HEATED BLOWING DEVICE

Abstract

 A hair dryer according to an exemplary embodiment includes an air blower that discharges air sucked from an inlet port opening from an outlet port opening, and a heater arranged on a downstream side of the air blower. In addition, the hair dryer according to the exemplary embodiment includes metal fine particle and mist generation unit (30) that generates metal fine particles and mist, and an ion generation unit that generates ions. Metal fine particle and mist generation unit (30) includes discharge electrode unit (40) having a columnar shape and including discharge unit (40a) at a distal end, and counter electrode unit (30a) facing discharge electrode unit (40). Metal fine particle and mist generation unit (30) includes an overlapping region where a metal fine particle generation region where metal fine particles are generated and a mist generation region where mist is generated overlap each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heated blowing device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a heated blowing device including an air blower, a heating unit, a metal fine particle generation unit, a metal fine particle outlet, a mist generation unit, and a mist outlet has been known as a heated blowing device (see, for example, PTL 1). In a hair dryer as the heated blowing device according to PTL 1, the metal fine particle outlet, the mist outlet, and the metal fine particle outlet are arranged in this order in a width direction of the hair dryer.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0003] PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-143283

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The heated blowing device (hair dryer) according to PTL 1 described above prevents mist from being scattered, but deactivation of metal fine particles (for example, oxidation of metal fine particles in air) in the air is not considered. Consequently, the heated blowing device according to PTL 1 cannot sufficiently enhance a hair care effect of the mist in a case where the metal fine particles are deactivated. In addition, in the heated blowing device according to PTL 1, the metal fine particle generation unit and the mist generation unit are arranged separately. Thus, in the heated blowing device (hair dryer) according to PTL 1, there is a low probability that the metal fine particles and the mist respectively diffused by the air blown inside the hair dryer come into contact with each other, and the metal fine particles and the mist cannot be efficiently delivered to the hair.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heated blowing device capable of preventing metal fine particles from being deactivated in air before metal fine particles reach hair of a user and capable of enhancing a hair care effect by the metal fine particles and mist.

[0006] A heated blowing device according to the present disclosure includes a housing including a suction port and a discharge port, and an air blower that is arranged inside the housing to discharge air sucked from the suction port from the discharge port. In addition, the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure includes a heating unit arranged on a downstream side with respect to the air blower inside the housing, and a metal fine particle and mist generation unit that is arranged inside the housing to generate metal fine particles and mist. In addition, the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure includes an ion generation unit that is arranged inside the housing to generate ions, and a voltage application circuit unit that is arranged inside the housing to cause discharge. The metal fine particle and mist generation unit includes a discharge electrode unit having a columnar shape and including a discharge unit at a distal end, and a counter electrode unit facing the discharge unit. In addition, the metal fine particle and mist generation unit includes an overlapping region where a metal fine particle generation region where metal fine particles are generated and a mist generation region where mist is generated overlap each other.

[0007] The heated blowing device according to the present disclosure can prevent the metal fine particles from being deactivated in the air before the metal fine particles reach the hair of the user, and can enhance the hair care effect by the metal fine particles and the mist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 

Fig. 1 is a side view of a heated blowing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the heated blowing device according to the exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the heated blowing device according to the exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating an inside of an upper part of the heated blowing device according to the exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion where a metal fine particle and mist generation unit is provided on the inside of the upper part of the heated blowing device according to the exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a partially broken perspective view schematically illustrating main parts of the metal fine particle and mist generation unit.

Fig. 7 is a partially broken perspective view schematically illustrating main parts of the metal fine particle and mist generation unit.

Fig. 8 is a graph summarizing evaluation results obtained by evaluating an effect of suppressing damage to hair by ultraviolet rays in heated blowing device according to the exemplary embodiment, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0009] A heated blowing device according to the present disclosure includes a housing including a suction port and a discharge port, and an air blower that is arranged inside the housing to discharge air sucked from the suction port from the discharge port. In addition, the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure includes a heating unit arranged on a downstream side with respect to the air blower inside the housing, and a metal fine particle and mist generation unit that is arranged inside the housing to generate metal fine particles and mist. In addition, the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure includes an ion generation unit that is arranged inside the housing to generate ions, and a voltage application circuit unit that is arranged inside the housing to cause discharge. The metal fine particle and mist generation unit includes a discharge electrode unit having a columnar shape and including a discharge unit at a distal end, and a counter electrode unit facing the discharge unit. In addition, the metal fine particle and mist generation unit includes an overlapping region where a metal fine particle generation region where metal fine particles are generated and a mist generation region where mist is generated overlap each other.

[0010] In addition, in the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure, the counter electrode unit may include a peripheral electrode unit arranged so as to surround the central axis of the discharge electrode unit, and a projecting electrode unit projecting toward the central axis of the discharge electrode unit.

[0011] In addition, in the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure, at least one of a discharge electrode unit and a counter electrode unit may have a metal fine particle generation region.

[0012] In addition, in the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure, a metal fine particle and mist generation unit and an ion generation unit may share a voltage application circuit unit to simultaneously generate metal fine particles, mist, and ions.

[0013] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings. However, descriptions more in detail than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of already well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the identical configuration may be omitted.

[0014] Note that, the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims in any way.

[0015] Hereinafter, hair dryer 1 as the heated blowing device according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Note that, the heated blowing device according to the present disclosure is also applicable to applications such as a pet dryer in addition to a human dryer.

[1. Configuration]

[0016] Fig. 1 is a side view of hair dryer 1 as the heated blowing device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a front view of hair dryer 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of hair dryer 1, and Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating an inside of an upper part of hair dryer 1.

[0017] As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, hair dryer 1 as the heated blowing device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes grip 1a as a part gripped by a user's hand, and main body 1b coupled in a direction intersecting grip 1a. Hair dryer 1 is configured in such a manner that grip 1a and main body 1b delineates an outer appearance having a substantially T-shape or L-shape (in the present exemplary embodiment, substantially T-shape) during the use.

[0018] Power cord 2 is drawn from a projecting end of grip 1a. In addition, grip 1a is divided into base part 1c and distal end 1d on main body 1b side, and base part 1c and distal end 1d are rotatably connected via connecting part 1e. In the present exemplary embodiment, distal end 1d can be folded to a position along main body 1b.

[0019] Housing 3 forming an outer wall (outer enclosure) of hair dryer 1 is configured by connecting a plurality of divided pieces. A cavity is formed inside housing 3 and various electrical components are accommodated inside the cavity. Housing 3 includes grip 1a and main body 1b.

[0020] Air tunnel (air blowing path) 4 from inlet port opening (suction port) 4a on one side (a right side) in a longitudinal direction thereof (a left-right direction in Fig. 3) to outlet port opening (discharge port) 4b is formed inside main body 1b, and air blower 5 is accommodated inside air tunnel 4. Air blower 5 includes fan 5a and motor 5b that rotates fan 5a. Motor 5b is driven to rotate fan 5a, and thus, air flow W is formed. Air flow W flows into air tunnel 4 from an outside through inlet port opening 4a, mainly passes through the inside of air tunnel 4, and is discharged to the outside from outlet port opening 4b.

[0021] In the present exemplary embodiment, inlet port opening (suction port) 4a is covered by frame 81 having a mesh shape, and a shape of an opening of frame 81 is a honeycomb shape. In addition, mesh 82 having an opening ratio of about 55% to 90% and a mesh width of about 300 µm to 650 µm is integrally molded with frame 81. For example, a flame-retardant resin such as metal or polyester can be used as mesh 82, and it is possible to more reliably suppress fine dust, hair, and the like from entering the inside of air tunnel (air blowing path) 4 by integrally molding mesh 82 having a fine mesh width in this manner.

[0022] In addition, in main body 1b, inner cylinder 6 having a substantially cylindrical shape is provided inside outer cylinder 3a of housing 3, and air flow W mainly flows inside inner cylinder 6. Inside inner cylinder 6, fan 5a is arranged on a most upstream side, motor 5b for driving fan 5a is arranged on a downstream side of fan 5a, and heater 8 functioning as a heating unit is arranged on a downstream side of motor 5b.

[0023] When heater 8 is operated, hot air is blown out from outlet port opening 4b. In the present exemplary embodiment, although heater 8 is formed by winding and arranging an electrical resistor having a band shape and a corrugated shape around an inner circumference of inner cylinder 6, the heating unit according to the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

[0024] Inner cylinder 6 includes cylindrical portion 6a and a plurality of support ribs 6b (only one portion is illustrated in Fig. 3) extending radially outward from cylindrical portion 6a and arranged to be dispersed in a circumferential direction. In addition, inner cylinder 6 is connected to cylindrical portion 6a via support rib 6b, and includes flange portion 6c that protrudes in a direction substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of cylindrical portion 6a.

[0025] Gap g1 is formed between cylindrical portion 6a and flange portion 6c, and a part of air flow W is branched and flows into cavity 9 through gap g1 (branched flows W2 and W3 are formed). Gap g1 functioning as an introduction port of branched flows W2 and W3 into cavity 9 is provided at a position in the downstream side of fan 5a and the upstream side of heater 8. Consequently, branched flows W2 and W3 are relatively cold air flows before being heated by heater 8.

[0026] In addition, a part (branched flow W2) of branched flow W2 and W3 having flown into cavity 9 is further branched, and passes between inner cylinder 6 and housing 3 to be blown out from an outer circumferential part of outlet port opening 4b. branched flow W2 passes between inner cylinder 6 and housing 3 to be blown out from the outer circumferential part of outlet port opening 4b without passing through metal fine particle and mist outlet (charged particle discharge port) 20a or ion outlet (charged particle discharge port) 20b to be described later. This branched flow W2 is a relatively cold air flow.

[0027] In the present exemplary embodiment, through-hole (opening) 3b having a substantially arc-shape is formed at a position in housing 3 on outlet port opening 4b side of cavity 9, and 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, and the cover is attached to housing 3.

[0028] Moreover, outer nozzle 20c having a substantially cylindrical shape is integrally formed on a downstream side of cover 20, and when cover 20 is attached to housing 3, an outer circumference of outlet port opening 4b is defined by outer nozzle 20c.

[0029] In addition, inner nozzle 21 having a substantially cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than outer nozzle 20c is attached to a downstream end of inner cylinder 6, and a downstream side opening of inner nozzle 21 is a part of outlet port opening 4b.

[0030] As described above, a nozzle having a double cylinder structure is formed by outer nozzle 20c and inner nozzle 21 by attaching inner nozzle 21 to the downstream end of inner cylinder 6 and attaching cover 20 to housing 3.

[0031] Consequently, most of air flow W formed by driving air blower 5 is introduced into inner cylinder 6 and becomes main air flow W1 blown out from an opening of inner nozzle 21 (a center of outlet port opening 4b), but a part of air flow W becomes branched flow W2 and branched flow W3. branched flow W2 is an air flow that flows into cavity 9 and is blown out from between outer nozzle 20c and inner nozzle 21 (the outer circumferential side of outlet port opening 4b) without passing through metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b. In addition, branched flow W3 is an air flow that flows into cavity 9 and is blown out from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b.

[0032] In addition, at least one metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30, ion generation unit 50, and the like are accommodated in cavity 9 formed between housing 3 and inner cylinder 6 inside main body 1b. In addition, a voltage application circuit (voltage application circuit unit) 12 that applies a voltage to metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50 is accommodated in cavity 9. Although details will be described later, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 generates metal fine particles and mist, and ion generation unit 50 generates ions.

[0033] Voltage application circuit 12 is preferably arranged in a region on an extension line of grip 1a inside grip 1a or inside main body 1b. This is because when the 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. In the present exemplary embodiment, voltage application circuit 12 is arranged in the region on the extension line of grip 1a inside main body 1b.

[0034] Moreover, in the present 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 portion of main body 1b (a part of cavity 9 different from a part in which voltage application circuit 12 is accommodated).

[0035] In addition, 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.

[0036] It is preferable to wire lead wires 17 connected to metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30, lead wires 17 connected to ion generation unit 50 to be spaced away from each other without crossing with each other. This is for the purpose of preventing a desired voltage from being incapable of obtaining in metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 or ion generation unit 50 and a voltage from being unstable because of interference of a current flowing in lead wires 17.

[0037] In the present 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.

[0038] Hereinafter, a relationship between an operation of operator 16a and an air blowing mode of hair dryer 1 will be described as an example. Switch 16 is configured to be able to switch between open state and the closed state of the internal contact in multiple stages by sliding operator 16a in an up-down direction.

[0039] Switch 16 is configured to be switched to four modes of power off, weak air, moderate air, and strong air. In this case, hair dryer 1 is turned off by positioning operator 16a at a lowermost position.

[0040] When operator 16a is slid upward from the lower most position by one step, hair dryer 1 is powered on, and weak air is blown. Moreover, 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. Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, although switch 16 is configured to be switched to four modes of power-off, weak air, moderate air, and strong air, the number of modes is an example, and may be three modes of power-off, weak air, and strong air, for example. In addition, although switch 16 is configured to be able to switch the mode by a slide operation of operator 16a, the mode switching method is an example, and the mode may be switched by a button operation, for example.

[0041] Meanwhile, switch 19 that switches between hot air and cold air, selects the operation mode, and the like is configured to be capable of switching between the open state and the closed state of the internal contact by operating (pressing) operator 19a formed on the surface (a side surface) of housing 3. Display 14 for displaying a currently selected mode is formed above operator 19a.

[0042] Switches 16 and 19, display 14, and the like are electrically connected to a controller (not illustrated), and operations corresponding to operations of switches 16 and 19 and display on display 14 are performed. The controller includes, for example, a computer system including a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, and thus, the computer system functions as the controller. Here, the program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, but may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0043] In the present exemplary embodiment, hair dryer 1 can switch between four air temperature modes of "HOT", "hot and cold", "COLD", and "SCALP" by operating operator 19a. At this time, display for enabling the user to recognize the selected mode is performed on display 14. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1, display 14 turns on a light emitting diode (LED) at a position corresponding to the selected mode. In addition, display 14 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) such that characters or the like capable of recognizing the selected mode are displayed. Hereinafter, a display example on display 14 will be described by using a case where display 14 includes an LCD as an example.

[0044] "HOT" is a mode in which hot air is output, and is a mode in which a temperature of air applied to hair during the normal use is from approximately 80°C to 90°C. When the mode in which hot air is output is selected, characters "HOT" are displayed on display 14, for example.

[0045] In addition, "hot and cold" is a mode in which hot air and cold air are alternately output, 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 the "hot and cold" mode is selected, for example, an arrow is displayed on display 14, and "HOT" and "COLD" are alternately displayed in accordance with the output of the hot air or the cold air.

[0046] In addition, "COLD" is a mode in which cold air is output, and is a mode in which a temperature of air applied to hair during the normal use is substantially a room temperature. When the mode in which cold air is output is selected, characters "COLD" are displayed on display 14, for example.

[0047] In addition, "SCALP" is a mode in which low-temperature air is output, and is a mode in which the temperature of air applied to hair during the normal use is approximately 30°C to 50°C. The "SCALP" mode is a mode selected mainly for scalp care. When the "SCALP" mode is selected, characters "SCALP" are displayed on display 14, for example.

[0048] In addition, as described above, metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b are independently formed in cover 20 (see Fig. 2).

[0049] Ion path 4c through which ions flow is formed in front of metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50 (see Fig. 4). Thus, metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a and ion outlet 20b are provided on a downstream side of ion path 4c.

[0050] In addition, cover 20 preferably has lower conductivity than housing 3 for the purpose of preventing the cover from being charged by metal fine particles or mist. This is because when cover 20 is charged, charged metal fine particles, mist, and minus ions are difficult to be discharged from metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50 because of charges.

[0051] To prevent cover 20 from being charged, it is preferable to form cover 20 by using a material that hardly causes charging, for example, a polycarbonate (PC) resin such that cover 20 is made of a material that hardly causes charging. Note that, in this part, cover 20 constitutes the outer enclosure of hair dryer 1.

[0052] In addition, static elimination of cover 20 can be performed by bringing cover 20 into contact with the electrode of metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30.

[0053] Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, charging unit (charging panel) 1f that can change a charged state of the hair is provided (see Fig. 4). Charging unit 1f is provided near grip 1a. Specifically, charging unit 1f is made of a conductive resin (conductive member) exposed on an outer surface of grip 1a.

[0054] Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion where metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 are provided inside an upper part of hair dryer 1. As illustrated in Fig. 5, in the present exemplary embodiment, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 includes discharge electrode unit 40 having a columnar shape and including discharge unit 40a at a distal end, and counter electrode unit 30a facing discharge electrode unit 40.

[0055] In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, discharge electrode unit 40 includes cooling unit 40b that cools discharge electrode unit 40, and moisture in the air can be condensed.

[0056] In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, voltage application circuit 12 applies a high voltage between discharge electrode unit 40 and counter electrode unit 30a to cause discharge (such as corona discharge).

[0057] Columnar discharge electrode unit 40 can be made of, for example, a simple substance or an alloy of a transition metal (for example, gold, silver, copper, platinum, zinc, titanium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium, or the like) or a plated transition metal. In a case where zinc, titanium, or the like is contained in the metal fine particles generated and released by metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30, ultraviolet-resistant function can be generated by the metal fine particles.

[0058] Counter electrode unit 30a may be made of a simple substance or an alloy of a transition metal (for example, gold, silver, copper, platinum, zinc, titanium, rhodium, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium, or the like) or a plated transition metal. In a case where zinc, titanium, or the like is contained in the metal fine particles generated and released by metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30, ultraviolet-resistant function can be generated by the metal fine particles.

[0059] In addition, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 may generate ions by a discharge action, and generate metal fine particles by causing the ions to collide with discharge electrode unit 40, counter electrode unit 30a, another metal material, a member containing a metal component, or the like.

[0060] In the present exemplary embodiment, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 are made of a conductive metal material.

[0061] In the present exemplary embodiment, discharge electrode unit 40 having a columnar shape is formed as a member having a needle shape, and counter electrode unit 30a is formed as a member having an annular shape spaced apart from a distal end side of discharge electrode unit 40 having a columnar shape. At least one columnar discharge electrode unit 40 is provided.

[0062] Figs. 6 and 7 are partially broken perspective views schematically illustrating main parts of metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30. As illustrated in Fig. 6, in the present exemplary embodiment, counter electrode unit 30a includes peripheral electrode unit 30b arranged to surround a central axis of discharge electrode unit 40, and projecting electrode unit 30c projecting toward a central axis of discharge electrode unit 40. Peripheral electrode unit 30b and projecting electrode unit 30c are integrally formed in the present exemplary embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 6, but may be formed separately as illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0063] In the present exemplary embodiment, peripheral electrode unit 30b is formed as a member having a cylindrical shape. At least one projecting electrode unit 30c is provided on counter electrode unit 30a. In the present exemplary embodiment, a pair of projecting electrode units 30c is provided on counter electrode unit 30a. As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, the pair of projecting electrode units 30c and 30c may be formed in substantially the identical shape, or the pair of projecting electrode units 30c and 30c may be formed in different shapes.

[0064] According to this aspect, a dominant region of discharge between discharge electrode unit 40 and counter electrode unit 30a varies depending on moisture in air condensed on discharge electrode unit 40.

[0065] Specifically, in a case where there is a large amount of moisture in the air and there is a large amount of moisture condensed on discharge electrode unit 40, since electric field concentration is dominant in projecting electrode unit 30c of counter electrode unit 30a over in peripheral electrode unit 30b, metal fine particles are generated around projecting electrode unit 30c. On the other hand, the mist is generated between projecting electrode unit 30c and discharge electrode unit 40.

[0066] That is, a metal fine particle generation region and a mist generation region overlap around projecting electrode unit 30c, and the metal fine particles and the mist are mixed at the time of generation.

[0067] In such a state, the metal fine particles and the mist can be discharged in a state of being mixed from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a, and can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air. Accordingly, hair dryer 1 can further enhance a hair care effect.

[0068] In addition, in a case where the amount of moisture in the air is small and the amount of moisture condensed on discharge electrode unit 40 is small, since the electric field concentration of peripheral electrode unit 30b becomes dominant over projecting electrode unit 30c of counter electrode unit 30a, the metal fine particles are generated around peripheral electrode unit 30b. On the other hand, the mist is generated between projecting electrode unit 30c and peripheral electrode unit 30b, and discharge electrode unit 40.

[0069] That is, the metal fine particle generation region and the mist generation region overlap around peripheral electrode unit 30b, and the metal fine particles and the mist are mixed at the time of generation.

[0070] In such a state, the metal fine particles and the mist can be discharged in a state of being mixed from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a, and can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air. Accordingly, hair dryer 1 can further enhance a hair care effect.

[0071] In the present exemplary embodiment, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50 share voltage application circuit 12, and can generate the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions simultaneously at the time of discharge.

[0072] Specifically, in a case where the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions are generated by different voltage application circuits, the order of generation occurs due to the characteristics of the voltage application circuits. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the release of the initially generated components is dominant and the release of other components is inhibited.

[0073] In the present exemplary embodiment, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50 share voltage application circuit 12, and thus, a delay in a generation timing due to the characteristics of voltage application circuit 12 is suppressed.

[0074] That is, hair dryer 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment can simultaneously generate the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions, and can discharge the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b without inhibiting the release of each component.

[0075] In this state, the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air, and hair dryer 1 can further enhance the hair care effect.

[2. Operation]

[0076] Hereinafter, operations and effects of hair dryer 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment will now be described.

[0077] By turning on a main switch (switch 16) for turning on and off the power, fan 5a rotates, inlet port opening 4a side inside housing 3 is decompressed, and air is taken into housing 3 from inlet port opening 4a.

[0078] As described above, although most of air flow W formed by driving air blower 5 is introduced inside inner cylinder 6 and becomes main air flow W1 blown out from the opening of inner nozzle 21 (a center of outlet port opening 4b), a part of air flow W becomes branched flow W2 or branched flow W3. branched flow W2 is an air flow that flows into cavity 9 and is blown out from between outer nozzle 20c and inner nozzle 21 (the outer circumferential side of outlet port opening 4b) without passing through metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b. In addition, branched flow W3 is an air flow that flows into cavity 9 and is blown out from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b.

[Evaluation of Effect of Suppressing Damage to Hair by Ultraviolet Ray]

[Evaluation Method]

[0079] A bundle of hair is repeatedly washed, dried by a hair dryer, and irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Every two months of ultraviolet irradiation, a frictional resistance of the hair due to the ultraviolet rays is measured to measure a degree of damage.

[Evaluation results]

[0080] Fig. 8 is a graph summarizing evaluation results obtained by evaluating an effect of suppressing damage to hair by ultraviolet rays in hair dryer 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, a hair dryer according to Comparative Example 1, and a hair dryer according to Comparative Example 2. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a graph summarizing a "degree of damage of hair" collectively measured in each of hair dryer 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the hair dryer according to Comparative Example 1, and the hair dryer according to Comparative Example 2 after 6 months from the ultraviolet irradiation, that is, at a time corresponding to 6 months from the ultraviolet irradiation.

[0081] The "present exemplary embodiment" illustrated in Fig. 8 illustrates a result of drying performed by hair dryer 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment that discharges metal fine particles and mist in a state where metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 overlap the metal fine particle generation region and the mist generation region at the time of discharge. In addition, "Comparative Example 1" illustrates a result of performing drying by the hair dryer according to Comparative Example 1 that did not discharge metal fine particles and mist. Moreover, "Comparative Example 2" illustrates a result of performing drying by the hair dryer according to Modification 2 that separately generates metal fine particles and mist and discharges the metal fine particles and the mist.

[0082] As can be seen from Fig. 8, the "present exemplary embodiment" has a lower degree of damage of hair caused by ultraviolet rays than "Comparative Example 1" and "Comparative Example 2", and has a higher effect of suppressing hair damage by ultraviolet rays than "Comparative Example 1" and "Comparative Example 2".

[3. Effects and the like]

[0083] 

(1) In the present exemplary embodiment, hair dryer 1 includes housing 3 including inlet port opening 4a that is an example of a suction port according to the present disclosure and outlet port opening 4b that is an example of a discharge port according to the present disclosure, and air blower 5. Air blower 5 is arranged inside housing 3 to discharge air sucked from inlet port opening 4a from outlet port opening 4b. In addition, hair dryer 1 includes heater 8 which is an example of a heating unit according to the present disclosure arranged on a downstream side with respect to air blower 5 inside housing 3, and metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 that is arranged inside housing 3 to generate metal fine particles and mist. In addition, hair dryer 1 further includes ion generation unit 50 that is arranged inside housing 3 to generate ions, and voltage application circuit 12 that is arranged inside housing 3 and is an example of a voltage application circuit unit according to the present disclosure to cause discharge. Metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 includes columnar discharge electrode unit 40 including discharge unit 40a at a distal end, and counter electrode unit 30a facing discharge electrode unit 40. Metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 includes an overlapping region where a metal fine particle generation region where metal fine particles are generated and a mist generation region where mist is generated overlap each other.

[0084] In a case where the amount of dew condensation water generated by cooling unit 40b is large, since electric field concentration becomes dominant in projecting electrode unit 30c of counter electrode unit 30a over peripheral electrode unit 30b, metal fine particles are generated around projecting electrode unit 30c. On the other hand, the mist is generated between projecting electrode unit 30c and discharge electrode unit 40. Consequently, the metal fine particle generation region and the mist generation region overlap around projecting electrode unit 30c, and the metal fine particles and the mist are mixed at the time of generation.

[0085] Accordingly, the metal fine particles and the mist are discharged in a state of being mixed from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a, and can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air. Thus, hair dryer 1 can further enhance the hair care effect.

[0086] In a case where the amount of dew condensation water generated by cooling unit 40b is small, the electric field concentration in peripheral electrode unit 30b becomes dominant over projecting electrode unit 30c of counter electrode unit 30a, and thus metal fine particles are generated around peripheral electrode unit 30b. On the other hand, the mist is generated between projecting electrode unit 30c and peripheral electrode unit 30b, and discharge electrode unit 40. Consequently, the metal fine particle generation region and the mist generation region overlap around peripheral electrode unit 30b, and the metal fine particles and the mist are mixed at the time of generation.

[0087] Accordingly, the metal fine particles and the mist are discharged in a state of being mixed from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a, and can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air. Thus, hair dryer 1 can further enhance the hair care effect.

[0088] (2) In the present exemplary embodiment, in hair dryer 1, counter electrode unit 30a includes peripheral electrode unit 30b arranged to surround a central axis of discharge electrode unit 40, and projecting electrode unit 30c projecting toward the central axis of discharge electrode unit 40.

[0089] Accordingly, the metal fine particle generation region and the mist generation region overlap around peripheral electrode unit 30b or projecting electrode unit 30c in at least one overlapping region, and the metal fine particles and the mist are mixed at the time of generation. The metal fine particles and the mist are discharged from metal fine particles and mist outlet 20a in a state of being mixed, and can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air. Accordingly, hair dryer 1 can further enhance the hair care effect.

[0090] (3) In the present exemplary embodiment, in hair dryer 1, at least one of discharge electrode unit 40 and counter electrode unit 30a includes a metal fine particle generation region.

[0091] That is, at least one of discharge electrode unit 40 and counter electrode unit 30a is formed as a member or the like plated with various kinds of metal. Accordingly, the metal fine particle generation region and the mist generation region overlap around discharge electrode unit 40 or counter electrode unit 30a in at least one overlapping region, and the metal fine particles and the mist are mixed at the time of generation. The metal fine particles and the mist are discharged from metal fine particles and mist outlet 20a in a state of being mixed, and can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air. Accordingly, hair dryer 1 can further enhance the hair care effect.

[0092] (4) In the present exemplary embodiment, in hair dryer 1, metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50 share voltage application circuit 12 in order to simultaneously generate the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions.

[0093] Voltage application circuit 12 is shared by metal fine particle and mist generation unit 30 and ion generation unit 50, and thus, hair dryer 1 can suppress a delay in a generation timing due to circuit characteristics.

[0094] Accordingly, hair dryer 1 can simultaneously generate the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions, and can discharge the metal fine particles and the mist from metal fine particle and mist outlet 20a or ion outlet 20b without inhibiting the release of each component. Consequently, the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions can reach the hair without being deactivated in the air, and hair dryer 1 can further enhance the hair care effect.

[0095] Note that, since the above-described exemplary embodiments illustrate the technique in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0096] The present disclosure is applicable to a heated blowing device (for example, a hair dryer). Specifically, the present disclosure is also applicable to applications such as a pet dryer in addition to a human dryer.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0097] 

1

hair dryer (heated blowing device)

1a

grip

1b

main body

1c

base part

1d

distal end

1e

connecting part

1f

charging unit

2

power cord

3

housing

3a

outer cylinder

3b

through-hole

4

air tunnel

4a

inlet port opening (suction port)

4b

outlet port opening (discharge port)

4c

ion path

5

air blower

5a

fan

5b

motor

6

inner cylinder

6a

cylindrical portion

6b

support rib

6c

flange portion

8

heater (heating unit)

9

cavity

12

voltage application circuit (voltage application circuit unit)

14

display

16

switch

16a

operator

17

lead wire

19

switch

19a

operator

20

cover

20a

mist outlet

20b

ion outlet

20c

outer nozzle

21

inner nozzle

30

metal fine particle and mist generation unit

30a

counter electrode unit

30b

peripheral electrode unit

30c

projecting electrode unit

40

discharge electrode unit

40a

discharge unit

40b

cooling unit

50

Ion generation unit

81

frame

82

mesh

W

air flow

W1

main air flow

W2

branched flow

W3

branched flow

g1

gap

Claims

1. A heated blowing device comprising:

a housing that includes a suction port and a discharge port;

an air blower that is arranged inside the housing to discharge air sucked from the suction port from the discharge port;

a heating unit that is arranged on a downstream side with respect to the air blower inside the housing;

a metal fine particle and mist generation unit that is arranged inside the housing to generate metal fine particles and mist;

an ion generation unit that is arranged inside the housing to generate ions; and

a voltage application circuit unit that is arranged inside the housing to cause discharge,

wherein

the metal fine particle and mist generation unit includes a discharge electrode unit having a columnar shape and including a discharge unit at a distal end, and a counter electrode unit facing the discharge electrode unit, and

the metal fine particle and mist generation unit includes an overlapping region where a metal fine particle generation region where the metal fine particles are generated and a mist generation region where the mist is generated overlap each other.

2. The heated blowing device according to Claim 1, wherein the counter electrode unit includes a peripheral electrode unit arranged to surround a central axis of the discharge electrode unit and a projecting electrode unit projecting toward the central axis of the discharge electrode unit.

3. The heated blowing device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the discharge electrode unit and the counter electrode unit includes the metal fine particle generation region.

4. The heated blowing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal fine particle and mist generation unit and the ion generation unit share the voltage application circuit unit to simultaneously generate the metal fine particles, the mist, and the ions.

Drawing