Hair dryer

Abstract

A hair dryer (1) has an air blowing part (2) extending in one direction, and a grip part (3) extending in a direction different from the direction in which the air blowing part (2) extends. An internal space of the air blowing part (2) and an internal space of the grip part (3) communicate with each other. The air blowing part (2) has an air outlet (21) provided at a front end thereof, a first air inlet (22) provided behind the air outlet (21), a protruding part (23) protruding further rearward than the grip part (3), and a second air inlet (24) provided in the protruding part (23).

Description

Hair Dryer

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair dryer.

[0002] A hair dryer includes a grip portion held by a user, and an air blowing portion that includes an air inlet for taking outside air into the hair dryer and an air outlet for blowing air, and generates airflow for drying hair. The grip portion may extend in a direction different from the extending direction of the air blowing portion (for example, Patent Document 1). Electronic components for controlling the operation of the hair dryer and supplying electric power to the hair dryer are disposed inside the grip portion of this type of hair dryer.

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3214920

[0004] Electronic components disposed inside the grip portion of the hair dryer generate heat during operation of the hair dryer. If the temperature of the electronic components rises excessively, there is a risk that the operation thereof may be impaired. However, in the hair dryer described in Patent Document 1, cooling of the electronic components inside the grip portion may be insufficient.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such background, and an object thereof is to provide a hair dryer capable of efficiently cooling electronic components disposed inside a grip portion.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a hair dryer including: an air blowing portion extending in one direction; and a grip portion extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the air blowing portion, wherein an internal space of the air blowing portion communicates with an internal space of the grip portion, and the air blowing portion includes an air outlet provided at a front end of the air blowing portion, a first air inlet provided behind the air outlet, a protruding portion protruding rearward from the grip portion, and a second air inlet provided in the protruding portion.

[0007] The hair dryer has an air blower section and a grip section extending in a direction different from the direction of extension of the air blower section, and the internal space of the air blower section and the internal space of the grip section are in communication with each other. The air blower section also has a first air intake port provided behind the air outlet and a second air intake port provided at the rear end of the protruding section. By providing multiple air intake ports in the air blower section in this way, at least a portion of the air flowing into the internal space of the air blower section from the air intake ports can be guided into the internal space of the grip section. By guiding the air that has entered the air blower section from the air intake ports into the internal space of the grip section, the exchange of air in the internal space of the grip section can be promoted. As a result, electronic components placed in the grip section can be efficiently cooled, and excessive temperature rises of the electronic components can be easily avoided.

[0008] As described above, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a hair dryer that can efficiently cool the electronic components arranged in the grip portion.

[0009] Figure 1 is a side view of the hair dryer in Example 1. Figure 2 is a top view of the hair dryer in Example 1. Figure 3 is a rear view of the hair dryer in Example 1. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of components within the protruding part in the cross-section taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components included in the air guidance means of the hair dryer in Example 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the hair dryer in Example 2. Figure 7 is a front view of the air outlet of the hair dryer in Example 2. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of components within the main body of the air blower in the cross-section taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area around the air outlet in Figure 8 with the nozzle attachment attached. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of components within the protruding part in the cross-section taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the air guidance path in Figure 10.

[0010] The air blower of the hair dryer extends in one direction. The specific shape of the air blower can take various forms. For example, the air blower may have a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the air blower may have a shape that is a deformation of the cylindrical shape to the extent that it can be recognized as cylindrical in general sense. Such shapes include, for example, a shape in which the cylindrical shape is gently curved, a shape in which a part of the cylindrical shape is bulging or contracted, and a shape in which the outer diameter of the cylindrical shape is gradually changed from one end to the other.

[0011] The air blower unit is configured to blow out air taken in through the first and second air intake ports. The means for blowing air out of the outlet in the air blower unit are not particularly limited, and various means can be employed. For example, the air blower unit may have an air blower device in its internal space that includes a fan and a motor to drive the fan. The air blower device can blow air out of the outlet by driving the fan to send the air inside the air blower unit to the outlet. In addition, by sending the air inside the air blower unit to the outlet using the air blower device, outside air can be taken into the hair dryer through the air intake port.

[0012] The fan of the blower can be any known fan, such as a sirocco fan, an axial fan, or a centrifugal fan. The motor of the blower may be an AC motor or a DC motor. From the viewpoint of reducing the volume occupied by the blower and increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first and second air intake ports, it is preferable that the blower section has a blower equipped with an axial fan in its internal space.

[0013] The airflow rate from the nozzle is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately according to the desired operating mode of the hair dryer. For example, if there is a relatively large amount of moisture on the scalp or hair, increasing the airflow rate from the nozzle will allow the scalp and hair to dry more quickly. Also, for example, when styling hair using a hair dryer, decreasing the airflow rate from the nozzle will make styling easier.

[0014] The air blower unit may have a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet. By providing a temperature control device within the air blower unit, the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet can be adjusted to a desired temperature. The temperature of the air blown out from the outlet should be set appropriately according to the desired operating mode of the hair dryer. For example, if there is a relatively large amount of moisture on the scalp or hair, the temperature control device can be used to warm the air inside the air blower unit and blow out warm air from the outlet, thereby quickly drying the scalp and hair. Also, for example, if you want to reduce heat damage when drying the scalp or hair, you can reduce damage to the scalp and hair by blowing out cool air or relatively low-temperature lukewarm air from the outlet.

[0015] Various methods can be used to adjust the temperature of the air in a temperature control device. For example, the temperature control device may have a heating element for heating the air. The temperature control device may also have a heating element temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element. By providing a heating element and a heating element temperature sensor in the temperature control device in this way, the output of the heating element can be adjusted based on the actual temperature of the heating element measured by the heating element temperature sensor. As a result, the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet can be kept within a desired range. For example, an NTC thermistor can be used as the heating element temperature sensor.

[0016] Furthermore, the temperature control device may have an air temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the air taken in from the air intake. The air temperature sensor may be installed, for example, between the air intake and the blower. By providing an air temperature sensor in this way, the output of the heating element can be adjusted based on the actual air temperature measured by the air temperature sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, the temperature control device may have an object temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the area facing the air outlet. By providing an object temperature sensor in the temperature control device in this way, the output of the heating element can be adjusted based on the temperature of hair or other objects facing the air outlet. As a result, it becomes easier to avoid excessive temperature increases in hair and scalp, and heat damage to hair and scalp can be reduced more reliably.

[0018] As the object temperature sensor, a non-contact temperature sensor such as an infrared temperature sensor can be used. The placement of the object temperature sensor is not particularly limited as long as it is in a position where the surface temperature of the area facing the air outlet can be detected. For example, the object temperature sensor may be placed at the front end of the air blower, that is, in the part where the air outlet is provided.

[0019] An air outlet is provided at the front end of the air blower. The direction of the air blown out from the air outlet is not particularly limited. For example, a hair dryer may be configured to blow air out from the air outlet along the extending direction of the air blower. Alternatively, a hair dryer may be configured to blow air out from the air outlet in a direction different from the extending direction of the air blower. From the viewpoint of ease of use of the hair dryer, it is preferable that the hair dryer is configured to blow air out from the air outlet along the extending direction of the air blower.

[0020] A first air intake is provided behind the outlet of the air blower. The orientation of the opening of the first air intake is not particularly limited. For example, the first air intake may open on the side surface of the air blower, or it may open towards the rear in the direction of extension of the air blower. If the air blower has a blower device, it is preferable that the blower device is provided in front of the first air intake. In this case, the air taken into the internal space of the air blower from the first air intake can be efficiently blown forward by the blower device.

[0021] Preferably, the first air intake is located in front of the second air intake. By positioning the first and second air intakes at different locations in the extending direction of the air blower, the air drawn into the internal space of the air blower from each air intake can more easily enter the internal space of the grip. As a result, the electronic components placed in the internal space of the grip can be cooled more efficiently. One possible reason for this effect is that the air drawn into the internal space of the air blower from each air intake diffuses in various directions within the air blower.

[0022] A protrusion is provided behind the grip section of the air blower. A second air intake is also provided on the protrusion. By providing a second air intake on the protrusion, the air drawn into the protrusion from the second air intake can be more easily guided into the internal space of the grip section. As a result, the electronic components placed in the internal space of the grip section can be cooled more efficiently. One possible reason for this effect is that the air drawn into the internal space of the air blower from the second air intake can more easily diffuse in various directions within the air blower.

[0023] The shape of the protrusion is not particularly limited and can take various forms such as cylindrical or flat plate shapes. It is preferable that the protrusion has a flat plate shape. In this case, the airflow cross-sectional area within the internal space of the protrusion tends to be narrower, making it easier for the air taken into the protrusion from the second air intake to diffuse in various directions. As a result, electronic components placed in the internal space of the grip can be cooled more efficiently.

[0024] The aforementioned "flat plate shape" includes both a flat plate and a shape obtained by deforming a flat plate to a degree that is generally perceived as flat. More specifically, the flat plate shape includes, for example, a shape comprising a pair of main planes arranged at a distance from each other and a circumferential surface connecting the edges of these main planes. The pair of main planes in the protruding part of the flat plate shape may be arranged in directions parallel to each other. Also, one of the pair of main planes may be slightly inclined with respect to the other main plane.

[0025] When the protruding portion has a flat plate shape, the second air intake is preferably provided on the side surface of the protruding portion, and more preferably extended from the rear end to the grip portion on the side surface of the protruding portion. In this case, it is thought that the air taken into the protruding portion from the second air intake is more easily diffused in various directions. As a result, electronic components arranged in the internal space of the grip portion can be cooled more efficiently.

[0026] It is preferable to arrange electronic components in the internal space of the protruding portion. As mentioned above, the air taken into the protruding portion from the second air intake diffuses in various directions. Therefore, by arranging electronic components in the internal space of the protruding portion, the electronic components placed in the protruding portion can be efficiently cooled by the air taken into the protruding portion from the second air intake. As a result, excessive temperature rise of the electronic components in the protruding portion can be suppressed more effectively.

[0027] The electronic components placed within the protruding portion are not particularly limited. For example, electronic components constituting the power supply unit may be placed within the protruding portion. Also, a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode may be placed within the protruding portion. By placing a light-emitting element within the protruding portion and making the light-emitting element illuminate according to the operating status or operating mode of the hair dryer, the operating status of the hair dryer can be notified to the user.

[0028] Preferably, the air blower unit has an air guiding means positioned between the second air intake and the air outlet in its internal space, and configured to guide at least a portion of the air flowing in from the second air intake into the internal space of the grip unit. In this case, the air flowing in from the second air intake can be guided more reliably into the internal space of the grip unit. As a result, the electronic components placed inside the grip unit can be cooled more reliably.

[0029] It is preferable that the air guidance means be positioned facing the second air intake. In this case, the air flowing into the internal space of the protruding part from the second air intake is more easily struck by the air guidance means. Therefore, the air flowing in from the second air intake can be more reliably guided into the internal space of the grip. As a result, the electronic components placed inside the grip can be cooled more reliably.

[0030] The air guidance means only needs to be configured to guide the air flowing in from the second air intake to the grip portion, and its specific configuration can take various forms. For example, the air guidance means may have an air guidance plate positioned facing the second air intake and configured to change the direction of the airflow that flows from the second air intake into the internal space of the protruding portion, and an air guidance path may be provided between the second air intake and the air guidance plate. In this way, by providing the air guidance plate at a position facing the second air intake, the direction of the airflow that flows from the second air intake into the internal space of the protruding portion can be changed by the air guidance plate. Furthermore, by providing an air guidance path between the air guidance plate and the second air intake, the air whose direction of flow has been changed by the air guidance plate can be easily guided to the grip portion. As a result, the electronic components placed inside the grip portion can be cooled more reliably.

[0031] From the viewpoint of more reliably obtaining the aforementioned effects, it is preferable that the air guideway has an outlet facing the internal space of the grip section.

[0032] Furthermore, the air guidance means may have a plurality of air guidance plates configured to change the direction of the airflow that flows from the second air intake into the internal space of the protruding part, and air guidance paths may be provided between adjacent air guidance plates. In this case as well, the air that flows from the second air intake into the internal space of the protruding part can be easily guided to the grip part by the air guidance plates. As a result, the electronic components placed in the grip part can be cooled more reliably.

[0033] When an air guide means has multiple air guide plates, the shape of each air guide plate can take various forms. For example, an air guide plate may have a flat shape or an arc-shaped curve. Also, an air guide plate may be bent midway between the end facing the inlet of the air guide path and the end facing the outlet.

[0034] The air guide plate has an upstream portion facing the area from the inlet to the intermediate portion between the inlet and outlet of the air guide path, and a downstream portion facing the area from the intermediate portion to the outlet, and it is preferable that at least the downstream portion extends in a direction toward the internal space of the grip portion. The downstream portion of the air guide plate can change the direction of the airflow that has entered the air guide path from the inlet to be directed along the downstream portion of the air guide plate. Therefore, by arranging the downstream portion of the air guide plate to extend in the specific direction, air can be guided toward the grip portion from the outlet of the air guide path. As a result, the electronic components placed in the grip portion can be cooled more reliably.

[0035] Furthermore, if the protruding portion has at least one light-emitting element, it is preferable that the space between the light-emitting element and the inlet of the air guide path is blocked by the air guide plate. In this case, the air guide plate can block the light generated from the light-emitting element in the protruding portion that is directed toward the air guide path. As a result, light leakage into the inlet of the air guide path can be avoided, and the aesthetic design of the hair dryer can be further enhanced.

[0036] The grip portion of the hair dryer branches off from the air blower and extends in a different direction from the air blower. Furthermore, the internal space of the grip portion communicates with the internal space of the air blower, allowing air flowing in from the intake port to circulate between the internal space of the air blower and the internal space of the grip portion.

[0037] The grip portion of the hair dryer may be fixed to the air blower or may be foldable, but it is preferable that the position of the grip portion relative to the air blower is fixed. In other words, it is preferable that there are no movable parts such as hinges between the grip portion and the air blower. In this case, the air flowing in from the intake can more easily circulate between the internal space of the air blower and the internal space of the grip portion. As a result, the air taken into the internal space of the air blower from each intake can more easily enter the internal space of the grip portion, and the electronic components placed in the internal space of the grip portion can be cooled more efficiently.

[0038] The shape of the grip portion is not particularly limited and should be a shape that the user can grasp. For example, the grip portion may have a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the grip portion may be a shape that deforms the cylindrical shape to such an extent that it is generally perceived as cylindrical. Such shapes include, for example, a shape in which the cylindrical shape is gently curved, a shape in which a part of the cylindrical shape is bulging or contracted, and a shape in which the outer diameter of the cylindrical shape is gradually changed from one end to the other.

[0039] The grip portion may include, for example, switches for the user to operate the hair dryer. Examples of switches on the grip portion include a power switch to switch between a state where air is being blown from the nozzle and a state where air is not being blown from the nozzle, an operating mode change switch to change the temperature of the air blown from the nozzle, and a sensing switch to measure the temperature of hair or other objects facing the nozzle. The hair dryer may have a number of switches corresponding to the desired operation. Furthermore, the hair dryer may have switches configured to perform two or more types of operations.

[0040] The internal space of the grip section is connected to the internal space of the air blower section. Furthermore, electronic components are located within the internal space of the grip section. This allows air entering the air blower section through the intake to be guided into the internal space of the grip section, thereby cooling the electronic components located within the grip section.

[0041] It is preferable that a power supply unit for supplying the power necessary for the operation of the hair dryer is provided in the internal space of the grip. Since the power supply unit contains relatively heat-generating electronic components such as transformers and capacitors, the temperature of the power supply unit tends to rise during the operation of the hair dryer. In contrast, the hair dryer can efficiently cool the electronic components located within the grip. Therefore, by placing the power supply unit within the grip, the aforementioned effect can be utilized more effectively, and an excessive rise in the temperature of the power supply unit can be easily avoided.

[0042] (Example 1) An example of the hair dryer described above will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 5. As shown in Figure 1, the hair dryer 1 of this example has an air blower 2 extending in one direction and a grip portion 3 extending in a direction different from the direction of extension of the air blower 2. As shown in Figure 4, the internal space 20 of the air blower 2 and the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 are in communication. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air blower 2 has an air outlet 21 provided at its front end, a first air intake 22 provided behind the air outlet 21, a protruding portion 23 that protrudes rearward from the grip portion 3, and a second air intake 24 provided on the protruding portion 23.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air blower 2 of the hair dryer 1 in this example has a cylindrical air blower body 25 and a flat plate-shaped projection 23 that protrudes rearward from the air blower body 25. As shown in Figure 1, the grip portion 3 branches off from the connection point between the air blower body 25 and the projection 23 in the air blower 2 and extends diagonally with respect to the extending direction of the air blower 2. The position of the grip portion 3 relative to the air blower 2 is fixed.

[0044] In the following, the direction in which the air blower 2 extends will be referred to as the front-to-back direction of the hair dryer 1, the direction from the protruding part 23 toward the air blower body 25 in the front-to-back direction will be referred to as the front, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the rear. For convenience, among the directions perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, the direction in which the air blower 2 and the grip part 3 are aligned will be referred to as the up-and-down direction, the direction from the grip part 3 toward the air blower 2 in the up-and-down direction will be referred to as the up, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the down. The direction perpendicular to both the front-to-back direction and the up-and-down direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction.

[0045] The blower body 25 has an air outlet 21 at its front end and a first air inlet 22 at its rear end. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the first air inlet 22 is arranged on the outer side in the left-right direction at the rear end of the blower body 25 and opens rearward. Also, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the first air inlet 22 is arranged in front of the second air inlet 24.

[0046] Although not shown in the figures, the first air inlet 22 faces the inner space of the blower body 25, and is configured to allow air outside the hair dryer 1 to be drawn into the inner space of the blower body 25. Also, as shown in Figure 3, a mesh filter 221 is provided at the first air inlet 22. The mesh filter 221 is configured to remove foreign matters such as dust in the air when drawing air outside the hair dryer 1 into the blower body 25.

[0047] The mesh filter 221 of this example is detachably attached to the first air inlet 22. By pulling the mesh filter 221 removed from the first air inlet 22 rearward, the mesh filter 221 can be separated from the blower body 25. Further, by cleaning the mesh filter 221 removed from the first air inlet 22 in this way, foreign matters collected by the mesh filter 221 can be removed. Note that the attachment mode of the mesh filter 221 is not limited to the mode of this example. For example, a slit configured to allow the mesh filter 221 to pass through may be provided on the side peripheral surface of the blower body 25, and the mesh filter 221 may be attached to the first air inlet 22 by inserting the mesh filter 221 into the slit. In this case, when removing the mesh filter 221 from the first air inlet 22, the mesh filter 221 only needs to be drawn out of the blower body 25 through the slit.

[0048] A blower 251 (see FIG. 4) that sends air present in the inner spaces of the blower unit 2 and the grip unit 3 toward the air outlet 21 is provided in front of the first air intake 22 in the inner space of the blower unit main body 25. Specifically, the blower 251 in the hair dryer 1 of the present example includes a brushless DC motor and an axial flow fan attached to the rotating shaft of the motor. When the axial flow fan is rotated in the hair dryer 1 of the present example, air behind the axial flow fan is sent forward. Then, the air sent from the blower 251 is blown out from the air outlet 21 provided at the front end of the blower unit main body 25. Further, when the axial flow fan is rotated, the air pressure in the inner space of the hair dryer 1 behind the axial flow fan becomes lower than the air pressure outside the hair dryer 1. Due to this difference in air pressure, air outside the hair dryer 1 is taken into the inner space 20 of the blower unit 2 through the respective air intakes 22 and 24.

[0049] Although not shown in the drawings, in front of the blower 251 in the inner space of the blower unit main body 25, there are provided a temperature adjustment device that adjusts the temperature of air sent from the blower 251, and an ionizer for generating negative ions in the air sent from the blower 251. The temperature adjustment device of the present example includes a heater for heating air, and an object temperature sensor that measures the temperature of an object facing the air outlet 21, and is configured such that the output of the heater can be adjusted based on an operation by a user and the temperature of the object measured by the object temperature sensor. Further, the ionizer is configured to be capable of generating negative ions in the air based on an operation instruction from a user. The negative ions generated by the ionizer have an effect of suppressing static electricity on hair.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the blower unit 2 has a protruding portion 23 protruding rearward from the rear end of the blower unit main body 25. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the protruding portion 23 protrudes from between the two first air intakes 22 at the rear end of the blower unit main body 25.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the projection 23 in this example has a flat plate shape comprising a pair of main planes 231 arranged in a direction generally perpendicular to the left-right direction of the hair dryer 1, and a side circumferential surface 232 connecting the edges of these main planes 231. That is, the projection 23 is arranged so that its thickness direction is parallel to the left-right direction of the hair dryer 1. Furthermore, in the side view shown in Figure 1, that is, in the plan view when the hair dryer 1 is viewed from either the left or right direction, the projection 23 is formed such that its vertical width narrows as it approaches the rear end.

[0052] Although not shown in the figures, the protruding portion 23 is configured to display the operating state and operating mode of the hair dryer 1 on the main plane 231. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the inside of the protruding portion 23 contains a circuit board 4 positioned in the center of the hair dryer 1 in the left-right direction, irradiation range restrictors 41 positioned on both sides of the circuit board 4, and a light-transmitting plate 42 that covers the irradiation range restrictors 41 and diffuses the light from the light-emitting diodes. Although not shown in the figures, the circuit board 4 has electronic components such as light-emitting diodes and is configured to emit light from specific light-emitting diodes according to the operating state and operating mode of the hair dryer 1.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the irradiation range restrictor 41 has a peripheral wall portion 411 that separates its interior from its exterior, and a partition wall portion 412 that divides the area enclosed by the peripheral wall portion 411 into multiple regions. Although not shown in the figure, the light-emitting diode is positioned within the region partitioned by the partition wall portion 412 of the irradiation range restrictor 41. Therefore, the irradiation range restrictor 41 can restrict the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light-emitting diode to the region partitioned by the partition wall portion 412.

[0054] Furthermore, the main surface 231 of the protruding portion 23 is configured to transmit light generated from the light-emitting diodes to display desired characters, symbols, etc. Therefore, the hair dryer 1 in this example can display the operating state and operating mode of the hair dryer 1 on the main surface 231 of the protruding portion 23 by illuminating light-emitting diodes in a specific area corresponding to the operating state and operating mode of the hair dryer 1 from among the multiple light-emitting diodes.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a second air intake port 24 is provided in the protruding portion 23. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the second air intake port 24 in this example extends from the rear end 233 of the protruding portion 23 to the grip portion 3 on the side circumferential surface 232 of the protruding portion 23. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a mesh filter 241 is provided in the second air intake port 24. The mesh filter 241 is configured to remove foreign matter such as dust from the air when air from outside the hair dryer 1 is drawn into the protruding portion 23. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second air intake port 24 is located behind the first air intake port 22.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the grip portion 3 extends diagonally downward from between the air blower body 25 and the protruding portion 23. A power cable 31 for drawing in the power necessary for the operation of the hair dryer 1 from an external source is provided at the lower end of the grip portion 3. A switch 32 (see Figure 3) for operating the hair dryer 1 is also provided on the grip portion 3.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4, the circuit board 4 extends from the inside of the protruding portion 23 to the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3. The electronic components provided in the grip portion 3 include electronic components that constitute a power supply unit for supplying the power necessary for the operation of the hair dryer 1, and electronic components that constitute a control unit for controlling the operation of the hair dryer 1. More specifically, the power supply unit in the hair dryer 1 in this example includes an AC / DC converter circuit that converts the alternating current taken in from the power cable into a direct current.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the air blower 2 in the hair dryer 1 of this example has an air guiding means 5 positioned between the second air intake 24 and the outlet 21 in its internal space 20, which is configured to guide at least a portion of the air flowing in from the second air intake 24 into the internal space 30 of the grip section 3. As shown in Figure 5, the air guiding means 5 in the hair dryer 1 of this example more specifically includes a circuit board 4, an irradiation range restrictor 41, and a light-transmitting plate 42, which are positioned within the protruding portion 23.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the air guidance means 5 has an air guidance plate 51 positioned facing the second air intake port 24, and an air guidance passage 52 is provided between the air guidance plate 51 and the second air intake port 24. In addition, the air guidance passage 52 has an outlet 521 facing the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3. More specifically, the air guidance plate 51 in the hair dryer 1 of this example is made up of the portion of the peripheral wall portion 411 of the irradiation range restricting body 41 that faces the second air intake port 24, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Also, the air guidance passage 52 in the hair dryer 1 of this example is made up of the gap between the peripheral wall portion 411 and the second air intake port 24, as shown in Figure 4. The opening in this gap that faces the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 constitutes the outlet 521 of the air guidance passage 52.

[0060] The configuration of the air induction means 5 in this example will be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 4, the circuit board 4, the irradiation range restrictor 41, and the light-transmitting plate 42 are arranged within the protruding portion 23 at a distance from the second air intake port 24. The peripheral wall portion 411 of the irradiation range restrictor 41 faces the second air intake port 24 at a distance. The gap between the peripheral wall portion 411 and the second air intake port 24 opens into the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3.

[0061] Therefore, when air flows into the protruding portion 23 from the second air intake port 24, the airflow taken into the protruding portion 23 is blocked by the circuit board 4, the peripheral wall portion 411, and the light-transmitting plate 42, and the direction of the airflow is changed. At this time, at least a portion of the air flowing in from the second air intake port 24 is guided by the peripheral wall portion 411 into the gap between the peripheral wall portion 411 and the second air intake port 24, as shown by arrow F1 in Figure 4. Then, as shown by arrow F2 in Figure 4, the air that has passed through the gap between the peripheral wall portion 411 and the second air intake port 24 is guided into the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 through the opening facing the grip portion 3. By guiding air into the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 in this way, the exchange of air present in the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 can be promoted. As a result, the electronic components inside the grip portion 3 can be cooled efficiently.

[0062] Next, the effects of the hair dryer 1 in this example will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, the hair dryer 1 in this example has an air blower 2 and a grip portion 3 that extends in a direction different from the direction in which the air blower 2 extends, and the internal space 20 of the air blower 2 and the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 are in communication with each other. The air blower 2 also has a first air intake port 22 provided behind the outlet 21 and a second air intake port 24 provided at the rear end of the protruding portion 23. By providing a plurality of air intake ports 22 and 24 in the air blower 2 in this way, at least a portion of the air flowing into the internal space 20 of the air blower 2 from the air intake ports 22 and 24 can be guided to the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3. As a result, the electronic components placed in the grip portion 3 can be efficiently cooled, and an excessive rise in the temperature of the electronic components can be easily avoided.

[0063] Furthermore, the first air intake port 22 is located in front of the second air intake port 24. By arranging the first air intake port 22 and the second air intake port 24 at different positions in the extending direction of the air blower 2, the air taken into the internal space 20 of the air blower 2 from each air intake port 22, 24 can easily enter the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3. As a result, the electronic components placed in the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, a protrusion 23 is provided behind the grip portion 3 in the air blower 2. A second air intake 24 is also provided in the protrusion 23. By providing the second air intake 24 in the protrusion 23 in this way, the air taken into the protrusion 23 from the second air intake 24 can be more easily guided into the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3. As a result, the electronic components arranged in the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0065] Electronic components are placed in the internal space of the protruding portion 23. By placing the electronic components in the internal space of the protruding portion 23 in this way, the air taken into the protruding portion 23 from the second air intake port 24 can efficiently cool the electronic components placed in the protruding portion 23. As a result, excessive temperature rise of the electronic components inside the protruding portion 23 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0066] The blower unit 2 has a circuit board 4, an irradiation range restrictor 41, and a light-transmitting plate 42 as air guiding means 5 between the second air intake port 24 and the outlet port 21 in its internal space. These air guiding means 5 are positioned facing the second air intake port 24. Furthermore, the air guiding means 5 has a peripheral wall portion 411 as an air guiding plate 51 positioned facing the second air intake port 24, and an air guiding passage 52 is provided between the peripheral wall portion 411 and the second air intake port 24. The air guiding passage 52 has an outlet port 521 facing the internal space of the grip portion 3. Therefore, as described above, the hair dryer 1 in this example can easily guide the air flowing in from the second air intake port 24 through the internal space of the grip portion 3.

[0067] Furthermore, a power supply unit for supplying the power necessary for the operation of the hair dryer 1 is provided in the internal space of the grip section 3. Therefore, the power supply unit can be cooled more efficiently by the air introduced into the internal space of the grip section 3, making it easy to avoid an excessive rise in the temperature of the power supply unit.

[0068] As described above, according to the above embodiment, a hair dryer 1 can be provided that can efficiently cool the electronic components arranged in the grip portion 3.

[0069] (Example 2) In this example, another embodiment of the air guiding means 5 will be described. In this example, among the reference numerals used, those that are the same as those used in the previously described examples represent the same components as those in the previously described examples unless otherwise specified. As shown in Figure 6, the hair dryer 102 of this example has a blower unit 2 equipped with an outlet 21, a first air intake 22, a protruding part 23 and a second air intake 24, and a grip unit 3. The hair dryer 102 is configured so that a nozzle attachment 6 can be attached to the outlet 21 in a detachable manner. In addition, the mesh filter (not shown) of the first air intake 22 is attached in a manner that prevents it from being removed from the first air intake 22. Except for the points mentioned above, the configuration of these parts of the hair dryer 102 of this example is the same as the configuration of the corresponding parts of the hair dryer 1 of Example 1.

[0070] The nozzle attachment 6 is configured to change the airflow from the outlet 21 into the nozzle attachment 6, allowing it to be blown out in a desired manner. For example, the front end of the nozzle attachment 6 in this embodiment is provided with a flat nozzle 61, and is configured to blow out the air that flows into the nozzle attachment 6 from the outlet 21 through the flat nozzle 61. The shape of the nozzle 61 in the nozzle attachment 6 is not limited to the shape in this example, and can take various forms depending on the desired airflow.

[0071] The rear end of the nozzle attachment 6 is provided with an annular magnet 62 and a magnet holder 63 that holds the magnet 62. The magnet holder 63 has a cylindrical shape and is housed inside the outer wall 64 of the nozzle attachment 6. A ventilation hole (not shown) is provided between the magnet holder 63 and the outer wall 64 of the nozzle attachment 6 to guide the air flowing in from the outlet 21 to the nozzle 61. As shown in Figure 9, the magnet 62 is held at the rear end of the magnet holder 63.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the air outlet 21 is provided with a metal mesh cover 252. In addition, an annular portion 252a having an annular shape corresponding to the magnet 62 is provided in the center of the mesh cover 252.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9, when the rear end of the nozzle attachment 6 in this example is brought close to the air outlet 21, a magnetic attraction force is generated between the magnet 62 and the annular portion 252a of the mesh cover 252. This magnetic attraction force allows the nozzle attachment 6 to be attached to the air outlet 21 in a detachable manner.

[0074] Furthermore, when the nozzle attachment 6 is attached to the air outlet 21, a very small clearance is formed between the outer wall 64 of the nozzle attachment 6 and the inner circumferential surface 253 of the air blower body 25. This makes it less likely for the nozzle attachment 6 to come off the air outlet 21 even if it comes into contact with the user's hand or head, thereby improving the usability of the hair dryer 102.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, a blower 251 is provided in front of the first air intake 22 in the internal space of the blower unit body 25, which sends the air present in the internal space of the blower unit 2 and the grip unit 3 toward the outlet 21. In addition, a temperature control device 26 for adjusting the temperature of the air sent out from the blower 251 and an ionizer (not shown) for forming negative ions in the air sent out from the blower 251 are provided in front of the blower 251 in the internal space of the blower unit body 25.

[0076] The temperature control device 26 includes a heater 261 for heating the air and an object temperature sensor 262 positioned at the air outlet 21. The object temperature sensor 262 is configured to measure the temperature of an object facing the air outlet 21. The hair dryer 102 in this example is configured to adjust the output of the heater 261 based on user operation and the temperature of the object measured by the object temperature sensor 262. For convenience, the structure of the heater 261 is simplified in Figure 8.

[0077] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the object temperature sensor 262 in this example is located inside the annular portion 252a of the mesh cover 252. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the object temperature sensor 262 includes an IR sensor 263 that measures the temperature of an object using infrared rays, a sensor outer cylinder 264 that covers the side and bottom surfaces of the IR sensor 263, and a sensor cover 265 that is attached to the front end of the sensor outer cylinder 264 and covers the front of the IR sensor 263.

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, the sensor outer cylinder 264 has a frustoconical shape and is positioned such that the outer diameter at the rear end 264a is smaller than the outer diameter at the front end 264b. By positioning the frustoconical sensor outer cylinder 264 in such a way that the outer diameter at the rear end 264a is smaller than the outer diameter at the front end 264b, the airflow resistance of the air sent from the blower 251 can be further reduced.

[0079] The sensor cover 265 in this example has a flat plate shape and is made of silicone that can transmit infrared rays. By using a flat plate-shaped sensor cover 265 in this way, the intensity of infrared rays emitted from the object can be measured more accurately by the IR sensor 263. As a result, the temperature of the object can be measured more accurately.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10, the internal space 20 of the air blower 2 and the internal space 30 of the grip 3 are in communication. A circuit board 4 is arranged in the internal space 20 of the air blower 2 and the internal space 30 of the grip 3. Multiple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged as light-emitting elements 43 in the portion of the circuit board 4 that is located within the protruding portion 23. Although not shown in the figure, these light-emitting elements 43 are covered with a light-transmitting plate that diffuses the light from the LEDs. In addition, around some of the multiple light-emitting elements 43a, an irradiation range restrictor is provided to define the irradiation range of the light emitted from the light-emitting elements 43.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the air guidance means 5 in the hair dryer 102 of this example has a plurality of air guidance plates 53 configured to change the direction of the airflow that flows from the second air intake port 24 into the internal space of the protruding portion 23, and an air guidance path 54 is provided between adjacent air guidance plates 53. More specifically, the air guidance plates 53 in this example are arranged at intervals from each other along the mesh filter 241 of the second air intake port 24.

[0082] As shown in Figure 11, each air guide plate 53 has an upstream portion 531 facing the area from the inlet 541 of the air guide path 54 to the intermediate portion 542 between the inlet 541 and the outlet 543, a downstream portion 533 facing the area from the intermediate portion 542 of the air guide path 54 to the outlet 543, and a connecting portion 532 connecting the upstream portion 531 and the downstream portion 533. Both the upstream portion 531 and the downstream portion 533 have a flat plate shape. The air guide plate 53 is also bent at the connecting portion 532.

[0083] More specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the upstream section 531 extends in a direction inclined backward with respect to the vertical direction. The downstream section 533 extends from the connection point 532 with the upstream section 531 in a direction generally toward the internal space of the grip section 3. Therefore, the air that flows from the second air intake port 24 into the inlet 541 of the air guideway 54 is first guided generally upward by the upstream section 531, and then guided toward the internal space of the grip section 3 by the downstream section 533. Finally, it is blown out from the outlet 543 of the air guideway 54 toward the internal space of the grip section 3.

[0084] Thus, the air guide plate 53 in the hair dryer 102 of this example has an upstream portion 531 facing the range from the inlet 541 to the intermediate portion 542 of the air guide path 54, and a downstream portion 533 facing the range from the intermediate portion 542 to the outlet 543, with at least the downstream portion 533 extending toward the internal space 30 of the grip portion 3. Therefore, the downstream portion 533 can more reliably guide the air in the air guide path 54 to the grip portion 3, and can more reliably cool the electronic components placed inside the grip portion 3.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the protruding portion 23 of this example has a plurality of light-emitting elements 43. At least one air guide plate 53 is placed between each light-emitting element 43 and the inlet 541 of the air guide passage 54. The air guide plate 53 is positioned so that the light-emitting elements 43 are not visible from the inlet 541 of the air guide passage 54. In this way, in the hair dryer 102 of this example, the space between each light-emitting element 43 and the inlet 541 of the air guide passage 54 is blocked by the air guide plate 53. Therefore, the light generated from the light-emitting elements 43 in the protruding portion 23 that is directed toward the air guide passage 54 can be blocked by the air guide plate 53. As a result, light leakage into the inlet 541 of the air guide passage 54 can be avoided, and the design of the hair dryer 102 can be further enhanced. In addition, the hair dryer 102 of this example can achieve the same effects as the hair dryer 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0086] Although the embodiments of the hair dryer have been described above based on the examples, the specific embodiments of the hair dryer according to the present invention are not limited to those of the examples, and the configuration can be modified as appropriate without impairing the spirit of the present invention.

[0087] For example, in the embodiment, an example was shown in which a circuit board or the like placed inside the protruding portion is configured to also function as an air guide means. However, the specific form of the air guide means is not limited to the embodiment. For example, if a projection or plate-like structure is erected on the inner surface of the protruding portion at a position facing the second air intake port, these projections or plate-like structures can also be made to function as air guide means. Also, for example, if a relatively large electronic component is provided inside the protruding portion, this electronic component can also be made to function as an air guide means.

[0088] Furthermore, the hair dryer may take the following forms [1] to [9].

[0089] [1] A hair dryer having an air blower section extending in one direction and a grip section extending in a direction different from the direction of extension of the air blower section, wherein the internal space of the air blower section and the internal space of the grip section are in communication, and the air blower section has an air outlet provided at its front end, a first air intake provided behind the air outlet, a protruding section that protrudes further rearward than the grip section, and a second air intake provided on the protruding section.

[0090] [2] The hair dryer according to [1], wherein the first air intake is provided in front of the second air intake. [3] The hair dryer according to [1] or [2], wherein a power supply unit for supplying the power necessary for the operation of the hair dryer is provided in the internal space of the grip portion. [4] The hair dryer according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein electronic components are arranged in the internal space of the protruding portion. [5] The hair dryer according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the air blower is arranged between the second air intake and the outlet in its internal space and has an air guiding means configured to guide at least a portion of the air flowing in from the second air intake into the internal space of the grip portion.

[0091] [6] The hair dryer according to [5], wherein the air guiding means is provided at a position facing the second air intake. [7] The hair dryer according to [6], wherein the air guiding means has a plurality of air guiding plates configured to change the direction of the airflow that has entered the internal space of the protrusion from the second air intake, and an air guiding path is provided between adjacent air guiding plates. [8] The hair dryer according to [7], wherein the air guiding plate has an upstream portion facing the range from the inlet to the intermediate portion between the inlet and outlet of the air guiding path, and a downstream portion facing the range from the intermediate portion to the outlet, and at least the downstream portion extends in a direction toward the internal space of the grip. [9] The hair dryer according to [7] or [8], wherein the protrusion has at least one light-emitting element, and the space between the light-emitting element and the inlet of the air guiding path is blocked by the air guiding plate.

[0092] Furthermore, the hair dryer may take the form described in [2-1] below.

[0093] [2-1] A hair dryer having a blower section extending in one direction and a grip section extending in a direction different from the direction of extension of the blower section, wherein the blower section has an air outlet provided at its front end and an air intake provided behind the air outlet, and the air outlet has an object temperature sensor comprising an IR sensor for measuring the temperature of an object by infrared radiation, a sensor outer cylinder covering the side and bottom surfaces of the IR sensor, and a sensor cover attached to the front end of the sensor outer cylinder and covering the front of the IR sensor, wherein the sensor cover has a flat plate shape.

[0094] In this way, by making the sensor cover of the object temperature sensor a flat plate shape, the intensity of infrared radiation emitted from the object can be accurately measured by the IR sensor. As a result, the temperature of the object can be measured accurately.

Claims

1. A hair dryer having a blower section extending in one direction and a grip section extending in a direction different from the direction of extension of the blower section, wherein the internal space of the blower section and the internal space of the grip section are in communication, and the blower section has an air outlet provided at its front end, a first air intake provided behind the air outlet, a protruding section that protrudes rearward from the grip section, and a second air intake provided on the protruding section.

2. The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein the first air intake is provided in front of the second air intake.

3. The hair dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a power supply unit for supplying power necessary for the operation of the hair dryer is provided in the internal space of the grip portion.

4. The hair dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an electronic component is arranged in the internal space of the protruding portion.

5. The hair dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air blower has an air guiding means positioned between the second air intake and the outlet in its internal space, and configured to guide at least a portion of the air flowing in from the second air intake into the internal space of the grip.

6. The hair dryer according to claim 5, wherein the air guide means is provided at a position facing the second air intake port.

7. The hair dryer according to claim 6, wherein the air guiding means has a plurality of air guiding plates configured to change the direction of the airflow that flows from the second air intake into the internal space of the protruding portion, and an air guiding path is provided between adjacent air guiding plates.

8. The hair dryer according to claim 7, wherein the air guide plate has an upstream portion facing the range from the inlet to the intermediate portion between the inlet and outlet in the air guide path, and a downstream portion facing the range from the intermediate portion to the outlet, and at least the downstream portion extends toward the internal space of the grip portion.

9. The hair dryer according to claim 7, wherein the protruding portion has at least one light-emitting element, and the space between the light-emitting element and the inlet of the air guide path is blocked by the air guide plate.

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