U.S. patent application number 13/072093 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for automatic hair washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Masashi Furusawa, Masaru Iwasaki, Kazushige Murakami, Shuhei Nagamatsu, Hiroko Nakayama, Mayumi Okazaki, Yosuke Shimizu, Akira Yamaguchi, Kazuhide Yamamoto.
Application Number | 20110239363 13/072093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44228014 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110239363 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nagamatsu; Shuhei ; et
al. |
October 6, 2011 |
AUTOMATIC HAIR WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
An automatic hair washing machine including a sink in which a
head portion of a user is laid, the sink having an enclosed space
that is formed when the head portion is laid in the sink, a nozzle
link unit for jetting liquid containing at least one of washing
water and cleaning agent liquid, and a mist spraying unit for
spraying mist into the enclosed space.
Inventors: |
Nagamatsu; Shuhei;
(Oura-gun, JP) ; Yamaguchi; Akira; (Oura-gun,
JP) ; Furusawa; Masashi; (Isesaki-shi, JP) ;
Murakami; Kazushige; (Ota-shi, JP) ; Iwasaki;
Masaru; (Oura-gun, JP) ; Yamamoto; Kazuhide;
(Osaka-shi, JP) ; Okazaki; Mayumi; (Osaka-shi,
JP) ; Nakayama; Hiroko; (Osaka-shi, JP) ;
Shimizu; Yosuke; (Osaka-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Osaka
JP
SANYO AQUA CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
TAKARA BELMONT CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
44228014 |
Appl. No.: |
13/072093 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/519 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/06 20130101;
A45D 19/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/519 |
International
Class: |
A45D 19/00 20060101
A45D019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2010 |
JP |
2010-083678 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
JP |
2010-083679 |
Mar 31, 2010 |
JP |
2010-083680 |
Jul 23, 2010 |
JP |
2010-165777 |
Claims
1. An automatic hair washing machine comprising: a sink in which a
head portion of a user is laid, the sink having an enclosed space
that is formed when the head portion is laid in the sink; a nozzle
link unit for jetting liquid containing at least one of washing
water and cleaning agent liquid; and a mist spraying unit for
spraying mist into the enclosed space.
2. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
the mist spraying unit has a mist generator for generating mist, a
mist feeding pipe for introducing the mist generated in the mist
generator into the sink, a mist discharge port that is provided in
the sink to spray out the mist fed through the mist feeding pipe
into the sink, and a water discharging trap provided to the mist
feeding pipe.
3. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 2, wherein
the mist discharge port is configured so that a spray direction of
the mist is changeable.
4. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 2, wherein
drain water occurring in connection with the generation of the mist
in the mist generator is trapped in the water discharging trap.
5. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 1, further
comprising a jetting unit for jetting the liquid from the nozzle
link unit to the head portion laid in the enclosed space, and a
controller for controlling the mist spraying unit and the jetting
unit, wherein the controller controls the jetting unit and the mist
spraying unit so that the jetting of the liquid by the jetting unit
and the spray of the mist by the mist spraying unit are executed
interlockingly with each other.
6. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 5, further
comprising a cleaning operation course indicating unit for
indicating one of cleaning operation courses each comprising a
plurality of steps that contain at least a washing step based on
jetting of liquid executed by the jetting unit and a mist step
based on spray of mist executed by the mist spraying unit, and are
arranged in a predetermined step order, wherein when any one of the
cleaning operation courses is indicated through the indicating
unit, the controller controls the jetting unit and the mist jetting
unit so that the jetting of the liquid by the jetting unit and the
spray of the mist by the mist spraying unit are executed at a
predetermined timing corresponding to the order of each step of the
cleaning operation course.
7. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 6, wherein
the jetting unit has a mixing unit for mixing washing water with
any one of shampoo liquid and rinsing liquid to generate the liquid
to be jetted from the nozzle link unit, and the cleaning operation
courses contain a first cleaning course whose step order is set so
that the mist step is executed before a shampoo step for jetting
the liquid containing the shampoo liquid, a second cleaning course
whose step order is set so that the mist step is executed after a
conditioning step for jetting the liquid containing the conditioner
liquid, and a third cleaning course whose step order is set so that
the conditioning step and the mist step are executed in parallel to
each other.
8. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 5, wherein
the mist spraying unit has a mist generator for generating mist,
and the controller is connected to a mist generator controller for
controlling the mist generator so that communications can be
performed between the controller and the mist generator controller,
and controls the jetting unit and the mist spraying unit in
cooperation with the mist generator controller so that the liquid
jetting of the jetting unit and the mist spray of the mist spraying
unit are executed interlockingly with each other.
9. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 1, wherein
the nozzle link unit is configured to jet the liquid while moving
along the head portion laid in the sink, and when the nozzle link
unit is located at a position where the nozzle link unit jets the
liquid to a high position of the head portion laid in the sink, the
controller controls the nozzle link unit to concentrically jet the
liquid.
10. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the controller controls movement of the nozzle link unit
and jetting of the liquid from the nozzle link unit so that the
liquid is jetted to a place corresponding to a position of the
liquid trickling along the head portion in conformity with the
trickling of the liquid attached to the head portion.
11. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 9,
wherein after the liquid is jetted to the high place of the head
portion laid in the sink, the controller controls the movement of
the nozzle link unit and the jetting of the liquid from the nozzle
link unit so that the liquid is jetted to a place corresponding to
a position of the liquid trickling along the head portion while
controlling the nozzle link unit so that the liquid is jetted
within a predetermined range in a reciprocating style in conformity
with the trickling of the liquid attached to the head portion.
12. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 9,
wherein after the liquid is jetted to the high place of the head
portion laid in the sink, the controller controls the jetting
pressure of the liquid jetted from the nozzle link unit in
conformity with the trickling of the liquid attached to the head
portion along the head portion.
13. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 9,
wherein the nozzle link unit is reciprocable between a head top
position corresponding to a head top portion of the head portion
laid in the sink and a rear head position corresponding to a rear
head portion, and the controller concentrically jets the liquid
when the nozzle link unit is located at the head top position.
14. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the nozzle link unit comprises a plurality of nozzle links
that jet liquid to different sites of the head portion
respectively, and are connected to a single motor through a power
transmission mechanism so that the plurality of nozzle links are
movable in synchronization with one another.
15. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 1,
wherein the nozzle link unit comprises an upper nozzle link that is
reciprocable between a head top position corresponding to a head
top portion of the head portion laid in the sink and a rear head
position corresponding to a rear head portion of the head portion,
and a lower nozzle link that is reciprocable between a hair
position corresponding to a hair hanging from the head portion laid
in the sink and a neck position corresponding to a neck, wherein
the lower nozzle link is moved in a direction from the hair
position to the neck position in synchronization with movement of
the upper nozzle link in a direction from the head top position to
the rear head position, and the lower nozzle link is moved in a
direction from the neck position to the hair position in
synchronization with movement of the upper nozzle link in a
direction from the rear head position to the head top position.
16. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 14, the
power transmission mechanism has a gear rotating according to
driving of the motor, wherein the plurality of nozzle links are
moved synchronously with each other through the gear that is
rotated by driving the motor.
17. The automatic hair washing machine according to claim 14,
wherein the power transmission mechanism is provided to one side
surface of the sink.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-083680 filed on
Mar. 31, 2010, 2010-083678 filed on Mar. 31, 2010, 2010-083679
filed on Mar. 31, 2010 and Japanese Patent Application No.
2010-165777 filed on Jul. 23, 2010. The content of the applications
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an automatic hair washing
machine for automatically washing a head portion laid (or put) in a
sink.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] An automatic hair washing machine for automatically washing
a head portion of a user (customer or hair-washing target) is known
(for example, see JP-A-7-236511). According to this automatic hair
washing machine, a nozzle link for jetting washing (cleaning) water
to the head portion of the user is mounted at the inside of a sink
in which the head portion of the user is put, and the washing water
is jetted from the nozzle link to the head portion (containing
hair) of the user to automatically wash (clean) the hair of the
user.
[0006] Recently, it has been adopted to spray mist to the head
portion of a user so that a treatment effect or a relaxation effect
is achieved. In view of the foregoing situation, the automatic hair
washing machine for automatically washing the head portion of a
user (hair-washing target) as described above has been required to
effectively spray mist by taking advantage of the characteristic
that the head portion can be automatically washed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been implemented in view of the
foregoing situation, and has an object to provide a automatic hair
washing machine that can effectively spray mist by taking advantage
of the characteristic that the head portion of a user (hair-washing
target) can be automatically washed (cleaned).
[0008] In order to attain the above object, there is provided an
automatic hair washing machine comprising: a sink in which a head
portion of a user is laid, the sink having an enclosed space that
is formed when the head portion is laid in the sink; a nozzle link
unit for jetting liquid containing at least one of washing water
and cleaning agent liquid; and a mist spraying unit for spraying
mist into the enclosed space.
[0009] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the mist
spraying unit has a mist generator for generating mist, a mist
feeding pipe for introducing the mist generated in the mist
generator into the sink, a mist discharge port that is provided in
the sink to spray out the mist fed through the mist feeding pipe
into the sink, and a water discharging trap provided to the mist
feeding pipe.
[0010] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the mist
discharge port is configured so that a spray direction of the mist
is changeable.
[0011] In the above automatic hair washing machine, drain water
occurring in connection with the generation of the mist in the mist
generator is trapped in the water discharging trap.
[0012] The above automatic hair washing machine further comprises a
jetting unit for jetting the liquid from the nozzle link unit to
the head portion laid in the enclosed space, and a controller for
controlling the mist spraying unit and the jetting unit, wherein
the controller controls the jetting unit and the mist spraying unit
so that the jetting of the liquid by the jetting unit and the spray
of the mist by the mist spraying unit are executed interlockingly
with each other.
[0013] The automatic hair washing machine further comprises a
cleaning operation course indicating unit for indicating one of
cleaning operation courses each comprising a plurality of steps
that contain at least a washing step based on jetting of liquid
executed by the jetting unit and a mist step based on spray of mist
executed by the mist spraying unit, and are arranged in a
predetermined step order, wherein when any one of the cleaning
operation courses is indicated through the indicating unit, the
controller controls the jetting unit and the mist jetting unit so
that the jetting of the liquid by the jetting unit and the spray of
the mist by the mist spraying unit are executed at a predetermined
timing corresponding to the order of each step of the cleaning
operation course.
[0014] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the jetting
unit has a mixing unit for mixing washing water with any one of
shampoo liquid and rinsing liquid to generate the liquid to be
jetted from the nozzle link unit, and the cleaning operation
courses contain a first cleaning course whose step order is set so
that the mist step is executed before a shampoo step for jetting
the liquid containing the shampoo liquid, a second cleaning course
whose step order is set so that the mist step is executed after a
conditioning step for jetting the liquid containing the conditioner
liquid, and a third cleaning course whose step order is set so that
the conditioning step and the mist step are executed in parallel to
each other.
[0015] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the mist
spraying unit has a mist generator for generating mist, and the
controller is connected to a mist generator controller for
controlling the mist generator so that communications can be
performed between the controller and the mist generator controller,
and controls the jetting unit and the mist spraying unit in
cooperation with the mist generator controller so that the liquid
jetting of the jetting unit and the mist spray of the mist spraying
unit are executed interlockingly with each other.
[0016] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the nozzle link
unit is configured to jet the liquid while moving along the head
portion laid in the sink, and when the nozzle link unit is located
at a position where the nozzle link unit jets the liquid to a high
position of the head portion laid in the sink, the controller
controls the nozzle link unit to concentrically jet the liquid.
[0017] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the controller
controls movement of the nozzle link unit and jetting of the liquid
from the nozzle link unit so that the liquid is jetted to a place
corresponding to a position of the liquid trickling along the head
portion in conformity with the trickling of the liquid attached to
the head portion.
[0018] In the above automatic hair washing machine, after the
liquid is jetted to the high place of the head portion laid in the
sink, the controller controls the movement of the nozzle link unit
and the jetting of the liquid from the nozzle link unit so that the
liquid is jetted to a place corresponding to a position of the
liquid trickling along the head portion while controlling the
nozzle link unit so that the liquid is jetted within a
predetermined range in a reciprocating style in conformity with the
trickling of the liquid attached to the head portion.
[0019] In the above automatic hair washing machine, after the
liquid is jetted to the high place of the head portion laid in the
sink, the controller controls the jetting pressure of the liquid
jetted from the nozzle link unit in conformity with the trickling
of the liquid attached to the head portion along the head
portion.
[0020] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the nozzle link
unit is reciprocable between a head top position corresponding to a
head top portion of the head portion laid in the sink and a rear
head position corresponding to a rear head portion, and the
controller concentrically jets the liquid when the nozzle link unit
is located at the head top position.
[0021] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the nozzle link
unit comprises a plurality of nozzle links that jet liquid to
different sites of the head portion respectively, and are connected
to a single motor through a power transmission mechanism so that
the plurality of nozzle links are movable in synchronization with
one another.
[0022] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the nozzle link
unit comprises an upper nozzle link that is reciprocable between a
head top position corresponding to a head top portion of the head
portion laid in the sink and a rear head position corresponding to
a rear head portion of the head portion, and a lower nozzle link
that is reciprocable between a hair position corresponding to a
hair hanging from the head portion laid in the sink and a neck
position corresponding to a neck, wherein the lower nozzle link is
moved in a direction from the hair position to the neck position in
synchronization with movement of the upper nozzle link in a
direction from the head top position to the rear head position, and
the lower nozzle link is moved in a direction from the neck
position to the hair position in synchronization with movement of
the upper nozzle link in a direction from the rear head position to
the head top position.
[0023] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the power
transmission mechanism has a gear rotating according to driving of
the motor, wherein the plurality of nozzle links are moved
synchronously with each other through the gear that is rotated by
driving the motor.
[0024] In the above automatic hair washing machine, the power
transmission mechanism is provided to one side surface of the
sink.
[0025] According to the present invention, mist can be effectively
sprayed by actively utilizing a characteristic of automatically
washing the head portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic hair
washing machine according to a first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of the automatic hair washing
machine;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the automatic hair washing machine
when an outer frame of a sink holding table is detached;
[0029] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the automatic hair
washing machine, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a main part of
the automatic hair washing machine;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a water passage through which
water for the automatic hair washing machine flows;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a sink connecting
portion;
[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the sink
connecting portion;
[0033] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing each member
equipped to the sink connecting portion;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a partially cross-sectional view of the sink
connecting portion;
[0035] FIG. 10A is a left side view of the sink under a state that
a driving mechanism is exposed, and FIG. 10B is a front view of the
sink;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional
construction of the automatic hair washing machine and a mist
generator;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation panel;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine and the mist generator, particularly
the operation from the time when an operation course is selected
till the selected operation course is executed;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine and the mist generator, particularly
the operation thereof when a scalp care course is executed;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine and the mist generator, particularly
the operation thereof when a mist process is executed;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine and the mist generator, particularly
the operation thereof when a hair care course I and a hair care
course II are executed;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the automatic hair
washing machine according to a second embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 18A is an enlarged view of a sink portion of FIG. 17,
and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing the movement of an upper nozzle
link and a lower nozzle link;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a water passage through which
water for the automatic hair washing machine flows;
[0045] FIGS. 20A and 21B are front and plan views showing the
relationship between a head support net and a nozzle link for a
neck;
[0046] FIGS. 21A and 21B are plan and end views showing the head
support net;
[0047] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the functional
construction of the automatic hair washing machine;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a basic operation in an
automatic hair washing process of the automatic hair washing
machine;
[0049] FIG. 24A is a diagram showing a relaxation step, FIG. 24B is
a diagram showing a first rinsing step, and FIG. 24C is a diagram
showing a shampoo step. FIG. 24D is an enlarged view of C3 of FIG.
24C;
[0050] FIG. 25A is a diagram showing a second rinsing step, FIG.
25B is a diagram showing a conditioning step, and FIG. 25C is a
diagram showing a third rinsing step; and
[0051] FIG. 26A is a diagram showing a menthol agent jetting step,
and FIG. 26B is a diagram showing a fourth rinsing step.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Preferred embodiments according to the present invention
will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
First Embodiment
[0053] A first embodiment according to the present invention will
be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an automatic hair
washing machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a top view of the automatic hair
washing machine. FIG. 3 is a side view of the automatic hair
washing machine 1 when an outer frame of a sink holding table 3 is
detached. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the automatic hair
washing machine 1, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a main part
of the automatic hair washing machine 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram
showing a water passage through which water for the automatic hair
washing machine 1 flows.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the automatic hair washing machine
1 has a sink 2 in which the head portion of a user (hair-washing
target) is laid (put or mounted), a sink holding table 3 for
holding the sink 2, a seat (FIG. 4) which is disposed in front of
the sink holding table 3 and on which the user sits (see FIG. 4),
and a seat holding table 5 (FIG. 4) for holding the seat 4.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the sink 2 is a bowl-shaped member
having an opening at the upper side thereof. Ahead support net 70
for supporting the rear head portion of a user so that the head
portion faces the inside of the sink 2 under the state that the
user turns up is disposed at the front portion of the sink 2.
Furthermore, a neck table 7 is disposed on a front surface portion
2A of the sink 2, and the user can lay (or put) his/her neck on the
neck table under the state that the user sits on the seat 4 and
turns up so that the rear head portion is mounted on the head
support net 70. The opening at the top of the sink 2 can be covered
by a cover 8. The rear end of the cover 8 is linked to the rear end
of the sink 2 through a link portion 9 (FIG. 4) so as to be
rotatable about the link portion 9 within a vertical plane. When
hair washing (cleaning) or the like is executed, the user who sits
on the seat 4 lay (or puts) his/her neck on the neck table 7 while
the cover 8 is opened, and then the cover 8 is closed, whereby the
head portion of the user can be laid in the sink 2.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cut-out portion 8a for the head
portion is formed in the cover 8 so that the head portion is placed
(or fit) in the cut-out portion 8a.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, when the cover 8 is closed when the head
portion of the user is laid (put) in the sink 2, the cut-out
portion 8a is blocked by the head portion, and thus a substantially
hermetically closed space (hereinafter referred to as enclosed
space) 8b (FIG. 4) is formed in the space surrounded by the sink 2
and the cover 8 so that the head portion is laid so as to protrude
into the enclosed space 8b. Here, the enclosed space does not mean
the perfectly hermetically sealed space, and it means a space in
which water-tightness is maintained to the extent that washing
water jetted from each nozzle link provided in the enclosed space
8b does not leak from the enclosed space 8b to the outside.
[0059] According to this embodiment, as described later, any one of
washing liquid (water) which does not any cleaning agent such as
shampoo liquid, conditioner liquid or the like, and cleaning agent
liquid which is blended with cleaning agent such as shampoo liquid,
conditioner liquid or the like can be jetted from each nozzle link
provided in the enclosed space 8b. In the first embodiment, when
the washing water and the cleaning agent liquid are not
particularly discriminated from each other, they are merely
represented as "washing water".
[0060] When automatic hair washing is executed, washing water is
jetted from each nozzle link (described later) provided in the
enclosed space 8b to the head portion to wash the hair of the head
portion. At this time, since the head portion is laid so as to
protrude into the enclosed space 8b, the automatic hair washing can
be smoothly performed with preventing leakage of the washing water
jetted from each nozzle link to the outside of the enclosed space
8b. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described later
in detail, mist can be arbitrarily sprayed to the head portion of
the user by using the enclosed space 8b.
[0061] As not shown in the figures, the cut-out portion 8a of the
cover 8 is provided with a face seal for sealing the gap between
the cut-out portion 8a and the head portion, and the hermetic
sealing (water-tightness) of the enclosed space 8b can be more
enhanced by the face seal.
[0062] An upper nozzle link 11 and a lower nozzle link 12 for
jetting washing water to the head portion and hair of a user are
arranged in the sink 2.
[0063] The upper nozzle link 11 comprises a pipe-shaped member
which is curved so as to be convex to the obliquely upper right
side in FIG. 4B and have a substantially arcuate shape along the
head portion of the user and has plural nozzles arranged at
predetermined intervals. The upper nozzle link 11 is supported at
one end thereof (i.e., cantilevered) so as to be turnable
(swingable) around the one end as indicated by arrows C and E in
FIG. 4B so that the washing water can be jetted to the head portion
of the user.
[0064] The lower nozzle link 12 comprises a pipe-shaped member
which is wholly designed to be substantially M-shaped and curved so
as to be convex (arcuate) toward the left side in FIG. 4B at the
center portion of the M-shape and has plural nozzles arranged at
predetermined intervals. The lower nozzle link 12 is supported at
one end thereof (i.e., cantilevered) at the lower side of the upper
nozzle link 12 so as to be turnable (swingable) around the one end
thereof as indicated by arrows D and F in FIG. 4B. The lower nozzle
link 12 jets washing water toward the rear side thereof to wash the
user's hair which hangs down from the user's head at the rear side
of the lower nozzle link 12.
[0065] Furthermore, a neck nozzle link 80 for jetting wash water to
the neck of the user who turns up is disposed in the sink 2.
[0066] Each of the upper nozzle link 11, the lower nozzle link 12
and the neck nozzle link 80 is provided with plural nozzles, and
washing water supplied to the upper nozzle link 11, the lower
nozzle link 12 and the neck nozzle link 80 is jetted from each
nozzle under a hair washing treatment.
[0067] The upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are
turnable (swingable), and the neck nozzle 80 is fixed. The overall
head portion and the overall hair of the user can be washed by
jetting the washing water from each nozzle. A hand shower 13 is
disposed at the upper rear portion in the sink 2. An operator
(working staff of beauty salon or the like) turns on a cock 14
disposed at the right side of the hand shower 13 to adjust the
amount of water to be discharged from the hand shower 13, whereby
the user's hair can be manually washed.
[0068] A head top massage nozzle 150 is provided on a rear side
surface 100 of the sink 2 as shown in FIG. 1. The head top massage
nozzle 150 is a nozzle for jetting washing water to the top portion
of the head supported on the head support net 70 to massage the
head portion.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, a right-side head massage nozzle 151 is
provided on a right side surface of the sink 2, and a left-side
head massage nozzle 152 is provided on a left-side surface 100b of
the sink 2. These side-head massage nozzles are nozzles for jetting
washing water to the sides of the head supported on the head
support net 70 to massage the head portion.
[0070] Washing water is jetted from the head top massage nozzle
150, the right-side head massage nozzle 151 and the left-side head
massage nozzle 152 to massage the head portion of the user in a
massage step described later and when a massage operation is
executed.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, water used for the automatic hair
washing machine 1 is supplied from tap water facilities and hot
water facilities (not shown) at the outside of the machine through
a mixing valve 15 and a water supply pipe 16 into the machine.
Water is supplied from the tap water facilities through the water
supply unit 17 to the mixing valve 15, and hot water is supplied
from the hot water facilities through a hot water supply unit 18.
The mixing valve 15 mixes the water supplied from the water supply
unit 17 with the hot water supplied from the hot water supply unit
18, and feeds out warm water to the water supply pipe 16. A first
thermistor 19 for detecting the temperature of warm water fed out
from the mixing valve 15 is disposed at some midpoint of the water
supply pipe 16. A motor 20 is driven on the basis of a detection
result of the first thermistor 19, whereby the mixing valve 15 is
opened or closed to adjust the mixing ratio between water and hot
water, thereby generating warm water at a set temperature. The
mixing valve 15 is an electrically-driven type valve whose valve
opening is adjusted by the motor 20. The motor 20 is a DC motor or
a DC electrical motor and has a brush or the like.
[0072] An operation panel 60 is provided at a side of the sink 2.
For example, the set temperature, etc. for warm water stocked in a
warm water stock tank 25 (described later) are determined by user's
operating the operation panel 60. The water supply pipe 16 is
branched into a hand shower water supply pipe 21 and a warm water
stocking water supply pipe 22 at some position thereof (at the
downstream side of the first thermistor 19). The hand shower water
supply pipe 21 intercommunicates with the hand shower 13 through a
hand shower valve 13 which can be opened/closed by the cock 14. The
warm water stocking water supply pipe 22 can supply warm water into
the warm water stocking tank 25 through a warm water stocking valve
24 as a warm water supply valve.
[0073] A first water level sensor 26 and a second water level
sensor 27 for detecting the water level of warm water stocked in
the warm water stocking tank 25 are arranged in the warm water
stocking tank 25 so as to be spaced from each other at a fixed
interval in the vertical direction. When warm water in the warm
water stocking tank 25 is used and it is detected by the second
water level sensor 27 that the water level reaches a predetermined
water level, the warm water stocking valve 24 is opened, and warm
water in the warm water stocking tank 25 is supplied. Thereafter,
it is detected by the first water level sensor 26 that the water
level of the warm water in the warm water stocking tank 25 reaches
a predetermined highest water level, the warm water stocking valve
24 is closed, and the supply of the warm water is stopped. As
described above, warm water of a predetermined water level or more
is allowed to be stocked in the warm water stocking tank 25.
[0074] A overflow water port 28 is formed at the upper portion of
the warm water stocking tank 25 (at the upper side of the first
water level sensor 26). The overflow water port 28 leaks surplus
warm water to the outside of the warm water stocking tank 25 when
warm water of the highest water level or more is supplied to the
warm water stocking tank 25 due to a trouble of the first water
level sensor 26 or the like. Warm water overflowing from the
overflow water port 28 is received by an overflow tank 29, and then
discharged to the outside of the machine through a water discharge
pipe 30 intercommunicating with the overflow tank 29. An overflow
sensor 31 is disposed in the overflow tank 29. When it is detected
by the overflow sensor 31 that the water level of water in the
overflow tank 29 reaches the highest water level due to clogging of
a water discharge pipe 30, the operation of the automatic hair
washing machine 1 is stopped.
[0075] An suction pipe 33 is connected to the lowest portion of the
warm water stocking tank 25 at one end thereof, and also connected
to a main pump 32 at the other end thereof. The main pump 32 is
supplied with AC current from an inverter 64 (FIG. 11) to be
driven, and sucks warm water in the warm water stocking tank 25
through the suction pipe 33. A shampoo supply pipe 35 reaching a
shampoo container 34 for accommodating shampoo liquid and a
conditioner supply pipe 37 reaching a conditioner container 36 for
accommodating conditioner liquid are connected to some portions of
the suction pipe 33. A shampoo pump 38 and a conditioner pump 39
are provided to some portions of the shampoo supply pipe 35 and the
conditioner supply pipe 37, respectively. Upon action of each of
the shampoo pump 38 and the conditioner pump 39, the contamination
amount of each of the shampoo liquid and the conditioner liquid
into the warm water passing through the suction pipe 33 is properly
adjusted, whereby washing water to be used at that time is sucked
into the main pump 32.
[0076] As not shown in FIG. 5, plural other containers for
accommodating cleaning agent such as shampoo liquid, conditioner
liquid, etc. are provided in addition to the shampoo container 34
and the conditioner container 36. Each of the plural containers is
connected to a supply pipe through which cleaning agent liquid
flows, and each supply pipe is connected to a pump for supplying
cleaning agent liquid accommodated in the corresponding container
through the supply pipe to the suction pipe 33.
[0077] The washing water sucked from the suction pipe 32 into the
main pump 32 is fed out to a water feeding pipe 40 having six shunt
pathways. A filter 41 is provided in the water feed pipe 40, and
six valves of an upper nozzle valve 42, a lower nozzle valve 43, a
neck nozzle valve 74, a drain valve 44, a head top valve 155 and a
side head valve 156 are provided to the six shunt pathways at the
downstream side of the filter 41, respectively. A branch paths 46,
47, 75, 48, 158 and 159 are provided so as to extend from the six
shunt paths provided with the upper nozzle valve 42, the lower
nozzle valve 43, the neck nozzle valve 74, the drain valve 44, the
head top valve 155 and the side head valve 156, respectively. The
terminal of the branch path 46 extending from the upper nozzle
valve 42 is connected to the upper nozzle link 11, the terminal of
the branch path 47 extending from the lower nozzle valve 43 is
connected to the lower nozzle link 12, and the terminal of the
branch path 75 extending from the neck nozzle valve 74 is connected
to the neck nozzle link 80.
[0078] The terminal of the branch path 158 extending from the head
top valve 155 is connected to the head top massage nozzle 150. The
terminal of the branch path 159 extending from the side head valve
156 is branched at some midpoint, and connected to the right side
head massage nozzle 151 and the left side head massage nozzle
152.
[0079] A drain port 50 for discharging water in the sink 2 is
formed in the bottom surface of the sink 2, and the drain port 50
intercommunicates with the water discharge pipe 30 through a
sink-side water discharge trap 51 for preventing reverse flow of
odor of sewage water. Accordingly, water discharged from the drain
port 50 of the sink 2 is discharged through the water discharge
pipe 30 to the outside of the machine. The terminal of the branch
path 48 extending from the drain valve 44 is connected to the
sink-side water discharge trap 51.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the automatic hair washing
machine 1 of this embodiment is connected to a mist generator
90.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, the mist generator 90 is a device for
generating mist and supplying the generated mist into the sink 2,
and it has a mist tank 90a for stocking warm water used to generate
mist, and a mist generator 90b for generating mist from warm water
supplied from the mist tank 90a.
[0082] The mist tank 90a is provided with a heater 90c for heating
warm water stocked in the mist tank 90a, and a mist thermistor 90d
for detecting the temperature of the warm water stocked in the mist
tank 90a.
[0083] The mist generator 90b is provided with an ultrasonic
generator 90f for vibrating warm water supplied from the mist tank
90a by ultrasonic waves and atomizing the warm water to generate
mist, and a fan 90f for feeding out the mist generated by the
ultrasonic generator 90f to a mist feeding pipe 91.
[0084] The mist feeding pipe 91 is connected to the mist generator
90 at one end thereof, and also connected to the sink 2 through a
sink connection portion 94 (FIGS. 3 to 5) at the other end thereof.
The mist generated in the mist generator 90 is passed through the
mist feed pipe 91, and supplied into the sink 2.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a mist discharge pipe 101 is
provided to the rear side surface 100 of the sink 2 so as to
project to the inside of the sink 2, and a mist discharge port 102
is formed at the opening of the end portion of the mist discharge
pipe 101. The mist discharge pipe 101 is connected to the mist feed
pipe 91, and the mist supplied form the mist generator 90 is passed
through the mist feed pipe 91 and the mist discharge pipe 101 and
supplied from the mist discharge port 102 into the sink 2.
[0086] In this embodiment, the mist generator 90, the mist
discharge port 102 and the mist feed pipe 91 are cooperated with
one another and function as a mist spray unit for spraying mist
into the enclosed space 8b.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a water discharge trap 92 is on
the mist feed pipe 91.
[0088] The function of the water discharge trap 92, the flow of
mist in the mist feed pipe 91 and the flow of reverse flow water
(described later) flowing from the sink 2 into the mist feed pipe
91 will be described hereunder.
[0089] The mist feed pipe 91 is a pipe for supplying the mist
generated in the mist generator 90 into the sink 2, and washing
water or the like supplied for washing in the sink 2 may flow into
the mist feed pipe 91. In the following description, liquid such as
washing water or the like flowing from the sink 2 into the mist
feed pipe 91 is conveniently referred to as "reverse flow water".
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the reverse flow water flows
into the mist feed pipe 91 in no small part for a reason described
later.
[0090] When the reverse flow water flows into the main body of the
mist generator 90 through the mist feed pipe 91, it causes a
trouble in the mist generator and also obstructs smooth supply of
mist to the sink 2.
[0091] According to this embodiment, in consideration of this fact,
a water discharge trap inlet pipe 93 extending downwardly is
connected to the mist feed pipe 91. The connection portion between
the mist feed pipe 91 and the water discharge trap inlet pipe 93 is
disposed to be lower than the sink connection portion 94, and the
reverse flow water flowing from the sink 2 to the mist feed pipe 91
flows to the connection portion 95 along the slope of the mist feed
pipe 91 and then flows into the water discharge trap inlet pipe 93
at the connection portion 95. Accordingly, the reverse flow water
is prevented from reaching the mist generator 90.
[0092] As described above, the water discharge trap inlet pipe 93
is provided on the mist feed pipe 91, whereby the reverse flow
water flowing into the mist generator 90 is prevented from flowing
into the mist generator 90. Therefore, there is a risk that the
mist supplied from the mist generator 90 to the sink 2 flows into
the water discharge trap inlet pipe 93, which disturb smooth supply
of mist to the sink 2.
[0093] According to this embodiment, in consideration of this risk,
a water discharge trap 92 comprising a so-called S-shaped trap is
provided at the lower portion of the water discharge trap inlet
pipe 93. The water discharge trap 92 has a liquid stock portion 96
which is formed so as to be downwardly bent in a U-shape. The
reverse flow water is supplied through the water discharge trap
inlet pipe 93 into the liquid stock portion 96, and the liquid of a
predetermined water level is trapped at all times. The liquid
trapped in the liquid stock portion 96 of the water discharge trap
92 serves as a stopper, and the mist supplied from the mist
generator 90 to the sink 2 is prevented from flowing into the water
discharge trap inlet pipe 93, whereby the disturbance of the smooth
mist supply can be prevented.
[0094] The mist feed pipe 91 is a pipe through which the mist
supplied to the sink 2 passes. Therefore, drain water occurs in the
mist feed pipe 91 due to flow of the mist. The drain water
occurring in the mist feed pipe 91 is supplied through the water
discharge trap inlet pipe 93 into the water discharge trap 92 as in
the case of the reverse flow water flowing into the water discharge
trap 92, and thus the flow-in of the drain water into the mist
generator 90 can be prevented.
[0095] The drain water occurring in the mist generator 90 in
connection with occurrence of mist in the mist generator 90 is
discharged from a drain water discharge pipe 97 connected to the
mist generator 90 to the outside of the mist generator 90, and the
other end of the drain water discharge pipe 97 is connected to the
water discharge trap inlet pipe 93. Accordingly, the drain water
discharged from the mist generator 90 is properly supplied to the
water discharge trap 92, and the liquid is more surely trapped in
the water discharge trap 92.
[0096] As described above, according to this embodiment, the
treatment of the drain water can be performed without providing any
dedicated passage for discharging drain water, any electromagnetic
valve to be provided on the passage, any equipment provided to
control the electromagnetic vale, etc. Therefore, the manufacturing
cost can be reduced, and the manufacturing easiness can be
enhanced.
[0097] A water discharge trap outlet pipe 98 is connected to the
exit side of the water discharge trap 92.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the other end of the water
discharge trap outlet pipe 98 is connected to the water discharge
pipe 30 described above, and liquid which exceeds the predetermined
water level in the liquid stock portion 96 of the water discharge
trap 92 and flows into the water discharge trap outlet pipe 98
flows out through the water discharge trap outlet pipe 98 to the
water discharge pipe 30 and then is discharged to the outside of
the machine through the water discharge pipe 30. That is, the
reverse flow water flowing into the mist feed pipe 91 and the drain
water caused by occurrence of mist are discharged to the outside of
the machine through the existing water discharge pipe 30. As
described above, the reverse flow water and the drain water are
discharged to the outside of the machine by using the existing
facilities such as the water discharge pipe 30 of the sink 2, etc.,
and thus the cost can be reduced and the manufacturing easiness can
be enhanced as compared with a case where a mechanism for
discharging liquid to the outside of the machine is newly
provided.
[0099] Here, in this embodiment, the mist discharge port 102 is set
to be exposed to the inside of the sink 2, and it is not adopted to
provide an umbrella portion or the like to the mist discharge port
102 so that the reverse flow water is prevented from flowing into
the mist discharge port 102. The reason for this is as follows.
[0100] That is, in this embodiment, mist is supplied into the sink
2 for the purpose of achieving a treatment effect by bringing mist
containing a predetermined cleaning agent component into contact
with the head portion of a user in the sink 2 and also achieving a
relaxation effect by bringing warm mist having a good flavor into
contact with the head portion of the user. Accordingly, the above
effects can be achieved at maximum when the mist is directly
sprayed to the head portion of the user from the mist discharge
port 102 while keeping some degree of warmth.
[0101] When an umbrella or the like is provided at the position
corresponding to the mist discharge port 102, the reverse flow
water can be prevented from flowing into the mist discharge port
102. However, the umbrella portion disturbs direct spray of mist
from the mist discharge port 102 to the head portion of the user,
and also mist is sprayed to the head portion of the user while
bypassing the umbrella, so that the temperature of the mist may be
reduced by this bypass.
[0102] According to this embodiment, in consideration of the above
fact, the mist discharge port 102 is set to be exposed in the sink
2, and the mist is directly sprayed from the mist discharged port
102 to the head portion laid in the internal space of the sink 2,
whereby the treatment effect and the relaxation effect can be
effectively achieved. When the umbrella is not provided at the
position corresponding to the mist discharge port 102, the reverse
flow water flows into the mist discharge port 102 in no small
measure. However, the reverse flow water can be surely prevented
from flowing into the mist generator 90 by the function of the
water discharge trap 92, etc. and also the smooth mist supply can
be prevented from being disturbed as described above.
[0103] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the sink connection
portion 94 when the sink connection portion 94 is viewed from the
inside of the sink 2. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the
sink connection portion 94.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the hollow cylindrical mist
discharge pipe 101 is provided so as to project to the inside of
the sink 2. The mist discharge port 102 is formed at the opening of
the end portion of the mist discharge pipe 101. The mist discharge
pipe 101 is connected to the mist feed pipe 91 described above, and
mist supplied from the mist generator 90 is passed through the mist
feed pipe 91 and the mist discharge pipe 101 and supplied from the
mist discharge port 102 into the sink 2.
[0105] As described above, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the mist
discharge port 102 is set to be exposed to the inside of the sink
2, and it is not provided with any umbrella portion for preventing
flow-in of the reverse water flow into the mist discharge port 102.
The reason for this is described above.
[0106] In this embodiment, mist is sprayed from the "hollow
cylindrical" mist discharge pipe 101. Accordingly, the mist is
sprayed to the head portion with some degree of directivity, and
thus the treatment effect and the relaxation effect can be further
enhanced.
[0107] Particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mist discharge
port 102 is provided at the center lower portion of the rear side
surface 100 of the sink 2, and atomized mist having a
characteristic that it ascends in air is discharged from the mist
discharge port 102 so that the mist prevails over the whole area of
the head portion of a user who turns up. That is, when the mist is
sprayed from the mist discharge port 102 provided at the center
lower portion of the rear side surface 100 of the sink 2 to the
neighborhood of the rear head portion of the user who turns up, the
mist prevails to the overall area of the head portion along the
shape of the head portion while ascending upwardly.
[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear head portion of
the user is supported on the head support net 70 in the sink 2
during the automatic hair washing treatment (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In
this case, the hair hangs vertically down from the head support net
70. In consideration of this fact, the mist discharge port 102 is
provided at the center lower portion of the rear side surface 100
of the sink 2, and the mist can be sprayed from the side to the
hair hanging down in the vertical direction, so that the mist can
be made to suitably prevail over the whole area of the hair
containing the hair hanging down.
[0109] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing respective
members constituting the sink connection portion 94. FIG. 8A shows
a mist discharge portion 110, and FIG. 8B are partially
cross-sectional views of a front side discharge portion fixing
member 111 at the left side of FIG. 8B and also shows a rear side
discharge portion fixing member 112 at the right side of FIG. 8B.
FIG. 9 is a partially cross-sectional view of the sink connection
portion 94.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 7, the sink connection portion 94 has the
mist discharge portion 110, the front side discharge portion fixing
member 111 and the rear side discharge portion fixing member 112.
The front side discharge portion fixing member 111 is fixed to the
sink 2, and has a disc-shaped front side flange portion 114, a
hollow cylindrical contact portion 113 which has a diameter smaller
than the diameter of the front side flange portion 114 and projects
from the front side flange portion 114 to the front side, and a
hollow cylindrical projecting portion 115 which has a diameter
smaller than the contact portion 113 and projects from the contact
portion 113 to the front side as shown in FIG. 8B.
[0111] Here, in the rear side surface 100 of the sink 2, a through
hole 116 (FIG. 7) is provided so as to penetrate through the rear
side surface 100 at the position where the sink connection portion
94 is provided. The diameter of the through hole 116 is
substantially equal to the diameter of the projecting portion 115.
Therefore, the projecting portion 115 can penetrate through the
through hole 116, however, the contact portion 113 cannot penetrate
through the through hole 116.
[0112] The front side discharge portion fixing member 111 is fixed
to the sink 2 under the state that the projecting portion 115 is
fitted (penetrate) in the through hole 116 and the front surface of
the contact portion 113 is brought into contact with the back
surface of the rear side surface 100. More specifically, a male
screw portion is formed on the outer periphery of a part of the
projecting portion 115 which penetrates through the through hole
116 and extends to the inside of the sink 2. A nut 117 is threaded
on the male screw portion as shown in FIG. 7, and the rear side
surface 100 of the sink 2 is pinched by the nut 117 and the front
surface of the contact portion 113, whereby the front side
discharge portion fixing member 111 is fixed to the sink 2.
[0113] A front side discharge portion accommodating unit 119 (the
left side of FIG. 8B, FIG. 9) is formed in the front side discharge
portion fixing member 111, and this will be described later.
[0114] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rear side discharge portion
fixing member 112 has a disc-shaped rear side flange portion 118
having the shape corresponding to the front side flange portion 114
of the front side discharge portion fixing member 111, a base
portion 120 which has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the
rear side flange portion 118 and projects from the rear side flange
portion 118 to the rear side, and a hollow cylindrical pipe
connection portion 121 provided at the rear portion of the base
portion 120. The mist feed pipe 91 is connected to the pipe
connection portion 121 with keeping airtightness.
[0115] Plural front side screw holes 122 are formed in the front
side flange portion 114 of the front side discharge portion fixing
member 111 so as to be spaced from one another at intervals in the
peripheral direction, and rear side screw holes 123 are likewise
formed in the rear side flange portion 118 of the rear side
discharge portion fixing member 112 at the positions corresponding
to the front side screw holes 122. Dedicated bolts and nuts are
secured to the front side screw holes 122 and the rear side screw
holes 123 under the state that the front side flange portion 114
and the rear side flange portion 118 are overlapped with each
other, whereby the rear side flange portion 118 is fixed to the
front side flange portion 114, and also the rear side discharge
portion fixing member 112 is fixed to the front side discharge
portion fixing member 111.
[0116] A rear side discharge portion accommodating portion 124 (the
right side of FIG. 8B, FIG. 9) is formed in the rear side discharge
portion fixing member 112, and this will be described later.
[0117] The mist discharge portion 110 has the mist discharge pipe
101 described above, and a thin cylindrical positioning member 125
which is connected to base end of the mist discharge pipe 101 and
whose axial direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to
the axial direction of the mist discharge pipe 101. As shown in
FIG. 9, an inner cavity 126 which is linked to the inner periphery
of the mist discharge pipe 101 and extends in the front-and-rear
direction is formed in the positioning member 125, and an opening
127 intercommunicating with the inner cavity 126 is formed in the
rear surface of the positioning member 125.
[0118] As described later, when the front side discharge portion
fixing member 111 and the rear side discharge portion fixing member
112 are joined to each other under the state that the mist
discharge portion 110 is installed, the opening 127 and the inner
cavity of the pipe connection portion 121 of the rear side
discharge portion fixing member 112 intercommunicate with each
other as shown in FIG. 9. Accordingly, mist introduced from the
mist feed pipe 91 connected to the pipe connection portion 121
flows into the mist discharge pipe 101 through the pipe connection
portion 121.
[0119] Bosses 130 which project to the outside along the axial
direction of the positioning unit 125 are provided to the centers
of the right and left side surfaces of the positioning unit
125.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 9, the front side discharge portion fixing
member 111 and the rear side discharge portion fixing member 112
are joined to each other under the state that the mist discharge
portion 110 is installed therein.
[0121] Describing in more detail, the front side discharge portion
accommodating portion 119 (the left side of FIG. 8B, FIG. 9) formed
in the front side discharge portion fixing member 111, and the rear
side discharge portion accommodating portion 124 (the right side of
FIG. 8B, FIG. 9) formed in the rear side discharge portion fixing
member 112 are joined to each other to form a positioning unit
accommodating space 131, and the positioning unit 125 of the mist
discharge portion 110 is accommodated in the positioning unit
accommodating space 131. In addition, the mist discharge pipe 101
of the mist discharge portion 110 extends into the projecting
portion 115 of the front side discharge portion fixing member 111,
and the tip thereof projects from the tip of the projecting portion
115. The front side discharge portion fixing member 111 and the
rear side discharge portion fixing member 112 are joined to each
other while mist discharge pipe 101 is installed under the above
state.
[0122] At this time, in the positioning unit accommodating space
131, boss grooves 133 in which the bosses 130 are fitted are formed
at the positions corresponding to the bosses 130 formed at the
centers of the right and left side surfaces of the accommodated
positioning unit 125, and the positioning unit 125 is accommodated
in the positioning unit accommodating space 131 under the state
that the bosses 130 are fitted in the boss grooves 133.
[0123] Under the construction described above, according to this
embodiment, the mist discharge pipe 101 is turned in a
predetermined range, and after it is turned, the position of the
mist discharge pipe 101 is maintained.
[0124] Describing in detail, when the mist discharge pipe 101
projecting from the inside of the projecting portion 115 is gripped
and then turned in the direction corresponding to the up-and-down
direction (in the direction of an arrow Y in FIGS. 6 and 9), the
positioning unit 125 of the mist discharge portion 110 is turned
around the bosses 130 in the positioning unit accommodating space
131. The mist discharge pipe 101 is turnable until the outer
periphery of the mist discharge pipe 101 comes into contact with
the inner periphery of the projecting portion 115 and thus the
further turning of the mist discharge pipe 101 is restricted.
[0125] In this embodiment, the size and shape of the positioning
unit accommodating space 131 and the size and shape of the
positioning unit 125 are determined so that the positioning unit
125 comes into contact with the inside of the positioning unit
accommodating space 131 and turns while sliding along the inner of
the positioning unit accommodating space 131 when the positioning
unit 125 is turned in the positioning unit accommodating space 131
in connection with the turning of the mist discharge pipe 101.
Accordingly, when the mist discharge pipe 101 turns, the
orientation of the mist discharge pipe 101 after turning is
maintained by the frictional force caused by the contact between
the positioning unit 125 and the positioning unit accommodating
space 131.
[0126] As described above, in this embodiment, the orientation
(direction) of the mist discharge pipe 101 can be changed in a
predetermined range, and also after the change, the changed
orientation (direction) of the mist discharge pipe 101 is
maintained. Accordingly, the following effect can be obtained.
[0127] That is, the size and shape of the head portion are
different among persons (users). Accordingly, the optimum
orientation (direction) of the mist discharge port 102 formed at
the mist discharge port 101 varies in accordance with the person
(user). The orientation of the mist discharge port 102 can be
optimized in accordance with the user (person whose hair is washed)
by making the orientation of the mist discharge pipe 101 (i.e., the
jetting direction of the mist) changeable in a predetermined range.
Particularly, according to this embodiment, the orientation of the
mist discharge port 102 of the mist discharge pipe 101 can be
changed by a very simple work of griping and turning the mist
discharge pipe 101, and thus the workability is excellent and the
work needs only a short time, thereby enhancing the convenience of
users (containing persons whose hair is washed, operators such as
staff of shops, etc.).
[0128] Next, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12
will be described.
[0129] The upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are
configured to be reiteratively movable in synchronization with each
other while supported at one ends thereof (i.e., cantilevered).
[0130] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the upper nozzle link 11
is reiteratively movable so that it starts to turn around the
rotational axis A in the direction of the arrow C, turns from the
head top position T1 shown in FIG. 4B, reaches a rear head position
T2, reversely turns from the rear head position T2 and returns to
the head top position T1. Here, when the upper nozzle link 11 is
located at the head top position T1, washing water is jetted in the
direction of the arrow Y1 from each of the nozzles formed in the
upper nozzle link 11, whereby the washing water is jetted to the
neighborhood of the head top portion of a user (person whose hair
is washed). When the upper nozzle link 11 is located at the rear
head position T2, the washing water is jetted in the direction of
the arrow Y2 from each of the nozzles formed in the upper nozzle
link 11, whereby the washing water is jetted to the neighborhood of
the rear head portion of the user.
[0131] Furthermore, the lower nozzle link 12 is reiteratively
movable so that it starts to turn in the direction of an arrow D
around the rotational axis B, turns from a hair position T3 shown
in FIG. 4B, reaches the neck position T4, reversely from the neck
position T4 in the direction of an arrow F and then returns to the
hair position T3. Here, when the lower nozzle link 12 is located at
the hair position T3, washing water is jetted in the direction of
an arrow Y3 from each of the nozzles formed in the lower nozzle
link 12, whereby the washing water is jetted to the user's hair
handing down from the user's head. Furthermore, when the lower
nozzle link 12 is located at the neck position T4, washing water is
jetted in the direction of an arrow Y4 from each of the nozzles
formed in the lower nozzle link 12, whereby the washing water is
jetted to the neighborhood of the neck of the user.
[0132] In this embodiment, the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower
nozzle link 12 are synchronously moved in the opposite turning
directions (clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 4B) by a driving
mechanism 189 described later while the jetting directions thereof
are set to the same direction with respect to the hair growing
direction at the rear head portion as described later.
[0133] That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the upper nozzle link 11
is located at the head top position T1, the lower nozzle link 12 is
set to be located at the hair position T3. Here, it is assumed that
the upper nozzle link 11 is located at the head top position T1 and
the lower nozzle link 12 is located at the hair position T3. At
this time, when the upper nozzle link 11 starts to turn in the
direction of the arrow C (clockwise), the lower nozzle link starts
to turn in the direction of the arrow D (counterclockwise) in
synchronization with the turning of the upper nozzle link 11. In
this case, at the rear head portion (at a rear half portion of the
head with respect to the head top), the upper and lower nozzle
links 11 and 12 jet washing water to the head portion in the same
direction which is identical to the hair growing direction. That
is, the jetting directions of the upper and lower nozzle links 11
and 12 are set to the same direction with respect to the hair
growing direction.
[0134] Furthermore, when the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the rear
head position T2, the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck
position T4 substantially at the same time. After the upper nozzle
link 11 reaches the rear head position T2 and the lower nozzle link
12 reaches the neck position T4, these nozzle links are reversely
moved. That is, it is assumed that the upper nozzle link 11 is
located at the rear head position T2 and the lower nozzle link 12
is located at the neck position T4. At this time when the upper
nozzle link 11 starts to turn in the reverse direction to the arrow
C (i.e., the direction of an arrow E; counterclockwise), the lower
nozzle link 12 starts to turn in the reverse direction to the arrow
D (i.e., the direction of an arrow F; clockwise). At the rear head
portion, the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 jet washing
water to the head portion in the same direction which is opposite
to the hair growing direction. That is, the jetting directions of
the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 are set to the same
direction with respect to the hair growing direction. When the
upper nozzle link 11 reaches the head top position T1, the lower
nozzle link 12 reaches the hair position T3 at the same time.
[0135] Here, for example when the upper nozzle link 11 is moved in
the same direction as the hair growing direction while jetting
washing water and also the lower nozzle link 12 is moved in the
opposite direction to the hair growing direction while jetting
washing water, that is, when the moving directions of the upper and
lower nozzle links 11 and 12 with respect to the hair growing
direction are different from each other, the upper nozzle link 11
and the lower nozzle link 12 jet washing water to the head portion
and hair of the user from the different directions with respect to
the hair growing direction. Therefore, there occurs a situation
that the hair becomes entangled.
[0136] However, as described above, the upper nozzle link 11 and
the lower nozzle link 12 are moved in the same direction
synchronously with each other, and thus the moving directions of
the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 with respect to the hair
growing direction are coincident with each other at all times, and
thus occurrence of the situation that the hair gets entangled can
be prevented.
[0137] In this embodiment, under the control of a microcomputer 89
(controller), the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12
can make complicate motions in synchronization with each other, for
example, they can move synchronously with each other while changing
the moving speed, they can temporarily stop after moving in a fixed
range, they reiteratively move in a predetermined range, etc.
[0138] Next, the driving mechanism 189 for implementing the
synchronous movement between the upper and lower nozzle links 11
and 12 will be described.
[0139] FIG. 10A is a left side view showing the sink 2 under the
state that the sink holding table 3 is detached and the side
surface of the sink 2 is exposed. In FIG. 10a, a microcomputer 89
is schematically shown. FIG. 10B is a front view of the sink 2
under the above state (a front view showing a substantially left
half part of the sink 2 when viewed from the front side).
[0140] As shown in FIG. 10A, a stepping motor 191 is provided at
the lower portion of the let side surface 190 of the sink 2. The
stepping motor 191 is connected to a motor driving circuit (not
shown). Under the control of the microcomputer 89, driving pulses
are input from the motor driving circuit to the stepping motor 191,
and the stepping motor 191 rotates in a predetermined direction by
a predetermined distance on the basis of the input driving pulses.
As well known, the quantity of motion of the stepping motor 191 is
defined in proportion to the number of driving pulses, and thus the
accurate positioning control can be implemented by the
microcomputer 89.
[0141] A power (driving force) transmission mechanism 201 for
transmitting the rotational driving force (power) of the stepping
motor 191 to the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12
is connected to the stepping motor 191.
[0142] The power transmission mechanism 201 will be described
hereunder in detail.
[0143] A lower gear 193 is provided at the upper side of the
stepping motor 191. A lower timing belt 194 for transmitting the
rotational driving force of the stepping motor 191 to the lower
gear 193 is wound between the lower gear 193 and a pulley (not
shown) secured to the rotor shaft of the stepping motor 191, and
the lower gear 193 is rotated while decelerated in a predetermined
decelerating ratio in accordance with the rotation of the stepping
motor 191.
[0144] The lower nozzle link 12 is connected to the output shaft of
the lower gear 193, and the lower nozzle link 12 turns in
accordance with the rotation of the lower gear 193. Specifically,
when the lower gear 193 rotates in the direction of an arrow X
shown in FIG. 10A, the lower nozzle link 12 turns from the hair
position T3 to the neck position T4 (the direction indicated by the
arrow D). When the lower gear 193 rotates in the direction of an
arrow Y shown in FIG. 10A, the lower nozzle link 12 turns from the
neck position T4 to the hair position T3 (the direction indicated
by the arrow F. Under the control of the microcomputer 89, the
lower nozzle link 12 turns between the hair position T3 and the
neck position T4 in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11.
This will be described later.
[0145] An upper gear 196 which is engaged with the lower gear 193
is provided at the upper side of the lower gear 193. The upper gear
196 rotates in the opposite direction to the rotational direction
of the lower gear 193 in connection with the rotation of the lower
gear 193.
[0146] A pulley 197 is provided at the upper side of the upper gear
196, and an upper timing belt 198 for transmitting the rotational
driving power of the upper gear 196 to the pulley 197 is wound
between the upper gear 196 and the pulley 197, and the pulley 197
rotates in accordance with the rotation of the upper gear 196.
[0147] The upper nozzle link 11 is connected to the output shaft of
the pulley 197, and the upper nozzle link 11 turns in accordance
with the rotation of the upper gear 196. Specifically, when the
upper gear 196 rotates in the direction of the arrow Y shown in
FIG. 10A (at this time, the lower gear 193 rotates in the direction
of the arrow X), the upper nozzle link 11 turns from the head top
position T1 to the rear head position T2 (the direction indicated
by the arrow C). When the upper gear 196 turns in the direction of
the arrow X shown in FIG. 10A (at this time, the lower gear 193
rotates in the direction of the Y direction), the upper nozzle link
11 turns from the rear head position T2 to the head top position T1
(the direction of the arrow E). Under the control of the
microcomputer 89, the upper nozzle link 11 turns between the head
top position T1 and the rear head position T2 in synchronization
with the lower nozzle link 12. This will be described later.
[0148] Next, the synchronous motion between the upper nozzle link
11 and the lower nozzle link 12 in connection with the operation of
the driving mechanism 189 will be described in detail.
[0149] First, it is assumed that the upper nozzle link 11 is
located at the head top position T1 and the lower nozzle link 12 is
located at the hair position T3. In this case, the microcomputer 89
rotates the stepping motor 191 in the direction of the arrow X of
FIG. 10A. In connection with the rotation of the stepping motor 191
in the direction of the arrow X, the lower gear 193 rotates in the
direction of the arrow X. In connection with the rotation of the
lower gear 193 in the direction of the arrow X, the lower nozzle
link 12 located at the hair position T3 turns in the direction of
the arrow D.
[0150] Furthermore, in connection with the rotation of the lower
gear 193 in the direction of the arrow X, the upper gear 196 turns
in the direction of the arrow Y. In connection with the rotation of
the upper gear 196 in the direction of the arrow Y, the pulley 197
rotates in the direction of the arrow Y. In connection with the
rotation of the pulley 197 in the direction of the arrow Y, the
upper nozzle link 11 located at the head top position T1 turns in
the direction of the arrow C.
[0151] As described above, in synchronization with the movement of
the upper nozzle link 11 from the head top position T1 to the rear
head position T2, the lower nozzle link 12 moves from the hair
position T3 to the neck position T4.
[0152] Furthermore, when the lower nozzle link 12 turns in the
direction of the arrow D and consequently the lower nozzle link 12
reaches the neck position T4, the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the
rear head position T2 at the same time. That is, in this
embodiment, the upper gear 196, the lower gear 193, the pulley 197
and the other members associated with the turning of the nozzle
links are designed so that the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the
rear head position T2 at the same time when the lower nozzle link
12 reaches the neck position T4.
[0153] When the lower nozzle link 12 reaches the neck position T4
and thus the upper nozzle link 11 reaches the rear head position
T2, the stepping motor 191 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 10A
(the direction of the arrow Y in FIG. 10A) under the control of the
microcomputer 89.
[0154] In connection with the rotation of the stepping motor 191 in
the direction of the arrow Y, the lower gear 193 rotates in the
direction of the arrow Y, and in connection with the rotation of
the lower gear 193 in the direction of the arrow Y, the lower
nozzle link 12 located at the neck position T4 turns in the
direction of the arrow F.
[0155] Furthermore, in connection with the rotation of the lower
gear 193 in the direction of the arrow Y, the upper gear 196
rotates in the direction of the arrow X, and in connection with the
rotation of the upper gear 196 in the direction of the arrow X, the
pulley 197 rotates in the direction of the arrow X. In connection
with the rotation of the pulley 197 in the direction of the arrow
X, the upper nozzle link 11 located at the rear head position T2
turns in the direction of the arrow E.
[0156] As described above, the lower nozzle link 12 is moved from
the neck position T4 to the hair position T3 in synchronization
with the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 from the rear head
position T2 to the head top position T1.
[0157] The arrival of the lower nozzle link 12 at the hair position
T3 and the neck position T4 is suitably detected on the basis of
the number of rotation steps calculated from the number of driving
pulses input to the stepping motor 191.
[0158] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10A, the upper gear 196 is
provided with a gear position detecting switch unit 200. The gear
position detecting switch 200 is a magnet type sensor for detecting
that the upper nozzle link 11 exceeds the head top position T2 and
further turns in the direction of the arrow E or that the upper
nozzle link 11 exceeds the rear head position T2 and further turns
in the direction of the arrow C. When the upper gear 196 rotates in
the direction of the arrow X so that the upper nozzle link 11
exceeds the head top position T1 and further turns in the direction
of the arrow E, the contact point of the gear position detecting
switch unit 200 is conducted by a magnet (not shown) provided to
the upper gear 196, and a signal representing this fact is output
to a predetermined port of the microcomputer 89. The microcomputer
89 to which the signal concerned is input stops the driving of the
stepping motor 191 so that the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented
from exceeding the head top position T1 and further turning in the
direction of the arrow E. At the same time, the lower nozzle link
12 moving in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 is
prevented from exceeding the hair position T3 and further turning
in the direction of the arrow F.
[0159] Likewise, when the upper gear 196 rotates in the direction
of the arrow Y so that the upper nozzle link 11 exceeds the rear
head position T2 and further turns in the direction of the arrow C,
the contact point of the gear position detecting switch unit 200 is
conducted by a magnet (not shown) provided to the upper gear 196,
and a signal representing this fact is output to a predetermined
port of the microcomputer 89. The microcomputer 89 to which the
signal concerned is input stops the driving of the stepping motor
191 so that the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented from exceeding
the rear head position T2 and further turning in the direction of
the arrow C. At the same time, the lower nozzle link 12 moving in
synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented from
exceeding the neck position T4 and further turning in the direction
of the arrow D.
[0160] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional
construction of the automatic hair washing machine 1 and the mist
generator 90.
[0161] As shown in FIG. 11, the automatic hair washing machine 1
has the microcomputer 89.
[0162] The microcomputer 89 concentrically controls the respective
parts of the automatic hair washing machine 1, and has CPU, ROM,
RAM and other peripheral circuits. The microcomputer 89 can execute
various kinds of time counting operations on the basis of a
reference clock generated by an oscillator (not shown).
[0163] Various kinds of detection signals are input to the
microcomputer 89 from the first water level sensor 26, the second
water level sensor 27, the overflow sensor 31 and the first
thermistor 19, and also an operation signal corresponding to an
instruction is input to the microcomputer 89 from an operation
panel 60 for performing various kinds of instructions.
[0164] The microcomputer 89 is connected to control targets such as
the motor 20, the warm water stock valve 24, the shampoo pump 38,
the conditioner pump 39, the inverter 64, the upper nozzle valve
42, the lower nozzle valve 43, the drain valve 44, the neck nozzle
valve 74, etc.
[0165] The mixing valve 15 is connected to the motor 20, and the
microcomputer 89 controls the driving of the motor 20 to open/close
the mixing valve 15, whereby the temperature of warm water to be
supplied to the water supply pipe 16 can be adjusted.
[0166] Furthermore, the microcomputer 89 is connected to the
inverter 64 for supplying AC current to the main pump 32 to control
the discharge pressure of washing water to be discharged from the
main pump 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the washing water discharged from
the main pump 32 is jetted from the nozzles formed in the upper
nozzle link 11, the lower nozzle link 12 and the neck nozzle link
80 through the upper nozzle valve 42, the lower nozzle valve 43 and
the neck nozzle valve 74. Accordingly, the microcomputer 89
controls the inverter 64 to control the jetting pressure of washing
water to be jetted from the nozzles of the respective nozzle
links.
[0167] Furthermore, a driving motor 103 for controlling the
movement of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12
is connected to the microcomputer 89. The driving motor 103
comprises a stepping motor, and controls the movement of the upper
nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 through the driving
mechanism on the basis of a driving signal input from the
microcomputer 89. The microcomputer 89 controls the driving motor
103 so as to enable complicated motions of the upper nozzle link 11
and the lower nozzle link 12, for example, change of the moving
speed of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12,
temporarily stop of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle
link 12, etc.
[0168] In this embodiment, the microcomputer 89, the driving motor
103, the respective nozzle links, etc. are cooperated with one
another to function as a jetting unit for jetting washing water to
the head portion which is laid so as to protrude in the enclosed
space 8b.
[0169] As shown in FIG. 11, the mist generator 90 has a mist
generator controller 160. The mist generator controller 160
concentrically controls the respective parts of the mist generator
90, and has CPU, ROM, RAM and other peripheral circuits. A
detection signal from the mist thermistor 90 is input to the mist
thermistor 90d. Furthermore, the heater 90c, the ultrasonic
generator 90f, a fan 90g, etc. are connected as control targets to
the mist generator controller 160.
[0170] The microcomputer 89 and the mist generator controller 160
are connected to each other through an interface unit 99, and they
can communicate with each other in conformity with a predetermined
communication protocol.
[0171] In this embodiment, the microcomputer 89 and the mist
generator controller 160 are cooperated with each other to control
both the automatic hair washing machine 1 and the mist generator
90.
[0172] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation panel 60.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 12, a power supply switch 220 disposed at
the upper left side of the operation panel 60 turns on/off the
power source of the automatic hair washing machine 1.
[0174] A tank temperature adjusting switch 221 disposed at the
right side of the power supply switch 220 is used to set the
temperature of water stocked in the warm water stocking tank 25.
The set temperature set by operating the tank temperature adjusting
switch 221 is displayed on a set temperature display panel 226 such
as a liquid crystal display panel or the like which is formed
between the power supply switch 220 and the tank temperature
adjusting switch 221. The microcomputer 89 controls the motor 20 to
adjust the opening/closing state of the mixing valve 15 and adjust
the mixing ratio between water and hot water so that the
temperature of water stocked in the warm water stocking tank 25 is
equal to a set temperature. A heater may be provided in the warm
water stocking tank 25 to adjust the temperature of water stocked
in the warm water stocking tank 25 by the heater.
[0175] A hot water supply switch 222 for instructing stock of water
into the warm water stocking tank 25 is disposed below the power
supply switch 220. A tank water discharging switch 223 for
instructing discharge of water stocked in the warm water stocking
tank 25 is disposed at the right side of the hot water supply
switch 222, and a use-up switch 224 for instructing use-up of water
stocked in the warm water stocking tank 25 is disposed at the right
side of the tank water discharge switch 223. Furthermore, an
initial water discharge switch 225 for instructing discharge of
water trapped in the suction pipe 33, the branch paths 46, 47, 75,
48 (that is, water which may be cooled) from each nozzle link is
disposed at the lower side of the hot water supply switch 222.
[0176] A container selecting area 228 is formed at the right side
of the initial water discharge switch 225, and plural container
selecting switches 229 are disposed in the container selecting area
228. These container selecting switches 229 are provided to select
which one of plural containers containing the shampoo container 34
and the conditioner container 36 should be used to use desired
cleaning agent in each operation step (described later) contained
in a course when a course operation described later is
executed.
[0177] A full-course switch 230 is disposed at the lower left side
of the container selecting area 228. The full-course switch 230 is
a switch for selecting, as a cleaning operation course to be
executed, "full course" which is one of cleaning operation courses
(hereinafter referred to as "operation courses").
[0178] The operation course has predetermined operation steps which
are arranged in a predetermined order. When execution of some
operation course is instructed, a series of operation steps
contained in the selected operation course are executed in
order.
[0179] For example, the operation course contains a shampoo step of
washing the head portion of a user with washing water containing
shampoo liquid, a conditioning step of conditioning the head
portion of a user with washing water containing conditioner liquid,
a rinsing step of rinsing the head portion of a user with washing
water containing no cleaning agent (i.e., with only water),
etc.
[0180] In this embodiment, plural operation courses having
different contents (full course, powerful course, scalp care
course, hair care course I, hair care course II, etc.) are
prepared.
[0181] A shampoo switch 231 as a switch for selecting the shampoo
step for washing the head of a user with washing water containing
shampoo liquid as an operation step to be executed is disposed at
the right side of the full-course switch 230, and a conditioning
switch 232 for selecting the conditioning step for conditioning the
head portion of a user with washing water containing conditioner
liquid as an operation step to be executed is disposed at the right
side of the shampoo switch 231. Furthermore, a rinsing switch 233
for selecting the rinsing step for rinsing the head portion of a
user with washing water containing no cleaning liquid as an
operation step to be executed is disposed below the shampoo switch
231.
[0182] In this embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily instruct
execution of only any one of the shampoo step, the conditioning
step and the rinsing step.
[0183] Furthermore, A powerful course switch 234 for selecting the
powerful course as an operation course to be executed is disposed
at the right side of the rinsing step switch 233.
[0184] Furthermore, a delicate switch 236 is disposed at the right
side of the powerful course switch 234. The delicate switch 236 is
a switch operated when the hair of a person whose hair is damaged
or easily entangled is washed. When the delicate switch 236 is
operated, the hair of a person is washed according to a hair
washing manner which is suitable for a person whose hair is damaged
or easily entangled.
[0185] The scalp care switch 238 is a switch for selecting the
scalp care course as an operation course to be executed, and the
hair care switch 239 is a switch for selecting the hair care course
I or the hair care course II as an operation course to be executed.
The scalp care course, the hair care course I and the hair care
course II will be described later.
[0186] A hair length selecting switch 241 is disposed below the
scalp care switch 238 and the hair care switch 239. The hair length
selecting switch 241 is a switch for selecting the length of the
hair of the user. In this embodiment, the length of the hair is
sectioned into four stages, and any one of the four stages is
selectable. The microcomputer 89 controls the movement of each
nozzle link in accordance with the length of the hair, and also
controls the jetting pressure of washing water to be jetted from
the nozzle links.
[0187] A remaining time display panel 242 is formed below the hair
length selecting switch 241, and a remaining time adjusting switch
243 is disposed at the right side of the remaining time display
panel 242.
[0188] When an operation course is executed, a remaining time until
the execution of the operation course is finished is displayed on
the remaining time display panel 242, and when execution of one
operation step is instructed, a remaining time until the operation
step concerned is finished is displayed on the remaining time
display panel 242. The remaining time adjusting switch 243 is a
switch operated when the remaining time is extended or
shortened.
[0189] A water pressure adjusting switch 244 is disposed below the
remaining time adjusting switch 243. The water pressure adjusting
switch 244 is a switch for adjusting the jetting pressure of
washing water to be jetted from each nozzle link.
[0190] A start/stop instructing switch 245 is disposed below the
water pressure adjusting switch 244.
[0191] In a case where one operation course is selected as an
operation course to be executed or in a case where execution of one
operation step is instructed as an operation step to be executed,
the start/stop instructing switch 245 is a switch operated when the
execution of the operation course is actually started or when start
of the one operation course is actually instructed. When the
start/stop instructing switch 245 is operated, execution of the
operation associated with the operation course or the operation
associated with the one operation step is started. Furthermore, the
start/stop instructing switch 245 is operated when the operation is
temporarily stopped during the execution of the operation
associated with the operation course or the operation associated
with one operation step. When the start/stop instructing switch 245
is operated during operation of the automatic hair washing machine
1, the operation of the automatic hair washing machine 1 is
temporarily interrupted, and when the start/stop instructing switch
245 is operated again, the operation of the automatic hair washing
machine 1 is resumed.
[0192] Next, the operation of automatic hair washing machine 1 and
the mist generator 90 from the time when the automatic hair washing
machine 1 and the mist generator 90 are powered on till any one of
the plural operation courses is selected and the selected operation
course is started to be executed will be described with reference
to the flowchart.
[0193] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the above operation.
[0194] The mist generator 90 is powered on (step SA1) and also the
automatic hair washing machine 1 is powered on (step SA2) by a user
(staff of a shop, a person whose hair is washed or the like). As
described above, in this embodiment, the automatic hair washing
machine 1 and the mist generator 90 are designed as separate
apparatuses, and power is supplied to each of the apparatuses from
different power sources. Accordingly, each of the apparatus is
individually powered on.
[0195] The automatic hair washing machine 1 and the mist generator
90 are designed as separate apparatuses. Therefore, when the
automatic hair washing machine 1 is required to have a function of
spraying mist, the mist generator 90 may be connected to the
automatic hair washing machine 1 to add the mist spraying function
to the automatic hair washing machine 1. Furthermore, when the
automatic hair washing machine 1 is not required to have the
function concerned, the mist generator 90 is not connected to the
automatic hair washing machine 1. There is a tendency that a
mechanism for generating mist is designed as a relatively large
mechanism, and thus an automatic hair washing machine 1 which does
not the mist spraying function can be prevented from being
needlessly large in size.
[0196] It is needless to say that a mist generating mechanism for
generating mist is miniaturized and then installed in the automatic
hair washing machine 1.
[0197] When the automatic hair washing machine 1 is powered on, the
microcomputer 89 of the automatic hair washing machine 1
communicates with the mist generator controller 160 on the basis of
a predetermined protocol to acquire information concerning the
state of each part of the mist generator 90 (step SA3). Here, the
information concerning each part of the mist generator 90 contain
information representing whether the mist generator 90 is set to a
state that it can normally generate mist and also normally supply
the generated mist to the sink 2 of the automatic hair washing
machine 1 and information representing what factor makes it
impossible to normally supply mist when the mist cannot be normally
supplied. As the factor which makes it impossible to normally
supply mist, there is a situation that the mist generator 90 is not
powered on, a situation that no water is stocked in the mist tank
90a, a situation that error occurs in some equipment such as the
ultrasonic generator 90f or the like, or the like.
[0198] Subsequently, an instruction for selecting any operation
course as an operation course to be executed is input to the
microcomputer 89 (step SA4). As described above, the user operates
any switch of the full-course switch 230, the powerful course
switch 234, the scalp care switch 238 and the hair care switch 239
of the operation panel 60 to select an operation course to be
executed.
[0199] In this embodiment, the full course and the powerful course
do not contain the mist spraying operation, and the scalp care
course, the hair care course I and the hair care course II contain
the mist spraying operation. In the following description, the
scalp care course, the hair care course I and the hair care course
II are conceptually referred to as "mist interlocking course".
[0200] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 determines whether the
operation course input in step SA4 is the mist interlocking course
(=scalp care course, the hear care course I or the hair care course
II) (step SA5). When the operation course input in step SA4 is not
the mist interlocking course (step SA5; NO), the microcomputer 89
shifts the processing to step SA9.
[0201] When the operation course input in step SA4 is the mist
interlocking course (step SA5; YES), the microcomputer 89
determines on the basis of the information acquired in step SA3
whether the mist generator 90 is set to the state that it can
normally supply mist to the automatic hair washing machine 1 (step
SA6).
[0202] When the mist generator 90 is not set to the state that it
cannot normally supply mist to the automatic hair washing machine 1
(step SA6; NO), the microcomputer 89 informs this fact (step
SA7).
[0203] For example, the microcomputer 89 performs a predetermined
display representing occurrence of some error in the mist generator
90 on the set temperature display panel 226, whereby it is informed
to the user that the mist generator 90 falls into the state that it
cannot normally supply mist. In this case, the user refers to the
display content of the set temperature display panel 226 to
recognize occurrence of some error in the mist generator 90, and
can take a countermeasure to overcome this error (for example, when
the mist generator 90 is not powered on, the power is turned on or
the like) on the basis of this recognition.
[0204] On the other hand, when it is determined in step SA6 that
the mist generator 90 is set to the state that it can normally
supply mist to the automatic hair washing machine 1 (step sA6;
YES), the microcomputer 89 outputs information indicating the input
operation course to the mist generator 90 (step SA8), and shifts
the processing to step SA9.
[0205] In step SA9, the microcomputer determines whether the
operation course input in step SA4 is the mist interlocking course
or not (step SA10).
[0206] When the operation course input in step SA4 is the mist
interlocking course (step SA10; YES), the microcomputer 89
transmits information indicating start of the operation to the mist
generator 90 with the operation of the start/stop instructing
switch 245 as a trigger (step SA11), and shifts the processing to
step SA12.
[0207] On the other hand, when the operation course input in step
SA4 is not the mist interlocking course (step SA10; NO), the
microcomputer 89 shifts the processing to step SA12.
[0208] In step SA12, the microcomputer 89 starts to execute the
operation course input in step SA4.
[0209] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 determines whether the
operation course input in step SA4 is the mist interlocking course
or not (step SA13). When the operation course input in step SA4 is
the mist interlocking course, that is, when the operation course
input in step SA4 corresponds to any one of the scalp care course,
the hair care course I and the hair care course II (step SA13;
YES), the microcomputer 89 cooperates with the mist generator
controller 160 to control the respective parts of the automatic
hair washing machine 1 and the mist generator 90 in conformity with
the corresponding operation course and executes the corresponding
operation course (step SA14). The operation of the step SA14 will
be described in detail.
[0210] On the other hand, when the operation course input in step
SA4 is not the mist interlocking course, that is, when the
operation course input in step SA4 is any one of the full course
and the powerful course (step SA13; NO), the microcomputer 89
controls the respective parts of the automatic hair washing machine
1 in conformity with the corresponding operation course and
executes the corresponding operation course (step SA15). The
details of the operation of the step SA15 are omitted.
[0211] Next, the detailed operation of the automatic hair washing
machine 1 and the mist generator 90 when the scalp care course is
executed will be described with reference to the flowchart.
[0212] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine 1 and the mist generator 90 when the
scalp care course is executed.
[0213] In this scalp care course, the first operation step and the
last operation step out of a series of operation steps constitute a
mist step of spraying mist. An effect obtained by this step
arrangement will be described later.
[0214] First, as shown in FIG. 14, execution of the scalp care
course is started (step SB1).
[0215] First, the scalp care switch 238 is operated to select the
scalp care course as an operation course to be executed, the cover
8 is closed under the state that the head portion of a user (a
person whose hair is washed) is laid in the sink 2, and then the
start/stop instructing switch 245 is operated. Upon execution of
these operations as a trigger, the execution of the scalp care
course is started.
[0216] As described above, when the cover 8 is closed under the
state that the head portion of the user is laid in the sink 2, the
cut-out portion 8a is closed by the head portion, and the
substantially hermetically sealed enclosed space 8b (FIG. 4) is
formed in the space surrounded by the sink 2 and the cover 8, and
the head portion is laid to protrude into the enclosed space
8b.
[0217] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 starts the mist step
(step SB2). That is, in the scalp care course, the mist step
containing the spray of mist is the first operation step. In other
words, in the scalp care course, the mist step is executed before a
shampoo step and a rinsing step (a step of jetting washing water)
described later.
[0218] Here, the mist step will be described in detail.
[0219] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine 1 and the mist generator 90 when the
mist step is executed.
[0220] As shown in FIG. 15, when the mist step is started (step
SC1), the microcomputer 89 controls the main pump 32 through the
inverter 64 to jet washing water from each nozzle link under very
weak jetting pressure (step SC2). This jetting of the washing water
is continued while the mist is sprayed. Here, the very weak jetting
pressure is set to the extent that the washing water jetted from
each nozzle link does not reach the head portion laid in the sink
2. Furthermore, the mixing valve 15 is controlled to control the
temperature of water stocked in the warm water stocking tank 25 so
that the temperature of washing water jetted from each nozzle link
is relatively high.
[0221] The operation of this step SC2 has the following
purpose.
[0222] That is, when the scalp care course is started, the
temperature of the enclosed space 8b surrounded by the sink 2 and
the cover 8 is low in some cases, and also the surface temperature
of the sink 2 and the enclosed space 8b side of the cover 8 are low
in some cases. When mist is filled in the enclosed space 8b under
the state that the temperature of the enclosed space 8b or the
surface temperature of the sink 2 and the cover 8 is low, the
temperature of the mist is reduced, so that the treatment effect
and the relaxation effect based on the mist may be lowered. In
consideration of this demerit, the operation of the step SC2 aims
to increase the temperature of the enclosed space 8b and the
surface temperature of the sink 2 and the cover 8 before mist is
supplied into the enclosed space 8b of the sink 2.
[0223] After the treatment of the step SC2, the microcomputer 89
outputs a mist spraying processing command to the mist generator
controller 160 (step SC3). The mist spray processing command is a
command for instructing start of execution of a series of
processing associated with supply of mist to the automatic hair
washing machine 1.
[0224] The mist generator controller 160 to which the mist spray
processing command is input controls each part of the mist
generator 90 to execute mist spray preparation processing (step
SC4).
[0225] Specifically, the mist generator controller 160 drives the
heater 90c to heat water stocked in the mist tank 90a. When it is
detected on the basis of the detection value input from the mist
thermistor 90d that the temperature of water stocked in the mist
tank 90a reaches a predetermined temperature (for example,
75.degree. C.), the mist generator controller 160 stops the
operation of the heater 90c. This series of operations executed
until the water stocked in the mist tank 90a is increased to the
predetermined temperature corresponds to the mist spray preparation
processing.
[0226] A mist temperature range in which the treatment effect and
the relaxation effect can be effectively brought out is known, and
the predetermined temperature described above is set to a proper
value so that the temperature of mist supplied into the sink 2
falls into the temperature range concerned.
[0227] During the execution of the mist spray preparation
processing in step SC4, the mist generator controller 160 monitors
whether the mist spray preparation processing is finished or not
(step SC5).
[0228] When the mist spray preparation processing is finished (step
SC5; YES), the mist generator controller 160 starts to spray mist
into the enclosed space 8b of the sink 2 (step SC6).
[0229] Specifically, the mist generator controller 160 drives the
ultrasonic generator 90f to ultrasonically vibrate water supplied
from the mist tank 90a to the ultrasonic generator 90f and atomize
the water, thereby generating mist. In addition, the mist generator
controller 160 drives the fan 90g to feed the mist generated by the
ultrasonic generator 90f through the mist feeding pipe 91 into the
enclosed space 8b of the sink 2. Accordingly, the mist is passed
through the mist feeding pipe 91 and the mist discharge pipe 101
and supplied from the mist discharge port 102 into the sink 2.
[0230] At the same time when the spray of mist is started in step
SC6, the microcomputer 89 count downs the time until a
predetermined time set as a mist executing time for which the mist
step is executed is finished (elapses). That is, the microcomputer
89 counts the remaining time until the mist step is finished (step
SC7).
[0231] The predetermined time as the mist executing time is
properly set in accordance with the relationship between the degree
of attainment of the treatment effect and the relaxation effect and
the time for which mist is sprayed, and particularly in this
embodiment, it is set to at least 30 seconds.
[0232] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 monitors whether such
abnormality that it is impossible to continue spraying of mist
(step SC8) occurs in the mist generator 90, and also monitors
whether the remaining time reaches 30 seconds (step SC9).
[0233] The microcomputer 89 detects whether such abnormality that
it is impossible to continue spraying of mist occurs as follows.
That is, the mist generator controller 160 monitors the state
(temperature, amount) of water stocked in the mist tank 90a, the
operation state of the ultrasonic generator 90f or the like at all
times, and detects such abnormality that it is impossible to
continue spraying of mist occurs when it detects abnormal increase
of the temperature of water stocked in the mist tank 90a, an
abnormal operation of the ultrasonic generator 90f or the like.
when detecting that such abnormality that it is impossible to
continue spraying of mist occurs, the mist generator controller 160
outputs a signal representing this fact to the microcomputer 89. On
the basis of the signal input from the mist generator controller
160, the microcomputer 89 detects that such abnormality that it is
impossible to continue spraying of mist occurs.
[0234] When such abnormality that it is impossible to continue
spraying of mist occurs in the mist generator 90 during the
monitoring in steps SC8 and SC9 (step SC8; YES), the microcomputer
finishes the mist step (step SC11). After the mist step is
finished, a break-in step is executed (see FIG. 14).
[0235] It may be informed to a user that such abnormality that it
is impossible to continue spraying of mist occurs.
[0236] As described above, according to this embodiment, when such
abnormality that it is impossible to continue spraying of mist
occurs in the mist generator 90 during spraying of mist, the
operation of the automatic hair washing machine 1 is not stopped,
but the processing associated with the spray of mist is omitted and
the operation of the automatic hair washing machine 1 is continued.
This is executed in consideration of the following matter. That is,
the spray of mist is an additional function as compared with the
shampoo step and the conditioning step described later, and thus
even when the spray of mist is not executed, the degree of
satisfaction of the user is not relatively lost. Therefore, the
operation of the automatic hair washing machine 1 is continued with
omitting the spray of mist, whereby the operation course can be
smoothly and surely executed and the convenience for users can be
enhanced.
[0237] When abnormality occurs in the mist generator 90, the
operation of the automatic hair washing machine 1 may be
temporarily stopped.
[0238] When the remaining time reaches 30 seconds in step SC9 (step
SC9; YES), the microcomputer 89 executes the massage operation
(step SC12).
[0239] This massage operation aims to bring a constant massage
effect to the user (person whose hair is washed). For example, the
microcomputer 89 controls various kinds of valves to jet washing
water from a head top massage nozzle 150, a right side head massage
nozzle 151 and a left side head massage nozzle 152 so that the
washing water is jetted to the head top portion and the right and
left side head portions. Here, warm water is used as the washing
water to be jetted. As described above, warm water is
concentrically jetted to the head top portion and the side head
portions of the user, whereby the massage effect can be effectively
attained.
[0240] When washing water is jetted from each nozzle, the water
washing may be intermittently jetted or jetted while the jetting
pressure is varied in magnitude. It is expected by executing these
operations that a higher massage effect can be achieved.
[0241] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 monitors whether the
remaining time is nullified or not (the remaining time=0 second)
(step SC14) while monitoring whether such abnormality that it is
impossible to continue spray of mist occurs in the mist generator
90 (step SC13).
[0242] When it is detected in step SC13 that whether such
abnormality that it is impossible to continue spray of mist occurs
in the mist generator 90 (step SC13; YES), the microcomputer 89
finishes the mist step (step SC11).
[0243] When the remaining time is nullified (step SC14; YES), the
microcomputer 89 controls the inverter 64 and the respective valves
to stop the massage operation, and cooperates with the mist
generator controller 160 to stop the spray of mist (step SC15),
thereby stopping the execution of the mist step (step SC11).
[0244] As described above, according to this embodiment, after the
remaining time reaches 30 seconds, the mist spray and the jetting
of washing water from each nozzle link in connection with the
massage operation are simultaneously executed in parallel.
[0245] This operation can be performed because the head portion is
laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b of the sink 2, washing
water is jetted from each nozzle link to the head portion in the
enclosed space 8b and also mist is sprayed into the enclosed space
8b. When the spray of mist and the jetting of washing water from
each nozzle link in connection with the massage operation are
executed simultaneously in parallel to each other, the relaxation
effect and the treatment effect caused by mist and the massage
effect based on the massage operation can be simultaneously brought
to the user, and the degree of attainment of these effects can be
synergistically enhanced.
[0246] Furthermore, it is known that when mist is sprayed to the
head portion of the user, it brings an effect of making the pores
of the head portion open. In this embodiment, the opening of the
pores of the head portion caused by mist and the jetting of washing
water to the head portion in connection with the massage operation
can be simultaneously performed, and the massage effect can be more
greatly enhanced.
[0247] Furthermore, in the scalp care course, the mist step is
executed prior to the shampoo step described later, whereby the
following effect can be attained.
[0248] That is, as described above, when mist is sprayed to the
head portion of the user, it brings the effect that the pores of
the head portion is opened. Accordingly, the mist step is executed
to make the pores of the head portion open before the shampoo step,
whereby sebum smudge of the pores can be effectively eliminated by
jetting washing water containing shampoo liquid in the subsequent
shampoo step.
[0249] Furthermore, the relaxation effect can be brought to the
user by jetting mist. By bringing this relaxation effect to the
user at the first half of the scalp care course, the user can be
relaxed during the scalp care course.
[0250] As shown in FIG. 14, after the mist step of the step SB2 is
finished, the microcomputer 89 executes the running-in step (step
SB3).
[0251] This running-in step is an operation step which aims to make
the user familiar with jetting of washing water to his/her head
portion so that the user is relaxed.
[0252] In the running-in step, the microcomputer 89 moves the upper
nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a very slow speed
while jetting washing water under relatively weak jetting pressure,
for example. Accordingly, the user feels as if he/she is gently
stroked by a human's hand, and thus the user is made to have a
feeling of safety. Furthermore, washing water is jetted while each
nozzle link is moved at a slow speed in the running-in step which
is a step immediately after the scalp care course is started,
whereby the user can cast aside such a feeling that his/her hair is
washed by a machine without surprising the user, so that the user
has a high-class feeling.
[0253] Furthermore, the microcomputer 89 controls the neck nozzle
valve 74, etc. to jet washing water from the neck nozzle link 80 to
the user's neck. Here, warm water is used as washing water to be
jetted. By jetting warm water to the neck of the user as described
above, the user has good blood flow at the neck and thus the
tension of the overall head portion is loosened, so that the
massage effect can be enhanced.
[0254] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes a weak washing
step (step SB4).
[0255] The weak washing step is an operation step of washing out
smudge (dirt, dust, etc.) attached to hair to some extent with
washing water containing neither shampoo liquid nor conditioner
liquid (hereinafter referred to as "rinsing step water") before a
first shampoo step as the next operation step is executed.
[0256] In this weak washing step, the microcomputer 89 moves the
upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a relatively
high speed while jetting washing water under relatively high
jetting pressure, whereby the rinsing water is jetted to the
overall area of the head portion and the hair and the smudge
attached to the head portion can be washed out to some degree.
[0257] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes the first
shampoo step (step SB5).
[0258] The first shampoo step is a step of washing the head of the
user with washing water containing shampoo liquid (hereinafter
referred to as "shampoo washing water"). The microcomputer 89
controls the shampoo pump 38 to mix washing water with shampoo
liquid, thereby generating shampoo washing water.
[0259] In the first shampoo step, for example, the microcomputer 89
moves the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a
relatively high speed while jetting shampoo washing water under
relatively high jetting pressure, whereby the shampoo washing water
is jetted to the overall area of the head portion and the hair.
Accordingly, the shampoo washing water prevails over the whole area
of the head portion, whereby the hair of the overall area of the
head portion is washed.
[0260] As described above, according to this embodiment, the upper
nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 can make complicated
motions, for example, they are moved synchronously with each other
while the moving speed is changed, they are temporarily stopped
after moving in a fixed range or they are iteratively moved in a
predetermined range. Therefore, by utilizing these complicated
motions, the shampoo washing water is concentrically jetted to a
predetermined portion of the head portion, and each nozzle link is
moved while reciprocating in a predetermined range, whereby the
hair of the head portion is washed while the washing efficiency and
washing effect of the head portion are enhanced and the massage
effect is enhanced. The same operation may be applied to the other
operation steps containing jetting of washing water.
[0261] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes a first rinsing
step (step SB6).
[0262] This first rinsing step is an operation step of washing out
(rinsing) shampoo washing water which is jetted to the head portion
in the first shampoo step and remains on the head portion and the
hair.
[0263] In the first rinsing step, the microcomputer 89 moves the
upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a relatively
high speed while jetting rinsing step water under relatively high
jetting pressure, whereby rinsing step water is jetted to the
overall area of the head portion and the hair, thereby washing out
the shampoo washing water remaining on the head portion and the
hair.
[0264] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes a second shampoo
step (step SB7).
[0265] The second shampoo step aims to execute hair washing on the
head portion which has been cleaned to some extent because it has
been subjected to the first shampoo step and the second rinsing
step, whereby the hair of the head portion is washed more
accurately.
[0266] In the second shampoo step, for example, the microcomputer
89 moves the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a
relatively high speed while jetting shampoo washing water under
relatively high jetting pressure so that the shampoo washing water
is jetted to the over area of the head portion and the hair.
Accordingly, the shampoo washing water prevails over the overall
area of the head portion and the whole area of the head portion is
washed.
[0267] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes a finishing
rinsing step (step SB8).
[0268] This finishing rinsing step is an operation step of washing
out shampoo washing water which has been jetted to the head portion
in the second shampoo step and has remained on the head portion and
the head. In the finishing rinsing step, for example, the
microcomputer 89 moves the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower
nozzle link 12 at a relatively high speed while jetting rinsing
step water under relatively high jetting pressure so that rinsing
water is jetted to the overall area of the head portion and the
hair, thereby washing out the shampoo washing water remaining on
the head portion and the hair.
[0269] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes the massage step
(step SB9).
[0270] This massage operation aims to bring a constant massage
effect to the user. For example, the microcomputer 89 controls the
various kinds of valves, etc. to jet washing water from the head
top massage nozzle 150, the right side head massage nozzle 151 and
the left side head massage nozzle 152 so that the washing water is
jetted to the head top portion and the right and left side head
portions. Here, warm water is used as the washing water to be
jetted. As described above, warm water is concentrically jetted to
the head top portion and the side head portions of the user,
whereby the massage effect can be effectively attained.
[0271] When washing water is jetted from each nozzle, the water
washing may be intermittently jetted or jetted while the jetting
pressure is varied in magnitude. It is expected by executing these
operations that a higher massage effect can be achieved.
[0272] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 cooperates with the mist
generator controller 160 to start spray of mist (step SB10).
[0273] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes a conditioning
step (step SB11).
[0274] The conditioning step is an operation step of jetting
washing water containing conditioner liquid (hereinafter referred
to as "conditioner washing water") to the head portion and the hair
of the user, thereby conditioning the hair of the user.
[0275] In this conditioning step, for example, the microcomputer 89
moves the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 at a
relatively high speed while jetting conditioner washing water under
relatively high jetting pressure so that the conditioner washing
water is jetted to the overall area of the head portion and the
hair, whereby the conditioner washing water prevails over the
overall area of the head portion and the overall area of the head
portion is conditioned.
[0276] In step SB10, spray of mist is started, and thus this
conditioning step is executed simultaneously with and in parallel
to the mist spray.
[0277] Here, it is known that when mist is sprayed to the head
portion of a user, an effect that the cuticle of the hair is opened
is obtained. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the spray
of mist and the conditioning step are executed simultaneously and
in parallel, and thus the opening of the cuticle of hair by the
mist and the jetting of the conditioner washing water to the head
portion can be performed simultaneously, and thus the conditioning
effect can be more greatly enhanced.
[0278] Furthermore, this embodiment is configured so that the head
portion is laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b of the sink
2, washing water is jetted from each nozzle link to the head
portion in the enclosed space 8b and mist is sprayed into the
enclosed space 8b, and thus the spray of mist and the conditioning
step can be executed simultaneously and in parallel.
[0279] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes a final rinsing
step (step SB12).
[0280] This final rinsing step is an operation step of lightly
washing out (rinsing) conditioner washing water which has been
jetted to the head portion in the conditioning step and remained on
the head portion and the hair.
[0281] In the final rinsing step, for example, the microcomputer 89
moves the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 while
jetting rinsing water under relatively weak jetting pressure so
that the rinsing step water is jetted to the overall area of the
head portion and the hair, whereby the conditioner washing water
remaining on the head portion and the hair is lightly washed
out.
[0282] In this step SB10, the spray of mist is started, and thus
this final rinsing step is executed simultaneously with and in
parallel to the spray of mist.
[0283] Here, ad described above, when mist is sprayed, it makes the
user feel relaxed. Accordingly, by executing spray of mist during
the final rinsing step, the final rinsing step can be executed
while the user is relaxed. In this embodiment, the head portion is
laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b, the washing water is
jetted from each nozzle link to the head portion in the enclosed
space 8b, and mist is sprayed into the enclosed space 8b, and this
enables the spray of mist and the final rinsing step to be
performed simultaneously and in parallel.
[0284] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 stops the spray of mist
(step SB13), and finishes the scalp care course (step SB14).
[0285] As described above, in the scalp care course, the mist spray
is executed at the last stage of the operation step. Accordingly,
the following effect can be attained.
[0286] That is, the spray of mist brings the relaxation effect to
the user, and by spraying mist at the last half of the scalp care
course, the user for which the scalp care course is completed can
be relaxed, and also fatigue of the user can be moderated.
[0287] Next, the detailed operation of the automatic hair washing
machine 1 and the mist generator 90 when the hair care course I or
the hair care course II is executed will be described with
reference to flowcharts.
[0288] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the
automatic hair washing machine 1 and the mist generator 90 when the
hair care course I or the hair care course II is executed.
[0289] As shown in FIG. 16, execution of the hair care course I or
the hair care course II is first started (step SD1).
[0290] The execution of the hair care course I or the hair care
course II is started by executing the following operation as a
trigger.
[0291] That is, the hair care switch 239 is operated to select the
hair care course I or the hair care course II as an operation
course to be executed, and also the cover 8 is closed and the
start/stop instructing switch 245 is operated under the state that
the head portion of a user is laid in the sink 2.
[0292] As described above, when the cover 8 is closed under the
state that the head portion of the user is laid in the sink 2, the
cut-out portion 8a is closed by the head portion, the substantially
hermetically sealed enclosed space 8b (FIG. 4) is formed in the
space surrounded by the sink 2 and the cover 8, and the head
portion is laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b.
[0293] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes each of the
operation steps such as the running-in step (step SD2), the weak
washing step (step SD3), the first shampoo step (step D4), the
first rinsing step (step SD5), the second shampoo step (step SD6)
and the finishing rinsing step (step SD7).
[0294] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes each operation
step in the massage step (step SD81), and it cooperates with the
mist generator controller 160 at some midpoint of the execution of
the massage step to start spray of mist (step SD82).
[0295] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 determines whether the
selected operation course is the hair care course I or the hair
care course II (step SD9).
[0296] When the selected operation course is the hair care course I
(step SD9; hair care course I), the microcomputer 89 executes the
conditioning step (step SD11), and shifts the processing to
SD14.
[0297] As described above, in the hair care course I, the mist
spray and the conditioning step are executed simultaneously and in
parallel. Here, as described above, it is known that when mist is
sprayed to the head portion of a user, an effect that the cuticle
of the hair is opened is obtained. Accordingly, according to the
hair care course I, the spray of mist and the conditioning step are
executed simultaneously and in parallel, and thus the opening of
the cuticle of hair by the mist and the jetting of the conditioner
washing water to the head portion can be performed simultaneously,
and thus the conditioning effect can be more greatly enhanced.
[0298] On the other hand, when the selected operation course is the
hair care course II (step SD9; hair care course II), the
microcomputer 89 temporarily stops the operation of the automatic
hair washing machine 1 (step SD12).
[0299] During this temporary stop, a user (in this case, this user
may be a person such as a beautician or the like who can supply
various kinds of services such as treatment of the head portion,
etc. to the user (the person whose hair is washed), and thus may be
another person from the user whose hair is washed) may perform a
hair treatment on the head portion of the user by his/her hands.
Thereafter, the user closes the cover 8 and operates the start/stop
instructing switch 245 (step SD13).
[0300] After the temporary stop, the microcomputer 89 shifts the
processing to step SD14 upon operation of the start/stop
instructing switch 245 as a trigger.
[0301] In step SD14, the microcomputer 89 executes the mist step.
In the mist step of the step SD14, the microcomputer 89 continues
to execute the spray of mist without stopping the spray of mist in
step SC15 even when the remaining time is nullified (step SC; YES)
as shown in FIG. 15.
[0302] Furthermore, as described above with reference to FIG. 15,
in such a situation that some error occurs in the mist generator
and thus it is impossible to supply mist during execution of the
mist step, the mist step is omitted, and the final rinsing step as
the next step (step SD15) is executed.
[0303] As described above, in the hair care course I, the mist step
is executed after the conditioning step, and in the hair care
course II, the mist step is executed after the treatment based on a
human work. Accordingly, the components of the conditioner which is
jetted in the conditioning step and the components of the treatment
liquid in the treatment step infiltrate into the hair more
effectively due to the opening of the cuticle based on mist spray
in the mist step, whereby the conditioning effect and the treatment
effect can be more greatly enhanced.
[0304] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 executes the final
rinsing step (step SD15).
[0305] In step SD14, the mist spray is not stopped, and thus the
final rinsing step is executed simultaneously with and in parallel
to the mist spray.
[0306] Here, as described above, when mist is sprayed, the user can
be relaxed. Furthermore, by executing the mist spray during the
final rinsing step, the final rinsing step can be also executed
while the user is relaxed. In this embodiment, the head portion is
laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b of the sink 2, the
washing water is jetted from each nozzle link to the head portion
in the enclosed space 8b and mist is jetted into the enclosed space
8b, whereby the mist spray and the final rinsing step can be
executed simultaneously in parallel.
[0307] Subsequently, the microcomputer 89 cooperates with the mist
generator controller 160 to stop the mist spray (step SD16) and
finish the hair care course I or the hair care course II (step
SD17).
[0308] As described above, in the hair care course II, an operation
of executing treatment on the hair by user's (beautician's or the
like) hand skill immediately after the mist spray and then
executing mist spray immediately after the treatment concerned can
be performed. On the other hand, it has been difficult for a user
(beautician or the like) to perform such an operation by his/her
hand.
[0309] As described above, the microcomputer 89 and the mist
generator controller 160 cooperate with each other to perform
various operations containing the mist spray, whereby the mist
spray and the other operations can be continuously performed. This
effect can be attained in the other operation courses.
[0310] As described above, the automatic hair washing machine 1
according to this embodiment has the sink 2 in which the head
portion of the user is laid, the upper nozzle link 11 for jetting
washing water to the head portion laid in the sink 2, and the lower
nozzle link 12. Furthermore, the automatic hair washing machine 1
has the mist generator 90 for generating mist, and the mist feeding
pipe 91 through which mist generated by the mist generator 90 is
introduced. The mist discharge port 102 formed at the end portion
of the mist feeding pipe 91 is exposed to the inside of the sink 2,
and the water discharge trap 92 is provided in the mist feeding
pipe 91.
[0311] According to this automatic hair washing machine 1, the mist
discharge port 102 is exposed in the sink 2, so that mist can be
directly sprayed from the mist discharge port 102 to the head
portion laid in the sink 2 and thus the treatment effect and the
relaxation effect can be prevented from being deteriorated.
Furthermore, the mist discharge port 102 is kept to be exposed, and
thus the backflow water flows from the mist discharge port 102 into
the mist feeding pipe 91. However, the backflow water flowing into
the mist feeding pipe 91 can be prevented from flowing into the
mist generator 90 by the function of the water discharge trap 92,
and thus mist can be smoothly supplied.
[0312] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mist discharge port 102
is exposed in the sink 2 so that mist can be sprayed to the head
portion laid in the sink 2. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the mist discharge port 102 is provided at the center lower
portion of the rear side surface 100 of the sink 2 so that the
opening thereof is exposed. Accordingly, atomized mist having a
characteristic that it ascends in air is discharged from the mist
discharge port 102 so that the mist prevails over the whole area of
the head portion of a user who turns up. That is, when the mist is
sprayed from the mist discharge port 102 provided at the center
lower portion of the rear side surface 100 of the sink 2 to the
neighborhood of the rear head portion of the user who turns up, the
mist prevails to the overall area of the head portion along the
shape of the head portion while ascending upwardly.
[0313] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear head portion of
the user is supported on the head support net 70 in the sink 2
during the automatic hair washing treatment (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In
this case, the hair hangs vertically down from the head support net
70. In consideration of this fact, the mist discharge port 102 is
provided at the center lower portion of the rear side surface 100
of the sink 2, and the mist can be sprayed from the side to the
hair hanging down in the vertical direction, so that the mist can
be made to suitably prevail over the whole area of the hair
containing the hair hanging down.
[0314] In this embodiment, the orientation (i.e., mist jetting
direction) of the mist discharge port 102 can be changed. Here, the
size and shape of the head portion is different among persons.
Accordingly, the optimum orientation of the mist discharge port 102
formed in the mist discharge pipe 101 is different among persons.
The orientation of the mist discharge port 102 can be optimized in
accordance with the user by changing the orientation of the mist
discharge pipe 101 in a predetermined range. Particularly, in this
embodiment, the orientation of the mist discharge port 102 of the
mist discharge pipe 101 can be changed by a very simple work of
gripping and turning the mist discharge pipe 101. Therefore, the
workability is good and the work is completed in short times, so
that the convenience for users can be enhanced.
[0315] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in connection with
occurrence of mist in the mist generator 90, drain water occurring
in the mist generator 90 is discharged to the outside of the mist
generator 90, and the other end of the drain water discharge pipe
97 is connected to the water discharge trap inlet pipe 93.
Accordingly, the drain water discharged from the mist generator 90
is arbitrarily supplied to the water discharge trap 92 and thus
liquid is more surely stocked in the water discharge trap 92.
[0316] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exit side of the water
discharge trap 92 is connected to the water discharge pipe 30 of
the sink 2.
[0317] That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the other end of the
water discharge trap outlet pipe 98 is connected to the water
discharge pipe 30, and liquid which exceeds a predetermined water
level in the liquid stock portion 96 of the water discharge trap 92
and flows into the water discharge trap outlet pipe 98 flows out
through the water discharge trap outlet pipe 98 to the water
discharge pipe 30, and is discharged to the outside of the machine
through the water discharge pipe 30. That is, the backflow water
flowing into the mist feeding pipe 91 and the drain water occurring
in connection with occurrence of mist in the mist generator 90 are
discharged to the outside of the machine through the existing water
discharge pipe 30. As described above, the backflow water and the
drain water are discharged to the outside of the machine by using
the existing equipment such as the water discharge pipe 30 of the
sink 2. Therefore, as compared with a case where a mechanism for
discharging liquid to the outside of the machine is newly provided,
the cost can be reduced and the facilitation of the manufacturing
can be enhanced.
[0318] Furthermore, according to the automatic hair washing machine
1 of this embodiment, when the head portion of a user is laid in
the sink 2, the enclosed space 8b is formed in the sink 2, and the
head portion is laid so as to protrude into the enclosed space 8b.
This automatic hair washing machine 1 is provided with the water
jetting unit for jetting washing water to the head portion laid in
the enclosed space 8b (in this embodiment, the microcomputer 89,
the driving motor 103, each nozzle link, etc. cooperate with one
another to function as the water jetting unit), and the mist
spraying unit for spraying mist into the enclosed space 8b (in this
embodiment, the mist generator 90, the mist discharge port 102 and
the mist feeding pipe 91 cooperate with one another to function as
the mist spraying unit).
[0319] Accordingly, by jetting washing water to the head portion in
the enclosed space 8b, mist can effectively sprayed by utilizing
the characteristic of the automatic hair washing machine 1 that the
head portion is automatically washed by jetting washing water to
the head portion in the enclosed space 8b. That is, in the
automatic hair washing machine 1, the washing water is jetted from
each nozzle link to wash the head portion of the user. Accordingly,
the enclosed space 8b is formed in the sink 2, and washing water is
jetted from each nozzle link in the enclosed space 8b to wash the
head portion under the state that the head portion of the user is
laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b. In this embodiment,
mist is filled in the enclosed space 8b by using the enclosed space
8b to spray mist to the head portion of the user. Therefore, the
mist spray can be optimally implemented by using the enclosed space
8b, and mist can be surely brought into contact with the head
portion of the user.
[0320] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 89
controls the respective parts of the automatic hair washing machine
so that the jetting of washing water and the spray of the mist are
executed interlockingly with each other. Accordingly, mist can be
sprayed after washing water is jetted, or washing water can be
jetted after mist is sprayed. That is, the mist spray can be
executed so as to bring out the mist spray effect more effectively
by adjusting the timing of the jetting of the washing water.
[0321] Still furthermore, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 89
executes the jetting of washing water to the head portion and the
mist spray simultaneously. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15,
the mist spray and the jetting of washing water from each nozzle
link which is executed in connection with the massage operation are
executed simultaneously and in parallel.
[0322] A shown in FIG. 14, in the scalp care course, the mist
spray, the conditioning step and the rinsing step are executed
simultaneously and in parallel.
[0323] As shown in FIG. 16, in the hair care course I, the mist
spray, the conditioning step and the final rinsing step are
executed simultaneously and in parallel. In the hair care course
II, the mist spray, the treatment to a user (person whose hair is
washed) by a user's hand (staff's hand, beautician's hand or the
like) and the final rinsing step are executed simultaneously and in
parallel.
[0324] The simultaneous and parallel execution of the jetting of
washing water to the head portion and the mist spray can be
performed on the assumption of the construction that the head
portion is laid to protrude into the enclosed space 8b of the sink
2, washing water is jetted from each nozzle link to the head
portion in the enclosed space 8b and mist is sprayed in the
enclosed space 8b.
[0325] When the mist spray and the jetting of washing water are
executed simultaneously and in parallel, by using the relaxation
effect based on mist, the treatment effect and the opening of pores
caused by mist, the relaxation effect, the treatment effect, the
washing effect, the massage effect, etc. can be effectively brought
to the users (persons whose hair is washed).
[0326] Furthermore, the automatic hair washing machine 1 according
to this embodiment has the operation panel 60 (instructing unit)
for instruction execution of the operation courses (the scalp care
course, the hair care course I, the hair care course II) in which
plural steps containing at least the operation steps containing the
jetting of washing water (for example, the first shampoo step, the
first rinsing step, the conditioning step, etc.) and the mist step
containing the mist spray are arranged in a predetermined order.
When execution of any operation course is instructed, the
microcomputer 89 controls the respective parts of the automatic
hair washing machine 1 so that the jetting of washing water and the
mist spray are executed in a predetermined timing corresponding to
the order of each step in the operation course concerned.
[0327] Accordingly, by executing the operation course, the head
portion of the user can be washed with jetted washing water while
the user is brought with the relaxation effect based on mist and
the massage effect.
[0328] The automatic hair washing machine 1 according to this
embodiment is configured so that washing water mixed with shampoo
liquid can be jetted. In the scalp care course, the order to the
respective steps is set so that the mist step containing the mist
spray is executed prior to the shampoo step containing the jetting
of washing water mixed with shampoo liquid. According to this
course, the following effect can be attained.
[0329] That is, as described above, when mist is sprayed to the
head portion of the user, the pores of the head portion is opened.
Accordingly, the mist step is executed to open the pores of the
head portion in the mist step before the shampoo step is executed,
whereby the washing power of sebum smudge can be enhanced by
jetting washing water containing shampoo liquid in the subsequent
shampoo step.
[0330] The automatic hair washing machine 1 according to this
embodiment can be configured so that washing water mixed with
conditioner liquid can be jetted. In the scalp care course, the
hair care course I and the hair care course I, the mist spray is
executed during execution of the conditioning step containing the
jetting of the washing water mixed with the conditioner liquid.
[0331] According to the above operation, the following effect can
be attained.
[0332] That is, when mist is sprayed to the head portion of the
user, the cuticle of the hair is opened. By executing the mist
spray and the conditioning step simultaneously and in parallel, the
opening of the cuticle caused by the mist spray and the jetting of
conditioner washing water to the head portion are simultaneously
performed, whereby the conditioning effect can be enhanced.
[0333] Furthermore, in the hair care course I, the mist step after
the conditioning step is executed. In the hair care course II, the
mist step is executed after the treatment based on the human's
hand. Accordingly, the component of the conditioner jetted in the
conditioning step and the component of treatment liquid in the
treatment step infiltrate into the hair more greatly in connection
with the opening of the cuticle caused by the mist spray in the
mist step, whereby the conditioning effect and the treatment effect
can be more enhanced.
[0334] The microcomputer 89 is connected to the mist generator
controller 160 for controlling the mist generator 90 so that
communications can be performed therebetween, and controls the
respective parts of the automatic hair washing machine 1 and the
respective parts of the mist generator 90 in cooperation with the
mist generator controller 160 so that the jetting of washing water
and the spray of mist are executed interlockingly with each other.
Accordingly, even when the automatic water washing machine 1 and
the mist generator 90 are designed as separate bodies, the jetting
of washing water and the spray of mist can be smoothly and surely
executed interlockingly with each other.
[0335] The automatic hair washing machine 1 according to this
embodiment has the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link
12 which jet washing water to different sites of the head portion,
and the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle link 12 are
configured to be movable in synchronization with each other through
the power transmission mechanism 201 connected to a single stepping
motor 191.
[0336] Accordingly, each of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower
nozzle link 12 is moved through the power transmission mechanism
201 connected to the single stepping motor 191, whereby these
nozzle links can be moved synchronously with each other.
[0337] As compared with a case where a stepping motor 191 is
provided every nozzle link and these stepping motors 191 are
controlled to control the movement of each nozzle link, the number
of stepping motors can be reduced, so that the manufacturing cost
can be reduced. In addition, a program for control can be
simplified, and thus the manufacturing facilitation can be
enhanced.
[0338] The automatic hair washing machine 1 according to this
embodiment has the upper nozzle link 11 which is configured to be
iteratively moved between the head top position T1 corresponding to
the head top portion of the head portion laid in the sink 2 and the
rear head position T2 corresponding to the rear head portion, and
the lower nozzle link 12 which is configured to be iteratively
moved between the hair position T3 corresponding to the hair
hanging from the head portion laid in the sink 2 and the neck
position T4 corresponding to the neck. The lower nozzle link 12 is
moved in the direction from the hair position T3 to the neck
position T4 in synchronization with the movement of the upper
nozzle link in the direction from the head top position T1 to the
rear head position T2, and also the lower nozzle link 12 is moved
in the direction from the neck position T4 to the hair position T3
in synchronization with the movement of the upper nozzle link 11 in
the direction from the rear head position T2 to the head top
position T1.
[0339] Here, for example, when the upper nozzle link 11 is moved in
the same direction as the hair growing direction while jetting
washing water and also the lower nozzle link is moved in the
opposite direction to the hair growing direction while jetting
washing water, that is, when the moving directions of the upper and
lower nozzle links 11 and 12 with respect to the hair growing
direction are different from each other, the upper and lower nozzle
links 11 and 12 jet washing water to the head portion and hair of
the user in directions which are different with respect to the hair
growing direction. In this case, there occurs such a situation that
the hair is entangled.
[0340] However, according to this embodiment, the upper and lower
nozzle links 11 and 12 are synchronously moved in the same
direction with respect to the hair growing direction. Therefore,
the moving directions of the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12
with respect to the hair growing direction are coincident with each
other at all times, and thus occurrence of the situation that the
hair is entangled can be prevented. Furthermore, the upper and
lower nozzle links 11 and 12 can be surely prevented from coming
into contact with each other during the movement of the upper and
lower nozzle links 11 and 13.
[0341] Furthermore, the power transmission mechanism 201 has the
lower gear 193 and the upper gear 196 which rotate according to the
driving of the stepping motor 191, and the upper nozzle link 11 and
the lower nozzle link 12 can be moved synchronously with each other
by using the rotation of these gears in connection with the driving
of the stepping motor 191, whereby accurate positioning control can
be performed.
[0342] As described above, the power transmission mechanism 201 has
the lower gear 193 and the upper gear 196, whereby the rotational
driving force (power) of the stepping motor 191 can be properly
transmitted to the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 through
these gears. Particularly, in this embodiment, it is required to
rotate the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 synchronously
with each other in opposite directions. Accordingly, under the
state that the lower gear 193 and the upper gear 196 are engaged
with each other, the lower nozzle link 12 is turned in accordance
with rotation of the lower gear 193, and the upper nozzle link 11
is turned in accordance with the rotation of the upper gear 196.
Accordingly, the upper and lower nozzle links 11 and 12 can be
properly and surely turned synchronously with each other in the
opposite directions.
[0343] In this embodiment, the upper gear 196 is provided with a
gear position detecting switch 200, and the microcomputer 89
controls the operation of the stepping motor 191 on the basis of a
detection value of the gear position detection switch 200.
[0344] More specifically, when the upper gear 196 is rotated in the
direction of the arrow X so that the upper nozzle link 11 exceeds
the head top position T1 and is further turned in the direction of
the arrow E, the contact point of the gear position detection
switch 200 is conducted by a magnet (not shown) provided to the
upper gear 196, and a signal indicating this fact is output to a
predetermined port of the microcomputer 89. The microcomputer 89 to
which the signal is input stops the operation of the stepping motor
191, whereby the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented from exceeding
the head top position T1 and being further turned in the direction
of the arrow E. At the same time, the lower nozzle link 12 which is
moved in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented
from exceeding the hair position T3 and being further turned in the
direction of the arrow F.
[0345] Likewise, when the upper gear 196 is turned in the direction
of the arrow Y so that the upper nozzle link 11 exceeds the rear
head position T2 and is further turned in the direction of the
arrow C, the contact point of the gear position detecting switch
200 is conducted by a magnet (not shown) provided to the upper gear
196, and a signal indicating this fact is output to a predetermined
port of the microcomputer 89. The microcomputer 89 to which the
signal is input stops the operation of the stepping motor 191,
whereby the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented from exceeding the
rear head position T2 and being further turned in the direction of
the arrow C. At the same time, the lower nozzle link which is moved
in synchronization with the upper nozzle link 11 is prevented from
exceeding the neck position T4 and being further turned in the
direction of the arrow D.
[0346] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power transmission
mechanism 201 is provided to the left side surface 190 of the sink
2.
[0347] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the power
transmission mechanism 201 is provided to the left side surface 190
of the sink 2 so that the surfaces of the lower gear 193 and the
upper gear 196 as discs are arranged along the left side surface
190 of the sink 2. Accordingly, the thickness of the power
transmission mechanism 201 can be reduced, and the power
transmission mechanism 201 can be accommodated by effectively using
a space at the left side of the left side surface 190 of the sink
2, and also miniaturization of the automatic hair washing machine 1
can be implemented. Furthermore, the output shafts of the lower
gear 193 and the pulley 197 can be made coincident with the
rotating shafts of the upper nozzle link 11 and the lower nozzle
link 12.
[0348] Various modifications and applications can be made on the
above-described embodiment within the scope of the present
invention.
[0349] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the
automatic hair washing machine 1 has the upper nozzle link 11 and
the lower nozzle link 12, and these nozzle links 11 and 12
cooperate with each other. However, the number of nozzle links and
the shapes thereof are not limited to those of the above
embodiment. That is, the present invention is broadly applicable to
the automatic hair washing machine 1 for supplying mist into the
sink 2.
Second Embodiment
[0350] Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[0351] The automatic hair washing machine 301 according to the
second embodiment has a physical constructional different from the
automatic hair washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment
in that it has a cleaning agent jetting mechanism 390.
[0352] In FIG. 17, reference numeral 301 represents an automatic
hair washing machine according to the second embodiment.
[0353] The automatic hair washing machine 301 has a sink 302 in
which the head portion of a user (person whose hair is washed) is
laid, a sink holding table 303 for holding the sink 302, a seat 304
which is disposed in front of the sink holding table 303 and on
which the user sits, and a seat holding table 305 for holding the
seat 304.
[0354] As shown in FIG. 18, the sink 302 is a bowl-shaped member
having an opening at the top thereof.
[0355] As shown in FIG. 18, the sink 302 is a bowl-shaped member
having an opening at the upper side thereof. Ahead support net 370
for supporting the rear head portion of a user so that the head
portion faces the inside of the sink 302 under the state that the
user turns up is disposed at the front portion of the sink 302.
Furthermore, a neck table 307 is disposed on a front surface
portion 302A of the sink 302, and the user can put his/her neck on
the neck table under the state that the user sits on the seat 304
and turns up so that the rear head portion is mounted on the head
support net 370. The opening at the top of the sink 302 can be
covered by a cover 308. The rear end of the cover 308 is linked to
the rear end of the sink 2 through a link portion 309 so as to be
rotatable about the link portion 309 within a vertical plane. When
hair washing (cleaning) or the like is executed, the user who sits
on the seat 304 puts his/her neck on the neck table 307 while the
cover 308 is opened, and then the cover 308 is closed, whereby the
head portion of the user can be laid in the sink 302.
[0356] In the sink 302 are arranged the upper nozzle link 311 and
the lower nozzle link 312 for jetting cleaning agent liquid or
washing water to the head portion and hair of the user. In this
embodiment, the cleaning agent liquid means liquid mixed with
shampoo or conditioner liquid, and the washing water means liquid
(water) which is not mixed with any cleaning agent containing
shampoo liquid or conditioner liquid. In the following description,
when the cleaning liquid and the washing water are not clearly
discriminated from each other, they are arbitrarily represented as
"washing water".
[0357] The upper nozzle link 311 comprises a pipe-shaped member
which is curved so as to be convex to the obliquely upper right
side in FIG. 18B and have a substantially arcuate shape along the
head portion of the user and has plural nozzles arranged at
predetermined intervals. The upper nozzle link 311 is supported at
one end (left end) thereof (i.e., cantilevered) so as to be
turnable (swingable) around the one end as indicated by arrows C
and E in FIG. 18B so that the washing water can be jetted to the
head portion of the user.
[0358] The lower nozzle link 312 comprises a pipe-shaped member
which is wholly designed to be substantially M-shaped and curved so
as to be convex (arcuate) toward the left side in FIG. 18B at the
center portion of the M-shape and has plural nozzles arranged at
predetermined intervals. The lower nozzle link 312 is supported at
one end thereof (i.e., cantilevered) at the lower side of the upper
nozzle link 12 so as to be turnable (swingable) around the one end
(left end) thereof below the upper nozzle link 311 as indicated by
arrows D and F in FIG. 18B. The lower nozzle link 12 jets washing
water toward the rear side thereof to wash the user's hair which
hangs down from the user's head at the rear side of the lower
nozzle link 312. Furthermore, a neck nozzle link 380 for jetting
washing water to the neck of the user turning up is disposed in the
sink 302.
[0359] The upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312 and the neck
nozzle link 380 are provided with plural nozzles, and cleaning
agent and washing water fed into the upper and lower nozzle links
311, 312 and the neck nozzle link 380 are jetted from each nozzle.
The upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312 are turned, and the
neck nozzle link 380 is fixed. The overall head portion and hair of
the user can be washed by jetting cleaning agent and washing water
from the respective nozzles. A hand shower 313 is disposed at the
upper rear side in the sink 302. An operator (staff of a beauty
salon or the like) turns the cock 314 disposed at the right side of
the hand shower 313, whereby the amount of water discharged from
the hand shower 313 can be adjusted, and hair can be washed by
hand.
[0360] Water used for the automatic hair washing machine 301 is
supplied from tap water facilities and how water supply facilities
(not shown) at the outside of the machine through the mixing valve
315 and the water supply pipe 316. Water is supplied from the tap
water facilities through the water supply portion 317 into the
mixing valve 315, and also warm water is supplied from the hot
water supply facilities through the hot water supply portion 318
into the mixing valve 315. The mixing valve 315 mixes the water and
the hot water supplied form the water supply portion 317 and the
hot water supply portion 318, and feeds out warm water to the water
supply pipe 316. A thermistor 319 for detecting the temperature of
the warm water fed out from the mixing valve 315 is disposed at
some midpoint in the water supply pipe 316. A motor 320 is operated
on the basis of the detection result of the thermistor 315 to
open/close the mixing valve 315, whereby the mixing rate between
the water and the hot water is adjusted and thus hot water having a
set temperature is generated. The mixing valve 315 is an
electrically-operated type whose opening degree is adjusted by the
motor 320. The motor 320 is a DC motor or a DC electrical motor and
has a brush, etc.
[0361] An operation panel 360 (FIG. 18) is provided at a side of
the sink 302, and the set temperature is determined by operator's
(user's) operation of the operation panel 360. The water supply
pipe 316 is branched to a water supply pipe 321 for the hand shower
and a water supply pipe 322 for stocking warm water from a some
midpoint portion (a downstream side from the thermistor 319). The
hand shower water supply pipe 321 intercommunicates with the hand
shower 313 through a hand shower valve 323 which can be
opened/closed by a cock 314. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 322
for stocking warm water can supply warm water into the warm water
stocking tank 325 through the warm water stocking valve 324 as a
warm water supply valve.
[0362] A first water level sensor 326 and a second water level
sensor 327 for detecting the water level of warm water stocked in
the warm water stocking tank 325 are arranged so as to be spaced
from each other at a fixed interval in the vertical direction. When
the warm water in the warm water stocking tank 325 is used and it
is detected by the second water level sensor 327 that the water
level reaches a predetermined lowest water level, the warm water
stocking valve 324 is opened, and warm water is supplied into the
warm water stocking tank 325. Thereafter, when it is detected by
the first water level sensor 326 that the warm water in the warm
water stocking tank 325 reaches a predetermined highest water
level, the warm water stocking valve 324 is closed to sop the
supply of warm water. As described above, warm water is kept to be
stocked between the lowest water level and the highest water level
in the warm water stocking tank 325.
[0363] A water overflow port 328 is formed at the upper portion of
the warm water stocking tank 325 (above the first water level
sensor 326). When warm water of the highest water level or more is
supplied into the warm water stocking tank 325 due to a trouble of
the first water level sensor 326 or the like, extra warm water is
made to overflow to the outside of the warm water stocking tank 325
through the water overflow port 328. The warm water overflowing
from the water overflow port 328 is received by an overflow tank
329, and it is passed through a water discharge pipe 330
intercommunicating with the overflow tank 329 to the outside of the
machine. An overflow sensor 331 is disposed in the overflow tank
329. For example, when it is detected by the overflow sensor 331
that the water discharge pipe 330 is clogged and thus the water
level in the overflow tank 329 reaches the highest water level, the
operation of the automatic water washing machine 301 is
stopped.
[0364] A suction pipe 333 which is connected to a main pump 332 at
one end thereof and also connected to the lowest portion of the
warm water stocking tank 325 is provided. The main pump 332 is
supplied with AC current from the inverter 364 to be operated, and
warm water is sucked through the suction pipe 333 into the warm
water stocking tank 325. A shampoo supply pipe 335 reaching a
shampoo container 334 for stocking shampoo liquid and a conditioner
supply pipe 337 reaching a conditioner container 336 for stocking
conditioner liquid are connected to some midpoint of the suction
pipe 333. Treatment liquid may be stocked in the conditioner
container 336. A shampoo pump 338 and a conditioner pump 339 are
provided at some midpoints of the shampoo supply pipe 335 and the
conditioner supply pipe 337. Upon action of the shampoo pump 338
and the conditioner pump 339, the mixing amount of shampoo liquid
and conditioner liquid into warm water passing through the suction
pipe 333 is properly adjusted, whereby washing water to be used at
that time is sucked into the main pump 332.
[0365] Washing water sucked from the suction pipe 333 into the main
pump 332 is fed out to a water feeding pipe 340 having plural (for
example, four) distribution paths. A filter 341 is provided in the
water feed pipe 340, and four valves of an upper nozzle valve 342,
a lower nozzle valve 343, a neck nozzle valve 374 and a water
discharging valve 344 are provided to the four distribution paths
at the downstream side. Branch paths 346, 347, 375 and 348 are
provided to the four distribution paths in which the upper nozzle
valve 342, the lower nozzle valve 343, the neck nozzle valve 374
and the water discharge valve 344 are provided. The terminal of the
branch path 346 extending from the upper nozzle valve 342 is
connected to the upper nozzle link 311, the terminal of the branch
path 347 extending from the lower nozzle valve 343 is connected to
the lower nozzle link 312, and the terminal of the branch path 375
extending from the neck nozzle valve 374 is connected to the neck
nozzle link 380.
[0366] A discharge port 350 for discharging water into the sink 302
is formed in the bottom surface of the sink 302, and the discharge
port 350 intercommunicates with the water discharge pipe 330
through a water discharge trap 351 for preventing backflow.
Accordingly, water discharged from the discharge port 350 of the
sink 302 is passed through the water discharge pipe 330, and
discharged to the outside of the machine. The terminal of the
branch path 48 extending from the water discharge valve 344 is
connected to the water discharge trap 351.
[0367] As shown in FIG. 19, the automatic hair washing machine 301
according to this embodiment has a cleaning agent jetting mechanism
390 for jetting menthol type cleaning agent to the head portion of
a user laid in the sink 302.
[0368] The cleaning agent jetting mechanism 390 has a cleaning
agent stocking container 391 for stocking menthol type cleaning
agent, and a cleaning agent jetting nozzle 393 which is connected
through a cleaning agent feeding pipe 392 to the cleaning agent
stocking container 391 and jets the cleaning agent stocked in the
cleaning agent stocking container 391 to the head portion of the
user. The cleaning agent feeding pipe 392, the cleaning agent
supply pump 394 and the cleaning agent nozzle valve 395 are
successively connected to the cleaning agent feeding pipe 392. When
the menthol type cleaning agent is jetted to the head portion of
the user, the cleaning agent nozzle valve 395 is set to an open
state, the cleaning agent supply pump 394 is operated, and the
menthol type cleaning agent stocked in the cleaning agent stocking
container 391 is fed through the cleaning agent feeding pipe 392 to
the cleaning agent jetting nozzle 393, whereby the cleaning agent
is jetted from the cleaning agent jetting nozzle 393 to the head
portion of the user.
[0369] When the menthol type cleaning agent is jetted to the head
portion, the user can be brought with an exhilarating feeling and
sensation of coolness, thereby making the user more
comfortable.
[0370] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the relationship between the
head support net 370 and the neck nozzle link 380. As shown in FIG.
20A, the neck nozzle link 380 is a pipe-shaped member which is bent
in a substantially M-shape. Brackets 381 are fixed to two corner
portions of the neck nozzle link 380 by weld, and the neck nozzle
link 380 is fixed to the inner wall at the front side of the sink
302 through the brackets 381. A horizontal portion 382 of the neck
nozzle link 380 is curved to be convex downwardly along the neck of
the user, and three nozzles 383 are secured to the upper center
portion of the horizontal portion 382 to be spaced from one another
at suitable intervals. As shown in FIG. 20B, two support rods 384
extending horizontally to the inside of the sink 302 are fixed to
the horizontal portion 382 by weld so as to be vertical to the
horizontal portion 382. Support portions 371 at both the ends of
the head support net 370 are mounted on the two support rods
384.
[0371] The head support net 370 is formed of a resin molded member,
and it has the support portions 371 to which the support rods 384
are fitted as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. The head support net 370
is designed so that the mesh size 372A in the neighborhood of the
center portion 372 corresponding to the apex of the rear head
portion of the user is larger and the mesh size 371A becomes
smaller as it approaches to the support portions 371 at both the
ends of the head support net 370. As shown in FIG. 18, the head
portion support net 370 is fixed to a position at which it does not
disturb the operation of the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and
312, that is, at such a position as to avoid the moving locus of
each of the links 311 and 312.
[0372] The upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312 are iteratively
movable synchronously with each other while supported at only one
ends thereof (cantilevered).
[0373] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18B, the upper nozzle link
311 iteratively moves so as to start to turn around the rotational
shaft A in the direction of the arrow C, turn from the head top
position T1 shown in FIG. 18A, reach the rear head position T2,
reversely turns from the rear head position T2 in the direction of
the arrow E and then return to the head top position T1. Here, when
the upper nozzle link 311 is located at the head top position T1,
washing water is jetted from each nozzle formed in the upper nozzle
link 311 in the direction of an arrow Y1, whereby the washing water
is jetted to the neighborhood of the head top portion of the user.
Furthermore, when the upper nozzle link 311 is located at the rear
head position T2, washing water is jetted from each nozzle formed
in the upper nozzle link 311 in the direction of an arrow Y2,
whereby the washing water is jetted to the neighborhood of the rear
head portion of the user.
[0374] Furthermore, the lower nozzle link 312 iteratively moves so
as to start to turn around the rotational shaft B in the direction
of the arrow D, turn from the hair position T3 shown in FIG. 18B,
reach the neck position T4, reversely turn from the neck position
T4 in the direction of the arrow F and return to the hair position
T3. Here, when the lower nozzle link 312 is located at the hair
position T3, washing water is jetted from each nozzle formed in the
lower nozzle link 312 in the direction of the arrow Y3, whereby the
washing water is jetted to the hair hanging from the head portion
of the user. Furthermore, when the lower nozzle link 312 is located
at the neck position T4, washing water is jetted from each nozzle
formed in the lower nozzle link 312 in the direction of the arrow
Y4, whereby the washing water is jetted to the neighborhood of the
neck of the user.
[0375] In this embodiment, the upper nozzle link 311 and the lower
nozzle link 312 are synchronously moved in the same direction with
respect to the hair growing direction by a driving mechanism (not
shown). That is, as shown in FIG. 18B, when the upper nozzle link
311 is located at the head top position T1, the lower nozzle link
312 is set to be located at the hair position T3. Here, it is
assumed that the upper nozzle link 311 is located at the head top
position T1 and the lower nozzle link 312 is located at the hair
position T3. At this time, when the upper nozzle link 311 starts to
turn in the direction of the arrow C, the lower nozzle link 312
starts to turn in the direction of the arrow D in synchronization
with the turning of the upper nozzle link 311. When the upper
nozzle link 311 reaches the rear head position T2, the lower nozzle
link 312 reaches the neck position T4 substantially at the same
time. Furthermore, after the upper nozzle link 311 reaches the rear
head position T2 and the lower nozzle link 312 reaches the neck
position T4, these nozzle links reversely move. That is, it is
assumed that the upper nozzle link 11 is located at the rear head
position T2 and the lower nozzle link 312 is located at the neck
position T4. At this time when the upper nozzle link 11 starts to
turn in the reverse direction to the arrow C (i.e., the direction
of an arrow E), the lower nozzle link 312 starts to turn in the
reverse direction to the arrow D (i.e., the direction of an arrow
F). When the upper nozzle link 311 reaches the head top position
T1, the lower nozzle link 312 reaches the hair position T3 at the
same time.
[0376] Here, for example when the upper nozzle link 311 is moved in
the same direction as the hair growing direction while jetting
washing water and also the lower nozzle link 312 is moved in the
opposite direction to the hair growing direction while jetting
washing water, that is, when the moving directions of the upper and
lower nozzle links 311 and 312 with respect to the hair growing
direction are different from each other, the upper nozzle link 311
and the lower nozzle link 312 jet washing water to the head portion
and hair of the user from the different directions with respect to
the hair growing direction. Therefore, there occurs a situation
that the hair becomes entangled.
[0377] However, as described above, the upper nozzle link 311 and
the lower nozzle link 312 are moved in the same direction
synchronously with each other, and thus the moving directions of
the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312 with respect to the
hair growing direction are coincident with each other at all times,
and thus occurrence of the situation that the hair gets entangled
can be prevented.
[0378] Furthermore, the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312
can be surely prevented from coming into contact with each other
while they are moved. In this embodiment, under the control of the
microcomputer 389, the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312
make complicated motions like they are synchronously moved while
changing the speed, temporarily stopped after moving in a fixed
range, or iteratively moved in a predetermined range.
[0379] In this embodiment, according to the above construction,
when the head portion of the user is placed at the head support net
370 in the sink 302, the user's neck faces the inside of the sink
302. The washing water is jetted from the neck nozzle link 380 to
the neck of the user, and thus the automatic hair washing
containing the washing of the neck can be performed in cooperation
with the operation of the movement of the upper and lower nozzle
links 311 and 312. Furthermore, the head support net 370 is
disposed so as to avoid the moving locus of each of the nozzle
links 311 and 312, so that the head support net 370 does not
obstruct the operation of the nozzle links 311 and 312 and thus the
interference can be avoided. Furthermore, the head support portion
is formed of a net 370, and thus washing water from each of the
nozzle links 311 and 312 easily prevail over the rear head portion.
Still furthermore, the support portions 371 at both the ends of the
head support net 370 is joined to the support rods 384 of the neck
nozzle link 380. Therefore, it is unnecessary to perform an
additional working on the sink 302 to secure the head support net
370, and the head support net 370 can be easily secured.
[0380] The neck nozzle link 380 is supported at both the ends
thereof by the sink 302. Therefore, a space can be secured around
the neck nozzle link 380, and when hair is washed by the hand
shower 313, the neck nozzle link 380 does not disturb the hair
washing and thus the hand motion is not disturbed during hair
washing. Furthermore, the head support net 370 and the neck nozzle
link 380 are joined to each other below the neck of the user, and
thus the hair washing space can be secured at the right and left
sides of the user's head.
[0381] Still furthermore, the mesh size of the head support net 370
is larger at the center portion 372 corresponding to the apex (top)
of the rear head portion, and washing water from each of the nozzle
links 311, 312 easily prevails to the neighborhood of the apex of
the rear head portion. Furthermore, the mesh size is reduced as it
approaches to the support portions 371 at both the ends, and thus
the mechanical strength around both the ends is enhanced, so that
the support strength is enhanced.
[0382] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the electrical
construction of the automatic hair washing machine 301.
[0383] The operation of the automatic hair washing machine 301 is
controlled by the microcomputer 389. The microcomputer 389 is
supplied with signals from the first water level sensor 326, the
second water level sensor 327, the overflow sensor 331, the first
thermistor 319 and the operation panel 360 for setting and
operating the operation content of the automatic hair washing
machine 301. The microcomputer 389 is connected to the motor 320,
the warm water stocking valve 324, the shampoo pup 338, the
conditioner pump 339, the upper nozzle valve 342, the lower nozzle
valve 343, the neck nozzle valve 374, the water discharge valve
344, the cleaning agent supply pump 394, the cleaning agent nozzle
valve 395, etc. as control targets. the mixing valve 315 is
connected to the motor 320, and the microcomputer 389 controls the
operation of the motor 320 to open/close the mixing valve 315,
whereby the temperature of warm water to be fed to the water supply
pipe 316 can be adjusted.
[0384] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, the microcomputer 389 is
connected to the inverter 364 for controlling the discharge
pressure of washing water which is discharged from the main pump
332 by supplying AC current to the main pump 332. As shown in FIG.
19, the washing water discharged from the main pump 332 is jetted
from the nozzles of the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312
through the upper and lower nozzle valves 342 and 343. Accordingly,
the microcomputer 389 controls the inverter 364 to control the
jetting pressure of the washing water to be jetted from the nozzles
of each nozzle link.
[0385] Furthermore, the microcomputer 389 is connected to a driving
motor 398 for controlling the movement of each of the upper and
lower nozzle links 311 and 312. The driving motor 398 comprises a
stepping motor, and controls the movement of the upper and lower
nozzle links 311 and 312 through a driving mechanism (not shown) on
the basis of a driving signal input from the microcomputer 389. The
microcomputer 389 controls the driving motor 398 so as to enable
the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312 to make complicated
motions by changing the moving speed of the upper and lower nozzle
links 311 and 312, temporarily stopping them, etc. The specific
operation for the movement of the upper and lower nozzle links 311
and 312 under the automatic hair washing operation of the automatic
hair washing machine 301 will be described later.
[0386] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the basic operation under the
automatic hair washing operation of the automatic hair washing
machine 301.
[0387] As shown in FIG. 23, the automatic hair washing machine 301
according to this embodiment successively executes the relaxation
step, the first rinsing step, the shampoo step, the second rinsing
step, the conditioner step, the third rinsing step, the menthol
cleaning agent jetting step and the fourth rinsing step in this
order when user's hair is automatically washed. The operation of
the automatic hair washing step in each step will be described with
reference to FIGS. 24 to 26.
[0388] In the following description, the direction from the head
top portion to the neck side along the head portion is referred to
as "down direction (downward)", and conversely the direction from
the neck side to the head top is referred to as "up direction
(upward)". In other words, with respect to the upper nozzle link
311, the direction from the head top position T1 to the rear head
position T2 corresponds to the "down direction", and the opposite
direction thereto corresponds to the "up direction". With respect
to the lower nozzle link 312, the direction from the hair position
T3 to the neck position T4 corresponds to the "down direction", and
the opposite direction thereto corresponds to the "up direction".
At the rear head portion of the user, the hair grows in the down
direction.
[0389] As described above, the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and
312 are moved interlockingly with each other. However, in the
following description, only the motion of one nozzle link will be
described for convenience of description in some cases.
Furthermore, in the following description, the microcomputer 389
functions as a controller.
[0390] In this embodiment, the jetting pressure of washing water
jetted from the upper and lower nozzle links 311 and 312 can be
changed at 12 stages from the lowest level 1 to the highest level
12.
[0391] FIG. 24a is a diagram showing the relaxation step.
[0392] This relaxation step is a step of jetting washing water to
the head of a user for the first time, and mainly aims to make the
user accustomed to washing water by jetting washing water to the
user's head portion to relax the user. In order to attain this aim,
in the relaxation step, the jetting pressure is controlled so that
the average value of the jetting pressure level is lower than the
average value of the jetting pressure in the shampoo step and the
conditioner step described later. Specifically, in this embodiment,
the average value of the jetting pressure level in the shampoo step
is set to level 9, and the average value of the jetting pressure
level in the conditioner step is set to level 8. On the other hand,
the average value of the jetting pressure level in the relaxation
step is set to about level 6.
[0393] First, as shown in A1 of FIG. 24A, the microcomputer 389
controls the driving motor 398 to move the lower nozzle link 312 to
a position where washing water is jetted to a point PD1 of the head
portion (rear head portion), and then controls the inverter 364 so
that washing water is jetted from the lower nozzle link 312 to the
point PD1 for three seconds, for example.
[0394] Subsequently, as shown in A2 of FIG. 24A, the microcomputer
389 moves the lower nozzle link 312 to the neck position T4 while
jetting washing water. At this time, the microcomputer 389 moves
the lower nozzle link 312 at a very slow speed. This operation
makes the user feel as if he/she is gently stroked by a human's
hand and thus provides a sense of ease to the user. Furthermore,
since washing water is jetted to the head portion while the lower
nozzle link 312 is moved at such a slow speed in the relaxation
step immediately after the automatic hair washing process is
started, the user can cast aside such a feeling that his/her hair
is washed by a machine without surprising the user, so that the
user has a high-class feeling.
[0395] Here, in A2, the microcomputer 389 sets the jetting pressure
to a higher value when washing water is jetted to the neighborhood
of the rear head portion of the user by the lower nozzle link 312
(i.e., when washing water is jetted in the directions of the arrows
E and F) as compared with cases where washing is jetted in the
other jetting directions.
[0396] The reason for this is as follows. When washing water is
jetted to the neighborhood of the rear head portion of the user,
the washing water must be upwardly jetted, and thus the water
pressure of the washing water which has just reached the rear head
portion of the user is weakened. Therefore, the washing water to be
jetted must be increased. Furthermore, when washing water is jetted
to the neighborhood of the rear head portion of the user, the
washing water jetted from the lower nozzle link 312 is obstructed
from reaching the rear head portion by the hair hanging from the
rear head portion, and thus the water pressure of the washing water
reaching the rear head portion of the user is weakened. Therefore,
the washing water to be jetted must be increased. Still
furthermore, with respect to the human's head portion, there is a
tendency that the rear head portion is duller than the other
places, and thus the massage effect caused by the jetting of
washing water to the user can be surely brought by increasing the
jetting pressure of washing water to the neighborhood of the rear
head portion.
[0397] Particularly, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 389
controls the jetting pressure of washing water so that the jetting
pressure of washing water jetted to the head portion located at a
position where the head portion support net 370 exists (the jetting
pressure of washing water jetted in the direction of the arrow F)
is set to be larger than the jetting pressure of washing water
jetted to the head portion at a position where the head portion
support net 370 does not exist. In this embodiment, the
microcomputer 389 controls the jetting pressure of washing water so
that the jetting pressure of washing water jetted to the head
portion at the position where the head portion support net 370
exists is set to the level 9, and the jetting pressure of washing
water jetted to the head portion at the other positions is set to
the level 7.
[0398] This is to prevent occurrence of such a situation that
existence of the net causes washing water to be weakly jetted to
the head portion at the position where the net exists. Furthermore,
in this embodiment, the hair sandwiched between the head portion
support net 370 and the rear head portion moves hardly, and washing
water jetted from the lower nozzle link 312 is disturbed from
reaching the rear head portion by the hair sandwiched between the
head portion support net 370 and the rear head portion. However,
according to this invention, by increasing the jetting pressure of
the washing water, the washing water which reaches the rear head
portion of the user is prevented from being weakened in jetting
pressure by the above disturbance of the jetting of the washing
water by the sandwiched hair.
[0399] In this embodiment, the same control as the lower nozzle
link 312 is applied to the upper nozzle link 311. This control is
executed while the automatic hair washing operation is executed by
the automatic hair washing machine 301.
[0400] It may be detected on the basis of the driving signal output
from the microcomputer 389 to the driving motor 398 whether the
upper nozzle link 311 and the lower nozzle link 312 jet washing
water to the neighborhood of the rear head portion, for example.
Furthermore, a position detecting sensor for detecting the
positions of the upper nozzle link 311 and the lower nozzle link
312 may be connected to the microcomputer 389, and detect the
position on the basis of the output value of the position detecting
sensor.
[0401] Subsequently, the microcomputer 389 controls the neck nozzle
valve 374, etc. to jet washing water from the neck nozzle link 380
to a point PK1 at the neck of the user. Here, the jetted washing
water is set to warm water. By jetting warm water to the neck of
the user as described above, the blood flow of the neck is made
good, and the tension of the overall head portion is loosened, so
that the massage effect can be enhanced. Subsequently, the jetting
of warm water from the neck nozzle link 380 is executed until the
relaxation step is finished. Accordingly, the warm water is jetted
to the neck of the user over a long time, and thus the above effect
can be effectively brought. In A3 of FIG. 24A, the microcomputer
389 moves the upper nozzle link 311 to the head top position T1 as
indicated by a chain line, and also moves the lower nozzle link 312
to the hair position T3.
[0402] Subsequently, as shown in A4 of FIG. 24A, the microcomputer
389 drives the upper nozzle link 311 so that the upper nozzle link
311 iteratively moves between the head top position T1 and the rear
head position T2 while jetting washing water. At this time, the
microcomputer 389 sets the jetting pressure of washing water so
that the jetting pressure of washing water when the upper nozzle
link 311 is moved downwardly is set to be higher than the jetting
pressure when the upper nozzle link 311 is moved upwardly. In this
embodiment, the microcomputer 389 controls the jetting pressure so
that the jetting pressure level when the upper nozzle link 311 is
moved downwardly is set to the level 8, and the jetting pressure
level when the upper nozzle link 311 is moved upwardly is set to
the level 5.
[0403] Here, when the head portion is massaged (kneaded) by human's
hands, in order to perform a smooth massage in accordance with the
hair growing direction, the massage (kneading) force is stronger
when the head portion is massaged (kneaded) in the same direction
as the hair growing direction than when the head portion is
massaged (kneaded) in the opposite direction to the hair growing
direction.
[0404] In the above control, the jetting pressure when the upper
nozzle link 311 is moved downwardly, that is, when the washing
water is successively jetted in the same direction as the hair
growing direction is higher than when the upper nozzle link 311 is
moved in the opposite direction, that is, when the washing water is
successively jetted in the opposite direction to the hair growing
direction. Therefore, the user can be brought with such a feeling
that the user is massaged by human's hands.
[0405] Furthermore, according to the above control, the jetting
pressure when the washing water is successively jetted in the
opposite direction to the hair growing direction is weak.
Therefore, a teased hair state hardly occurs, the hair can be
prevented from being entangled and also comfort of the user can be
enhanced.
[0406] In A4 of FIG. 24A, the upper nozzle link 311 repeats the
above movement (motion) twice. Subsequently, as indicated in A5 of
FIG. 25A, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle link 311 so
that the upper nozzle link 311 iteratively moves between the head
top position T1 and the rear head position T2, and also moves the
lower nozzle link 312 so that the lower nozzle link 312 iteratively
moves between the hair position T3 and the neck position T4. During
the movement, the microcomputer 389 jets washing water from both
the nozzle links.
[0407] Subsequently, as indicated in A6 of FIG. 24A, the
microcomputer 389 controls the upper nozzle link 311 as
follows.
[0408] That is, first, the upper nozzle link 311 is moved to the
head top position T1, and temporarily stopped. During temporary
stop, the microcomputer 389 controls the inverter 364, etc. to jet
washing water from the upper nozzle link 311 to the point PU1 while
switching the jetting pressure between high and low levels at a
time interval of 0.5 second. The level switching of the jetting
pressure is performed so that each of the high level state and the
low level state of the jetting pressure is applied every twice. In
this embodiment, the microcomputer 389 controls the jetting
pressure so that the jetting pressure level under the state that
the jetting pressure is high is set to the level 8, and the jetting
pressure level under the state that the jetting pressure is low is
set to the level 5. Thereafter, the microcomputer 389 jets washing
water from the upper nozzle link 311 so as to switch the jetting
pressure between the high and low levels at a time interval of one
second. The switching operation of the jetting pressure level is
performed so that each of the high level state and the low level
state is set every once.
[0409] As described above, when washing water is jetted to some
site of the user's head portion while switching the jetting
pressure between the high and low level states at a predetermined
interval, the user is brought with such a feeling as if he/she is
massaged (kneaded) to be alternately stronger and weaker in
strength by human's hands.
[0410] Particularly, in this embodiment, the jetting pressure level
is switched during the temporary stop of the upper nozzle link 311,
and thus during the temporary stop, washing water is jetted to the
same site of the head portion while the jetting pressure level is
switched. Therefore, the user is brought with such a strong feeling
as if he/she is massaged (kneaded) at the site concerned
alternately more strongly and more weakly by human's hands.
[0411] Here, when the kneading massage is executed by human's hand,
the kneading massage is executed while the alternating interval
between the strong level and the weak level of the kneading massage
is gradually increased. In this embodiment, as the washing water
jetting time elapses, the switching interval between the high level
and the low level of the jetting pressure is also increased.
Accordingly, the user is brought with such a feeling as if he/she
is massaged (kneaded) at his/her washing water jetted site by
human's hands.
[0412] Furthermore, after the microcomputer 389 temporarily stops
the upper nozzle link 311 at the position corresponding to the
point PU1, the microcomputer 389 releases the temporary stop, and
moves the upper nozzle link 311 downwardly to a position at which
washing water is jetted to the point PU2. Thereafter, the
microcomputer 389 temporarily stops the upper nozzle link 311 at
the position corresponding to the point PU2, and jets the washing
water while switching the jetting pressure between the high level
and the low level as in the case of the position corresponding to
the point PU1. As described above, the microcomputer 389 moves the
upper nozzle link 311 from the position corresponding to PU1 to the
position corresponding to the PU5, and at each of the positions
corresponding to the PU1 to PU5, the microcomputer 389 temporarily
stops the upper nozzle link 311 and jets washing water while
switching the jetting pressure between the high level and the low
level during the temporary stop.
[0413] According to the above operation, at the plural sites of the
user's head portion, the user can be brought with such a feeling as
if he/she is massaged (kneaded) alternately more strongly and more
weakly by human's hands.
[0414] FIG. 24B is a diagram showing the first rinsing step.
[0415] The first rinsing step is a step for washing out smudge
attached to hair with washing water (containing neither shampoo
liquid nor conditioner liquid) before the shampoo step as the next
step.
[0416] In this first rinsing step, as in the case of the relaxation
step, the jetting pressure is controlled so that the average value
of the jetting pressure level is lower than the average value in
the shampoo step and the average value in the conditioner step.
Accordingly, the user is accustomed with the jetting of washing
water to his/her head portion.
[0417] In B1 of FIG. 24B, the same operation as the operation
described with reference to A1 is executed.
[0418] Subsequently, as shown in B2 of FIG. 24B, the microcomputer
389 moves the upper nozzle link 311 so that the upper nozzle link
311 iteratively moves between the head top position T1 and the rear
head position T2 while jetting washing water, and also moves the
lower nozzle link 312 so that the lower nozzle link 312 iteratively
moves between the hair position T3 and the neck position T4. During
the operation, the microcomputer 389 controls the jetting pressure
of washing water so that the jetting pressure of washing water when
the upper nozzle link 311 is moved downwardly is set to be higher
(stronger washing pressure: S) than the jetting pressure of washing
water when the upper nozzle link 311 is moved upwardly (weaker
washing pressure: W). Likewise, the microcomputer 389 controls the
jetting pressure of washing water so that the jetting pressure of
washing water when the lower nozzle link 312 is moved downwardly is
set to be higher than the jetting pressure of washing water when
the lower nozzle link 312 is moved upwardly.
[0419] Subsequently, as indicated in B3 of FIG. 24B, the
microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle link 311 to the head top
position T1, and then reciprocates the upper nozzle link 311 at
four times within such a range that washing water is jetted to the
site corresponding to a range H1 (hereinafter referred to as "range
H1", and the same motion is applied to ranges H2 to H9).
Thereafter, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle link 311
downwardly, and then reciprocates the upper nozzle link 311 at four
times within the range H2 while washing water is jetted. As
described above, the microcomputer 389 reciprocates the upper
nozzle link 311 at four times within each of the ranges H1 to H4
while jetting washing water. Accordingly, the washing water is
concentrically jetted in each of the ranges H1 to H4, whereby
smudge attached to the hair can be surely washed out in each of
these ranges.
[0420] In B4 of FIG. 24B, the same operation as described with
reference to A4 is executed.
[0421] FIG. 24C is a diagram showing the shampoo step.
[0422] The shampoo step is a step for washing the hair of a user by
cleaning liquid containing shampoo liquid. The microcomputer 389
controls the shampoo pump 338 to mix water with shampoo liquid,
thereby generating cleaning liquid.
[0423] In this shampoo step, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper
nozzle link 311 and the lower nozzle link 312 at a higher speed
than that in the relaxation step described above. Accordingly, the
user is brought with a suitable stimulation and also is made to
feel comfortable, and also the hair washing can be efficiently
performed.
[0424] Furthermore, in the shampoo step, the jetting pressure is
controlled so that the average value of the jetting pressure level
is higher than that in the relaxation step, the conditioner step,
the rinsing step, etc. As described above, a stronger stimulation
is applied to the user whose hair is washed as compared with the
other steps, whereby the massaging interval is made remarkable, and
the user recognizes that the massage peak comes, and also the
comfort of the user is enhanced. In this embodiment, the
microcomputer 389 controls the jetting pressure so that the average
value of the jetting pressure level in the shampoo step is set to
the level 9.
[0425] In C1 of FIG. 24C, the same operation as described with
reference to A6 is executed. The operation shown in C1 is called as
"finger-press washing". By executing the operation indicated in C1,
the same effect as described with reference to A6 can be attained.
Furthermore, cleaning liquid containing shampoo liquid is
concentrically jetted to the points PU1 to PU5, whereby the shampoo
liquid is made to prevail over the overall head portion. In
addition, the shampoo liquid can be made to infiltrate into the
base of the hair.
[0426] In C2 of FIG. 24C, an operation called as "reciprocating
washing" is executed in C2 of FIG. 24C.
[0427] That is, after moving the upper nozzle link 311 to the head
top position T1, the microcomputer 389 stops the movement of the
upper nozzle link 311 at the head top position T1 for a
predetermined time period, and jets cleaning liquid containing
shampoo liquid from the upper nozzle link 311 to the point PO1. The
point PO1 corresponds to "high position of the head portion laid in
the sink 302".
[0428] Subsequently, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle
link 31 while jetting washing water containing neither shampoo
liquid nor conditioner liquid from the upper nozzle link 311. At
this time, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle link 311
downwardly while controlling the movement of the upper nozzle link
311 so that washing water is jetted to the position of dropping
cleaning liquid (shampoo liquid) in conformity with trickling of
the cleaning liquid (shampoo liquid) attached to the point PO1
along the head portion. Here, the trickling speed of the cleaning
liquid attached to the point PO1 along the head portion, the
relationship between the after-jetting lapse time and the position
of the washing water on the head portion when the lapse time
concerned elapses, etc. are calculated by experiments, simulation
or the like in advance, and also it is found out how the upper
nozzle link 311 should be moved when the upper nozzle link 311 is
moved so that washing water is jetted in conformity with trickling
cleaning agent. Accordingly, a program for implementing the motion
described above is programmed and stored in a storage unit of the
microcomputer 389.
[0429] When the upper nozzle link 311 is moved to the rear head
position T2, the microcomputer 389 upwardly moves the upper nozzle
link 311 to the head top position T1 while jetting washing
water.
[0430] Subsequently, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle
link 311 downwardly while controlling the movement of the upper
nozzle link 311 so that cleaning liquid containing shampoo liquid
is jetted to the point PO1 at the head top position T1 again, and
further washing water containing neither shampoo liquid neither
conditioner liquid is jetted to the position of the cleaning liquid
(shampoo liquid) trickling along the head portion (i.e., trickling
position) in conformity with the trickling of the cleaning liquid
(shampoo liquid) attached to the point PO1 along the head portion.
The microcomputer 389 repeats the reciprocating movement of the
upper nozzle link 311 as described above at plural times.
[0431] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the
upper nozzle link 311 is located at the head top portion, the
microcomputer 389 jets the cleaning liquid containing the shampoo
liquid, and moves the upper nozzle link 311 downwardly while
controlling the movement of the upper nozzle link 311 so that the
washing water is jetted to the position of the cleaning agent
liquid (shampoo liquid) trickling along the head portion in
conformity with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid (shampoo
liquid) attached to the point PO1. Accordingly, the following
effect can be obtained.
[0432] That is, under the condition that the cleaning agent
containing the shampoo liquid is jetted to the point PO1, in other
words, to the highest position in the range where the cleaning
agent liquid is jetted from the upper nozzle link 311, the washing
water is jetted to the position of the cleaning agent liquid
(shampoo liquid) trickling along the head portion in conformity
with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid (shampoo liquid)
attached to the point PO1. Therefore, the infiltration of the
trickling cleaning agent liquid into the hair and the bubbling of
the trickling cleaning agent liquid are promoted over the whole
area of the head portion. Therefore, the cleaning agent liquid
containing the shampoo liquid can be made to properly prevail over
the overall head portion by utilizing the trickling characteristic
of the cleaning agent liquid based on the gravitational force at
maximum.
[0433] Furthermore, the cleaning agent liquid containing the
shampoo liquid is jetted while the upper nozzle link 311 is located
at the head top position T1, and the consumption amount of the
shampoo liquid can be reduced as compared with a case where the
cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid is also jetted
at the other positions, and thus the running cost can be reduced.
That is, according to this embodiment, the running cost can be
suppressed with maintaining the state that the cleaning agent
liquid containing the shampoo liquid prevails over the overall head
portion.
[0434] In the above case, the cleaning agent liquid containing the
shampoo liquid is jetted only when the upper nozzle link 311 is
located at the head top position T1. For example, the cleaning
agent liquid may be also jetted when the upper nozzle link 311 is
located at an intermediate position between the head top position
T1 and the rear head position T2. That is, the above effect can be
attained insofar as the cleaning agent liquid is concentrically
jetted at a high position of the head portion such as the point
PO1, etc.
[0435] Subsequently, the following operation is executed in C3 of
FIG. 24C. The operation shown in C3 is referred to as
"knead-washing". FIG. 24D is an enlarged view of C3 of FIG. 24C.
That is, after moving the upper nozzle link 311 to the head top
position t1, the microcomputer 389 stops the movement of the upper
nozzle link 311 at the head top position T1 for a predetermined
time and jets the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo
liquid to the point PO1 (see C2) from the upper nozzle link
311.
[0436] Subsequently, after the microcomputer 389 moves the upper
nozzle link 311 to the head top position T1, the microcomputer 389
stops the movement of the upper nozzle link 311 at the head top
position T1 for a predetermined time, and jets the cleaning agent
liquid containing the shampoo liquid from the upper nozzle link 311
to the point PO1 (see C2 of FIG. 24C).
[0437] Subsequently, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle
link 3121 downwardly by only a predetermined distance while jetting
washing water containing neither shampoo liquid nor conditioner
liquid as indicated by an arrow G1. Subsequently, the microcomputer
389 moves the upper nozzle link 311 upwardly by only a shorter
distance than the predetermined distance while jetting washing
water containing neither shampoo liquid nor conditioner liquid as
indicated by an arrow Y1. Here, the microcomputer 389 controls the
jetting pressure of washing water so that the jetting pressure of
the washing water jetted in the direction of the arrow G is set to
be higher than the jetting pressure of the washing water jetted in
the direction of the arrow Y1. Therefore, as described above, the
effect of preventing entangling of the hair, etc. can be achieved.
Thereafter, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle link 311
to the rear head position T2 while alternately repeating the
downward movement and the upward movement of the upper nozzle link
311 as indicated by the arrows G2, Y2, G3, Y3, G4. Likewise, the
microcomputer 389 moves the lower nozzle link 312 to the hair
position T3, and then controls the lower nozzle link 312 to make
the same motion as the upper nozzle link 311 until it reaches the
neck position T4.
[0438] When the above operation is executed, the microcomputer 389
alternately repeats the downward and upward movement of the upper
nozzle link 311 while controlling the movement of the upper nozzle
link 311 so that washing water is jetted to the position of
cleaning agent liquid (shampoo liquid) trickling along the head
portion in conformity with the trickling of the cleaning agent
liquid (shampoo liquid) attached to the point PO1 (see C2).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24d, a series of operations
indicated by the arrows G1 and Y1 are executed while the cleaning
agent liquid trickling along the head portion exists in the range
H10, a series of operations indicated by the arrows G2 and Y2 are
executed while the cleaning agent liquid trickling along the head
portion exists in the range H11, a series of operations indicated
by the arrows G3 and Y3 are executed while the cleaning agent
liquid trickling along the head portion exists in the range H12,
and an operation indicated by the arrow G4 is executed while the
cleaning agent liquid trickling along the head portion exists in
the range H13. a program for controlling the movement of the upper
nozzle link 311 so that the upper nozzle link 311 makes the above
motion is developed by an experiment, a simulation or the like in
advance, and the microcomputer 389 controls the movement of the
upper nozzle link 311 by the microcomputer 389 on the basis of this
program.
[0439] The same effect as described with reference to C2 can be
attained through the above operation. Under the condition that the
cleaning agent containing the shampoo liquid is jetted to the point
PO1, in other words, the highest position in the range where the
cleaning agent liquid is jetted from the upper nozzle link 311,
washing water is jetted to the position of the cleaning agent
liquid (shampoo liquid) trickling along the head portion in
conformity with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid (shampoo
liquid) attaching to the point PO1. Therefore, the infiltration of
the trickling cleaning agent liquid into the hair and the bubbling
of the cleaning agent liquid are promoted over the overall area of
the head portion. Accordingly, the cleaning agent liquid containing
the shampoo liquid can be made to prevail over the whole area of
the head portion by using the trickling characteristic based on the
gravitational force at maximum. Particularly, with respect to the
motions indicated by the arrows Y1, Y2 and Y3, the washing water is
jetted against the flow of the cleaning agent liquid along the head
portion, so that the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo
liquid can be infiltrated into the head portion and also the
cleaning agent liquid can be bubbled more greatly.
[0440] Furthermore, the cleaning agent liquid containing the
shampoo liquid is jetted while the upper nozzle link 311 is located
at the head top position T1. Therefore, as compared with the case
where the cleaning agent liquid is also jetted in the other cases
(i.e., in a case where the upper nozzle link 311 is located at
positions other than the head top position T1), the consumption
amount of the shampoo liquid can be reduced, and the running cost
can be suppressed.
[0441] In the foregoing example, the cleaning agent liquid
containing the shampoo liquid is jetted only when the upper nozzle
link 311 is located at the head top position T1. However, the
cleaning agent liquid may be jetted from the upper nozzle link 311
during the movement indicated by the arrow G3. That is, the above
effect can be attained by concentrically jetting the cleaning agent
liquid at a high position of the head portion.
[0442] An operation called as "rubbing-washing" is executed in C4
of FIG. 24D.
[0443] After moving the upper nozzle link 311 to the head top
position T1, the microcomputer 389 stops the movement of the upper
nozzle link 311 at the head top position T1 for a predetermined
time, and jets the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo
liquid from the upper nozzle link 311 to the point PO1 (see C2).
Subsequently, the microcomputer 3899 reciprocates the upper nozzle
link 311 at plural times in a range H5 corresponding to a narrow
range of the head portion of the user while jetting washing water
containing neither shampoo liquid nor conditioner liquid. Here, the
narrow range of the head portion of the user is defined as a range
which is located from 0.5 cm to 3 cm in the vertical direction (in
this embodiment, about 2 cm), and the washing water is jetted
within this range in a reciprocating style. In this embodiment, the
microcomputer 389 reciprocates the upper nozzle link 311 at eight
times for 2 seconds so that washing water is jetted in the range of
about 2 cm of the head portion. At this time, the microcomputer 389
sets the jetting pressure of the washing water to a relatively high
value, and sets the moving speed of the upper nozzle link 311 to a
relatively high value. In this embodiment, the microcomputer 389
controls the level of the jetting pressure to the level 8.
[0444] As described above, the washing water having a high jetting
pressure is jetted from the upper nozzle link 311 which
reciprocates at a high speed, whereby a proper stimulus can be
applied to the site concerned and the user can be brought with such
a feeling as if the site of his/her head is massaged by human's
hands. Furthermore, such a feeling that an itchy site of the head
portion is scratched by a human's hand, and thus the comfort of the
user can be enhanced.
[0445] Furthermore, as compared with the relaxation step and the
first rinsing step, the washing water is jetted under stronger
jetting pressure. Therefore, a proper stimulus can be applied to a
user who has been accustomed to the jetting of washing water to
his/her head portion through the relaxation step and the first
rinsing step. The user feels a proper stimulus and thus he/she can
have a strong massage sense.
[0446] Thereafter, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle
link 311 downwardly by only a predetermined distance. In the range
H6, the microcomputer 389 controls the upper nozzle link 311 to
execute the same operation as the range H5. As described above, the
microcomputer 389 reciprocates the upper nozzle link 311 at plural
times in each of the ranges H5 to H9 while jetting washing water.
Accordingly, the above effect can be attained at plural different
sites on the head portion.
[0447] Furthermore, when the above operation is executed, the
microcomputer 389 reciprocates the upper nozzle link 311 while
controlling the movement of the upper nozzle link 3121 so that
washing water is jetted to the position of the cleaning agent
liquid (containing shampoo liquid) trickling along the head portion
in conformity with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid
(shampoo liquid) attached to the point PO1 (see C2). Specifically,
the upper nozzle link 311 is moved in the range H5 in a
reciprocating style (hereinafter referred to as "reciprocatively)
while the cleaning agent liquid trickling along the head portion is
located at the place corresponding to the range H5, the upper
nozzle link 311 is reciprocatively moved in the range H6 while the
cleaning agent liquid trickling along the head portion is located
at the place corresponding to the range H6, the upper nozzle link
311 is reciprocatively moved in the range H7 while the cleaning
agent liquid trickling along the head portion is located at the
place corresponding to the range H7, the upper nozzle link 311 is
reciprocatively moved in the range H8 while the cleaning agent
liquid trickling along the head portion is located at the place
corresponding to the range H8, and the upper nozzle link 311 is
reciprocatively moved in the range H9 while the cleaning agent
liquid trickling along the head portion is located at the place
corresponding to the range H9. A program for controlling the
movement of the upper nozzle link 311 so that the upper nozzle link
311 make the above motion has been developed in advance by
experiments, simulations, etc., and the motion of the upper nozzle
link 311 is controlled by the microcomputer 389 on the basis of
this program.
[0448] The same effect as described with reference to C2 can be
obtained through the above operation. That is, under the condition
that the cleaning agent containing the shampoo liquid is jetted to
the point PO1, in other words, the highest position in the range
where the cleaning agent liquid is jetted from the upper nozzle
link 311, washing water is jetted to the position of the cleaning
agent liquid (shampoo liquid) trickling along the head portion in
conformity with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid (shampoo
liquid) attached to the point PO1. Therefore, the infiltration of
the trickling cleaning agent liquid into the hair and the bubbling
of the cleaning agent liquid are promoted over the overall area of
the head portion, and thus the cleaning agent liquid containing the
shampoo liquid can be made to suitably prevail over the whole area
of the head portion by using the trickling characteristic of the
cleaning agent liquid based on the gravitational force at maximum.
Particularly, in the series of operations shown in C4 of FIG. 24C,
washing water may be jetted against flow of the cleaning agent
liquid along the head portion, the cleaning agent liquid containing
the shampoo liquid can be more greatly infiltrated into the head
portion, and the cleaning agent liquid is more bubbled.
[0449] Furthermore, the cleaning agent liquid containing the
shampoo liquid is jetted while the upper nozzle link 311 is located
at the head top position T1. Therefore, as compared with the case
where the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid is
jetted not only at the head top position T1, but also at the other
positions, the consumption amount of the shampoo liquid can be
reduced, and the running cost can be suppressed.
[0450] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the five ranges from the
range H5 to the range H9 exist. However, the number of ranges is
not limited to five, and it may be set to four or less or to six or
more.
[0451] Furthermore, in the above example, the cleaning agent liquid
containing the shampoo liquid is jetted only when the upper nozzle
link 311 is located at the head top position T1. However, the
cleaning agent liquid may be also jetted when the upper nozzle link
311 is located at the position corresponding to the range H7. That
is, the above effect can be attained by concentrically jetting the
cleaning agent liquid at a high position of the head portion such
as the point PO1 or the like.
[0452] The same operation as described with reference to C2 of FIG.
24C is executed in C5 of FIG. 24C.
[0453] FIG. 25A is a diagram showing the second rinsing step.
[0454] This second rinsing step is a step of washing out cleaning
agent liquid containing shampoo liquid which is jetted to the head
portion in the shampoo step and remains on the head portion and the
hair. In this second rinsing step, the jetting pressure is
controlled so that the average value of the jetting pressure level
is lower than the average value in the shampoo step. In this
embodiment, the average value of the jetting pressure level in the
second rinsing step is set to the level 8.
[0455] The same operation as described with reference to A3 of FIG.
24A is executed in D1 of FIG. 25A, the same operation as described
with reference to B2 of FIG. 24B is executed in D2 of FIG. 25A, and
the same operation as described with reference to C3 of FIG. 24C is
executed in D3 of FIG. 25A.
[0456] Subsequently, after moving the lower nozzle link 312 to the
neck position T4, the microcomputer 389 moves the lower nozzle link
312 upwardly by only a predetermined distance while jetting washing
water as indicated by an arrow I. Thereafter, the microcomputer 389
moves the lower nozzle link downwardly by a distance shorter than
the predetermined distance wile jetting washing water as indicated
by an arrow J. At this time, the microcomputer 389 controls the
jetting pressure of washing water so that the jetting pressure of
the washing water when the lower nozzle link 312 is moved
downwardly is set to be higher than the jetting pressure of the
washing water when the lower nozzle link 312 is moved upwardly. The
microcomputer 389 repeats the above operation until the lower
nozzle link 312 reaches the hair position T3.
[0457] The same operation as described with reference to C3 of FIG.
24C is executed in D5 of FIG. 25A, and the upper nozzle link 311
jets no washing water. The same operation as described with
reference to A5 of FIG. 24A is executed in D7 of FIG. 25A. The
upper nozzle link 311 executes the same operation as described with
reference to A6 of FIG. 24A in D8 of FIG. 25A, and the lower nozzle
link 312 executes substantially the same operation as the upper
nozzle link 311 in A6 of FIG. 24A.
[0458] FIG. 25B is a diagram showing the conditioner step.
[0459] The conditioner step is a step of jetting washing water
containing conditioner liquid to the head portion and hair of a
user to perform so-called conditioning. The microcomputer 389
controls the conditioner pump 339 to mix washing water with
conditioner liquid. The average value of the jetting pressure level
in the conditioner step is set to be lower than the average value
of the jetting pressure level in the shampoo step, and also set to
be higher than the average value of the jetting pressure level in
the relaxation step. In this embodiment, the microcomputer 389
controls the jetting pressure so that the average value of the
jetting pressure level in the conditioner step is set to the level
8.
[0460] In FIG. E1 of FIG. 25B, the same operation as described with
reference to A3 of FIG. 24A is executed.
[0461] The same operation as described with reference to C2 of FIG.
24C is executed in E2 of FIG. 25B.
[0462] After moving the upper nozzle link 311 to the head top
position T1, the microcomputer 389 stops the movement of the upper
nozzle link 311 at the head top position T1 for a predetermined
time, and jets the cleaning agent liquid containing the conditioner
liquid from the upper nozzle link 311 to the point PO1. The point
PO1 corresponds to "a high place of the head portion laid in the
sink 302".
[0463] Subsequently, the microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle
link 311 downwardly while jetting washing water containing neither
shampoo liquid nor conditioner liquid. At this time, the
microcomputer 389 moves the upper nozzle link 311 downwardly while
controlling the movement of the upper nozzle link 311 so that
washing water is jetted to the position of the cleaning agent
liquid (conditioner liquid) trickling along the head portion in
conformity with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid
(conditioner liquid) attached to the point PO1. Accordingly, as in
the case of the effect described with reference to C2 of FIG. 24C,
the running cost can be suppressed with keeping the state that the
cleaning agent liquid containing the conditioner liquid prevails
over the overall area of the head portion.
[0464] The same operation as described with reference to C3 of FIG.
24C is executed in E3 of FIG. 25B, and the same operation as
described with reference to C2 of FIG. 24C is executed in E4 of
FIG. 25B. Through the operations shown in E3 and E4 of FIG. 25B,
the running cost can be suppressed with keeping the state that the
cleaning agent liquid containing the conditioner liquid prevails
over the overall head portion as described with reference to C3 and
C3 of FIG. 24C, and further the infiltration of the conditioner
liquid into the head portion can be promoted.
[0465] FIG. 25C is a diagram showing the third rinsing step.
[0466] The third rinsing step is a step for washing out washing
water containing conditioner liquid which is jetted to the head
portion in the conditioner step and remains on the head portion and
the hair.
[0467] In the third rinsing step, the jetting pressure is
controlled so that the average value of the jetting pressure level
is lower than the average value in the shampoo step. In this
embodiment, the jetting pressure is controlled so that the average
value of the jetting pressure level in the second rinsing step is
equal to the level 8.
[0468] The same operation as described with reference to A3 of FIG.
24A is executed in F1 of FIG. 25C, the same operation as described
with reference to D8 of FIG. 25A is executed in F2 of FIG. 25C, the
same operation as described with reference to B2 of FIG. 24B is
executed in F3 of FIG. 25C, the same operation as described with
reference to C3 of FIG. 24c is executed in F4 of FIG. 25C, and the
same operation as described with reference to B2 of FIG. 24B is
executed in F5 of FIG. 25C.
[0469] FIG. 26A is a diagram showing the menthol cleaning agent
jetting step.
[0470] This menthol cleaning agent jetting step is a step for
jetting menthol type cleaning agent to a user. In the menthol
cleaning agent jetting step, the jetting pressure is controlled so
that the jetting pressure under jetting of the cleaning agent is
low so that the user feels as if the menthol type cleaning agent is
gently squirted to the user. For example, the jetting pressure is
set to the level 6.
[0471] As indicated in G1 of FIG. 26A, the same operation as
described with reference to A7 of FIG. 24A is executed. At this
time, the microcomputer 389 moderates the movement of the upper
nozzle link 311, and the jetting pressure of washing water jetted
from the upper nozzle link 311 is lowered.
[0472] Subsequently, as indicated in B2 of FIG. 26A, the
microcomputer 389 controls the cleaning agent supply pump 394, the
cleaning agent nozzle valve 395, etc. to jet the menthol type
cleaning agent to the head portion of the user as indicated by
arrows. When the menthol type cleaning agent is jetted to the head
portion, it refreshes the user and gives pleasant cooling sensation
to the user.
[0473] FIG. 26B is a diagram showing the fourth rinsing step.
[0474] The fourth rinsing step is a step for rinsing the menthol
type cleaning agent which is jetted to the user in the menthol type
jetting step and remains on the head portion and hair of the
user.
[0475] As indicated in H1 of FIG. 26B, the same operation as
described with reference to A4 of FIG. 24A is executed. At this
time, the microcomputer 389 gradually reduces the jetting pressure
of washing water, whereby the user is made to recognize that the
series of operations for automatic hair washing has been
finished.
[0476] As described above, the automatic hair washing machine 301
according to this embodiment has the sink 302 in which the head
portion of the user is laid, and the head portion laid in the sink
302 is washed. Then, the automatic hair washing machine 301 has the
upper nozzle link 311 which can jet washing water or cleaning agent
liquid while moved along the head portion laid in the sink 302, and
the microcomputer 389 for controlling the upper nozzle link 311 so
that the upper nozzle link 311 concentrically jets the cleaning
agent liquid when the upper nozzle link 311 is located at a
position where it can jet liquid to a high place of the head
portion laid in the sink 302 as compared with a case where the
upper nozzle link 311 is located at other positions.
[0477] Accordingly, the cleaning agent liquid jetted to the high
place trickles along the head portion and the hair, and thus
prevails over the overall head portion. Therefore, the cleaning
agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid can be made to suitably
prevail over the overall head portion by using the trickling
characteristic of the cleaning agent liquid according to the
gravitational force at maximum.
[0478] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 389 jets
the cleaning agent liquid to a high place of the head portion laid
in the sink 302, and then controls the movement of the upper nozzle
link 311 and the jetting of the liquid from the upper nozzle link
311 in accordance with the trickling of the cleaning agent liquid
attached to the head portion along the head portion.
[0479] According to this operation, the cleaning agent liquid can
be made to suitably prevail over the whole area of the head portion
by using the cleaning agent liquid trickling along the head
portion, and furthermore the running cost can be suppressed more
greatly as compared with a case where shampoo is jetted to the
whole area of the head portion.
[0480] In this embodiment, the microcomputer 389 jets the cleaning
agent liquid to a high place of the head portion laid in the sink
302, and then controls the movement of the upper nozzle link 311
and the jetting of the liquid from the upper nozzle link 311 so
that washing water is jetted to the place corresponding to the
position of the cleaning agent liquid of the head portion in
accordance with trickling of the cleaning agent liquid attached to
the head portion along the head portion.
[0481] Accordingly, the infiltration of the trickling cleaning
agent liquid into the head portion and the bubbling of the cleaning
agent liquid are promoted over the whole area of the head portion.
Therefore, the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid
(or the conditioner liquid) can be made to suitably prevail over
the whole area of the head portion by utilizing the trickling
characteristic of the cleaning agent liquid according to the
gravitational force at maximum. Particularly, in this embodiment,
the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid is jetted
during a period when the upper nozzle link 311 is located at the
head top position T1. Therefore, as compared with the case where
the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid is also
jetted during the other periods than the above period, the
consumption amount of the shampoo liquid can be reduced, and the
running cost can be suppressed. That is, according to this
embodiment, the running cost can be suppressed with maintaining the
state that the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid
prevails over the whole area of the head portion.
[0482] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the microcomputer
389 jets the cleaning agent liquid to a high place of the head
portion laid in the sink 302, and then controls the movement of the
upper nozzle link 311 and the jetting of the liquid from the upper
nozzle link 311 so that the washing water is jetted to the place
corresponding to the position of the cleaning agent liquid of the
head portion while controlling the upper nozzle link so that the
washing water is jetted in a reciprocating fashion within a
predetermined range in accordance with the trickling of the
cleaning agent liquid attached to the head portion along the head
portion.
[0483] Accordingly, the washing water is jetted to the position of
the cleaning agent liquid (shampoo liquid or conditioner liquid)
trickling along the head portion in accordance with the trickling
of the cleaning agent liquid (shampoo liquid or conditioner
liquid). Therefore, the infiltration of the trickling cleaning
agent liquid into the hair and the bubbling of the cleaning agent
liquid on the hair are promoted over the whole area of the head
portion, and thus the cleaning agent liquid containing the shampoo
liquid can be made to suitably prevail over the whole area of the
head portion by using the trickling characteristic of the cleaning
agent liquid according to the gravitational force at maximum.
Particularly, the washing water is jetted in a reciprocating style,
and thus the washing water is jetted against the trickling of the
cleaning agent liquid along the head portion, so that the cleaning
agent liquid containing the shampoo liquid can be made to
infiltrate into the head portion more greatly and also the shampoo
liquid can be more bubbled when the cleaning agent liquid contains
the shampoo liquid.
[0484] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning agent liquid
containing the shampoo liquid is jetted while the upper nozzle link
311 is located at the head top position T1, and thus as compared
with the case where the cleaning agent liquid containing the
shampoo liquid is also jetted in the other cases, the consumption
amount of the shampoo liquid can be reduced, and the running cost
can be suppressed.
[0485] Still furthermore, after jetting the cleaning agent liquid
to a high place of the head portion laid in the sink 302, the
microcomputer 389 jets the controls the jetting pressure of the
liquid to be jetted from the nozzle link in accordance with the
trickling of the cleaning agent liquid attached to the head portion
along the head portion.
[0486] That is, according to this embodiment, in the
"knead-washing" described with reference to C3 of FIG. 24C, the
jetting pressure of washing water in the case of the movement in
the direction of the arrow G1 is set to be higher than the jetting
pressure of washing water in the case of the movement in the
direction of the arrow Y1. Accordingly, as described above, the
jetting pressure when the washing water is successively jetted in
the same direction as the hair growing direction is higher than the
jetting pressure when the upper nozzle link 311 is moved in the
opposite direction, that is, the washing water is successively
jetted in the opposite direction to the hair growing direction.
Therefore, the user feels as if his/her head is massaged by human's
hands during automatic hair washing. Furthermore, the jetting
pressure when the washing water is successively jetted in the
opposite direction to the hair growing direction is weak.
Therefore, a teased hair state hardly occurs, and also the hair is
prevented from being entangled, so that the comfort of the user
(the person whose hair is washed) can be enhanced.
[0487] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper nozzle link 311
is designed to be reciprocable between the head top position T1
corresponding to the head top portion of the head portion laid in
the sink 302 and the rear head position T2 corresponding to the
rear head portion, and the microcomputer 389 concentrically jets
the cleaning agent liquid when the upper nozzle link 311 is located
at the head top position T1. Accordingly, the cleaning agent liquid
can be suitably jetted to the head top portion as a high position
of the head portion at the head top position T1 as the highest
position in the range where the cleaning agent liquid is jetted
from the upper nozzle link 311.
[0488] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiments, and any modification and application can be made
within the scope of the present invention.
[0489] For example, the above embodiment relates to an example of
the operation associated with the automatic hair washing of the
automatic hair washing machine 301 by using FIGS. 23 to 26,
however, the present invention is not limited to the operation
concerning automatic hair washing. For example, the order of the
respective operations may be changed or each operation may be
repeated. Furthermore, after the fourth rinsing step, the wet hair
of the user whose hair has been washed may be manually dried with
warm air or the like by his/her own hands or hands of another
person such as staff of a shop or the like, however, a hair drying
step for automatically drying wet hair by blowing warm air or the
like to the head portion of the user while adjusting the
temperature of the warm air may be added.
[0490] Furthermore, the construction of the cleaning agent jetting
mechanism 390 is not limited to the construction of the
above-described embodiments, and the menthol type cleaning agent
may be jetted from the upper nozzle link 311 and the lower nozzle
link 312.
[0491] Still furthermore, in the rinsing step, the washing water
may be concentrically jetted to the high (or highest) position of
the head portion. In this case, the consumption amount of the
washing water can be suppressed and thus the running cost can be
suppressed with maintaining the state that the washing water
prevails over the whole area of the head portion for the same
reason as described above.
* * * * *