 32). Note that in the diffuser 20 shown in Figures 17 to 19, the engaging projection 322 is releasably fitted into the engaging hole 5211.
[0059] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, in the diffuser 20, the rectifier section 50 (rectifier wall 51) is formed as a separate component from the nozzle 30 (nozzle body 32), and the rectifier section 50 (rectifier wall 51) is detachably attached to the nozzle 30 (nozzle body 32). This makes it possible to form the nozzle 30 and the rectifier wall 51 by resin molding, for example, without using a complex mold.
[0060] Furthermore, the diffuser 20 shown in Figures 17 to 19 allows for greater freedom in the shape of the rectifying wall 51. For example, the rectifying section 50 can be equipped with an engagement release suppression section that can prevent the engagement of the support column 52 with the nozzle 30 from being released. In other words, the diffuser 20 may further be equipped with an engagement release suppression section that can prevent the engagement of the support column 52 with the nozzle 30 from being released.
[0061] By providing such an engagement release suppression part, even if the rectifying wall 51 is formed from a separate component from the nozzle 30, it becomes possible to suppress the rectifying wall 51 from detaching from the nozzle 30 due to impacts such as when the diffuser 20 is dropped.
[0062] In the diffuser 20 shown in Figures 17 to 19, the rectifier section 50 is supported by the rectifier wall 51 via the second support column 54 and has a comb contact wall 53 that can contact the bottom wall 41 of the comb 40, and this comb contact wall 53 functions as an engagement release suppression section. That is, the engagement release suppression section has a comb contact wall 53 that is supported by the rectifier wall 51 via the second support column 54 and can contact the bottom wall 41 of the comb 40. Specifically, the upper surface of the comb contact wall 53 contacts the lower surface 41a of the bottom wall 41 of the comb 40 before the engagement between the engaging projection 322 and the engaging hole 5211 is released. In this way, it is possible to suppress the rectifier wall 51 from coming off the nozzle 30 when the comb 40 is attached to the nozzle 30.
[0063] Furthermore, if the rectifier section 50 is as shown in Figures 17 to 19, the stress received from the comb 40 and nozzle 30 when the diffuser 20 is dropped can be distributed to the support column 52 and the second support column 54. As a result, the strength of the rectifier wall 51's attachment to the nozzle 30 can be ensured. Consequently, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the rectifier wall 51 from detaching from the nozzle 30 due to impacts such as when the diffuser 20 is dropped.
[0064] Furthermore, in the flow straightening section 50 shown in Figures 17 to 19, the number of second support columns 54 is the same as the number of support columns 52. Specifically, the comb contact wall 53 is attached to the flow straightening wall 51 by three second support columns 54. The second support columns 54 are connected to the flow straightening wall 51 between adjacent support columns 52 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the second support columns 54 are connected to the inner edge 512 of the flow straightening wall 51 at the intermediate portion of adjacent support columns 52.
[0065] This arrangement ensures that when the diffuser 20 is dropped, the stress from the comb 40 and nozzle 30 is evenly distributed by each support column (three support columns 52 and three second support columns 54). This ensures that the mounting strength of the rectifier wall 51 to the nozzle 30 is more reliable, and the risk of the rectifier wall 51 detaching from the nozzle 30 due to impacts such as when the diffuser 20 is dropped is more reliably suppressed.
[0066] Furthermore, when the comb 40 is attached to the nozzle 30, it is also possible to arrange the rectifier 50 so that it is sandwiched between the comb 40 and the nozzle 30.
[0067] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.
[0068] (Technology 1) The diffuser of Technology 1 is a diffuser that is attached to the main body of a fluid discharge device. The diffuser comprises a nozzle having a connecting part that communicates with a discharge port formed in the main body, and a nozzle body that is connected downstream of the connecting part and expands in diameter downstream. The diffuser also comprises a comb that is connected downstream of the nozzle and has discharge holes and a comb-shaped part with discharge holes, and an annular flow straightening wall that is positioned between the nozzle and the comb and has through holes on its inside.
[0069] As described above, the diffuser in Technology 1 has a flow-straightening wall positioned between the nozzle and the comb. This ensures that the relatively fast-flowing airflow entering from the connection port is directed outward by the flow-straightening wall, thereby preventing the airflow discharged from the comb from concentrating at the discharge port located in the center of the comb. As a result, the reduction in airflow discharged from the discharge port located on the outer periphery of the comb is suppressed, making it possible to achieve a more uniform distribution of airflow sent out from the comb.
[0070] Therefore, with the diffuser described in Technology 1, it becomes possible to discharge a more uniform airflow from each discharge hole without providing a third region between the first and second regions where no discharge holes are formed, as is the case with the diffuser disclosed in Patent Document 1. In other words, it becomes possible to discharge a more uniform airflow from each discharge hole without restricting the position of the discharge holes.
[0071] Thus, by using the diffuser described in Technology 1, it becomes possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the discharge holes while discharging a more uniform airflow from each discharge hole.
[0072] (Technology 2) In the diffuser of Technology 2, the rectifier wall is positioned between the nozzle and the comb such that a portion of the airflow that flows in from the connection port flows between the outer edge of the rectifier wall and the nozzle body, and then recirculates through the through hole.
[0073] In this way, by allowing a portion of the airflow entering from the connection port to flow between the outer edge of the flow straightening wall and the nozzle body, and then recirculating through the through-hole, the recirculation promotes the diversion of the relatively high-velocity airflow entering from the connection port to the outer periphery. As a result, it becomes possible to achieve a more uniform distribution of the airflow delivered from the comb.
[0074] Furthermore, the diffuser disclosed in Patent Document 1, mentioned above, has an external grille and an internal grille, with a disc-shaped internal grille having multiple uniformly formed openings positioned between the baffle and the external grille. However, even if an internal grille of this shape is positioned between the baffle and the external grille, it is not possible to generate recirculation towards the baffle side by the internal grille. Therefore, the diffuser disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration that makes it difficult to efficiently divert the fast airflow entering the connection port to the outer periphery.
[0075] In contrast, the diffuser described in Technology 2 has an annular flow straightening wall positioned between the nozzle and the comb, and a portion of the airflow entering from the connection port flows between the outer edge of the flow straightening wall and the nozzle body, and then recirculates through the through hole. That is, the diffuser described in Technology 1 has a configuration in which a flow straightening wall is positioned between the nozzle and the comb to create recirculation. This makes it possible to efficiently divert the fast airflow entering the connection port to the outer periphery, and to discharge a more uniform airflow from each discharge hole without restricting the position of the discharge holes.
[0076] Furthermore, if a disc-shaped internal grille with multiple uniformly formed openings is used, as in the diffuser disclosed in Patent Document 1, a large pressure loss occurs when the fast airflow entering the connection port passes through the openings of the internal grille. As a result, the airflow volume decreases or the noise increases.
[0077] In contrast, the diffuser described in Technology 2 is positioned between the nozzle and the comb, with a flow-straightening wall having through-holes formed therein, such that a portion of the airflow flowing in from the connection port flows between the outer edge of the flow-straightening wall and the nozzle body, and then recirculates through the through-holes. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of large pressure losses. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably suppress a decrease in airflow volume and an increase in noise.
[0078] Thus, with the diffuser described in Technology 2, even if the degree of freedom in arranging the discharge holes is improved, a more uniform airflow can be discharged from each discharge hole without affecting the airflow rate or noise (increasing pressure loss).
[0079] (Technology 3) In the diffuser of Technology 3, the outer diameter of the rectifying wall is 80% or more and 120% or less of the opening diameter of the connection port, as described in Technology 1 or Technology 2.
[0080] This allows the airflow entering from the connection port to more reliably hit the rectifying wall, thus enabling the airflow to be diverted before being released from each discharge port. As a result, the flow velocity of the airflow released from each discharge port can be reduced more reliably, and the flow velocity of the airflow released from each discharge port can be made more uniform.
[0081] (Technology 4) In the diffuser of Technology 4, in the diffuser described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 3, the inner diameter of the rectifier wall is 20% or more and 80% or less of the outer diameter of the rectifier wall.
[0082] This makes it easier for the airflow that flows between the outer edge of the flow straightening wall and the nozzle body to pass through the through-hole. In other words, it becomes easier to recirculate the airflow that flows between the outer edge of the flow straightening wall and the nozzle body. Therefore, a portion of the airflow that flows between the outer edge of the flow straightening wall and the nozzle body can be more reliably recirculated through the through-hole. As a result, the airflow that flows in from the connection port can be more reliably diffused to the outer periphery, and the flow velocity of the airflow released from each discharge hole can be made more uniform.
[0083] (Technology 5) In the diffuser of Technology 5, the rectifying wall is supported by the nozzle via a support column, in the diffuser described in any one of the technologies from Technology 1 to Technology 4.
[0084] This allows the rectifying wall to be positioned at a desired location between the nozzle and the comb. As a result, a portion of the airflow that flows between the outer edge of the rectifying wall and the nozzle body can be more reliably returned through the through-holes, making the airflow velocity released from each discharge hole more uniform.
[0085] Furthermore, by supporting the rectifying wall to the nozzle via a support column, it becomes easier to form a diffuser with the rectifying wall positioned between the nozzle and the comb than when it is supported by a comb with a complex shape formed by discharge holes and comb-shaped parts with discharge holes.
[0086] (Technology 6) In the diffuser of Technology 6, the support column is releasably engaged with the nozzle, as in the diffuser described in Technology 5.
[0087] In this way, by making the support column releasably engaged with the nozzle, the flow straightening wall can be attached to the nozzle in a detachable manner. This allows the flow straightening wall to be formed as a separate component from the nozzle, so for example, when forming the nozzle and flow straightening wall by resin molding, the nozzle and flow straightening wall can be formed without using complex molds. Furthermore, by forming the flow straightening wall separately from the nozzle by resin molding, the shape and size of the flow straightening wall are no longer restricted by the nozzle, as when the flow straightening wall is formed integrally with the nozzle, thus increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the flow straightening wall.
[0088] (Technology 7) The diffuser of Technology 7 further includes an engagement release suppression unit that can prevent the engagement of the support column with the nozzle from being released, as described in Technology 6.
[0089] This approach prevents the rectifier wall from detaching from the nozzle due to impacts such as dropping the diffuser, even if the rectifier wall is formed from a separate component from the nozzle.
[0090] (Technical 8) In the diffuser of Technical 8, the disengagement suppression part is supported by the flow straightening wall via the second support column and has a comb contact wall that can contact the bottom wall of the comb.
[0091] This design allows the stress from the comb and nozzle to be distributed to the support column and the second support column when the diffuser is dropped, thereby ensuring the strength of the rectifier wall's attachment to the nozzle. As a result, it becomes more reliable to prevent the rectifier wall from detaching from the nozzle due to impacts such as when the diffuser is dropped.
[0092] (Technology 9) In the diffuser of Technology 9, the number of second support columns is the same as the number of support columns in the diffuser described in Technology 8, and the second support columns are connected to the flow straightening wall between adjacent support columns in the circumferential direction.
[0093] This design allows the stress on the comb and nozzle when the diffuser is dropped to be evenly distributed across the support columns (one or more columns and the same number of second columns). As a result, the strength of the flow-straightening wall attached to the nozzle can be more reliably ensured. Consequently, the risk of the flow-straightening wall detaching from the nozzle due to impacts such as dropping the diffuser can be more reliably prevented.
[0094] [Other] The contents of the diffuser described herein have been explained above, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements are possible, and that the invention is not limited to these descriptions.
[0095] For example, this disclosure can be applied to embodiments in which the configuration shown in the above embodiments has been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.
[0096] Furthermore, while the above embodiments and their modifications illustrate a hair dryer (air blower) as a fluid discharge device, the fluid discharge device of this disclosure can be any of the various devices used to discharge fluids for household and commercial purposes.
[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and its modifications, the rectifying wall 51 is shown as being positioned in space P2 with its thickness direction substantially perpendicular to the opening surface of the connection port 31a. However, it is also possible to incline the rectifying wall 51 with respect to the opening surface of the connection port 31a. In this case, it is preferable that the rectifying wall 51 has an inclined wall such that at least a portion of it is inclined such that its outer circumference is downstream of the connection port 31a. It is also preferable that the inclination angle of the inclined wall with respect to the connection port 31a be between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.
[0098] Furthermore, the specifications of the nozzle, comb, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as needed.
[0099] The diffuser described herein can be attached to various fluid dispensing devices, including those for household and commercial use. Examples of such fluid dispensing devices include various hair dryers and electric fans.
[0100] 10 Hair dryer (fluid discharge device) 11 Gripping part 12 Main body 13 Power cord 14 Housing 141 Outer cylinder 142 Rear cover 1421 Frame 1422 Mesh 143 Front cover 15 Air blower part 16 Inner cylinder 17 Heater 18 Induction member 19 Control unit 191 Display unit 192 Switch unit 1921 Operation switch 20 Diffuser 30 Nozzle 31 Connection part 31a Connection port 32 Nozzle body 32a Inner wall surface 321 Mounting wall 322 Engaging projection 33 Fixing part 331 Engaging groove 40 Comb 41 Bottom wall 41a Bottom surface 42 Peripheral wall 42a Bottom surface 421 Comb-shaped part with discharge hole 421a Discharge hole 422 Discharge hole 43 Fixed part 431 Engaging hook 50 Flow straightening part 51 Flow straightening wall 51a Through hole 511 Outer edge 512 Inner edge 52 Support column 521 Engaging piece 5211 Engaging hole 53 Comb contact surface wall (Engagement release suppression part) 54 Second support column 200 Diffuser according to comparative example D1 Opening diameter D2 Outer diameter D3 Inner diameter P1 Wind tunnel P1a Inlet opening P1b Outlet opening (discharge port) P2 Space W Airflow W1 Airflow W2 Recirculation
Claims
1. A diffuser to be attached to the main body of a fluid discharge device, comprising: a nozzle having a connecting portion having a connecting port that communicates with a discharge port formed in the main body; a nozzle body connected downstream of the connecting portion and expanding in diameter downstream; a comb connected downstream of the nozzle and having a discharge hole and a comb-shaped portion with a discharge hole; and an annular flow straightening wall disposed between the nozzle and the comb and having a through hole on the inside.
2. The diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying wall is positioned between the nozzle and the comb such that a portion of the airflow flowing in from the connection port flows between the outer edge of the rectifying wall and the nozzle body and then recirculates through the through hole.
3. The diffuser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer diameter of the rectifying wall is 80% or more and 120% or less of the opening diameter of the connection port.
4. The diffuser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner diameter of the rectifying wall is 20% or more and 80% or less of the outer diameter of the rectifying wall.
5. The diffuser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rectifying wall is supported by the nozzle via a support column.
6. The diffuser according to claim 5, wherein the support column is releasably engaged with the nozzle.
7. The diffuser according to claim 6, further comprising an engagement release suppression unit capable of preventing the engagement of the support column with the nozzle from being released.
8. The diffuser according to claim 7, wherein the engagement release suppression portion is supported by the rectifying wall via a second support column and has a comb contact surface wall that can contact the bottom wall of the comb.
9. The diffuser according to claim 8, wherein the number of the second support columns is the same as the number of the aforementioned support columns, and the second support columns are connected to the rectifying wall between the support columns that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.