DE60114657T2 - HAIR DRYER WITH A DEVICE FOR CHANGING THE OUTDOOR CROSS SECTION OF THE AIR FLOW - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a hair dryer comprising a housing (1) including means for circulating an air stream between an inlet end (4) and an outlet end (5) of said housing, and a device (3) arranged proximate to the outlet end (5) for modifying the air stream outlet cross-section (S), said device comprising at least two flaps (6a, 6b) arranged in the air stream and means for rotating said flaps. The invention is characterised in that said device (3) comprises a tubular nozzle (7) arranged between the two flaps (6a, 6b) and axially mobile relative to said air stream.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for drying and / or in Bring the hair and especially a hairdryer with a Device for change the outlet cross-section of the air flow blown by this.

hairdryer for the private or commercial use generally have a housing, provided with a handle and with means for circulating the Air between an inlet grille in the housing and an outlet opening of this housing and with heating means the blown air is equipped. The means for air circulation exist from a fan driven by an electric motor. The problem that often arises with these devices is the question like the intensity and the shape of these devices outgoing air flow changed can be adapted to different styles of hairstyle.

Around to solve this problem, use most devices several removable accessories that at the blowing end of the device are attached. Every accessory forms an outlet nozzle with definite form and function, and consequently that must accessory be changed to move from one form to another or to change the drying type. This has the disadvantage that during drying several accessories have to be changed what annoying is, especially the accessories are mounted near the heating means. Another disadvantage is that the number of accessories elevated and thus she is in the for the device provided space to take a lot of space, with over a limited number of shapes and intensities of the air flow is available.

Other hairdryers, especially those in the FR 1 546 750 or US 4,977,306 are described in each case use two movable flaps, which are articulated about axes, which are located inside the conduit for discharging the warm air, so that this line is more or less closed. The free cross section of the air duct can thus be more or less reduced by pivoting the flaps about its pivot axis. However, since the newly formed passage cross-section is not visible from the outside, it becomes difficult to select the orientation of the hair dryer with respect to the hair strand. This is impractical at the beginning of drying and becomes troublesome during the process, when the position of the flaps must be continuously coordinated with the degree of drying or the hairstyle being made. In addition, the devices for changing the current are integrated in the device structure, they are not provided as accessories of this device.

In other documents such as in the FR 2 640 857 or WO 00/33697, the change in the outlet cross-section is to be seen, but the mechanisms used to alter this cross-section allow the device to provide either a cylindrical cross-section air flow or a flat cross-section air flow with no intermediate position therebetween. Furthermore, in the first document, the FR 2 640 857 in the name of the Applicant, the outlet nozzle made of elastically deformable material, the mechanism used to form this nozzle proving to be rather complicated. With reference to WO 00/33697 two drawers pivot perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus and protrude laterally to assume the position of the flat jet, whereby the apparatus provides an air jet deflected at the sides and not concentrated in the center fix the hairstyle locally; In addition, the two side drawers increase the size and space consumption of the nozzle.

One additional accessory type, to divert the airflow generated by a hairdryer is used is described in WO 97/09899. This accessory is a diffuser, which is intended to be attached to the exit of a hair dryer to be, wherein the diffuser has a hollow body, which at a blowing end with air vents and provided with further openings which are traversed by hollow fingers, at their free end also openings for the outlet the one from the device blown air are formed. The device further comprises a device the the length The finger can vary so that it is more or less of Remove the scalp and provide a diffuse air flow. With this Type of accessory it is impossible, to get a concentrated stream of air to fix the hairstyle, and he also takes up a lot of space. In addition, it is at one Diffuser with large volume also not possible to accelerate an airflow. If a little acceleration takes place, bothers the air flow due to the high number of cross-sectional changes has become very turbulent, causing difficulty in regulating temperature caused by the outgoing air from the diffuser.

The The aim of the present invention is to provide the abovementioned Disadvantages to eliminate and to propose a hair dryer, the with a device for continuously changing the outlet cross section of the device blown air stream, which makes it possible to progressively from a scattered electricity in many directions to a concentrated stream to move in one direction and vice versa and to use a compact device whose structure is simplified is.

One Another object of the invention is a hair dryer, with a Device is provided, with which the shape of the outlet cross-section of the device blown air flow changed can be, with the shape of the thus changed cross-section optically can be displayed.

One additional The aim of the invention is a hair dryer with a device to change the air flow is effective and their operation is reliable and easily industrialized at low cost can.

These Goals are achieved with a hairdryer with a housing having means for directing airflow between an inlet end and an outlet end of the housing to circulate, and one arranged near the outlet end Device with which the outlet cross section of the air flow is changed can, wherein the device at least two arranged in the air flow Flaps and means for pivoting the flaps, characterized, that the device has a tubular nozzle, arranged between the two flaps and with respect to the air flow is axially movable.

The The outlet section of the air flow changing device thus has At least two hinged flaps on, on the one and on the attached to another side of a tubular nozzle which are preferably arranged in the middle of the device is, taking the longitudinal axis the device in the extension the longitudinal axis of the hair dryer and is parallel to the air flow. The flaps are arranged so that they pivot about pivot axes, which concerning the Air flow can be parallel, vertical or even inclined, so that in their movement the outlet cross-section of the air flow close. Thus, this outlet cross section varies between a maximum Value when the flaps allow the flow of air blown by the device to pass, taking him outside Align or not, and a minimal value if they have this Close the passage. Since the tubular nozzle between the located two flaps, the air flow is channeled through this nozzle to flow out of the device, when the air outlet section is closed by the flaps.

There the nozzle is axially movable, it can in their movement relative to the housing stand out, whereby the user can inform them about the area to be in shape Bringing or drying the hair can align well. The nozzle can through a single mechanism or through the use of separate ones actuating mechanisms be relocated simultaneously with the flaps, or they could be in a variant shifted time-shifted, the used actuating mechanism first the flaps and then the nozzle or vice versa.

If the flaps are in the maximum opening position can thus the blown air will take any direction from the Outlet line of the device is predetermined, or by the shape of the flaps in particular after Outside be guided. Depending on the swiveling of the flaps, they fold over to the nozzle, that they move the air into the space between the flaps and the Direct the nozzle. you receives thus at the beginning a diffuse air flow in several directions and at the end a concentrated air flow in one direction as well all intermediate positions between these two end positions, where the transition from one position to another continuously or intermittently can be done.

It can thus different forms for the Outlet cross section of the air flow and thus different intensities of the obtained by the hair blown air stream, wherein one from a diffuse air flow of low intensity, in particular at the beginning of drying the hair is useful to a strong and concentrated airflow, the easy to fix Locke or any other Scalp area can be routed to make the hairstyle lighter can be brought into shape.

The Nozzle is preferably translationally movable.

Though that would be Displacement of the nozzle in an axial direction according to a spiral Movement or any other combined movement with one axial component conceivable, but for reasons of simplification of the Build up and also a laminar, for fixing a hairstyle more appropriate escape the air flow through the nozzle To obtain an axial translational movement of the nozzle was chosen.

advantageously, has the device according to the invention Control means on the same time the displacement of the nozzle and the control the flaps.

Thereby is the use and ease of use of such Device equipped hair dryer greatly simplified because with a single control means the intensity of the blown air stream and set the position of the nozzle can be.

The Control means preferably comprise a rotatable ring.

The Device for change the outlet cross section of the air flow is at the outlet end of the air Hair dryer arranged, and it is designed so that They adhere to the shape of the case adapts and thus cylindrical is. A ring that has the same shape and diameter its value with that of Luftauslassleitungsquerschnitt the hair dryer is comparable, can easily turn from the user's hand be offset, the movement of the ring then used to can be, the nozzle and / or to operate the flaps. this leads to to the advantage of having a compact design and thereby of a good amplitude of the control movement benefit.

advantageously, the device of the invention has a first mechanism, the rotational movement of the ring in a translatorsiche movement the nozzle converts, and a second mechanism, the translational Movement of the nozzle or the rotational movement of the ring in a pivotal movement of the flaps converts, with at least one of the mechanisms through the rotary ring is controlled.

Consequently Can the rotation of the ring directly on the pivoting of the flaps act, which in turn act on the displacement of the nozzle, or conversely, the ring can drive the nozzle, which in turn drives the flaps. Such a structure makes it possible by a simple activity Rotary ring in a simple and reliable manner all you want Movements of the flaps and the nozzle to obtain.

Of the first mechanism is preferably formed by a projection, the firm with the outer surface of a Nozzle body connected is and is in a spiral Groove displaced, which formed on the inner surface of the control ring is.

Consequently is the rotation of the control ring about the longitudinal axis of the device, the which corresponds to the air flow in the middle of the device, in a translatory Movement of the nozzle converted along the same axis. Such a construction proves Being simple in construction and reliable in operation.

advantageously, the second mechanism is formed by a projection that firmly connected to one end of the flap and is in a sloping Groove displaced, which is formed on the inner surface of the nozzle body.

The Translational movement of the nozzle body, the the nozzle wearing in their mid-range, is used to pivot the flap when a tight followed by a projection connected to one of the ends of the flap, the predetermined by an inclined, formed on the inner surface of the nozzle body groove is. Since this structure is very easy to implement, it is very well adapted to the simultaneous driving of several flaps, wherein he takes up little space.

Of the with one of the flaps firmly connected projection moves in a groove that is inclined in one direction and that with the opposite Flap firmly connected projection shifts in a groove, diametrically opposed to the first groove and in the opposite Direction is inclined.

It Thus, two simultaneous pivoting movements of the two, on receive the one and on the other side of the nozzle arranged flaps, however in opposite directions, leaving one of the flaps turns clockwise and the other in a trigonometric direction, which leads to, that the flaps preferably close gradually towards the nozzle, wherein they the air in an ever narrower Channeling the incoming jet until it touches the nozzle and the between the flaps and the nozzle existing room completely close.

at the displacement of the flaps vary the values of the free area of the Outlet cross section advantageously in a range between 2: 1 and 14: 1, preferably between 3: 1 and 8: 1.

During the conducted It was found that by determining the dimensions the flaps and the nozzle changes the outlet cross-section can be obtained in said areas can and thus the air flow for drying or fixing the hairstyle optimally can be concentrated without being too aggressive for the hair. It was also found that reducing the outlet area within these limits continuous use without interruption the thermostat, which is triggered by the excessive heating of the heating element, allows.

The Device of the invention is preferably removable on the housing of Hair dryer attached.

Thereby Is it possible, to remove and clean the device or even the hair dryer without extension or to attach other accessories to the hair dryer.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and drawings, which are given by way of non-limitative example illustrate embodiment of the invention. Thus, reference is made to the drawings 1 to 5. Show:

1 a perspective view of a hair dryer, which is equipped with a device according to the invention for changing the Luftauslassquerschnitts;

2 an exploded perspective view of the device for changing the air outlet cross section 1 ;

2a a view in partial section along the plane AA of the upper part of the nozzle body of the device according to the invention;

3 a cross-sectional view of the device 1 using a sectional area through the axes of rotation of the flaps;

4 a perspective view of an axial section of the device 1 showing the flaps in the maximum open position and the nozzle in the fully retracted position;

5 a perspective view of an axial section of the device 1 which illustrates the closed flaps on the fully withdrawn nozzle.

As in 1 can be seen, the inventively executed hair dryer has a housing 1 in which a fan is arranged, by an electric motor, which controls the air circulation between one in the rear of the housing 1 trained inlet 4 and an outlet formed at the opposite end 5 guaranteed, is rotated, means for heating the circulating air flow in the unit as well as connections to an electrical supply. The device is started and stopped by the operation of a switch 9 ,

The hairdryer also has a device 3 on, with which the shape of the Luftauslassquerschnitts S can be changed, said device at the end of the air outlet 5 is attached. The device 3 can be permanent in the end 5 of the housing 1 be attached or by a bayonet mount, by joining with force, etc. with respect to the housing 1 be removably attached.

As in 2 better to see, the device points 3 a tubular support 10 on, which carries the other elements of the device and approaches at one of its ends 11 that ends in channels with the appropriate shape 5 of the housing 1 intervene, leaving the device 3 attached by a bayonet attachment to the device. The opposite end of the carrier 10 ends in a peripheral edge 15 as a stop for a peripheral ring 28 serves. The carrier 10 has two notches on a part of its outer surface 16 on, which are arranged parallel to its longitudinal axis and on one and the other side thereto and guides in a translational movement for a nozzle body 12 form, which will be explained later.

In the carrier 10 are two diametrically opposed windows 14 cut out, and their edges serve to hold two holders, namely an upper one 18a and a lower holder 18b , The holders 18a . 18b each have the shape of a cylinder sector and have through holes 19a for receiving the axes of rotation 22a . 23a the upper flaps 6a . 8a or through holes 19b for receiving the axes of rotation 22b . 23b the lower flaps 6b . 8b on. The holders are formed as two separate parts which are under pressure in the windows 14 are fastened to facilitate the manufacture and then facilitate the assembly of all device parts. You would also have two holders 18a . 18b can be provided, which are joined together into a single annular part made of elastic material, which by its elasticity around the carrier 10 is attached.

In the example shown in the attached figures, the use of four flaps has been provided: two upper flaps 6a . 8a extending with respect to the central axis of the device 3 located in the upper part, and two lower flaps 6b . 8b which are relative to the central axis of the device 3 are arranged on the opposite side symmetrical to the first flaps.

As can be seen in the drawings, has every flap 6a . 6b . 8a . 8b the shape of a curved wing with a circular arc-shaped longitudinal section.

Every upper flap 6a . 8a has two overhangs, the pivot axes 22a respectively. 23a form and are located at the ends of the flap, leaving each axis in a corresponding opening 19a on the holder 18a is formed, or in an opening 17a attached to the inner surface of the tubular support 10 is formed, is held in rotation. This also applies to the lower flaps 6b . 8b , each with two pivot axes 22a . 22b have that from the openings 19b . 17b are kept in rotation.

In addition to the two swivel overhangs, each upper flap has 6a . 8a on one side a guide projection 20a . 21a in a tilted groove 24a . 25a , which on the inner surface of the nozzle body 12 is trained. The shift of the projection 20a . 21a in the corresponding groove 24a . 25a controls the pivoting of each flap 6a . 6b , Likewise, the lower flaps pivot 6b . 8b around their respective axes when the guide protrusions 20b . 21b in corresponding inclined grooves 24b . 25b relocate to the inner surface of the nozzle body 12 are formed.

As in 2 can be seen, points the device 3 also a tubular, elongate nozzle 7 on that with an annular nozzle body 12 is integrally formed. The nozzle 7 is over tabs 13 which are intended to be in slots 16 of the tubular support 10 to slide and thus the translational guidance of the nozzle body 12 to ensure with the body 12 connected.

The nozzle body 12 has on its inner surface in two diametrically opposite areas channels or grooves 24a . 25a on, which are inclined in the upper part of this area in one direction, or 24b . 25b , which are inclined in the lower part of this area in the opposite direction. The grooves 24 . 25 form a certain angle with the longitudinal axis of the device. The value of the inclination angle as well as the length of each groove are calculated to allow the complete swinging of each flap between a maximum open position and a maximum closed position, as explained later.

The nozzle body 12 has a projection on its outer surface 27 which is intended to be in a spiral groove 30 engage on the inner surface of a control perimeter ring 28 is trained.

The sliding of the nozzle body 12 is through a control ring 28 controlled, the tubular body 10 and the nozzle body 12 surrounds. For this purpose, it has on its inner surface a spiral groove 30 in which the lead 27 of the nozzle body 12 intervenes. An inner collar 31 of the ring 28 prevents the ring from moving forward as it hits the edge 15 of the tubular support 10 strikes. Thus, the ring becomes 28 prevented from shifting in an axial translational movement, but may be about the longitudinal axis of the device 3 Turn, which is located in the extension of the longitudinal axis of the hair dryer.

The various components of the device 3 For example, they may be made of plastic material by an injection technique, wherein the moving parts may preferably be made of plastic material of the POM type or of molybdenum disulfide loaded plastic material or of any other material having good anti-friction properties. Alternatively, the friction can be reduced by lubricating the moving parts or their guides by using a grease or oil film.

By the control ring 28 is rotated about its axis, the axial translational displacement of the nozzle body is in operation 12 with the nozzle 7 by the action of the groove 30 on the lead 27 controlled. The amplitude of movement of the nozzle 7 is on the one hand by the edge 15 of the tubular support 10 and on the other hand by the rear edge 32 of the control ring 28 limited. The translational displacement of the nozzle body 12 in turn controls the pivoting of the upper flaps 6a . 8a in one direction while pivoting the lower flaps 6b . 8b in the opposite direction.

The 4 and 5 illustrate the device 3 in two operating end positions. In the in 4 shown position is the nozzle 7 completely inside the carrier body 10 the device 3 , and the upper flaps 6a . 8a as well as the lower flaps 6b . 8b are to the extent of the carrier 10 to their position with the maximum distance with respect to the nozzle 7 oriented. In this position, the air flow blown by the device, which is guided by the curved walls of the flaps and the straight walls of the nozzle, follows in 4 indicated by arrows, and it is a diffused stream in several directions. The value of the free air outlet area is maximum in this case.

To the in 5 To achieve the position shown became the control ring 28 turned as far as possible, which causes the nozzle 7 with respect to the front end of the carrier 10 is in the fully extended position and the flaps are folded so that they are between the carrier 10 and the nozzle 7 completely close the existing space. In this position, the air blown by the device only flows over the nozzle 7 through the middle part and follows the in 5 shown arrow. The air flow obtained in this case is a concentrated air flow with an axial direction. The value of the free air outlet area here reaches its lower limit position, this value being equal to the cross section of the nozzle 7 is close.

The value of the air outlet cross-section and consequently the intensity of the air flow can be continuously varied by the control ring 28 turned in one direction or the other. Thus he can place any intermediate position between the two in the 4 and 5 occupy the end positions shown.

It can further variants of the invention are considered without the scope of their claims to leave.

Thus, the inclination angle of the two upper flaps 6a . 8a be identical for both flaps or be different for each one. Consequently, the two flaps can perform a rotational movement with the same amplitude or with different amplitudes.

As well the number of valves to use is not limited to two can on each side of the nozzle several are used, it being known that the closing capacity of the flaps, but also the complexity the control mechanism, with their number increases.

It is also a matter of course that any other mechanism for controlling the axial displacement the nozzle can be used, in particular it can be considered a mechanism of the type pinion and rack, of the type gear and screw or any other type of mechanism, the rotational movement of the control circumferential ring in an axial translational movement the central nozzle can convert. For operation such a mechanism could also considered a motorized control.

Claims (10)

Hair dryer with a housing ( 1 ), comprising means for controlling an air flow between an inlet end ( 4 ) and an outlet end ( 5 ) of the housing and one near the outlet end ( 5 ) arranged device ( 3 ), with which the outlet cross-section (S) of the air flow can be changed, wherein the device ( 3 ) at least two flaps ( 6a . 6b ) and means for pivoting the flaps, characterized in that the device ( 3 ) a tubular nozzle ( 7 ), which between the two flaps ( 6a . 6b ) and axially movable with respect to the air flow. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle ( 7 ) is translationally movable. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises control means ( 28 ), which at the same time the displacement of the nozzle ( 7 ) and the valves ( 6a . 6b ) Taxes. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means comprise a rotatable ring ( 28 ) exhibit. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a first mechanism which controls the rotational movement of the ring ( 28 ) in a translational movement of the nozzle ( 7 ), and a second mechanism that controls the translational movement of the nozzle ( 7 ) or the rotation of the ring ( 28 ) in a pivoting movement of the flaps ( 6a . 6b ), wherein at least one of the mechanisms by the rotary ring ( 28 ) is controlled. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the first mechanism by a projection ( 27 ) fixedly connected to the outer surface of a nozzle body ( 12 ) and in a spiral groove ( 30 ), which on the inner surface of the control ring ( 28 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the second mechanism by a projection ( 20a . 20b ) fixed to one end of the flap ( 6a . 6b ) and in an inclined groove ( 24a . 24b ), which on the inner surface of the nozzle body ( 12 ) is trained. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that with one of the flaps ( 6a ) firmly connected projection ( 20a ) in a groove ( 24a ), which is inclined in one direction, and that with the opposite flap ( 6b ) firmly connected projection ( 20b ) in a groove ( 24b ), which leads to the first groove ( 24a ) is diametrically opposed and inclined in the opposite direction. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the values of the free area of the outlet cross-section (S) in the displacement of the flaps ( 6a . 6b ) in a range of between 2: 1 and 14: 1, preferably between 3: 1 and 8: 1. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be removed on the housing ( 1 ) of the hair dryer is attached.