HEATED AIR BLOWER

Abstract

 A heated air blower includes an energization control unit that controls on and off states of energization of a heater unit. The energization control unit includes a first energization control mode in which when a hot and cold mode is selected, control is executed in a manner that an energization time for energizing the heater unit in a predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 W·s. It is thus possible to provide a heated air blower that can further enhance a hair treatment effect.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heated air blower.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5504227 (hereinafter, referred to as PTL 1) proposes a heated air blower that includes an air blower unit that discharges, from a blower port, air sucked from an inlet port and a heater unit that heats the air blown by the air blower unit.

[0003] In PTL 1, as the heater unit is intermittently energized, an operation mode is automatically and alternately switched between a hot air mode and a cold air mode. That is, hot air and cold air are alternately discharged from a discharge port of the heated air blower in a predetermined period.

[0004] The hot air and the cold air are alternately discharged from the discharge port to be alternately applied to hair, so that a hair straightening effect, an accompanying glossing effect, and the like are given to the hair.

[0005] Specifically, when the hot air is applied to the hair, the hair is heated and thus hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken. For this reason, if the hair is fixed using hands, a brush, or the like while the hot air is applied to the hair (the hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken), it is possible to set the hair in a desired style (a straightening style or the like) more easily. On the other hand, when the cold air is applied to the hair in which the hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken, the hair is cooled and thus the hair fibers are hydrogen-bonded. For this reason, if the cold air is applied to the hair fixed in a desired style for cooling the hair, hair fibers in the hair fixed in the desired style are hydrogen-bonded, and thus it is possible to keep the hair in the desired style.

[0006] As described above, as the hot air and the cold air are alternately discharged from the discharge port, it is possible to set the hair in a desired style, thus enhancing a hair treatment effect.

SUMMARY

[0007] When hair ends are fixed using a brush or the like, however, it is difficult to continuously tension the hair ends. Consequently, it might be impossible to obtain a sufficient treatment effect.

[0008] In addition, in the conventional technique described above, an energization time to a heater unit is 3 seconds to 10 seconds and a period of switching between hot air and cold air is 12 seconds. Such time and period are relatively long. For this reason, if the hair ends are continuously tensioned using hands, hot air is applied to the hands for a long time and thus it is difficult to continuously tension the hair ends using the hands. As a result, it might be impossible to obtain a sufficient treatment effect.

[0009] As described above, according to the conventional technique described above, it is difficult to fix hair ends using hands, a brush, or the like because of heat and a treatment operation, and thus it might be impossible to apply a sufficient treatment effect to hair.

[0010] To solve the above conventional problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heated air blower capable of enhancing a hair treatment effect.

[0011] In order to solve the above conventional problems, a heated air blower according to the present disclosure includes a housing that includes an air blowing path from a suction port to a discharge port and constitutes a contour, an air blower unit that is provided in the housing and discharges air sucked from the suction port from the discharge port, and a heater unit that is provided in the housing and heats air blown by the air blower unit.

[0012] The heated air blower further includes an air blowing mode selector that selects a hot and cold mode for alternately discharging hot air and cold air from the discharge port in a predetermined period and an energization control unit that controls on and off states of energization of the heater unit.

[0013] The energization control unit includes a first energization control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by the air blowing mode selector, control is executed in a manner that an energization time for energizing the heater unit in the predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 W-s.

[0014] It is thus possible to achieve a temperature of hair that is required for treatment such as hair straightening (a temperature of the hair at which hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken) in a relatively short time and to easily fix hair ends, thus improving a hair treatment effect.

[0015] With the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a heated air blower that can further enhance a hair treatment effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

FIG. 1 is a side view of a heated air blower according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the heated air blower according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heated air blower according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an upper interior portion of the heated air blower according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an inner nozzle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the inner nozzle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a modification of the inner nozzle;

FIG. 6B is a front view of the modification of the inner nozzle;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an air flow passing through the inner nozzle shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an air flow passing through the inner nozzle shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a part of an electrical system of the heated air blower according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between an air volume and a property of keeping hair ends;

FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between an input energy and a hot air temperature;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an energized state of a heater unit and an amount of charged particles generated in respective air blowing modes;

FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram showing operations of an air blower unit and a heater unit and a generation state of charged particles in a hot air mode and a hot and cold mode; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the heated air blower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A heated air blower according to the present disclosure includes a housing that includes an air blowing path from a suction port to a discharge port and constitutes a contour, an air blower unit that is provided in the housing and discharges air sucked from the suction port from the discharge port, and a heater unit that is provided in the housing and heats air blown by the air blower unit.

[0018] The heated air blower further includes an air blowing mode selector that selects a hot and cold mode for alternately discharging hot air and cold air from the discharge port in a predetermined period and an energization control unit that controls on and off states of energization of the heater unit.

[0019] The energization control unit includes a first energization control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by the air blowing mode selector, control is executed in a manner that an energization time for energizing the heater unit in the predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 W.s.

[0020] It is thus possible to achieve a temperature of hair that is required for treatment such as hair straightening (a temperature of the hair at which hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken) in a relatively short time and to easily fix hair ends, thus improving a hair treatment effect.

[0021] The heated air blower may further include an air volume control unit that controls a volume of air discharged from the discharge port by the air blower unit, and the air volume control unit may include a first air blowing control mode in which control is executed in a manner that a volume of air discharged from the discharge port is equal to or less than 1 m³/min.

[0022] The first energization control mode may be operated while the first air blowing control mode is operated.

[0023] It is thus possible to prevent hair ends from becoming excessively untangled (becoming too loose) when air is applied to the hair ends and thus to transmit heat to the hair ends more stably. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hair treatment effect.

[0024] The heated air blower may further include a charged-particle generator that is provided in the housing and generates charged particles and a charged-particle generation amount control unit that controls an amount of charged particles generated in the charged-particle generator.

[0025] The charged-particle generation amount control unit may include a first charged-particle generation amount control mode and a second charged-particle generation amount control mode for generating an amount of charged particles different from an amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode.

[0026] The first charged-particle generation amount control mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be operated in a state where the first energization control mode is operated, and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be operated at least somewhere in a time during which heater unit is energized.

[0027] It is thus possible to change an amount of charged particles generated depending on a state of the hair, and it is possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the hair. It is thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.

[0028] The amount of charged particles generated in the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be larger than the amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode.

[0029] It is thus possible to change the amount of charged particles generated depending on the state of the hair, and it is possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the hair even when conductivity on the surface of the hair is changed. It is thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.

[0030] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiment.

(First exemplary embodiment)

[0031] Hair dryer 1 functioning as a heated air blower according to a first exemplary embodiment includes grip 1a functioning as a part gripped by the hand of a user and main body 1b coupled to grip 1a in a direction of crossing grip 1a. In addition, hair dryer 1 is configured to be foldable and in use, a substantially T-shaped or L-shaped appearance (in the first exemplary embodiment, a substantially T-shaped appearance) is formed by grip 1a and main body 1b.

[0032] Power cord 2 is drawn from a projecting end of grip 1a. Grip 1a is divided into base part 1c on a side of main body 1b and distal end 1d. Base 1c and distal end 1d are rotatably connected to each other via connecting part 1e. Distal end 1d can be folded into a position along main body 1b.

[0033] Housing 3 forming an outer wall (constituting a contour) of hair dryer 1 is configured by connecting a plurality of divided pieces. A space is formed within housing 3 and various electrical components are accommodated in the space.

[0034] Wind tunnel (air blowing path) 4 from entrance opening (suction port) 4a on one side (a right side) in a longitudinal direction of main body 1b (a horizontal direction in FIG. 3) to exit opening (discharge port) 4b is formed within main body 1b. Air blower unit 5 is accommodated in wind tunnel 4. Air blower unit 5 includes fan 5a and motor 5b for rotating fan 5a. When motor 5b is driven to rotate fan 5a, air flow W is formed. Air flow W enters wind tunnel 4 from outside through entrance opening 4a, mainly flows in wind tunnel 4, and discharges to outside from exit opening 4b.

[0035] In the first exemplary embodiment, entrance opening (suction port) 4a is covered by mesh frame 81. Openings of frame 81 are shaped in a honeycomb pattern. As shown in FIG. 3, mesh 82 with an aperture rate of approximately 55% to 90% and a mesh width of approximately 300 µm to 650 µm is integrally molded with frame 81. For example, a metal and a flame-retardant resin such as polyester may be used for mesh 82. As mesh 82 with a fine mesh width is integrally molded, it is possible to more reliably prevent fine dusts and hairs from entering an air flow path.

[0036] In main body 1b, substantially cylindrical inner cylinder 6 is provided within outer cylinder 3a of housing 3. Air flow W mainly flows inside inner cylinder 6. In inside of inner cylinder 6, fan 5a is disposed on a most upstream side, motor 5b for driving fan 5a is disposed on a downstream side of fan 5a, and heater 8 functioning as a heater unit is disposed on a downstream side of motor 5b.

[0037] When heater 8 is operated, hot air is blown from exit opening 4b. In the first exemplary embodiment, heater 8 is configured by winding and disposing a band-shaped and corrugated electrical resistor around an inner circumference of inner cylinder 6, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

[0038] Inner cylinder 6 includes cylindrical part 6a, a plurality of support ribs 6b (only one support rib 6b is shown in FIG. 3) that extend radially outward from cylindrical part 6a and are circumferentially disposed in a dispersed manner, and a flange 6c that is connected via support ribs 6b to cylindrical part 6a and projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of cylindrical part 6a.

[0039] Gap g1 is formed between cylindrical part 6a and flange 6c. A part of air flow W branches from air flow W and flows through gap g1 into space 9 (a branch flow is formed). Gap g1 functioning as an introduction port of the branch flow into space 9 is provided at a position downstream of fan 5a and upstream of heater 8. Consequently, the branch flow is a relatively cold air flow before being heated by heater 8.

[0040] A part of the branch flow having flown into space 9 is further branched. A resultant branch flow passes between inner cylinder 6 and housing 3 to be blown from an outer circumferential part of exit opening 4b. The part of the branch flow is a relatively cold air flow that does not pass through metal-particle blowing ports (charged-particle discharge ports) 20a, 20b and mist blowing port (charged-particle discharge port) 20c that are described later but passes between inner cylinder 6 and housing 3 to be blown from the outer circumferential part of exit opening 4b.

[0041] In the first exemplary embodiment, a substantially arc-shaped through-hole (opening) 3b is formed at a position on a side of exit opening 4b of space 9 in housing 3. Through-hole 3b is closed by cover 20 made of an insulating synthetic resin material. Cover 20 is moved from a downstream side to an upstream side with respect to housing 3, thus being attached to housing 3.

[0042] Substantially cylindrical outer nozzle 20f is integrally formed on a downstream side of cover 20. As cover 20 is attached to housing 3, an outer circumference of exit opening 4b is defined by outer nozzle 20f.

[0043] Substantially cylindrical inner nozzle 21 with a smaller diameter than outer nozzle 20f is attached to a downstream end of inner cylinder 6. A downstream side opening of inner nozzle 21 is a part of exit opening 4b.

[0044] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, inner nozzle 21 is attached to the downstream end of inner cylinder 6 and cover 20 is attached to housing 3. A nozzle with a double-cylinder structure is thus constituted by outer nozzle 20f and inner nozzle 21.

[0045] Most of air flow W formed by driving air blower unit 5 is introduced in inner cylinder 6 and becomes main air flow W1 blown from the opening of inner nozzle 21 (a center of exit opening 4b). A part of air flow W becomes branch flow W2 or branch flow W3. Branch flow W2 is an air flow that flows into space 9, does not pass through metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing port 20c, but is blown from between outer nozzle 20f and inner nozzle 21 (an outer circumferential side of exit opening 4b). Branch flow W3 is an air flow that flows into space 9 and is blown from metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing port 20c.

[0046] In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, main air flow W1 is blown from two windows (first window 231 and second window 232) formed in inner nozzle 21 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 7).

[0047] Specifically, inner nozzle 21 includes substantially cylindrical main body 210 and frame 220 that divides an internal space in main body 210 into two spaces. Frame 220 is formed to vertically extend on a horizontal direction center part of main body 210. Windows 231, 232 are thus formed on left and right of inner nozzle 21, respectively.

[0048] A plurality of attachment pieces 211 are formed on an outer circumference of main body 210. As attachment pieces 211 engage with inner cylinder 6, inner nozzle 21 is attached to inner cylinder 6.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, frame 220 is formed to have a substantially U-shaped cross section cut along a horizontal direction. That is, paired left and right walls 221, 221 formed on a downstream side of frame 220 extend substantially in parallel in a front-rear direction (an air blowing direction).

[0050] As inner nozzle 21 with such a configuration is used and an air flow is discharged from two windows 231, 232, air (hot air or cold air) can be equally applied to the hair. In addition, as air is equally applied to the hair, the hair can be properly untangled (become loose), so that it is possible to further improve hair drying performance.

[0051] When inner nozzle 21 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is used to discharge air from exit opening 4b, however, a negative pressure is generated near the downstream side of frame 220. For this reason, if main air flow W1 discharged from inner nozzle 21 branches into two air flows (two air bundles), the two air flows join at a relatively early stage (see Fig. 7). Consequently, if inner nozzle 21 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is used, it is highly possible that almost one air flow bundle is applied to the hair, and thus it might be impossible to improve the hair drying performance.

[0052] To handle such a case, it is preferable to use inner nozzle 21A shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 8 instead of inner nozzle 21.

[0053] Inner nozzle 21A also includes substantially cylindrical main body 210A and frame 220A that divides an internal space in main body 210A into two spaces. Frame 220A is formed to vertically extend on a horizontal direction center part of main body 210A. Windows 231A, 232A are thus formed on left and right of inner nozzle 21A, respectively.

[0054] A plurality of attachment pieces 211A are formed on an outer circumference of main body 210A. As attachment pieces 211A engage with inner cylinder 6, inner nozzle 21A is attached to inner cylinder 6.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, in inner nozzle 21A, frame 220A is formed to have a substantially V-shaped cross section cut along a horizontal direction. That is, paired left and right walls 221A, 221A formed on a downstream side of frame 220A are provided to be spaced apart from each other toward the downstream side. Main air flow W1 blown from inner nozzle 21A is thus more reliably branched into two air flows (two air bundles).

[0056] In addition, in inner nozzle 21A, grooves 212A, 212A recessed toward a center of main body 210A are formed at upper and lower ends of main body 210A, respectively. Grooves 212A, 212A are formed in a manner that a depth on a downstream side is deeper than a depth on an upstream side.

[0057] When grooves 212A, 212A are provided in main body 210A, if air is discharged from exit opening 4b, branch flow W2 blown from between outer nozzle 20f and inner nozzle 21 (the outer circumferential side of exit opening 4b) flows into a center part on the downstream side of frame 220A. The negative pressure generated near the downstream side of frame 220A can thus be alleviated.

[0058] As described above, if inner nozzle 21A is used instead of inner nozzle 21, it is possible to prevent a negative pressure from being generated near the downstream side of frame 220A. It is thus possible to more reliably keep two branched air flows (two air bundles). As a result, the two air flows (the two air bundles) can be applied to the hair and the hair can be properly untangled (become loose). It is thus possible to further improve the hair drying performance.

[0059] Two (a plurality of) metal-particle generators (ion generators: charged-particle generators) 30, 40, mist generator (ion generator: charged-particle generator) 50, voltage application circuit 12 for applying voltage to mist generator 50, and the like are accommodated in space 9 formed between housing 3 and inner cylinder 6 in main body 1b. Voltage application circuit 13 for applying voltage to metal-particle generators 30, 40 is accommodated in a part of space 9 different from the part in which voltage application circuit 12 is accommodated.

[0060] Voltage application circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13 are preferably disposed in grip 1a or in a region in main body 1b on an extension of grip 1a. This is because when a user holds grip 1a, a load acting on the user's hand is reduced by reducing a rotational moment due to a mass of voltage application circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13.

[0061] In addition, voltage application circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13 are preferably disposed to be opposite to each other with inner cylinder 6 interposed between voltage application circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13. It is thus possible to prevent a fault such as a decrease in voltage or unstable voltage caused by interference between voltage application circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13.

[0062] Moreover, in the first exemplary embodiment, switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 that switches (selects) between hot air and cold air, selects an operation mode, and the like is provided on a side surface of main body 1b (a part of space 9 different from the part in which voltage application circuit 12 is accommodated).

[0063] Another switch (air blowing mode selector) 16 that switches on or off a power supply and the like is provided at distal end 1d of grip 1a. These electrical components are connected to each other by lead wires 17 formed by covering a core wire made of a metal conductor or the like with an insulating resin or the like.

[0064] It is preferable to wire lead wire 17 connected to metal-particle generator 30, lead wire 17 connected to metal-particle generator 40, and lead wire 17 connected to mist generator 50 so as to be spaced away from each other without crossing with each other. This is for the purpose of preventing desired voltage from being incapable of obtaining in metal-particle generators 30, 40 or mist generator 50 and voltage from being unstable because of interference of current flowing in lead wires 17.

[0065] In the first exemplary embodiment, switch 16 is configured to be capable of switching between an open state and a closed state of an internal contact by operating operator 16a exposed on a surface of housing 3. As operator 16a is vertically slid, an open-closed state of the internal contact can be switched in multi-step.

[0066] For example, it is possible to switch between four modes, that is, power-off, weak air, moderate air, and strong air. In this case, when operator 16a is at a bottom position, the power is off.

[0067] When operator 16a is slid upward from the bottom position by one step, the power is switched on and weak air is blown. When operator 16a is further slid upward by one step, moderate air is blown. When operator 16a is slid to a top position, strong air is blown.

[0068] Meanwhile, switch 19 that switches between hot air and cold air, performs an operation mode, and the like is configured to be capable of switching between an open-state and a closed-state of an internal contact by operating (pressing) operator 19a formed on the surface (the side surface) of housing 3. Display 14 for displaying a currently selected mode is formed above operator 19a.

[0069] Switch 19 and display 14 are electrically connected to controller 10.

[0070] In the first exemplary embodiment, by operating operator 19a, it is possible to switch between four air temperature modes, that is, "HOT", "HOT AND COLD", "COLD", and "SCALP". In this case, characters and the like for recognizing a currently selected mode are displayed on display 14.

[0071] An example of a method of displaying each mode on display 14 is described below.

[0072] "HOT" is a mode for outputting hot air in which a temperature of air applied to the hair during normal use is from approximately 70°C to 80°C. When the mode for outputting hot air is selected, characters "HOT" are displayed on display 14.

[0073] "HOT AND COLD" is a mode for alternately outputting hot air and cold air, for example, (hot air for 5 seconds and cold air for 7 seconds) or (hot air for 2 seconds and cold air for 6 seconds). When "HOT AND COLD" mode is selected, an arrow is displayed on display 14, and "HOT" and "COLD" are alternately displayed according to an output of hot air or cold air.

[0074] "COLD" is a mode for outputting cold air in which the temperature of air applied to the hair during normal use is approximately 30°C. When the mode for outputting cold air is selected, characters "COLD" are displayed on display 14.

[0075] "SCALP" is a mode for outputting low-temperature air in which the temperature of air applied to the hair during normal use is approximately 50°C. "SCALP" mode is set as a mode selected mainly when a scalp is taken care of. When the "SCALP" mode is selected, characters "SCALP" are displayed on display 14.

[0076] When operator 16a is slid upward to switch on the power supply, controller 10 is energized, heater 8 is driven by a drive signal based on a current air blowing mode, and a display of display 14 is controlled to display the current air blowing mode. When operator 16a is slid upward to simply switch on the power supply, the "HOT" mode is selected and hot air is blown.

[0077] Every time when operator 19a is operated, a pressing signal is transmitted to controller 10 and an air temperature state is switched in an order of the "HOT AND COLD" mode, the "COLD" mode, the "SCALP" mode, and the "HOT" mode.

[0078] In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, characters "SKIN" are formed on display 14. When "COLD" is selected in the weak air mode, "SKIN" as well as "COLD" is displayed.

[0079] That is, when "COLD" is selected in the weak air mode, the hair dryer can also be used in the "SKIN" mode. The "SKIN" mode is selected when skin is taken care of, that is, cold air containing mist or the like is applied to skin to keep an appropriate moisturized state of the skin.

[0080] The above description is only an example, and various methods may be used as the method of displaying each mode. For the mode for switching between hot air and cold air, it is possible to set various modes.

[0081] As described above, metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports) 20a, 20b and mist blowing port (ion discharge port) 20c are independently formed in cover 20.

[0082] Ion flow path 4c in which ions flow is formed in the front of mist generator (ion generator: charged-particle generator) 50 and metal-particle generators (ion generators: charged-particle generators) 30, 40. Metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports) 20a, 20b and mist blowing port (ion discharge port) 20c are thus provided on a downstream side of ion flow path 4c.

[0083] Cover 20 preferably has lower conductivity than housing 3 for the purpose of preventing cover 20 from being charged by metal particles or mist. This is because if cover 20 is charged, charged metal particles, minus ions, and mist are difficult to be discharged from metal-particle generators 30, 40 and mist generator 50 because of electric charges.

[0084] To prevent cover 20 from being charged, it is preferable to form cover 20 using a material that hardly causes charging, for example, a PC (polycarbonate) resin so that cover 20 is made of a material that hardly causes charging. In this part, cover 20 constitutes the contour of dryer 1.

[0085] It is also possible to remove electricity from cover 20 by abutting an electrode of mist generator (ion generator: charged-particle generator) 50 against cover 20.

[0086] In the first exemplary embodiment, an aperture diameter of metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b is smaller than an aperture diameter of mist blowing port 20c. That is, it is possible to perform maintenance of mist generator 50 or to check a state of mist generator 50 more easily via mist blowing port 20c. In addition, it is possible to prevent fingers, tools, or the like from accidentally entering metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b.

[0087] In the first exemplary embodiment, metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports) 20a, 20b are formed in peripheral part 20d of mist blowing port 20c.

[0088] Specifically, metal-particle blowing port 20a and metal-particle blowing port 20b are provided in parallel in a manner that mist blowing port 20c is at a center.

[0089] That is, in cover 20, metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing port 20c are formed in a manner that metal-particle blowing port 20a, mist blowing port 20c, and metal-particle blowing port 20b are disposed in this order in a width direction of dryer 1 (a horizontal direction in FIG.2).

[0090] As metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing port 20c are disposed as described above, it is possible to prevent negatively charged mist from being externally diffused (scattered) by minus ions blown from metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports) 20a, 20b that are formed in peripheral part 20d of mist blowing port 20c.

[0091] As a result, straightness of mist is improved and the mist easily reaches the hair. As a result, it is possible to more enhance a hair care effect.

[0092] In addition, wall 20e is provided below mist blowing port 20c and on a downstream side of mist blowing port 20c such that wall 20e extends in a mist blowing direction. As wall 20e is provided, it is possible to prevent mist blown from mist blowing port 20c from being diffused (scattered) downward.

[0093] Metal-particle generators 30, 40 and mist generator 50 are disposed in parallel in space 9 in an order of metal-particle generator 30, mist generator 50, and metal-particle generator 40 in the width direction of dryer 1 (the horizontal direction in FIG.2).

[0094] Shielding plate (partition) 6d is provided between mist generator 50 and metal-particle generators (minus-ion generators) 30, 40 adjacent to mist generator 50.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4, shielding plate 6d is disposed to be extended in a vertical direction of dryer 1 and a mist blowing direction (a horizontal direction of FIG. 4), and thus it is possible to prevent metal particles and mist from being mixed with each other before being blown from metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing port 20c.

[0096] For metal-particle generators 30, 40, it is possible to use a conventionally known device, such as a metal-particle generation device that includes a discharge electrode (a first electrode) made of a conductive metal material and a discharge counter electrode (a second electrode).

[0097] In addition, a conventionally known mist generator may be used as mist generator 50. For example, it is possible to use an electrostatic atomizer in which water in air condenses on a surface of a cooling plate cooled by a Peltier element to become condensed water, the condensed water is then atomized by discharging, and thus nanometer-sized fine mist (negatively charged mist containing minus ions) is generated.

[0098] In the first exemplary embodiment, mist generator (ion generator) 50 functions as a charged-particle generator that discharges mist (charged-particle water containing charged particles).

[0099] In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, charging unit (charging panel) 1f that can change a charged state of the hair is provided. Charging unit If is provided near grip 1a. Specifically, charging unit 1f is made of a conductive resin (a conductive member) exposed on an outer surface of grip 1a.

[0100] In the first exemplary embodiment, controller 10 controls an energization time of heater (heater unit) 8, a number of rotations of motor 5b, and an amount of charged particles generated in charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50, thus being capable of applying air in various states to the hair.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 9, controller 10 includes energization control unit 10a that controls on and off states of energization of heater (heater unit) 8 and air volume control unit 10b that controls a volume of air discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b by air blower unit 5. In addition, controller 10 includes charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c that controls an amount of charged particles generated in charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50 (see FIG. 9).

[0102] Signals from switch (air blowing mode selector) 16 and switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 are input to controller 10.

[0103] That is, when switch (air blowing mode selector) 16 or switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 is operated and a desired air blowing mode (for example, a mode for discharging strong hot air or the like) is selected, signals from switch 16 or switch 19 are input to controller 10.

[0104] When signals from switch 16 or switch 19 are input to controller 10, energization control unit 10a, air volume control unit 10b, and charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c are operated to control the energization of heater (heater unit) 8, the number of rotations of motor 5b, and the amount of charged particles generated in a manner that a desired air blowing mode is achieved.

[0105] In the first exemplary embodiment, energization control unit 10a controls on and off of energization of heater (heater unit) 8. When the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched off, cold air is discharged. When the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched on, two types of energization, that is, relatively low power energization and relatively high power energization are performed (see FIG. 13). When the relatively low power energization is performed, hot air with relatively low temperature is discharged. When the relatively high power energization is performed, hot air with relatively high temperature is discharged. When the relatively low power energization is performed, the power energizes with 600W per second. When the relatively high power energization is performed, the power energizes with 1200W per second.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 13, air volume control unit 10b controls the number of rotations of motor 5b. If a rotation of motor 5b (drive of motor 5b) is stopped, air blowing by air blower unit 5 is stopped. In addition, if motor 5b is driven with a relatively small number of rotations, a relatively small volume of air is blown by air blower unit 5. In addition, if motor 5b is driven with a relatively large number of rotations, a relatively large volume of air is blown by air blower unit 5.

[0107] When the relatively small volume of air is blown, it is preferable to set an air volume to be equal to or less than 1 m³/min (for example, 0.7 m³/min). It is thus possible to improve a property of keeping hair ends when being applied to air (see FIG. 10). Meanwhile, when the relatively large volume of air is blown, it is preferable to set the air volume to be exceeding 1 m³/min (for example, 1.3 m³/min). It is thus possible to fix or dry the hair other than the hair ends more efficiently. The air volume can be calculated by, for example, an area of exit opening (discharge port) 4b and a flow rate (an average speed) of air discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b.

[0108] While FIG. 13 shows a case where the volume of air blown by air blower unit 5 is switched in two steps, as shown in the first exemplary embodiment, when the air volume is switched in three steps, that is, switched between strong air, moderate air, and weak air, the number of rotations of motor 5b may be controlled according to each mode.

[0109] An air volume of 1 m³/min or less or an air volume exceeding 1 m³/min may be selected by switch 16 switched in three steps. For example, it is possible to set the air volume to be equal to or less than 1 m³/min in a weak air mode. In addition, it is possible to set the air volume to be exceeding 1 m³/min in a moderate air mode and a strong air mode. In any of the strong air mode, the moderate air mode, and the weak air mode, the air volume may be set to be exceeding 1 m³/min, and when a switch separately provided is operated, the air volume may be set to be equal to or less than 1 m³/min.

[0110] Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c controls voltage applied to voltage application circuits 12, 13. If applied voltage is controlled to be relatively low, an amount of charged particles generated is also reduced. In addition, if the applied voltage is controlled to be relatively high, the amount of charged particles generated is also increased. The voltage applied to voltage application circuits 12, 13 may be appropriately set, for example, in a range from -1 KV to -3 KV.

[0111] In hair dryer 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, it is possible to select various modes according to applications such as hair drying and hair treatment and parts of the hair subjected to drying and treatment (hair ends, hair roots, or the like). When these modes are selected, control shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

[0112] Specifically, when the hot air mode is selected in a mode for discharging an air volume exceeding 1 m³/min, air volume control unit 10b executes control to increase the number of rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to increase the energization of heater (heater unit) 8. Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.

[0113] When the cold air mode is selected in the mode for discharging an air volume exceeding 1 m³/min, air volume control unit 10b executes control to increase the number of rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to switch off the energization of heater (heater unit) 8. Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.

[0114] When the hot and cold mode is selected in the mode for discharging an air volume exceeding 1 m³/min, air volume control unit 10b executes control to increase the number of rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to repeatedly and alternately increase and switch off the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period. Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes control to increase the amount of charged particles generated. In this mode, a period of the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is relatively long, for example, 12 seconds, a time t1 during which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is high is 5 seconds, and a time t2 during which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched off is 7 seconds (see FIG. 13).

[0115] Meanwhile, when the hot air mode is selected in a mode for discharging an air volume of 1 m³/min or less, air volume control unit 10b executes control to reduce the number of rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to reduce the energization of heater (heater unit) 8. Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.

[0116] Meanwhile, when the cold air mode is selected in the mode for discharging an air volume of 1 m³/min or less, air volume control unit 10b executes control to reduce the number of rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to switch off the energization of heater (heater unit) 8. Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.

[0117] When the hot and cold mode is selected in the mode for discharging an air volume of 1 m³/min or less, air volume control unit 10b executes control to reduce the number of rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to repeatedly and alternately increase and switch off the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period. Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes control to alternately increase and reduce the amount of charged particles generated. In this mode, the period of the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is relatively short, for example, 8 seconds, a time t3 during which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is high is 2 seconds (equal to or less than 3 seconds), and a time t4 during which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched off is 6 seconds (see FIG. 13). Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c increases the amount of charged particles generated during the total period in which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched on, and reduces the amount of charged particles generated during the total period in which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched off.

[0118] In the first exemplary embodiment, when the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is repeated in a relatively short period, within this period, an energization time for energizing heater (heater unit) 8 is set to be equal to or less than 3 seconds and a product of power input to heater (heater unit) 8 and the energization time is set to be equal to or larger than 1000 W.s.

[0119] Consequently, energization control unit 10a according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a first energization control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by switch (air blowing mode selector) 19, control is executed in a manner that the energization time for energizing heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and the product of the power input to heater (heater unit) 8 and the energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 W.s.

[0120] If the energization time for energizing heater (heater unit) 8 is equal to or less than 3 seconds, when hot air is applied to hair ends held by the hand, it is possible to prevent the hair ends from being incapable of being held by the hand because of the hot air.

[0121] If the product of the power input to heater (heater unit) 8 and the energization time is set to be equal to or larger than 1000 W.s, a temperature of hot air can be equal to or higher than 60°C (a temperature of the hair required for treatment such as hair straightening treatment) and thus it is possible to achieve a hair treatment effect.

[0122] Consequently, if hair dryer 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment is used to select the hot and cold mode in the mode for discharging an air volume of 1 m³/min or less, it is possible to perform treatment on the hair ends more easily.

[0123] In the first exemplary embodiment, air volume control unit 10b includes a first air blowing control mode in which control is executed in a manner that the air volume discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b is equal to or less than 1 m³/min. While the first air blowing control mode is operated, the first energization control mode is operated.

[0124] In the first exemplary embodiment, charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c includes a first charged-particle generation amount control mode and a second charged-particle generation amount control mode for generating an amount of charged particles different from an amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode. In a state where the first energization control mode is operated, the first charged-particle generation amount control mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode are operated. In addition, the second charged-particle generation amount control mode is operated at least somewhere in the time during which heater (heater unit) 8 is energized.

[0125] In this case, the amount of charged particles generated in the second charged-particle generation amount control mode is set to be larger than the amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode. That is, the amount of charged particles generated is reduced when cold air allowing a large electrical resistance value of the hair is applied to the hair (when the hair is dry or when the temperature of the hair is low).

[0126] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, by controlling the amount of charged particles generated depending on a change in conductivity on the surface of the hair, it is possible to remove static electricity more stably.

[0127] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 includes housing 3 that includes wind tunnel (air blowing path) 4 from entrance opening (suction port) 4a to exit opening (discharge port) 4b and constitutes the contour, air blower unit 5 that is provided in housing 3, discharges air sucked into entrance opening (suction port) 4a from exit opening (discharge port) 4b, and heater (heater unit) 8 that is provided in housing 3 and heats air blown from air blower unit 5.

[0128] In addition, hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 includes switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 that selects the hot and cold mode for alternately discharging hot air and cold air from exit opening (discharge port) 4b in a predetermined period and energization control unit 10a that controls on and off states of the energization of heater (heater unit) 8.

[0129] Energization control unit 10a includes the first energization control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by switch (air blowing mode selector) 19, control is executed in a manner that the energization time for energizing heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and the product of the power input to heater (heater unit) 8 and the energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 W.s.

[0130] It is thus possible to achieve the temperature of the hair that is required for treatment such as hair straightening (the temperature of the hair at which the hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken) in a relatively short time and to easily fix hair ends, thus improving the hair treatment effect.

[0131] Hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 may further include air volume control unit 10b that controls the volume of air discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b by air blower unit 5. Air volume control unit 10b may include the first air blowing control mode in which control is executed in a manner that the air volume discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b is equal to or less than 1 m³/min.

[0132] Moreover, while the first air blowing control mode is operated, the first energization control mode may be operated.

[0133] It is possible to prevent the hair ends from becoming excessively untangled (becoming too loose) when air is applied to the hair ends and thus to transmit heat to the hair ends more stably. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hair treatment effect.

[0134] Hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 may further include charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50 that are provided in housing 3 and generate charged particles and charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c that controls the amount of charged particles generated in charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50.

[0135] Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c may include the first charged-particle generation amount control mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode for generating an amount of charged particles different from the amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode.

[0136] Moreover, in a state where the first energization control mode is operated, the first charged-particle generation amount control mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be operated, and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be operated at least somewhere in the time during which heater (heater unit) 8 is energized.

[0137] It is thus possible to change the amount of charged particles generated depending on a state of the hair, and it is possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the hair. It is thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.

[0138] In this case, the amount of charged particles generated in the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be larger than the amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode.

[0139] It is thus possible to change the amount of charged particles generated depending on the state of the hair, and it is possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the hair even when conductivity on the surface of the hair is changed. It is thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.

[0140] Although the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the first exemplary embodiment and various modifications are possible.

[0141] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the present disclosure may be applied to hair dryer 1B with a brush, hair dryer 1B functioning as a heated air blower.

[0142] Hair dryer 1B with a brush is formed in a bar shape, and a user holds grip 1a and applies brush 23 provided at distal end 1g to the hair for the purpose of fixing (combing) the hair. A plurality of bristles 23a are projected from brush 23.

[0143] Housing 3B forming an outer wall (constituting a contour) is configured by connecting a plurality of divided pieces. Wind tunnel (air blowing path) 9B is formed in housing 3B and various electrical components are accommodated in wind tunnel 9B.

[0144] Cover 20B that forms a protruding outer wall (constituting a protruding contour) is attached to a part of grip 1a near brush 23. Metal-particle generators 30, 40 and mist generator 50 are thus accommodated in wind tunnel 9B formed by cover 20B and housing 3B.

[0145] Discharge ports 20a, 20b that are open to bristles 23a are formed in cover 20B. Metal particles generated in metal-particle generator 30, 40 and mist generated in mist generator 50 are discharged from discharge ports 20a, 20b to outside to act on the hair or skin. Voltage is applied from circuit unit 24 to metal-particle generator 30, 40 and mist generator 50.

[0146] Fan 5B for generating air flow W and motor 7B for rotating fan 5B are provided in wind tunnel 9B. Metal particles generated in metal-particle generator 30, 40 and mist generated in mist generator 50 are thus discharged by branch flow Wp.

[0147] Motor 7B and fan 5B are accommodated in wind tunnel 9B formed in housing 3B. Motor 7B is driven to rotate by a drive circuit included in circuit unit 24.

[0148] Opening 1h that is an air suction port is formed on a base side (a lower side in FIG. 14) of housing 3B. When fan 5B is rotated, air flow W is formed. Air flow W flows from outside via opening 1h into wind tunnel 9B, passes through wind tunnel 9B, and is discharged to brush 23. Air flow W is discharged from blowing apertures (discharge ports) 23b formed at roots of bristles 23a of brush 23.

[0149] Charging unit (charging panel) 1f is exposed on a surface of grip 1a so as not to hinder discharge of metal particles by an electrically charged user.

[0150] Shielding wall 22B is provided to prevent mist generated in mist generator 50 from reaching metal-particle generators 30, 40.

[0151] Similar operations and effects to those of the first exemplary embodiment can be achieved when the present disclosure is applied to hair dryer (heated air blower) 1B with a brush.

[0152] While the first exemplary embodiment exemplifies a metal-particle generator that generates metal particles and minus ions as an ion generator, a generator that does not generate metal particles and simply generates minus ions may be used.

[0153] The present disclosure may be applied to a case of using an ion generating device that generates plus ions. When plus ions are generated, it is effective for the hair with artificial hair such as wigs. This is because by supplying plus ions, it is possible to prevent electrostatic electricity, since the artificial hair such as wigs is easy to be negatively charged.

[0154] While the first exemplary embodiment exemplifies a case of forming two metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports), three or more metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports) may be formed.

[0155] While the first exemplary embodiment exemplifies a case of blowing metal particles and mist by a branch flow, even if the branch flow is not generated, it is possible to blow metal particles and mist from corresponding blowing ports.

[0156] In addition, it is possible to discharge a hair care agent that applies a hair care effect to the hair and improves the hair care effect with a reduced generated amount when the hair is relatively dry. An example of such a hair care agent is an agent containing an oil component. Among the agents containing an oil component, there is an agent that improves the hair care effect when a small amount is attached on the surface of the hair.

[0157] Moreover, an environmental temperature detector that detects an environmental temperature (an outdoor temperature: a room temperature or an air temperature of a place where a user is present) may be provided. The amount of energization and the energization time to the heater unit may be changed depending on the environment temperature detected by the environmental temperature detector.

[0158] An amount of charged particles supplied or a supply time may be changed depending on the hair quality of a user (thickness, length, or the like).

[0159] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, and the like) of a cover, a housing, and other details can be appropriately changed.

[0160] The heated air blower according to the present disclosure can achieve the temperature of the hair required for treatment in a relatively short time. It is thus possible to use the heated air blower according to the present disclosure not only as a hair dryer for humans but also for a dryer for pets.

Claims

1. A heated air blower comprising:

a housing that includes an air blowing path from a suction port to a discharge port and constitutes a contour;

an air blower unit that is provided in the housing and discharges air sucked from the suction port from the discharge port;

a heater unit that is provided in the housing and heats air blown by the air blower unit;

an air blowing mode selector that selects a hot and cold mode for alternately discharging hot air and cold air from the discharge port in a predetermined period; and

an energization control unit that controls on and off states of energization of the heater unit,

wherein the energization control unit includes a first energization control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by the air blowing mode selector, control is executed in a manner that an energization time for energizing the heater unit in the predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 W.s.

2. The heated air blower according to claim 1, further comprising an air volume control unit that controls a volume of air discharged from the discharge port by the air blower unit,
wherein the air volume control unit includes a first air blowing control mode in which control is executed in a manner that a volume of air discharged from the discharge port is equal to or less than 1 m³/min, and
the first energization control mode is operated while the first air blowing control mode is operated.

3. The heated air blower according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a charged-particle generator that is provided in the housing and generates charged particles; and

a charged-particle generation amount control unit that controls an amount of charged particles generated in the charged-particle generator,

wherein the charged-particle generation amount control unit includes a first charged-particle generation amount control mode and a second charged-particle generation amount control mode for generating an amount of charged particles different from an amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode,

the first charged-particle generation amount control mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode are operated in a state where the first energization control mode is operated, and

the second charged-particle generation amount control mode is operated at least somewhere in a time during which heater unit is energized.

4. The heated air blower according to claim 3, wherein the amount of charged particles generated in the second charged-particle generation amount control mode is larger than the amount of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount control mode.

Drawing