U.S. patent application number 15/902439 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for heated air blower.
The applicant listed for this patent is Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Mayuka KAMBAYASHI, Yasunori MATSUI, Takeshi SHIBA.
Application Number | 20180249803 15/902439 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61226458 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180249803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MATSUI; Yasunori ; et
al. |
September 6, 2018 |
HEATED AIR BLOWER
Abstract
A heated air blower includes an energization control unit that
controls on and off states of energization of a heater unit. The
energization control unit includes a first energization control
mode in which when a hot and cold mode is selected, control is
executed in a manner that an energization time for energizing the
heater unit in a predetermined period is equal to or less than 3
seconds and a product of power input to the heater unit and the
energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 Ws. It is thus
possible to provide a heated air blower that can further enhance a
hair treatment effect.
Inventors: |
MATSUI; Yasunori; (Shiga,
JP) ; KAMBAYASHI; Mayuka; (Shiga, JP) ; SHIBA;
Takeshi; (Shiga, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
61226458 |
Appl. No.: |
15/902439 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 20/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 20/12 20060101
A45D020/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 1, 2017 |
JP |
2017-038400 |
Claims
1. A heated air blower comprising: a housing that includes an air
blowing path from a suction port to a discharge port and
constitutes a contour; an air blower unit that is provided in the
housing and discharges air sucked from the suction port from the
discharge port; a heater unit that is provided in the housing and
heats air blown by the air blower unit; an air blowing mode
selector that selects a hot and cold mode for alternately
discharging hot air and cold air from the discharge port in a
predetermined period; and an energization control unit that
controls on and off states of energization of the heater unit,
wherein the energization control unit includes a first energization
control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by the
air blowing mode selector, control is executed in a manner that an
energization time for energizing the heater unit in the
predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a
product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time
is equal to or larger than 1000 Ws.
2. The heated air blower according to claim 1, further comprising
an air volume control unit that controls a volume of air discharged
from the discharge port by the air blower unit, wherein the air
volume control unit includes a first air blowing control mode in
which control is executed in a manner that a volume of air
discharged from the discharge port is equal to or less than 1
m.sup.3/min, and the first energization control mode is operated
while the first air blowing control mode is operated.
3. The heated air blower according to claim 2, further comprising:
a charged-particle generator that is provided in the housing and
generates charged particles; and a charged-particle generation
amount control unit that controls an amount of charged particles
generated in the charged-particle generator, wherein the
charged-particle generation amount control unit includes a first
charged-particle generation amount control mode and a second
charged-particle generation amount control mode for generating an
amount of charged particles different from an amount of charged
particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount
control mode, the first charged-particle generation amount control
mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode
are operated in a state where the first energization control mode
is operated, and the second charged-particle generation amount
control mode is operated at least somewhere in a time during which
heater unit is energized.
4. The heated air blower according to claim 3, wherein the amount
of charged particles generated in the second charged-particle
generation amount control mode is larger than the amount of charged
particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount
control mode.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heated air blower.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5504227 (hereinafter, referred to as PTL
1) proposes a heated air blower that includes an air blower unit
that discharges, from a blower port, air sucked from an inlet port
and a heater unit that heats the air blown by the air blower
unit.
[0003] In PTL 1, as the heater unit is intermittently energized, an
operation mode is automatically and alternately switched between a
hot air mode and a cold air mode. That is, hot air and cold air are
alternately discharged from a discharge port of the heated air
blower in a predetermined period.
[0004] The hot air and the cold air are alternately discharged from
the discharge port to be alternately applied to hair, so that a
hair straightening effect, an accompanying glossing effect, and the
like are given to the hair.
[0005] Specifically, when the hot air is applied to the hair, the
hair is heated and thus hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are
broken. For this reason, if the hair is fixed using hands, a brush,
or the like while the hot air is applied to the hair (the hydrogen
bonds between hair fibers are broken), it is possible to set the
hair in a desired style (a straightening style or the like) more
easily. On the other hand, when the cold air is applied to the hair
in which the hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken, the
hair is cooled and thus the hair fibers are hydrogen-bonded. For
this reason, if the cold air is applied to the hair fixed in a
desired style for cooling the hair, hair fibers in the hair fixed
in the desired style are hydrogen-bonded, and thus it is possible
to keep the hair in the desired style.
[0006] As described above, as the hot air and the cold air are
alternately discharged from the discharge port, it is possible to
set the hair in a desired style, thus enhancing a hair treatment
effect.
SUMMARY
[0007] When hair ends are fixed using a brush or the like, however,
it is difficult to continuously tension the hair ends.
Consequently, it might be impossible to obtain a sufficient
treatment effect.
[0008] In addition, in the conventional technique described above,
an energization time to a heater unit is 3 seconds to 10 seconds
and a period of switching between hot air and cold air is 12
seconds. Such time and period are relatively long. For this reason,
if the hair ends are continuously tensioned using hands, hot air is
applied to the hands for a long time and thus it is difficult to
continuously tension the hair ends using the hands. As a result, it
might be impossible to obtain a sufficient treatment effect.
[0009] As described above, according to the conventional technique
described above, it is difficult to fix hair ends using hands, a
brush, or the like because of heat and a treatment operation, and
thus it might be impossible to apply a sufficient treatment effect
to hair.
[0010] To solve the above conventional problems, an object of the
present disclosure is to provide a heated air blower capable of
enhancing a hair treatment effect.
[0011] In order to solve the above conventional problems, a heated
air blower according to the present disclosure includes a housing
that includes an air blowing path from a suction port to a
discharge port and constitutes a contour, an air blower unit that
is provided in the housing and discharges air sucked from the
suction port from the discharge port, and a heater unit that is
provided in the housing and heats air blown by the air blower
unit.
[0012] The heated air blower further includes an air blowing mode
selector that selects a hot and cold mode for alternately
discharging hot air and cold air from the discharge port in a
predetermined period and an energization control unit that controls
on and off states of energization of the heater unit.
[0013] The energization control unit includes a first energization
control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by the
air blowing mode selector, control is executed in a manner that an
energization time for energizing the heater unit in the
predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a
product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time
is equal to or larger than 1000 Ws.
[0014] It is thus possible to achieve a temperature of hair that is
required for treatment such as hair straightening (a temperature of
the hair at which hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken) in
a relatively short time and to easily fix hair ends, thus improving
a hair treatment effect.
[0015] With the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a
heated air blower that can further enhance a hair treatment
effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a heated air blower according to a
first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of the heated air blower according to
the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heated air blower
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an upper interior portion of the
heated air blower according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an inner nozzle according
to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 5B is a front view of the inner nozzle according to the
first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a modification of the inner
nozzle;
[0023] FIG. 6B is a front view of the modification of the inner
nozzle;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an air flow passing
through the inner nozzle shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an air flow passing
through the inner nozzle shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a part of an electrical system
of the heated air blower according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship
between an air volume and a property of keeping hair ends;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship
between an input energy and a hot air temperature;
[0029] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an energized state of a
heater unit and an amount of charged particles generated in
respective air blowing modes;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram showing operations of an
air blower unit and a heater unit and a generation state of charged
particles in a hot air mode and a hot and cold mode; and
[0031] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the
heated air blower.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] A heated air blower according to the present disclosure
includes a housing that includes an air blowing path from a suction
port to a discharge port and constitutes a contour, an air blower
unit that is provided in the housing and discharges air sucked from
the suction port from the discharge port, and a heater unit that is
provided in the housing and heats air blown by the air blower
unit.
[0033] The heated air blower further includes an air blowing mode
selector that selects a hot and cold mode for alternately
discharging hot air and cold air from the discharge port in a
predetermined period and an energization control unit that controls
on and off states of energization of the heater unit.
[0034] The energization control unit includes a first energization
control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by the
air blowing mode selector, control is executed in a manner that an
energization time for energizing the heater unit in the
predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and a
product of power input to the heater unit and the energization time
is equal to or larger than 1000 Ws.
[0035] It is thus possible to achieve a temperature of hair that is
required for treatment such as hair straightening (a temperature of
the hair at which hydrogen bonds between hair fibers are broken) in
a relatively short time and to easily fix hair ends, thus improving
a hair treatment effect.
[0036] The heated air blower may further include an air volume
control unit that controls a volume of air discharged from the
discharge port by the air blower unit, and the air volume control
unit may include a first air blowing control mode in which control
is executed in a manner that a volume of air discharged from the
discharge port is equal to or less than 1 m.sup.3/min.
[0037] The first energization control mode may be operated while
the first air blowing control mode is operated.
[0038] It is thus possible to prevent hair ends from becoming
excessively untangled (becoming too loose) when air is applied to
the hair ends and thus to transmit heat to the hair ends more
stably. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hair
treatment effect.
[0039] The heated air blower may further include a charged-particle
generator that is provided in the housing and generates charged
particles and a charged-particle generation amount control unit
that controls an amount of charged particles generated in the
charged-particle generator.
[0040] The charged-particle generation amount control unit may
include a first charged-particle generation amount control mode and
a second charged-particle generation amount control mode for
generating an amount of charged particles different from an amount
of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle
generation amount control mode.
[0041] The first charged-particle generation amount control mode
and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may
be operated in a state where the first energization control mode is
operated, and the second charged-particle generation amount control
mode may be operated at least somewhere in a time during which
heater unit is energized.
[0042] It is thus possible to change an amount of charged particles
generated depending on a state of the hair, and it is possible to
achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the hair. It is
thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.
[0043] The amount of charged particles generated in the second
charged-particle generation amount control mode may be larger than
the amount of charged particles generated in the first
charged-particle generation amount control mode.
[0044] It is thus possible to change the amount of charged
particles generated depending on the state of the hair, and it is
possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the
hair even when conductivity on the surface of the hair is changed.
It is thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.
[0045] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The
present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiment.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0046] Hair dryer 1 functioning as a heated air blower according to
a first exemplary embodiment includes grip 1a functioning as a part
gripped by the hand of a user and main body 1b coupled to grip 1a
in a direction of crossing grip 1a. In addition, hair dryer 1 is
configured to be foldable and in use, a substantially T-shaped or
L-shaped appearance (in the first exemplary embodiment, a
substantially T-shaped appearance) is formed by grip 1a and main
body 1b.
[0047] Power cord 2 is drawn from a projecting end of grip 1a. Grip
1a is divided into base part 1c on a side of main body 1b and
distal end 1d. Base 1c and distal end 1d are rotatably connected to
each other via connecting part 1e. Distal end 1d can be folded into
a position along main body 1b.
[0048] Housing 3 forming an outer wall (constituting a contour) of
hair dryer 1 is configured by connecting a plurality of divided
pieces. A space is formed within housing 3 and various electrical
components are accommodated in the space.
[0049] Wind tunnel (air blowing path) 4 from entrance opening
(suction port) 4a on one side (a right side) in a longitudinal
direction of main body 1b (a horizontal direction in FIG. 3) to
exit opening (discharge port) 4b is formed within main body 1b. Air
blower unit 5 is accommodated in wind tunnel 4. Air blower unit 5
includes fan 5a and motor 5b for rotating fan 5a. When motor 5b is
driven to rotate fan 5a, air flow W is formed. Air flow W enters
wind tunnel 4 from outside through entrance opening 4a, mainly
flows in wind tunnel 4, and discharges to outside from exit opening
4b.
[0050] In the first exemplary embodiment, entrance opening (suction
port) 4a is covered by mesh frame 81. Openings of frame 81 are
shaped in a honeycomb pattern. As shown in FIG. 3, mesh 82 with an
aperture rate of approximately 55% to 90% and a mesh width of
approximately 300 .mu.m to 650 .mu.m is integrally molded with
frame 81. For example, a metal and a flame-retardant resin such as
polyester may be used for mesh 82. As mesh 82 with a fine mesh
width is integrally molded, it is possible to more reliably prevent
fine dusts and hairs from entering an air flow path.
[0051] In main body 1b, substantially cylindrical inner cylinder 6
is provided within outer cylinder 3a of housing 3. Air flow W
mainly flows inside inner cylinder 6. In inside of inner cylinder
6, fan 5a is disposed on a most upstream side, motor 5b for driving
fan 5a is disposed on a downstream side of fan 5a, and heater 8
functioning as a heater unit is disposed on a downstream side of
motor 5b.
[0052] When heater 8 is operated, hot air is blown from exit
opening 4b. In the first exemplary embodiment, heater 8 is
configured by winding and disposing a band-shaped and corrugated
electrical resistor around an inner circumference of inner cylinder
6, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a
configuration.
[0053] Inner cylinder 6 includes cylindrical part 6a, a plurality
of support ribs 6b (only one support rib 6b is shown in FIG. 3)
that extend radially outward from cylindrical part 6a and are
circumferentially disposed in a dispersed manner, and a flange 6c
that is connected via support ribs 6b to cylindrical part 6a and
projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axial
direction of cylindrical part 6a.
[0054] Gap g1 is formed between cylindrical part 6a and flange 6c.
A part of air flow W branches from air flow W and flows through gap
g1 into space 9 (a branch flow is formed). Gap g1 functioning as an
introduction port of the branch flow into space 9 is provided at a
position downstream of fan 5a and upstream of heater 8.
Consequently, the branch flow is a relatively cold air flow before
being heated by heater 8.
[0055] A part of the branch flow having flown into space 9 is
further branched. A resultant branch flow passes between inner
cylinder 6 and housing 3 to be blown from an outer circumferential
part of exit opening 4b. The part of the branch flow is a
relatively cold air flow that does not pass through metal-particle
blowing ports (charged-particle discharge ports) 20a, 20b and mist
blowing port (charged-particle discharge port) 20c that are
described later but passes between inner cylinder 6 and housing 3
to be blown from the outer circumferential part of exit opening
4b.
[0056] In the first exemplary embodiment, a substantially
arc-shaped through-hole (opening) 3b is formed at a position on a
side of exit opening 4b of space 9 in housing 3. Through-hole 3b is
closed by cover 20 made of an insulating synthetic resin material.
Cover 20 is moved from a downstream side to an upstream side with
respect to housing 3, thus being attached to housing 3.
[0057] Substantially cylindrical outer nozzle 20f is integrally
formed on a downstream side of cover 20. As cover 20 is attached to
housing 3, an outer circumference of exit opening 4b is defined by
outer nozzle 20f.
[0058] Substantially cylindrical inner nozzle 21 with a smaller
diameter than outer nozzle 20f is attached to a downstream end of
inner cylinder 6. A downstream side opening of inner nozzle 21 is a
part of exit opening 4b.
[0059] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, inner
nozzle 21 is attached to the downstream end of inner cylinder 6 and
cover 20 is attached to housing 3. A nozzle with a double-cylinder
structure is thus constituted by outer nozzle 20f and inner nozzle
21.
[0060] Most of air flow W formed by driving air blower unit 5 is
introduced in inner cylinder 6 and becomes main air flow W1 blown
from the opening of inner nozzle 21 (a center of exit opening 4b).
A part of air flow W becomes branch flow W2 or branch flow W3.
Branch flow W2 is an air flow that flows into space 9, does not
pass through metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing
port 20c, but is blown from between outer nozzle 20f and inner
nozzle 21 (an outer circumferential side of exit opening 4b).
Branch flow W3 is an air flow that flows into space 9 and is blown
from metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing port
20c.
[0061] In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, main air
flow W1 is blown from two windows (first window 231 and second
window 232) formed in inner nozzle 21 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, and
7).
[0062] Specifically, inner nozzle 21 includes substantially
cylindrical main body 210 and frame 220 that divides an internal
space in main body 210 into two spaces. Frame 220 is formed to
vertically extend on a horizontal direction center part of main
body 210. Windows 231, 232 are thus formed on left and right of
inner nozzle 21, respectively.
[0063] A plurality of attachment pieces 211 are formed on an outer
circumference of main body 210. As attachment pieces 211 engage
with inner cylinder 6, inner nozzle 21 is attached to inner
cylinder 6.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, frame 220 is formed to have a
substantially U-shaped cross section cut along a horizontal
direction. That is, paired left and right walls 221, 221 formed on
a downstream side of frame 220 extend substantially in parallel in
a front-rear direction (an air blowing direction).
[0065] As inner nozzle 21 with such a configuration is used and an
air flow is discharged from two windows 231, 232, air (hot air or
cold air) can be equally applied to the hair. In addition, as air
is equally applied to the hair, the hair can be properly untangled
(become loose), so that it is possible to further improve hair
drying performance.
[0066] When inner nozzle 21 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is used to
discharge air from exit opening 4b, however, a negative pressure is
generated near the downstream side of frame 220. For this reason,
if main air flow W1 discharged from inner nozzle 21 branches into
two air flows (two air bundles), the two air flows join at a
relatively early stage (see FIG. 7). Consequently, if inner nozzle
21 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is used, it is highly possible that
almost one air flow bundle is applied to the hair, and thus it
might be impossible to improve the hair drying performance.
[0067] To handle such a case, it is preferable to use inner nozzle
21A shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 8 instead of inner nozzle 21.
[0068] Inner nozzle 21A also includes substantially cylindrical
main body 210A and frame 220A that divides an internal space in
main body 210A into two spaces. Frame 220A is formed to vertically
extend on a horizontal direction center part of main body 210A.
Windows 231A, 232A are thus formed on left and right of inner
nozzle 21A, respectively.
[0069] A plurality of attachment pieces 211A are formed on an outer
circumference of main body 210A. As attachment pieces 211A engage
with inner cylinder 6, inner nozzle 21A is attached to inner
cylinder 6.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, in inner nozzle 21A, frame 220A is
formed to have a substantially V-shaped cross section cut along a
horizontal direction. That is, paired left and right walls 221A,
221A formed on a downstream side of frame 220A are provided to be
spaced apart from each other toward the downstream side. Main air
flow W1 blown from inner nozzle 21A is thus more reliably branched
into two air flows (two air bundles).
[0071] In addition, in inner nozzle 21A, grooves 212A, 212A
recessed toward a center of main body 210A are formed at upper and
lower ends of main body 210A, respectively. Grooves 212A, 212A are
formed in a manner that a depth on a downstream side is deeper than
a depth on an upstream side.
[0072] When grooves 212A, 212A are provided in main body 210A, if
air is discharged from exit opening 4b, branch flow W2 blown from
between outer nozzle 20f and inner nozzle 21 (the outer
circumferential side of exit opening 4b) flows into a center part
on the downstream side of frame 220A. The negative pressure
generated near the downstream side of frame 220A can thus be
alleviated.
[0073] As described above, if inner nozzle 21A is used instead of
inner nozzle 21, it is possible to prevent a negative pressure from
being generated near the downstream side of frame 220A. It is thus
possible to more reliably keep two branched air flows (two air
bundles). As a result, the two air flows (the two air bundles) can
be applied to the hair and the hair can be properly untangled
(become loose). It is thus possible to further improve the hair
drying performance.
[0074] Two (a plurality of) metal-particle generators (ion
generators: charged-particle generators) 30, 40, mist generator
(ion generator: charged-particle generator) 50, voltage application
circuit 12 for applying voltage to mist generator 50, and the like
are accommodated in space 9 formed between housing 3 and inner
cylinder 6 in main body 1b. Voltage application circuit 13 for
applying voltage to metal-particle generators 30, 40 is
accommodated in a part of space 9 different from the part in which
voltage application circuit 12 is accommodated.
[0075] Voltage application circuit 12 and voltage application
circuit 13 are preferably disposed in grip 1a or in a region in
main body 1b on an extension of grip 1a. This is because when a
user holds grip 1a, a load acting on the user's hand is reduced by
reducing a rotational moment due to a mass of voltage application
circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13.
[0076] In addition, voltage application circuit 12 and voltage
application circuit 13 are preferably disposed to be opposite to
each other with inner cylinder 6 interposed between voltage
application circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13. It is
thus possible to prevent a fault such as a decrease in voltage or
unstable voltage caused by interference between voltage application
circuit 12 and voltage application circuit 13.
[0077] Moreover, in the first exemplary embodiment, switch (air
blowing mode selector) 19 that switches (selects) between hot air
and cold air, selects an operation mode, and the like is provided
on a side surface of main body 1b (a part of space 9 different from
the part in which voltage application circuit 12 is
accommodated).
[0078] Another switch (air blowing mode selector) 16 that switches
on or off a power supply and the like is provided at distal end 1d
of grip 1a. These electrical components are connected to each other
by lead wires 17 formed by covering a core wire made of a metal
conductor or the like with an insulating resin or the like.
[0079] It is preferable to wire lead wire 17 connected to
metal-particle generator 30, lead wire 17 connected to
metal-particle generator 40, and lead wire 17 connected to mist
generator 50 so as to be spaced away from each other without
crossing with each other. This is for the purpose of preventing
desired voltage from being incapable of obtaining in metal-particle
generators 30, 40 or mist generator 50 and voltage from being
unstable because of interference of current flowing in lead wires
17.
[0080] In the first exemplary embodiment, switch 16 is configured
to be capable of switching between an open state and a closed state
of an internal contact by operating operator 16a exposed on a
surface of housing 3. As operator 16a is vertically slid, an
open-closed state of the internal contact can be switched in
multi-step.
[0081] For example, it is possible to switch between four modes,
that is, power-off, weak air, moderate air, and strong air. In this
case, when operator 16a is at a bottom position, the power is
off.
[0082] When operator 16a is slid upward from the bottom position by
one step, the power is switched on and weak air is blown. When
operator 16a is further slid upward by one step, moderate air is
blown. When operator 16a is slid to a top position, strong air is
blown.
[0083] Meanwhile, switch 19 that switches between hot air and cold
air, performs an operation mode, and the like is configured to be
capable of switching between an open-state and a closed-state of an
internal contact by operating (pressing) operator 19a formed on the
surface (the side surface) of housing 3. Display 14 for displaying
a currently selected mode is formed above operator 19a.
[0084] Switch 19 and display 14 are electrically connected to
controller 10.
[0085] In the first exemplary embodiment, by operating operator
19a, it is possible to switch between four air temperature modes,
that is, "HOT", "HOT AND COLD", "COLD", and "SCALP". In this case,
characters and the like for recognizing a currently selected mode
are displayed on display 14.
[0086] An example of a method of displaying each mode on display 14
is described below.
[0087] "HOT" is a mode for outputting hot air in which a
temperature of air applied to the hair during normal use is from
approximately 70.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. When the mode for
outputting hot air is selected, characters "HOT" are displayed on
display 14.
[0088] "HOT AND COLD" is a mode for alternately outputting hot air
and cold air, for example, (hot air for 5 seconds and cold air for
7 seconds) or (hot air for 2 seconds and cold air for 6 seconds).
When "HOT AND COLD" mode is selected, an arrow is displayed on
display 14, and "HOT" and "COLD" are alternately displayed
according to an output of hot air or cold air.
[0089] "COLD" is a mode for outputting cold air in which the
temperature of air applied to the hair during normal use is
approximately 30.degree. C. When the mode for outputting cold air
is selected, characters "COLD" are displayed on display 14.
[0090] "SCALP" is a mode for outputting low-temperature air in
which the temperature of air applied to the hair during normal use
is approximately 50.degree. C. "SCALP" mode is set as a mode
selected mainly when a scalp is taken care of. When the "SCALP"
mode is selected, characters "SCALP" are displayed on display
14.
[0091] When operator 16a is slid upward to switch on the power
supply, controller 10 is energized, heater 8 is driven by a drive
signal based on a current air blowing mode, and a display of
display 14 is controlled to display the current air blowing mode.
When operator 16a is slid upward to simply switch on the power
supply, the "HOT" mode is selected and hot air is blown.
[0092] Every time when operator 19a is operated, a pressing signal
is transmitted to controller 10 and an air temperature state is
switched in an order of the "HOT AND COLD" mode, the "COLD" mode,
the "SCALP" mode, and the "HOT" mode.
[0093] In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, characters
"SKIN" are formed on display 14. When "COLD" is selected in the
weak air mode, "SKIN" as well as "COLD" is displayed.
[0094] That is, when "COLD" is selected in the weak air mode, the
hair dryer can also be used in the "SKIN" mode. The "SKIN" mode is
selected when skin is taken care of, that is, cold air containing
mist or the like is applied to skin to keep an appropriate
moisturized state of the skin.
[0095] The above description is only an example, and various
methods may be used as the method of displaying each mode. For the
mode for switching between hot air and cold air, it is possible to
set various modes.
[0096] As described above, metal-particle blowing ports (ion
discharge ports) 20a, 20b and mist blowing port (ion discharge
port) 20c are independently formed in cover 20.
[0097] Ion flow path 4c in which ions flow is formed in the front
of mist generator (ion generator: charged-particle generator) 50
and metal-particle generators (ion generators: charged-particle
generators) 30, 40. Metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge
ports) 20a, 20b and mist blowing port (ion discharge port) 20c are
thus provided on a downstream side of ion flow path 4c.
[0098] Cover 20 preferably has lower conductivity than housing 3
for the purpose of preventing cover 20 from being charged by metal
particles or mist. This is because if cover 20 is charged, charged
metal particles, minus ions, and mist are difficult to be
discharged from metal-particle generators 30, 40 and mist generator
50 because of electric charges.
[0099] To prevent cover 20 from being charged, it is preferable to
form cover 20 using a material that hardly causes charging, for
example, a PC (polycarbonate) resin so that cover 20 is made of a
material that hardly causes charging. In this part, cover 20
constitutes the contour of dryer 1.
[0100] It is also possible to remove electricity from cover 20 by
abutting an electrode of mist generator (ion generator:
charged-particle generator) 50 against cover 20.
[0101] In the first exemplary embodiment, an aperture diameter of
metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b is smaller than an aperture
diameter of mist blowing port 20c. That is, it is possible to
perform maintenance of mist generator 50 or to check a state of
mist generator 50 more easily via mist blowing port 20c. In
addition, it is possible to prevent fingers, tools, or the like
from accidentally entering metal-particle blowing ports 20a,
20b.
[0102] In the first exemplary embodiment, metal-particle blowing
ports (ion discharge ports) 20a, 20b are formed in peripheral part
20d of mist blowing port 20c.
[0103] Specifically, metal-particle blowing port 20a and
metal-particle blowing port 20b are provided in parallel in a
manner that mist blowing port 20c is at a center.
[0104] That is, in cover 20, metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b
and mist blowing port 20c are formed in a manner that
metal-particle blowing port 20a, mist blowing port 20c, and
metal-particle blowing port 20b are disposed in this order in a
width direction of dryer 1 (a horizontal direction in FIG. 2).
[0105] As metal-particle blowing ports 20a, 20b and mist blowing
port 20c are disposed as described above, it is possible to prevent
negatively charged mist from being externally diffused (scattered)
by minus ions blown from metal-particle blowing ports (ion
discharge ports) 20a, 20b that are formed in peripheral part 20d of
mist blowing port 20c.
[0106] As a result, straightness of mist is improved and the mist
easily reaches the hair. As a result, it is possible to more
enhance a hair care effect.
[0107] In addition, wall 20e is provided below mist blowing port
20c and on a downstream side of mist blowing port 20c such that
wall 20e extends in a mist blowing direction. As wall 20e is
provided, it is possible to prevent mist blown from mist blowing
port 20c from being diffused (scattered) downward.
[0108] Metal-particle generators 30, 40 and mist generator 50 are
disposed in parallel in space 9 in an order of metal-particle
generator 30, mist generator 50, and metal-particle generator 40 in
the width direction of dryer 1 (the horizontal direction in FIG.
2).
[0109] Shielding plate (partition) 6d is provided between mist
generator 50 and metal-particle generators (minus-ion generators)
30, 40 adjacent to mist generator 50.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 4, shielding plate 6d is disposed to be
extended in a vertical direction of dryer 1 and a mist blowing
direction (a horizontal direction of FIG. 4), and thus it is
possible to prevent metal particles and mist from being mixed with
each other before being blown from metal-particle blowing ports
20a, 20b and mist blowing port 20c.
[0111] For metal-particle generators 30, 40, it is possible to use
a conventionally known device, such as a metal-particle generation
device that includes a discharge electrode (a first electrode) made
of a conductive metal material and a discharge counter electrode (a
second electrode).
[0112] In addition, a conventionally known mist generator may be
used as mist generator 50. For example, it is possible to use an
electrostatic atomizer in which water in air condenses on a surface
of a cooling plate cooled by a Peltier element to become condensed
water, the condensed water is then atomized by discharging, and
thus nanometer-sized fine mist (negatively charged mist containing
minus ions) is generated.
[0113] In the first exemplary embodiment, mist generator (ion
generator) 50 functions as a charged-particle generator that
discharges mist (charged-particle water containing charged
particles).
[0114] In addition, in the first exemplary embodiment, charging
unit (charging panel) lf that can change a charged state of the
hair is provided. Charging unit lf is provided near grip 1a.
Specifically, charging unit if is made of a conductive resin (a
conductive member) exposed on an outer surface of grip 1a.
[0115] In the first exemplary embodiment, controller 10 controls an
energization time of heater (heater unit) 8, a number of rotations
of motor 5b, and an amount of charged particles generated in
charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50, thus being capable of
applying air in various states to the hair.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 9, controller 10 includes energization
control unit 10a that controls on and off states of energization of
heater (heater unit) 8 and air volume control unit 10b that
controls a volume of air discharged from exit opening (discharge
port) 4b by air blower unit 5. In addition, controller 10 includes
charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c that controls
an amount of charged particles generated in charged-particle
generators 30, 40, 50 (see FIG. 9).
[0117] Signals from switch (air blowing mode selector) 16 and
switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 are input to controller
10.
[0118] That is, when switch (air blowing mode selector) 16 or
switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 is operated and a desired air
blowing mode (for example, a mode for discharging strong hot air or
the like) is selected, signals from switch 16 or switch 19 are
input to controller 10.
[0119] When signals from switch 16 or switch 19 are input to
controller 10, energization control unit 10a, air volume control
unit 10b, and charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c
are operated to control the energization of heater (heater unit) 8,
the number of rotations of motor 5b, and the amount of charged
particles generated in a manner that a desired air blowing mode is
achieved.
[0120] In the first exemplary embodiment, energization control unit
10a controls on and off of energization of heater (heater unit) 8.
When the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched off,
cold air is discharged. When the energization of heater (heater
unit) 8 is switched on, two types of energization, that is,
relatively low power energization and relatively high power
energization are performed (see FIG. 13). When the relatively low
power energization is performed, hot air with relatively low
temperature is discharged. When the relatively high power
energization is performed, hot air with relatively high temperature
is discharged. When the relatively low power energization is
performed, the power energizes with 600 W per second. When the
relatively high power energization is performed, the power
energizes with 1200 W per second.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 13, air volume control unit 10b controls
the number of rotations of motor 5b. If a rotation of motor 5b
(drive of motor 5b) is stopped, air blowing by air blower unit 5 is
stopped. In addition, if motor 5b is driven with a relatively small
number of rotations, a relatively small volume of air is blown by
air blower unit 5. In addition, if motor 5b is driven with a
relatively large number of rotations, a relatively large volume of
air is blown by air blower unit 5.
[0122] When the relatively small volume of air is blown, it is
preferable to set an air volume to be equal to or less than 1
m.sup.3/min (for example, 0.7 m.sup.3/min). It is thus possible to
improve a property of keeping hair ends when being applied to air
(see FIG. 10). Meanwhile, when the relatively large volume of air
is blown, it is preferable to set the air volume to be exceeding 1
m.sup.3/min (for example, 1.3 m.sup.3/min). It is thus possible to
fix or dry the hair other than the hair ends more efficiently. The
air volume can be calculated by, for example, an area of exit
opening (discharge port) 4b and a flow rate (an average speed) of
air discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b.
[0123] While FIG. 13 shows a case where the volume of air blown by
air blower unit 5 is switched in two steps, as shown in the first
exemplary embodiment, when the air volume is switched in three
steps, that is, switched between strong air, moderate air, and weak
air, the number of rotations of motor 5b may be controlled
according to each mode.
[0124] An air volume of 1 m.sup.3/min or less or an air volume
exceeding 1 m.sup.3/min may be selected by switch 16 switched in
three steps. For example, it is possible to set the air volume to
be equal to or less than 1 m.sup.3/min in a weak air mode. In
addition, it is possible to set the air volume to be exceeding 1
m.sup.3/min in a moderate air mode and a strong air mode. In any of
the strong air mode, the moderate air mode, and the weak air mode,
the air volume may be set to be exceeding 1 m.sup.3/min, and when a
switch separately provided is operated, the air volume may be set
to be equal to or less than 1 m.sup.3/min.
[0125] Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c controls
voltage applied to voltage application circuits 12, 13. If applied
voltage is controlled to be relatively low, an amount of charged
particles generated is also reduced. In addition, if the applied
voltage is controlled to be relatively high, the amount of charged
particles generated is also increased. The voltage applied to
voltage application circuits 12, 13 may be appropriately set, for
example, in a range from -1 KV to -3 KV.
[0126] In hair dryer 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment,
it is possible to select various modes according to applications
such as hair drying and hair treatment and parts of the hair
subjected to drying and treatment (hair ends, hair roots, or the
like). When these modes are selected, control shown in FIG. 12 is
executed.
[0127] Specifically, when the hot air mode is selected in a mode
for discharging an air volume exceeding 1 m.sup.3/min, air volume
control unit 10b executes control to increase the number of
rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes
control to increase the energization of heater (heater unit) 8.
Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes
control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.
[0128] When the cold air mode is selected in the mode for
discharging an air volume exceeding 1 m.sup.3/min, air volume
control unit 10b executes control to increase the number of
rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes
control to switch off the energization of heater (heater unit) 8.
Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes
control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.
[0129] When the hot and cold mode is selected in the mode for
discharging an air volume exceeding 1 m.sup.3/min, air volume
control unit 10b executes control to increase the number of
rotations of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes
control to repeatedly and alternately increase and switch off the
energization of heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period.
Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes
control to increase the amount of charged particles generated. In
this mode, a period of the energization of heater (heater unit) 8
is relatively long, for example, 12 seconds, a time t1 during which
the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is high is 5 seconds,
and a time t2 during which the energization of heater (heater unit)
8 is switched off is 7 seconds (see FIG. 13).
[0130] Meanwhile, when the hot air mode is selected in a mode for
discharging an air volume of 1 m.sup.3/min or less, air volume
control unit 10b executes control to reduce the number of rotations
of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to
reduce the energization of heater (heater unit) 8. Charged-particle
generation amount control unit 10c executes control to increase the
amount of charged particles generated.
[0131] Meanwhile, when the cold air mode is selected in the mode
for discharging an air volume of 1 m.sup.3/min or less, air volume
control unit 10b executes control to reduce the number of rotations
of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to
switch off the energization of heater (heater unit) 8.
Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes
control to increase the amount of charged particles generated.
[0132] When the hot and cold mode is selected in the mode for
discharging an air volume of 1 m.sup.3/min or less, air volume
control unit 10b executes control to reduce the number of rotations
of motor 5b. Energization control unit 10a executes control to
repeatedly and alternately increase and switch off the energization
of heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period.
Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c executes
control to alternately increase and reduce the amount of charged
particles generated. In this mode, the period of the energization
of heater (heater unit) 8 is relatively short, for example, 8
seconds, a time t3 during which the energization of heater (heater
unit) 8 is high is 2 seconds (equal to or less than 3 seconds), and
a time t4 during which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8
is switched off is 6 seconds (see FIG. 13). Charged-particle
generation amount control unit 10c increases the amount of charged
particles generated during the total period in which the
energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched on, and reduces
the amount of charged particles generated during the total period
in which the energization of heater (heater unit) 8 is switched
off.
[0133] In the first exemplary embodiment, when the energization of
heater (heater unit) 8 is repeated in a relatively short period,
within this period, an energization time for energizing heater
(heater unit) 8 is set to be equal to or less than 3 seconds and a
product of power input to heater (heater unit) 8 and the
energization time is set to be equal to or larger than 1000 Ws.
[0134] Consequently, energization control unit 10a according to the
first exemplary embodiment includes a first energization control
mode in which when the hot and cold mode is selected by switch (air
blowing mode selector) 19, control is executed in a manner that the
energization time for energizing heater (heater unit) 8 in a
predetermined period is equal to or less than 3 seconds and the
product of the power input to heater (heater unit) 8 and the
energization time is equal to or larger than 1000 Ws.
[0135] If the energization time for energizing heater (heater unit)
8 is equal to or less than 3 seconds, when hot air is applied to
hair ends held by the hand, it is possible to prevent the hair ends
from being incapable of being held by the hand because of the hot
air.
[0136] If the product of the power input to heater (heater unit) 8
and the energization time is set to be equal to or larger than 1000
Ws, a temperature of hot air can be equal to or higher than
60.degree. C. (a temperature of the hair required for treatment
such as hair straightening treatment) and thus it is possible to
achieve a hair treatment effect.
[0137] Consequently, if hair dryer 1 according to the first
exemplary embodiment is used to select the hot and cold mode in the
mode for discharging an air volume of 1 m.sup.3/min or less, it is
possible to perform treatment on the hair ends more easily.
[0138] In the first exemplary embodiment, air volume control unit
10b includes a first air blowing control mode in which control is
executed in a manner that the air volume discharged from exit
opening (discharge port) 4b is equal to or less than 1 m.sup.3/min.
While the first air blowing control mode is operated, the first
energization control mode is operated.
[0139] In the first exemplary embodiment, charged-particle
generation amount control unit 10c includes a first
charged-particle generation amount control mode and a second
charged-particle generation amount control mode for generating an
amount of charged particles different from an amount of charged
particles generated in the first charged-particle generation amount
control mode. In a state where the first energization control mode
is operated, the first charged-particle generation amount control
mode and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode
are operated. In addition, the second charged-particle generation
amount control mode is operated at least somewhere in the time
during which heater (heater unit) 8 is energized.
[0140] In this case, the amount of charged particles generated in
the second charged-particle generation amount control mode is set
to be larger than the amount of charged particles generated in the
first charged-particle generation amount control mode. That is, the
amount of charged particles generated is reduced when cold air
allowing a large electrical resistance value of the hair is applied
to the hair (when the hair is dry or when the temperature of the
hair is low).
[0141] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, by
controlling the amount of charged particles generated depending on
a change in conductivity on the surface of the hair, it is possible
to remove static electricity more stably.
[0142] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, hair
dryer (heated air blower) 1 includes housing 3 that includes wind
tunnel (air blowing path) 4 from entrance opening (suction port) 4a
to exit opening (discharge port) 4b and constitutes the contour,
air blower unit 5 that is provided in housing 3, discharges air
sucked into entrance opening (suction port) 4a from exit opening
(discharge port) 4b, and heater (heater unit) 8 that is provided in
housing 3 and heats air blown from air blower unit 5.
[0143] In addition, hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 includes
switch (air blowing mode selector) 19 that selects the hot and cold
mode for alternately discharging hot air and cold air from exit
opening (discharge port) 4b in a predetermined period and
energization control unit 10a that controls on and off states of
the energization of heater (heater unit) 8.
[0144] Energization control unit 10a includes the first
energization control mode in which when the hot and cold mode is
selected by switch (air blowing mode selector) 19, control is
executed in a manner that the energization time for energizing
heater (heater unit) 8 in a predetermined period is equal to or
less than 3 seconds and the product of the power input to heater
(heater unit) 8 and the energization time is equal to or larger
than 1000 Ws.
[0145] It is thus possible to achieve the temperature of the hair
that is required for treatment such as hair straightening (the
temperature of the hair at which the hydrogen bonds between hair
fibers are broken) in a relatively short time and to easily fix
hair ends, thus improving the hair treatment effect.
[0146] Hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 may further include air
volume control unit 10b that controls the volume of air discharged
from exit opening (discharge port) 4b by air blower unit 5. Air
volume control unit 10b may include the first air blowing control
mode in which control is executed in a manner that the air volume
discharged from exit opening (discharge port) 4b is equal to or
less than 1 m.sup.3/min.
[0147] Moreover, while the first air blowing control mode is
operated, the first energization control mode may be operated.
[0148] It is possible to prevent the hair ends from becoming
excessively untangled (becoming too loose) when air is applied to
the hair ends and thus to transmit heat to the hair ends more
stably. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hair
treatment effect.
[0149] Hair dryer (heated air blower) 1 may further include
charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50 that are provided in housing
3 and generate charged particles and charged-particle generation
amount control unit 10c that controls the amount of charged
particles generated in charged-particle generators 30, 40, 50.
[0150] Charged-particle generation amount control unit 10c may
include the first charged-particle generation amount control mode
and the second charged-particle generation amount control mode for
generating an amount of charged particles different from the amount
of charged particles generated in the first charged-particle
generation amount control mode.
[0151] Moreover, in a state where the first energization control
mode is operated, the first charged-particle generation amount
control mode and the second charged-particle generation amount
control mode may be operated, and the second charged-particle
generation amount control mode may be operated at least somewhere
in the time during which heater (heater unit) 8 is energized.
[0152] It is thus possible to change the amount of charged
particles generated depending on a state of the hair, and it is
possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the
hair. It is thus possible to remove static electricity more
reliably.
[0153] In this case, the amount of charged particles generated in
the second charged-particle generation amount control mode may be
larger than the amount of charged particles generated in the first
charged-particle generation amount control mode.
[0154] It is thus possible to change the amount of charged
particles generated depending on the state of the hair, and it is
possible to achieve stable adhesion of the charged particles to the
hair even when conductivity on the surface of the hair is changed.
It is thus possible to remove static electricity more reliably.
[0155] Although the preferred exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not
limited to the first exemplary embodiment and various modifications
are possible.
[0156] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the present disclosure may
be applied to hair dryer 1B with a brush, hair dryer 1B functioning
as a heated air blower.
[0157] Hair dryer 1B with a brush is formed in a bar shape, and a
user holds grip 1a and applies brush 23 provided at distal end 1g
to the hair for the purpose of fixing (combing) the hair. A
plurality of bristles 23a are projected from brush 23.
[0158] Housing 3B forming an outer wall (constituting a contour) is
configured by connecting a plurality of divided pieces. Wind tunnel
(air blowing path) 9B is formed in housing 3B and various
electrical components are accommodated in wind tunnel 9B.
[0159] Cover 20B that forms a protruding outer wall (constituting a
protruding contour) is attached to a part of grip 1a near brush 23.
Metal-particle generators 30, 40 and mist generator 50 are thus
accommodated in wind tunnel 9B formed by cover 20B and housing
3B.
[0160] Discharge ports 20a, 20b that are open to bristles 23a are
formed in cover 20B. Metal particles generated in metal-particle
generator 30, 40 and mist generated in mist generator 50 are
discharged from discharge ports 20a, 20b to outside to act on the
hair or skin. Voltage is applied from circuit unit 24 to
metal-particle generator 30, 40 and mist generator 50.
[0161] Fan 5B for generating air flow W and motor 7B for rotating
fan 5B are provided in wind tunnel 9B. Metal particles generated in
metal-particle generator 30, 40 and mist generated in mist
generator 50 are thus discharged by branch flow Wp.
[0162] Motor 7B and fan 5B are accommodated in wind tunnel 9B
formed in housing 3B. Motor 7B is driven to rotate by a drive
circuit included in circuit unit 24.
[0163] Opening 1h that is an air suction port is formed on a base
side (a lower side in FIG. 14) of housing 3B. When fan 5B is
rotated, air flow W is formed. Air flow W flows from outside via
opening 1h into wind tunnel 9B, passes through wind tunnel 9B, and
is discharged to brush 23. Air flow W is discharged from blowing
apertures (discharge ports) 23b formed at roots of bristles 23a of
brush 23.
[0164] Charging unit (charging panel) 1f is exposed on a surface of
grip 1a so as not to hinder discharge of metal particles by an
electrically charged user.
[0165] Shielding wall 22B is provided to prevent mist generated in
mist generator 50 from reaching metal-particle generators 30,
40.
[0166] Similar operations and effects to those of the first
exemplary embodiment can be achieved when the present disclosure is
applied to hair dryer (heated air blower) 1B with a brush.
[0167] While the first exemplary embodiment exemplifies a
metal-particle generator that generates metal particles and minus
ions as an ion generator, a generator that does not generate metal
particles and simply generates minus ions may be used.
[0168] The present disclosure may be applied to a case of using an
ion generating device that generates plus ions. When plus ions are
generated, it is effective for the hair with artificial hair such
as wigs. This is because by supplying plus ions, it is possible to
prevent electrostatic electricity, since the artificial hair such
as wigs is easy to be negatively charged.
[0169] While the first exemplary embodiment exemplifies a case of
forming two metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports),
three or more metal-particle blowing ports (ion discharge ports)
may be formed.
[0170] While the first exemplary embodiment exemplifies a case of
blowing metal particles and mist by a branch flow, even if the
branch flow is not generated, it is possible to blow metal
particles and mist from corresponding blowing ports.
[0171] In addition, it is possible to discharge a hair care agent
that applies a hair care effect to the hair and improves the hair
care effect with a reduced generated amount when the hair is
relatively dry. An example of such a hair care agent is an agent
containing an oil component. Among the agents containing an oil
component, there is an agent that improves the hair care effect
when a small amount is attached on the surface of the hair.
[0172] Moreover, an environmental temperature detector that detects
an environmental temperature (an outdoor temperature: a room
temperature or an air temperature of a place where a user is
present) may be provided. The amount of energization and the
energization time to the heater unit may be changed depending on
the environment temperature detected by the environmental
temperature detector.
[0173] An amount of charged particles supplied or a supply time may
be changed depending on the hair quality of a user (thickness,
length, or the like).
[0174] In addition, the specifications (shape, size, layout, and
the like) of a cover, a housing, and other details can be
appropriately changed.
[0175] The heated air blower according to the present disclosure
can achieve the temperature of the hair required for treatment in a
relatively short time. It is thus possible to use the heated air
blower according to the present disclosure not only as a hair dryer
for humans but also for a dryer for pets.
* * * * *